bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite element simulations of Herschel–Bulkley visco-plastic materials over a cylinder: Drag and lift correlation analysis
Authors: Majeed Afraz Hussain , Siddique Imran , Mehmood Asif , Ghazwani Hassan Ali , Manzoor Sajjad , Ahmad Shafee
Published: February 2024

This study employs a two-dimensional and incompressible flow of Herschel–Bulkley visco-plastic materials in order to investigate the hydrodynamic forces that are acting on a barrier that is located close to the inlet of a channel. As the benchmark configuration, the flow domain that has been selected is a channel that still contains the impediment. The two important parameters of the Herschel–Bulkley Model (HBM) are the yield stress [Formula: see text] and power law index n. Obtaining special situations within the HBM, such as Newtonian, power-law, and Bingham fluids, can be accomplished by assigning certain values to these parameters at the appropriate times. Utilizing a numerical strategy grounded in the Finite Element Method (FEM), we tackle the nonlinearity of the governing equations as well as the viscosity models. As a result of this nonlinearity, FEM becomes an essential tool. The generation of a refined hybrid mesh is done in order to guarantee accuracy in the computations. The stable finite element pair ([Formula: see text]) has been selected for discretization purposes. The discretized nonlinear system is linearized with Newton’s method and subsequently, a direct linear solver PARDISO has been employed in the inner iterations. The pressure, velocity, and viscosity profiles are plotted for various values of n and Bingham number (Bn). In addition, the velocity behavior is observed along the y-direction in a channel through line graphs. Code validation is done as a special case [Formula: see text] and a good agreement is found with the results available in the literature. Finally, a correlation analysis has been performed for the drag coefficient [Formula: see text] and lift coefficient [Formula: see text].
Minimality of rational knots C(2n + 1,2m,2)
Authors: Meyer Bradley , Pham Anna , Tran Anh T.
Published: February 2024

A nontrivial knot is called minimal if its knot group does not surject onto the knot groups of other nontrivial knots. In this paper, we determine the minimality of the rational knots [Formula: see text] in the Conway notation, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are integers. When [Formula: see text], we show that the nonabelian [Formula: see text]-character variety of [Formula: see text] is irreducible and therefore [Formula: see text] is a minimal knot. The proof of this result is an interesting application of Eisenstein’s irreducibility criterion for polynomials over integral domains.
Two New Estimators for the Autocorrelation Function Through Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Mahmoudvand Rahim
Published: February 2024

It is around a century that sample autocorrelation function has been introduced and used as a standard tool in time series analysis. A vast literature can be found on the statistical properties of the sample autocorrelation function. However, it has been highlighted recently that the sum of the sample autocorrelation function over the lags 1 to [Formula: see text] is −0.5 for all time series of length T. This property produces a big concern for the cases in which all available sample autocorrelations are used in the inference.

This paper provides two new alternative for estimating the autocorrelation function. These estimators come from the idea of singular spectrum analysis which is a non-parametric technique for time series analysis. The paper utilizes a simulation study to illustrate the performance of the new approach. The results suggest that further improvement to the sample autocorrelation is possible and the new methods provide an attractive alternative to the classical approach.
Finiteness conditions for the n-fold tensor product of groups
Authors: Bastos Raimundo , Ortega Guilherme
Published: February 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a finitely generated group. We prove that the [Formula: see text]-fold tensor product [Formula: see text] is finite (respectively, polycyclic) if and only if [Formula: see text] is finite (respectively, polycyclic). Further, assuming that [Formula: see text] is finitely presented, we show that [Formula: see text] is finitely presented if and only if [Formula: see text] is finitely presented. We also examine some finiteness conditions for the non-abelian tensor product of groups.
Quantifying Actinide HEA Superconducting Secrets: A Compositional Odyssey
Authors: Jayaswal Sudesh , Kumar Bijay , Kumar Ashwani
Published: February 2024

The superconductivity in the actinide-based high entropy alloy superconductor (AHEASC) (TaNb)x(TiUHf)[Formula: see text] is studied in the framework of Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) theory, and McMillan’s formalism has been studied for the investigation of superconducting state (SC) parameters, viz., Coulomb pseudopotential [Formula: see text], electron–phonon coupling strength [Formula: see text], SC transition temperature [Formula: see text], interaction strength [Formula: see text], band gap [Formula: see text], energy or mass renormalization parameter [Formula: see text], and isotope effect exponent [Formula: see text]. BCS theory in conjunction with McMillan’s formalism has been used for the investigation. The study indicates a strong correlation between the electron–phonon interaction, and the superconducting properties of the high entropy alloy (TaNb)x(TiUHf)[Formula: see text] are highly dependent on its composition. An abrupt change in the isotope effect exponent suggests the presence of additional mechanisms such as magnetic interactions, spin fluctuations, or strong electron correlations.
Olive oil Ameliorates renal Ischemia-reperfusion-mediated hepatic and renal changes in stressed rats
Authors: Sobhy Noha S. , Ahmed Mona A. , Lasheen Noha N. , Baher Walaa , ElSayed Mohamed H.
Published: February 2024

Background: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) does not only affect kidneys, but also affects remote organs especially the liver. Stress may lead to further progression of renal and hepatic insults. This study was planned to explore the efficacy of olive oil (OO) on the assumed renal and hepatic changes of immobilization stress following renal IRI.

Methods: Seventy-seven adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into the following five groups; Sham-Operated Control group, Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion group, Stressed Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion group, OO-Supplemented Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion group) and OO-Supplemented Stressed Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Group (OO+Stressed+IR). All animals were subjected to determination of renal and hepatic biochemical functions and histopathological examination.

Results: Renal IR significantly increased plasma creatinine and urea levels. This was associated with significant rise in serum levels of both ALT and AST, total bilirubin together with plasma level of TNF-[Formula: see text], whereas the plasma level of albumin (ALB) was significantly reduced. In addition, histological disruptions of kidneys and livers were observed. Chronic immobilization stress aggravated the effects of renal IR. Also, renal and hepatic morphological changes were more worsened. Whilst, OO supplementation resulted in significant amelioration of renal and hepatic functions. Also, the kidney and liver morphologic lesions were attenuated.

Conclusion: Renal IR not only affected the renal functional and structural integrity but also the remote organ, the liver. Chronic immobilization stress rendered the kidney and liver more prone to injury. OO improved renal and hepatic dysfunction and morphological damage mediated by renal IRI, in control rats and in those exposed to chronic stress which can be exerted partially via its antioxidant, anti- inflammatory and nitric oxide (NO) reducing activities.
Zhoukoudian: the birthplace of palaeoanthropology and the stimulus for Paleolithic archaeology in China
Authors: Sun Chengsheng
Published: February 2024

The Zhoukoudian (Choukoutien) site, which was excavated in 1921, is one of the most important ancient human sites in China and in the world as well. From the perspective of the history of transnational science, this paper summarizes the history of the excavation of Zhoukoudian and the research that has been done into related fossil and human remains. It argues that Zhoukoudian was the birthplace of palaeoanthropology and the stimulus for the establishment of Paleolithic archaeology as a field in China. The Zhoukoudian site preserves traces of prehistoric human activities that date from 700 000 to 10 000 years ago, including human fossils, stone artefacts, ornaments and mammalian fossils. Thus, it still remains the most abundant, systematic and valuable site of its kind in the world, as well as being a very important geoheritage site.
Queuing Network Models of Multiservice RANs
Authors: Marin Andrea , Meo Michela , Sereno Matteo , Marsan Marco Ajmone
Published: February 2024

In this article, we present a new queuing network model for the analysis of a portion of a radio access network (RAN) comprising macro cell base stations (BSs) and small cell BSs offering “streaming” and “elastic” services. Streaming services require a certain data rate for a random time. The required data rates depend on the type of service (e.g., audio and video). Elastic services require the transfer of random data volumes, and their data rate adjusts dynamically based on the capacity not utilized by the streaming services. To derive performance measures for the proposed model, we develop a computationally efficient framework that exploits a new product form result for streaming services, relying on a well-known blocking policy, and an approximate product form for elastic services. Insensitivity to the distribution of service requirements holds in the case of negligible end user mobility.

We show the high accuracy of our model in predicting the performance of practical system configurations by conducting a thorough comparison between the model’s results and those obtained from a detailed discrete-event simulator. Through this analysis, we uncover significant counter-intuitive behaviors that arise from the competition between streaming services with diverse demands, and that are effectively captured and predicted by our modeling approach.

Our computationally efficient queuing model is a useful new tool to support design and planning of multiservice RANs whose complex structures result from the coexistence of BSs of different generations in dense areas.
DP-GCN: Node Classification by Connectivity and Local Topology Structure on Real-World Network
Authors: Chen Zhe , Sun Aixin
Published: February 2024

Node classification is to predict the class label of a node by analyzing its properties and interactions in a network. We note that many existing solutions for graph-based node classification only consider node connectivity but not the node’s local topology structure. However, nodes residing in different parts of a real-world network may share similar local topology structures. For example, local topology structures in a payment network may reveal sellers’ business roles (e.g., supplier or retailer). To model both connectivity and local topology structure for better node classification performance, we present DP-GCN, a dual-path graph convolution network. DP-GCN consists of three main modules: (i) a C-GCN module to capture the connectivity relationships between nodes, (ii) a T-GCN module to capture the topology structure similarity among nodes, and (iii) a multi-head self-attention module to align both properties. We evaluate DP-GCN on seven benchmark datasets against diverse baselines to demonstrate its effectiveness. We also provide a case study of running DP-GCN on three large-scale payment networks from PayPal, a leading payment service provider, for risky seller detection. Experimental results show DP-GCN’s effectiveness and practicability in large-scale settings. PayPal’s internal testing also shows DP-GCN’s effectiveness in defending against real risks from transaction networks.
TG-SPRED: Temporal Graph for Sensorial Data PREDiction
Authors: Laidi Roufaida , Djenouri Djamel , Djenouri Youcef , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei
Published: February 2024

This study introduces an innovative method aimed at reducing energy consumption in sensor networks by predicting sensor data, thereby extending the network’s operational lifespan. Our model, Temporal Graph Sensor Prediction (TG-SPRED), predicts readings for a subset of sensors designated to enter sleep mode in each time slot, based on a non-scheduling-dependent approach. This flexibility allows for extended sensor inactivity periods without compromising data accuracy. TG-SPRED addresses the complexities of event-based sensing—a domain that has been somewhat overlooked in existing literature—by recognizing and leveraging the inherent temporal and spatial correlations among events. It combines the strengths of Gated Recurrent Units and Graph Convolutional Networks to analyze temporal data and spatial relationships within the sensor network graph, where connections are defined by sensor proximities. An adversarial training mechanism, featuring a critic network employing the Wasserstein distance for performance measurement, further refines the predictive accuracy. Comparative analysis against six leading solutions using four critical metrics—F-score, energy consumption, network lifetime, and computational efficiency—showcases our approach’s superior performance in both accuracy and energy efficiency.
Hypergraph-based Truth Discovery for Sparse Data in Mobile Crowdsensing
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Jiao Dian , Yang Leyou , Wang Bin , Yu Ruiyun
Published: February 2024

Mobile crowdsensing leverages the power of a vast group of participants to collect sensory data, thus presenting an economical solution for data collection. However, due to the variability among participants, the quality of sensory data varies significantly, making it crucial to extract truthful information from sensory data of differing quality. Additionally, given the fixed time and monetary costs for the participants, they typically only perform a subset of tasks. As a result, the datasets collected in real-world scenarios are usually sparse. Current truth discovery methods struggle to adapt to datasets with varying sparsity, especially when dealing with sparse datasets. In this article, we propose an adaptive Hypergraph-based EM truth discovery method, HGEM. The HGEM algorithm leverages the topological characteristics of hypergraphs to model sparse datasets, thereby improving its performance in evaluating the reliability of participants and the true value of the event to be observed. Experiments based on simulated and real-world scenarios demonstrate that HGEM consistently achieves higher predictive accuracy.
Sedentary time associates detrimentally and physical activity beneficially with metabolic flexibility in adults with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Garthwaite Taru , Sjöros Tanja , Laine Saara , Koivumäki Mikko , Vähä-Ypyä Henri , Verho Tiina , Norha Jooa , Kallio Petri , Saarenhovi Maria , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Sievänen Harri , Houttu Noora , Laitinen Kirsi , Kalliokoski Kari K. , Vasankari Tommi , Knuuti Juhani , Heinonen Ilkka
Published: February 2024

High accelerometer-assessed sedentary time associates with metabolic inflexibility measured during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in adults with metabolic syndrome, and more light-intensity and total physical activity associate with more metabolic flexibility. Physical activity behaviors may thus play an important role in the regulation of fuel metabolism. This highlights the potential of reduced sedentary time and increased physical activity of any intensity to induce metabolic health benefits and help in disease prevention in risk populations.
The efficacy and methodology of using near-infrared spectroscopy to determine resting-state brain networks
Authors: Notte Christian , Alionte Caroline , Strubakos Christos D.
Published: February 2024

Functional connectivity is a critical aspect of brain function and is essential for understanding, diagnosing, and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. It refers to the synchronous activity between different regions of the brain, which gives rise to communication and information processing. Resting-state functional connectivity is a subarea of study that allows researchers to examine brain activity in the absence of a task or stimulus. This can provide insight into the brain’s intrinsic functional architecture and help identify neural networks that are active during rest. Thus, determining functional connectivity topography is valuable both clinically and in research. Traditional methods using functional magnetic resonance imaging have proven to be effective, however, they have their limitations. In this review, we investigate the feasibility of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a low-cost, portable alternative for measuring functional connectivity. We first establish fNIRS’ ability to detect localized brain activity during task-based experiments. Next, we verify its use in resting-state studies with results showing a high degree of correspondence with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Also discussed are various data-processing methods and the validity of filtering the global signal, which is the current standard for analysis. We consider the possible origins of the global signal, if it contains pertinent neuronal information that could be of importance in better understanding neuronal networks, and what we believe is the best method of approaching signal analysis and regression.
Digital Ischemia in an Extreme Preterm Infant Treated with Nitroglycerin Patch
Authors: Al Qurashi Mansour , Al-Khotani Abdulaziz , Mohtisham Farzeen , AlRaddadi Eman , AlShaikh Heba , Hakami Alqassem Y. , Aga Syed Sameer
Published: February 2024

Ischemic limb lesions occasionally occur in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units. Known risk factors include the placement of arterial catheters, arterial punctures to obtain blood samples, and the use of vasoactive/vasopressor medications for hypotension. Prolonged peripheral tissue ischemia may result in serious complications, and successful management depends on early detection, proper assessment, and the institution of appropriate intervention. Currently, there is no standard approach for the management of peripheral tissue ischemia in extreme preterm infants. Topical nitroglycerine use is one of the promising options used to manage ischemic limb injuries in neonates, as demonstrated in several case reports. We report a case of digital ischemia in an extreme preterm infant with no clear risk factors except extreme prematurity, which recovered after topical nitroglycerine therapy.
Cocktail of Ropivacaine, Morphine, and Diprospan Reduces Pain and Prolongs Analgesic Effects after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Luo Zhenyu , Zeng Weinan , Chen Xi , Xiao Qiang , Chen Anjing , Chen Jiali , Wang Haoyang , Zhou Zongke
Published: February 2024

Background. Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) provides postoperative analgesia for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of a cocktail of ropivacaine, morphine, and Diprospan for TKA. Methods. A total of 100 patients from September 2018 to February 2019 were randomized into 2 groups. Group A (control group, 50 patients) received LIA of ropivacaine alone (80 ml, 0.25% ropivacaine). Group B (LIA group, 50 patients) received an LIA cocktail of ropivacaine, morphine, and Diprospan (80 ml, 0.25% ropivacaine, 0.125 mg/ml morphine, and 62.5 μg/ml compound betamethasone). The primary outcomes were the levels of inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, opioid consumption, range of motion (ROM), functional tests, and sleeping quality. The secondary outcomes were adverse events, satisfaction rates, HSS scores, and SF-12 scores. The longest follow-up was 2 years. Results. The two groups showed no differences in terms of characteristics (P > 0.05). Group B had lower resting VAS pain scores (1.54 ± 0.60, 95% CI = 1.37 to 1.70 vs. 2.00 ± 0.63, 95% CI = 2.05 to 2.34) and active VAS pain scores (2.64 ± 0.62, 95% CI = 2.46 to 2.81 vs. 3.16 ± 0.75, 95% CI = 2.95 to 3.36) within 48 h postoperatively than Group A (P<0.001), while none of the pain differences exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Group B had significantly lower CRP levels (59.49 ± 13.01, 95% CI = 55.88 to 63.09 vs. 65.95 ± 14.41, 95% CI = 61.95 to 69.94) and IL-6 levels (44.11 ± 13.67, 95% CI = 40.32 to 47.89 vs. 60.72 ± 15.49, 95% CI = 56.42 to 65.01), lower opioid consumption (7.60 ± 11.10, 95% CI = 4.52 to 10.67 vs. 13.80 ± 14.68, 95% CI = 9.73 to 17.86), better ROM (110.20 ± 10.46, 95% CI = 107.30 to 113.09 vs. 105.30 ± 10.02, 95% CI = 102.52 to 108.07), better sleep quality (3.40 ± 1.03, 95% CI = 3.11 to 3.68 vs. 4.20 ± 1.06, 95% CI = 3.90 to 4.49), and higher satisfaction rates than Group A within 48 h postoperatively (P < 0.05). Adverse events, HSS scores, and SF-12 scores were not significantly different within 2 years postoperatively. Conclusions. A cocktail of ropivacaine, morphine, and Diprospan prolongs the analgesic effect up to 48 h postoperatively. Although the small statistical benefit may not result in MCID, the LIA cocktail still reduces opioid consumption, results in better sleeping quality and faster rehabilitation, and does not increase adverse events. Therefore, cocktails of ropivacaine, morphine, and Diprospan have good application value for pain control in TKA. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800018372.
Bisphenol-A Abrogates Proliferation and Differentiation of C2C12 Mouse Myoblasts via Downregulation of Phospho-P65 NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tipbunjong Chittipong , Thitiphatphuvanon Thanvarin , Pholpramool Chumpol , Surinlert Piyaporn
Published: February 2024

Previous studies showed that bisphenol-A (BPA), a monomer of polycarbonate plastic, is leached out and contaminated in foods and beverages. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BPA on the myogenesis of adult muscle stem cells. C2C12 myoblasts were treated with BPA in both proliferation and differentiation conditions. Cytotoxicity, cell proliferation and differentiation, antioxidant activity, apoptosis, myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) gene expression, and mechanism of BPA on myogenesis were examined. C2C12 myoblasts exposed to 25–50 µM BPA showed abnormal morphology, expressing numerous and long cytoplasmic extensions. Cell proliferation was inhibited and was accumulated in subG1 and S phases of the cell cycle, subsequently leading to apoptosis confirmed by nuclear condensation and the expression of apoptosis markers, cleaved caspase-9 and caspase-3. In addition, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase was significantly decreased. Meanwhile, BPA suppressed myoblast differentiation by decreasing the number and size of multinucleated myotubes via the modulation of MRF gene expression. Moreover, BPA significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of P65 NF-κB in both proliferation and differentiation conditions. Altogether, the results revealed the adverse effects of BPA on myogenesis leading to abnormal growth and development via the inhibition of phospho-P65 NF-κB.
Bile Acid Metabolism Mediates Cholesterol Homeostasis and Promotes Tumorigenesis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Riscal Romain , Gardner Sarah M. , Coffey Nathan J. , Carens Madeleine , Mesaros Clementina , Xu Jimmy P. , Xue Yizheng , Davis Leah , Demczyszyn Sara , Vogt Austin , Olia Adam , Finan Jennifer M. , Godfrey Jason , Schultz David C. , Blair Ian A. , Keith Brian , Marmorstein Ronen , Skuli Nicolas , Simon M. Celeste
Published: February 2024

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) incidence has risen steadily over the last decade. Elevated lipid uptake and storage is required for ccRCC cell viability. As stored cholesterol is the most abundant component in ccRCC intracellular lipid droplets, it may also play an important role in ccRCC cellular homeostasis. In support of this hypothesis, ccRCC cells acquire exogenous cholesterol through the high-density lipoprotein receptor SCARB1, inhibition or suppression of which induces apoptosis. Here, we showed that elevated expression of 3 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 7 (HSD3B7), which metabolizes cholesterol-derived oxysterols in the bile acid biosynthetic pathway, is also essential for ccRCC cell survival. Development of an HSD3B7 enzymatic assay and screening for small-molecule inhibitors uncovered the compound celastrol as a potent HSD3B7 inhibitor with low micromolar activity. Repressing HSD3B7 expression genetically or treating ccRCC cells with celastrol resulted in toxic oxysterol accumulation, impaired proliferation, and increased apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. These data demonstrate that bile acid synthesis regulates cholesterol homeostasis in ccRCC and identifies HSD3B7 as a plausible therapeutic target.

Significance:

The bile acid biosynthetic enzyme HSD3B7 is essential for ccRCC cell survival and can be targeted to induce accumulation of cholesterol-derived oxysterols and apoptotic cell death.
FIGURE 7 from INHBA is Enriched in HPV-negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Promotes Cancer Progression
Authors: Abou Kors Tsima , Hofmann Linda , Betzler Annika , Payer Kathrina , Bens Martin , Truong Jens , von Witzleben Adrian , Thomas Jaya , Kraus Johann M. , Kalaajieh Randa , Huber Diana , Ezić Jasmin , Benckendorff Julian , Greve Jens , Schuler Patrick J. , Ottensmeier Christian H. , Kestler Hans A. , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole , Brunner Cornelia , Laban Simon
Published: February 2024

Colony formation ability upon INHBA knockdown. A, Ability for clonal expansion of native UDSCC1 cells, Mock KD, INHBA KD1/KD2, and UDSCC2 cells as assessed by colony formation assay. Colonies between 10 and 50 cells were considered small (red) and colonies greater 50 cells were considered big (blue). Results are shown as mean ± SEM of the number of total colonies (n = 3). Conditions were compared with native UDSCC1 using unpaired t test with **, P ≤ 0.01; ***, P ≤ 0.001; and ns, P > 0.05. B, Representative images of small and big colonies in UDSCC1 and UDSCC2 cells stained with crystal violet. C, Representative images of colony formation for each condition.
The Complexity of Decisions in Genetics: Annotation of Three Novel Variants in the PKD1 and PKD2 Genes
Authors: Barata Rui , Rocha Liliana , Tavares Isabel , Pereira Odete , Carvalho Filipa , Oliveira João Paulo
Published: February 2024

As nephrology practice is evolving toward precision medicine, and genetic tests are becoming widely available, basic genetic literacy is increasingly required for clinical nephrologists. Yet, decisions based on results of genetic tests are seldom straightforward. We report a 37-year-old woman with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who was referred for medically assisted reproduction with monogenic preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-M). The PKD1 and PKD2 genes were screened for pathogenic variants. Sequencing analysis revealed the presence of three novel missense single nucleotide variants, two in the PKD1 gene – c.349T>G, p.(Leu117Val) and c.1736C>T, p.(Pro579Leu); and the third in the PKD2 gene – c.1124A>G, p.(Asn375Ser). Bioinformatic predictions of the functional effects of those three missense variants were inconsistent across different software tools. The family segregation analysis, which was mandatory to identify the relevant variant(s) for PGT-M, strongly supported that the disease-causing variant was PKD1 c.349T>G p.(Leu117Val), while the other two were nonpathogenic or, at most, phenotypic modulators. Proving the pathogenicity of novel variants is often complex but is critical to guide genetic counseling and screening, particularly when discussing reproductive alternatives for primary prevention in the progeny of at-risk couples. The family reported herein illustrates those challenges in the setting of ADPKD, and the invaluable importance of a detailed family history and segregation analysis for proper clinical annotation of novel variants. Basic genetic knowledge and proper clinical annotation of novel allelic variants in genes associated with hereditary kidney disorders are increasingly necessary for the contemporary practice of clinical nephrology.
Defining the Role of Frailty in the Transition from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia and in Dementia Progression
Authors: Benussi Alberto , Mattioli Irene , Silvestri Chiara , Libri Ilenia , Zampini Silvio , Cosseddu Maura , Turrone Rosanna , Amolini Claudia , Caratozzolo Salvatore , Borroni Barbara , Marengoni Alessandra , Padovani Alessandro
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing concern in an aging global population. Frailty, often conceptualized as a state of diminished physiological reserve and increased susceptibility to stressors, emerges as a pivotal factor in this context. While frailty may be modified, it is essential to recognize its frequently irreversible nature, necessitating a careful approach when considering its role and influence in the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia and within dementia progression. Methods: A retrospective study including 1,284 participants, attending a Cognitive Disturbances and Dementia unit from January 2021 to May 2023, was conducted. Frailty was assessed using the clinical frailty scale (CFS) score. Multilevel univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to determine the contributions of patient characteristics, including frailty, to disease progression. Results: Frailty significantly increased with higher global clinical dementia rating (CDR) subgroups, suggesting escalating frailty burden with disease progression. Age, CFS, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores were significant predictors of progression from MCI to dementia and to more severe dementia stages, even when considering the independence from variables contributing to frailty. Patients transitioning to a higher CDR group exhibited higher CFS scores. Age, education, anticholinergic burden, cumulative illness rating scale – geriatric, MMSE, and neuropsychiatric inventory scores significantly contributed to frailty. Conclusions: Frailty plays a critical role in the transition from MCI to dementia and within dementia progression. Age, cognitive impairment, and frailty were identified as significant predictors of disease progression. The CFS is a clinically applicable tool for frailty assessment. Regular frailty assessments may be valuable in early detection and management of dementia.
Simulasi Molekuler pada Bidang Pangan Fungsional: Prinsip Dasar dan Tutorial
Authors: Susilo Agus , Cahyati Miftakhul , Pranowo Dodyk , Nurjannah N , Masyithoh Dewi , Awwaly Khothibul Umam Al , Hermanto Feri Eko
Published: February 2024

Molecular Docking adalah simulasi komputer untuk memprediksi interaksi protein dan ligannya. Metode ini sering kali digabungkan dengan simulasi dinamika molekuler untuk mempelajari dinamika sebuah sistem molekul pada kondisi yang telah ditentukan. Penggunaan docking dapat diterapkan dalam bidang pangan fungsional. Meskipun pada dasarnya metode komputasi tidak mudah untuk pemula, sudah ada beberapa perangkat lunak yang dapat digunakan berkat tampilan antarmuka yang ramah pengguna. Buku ini menjelaskan bagaimana prinsip dasar dan tutorial melakukan analisis docking menggunakan perangkat lunak Autodock Vina, PyRx, Discovery Studio Visualizer, serta simulasi dinamika molekuler menggunakan YASARA. Dengan tampilan antarmuka dan urutan langkah demi langkah yang runtut, kami mengharapkan pembaca dengan kategori pemula dalam bidang biologi komputasi dapat mengikuti setiap tahapannya dengan mudah.
Navigating the New Normal: Konsep dan Pola Penanganan Desa Wisata Saat Pandemi
Authors: Hayat Ainul , Subagiyo Aris , Prayitno Gunawan , Efendi Achmad , Rahmawati R , Hidayana Izatul Ihsansi , Wafa Rizki Hanifa Shohibul , Salsabila Aulia Putri
Published: February 2024

Partisipasi masyarakat menjadi faktor penting dalam pengelolaan desa, salah satunya melalui pengembangan desa wisata. Keunggulan komparatif desa menjadi modal, kekuatan dan potensi untuk mengkreasikan pembangunan berbasis tempat/wilayah yang selaras dengan keunikan lokal. Desa wisata memberikan ruang untuk merasakan kembali nilai-nilai sumber daya perdesaan, kehidupan alam, budaya dan bahkan fasilitas buatan. Multiplier effect telah dirasakan, ekonomi perdesaan tumbuh, lingkungan alam terjaga, serta kesejahteraan yang dirasakan masyarakat. Namun, pandemi Covid-19 yang terjadi di awal 2020 telah mengakibatkan kelumpuhan pada semua sektor, sektor wisata dan desa wisata salah satunya. Kondisi terus membaik, prinsip new normal dengan penerapan program CHSE yang tidak terlepas dari aspek 4A pada pengelolaan desa wisata. Desa Sambirejo, Kapanewon Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, menjadi salah satu desa yang berhasil mengelola potensi dan menyejahterakan masyarakatnya melalui sektor wisata. Desa dengan potensi wisata sangat menarik, terdapat destinasi Tebing Breksi, Candi Ijo, Watu Tapak, dan masih banyak lagi. Sumber daya manusia dengan kehidupan perdesaan yang masih terlihat semangat gotong royong, rukun, dan saling membantu satu sama lain merupakan modal sangat berharga untuk membantu segera pulih dan bangkit pascapandemi Covid-19. Buku ini menguraikan secara rinci paradigma perdesaan, implikasi desa wisata terhadap pandemi, pola adaptasi dan prinsip-prinsip penanganan menuju keberlanjutan Desa Wisata Sambirejo di era new normal yang dapat menjadi referensi bagi desa wisata lainnya.
Toksoplasmosis: Tinjauan Manifestasi pada Mata dan Otak
Authors: Fitri Loeki Enggar , Sofia Ovi , Munir Badrul , Sardjono Teguh Wahju , Susianti Hani , Prayitnaningsih Seskoati , Sujuti Hidayat , Amalia Muna , Thomassawa Herryanto , Saldianovitta Rahajeng Anugrahing , Wahyudi I Nyoman Surya Ari , Hasibuan M Effendy Nugraha
Published: February 2024

Buku Toksoplasmosis: Tinjauan Manifestasi pada Mata dan Otak merupakan suatu referensi yang mengupas tuntas tentang infeksi Toxoplasma gondii pada manusia, khususnya pada mata dan otak, yang merupakan organ target infeksi parasit tersebut. Memahami toksoplasmosis sangatlah penting, karena Toxoplasma gondii merupakan parasit yang banyak menginfeksi manusia, rute penularannya beragam dan sangat terkait dengan kehidupan sehari-sehari, serta manifestasi infeksinya pada manusia dapat memberikan dampak yang signifikan dan ireversibel bagi penglihatan atau bahkan kehidupan. Buku ini ditulis dengan cermat dan sepenuh hati oleh tim gabungan para pakar klinis dan riset di bidang Parasitologi, Oftalmologi, Neurologi, dan Patologi Klinik Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Brawijaya. Buku ini disusun secara sistematis dan terstruktur, dengan bahasa yang mudah dipahami, serta dilengkapi dengan gambar-gambar yang sebagian besar merupakan koleksi penulis sehingga para pembaca diharapkan dapat mengikuti dan menikmati isi buku ini secara komprehensif. Buku yang didedikasikan bagi para sejawat dokter dan paramedis, mahasiwa kedokteran, serta praktisi laboratorium ini mengulas secara lengkap tentang toksoplasmosis okuler dan toksoplasmosis serebral, dimulai dengan bab mengenai parasit Toxoplasma gondii, morfologi dan siklus hidupnya, rute penularan, dan faktor risiko terjadinya infeksi pada manusia; patofisiologi, manifestasi klinis yang terjadi, khususnya pada mata dan otak, pemeriksaan penunjang yang relevan, berikut indikasi dan interpretasinya; penatalaksanaan, dan yang tidak kalah penting, adalah upaya pencegahan yang bisa dilakukan. Dengan membaca buku ini diharapkan para pembaca akan mendapatkan suatu perspektif yang holistik dalam memahami infeksi Toksoplasma pada mata dan otak. Penulis mengharapkan semoga buku ini bisa memperkaya khazanah ilmu anak bangsa dan memberikan manfaat yang sebesar-besarnya bagi para pembacanya.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Outcomes in Heart Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Armoundas Antonis A. , Narayan Sanjiv M. , Arnett Donna K. , Spector-Bagdady Kayte , Bennett Derrick A. , Celi Leo Anthony , Friedman Paul A. , Gollob Michael H. , Hall Jennifer L. , Kwitek Anne E. , Lett Elle , Menon Bijoy K. , Sheehan Katherine A. , Al-Zaiti Salah S. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young; Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; Council on Hypertension; Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease; and Stroke Council
Published: February 2024

A major focus of academia, industry, and global governmental agencies is to develop and apply artificial intelligence and other advanced analytical tools to transform health care delivery. The American Heart Association supports the creation of tools and services that would further the science and practice of precision medicine by enabling more precise approaches to cardiovascular and stroke research, prevention, and care of individuals and populations. Nevertheless, several challenges exist, and few artificial intelligence tools have been shown to improve cardiovascular and stroke care sufficiently to be widely adopted. This scientific statement outlines the current state of the art on the use of artificial intelligence algorithms and data science in the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It also sets out to advance this mission, focusing on how digital tools and, in particular, artificial intelligence may provide clinical and mechanistic insights, address bias in clinical studies, and facilitate education and implementation science to improve cardiovascular and stroke outcomes. Last, a key objective of this scientific statement is to further the field by identifying best practices, gaps, and challenges for interested stakeholders.
Stromal Cell-SLIT3/Cardiomyocyte-ROBO1 Axis Regulates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Li Baolei , Wang Shuyun , Zhang Erge , Schultz Megan , Touma Marlin , Monteiro Da Rocha Andre , Evans Sylvia M. , Eichmann Anne , Herron Todd , Chen Ruizhen , Xiong Dingding , Jaworski Alexander , Weiss Stephen , Si Ming-Sing
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Recently shown to regulate cardiac development, the secreted axon guidance molecule SLIT3 maintains its expression in the postnatal heart. Despite its known expression in the cardiovascular system after birth, SLIT3’s relevance to cardiovascular function in the postnatal state remains unknown. As such, the objectives of this study were to determine the postnatal myocardial sources of SLIT3 and to evaluate its functional role in regulating the cardiac response to pressure overload stress.

METHODS:

We performed in vitro studies on cardiomyocytes and myocardial tissue samples from patients and performed in vivo investigation with SLIT3 and ROBO1 (roundabout homolog 1) mutant mice undergoing transverse aortic constriction to establish the role of SLIT3-ROBO1 in adverse cardiac remodeling.

RESULTS:

We first found that
SLIT3
transcription was increased in myocardial tissue obtained from patients with congenital heart defects that caused ventricular pressure overload. Immunostaining of hearts from WT (wild-type) and reporter mice revealed that SLIT3 is secreted by cardiac stromal cells, namely fibroblasts and vascular mural cells, within the heart. Conditioned media from cardiac fibroblasts and vascular mural cells both stimulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro, an effect that was partially inhibited by an anti-SLIT3 antibody. Also, the N-terminal, but not the C-terminal, fragment of SLIT3 and the forced overexpression of
SLIT3
stimulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the transcription of hypertrophy-related genes. We next determined that ROBO1 was the most highly expressed roundabout receptor in cardiomyocytes and that ROBO1 mediated SLIT3’s hypertrophic effects in vitro. In vivo, Tcf21+ fibroblast and Tbx18+ vascular mural cell-specific knockout of SLIT3 in mice resulted in decreased left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis after transverse aortic constriction. Furthermore, α-MHC+ cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of ROBO1 also preserved left ventricular function and abrogated hypertrophy, but not fibrosis, after transverse aortic constriction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Collectively, these results indicate a novel role for the SLIT3-ROBO1–signaling axis in regulating postnatal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by pressure overload.
The Debasing Demon Resurrected
Authors: Janvid Mikael
Published: February 2024

The aim of this paper is to strike a blow for the relevance of the debasing demon originally summoned by Jonathan Schaffer. I do so by, first, defending this skeptical hypothesis against critics and, second, by noting important similarities between the workings of this demon and implicit bias. Along the way, I elucidate the structure of this skeptical argument by comparing it to other better-known skeptical arguments. I also clarify the kinds of access the debasing skeptical scenario, as well as some of the replies, operate with. Apart from being interesting in its own right as a different skeptical challenge, the debasing demon raises important issues regarding bias, as I will show by using an example from epistemic decolonialization.
A new species of Mesocapparis (Capparaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: LUBER JAQUELINI , TAVARES CARRIJO TATIANA , DE FREITAS MANSANO VIDAL
Published: February 2024

Mesocapparis minutiflora, a new species for the Cerrado, is described and compared with related species. The taxon is described from the state of Tocantins and Piauí, with only five known collections. It is distinguished from other species mainly by the different shapes of leaf base, petiolar insertion, and the shorter size of petals, gynophore, and filaments. The conservation status of the new species is discussed, and information is provided on its flowering period and geographic distribution.
A new species of the genus Embia Latreille, 1825 (Insecta, Embioptera) from the Madonie Regional Natural Park (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: FONTANA PAOLO
Published: February 2024

Embia minapalumboi n. sp., a new species of the genus Embia Latreille, 1925, was collected during an excursion in the Madonie Regional Natural Park that took place at the conclusion of the XXVII Italian National Congress of Entomology celebrated in Palermo from 12 to 16 June 2023. In the location of discovery, at an elevation of just under 1400 m and therefore unusual for European Embioptera, the new species was found to be very rare and for this reason most of the few juvenile specimens found were kept in breeding by the author. The new species was compared with all 36 species known to date for the genus and in particular with the 21 species from the Mediterranean area and the 8 known from Europe. The author also presents the general distribution of all species of the genus. Embia tyrrhenica, Stefani, 1953 is also reported for the Madonie and reconfirmed for Sicily.
Resveratrol Mitigates Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Inhibiting the Expression of Superoxide Dismutase 2
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Jianli , Zhang Shuiyan , Wang Yuechao
Published: February 2024

Resveratrol exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially cardio-protective properties. However, the effectiveness of resveratrol in acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced cardiomyocyte injury remains unclear. Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2) is an important antioxidant enzyme
in the mitochondria. However, few studies have reported the impact of SOD2 on AMI-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Therefore, we establish an in vitro model of cardiomyocyte ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to investigate the protective
effects of resveratrol against OGD/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury and its underlying regulatory mechanism. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. The levels of Cleaved cas-3, Bcl2, and SOD2 an important antioxidant enzyme in the mitochondria
that is responsible for eliminating superoxide radicals were analyzed by western blot. The ROS positive rate was using a ROS/Superoxide detection assay kit. The relative abundance of the SOD2 mRNA was determined using the 2−ΔΔCT method. We demonstrated that OGD/R
treatment significantly reduced AC16 cell viability while increasing apoptosis levels, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factor levels. We further confirmed the upregulation of SOD2 by OGD/R treatment, suggesting its potential involvement in modulating OGD/R-induced AC16 cell injury. Additionally,
silencing SOD2 ameliorated the detrimental effects of OGD/R on AC16 cells. Moreover, we observed that upregulation of SOD2 aggravated OGD/R-induced AC16 cell injury, and resveratrol effectively reduced OGD/R-induced AC16 cell injury by down-regulating SOD2. In conclusion, this research provides
a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating I/R damage in AMI-induced cardiomyocytes, thereby identifying a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
A Blockchain-Based Model for Traceability and Quality Management of Raw Materials in Clothing Products
Authors: Zhou Yueding , Zhu Hongfeng , Chao Yingna
Published: February 2024

In this study, we employ blockchain-based traceability technology to construct a comprehensive model for raw material traceability and quality management in clothing products. Additionally, we investigate engineered water nanostructures (EWNS) for their antibacterial, hydrophilic, and
anti-pilling effects on textiles. The EWNS can serve as an effective tool for monitoring quality, enabling precise tracking and verification of nanomaterials during clothing production. The research validated the traceability performance of the blockchain-based model for raw material traceability
and quality management in clothing products, achieving a remarkable traceability accuracy of 99.92% and an exceptionally low traceability response time of merely 1.83 seconds. Moreover, after being treated with EWNS, antibacterial rates against E. coli and S. aureus in clothing
antibacterial quality management reached 99.9% and 99.0%, respectively. In the hydrophilicity test, EWNS was applied to clothing for a duration of 1 to 7 hours, resulting in a significant reduction in the wetting time of clothing from 10.8 seconds to 1.2 seconds. In the anti-pilling tests,
there was a notable enhancement in the effectiveness of anti-pilling properties after EWNS treatment. In summary, our model has achieved remarkable outcomes in material traceability and quality management, offering consumers and the clothing industry a reliable method to ensure product quality
and traceability, while simultaneously improving performance aspects such as antibacterial efficacy, hydrophilicity, and resistance against pilling.