bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sondage sur les pratiques des médecins de famille et sur la collaboration interprofessionnelle avec des ergothérapeutes en GMF quant au dépistage des conducteurs à risque
Authors: Brière-Dulude Sandrine , Melgares Lucas , Labourot Justine , Deslauriers Tania , Gélinas Isabelle , Layani Géraldine , Vachon Brigitte
Published: November 2023

Cette étude a sondé 46 médecins de famille québécois quant à leurs pratiques pour l’évaluation et le dépistage des conducteurs à risque afin 1) de mieux comprendre leur niveau de compétence perçu; 2) de recenser les difficultés rencontrées dans le processus de prise de décision et 3) de documenter leurs besoins et attitudes quant à une collaboration plus étroite avec les ergothérapeutes. Les participants (femmes : 84,8 %; moyenne d’expérience : 15,7 (±12,1) ans) ont répondu à un sondage en ligne de 30 questions. Les résultats de cette étude démontrent que malgré un certain confort à effectuer l’évaluation et le dépistage des conducteurs à risque, les médecins ne se considèrent pas comme les professionnels les mieux qualifiés pour ce faire. Ils reconnaissent également le rôle que jouent les ergothérapeutes dans le dépistage de cette clientèle et l’intervention auprès d’elle. Ils voient ainsi la pertinence d’avoir accès aux services de ces professionnels en soins de première ligne.
Giving Shape to a Meaningful and Fulfilling Career in Science: Some No‐Nonsense Advice
Authors: Singha Kamini
Published: November 2023

In this manuscript, I provide ideas that may help early‐career colleagues on their paths in science, especially in research and academia. I discuss the inevitability of failure at times, the importance of finding great collaborators and mentors and making time for the things that bring you joy in your life, and suggest a few practices that I hope make us more pleasant human beings. I share a few difficulties I've navigated and advice I've shared with my students, postdocs, and early‐career colleagues through the years. I hope such thoughts are useful, and help others find the joy in being a scientist.
Slab Pull Driven South China Sea Opening Implies a Mesozoic Proto South China Sea
Authors: Larvet Tiphaine , Le Pourhiet Laetitia , Pubellier Manuel , Gyomlai Thomas
Published: November 2023

Most paleo‐reconstruction models agree that the South China Sea (SCS) opens within a continental domain located at the trailing edge of the subducting plate of a vanished ocean named Proto South China Sea (PSCS). Existing models do not agree on the age, size, and location of the putative oceanic domain, thus hindering the reconstruction of the plate circuit in the distant past. In this study, we test the relevance and implication of the opening of the SCS in the downgoing plate with a series of thermomechanical simulations which appear to impact the possible age of the PSCS. Our findings suggest that the oceanic domain must be stronger than the continental margin for the slab pull force to be transmitted to the continental margin, resulting in continental breakup. Our simulations support a Cretaceous age, rather than an Eocene, for at least part of the PSCS sea‐floor spreading.
High Temperature Accelerates Onset Speed of the 2022 Unprecedented Flash Drought Over the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Wang Yumiao , Yuan Xing
Published: November 2023

The Yangtze River Basin experienced one of the worst flash droughts on record during 2022 summer, but the relative contributions of precipitation deficit and high temperature to drought onset speed and intensity are difficult to separate due to the compounding feature of hot and dry extremes caused by persistent high‐pressure anomalies. Based on high‐resolution land surface model ensemble simulations with specified meteorological conditions that reproduce precipitation deficit and/or high temperature anomalies during 2022, we find the precipitation deficit is the dominant factor for triggering the flash drought. Meanwhile, high temperature further accelerates the decrease of soil moisture and intensifies drought condition by increasing evapotranspiration, which contributes 37% ± 14% (31% ± 15%) and 36% ± 11% (30% ± 15%) of the drought onset speed and intensity over upper reach (middle and lower reaches). Our study reveals the nontrivial role of high temperature in intensifying the 2022 Yangtze flash drought, which might be more significant in the warmer future.
Exclusive Seismoacoustic Detection and Characterization of an Unseen and Unheard Fireball Over the North Atlantic
Authors: Hicks Stephen P. , Matos Sandro B. , Pimentel Adriano , Belli Giacomo , Gheri Duccio , Tsekhmistrenko Maria , Hosseini Kasra , Geissler Wolfram H. , Silva Rita , Wallenstein Nicolau , Ferreira Ana M. G.
Published: November 2023

Small meteoroids that enter Earth's atmosphere often go unnoticed because their detection and characterization rely on human observations, introducing observational biases in space and time. Acoustic shockwaves from meteoroid ablation convert to infrasound and seismic energy, enabling fireball detection using seismoacoustic methods. We analyzed an unreported fireball in 2022 near the Azores, recorded by 26 seismometers and two infrasound arrays. Through polarization analyses, array methods, and 3‐D ray‐tracing, we determined that the terminal blast occurred at 40 km altitude, ∼60 km NE of São Miguel Island. This location matches an unidentified flash captured by a lightning detector aboard the GOES‐16 satellite. The estimated kinetic energy is ∼10−3 kT TNT equivalent, suggesting a 10−1 m object diameter, thousands of which enter the atmosphere annually. Our results demonstrate how geophysical methods, in tandem with satellite data, can significantly improve the observational completeness of meteoroids, advancing our understanding of their sources and entry processes.
A highly efficient open-shell singlet luminescent diradical with strong magnetoluminescence properties
Authors: Abdurahman Alim , Shen Li , Wang Jingmin , Niu Meiling , Li Ping , Peng Qiming , Wang Jianpu , Lu Geyu
Published: November 2023

Developing open-shell singlet (OS) diradicals with high luminescent properties and exceptional single-molecule magnetoluminescence (ML) performance is extremely challenging. Herein, we propose a concept to enhance luminescent efficiency by adjusting the donor conjugation of OS diradicals, thereby achieving a highly luminescent diradical, DR1, with outstanding stability and making it a viable option for use in the emitting layer of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). More importantly, the 0.5 wt%-DR1 doped film demonstrates significant single-molecule magnetoluminescence (ML) properties. A giant ML value of 210% is achieved at a magnetic field of 7 T, showing the great potential of DR1 in magneto-optoelectronic devices.
Inhibition of Hedgehog signaling ameliorates foam cell formation by promoting autophagy in early atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Xin Weijuan , Hu Xiaozhi , Wang Hanqi , Ye Xiaomiao , Xu Caili , Nan Yanyang , Wu Zhengyu , Ju Dianwen , Fan Jiajun
Published: November 2023

Macrophages are the origin of most foam cells in the early stage of atherosclerotic plaques. However, the mechanism involved in the formation of macrophage-derived foam cell formation remains unclear. Here, we revealed that the hedgehog (Hh) signaling is critical in autophagy-lysosome pathway regulation and macrophage-derived foam cell formation. Inhibition of Hh signaling by vismodegib ameliorated lipid deposition and oxidative stress level in atherosclerotic plaques in high-fat diet-fed apoE−/− mice. For mechanistic study, how the Hh signaling modulate the process of foam cell formation were accessed afterward. Unexpectedly, we found that suppression of Hh signaling in apoE−/− mice had no significant impact on circulating cholesterol levels, indicating that Hh pathway modulate the procession of atherosclerotic plaque not through a traditional lipid-lowing mechanism. Instead, vismodegib was found to accelerate autophagosomes maturation as well as cholesterol efflux in macrophage-derived foam cell and in turn improve foam cell formation, while autophagy inhibitors (LY294002 or CQ) administration significantly attenuated vismodegib-induced cholesterol efflux and reversed the effect on foam cell formation. Therefore, our result demonstrated that inhibition of the Hh signaling pathway increases cholesterol efflux and ameliorates macrophage-derived foam cell formation by promoting autophagy in vitro. Our data thus suggested a novel therapeutic target of atherosclerosis and indicated the potential of vismodegib to treat atherosclerosis.
LASS2 enhances p53 protein stability and nuclear import to suppress liver cancer progression through interaction with MDM2/MDMX
Authors: Zhao Qingqing , He Wei , Liu Zhouheng , Huang Liangliang , Yang Xiaoli , Liu Yong , Chen Rui , Min Xun , Yang Yan
Published: November 2023

LASS2 functions as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, but the underlying mechanism of its action remains largely unknown. Moreover, details on its role and the downstream mechanisms in Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and hepatoblastoma (HB), are rarely reported. Herein, LASS2 overexpression was found to significantly inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion and induce apoptosis in hepatoma cells with wild-type (HB cell line HepG2) and mutated p53 (HCC cell line HCCLM3 and CCA cell line HuCCT1). Gene set enrichment analysis determined the enrichment of the differentially expressed genes caused by LASS2 in the p53 signaling pathway. Moreover, the low expression of LASS2 in HCC and CCA tumor tissues was correlated with the advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and the protein expression of LASS2 positively correlated with acetylated p53 (Lys373) protein levels. At least to some extent, LASS2 exerts its tumor-suppressive effects in a p53-dependent manner, in which LASS2 interacts with MDM2/MDMX and causes dual inhibition to disrupt p53 degradation by MDM2/MDMX. In addition, LASS2 induces p53 phosphorylation at ser15 and acetylation at lys373 to promote translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus. These findings provide new insights into the LASS2-induced tumor suppression mechanism in liver cancer and suggest LASS2 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.
Long-term cargo tracking reveals intricate trafficking through active cytoskeletal networks in the crowded cellular environment
Authors: Park Jin-Sung , Lee Il-Buem , Moon Hyeon-Min , Hong Seok-Cheol , Cho Minhaeng
Published: November 2023

A eukaryotic cell is a microscopic world within which efficient material transport is essential. Yet, how a cell manages to deliver cellular cargos efficiently in a crowded environment remains poorly understood. Here, we used interferometric scattering microscopy to track unlabeled cargos in directional motion in a massively parallel fashion. Our label-free, cargo-tracing method revealed not only the dynamics of cargo transportation but also the fine architecture of the actively used cytoskeletal highways and the long-term evolution of the associated traffic at sub-diffraction resolution. Cargos frequently run into a blocked road or experience a traffic jam. Still, they have effective strategies to circumvent those problems: opting for an alternative mode of transport and moving together in tandem or migrating collectively. All taken together, a cell is an incredibly complex and busy space where the principle and practice of transportation intriguingly parallel those of our macroscopic world.
Electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of antiviral favipiravir drug, paracetamol and vitamin C based on host–guest inclusion complex of β-CD/CNTs nanocomposite
Authors: Ahmed Yousef M. , Eldin Mahmoud A. , Galal Ahmed , Atta Nada F.
Published: November 2023

Favipiravir (FVI) is extensively used as an effective medication against several diverse infectious RNA viruses. It is widely administered as an anti-influenza drug. Combination therapy formed from FVI, paracetamol (PAR) and vitamin C (VC) is needed for treating patients diseased by RNA viruses. Thus, an efficient electrochemical sensor is developed for detecting FVI in human serum samples. The sensor is fabricated by casting a thin layer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) over a glassy carbon (GC) electrode surface followed by electrodeposition of another layer of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Under optimized conditions, the sensor shows excellent catalytic effect for FVI, PAR and VC oxidation in the concentration ranges (0.08 µM → 80 µM), (0.08 µM → 50 µM) and (0.8 µM → 80 µM) with low detection limits of 0.011 μM, 0.042 μM and 0.21 μM, respectively. The combined effect of host–guest interaction ability of β-CD for the drugs, and a large conductive surface area of CNTs improves the sensing performance of the electrode. The sensor exhibits stable response over 4 weeks, good reproducibility, and insignificant interference from common species present in serum samples. The reliability of using the sensor in serum samples shows good recovery of FVI, PAR and VC.
Accelerated preprocessing of large numbers of brain images by parallel computing on supercomputers
Authors: Jimbo Takehiro , Matsuo Hidetoshi , Imoto Yuya , Sodemura Takumi , Nishimori Makoto , Fukui Yoshinari , Hayashi Takuya , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki , Yokoyama Ryoichi
Published: November 2023

“Preprocessing” is the first step required in brain image analysis that improves the overall quality and reliability of the results. However, it is computationally demanding and time-consuming, particularly to handle and parcellate complicatedly folded cortical ribbons of the human brain. In this study, we aimed to shorten the analysis time for data preprocessing of 1410 brain images simultaneously on one of the world's highest-performing supercomputers, “Fugaku.” The FreeSurfer was used as a benchmark preprocessing software for cortical surface reconstruction. All the brain images were processed simultaneously and successfully analyzed in a calculation time of 17.33 h. This result indicates that using a supercomputer for brain image preprocessing allows big data analysis to be completed shortly and flexibly, thus suggesting the possibility of supercomputers being used for expanding large data analysis and parameter optimization of preprocessing in the future.
Charge transport in individual short base stacked single-stranded RNA molecules
Authors: Chandra Subrata , Williams Ajoke , Maksudov Farkhad , Kliuchnikov Evgenii , Pattiya Arachchillage Keshani G. G. , Piscitelli Patrick , Castillo Aderlyn , Marx Kenneth A. , Barsegov Valeri , Artes Vivancos Juan M.
Published: November 2023

Charge transport in biomolecules is crucial for many biological and technological applications, including biomolecular electronics devices and biosensors. RNA has become the focus of research because of its importance in biomedicine, but its charge transport properties are not well understood. Here, we use the Scanning Tunneling Microscopy-assisted molecular break junction method to measure the electrical conductance of particular 5-base and 10-base single-stranded (ss) RNA sequences capable of base stacking. These ssRNA sequences show single-molecule conductance values around $$10^{-3}G_0$$

10

-
3

G
0

($$G_0= 2e^2/h$$

G
0

=
2

e
2

/
h

), while equivalent-length ssDNAs result in featureless conductance histograms. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra and MD simulations reveal the existence of extended ssRNA conformations versus folded ssDNA conformations, consistent with their different electrical behaviors. Computational molecular modeling and Machine Learning-assisted interpretation of CD data helped us to disentangle the structural and electronic factors underlying CT, thus explaining the observed electrical behavior differences. RNA with a measurable conductance corresponds to sequences with overall extended base-stacking stabilized conformations characterized by lower HOMO energy levels delocalized over a base-stacking mediating CT pathway. In contrast, DNA and a control RNA sequence without significant base-stacking tend to form closed structures and thus are incapable of efficient CT.
Diminishment the gas permeability of polyethylene by “densification” of the amorphous regions
Authors: Safandowska Marta , Makarewicz Cezary , Rozanski Artur , Idczak Rafal
Published: November 2023

High-density polyethylene/paraffin wax (HDPE/wax) systems with adjustable density of the amorphous regions were prepared by a melt-blending process to optimize/control the final oxygen barrier properties. The introduction of paraffin wax (a low molecular weight modifier) is the key to tune the gas permeability properties of polyethylene-based materials. Density gradient column (DGC) measurements distinctly showed that the incorporation of modifier led to densification of the amorphous phase of semicrystalline HDPE consisting in a decrease in the average fractional free volume confirmed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Polyethylene with “densified” amorphous phase exhibits lower oxygen permeability parameters compared to pristine polyethylene, but it is characterized by similar thermal and thermomechanical properties. An increase in the density of the amorphous regions of polyethylene by about 0.003 g/cm3, which corresponds to 0.3%, reduces the permeability of oxygen by up to 22%. For the first time, it has been proven that by controlling the density of the amorphous regions of semicrystalline polymers, it is possible to obtain materials with appropriate transport properties (without changing other properties) for applications meeting specific requirements.
Evaluation of recombinant human IGF-1/IGFBP-3 on intraventricular hemorrhage prevention and survival in the preterm rabbit pup model
Authors: Ekström Claes , Ortenlöf Niklas , Kristiansson Amanda , Holmqvist Bo , Jungner Åsa , Vallius Suvi , Wang Xiaoyang , Hellström Ann , Barton Norman , Carey Galen , Ley David , Gram Magnus
Published: November 2023

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is essential for normal brain development and regulates processes of vascular maturation. The pathogenesis of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) relates to the fragility of the immature capillaries in the germinal matrix, and its inability to resist fluctuations in cerebral blood flow. In this work, using different experimental setups, we aimed to (i) establish an optimal time-point for glycerol-induction of IVH in relation to time-point of recombinant human (rh) IGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 administration, and (ii) to evaluate the effects of a physiologic replacement dose of rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 on prevention of IVH and survival in the preterm rabbit pup. The presence of IVH was evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound and post-mortem examinations. In the first part of the study, the highest incidence of IVH (> 60%), occurred when glycerol was administered at the earliest timepoint, e.g., 6 h after birth. At later time-points (18 and 24 h) the incidence decreased substantially. In the second part of the study, the incidence of IVH and mortality rate following rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 administration was not statistically different compared to vehicle treated animals. To evaluate the importance of maintaining intrauterine serum levels of IGF-1 following preterm birth, as reported in human interventional studies, additional studies are needed to further characterize and establish the potential of rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 in reducing the prevalence of IVH and improving survival in the preterm rabbit pup.
A novel type-2 hexagonal fuzzy logic approach for predictive safety stock management for a distribution business
Authors: Yiğit Fatih
Published: November 2023

Safety stock is an important method to overcome variability in inventory management. The classical approach to safety stock decisions relies on historical demand and lead time statistical data, which may not capture the uncertainty and complexity of the real world. Human knowledge and experience are valuable assets for making better decisions, especially when facing unpredictable situations. The fuzzy method is widely used for employing human intuition for decisions. When fuzzy opinions are input, decisions can be made proactively rather than reactively while benefiting from future predictions. The paper aims to integrate human intuition using Hexagonal Type-2 Fuzzy Sets (HT2FS) for safety stock management. HT2FS is a generalization of Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets that can represent more uncertainty in the membership functions. Predictions may be integrated into the safety stock models using human intuition. The proposed model uses novel fuzzy approaches to integrate human intuition into the traditional safety stock model. Applying fuzzy sets to safety stock management allowed experts' opinions under fuzzy logic to be integrated into decision-making. The proposed novel approach uses the centre of gravity method of Polygonal Interval Type-2 Fuzzy sets for defuzzification, which is a computationally efficient method that can handle any shape of the footprint of uncertainty. A mathematical model is developed to validate fuzzy opinions that may replace historical data. The data is received from a real-life case, and human intuition is integrated using an expert’s input. After the validation, a real-life numerical example has been considered to illustrate the model and its validity compared to the classical model. The outcomes show that the proposed model may contribute to the classical models, mainly when experts' inputs offer good predictions. When expert opinion on HT2FS is used for a real-life case, the results show that the expert's better representation of future variances lowers total cost by 2.8%. The results, coupled with the sensitivity analysis, underline that the proposed approach may contribute to the literature on safety stock management.
The network structure of hematopoietic cancers
Authors: Nakamura-García Arturo Kenzuke , Espinal-Enríquez Jesús
Published: November 2023

Hematopoietic cancers (HCs) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that affect blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. Here, by analyzing 1960 RNA-Seq samples from three independent datasets, we explored the co-expression landscape in HCs, by inferring gene co-expression networks (GCNs) with four cancer phenotypes (B and T-cell acute leukemia -BALL, TALL-, acute myeloid leukemia -AML-, and multiple myeloma -MM-) as well as non-cancer bone marrow. We characterized their structure (topological features) and function (enrichment analyses). We found that, as in other types of cancer, the highest co-expression interactions are intra-chromosomal, which is not the case for control GCNs. We also detected a highly co-expressed group of overexpressed pseudogenes in HC networks. The four GCNs present only a small fraction of common interactions, related to canonical functions, like immune response or erythrocyte differentiation. With this approach, we were able to reveal cancer-specific features useful for detection of disease manifestations.
Psychometric validation of a 7C-model of antecedents of vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers, parents and adolescents in France
Authors: Oudin Doglioni Damien , Gagneux-Brunon Amandine , Gauchet Aurélie , Bruel Sebastien , Olivier Cyril , Pellissier Gérard , Thilly Nathalie , Sicsic Jonathan , Raude Jocelyn , Mueller Judith E.
Published: November 2023

Support for vaccine decision-making requires a tailored approach taking into account psychological antecedents of vaccine acceptance. We aimed at validating an extended 7C-model of antecedents in three different target population groups (healthcare workers [n = 3870], parents [n = 2002] and adolescents [n = 7118]) and two vaccinations (COVID-19, HPV) in France. We performed a secondary analysis of questionnaires collecting sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes and knowledge on vaccination, and vaccine status and intention. We used standard psychometric techniques to validate a first and second order latent structure, and evaluated their association with vaccine intentionality in three levels (refusal, indecision, acceptance). In all populations, the 7C-model yielded a very good model fit (CFI and TLI > 0.90) and, in comparison with non-nested and nested 5C-models, significantly improved the model performance (Ω2, p < 0.05; Wald’s test, p < 0.05). The resulting vaccine readiness score was strongly associated with vaccine intentionality (acceptance vs. indecision: βHCW = 2.93, βParents = 2.41, βAdolescents = 1.34; refusal vs. indecision: βHCW = − 1.68, βParents = − 0.16, βAdolescents = − 0.89.). The addition of confidence in the system and social conformism among antecedents of vaccine acceptance allowed a finer understanding of the continuum moving from refusal to indecision and acceptance. To work with these antecedents in interventional research, appropriate questionnaire items should be developed for various vaccines and target populations.
Ferritin microheterogeneity, subunit composition, functional, and physiological implications
Authors: Srivastava Ayush K. , Reutovich Aliaksandra A. , Hunter Nathan J. , Arosio Paolo , Bou-Abdallah Fadi
Published: November 2023

Ferritin is a ubiquitous intracellular iron storage protein that plays a crucial role in iron homeostasis. Animal tissue ferritins consist of multiple isoforms (or isoferritins) with different proportions of H and L subunits that contribute to their structural and compositional heterogeneity, and thus physiological functions. Using size exclusion and anion exchange chromatography, capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF), and SDS-capillary gel electrophoresis (SDS-CGE), we reveal for the first time a significant variation in ferritin subunit composition and isoelectric points, in both recombinant and native ferritins extracted from animal organs. Our results indicate that subunits composition is the main determinant of the mean pI of recombinant ferritin heteropolymers, and that ferritin microheterogeneity is a common property of both natural and recombinant proteins and appears to be an intrinsic feature of the cellular machinery during ferritin expression, regulation, post-translational modifications, and post-subunits assembly. The functional significance and physiological implications of ferritin heterogeneity in terms of iron metabolism, response to oxidative stress, tissue-specific functions, and pathological processes are discussed.
SETD5 regulates the OGT-catalyzed O-GlcNAcylation of RNA polymerase II, which is involved in the stemness of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Cho Hye In , Jo Sora , Kim Min Seong , Kim Han Byeol , Liu Xingzhe , Xuan Yanhua , Cho Jin Won , Jang Yeun Kyu
Published: November 2023

The dosage-dependent recruitment of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) at the promoters of genes related to neurodevelopment and stem cell maintenance is required for transcription by the fine-tuned expression of SET-domain-containing protein 5 (SETD5). Pol II O-GlcNAcylation by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is critical for preinitiation complex formation and transcription cycling. SETD5 dysregulation has been linked to stem cell-like properties in some cancer types; however, the role of SETD5 in cancer cell stemness has not yet been determined. We here show that aberrant SETD5 overexpression induces stemness in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. SETD5 overexpression causes the upregulation of PI3K-AKT pathway-related genes and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers such as CD133, Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and estrogen-related receptor beta (ESRRB), leading to the gain of stem cell-like phenotypes. Our findings also revealed a functional relationship between SETD5, OGT, and Pol II. OGT-catalyzed Pol II glycosylation depends on SETD5, and the SETD5-Pol II interaction weakens in OGT-depleted cells, suggesting a SETD5-OGT-Pol II interdependence. SETD5 deficiency reduces Pol II occupancy at PI3K-AKT pathway-related genes and CD133 promoters, suggesting a role for SETD5-mediated Pol II recruitment in gene regulation. Moreover, the SETD5 depletion nullified the SETD5-induced stemness of CRC cells and Pol II O-GlcNAcylation. These findings support the hypothesis that SETD5 mediates OGT-catalyzed O-GlcNAcylation of RNA Pol II, which is involved in cancer cell stemness gain via CSC marker gene upregulation.
The use of Multispectral Radio-Meter (MSR5) data for wheat crop genotypes identification using machine learning models
Authors: Jamil Mutiullah , Rehman Hafeezur , Saqlain Zaheer Muhammad , Tariq Aqil , Iqbal Rashid , Hasnain Muhammad Usama , Majeed Asma , Munir Awais , Sabagh Ayman El , Habib ur Rahman Muhammad , Raza Ahsan , Ajmal Ali Mohammad , Elshikh Mohamed S.
Published: November 2023

Satellite remote sensing is widely being used by the researchers and geospatial scientists due to its free data access for land observation and agricultural activities monitoring. The world is suffering from food shortages due to the dramatic increase in population and climate change. Various crop genotypes can survive in harsh climatic conditions and give more production with less disease infection. Remote sensing can play an essential role in crop genotype identification using computer vision. In many studies, different objects, crops, and land cover classification is done successfully, while crop genotypes classification is still a gray area. Despite the importance of genotype identification for production planning, a significant method has yet to be developed to detect the genotypes varieties of crop yield using multispectral radiometer data. In this study, three genotypes of wheat crop (Aas-‘2011’, ‘Miraj-‘08’, and ‘Punjnad-1) fields are prepared for the investigation of multispectral radio meter band properties. Temporal data (every 15 days from the height of 10 feet covering 5 feet in the circle in one scan) is collected using an efficient multispectral Radio Meter (MSR5 five bands). Two hundred yield samples of each wheat genotype are acquired and manually labeled accordingly for the training of supervised machine learning models. To find the strength of features (five bands), Principle Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and Nonlinear Discernment Analysis (NDA) are performed besides the machine learning models of the Extra Tree Classifier (ETC), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Logistic Regression (LR), k Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with detailed of configuration settings. ANN and random forest algorithm have achieved approximately maximum accuracy of 97% and 96% on the test dataset. It is recommended that digital policymakers from the agriculture department can use ANN and RF to identify the different genotypes at farmer's fields and research centers. These findings can be used for precision identification and management of the crop specific genotypes for optimized resource use efficiency.
Global disease burden and its attributable risk factors of peripheral arterial disease
Authors: You Yayu , Wang Zhuo , Yin Zhehui , Bao Qinyi , Lei Shuxin , Yu Jiaye , Xie Xiaojie
Published: November 2023

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent subtype of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. It is crucial to assess the PAD-related burden and its attributable risk factors. We use the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 database to calculate the incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALY), attributable risk factors and estimated annual percentage change. The disease burden of PAD grows significantly with age accompanied by prominent heterogeneity between male and female. Despite the increase in the absolute numbers of disease burden from 1990 to 2019, the global PAD-related age-standardized death rate (ASDR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDALYR) have a mild downward trend from 1990 to 2019, which negatively correlated with sociodemographic index (SDI). Smoking and high systolic blood pressure (SBP) were the primary attributable risk factors for males (ASDR: 33.4%; ASDALYR: 43.4%) and females (ASDR: 25.3%; ASDALYR: 27.6%), respectively. High fasting plasma glucose (FPG) had become the second risk factor for ASDR (males: 28.5%; females: 25.2%) and ASDALYR (males: 29.3%; females: 26.3%) with an upward tendency. Low-middle SDI regions were predicted to have the most remarkable upward trend of PAD-related burden caused by high FPG. Smoking caused more disease burden in males before 85–90 years old and females before 65–70 years old, while high FPG and high SBP caused more burden after that. The patterns of PAD-related burden and its attributable risk factors are heterogeneous across ages, genders, and SDI regions. To reduce disease burden, tailored strategies should be implemented.
Development of an antimicrobial inorganic polymer based on fly ash and metakaolin incorporated by nano-TiO2 for reactive dye removal
Authors: Ahmed Doaa A. , El-Apasery Morsy A. , Ragai Shereen M.
Published: November 2023

Advanced and eco-friendly construction materials are being developed to reduce pollution and improve wastewater treatment efficiency. One such material is a photocatalytic nanocomposite that uses industrial wastes and natural substances to eliminate pollution. A recent study explored using an inorganic polymer composite (FM) made from a mixture of 70% fly ash and 30% metakaolin, with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate as an alkali activator. The study evaluated the mechanical and hydration characteristics of the FM composite after 28 days in 100% humidity at room temperature. The study also examined the effect of adding 2.5 wt.% of Nano-TiO2 to FM composite and how it affects its properties. Results indicate that adding Nano-TiO2 to FM composite enhances its mechanical, antibacterial, and photocatalytic capabilities. Specifically, FM-TiO2 composite showed 90% removal of reactive blue 19 dye effluent in sunlight after 90 min, making it an excellent choice for sustainable wastewater treatment. This study presents a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution to wastewater treatment, with added antimicrobial properties from Nano-TiO2.
A randomized, blinded study of photobiomodulation in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease showed no preventive effect
Authors: Sipion Mélanie , Ferreira Filipa M. , Scholler Jules , Brana Corinne , Gora Michalina , Kouvas George , Barthet Gael , Sobolewski Aleksander
Published: November 2023

Photobiomodulation (PBM), the process of exposing tissue to red or near-infrared light, has become a topic of great interest as a therapy for diverse pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of PBM on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using behavioral and histological readouts from a well-established transgenic murine AD model (5xFAD mice) in a randomized and fully blinded long-term in-vivo study following GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) guidelines. The heads of the mice were illuminated with no (sham), low or high power 810 nm light, three times a week for 5 months from the first to the sixth month of life corresponding to the prodromal phase of the pathology. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the groups in behavioral tests, including the Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and Y-maze. Similarly, histological analyses showed no differences in amyloid load, neuronal loss or microglial response. In conclusion, under the conditions of our experiment, we were unable to demonstrate any therapeutic effect of PBM for AD. This study calls for further evidence and caution when considering PBM as an effective treatment for AD.
Thermodynamics of continental deformation
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Cacace Mauro , Scheck-Wenderoth Magdalena
Published: November 2023

Continental deformation is known to be controlled by the interplay between tectonic and gravitational forces modulated by thermal relaxation-controlled lithospheric strength leading to oscillations around an equilibrium state, or to runaway extension. Using data-driven thermomechanical modelling of the Alpine Himalayan Collision Zone, we demonstrate how deviations from an equilibrium between mantle dynamics, plate-boundary forces, and the thermochemical configuration of the lithosphere control continental deformation. We quantify such balance between the internal energy of the plate and tectonic forces in terms of a critical crustal thickness, that match the global average of present-day continental crust. It follows that thicker intraplate domains than the critical crust (orogens) must undergo weakening due to their increased internal energy, and, in doing so, they dissipate the acquired energy within a diffused zone of deformation, unlike the localized deformation seen along plate boundaries. This evolution is controlled by a dissipative thermodynamic feedback loop between thermal and mechanical relaxation of the driving energy in the orogenic lithosphere. Exponentially growing energy states, leading to runaway extension are efficiently dampened by enhanced dissipation from radioactive heat sources. This ultimately drives orogens with their thickened radiogenic crust towards a final equilibrium state. Our results suggest a genetic link between the thermochemical state of the crust and the tectonic evolution of silicate Earth-like planets.
Agave amica a potential model for the study of agavins metabolism
Authors: Salomé-Abarca Luis Francisco , Márquez-López Ruth Esperanza , López Mercedes G.
Published: November 2023

Fructans found in agave are called agavins, highly branched neo-fructans. They are essential on the yield and quality of Tequila production. The need for agave specimens with higher accumulation of agavins became essential before the growing demand of such products. To get such specimens, understanding agavins metabolism is a quintessential requirement. For this, a more efficient biological model is required. The recently reclassified Agave amica possesses the potential to gather the requirements for becoming such a model. Therefore, this study dealt with the characterization of carbohydrates in the bulbs of A. amica focusing on fructans. Moreover, it tested and described its feasibility as model for the accelerated study of agavins. Infrared analysis unveiled potential content of fructans in the bulbs of A. amica. Furthermore, high performance thin layer chromatography detected fructooligosaccharides. High performance anion exchange chromatography confirmed a polydisperse mixture of branched fructans. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated agavins like structures in the bulbs of A. amica. Moreover, total fructan content and multivariate data analysis through bulb’s age demonstrated their correlation. Thus, the presence of agavins, their correlation with phenology, and their technical advantages highlighted the feasibility of this species as a potential new biological model for the study of agavins’ metabolism.
Endophytic bacterial communities in ungerminated and germinated seeds of commercial vegetables
Authors: Acuña Jacquelinne J. , Hu Jingming , Inostroza Nitza G. , Valenzuela Tamara , Perez Pablo , Epstein Slava , Sessitsch Angela , Zhang Qian , Jorquera Milko A.
Published: November 2023

Chile is a prominent seed exporter globally, but the seed microbiome of vegetables (46% of seeds) and its role in the early stages of plant growth have remained largely unexplored. Here, we employed DNA metabarcoding analysis to investigate the composition and putative functions of endophytic bacterial communities in ungerminated and germinated seeds of the commercial vegetables Apiaceae (parsley and carrot), Asteraceae (lettuce), Brassicaceae (cabbage and broccoli), and Solanaceae (tomato). Bacterial quantification showed 104 to 108 copies of the 16S rRNA gene per gram of ungerminated and germinated seeds. Alpha diversity analysis (e.g., Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices) did not indicate significant differences (Kruskal–Wallis test) between ungerminated and germinated seeds, except for Solanaceae. However, beta diversity (PCoA) analysis showed distinctions (Adonis test) between ungerminated and germinated seeds, except Apiaceae. Pseudomonadota and Bacillota were identified as the dominant and specialist taxa in both ungerminated and germinated seed samples. Chemoheterotrophy and fermentation were predicted as the main microbial functional groups in the endophytic bacterial community. Notably, a considerable number of the 143 isolated endophytic strains displayed plant growth-promoting traits (10 to 64%) and biocontrol activity (74% to 82%) against plant pathogens (Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas). This study revealed the high variability in the abundance, diversity, composition, and functionality of endophytic bacteria between ungerminated and germinated seeds in globally commercialized vegetables. Furthermore, potential beneficial endophytic bacteria contained in their seed microbiomes that may contribute to the microbiome of the early stages, development, growth and progeny of vegetables were found.
Glutamate receptor genetic variants affected peripheral glutamatergic transmission and treatment induced improvement of Indian ADHD probands
Authors: Chatterjee Mahasweta , Saha Sharmistha , Shom Sayanti , Dutta Nilanjana , Sinha Swagata , Mukhopadhyay Kanchan
Published: November 2023

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a childhood-onset neurobehavioral disorder, often perturbs scholastic achievement and peer-relationship. The pivotal role of glutamate (Glu) in learning and memory indicated an influence of Glu in ADHD, leading to the exploration of Glu in different brain regions of ADHD subjects. We for the first time analyzed GluR genetic variations, Glu levels, as well as expression of Glu receptors (GluR) in the peripheral blood of eastern Indian ADHD probands to find out the relevance of Glu in ADHD prognosis. After obtaining informed written consent for participation, peripheral blood was collected for analyzing the genetic variants, Glu level, and expression of target genes. Since ADHD probands are often treated with methylphenidate or atomoxetine for providing symptomatic remediation, we have also tested post-therapeutic improvement in the ADHD trait scores in the presence of different GluR genotypes. Two variants, GRM7 rs3749380 “T” and GRIA1 rs2195450 “C”, exhibited associations with ADHD (P ≤ 0.05). A few GluR genetic variants showed significant association with higher trait severity, low IQ, lower plasma Glu level, down-regulated GluR mRNA expression, and poor response to medications. This indicates that down-regulated glutamatergic system may have an effect on ADHD etiology and treatment efficacy warranting further in-depth investigation.
A Weibull process monitoring with AEWMA control chart: an application to breaking strength of the fibrous composite
Authors: Sarwar Muhammad Atif , Noor-ul-Amin Muhammad , Khan Imad , Ismail Emad A. A. , Sumelka Wojciech , Nabi Muhammad
Published: November 2023

In recent times, there has been a growing focus among researchers on memory-based control charts. The Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) and Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) charts and the adaptive control charting approaches got the attention. Control charts are commonly employed to oversee processes, assuming the monitored variable follows a normal distribution. However, it's worth noting that this assumption does not hold true in many real-world situations. The use of the algebraic expression for normalization, which can be used for all kinds of skewed distributions with a closed-form distribution function, using the proposed continuous function to adapt a smoothing constant, motivates this study. In the present manuscript, we design an EWMA statistic-based adaptive control chart to monitor the irregular variations in the mean of two parametric Weibull distribution and use Hasting approximation for normalization. The adaptive control charts are used to update the smoothing constant according to the estimated shift. Here we use the proposed continuous function to adapt the smoothing constant. The average run length and standard deviation of run length are calculated under different parameter settings. The effectiveness of the proposed chart is argued in terms of ARLs over the considered EWMA chart through Monte-Carlo (MC) simulation method. The proposed chart is examined, followed by a real data set to demonstrate the design and application procedures.
Plain radiographic indices are reliable indicators for quantitative bone mineral density in male and female patients before total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Rohe Sebastian , Böhle Sabrina , Matziolis Georg , Jacob Benjamin , Brodt Steffen
Published: November 2023

Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Bone mineral density measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard, but indices on plain hip radiographs also seemed to be reliable screening tools in female or Asian ethnicities in previous studies. Given the lack of knowledge about male patients and Caucasian ethnicities, this study was conducted to evaluate plane hip radiographic indices as a screening tool for osteopenia and osteoporosis in Caucasian female and also male patients before undergoing THA. A retrospective analysis of 216 elderly patients with pre-existing DXA before hip arthroplasty was performed and four indices were calculated on plain hip radiographs: Canal-Flare-Index (CFI), Canal-Calcar-Ratio (CCR), Canal-Bone-Ratio (CBR) 7 and 10 cm below the lesser trochanter. They were correlated with femoral neck DXA T-scores by Pearson’s correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient, and a ROC analysis was performed. A total of 216 patients (49.5% male) were included. CBR-7 and -10 were highly correlated (p < 0.001) with femoral neck T-score in males (Pearson’s correlation CBR-7 r = − 0.60, CBR-10 r = − 0.55) and females (r = − 0.74, r = − 0.77). CBR-7 and -10 also showed good diagnostic accuracy for osteoporosis in the ROC analysis in males (CBR-7: AUC = 0.75, threshold = 0.51; CBR-10: 0.63; 0.50) and females (CBR-7: AUC = 0.87, threshold = 0.55; CBR-10: 0.90; 0.54). Indices such as the Canal Bone Ratio (CBR) 7 or 10 cm below the lesser trochanter on plain hip radiographs are a good screening tool for osteopenia and osteoporosis on plain hip radiographs and can be used to initiate further diagnostics like the gold standard DXA. They differ between male and female patients.