bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of machine learning techniques for Arabic fake news detection
Authors: Touahri Ibtissam , Mazroui Azzeddine
Published: May 2024

Social media platforms have emerged as primary information sources, offering easy access to a wide audience. Consequently, a significant portion of the global population relies on these platforms for updates on current events. However, fraudulent actors exploit social networks to disseminate false information, either for financial gain or to manipulate public opinion. Recognizing the detrimental impact of fake news, researchers have turned their attention to automating its detection. In this paper, we provide a thorough review of fake news detection in Arabic, a low-resource language, to contextualize the current state of research in this domain. In our research methodology, we recall fake news terminology, provide examples for clarity, particularly in Arabic contexts, and explore its impact on public opinion. We discuss the challenges in fake news detection, outline the used datasets, and provide Arabic annotation samples for label assignment. Likewise, preprocessing steps for Arabic language nuances are highlighted. We also explore features from shared tasks and their implications. Lastly, we address open issues, proposing some future research directions like dataset improvement, feature refinement, and increased awareness to combat fake news proliferation. We contend that incorporating our perspective into the examination of fake news aspects, along with suggesting enhancements, sets this survey apart from others currently available.
Multiscale model diagnostics
Authors: Mannseth Trond
Published: May 2024

I consider the problem of model diagnostics, that is, the problem of criticizing a model prior to history matching by comparing data to an ensemble of simulated data based on the prior model (prior predictions). If the data are not deemed as a credible prior prediction by the model diagnostics, some settings of the model should be changed before history matching is attempted. I particularly target methodologies that are computationally feasible for large models with large amounts of data. A multiscale methodology, that can be applied to analyze differences between data and prior predictions in a scale-by-scale fashion, is proposed for this purpose. The methodology is computationally inexpensive, straightforward to apply, and can handle correlated observation errors without making approximations. The multiscale methodology is tested on a set of toy models, on two simplistic reservoir models with synthetic data, and on real data and prior predictions from the Norne field. The tests include comparisons with a previously published method (termed the Mahalanobis methodology in this paper). For the Norne case, both methodologies led to the same decisions regarding whether to accept or discard the data as a credible prior prediction. The multiscale methodology led to correct decisions for the toy models and the simplistic reservoir models. For these models, the Mahalanobis methodology either led to incorrect decisions, and/or was unstable with respect to selection of the ensemble of prior predictions.
The resilient self-employability of women and senior people after sudden economic shocks
Authors: Audretsch David B. , Ghalwash Seham , Peña-Legazkue Iñaki
Published: May 2024

In recent times, various crises have negatively affected the financial stability, job security, and health of countless individuals. According to research, different factors that operate at both the individual and contextual levels can play a prominent role in influencing people's self-employment during periods of economic downturn. This study investigates the changes in the likelihood of self-employment by gender and age across various contexts following sudden shocks. By analyzing the intersection of occupational choice and business cycle theories, this research offers insights into how crises affect people's ability to work for themselves. Using a sample of over 250,000 individuals from sixteen countries and applying a multilevel binary logistic regression analysis, the results confirm that women and older individuals are less inclined to be self-employed in general. However, unexpected economic recessions may lead to a slight increase in their likelihood of self-employment. Furthermore, when women and seniors live in a higher GDP per capita context, this context positively moderates the relationship between gender, age, and the propensity for entrepreneurship. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to promote resilient self-employment among vulnerable individuals for post-crisis recovery.
ResLMFFNet: a real-time semantic segmentation network for precision agriculture
Authors: Ulku Irem
Published: May 2024

Lightweight multiscale-feature-fusion network (LMFFNet), a proficient real-time CNN architecture, adeptly achieves a balance between inference time and accuracy. Capturing the intricate details of precision agriculture target objects in remote sensing images requires deep SEM-B blocks in the LMFFNet model design. However, employing numerous SEM-B units leads to instability during backward gradient flow. This work proposes the novel residual-LMFFNet (ResLMFFNet) model for ensuring smooth gradient flow within SEM-B blocks. By incorporating residual connections, ResLMFFNet achieves improved accuracy without affecting the inference speed and the number of trainable parameters. The results of the experiments demonstrate that this architecture has achieved superior performance compared to other real-time architectures across diverse precision agriculture applications involving UAV and satellite images. Compared to LMFFNet, the ResLMFFNet architecture enhances the Jaccard Index values by 2.1% for tree detection, 1.4% for crop detection, and 11.2% for wheat-yellow rust detection. Achieving these remarkable accuracy levels involves maintaining almost identical inference time and computational complexity as the LMFFNet model. The source code is available on GitHub: https://github.com/iremulku/Semantic-Segmentation-in-Precision-Agriculture.
Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Time Spent Sitting and Risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Puglia
Authors: Franco Isabella , Bianco Antonella , Bonfiglio Caterina , Curci Ritanna , Campanella Angelo , Osella Alberto Rubén
Published: May 2024

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. The increasingly sedentary lifestyle in recent years may have accelerated the development of NAFLD, independent of the level of physical activity.

Objective

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and time spent sitting (TSS) and the likelihood of developing NAFLD in a sample of men and women aged 18–64 years, from southern Italy.

Design

The study is based on two cohort studies, a randomized clinical trial and an observational cost-benefit study.

Participants

A total of 1269 participants (51.5% women) drawn from 3992 eligible subjects were enrolled in this study.

Exposures

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and time spent sitting (TSS) were assessed using the Italian long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF), designed for administration to adults aged 18 to 65 years.

Main Measures

The association of exposures with the probability of belonging to a certain NAFLD degree of severity.

Key Results

The probability of having mild, moderate, and severe NAFLD tends to decrease with increasing LTPA and decreasing TSS levels. We selected a combination of participants aged 50 years and older stratified by gender. Men had a statistically significant difference in the probability of developing moderate NAFLD if they spent 70 h per week sitting and had low LTPA, while among women there was a statistically significant difference in the probability of developing mild or moderate NAFLD if they had moderate LPTA and spent 35–70 h/week sitting.

Conclusions

The study thus showed that the amount of LTPA and the amount of TSS are associated with development and progression of NAFLD, but this relationship is not a linear one—especially in women aged ≥ 50 years old.
Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW): Left-Wing Authoritarian—and Populist? An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Thomeczek J. Philipp
Published: May 2024

Germany’s relatively stable party system faces a new left-authoritarian challenger: Sahra Wagenknecht’s Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party. First polls indicate that for the BSW, election results above 10% are within reach. While Wagenknecht’s positions in economic and cultural terms have already been discussed, this article elaborates on another highly relevant feature of Wagenknecht, namely her populist communication. Exploring Wagenknecht’s and BSW’s populist appeal helps us to understand why the party is said to also have potential among seemingly different voter groups coming from the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and far left Die Linke, which share high levels of populist attitudes. To analyse the role that populist communication plays for Wagenknecht and the BSW, this article combines quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative analysis covers all speeches (10,000) and press releases (19,000) published by Die Linke members of Parliament (MPs; 2005–2023). The results show that Wagenknecht is the (former) Die Linke MP with the highest share of populist communication. Furthermore, she was also able to convince a group of populist MPs to join the BSW. The article closes with a qualitative analysis of BSW’s manifesto that reveals how populist framing plays a major role in this document, in which the political and economic elites are accused of working against the interest of “the majority”. Based on this analysis, the classification of the BSW as a populist party seems to be appropriate.
Statistical analysis of physico-mechanical parameters of sandstones occurring in orogenic settings
Authors: Pappalardo Giovanna , Carbone Serafina , Monaco Carmelo , Zocco Giordana , Mineo Simone
Published: May 2024

In northeastern Sicily (Italy), sandstone rock masses widely crop out as cover deposits over crystalline terrains belonging to the orogenic belt. Despite being part of the same geological formation, these sandstones are characterized by highly different features in terms of texture and physico-mechanical properties. This poses a scientific question on the possibility of tracing these rocks to a single statistical model, which could be representative of their main engineering geological properties. Therefore, it is worth investigating on the possible reasons of such differences, that should be searched either in the current geographical sandstone distribution or in the rock texture. For this study, sandstone samples were collected from different sites and were analyzed at both the hand and thin section scales. Three sandstone types were recognized, characterized by a different texture. Then, the laboratory characterization allowed estimating their main physico-mechanical and ultrasonic properties, such as porosity, density, mechanical strength, deformability, and ultrasonic velocities. The rock mechanical strength proved linked to the rock compactness and to the presence of lithic fragments, while pores and a pseudo-matrix between grains represent weakening features. Rock data were also statistically analyzed by grouping the specimens according to a geographical criterion, with respect to their sampling area, but no link was found between location and rock properties. Finally, with the aim of achieving mathematical laws that could be used to predict some rock properties from others, useful for practical purposes when dealing with such a high property variability, single and multiple regression analyses were carried out. Results show that the Uniaxial Compressive Strength, porosity, and P-wave velocity are the best predictors for a quick, indirect estimation of the main physico-mechanical parameters. The methodological approach developed for this research can be taken as reference to study other worldwide cases, involving rocks characterized by a wide range of physico-mechanical properties and covering large regional territories.
Complications related to short peripheral intravenous catheters in patients with acute stroke: a prospective, observational, single-cohort study
Authors: Privitera Daniele , Geraneo Annalisa , Li Veli Greta , Parravicini Giorgio , Mazzone Annamaria , Rossini Michela , Sanfilippo Marianna , Gubertini Alessandro , Airoldi Chiara , Capsoni Nicolò , Busca Erica , Bassi Erika , Langer Thomas , Dal Molin Alberto
Published: May 2024

Patients with acute stroke often require venous access to facilitate diagnostic investigations or intravenous therapy. The primary aim of this study was to describe the rate and type of complications associated with the placement of a short peripheral catheter (SPC) in patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. A prospective, observational, single-cohort study was conducted at Niguarda Hospital, Italy, with enrolment in the Emergency Department. Adult patients with an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke requiring an SPC were enrolled. Complications, such as infiltration, occlusion, phlebitis and dislodgment, were recorded daily. Descriptive statistics were used, and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) was estimated to assess the difference in complications, considering catheter calibre, dominant side, exit site, limb, and limb mobility, ictus type (ischemic/haemorrhagic), impairment deficit (language, motor, visual) and EA-DIVA score. A total of 269 participants and 755 SPC were analysed. Removal of SPC due to at least one local complication occurred in 451 (60%). Dislodgment was the major cause of SPC removal (31%), followed by infiltration (18%), occlusion (6%), and phlebitis (5%). The SPC calibre (22G), exit-site other than antecubital and forearm, visual deficit and EA-DIVA ≥ 8 were associated with a higher rate of SPC complications: IRR, 1.71 [1.31; 2.31]; 1.27 [1.01; 1.60], 1.38 [1.06; 1.80], 1.30 [1.04; 1.64], respectively. No other differences in complication rates were observed according to the insertion site, i.e. dominant side, left side, plegic/hyposthenic limb, or exit site. This study provides novel insights into the frequency and types of complications associated with SPC in patients with acute stroke. Compared to the literature, a higher dislodgment rate was observed, being the first cause of SPC removal, whereas no differences in the number of infiltrations, occlusions, and phlebitis were recorded.
Perazzo n-folds and the weak Lefschetz property
Authors: Mezzetti Emilia , Miró-Roig Rosa M.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we determine the maximum $$h_{max}$$

h

max

and the minimum $$h_{min}$$

h

min

of the Hilbert vectors of Perazzo algebras $$A_F$$

A
F

, where F is a Perazzo polynomial of degree d in $$n+m+1$$

n
+
m
+
1

variables. These algebras always fail the Strong Lefschetz Property. We determine the integers n, m, d such that $$h_{max}$$

h

max

(resp. $$h_{min}$$

h

min

) is unimodal, and we prove that $$A_F$$

A
F

always fails the Weak Lefschetz Property if its Hilbert vector is maximum, while it satisfies the Weak Lefschetz Property if it is minimum, unimodal, and satisfies an additional mild condition. We determine the minimal free resolution of Perazzo algebras associated to Perazzo threefolds in $$\mathbb {P}^4$$

P

4

with minimum Hilbert vectors. Finally we pose some open problems in this context.
Alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: do mitral valve leaflet length, septal thickness, or sex affect the outcome?
Authors: Mustafic Mesud , Jandér Rebecka , Marlevi David , Rickenlund Anette , Rück Andreas , Saleh Nawzad , Abdi Sam , Eriksson Maria J. , Damlin Anna
Published: May 2024

This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess whether basal septal wall thickness (BSWT), anterior (AML) and posterior (PML) mitral leaflet length, or sex were associated with remaining left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA). One hundred fifty-four patients who underwent ASA at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, between 2009 and 2021, were included retrospectively. Anatomical and hemodynamic parameters were collected from invasive catheterization before and during ASA, and from echocardiography (ECHO) examinations before, during, and at 1-year follow-up after ASA. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between sex, BSWT, AML, PML, and outcome, which was defined as the remaining LVOTO (≥ 30 mmHg) after ASA. The median follow-up was 364 days (interquartile range 334–385 days). BSWT ≥ 23 mm (n = 13, 12%) was associated with remaining LVOTO at follow-up (p = 0.004). Elongated mitral valve leaflet length (either AML or PML) was present in 125 (90%) patients. Elongated AML (> 24 mm) was present in 67 (44%) patients, although AML length was not associated with remaining LVOTO at follow-up. Elongated PML (> 14 mm) was present in 114 (74%) patients and was not associated with remaining LVOTO at follow-up. No significant sex differences were observed regarding the remaining LVOTO. ECHO measurement of BSWT can be effectively used to select patients for successful ASA and identify those patients with a risk of incomplete resolution of LVOTO after ASA.

Graphical abstract
Methodology for the assessment of the friction torque of ball slewing bearings considering preload scatter
Authors: Escanciano Iñigo , Heras Iker , Schleich Florian , Aguirrebeitia Josu
Published: May 2024

This manuscript presents an innovative methodology for the assessment of the friction torque of ball slewing bearings. The methodology aims to overcome the limitations of state-of-the-art approaches, especially when the friction torque is conditioned by the preload of the balls. To this end, the authors propose to simulate the preload scatter when solving the load distribution problem, prior to the friction torque calculation. This preload scatter allows to simulate a progressive transition of the balls from a four-point contact state to a two-point contact one. By implementing this capability into an analytical model, the authors achieve a successful correlation with experimental results. Nonetheless, depending on the stiffness of the structures to which the bearing is assembled, it is demonstrated that the rigid ring assumption can lead to inaccurate friction torque results when a tilting moment is applied. The methodology described in this research work is meant to have a practical application. Therefore, the manuscript provides guidelines about how to use and tune the analytical model to get a reliable friction torque prediction tool.
Black Americans’ Diminished Health Returns of Professional Occupations: A Thirty-Year Follow-Up Study of Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Occupational classes exert substantial effects on both subjective and objective health outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether the health impact of similar occupational classes varies across racial groups among middle-aged and older adults in the United States.

Aim

Grounded in the theory of Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs), which posits that health benefits from resources such as employment are systematically weaker for racial minority populations, particularly Non-Latino Black individuals, this study tested Black-White disparities in the effects of similar occupational classes on health outcomes in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Utilizing data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we employed a 30-year longitudinal design with a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Six occupational classes—operator, managerial, professional specialty, sales, clerical/admin, and service—served as the key predictor variables (independent variables), with race as the moderator. Various health outcomes, including self-rated health, chronic disease, body mass index (BMI), activities of daily living (ADL), and cognitive function, were measured longitudinally from wave 1 to wave 15 (from baseline to 30 years later). Statistical analyses, incorporating logistic regression models, were conducted to assess associations between occupational class and health outcomes overall and based on race.

Results

Our analysis included 7538 Non-Latino White or Non-Latino Black participants followed for up to 30 years. Initial findings revealed positive health effects of professional occupations on cognitive function and self-rated health over 30 years of follow-uWe also identified significant interactions between race and professional occupational class on all health outcomes, indicating notable racial differences in the effects of professional occupations on health outcomes across domains. The effects of professional occupational class were weaker for Non-Latino Black individuals than for Non-Latino White individuals.

Conclusion

Consistent with the Minorities’ Diminished Returns theory, our findings indicated less pronounced positive effects of professional occupations on a wide range of health outcomes for Non-Latino Black individuals compared to Non-Latino Whites. These disparities emphasize the critical need to address structural factors that contribute to the diminished returns of prestigious occupations for Non-Latino Black populations.
A Convolution Neural Network with Skip Connections (CNNSC) approach for detecting micronutrients boron and iron deficiency in banana leaves
Authors: Sunitha P. , Uma B. , Geetha Kiran A. , Channakeshava S. , Suresh Babu C. S.
Published: May 2024

Banana plants require a precise balance of 16 essential nutrients to flourish, with micronutrients playing a pivotal role in smaller proportions than macronutrients. Insufficient micronutrient provision in Banana plants can impede growth, hinder flowering, and diminish fruit production. Precise identification of deficiencies is imperative for farmers aiming to cultivate nutrient-dense crops and enhance their yields. Micronutrients such as Boron contribute to hormone regulation, while Iron facilitates enzyme function, DNA synthesis, and overall metabolic processes in plants. Observable manifestations of Boron and Iron deficiencies on banana leaves are crucial indicators necessitating intervention. The present work proposes a novel deep learning methodology, employing a CNN model with Skip Connections (CNNSC), to detect Boron and Iron deficiencies in banana foliage. The CNNSC model, featuring thirteen layers, surpasses established architectures like VGG16, DenseNet, and Inception V3. Training the model on a specialized curated dataset comprising 11,000 nutrient-deficient images, with a split of 70% for training and 30% for testing, has yielded promising outcomes. Key performance metrics, encompassing accuracy, loss, precision, F1-score, recall, and the confusion matrix underscore the efficacy of the model, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of approximately 95%.
Identifying player skill of dota 2 using machine learning pipeline
Authors: Pengmatchaya Methasit , Natwichai Juggapong
Published: May 2024

The esports industry is one of the prominent business sectors in the digital era, particularly, Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games which gain much attention from gamers and streaming audiences. Among such games, Defense of the Ancient 2 or Dota 2 is the record holder for the highest prize esports tournament. Therefore, various companies and investors start their esports teams to compete in the Dota 2 tournaments, the Internationals. To success in the competition, player recruitment is a crucial process as it usually takes considerable effort to find a skillful player. Watching the game replay to evaluate the player’s skill is one of the approaches. However, it can be too exhaustive, also some player’s ranking, which represent the player’s skill, are often not available. In this paper, we propose an effective machine learning pipeline to evaluate the player’s skill. Our designed pipeline includes data collection, feature engineering, and machine learning modeling. We show the data collection process using open-source API. An effective method for feature engineering is proposed. Features, e.g., end-game, or tactical decision related statistics, are incorporated along with the resource in the game distribution, harassment tactic, or spatiotemporal features, in order to provide effective models. Subsequently, we apply major machine learning models based on a single game data, i.e., logistic regression and random forest, to the processed data. The most effective model can achieve up to 0.7091 precision, 0.5850 recall, 0.6411 F1-score, and 0.8123 ROC AUC score.
Computer Interactive Gesture Recognition Model Based on Improved YOLOv5 Algorithm
Authors: Yu Chunling
Published: May 2024

The expansion of virtual and augmented reality, intelligent assistance technology, and other fields has led to an increased demand for human–computer interaction methods that are more natural and intuitive. Gesture recognition has become an important research direction. Traditional gesture recognition methods are mainly based on image processing and pattern recognition techniques. However, there are certain challenges to its accuracy and robustness in complex backgrounds. In addition, the temporal correlation and spatial information in gesture sequences have not been fully utilized, which limits the performance of gesture recognition systems. In response to the above issues, this study first utilizes the Ghost module for feature extraction based on the You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) algorithm. Then drawing inspiration from the idea of densely connected networks, feature map stitching is carried out, and a human–machine interactive gesture recognition algorithm is designed by combining it with a hybrid attention mechanism. The experimental results showed that the average accuracy of the algorithm tended to converge after 160 iterations, and the final MAP value converged to 92.19%. Compared to the standard YOLOv5 algorithm, its iteration speed had been improved by 12.5%, and the MAP value had been improved by 4.63%. The designed human–computer interaction gesture recognition algorithm has higher accuracy and smaller error, and has certain application potential in the field of machine vision.
Uniform syndeticity in multiple recurrence
Authors: JAMNESHAN ASGAR , PAN MINGHAO
Published: May 2024

The main theorem of this paper establishes a uniform syndeticity result concerning the multiple recurrence of measure-preserving actions on probability spaces. More precisely, for any integers
$d,l\geq 1$
and any
$\varepsilon> 0$
, we prove the existence of
$\delta>0$
and
$K\geq 1$
(dependent only on d, l, and
$\varepsilon $
) such that the following holds: Consider a solvable group
$\Gamma $
of derived length l, a probability space
$(X, \mu )$
, and d pairwise commuting measure-preserving
$\Gamma $
-actions
$T_1, \ldots , T_d$
on
$(X, \mu )$
. Let E be a measurable set in X with
$\mu (E) \geq \varepsilon $
. Then, K many (left) translates of
$$ \begin{align*} \big\{\gamma\in\Gamma\colon \mu(T_1^{\gamma^{-1}}(E)\cap T_2^{\gamma^{-1}} \circ T^{\gamma^{-1}}_1(E)\cap \cdots \cap T^{\gamma^{-1}}_d\circ T^{\gamma^{-1}}_{d-1}\circ \cdots \circ T^{\gamma^{-1}}_1(E))\geq \delta \big\} \end{align*} $$
cover
$\Gamma $
. This result extends and refines uniformity results by Furstenberg and Katznelson. As a combinatorial application, we obtain the following uniformity result. For any integers
$d,l\geq 1$
and any
$\varepsilon> 0$
, there are
$\delta>0$
and
$K\geq 1$
(dependent only on d, l, and
$\varepsilon $
) such that for all finite solvable groups G of derived length l and any subset
$E\subset G^d$
with
$m^{\otimes d}(E)\geq \varepsilon $
(where m is the uniform measure on G), we have that K-many (left) translates of
$$ \begin{align*} \{g\in G\colon &m^{\otimes d}(\{(a_1,\ldots,a_n)\in G^d\colon \\ & (a_1,\ldots,a_n),(ga_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n),\ldots,(ga_1,ga_2,\ldots, ga_n)\in E\})\geq \delta \} \end{align*} $$
cover G. The proof of our main result is a consequence of an ultralimit version of Austin’s amenable ergodic Szeméredi theorem.
Impact of soil type and harvest season on the ratooning ability of sugarcane varieties
Authors: Dlamini Njabulo Eugene , Franke Angelinus C. , Zhou Marvellous
Published: May 2024

Sugarcane varieties differ in their ratooning ability (RA), and it is hypothesized that soil types and harvest seasons impact varieties’ RA. However, the effects of these factors on varieties’ RA remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the RA of different commercial sugarcane varieties (NCo376, N19, N23, N25, and N36), and establish the effects of soils and seasons on ratoon yields of these varieties in Eswatini. Fifteen years data on tons cane per ha per annum (TCHA) and tons sucrose per ha per annum (TSHA) achieved by plant cane and seven ratoon crops were collected from four commercial growers and analysed using linear regression models. The varieties significantly differed in RA. Variety N25, which had the highest plant cane yields (121.3 TCHA and 16.7 TSHA), had the sharpest yield decline over ratoon crops (–2.74 TCHA and −0.33 TSHA), suggesting that this variety is more suitable for short crop cycles. Variety N36 had second highest plant cane yields (111.7 TCHA and 16.4 TSHA) and a lower ratoon yield decline (–1.38 TCHA and −0.16 TSHA) than N25, suggesting that it is suitable for longer ratoon crop cycles. While soil type and harvest season significantly affected the relative yields of varieties, they did not significantly impact their RA, indicating that differences in varieties’ RA were driven by genotype and were relatively stable across environments. This suggests that tests to assess the adaptability of varieties should be conducted in multiple environments, while testing the RA of varieties may be conducted in fewer environments.
Conceptualising the relationships between food sovereignty, food security and oral health among global Indigenous Communities: a scoping review
Authors: Poirier Brianna Faye , Soares Gustavo , Neufeld Hannah Tait , Hedges Joanne , Sethi Sneha , Jamieson Lisa
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Invasive colonial influences and continuing neoliberal policies have a detrimental impact on Land, health, food and culture for Indigenous Communities. Food security and sovereignty have significant impacts on Indigenous well-being and, specifically, oral health. Aspects relating to food security, such as availability of nutritious foods, are a common risk factor of oral diseases. This scoping review aimed to collate existing evidence regarding the relationship between food sovereignty and/or food security and oral health for Indigenous Communities, globally.

Design:

Four databases were searched using keywords related to ‘Food security’ or ‘Food sovereignty,’ ‘Indigenous Peoples’ and ‘Oral health.’ Duplicates were removed, and two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts to identify articles for full-text review. Extracted data were summarised narratively, presenting a conceptual model which illustrates the findings and relationships between food security and/or food sovereignty and oral health.

Results:

The search identified 369 articles, with forty-one suitable for full-text review and a final nine that met inclusion criteria. The impact of food security and food sovereignty on oral health was discussed across different populations and sample sizes, ranging from eighteen Kichwa families in Brazil to 533 First Nations and Metis households in Canada. Pathways of influence between food sovereignty and/or food security are explored clinically, quantitatively and qualitatively across oral health outcomes, including early childhood caries, dental caries and oral health-related quality of life for Indigenous Communities.

Conclusions:

Innovative strategies underpinned by concepts of Indigenous food sovereignty are needed to promote oral health equity for Indigenous Communities. The nexus between oral health and Indigenous food sovereignty remains largely unexplored, but has immense potential for empowering Indigenous rights to self-determination of health that honour Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
Trans-activating mutations of the pseudokinase ERBB3
Authors: Koivu Marika K. A. , Chakroborty Deepankar , Airenne Tomi T. , Johnson Mark S. , Kurppa Kari J. , Elenius Klaus
Published: May 2024

Genetic changes in the ERBB family of receptor tyrosine kinases serve as oncogenic driver events and predictive biomarkers for ERBB inhibitor drugs. ERBB3 is a pseudokinase member of the family that, although lacking a fully active kinase domain, is well known for its potent signaling activity as a heterodimeric complex with ERBB2. Previous studies have identified few transforming ERBB3 mutations while the great majority of the hundreds of different somatic ERBB3 variants observed in different cancer types remain of unknown significance. Here, we describe an unbiased functional genetics screen of the transforming potential of thousands of ERBB3 mutations in parallel. The screen based on a previously described iSCREAM (in vitro screen of activating mutations) platform, and addressing ERBB3 pseudokinase signaling in a context of ERBB3/ERBB2 heterodimers, identified 18 hit mutations. Validation experiments in Ba/F3, NIH 3T3, and MCF10A cell backgrounds demonstrated the presence of both previously known and unknown transforming ERBB3 missense mutations functioning either as single variants or in cis as a pairwise combination. Drug sensitivity assays with trastuzumab, pertuzumab and neratinib indicated actionability of the transforming ERBB3 variants.
HSP70-mediated mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy represent a novel vulnerability in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ferretti Giulia D. S. , Quaas Colleen E. , Bertolini Irene , Zuccotti Alessandro , Saatci Ozge , Kashatus Jennifer A. , Sharmin Salma , Lu David Y. , Poli Adi Narayana Reddy , Quesnelle Abigail F. , Rodriguez-Blanco Jezabel , de Cubas Aguirre A. , Hobbs G. Aaron , Liu Qin , O’Bryan John P. , Salvino Joseph M. , Kashatus David F. , Sahin Ozgur , Barnoud Thibaut
Published: May 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, is one of the deadliest forms of cancer with limited therapy options. Overexpression of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a hallmark of cancer that is strongly associated with aggressive disease and worse clinical outcomes. However, the underlying mechanisms by which HSP70 allows tumor cells to thrive under conditions of continuous stress have not been fully described. Here, we report that PDAC has the highest expression of HSP70 relative to normal tissue across all cancers analyzed. Furthermore, HSP70 expression is associated with tumor grade and is further enhanced in metastatic PDAC. We show that genetic or therapeutic ablation of HSP70 alters mitochondrial subcellular localization, impairs mitochondrial dynamics, and promotes mitochondrial swelling to induce apoptosis. Mechanistically, we find that targeting HSP70 suppresses the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) mediated phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). Treatment with the HSP70 inhibitor AP-4-139B was efficacious as a single agent in primary and metastatic mouse models of PDAC. In addition, we demonstrate that HSP70 inhibition promotes the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) mediated phosphorylation of Beclin-1, a key regulator of autophagic flux. Accordingly, we find that the autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) enhances the ability of AP-4-139B to mediate anti-tumor activity in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that HSP70 is a multi-functional driver of tumorigenesis that orchestrates mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy. Moreover, these findings support the rationale for concurrent inhibition of HSP70 and autophagy as a novel therapeutic approach for HSP70-driven PDAC.
Utilization of automated cilia analysis to characterize novel INPP5E variants in patients with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Whiting Kae R. , Haer-Wigman Lonneke , Florijn Ralph J. , van Beek Ronald , Oud Machteld M. , Plomp Astrid S. , Boon Camiel J. F. , Kroes Hester Y. , Roepman Ronald
Published: May 2024

INPP5E encodes inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase E, an enzyme involved in regulating the phosphatidylinositol (PIP) makeup of the primary cilium membrane. Pathogenic variants in INPP5E hence cause a variety of ciliopathies: genetic disorders caused by dysfunctional cilia. While the majority of these disorders are syndromic, such as the neuronal ciliopathy Joubert syndrome, in some cases patients will present with an isolated phenotype—most commonly non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here, we report two novel variants in INPP5E identified in two patients with non-syndromic RP: patient 1 with compound heterozygous variants (c.1516C > T, p.(Q506*), and c.847G > A, p.(A283T)) and patient 2 with a homozygous variant (c.1073C > T, p.(P358L)). To determine whether these variants were causative for the phenotype in the patients, automated ciliary phenotyping of patient-derived dermal fibroblasts was performed for percent ciliation, cilium length, retrograde IFT trafficking, and INPP5E localization. In both patients, a decrease in ciliary length and loss of INPP5E localization in the primary cilia were seen. With these molecular findings, we can confirm functionally that the novel variants in INPP5E are causative for the RP phenotypes seen in both patients. Additionally, this study demonstrates the usefulness of utilizing ciliary phenotyping as an assistant in ciliopathy diagnosis and phenotyping.
Written communication of whole genome sequencing results in the NHS Genomic Medicine Service: a multi-centre service evaluation
Authors: Ellard Holly , Clarke Angus , Wynn Sarah , Pichini Amanda , Lewis Celine
Published: May 2024

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is being used in diagnostic testing for certain clinical indications within the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) in England. Letter writing is an integral part of delivering results. However, no national guidelines for writing results from WGS exist. This multi-centre service evaluation used mixed methods to understand the content and readability of letters returning diagnostic, variant of uncertain significance (VUS), and no-finding results to paediatric rare disease patients. Eight Regional Genetics Services (response rate 47%) in England provided a total of 37 letters returning diagnostic (n = 13), VUS (n = 10), and no-finding (n = 14) results. Diagnostic and VUS results were usually delivered during an appointment; no-finding results were typically delivered by letter only. Letters were diverse in which content topics they covered and level of detail. No-finding letters (14/14) explained the result but were less likely to cover other topics. Diagnostic letters discussed the result (13/13), the condition (13/13), clinical genetics follow-up (13/13), clinical management (10/13), and adapting to the result (9/13). VUS letters explained the result (10/10), diagnostic uncertainty (10/10), and clinical genetics follow-up (10/10). Uncertainty was a common component of letters (33/37), irrespective of the result. Reanalysis or review after one or more years was suggested in 6/13 diagnostic, 7/10 VUS, and 6/14 no-finding letters. The mean reading level of letters corresponded to 15–17 years. Understanding how WGS results are conveyed to families during appointments, as well as how families interpret that information, is needed to provide a more comprehensive overview of results communication and inform best practices.
Endocrine effect of phthalate metabolites and a butterfly effect of prenatal exposure to androgens on qualitative aspects of female sexual response- an initial survey
Authors: Kolena Branislav , Hlisníková Henrieta , Nagyová Miroslava , Orendáčová Katarína , Vondráková Mária , Petrovičová Ida , Mlynček Miloš , Weiss Petr , Pfaus James G.
Published: May 2024

There is growing evidence that endocrine disruptive chemicals have deleterious effects on sexual and reproductive function. To examine subjective sexual functions in human females and their relationship to postnatal phthalate exposure and perinatal androgenization, a Sexuality Score (SS) was established from a first-stage survey questionnaire of subjective sexual function filled out by female university students (n = 68; average age 25.23 ± 5.17 years; rural 25.51 ± 6.74 vs. urban 25.85 ± 1.43 years). Seventeen phthalate metabolites in urine samples were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Females were also assessed for the 2D:4D digit ratio as an index of perinatal androgenization. The mean age of menarche was 12.82 ± 1.35 years (rural 12.59 ± 1.39 vs. urban 13.18 ± 1.27; p = 0.01). The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 14.88 ± 6.89 years (rural 14.62 ± 7.20 vs. urban 15.24 ± 6.55), and as the age of first sexual intercourse increases, the SS score tends to increase as well, albeit moderately (r = 0.25, p = 0.037). Mono‐iso‐butyl phthalate, mono(2‐ethyl‐5‐carboxypentyl) phthalate, mono(hydroxy‐n‐butyl) phthalate, mono(2‐ethyl‐5‐oxohexyl) phthalate (p ≤ 0.05) and mono(2-carboxymethylhexyl) phthalate (p ≤ 0.01) were negatively associated with SS. A compounding butterfly effect of prenatal exposure to androgens was observed with disruptive effects of mono(2‐ethyl‐5‐oxohexyl) phthalate and mono(2‐ethyl‐5‐carboxypentyl) phthalate on sexual function. Exposure to phthalates in adult females may lead to disruption of subjective sexual function, especially concerning sexual desire and sexual satisfaction, and perinatal androgenization could augment these effects.
Alternative protein sources: science powered startups to fuel food innovation
Authors: Lurie-Luke Elena
Published: May 2024

Harnessing the potential of considerable food security efforts requires the ability to translate them into commercial applications. This is particularly true for alternative protein sources and startups being on the forefront of innovation represent the latest advancements in this field.
Physiochemical interaction between osmotic stress and a bacterial exometabolite promotes plant disease
Authors: Getzke Felix , Wang Lei , Chesneau Guillaume , Böhringer Nils , Mesny Fantin , Denissen Nienke , Wesseler Hidde , Adisa Priscilla Tijesuni , Marner Michael , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Schäberle Till F. , Hacquard Stéphane
Published: May 2024

Various microbes isolated from healthy plants are detrimental under laboratory conditions, indicating the existence of molecular mechanisms preventing disease in nature. Here, we demonstrated that application of sodium chloride (NaCl) in natural and gnotobiotic soil systems is sufficient to induce plant disease caused by an otherwise non-pathogenic root-derived Pseudomonas brassicacearum isolate (R401). Disease caused by combinatorial treatment of NaCl and R401 triggered extensive, root-specific transcriptional reprogramming that did not involve down-regulation of host innate immune genes, nor dampening of ROS-mediated immunity. Instead, we identified and structurally characterized the R401 lipopeptide brassicapeptin A as necessary and sufficient to promote disease on salt-treated plants. Brassicapeptin A production is salt-inducible, promotes root colonization and transitions R401 from being beneficial to being detrimental on salt-treated plants by disturbing host ion homeostasis, thereby bolstering susceptibility to osmolytes. We conclude that the interaction between a global change stressor and a single exometabolite from a member of the root microbiome promotes plant disease in complex soil systems.
Liquid foam improves potency and safety of gene therapy vectors
Authors: Fitzgerald K. , Stephan S. B. , Ma N. , Wu Q. V. , Stephan M. T.
Published: May 2024

Interest in gene therapy medicines is intensifying as the first wave of gene-correcting drugs is now reaching patient populations. However, efficacy and safety concerns, laborious manufacturing protocols, and the high cost of the therapeutics are still significant barriers in gene therapy. Here we describe liquid foam as a vehicle for gene delivery. We demonstrate that embedding gene therapy vectors (nonviral or viral) in a methylcellulose/xanthan gum-based foam formulation substantially boosts gene transfection efficiencies in situ, compared to liquid-based gene delivery. We further establish that our gene therapy foam is nontoxic and retained at the intended target tissue, thus minimizing both systemic exposure and targeting of irrelevant cell types. The foam can be applied locally or injected to fill body cavities so the vector is uniformly dispersed over a large surface area. Our technology may provide a safe, facile and broadly applicable option in a variety of clinical settings.
Associations of semaglutide with incidence and recurrence of alcohol use disorder in real-world population
Authors: Wang William , Volkow Nora D. , Berger Nathan A. , Davis Pamela B. , Kaelber David C. , Xu Rong
Published: May 2024

Alcohol use disorders are among the top causes of the global burden of disease, yet therapeutic interventions are limited. Reduced desire to drink in patients treated with semaglutide has raised interest regarding its potential therapeutic benefits for alcohol use disorders. In this retrospective cohort study of electronic health records of 83,825 patients with obesity, we show that semaglutide compared with other anti-obesity medications is associated with a 50%-56% lower risk for both the incidence and recurrence of alcohol use disorder for a 12-month follow-up period. Consistent reductions were seen for patients stratified by gender, age group, race and in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Similar findings are replicated in the study population with 598,803 patients with type 2 diabetes. These findings provide evidence of the potential benefit of semaglutide in AUD in real-world populations and call for further randomized clinical trials.
Narrowband room temperature phosphorescence of closed-loop molecules through the multiple resonance effect
Authors: Yao Xiaokang , Li Yuxin , Shi Huifang , Yu Ze , Wu Beishen , Zhou Zixing , Zhou Chifeng , Zheng Xifang , Tang Mengting , Wang Xiao , Ma Huili , Meng Zhengong , Huang Wei , An Zhongfu
Published: May 2024

Luminescent materials with narrowband emission show great potential for diverse applications in optoelectronics. Purely organic phosphors with room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) have made significant success in rationally manipulating quantum efficiency, lifetimes, and colour gamut in the past years, but there is limited attention on the purity of the RTP colours. Herein we report a series of closed-loop molecules with narrowband phosphorescence by multiple resonance effect, which significantly improves the colour purity of RTP. Phosphors show narrowband phosphorescence with full width at half maxima (FWHM) of 30 nm after doping into a rigid benzophenone matrix under ambient conditions, of which the RTP efficiency reaches 51.8%. At 77 K, the FWHM of phosphorescence is only 11 nm. Meanwhile, the colour of narrowband RTP can be tuned from sky blue to green with the modification of methyl groups. Additionally, the potential applications in X-ray imaging and display are demonstrated. This work not only outlines a design principle for developing narrowband RTP materials but also makes a major step forward extending the potential applications of narrowband luminescent materials in optoelectronics.