bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finanzas éticas y solidarias: herramientas para una transición socio-ecológica justa. El caso de Fiare Banca Ética
Authors: Gómez-Álvarez Díaz Rosario , Rincón Roldán Francisco , Morales Sánchez Rafael
Published: September 2024

El objetivo principal de este trabajo ha sido mostrar como las finanzas éticas y solidarias pueden jugar un papel fundamental en la transición socioecológica justa y sostenible. Para ello aplicamos dos marcos analíticos. La Economía Rosquilla, que sirve de brújula, y el MLP, que identifica la relación entre las finanzas y las innovaciones en la transición. Empleamos el caso de Fiare Banca Ética concluir como su funcionamiento real hace prosperar a las organizaciones de la ESS, que son el germen de cambio en el sistema capitalista para transicionar a un espacio de prosperidad, donde las valores de la ESS son fundamentales: solidaridad, justicia, democracia y cuidados de la vida.
Development of a comprehensive open access “molecules with androgenic activity resource (MAAR)” to facilitate risk assessment of chemicals
Authors: Dong Fan , Hardy Barry , Liu Jie , Mohoric Tomaz , Guo Wenjing , Exner Thomas , Tong Weida , Dohler Joh , Bachler Daniel , Hong Huixiao
Published: September 2024

The increasing prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their potential adverse effects on human health underscore the necessity for robust tools to assess and manage associated risks. The androgen receptor (AR) is a critical component of the endocrine system, playing a pivotal role in mediating the biological effects of androgens, which are male sex hormones. Exposure to androgen-disrupting chemicals during critical periods of development, such as fetal development or puberty, may result in adverse effects on reproductive health, including altered sexual differentiation, impaired fertility, and an increased risk of reproductive disorders. Therefore, androgenic activity data is critical for chemical risk assessment. A large amount of androgenic data has been generated using various experimental protocols. Moreover, the data are reported in different formats and in diverse sources. To facilitate utilization of androgenic activity data in chemical risk assessment, the Molecules with Androgenic Activity Resource (MAAR) was developed. MAAR is the first open-access platform designed to streamline and enhance the risk assessment of chemicals with androgenic activity. MAAR’s development involved the integration of diverse data sources, including data from public databases and mining literature, to establish a reliable and versatile repository. The platform employs a user-friendly interface, enabling efficient navigation and extraction of pertinent information. MAAR is poised to advance chemical risk assessment by offering unprecedented access to information crucial for evaluating the androgenic potential of a wide array of chemicals. The open-access nature of MAAR promotes transparency and collaboration, fostering a collective effort to address the challenges posed by androgenic EDCs.
On disease and healing: a theoretical sketch
Authors: Mannone Maria , Fazio Peppino , Ribino Patrizia , Marwan Norbert
Published: September 2024

The onset and progression of a neurological disease can often be explained in terms of brain-network alteration. They can be formalized as the action of an operator representing the disease, the so-calledK-operator, acting on the network. The healing process can thus be seen as the inverse of the disease mechanism. However, perfect healing is often impossible to achieve. Here, we formalize the ideal healing in terms of perturbative variation of the possible partial healing. The modeling and analytical strategy is based on techniques from theoretical physics, with the language of matrix operators. In addition, using the language of category theory, we also formalize the progressive abstraction from the reality of diseased patients to the definition of a disease and the comparison between different diseases as a natural transformation between colimits. This theoretical presentation can provide a new, interdisciplinary perspective on neurological investigation and possibly foster new theoretical-experimental developments.
Functionalization of silk with actinomycins from Streptomyces anulatus BV365 for biomedical applications
Authors: Ilic-Tomic Tatjana , Kramar Ana , Kostic Mirjana , Vojnovic Sandra , Milovanovic Jelena , Petkovic Milos , D’Agostino Paul M. , Gulder Tobias A. M. , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina
Published: September 2024

Silk, traditionally acclaimed as the “queen of fiber,” has been widely used thanks to its brilliant performance such as gentleness, smoothness and comfortableness. Owing to its mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility silk has a definitive role in biomedical applications, both as fibroin and fabric. In this work, the simultaneous dyeing and functionalization of silk fabric with pigments from Streptomyces anulatus BV365 were investigated. This strain produced high amounts of orange extracellular pigments on mannitol-soy flour agar, identified as actinomycin D, C2 and C3. The application of purified actinomycins in the dyeing of multifiber fabric was assessed. Actinomycins exhibited a high affinity towards protein fibers (silk and wool), but washing durability was maintained only with silk. Acidic condition (pH5) and high temperature (65°C) facilitated the silk dyeing. The morphologies and chemical components of the treated silk fabrics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed the pigments bind to the silk through interaction with the carbonyl group in silk fibroin rendering the functionalized, yet surface that does not cause skin irritation. The treated silk exhibited a remarkable antibacterial effect, while the biocompatibility test performed with 3D-reconstructed human epidermis model indicated safe biological properties, paving the way for future application of this material in medicine.
Role of hedgehog signaling in the pathogenesis and therapy of heterotopic ossification
Authors: Pei Yiran , Liu Fangzhou , Zhao Yike , Lin Hui , Huang Xiaoyan
Published: September 2024

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological process that generates ectopic bone in soft tissues. Hedgehog signaling (Hh signaling) is a signaling pathway that plays an important role in embryonic development and involves three ligands: sonic hedgehog (Shh), Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and desert hedgehog (Dhh). Hh signaling also has an important role in skeletal development. This paper discusses the effects of Hh signaling on the process of HO formation and describes several signaling molecules that are involved in Hh-mediated processes: parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein (PTHrP) and Fkbp10 mediate the expression of Hh during chondrogenesic differentiation. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), GNAs and Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) interact with Hh signaling to play a role in osteogenic differentiation. Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2), Mohawk gene (Mkx) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) mediate Hh signaling during both chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation. This paper also discusses possible therapeutic options for HO, lists several Hh inhibitors and explores whether they could serve as emerging targets for the treatment of HO.
Embryonic development grand challenge: crosslinking advances
Authors: Brand-Saberi Beate
Published: September 2024

Research on embryonic development is entering into a new era. As a traditionally descriptive discipline within anatomy, embryologists have formed international consortia and digitized important histological collections for preservation and open access. Embryonic development has recently received a wider attention in context with temporo-spatial transcriptomics at single cell level. These can be expected to fuel the realization of the transdisciplinary significance of efforts to decipher embryonic development. Addressing its complexities encompasses a wealth of challenges that intersect across the domains of science, society, and politics underlining its outstanding importance as well as its inherently interdisciplinary nature. The challenges of this field are by no means confined to understanding the intricate biological mechanisms but also have humanitarian implications. To fully appreciate the mechanisms underlying human development, principles of embryogenesis have predominantly been analyzed employing animal models which allow us to broaden our view on developmental processes. As a result of recent pioneering work and technical progress centered around stem cell-based 3D approaches, we are entering into a historical new phase of learning about mammalian embryonic development. In vertebrates, a growing concern now focuses the reduction of animal experimentation. This perspective article outlines the major challenges in this amazing field that offer an enormous potential for basic biomedical sciences as well as related translational approaches if they are tackled in a multidisciplinary discourse.
Investigation on spectroscopy characteristics of different metamorphic degrees of coal-based graphite
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Lu , Cao Daiyong
Published: September 2024

To gain insights into the spectroscopy characteristics from coal to graphite, we investigated different metamorphic degrees of coal-based graphite which were collected from Hunan Province China. In this paper, by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, graphite with different metamorphism degrees has been characterized to explore the evolution of macromolecular structure of organic matter during graphitization. The results show that with the increase of metamorphism degree, the 002-diffraction peak of the series of samples gradually shrinks and narrows, and the peak intensity becomes stronger, indicating that the microcrystalline structure gradually becomes regular and ordered. As the degree of graphitization increase, the uniformity of particle size in coal samples observed gradually increases, and the morphology becomes more regular, transitioning from disordered and irregular shapes to a structured large-scale flake pattern. The crystallinity improves, and the massive coal particles gradually coalesce into large plate crystals, with the inter-particle pores gradually closing. The graphite structure becomes increasingly evident. The FTIR spectra show that as the degree of graphitization increases, the peak at 1,581 cm−1 corresponding to C=C vibrations gradually intensifies. Some inert functional groups are retained throughout the graphitization process. The pores between coal particles gradually close, and the morphology of graphite particles becomes more regular and ordered. Additionally, during the graphitization process, structures similar to carbon nanotubes may develop. Throughout the structural transformation from coal macromolecules to graphite crystals, the size of the sp2 planar domains in single-layer graphene increases, and the lattice structure of carbon atoms gradually enlarges. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the properties and characteristics of coal-derived graphite, and can provide theoretical reference and basis for the metallogenic mechanism of coal-derived graphite and the efficient utilization of coal.
Study on the evolution of fractures in overlying strata during repeated mining of coal seams at extremely close distances
Authors: Yang Daming , Sun Yun , Xu Jiabo , Zhao Linshuang
Published: September 2024

In particular, the secondary development of overlying strata fractures can easily lead to the upper goaf, resulting in gas and water gathered in the goaf entering the working face of the lower coal seam through the overlying strata fractures, threatening the safety of coal mine production. Security risks may arise. To further understand the caving and evolution law of overlying strata during repeated mining in extremely close distance coal seam down mining, 9# coal and 10# coal in the Nanyaotou Coal Industry were used as the engineering background. The caving characteristics and fracture evolution law of overlying strata during single and repeated mining were analyzed through similar material simulation tests. Based on fractal geometry theory, the relationship between the advancing distance of the working face and the fractal dimension of the overlying strata fracture is established to reflect the changing trend of fracture development. The calculation formula is derived from the tensile rate of rock strata to predict the development height of water-conducting fractures. The results show that the overlying strata failure structure is mainly a “hinged structure” and a “step structure,” which respectively promotes and inhibits the development of overlying strata fractures. Repeated mining causes mining-induced fractures in the lower coal seam to pass through the goaf of the upper coal seam and develop more vigorously in the upper coal seam, and the fractal dimension can effectively reflect the development of overlying strata fractures. The height of the water-conducting fracture zone increases in four stages: incubation, gradual increase, further gradual increase, and stability, eventually stopping development under the influence of the key layer (thick mudstone) bearing the load above. The development height of water-conducting fractures predicted by on-site water injection measurement is similar to that predicted by simulation experiments and theoretical calculations, verifying the feasibility of predicting the development height of water-conducting fractures through simulation tests and theoretical analysis. This study provides a reference for coal seam mining under similar conditions.
Associating plasma aldosterone concentration with the prevalence of MAFLD in hypertensive patients: insights from a large-scale cross-sectional study
Authors: Shen Di , Cai Xintian , Hu Junli , Song Shuaiwei , Zhu Qing , Ma Huimin , Zhang Yingying , Ma Rui , Zhou Pan , Yang Wenbo , Hong Jing , Zhang Delian , Li Nanfang
Published: September 2024

Objective

To explore the link between plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in hypertensive patients.

Methods

We analyzed data from 41,131 hospitalized patients from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2023. Multivariate logistic regression models tested associations, with threshold, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses conducted to validate findings.

Results

For each 5-unit increase in PAC, the risk of MAFLD rose by 1.57 times, consistent even in the fully adjusted model. The odds ratios for the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups compared to Q1 were 1.21, 2.12, and 3.14, respectively. A threshold effect was observed at 14 ng/dL, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses supporting these results.

Conclusions

This study reveals a significant positive association between elevated PAC levels and the prevalence of MAFLD in hypertensive patients. These findings underscore the imperative for further large-scale, prospective studies to validate and expand upon this correlation.
Optimization of classification model for electric vehicle charging station placement using dynamic graylag goose algorithm
Authors: Alhussan Amel Ali , Khafaga Doaa Sami , El-kenawy El-Sayed M. , Eid Marwa M. , Ibrahim Abdelhameed
Published: September 2024

The study of electric vehicles (EVs) aims to address the critical challenges of promoting widespread adoption. These challenges include EVs’ high upfront costs compared to conventional vehicles, the need for more sufficient charging stations, limitations in battery technology and charging speeds, and concerns about the distance EVs can travel on a single charge. This paper is dedicated to designing an innovative strategy to handle EV charging station arrangement issues in different cities. Our research will support the development of sustainable transportation by intelligently replying to the challenges related to short ranges and long recharging times through the distribution of fast and ultra-fast charge terminals by allocating demand to charging stations while considering the cost variable of traffic congestion. A hybrid combination of Dynamic Greylag Goose Optimization (DGGO) algorithm, as well as a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, is employed in this approach to determine, in a cost-sensitive way, the location of the parking lots, factoring in the congestion for traffic as a variable. This study examines in detail the experiments on the DGGO + LSTM model performance for the purpose of finding an efficient charging station place. The results show that the DGGO + LSTM model has achieved a stunning accuracy of 0.988,836, more than the other models. This approach shapes our finding’s primary purpose of proposing solutions in terms of EV charging infrastructure optimization that is fully justified to the EV’s wide diffusion and mitigating of the environmental consequences.
Research on improved underwater cable image processing technique based on CNN-GAN
Authors: Yao Anshuo , Chen Jiong
Published: September 2024

In this study, we propose a CNN-GAN-based real-time processing technique for filtering images of underwater cables used in power systems. This addresses the excessive interference impurities that are frequently observed in images captured by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The process begins with the input of the original image into the convolutional neural network (CNN). Subsequently, the training outcomes, which serve as input parameters for the generative adversarial network (GAN), facilitate the filtering process. The system also calculates both the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), performing model updates via backward propagation. This technique utilizes deep learning technologies to achieve rapid, real-time filtering of underwater cable images. The experimental results reveal that the loss function of the CNN reaches 0.16 with an accuracy of 97.5%, while the loss function of the adversarial GAN network approaches 0.05. Compared with traditional methods such as DDN, JORDOR, RESCAN, and PRENet, the proposed CNN-GAN algorithm exhibits superior performance, as evidenced by the higher PSNR and SSIM values. Specifically, for clear water images, the PSNR reaches 29.86 dB and the SSIM is 0.9045. For severely polluted images, the PSNR is 28.67 dB and the SSIM is 0.8965, while for unevenly illuminated images, the PSNR and SSIM values are 24.37 dB and 0.88, respectively. These enhancements significantly benefit the monitoring and maintenance of power systems.
Relative abundance of a mesocarnivore in a human-dominated, semi-arid rangeland in Namibia
Authors: Reasoner Emma , Marker Laurie , Verschueren Stijn , Briers-Louw Willem D. , Mbidzo Meed , Cristescu Bogdan
Published: September 2024

Mesocarnivores fill important roles in ecological communities globally, but their distribution and abundance are often understudied. Many species have historically been regarded as vermin and subject to lethal control due to their role in livestock predation. Identifying the factors influencing mesocarnivore populations can help disentangle their relationship within ecological communities and inform conflict mitigation and conservation priorities. To help identify these factors, we used camera traps to study the community of medium and large mammals in four communal conservancies of northeastern Namibia covering the wet and dry seasons using 99 and 97 camera trap stations, respectively. We modelled black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) abundance using the robust Royle-Nichols model. Black-backed jackal were widespread, with a mean per site abundance of 2.01 (SD=0.66) in the wet season and 2.41 (SD=0.49) in the dry season. Black-backed jackal showed seasonally contrasting covariate associations, with lower abundance in areas with medium and large-sized wild prey during the wet season, and higher abundance in areas with more villages and close to African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) dens in the dry season. We identified localized hotspots of black-backed jackal abundance during the dry season, which may indicate that when resources are scarce, black-backed jackals rely on anthropogenic food sources despite an elevated risk for conflict, and on carcass remains from African wild dog kills. These findings highlight potential drivers of mesocarnivore abundance that would be obscured in a conventional occurrence modelling framework, and illustrate how local abundance may be influenced by seasonal variability, wild and anthropogenic food sources, and a likely facilitative relationship with a large carnivore. Further investigations in areas with more complex carnivore guilds and higher density of dominant predators are needed to understand black-backed jackal-African wild dog interactions and impacts on population dynamics.
Risk of self-harm ideation in mothers of children with orofacial cleft defects: the Japan environment and children's study
Authors: Tsuchiya Shinobu , Tsuchiya Masahiro , Momma Haruki , Igarashi Kaoru , Nagatomi Ryoichi , Saito Masatoshi , Arima Takahiro , Yaegashi Nobuo ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), the most prevalent congenital anomaly, has been associated with higher rates of child maltreatment. In particular, the presence of cleft lip has more of an impact on external appearance and may increase the risks of negative health outcomes such as parental postpartum depression; however, this concept remains controversial. Item #10 of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is the assessment of parental self-harm ideation, and its presence in postpartum mothers merits risk assessments as an emergent issue that may affect the health of both mothers and infants. This study focused on the impact of CL/P on maternal self-harm ideation.

Methods

Of 100,300 live births from a nationwide birth cohort in Japan, 238 mothers of infants with CL/P [186 children born with cleft lip (CL ± P) and 52 born with isolated cleft palate (CP)] were included in the analyses. The prospective association of children with CL/P and maternal self-harm ideation, which were acquired using item #10 in the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale at 1 and 6 months postpartum, was examined using binomial logistic regression analyses after multiple imputations and with adjustments for several maternal (age at delivery, smoking habit, and alcohol intake) and child-related (sex and prevalence of other congenital diseases) variables.

Results

The prevalence of self-harm ideation in 238 mothers of infants with CL/P at 1 and 6 months were 14.7% (35/238) and 18.8% (45/238) [8.2% (8,185/100,062) and 12.9% (12,875/100,062) in the control group], respectively. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for maternal self-harm ideation increased with CL/P prevalence [1.80 (1.22–2.65) and 1.47 (0.98–2.18)] at 1 and 6 months of age, respectively. After stratified by the prevalence of cleft lip, we found significant differences in the CL ± P group but not in the CP group. Furthermore, persistent self-harming ideation was associated with a higher risk in the CL ± P group [2.36 (1.43–3.89)].

Conclusion

CL/P, particularly cleft lip, which is more noticeable externally, was associated with an increased prevalence of maternal self-harm ideation. The findings in this study indicate some potential benefits of increasing support for mothers who have infants with CL/P.
Infectious and obstetric determinants of anemia among pregnant women in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yosef Tewodros , Gizachew Asaye , Fetene Gossa , Girma Desalegn , Setegn Melsew , Tesfaw Aragaw , Sisay Binyam Girma , Shifera Nigusie
Published: September 2024

Background

Anaemia, characterized by low red blood cell or haemoglobin levels, impairs oxygen transport in the body and poses a major global public health issue, particularly affecting pregnant women and children. This study focuses on identifying the factors contributing to anaemia among pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH) in southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from July 1 to August 30, 2022, involving 370 pregnant women (90 with anaemia and 280 without). Data collection included questionnaires, laboratory tests (Hgb and stool examination), and anthropometric measurements. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis, with binary logistic regression identifying factors associated with anaemia. The significance level was set at a p-value <0.05.

Results

The study achieved a 100% response rate for both cases and controls. Factors identified as determinants of anaemia among pregnant women included malaria infection (AOR = 7.83, 95% CI: 3.89–15.8), hookworm infection (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.39–5.34), short birth interval (AOR = 7.11, 95% CI: 3.59–14.2), and history of unsafe abortion (AOR = 5.40, 95% CI: 2.46–11.8).

Conclusion

This study found that malaria infection, hookworm infection, birth interval <33 months, and a history of unsafe abortion are factors contributing to anaemia in pregnant women. Strategies such as distributing insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) to combat malaria, improving sanitation, anthelmintic drugs, promoting family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions, and providing preconception care can help reduce the incidence of anaemia.
Factors associated with facility childbirth and skilled birth attendance in Migori County, Kenya and the effect of Lwala Community Alliance intervention: a cross-sectional assessment from the 2019 and 2021 Lwala household surveys
Authors: Lefebvre Christina Hope , Starnes Joseph R. , Jakubowski Aleksandra , Omondi Alyn , Manyala Janet , Wamae Jane , Rogers Ash , Mudhune Sandra , Okoth Vincent , Were Vincent , Mbeya Julius , Yap Samantha V. , Omondi Philip , Ochieng Willys , Odhong Tom , Siele Carren , Wamai Richard
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite evidence of the beneficial effects of skilled birth attendance (SBA) on maternal health and childbirth outcomes, there are disparities in access across counties in Kenya. These include Migori County which has historically recorded high maternal mortality rates. In 2007, the Lwala Community Alliance was founded to improve health outcomes in this county. The objective of this study is to provide a baseline status of facility childbirth and SBA in Migori and to characterize the effect of Lwala intervention on these outcomes.

Methods

A cross-sectional household survey was designed for a 10-year study to evaluate the effectiveness of Lwala initiatives. The 2019 and 2021 household surveys were conducted in Lwala intervention wards and in comparison wards with sample sizes of 3,846 and 5,928 mothers, respectively. The survey captured demographic, health, and socioeconomic data at each household, data on SBA and facility childbirth, and explanatory variables. A generalized linear model was used to determine factors associated with SBA. A secondary trend analysis was conducted to determine change over time in the explanatory variables and SBA. To determine the change in SBA rate due to Lwala intervention, controlling for background temporal trends, a difference-in-differences (DiD) model compared SBA rates in intervention wards and comparison wards.

Results

SBA increased in all surveyed wards and across all explanatory variables from 2019 to 2021. The DiD analysis showed that the SBA rate increased more in Lwala intervention wards than in comparison wards (Adjusted Prevalence Rate Ratio 1.05, p < 0.001, 95%CI 1.03–1.08). The 2021 survey found the highest rates of both facility childbirths (97.9%, 95%CI 96.5–98.7) and SBA (98.2%, 95%CI 97.0–99.0) in North Kamagambo, the oldest ward of Lwala intervention. Higher educational status, four or more ANC visits, marriage/cohabitation, and wealth were significantly associated with increased SBA.

Conclusions

We provide the first quasi-experimental evidence that Lwala interventions are significantly improving SBA which may inform related initiatives in similar settings. The household-survey data provides a baseline for continued evaluation of Lwala programs, and the breakdown by ward allows for development of specific programmatic targets.
Self-control enhances vigilance performance in temporally irregular tasks: an fNIRS frontoparietal investigation
Authors: Mouloua Salim Adam , Helton William S. , Matthews Gerald , Shaw Tyler H.
Published: September 2024

The present study investigated whether trait self-control impacted operators' behavior and associated neural resource strategies during a temporally irregular vigilance task. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) readings of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR) from 29 participants were recorded fromthe prefrontal and parietal cortices. Self-control was associated with better perceptual sensitivity (A') in the task with the irregular event schedule. A left-lateralized effect of HbO2 was found for temporal irregularity within the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, in accordance with functional transcranial doppler (fTCD) studies. Self-control increased HbR (decreasing activation) at right superior parietal lobule (rSPL; supporting vigilance utilization) and right inferior parietal lobule (rIPL; supporting resource reallocation). However, only rSPL was associated with the vigilance decrement—where decreases in activation led to better perceptual sensitivity in the temporally irregular task. Additionally, short stress-state measures suggest decreases in task engagement in individuals with higher self-control in the irregular task. The authors suggest a trait-state-brain-behavior relationship for self-control during difficult vigilance tasks. Implications for the study include steps toward rectifying the resource utilization vs. allocation debate in vigilance—as well as validating HbO2 and HbR as effective constructs for predicting operators' mental resources through fNIRS.
Association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and sleep problems and depressive symptoms among U.S. adults
Authors: Pan Hong , Lin Shasha
Published: September 2024

Background

In this study, we aim to examine the impact of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) on sleep problems and depressive symptoms (DS); besides, we seek to elucidate the potential mediating effect of dietary TAC on the relationships between sleep problems and DS.

Methods

Weighted Kruskal–Wallis tests for continuous variables and Chi-square tests for categorical variables were employed to discriminate between DS and non-DS participants. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were applied to evaluate the associations of TAC with DS and sleep problems.

Results

Among the 21,805 participants, 1,947 participants suffered from DS. Weighted multivariable logistical regression indicated that shorter sleep hours were linked to an increased likelihood of risk of DS even after complete adjustments. Restricted cubic spline cure displayed that TAC was almost non-linearly correlated with DS and sleep problems. Mediation analysis indicated that sleep duration slightly mediated the association between TAC and DS (proportion of mediation: 3.12%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study illustrated the inverse association between TAC value and sleep problems and DS. Furthermore, TAC slightly mediated the effect of sleep duration on the DS, and there was a nearly non-linear relationship between TAC and DS, and TAC and sleep problems.
Identification of potential biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma: a study based on bioinformatics analysis combined with validation experiments
Authors: Zhang Chuchu , Liu Ying , Lu Yingdong , Chen Zehui , Liu Yi , Mao Qiyuan , Bao Shengchuan , Zhang Ge , Zhang Ying , Lin Hongsheng , Li Haiyan
Published: September 2024

Background

The prognosis for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains dismal, with a 5-year survival rate of <20%. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify potentially reliable biomarkers in LUAD by machine learning combination with Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

TCGA-LUAD, GSE40791, and GSE31210 were employed this study. Key module differential genes were identified through differentially expressed analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Furthermore, candidate biomarkers were derived from protein–protein interaction network (PPI) and machine learning. Ultimately, biomarkers were confirmed using MR analysis. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of genes that have a causal relationship to LUAD in the LUAD group and the control group. Cell experiments were conducted to validate the effect of screening genes on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of LUAD cells. The correlation between the screened genes and immune infiltration was determined by CIBERSORT algorithm. In the end, the gene-related drugs were predicted through the Drug–Gene Interaction database.

Results

In total, 401 key module differential genes were obtained by intersecting of 5,702 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 406 key module genes. Thereafter, GIMAP6, CAV1, PECAM1, and TGFBR2 were identified. Among them, only TGFBR2 had a significant causal relationship with LUAD (p=0.04, b=−0.06), and it is a protective factor for LUAD. Subsequently, sensitivity analyses showed that there were no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy in the univariate MR results, and the results were not overly sensitive to individual SNP loci, further validating the reliability of univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR) results. However, no causal relationship was found between them by reverse MR analysis. Meanwhile, TGFBR2 expression was decreased in LUAD group through immunohistochemistry. TGFBR2 can inhibit proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 and promote apoptosis of A549 cells. Immune infiltration analysis suggested a potential link between TGFBR2 expression and immune infiltration. Finally, Irinotecan and Hesperetin were predicted through DGIDB database.

Conclusion

In this study, TGFBR2 was identified as a biomarker of LUAD, which provided a new idea for the treatment strategy of LUAD and may aid in the development of personalized immunotherapy strategies.
Deciphering the role of claudins in lung cancer
Authors: Arabi Tarek Ziad , Alkattan Wael , Osman Nadine Ashraf , Sabbah Belal Nedal , Ashraf Nader , Ouban Abderrahman
Published: September 2024

Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge, characterized by aggressive malignancy and poor prognostic outcomes. This review article focuses on the pivotal role of claudins, a family of tight junction proteins, in the pathophysiology of lung cancer. Claudins are integral to maintaining epithelial barrier function and cellular polarity, yet they are intricately involved in the progression and metastasis of lung cancer. The aberrant expression of claudins has been observed across various histological subtypes of lung cancer, indicating their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Specifically, claudins such as claudin-1, -2, -3, -4, and -7 exhibit diverse expression patterns that correlate with tumor aggressiveness, patient survival rates, and response to therapies. Inflammation and cytokine modulation significantly influence claudin expression, affecting tumor microenvironment dynamics and cancer progression. This review also highlights the therapeutic implications of targeting claudins, particularly in cases resistant to conventional treatments. Recent advances in this area suggest that claudin-modulating agents may enhance the efficacy of existing therapies and offer new avenues for targeted interventions. By integrating the latest research, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of claudin’s roles in lung cancer and encourages further clinical trials to explore claudin-targeting therapies. This could pave the way for more effective management strategies, improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.
Clinical predictors of poor outcome of bacterial meningitis in infants less than 90 days: a systematic review
Authors: Liu Ying , Feng Yu , Guo YanPing , Chen JingJing , Liu Chang , Liang JiaBi
Published: September 2024

Background

bacterial meningitis (BM) is more common in infants than at any other time in life and remains a devastating disease with considerable risk of death and morbidity. This article aims to gather the currently available evidence to perform a systematic review of clinical factors that may predict or be associated with BM death and/or sequelae in infants < 90 days of age.

Methods

The Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases were systematically searched for prognostic studies that described risk factors for mortality and sequelae in infants aged <90d with BM. The databases were searched from the beginning of the database to December 31st, 2022.The quality of cohort studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The quality of cross-section studies was assessed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). A systematic review was undertaken to ascertain the prognostic factors proven to be noteworthy.

Results

Of the 1,431 studies retrieved, 20 were eligible for the final analysis including 11 cohort and 9 cross-sectional studies were identified. Four risk factors predicting poor outcome were mentioned mostly in those studies, including prematurity or low birth weight (LBW), seizures, coma, and elevated CSF protein. But only preterm, coma and elevated CSF protein were identified by multivariate analyses in more than one study.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates several potential predictive factors to the poor outcomes of BM in infant. But with large heterogeneity, these predictors should be evaluated by further well-designed prospective studies.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, identifier CRD42017074949.
Optimizing tacrolimus dosing in Hispanic renal transplant patients: insights from real-world data
Authors: Chamzas Athanasios , Tellez Eglis , SyBing Andrew , Gobburu Jogarao V. S. , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi
Published: September 2024

Aim

Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection in renal transplant patients, exhibits high inter-patient variability, necessitating therapeutic drug monitoring. Early post-transplant tacrolimus exposure in Hispanics is understudied. Although genotypic information is linked to pharmacokinetic differences, its clinical application remains limited. This study aimed to use a real-world data-driven, pharmacokinetic model-based approach for tacrolimus in Hispanics to determine a suitable initial dose and design an optimal dose titration strategy by simulations to achieve plasma trough concentration target levels of 10–12 ng/mL at the earliest.

Methods

Sparse concentration-time data of tacrolimus were obtained from electronic medical records for self-identified Hispanic subjects following renal transplant. Rich pharmacokinetic literature data was leveraged to estimate structural pharmacokinetic model parameters, which were then fixed in the current analysis. Only apparent clearance was estimated with the sparse tacrolimus data and potential covariates were identified. Simulations of various starting doses and different dose titration strategies were then evaluated.

Results

The analysis included 121 renal transplant patients with 2,215 trough tacrolimus concentrations. A two-compartment transit absorption model with allometrically scaled body weight and time-varying hematocrit on apparent clearance adequately described the data. The estimated apparent clearance was 13.7 L/h for a typical patient weighing 70 kg and at 30% hematocrit, demonstrating a 40% decrease in clearance compared to other patient populations. Model based simulations indicated the best initial dose for the Hispanic population is 0.1 mg/kg/day. The proposed titration strategy, with three dose adjustments based on trough levels of tacrolimus, increased the proportion of patients within the target range (10–12 ng/mL) more than 2.5-fold and decreased the proportion of patients outside the therapeutic window by 50% after the first week of treatment.

Conclusion

Hispanic renal transplant population showed an estimated 40% decrease of apparent clearance in the typical patient compared to other populations with similar characteristics. The proposed dose adjustment attained the target range rapidly and safely. This study advocates for tailored tacrolimus dosing regimens based on population pharmacokinetics to optimize therapy in Hispanic renal transplant recipients.
Applications and challenges of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of skin malignancies
Authors: Hua Yunqi , Tian Xiaoling , Zhang Xinyi , Song Ge , Liu Yubo , Zhao Ye , Gao Yuqian , Yin Fangrui
Published: September 2024

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), as a minimally invasive treatment method, has demonstrated its distinct advantages in the management of skin malignant tumors. This article examines the current application status of PDT, assesses its successful cases and challenges in clinical treatment, and anticipates its future development trends. PDT utilizes photosensitizers to interact with light of specific wavelengths to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively eradicate cancer cells. Despite PDT’s exceptional performance in enhancing patients’ quality of life and prognosis, the limitation of treatment depth and the side effects of photosensitizers remain unresolved issues. With the advancement of novel photosensitizers and innovative treatment technology, the application prospects of PDT are increasingly expansive. This article delves into the mechanism of PDT, its application in various skin malignancies, its advantages and limitations, and envisions its future development. We believe that through continuous technological enhancements and integration with other treatment technologies, PDT has the potential to assume a more pivotal role in the treatment of skin malignancies.
Adaptability and growth of Hippocampus kuda and Oryzias melastigma under rapid temperature changes
Authors: Xu Yongjian , Lin Penghong , Zhang Wenxin , Pan Xia , Lu Jun , Bo Yang
Published: September 2024

Temperature changes had a huge impact on the growth of aquaculture organisms, which mainly involved two parameters: the changing amplitude and the changing speed. Wide-adaptability and narrow-adaptability were divided by the amplitude, while fast-adaptability and slow-adaptability proposed in this article were divided based on the speed. Investigating the impact of the changing speed on artificial farming was vital. In this study, two fish species of wide-adaptability, Hippocampus kuda and Oryzias melatigma, were selected as research objects, explored the effects of temperature changing speeds on them under 2 changing amplitudes of 2°C and 4°C. The similarities and differences in their responses to temperature changes were analyzed and compared from the aspects of feeding, metabolism, physiology, immunity, and growth. The results showed that all 3 changing speeds (0.5°C/h, 1°C/h, and direct input) had no effect on the growth of O. melatigma under the 2°C amplitude, while there were significant differences in various aspects of H. kuda in the treatments with the speeds between 0.5°C/h and direct input, such as a significant difference in growth, in food intake, and in response speeds and response levels of several enzymes and related genes. Under 4°C amplitude, the impact of all 4 changing speeds (0.5°C/h, 1°C/h, 2°C/h and direct input) on both fish was more pronounced. H. kuda showed a significant difference of growth among 3 groups, and the critical safe speed was about 0.5°C/h in its heating treatments. And the growth decrease only occured the heating treatment of direct input in O. melatigma. Furthermore, some genes responded quickly and efficiently to the low-speed changes of temperature in H. kuda, but were inhibited in the treatments with high-speed changes. However, they can still express rapidly and efficiently in the high-speed treatments of O. melatigma, included several stress-related genes, lipid metabolic-related genes, and immune-related genes. Seen from these differences, the energy source used in H. kuda to resist stress was single and short-lived. So, under a long-term stress, H. kuda gradually transformed from normal physiological stress into pathological stress, leading to the outbreak of diseases. Therefore, for precise aquaculture of H. kuda, stricter and more precise control of environmental temperature is necessary to prevent rapid and big temperature changes from affecting the growth and survival of the seahorse.
A Medicago truncatula HD-ZIP gene MtHB2 is involved in modulation of root development by regulating auxin response
Authors: Yan Wei , Wang Runze , Zhang Yutong , Zhang Xiuxiu , Wang Qin
Published: September 2024

HD-Zip proteins are plant-specific transcription factors known for their diverse functions in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. Among the Medicago truncatula HD-Zip II genes, MtHB2 has been previously linked to abiotic stress responses. In this study, we conducted a functional characterization of MtHB2 in the regulation of root growth and development. Upon auxin stimulation, expression of MtHB2 was promptly up-regulated. Overexpression of MtHB2 in Arabidopsis thaliana led to reduced primary root growth and inhibited lateral root formation. Interestingly, the transgenic plants expressing MtHB2 exhibited differential responses to three types of auxins (IAA, NAA, and 2,4-D) in terms of root growth and development compared to the wild-type plants. Specifically, primary root growth was less affected, and lateral root formation was enhanced in the transgenic plants when exposed to auxins. This differential response suggests a potential role for MtHB2 in modulating auxin transport and accumulation, as evidenced by the reduced sensitivity of the transgenic plants to the auxin transport inhibitor NPA and lower expression levels of auxin-related reporters such as PIN-FORMED (PIN1)::PIN1-GFP, PIN3::PIN3-GFP, PIN7::PIN7-GFP, and DR5::GFP compared to wild-type plants. Additionally, microarray analysis of the root tissues revealed down-regulation of several auxin-responsive genes in transgenic seedlings compared to wild-type plants. These findings collectively indicate that MtHB2 plays a critical regulatory role in root growth and development by modulating auxin accumulation and response in the roots.
Learning changes in educational animation: visuospatial working memory is more predictive than subjective task load
Authors: Ploetzner Rolf
Published: September 2024

Current theories suggest that visual and spatial processes in working memory are crucial for learning from animation. However, despite over three decades of research on learning from animation, little is known about how visuospatial working memory relates to learning. Instead, animation research often relies on subjective task load to explain and predict learning performance. To better understand how visuospatial working memory and learning from animation are related, a within-subjects study was conducted. Eighty six students learned from two animations of different complexity. The students’ performance on visual learning tasks, visual and spatial working memory capacity, and perceived task load were assessed. Hierarchical regression analyses show that visuospatial working memory capacity is more critical for learning from a complex animation than for learning from a less complex animation. Moreover, visuospatial working memory capacity predicts learning from a complex animation significantly better than subjective task load. The effect size is large. The results provide a coherent picture of the relationships between learning task demands, learners’ visuospatial working memory, perceived task load and learning performance. They not only allow for a more accurate prediction of learning from animation but can also help to tailor the design and use of animations to the learners’ cognitive resources.