bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A bidirectional pedestrian macroscopic speed model construction based on pedestrian microscopic simulation experiments
Authors: Gao Xiaocheng , Zhang Hui , Qi Hui , He Bin
Published: October 2024

Studies of macroscopic speed modeling of bidirectional pedestrian cross-flows have relied heavily on scenario experiments, but the data itself may be deficient because large-scale scenario experiments are not easy to organize and subjects may not be walking under normal conditions. In order to explore the possibility of using microscopic pedestrian flow simulations for macroscopic speed modeling of pedestrian flows, a series of two-way pedestrian cross-flow simulation experiments were designed. Bidirectional pedestrian flows are defined as Peds1 and Peds2. The crossing angle and pedestrian flow rate are used as variables, and a bidirectional pedestrian flows simulation is designed as an orthogonal experiment. The crossing angles range from 15 to 165 degrees, and bidirectional pedestrian flow rate range from 1 ped/s to 8 ped/s. A series of simulations are built and performed on the GIS agent-based modeling architecture (GAMA) platform. By analyzing the flow data of bidirectional flows in the crossing area, it is found that when the Peds1 density falls below a threshold, Peds1 speed is determined by pedestrians themselves and mainly remains in a free flow state; otherwise, the Peds1 speed decreases with density. The clear effects such as Peds2 density on the Peds1 speed cannot be determined. A piecewise function combined with a linear function and an exponential function is constructed as the Peds1 speed model considering the influence of the crossing angle. The calibration results show that the piecewise function should be better than the non-piecewise function. Compared to the results of established studies, the results in this paper have some differences. Therefore, the simulation method cannot completely replace the scene experiments. However, this approach can provide suggestions for subsequent refinement of the experimental program, as well as a feasible direction for the construction of a speed relationship for bidirectional pedestrian flows.
The HSV-1 encoded CCCTC-binding factor, CTRL2, impacts the nature of viral chromatin during HSV-1 lytic infection
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Zhu Liqian , Shipley Mason A. , Ye Ziyun A. , Neumann Donna M.
Published: October 2024

HSV-1 genomes are rapidly heterochromatinized following entry by host cells to limit viral gene expression. Efficient HSV-1 genome replication requires mechanisms that de-repress chromatin associated with the viral genome. CCCTC-binding factors, or CTCF insulators play both silencing and activating roles in cellular transcriptional regulation. Importantly, the HSV-1 genome encodes several CTCF insulators that flank IE genes, implying that individual HSV-1 encoded CTCF insulators regulate IE transcription during all stages of the HSV-1 life cycle. We previously reported that the HSV-1 encoded CTCF insulator located downstream of the LAT (CTRL2) controlled IE gene silencing during latency. To further characterize the role of this insulator during the lytic infection we leveraged a ΔCTRL2 recombinant virus to show that there was a genome replication defect that stemmed from decreased IE gene expression in fibroblasts and epithelial cells at early times following initiation of infection. Further experiments indicated that the defect in gene expression resulted from chromatin inaccessibility in the absence of the insulator. To elucidate how chromatin accessibility was altered in the absence of the CTRL2 insulator, we showed that enrichment of Alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation, X-linked chromatin remodeler (ATRX), and the histone variant H3.3, both of which are known for their roles in maintaining repressive histone markers on the HSV-1 viral genome were increased on IE regions of HSV-1. Finally, both H3K27me3 and H3K9me3 repressive histone marks remained enriched by 4 hours post infection in the absence of the CTRL2 insulator, confirming that the CTRL2 insulator is required for de-repression of IE genes of viral genomes. To our knowledge these are the first data that show that a specific CTCF insulator in the HSV-1 genome (CTRL2) regulates chromatin accessibility during the lytic infection.
Pluralidade normativa brasileira no ensino de português língua estrangeira: a variável objeto direto anafórico de terceira pessoa
Authors: Guimarães Miley Antonia Almeida
Published: October 2024

El ámbito de la enseñanza-aprendizaje del portugués brasileño como lengua extranjera no es inmune a una arraigada tradición normativo-prescriptiva, a un ideal de “lengua correcta” que no se apoya en la realidad sociolingüística —incluso en los usos de la población más letrada—. A partir de un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de la representación del objeto directo anafórico de 3a persona en manuales didácticos de portugués como lengua extranjera (PLE) de amplia difusión en el mercado editorial brasileño, hemos confirmado una acentuada preferencia por la variante no vernácula “clítico acusativo”, en detrimento de las variantes de uso “objeto nulo”, “pronombre léxico” y “sintagma nominal anafórico”; asimismo, hemos constatado el empleo del clítico acusativo en géneros textuales/discursivos con los que resulta incompatible (p. ej., en textos [+orales, -formales]). Partiendo de las motivaciones sociohistóricas que dieron lugar, entre el siglo XIX y mediados del XX, a la adopción en Brasil de una norma estándar (“norma-padrão”) exógena —enmarcada en un proyecto de segregación social por la lengua (Pagotto, 1998)—, y de la acentuada discrepancia entre norma estándar y variedades urbanas cultas, hemos verificado cómo los manuales didácticos reverberan una identidad lingüística exterior y una ideología de la “norma corta” (Faraco, 2004, 2008), que negligencia usos efectivos en pro de una norma estándar idealizada. Dado que los documentos oficiales brasileños del ámbito de PLE (Brasil 2020a, 2020b) no tratan expresamente de nuestras tensiones normativas —tampoco el texto del Marco Común Europeo de Referencia para las Lenguas (Consejo de Europa, 2001, 2020), por no ocuparse del panorama normativo de sociedades de alta estratificación sociocultural—, hemos encontrado en el dominio de la educación lingüística en lengua materna, concretamente en la sociolingüística educacional (Bortoni-Ricardo, 2004, 2005) y en la pedagogía de la variación lingüística (Faraco, 2008, 2015), las bases teóricometodológicas para la creación de procedimientos didáctico-pedagógicos que en esta tesis proponemos como extensibles al ámbito de PLE.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: August 2024
Authors: Wilkerson Rashad C.
Published: October 2024

Article Title: Adenomas and Sessile Serrated Lesions in 45-49-Year-Old Individuals Undergoing Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Metastatic Gastric Cancer in a Real-World Setting: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Jourdain Hugo , Albin Nicolas , Monard Adrien , Desplas David , Zureik Mahmoud , Haddy Nadia
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has been approved for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive locally advanced or metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction (HER2+ mG/GEJ) cancer since July 2022 in France, through an accelerated approval. The aim of this study was to evaluate its real-world use.

METHODS:

We characterized T-DXd users treated for HER2+ mG/GEJ cancer using data from the French National Health Insurance database.

RESULTS:

The cohort included 196 patients, mostly men (78.1%), with a median age of 65 years. Median overall survival reached 7.7 months (95% CI: 6.2–9.0).

DISCUSSION:

Patients treated with T-DXd for HER2+ mG/GEJ cancer in the real world showed lower outcomes than those in pivotal clinical trials, consistent with previous reports on accelerated approvals.
Proximal Tubule Secretory Clearance, Injury, and Kidney Viability in Cirrhosis
Authors: Granda Michael L. , Luitweiler Eric , Prince David K. , Allegretti Andrew S. , Paine Cary , Pichler Raimund , Sibulesky Lena , Biggins Scott W. , Kestenbaum Bryan
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Cirrhosis affects all structures of the kidney, in particular the tubules, which are responsible for secretion of protein-bound metabolites and electrolyte/water homeostasis. Yet, prevailing assessments of kidney function focus solely on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which may incompletely reflect these processes. We sought to characterize markers of tubular function, injury, and viability in patients with and without cirrhosis.

METHODS:

We recruited outpatients undergoing liver transplantation evaluation for a collection of plasma and 24-hour urine, matching by GFR to control participants without cirrhosis. We measured urinary kidney injury molecule-1, a marker of proximal tubular injury, as well as epidermal growth factor (EGF), a marker of viability necessary for tubular epithelial cell proliferation after injury. We also estimated secretory clearance by measuring several highly secreted endogenous metabolites in urine and plasma.

RESULTS:

We recruited 39 patients with cirrhosis (mean model for end-stage liver disease 17 ± 4, Child-Pugh 8 ± 2, estimated glomerular filtration rate 66 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2) and 58 GFR-matched controls without cirrhosis (estimated glomerular filtration rate 66 ± 21 mL/min/1.73 m2). Urinary kidney injury molecule-1 was 4.4-fold higher than controls (95% confidence interval: 2.9–6.5), and EGF averaged 7.41-fold higher than controls (95% confidence interval: 2.15–25.53). We found that of 8 solutes, 5 had significantly greater kidney clearance in cirrhosis (1.3–2.1-fold higher): indoxyl sulfate, p-cresol sulfate, pyridoxic acid, tiglylglycine, and xanthosine.

DISCUSSION:

Cirrhosis was characterized by molecular signs of tubular injury in stable outpatients without acute kidney injury, accompanied by largely preserved tubular secretory clearance and greater signs of tubular viability. Within the limitations of the study, this suggests a phenotype of chronic ischemic injury but with initial preservation of tubular function in cirrhosis.
PLA/PBAT blends for blown film extrusion
Authors: Ostrowska Justyna , Sadurski Waldemar , Paluch Magdalena , Dębowski Maciej , Wrona Olga , Sołtan Karolina , Tyński Piotr
Published: October 2024

Films of biodegradable PLA/PBAT blends with PBAT content of 10–90 wt% were obtained by extrusion blowing.  PLA/PBAT blends were characterized by FT-IR, DSC, TGA and SEM. Tensile properties and tear strength of the films were also determined. It was shown that despite thermodynamicimmiscibility of PLA and PBAT, addition of PBAT in amounts above 50 wt% allows obtaining films with good functional properties. Optimal properties were obtained with PBAT content of 60 or 70 wt%. Tensile strength was 36.7–38.7 MPa, elongation at break 357–388% and tear strength 11–22 N/mm.
Pearl River
Authors: Herndon Ernest , Parker Patrick , Elise  , Parker Patrick
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes the Pearl River as one of the largest river systems river in the state and elaborates on peoples who lived near and depended on the Pearl River. Evocative description of wildlife and valuable canoeing advice is included. Numerous personal anecdotes illustrate the chapter.
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
Authors: Herndon Ernest , Parker Patrick , Elise  , Parker Patrick
Published: October 2024

This chapter discusses the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in northeast Mississippi and elaborates on peoples who lived near and depended on these rivers. Evocative description of wildlife and valuable canoeing advice is included. Numerous personal anecdotes illustrate the chapter.
Indigenous Comics and Graphic Novels
Authors: Donahue James J.
Published: October 2024

This book provides a study of Indigenous-created comics and graphic novels produced in the US and Canada. Each chapter focuses on a separate genre: superhero stories, science fiction, historical fiction, and experimental narrative. Each chapter explores the way that the authors both employ the conceits of the specific genre while simultaneously employing those conceits to critique the historical and ongoing machinations of settler-colonialism in North America. Simultaneously, the book highlights the various formal and aesthetic choices made by these artists, and the political impact of those choices. The book focuses its attention on a variety of artists, from myriad tribal nations, who reflect the multiple kinds of publication: from self-published with little distribution to national distribution with an established press. As such, this book introduces readers to both the diverse artistry and potent political importance of Indigenous comics and graphic novels. Ultimately, these works serve to remind their readers of the importance of community-based solutions to the various problems generated by settler-colonialism.
Memory and Ukuzilanda
Authors: Mpuma Nondwe
Published: October 2024

Background: The concept, better yet the word ukuzilanda comprises several meanings and must be understood as a word in two parts, “landa” as being the lexical item and “ukuzi” as a combined prefix. This understanding is by no means grammatically correct or posing as though it is from a linguist. By combined prefix, I mean that “ukuzi” can be broken down further to “uku” and “zi”; one indicating the act
Migration Intentions, Practice Environment, and Satisfaction among Nigerian Nurses: A Case Study
Authors: Olatubi Matthew Idowu , Alao Ifeoluwa Elizabeth , Fagbenle Mofiyinfoluwa Deborah , Ademuyiwa Grace Oluwaranti , Faremi Funmilola Adenike , Bello Cecilia Bukola
Published: October 2024

Background: Nursing workforce migration is a function of the nursing practice environment and satisfaction with the general situation of their country of practice. There is a need to provide empirical data on the intent to migrate among nurses and satisfaction with the working environment in Nigeria.Purpose: This study assessed migration intention, favorability of practice environment, and level of satisfaction with the Nigerian environment among nurses in a private teaching hospital in Nigeria.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited participants using a simple random sampling technique. In all, 124 nurses participated in the study. Data was collected using the migration intention questionnaire, nursing practice environment scale, and satisfaction with Nigeria environment questionnaire. All ethical principles were adhered to. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) were used. Results: An overwhelming majority (95.2%) have the intention to migrate to other countries with 63.6% of them already in the migration process. Canada (34.8%) and the United Kingdom (33.9%) were the most sought-after countries. Nurse manager ability, leadership, and support scored highest on the favourability of the nursing practice environment (2.92±0.80) while staffing and resources inadequacy has the lowest score (2.63±0.68). Overall, 75.8% of the nurses describe their practice environment as favourable. Political conflicts and wars are the most dissatisfying areas of Nigeria's environment. Also, the majority 61.3% were dissatisfied with the Nigerian environment.Conclusion: The majority of the nurses who participated in the study are planning to migrate to another country. The majority of the nurses are not satisfied with Nigeria’s environment and they opined that their practice environment is unfavourable. There is a need to make the nursing practice environment more favorable to the nurses.
Spiritual Leadership Enhances Caring Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Calling
Authors: Candrawati Sang Ayu Ketut , Sriani Ni Kadek Ayu , Subhaktiyasa Putu Gede , Andini Ni Komang Sukra , Putri Ni Luh Nova Dilisca Dwi , Citrawati Ni Ketut , Andriany Megah
Published: October 2024

Background: Caring behaviour is essential for patient health; however, it is often not practised optimally. Therefore, spiritually-based leadership is required to encourage this behaviour. Unfortunately, research investigating the ability of spiritual leadership to enhance caring behaviour through spiritual well-being is limited.Purpose: This study aimed to examine the impact of spiritual leadership and spiritual well-being in the form of calling and membership on caring behaviour.Methods: This study employed an explanatory quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. One hundred fourteen inpatient nurses who provided comprehensive patient care were selected as a total sampling technique. Data were collected using the Spiritual Leadership Questionnaire and the Caring Behaviours Inventory. The analysis adopted partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using a second-order reflective-formative model.Results: The findings demonstrate that spiritual leadership has a significant direct effect on caring behaviour (t=3.976, p=0.000), calling (t=4.672, p=0.000), and membership (t=2.845, p=0.005). However, the direct impact of membership on caring behaviour was insignificant (t=1.298, p=0.194). Calling proved to mediate the effects of spiritual leadership on caring behaviour (t=3.145, p=0.002), while membership could not function as a mediator (t=1.197, p=0.231).Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership in nursing care, particularly in enhancing nurses' caring behaviours. Healthcare organizations should implement training programs on spiritual leadership to encourage calling nurses to perform their duties with dedication. Developing nurse membership should be considered, but the main focus must be on strategies that strengthen nurses' calling, as this is an essential factor in providing quality and empathetic care.
Methyl jasmonate mitigates biochemical and phytochemical changes in salt stressed Stevia rebaudiana plants
Authors: Dhankot Zahabiya , Sanghvi Gaurav
Published: October 2024

This study explored the effects of salt stress on growth, oxidative stress, and steviol glycoside content in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plants cultivated in soil supplemented with methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Stevia plants were cultivated under normal and salt stress conditions, with and without MeJA supplements of 30 ?M, 60 ?M, and 120 ?M. Samples were harvested after the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th, and 15th day of treatment. The levels of chlorophyll (p<0.0001), carotenoids (p<0.0001), and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (p<0.0001), superoxide dismutase (p<0.0001), APX (p<0.0001), and glutathione reductase (p<0.0001) were observed. The quantification of steviol glycosides, including stevioside (p<0.0001) and rebaudioside-A (p<0.0001), was studied by the most advanced hyphenated technique, LC-MS/MS. The study revealed that the oxidative stress responses were significantly improved in MeJA-treated plants compared to salt-stress control plants. The level of production of phenols (p<0.0001), flavonoids, total sugar, reducing sugar, and steviol glucosides was significantly altered in salt-stress plants. MeJA showed a dose- and time-dependent significant effect on the improvement of these factors over salt stress. In conclusion, MeJA not only improves the growth of plants but also reduces oxidative stress and enhances the level of phytochemicals under saline stress.
Mitigation of salinity stress on morpho-physiological and yield related parameters of rice using different organic amendments
Authors: Israt Jahan Irin  , Akter Keya , Rasul Shishir , Biswas Tatia , Alam Md. Mahbubul
Published: October 2024

Salinity is a pernicious abiotic element that hinders crop development. Utilizing organic amendments to remediate salt is crucial for enhancing soil function and promoting crop growth. Based on this, a pot experiment was carried out at the research field of Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, to examine the physiology, growth, and yield of transplanted aman rice in response to salinity stress using duckweed, and dhaincha biomass supplement. Excess salinity with no organic amendments reduced plant growth and development, relative water content (26%), and membrane stability (28%), index compared to T1 S1 (duckweed), and T2 S1 (dhaincha) at 50 mM salinity. Salinity delayed the emergence of first flowering and the maturity of filled grains. The lowest grain yield was recorded in T0S3 (no treatment + 100 mM salinity). Application of dhaincha and duckweed biomass ameliorates salinity individually at all salinity levels. Rice grown in saline soil with the application of T1 (duckweed biomass) and T2 (Sesbania biomass) had an 87% spikelet fertility while rice grown in soil without T1 and T2 treatment had only 21.82%. The application of T2 and T1 @ 5 t ha-1 increased grain yield by 33.29% and 4.70% compared to control. Furthermore, salinity stress @100 mM NaCl with duckweed decreased grain yield by 0.05% which was minimized to 12% by applying dhaincha green manure (T2) @ 5 t ha1. The finding showed that the ameliorative impact of green manure at 5 tha1 dose (T2) was more effective compared to the duckweed (T1) at the three salinity levels used in the study.
Principal Component Analysis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties for three seasons in Annamalai Nagar, an east coast region of Tamil Nadu
Authors: SRUTHI S R , Laleeth Kumar N , Kishore Kishore , Johnny Subhakar Ivin , ANBUSELVAM Y
Published: October 2024

Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess genetic variability and identify key yield-contributing traits among 50 rice genotypes evaluated over three seasons under saline conditions. The study aimed to select promising donor lines for developing salt-tolerant, high-yielding cultivars suitable for coastal regions. PCA identified three principal components (PCs) that explained 73.19%, 70.34%, and 64.81% of the total genetic variation in seasons 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Key plant attributes, such as grain yield per plant, panicle grain density, total tiller number, and productive tiller count, showed significant positive associations with PC1 across various growth stages, underscoring their crucial role in explaining the genetic diversity among the genotypes. Plant height, panicle length, and hundred-grain weight also emerged as major contributors to variation. The PCA biplots consistently demonstrated positive correlations between grain yield and traits like panicle length, hundred-grain weight, and tillering ability. In contrast, days to 50% flowering exhibited a negative association with yield. Genotypes G10, G49, G36, G41, G9, G4, G22, and G21 displayed favourable combinations of grain yield per plant, identifying them as potential donor lines for breeding programs aimed at improving rice yield and associated agronomic traits. This comprehensive PCA analysis highlights the effectiveness of the approach in capturing genotypic diversity and guiding the selection of promising germplasm for targeted trait improvement in rice.
Minocycline mitigates sepsis‐induced neuroinflammation and promotes recovery in male mice: Insights into neuroprotection and inflammatory modulation
Authors: Hosseini Mahmoud , Bardaghi Zahra , Askarpour Hedyeh , Rajabian Arezoo , Mahmoudabady Maryam , Shabab Sadegh , Samadi‐Noshahr Zahra , Salmani Hossein
Published: October 2024

Sepsis is associated with brain injury and acute brain inflammation, which can potentially transition into chronic inflammation, triggering a cascade of inflammatory responses that may lead to neurological disorders. Minocycline, recognized for its potent anti‐inflammatory properties, was investigated in this study for its protective effects against sepsis‐induced brain injury. Adult male C57 mice pretreated with minocycline (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) 3 days before sepsis induction. An intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg LPS was used to induce sepsis. Spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) and weight changes were assessed over several days post‐sepsis to monitor the recovery of the mice. The expression of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers was assessed 24 h post sepsis. Septic mice exhibited significant weight loss and impaired SLA. Initially, minocycline did not attenuate the severity of weight loss (1 day) or SLA (4 h post‐sepsis), but it significantly accelerated the recovery of the mice in later days. Minocycline dose‐dependently mitigated sepsis‐induced brain inflammation and oxidative stress. Our findings demonstrate that pretreatment with minocycline has the potential to prevent brain tissue damage and accelerate recovery from sepsis in mice, suggesting that minocycline may serve as a promising therapeutic intervention to protect against sepsis‐induced neurological complications.
Nandrolone decanoate–induced hypogonadism in male rats: Dose‐ and time‐dependent effects on pituitary and testicular hormonal functions
Authors: Karimi Sholeh , Kazori Negar , Alavi Sayyed Mohammad Hadi , Alijanpour Sara , Siddiqi Mohammad Alim Atif , Zeynali Bahman
Published: October 2024

Anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AASs) impairment of reproduction has been reported. We investigated dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of Nandrolone decanoate (ND) on reproductive system in comparison with Testosterone enanthate (TE). Male Wistar rats were administrated with 1, 3, and 9 mg/kg/weeks ND or 1 and 3 mg/kg/weeks TE for 8 weeks, and testicular phenotype and reproductive hormones were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks post‐treatments. AASs × treatment period interaction was significant for gonadosomatic index (GSI), testosterone (T), 17β‐estradiol (E2), and luteinizing hormone (LH). At 4 weeks post‐treatment, GSI was decreased in rats treated with 3 mg/kg/weeks ND and T was decreased in all ND‐treated groups, while no significant changes in LH levels were observed. At 8 weeks post‐treatment, GSI was decreased in rats treated with 1 and 3 mg/kg/weeks ND and with 3 mg/kg/weeks TE, T was decreased in all groups, and E2 and LH were increased and decreased, respectively, in rats treated with 9 mg/kg/weeks ND and with 3 mg/kg/weeks TE. The testes showed histopathological defects in both ND‐ and TE‐treated rats suggesting a delay in seminiferous cycle. This study shows AASs‐induced hypogonadism at low‐dose that coincided with inhibition of T biosynthesis and disruption of T feedback on pituitary.
A teaching module in research integrity and ethics for university students based on the IUPAC living-code approach
Authors: Sydnes Leiv K.
Published: October 2024

Through history, the relationship between science and society has changed, and today, science is almost totally integrated and an essential pillar in society. This development has changed the framework for scientific research and made it much more important to consider ethical issues related to both generation of knowledge and use of chemicals. However, such issues have barely been touched in traditional chemistry programs at university level until a few years ago, and there is therefore a need to introduce courses in these topics for university students. In this paper, the background for this need is outlined, and then a teaching module following the IUPAC layered approach is described. The module is based on a selection of key documents, dealing with research integrity and ethics, which are presented and discussed in lectures, workshops, and breakout groups. At the end, the course material is used by each student to write a code of conduct based on his or her working environment.
SENP7 inhibits glioblastoma metastasis and invasion by dissociating SUMO2/3 binding to specific target proteins
Authors: Zhang Jixing , Zheng Hongshan , Liang Peng
Published: October 2024

Background

The poor surgical efficacy and recurrence of glioblastoma (GBM) are due to its lack of visible infiltrative features. Our bioinformatics study suggests that low expression of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-specific protease 7 (SENP7) indicates poor prognosis in GBM.

Objectives

This study investigated the effect of SENP7 expression on the invasion, migration, and proliferation of GBM cells and aims to identify the SUMO target proteins affected by SENP7.

Methods

SENP7 expression was analyzed in eight GBM tumor samples and four GBM cell lines, comparing them to normal brain tissue. The effect of SENP7 overexpression on GBM LN229 cell migration, invasion, and proliferation was examined through in vitro assays. Furthermore, four SUMO target proteins involved in tumor invasion and proliferation (CDK6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP9], AKT, and HIF-1α) were studied to explore SENP7’s molecular mechanism.

Results

SENP7 expression was significantly lower in GBM tumors compared to normal tissue. SENP7 overexpression in LN229 cells inhibited migration and invasion without affecting proliferation. Overexpression reduced the levels of MMP9, AKT, and HIF-1α, but not CDK6. Immunohistochemical analysis showed decreased MMP9 and CD31 levels, suggesting reduced tumor invasion and angiogenesis. However, SENP7 overexpression did not affect tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

SENP7 inhibits GBM invasion by dissociating proteins associated with tumor invasion from SUMO2/3, providing a potential target for future GBM therapies.
Sex-Dependent Changes in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuron Voltage-Gated Potassium Currents in a Mouse Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Rajan Remya , Christian-Hinman Catherine A.
Published: October 2024

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common focal epilepsy in adults, and people with TLE exhibit higher rates of reproductive endocrine dysfunction. Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons regulate reproductive function in mammals by regulating gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary. Previous research demonstrated GnRH neuron hyperexcitability in both sexes in the intrahippocampal kainic acid (IHKA) mouse model of TLE. Fast-inactivating A-type (IA) and delayed rectifier K-type (IK) K+currents play critical roles in modulating neuronal excitability, including in GnRH neurons. Here, we tested the hypothesis that GnRH neuron hyperexcitability is associated with reducedIAandIKconductances. At 2 months after IHKA or control saline injection, when IHKA mice exhibit chronic epilepsy, we recorded GnRH neuron excitability,IA, andIKusing whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. GnRH neurons from both IHKA male and diestrus female GnRH-GFP mice exhibited hyperexcitability compared with controls. In IHKA males, although maximumIAcurrent density was increased,IKrecovery from inactivation was significantly slower, consistent with a hyperexcitability phenotype. In IHKA females, however, bothIAandIKwere unchanged. Sex differences were not observed inIAorIKproperties in controls, but IHKA mice exhibited sex effects inIAproperties. These results indicate that although the emergent phenotype of increased GnRH neuron excitability is similar in IHKA males and diestrus females, the underlying mechanisms are distinct. This study thus highlights sex-specific changes in voltage-gated K+currents in GnRH neurons in a mouse model of TLE and suggesting potential sex differences in GnRH neuron ion channel properties.
Neural Predictors of Fear Depend on the Situation
Authors: Wang Yiyu , Kragel Philip A. , Satpute Ajay B.
Published: October 2024

The extent to which neural representations of fear experience depend on or generalize across the situational context has remained unclear. We systematically manipulated variation within and across three distinct fear-evocative situations including fear of heights, spiders, and social threats. Participants (n = 21; 10 females and 11 males) viewed ∼20 s clips depicting spiders, heights, or social encounters and rated fear after each video. Searchlight multivoxel pattern analysis was used to identify whether and which brain regions carry information that predicts fear experience and the degree to which the fear-predictive neural codes in these areas depend on or generalize across the situations. The overwhelming majority of brain regions carrying information about fear did so in a situation-dependent manner. These findings suggest that local neural representations of fear experience are unlikely to involve a singular pattern but rather a collection of multiple heterogeneous brain states.
The Relationship between White Matter Architecture and Language Lateralization in the Healthy Brain
Authors: Andrulyte Ieva , De Bezenac Christophe , Branzi Francesca , Forkel Stephanie J. , Taylor Peter N. , Keller Simon S.
Published: October 2024

Interhemispheric anatomical differences have long been thought to be related to language lateralization. Previous studies have explored whether asymmetries in the diffusion characteristics of white matter language tracts are consistent with language lateralization. These studies, typically with smaller cohorts, yielded mixed results. This study investigated whether connectomic analysis of quantitative anisotropy (QA) and shape features of white matter tracts across the whole brain are associated with language lateralization. We analyzed 1,040 healthy individuals (562 females) from the Human Connectome Project database. Hemispheric language dominance for each participant was quantified using a laterality quotient (LQ) derived from fMRI activation in regions of interest (ROIs) associated with a language comprehension task compared against a math task. A linear regression model was used to examine the relationship between structural asymmetry and functional lateralization. Connectometry revealed a significant negative correlation between LQs and QA of corpus callosum tracts, indicating that higher QA in these regions is associated with bilateral and right hemisphere language representation in frontal and temporal regions. Left language laterality in the temporal lobe was significantly associated with longer right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) and forceps minor tracts. These results suggest that diffusion measures of microstructural architecture as well as geometrical features of reconstructed white matter tracts play a role in language lateralization. People with increased dependence on the right or both frontal hemispheres for language processing may have more developed commissural fibers, which may support more efficient interhemispheric communication.
Pengaruh Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Aplikasi Adobe Flash Terhadap Motivasi Dan Hasil Belajar Siswa Konstruksi Jalan Irigrasi dan Jembatan Kelas XI SMKN 7 Semarang
Authors: Adhisuta Prianindya , Widodo Aris , Tugino
Published: October 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membandingkan antara kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol dari segi motivasi dan hasil belajar siswa kelas XI KJIJ SMKN 7 Semarang. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian ex-post facto dengan pendekatan deskriptif kuantitatif. Populasi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 72 responden siswa kelas XI KJIJ yang telah menempuh materi saluran jaringan irigrasi SMK Negeri 7 Semarang. Variabel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu variabel bebas dan variabel terikat dengan teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuisioner. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa motivasi dan hasil belajar siswa tentang penerapan pembelajaran adobe flash berbasis modul ajar sekolah memiliki pengaruh terhadap motivasi dan belajar siswa kelas XI KJIJ SMK Negeri 7 Semarang.
Afektinės būsenos savižudybės procese: patirtys ir formavimosi prielaidos
Authors: Marcinkevičiūtė Miglė , Gailienė Danutė
Published: October 2024

The emergence of affective states during the process of suicide is regarded as a serious indicator of suicide risk. This study aims to describe the experience of affective states characteristic of the suicide process and to raise assumptions about how these affective states develop over a person’s lifetime.
A qualitative approach was employed in this study, with the objective of retrospectively exploring individuals’ life experiences through in-depth semistructured interviews. The research sample comprises 12 participants (4 men, 1 person with a nonbinary gender identity, and 7 women) who had attempted suicide no more than one year prior to the study and were receiving treatment at the Vilnius City Mental Health Centre at the time of data collection. Data were analysed using phenomenological interpretive analysis to identify recurring experiential patterns.
The analysis revealed nine main experiential themes: some life difficulties experienced during the suicide process were not perceived as related to suicidality; repeated traumatic events provided a foundation for the formation of deep feelings of deficiency; a compensatory mechanism emerged to fill these feelings of deficiency; exhaustion developed from the effort to maintain this compensatory mechanism; the main trigger directly challenged the compensatory mechanism; an affective state followed the experience of the primary trigger; during the affective state, dissociation may help isolate psychological pain; suicidal thoughts during the affective state are experienced as arising automatically; and suicide is perceived as a means to end suffering.
The findings of the study indicate that individuals’ narratives reveal a pattern of the formation of affective states characteristic of the suicide process. Through reflection, individuals are able to intuitively distinguish significant, distressing life events from those irrelevant to the suicide process and reconsider their experiences. This ability is a valuable resource for both intervention and postvention efforts.
What anesthesiologists need to know about Antidepressants and other Psychotropic Drugs
Authors: Haruna MD MPH Aminat , Ojo MD Iyesogie , Rusnak BA Rebecca , MBCHB, FRCA Hilmi Ibtesam
Published: October 2024

Psychotropic medications are widely prescribed and are a mainstay treatment for various mental health disorders. A significant portion of patients undergoing surgery or various procedures take these medications. With the rising prevalence of mental health conditions, anesthesiologists increasingly find themselves encountering patients who depend on these medications, making the understanding of potential interactions with anesthetic agents crucial during the perioperative period. Appreciating the adverse-effect profiles and familiarity with the clinically relevant drug interactions that may occur in the perioperative setting are imperative to ensure the best possible outcome in delivering patient care. This review focuses on various classes of psychotropic agents, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics. It covers the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of these medication classes and their interactions with agents commonly used in anesthesia.
Quick Reference Guide to Pediatric Care
Authors: Kamat Deepak M.
Published: October 2024

The third edition of this popular quick reference guide delivers practical, action-oriented clinical solutions to use during or between patient encounters. Coverage spans nearly 200 areas of current pediatric care—everything from abdominal pain and asthma to failure to thrive and fever of unknown origin to pneumonia and urinary tract infections. The authoritative AAP content is presented in a concise bulleted format to quickly help you locate information. Available for purchase at https://www.aap.org/Quick-Reference-Guide-to-Pediatric-Care-3rd-Edition-Paperback
Using ChatGPT to Provide Patient-Specific Answers to Parental Questions in the PICU
Authors: Hunter R. Brandon , Thammasitboon Satid , Rahman Sreya S. , Fainberg Nina , Renuart Andrew , Kumar Shelley , Jain Parag N. , Rissmiller Brian , Sur Moushumi , Mehta Sanjiv
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To determine if ChatGPT can incorporate patient-specific information to provide high-quality answers to parental questions in the PICU. We hypothesized that ChatGPT would generate high-quality, patient-specific responses.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we generated assessments and plans for 3 PICU patients with respiratory failure, septic shock, and status epilepticus and paired them with 8 typical parental questions. We prompted ChatGPT with instructions, an assessment and plan, and 1 question. Six PICU physicians evaluated the responses for accuracy (1–6), completeness (yes/no), empathy (1–6), and understandability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool, PEMAT, 0% to 100%; Flesch–Kincaid grade level). We compared answer quality among scenarios and question types using the Kruskal–Wallis and Fischer’s exact tests. We used percent agreement, Cohen’s Kappa, and Gwet’s agreement coefficient to estimate inter-rater reliability.

RESULTS

All answers incorporated patient details, utilizing them for reasoning in 59% of sentences. Responses had high accuracy (median 5.0, [interquartile range (IQR), 4.0–6.0]), empathy (median 5.0, [IQR, 5.0–6.0]), completeness (97% of all questions), and understandability (PEMAT % median 100, [IQR, 87.5–100]; Flesch–Kincaid level 8.7). Only 4/144 reviewer scores were <4/6 in accuracy, and no response was deemed likely to cause harm. There was no difference in accuracy, completeness, empathy, or understandability among scenarios or question types. We found fair, substantial, and almost perfect agreement among reviewers for accuracy, empathy, and understandability, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ChatGPT used patient-specific information to provide high-quality answers to parental questions in PICU clinical scenarios.
Diversity and paleoecological significance of zooxanthellate corals of Oligocene Qom Formation, SE Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Ebrahim , Ghaedi Mehdi
Published: October 2024

Zooxanthellate corals are Iran's most abundant macrofossils in the Oligocene-early Miocene Qom Formation deposits in the NE margin of the Tethyan Seaway. Yet, basic knowledge about the diversity of these organisms and their paleoecology is still scarce. This paper uses late Rupelian–Chattian coral data from three exposed sections in the northwestern Jazmurian Lake, SE Iran, as the southeasternmost outcrops of the Qom Formation, are analyzed in terms of diversity and paleoecology. The coralline red algae and larger benthic foraminiferal assemblages associated with the corals have also been used to infer the paleoenvironmental and paleoecological conditions. The following coral genera were recognized: Leptoria, Caulastraea, Hydnophora, Astreopora, Plesiastrea, Thegioastraea, Porites, Goniopora, Platycoenia, Acropora, Tarbellastraea, Favites, Heliastraea, Stylocoenia, Ceratotrochus. The high abundance of z-corals, larger benthic foraminifera (LBF), and coralline red algae demonstrate that the deposition took place in tropical-subtropical warm waters mainly within the euphotic to the mesophotic zones. The presence of various coral fabrics including pillarstone, domestone, and rudstone allowed to infer high to moderate hydrodynamic energy in the studied sections. As well, given the interactions among corals, filter-feeders, green and red algae, bioeroders, and the surrounding environment, it seems that oligotrophic to slightly mesotrophic conditions also had prevailed in the studied area.
Diffraction Separation for the Ground Penetrating Radar Data by Masking Filters
Authors: Li Zhijun , Sun Hui , Xu Ruoge , Chen Rui , Ren Hongyong , Wang Chenglang , Gao Fuliu , Wang Mingnian
Published: October 2024

Ground penetrating radar is a high-resolution, efficient, non-destructive geophysical detection method. It is widely used in various application scenarios such as tunnel geological prediction and road maintenance. Ground penetrating radar data contains a variety of valid signals as well as noise. The diffracted waves of ground penetrating radar contain high-resolution small target imaging information. A critical challenge in GPR applications is how to extract diffracted waves from the wave fields. We provide a strategy to achieve this goal by applying the masking filters. Considering the complexity of the ground penetrating radar wave field and the weak energy of the diffracted waves, the median filter is first employed to suppress the linear reflections and then the f-k filter and filter are implemented to further increase the proportion of diffractions in the wave fields. Three numerical experiments are employed to test the diffraction-separation method.
El Arcaico Colombiano y el Arcaico Amazónico
Authors: Mora Santiago
Published: October 2024

Este artículo analiza el concepto de «Arcaico» y sus características en el contexto de la arqueología colombiana, desde mediados del siglo XX, en la arqueología colombiana. Se valoran las dificultades que el uso del mismo implicó para el desarrollo de la investigación. Finalmente, se examina la posibilidad del empleo de esta categoría en el contexto de la arqueología amazónica para concluir que su empleo impide un adecuado análisis de los problemas que se estudian en el presente en la región.
Peixes comercializados como iscas vivas na bacia do rio Teles Pires, drenagem Amazônica
Authors: Carvalho Lucélia Nobre , Stedile de Matos Liliane , Rogério Carvalho Fernando
Published: October 2024

A introdução e disseminação de espécies não-nativas é um dos principais responsáveis da perda de biodiversidade, com inúmeros prejuízos econômicos. Exemplo disso é a de introdução de espécies de peixes nos ambientes aquáticos por meio de soltura de iscas vivas por pescadores esportivos e amadores. Dessa forma, o objetivo do trabalho foi identificar e mapear os peixes comercializados como iscas vivas na bacia do rio Teles Pires. Foram identificadas 12 espécies/morfotipos de peixes comercializados como iscas vivas provenientes da bacia Amazônica (rio Teles Pires) e bacia do rio Paraguai (Pantanal). Em virtude dos impactos causados por espécies não-nativas, recomendamos que: (i) as iscas vivas comercializadas sejam da própria bacia do rio Teles Pires; (iii) seja respeitado o tamanho mínimo de primeira maturação gonadal e o período de piracema das espécies comercializadas e (iii) a não soltura/liberação das iscas vivas adicionais, não-usadas durante a pescaria, no ambiente aquático, após as pescarias. Com isso, espera-se que estas informações contribuam para políticas de regulamentação do uso de iscas vivas no estado de Mato Grosso.
Leaf spectrum analysis of three tropical timber species: Diomate (Astronium graveolens), Choibá (Dipteryx oleifera), and Algarrobo (Hymenaea courbaril)
Authors: Alzate Marin Estefany Johana , Toro Restrepo Luis Jairo , Suárez Gómez July Andrea
Published: October 2024

This study analyzed the leaf spectral response of three native timber forest species in the tropical dry forest: Diomate (Astronium graveolens Jacq.), Choibá (Dipteryx oleifera Benth.), and Algarrobo (Hymenaea courbaril L.). The study was conducted at the León Morales Soto Arboretum and Palmetum, at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. Spectral data from the leaves were collected in situ using the portable spectroradiometer ASD FieldSpec HandHeld-2, which operates with a spectral resolution of 1 nm (resampled to 10 nm) and covers a spectral range between 325 and 1,075 nm (limited to 400-900 nm). Based on the measurements, the behavior and spectral variability of the species were evaluated. One-factor Analysis of Variance and Mann Whitney-Wilcoxon U-test were implemented in reflectance spectra to select the optimal narrow bands for species discrimination. The classification capacity of the selected narrow bands was assessed using the K-nearest neighbors’ algorithm. It was found that A. graveolens and H. courbaril exhibited spectral signatures typical of healthy vegetation, while D. oleifera showed spectral changes during the early stages of senescence. Regarding spectral separability, 23 narrow bands in the visible region and near-infrared region were identified as optimal for distinguishing the plant species. The supervised classification algorithm applied to these 23 narrow bands achieved an overall accuracy of 95.8%. In conclusion, these findings provide valuable insights into the spectral response of important tropical species and contribute to their conservation efforts by enhancing understanding of their unique spectral characteristics in diverse and heterogeneous ecosystems like tropical forests.