bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biophysical mapping of TREM2-ligand interactions reveals shared surfaces for engagement of multiple Alzheimer’s disease ligands
Authors: Greven Jessica , Wydra Joshua , Greer Rory , Zhi Cynthia , Camitta Christopher , Song Yuhua , Alexander-Brett Jennifer , Brett Thomas John
Published: September 2024

TREM2 is a signaling receptor expressed on microglia that has emerged as an important drug target for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While a number of TREM2 ligands have been identified, little is known regarding the structural details of how they engage. To better understand this, we created a protein library of 28 different TREM2 variants that could be used to map interactions with various ligands using biolayer interferometry. The variants are located in previously identified putative binding surfaces on TREM2 called the hydrophobic site, basic site, and site 2. We found that mutations to the hydrophobic site ablated binding to apoE4 and TDP-43. Competition binding experiments indicated that apoE4 and oAb42 share overlapping binding sites on TREM2. In contrast, binding to C1q was disrupted most strongly by mutations to the basic site, including R46, with some mutations to the hydrophobic site also attenuating binding, thus suggesting a broader mediation of binding across the two sites. Supporting this, competition experiments indicated that C1q binding could be blocked by both apoE and oAb42. TREM2 binding to IL-34 was mediated by the basic site at a surface centering on R76. Competition binding experiments validated the unique site for IL-34, showing little to no competition with either oAb42 or apoE4. However, competition experiments between C1q and IL34 suggest that the ligands compete for binding at the basic site. Altogether, our results suggest that TREM2 utilizes the hydrophobic site (consisting of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3) as a common site to engage multiple ligands, and uses distinct basic sites to engage others. Our findings imply that pharmaceutical strategies targeting these surfaces might be effective to modulate TREM2 functions.
Extracellular vesicles from microglial cells activated by abnormal heparan sulfate oligosaccharides from Sanfilippo patients impair neuronal dendritic arborization
Authors: Dias Chloé , Ballout Nissrine , Morla Guillaume , Alileche Katia , Santiago Christophe , Guerrera Chiara Ida , Chaubet Adeline , Ausseil Jerome , Trudel Stephanie
Published: September 2024

Background
In mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III), a pediatric neurodegenerative disorder, accumulation of abnormal glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) induces severe neuroinflammation by triggering the microglial pro-inflammatory cytokines production via a TLR4-dependent pathway. But the extent of the microglia contribution to the MPS III neuropathology remains unclear. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication and are known to participate in the pathogenesis of adult neurodegenerative diseases. However, characterization of the molecular profiles of EVs released by MPS III microglia and their effects on neuronal functions have not been described.
Methods
Here, we isolated EVs secreted by the microglial cells after treatment with GAGs purified from urines of MPS III patients (MPS III-EVs) to explore the EVs’ proteins and small RNA profiles using LC-MS/MS and RNA sequencing. We next performed a functional assay by immunofluorescence following wild-type (WT) or MPS III-EVs uptake by WT primary cortical neurons and analyzed their extensions metrics after staining of βIII-tubulin and MAP2 by confocal microscopy.
Results
Functional enrichment analysis for both proteomics and RNA sequencing data from MPS III-EVs revealed a specific content involved in neuroinflammation and neurodevelopment pathways. Treatment of cortical neurons with MPS III-EVs induced a disease-associated phenotype demonstrated by a lower total neurite surface area, an impaired somatodendritic compartment, and a higher number of immature dendritic spines.
Conclusions
This study shows, for the first time, that GAGs from patients with MPS III can induce microglial secretion of EVs that deliver a specific molecular message to recipient naive neurons, while promoting the neuroinflammation, and depriving neurons of neurodevelopmental factors. This work provides a framework for further studies of biomarkers to evaluate efficiency of emerging therapies.
Bile Acid Derivatives as Novel Co-adsorbents for Enhanced Performance of Blue Dye-Sensitized Solar
Cells
Authors: Freitag Marina , Sasistharan Kezia , Abarca Allan J. Mora , Tellini Victor Soto , Cucinotta Fabio , Pineda Leslie
Published: September 2024

Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based blue dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) exhibit promise for building-integrated photovoltaics, but their efficiency is compromised by dye aggregation-induced charge recombination. Novel bile acid derivative co-adsorbents featuring bulky hydrophobic substituents at the 3-position were synthesized to address this challenge. These molecules, designed to modulate intermolecular electronic interactions, effectively altered the TiO2 surface coverage dynamics, as evidenced by UV-Vis spectroscopy and dye-loading kinetics. Systematic variation of hydrophilic substituents revealed structure-function relationships in dye separation efficacy. Devices incorporating these co-adsorbers achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 7.6%, surpassing reference devices (5.2%) and those using conventional chenodeoxycholic acid co-adsorbers (6.4%). The optimized devices exhibited a 30% increase in short-circuit current density, 30 mV enhancement in open-circuit voltage, and 60% peak external quantum efficiency at 550 nm. Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy confirmed suppressed non-radiative recombination, while transient absorption spectroscopy revealed accelerated electron injection rates from 6.4 ps to 4.6 ps. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy elucidated the mechanism of reduced interfacial recombination. These findings present a molecular engineering strategy for mitigating lateral charge transfer in planar dye systems, advancing semi-transparent hybrid photovoltaics
An Evaluation of Usability and Security in Mobile Banking
Authors: Adediran Olawale E
Published: September 2024

Mobile banking applications are currently popular because of COVID-19 restrictions, which have led to more people using remote alternatives for services. Some security control exists in mobile banking applications, for instance, whenever a customer sends money to a payee for the first time. This research will evaluate the usability of security in mobile banking applications in England. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which modern existing mobile banking apps adhere to usability standards, users' perceptions of the overall user experience using these mobile apps for everyday tasks and what constitutes "usability" to them, and users' perceptions of the general sense of safety and trustworthiness, e.g., what constitutes "security", to them. The data for this project were collected using the System Usability Scale (SUS tool) questionnaire. Two usability studies were conducted to derive a high SUS score of 80.5, which falls within the 86% percentile range. During the study, it was discovered that people want a secure platform in the context of security that should not be mistaken for multiple security checks. The number of screens/longer the user flow is, the less usable the product is. Security is better in the background by the system than by the user for a better usable product. Subtle security tips that do not increase the user flow where the user can explore if they want are more effective in terms of security and result in better usability.
Cyclic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Walls with NiTi Reinforcement: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: ali dina , Z. Ahmed F. , El-kashif Khaled
Published: September 2024

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a promising new material for reinforcing concrete structures to sustain severe lateral loads. Their excellent shape recovery after significant strain makes them very attractive for seismic applications compared with ordinary steel. Nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) is one of the most common types of shape memory alloy (SMA). In the current paper, a numerical analysis is conducted to evaluate the behavior of hybrid NiTi-reinforced concrete shear wall compared to an ordinary wall subjected to lateral cyclic displacement. The enhancement in shear wall capacities is investigated in terms of hysteretic behavior, wall ductility, and inter-story drift ratio. Therefore, three-dimensional modelling utilizing ANSYS 19 is conducted to examine the influences of numerous parameters, such as NiTi reinforcement ratio, loading direction, number of loads cycles stirrups spacing, and axial load intensity. The results showed that the NiTi-Wall exhibited a maximum displacement capacity, which is increased by an average of 38.5%. Additionally, it displayed the greatest ductility and drift capacity, with average increases of 15% and 20.8%, respectively, compared to ordinary walls. As the number of load cycles increased, NiTi bars demonstrated a significant improvement in drift capacity, with an average increase of 27.5%.
Phosphorus fertilizer responsive bacteria and fungi in canola (Brassica napus L.) roots are correlated with plant performance
Authors: Liu Mengying , Mooleki Patrick , Schneider Dave , Kochian Leon V. , Helgason Bobbi L.
Published: September 2024

Background
Canola (Brassica napus L.) has high phosphorus demand, but its seedlings are sensitive to seed-placed phosphorus fertilizers. Optimizing phosphorus fertilizer managements (rates and placements) for canola is critical and can be aided by a better understanding of the root-associated microbiome, as it plays key roles in improving phosphorus availability through mineralization and solubilization.
Methods
We conducted a two-year field experiment applying monoammonium phosphate fertilizers at three rates (no addition, recommended, and high rates at 0, 17, and 32 kg P ha− 1 year− 1) using two opener placements (narrow at 2.5 cm vs. wide at 10 cm) which affect seedbed concentration of phosphorus. Canola performance was evaluated, and rhizosphere and root bacterial and fungal microbiomes were profiled by DNA amplicon sequencing.
Results
High-rate and near-seed placement of phosphorus (32 kg P ha− 1 in the 2.5 cm opener) consistently reduced canola seedling emergence but not biomass and yield, which were higher in 2020 than in 2019. Yearly variations and plant growth stages impacted both the rhizosphere and root microbiomes, while phosphorus fertilization only affected the root microbiome. Specifically, phosphorus fertilization enriched root genera Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Luteibacter, Amaurodon, Trichoderma, and Penicillium. Conversely, Chryseobacterium, Chitinophaga, Flavobacterium and Olpidium were more prevalent in roots without phosphorus addition. Canola yield was positively correlated with the abundance of Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia and Trichoderma in roots.
Conclusions
Phosphorus fertilizer rates and placements affect canola germination but not seed yield. Profiling of phosphorus-responsive bacteria and fungi in the roots suggests that phosphorus fertilization can have a lasting impact on the canola root microbiome, modulating plant growth responses to soil phosphorus availability.
Classification of Cold Vortex Snowstorms in Northeast China Based on K- means Clustering Algorithm and their Features
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Chenghan , Fang Yihe , Jiao Haoran , Liu Jing , Zhou Feng
Published: September 2024

Based on the fifth-generation atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate released by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), this study firstly objectively identifies the Northeast cold vortex (NECV) processes during the winters from 1951 to 2021. Subsequently, using the observational data from 245 meteorological stations in Northeast China, cold vortex snowstorm (CVS) events in Northeast China are defined and further classified into three types based on the NECV intensity, which are named as northwestern-path, southern-path and northern-path types according to the movement paths of the associated NECVs. The results show that for CVSs of the southern-path type, the NECVs feature the southernmost position, with the whole Northeast China dominated by abnormal cyclone at 850 hPa. For CVSs of the northern-path type, there are two abnormal cyclones in a stepped distribution. However, at the sea level, the surface systems of the southern-path and northern-path types develop into cyclones, leading to distinct moisture transport paths among the three types. The high moisture flux regions correspond well with the snowfall area across all three types, as do the high moisture divergence regions with the extreme snowfall regions. The upper-level jet core is located near 30°N. As the Northeast China region is situated north of the upper-level jet exit, the upward motions in the southern-path and northern-path types are stronger than that in the northwestern-path type. For CVSs of the northern type, significant positive vorticity is located away from the snowstorm center. Warm advection dominates the region from the lower to middle troposphere, and strong upward motion lifts warm and humid air, thereby resulting in the snowstorm. CVSs of the northwestern-path type intermediate in upper-lower level configurations between the other two types. For CVSs of the southern-path type, there is a deep vertical system. Cold advection prevails the mid-to-low levels over the snowfall area, which provides a cold cushion near the ground that forces warm and humid air to ascend, thereby producing heavy snow. Furthermore, the downward extension of the high-level potential vorticity to the mid-to-low levels, along with the intrusion of dry-cold air from the upper levels into the mid-to-low levels facilitate the persistence of the cold vortex and the intensification of snowfall.
Robust Framework for Scalable AI Inference Using Distributed Cloud Services and Event-driven Architecture
Authors: Jani Yash , Jani Arth
Published: September 2024

The deployment and scaling of AI models in production present challenges in ensuring efficient inference while maintaining cost-effectiveness and scalability. This paper proposes a robust framework using AWS services, including Elastic Beanstalk, SQS, EC2 instances with GPUs, EventBridge, Step Functions, API Gateway, and a hybrid approach with spot and on-demand instances. Elastic Beanstalk handles incoming requests and routes them to SQS for asynchronous processing. API Gateway manages rate limiting, while EventBridge and Step Functions dynamically scale the infrastructure. EC2 instances are pre-configured with AI scripts via EC2 Image Builder, requests are retrieved from SQS, models from Hugging Face are processed, and results are stored in Cloudflare. This architecture ensures high availability and responsiveness, optimizing performance and cost. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate the framework's effectiveness in handling varying inference demands, showing significant scalability, resource utilization, and operational efficiency improvements.
The functional prognosis of older adults in a postacute care center: the impact of dementia
Authors: Bermudez Ester , Salvat Isabel , Viñuelas Eva , Palma Jose , Ciutat Marta , Grau Imma , Vilella Elisabet , Sepúlveda Esteban
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The functional recovery of older adults in postacute care units is influenced by demographic and clinical factors, including the presence of dementia. However, studies on this topic are scarce and do not often focus on this population. Objective: The objective was to determine the influence of different factors on the functional prognosis, mortality and need for support at discharge of patients admitted to a postacute care centre, controlling for the presence of dementia. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study. We analysed the correlations between demographic and clinical factors and functional improvement (according to the Barthel Index, Tinetti test and Functional Ambulation Category scale), the need for support at discharge and mortality. We performed bivariate analysis followed by binary logistic regression or linear regression depending on the type of variable. Results: A total of 206 patients were included. The presence of dementia and delirium were related to most outcome variables, so the sample was stratified according to the presence of dementia. After multivariate analysis, functional outcome of people with dementia was influenced by their previous autonomy and degree of improvement in hospital, the presence of delirium and anaemia on admission, as well as having a hearing deficit. The risk of death was associated with malnutrition, inflammation, antipsychotic treatment and having more functional losses prior to admission. People without dementia had better baseline functioning, influenced by few clear factors, where those with higher education and not married had better prognosis in autonomy and risk of falls and only malnutrition was a risk factor for mortality. Conclusions: Dementia status is a determining factor for functional improvement, autonomy and mortality after admission to a postacute care unit. Differentiated risk algorithms for patients with and without dementia, would allow better targeting of functional rehabilitation.
New 5-methylisatin-thiosemicarbazones: preparation, spectroscopic elucidation and antioxidant properties
Authors: Bakır Temel Kan
Published: September 2024

New isatin-thiosemicarbazone (1–6) were obtained from various 5-methylisatin and various isocyanates with good yields and efficient methods. The structures of the synthesized compounds were clarified by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis. In the study using butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a reference antioxidant, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antiradical quenching capacities of the synthesized compounds were determined. The free radical scavenging effects of the synthesized compounds were compared with the IC50 values obtained from the concentration equations and were found in the order BHT > 6 > 5 > 3 > 2 > 1 > 4. Structural and electronic properties of the compounds were examined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and their relationship with the antioxidant properties of the compounds was discussed. DFT calculations played an important role in determining how the electronic properties of the synthesized compounds, especially in the presence of different substituents and in the ortho and meta positions, and accordingly the antioxidant properties of the compounds, changed. Experimental and theoretical results confirmed that methoxy-containing structures in the synthesized compounds exhibit higher antioxidant effects compared to halogen-containing structures, regardless of their position.
Fe3O4@MXene/rGO/PANI Composite: A Novel Sensing Material for the Electrochemical Detection of Orange II and Rhodamine B Food Dyes
Authors: Akhtar Mehwish , Almalki Abdulraheem , Abdullah Tahreem , Fallatah Ahmed , Alhadhrami A , Shakir Imran , Warsi Muhammad
Published: September 2024

The sensitive and selective monitoring of food dyes is essential due to their potential carcinogenic effects on human as well as on living organisms. Herein, Fe3O4@MXene/rGO/PANI nanocomposite was prepared and successfully applied as a recognition layer for the sensitive and fast analysis of Orange II (OR II) and Rhodamine B (RB) via DPV. The prepared nanocomposites were described by XRD, SEM and FTIR analysis. The XRD results verified the crystalline nature of the composite. Successful fabrication of electrode surface was confirmed from CV, EIS and CC. Due to the outstanding electrochemical characteristics, high surface area, and good electrocatalytic activity of Fe3O4@MXene/rGO/PANI, the peak currents of dyes on modified GC electrode are considerably higher than among all studied electrodes. The detection conditions such as supporting electrolyte, amount of modifier, pH of the medium, accumulation potential and time were studied and optimized. Under optimized conditions, the designed sensor exhibited two linear ranges from 0.005–0.1 and 0.1–1 µM with detection limits of 0.56 nM and 0.42 nM for OR II and RB, which was attributed to the high surface area, strong accumulation ability and multiple active sites of Fe3O4@MXene/rGO/PANI. Futhermore, the stability of the designed sensor was analyzed for the detection of OR II and RB. The practical applicability of this sensor was also scrutinized for the analysis of OR II and RB in real samples and suitable results were obtained. Hence, this simple and effective methodology for detection of dyes has good potential for monitoring of environmental pollutants.
Genetic and Clinical Determinants of MACE and Haemorrhage in Antiplatelet Therapy: Insights from Pharmacogenomic Analysis
Authors: ZHAO Jun , Wang Yubo , YUAN Shuangli , Li Muyun , Feng Wenling , Li Jing , Berdi Aliye , Kou Yulian , Chen Wenwen , Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2024

Background: Variability in responses to clopidogrel and aspirin therapy for coronary artery disease has driven interest in pharmacogenomics. This study investigates the role of genetic variants in CYP2C19, ABCB1, and PON1 in predicting adverse cardiovascular events and guiding personalised antiplatelet therapy.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of the risk levels from CYP2C19 (*2, *3, *17), ABCB1 C3435T, and PON1 Q192R polymorphisms. The primary outcome was the incidence of haemorrhage and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Kaplan Merir curves and Cox regression with IPTW adjustments were used for analysis.
Results: Group A (treatment consistent with multigene testing) showed significantly lower MACE incidence than Group B. Multigene testing more accurately predicted clopidogrel effectiveness than single-gene testing and reduced adverse events without increasing haemorrhagic risk.
Conclusion: Multigene-guided antiplatelet therapy is more effective in reducing adverse cardiovascular events. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings, incorporating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors for a comprehensive personalised medicine approach.
How Humans Engineered Possibilities of Landscape: Baskets and Basketry Materials in İnönü Cave
Authors: Ekmen F. Gülden , Ekmen Hamza , Crivellaro Alan , Yaman Barbaros
Published: September 2024

Wood and bark are among the most significant raw materials prehistoric and early historical human communities used to produce tools and goods that shaped their daily life. Since special conditions are required to preserve objects made with these materials until today, we have limited information about how often or how this basic raw material was used. Here, we report evidence of how wood and bark were used in basket crafting and compare them with modern-day uses. On the northwestern coast of Türkiye, Zonguldak-Karadeniz Ereğli İnönü Cave has special conditions for the preservation of wood and other organic materials. In the Late Bronze Age Level III of the cave (1436 − 1123 Cal BC), baskets and evidence of basketry were found among water-filled puddles. These records are valuable for understanding how the environment surrounding archaeological sites was used by its settlers. Analyzes carried out to understand which types of trees in the environment are preferred for basket production highlighted European yew (Taxus baccata L.) and field maple (cf Acer campestre L.) species. Production techniques and species analyses of basket remains show the knowledge and level of specialization in basket production of the Late Bronze Age settlers of İnönü Cave.
ARFID InitiativE Sweden (ARIES): Study protocol
Authors: Hog Liv , Fundin Bengt T. , Palm Erik Everett , Billger Annelie , Bulik Cynthia M. , Abbaspour Afrouz , Dinkler Lisa
Published: September 2024

Background
The ARFID InitiativE Sweden (ARIES) investigates the genetic and environmental factors contributing to avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 14 years.
Methods
The study will involve 1,500 Swedish children and adolescents with ARFID and a control group of 500 Swedish children and adolescents without ARFID. Parents/guardians and their children will complete online questionnaires assessing ARFID and other eating disorder (ED) pathology, co-occurring conditions, quality of life, and parental stress and ED pathology. All participants will provide a saliva sample for comprehensive genetic analyses. Additionally, a subset of participants will provide a stool sample to investigate the gut microbiome in ARFID.
Discussion
ARIES will investigate the genetic and environmental factors of ARFID while establishing a national biobank and research registry. It will provide valuable data for immediate research and longitudinal follow-up to track ARFID course and outcomes. ARIES data will clarify genetic relationships between ARFID and other EDs and psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and somatic conditions. Additionally, microbial analysis will shed light on the gut microbiome in ARFID, guiding future nutrition interventions. The biobank will also facilitate future genomic and other -omic research, laying a strong foundation for future studies.
Needs Assessment of Workplace Mental Health: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kabir Umme Saika , Czechowski Claudia Jozefina , Fraser Lynda , Poulter Heather , Kristman Vicki L
Published: September 2024

Background
Mental health conditions are a leading cause of workplace disability. The recent COVID-19 pandemic impacted organizations and the working population globally and resulted in widespread organizational changes. In this context, the primary objectives of this study were 1) to gain deeper insights into employers’ perceptions of the alterations in workplace mental health (WMH) and stigma during the pandemic, and 2) to better understand the current needs of local workplaces regarding WMH.
Methods
Two cross-sectional studies were conducted through online surveys of employer representatives in the City of Thunder Bay and District located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. The online pre-pandemic survey was available between April 2018 and July 2018. A different set of employer respondents completed the post-pandemic survey between November 2022 and March 2023. The results of these two cross-sectional surveys were compared to understand employer perspectives on WMH and stigma at the community level, and changes in need for interventions.
Results
There were 78 and 71 participants in pre-and post-pandemic surveys respectively. Most were female, employed in upper and middle management, and were working for more than 10 years in their current workplace. Overall, post-pandemic survey respondents mentioned poorer mental health compared to the pre-pandemic sample. WMH was a higher priority in organizations who participated after the pandemic than before, with 25% of workplaces ranking it as the top priority post-pandemic. Most of the participants (61%) in the pre-pandemic sample were interested in strategies for promoting and preventing mental health concerns, whereas 62% of the post-pandemic respondents exhibited an interest in knowing about strategies for managing chronic stress and burnout. In the post-pandemic group, online resources became a more popular means of acquiring knowledge on WMH. However, both the pre-and post-pandemic samples exhibited a lack of knowledge on the legal aspects of WMH.
Conclusions
The study provides insight into the WMH needs of employers pre- and post-pandemic. As we move forward, it is imperative that organizations continue to prioritize WMH, provide ongoing efforts to destigmatize mental health issues, foster a culture of open communication, and invest in employee support systems.
Foliar application of carbon based nano-biochar colloidal solution elevates tomato productivity by counteracting the effect of salt stress: Insights into morphological physiological and biochemical indices
Authors: Shahzadi Javeria , . Zaib-un-Nisa , ali Naila , Iftikhar Muhammad , Shah Anis Ali , Ashraf M. Yasin , Chao Chen , Shaffique Shifa , Gatasheh Mansour K.
Published: September 2024

Nano-biochar considers a versatile and valuable sorbent to enhance plant productivity by improving soil environment and emerged as a novel solution for environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture in modern era. In this study, roles of foliar applied nanobiochar colloidal solution (NBS) on salt stressed tomato plants were investigated. For this purpose, NBS was applied (0%, 1% 3% and 5%) on two groups of plants (control 0 mM and salt stress 60 mM). Tween-20 was used as a surfactant to prolong NBS effective stay on plant leaf surface. The results showed that 3% NBS application effectively improved the plant height, plant biomass, fruit count and fruit weight under non-stressed and stressed plants. In addition, 3% NBS application further increased the plant pigments such as chlorophyll by 72% and 53%, carotenoids by 64% and 40%, leaf relative water content by 4.1 fold and 1.07 fold under both conditions, respectively. NBS application stabilized the plasma membrane via reducing electrolyte leakage by 30% as well as reduced the lipid peroxidation rates by 46% and 29% under non-stressed and stressed plants, respectively. 3% NBS application also significantly enhanced the plants primary and secondary metabolites, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to control plants. Overall, NBS foliar application significantly improved all growth and yield indices, pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, leaf water content, antioxidant enzyme activities as well as reduced electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation rates in tomato to combat stress conditions.
Unravelling the role silica nanoparticles to ameliorate chromium heavy metal stress in Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)
Authors: Raza Hafiz Zulqurnain , Shah Anis Ali , Noreen Zahra , Usman Sheeraz , Javad Sumera , Kaleem Muhammad , Gatasheh Mansour K. , Shafique Shiffa
Published: September 2024

The influence of environmental contamination on different ecosystems has become a major problem worldwide. Pollution of heavy metals in soil has become a serious global concern. The purpose of the present experimental work was to assess the effect of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) on the growth, biochemical parameters, and physiological responses of Tagetes erecta L. plants under chromium (Cr) stress. In the current investigation, we implemented the CRD experiment, and three sets of replicates were employed, each comprising nine unique treatments; control, Cr-I (50 mg kg− 1), Cr-II (100 mg kg− 1), SiNPs-I (100 mg L− 1), SiNPs-II (200 mg L− 1), Cr-I + SiNPs-I, Cr-I + SiNPs-II, Cr-II + SiNPs-I, Cr-II + SiNPs-II). When plants were exposed to Cr, the oxidative damage was noticeable. Cr contamination markedly decreased the growth characters of the plants including shoot and root length, fresh and dry weights as well as photosynthetic pigment but increased the level of proline, hydrogen-peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and relative membrane permeability in plants. Significantly, the impacts of Cr on plants were avoided by SiNPs application. SiNPs applied externally lessened the concentrations of H2O2, MDA, and relative membrane permeability. Conversely, SiNPs enhanced the content of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and improved the growth of plant. They also elevated the antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, SiNPs promote the defensive mechanisms of plants against the stress of toxic metals by boosting the absorption of particular elements such as Ca2+ and K+. Based on our research, treating plants with SiNPs can potentially help them to overcome abiotic stresses. Our findings suggest that SiNPs have the potential to effectively regulate stress indicators and antioxidants, which can significantly lower the adverse impact of abiotic stresses in plants.
Efficacy of 8-Week Daclatasvir-Sofosbuvir Regimen in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Farrag Ahmed N. , Kamel Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Background: The high rates of the sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) in real world settings provoked the adoption of shortened courses of the costly direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) regimens. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first systematic review and meta-analysis for the efficacy of the shortened 8-week course of sofosbuvir (SOF) plus daclatasvir (DCV), the most accessible DAAs in the low-middle income countries (LMICs).
Methods: We performed a proportion meta-analysis to determine a reliable rate of SVR12 by pooling all studies that evaluated the results of the 8-week regimen of DCV+SOF. In addition, we applied two imputation paradigms a conservative approach, and a pragmatic approach to avoid overestimating the efficacy of the 8-week regimen in studies that followed a Response-Guided Treatment (RGT) approach.
Results: The pooled SVR12 rate ranged from 91% to 97% in the included scenarios. The pragmatic scenario showed that the pooled SVR12 was 97% (95% CI 91%; 100%) with lower variability as assessed by the prediction interval. The conservative approach revealed an SVR12 of 93% (95% CI 84%; 95%).
Conclusion: The 8-week course of 60 mg DCV with SOF provided a comparable SVR12 to the standard 12-week regimen in treatment-naïve, non-HIV co-infected patients with a minimum estimated efficacy of 90%.
Navigating the biogeography of wide-spread short-forests in global drylands
Authors: Dong Xiaoxue , Liu Xinyu , He Xiao , Ma Li , Wang G. Geoff , Yu Kailiang , Chen Ning , Zhao Changming
Published: September 2024

Canopy height is pivotal in sustaining carbon cycling and upholding ecological functions, especially in dryland forests where massive short-forests exist primarily due to insufficient water supply. Here, we divided global dryland forests into the tall-forests (36%) and short-forests (64%) and mapped their distributions separately for plantations and natural forests. Short-forests are ubiquitously distributed in global drylands, constituting 54% planted forests and 65% natural forests, with broader distribution thresholds across environmental gradients compared to tall-forests. Notably, the key ecological determinants of canopy height for both planted and natural short-forests are similar, involving topography (elevation), soil (soil moisture content), climate (mean temperature of warmest quarter and aridity index), and anthropogenic (population density) factors, but divergent between planted and natural tall-forests. The canopy height of planted tall-forests is predominantly influenced by precipitation, while natural tall-forests additionally depend on temperature, disturbance, and soil. Under all climate change scenarios, we projected that some dryland forests (more than 70%) cannot sustain current forest canopy heights, with a more pronounced decline in harsher climates, and some dryland tall forests may even degrade into short-forests or non-forests. With many dryland regions being marked as potential areas for forestation, our study offers critical insights for preserving dryland forests' carbon sequestration potential and guiding decision-making in dryland forestation initiatives.
2D exciton lensing: collimation, focusing and trapping
Authors: Poumirol Jean-Marie , Lamsaadi Hassan , Cuche Aurelien , Agez Gonzague , Paradisanos Ioannis , Beret Dorian , Lombez Laurent , RENUCCI Pierre , Lagarde Delphine , Marie Xavier , Gan Ziyang , George Antony , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Turchanin Andrey , Combe Nicolas , Urbaszek Bernhard , Paillard Vincent
Published: September 2024

Controlling the motion of neutral excitons in optically active media is a mandatory development to enable the conception of advanced circuits and devices for applications in excitronics, quantum photonics, and optoelectronics. Recently, a proof of unidirectional exciton transport from high- to low-band-gap material has been evidenced using a high-quality lateral heterostructure separating transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers (TMD-MLs). In this paper, by combining room-temperature micro-photoluminescence far-field imaging with a statistical description of exciton transport, we unveil the underlying excitonic local distribution and fluxes taking place near lateral heterojunctions. We study the complex 2D excitonic transport properties found near a linear interface separating WSe$_2$ from MoSe$_2$ TMD-MLs and reveal two distinct diffusion regimes profoundly affecting the effective diffusion length. Then, we show that combining two and three of these interfaces, allows advanced in-plane control of the excitonic distribution and flux over large distances. We demonstrate exciton focalization and trapping, allowing an increase in the local exciton density up to three orders of magnitude. Finally, we achieve flux collimation with the formation of parallel current lines extending a few micrometers away from the source. We believe that the deterministic shaping and positioning of the exciton distribution and flux here will be a key towards the conception of realistic excitronic devices.
A Pre-COVID Case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Leading to Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Stroke, Coma, and Death of a Young Woman
Authors: Barua Mousumi
Published: September 2024

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in adults involves severe complications, which include cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and neural systems, in response to viral infections or vaccines. Clinicians may miss the diagnosis of MIS during the early manifestations of the disease as it can mimic other disorders with similar symptoms. In this report, we describe a MIS-like clinical picture before COVID-19 in a 32-year-old woman, who visited a hospital in southern India as an outpatient with the presenting complaints of swellings in her fingers as well as severe pain in her lower limbs, following a brief spell of viral fever. She was initially diagnosed with reactive sacroiliitis and soon after with myositis. After about two months, she was admitted to the hospital as an in-patient with a chief complaint of shortness of breath. She developed dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and stroke. Brain imaging revealed an increased left middle cerebral artery infarct, increased midline shift, and right basal ganglia bleed. Soon after, she underwent a decompressive craniectomy and was assisted by mechanical ventilation. She became unresponsive and comatose. The patient was discharged from the hospital at the family’s request and was provided home care for over 2 months, during which she continued to be in a deep coma, developed bedsores over the body and gangrene of her lower limbs and eventually died. This case highlights the necessity of intense monitoring and assessments that should lead to early and accurate diagnosis, coupled with concurrent and prophylactic treatments to avoid fatal complications due to disease cascades following an MIS-like clinical syndrome.
Priority needs für sustainable mountain development across scales
Authors: Geschke Jonas , Urbach Davnah , Fischer Markus
Published: September 2024

Sustainable development in mountains is essential, for themselves and beyond. However, mountains are under threat by inter alia climate and land use changes, and a target-oriented implementation of measures towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is urgent. Therefore, sustainable mountain development needs focus from decisionmakers and management, balancing interests of stakeholders across different regions and governance levels. Here, we identify SDG priority needs throughout different mountain regions of the world. While we found the Northern Andes most need to protect and restore biodiversity, the Central Andes need quality education. In the European Alps, sustainable consumption and production should be priority. For the Himalaya, combating climate change is most needed. Globally, life on land, quality education, and good health and well-being are the SDGs with the highest consensus priority. The results show how different priority perspectives can be consolidated, and where options for synergistic sustainable mountain development are.
Inequality in Breast Cancer: Global Statistics from 2022 to 2050
Authors: liao ling
Published: September 2024

This study evaluates the global inequalities of breast cancer incidence and mortality from 2022 to 2050 with the latest GLOBOCAN estimates. It focuses on disparities across continents, age groups and Human Development Index (HDI) levels. In 2022, Africa shows the highest positive slope values of age-standardized rates (world) of mortality vs. incidence, both for those under 40 (0.346) and those 40 and older (0.335). These values contrast with those for Asia (0.085, 0.208), Europe (0.002, -0.014), Latin America and the Caribbean (0.17, 0.303), Northern America (-0.078, -0.188), and Oceania (0.166, -0.001). In both age groups, lower HDI levels are correlated with higher slope values and vice versa. Projections to 2050 indicate significant increases in the burden of breast cancer, with persistent yet varied disparities and differences. This highlights the need for differentiated strategies in breast cancer prevention, early-stage diagnosis, and treatment.
Comparing the Impact of COVID-19 on Student Mathematics Achievement: A Multilevel Machine Learning Analysis of PISA 2022
Authors: Qiu Xuelan , Yuan Jin , Wu Jinran , Li Weide , Guo Jiesi
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant disruptions in schooling worldwide. This study aims to evaluate and compare the impact of the pandemic on student mathematics achievement across eight representative countries/regions, using data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022. The multilevel random forest (RF) method was employed to account for the effects of national, school, family, and individual contexts, as well as the hierarchical structure of the PISA data. The results show that the multilevel RF model outperformed the traditional multilevel model in terms of predictive accuracy. School closures were found to have the most significant negative impact, while school support and self-directed learning had positive effects. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 on student mathematics achievement varied substantially across different countries/regions and subgroups. The findings are discussed regarding the resilience of education system, educational inequities, and their implications for policy and methodology.
Examining a New Laboratory Method for Packing Soilless Substrate to Ensure Consistent, Appropriate Bulk Density When Measuring Static Physical Properties
Authors: Alred Brianna , Owen James S. , Espinoza Alexandra , Sun Xiaocun , Fulcher Amy
Published: September 2024

Bulk density (Db) and subsequent physical properties are determined by the substrate and packing method. Packing method is the way one fills and compresses a substrate within a given volume. Bulk density produced in the laboratory may not align with “expected” published ranges due to variations in packing. Additionally, it is unknown if ranges identified as “typical” using a small volume sample ring reflect Db occurring in larger production size containers packed using commercial potting practices. Therefore, our objectives were to 1) emulate nursery practices and document the Db associated with a potted 2.8-L (#1) container, 2) develop and test the new “shim and compression” method to determine if it consistently packs sample rings to a Db commensurate with that of a 2.8-L nursery container, and 3) demonstrate how static physical properties are affected by the new “shim and compression” sample ring packing method compared with the traditional bench top tap method. When emulating nursery potting practices with 100% pine bark, coir, and peat, and blends of each, Db ranged from 0.08 g⋅cm−3 (coconut coir) to 0.17 g⋅cm−3 (pine bark). We used an espresso tamp and shims to pack the aforementioned substrates in sample rings. The Db achieved using a range in number of presses and discs was largely dependent on the substrate, but the desired Db was consistently achieved for each substrate. There was no effect of disc number on Db (P = 1.000) for any substrate. There was no effect of tamp number (P ≥ 0.0602) for all substrates except peat-amended, for which five tamps yielded a greater Db than one tamp (P = 0.0324). In an experiment in which a different technician who was accustomed to the conventional benchtop tap packing method performed both methods, method influenced Db (P < 0.0001), and the conventional method more closely attained the target Db. To our knowledge, this is the only report of Db observed in commercial container production facilities (i.e., “native”).
Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Opportunities for Woody Landscape Plant Genetic Resources
Authors: Pooler Margaret , Contreras Ryan C. , Criley Richard A. , Dosmann Michael S. , Galanti Russell , Hokanson Stan C. , Miller Brandon M. , Peterson Bryan J. , Nageswara-Rao Madhugiri , Rounsaville Todd J. , Shreckhise Jacob H. , West Todd P. , Shearer Kimberly
Published: September 2024

Genetic resources are the foundation of American agriculture’s ongoing success—the diversity, security, health, and genetic integrity of these resources must be safeguarded. However, in contrast to other crops, protecting, managing, and using collections of woody landscape plant genetic resources present significant challenges. These include conservation of at-risk populations that have high genetic diversity, evaluation of taxa with an unknown potential to invade, and management of large specimens that have long generation times and often recalcitrant or difficult-to-store seeds. The wide diversity of taxa and the limited number of specialist curators and scholars present further challenges. Thus, effective collection, preservation, evaluation, and distribution of woody landscape plant germplasm require substantial and specialized resources. The most fundamental challenge is simple: too many built landscapes have low taxonomic diversity and are often dominated by a single taxon, or monoculture. In turn, these taxonomically and genetically depauperate landscapes are vulnerable to a host of biotic and abiotic threats and are less likely to provide ecosystem and societal services for which they were designed. To develop more resilient landscapes, there is an urgent need to expand taxonomic diversity, which requires the horticultural community to effectively acquire, curate, evaluate, distribute, and use diverse woody landscape plant genetic resources. The role of the US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) Woody Landscape Plant Crop Germplasm Committee (WLPCGC) is to identify vulnerabilities and threats that compromise WLP crops in the United States and make recommendations for prioritization of germplasm acquisition, evaluation, research, and management priorities through regular interaction with stakeholders. Due to the breadth of genera and shifting plant genetic resource needs of the nursery industry, it is impractical to list specific threatened or priority genera in a broadly applicable crop vulnerability statement. Instead, the WLPCGC has identified themes of threats and vulnerabilities providing a foundation upon which to support prioritization as threats to specific genera emerge.