bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Thermal Efficiency of Al2O3–Cu–CuO–Cobalt with Engine Oil Tetra-Hybrid Nanofluid with Motile Gyrotactic Microorganisms Under Suction and Injection Scenarios: Response Surface Optimization
Authors: Kumar Maddina Dinesh , Dharmaiah Gurram , Chamorro Vanessa Fernández , Palencia José L. Díaz
Published: April 2024

Nanofluids, due to their complex behavior and enhanced thermal properties, are utilized across chemical, biotechnology and thermal engineering disciplines. They are particularly integral to heat transfer processes in heavy machinery and vehicles. This study introduces a novel method for analyzing heat transfer within a tetra nanofluid system through a hybrid analytical and numerical approach. Our research primarily examines the dynamics of a magneto Williamson hybrid tetra nanofluid embedded with motile gyrotactic microorganisms. The study is designed around two scenarios: one investigates the behavior of an Al2O3–Cu–CuO–Cobalt/Engine oil nanofluid under suction conditions, and the other under injection conditions. By employing similarity variables, we transform the original fluid flow equations into nonlinear differential equations to further explore the influence of various physical parameters on the fluid’s flow. Such parameters include the nanofluid temperature and velocity as well as the concentration of nanoparticles, and the volume fraction of motile gyrotactic microorganisms. The optimization of the numerical results for skin friction, Nusselt number, Sherwood number and microorganisms concentration is validated through response surface optimization techniques. Additionally, the study utilizes Matlab‘s bvp4c function to examine the thermal efficiency and characteristics of fluid flow across a spectrum of parameter values.
BiTGNN: Prediction of drug–target interactions based on bidirectional transformer and graph neural network on heterogeneous graph
Authors: Zhang Qingqian , He Changxiang , Qin Xiaofei , Yang Peisheng , Kong Junyang , Mao Yaping , Li Die
Published: April 2024

Drug–target interaction (DTI) is a widely explored topic in the field of bioinformatics and plays a pivotal role in drug discovery. However, the traditional bio-experimental process of drug–target interaction identification requires a large investment of time and labor. To address this challenge, graph neural network (GNN) approaches in deep learning are becoming a prominent trend in the field of DTI research, which is characterized by multimodal processing of data, feature learning and interpretability in DTI. Nevertheless, some methods are still limited by homogeneous graphs and single features. To address the problems, we mechanistically analyze graph convolutional neural networks (GCNs) and graph attentional neural networks (GATs) to propose a new model for the prediction of drug–target interactions using graph neural networks named BiTGNN [Bidirectional Transformer (Bi-Transformer)–graph neural network]. The method first establishes drug–target pairs through the pseudo-position specificity scoring matrix (PsePSSM) and drug fingerprint data, and constructs a heterogeneous network by utilizing the relationship between the drug and the target. Then, the computational extraction of drug and target attributes is performed using GCNs and GATs for the purpose of model information flow extension and graph information enhancement. We collect interaction data using the proposed Bi-Transformer architecture, in which we design a bidirectional cross-attention mechanism for calculating the effects of drug–target interactions for realistic biological interaction simulations. Finally, a feed-forward neural network is used to obtain the feature matrices of the drug and the target, and DTI prediction is performed by fusing the two feature matrices. The Enzyme, Ion Channel (IC), G Protein-coupled Receptor (GPCR) and Nuclear Receptor (NR) datasets are used in the experiments, and compared with several existing mainstream models, our model outperforms in Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC), Specificity, Accuracy and the metric Area Under the Precision–Recall Curve (AUPR).
Floodplain organic-carbon dynamics modulated by meandering-channel migration: Vermilion River, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Barrera Melissa , Ielpi Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Floodplains are important organic carbon (OC) storage sites, and the evolution of watercourses modulates the transport, burial and reworking of organics with cascading effects on watershed CO
2
budgets. Meandering rivers have broadly predictable patterns of channel-planform evolution, providing an opportunity to assess floodplain OC budgets of relation to characteristic migration paces and floodplain ages. However, due to geomorphic complexities of individual meandering rivers, assessments of relationships between channel and OC dynamics have thus far remained limited. We illustrate evolving OC budgets in relation to channel migration in the Vermilion River (Ontario) located in the boreal forest of eastern North America. We combine photogrammetric analyses and dynamic time warping of channel centrelines with analysis of top-soil bulk density and OC. We found that variations of OC stock per unit surface area and soil development are modulated by meander migration through the development of typical boreal-forest vegetation successions. Our results support the hypothesis that meander migration controls soil development, forest age and floodplain OC budgets. We anticipate our study to inform wider applications to rivers in different bioclimates – an approach that may in turn help carbon assessment in the context of changing climate or land use.
The Bitcoin Backbone Protocol: Analysis and Applications
Authors: Garay Juan , Kiayias Aggelos , Leonardos Nikos
Published: April 2024

Bitcoin is the first and most popular decentralized cryptocurrency to date. In this work, we extract and analyze the core of the Bitcoin protocol, which we term the Bitcoin
backbone
, and prove three of its fundamental properties which we call
Common Prefix
,
Chain Quality,
and
Chain Growth
in the static setting where the number of players remains fixed. Our proofs hinge on appropriate and novel assumptions on the “hashing power” of the protocol participants and their interplay with the protocol parameters and the time needed for reliable message passing between honest parties in terms of computational steps. A takeaway from our analysis is that, all else being equal, the protocol’s provable tolerance in terms of the number of adversarial parties (or, equivalently, their “hashing power” in our model) decreases as the duration of a message passing round increases.

Next, we propose and analyze applications that can be built “on top” of the backbone protocol, specifically focusing on Byzantine agreement (BA) and on the notion of a public transaction ledger. Regarding BA, we observe that a proposal due to Nakamoto falls short of solving it, and present a simple alternative which works assuming that the adversary’s hashing power is bounded by 1/3. The public transaction ledger captures the essence of Bitcoin’s operation as a cryptocurrency, in the sense that it guarantees the liveness and persistence of committed transactions. Based on this notion, we describe and analyze the Bitcoin system as well as a more elaborate BA protocol and we prove them secure assuming the adversary’s hashing power is strictly less than 1/2. Instrumental to this latter result is a technique we call
2-for-1 proof-of-work
(PoW) that has proven to be useful in the design of other PoW-based protocols.
Seventeen Years of the ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications and Applications: A Bibliometric Overview
Authors: Hussain Walayat , Gao Honghao , Karim Rafiul , El Saddik Abdulmotaleb
Published: April 2024

ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications, and Applications has been dedicated to advancing multimedia research, fostering discoveries, innovations, and practical applications since 2005. The journal consistently publishes top-notch, original research in emerging fields through open submissions, calls for articles, special issues, rigorous review processes, and diverse research topics. This study aims to delve into an extensive bibliometric analysis of the journal, utilising various bibliometric indicators. The article seeks to unveil the latent implications within the journal’s scholarly landscape from 2005 to 2022. The data primarily draws from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The analysis encompasses diverse viewpoints, including yearly publication rates and citations, identifying highly cited articles, and assessing the most prolific authors, institutions, and countries. The article employs VOSviewer-generated graphical maps, effectively illustrating networks of co-citations, keyword co-occurrences, and institutional and national bibliographic couplings. Furthermore, the study conducts a comprehensive global and temporal examination of co-occurrences of the author’s keywords. This investigation reveals the emergence of numerous novel keywords over the past decades.
Fertility in High-Income Countries: Trends, Patterns, Determinants, and Consequences
Authors: Bloom David E. , Kuhn Michael , Prettner Klaus
Published: April 2024

High-income countries have generally experienced falling fertility in recent decades. In most of these countries, the total fertility rate is now below the level that implies a stable population in the long run. This has led to concerns among economists, policymakers, and the wider public about the economic consequences of low fertility and population decline. In this contribution, we aim to (a) describe the main determinants of low fertility in high-income countries, (b) assess its potential economic consequences, (c) discuss adjustment mechanisms for individuals and economies, (d) propose a simple economic framework to analyze the long-run economic impacts of low fertility, and (e) draw lessons for economic policymakers to react appropriately. While the economic challenges of low fertility are substantial, a thoughtful and consistent policy response can mitigate most of the adverse consequences.
Biosynthesis and Metabolism of ApoB-Containing Lipoproteins
Authors: Borén Jan , Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Packard Chris J.
Published: April 2024

Recent advances in human genetics, together with a substantial body of epidemiological, preclinical and clinical trial evidence, strongly support a causal relationship between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the secretion and metabolism of TRLs have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. This knowledge underscores the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms and regulation of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicron biogenesis. Fortunately, there has been a resurgence of interest in the intracellular assembly, trafficking, degradation, and secretion of VLDL, leading to many ground-breaking molecular insights. Furthermore, the identification of molecular control mechanisms related to triglyceride metabolism has greatly advanced our understanding of the complex metabolism of TRLs. In this review, we explore recent advances in the assembly, secretion, and metabolism of TRLs. We also discuss available treatment strategies for hypertriglyceridemia.
Unhealthy Food and Beverage Marketing to Children in the Digital Age: Global Research and Policy Challenges and Priorities
Authors: Boyland Emma , Backholer Kathryn , Potvin Kent Monique , Bragg Marie A. , Sing Fiona , Karupaiah Tilakavati , Kelly Bridget
Published: April 2024

Food and nonalcoholic beverage marketing is implicated in poor diet and obesity in children. The rapid growth and proliferation of digital marketing has resulted in dramatic changes to advertising practices and children's exposure. The constantly evolving and data-driven nature of digital food marketing presents substantial challenges for researchers seeking to quantify the impact on children and for policymakers tasked with designing and implementing restrictive policies. We outline the latest evidence on children's experience of the contemporary digital food marketing ecosystem, conceptual frameworks guiding digital food marketing research, the impact of digital food marketing on dietary outcomes, and the methods used to determine impact, and we consider the key research and policy challenges and priorities for the field. Recent methodological and policy developments represent opportunities to apply novel and innovative solutions to address this complex issue, which could drive meaningful improvements in children's dietary health.
Asian American Diversity and Growth
Authors: Tran Van C.
Published: April 2024

This article examines how the growth and diversification of Asian Americans have shaped their integration into the US mainstream. I first review recent trends in demographic diversification, socioeconomic differentiation, and geospatial dispersion among Asians. As a high-achieving minority group, Asians—on average—have surpassed Whites in education, income, and wealth. This narrative, however, is inaccurate and incomplete, rendering intra-Asian disparities invisible. One consequence of intra-Asian diversity is the divergent destinies of hyperselected Asians and vulnerable Asians. Another is the increase in political polarization due to the rise of class-based politics. Despite increasing awareness of intra-Asian diversity, the current conceptual framework and data infrastructure are woefully inadequate, with an inherent bias toward the inclusion of the largest Asian groups at the exclusion of small and vulnerable Asian groups. Data disaggregation and integration can fill this gap by identifying new challenges and opportunities for research and policy interventions.
Are there sex differences in the variability of fasting metabolism?
Authors: Bradshaw Louise , Buniam Jariya , Betts James A. , Gonzalez Javier T.
Published: April 2024

To investigate the within-individual variability in metabolic parameters in males and females, we performed a pooled secondary analysis of fasting blood samples, resting metabolic rate, and body mass from seven crossover studies. We found a greater day-to-day variation in 17β-estradiol and progesterone in females compared with males but no meaningful difference in within-individual variability of fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lactate, triglycerides, NEFA, resting metabolic rate, or body mass between females and males.
Thermal Characteristic Investigation for a Multichip Module Based on APDL
Authors: Lin Qian , Zhao Peng-Fei , Yang Rui-lan , Wu Hai-feng
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the failure problems of integrated circuit (IC) caused by higher package density, thinner package, and more heat sources, taking a multichip module (MCM) for receiver front end as an example, the 3-D model is established based on ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL). Then, the steady-state thermal analysis is achieved to complete the automatic calculation of thermal characteristic. As a result, the temperature, stress, and deformation are investigated in details, and its temperature distribution, stress distribution, deformation distribution, and reliability variations of this MCM under different powers and temperatures can be obtained. This can provide important theoretical reference for the chip package optimization. Different from other studies which only focus on temperature or stress, it is more comprehensive and systematic for the thermal characteristic analysis of MCM. Meanwhile, this MCM is also representative for wireless communication system. It is of great significance to optimize the layout design and improve the thermal characteristic for IC.
The Secure Metric Dimension of the Globe Graph and the Flag Graph
Authors: Almotairi Sultan , Alharbi Olayan , Alzaid Zaid , Almutairi Badr , Mohamed Basma
Published: April 2024

Let G = (V, E) be a connected, basic, and finite graph. A subset T=u1,u2,…,uk of V(G) is said to be a resolving set if for any y ∈ V(G), the code of y with regards to T, represented by CTy, which is defined as CTy=du1,y,du2,y,…,duk,y, is different for various y. The dimension of G is the smallest cardinality of a resolving set and is denoted by dim(G). If, for any t  ∈  V – S, there exists r ∈ S such that S–r∪t is a resolving set, then the resolving set S is secure. The secure metric dimension of 𝐺 is the cardinal number of the minimum secure resolving set. Determining the secure metric dimension of any given graph is an NP-complete problem. In addition, there are several uses for the metric dimension in a variety of fields, including image processing, pattern recognition, network discovery and verification, geographic routing protocols, and combinatorial optimization. In this paper, we determine the secure metric dimension of special graphs such as a globe graph Gln, flag graph Fln, H- graph of path Pn, a bistar graph Bn,n2, and tadpole graph T3,m. Finally, we derive the explicit formulas for the secure metric dimension of tadpole graph Tn,m, subdivision of tadpole graph ST3,m, and subdivision of tadpole graph STn,m.
In Vivo Detection of Staphylococcus aureus Infections Using Radiolabeled Antibodies Specific for Bacterial Toxins
Authors: González María Isabel , González-Arjona Mario , Cussó Lorena , Morcillo Miguel Ángel , Aguilera-Correa John Jairo , Esteban Jaime , Kestler Martha , Calle Daniel , Cerón Carlos , Cortes-Canteli Marta , Muñoz Patricia , Bouza Emilio , Desco Manuel , Salinas Beatriz
Published: April 2024

Purpose. The Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is one of the leading causes of infection in humans. The lack of specific noninvasive techniques for diagnosis of staphylococcal infection together with the severity of its associated complications support the need for new specific and selective diagnostic tools. This work presents the successful synthesis of an immunotracer that targets the α-toxin released by S. aureus. Methods. [89Zr]Zr-DFO-ToxAb was synthesized based on radiolabeling an anti-α-toxin antibody with zirconium-89. The physicochemical characterization of the immunotracer was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), radio-thin layer chromatography (radio-TLC), and electrophoretic analysis. Its diagnostic ability was evaluated in vivo by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in an animal model of local infection-inflammation (active S. aureus vs. heat-killed S. aureus) and infective osteoarthritis. Results. Chemical characterization of the tracer established the high radiochemical yield and purity of the tracer while maintaining antibody integrity. In vivo PET/CT image confirmed the ability of the tracer to detect active foci of S. aureus. Those results were supported by ex vivo biodistribution studies, autoradiography, and histology, which confirmed the ability of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-ToxAb to detect staphylococcal infectious foci, avoiding false-positives derived from inflammatory processes. Conclusions. We have developed an immuno-PET tracer capable of detecting S. aureus infections based on a radiolabeled antibody specific for the staphylococcal alpha toxins. The in vivo assessment of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-ToxAb confirmed its ability to selectively detect staphylococcal infectious foci, allowing us to discern between infectious and inflammatory processes.
A Development of Seismic Fragility Curve of Box‐Type Squat Shear Walls Using Data‐Driven Surrogate Model Techniques
Authors: Lee Sangwoo , Kwag Shinyoung , Ju Bu-seog
Published: April 2024

Recent experience with the strongest earthquakes greater than magnitude 5.4 in Korea leads to public interest in the safety and resilience of critical infrastructures. There are many nuclear power plants near the epicenters of the earthquakes. Nuclear power plants are essential infrastructures that provide stable and enough energy for human life, and simultaneously, control systems for the safety and security of nuclear power plants are critical due to the risk of nuclear accidents on public health and the environment. The nuclear area uses probabilistic risk assessment to estimate the risk of structures, systems, and components in nuclear power plants, and the evaluation of the fragility curve is a key process for probabilistic risk assessment. The challenges of a seismic fragility analysis lie in estimating the influence of various uncertainties in material, geometry, and earthquake and improving the existing fragility analysis methods, which require time‐consuming nonlinear time history analysis. Thus, this paper conducts a multivariate seismic fragility analysis using surrogate models for reinforced concrete squat shear walls and proposes a simplified closed form equation for a chosen surrogate seismic demand model. The surrogate models are trained and validated by several approaches: response surface method, support vector machine, Gaussian process regression, and neural network. In addition, a correlation analysis is used to evaluate the relative importance of the variables to the seismic demand to simplify the surrogate model further. Finally, simplified surrogate models based on the importance of the variables are proposed as closed form of polynomials, and the performance of these models on the fragility analysis is evaluated.
Rural Household Perception of Drought Occurrence and Its Influence on Livelihood Strategy in Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Molla Sisay Demeke , Zeleke Menberu Teshome , Tamiru Sisay Misganaw
Published: April 2024

Globally, drought is occurring more frequently today, which is considerably affecting rural households’ agricultural productivity and socioeconomic development. Understanding households’ perceptions of drought is thus important for resilience‐building work because people act based on their views, and the resilience of people is tied to their views, knowledge, culture, and attitudes. This study analyses the rural households’ perceptions of drought occurrence and its influence on livelihood strategies in northeast Ethiopia. This was achieved through a mixed‐methods approach with a concurrent research design. The quantitative data were collected from 354 randomly selected household heads, whereas the qualitative data were collected from purposefully selected household head focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informants. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, whereas the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic data analysis techniques. The results show that climate variability and drought occurrence were perceived by the households as decreasing rainfall, increasing temperature, variations in rainfall onset and cessation, variations in heat waves and cold waves, heavy rainfall events, changes in sporadic rain, a lesser coverage of clouds, and adverse weather events. Within the last 25 years, households have perceived the number of extreme, severe, or moderate droughts to be increasing. Household perceptions of temperature changes match meteorological records, but their perceptions of rainfall changes do not. The drought hampered income sources, brought food shortages, and threatened family well‐being. It increased water stress, livestock morbidity and mortality, insect invasions, fire outbreaks, grazing resource depletion, abnormal migration, school dropout rates, and human health problems. The findings have important policy implications to mitigate drought risk, enhance drought adaptation, and develop pathways out of drought vulnerability, so it is worthwhile to harmonize the household perceptions with climate change policy.
Fc-Silent Anti-TIGIT Antibodies Potentiate Antitumor Immunity without Depleting Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Piovesan Dana , de Groot Amber E. , Cho Soonweng , Anderson Amy E. , Ray Rebecca D. , Patnaik Amita , Foster Paul G. , Mitchell Casey G. , Lopez Espinoza Alejandra Y. , Zhu Wandi S. , Stagnaro Carlo E. , Singh Hema , Zhao Xiaoning , Seitz Lisa , Walker Nigel P. , Walters Matthew J. , Sivick Kelsey E.
Published: April 2024

T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT) is an inhibitory receptor on immune cells that outcompetes an activating receptor, CD226, for shared ligands. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes express TIGIT and CD226 on regulatory T cells (Treg) and on CD8+ T cells with tumor-reactive or exhausted phenotypes, supporting the potential of therapeutically targeting TIGIT to enhance antitumor immunity. To optimize the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies against TIGIT, it is necessary to understand IgG Fc (Fcγ) receptor binding for therapeutic benefit. In this study, we showed that combining Fc-enabled (Fce) or Fc-silent (Fcs) anti-TIGIT with antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 in mice resulted in enhanced control of tumors by differential mechanisms: Fce anti-TIGIT promoted the depletion of intratumoral Treg, whereas Fcs anti-TIGIT did not. Despite leaving Treg numbers intact, Fcs anti-TIGIT potentiated the activation of tumor-specific exhausted CD8+ populations in a lymph node–dependent manner. Fce anti-TIGIT induced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against human Treg in vitro, and significant decreases in Treg were measured in the peripheral blood of patients with phase I solid tumor cancer treated with Fce anti-TIGIT. In contrast, Fcs anti-TIGIT did not deplete human Treg in vitro and was associated with anecdotal objective clinical responses in two patients with phase I solid tumor cancer whose peripheral Treg frequencies remained stable on treatment. Collectively, these data provide evidence for pharmacologic activity and antitumor efficacy of anti-TIGIT antibodies lacking the ability to engage Fcγ receptor.

Significance:

Fcs-silent anti-TIGIT antibodies enhance the activation of tumor-specific pre-exhausted T cells and promote antitumor efficacy without depleting T regulatory cells.
Deuterium Metabolic Imaging Differentiates Glioblastoma Metabolic Subtypes and Detects Early Response to Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Low Jacob C.M. , Cao Jianbo , Hesse Friederike , Wright Alan J. , Tsyben Anastasia , Alshamleh Islam , Mair Richard , Brindle Kevin M.
Published: April 2024

Metabolic subtypes of glioblastoma (GBM) have different prognoses and responses to treatment. Deuterium metabolic imaging with 2H-labeled substrates is a potential approach to stratify patients into metabolic subtypes for targeted treatment. In this study, we used 2H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) measurements of [6,6′-2H2]glucose metabolism to identify metabolic subtypes and their responses to chemoradiotherapy in patient-derived GBM xenografts in vivo. The metabolism of patient-derived cells was first characterized in vitro by measuring the oxygen consumption rate, a marker of mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, as well as the extracellular acidification rate and 2H-labeled lactate production from [6,6′-2H2]glucose, which are markers of glycolytic activity. Two cell lines representative of a glycolytic subtype and two representative of a mitochondrial subtype were identified. 2H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and MRSI measurements showed similar concentrations of 2H-labeled glucose from [6,6′-2H2]glucose in all four tumor models when implanted orthotopically in mice. The glycolytic subtypes showed higher concentrations of 2H-labeled lactate than the mitochondrial subtypes and normal-appearing brain tissue, whereas the mitochondrial subtypes showed more glutamate/glutamine labeling, a surrogate for tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, than the glycolytic subtypes and normal-appearing brain tissue. The response of the tumors to chemoradiation could be detected within 24 hours of treatment completion, with the mitochondrial subtypes showing a decrease in both 2H-labeled glutamate/glutamine and lactate concentrations and glycolytic tumors showing a decrease in 2H-labeled lactate concentration. This technique has the potential to be used clinically for treatment selection and early detection of treatment response.

Significance:

Deuterium magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of glucose metabolism has the potential to differentiate between glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolic subtypes in glioblastoma and to evaluate early treatment responses, which could guide patient treatment.
The circMYBL2-Encoded p185 Protein Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression by Inhibiting Serine Biosynthesis
Authors: Zhao Ning , Cao Yinghao , Tao Ruikang , Zhu Xiuxian , Li Runze , Chen Yajun , Tao Kaixiong , Li Lei , Chen Hengyu , Ma Xianxiong
Published: April 2024

Circular RNAs are a class of covalently closed single-stranded loop RNAs that have been implicated to play a functional role in almost all types of cancers. Previous studies have revealed that circMYBL2 acts as a tumor-promoting circular RNA. In this study, we found that circMYBL2 in colorectal cancer encodes a 185-amino acid protein, p185. Functionally, circMYBL2-encoded p185 suppressed the growth and aggressiveness of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, p185 counteracted ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L3 (UCHL3)–mediated deubiquitination of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) by competitively binding to the C1 domain of UCHL3, resulting in PHGDH degradation and a subsequent reduction in serine and glycine biosynthesis. These data revealed that the circMYBL2-encoded p185 isoform serves as a tumor suppressor to inhibit the progression of colorectal cancer by reducing serine biosynthesis.

Significance: A p185 protein encoded by circMYBL2 functions as a tumor suppressor that inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer by increasing the degradation of PHGDH to reduce serine biosynthesis.
PARP-ish: Gaps in Molecular Understanding and Clinical Trials Targeting PARP Exacerbate Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cunningham Moriah L. , Schiewer Matthew J.
Published: April 2024

PARP is a nuclear enzyme with a major function in the DNA damage response. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have been developed for treating tumors harboring homologous recombination repair defects that lead to a dependency on PARP. There are currently three PARPi approved for use in advanced prostate cancer, and several others are in clinical trials for this disease. Recent clinical trial results have reported differential efficacy based on the specific PARPi utilized as well as patient race. There is a racial disparity in prostate cancer, in which African American males are twice as likely to develop and die from the disease compared with European American males. Despite the disparity, there continues to be a lack of diversity in clinical trial cohorts for prostate cancer. In this review, PARP nuclear functions, inhibition, and clinical relevance are explored through the lens of racial differences. This review will touch on the biological variations that have been explored thus far between African American and European American males with prostate cancer to offer a rationale for investigating PARPi response in the context of race at both basic science and clinical development levels.
Germline and Somatic Fumarate Hydratase Testing in Atypical Uterine Leiomyomata
Authors: Kipnis Lindsay M. , Breen Katelyn M. , Koeller Diane R. , Levine Alison Schwartz , Yang Zelei , Jun Hyeji , Tayob Nabihah , Stokes Samantha M. , Hayes Connor P. , Ghazani Arezou A. , Hill Sarah J. , Rana Huma Q.
Published: April 2024

Women with germline pathogenic variants (PV) in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene develop cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata and have an increased risk of developing aggressive renal cell carcinomas. Many of these women are unaware of their cancer predisposition until an atypical uterine leiomyoma is diagnosed during a myomectomy or hysterectomy, making a streamlined genetic counseling process after a pathology-based atypical uterine leiomyoma diagnosis critical. However, the prevalence of germline pathogenic/likely PVs in FH among atypical uterine leiomyomata cases is unknown. To better understand FH germline PV prevalence and current patterns of genetic counseling and germline genetic testing, we undertook a retrospective review of atypical uterine leiomyomata cases at a single large center. We compared clinical characteristics between the FH PV, FH wild-type (WT), and unknown genetic testing cohorts. Of the 144 cases with atypical uterine leiomyomata with evaluable clinical data, only 49 (34%) had documented genetic test results, and 12 (8.3%) had a germline FH PV. There were 48 IHC-defined FH-deficient cases, of which 41 (85%) had FH testing and nine had a germline FH PV, representing 22% of the tested cohort and 18.8% of the FH-deficient cohort. Germline FH PVs were present in 8.3% of evaluable patients, representing 24.5% of the cohort that completed genetic testing. These data highlight the disconnect between pathology and genetic counseling, and help to refine risk estimates that can be used when counseling patients with atypical uterine leiomyomata.

Prevention Relevance:

Women diagnosed with fumarate hydratase (FH)-deficient uterine leiomyomata are at increased risk of renal cancer. This work suggests a more standardized pathology-genetic counseling referral pathway for these patients, and that research on underlying causes of FH-deficient uterine leiomyomata in the absence of germline FH pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants is needed.
Genetic Epidemiology of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in Macaronesia
Authors: Blanco Ignacio , Miravitlles Marc
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The prevalence of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) in Macaronesia (i.e., Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde archipelagos) is poorly known. Our goal was to update it by selecting the most reliable available articles. Method: Literature search using MEDLINE, Embase (via Ovid), and Google Scholar, until December 2023, for studies on prevalence of AATD in the general population and in screenings, published in peer-reviewed journals. Results: Three studies carried out in the general population of Madeira, La Palma, and Cape Verde, and three screenings carried out in La Palma (2) and Gran Canaria (1) were selected. The frequencies of PI*S in the general population showed an ascending gradient, from South to North, with values (per thousand) of 35 in Cape Verde, 82 in La Palma, and 180 in Madeira. The PI*Z frequencies showed this same gradient, with values of 2 × 1,000 in Cape Verde, 21 in La Palma, and 25 in Madeira. Screenings detected high percentages of defective alleles, including several rare and null alleles, some unique to these islands. Conclusion: The frequencies of PI*S and PI*Z in Madeira are comparable to the highest in the world. Those of the Canary Islands are similar to those of the peninsular population of Spain, and contrast with the low rates of Cape Verde. Screenings detected high numbers of deficient alleles. These results support the systematic investigation of AATD in clinically suspected patients and in relatives of index cases, to reduce underdiagnosis and apply early preventive and therapeutic measures in those affected.
Cerebral Palsy Heterogeneity: Clinical Characteristics and Diagnostic Significance from a Large-Sample Analysis
Authors: Yuan Junying , Cui Mengli , Liang Qiongqiong , Zhu Dengna , Liu Jie , Hu Jiefeng , Ma Shijie , Li Dong , Wang Jing , Wang Xuejie , Ma Deyou , Himmelmann Kate , Wang Xiaoyang , Xu Yiran , Zhu Changlian
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive movement disorder resulting from a prenatal or perinatal brain injury that benefits from early diagnosis and intervention. The timing of early CP diagnosis remains controversial, necessitating analysis of clinical features in a substantial cohort. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records from a university hospital, focusing on children aged ≥24 months or followed up for ≥24 months and adhering to the International Classification of Diseases-10 for diagnosis and subtyping. Results: Among the 2012 confirmed CP cases, 68.84% were male and 51.44% had spastic diplegia. Based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), 62.38% were in levels I and II and 19.88% were in levels IV and V. Hemiplegic and diplegic subtypes predominantly fell into levels I and II, while quadriplegic and mixed types were mainly levels IV and V. White matter injuries appeared in 46.58% of cranial MRI findings, while maldevelopment was rare (7.05%). Intellectual disability co-occurred in 43.44% of the CP cases, with hemiplegia having the lowest co-occurrence (20.28%, 58/286) and mixed types having the highest co-occurrence (73.85%, 48/65). Additionally, 51.67% (697/1,349) of the children with CP aged ≥48 months had comorbidities. Conclusions: This study underscores white matter injury as the primary CP pathology and identifies intellectual disability as a common comorbidity. Although CP can be identified in infants under 1 year old, precision in diagnosis improves with development. These insights inform early detection and tailored interventions, emphasizing their crucial role in CP management.
BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MANGROVE CRAB (Scylla serrata) AT THE BELADEN ESTUARY, DOMPAK, TANJUNGPINANG, RIAU ISLANDS
Authors: Susiana Susiana , Kurniawan Dedy , Rochmady Rochmady , Nurwisti Isnaini , Rezky Bintan , Lestari Febrianti
Published: April 2024

Mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) is one of the marine organisms that are of significant economic importance. The habitat is distributed in the coastal areas of Indonesia, within the extensive mangrove ecosystems, such as the estuary of Beladen in Dompak, Tanjungpinang. The Beladen estuary area features a flourishing mangrove ecosystem, which supports a diverse range of crab species, with a particular focus on the populations. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain several aspects of mangrove crab in the Beladen estuary, Tanjungpinang. Sampling by the census method was also carried out once every two weeks from May to June 2022. The results showed that the size composition of mangrove crab had a carapace width (CW) of 70-144 mm. The length-weight relationship reported that female and male exhibited a negative and positive allometric growth pattern (b < 3) and (b > 3), respectively. The proportion of male and female was 63% compared to 37% (sex ratio 1:0.59). The value of gonadal maturity index (GMI) in each size class ranged from 2,6512-7,1445 and 1,8751-6,7979 for male and female mangrove crab. Male and female gonadal maturity levels were predominantly categorized as II and III, indicating that crab with mature gonads was not encountered.
EVALUATION OF INDONESIAN LOCAL SOYBEAN BASED ON CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND VISIBLE - NEAR INFRARED SPECTRA WITH CHEMOMETRICS
Authors: Masithoh Rudiati Evi , Abadi Farid R , Sutiarso Lilik , Rahayoe Sri
Published: April 2024

Soybean characterization is essential to ensure product quality during distribution according to internal values. In this context, non-destructive characterization method, such as spectroscopy, offer an effective and efficient approach to testing soybean quality in field applications. Among the instruments that are widely used for testing soybean quality, the semi-portable visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectrometer operating at a specific range of 345 to 1033 nm has been proven effective. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate soybean seeds characterization using Vis-NIR spectroscopy with PCA and PLSR chemometric methods. The investigation was carried out using soybean seeds consisting of eight varieties locally produced on Java Island, Indonesia, including Dega1, Dena1, Deja2, Dering1, Devon1, Yellow Flap, Green, and Detam4, in the form of intact, crumble, flour, and paste. Several quality parameters such as protein, fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate, ash, water, chlorophyll, total carotene, vitamin C, and L*, a*, and b* values were measured across intact, crumble, flour, and paste samples. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that sample form and genotypes affected soybean classification. Furthermore, Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) showed adequate model calibration for crude fiber, chlorophyll, total carotene, and vitamin C parameters. Based on this analysis, it could be concluded that Vis-NIR spectroscopy proved to be suitable for the classification and prediction of soybean characterization.
ENHANCEMENT OF TOMATO GROWTH AND BIOCONTROL OF FUSARIUM SOLANI ROOT ROT DISEASE BY STREPTOMYCES ROCHEI BT02
Authors: Nguyen Phong V. , Nguyễn Hảo Vĩnh Lưu , Lê Đạm T. , Nguyễn Hạnh H. T.
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the dual role of Streptomyces rochei BT02 in promoting tomato growth and suppressing Fusarium solani, the causative agent of tomato root rot disease. Various assays were conducted to evaluate the plant growth-promoting attributes of strain BT02 including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis, phosphate solubilization, biofilm formation, and siderophore production. Under in vitro conditions, strain BT02 exhibited plant growth-promoting characteristics such as cellulose degradation, phosphate solubilization, IAA synthesis, biofilm formation, and siderophore production. Application of strain BT02 significantly improved tomato seed germination (26.7%), with enhanced sprout and radicle lengths and seed vigor (38.6%). Greenhouse experiments revealed substantial increases in plant height, leaf and branch numbers, inflorescence, and flower number, emphasizing the positive impact of strain BT02 on overall plant growth. The BT02 strain demonstrated antagonistic efficacy of 45.3 to 58.9% against Fusarium solani, as evidenced by the dual culture and agar well diffusion methods. Under greenhouse conditions, strain BT02 significantly reduced disease incidence and demonstrated control efficacy of 41.6% against Fusarium solani, highlighting its biocontrol potential. This study provides insights into the mechanisms employed by Streptomyces rochei BT02 to enhance plant growth and suppress root rot disease, paving the way for its application as a biocontrol agent in sustainable agriculture.
Balloon Guide Catheter Versus Non–Balloon Guide Catheter: A MR CLEAN Registry Analysis
Authors: Knapen Robrecht R.M.M. , Goldhoorn Robert‐Jan B. , Hofmeijer Jeannette , Lycklamaà Nijeholt Geert J. , van den Berg René , van den Wijngaard Ido R. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , van Zwam Wim H. , van der Leij Christiaan ,   the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: April 2024

Background

Balloon guide catheters (BGCs) are used to prevent distal emboli during endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Although literature reports benefit of BGC, these are not universally used, and randomized head‐to‐head comparisons are lacking. This study compared functional, safety, and technical outcomes between patients treated with non‐BGC and with BGC during endovascular treatment in a nationwide prospective multicenter registry.

Methods

Patients from the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) Registry, 2014 to 2018), who underwent endovascular treatment with a non‐BGC or BGC, were included. Primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days, and secondary outcomes included procedure time and first‐attempt successful reperfusion (extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2C). Treatment‐effect modification and subgroups were analyzed according to first‐line thrombectomy technique and different sizes of non‐BGC.

Results

In total 2808 patients were included, and 1671 (60%) were treated with BGC. No differences in the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days were seen between non‐BGC and BGC groups (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 0.98 [95% CI, 0.82–1.10]). The non‐BGC was associated with faster procedure times compared with BGC (adjusted β: −2.99 [95% CI, −5.58 to −0.40]). A significant treatment effect was found between BGC use and thrombectomy technique. In subgroup analyses with stent retriever as first‐line technique, 90‐day modified Rankin Scale scores were significantly higher (more disability) in the non‐BGC group compared with the BGC group (adjusted common OR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65–0.96]). Direct aspiration combined with non‐BGC resulted in higher first‐attempt rates compared with BGC (adjusted OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.06–2.28]).

Conclusions

This large prospective multicenter registry showed no differences in clinical outcome between patients treated with non‐BGC and BGC. Subgroup analyses suggest that BGC outperforms the non‐BGC when stent retriever is used as first‐line technique, whereas non‐BGC outperforms the BGC when aspiration is used.
Structural Analysis of Aspiration Catheters and Procedural Outcomes: An Analysis of the SVIN Registry
Authors: Dolia Jaydevsinh N. , Mohammaden Mahmoud H. , Tarek Mohamed A. , Damiani Mateus , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Pabaney Aqueel , Frankel Michael , Jillella Dinesh V. , Hassan Ameer E. , Tekle Wondwossen G. , Georgiadis Alexandros , Saei Hamzah , Ortega‐Gutierrez Santiago , Vivanco‐Suarez Juan , Galecio‐Castillo Milagros , Rodriguez‐Calienes Aaron , Majidi Shahram , Fifi Johanna , Matsoukas Stavros , Siegler James E. , Penckofer Mary , Rana Ankit , Sheth Sunil A. , Salazar Marioni Sergio A. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Abdalkader Mohamad , Linfante Italo , Dabus Guilherme , Mehta Brijesh P. , Sessa Joy , Jumaa Mouhammad , Sugg Rebecca , Linares Guillermo , Al‐Bayati Alhamza R. , Libeskind David S. , Nogueira Raul G. , Haussen Diogo C.
Published: April 2024

Background

Rapid expansion of mechanical thrombectomy and swift manufacturing development has translated into significant evolution of large‐bore catheter technology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association among diverse structural components of large‐bore aspiration catheters on procedural performance.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained mechanical thrombectomy consortium (SVIN [Society of Vascular Interventional Neurology] Registry) treated with stand‐alone contact aspiration for the first pass in the middle cerebral artery M1 or intracranial internal carotid artery occlusions from 2012 to 2021. Catheters were stratified on the basis of construction materials, tip technology, catheter sizing, and catheter lining. Factors associated with first‐pass effect (first‐pass eTICI 2c–3 reperfusion) as well as speed of clot engagement were analyzed.

Results

We identified 983 patients with proximal occlusion and aspiration as the first‐pass technique. First‐pass effect was observed in 34% and associated with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01–1.03]), cardioembolic stroke pathogenesis (OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.77–2.41]), middle cerebral artery M1 (OR, 2.74 [95% CI, 1.09–1.87]), nongeneral anesthesia (OR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.39–0.767]), as well as with 0.070‐inch (OR, 2.04 95% CI, 1.01–3.78]), and 0.088‐inch (OR, 3.90 [95% CI, 1.58–9.61]) distal catheter inner diameter in the adjusted analysis. Mean time from arterial access to clot contact was 17 minutes, with faster times observed in younger patients (OR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98–0.996]) as well as with the use of aspiration catheters with shorter length of distal outer hydrophilic coating (18–30 cm) on multivariable regression (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.11–0.82]).

Conclusion

Larger aspiration catheter distal inner diameter was associated with higher rates of first‐pass effect. Aspiration catheter construction components were found to influence times from arterial access to clot contact.
Two new species of the genus Taikona Arita & Gorbunov, 2001 (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: YU TIANTIAN , KALLIES AXEL , ARITA YUTAKA , HE JINFU , LI HAIJUN , YATA NAOKI , LI XUEYAN
Published: April 2024

Two new species, Taikona gaoligongshana Yu, Arita & Kallies, sp. nov. and Taikona extraordinaria Yu, Kallies & Arita sp. nov. are described from Yunnan Province, China. Illustrations of the holotypes and the male genitalia are provided, along with a key to all currently known species of the genus. DNA barcoding sequences are also provided.