bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light Spectra-Specific Metabolisms of Plant Pigments
Authors: Nguyen The Ngoc Phuong , Sung Jwakyung
Published: December 2024

Chlorophyll is the primary pigment responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis, while carotenoids assist in light absorption and provide photoprotection by dissipating excess energy. Both pigments are essential for plant growth and development, playing distinct and complementary roles in maintaining photosynthetic efficiency and protecting plants from oxidative stress. Because of their function in photosynthesis and photoprotection, chlorophyll and carotenoid accumulation are strongly associated with light conditions, especially blue and red lights which play key roles in regulating their metabolisms. Despite advancements in understanding pigment metabolism, there remains a limited comprehensive overview of how various light qualities influence these pathways throughout the entire process. The effects of other light qualities, such as green light, far-red light, and UV, are not yet fully understood. This review aims to synthesize recent findings about the regulatory network of chlorophyll and carotenoid pathways under different light spectra, emphasizing the interplay between light- regulated transcription factors and genes involved in their biosynthesis and degradation.
A Method for Estimating Fluorescence Emission Spectra from Image Data of Plant Grain and Leaves Without a Spectrometer
Authors: Tominaga Shoji , Nishi Shogo , Ohtera Ryo , Sakai Hideaki
Published: December 2024

This study proposes a method for estimating fluorescence emission spectra from images of plant grain and leaves without using a spectrometer. We construct two types of multiband imaging systems with six channels using ordinary off-the-shelf cameras and UV light. A mobile phone camera is used to detect fluorescence emission in the blue wavelength region for rice grains. For plant leaves, a small monochrome camera is used with additional optical filters to detect chlorophyll fluorescence in the red to far-red wavelength region. A ridge regression approach is used to obtain a reliable estimate of the spectral distribution of the fluorescence emission from the acquired image data. The spectral distribution can be estimated by optimally selecting the ridge parameter without statistically analyzing the fluorescence spectra. An algorithm for optimal parameter selection is developed using a cross-validation technique. In the experiments using real rice grains and green leaves, the estimated fluorescence emission spectral distributions are compared to direct measurement by a spectroradiometer and estimation by the minimum norm estimation method. The reliability of the proposed estimation method is demonstrated.
The Implementation of Infant Anoesis and Adult Autonoesis in the Retrogenesis and Staging System of the Neurocognitive Disorders: A Proposal for a Multidimensional Person-Centered Model
Authors: Pirani Alessandro
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND. Retrogenesis is the process by which the degenerative and vascular mechanisms of dementias reverse the order of acquisition in the normal development.
OBJECTIVE. The development of memory/knowledge after birth may help to know the biopsychosocial and functional characteristics (biosphere) of the retrogenesis.
METHODS. A literature review was performed by consulting the PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases. The research was conducted using 43 keywords related to retrogenesis: a total of 234 eligible records were selected.
RESULTS. The infantile amnesia was described taking in account the infant child biosphere in which the limbic system progressively develops the acquisition of the body knowledge (Anoetic Body Consciousness-AnBC) until the age of 3-4 years. At this age usually the AnBC evolves as a continuum into the adulthood autonoesis with the emergence in the child-adolescent of the Episodic Autobiographic Memory (EAM) and the development of Autonoetic Mind Consciousness (AuMC). The development of cognition and knowledge from birth to adulthood is due to the progressive maturation of the whole limbic system and not only of the hippocampus. In the biopsychosocial retrogenesis, the EAM/AuMC vanishes progressively along the mild, moderate and severe stages of dementias when the infant AnBC resurfaces losing progressively the basic Activities of Daily Living in a retrogenetic order of acquisition where the last one functions to disappear are chewing and swallowing.
CONCLUSION. The transition from the adult EAM-AuMC into the infant AnBC, as a continuum in the individual biosphere, adds a contribution to the assessment of the retrogenesis in dementias from a multidimensional person-centered model.
Apprehension Toward Generative Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: A Multinational Study among Health Sciences Students
Authors: Sallam Malik , Al-Mahzoum Kholoud , Alaraji Haya , Albayati Noor , Alenzei Shahad , AlFarhan Fai , Alkandari Aisha , Alkhaldi Sarah , Alhaider Noor , Al-Zubaidi Dimah , Shammari Fatma , Salahaldeen Mohammad , Slehat Aya Saleh , Mijwil Maad M. , Abdelaziz Doaa H. , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed
Published: December 2024

In the recent generative artificial intelligence (genAI) era, health sciences students (HSSs) are expected to face challenges regarding their future roles in healthcare. This multinational cross-sectional study aimed to confirm the validity of the novel FAME scale examining themes of Fear, Anxiety, Mistrust, and Ethical issues about genAI. The study also explored the extent of apprehension among HSSs regarding genAI integration into their future careers. The final sample comprised 587 students mostly from Jordan (31.3%), Egypt (17.9%), Iraq (17.2%), Kuwait (14.7%), and Saudi Arabia (13.5%). Participants included students studying medicine (35.8%), pharmacy (34.2%), nursing (10.7%), dentistry (9.5%), medical laboratory (6.3%), and rehabilitation (3.4%). Factor analysis confirmed the validity and reliability of the FAME scale. Of the FAME scale constructs, Mistrust scored the highest, followed by Ethics. The participants showed a generally neutral apprehension toward genAI, with a mean score of 9.23±3.60. In multivariate analysis, significant variations in genAI apprehension were observed based on previous ChatGPT use, faculty, and nationality, with pharmacy and medical laboratory students expressing the highest apprehension, and Kuwaiti students the lowest. Previous use of ChatGPT was correlated with lower apprehension levels. Of the FAME constructs, higher agreement with the Fear, Anxiety, and Ethics constructs showed statistically significant associations with genAI apprehension. The study revealed notable apprehension about genAI among Arab HSSs, which highlights the need for educational curricula that blend technological proficiency with ethical awareness. Educational strategies tailored to discipline and culture are needed to ensure job security and competitiveness for students in AI-driven future.
Cytosine Methylation Changes the Preferred Cis-regulatory Configuration of Arabidopsis WUSCHEL-Related Homeobox 14
Authors: Jiang Dingkun , Zhang Xinfeng , Guo Honghong , Luo Lin , Li Tian , Chen Hao , Ma Nana , Fu Lufeng , Tian Peng , Mao Fei , Lü Peitao , Zhu Fangjie
Published: December 2024

The Arabidopsis transcription factor WUSCHEL-Related Homeobox 14 (AtWOX14) has versatile roles in plant growth and development. However, its biochemical specificity of DNA-binding and genome-wide regulatory targets remain uncharacterized. With the recently developed 5mC-incorporation strategy[1], this study performed SELEX and DAP-seq for AtWOX14 both in the presence and absence of cytosine methylation, and systematically curated 65 motif models and identified 51,039 genomic binding sites for AtWOX14. Overall, 5mC represses DNA binding of AtWOX14 monomers but facilitates binding of its dimers, and the methylation effect on a cytosine’s affinity to AtWOX14 is positional dependent. Notably, we found that the most preferred homodimeric configuration of AtWOX14 has changed from ER1 to ER0 upon methylation. Such change has the potential to rewire the regulatory network downstream of AtWOX14, as suggested by the GO analyses and the strength changes of the DAP-seq peaks upon methylation. Therefore, this work comprehensively illustrates the specificity and targets of AtWOX14, and reports a yet unrecognized effect of DNA methylation on transcription factor binding.
AI-Driven Multimodal Deep Learning for COVID-19 Prediction: A Comparative Analysis of Pre-Trained vs. Custom Models Using Cough, X-ray, and CT Scan Datasets
Authors: Oyebode Kazeem , Esenogho Ebenezer , Cameron Modisane
Published: December 2024

COVID-19, a respiratory illness that mostly attacks the human lungs emerged in 2019 and quickly became a global health crisis. Its fast transmission has necessitated the creation of effective tools that could aid in its classification. In this paper, we present an artificial intelligence multimodal deep learning model that leverages X-ray, CT-scan, and cough signals to classify COVID-19 accurately. This paper meticulously compares the effectiveness of non-pre-trained and pre-trained versions of VGG19, MobileNetv2, and ResNET across various multimodal and some unimodal models. Findings show that while the pre-trained unimodal systems for cough and X-ray outperform their non-pre-trained counterparts, the non-pre-trained CT scan model performs exceptionally well. This suggests that features learned from the VGG19 model fail to generalize effectively. Remarkably, the non-pre-trained multimodal model accomplishes an F1-score of 0.9804, slightly outperforming its pre-trained counterpart. These results indicate the potential of developing artificial intelligence models from scratch, especially for specialized datasets in multimodal scenarios. While this research advances our understanding of transfer learning within COVID-19 classification, it also emphasizes the prospects of developing custom deep-learning models for solving complex medical problems.
Phytotherapy Use to Treat Chemotherapy-Related Side Effects in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Gaspari Marco , Allegra Sarah , Bettonte Gabriele , Di Grazia Daniela , Storto Silvana , Armando Tiziana , Mussa Maria Valentina , De Francia Silvia
Published: December 2024

Phytotherapy has been used since ancient times for the treatment of many diseases, one of the fields of greatest use is oncology. Thus, patients use herbal medicines to counteract the side effects of chemotherapy, however these remedies, although natural, can lead to interactions if taken simultaneously with other medicines. The aim of the study was to identify interactions that may arise in the intake of oral chemotherapy in conjunction with phytotherapeutic substances This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted among lung cancer patients actively undergoing chemotherapy. Data collection was conducted through the distribution to patients of a self-compiled and closed-ended questionnaires during chemotherapy treatment. Data relating to 35 patients were collected and interviews were collected for a total of 66 accesses to the facility. It was found that 69% take at least one phytotherapeutic substance. Among the most used substances we found green tea, 26% of accesses, and ginger, 30% of accesses. Some statistically significant comparisons were between chamomile and mucositis intake, turmeric and epigastric pain and sex differences considering diarrhea and headache. Obtained data confirmed that phytotherapics can increase the toxicities caused by chemotherapy.
Prenatal Detection of Silver-Russell Syndrome: A First Trimester Suspicion and Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Galeva Slavyana , Diglio Giuliana , Stoilov Boris , Uchikova Ekaterina , Pop Lucian
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth restriction, body asymmetry, and distinctive facial features. Antenatal diagnosis remains challenging due to subtle first-trimester manifestations. This report highlights the integration of clinical, imaging, and genetic tools for early detection and diagnosis of SRS.

Materials and Methods: A 28-year-old primigravida presented for routine first-trimester prenatal care. Ultrasound revealed asymmetric growth restriction with normal anatomical findings. First-trimester biochemical markers, including PAPP-A and β-hCG, were within the normal range. Further evaluation, including amniocentesis and genetic testing, was performed.

Results: Genetic testing identified hypomethylation at the 11p15 imprinting control region, confirming the diagnosis of SRS. Parental testing excluded maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism. The findings were consistent with a clinical diagnosis of SRS, and appropriate counseling and multidisciplinary management were initiated.

Conclusions: This case demonstrates the critical role of integrating first-trimester imaging and genetic testing for early detection of SRS. Early diagnosis enables timely interventions and informed counseling, ultimately improving outcomes for affected families.
The Progress and Prospective of Data Capital for Zero-Shot Deep Brain-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Ma Wenbao , Ma Teng , Organisciak Daniel , Waide Jude E.T. , Meng Xiangxi , Long Yang
Published: December 2024

The vigorous development of Deep Learning (DL) has been propelled by big data and high-performance computing. For Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) to benefit from DL in a reliable and scalable manner, the scale and quality of data are crucial. Special emphasis is placed on the Zero-Shot Learning (ZSL) paradigm, which is essential for enhancing the flexibility and scalability of BCI systems. ZSL enables models to generalise from limited examples to new, unseen tasks, addressing data scarcity challenges and accelerating the development of robust, adaptable BCIs. Despite a growing number of BCI surveys in recent years, there is a notable gap in clearly presenting public data resources. This paper explores the fundamental data capital necessary for large-scale Deep Learning BCI models (DBCI) models. Our key contributions include: 1) A systematic review and comprehensive understanding of the current industrial landscape of DBCI datasets; 2) An in-depth analysis of research gaps and trends in DBCI devices, data and applications, offering insights into the progress and prospects for high-quality data foundation and developing large-scale DBCI models; 3) A focus on the paradigm shift brought by ZSL, which is pivotal for the technical potential and readiness of BCIs in the era of multi-modal large AI models.
Research on the Production of Hydrogen Fluoride from Silicon Tetrafluoride Using 2.45 GHz Microwave Plasma
Authors: Liu Songlin , Shi Lianjun , Liu Guilan , Xiao Wei , Zhu Huacheng
Published: December 2024

Silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4), being a toxic gas, contains abundant fluorine and silicon resources. However, at present, the extraction of these resources from SiF4 remains a significant challenge for current technologies. Microwave plasma emerges as a promising technology with considerable potential in this area. Nevertheless, the majority of research endeavors concentrate on the silicon production through microwave plasma treatment of SiF4, while the resultant tail gas, rich in fluorine resources, is neglected and subsequently wasted. In this paper, a low-pressure microwave plasma is employed to process SiF4 and H2 for the synthesis of hydrogen fluoride (HF). The microwave power reflection ratio, electron density, and produced HF concentration in varying microwave power levels and gas flow rates are obtained. The results demonstrate that all the processing parameters have a direct impact on the HF concentration. The maximum HF concentration of 11200 ppm is achieved under the specific condition: an H2 flow rate of 2.5 sccm, a SiF4 flow rate of 2 sccm, and a microwave power level of 1100 W. Notably, this condition also results in the lowest energy cost. This work presents fundamental process guidance for the production of HF using microwave plasma, facilitating the scalability of this technology in industry.
Intraoral Approach Through the Nasal Floor for Surgical Removal of Inverted Mesiodens
Authors: Urechescu Horatiu , Banu Ancuta , Streian Felicia , Urtila Florin , Cuzic Cristiana , Dinu Stefania , Pricop Marius
Published: December 2024

The mesiodens is the most common form of a supernumerary tooth. In the majority of cases they are impacted, usually palatally, but can be found buccally or between the roots of the permanent central incisors. Their position can be normal, inclined or inverted. If the crown of the impacted mesiodens is directed to the nasal cavity they are refer to as an inverted mesiodens. The inverted mesiodens is mainly asymptomatic and the main diagnostic methods are radiological, especially CBCT. This paper presents the nasal floor approach as a very reliable option for extracting inverted mesiodens. We report our protocol, including the diagnosis process, criteria for choosing this surgical approach and description of the surgical procedure. The intraoral approach through the nasal floor for surgical removal of inverted mesiodens satisfies all the conditions to be a predictable, safe and time efficient technique. It has its limitations, manly regarding the surgical skills of the operating team. The cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has a fundamental role in diagnosis and treatment of included mesiodens.
Presence of Humic Acids in Landfill Leachate and Treatment by Flocculation at Low pH to Reduce High Pollution of this Liquid
Authors: Costa Carlos , Pinedo M. Laura , Riascos Brayan D.
Published: December 2024

Humic substances (HSs) are abundant in landfill leachate, and specially humic acids (HAs), which are insoluble at low pH in aqueous solutions. Attending to chemical properties of humic acids, we describe in this work a new method for a sustainable treatment of landfill leachate originated from solid wastes which consists in the reduction of organic load (COD) and colour and is based in the gradual decrease of pH to the value in which HAs are insoluble in water solution. Zeta Potential value marks the chemical stage of humic acids, because of ionization-protonation of the phenolic and carboxylic groups and this parameter is monitored during flocculation, changing from -16.8 mV at pH 7.7 to 0.0068 mV at pH 2.0, when HAs precipitate. The final result is the reduction of the organic matter content (COD) and colour in the leachate in 86.1 % and 84.7 %, respectively. Solids produced by precipitation during the acidification treatment have been characterized by CHNS analysis and FT-IR, concluding a high similarity in chemical composition with commercial and natural HAs. Protonated HAs at low pH can interact with other molecules by hydrogen bonds and form bigger molecular structures much more unstable in suspension which conduct to precipitation. Mean diameter of the HA aggregates was measured, detecting the formation of big molecular structures at low pH.
Object Detection Post-Processing Accelerator Based on Co-Design of Hardware and Software
Authors: Yang Dengtian , Chen Lan , Hao Xiaoran , Ni Mao , Chen Ming , Zhang Yiheng
Published: December 2024

Deep learning significantly advances object detection. Post process, a critical component of this process, selects valid bounding boxes to represent true targets during inference and assigns boxes and labels to these objects during training to optimize the loss function. However, post process constitutes a substantial portion of the total processing time for a single image. This inefficiency primarily arises from the extensive Intersection over Union (IoU) calculations required between numerous redundant bounding boxes in post-processing algorithms. To reduce the redundant IoU calculations, we introduce a classification prioritization strategy during both training and inference post processes. Additionally, post process involves sorting operations that contribute to inefficiency. To minimize unnecessary comparisons in Top-K sorting, we have improved the bitonic sorter by developing a hybrid bitonic algorithm. These improvements have effectively accelerated post process. Given the similarities between training and inference post processes, we unify four typical post-processing algorithms and design a hardware accelerator based on this framework. Our accelerator achieves at least 7.55 times the speed in inference post process compared to recent accelerators. When compared to the RTX 2080 Ti system, our proposed accelerator offers at least 21.93 times the speed for training post process and 19.89 times for inference post process, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency of loss function minimization.
Hotel Chinesca: entre la promesa y el infierno
Authors: Trujillo Muñoz Gabriel
Published: December 2024

Pero más allá de señalar el entorno que hace posible los crímenes que esta obra narra, Hotel Chinesca es, sobre todo, un canto de querencia al barrio mismo de la Chinesca, un lugar en el corazón de Mexicali que Ruiz nos lo presenta como un nido de “seres esperando su muerte demorada, deambulando en busca de droga o viviendo del recuerdo de lo que fueron; de comerciantes heroicos que se rehusaban a dejar morir esta aorta obstruida de la ciudad; de taxista y colectivos; de migrantes atrapados entre la promesa y el infierno.”
Protestas en Nicaragua (2018- ¿2019?)
Authors: Galaviz Miranda Cuitlahuac Alfonso
Published: December 2024

El 18 de abril del año pasado se anunció una reforma al sistema de seguridad social nicaragüense. La reforma incluía un aumento de las contribuciones fiscales de los trabajadores, así como una reducción de las pensiones de los jubilados. La respuesta social no se hizo esperar: desde el anuncio de la reforma gubernamental, sectores de la sociedad nicaragüense comenzaron a movilizarse.

Aunque las protestas iniciaron en la capital, Managua, rápidamente se extendieron al resto del país. Ante este panorama, el presidente Daniel Ortega revirtió las reformas y ofreció diálogo con los manifestantes. Sin embargo, aunque con altibajos, las protestas han mantenido un nivel de regularidad importante y el conflicto continúa.

¿Por qué? En este artículo buscamos colaborar en una discusión que clarifiquen la respuesta.
Whiteness: A Fundamental Determinant of the Health of Rural White Americans
Authors: Efird Caroline R. , Griffith Derek M.
Published: December 2024

Because residents of rural areas in the United States experience a persistent disadvantage in life expectancy relative to their urban counterparts, it is critical to consider the structural and social determinants that affect the health of rural populations. White Americans constitute 3 out of every 4 (76%) rural residents, and there is growing evidence that rurality is a predictor of poor health status for White Americans in ways that are not present for racially minoritized populations or nonrural White populations.

We offer a framework to describe Whiteness as a fundamental determinant of the health of rural White Americans, which is useful to more precisely characterize and address the heterogeneous yet unique factors that drive their health. While Whiteness is a dynamic system that typically upholds White Americans’ social supremacy, we provide examples of intermediate (e.g., rural culture, environment) and intrapersonal (e.g., psychosocial) factors through which Whiteness can harm rural White Americans’ health (e.g., chronic disease, mental health).

We conclude with a discussion of implications and recommendations that may help to advance research to promote health and well-being among rural White Americans. ( Am J Public Health. 2025;115(2):152–160. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307904 )
Tibiopelvic Rotational Arthroplasty for Pediatric Gorham-Stout Disease
Authors: Grigoriou Emmanouil , Transtrum M. Bryant , Oishi Scott , Johnston Charles E. , Johnson Megan E.
Published: December 2024

Case:

This is a case of a 6-year-old patient diagnosed with Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), a rare lymphangiogenic skeletal disorder, localized to the left femur. Initial nonoperative treatment with pharmaceuticals and bracing was unsuccessful. We describe a definitive operative treatment with radical femoral resection and a modified rotationplasty technique through a tibiopelvic rotational hip arthroplasty. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was able to walk with a prosthetic device.

Conclusion:

The use of this modified rotationplasty technique is an effective treatment option for patients with femoral GSD to improve function and quality of life.
Recurrent Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Treated with Percutaneous Doxycycline Sclerotherapy
Authors: Gall Cory , Allison Daniel C.
Published: December 2024

Case:

A 7-year-old girl with an aggressive proximal femur aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) who sustained a pathological fracture of the femoral neck required an open reduction and internal fixation with curettage and bone grafting. This was followed by early aggressive recurrence of the ABC, which was treated successfully with percutaneous doxycycline sclerotherapy.

Conclusion:

Doxycycline sclerotherapy seems to be an effective and relatively low-risk treatment for recurrent ABCs.
Synthesis and characterization of magnetically separable Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-Ag composite for degradation of Acid Blue 161
Authors: Kızıltas Hakan , TEKİN Taner , BİRHAN Derya , TEKİN Derya
Published: December 2024

Recyclable core-shell photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity, which are used in water treatment and developed with great efforts in material chemistry, have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Fe3O4@SiO2 composite was synthesized by the Stöber method, and Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 and Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-Ag composites were successfully synthesized by the sol-gel method. For the characterization of the composites, besides SEM-EDS, TEM, XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, XPS, and VSM devices were used for magnetization measurement and then the photocatalytic activity on Acid Blue 161 dyestuff was tested. Acid Blue 161 dyestuff was used to examine the photocatalytic degradation of composites. The Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 composite doped with Ag particles showed better photocatalytic activity than the commercially used Degussa P25 due to the suppression of the recombination of electron-hole pairs. Compared with other composites, the Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-Ag composite exhibited high photocatalytic activity by removing 100% of the dye under UV radiation. The synthesized Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-Ag composite photocatalyst is a cost-effective photocatalytic system due to its wide application area, high efficiency, and recyclability.
Curcumin Reverses Cognitive Deficits through Promoting Neurogenesis and Synapse Plasticity via the Upregulation of PSD95 and BDNF in mice
Authors: Li Gaifen , Wu Qiong , Wang Chao , Deng Pin , Li Jiaxin , Zhai Zhiguang , Li Yubo
Published: December 2024

Following prolonged exposure to hypoxic conditions, for example, due to ascent to high altitude, aging or stroke, cognitive deficits can develop. The exact nature and genesis of hypoxia-induced cognitive deficits remain unresolved. Curcumin has been reported to stimulate neurogenesis and reduce neuronal degeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on cognitive deficits in hypoxic-brain injury mice and its potential mechanism. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were exposure to normobaric-hypoxia (13%O2) 14 days to establish hypoxic-brain injury models. Morris water maze and novel object recognition were used to detect the cognitive function of each mouse. Immunofluorescence assays, including Fluoro-Jade C (FJC) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), were used to detect neuronal degeneration and neurogenesis. Thy1-YFP transgenic mice were used to detect synapse plasticity. Our results showed that curcumin administration rescued the impaired cognition of mice, shown as enhanced BrdU+ and dendritic spine in hippocampus. At the molecular level, curcumin was found to promote the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). The results of primary hippocampal neuron detection showed that curcumin could promote dendritic growth. In conclusion, our study indicates that curcumin, increased BDNF and PSD95 expression and contacted with interneurons, salvaged of interneurons may normalize ambient neuroplasticity, resulting in the preservation of neurogenesis processes as well as contributing to improve cognitive performance.
Weak allelopathic effects of bracken fern (Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum) on early life stages of native tree species in a Neotropical montane forest
Authors: Maidana-Tuco Yamil , Pacheco Luis F. , Hensen Isabell , Gallegos Silvia C.
Published: December 2024

The allelopathic effect of Pteridium ferns (hereafter bracken) is considered an important factor hindering forest recovery. We examined the effects of bracken allelopathy on seed germination, seedling emergence, survival, and relative growth rate (RGR) of two native tree species, Morella pubescens and Vismia plicatifolia, in a tropical montane forest. Two potential allelopathic sources, fronds and litter, were considered, along with site age (using soils from young and old bracken-dominated sites, burned <5 and >10 years ago, respectively). In a greenhouse experiment, resembling bracken conditions of shade, we conducted a fully crossed block experiment with four treatments: Control, soil + activated carbon (AC, to adsorb allelopathic compounds), soil + bracken (Bracken), and soil + activated carbon + bracken (Bracken + AC), using soils from old and young sites. In a laboratory experiment, four aqueous extracts of rhizomes, litter, and fronds (from old and young sites) were used to water seeds at low and high concentrations and to compare their effects with the control treatment (water). Results showed low allelopathic effects on seedling emergence in soils from young sites for both species, with activated carbon mitigating these effects. Soils from young sites positively influenced the RGR of M. pubescens seedlings, contrasting with soils from old sites. Aqueous extracts from bracken fronds exhibited a 20% reduction on seedling survival of V. plicatifolia, while other extracts had no significant impact on germination or seedling survival. We discuss the implications of these mild allelopathic effects on the impediment to forest succession in tropical bracken-dominated areas.
Transcription factor FOXD1 and miRNA-204-5p play a major role in B4GALNT2 downregulation in colon cancer
Authors: Duca Martina , Malagolini Nadia , Pucci Michela , Cogez Virginie , Harduin-Lepers Anne , Dall’Olio Fabio
Published: December 2024

The β1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (B4GALNT2) which synthesizes the histo-blood group antigen Sda is highly expressed by normal colon, but it is dramatically down-regulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). High B4GALNT2 expression in CRC tissues is a marker of longer survival. The molecular bases of B4GALNT2 inhibition in CRC are largely obscure. A key role may be played by transcription factors and miRNA. Through an in silico analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and of the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), we identified the transcription factors FOXD1, FOXF2 and PGR as well as mir-204-5p as potential inhibitory agents. Their transient transfection in the cell line GP2d, whose B4GALNT2 is closer to that of a normal mucosa, confirmed their inhibitory activity with a crucial role for FOXD1. The latter inhibited B4GALNT2 also in the middle B4GALNT2 expresser cell line Caco2. Deletion experiments of the putative FOXD1 binding sites in the ~ 2800 bp sequence upstream of the B4GALNT2 transcriptional start site cloned in frame with the luciferase reporter gene, confirmed the regulatory role of FOXD1. Finally, FOXD1 knock down in the non-B4GALNT2 expresser cell line SW948 stimulated B4GALNT2. Thus, FOXD1 and miR-204-5p emerged as crucial new player of B4GALNT2 down-regulation in CRC.
Effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the immune system maternal-fetal interface during palatal development
Authors: Yongkai Wang , Shuhui Zhang , li ma
Published: December 2024

The maternal immune system during pregnancy is crucial for generating a balance between maternal immunity and the fetus. Our understanding of the potential impact of teratogens on the maternal-fetal interface (MFI) immune system and if such influences could precipitate the development of cleft palate (CP) remains limited. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a widely prevalent environmental pollutant, was used as a teratogen to induce a CP animal model. Fifteen C57BL/6J mice were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: a control group, TCDD group, and TCDD plus Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) group. Peripheral blood, placentas, and palatal tissues were collected for H&E, flow cytometry, and ELISA.In the TCDD group, the placental diameter, the number of placental labyrinth vessels, and the area of sponge layer cells were all significantly reduced. At embryonic day (E) 17.0, there was a significant decrease in T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells in the peripheral blood of pregnant mice. Additionally, the levels of Interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and Interleukin-4(IL-4), particularly IL-4, were significantly decreased. However, after treatment with FCA, the distance between the palatal shelves was reduced, and the placental weight, the number of labyrinth vessels and the area of the cavernous cells in the placenta also increased. The number of Th1 and Th2 cells significantly increased, returning to the levels observed in the control group, with a more pronounced increase in the number of Th2 cells.TCDD may induce CP by disrupting the homeostasis of the MFI. The precise mechanisms by which TCDD impact immune system at the MFI require further investigation.
Mitochondrial metabolism and epigenetic crosstalk drive the SASP
Authors: Passos Joao , Martini Helene , Birch Jodie , Marques Francisco , Victorelli Stella , Lagnado Anthony , Pirius Nicholas , Franco Ana , Lee Gung , Han Yeaeun , Rowsey Jennifer , Gaspar-Maia Alexandre , Havas Aaron , Murad Rabi , Lei Xue , Porritt Rebecca , Maddocks Oliver , Jurk Diana , Khosla Sundeep , Adams Peter
Published: December 2024

Senescent cells drive tissue dysfunction through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We uncovered a central role for mitochondria in the epigenetic regulation of the SASP, where mitochondrial-derived metabolites, specifically citrate and acetyl-CoA, fuel histone acetylation at SASP gene loci, promoting their expression. We identified the mitochondrial citrate carrier (SLC25A1) and ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) as critical for this process. Inhibiting these pathways selectively suppresses SASP without affecting cell cycle arrest, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for age-related inflammation. Notably, SLC25A1 inhibition reduces systemic inflammation and extends healthspan in aged mice, establishing mitochondrial metabolism as pivotal to the epigenetic control of aging.
The role of a novel marine protein LeAlkB in BMSCs osteogenic differentiation with mechanical stress
Authors: Zhao Qihang , Ren Zhiheng , Hu Zhengxuan , Chen Zhenggang , Zhao Xiaomeng , Yang Fang , Yuan Rongtao , Guo Qingyuan
Published: December 2024

LeAlkB is a marine protein derived from the Lysobacter enzymogenes. It has a dependence on Fe2+and α- Ketoglutaric acid. The ALKBH family of methylases, which are functionally conserved for ketoglutarate, have a similar structure. FTO（Fat Mass and Obesity-associated Protein） in the ALKBH family is a key promoter of osteogenic differentiation under mechanical stress and has an upregulation effect on inducing osteogenic differentiation phenotype markers. Research has found that ALKBH5 also has osteogenic ability, and the application of marine drugs in bone disease and bone regeneration research is gradually increasing. The structure similarly to the ALKBH family enables LeAlkB to have the same osteogenic differentiation ability. To explore the potential application of the novel marine protein LeAlkB in bone reconstruction, this study investigated the bone regeneration characteristics induced by LeAlkB. It has been demonstrated that mechanical stress encourages bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into osteogenic tissue. This study discovered that BMSCs' expression of osteogenic differentiation markers in LeAlkB dramatically increased under mechanical stress settings. Furthermore, LeAlkB significantly raises the expression of FTO. This suggests that BMSCs' osteogenic differentiation can be stimulated by the marine protein LeAlkB. LeAlkB is a marine new protein that exhibits much greater osteogenic ability and minimal cytotoxicity when compared to FTO and ALKBH5. This suggests that LeAlkB has better therapeutic potential. LeAlkB is therefore anticipated to be used in the clinical treatment of orthodontics in the future. Our study's conclusions, however, offer fresh concepts for the potential uses of marine naturally occurring bioactive compounds in the future.
Multiples Elimination to enhance Seismic Imaging for Safe Wind Farm Establishment: A case study from Baltic Sea
Authors: Roshdy Eslam , Mabrouk Walid , Metwally Ahmed
Published: December 2024

The primary objective of this paper is to eliminate the effect of multiples on seismic data using different multiple attenuation techniques, ultimately enhancing seismic imaging for the establishment of wind farms in the study area. Seismic reflection data processing is a highly effective method for detecting potential hazards such as mines and shallow gas bubbles, making it crucial for environmental hazard assessments. In this study, multiple elimination methods were combined to attenuate different types of multiples in 2D raw shallow marine seismic data from the Baltic Sea region. The demultiple workflow combined several robust techniques: Surface-Related Multiple Elimination (SRME), Tau-P deconvolution, high-resolution (HR) radon demultiple, and Common Depth Point (CDP) stacking. SRME was used to remove surface-related multiples by subtracting predicted multiple models from the seismic data, followed by Tau-P deconvolution to attenuate short-period multiples. HR radon demultiple was then employed to attenuate any remaining multiples, which could not be eliminated by previous methods, and finally, CDP stacking of normal moveout-corrected data was applied to improve the alignment of primary reflections and eliminate non-aligned multiples. The improvement in data quality was not solely due to the individual demultiple techniques but from their integration. Each method addresses specific types of multiples and noise, and the combined workflow ensures the optimal suppression of unwanted energy without losing important seismic signal. The final stacked seismic section showed significant improvement in image clarity, confirming the absence of predicted mines or shallow gas bubbles beneath the surface. Based on these findings, the study concludes that the area is suitable for wind farm construction.
Co-design of a Mobile Stroke Unit pathway highlights uncertainties and trade-offs for viable system-wide implementation in the English and Welsh NHS
Authors: Moseley Lisa , McMeekin Peter , Allen Michael , Ford Gary A , James Martin , Laws Anna , McCarthy Stephen , McClelland Graham , Park Laura J , Pearn Kerry , Phillips Daniel , Price Christopher , Shaw Lisa , White Phil , Wilson David , Scott Jason
Published: December 2024

Background: Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are specialist ambulances equipped with scanning and point of care testing that can identify patients eligible for intravenous thrombolysis – medication to dissolve a clot used in ischaemic strokes – and provide this on location. While benefits of MSUs have been demonstrated, this has been highly context dependent. Routine use of MSUs across the English and Welsh National Health Service (NHS) has not yet been considered, with only one MSU currently deployed as part of a research project, and as such no pathway for their operation exists. This study aimed to co-design a viable pathway for MSUs within the NHS context.
Methods: The study used interdisciplinary co-design alongside Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to generate consensus. Participants were recruited using a combination of purposive, opportunistic and snowball sampling. Data collection took place in online workshops, across three rounds, with supplemental interviews conducted where required. Data were analysed as an ongoing process, with participants checking interpretations after each round, and then further analysed deductively to identify key uncertainties following all the rounds. The consensus threshold for the NGT was set a priori at ≥80%.
Results: The study resulted in a developed MSU pathway that reached consensus for being viable within the NHS, with consideration for current systems and pressures. In developing the pathway key uncertainties were identified such as where to base the MSU. We also identified where participants had to make trade-offs in the co-designed pathway, such as staffing considerations. Together, the identified uncertainties and trade-offs represent challenges to MSU implementation and are presented alongside the process to reach the finalised pathway. Future developments which may have implications for the implementation of MSUs were also explored.
Conclusions: The co-designed MSU pathway provides a foundation for MSU implementation in the English and Welsh NHS and can be subjected to local and regional modifications required for implementation. However, optimal implementation is likely hindered by several uncertainties and trade-offs that represent challenges to implementation of MSUs at scale, though future developments in acute stroke care may help to mitigate these challenges.
A retrospective cohort study of 203 patients with Takayasu’s arteritis: Experience from a Brazilian tertiary center
Authors: De Araujo Pedro Cargnelutti , Donato Arthur Ney Alves , Franco Andre Silva , Echauri Carlos Insfrán , Shinjo Samuel Katsuyuki
Published: December 2024

Background. Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare form of systemic vasculitis that primarily affects the aorta and its major branches. Despite several epidemiological studies on TAK, only a few descriptive studies have been conducted in our country, which motivated us to conduct this study.
Methods. This single-center retrospective cohort study included Brazilian TAK patients who underwent follow-up at a tertiary outpatient clinic between January 2000 and June 2024. Patient data were extracted from the electronic medical records via standardized and parameterized information.
Results. A total of 203 patients with TAK were included with a predominance of Caucasians (83.7%) and females (79.8%). The median age at disease diagnosis was 28.0 (interquartile range: 20.0-38.0) years, and the median follow-up period was 122.0 (49.0-177.0) months. During the initial or follow-up period, 65.0% of patients used glucocorticoids and 80.0% used immunosuppressive/immunobiological drugs. The three most common Hata classifications were V (46.8%), IV (23.2%), and I (22.7%). There was a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension (72.9%), dyslipidemia (59.1%), and renovascular hypertension (22.7%). When patients were analyzed by age quartile, elderly patients were predominantly without glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants and maintained sustained disease control.
Conclusions. This is the largest cohort study to include Brazilian patients with TAK. Even with higher cardiovascular risk factors than in other series, we observed lower rates of ischemic or cardiovascular events. Moreover, the frequency of disease activity and current treatment was restricted to the patients’ ages.
Spatial and temporal pattern of phytoplankton community assembly processes in the largest tributary of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Wang Jie , Sun Fuhong , Guo Yiding , Zhao Qianyu , Huang Nannan , Wang Ziteng , Wu Fengchang
Published: December 2024

Background
Elucidating phytoplankton community assembly processes is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of river bloom formation. The blooms in the Hanjiang River, the largest tributary of the Yangtze River, have garnered significant attention. However, research on the phytoplankton community assembly processes and their driving mechanisms in this river remains limited.
Results
Based on a comprehensive survey of phytoplankton communities in the Hanjiang River during both dry and wet seasons in 2023, this study employed statistical methodologies, including similarity and correlation analyses, to investigate these assembly processes. Furthermore, it quantified the relative contributions of stochastic and deterministic processes. The results indicated significant heterogeneity in the distribution and composition of phytoplankton communities. Phytoplankton community dissimilarity increased significantly with geographical distance. VPA results showed that spatial variables had a stronger effect on phytoplankton communities than environmental factors. Fitting results from the neutral community and null models revealed that stochastic processes played a more significant role in phytoplankton community construction in the Hanjiang River than deterministic processes, with undominated stochastic processes being predominant during both the dry (82%) and wet (64%) seasons. The roles of diatoms and cyanobacteria in community construction were systematically analyzed based on the dominant species in the Hanjiang River blooms. Compared to other phytoplankton species (such as diatoms), cyanobacteria were more influenced by deterministic factors, suggesting a risk of cyanobacteria blooms in the middle and lower reaches of the Hanjiang River during the wet season.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the phytoplankton community assembly processes and their influencing factors in the Hanjiang River, playing an important role in revealing bloom outbreak mechanisms and providing insights for future studies on the assembly processes of phytoplankton and other aquatic organisms.
Intermediates of Forming Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Heterostructures Revealed by Machine Learning Simulations
Authors: Gao Junfeng , Zhao Luneng , Liu Hongsheng , Chang Yuan , Shi Xiaoran , Zhao Jijun , Ding Feng
Published: December 2024

The primary restrictions on 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) are size limitation and alloying. Recently, a two-step vapor deposition method was reported to grow wafer-scale TMD vdWHs with little contamination [Nature 621, 499 (2023)]. In this study, we developed a machine learning potential (MLP) which can accurately simulate the growth processes of bilayer MoS2/WS2 vdWHs under various conditions. Importantly, a SMMS (where M is Mo or W) structure is revealed as a highly stable intermediate easily introduces metal atom exchange and alloying. Eliminating the alloying contamination in TMD vdWHs is avoiding SMMS structure by preventing the landing of bare metal atoms. However, SMMS is revealed as an ideal electrode for MoS2 FETs with low Schottky barrier.