bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From mechanisms to future therapy: a synopsis of isolated REM sleep behavior disorder as early synuclein-related disease
Authors: Stefani Ambra , Antelmi Elena , Arnaldi Dario , Arnulf Isabelle , During Emmanuel , Högl Birgit , Hu Michele M. T. , Iranzo Alex , Luke Russell , Peever John , Postuma Ronald B. , Videnovic Aleksandar , Gan-Or Ziv
Published: February 2025

Parkinson disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy are synucleinopathies, characterized by neuronal loss, gliosis and the abnormal deposition of α-synuclein in vulnerable areas of the nervous system. Neurodegeneration begins however several years before clinical onset of motor, cognitive or autonomic symptoms. The isolated form of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a parasomnia with dream enactment behaviors and excessive muscle activity during REM sleep, is an early stage synucleinopathy. The neurophysiological hallmark of RBD is REM sleep without atonia (RWSA), i.e. the loss of physiological muscle atonia during REM sleep. RBD pathophysiology is not fully clarified yet, but clinical and basic science suggest that ɑ-syn pathology begins in the lower brainstem where REM atonia circuits are located, including the sublaterodorsal tegmental/subcoeruleus nucleus and the ventral medulla, then propagates rostrally to brain regions such as the substantia nigra, limbic system, cortex. Genetically, there is only a partial overlap between RBD, PD and DLB, and individuals with iRBD may represent a specific subpopulation. A genome-wide association study identified five loci, which all seem to revolve around the GBA1 pathway. iRBD patients often show subtle motor, cognitive, autonomic and/or sensory signs, neuroimaging alterations as well as biofluid and tissue markers of neurodegeneration (in particular pathologic α-synuclein aggregates), which can be useful for risk stratification. Patients with iRBD represent thus the ideal population for neuroprotective/neuromodulating trials. This review provides insights into these aspects, highlighting and substantiating the central role of iRBD in treatment development strategies for synucleinopathies.
Opportunistic pathogens are prevalent across the culturable exogenous and endogenous microbiota of stable flies captured at a dairy facility
Authors: Sommer Andrew J. , Deblois Courtney L. , Tu Andrew D. J. , Suen Garret , Coon Kerri L.
Published: February 2025

Stable flies in the genus Stomoxys are highly abundant, blood-feeding pests on dairy farms; however, their role in the carriage and potential transmission of pathogens is largely understudied. Here, we report on the frequency and distribution of culturable bacteria collected from Stomoxys flies captured in free stall barns and nearby calf hutches over a three-month period on a focal research farm in Wisconsin, USA. Mastitis-associated bacterial taxa, including Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella spp., were frequently isolated from pooled samples of the internal or external portions of the flies. Conversely, selective enrichment protocols from these samples yielded only a single isolate of Salmonella and no enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157. Neither trap location nor time of capture had a significant impact on the observed frequency of most bacterial genera isolated from the flies. Our results confirm that Stomoxys flies harbor both mastitis-associated bacterial taxa and bacterial taxa associated with opportunistic infections in humans. Further research into the transmission of fly-associated microbes could be important in the control of mastitis or other bacterial diseases on dairy farms.
Carboxylesterase 1-mediated endocannabinoid metabolism in skin: role in melanoma progression in BRafV600E/Pten−/− mice
Authors: Morozova Veronika , Pellegata Daniele , Charles Roch-Philippe , Gertsch Jürg
Published: February 2025

Background

Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis. The endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylgylcerol (2-AG) and anandamide have been linked to melanoma progression, though their roles remain unclear. We hypothesized that the 2-AG-arachidonate-prostaglandin axis could drive aggressive melanoma progression.

Methods

The genetically engineered melanoma mouse model B6-Tyr::CreER

T2

; BRaf

CA

; Pten

loxP
was characterized by targeted metabolomics. Functionally expressed serine hydrolases in the tumor tissue were identified by chemoproteomics. Pharmacological inhibition of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) was achieved through chronic in vivo i.p. treatment with JZL184 (10 mg/kg daily), confirmed by activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and targeted lipidomics. CES1-mediated 2-AG hydrolysis was further confirmed in radiotracer-based assays using CES1-transfected cell lines.

Results

The diacylglycerol and protein kinase C activator 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (SAG) was significantly elevated in the nodular-like melanoma tissues, along with 2-AG and arachidonic acid (ARA), compared to normal skin. AEA and other N-acylethanolamines were decreased, while, notably, prostaglandin levels remained unchanged. Significant changes in the levels of neuromodulators and neurotransmitters, including serotonin and adenosine, were observed. Pronounced differences between serine hydrolase activity in normal skin and melanoma tissue were identified by ABPP. Intriguingly, CES1 was identified as the only 2-AG-hydrolyzing enzyme in this melanoma tissue, as MAGL and ABHD6/12 were not expressed. The MAGL inhibitor JZL184 also efficiently inhibited CES1 in vitro and in vivo, increasing glycerol esters and reducing tumor progression. Additionally, scRNA-seq data from previous studies revealed divergent MAGL/CES1 expression patterns across different human melanoma subtypes.

Conclusions

A role of CES1 expression in skin is demonstrated for the first time. Our study suggests that 2-AG degradation to arachidonate favors melanoma progression, either reflecting the carcinogenic role of ARA or that monoacylglycerols like 2-AG and/or other CES1 substrates may exert antitumor effects, indicating that CES1 could be a potential therapeutic target. CES1 expression and high SAG, 2-AG, and ARA levels may be a signature of specific BRAF-driven malignant melanoma subtypes which are associated with discrete metabolic adaptations.

Graphical Abstract
The relationship between self-esteem and social avoidance among university students: chain mediating effects of resilience and social distress
Authors: Shang Aili , Feng Liping , Yan Guoli , Sun Ling
Published: February 2025

Backgroud

This study aims to explore the relationships between self-esteem, resilience, social distress, and social avoidance among college students. It also examines the mediating roles of resilience and social distress in the relationship between self-esteem and social avoidance.

Methods

A convenience cluster sampling method was used to select all first-year students from a university in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Data were collected through an online survey administered via the WENJUANXING platform, which included a general information questionnaire, the Self-Esteem Scale, the Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. A total of 2513 first-year students completed the survey. SPSS 26.0 software was used to analyze the correlation between self-esteem, resilience, social distress and social avoidance, and the mediation model was tested by Mplus8.

Results

Self-esteem, resilience were negatively correlated with social distress scores (r = -0.411, p < 0.01; r =-0.387, p < 0.01, respectively). Self-esteem and resilience were negatively correlated with social avoidance scores (r = -0.437, p < 0.01; r = -0.379, p < 0.01, respectively). Social distress and social avoidance scores were positively correlated (r = 0.778, p < 0.01). Resilience partially mediated the association between self-esteem and social avoidance(β = -0.02, p < 0.01), with a mediation rate of 5.01%. Social distress partially mediated the associations between self-esteem and social avoidance(β = -0.203, p < 0.01) with a mediation rate of 50.87%. Resilience and social distress together (β = -0.06, p < 0.01) formed a mediating chain between self-esteem and social avoidance, with a mediation rate of 15.03%.

Conclusions

Self-esteem was negatively associated with social avoidance. Resilience and social distress were found to mediate the association partially.
The role of platelets in cancer: from their influence on tumor progression to their potential use in liquid biopsy
Authors: Morales-Pacheco Miguel , Valenzuela-Mayen Miguel , Gonzalez-Alatriste Angel M. , Mendoza-Almanza Gretel , Cortés-Ramírez Sergio A. , Losada-García Alberto , Rodríguez-Martínez Griselda , González-Ramírez Imelda , Maldonado-Lagunas Vilma , Vazquez-Santillan Karla , González-Covarrubias Vanessa , Pérez-Plasencia Carlos , Rodríguez-Dorantes Mauricio
Published: February 2025

Platelets, anucleate blood cells essential for hemostasis, are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer, challenging the traditional notion of their sole involvement in blood coagulation. It has been demonstrated that platelets establish bidirectional communication with tumor cells, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis through diverse molecular mechanisms such as modulation of proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, resistance to anoikis, immune evasion, extravasation, chemoresistance, among other processes. Reciprocally, cancer significantly alters platelets in their count and composition, including mRNA, non-coding RNA, proteins, and lipids, product of both internal synthesis and the uptake of tumor-derived molecules. This phenomenon gives rise to tumor-educated platelets (TEPs), which are emerging as promising tools for the development of liquid biopsies. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the dynamic roles of platelets in tumor development and progression as well as their use in diagnosis and prognosis. We also provide our view on current limitations, challenges and future research areas, including the need to design more efficient strategies for their isolation and analysis, as well as the validation of their sensitivity and specificity through large-scale and rigorous clinical trials. This research will not only enable the evaluation of their clinical viability but could also open new opportunities to enhance diagnostic accuracy and develop personalized treatments in oncology.
Influence of oxalic acid and CTAB on the structural and optical properties of nanocrystalline tungsten oxide synthesized via co-precipitation method
Authors: Neethu R. P. , Madhu G.
Published: February 2025

Herein, we report the oxalic acid and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) assisted co-precipitation synthesis of nanocrystalline tungsten oxide (WO3). Different annealing temperatures were selected systematically based on the thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) of the precursors. The high crystallinity of the samples was revealed from the intense and narrow X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks. Oxalic acid-assisted WO3 showed a considerable reduction in crystallite size. The increase in crystallite size with annealing temperature was also evident in both samples. The change of surfactant and annealing temperature resulted in a modification of surface morphology that was identified using high-resolution resolution-scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). The formation of WO3 was further established by the Raman spectra of the samples. Size strain plot (SSP) analysis of the samples showed a decrease of microstrain with an increase in annealing temperature. The bandgap energy obtained from the diffused reflectance spectra of the samples showed a red shift with an increase in annealing temperature. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the existence of a pure oxidation state of W6+ in oxalic acid-assisted WO3 and mixed oxidation states of W6+ and W5+ in CTAB-assisted WO3 samples. The mesoporous nature and specific surface area of the samples are inferred from Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The reduced crystallite size, stable oxidation state, and higher specific surface area of the oxalic acid-assisted WO3 samples suggest its possible use as a supercapacitor and photocatalyst.

Graphical Abstract
Tribological properties of epoxy matrix composites filled with particles of multicomponent titanium-based alloy
Authors: Bagliuk Gennadii , Baranovska Oksana , Varchenko Viktor , Buketov Andriy , Sapronov Oleksandr , Ivanchenko Sehhii
Published: February 2025

The article presents the results of a study on the effect of a dispersed filler, produced by thermal synthesis from a mixture of titanium hydride, ferrosilicomanganese, and boron carbide powders on the tribological characteristics of a polymer composite based on ED-20 epoxy diane oligomer. The filler was incorporated into the resin at concentration ranging from 5 to 40 parts of composite powder per 100 parts (by weight) of the epoxy oligomer. At a sliding speed of 0.5 m/s, the highest friction coefficient (µ) in the range of 0.55–0.6 was noted for the epoxy polymer without a filler, while an increase in the filler concentration in the epoxy polymer led to a noticeable decrease in the friction coefficient values. The lowest values of µ (0.32–0.35) were observed in composites with 5 and 10 wt.% filler. With an increase in the sliding speed up to 1 m/s at the stage of constant friction, the friction coefficient for unreinforced polymer and the composite with 5% filler reached values of 0.55–0.65 followed by a transition to catastrophic wear. For polymers with 10, 20, and 40 wt.% filler, composites with a higher content of the dispersed component were characterized by lower values of µ. The specific wear of composites decreased with the incorporation of cermet particles into the polymer and with an increased in its concentration in the polymer from 5 to 20%. However, when the filler content increases to 40%, the level of specific wear increases slightly.
Tumor dormancy and relapse: understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer recurrence
Authors: Tufail Muhammad , Jiang Can-Hua , Li Ning
Published: February 2025

Cancer recurrence, driven by the phenomenon of tumor dormancy, presents a formidable challenge in oncology. Dormant cancer cells have the ability to evade detection and treatment, leading to relapse. This review emphasizes the urgent need to comprehend tumor dormancy and its implications for cancer recurrence. Despite notable advancements, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying dormancy and the lack of reliable biomarkers for predicting relapse. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the cellular, angiogenic, and immunological aspects of dormancy. It highlights the current therapeutic strategies targeting dormant cells, particularly combination therapies and immunotherapies, which hold promise in preventing relapse. By elucidating these mechanisms and proposing innovative research methodologies, this review aims to deepen our understanding of tumor dormancy, ultimately facilitating the development of more effective strategies for preventing cancer recurrence and improving patient outcomes.
Preliminary outcomes of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling for intracranial aneurysms with small parent vessels
Authors: Xiao Jingrui , Li Tianli , Wan Dongdong , Zhou Qidi , Zhao Xiaolong , Zhang Zhaolong , Xie Yixing , Shao Liming , Liu Guoping , Sun Chengjian , Xu Rui
Published: February 2025

Background

Although stent-assisted coiling has become a standard approach for treating intracranial aneurysms (IAs), there are limited reports on its safety and effectiveness in parent artery less than 2.5 mm in diameter. This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of using Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling for IAs with small parent vessels.

Methods

This study reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of 50 IAs in 50 patients with a parent artery diameter of ≤ 2.5 mm, treated with Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling at a single center between November 2020 and April 2024. Immediate postoperative angiographic outcomes were assessed using the modified Raymond-Roy classification. Follow-up imaging included computed tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

The procedures achieved a 100% success rate. Immediately after treatment, 24 cases were classified as Raymond-Roy grade I, 11 as grade II, and 15 as grade III. Follow-up angiography in 28 cases revealed three instances of aneurysm recurrence, with a secondary procedure performed in one case. One patient reported poor neurological status, and two cases experienced procedure-related adverse events during telephone or clinical follow-up.

Conclusions the Atlas stent demonstrated favorable outcomes in the treatment of aneurysms in small parent arteries (< 2.5 mm), with a low complication rate. The timely postoperative use of tirofiban may further reduce the risk of ischemic complications.
The 40S ribosomal protein SA-2 inhibits citrus yellow vein clearing virus infection in Eureka lemon via activating jasmonic acid and photosynthetic pathways
Authors: Liao Ping , Huangfu Mengyang , Ding Dongdong , Dan Xue , Chen Li , Lou Binghai , Zhou Yan
Published: February 2025

The 40S ribosomal protein SA (RPSA) functions as an important regulatory factor in plant resistance to abiotic stresses. However, the role of RPSA in response to plant virus infection is poorly understood. Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) has a significantly negative impact on citrus production, and its coat protein (CP) is involved in viral pathogenicity. In this study, we revealed the interaction of CP with Eureka lemon 40S RPSA (ClRPSA-2) in the nucleus, membrane, and endoplasmic reticulum of Nicotiana benthamiana. Further experiments demonstrated that the ClRPSA-2 N-terminal conserved region (amino acids 22—122) was involved in the interaction with CP, and the ClRPSA-2 expression in young Eureka lemon leaves significantly reduced. Transient expression of ClRPSA-2 triggered the expression of jasmonic acid (JA), photosynthetic pathway- and resistance-related genes, as well as increased the JA content and maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) in lemon. Furthermore, ClRPSA-2 negatively regulated CYVCV resistance in plants, which induced resistance to other citrus viruses. These findings enhance our understanding of the interaction between CYVCV and citrus plants and provide a basis for future research on resistance breeding of citrus.
Exploring the effects of alpha-pinene on apoptosis induction in human colon cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: an in vitro study
Authors: Shafieipour Sara , Zamanian Yasaman , Hadipour Elham , Sinaei Reza , Khoshnazar Seyedeh Mahdieh
Published: February 2025

Background

Colorectal carcinoma ranks as the second most prevalent neoplasm in females and the third most prevalent in males.

Methods

In this investigation, we examined the influence of alpha-pinene (ALP), classified as a monoterpene, on the proliferation of HT-29 human colorectal carcinoma cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade. HT-29 cells were exposed to a range of ALP concentrations. The survival rate of the cells was assessed through the MTT assay; while, apoptotic events were evaluated using flow cytometry in conjunction with Annexin V/PI staining. Additionally, cell cycle dynamics were scrutinized through fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, PI3K, and AKT at both the gene and protein levels were quantified employing real-time PCR and western blot techniques.

Results

ALP treatment led to a significant, dose-dependent decrease in cell viability, with prolonged exposure exacerbating cytotoxic effects. Apoptosis analysis showed that ALP significantly increased apoptotic cells after 24 h of treatment. Cell cycle analysis showed that ALP induces G2/M phase arrest and inhibits cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3 and decreased anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2. Furthermore, the administration of ALP led to a notable reduction in both the gene and protein expression levels of PI3K and Akt, suggesting a suppression of the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade.

Conclusion

ALP inhibits HT-29 colon cancer cell growth by reducing cell viability, inducing apoptosis, and blocking the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings highlight ALP’s potential as a therapeutic candidate for colorectal cancer.
Incentives in prescribing, dispensing and pharmaceutical spending: A scientometric mapping.
Authors: L. H Tocaruncho-Ariza , J Riascos-Ochoa , W. G Jimenez-Barbosa
Published: February 2025

Introduction Health systems worldwide are struggling to ensure the affordability of medicines. Prescription, dispensing, and pharmaceutical expenditures are key variables that highlight the need to understand how global scientific evidence is generated against factors (implicit and non-explicit) that influence these variables. Objectives Explore and provide a detailed description of the characteristics of the global scientific production of Open Access articles related to the prescription, dispensing and pharmaceutical expenditure faced by health systems worldwide. Methods A five-stage scientometric mapping was performed based on a systematic search of 8 databases. The five stages are: i) retrieval, ii) migration, iii) analysis, iv) visualization and v) interpretation. Results A corpus of evidence from 103 systematic literature reviews was obtained, screened and sifted, visualizing the countries, authors, databases, journals, institutions and time periods that contributed most to evidence generation. Central research themes are identified and phenomena related to article publication are discussed. Conclusions The analysis reveals a clear leadership of the United Kingdom and the United States in scientific production on prescribing, dispensing and pharmaceutical expenditure in health systems worldwide. This scientific production is mainly focused on financing policies, pharmaceutical incentives and interventions, and rational use of medicines. There is also evidence of the scarcity of scientific production in Latin American publications and authors, which could generate interest for future research.
The influence of tantalum oxide nanoparticle on thermal conductivity and tear strength after addition on maxillofacial silicone
Authors: Ali Mousa saif , Abdullah Zainab Saleh
Published: February 2025

Background Maxillofacial prosthetic materials exhibit a range of qualities that vary considerably, including the hardness and stiffness of alloys and polymers, as well as the flexibility of elastomers and soft polymers. Silicone elastomers are the primary materials employed for maxillofacial prostheses due to their physical properties, which allow for adaptation to the movement of soft tissue. They also exhibit exceptional tensile and tear strength across a broad temperature range. The addition of nanoparticle enhance thermal and tear strength of maxillofacial silicon. This study estimates the influence of addition tantalum oxide nanoparticle on thermal conductivity and tear strength after addition on maxillofacial silicone. Method Tantalum oxide nanoparticles were added into VST-50F platinum silicone elastomer at two weight percentages: 1wt% and 1.5wt%. 60 specimens were prepared and classified into two groups: one control group for each property and two experimental groups. All collected data underwent statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test, with significance set at p < 0.05. The Shapiro-Wilk test and Bartlett’s test were employed to assess the normality and homogeneity of the data, respectively. Result The one-way ANOVA test found a very significant difference between all groups, while Bonferroni’s test revealed a highly significant difference between the control and experimental groups. Thermal conductivity test found no significant difference between the 1wt% and 1.5wt% groups, however the tear strength test was highly significant. Conclusions The addition tantalum oxide nano particles improve tear strength and thermal conductivity.
Modern Political philosophy of Islam
Authors: Koz'yakova N.
Published: February 2025

In the modern world the politicization of religions, especially Islam, is an acute problem. Interest in political religion is due to its huge influence on mass consciousness and is objective in nature. Political Islam is represented by various Islamic movements, which in the Muslim world express the interests of various social groups. The influence of Islam on political life increases in conditions of poorly functioning democratic system. The aim of the article is to identify the ideological and political factors that cause the aggravation of ethno-confessional contradictions and radicalize Islam. The main method of research is a systematic approach based on the need for a consistent study of the sources of the development of the political philosophy of Islam in the context of the chronological sequence of the historical setting. Theoretical significance of the research consists in the study of the action of the religious factor in modern conditions and its influence on the specifics of international relations in the Middle East region. Practical significance consists in the fact that some provisions of this study expand the existing knowledge about the impact of the religious factor in modern conditions and can be used as a theoretical and methodological support for the creation of various educational programs in the system of higher education, as well as textbooks in the disciplines «Theory of Politics», «History of Political Studies» and «Political Science». It is concluded that Islamic theology and the religious worldview of Muslims depend on how the relationship of man to God is emphasized, understood or interpreted and how radical the idea of the absence of intermediaries between man and God is held.
The Impact of Anesthetic Modality Selection on Surgical Outcomes in Trauma Management
Authors: Nowak Anna , Dudziak Piotr , Golińska Maria , Maj Wojciech , Łyko Mateusz , Kurasz Jakub , Siudziński Paweł , Skoczylas Alicja , Tomaszewska Wiktoria , Pala Katarzyna , Podlasiewicz Wiktoria
Published: February 2025

The selection of anesthesia during surgical management of injuries is of paramount importance in ensuring patient comfort, procedural safety, and optimal surgical outcomes. The determination of the anesthetic modality is made by the anesthesiologist in consultation with the surgical team, taking into consideration the patient's medical status, the nature and extent of the injury, the anticipated duration of the procedure, and, when feasible, the patient’s preferences.
Formação de Alfabetizadores na/da/para a EJA: a Experiência de um Grupo de Estudos no Âmbito de um Projeto de Extensão
Authors: Silva Jaqueline Luzia da , Silva Camila Vitoria Sousa da
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho apresenta um relato de experiência cujo objetivo é descrever a experiência vivenciada no grupo de estudos “Desafios e possibilidades atuais na alfabetização de jovens e adultos”, vinculado a um projeto de extensão universitária da Faculdade de Educação da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). Este grupo permanente procura contribuir com a formação inicial ou continuada dos participantes, fomentando a reflexão e a pesquisa sobre as práticas pedagógicas de alfabetizadores na Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) a partir das leituras e estudos realizados nos encontros. Foi escolhida a metodologia de descrição das experiências e vivências e realizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, evidenciando os aspectos que consideramos mais relevantes para a construção deste relato. Ao longo das vivências neste grupo, foi possível perceber uma pedagogia ativa, dialógica e interativa, capaz de impulsionar a construção de conhecimentos e aprendizados por meio da interação de todos os participantes, tecendo múltiplas aprendizagens e reflexões. As conclusões apontam para a importância do rompimento com práticas educativas limitantes e, também, demonstram que a formação de educadores pode contribuir para o enfrentamento dos desafios impostos pela realidade, fomentando reflexões críticas e propondo novos caminhos de atuação.
Palavras-chave: Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA); Formação de professores; Alfabetização.
 
Training Literacy Teachers in/of/for the EJA: the Experience of a Study Group as Part of an Extension Project
This paper presents an experience report, whose objective is to describe the experience live in the study group “Desafios e possibilidades atuais na alfabetização de jovens e adultos”, linked to a university extension project of the Faculty of Faculty of Education of the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). This permanent group seeks to contribute to the initial or continuing education of the participants, fostering reflection and research on the pedagogical practices of literacy teachers in Youth and Adult Education (EJA) based on the readings and studies carried out at the meetings. The methodology of description of the experiences was chosen and a qualitative approach was carried, highlighting the aspects that we consider most relevant for the construction of this report. Throughout the experiences in this group, it was possible to perceive an active, dialogical and interactive pedagogy, capable of boost the construction of knowledge and learning trough the interaction of all participants, weaving multiple learnings and reflexions. The conclusions point to the importance of breaking away from limiting educational practices and also show that the training of educators can contribute to meeting the challenges imposed by reality, fostering critical reflection and proposing new ways of working.
Keywords: Youth and Adult Education (YAE); Teacher training; Literacy.
A–Z of prescribing for children
Authors: Davies Kate
Published: February 2025

This series focuses on aspects of prescribing for neonates, children and young people, from A–Z. Aspects of pharmacokinetics will be considered, alongside legal considerations, consent and medications in schools
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Protein Extraction from Khai-Nam (Wofflia globosa) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors:   School of Agro–Industry, Faculty of Agro–Industry, Chiang Mai University, Mae Hia, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Phongthai Suphat , Maitip Jakkrawut ,   Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand, Promsart Woranika ,   Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand, Junla Wararak ,   Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand, Ungwiwatkul Sunisa ,   Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand
Published: February 2025

Khai-Nam (Wolffia globosa), a water meal or duckweed, is an aquatic angiosperm commonly dwell in Thailand and neighboring ASEAN countries. With its potential to provide up to 40% (w/w) of protein, Khai-Nam emerges as a promising alternative source of plant-based protein. This research aims to investigate the optimal condition of protein extraction from Khai-Nam by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method by the response surface methodology (RSM) with analytical Box-Behnken design (BBD). The experiments exhibited that these three factors affected yield of protein extraction. The optimum conditions for extracting protein were a solid-liquid ratio of 0.1:10 g/mL, ultrasound amplitudes of 100% and extraction time of 30 min; after the experiments performed under these conditions, the maximum protein yield was found to be 39.65% w/w, which is similar to the predicted value. The major amino acids in the Khai-Nam protein concentrate (KNPC) were glutamate, aspartate and leucine. Moreover, the water and oil absorption capacity of the KNPC were 6.41 ± 1.89 g water/g protein and 5.68 ± 0.09 g oil/g protein, respectively. In contrast, the maximum foamability, foaming stability, emulsifying activity, and emulsion stability were 292 ± 28.85%, 88.49 ± 0.78%, 100 ± 0.00%, and 90.83 ± 1.18%, respectively. This study suggests that Khai-Nam protein extracted with ultrasound could be a hopeful and viable alternative protein source in food systems, thereby offering a practical solution to the enhancing demand for plant-based proteins.
Plexcitonic dynamics in plasmonic nanorod dimer strongly coupled to a single quantum dot via modulation of dark modes
Authors: Wu Fan , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2025

Strong light-matter interaction in plexcitonic systems plays a crucial role in both fundamental quantum optics study and practical applications, including quantum information processing and nanophotonic devices. However, despite strong light confinement associated with plasmons, large damping of plasmonic cavities remains a major obstacle to achieving strong coupling, particularly with single exciton. Here, we introduce a novel platform that achieves strong coupling via leveraging dark plasmon mode to reduce the loss of the system rather than only enhancing the coupling strength to overcome the system’s large damping. Optical properties of the bright/dark modes supported by different silver nanorod dimers are studied, revealing the connection between symmetric configurations and the properties of these resonant modes. The dark mode of side-by-side silver nanorod dimer exhibits an ultralow loss of approximately 22 meV, dramatically decreasing the harsh requirement in coupling strength and enabling strong coupling with a single quantum dot. The time-domain and frequency-domain characteristics of the bright/dark mode-exciton coupling system are compared in detail. Furthermore, a new scheme based on symmetry breaking is proposed to realize the coupling state control across three coupling regimes with different time-domain and frequency-domain characteristics.
Noise analyses of Vernier-effect-based fiber sensing systems
Authors: Wen Yue , Lu Dunke , Huang Shihong , Fang Xiaohui
Published: February 2025

Vernier-effect-based fiber sensing systems measure physical parameters by tracking the envelope shift in spectral interferograms. However, there is a lack of general understanding of measurement errors caused by various noises, especially the amplitude noise. This paper proposes a model for amplitude noise distribution in Vernier-effect-based spectral interferograms, based on which numerical studies were conducted on the statistical characteristics of errors in identifying extrema of spectral envelopes. Two typical methods were used to identify the extremum of envelope, one of which is to directly locate the extremum in the spectral fringe, while the other determines the extremum by the fitting method that generates an envelope. Numerical results indicate that, for the first method, the standard variance of extremum deviation determined by the fringe linewidth only holds within a limited bandwidth range of the envelope. This range increases with signal to noise (SNR) and the free spectral range (FSR) of the fringe. Significantly, for the second method, the standard variance maintains a small value and almost independent of the envelope bandwidth over the entire bandwidth range. The obtained results provide a theoretically reliable basis for widespread applications of Vernier-effect-based sensors.
Foci-multiplexed optical printing of high-transmittance infrared subwavelength-structured surface
Authors: Yun Bi , Chen Zhi-Hao , Wu Zhong-Le , Leng Rui-Zhe , Zhao Xin-Jing , Liu Xue-Qing , Chen Qi-Dai , Wang Lei
Published: February 2025

The anti-reflective subwavelength structures achieved by converting the abrupt refractive index change at the interface into a gradual variation, have emerged as a viable solution to enhance light transmittance. Nevertheless, to produce these structures on the hard and brittle infrared windows remains a formidable challenge. This paper presents a method for creating micro-nanostructures on the surface of an infrared window using femtosecond laser direct writing technology. By employing a quite simple foci-multiplexed technique during the scanning process, we have achieved double-sided antireflective subwavelength structures on zinc sulfide (ZnS). The light transmittance exceeds 90% within the wavelength range of 7.3-12.1 μm, with a peak transmittance of 96% at 10 μm, about 20% higher than untreated ZnS. The method is highly versatile for a variety of materials, paving the way for practical antireflection in the future.
Localized surface plasmon resonance induced spatial self-phase modulation of Cu2-xS in the near-infrared region
Authors: Li Jun , Chen Zhaozhe , Shi Yanran , Zhu Haixia , Zhang Jie , Xiao Si , He Jun
Published: February 2025

Generating controllable spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM), such as self-diffraction, is a challenge in the near-infrared (NIR) band. Cu2-xS nanoplates (NPs) and their heterojunction nanoplates (HNPs) were confirmed to enable enhancement SSPM between 800 nm and 1550 nm, as p-type semiconductors with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Cu1.94S NPs with particle sizes of 36 nm and 53 nm both exhibit this enhancement, dominated by LSPR-induced hole interband transitions, proofed by the results of open aperture (OA) Z-scan and transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the sign inversion of the third-order nonlinear optical coefficients between 1300 nm and 1550 nm was achieved by modulating the copper-sulfur ratio from 1.94 to 1.81 in Cu2-xS. It was attributed to the introduction of additional hole carriers by increasing the amount of copper deficiency, proofed by the blue shift of the LSPR absorption peak, the increase of the carrier relaxation time, and a decrease in the saturable intensity Is. Meanwhile, the unchanged or decreased hole carrier concentration in CdS-Cu1.81S and Ag-Cu1.81S HNPs resulted in unchanged or opposite outcomes. It is presented that utilizing the LSPR of hole semiconductor materials could realize the modulation of SSPM in the NIR band.
Comparative study of high-power CdSiP2 OPO pumped by an ns-pulsed Ho:LLF laser at 2.06 µm versus the ZnGeP2 crystal
Authors: Piotrowski Marcin , Bogas-Droy Achille , Spindler Gerhard , Bigotta Stefano , Hildenbrand-Dhollande Anne
Published: February 2025

We present a study of optical parametric oscillators using CdSiP2 (CSP) and ZnGeP2 (ZGP) crystals pumped by a nanosecond Q-switched 2.06 µm Ho:LiLuF4 (Ho:LLF) laser in a compact linear cavity. In the Type I critical phase-matching configuration, we achieved an average output power of more than 8 W in the mid-IR band with good beam quality from the CSP OPO. The idler and signal waves can be tuned in a wide range of 3.2 – 5.2 µm by crystal rotation. The performance in terms of beam quality, pulse dynamics, and spectral response was compared to the ZGP OPO with the same crystal length of 9 mm.
High-power narrow-linewidth nanosecond Ti:sapphire laser with volume Bragg grating
Authors: Fang Xinchong , Cui Chen , Zhang Kaihao , Chen Xinchen , Pan Shilie
Published: February 2025

We report the development of a high-power, nanosecond gain-switched Ti:sapphire laser with a narrow spectral linewidth, achieved by a simple plano-plano cavity design and a volume Bragg grating (VBG) as the cavity end mirror. Pumped by a frequency-doubled Nd:YLF laser, the laser produced a maximum average power of 8.8 W at 775 nm, with a spectral linewidth of approximately 0.1 nm, a pulse width of 30 ns for the repetition rate of 10 kHz. In addition, sub-pulse generation was suppressed by extending the cavity length. This work highlights the performance improvements achieved by spectral control and sub-pulse suppression, providing a reliable platform for applications in spectroscopy, microscopy, and ultraviolet generation.
Silicon Photonics’ Fab Future
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: February 2025

CMOS manufacturing has been harnessed for optical transceivers, and some companies are now looking to build photonic circuits for sensing, quantum science and more.
Finding the Right Ph.D. Advisor
Authors: Kinsey Nathaniel , Haffner Christian , Srinivasan Kartik , Agrawal Amit , Ndukaife Justus
Published: February 2025

You already know the science, but there’s also an art to selecting a Ph.D. supervisor who is the best fit for you.
Repeated stress gradually impairs auditory processing and perception
Authors: Bisharat Ghattas , Kaganovski Ekaterina , Sapir Hila , Temnogorod Anita , Levy Tal , Resnik Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Repetitive stress, a common feature of modern life, is a major risk factor for psychiatric and sensory disorders. Despite the prevalence of perceptual abnormalities in these disorders, little is known about how repetitive stress affects sensory processing and perception. Here, we combine repetitive stress in mice, longitudinal measurement of cortical activity, and auditory-guided behaviors to test if sound processing and perception of neutral sounds in adults are modulated by repetitive stress. We found that repetitive stress alters sound processing, increasing spontaneous cortical activity while dampening sound-evoked responses in pyramidal and PV cells and heightening sound-evoked responses in SST cells. These alterations in auditory processing culminated in perceptual shifts, particularly a reduction in loudness perception. Additionally, our work reveals that the impact of stress on perception evolves gradually as the stressor persists over time, emphasizing the dynamic and evolving nature of this mechanism. Our findings provide insight into a possible mechanism by which repetitive stress alters sensory processing and behavior, challenging the idea that stress primarily modulates emotionally charged stimuli.
Hippocampal damage disrupts the latent decision-making processes underlying approach-avoidance conflict processing in humans
Authors: Le Duc Willem , Butler Christopher R. , Argyropoulos Georgios P. D. , Chu Sonja , Hutcherson Cendri , Ruocco Anthony C. , Ito Rutsuko , Lee Andy C. H.
Published: February 2025

Rodent and human data implicate the hippocampus in the arbitration of approach-avoidance conflict (AAC), which arises when an organism is confronted with a stimulus associated simultaneously with reward and punishment. Yet, the precise contributions of this structure are underexplored, particularly with respect to the decision-making processes involved. We assessed humans with hippocampal damage and matched neurologically healthy controls on a computerized AAC paradigm in which participants first learned whether individual visual images were associated with the reward or loss of game points and were then asked to approach or avoid pairs of stimuli with non-conflicting or conflicting valences. To assess hippocampal involvement more broadly in response conflict, we also administered a Stroop and a Go/No-go task. On the AAC paradigm, following similar learning outcomes in individuals with hippocampal damage and matched controls, both participant groups approached positive and negative image pairs at the same rate but critically, those with hippocampal damage approached conflict pairs more often than controls. Choice and response AAC data were interrogated using the hierarchical drift diffusion model, which revealed that, compared to controls, individuals with hippocampal damage were more biased towards approach, required less evidence to make a decision during conflict trials, and were slower to accumulate evidence towards avoidance when confronted with conflicting image pairs. No significant differences were found between groups in performance accuracy or response time on the response conflict tasks. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the importance of the hippocampus to the evidence accumulation processes supporting value-based decision-making under motivational conflict.
A model of Notch signalling control of angiogenesis: Evidence of a role for Notch ligand heterodimerization
Authors: Chen Daipeng , Liu Xinxin , Wang Haijiang , Merks Roeland M.H. , Baker David A.
Published: February 2025

The ubiquitous Notch receptor signalling network is essential for tissue growth and maintenance. Operationally, receptor activity is regulated by two principal, counterposed mechanisms: intercellular Notch transactivation triggered by interactions between receptors and ligands expressed in neighbouring cells; intracellular cis inhibition mediated by ligands binding to receptors expressed in the same cell. Moreover, different Notch receptor/ligand combinations are known to elicit distinct molecular and cellular responses, and together, these phenomena determine the strength, the duration and the specificity of Notch receptor signalling. To date, it has been assumed that these processes involve discrete ligand homomers and not heteromeric complexes composed of more than one ligand species. In this study, we explore the molecular basis of the opposing actions of the Notch ligands, DLL4 and JAG1, which control angiogenic sprouting. Through a combination of experimental approaches and mathematical modelling, we provide evidence that two mechanisms could underpin this process: 1) DLL4 rather than JAG1 induces efficient Notch1 receptor transactivation; 2) JAG1 directly blocks DLL4-dependent cis-inhibition of Notch signalling through the formation of a JAG1/DLL4 complex. We propose a new model of Notch signalling that recapitulates the formation of tip and stalk cells, which is necessary for sprouting angiogenesis.
Childhood brain morphometry in children with persistent stunting and catch-up growth
Authors: Koshy Beena , Thilagarajan Vedha Viyas , Berkins Samuel , Banerjee Arpan , Srinivasan Manikandan , Livingstone Roshan S. , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Scharf Rebecca , Jasper Anitha , Kang Gagandeep
Published: February 2025

Background

Early childhood stunting affects around 150 million young children worldwide and leads to suboptimal human potential in later life. However, there is limited data on the effects of early childhood stunting and catch-up growth on brain morphometry.

Methods

We evaluated childhood brain volumes at nine years of age in a community-based birth-cohort follow-up study in Vellore, south India among four groups based on anthropometric assessments at two, five, and nine years namely ‘Never Stunted’ (NS), ‘Stunted at two years and caught up by five years’ (S2N5), ‘Stunted at two and five years and caught up by nine years’ (S2N9), and ‘Always Stunted’ (AS). T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were acquired using a 3T MRI scanner, and brain volumes were quantified using FreeSurfer software. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences in brain volumetry between the stunting groups, with age and sex as covariates. The effect size ANOVA models was evaluated using Eta squared.

Findings

Amongst 251 children from the initial cohort, 178 children with a mean age of 9.54 underwent neuroimaging and considered for further analysis. The total brain volume, subcortical volume, bilateral cerebellar white matter, and posterior corpus callosum showed a declining trend from NS to AS. Regional cortical brain analysis showed significant lower bilateral lateral occipital volumes, right pallidum, bilateral caudate, and right thalamus volumes between NS and AS.

Interpretation

To the best of our knowledge, this first neuroimaging analysis to investigate the effects of persistent childhood stunting and catch-up growth on brain volumetry indicates impairment at different brain levels involving total brain and subcortical volumes, networking/connecting centres (thalamus, basal ganglia, callosum, cerebellum) and visual processing area of lateral occipital cortex.