bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Approaches to Formalizing Economic Development Incentives created by Fiscal Contracts
Authors: Zulkarnay Ildar
Published: January 2025

The article is in line with the study of inter-budgetary relations in China between the central government and the provinces in the initial period of economic reforms, their impact on the pace of economic development of this country. This article discusses the issues of formalization of incentives created by Chinese fiscal contracts based on a verbal description of the mechanism of action of the contracts themselves, available in foreign sources. In our research, we build agent-based computer models that simulate the economic growth of a country under the influence of fiscal incentives created by the central government to its subnational governments (regions, provinces). The result depends on the correctness of the formalization (description by mathematical formulas) of fiscal incentives, and this, in turn, depends on the adequacy of our understanding, as researchers, how the subnational government "reads" the fiscal contract concluded with the center, how subjectively it perceives the incentive to develop the economy of its territory arising from this contract. This article is devoted to discussing the methodological difficulties of this formalization using the example of one of the six types of fiscal contracts that were actually used in China during the reforms of the early 1980s. Two understandings of how regional authorities perceive this incentive are proposed, and, accordingly, two formalizations of it for the purposes of computer modeling.
The Ideal of a Good Ruler in the Political Thought of the Count of Chambord
Authors: Raszewski Adam
Published: January 2025

Artykuł poświęcony jest osobie Henryka Burbona, hrabiego de Chambord (1820–1883). Był on reprezentantem idei legitymizmu i zwolennikiem katolickiej monarchii ograniczonej. Opracowanie przybliża ideał monarchy wynikający ze źródeł pozostawionych przez hrabiego oraz relacji osób jemu współczesnych. W tekście zawarto religijną podstawę polityczności Henryka: koncept posłańca namaszczonego przez Opatrzność i wskazanego z zamiarem ocalenia polityczno-moralnego ładu we Francji. Przedstawiono nieodzowność religijnej sankcji dla prawowitego dziedzica korony – reprezentanta tradycji i prawowitości, któremu obcy jest wszelki absolutyzm. Scharakteryzowano Henrykową próbę zjednoczenia rodaków podzielonych przez rewolucję francuską, prądy republikańskie i antykrólewskie. W artykule omówiono wybrane idee nowego państwa: egalitaryzm prawny i merytokrację. Zaprezentowano przyświecającą Henrykowi koncepcję bliskości monarchy oraz spraw jego poddanych, jedności tronu i losów rodaków. Pojawiły się także charakterologiczne cechy, jakie winny cechować króla: miłosierdzie, honor, obowiązkowość. Zrelacjonowano stanowiska wybranych osób współczesnych hrabiemu, zarówno wyrażających uznanie dla Henrykowego idealizmu, jak i formułujących zdanie krytyczne na temat jego politycznej nieskuteczności. Ukazano, że metodą postępowania legitymisty było studiowanie znaków, ufność Bożym obietnicom, nadzieja zjednoczenia z rodakami. W podsumowaniu uwzględniono brak sprawczości politycznej francuskiego monarchy z prawa, a jednocześnie jego specyficzne nastawienie – oczekiwanie na dogodny moment do działania, które ostatecznie nie przyniosło mu politycznego sukcesu. Poczyniono porównanie Henrykowej wizji polityczności do szkoły klasycznej, podobnej przez wzgląd na jej wspólnotowy charakter i poszukiwanie dobra ogólnego.
Nitrate in raw and cooked vegetables: content, variation and influence of cooking methods
Authors:   University of Jordan, Al_Nawaiseh FY , Mashal RH ,   University of Jordan
Published: January 2025

Nitrate concentrations in vegetables are pivotal in dietary nitrate benefit-risk assessments. This study examined nitrate and nitrite levels in vegetables commonly consumed in Jordan, highlighting the impact of different cooking methods (boiling, steaming, baking, stir-frying, and deep frying) on nitrate content. The study examined the nitrate and nitrite levels in 270 raw vegetables and vegetable-based dishes purchased from retail markets and restaurants in Amman, Jordan, during the winter months of 2022 and 2023. Furthermore, 91 experimentally -cooked vegetables were tested for their nitrate and nitrite contents before and after cooking to determine the effect of cooking methods on nitrate levels. The nitrate and nitrite concentrations were measured using an in-house validated molecular absorption spectrometric method. Nitrate levels varied considerably within and between vegetable groups and species. Celery had the highest mean nitrate content (1700 mg/kg), and radish (1300 mg/kg) and beetroot (900 mg/kg) were next. Approximately 32% of vegetables contained moderate amounts of nitrate (200–1000 mg/kg). Leafy greens such as spinach, tossa jute, and lettuce contain nitrates in averages exceeding 500 mg/kg. Among fruit vegetables, zucchini and eggplant have the highest mean nitrate levels (311.6 and 221.6 mg/kg, respectively). Flower, root (excluding radishes and beetroot), and legume (excluding green beans) vegetables have nitrate levels below 200 mg/kg. On average, the mean nitrite level in raw and cooked vegetables was less than 1 mg/kg. Different cooking methods influence vegetable nitrate content differently. Boiling reduced nitrate by 22-40%. Steaming had no significant impact. Although deep-frying, stir-frying, and baking increased nitrate by 130%, 66.7%, and 57.6%, respectively, the overall effect was not statistically significant for deep-frying and baking. These findings are essential for public health and food safety authorities in evaluating nitrate exposure and assessing the risk and benefit of dietary nitrate intake. The data may support the development of evidence-based guidelines for safe nitrate intake.

Key words: Nitrate, nitrite, raw vegetables, cooked vegetables, cooking methods
Food packages and nutrition education improved pregnancy weight gain in Jagakarsa sub-District, Jakarta, Indonesia: a pilot study
Authors:   Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta II, Didit D , Rosmida MM , Sa’diah MK , Kun AS , Ratih PP
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of low birth weight and stunting among infants in Indonesia remains high. Maternal nutritional status before pregnancy and weight gain during pregnancy critically affect the health status of infants. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a balanced energy-protein (BEP) dietary supplement for pregnant women to reduce the risk of low birth weight of infant among the undernourished populations. A balanced energy-protein intervention are diverse and can be offered as food-based supplementation forms, commercially produced forms, food tokens, or vouchers. Although the Indonesian government implemented a supplementary food (biscuits) program for pregnant women, 35.4% of pregnant women did not consume all the provided biscuits. Therefore, there is a need to explore other alternatives, such as diversified food packages to improve gestational weight gain. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutrition education combined with food packages on the weight gain of pregnant women in Jakarta. This study was a non-randomized controlled trial consisting two groups: an intervention group and a control group. Seventy women were consecutively assigned to the intervention and control groups for a 2-month intervention period. The intervention group received nutritional education and food packages. The control group received the standard intervention given at the Primary Health Center (PHC), which was supplementary food in the form of biscuits. Statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression. Results showed that women who received food packages and nutritional education gained 1.15 kg more weight than those in the control group who did not receive these benefits. Study results also showed that pregnant women in the intervention group had higher intakes of energy (366 kcal), carbohydrates (66.4 g), vitamin B1 (0.14 mg), vitamin B6 (0.42 mg) and calcium 250 mg) compared to the control group. Over the two-month period, the average increase in body weight of women in the intervention group (3.6 kg) was significantly higher compared to women in the control group (2.7 kg). These findings underscore that intervention with food packages combined with nutritional education significantly increased the weight gain of pregnant women compared to the control group. Since the prevalence of stunting is steady, the Indonesian government needs to advise the local government to implement an alternative solution using food packages or locally sourced food supplementation to support adequate gestational weight gain. The findings from this study showed that free vouchers for food packages should be made available to pregnant women as a practical and impactful measure.

Key words: pregnant women, food packages, nutritional education, gestational weight gain
Artificial Intelligence for Enhancing Veterinary Healthcare: An Experiment
Authors: Alkhanifer Abdulrhman , AlZubi Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Background: The use of machine learning (ML) in veterinary medicine has gained significant attention, particularly for the early detection and classification of animal diseases. For example: lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle is one such condition that poses a substantial threat to livestock health. Traditional diagnostic methods can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Therefore, leveraging ML techniques for automated disease detection could improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. Methods: In this study, a dataset comprising images of cattle from four breeds-Vechur, Swiss Holstein, Jersey and Ponwar-was collected to train a DenseNet-121 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for identifying and classifying LSD in cattle. The dataset included both LSD-affected and non-affected cattle images, ensuring balanced representation across different breeds, ages and severity levels. Image preprocessing techniques such as resizing, normalization and data augmentation were applied to prepare the data for model training. The DenseNet-121 architecture was employed, utilizing a pretrained ImageNet model as the feature extractor, with additional layers for binary classification. Result: The model achieved excellent performance, with training accuracy reaching 99.76% and validation accuracy of 92.17%. The precision, recall and F1-score for the “Lumpy” class were 96.43%, 81.82% and 88.52%, respectively, while the “Normal” class had a precision of 92%, recall of 98.57% and F1-score of 95.17%. The overall accuracy of the model was 93.2%. Additionally, the model achieved an AUC score of 0.96 for both classes, indicating a high ability to distinguish between “Lumpy” and “Normal” cattle. These results highlight the potential of ML-based methods in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of veterinary disease diagnostics.
The genesis of Mordenite occurrences: Diagenetic and hydrothermal alteration processes of Paleocene volcanics in Ilıca (Yıldızeli), Türkiye
Authors: Ateş Hülya
Published: January 2025

Different geological processes such as weathering, diagenesis in hydrological systems, hydrothermal processes and contact metamorphism have been proposed to explain the genetic relationships of mordenite occurences. The mineralogical and genetic analyses in this study are essential for identifying alteration minerals and assessing reaction processes. The Yıldızeli region, located south of the Izmir-Ankara-Erzincan suture zone and northeast of the Kırşehir block, is significant for its mineral deposits. This area consists of Paleocene-Miocene volcano-sedimentary units. Analyse results of selected zone mordenite samples from the Paleocene volcanic units that host mordenite mineralization are linked to low-grade metamorphism, particularly associated with zeolite facies (150-300 C0, 1-3 kbar and Ph 4-7), following tectonically controlled hydrothermal alteration. The zeolitization process involves interacting fluids crucial for mobilizing alkali elements, with compositional variations in mordenite indicating a continuous evolution toward equilibrium conditions under decreasing temperatures. The progression from mordenite to smectite, along with associated kaolinite occurrences, can be attributed to the hydrothermal circulation of alkaline waters and sodium extraction from underlying evaporites
MATHEMATICAL LITERACY: A BIBLIOMETRIC MAPPING OF THE RESEARCH LITERATURE IN INDONESIA IN THE LAST DECADE (2014 – 2024)
Authors:   Department of Mathematics Education, Indonesia University of Education, Bandung, Indonesia,, Simbolon Asep ,   Department of Mathematics Education, Indonesia University of Education, Bandung, Indonesia
Published: January 2025

Mathematical literacy is one of the main focuses of Indonesian education. There is much research literature on mathematical literacy, so it is important to conduct a bibliometric mapping analysis. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively describe and visualize research trends on mathematical literacy in mathematics learning in the last decade in Indonesia. The sample of this study was 139 research publications obtained from the Scopus database using the keyword "mathematical literacy", “Numeracy” and “PISA”. This research method uses bibliometric analysis assisted by VOSViewer software. The results showed that the highest number of publications of mathematical literacy research in the last ten years was in 2023. Journal on Mathematics Education, Sriwijaya University is the affiliation that publishes the most publication documents related to mathematical literacy. Research topics that have not appeared based on keywords such as error analysis, computational thinking, spatial ability, adversity quotient, self-regulated, and virtual reality related to mathematical literacy which can be used in future research for a broader research area.
SoTL in Translation, SoTL as Translation
Authors: Schrum Kelly , Abrahamson Earle
Published: January 2025

Introduction to Volume 13 of Teaching & Learning Inquiry.
Pemetaan Partisipatif Batas Administrasi Dusun di Desa Singajaya, Kecamatan Jonggol, Kabupaten Bogor, Provinsi Jawa Barat
Authors: Puspo Tiara Ramadhanti , Saputro Redo , Sulistya Aryana Rachmad , Ramlah  , Sari Yetti Anita , Hayati Kemala , Wibowo Aryo , Shabina N. Izza Putri , Palupi Ahmad Rafli
Published: January 2025

Pemetaan batas desa (dusun) sangat penting untuk mengatasi masalah administrasi dan inventarisasi aset desa. Permasalahan yang sering dihadapi adalah ketidakjelasan batas administrasi dan aset fasilitas desa yang belum tercatat dengan baik. Pemetaan desa bertujuan untuk mendigitalisasi data desa dan menyajikannya dalam bentuk peta. Desa Singajaya mengalami kendala pada batas-batas dusun yang belum terdata dengan jelas, dan sebagian besar pembatas yang ada berupa pembatas alami seperti pohon dan sungai. Metode yang digunakan dalam pemetaan ini adalah pemetaan partisipatif, yang melibatkan masyarakat setempat untuk memperkaya data batas antar dusun. Pemetaan dilakukan dengan menggunakan Sistem Informasi Geografis (GIS). Hasilnya, Desa Singajaya memiliki luas total 555,64 hektar, dengan Dusun 1 sebagai yang terluas, diikuti Dusun 4, sedangkan Dusun 2 adalah yang terkecil. Batas antar dusun sebagian besar menggunakan patokan alami, seperti sungai yang menjadi batas antara Dusun 1 dan 4, yang berisiko tinggi terhadap perubahan batas
The ANTIPLASMODIAL AND Β-HEMATIN INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF THE EXTRACT AND SOLVENT FRACTIONS OF NEPHROLEPIS UNDULATA
Authors: AKOSILE Oluwayomi Rebecca , Odediran Samuel Akintunde , BAMIGBOYE Rachael Adebola , ADEBAYO Praise Adetola , ADEBOLU Deborah Abimbola
Published: January 2025

Background: The beta-hematin-inhibitory potential of the extract and the partitioned fractions of Nephrolepis undulata have not been determined, neither the likely constituents responsible for the observed in vivo antiplasmodial activities identified, hence this study.

Materials and Methods: The methanol extract of N. undulata (MNU), was evaporated in vacuo and subsequently partitioned to give HNU (n hexane), DNU (dichloromethane), ENU (ethyl acetate) and ANU (aqueous phase) which were investigated in vivo in mice at 0-800mg/kg against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei using Peter’s four-day test. The Beta hematin inhibition assay was carried out on the extract and the fractions as well as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy for identification of the chemical constituents. Normal saline and chloroquine (10mg/kg) were negative and positive controls, respectively. All the results were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA with Student Newman Keul’s as post hoc test.

Results: The partitioned fractions elicited comparatively lower percentages chemosuppression/inhibition and higher effective doses/inhibitory IC50 compared to NU in both experiments respectively suggesting that the constituents were acting synergistically. The GC-MS analysis revealed a total of eleven compounds in MNU partitioned into HNU: Neophytadiene, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, N--Hexadecanoic acid, 10 octa decenoic acid methyl ester and Methyl stearate, DNU: 2 ethyl acridine, ENU: Benzoic acid methyl ester and ANU: Benzoic acid methyl ester, 2 ethyl acridine while additional five compounds found in MNU were not detected in any of the fractions.

Conclusion: The constituents of the antimalarial MNU seem to be acting synergistically to inhibit haemozoin formation in the parasite.
Robot-Assisted Retrograde Elastic Intramedullary Nailing Versus ORIF with a Plate for Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures
Authors: Zhang Yufu , Tan Jie , Zhang Xigong , Han Xiao , Li Yanchao , Gong Maoqi , Huang Qiang , Wang Junqiang , Jiang Xieyuan
Published: January 2025

Background:

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of robot-assisted retrograde elastic intramedullary nailing and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a plate for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures.

Methods:

All patients diagnosed with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures between November 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, in our level-III hospital (most advanced level) were enrolled in this retrospective study; a total of 116 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of treatment: robot-assisted retrograde elastic intramedullary nailing (RAN group) and ORIF with a plate (plate group). Operations in the RAN group were carried out using the novel TIANJI Robot system (TINAVI Medical Technologies) for navigation and planning of the optimal retrograde intramedullary nailing trajectory. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, and complications were documented. Patients were followed at the trauma clinic for clinical and radiographic assessment.

Results:

There were 74 patients in the RAN group and 42 patients in the plate group. The RAN group exhibited a significantly shorter total operative time (mean, 52.20 ± 20.76 versus 86.83 ± 27.42 minutes), less blood loss (mean, 7.38 ± 5.54 versus 59.05 ± 30.11 mL), shorter incision length (mean, 1.28 ± 0.85 versus 9.79 ± 1.63 cm), and shorter duration of hospital stay (mean, 3.38 ± 0.73 versus 5.50 ± 1.99 days) (all p < 0.05). Nail treatment was also associated with a significantly shorter time to bone union (mean, 7.92 ± 2.46 versus 16.79 ± 5.18 weeks), a higher SCAR score (mean, 9.77 ± 0.51 versus 5.74 ± 1.15), a shorter time to return to sports (mean, 12.70 ± 2.35 versus 20.10 ± 4.10 weeks), and a shorter time to regain full range of shoulder motion (mean, 9.46 ± 2.35 versus 12.05 ± 2.95 weeks) (all p < 0.05). At the final follow-up, the Constant-Murley shoulder score was significantly higher in the RAN group (mean, 97.57 ± 2.77 versus 93.29 ± 7.63) (p < 0.05). Compared with the RAN group, the plate group had more complications (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Robot-assisted retrograde elastic intramedullary nailing is a safe and minimally invasive treatment option for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures that promotes rapid healing, good cosmesis, excellent functional outcomes, and fewer complications compared with ORIF with a plate.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Critical Literacy and Deep Reading in Teacher Education through the Novel The Boy at the Back of the Class
Authors: Miralles Alberola Dolores , Soler Pou Concepcion
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This article presents a pedagogical experience carried out with student teachers in the first year of the BA in Primary Education at the University of Alicante. The chapter book The Boy at the Back of the Class (2018) by Onjali Q. Raúf served as a unifying thread through the semester to develop critical literacy through deep reading, which involves the in-depth exploration of literary texts approached from different aspects and perspectives in the classroom. Choosing the right text (at the right time) that can appeal to different sensibilities and reading levels is key (Bland 2019). In this sense, The Boy at the Back of the Class, is presented as an ideal intercultural literary work both for its linguistic content about the classroom and school, as well as for its meaning, with themes in tune with the SDGs such as the refugee crisis, bullying, language barriers and affectivity as a driver for communication. The results of the research carried out have proven the experience is adequate to fostering deep reading for in-depth learning, as the results of the questionnaires and the testimony of the students involved in the case study demonstrate.
Keywords: Deep reading. In-depth learning. Critical literacy. Intercultural children’s Literature. SDGs.
Los Entornos Personales de Aprendizaje, los ODS y el aprendizaje de lenguas adicionales: estudio de caso en alumnado migrante
Authors: Asensio Pastor Margarita Isabel , Andújar Molina Olvido
Published: January 2025

Resumen: El presente artículo aborda el tema de la escolarización del alumnado migrante y el aprendizaje de la lengua del país de acogida al estar estrechamente vinculada con varios de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) propuestos en la Agenda 2030 (Naciones Unidas 2015), especialmente aquellos que buscan garantizar una educación inclusiva y equitativa (ODS 4), reducir desigualdades (ODS 10) y promover sociedades justas y pacíficas (ODS 17). Sin embargo, si bien la ley educativa española garantiza la escolarización y la atención a la diversidad, incluida la lingüística, no siempre es suficiente con lo que se realiza en los centros educativos formales para la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la lengua adicional. En este sentido, actualmente juegan un papel clave los Entornos Personales de Aprendizaje (EPA) siendo determinante el avance tecnológico-digital que estamos experimentando, sobre todo, en estos años pospandemia. Para ello, se realiza un estudio de caso con el objetivo principal de explorar y analizar detallada y profundamente una situación particular de EPA de estudiantes migrantes heteroglósicos de reciente escolarización, así como identificar qué herramientas y recursos, tanto tecnológicos como sociales, emplean para aprender el idioma para poder comprender mejor las dinámicas del proceso de integración escolar y lingüística de estudiantes extranjeros. Esto nos permite, en última instancia, proporcionar recomendaciones a los agentes integradores para mejorar la integración educativa y social de estudiantes migrantes a través del apoyo a sus EPA.
Palabras clave: Entornos Personales de Aprendizaje. Migrantes. Escolarización. ODS. Español como lengua adicional.
Revisando la formación en Phonics: la integración de los ODS a través de la IA en la lectoescritura del inglés
Authors: Fernández Molina Javier
Published: January 2025

Este artículo explora la posible mejora de Phonics en el contexto de la adquisición de la lectoescritura del inglés en entornos hispanohablantes. Enfatiza la necesidad de una estrategia ecléctica para abordar los desafíos únicos que enfrentan las y los estudiantes hispanohablantes, particularmente en lo que respecta a la pronunciación de los 44 sonidos del inglés, las extremadamente complejas correspondencias grafema-fonema, la combinación y el segmentado de los sonidos que forman las palabras inglesas. Al proponer un marco de Phonics mejorado por Inteligancia Artificial (IA), este estudio se alinea con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), promoviendo la inclusión y las experiencias de aprendizaje equitativas. La integración de herramientas de IA se presenta como un medio para que el profesorado personalice los ejercicios de Phonics para adaptarlos mejor a las necesidades de sus estudiantes, fomentando la colaboración y el aprendizaje permanente. La propuesta incluye el uso de IA para crear canciones y coreografías, lo que ayudará al estudiantado a producir y recordar sonidos y vocabulario, así como historias decodificables personalizadas para reforzar sonidos y conjuntos semánticos. En última instancia, esta propuesta contribuye al debate en curso sobre cómo mejorar los resultados de alfabetización del estudiantado hispanohablante a través de enfoques innovadores.
Competencias de los cafeteros del municipio de Garzón para la gestión financiera personal
Authors: Calderón Barrera Lilia Socorro Calderón Barrera , García Trujillo Natalia , Jiménez Merchán Yanit , Jiménez Merchán Jaiver
Published: January 2025

Esta investigación tiene por objeto determinar los conocimientos de los cafeteros del municipio de Garzón para el manejo de sus finanzas personales (FP), su enfoque es cuantitativo con un alcance descriptivo y un diseño no experimental transversal; la población objeto de estudio son 96 cafeteros, propietarios de fincas productoras de café ubicados en 96 veredas de la zona rural del municipio de Garzón. Con esta población, un nivel de confianza del 96,5 % y un margen de error del 0,035 % se obtuvo una muestra de 87 cafeteros, propietarios de fincas cafeteras, para aplicar una encuesta compuesta por 44 preguntas. Lo resultados mostraron que los cafeteros, propietarios de las fincas productoras de café que pertenecen a los estratos socioeconómicos 1 y 2 presentan inconvenientes en el buen manejo de las FP, ya que muchos de ellos no tienen formación académica, no saben qué son y no han recibido formación sobre su buen manejo, en pocas palabras, llevan un estilo de vida desordenado. Los cafeteros que pertenecen al estrato socioeconómico 3, demuestran que llevan un mejor estilo de vida, tienen un nivel mayor de formación académica, saben qué son las FP y hacen un buen uso de estas, gracias a la formación que han recibido para mejorar sus condiciones de vida. Se concluye que los cafeteros, propietarios de fincas productoras de café en general tienen una necesidad apremiante de recibir formación en materia de finanzas personales.
The novel amino-artemisinin derivative WHN-11 disrupts mitochondria and protein homeostasis, and induces autophagy and apoptosis in cancer cells
Authors: Kajewole Deborah , Wong Ho Ning , Kriegsheim Alexander , Haynes Richard K. , Mare Jo-Anne , Edkins Adrienne Lesley
Published: January 2025

Semi-synthetic derivatives of artemisinin exhibit anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo in addition to anti-malarial activity. Here, we report the anti-cancer and anti-cancer stem cell potential of novel C-10 substituted amino-artemisinin derivatives, among which the 4'-trifluoromethylarylurea piperazinyl derivative WHN-11 demonstrated consistent cytotoxic activity at high nanomolar concentrations across a range of cancer cell lines. WHN-11 reduced short- and long-term survival of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype that currently lacks standardized targeted treatments. Mechanistically, WHN-11 induced a stress response and increased proteasome-mediated turnover of ubiquitinated proteins. Significantly, WHN-11 promoted mitochondrial depolarization and fission, suppressing the expression of anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma extra-large (Bcl-xL) protein and ATP synthesis, thereby decreasing cellular energy production, and inducing apoptosis. WHN-11 treatment also increased autophagosomes, acidic vesicular organelles and lipid droplets, and promoted the dissociation of Bcl2-Beclin1 complexes. Activation or inhibition of autophagy synergized with the activity of WHN-11 in promoting cellular toxicity, as did increasing cellular dependence on oxidative phosphorylation. The effects of WHN-11 appear independent of substantial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Taken together, the data support ROS-independent mechanisms of anticancer action for WHN-11 and suggest that amino-artemisinins related to WHN-11 are promising candidates for anti-TNBC therapies targeting the mitochondria alone or in combination with autophagy modulators.
The socio-demographic characteristics of food-related environmental impacts
Authors: Caleffi Sebastiano , Micha Renata , Mozaffarian Dariush , Springmann Marco
Published: January 2025

Current diets are major drivers of environmental resource use and pollution. Whilst most food and diet-related policies are at national and regional levels, diets differ substantially within countries. Identifying population groups with outsized impacts within countries could allow for more targeted policy measures and increase the effectiveness of mitigation approaches. We quantified how food-related environmental impacts differ across population groups within countries, regions, and globally by combining global data on food availability with estimates of how food intake differs by sociodemographic group within countries, and by pairing those with region and food-specific environmental footprints. Impacts were greatest in men (+ 12% above the global average), young adults (+ 17%), those with high levels of education (+ 40%), urban residents (+ 10%), and those in high-income countries (+ 22%). Controlling for differences in calorie demand reduced most of the differences across the sexes (to a 0% spread globally), age groups (11%), and also urban/rural residence (12%), but differences across levels of education (48%) and income region (21%) remained high. Our findings suggest that it is especially structural characteristics (education/income and region) compared to biological ones (age, sex) that might warrant differentiated approaches for mitigating food-related environmental impacts.
Quantum Spin-Engineering in On-Surface Molecular Ferrimagnets
Authors: Willke Philip , Huang Wantong , Stark Máté , Greule Paul , Au-Yeung Kwan Ho , Sostina Daria , Gálvez José Reina , Sürgers Christoph , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Wolf Christoph
Published: January 2025

The design and control of atomic-scale spin structures constitute major challenges for spin-based quantum technology platforms, including quantum dots, color centers, and molecular spins. Here, we showcase a strategy for designing the quantum properties of molecular spin qubits by combining tip-assisted on-surface assembly with electron spin resonance scanning tunneling microscopy (ESR-STM): We fabricate magnetic dimer complexes that consist of an iron phthalocyanine (FePc) molecule and an organometallic half-sandwich complex formed by the FePc ligand and an attached iron atom, Fe(C6H6). The total complex forms a mixed-spin (1/2,1) quantum ferrimagnet with a well-separated correlated ground state doublet, which we utilize for coherent control. As a result of the correlation, the quantum ferrimagnet shows an improved spin lifetime (>1.5 μs) as it is partially protected against inelastic electron scattering. Lastly, the ferrimagnet units also enable intermolecular coupling, that can be used to realize both ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic structures. Thus, quantum ferrimagnets provide a versatile platform to improve coherent control in general and to study complex magnetic interactions.
Superionic Ionic Conductor Discovery via Multiscale Topological Learning
Authors: Pan Feng , Chen Dong , Wang Bingxu , Li Shunning , Zhang Wentao , Yang Kai , Song Yongli , Wei Guo-Wei
Published: January 2025

Lithium superionic conductors (LSICs) are crucial for next-generation solid-state batteries, offering exceptional ionic conductivity and enhanced safety for renewable energy and electric vehicles. However, their discovery is extremely challenging due to the vast chemical space, limited labeled data, and the understanding of complex structure-function relationships required for optimizing ion transport. This study introduces a multiscale topological learning (MTL) framework, integrating algebraic topology and unsupervised learning to tackle these challenges efficiently. By modeling lithium-only and lithium-free substructures, the framework extracts multiscale topological features and introduces two topological screening metrics-cycle density and minimum connectivity distance-to ensure structural connectivity and ion diffusion compatibility. Promising candidates are clustered via unsupervised algorithms to identify those resembling known superionic conductors. For final refinement, candidates that pass chemical screening undergo ab initio molecular dynamics simulations for validation. This approach led to the discovery of 14 novel LSICs, four of which have been independently validated in recent experiments. This success accelerates the identification of LSICs and demonstrates broad adaptability, offering a scalable tool for addressing complex materials discovery challenges.
RETRACTED: Repurposing the Scientific Literature with Vision-Language Models
Authors: Alyakin Anton , Stryker Jaden , Alber Daniel , Sangwon Karl , Duderstadt Brandon , Save Akshay , Kurland David , Frome Spencer , Singh Shrutika , Zhang Jeff , Yang Eunice , Park Ki Yun , Orillac Cordelia , Vallliani Aly , Neifert Sean , Liu Albert , Patel Aneek , Livia Christopher , Lau Darryl , Laufer Ilya , Rozman Peter , Hidalgo Eveline , Riina Howard , Feng Rui , Hollon Todd , Aphinyanaphongs Yindalon , Golfinos John , Snyder Laura , Leuthardt Eric , Kondziolka Douglas , Oermann Eric
Published: January 2025

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Low-Protein Diet Enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy through Microbiota-Derived Uridine Diphosphate-Galactose in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dong Ling , Chen Yueying , Nian Fulin , Wu Shengdi , Liu Wenfeng , Tang Wenqing , Zhang Danying , Wang Fengwanni , Shen Xizhong , Hu Xiaoming
Published: January 2025

This study explored the potential of a low-protein diet (LPD) to modulate the gut microbiota, focusing on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression and response to immunotherapy. A 25% reduction in dietary protein intake attenuated PDAC development, drove immune activation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and boosted the immunostimulatory tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) phenotype. We found the depletion of gut microbiota compromised the anti-tumor effect of LPD. Specifically, a significant increase in the abundance of Blautia coccoides was observed following LPD intervention. Further studies revealed that Blautia coccoides administration inhibited PDAC tumorigenesis and via its metabolite, uridine diphosphate (UDP)-galactose. Mechanistically, UDP-galactose activates the P2Y14R receptor, promoting STAT1 expression and phosphorylation, inducing an immunostimulatory macrophage phenotype. Combining LPD with α-PD1 significantly attenuated tumor burden and improved survival beyond α-PD1 alone. Finally, reduced fecal B. coccoides and serum UDP-galactose were observed in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. In summary, LPD reshapes the gut microbiota and metabolites to induce anti-tumor immunity via the UDP-galactose/P2Y14R/STAT1 axis, enhancing survival rates in PDAC.
EpiAgent: Foundation Model for Single-Cell Epigenomics
Authors: Jiang Rui , Chen Xiaoyang , Li Keyi , Cui Xuejian , Wang Zian , Jiang Qun , Lin Jiacheng , Li Zhen , Gao Zijing , Lv Hairong
Published: January 2025

Large-scale foundation models have recently opened a new avenue to artificial general intelligence for life sciences, showing great promise in the analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data. Nevertheless, such challenges as the tremendous number of signaling regions, extreme data sparsity, and the nearly binary nature of single-cell epigenomic data have prevented the construction of a foundation model for epigenomics thus far, though it is evident that abundant epigenomic properties such as chromatin accessibility provide more decisive insights into cell states than transcriptomics, shaping the chromatin regulatory landscapes that control transcription in distinct cell types. Here, we introduce EpiAgent, the first foundation model for single-cell chromatin accessibility data, pretrained on a manually curated large-scale Human-scATAC-Corpus that is comprised of approximately 5 million cells and 35 billion tokens. EpiAgent encodes chromatin accessibility patterns of cells as concise “cell sentences,” and employs a bidirectional attention mechanism to capture cellular heterogeneity behind regulatory networks. With comprehensive benchmarks, we demonstrate that EpiAgent excels in typical downstream tasks, including unsupervised feature extraction, supervised cell type annotation, and data imputation. By incorporating external embeddings, EpiAgent facilitates the prediction of cellular responses to both out-of-sample stimulated and unseen genetic perturbations, as well as reference data integration and query data mapping. By simulating the knockout of key cis-regulatory elements, EpiAgent enables in-silico treatment for cancer analysis. We further extended zero-shot capabilities of EpiAgent, allowing direct cell type annotation on newly sequenced datasets without additional training.
A Ketogenic Diet Enhances Aerobic Exercise Adaptation and Promotes Muscle Mitochondrial Remodeling in Hyperglycemic Mice.
Authors: Lessard Sarah , Pattamaprapanont Pattarawan , Nava Roberto , Formato Mia , Cooney Eileen , Pinto Ana , Alves-Wagner Ana , Das Anamica , Guan Yuntian
Published: January 2025

VO2peak is a key health benefit of aerobic exercise; however, chronic hyperglycemia is associated with persistently low VO2peak due to an impaired adaptive response to training. Here, we tested whether reducing blood glucose with a low-carbohydrate/high-fat “ketogenic” diet could restore aerobic exercise adaptation in a mouse model of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and mice were stratified to standard chow (STZ-CHOW), or a ketogenic diet (STZ-KETO), which rapidly normalized blood glucose. After aerobic exercise training, improvements in VO2peak were blunted in STZ-CHOW, but exercise response was restored in STZ-KETO. Improved VO2peak in STZ-KETO was associated with enhanced aerobic remodeling of skeletal muscle, including a more oxidative fiber-type and increased capillary density, along with restoration of circulating angiogenic markers. Moreover, KETO induced exercise-independent effects on muscle mitochondrial remodeling and mitochondrial dynamics, significantly increasing fatty acid oxidation. Our results identify a ketogenic diet as a potential therapy to improve aerobic exercise response in the growing population with hyperglycemia due to diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
First satellite-based estimate of long-lived halogenated gases radiative forcing
Authors: Whitburn Simon , Clarisse Lieven , De Longueville Hélène , Shine Keith , Coheur Pierre , Clerbaux Cathy , Delcloo Andy
Published: January 2025

While the atmospheric concentrations of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are gradually declining following regulatory measures, the levels of other halogenated compounds, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), continue to rise or are only just starting to stabilize. These halogenated substances are potent greenhouse gases. Their radiative efficiency, which quantifies along with their lifetime their impact on the climate, has until now only been estimated indirectly by means of models. Here, we report the clear-sky instantaneous radiative efficiencies (IRE) of CFC-11, CFC-12, SF6, HCFC-22 and HFC134a estimated for the first time directly from an observational dataset. This is achieved by combining trends observed in 15 years (2008-2022) of spectrally resolved infrared radiance fluxes from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) on Metop satellites, with concentrations measured from ground and space. Comparisons with literature-reported values generally confirm previous model estimates, with some notable differences. The most significant discrepancies are for CFC-11 and SF6, with our estimates being 27% lower but, nevertheless, within the bounds of the uncertainty estimates.
Antigen Presentation by Graft Myofibroblasts Leads to Murine Heart Transplantation Rejection through the Autophagy Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gong Weihua , Wu Zelai , Luo Bixian , Kong Deqiang , Miao Xiaolong , Liu Hongming , Xie Weixun , Hu Chengyu , He Jun , Cao Dong , Shen Zhonghua , Kong Minjian , Dong Aiqiang , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: January 2025

Background
Fibrobalst plays a critical role in heart physiology and pathology, yet their immunological role in transplanted heart grafts remains unclear, particularly the mechanisms involved.
Methods
Heart transplantation was performed in mouse models (C57BL/6J, BALB/c, PostnMCM, Rosa26-tdTomato, and ATG5floxp/floxp). Single-cell RNA sequencing, qPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining were used to identify fibroblast subpopulations and assess their immunological functions.In vivo and in vitro assays explored the mechanisms of MHC molecule expression.
Results
Using scRNA-seq, qPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining, we identified three distinct cardiac fibroblast subpopulations in heart grafts, including silent fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and MHChigh fibroblasts. Activation and MHC molecule expression in cardiac fibroblasts were found to be dependent on IFN-γ both in vivo and in vitro.Genetic lineage tracing revealed that myofibroblasts exhibit higher MHC class I expression, which appears to be mediated by the expression of periostin (Postn). Differential gene expression analysis between myofibroblasts and MHChigh fibroblasts indicated upregulation of the autophagy signaling pathway. Furthermore, diminished MHC class I expression was observed in ATG5-deficient fibroblasts in vitro. Conditional deletion of ATG5 in myofibroblasts using the Cre/floxp system led to prolonged heart graft survival, reduced infiltration of inflammatory cytokines as well as chemokines, and decreased CD8 + T cell proliferation.
Conclusion
This study suggests that cardiac fibroblasts, particularly myofibroblasts, enhance antigen presentation via autophagy signaling during heart transplantation. These findings give valuable insights into underlying therapeutic targets for heart graft survival.
Challenges and Opportunities with Providing Genetic Testing and Counseling for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II in Kenya
Authors: Miller Danny , Mungai Lucy Wainaina , Njeru Charles , Njoroge Allan , Maina Michuki , Ilovi Syokau , Nduati Ruth , Wamalwa Dalton , Odongkara Beatrice
Published: January 2025

Limited or absent genetic counseling and testing resources in low- and medium-income countries lead to missed or late diagnoses for treatable metabolic conditions with irreversible complications. In some communities, misunderstanding about the etiology of a genetic condition may lead women whose children are affected to be viewed as a bad omen and become stigmatized or ostracized from their community. Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), or Hunter syndrome, is a lysosomal storage disorder in which deficiency or inactivity of the enzyme iduronate-2-salfatase leads to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans throughout the body. The diagnosis can be made through clinical assessment, enzyme activity analysis, or DNA sequencing. The mainstay of treatment is enzyme replacement therapy. To understand the incidence and impact of MPS II in Kenya, we sought to provide counseling and genetic testing to individuals and families with suspected MPS II. After pretest counseling, we collected blood from 25 individuals to determine iduronate-2-salfatase levels and sequence the IDS gene. We identified a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in 17 of 25 individuals and subsequently identified 18 female carriers in these families. We catalog the genotype of males with MPS II and correlate this with the phenotypic profile of these individuals, the female carrier rate, and mortality within the families. This study provides the first summary of genotype–phenotype correlations for MPS II in individuals from Kenya. These findings will allow the development of guidelines to identify individuals who may benefit from early evaluation, especially in those families where there is a risk of MPS II.
Impact of armed conflict on maternal and neonatal health and birth weight: a cross-sectional study in the Gaza-Strip
Authors: Aldabbour Belal , Elamassie Samah , Mahdi Saher , Abuzaid Haytham , Abed Tamer , Tannira Yaser , Skaik Khaleel , Zaydah Yousef Abu , Elkolak Abdelkareem , Alhabashi Mohammed , Abualqumboz Adham , Alwali Abdelrahman , Alagha Heba , Eid Mahmoud , Abed Shireen , Bottcher Bettina
Published: January 2025

Background
Women who experience armed conflict during pregnancy are at significantly higher risk of maternal and neonatal complications and having low-birth-weight (LBW) babies due to factors such as violence, stress, food insecurity, and health inaccessibility. This study aims to explore the implications of the 2023–2025 armed conflict in the Gaza Strip on maternal and neonatal health and its effect on birth weight and maternal access to antenatal care (ANC).
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 500 consecutive women and neonates delivered in three obstetric centers in different areas of the Gaza Strip in October and November 2024. The study collected sociodemographic information, maternal obstetric history, maternal nutrition, maternal stress and other impacts of the conflict, and neonatal outcomes, including birth weight. Frequencies, percentages, and median and interquartile range (IQR) were used to describe the data. Correlations between nonparametric continuous variables were tested with the Spearman correlation test. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare birth weight between populations based on residence and sex.
Results
The median age was 28. Nearly half (52.63%) had a normal baseline BMI. Most (84.03%) had a very low monthly income. The prevalence of maternal anemia was 50.4%. Most participants (62.73%) reported insufficient food quantity and 73.6% insufficient diversity. Over half consumed only two full meals daily on average, and the diet largely lacked animal protein. Only 36.68% had eight or more ANC visits, and only 58.4% could establish the first ANC contact during the first trimester. The commonest cause for the lack of ANC was the inability to afford transportation. Also, 69.46% adhered to folic acid and iron supplementation. Most (90.42%) participants reported moderate to high stress levels, with 40.92% and 33.93% feeling almost always or often endangered. The prevalence of LBW was 10.8%, and the median weight was 3100 gm.
Discussion
This study demonstrates the vulnerability of pregnant women during conflicts. It reveals the significant impacts of the 2023–2025 armed conflict in the Gaza Strip on maternal and neonatal health, including an increased LBW rate compared to pre-war data.