bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors that drive market share and the oligopolistic character of cross-border B2C e-commerce: an agent-based scenario-analysis approach
Authors: Terán Oswaldo , Leger Paul , López Manuela
Published: December 2024

Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce has become a dominant, continuously evolving force in global retail. Most consumers today make cross-border purchases in marketplaces, while enterprises have found great opportunities, and competition has become increasingly fierce. To understand B2C properties is an important endeavor. This paper achieves two goals: it develops a method to prove tendencies in a simulation and shows the oligopolistic nature of cross-border B2C e-commerce marketplaces. These achievements enhance the understanding of cross-border B2C e-commerce, by employing novel approaches: Social simulation, agent-based modeling (ABM) tools, theorem-proving techniques, and scenario analysis. The proving method began with an experimental design to explore the model’s dynamics for parameters defined for specific scenarios of interest, and the agents’ options were randomly selected for a significant number of runs (Monte Carlo experiment). This procedure allowed us to identify and prove the necessity of a tendency (the oligopolistic character of cross-border B2C e-commerce) and determine the factors that drive it. In the second part of the proof procedure, the persistence, independence of the agents’ choices, and scaling validity of the tendency were shown by significantly increasing the number of random experiments and the number of simulated agents. The model was also validated. The developed method satisfactorily addresses some challenges of theorem-proving. In all these experiments, the variable of interest was market share. The resulting order of influence of the factors driving market share was recognition, product and service attributes of the marketplaces, and word of mouth. Surprisingly, word of mouth was the least important factor.
A Decided Vision of the World: Pope Francis and Ignatius of Loyola
Authors: Falque Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

This article serves as an often-overlooked reference point, containing, for example, rich concepts that are attested in Emmanuel Falque’s lesser-known works. However, this article is important because it helps readers grapple with the shape of his thought, not only as it incorporates key elements of Catholic spirituality but also as it shows how Falque the philosopher sometimes discerns his thought by “thinking with the church” in a very Ignatian sense. Falque believes that writing is a personal disclosure, and his reflections on Pope Francis demonstrate this by highlighting his own interest in the Jesuit and Franciscan charisms.
Study on the total pressure and total temperature distortion of axial flow compressor based on different rain ingestion forms
Authors: Yu Yonghao , Chu Shuguang , Wang Ziyi , Ooi Kim Tiow , Luo Mingcong , Zheng Qun
Published: December 2024

Aero-engines are required to maintain stable operation under adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain ingestion. Excessive water ingestion can significantly impact the aerodynamic performance of compressor, potentially leading to performance degradation and even stall. Current investigations reveal that rain ingestion causes losses in both total pressure and total temperature, contributing to the overall deterioration of the performance of compressor. However, these theoretical findings lack robust experimental validation, and the precise relationship between total pressure and temperature losses, alongside the heat and mass transfer mechanisms within the two-phase flow field inside the compressor, remains to be fully established. In this study, a comprehensive experimental and numerical investigation is conducted on a 1.5-stage compressor to assess the effects of water ingestion on compressor performance and internal flow characteristics with varying droplet size distributions and liquid water content (LWC). The results demonstrate that key performance indicators, such as total pressure ratio, efficiency, and the compressor’s stable operating range, are influenced by LWC, droplet size, and the spatial distribution of water ingestion at the inlet. Water ingestion induces non-uniformities in both total pressure and total temperature, with the extent of these distortions governed by factors such as droplet size, concentration, and ingestion patterns across different stages of the compressor. Specifically, increasing water ingestion rates and a concentrated droplet distribution exacerbate total pressure distortions, while simultaneously mitigating total temperature distortions due to the saturation of water vapor. Furthermore, the location and extent of the distorted regions are also influenced by these parameters.
The Docking and Dynamics Simulation  of Natural Compounds from Abrus  precatorius L. for Investigating the Possibility  of GluR3 Inhibition to Treat Depression
Authors: Rezgui R. , Alharazi T. , Alshaghdali K. , Elnaem I. , Salih M. A. I. , Aldakheel F. , Saeed M. , Tasleem M. , Ginawi I. , Saeed A.
Published: December 2024

Background

The rising incidence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), in conjunction with the inadequate effectiveness and resistance observed in existing therapeutic approaches, emphasizes the urgent need to investigate novel therapeutics that provide enhanced efficacy with reduced adverse effects. Abrus precatorius L., an herb that is readily available and frequently utilized in traditional medicine, is frequently prescribed to patients suffering from neurological disorders.

Purpose

The goal of this study is to discover novel active compounds from the A. precatorius plant that can specifically target the GluR3 receptor using in silico techniques, to develop a safe and efficient treatment for MDD.

Methods

Homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis were employed in this investigation to screen compounds derived from A. precatorius. Their potential to inhibit α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor activity, specifically glutamate receptor 3 (GluR3), which is associated with MDD, was the objective of this study.

Results

Among 31 compounds derived from A. precatorius, 15 successfully cleared the ADMET filter criteria. Subsequently, the best homology model of GluR3 was constructed using Phyre2. This facilitated an investigation into the intramolecular interactions exhibited by the filtered compounds. Notably, the four compounds with the most pronounced binding affinities are identified by their PubChem compound IDs (CIDs): 160511, 44257585, 1983, and 145857. The binding affinity and internal molecular interactions of the top-ranking compound, PubChem CID 160511, were subjected to further validation through MD simulations, affirming its sustained stability in binding.

Conclusion

CIDs: The compound 160511 cleared ADMET analysis with no notable side effects and high binding affinity and stability, making it a potential drug candidate for MDD. To ascertain the precise efficacy of medications, additional in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are required.
Vibration reduction of rotor systems using magneto-rheological elastomeric supports
Authors: Singh Aditya Vikram , Ganguly Krishanu , Dutt Jayanta Kumar
Published: December 2024

Support characteristics (stiffness and dissipation) are well understood to influence the dynamic behaviour of rotors. Supports play an essential role in deciding the stability and response of the rotors. Therefore, frequency-dependent support characteristics are beneficial in determining the rotor response as the frequency of excitation keeps changing. An elegant choice of making rotor supports is by using magneto-rheological elastomeric (MRE) materials. The magnetic field application results in a change in the stiffness and dissipation behaviour of MREs and consequently influences the dynamics of the rotor–shaft system. An attempt is made in this work to conceptualize the MRE as viscoelastic sectors put between the outer race of a bearing and the bearing housing to make the rotor support. A rigorous analytical formulation is done to obtain the stiffness and dissipation of the support so formed in terms of a viscoelastic model of the material under the effect of dispersed magnetic material, the geometry of the sectors, the intensity of the magnetic field, and the frequency of forcing function the supports are subject to. The supports show promising results by reducing the vibrations at resonance by suitably applying the magnetic field. Therefore, MRE materials may be proposed as adaptive supports to both structures and rotors to induce intended dynamic behaviour.
Cardiac Function Decline After General Anesthesia and Cardiac Catheterization in Pediatric Cardiac Transplant Recipients
Authors: Thimmarayan Gokul , Schmitz Michael , Spray Beverly J. , Knecht Kenneth , Garcia Xiomara , Guerrero Jorge , Dossey Amy , Reemtsen Brian , Greiten Lawrence , Heye Thomas , Chau Destiny F.
Published: December 2024

Background

Pediatric cardiac transplant recipients undergo elective cardiac catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy (CC/EMB) for graft dysfunction surveillance often facilitated by general anesthesia (GA). GA and positive pressure ventilation (PPV) also depress cardiac function confounding the graft’s functional assessment. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of cardiac function decline, going from the awake to the anesthetized state, and determine its association with anesthetic and patient-related factors.

Methods

Electronic medical records of pediatric heart transplant recipients undergoing CC/EMB under GA/PPV were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with awake normal cardiac function, assessed by same-day preoperative echocardiographic left ventricular shortening fraction (LVSF) ≥28% were included. A priori, groups were: (1) cardiac function decline (post- catheterization under GA, LVSF< 28%), and (2) no cardiac function decline. Univariate and logistic regression analysis accounting for repeated encounters per patient were performed.

Results

225 eligible encounters occurred in 102 patients. Cardiac function declined in 17.3% (39/225) encounters, and in 25% (26/102) of patients. Logistic regression identified independent predictors as: older age (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.7, P = 0.002), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) use (OR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–4.3, P = 0.018), and elevated right ventricular end diastolic pressure (RVEDP) (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1–5.4, P = 0.039), with AUC 0.75. Older age and ACEI use ( P = 0.001) and, older age and elevated RVEDP ( P = 0.037) were correlated.

Conclusions

One in 4 patients demonstrated cardiac function decline from the awake to the anesthetized state, occurring most commonly in older children with elevated RVEDP using ACEI. Most cardiac function declines are unrelated to rejection.
Predicting survival of patients with heart failure by optimizing the hyperparameters
Authors: Insel Mert Akin , Sade Jale , Mustu Sinan , Kocken Hale Gonce , Albayrak Inci
Published: December 2024

Heart failure is a prominent global cause of mortality. Heart failure is a medical condition characterized by the heart's inability to adequately circulate blood throughout the body or meet its needs. The rising expenses associated with conventional medical treatments for heart failure diagnosis have underscored the significance of developing diagnostic systems that utilize machine learning approaches. We employed various machine learning techniques on a heart failure dataset from the literature, specifically focusing on the survival status of heart failure patients. After employing the hold-out validation technique to prevent overfitting, the survival status of patients was evaluated by utilizing GridSearchCV hyperparameter optimization on classifiers such as Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machines, Decision Trees, Random Forests, K-Nearest Neighbor, Discriminant Analysis, and Extreme Gradient Boosting. Our performance measurement results show that the Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, and Naive Bayes algorithms are prominent algorithms for the relevant data. While Decision Tree has the highest accuracy value, Support Vector Machines gives the lowest false negative rate, a crucial metric in medical decisions. Additionally, Naive Bayes has very similar results to the Support Vector Machines algorithm. While the straightforward and effective Decision Tree model, which has minimal pre-processing and does not require input scaling, is an easy-to-use method, Support Vector Machines and Naive Bayes which has low false negative rate values may help decision-making by reducing the risk of misdiagnosis.
Parameter adaptive system to learning processes for emerging serious games using cultural algorithms
Authors: Aguilar Jose , Díaz Francisco , Altamiranda Junior , Pérez Nelson , Pinto Ángel
Published: December 2024

One of the general problems of serious games is their poor ability to adapt to players while they play. One response to that need has been emerging serious games, which allow for real-time adjustment of serious games. To do this, they can use different approaches such as adjusting their strategies, and their plots, among others. In this paper, an adaptive system of parameters for emerging serious games is proposed. This adaptive system enables the emergence of parameters in a serious game to adapt it to an educational environment where it takes place. In particular, this adaptive system uses a cultural algorithm to modify the parameters of the emerging serious games in real-time based on the information of the learning process where it is used. This system is evaluated in a smart classroom for the parameter adaptation of several serious games used in it. Thus. in each of them, it is able to obtain the optimal values of the serious game parameters that allow the players to achieve the objectives of the serious game (a minimum number of points to achieve) in an optimal playing time. The most relevant scientific contribution of the work is the development of an architecture based on Cultural Algorithms to adapt the parameters of a serious game to the characteristics of the players. The results are very encouraging because the serious games are adapted to the behavior of the students in the smart classroom.
How political ideology relates to political branding in the United States: A longitudinal analysis of the 2016, 2018, and 2020 elections
Authors: Harrison Kristina , Thelen Shawn T. , Yoo Boonghee
Published: December 2024

Do republican voters always care about financial security? Do democrat voters always want care for immigrants? This research examines political ideology aspects over a period of three election cycles in the United States to study the ideological connections with republican and democrat voters. These relationships are important to understand as political candidates use marketing strategies to create and maintain their brand image, and thus, turn themselves into “brandidates.” Unlike those existing studies that focus on how to build a political brand image, this research examines how voter political ideology is related to the branded image candidates build for themselves. This research assesses this relationship over three election cycles (2016, 2018, 2020) allowing us to understand, through a longitudinal analysis, not only the strength of these relationships, but also which ideologies are un/stable in their association with specific political candidates/parties. Ten constructs are employed to measure the aspects of political ideology and are linked together through the overarching framework of integrated threat theory and are primarily explained by the three theories of social identity, economic insecurity, and systems justification. Practically, these findings can be used by candidates, campaign managers, political parties, and marketing consultants to better connect with the electorate and appeal to existing supporters, undecided voters, and possibly those from other parties.
A Compelling Health Promoting Primary Care Clinic Using a Settings-Based Approach: A Demonstration Project
Authors: Larson Mary
Published: December 2024

The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, issued by the World Health Organization in 1986, called for several strategies to promote the public’s health. One of the strategies was to create health-promoting health services. Over 35 years have passed since the Ottawa Charter was released, since then, efforts to improve health care have been implemented such as the Patient-Centered Medical Home, the Triple Aim, and the Affordable Care Act, yet little has been done to reorient the cultural and physical environment of health care services to one focused on health promotion. In this perspective, the author offers a compelling description of how one primary care clinic, serving an ethnically and economically diverse population, utilized a settings-based approach to design and implement several health-promoting policies, systems, and environmental strategies. This reorientation of a primary care clinic to one that is health-promoting leveraged the clinical specialty of lifestyle medicine as a cornerstone of the settings-based approach.
Design of an international, phase IV, open-label study of simoctocog alfa in women/girls with hemophilia A undergoing surgery (NuDIMENSION)
Authors: Marquardt Natascha , Langer Florian , Holstein Katharina , Álvarez Román María Teresa , Núñez Vázquez Ramiro , Miljić Predrag , Drillaud Nicolas , Ardillon Laurent , Lehtinen Anna-Elina , Santoro Rita Carlotta , Napolitano Mariasanta , Siragusa Sergio , Gidley Gillian , Jansen Martina , Knaub Sigurd , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: December 2024

Background:

Although hemophilia A mainly affects males, carriers (defined as females with hemophilia A, as well as symptomatic or asymptomatic hemophilia A carriers) are at risk of excessive bleeding, particularly during trauma or during surgical procedures. Clinical trials have focused on male patients with severe disease, and data for females are limited. Improved, evidence-based treatment guidelines for management of hemophilia A carriers are required.

Objectives and design:

The NuDIMENSION study is a phase IV, prospective, open-label, single-arm study that will evaluate the perioperative efficacy and safety of simoctocog alfa (Nuwiq®), a recombinant factor VIII (FVIII), in women/girls with hemophilia A undergoing major surgery. The study will be conducted at approximately 15 centers worldwide. Women/girls aged ⩾12 years, with mild or moderate hemophilia A (residual FVIII activity (FVIII:C) ⩾1% to <40%) and with no current/past FVIII inhibitors are eligible. All patients must be scheduled to undergo a major surgical procedure during which simoctocog alfa will be administered.

Methods and analysis:

The primary endpoint is overall perioperative hemostatic efficacy (“success” or “failure”) of simoctocog alfa. Hemostatic efficacy will be assessed at the end of surgery and at the end of the postoperative period (i.e., completion of wound healing), with overall adjudication by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee. Safety endpoints will include the incidences of thrombotic events and FVIII inhibitor development. The aim is to recruit 28 patients to achieve 26 evaluable surgeries.

Ethics:

Ethical approval will be received from institutional review boards/independent ethics committees, and the study will be conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Discussion:

Data from NuDIMENSION will generate much-needed evidence on surgical management of women/girls with hemophilia A, which will help to enable the development of treatment guidelines specific for such patients.

Trial Registration:

CT EU 2022-502061-17-00; NCT05936580
The corporate cultivation of digital resignation in policymaking: How weak US regulations enable data trafficking to China
Authors: Kokas Aynne
Published: December 2024

Studies of digital resignation focus on the idea of the corporate cultivation of digital resignation among users, an area of intense importance when examining user data sharing with corporations. To best appreciate the implications of digital resignation in a transnational context, it is important to consider not just resignation by users, but by policymakers. Weak digital policymaking in the US context enables continued digital resignation by users. It also allows for data trafficking, or government directed movement of user data across borders without clear user consent. This paper compares digital policymaking using three cases of national, regional, and sector-based digital policymaking. The commentary argues that while US policymakers often cast concerns on Chinese influence in the US, such arguments obscure the systematic resignation of US policymakers to a weak and ineffectual domestic digital oversight system. Examining digital resignation through a national government lens enables a more complete view of the transnational implications of this important concept.
Esomeprazole’s Antifibrotic Effects on Rats With Epidural Fibrosis
Authors: Borekci Ali , Kuru Bektasoglu Pinar , Somay Adnan , Hazneci Jülide , Gürer Bora
Published: December 2024

Study Design

Rat subjects were randomly assigned to control, local, and systemic esomeprazole groups (n = 4-6 per group).

Objective

Excessive scar formation after laminectomy can cause nerve entrapment and postoperative pain and discomfort. A rat laminectomy model determined whether topical application and systemic administration of esomeprazole can prevent epidural fibrosis.

Methods

Laminectomy alone was performed in the control group. Topical esomeprazole was introduced to the laminectomy area in the local esomeprazole group. Intraperitoneal esomeprazole was introduced in the systemic esomeprazole group following laminectomy. Macroscopic and histopathologic examinations were performed four weeks after laminectomy.

Results

In the systemic esomeprazole group, the macroscopic epidural fibrosis score was less than the control group ( P < 0.001). Microscopic epidural fibrosis score and fibroblast cell density classification scores in local and systemic esomeprazole groups did not significantly differ. Fibrosis thickness was significantly lower in the local and systemic esomeprazole groups compared to the control group ( P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Esomeprazole reduced the formation of epidural fibrosis in the rat laminectomy model.
RAPID-CRISPR: highly sensitive diagnostic assay for detection of PML::RARA isoforms in acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Maity Akash , Sathyanarayanan Amritha , Kumar Rohit , Vora Jesal , Gawde Jitendra , Jain Hasmukh , Bagal Bhausaheb , Subramanian P. G. , Sengar Manju , Khattry Navin , Patkar Nikhil , Hasan Syed K.
Published: December 2024

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), distinguished by the presence of PML::RARA fusion transcript, is a medical emergency because of its high early death rate, which is preventable when diagnosed early. Current diagnostic methods are precise and reliable but are time intensive, require sophisticated instruments, and analytical expertise. This study has redefined APL identification by CRISPR system (RAPID-CRISPR) to rapidly (<3 hours) detect PML::RARA. APL cell lines (NB4 and UF-1) and bone marrow/peripheral blood samples from 74 patients with APL (66/8, retrospective/prospective) and 48 controls were included in the study. We used a DETECTR (DNA endonuclease-targeted CRISPR transreporter) assay to identify the bcr1, bcr2, and bcr3 PML::RARA isoforms. To ensure high specificity, we used PML::RARA–specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers, synthetic protospacer-adjacent motif sites, and isoform-specific CRISPR RNAs. RAPID-CRISPR recognized APL with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in an ambispective cohort of patient samples. Furthermore, our blinded validation approach to detect PML::RARA in an unbiased manner provides an additional layer in the diagnostic precision of APL. RAPID-CRISPR demonstrated superior sensitivity, detecting as few as 1 copy of PML::RARA compared with 10 copies by the gold-standard reverse transcriptase qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The nucleic acid extraction–free protocol combined with the 1-step reverse transcriptase LAMP–based DETECTR followed by lateral flow readout makes the RAPID-CRISPR assay suitable for diagnosing APL in point-of-care settings. This simple, cost-effective tool, with its easy-to-read format, is particularly valuable in underresourced regions. The assay facilitates timely diagnosis and prompt administration of lifesaving therapies such as all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide in APL.
SENP3 mediates deSUMOylation of SIX1 to promote prostate cancer proliferation and migration
Authors: Shao Zhenlong , Liu Shutong , Sun Wenshuang , Zhuang Xuefen , Yin Shusha , Cheng Ji , Xia Xiaohong , Liao Yuning , Liu Jinbao , Huang Hongbiao
Published: December 2024

Background

Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 3 (SENP3) is essential to regulate protein stability and function in normal and cancer cells. Nevertheless, its role and action mechanisms in prostate cancer (PCa) remain elusive. Thus, clarification of SENP3’s involvement and the SUMOylation process in PCa is pivotal for discovering potential targets and understanding SUMOylation dynamics.

Methods

Cell viability, EdU staining, live cell imaging, and cell cycle assays were used to determine proliferation of PCa cells. Transwell and wound-healing assays were used to detect migration of PCa cells. The interaction between SENP3 and SIX1 was determined by co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. Xenograft models established on NOD-SCID mice were used to evaluate in vivo effects post SENP3 knockdown. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of SENP3 in PCa tissues.

Results

This study found that SENP3 is highly expressed in PCa cell lines and tissues from PCa patients. Overexpressed SENP3 is associated with metastatic malignancy in PCa. Various in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that SENP3 promotes the proliferation and migration of PCa. In addition, SENP3 interacts with the SD domain of SIX1 and mediates its deSUMOylation and protein stability. Lys154 (K154) is required for the SUMOylation of SIX1. More importantly, SENP3 promotes the malignancy of PCa through the regulation of SIX1.

Conclusions

We unravel the significant role of SENP3 in regulating protein stability of SIX1 and progression of PCa, which may deepen our understanding of the SUMOylation modification and provide a promising target for management of metastatic PCa.
Salivary gland protective and antiinflammatory effects of genistein in Sjögren’s syndrome by inhibiting Xist/ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis following binding to estrogen receptor-alpha
Authors: Mao Tianjiao , Wei Wei , Chen Bo , Chen Yixin , Liang Shuqi , Chen Guiping , Liu Zhuoyuan , Wu Xiaodan , Wu Lihong , Li Xiaomeng , Watanabe Nobumoto , Mayo Kevin H. , Pathak Janak L. , Li Jiang
Published: December 2024

Background

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease with limited effective treatment options. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism by which genistein–estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) complex targets X-inactive specific transcript (Xist) then leads to the inhibition of ferroptosis by regulating acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) expression in salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) to attenuate SS.

Methods

The effects of genistein treatment on the progression and underlying mechanism of SS were investigated using nondiabetic obese (NOD)/LtJ mice in vivo and Interferon-γ (IFNγ)-treated SGECs in vitro. Water intake and saliva flow rate were measured to evaluate the severity of xerostomia. Hematoxylin–eosin staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to examine the pathological lesions. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to evaluate the protein expression. RNA sequencing and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization were employed to verify the relationship between Xist and ACSL4. Surface plasmon resonance, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics were used to investigate the binding between genistein and ERα. Furthermore, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to analyze ERα–XIST promoter interactions. The levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, Fe2+, and mitochondrial changes were measured to evaluate ferroptosis of SGECs.

Results

In NOD/LtJ mice, a ferroptosis phenotype was observed in salivary glands, characterized by downregulated Xist and upregulated X chromosome inactivation gene Acsl4. Genistein significantly alleviated SS symptoms, upregulated the Xist gene, and downregulated Acsl4 expression. Genistein upregulated Xist expression in the salivary gland of NOD/LtJ mice via the ERα signaling pathway. It downregulated Acsl4 and ferroptosis in the salivary glands of NOD/LtJ mice. IFNγ-treatment induced inflammation and ferroptosis in SGECs. Genistein binding to ERα upregulated XIST, and aquaporin 5 expression, downregulated ACSL4, and SS antigen B expression, and reversed ferroptosis in SGECs. Genistein mitigated inflammation and ferroptosis in SGECs by upregulated-XIST-mediated ACSL4 gene silencing.

Conclusions

Genistein binding to ERα targets Xist, leading to inhibiting ferroptosis by regulating ACSL4 expression in SGECs. This finding provides evidence for genistein as a treatment for SS and identifies Xist as a novel drug target for SS drug development, offering great promise for improving SS outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Differences in intention to receive clinician-collected and self-collected samples for HPV DNA testing and its determinants between heterosexual males and females in Hong Kong, China: findings of a territory-wide household survey
Authors: Wang Zixin , Chen Siyu , Wong Ngai Sze , Cheung Annie Wai-Ling , Tam Zoe Pui-Yee , Chung Sze Long , Chan Denise Pui-Chung , Mo Phoenix K. H. , Wong Eliza Lai-Yi
Published: December 2024

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is prevalent among people who are sexually active. This study aimed to compare the levels of behavioral intention to receive free clinician-collected and self-collected samples for HPV DNA testing and its determinants between heterosexual males and females in Hong Kong, China.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a territory-wide survey conducted in Hong Kong between May 2021 and March 2022. Participants were sexually active adult Hong Kong residents who were able to communicate in English or Chinese. Invitation letters were mailed to residential addresses that were geographically randomly selected. All sexually active adult household members were invited to complete a self-administered online survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were fitted.

Results

Out of 45,394 invitations, 1265 surveys were collected, and 487 heterosexual males and 741 females were included in the analysis. More females than heterosexual males intended to take up free clinician-collected samples for HPV DNA testing (76.7% versus 62.2%, p < 0.001). Similar proportion of heterosexual males and females intended to receive free self-collected samples for HPV DNA testing (67.8% versus 72.6%, p = 0.20). Perceived existing treatment could control sexually transmitted infections (STI) (treatment control), more concerned about STI (concern), perceived more benefits, cue to action (suggested by significant others), and self-efficacy related to HPV testing were associated with higher intention to receive clinician-collected samples for HPV testing in both groups. Heterosexual males who perceived more severe symptoms if contracted STI (identity), longer duration of STI (timeline), more negative effects of STI on their lives (consequences), more understanding of STI (coherence), and stronger negative emotions if contracted STI (emotions) also had higher behavioral intention to take up clinician-collected samples for HPV testing. In addition, perceived more benefits, cue to action, and self-efficacy related to self-collected samples for HPV DNA testing were associated with behavioral intention to take up such testing in both groups.

Conclusions

HPV DNA testing was under-utilized in Hong Kong. Free self-collected samples for HPV testing were highly acceptable by both heterosexual males and females. Illness representation of STI and the Health Belief Model could explain intentions to take up HPV DNA testing.
Subcutaneous inoculation of Escherichia coli in broiler chickens causes cellulitis and elicits innate and specific immune responses
Authors: Jonare Liv , Wattrang Eva , Östlund Emma , Wall Helena , Jacobson Magdalena , Jansson Désirée S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Cellulitis caused by Escherichia coli is a common cause of condemnation of broiler chickens at slaughter worldwide and is associated with economic losses and a possible negative impact on animal welfare. The study objective was to monitor clinical signs and immune responses after subcutaneous E. coli inoculation (1.1–1.8 × 107 CFU), aiming to induce cellulitis. Three groups of broiler chickens (n = 15/group) were inoculated with well-characterized E. coli strains (group A: ECA18 O24:H4/ST117 and group B: ECB11 O153:H9/ST38) or with saline (control) at 22 days-of-age. Clinical signs of disease, body weight and immune parameters were monitored until euthanasia 12–14 days after inoculation followed by post-mortem examination.

Results

The daily weight gain of the inoculated chickens was significantly lower one day after inoculation compared to the controls. Seven (23%) of the inoculated chickens displayed clinical signs: ruffled feathers, mild weakness, open-beak breathing and/or reluctance to stand, of which two birds were euthanized and one bird died. Five chickens in group B were observed with bacteraemia, which lasted up to three days after inoculation for two chickens. A transient increase in chicken mannose receptor MRC1L-B expression on circulating monocytes was observed one day after inoculation in both E. coli inoculated groups, with a more pronounced increase in group B. On day 7 after inoculation, the in vitro adherence of heterophils, monocytes and thrombocytes to the inoculated strain was increased in group B. Antibody titers to the inoculation strains were increased in some chickens in both groups on days 7 and 14 after inoculation, with the highest titers in group B. Seven (47%) and 13 (87%) of the chickens in group A and B, respectively, were diagnosed with cellulitis at post-mortem examination. In most birds, lesions consisted of plaque-like material embedded in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall.

Conclusions

Inoculation of E. coli caused cellulitis and prompted a rapid activation/redistribution of circulating monocytes followed by antibody production. The responses were most pronounced in chickens inoculated with E. coli strain ECB11, presumably because of a higher virulence.
The Yin and Yang of hsa-miR-1244 expression levels during activation of the UPR control cell fate
Authors: Czechowicz Paulina , Gebert Magdalena , Bartoszewska Sylwia , Kalinowski Leszek , Collawn James F. , Bartoszewski Rafal
Published: December 2024

Regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis plays a critical role in maintaining cell survival. When ER stress occurs, a network of three pathways called the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated to reestablish homeostasis. While it is known that there is cross-talk between these pathways, how this complex network is regulated is not entirely clear. Using human cancer and non-cancer cell lines, two different genome-wide approaches, and two different ER stress models, we searched for miRNAs that were decreased during the UPR and surprisingly found only one, miR-1244, that was found under all these conditions. We also verified that ER-stress related downregulation of miR-1244 expression occurred with 5 different ER stressors and was confirmed in another human cell line (HeLa S3). These analyses demonstrated that the outcome of this reduction during ER stress supported both IRE1 signaling and elevated BIP expression. Further analysis using inhibitors specific for IRE1, ATF6, and PERK also revealed that this miRNA is impacted by all three pathways of the UPR. This is the first example of a complex mechanism by which this miRNA serves as a regulatory check point for all 3 pathways that is switched off during UPR activation. In summary, the results indicate that ER stress reduction of miR-1244 expression contributes to the pro-survival arm of UPR.
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and risk of breast cancer; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saeedi-Moghaddam Fateme , Mohammaditabar Mahdi , Mozhgani Sayed-Hamidreza
Published: December 2024

Background

The role of viruses in the development of breast cancer has been a subject of debate and extensive research over the past few decades. Several studies have examined the association between Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection and the risk of developing breast cancer; however, their findings have yielded inconsistent results. To address this uncertainty, the purpose of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine any potential association between BLV and breast cancer.

Methods

The literature search was performed by finding related articles from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect databases. Statistical analysis was conducted using the meta package in R Studio and Review Manager 5.1. The I2 test was used to assess between-study heterogeneity. The Mantel-Haenszel method calculated the pooled odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval. Studies were divided into subgroups for comparison.

Results

The literature search identified a total of 17 studies that were deemed suitable for inclusion in the systematic review. Out of these 17 studies, 12 were used in the subsequent meta-analysis. Combining the data from these eligible studies, we calculated the pooled multi-factor adjusted odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Considering the heterogeneity observed across the studies, the result obtained using the fixed effects model was 2.12 (1.77, 2.54). However, upon removing the six studies that contributed significantly to the heterogeneity, the pooled OR with a 95% CI was recalculated to be 3.92 (2.98, 5.16).

Conclusion

The result of this study suggests that BLV infection is statistically associated with Breast cancer.
Outcomes and experiences of music workshops for adolescents with depression and anxiety: An exploratory noncontrolled trial in Bogotá
Authors: Gómez-Restrepo Carlos , Roldan María Camila , Ariza-Salazar Karen , Godoy-Casasbuenas Natalia , Arenas Catherine Surace , Heritage Paul , Uribe-Restrepo José Miguel , Fung Catherine , Priebe Stefan
Published: December 2024

Objective

Adolescents frequently experience mental distress. However, there is little research on community activities that help adolescents recover from depression and anxiety. This study investigated the outcomes and experiences of music workshops for helping adolescents overcome anxiety and/or depression.

Results

Thirty-four participants aged 15 and 16 years were recruited from a cohort study of adolescents with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression and invited to participate in a musical education and practice workshop consisting of five weekly sessions. At the beginning and end of the workshops, symptoms of anxiety and depression were self-rated on the GAD-7 and PHQ-8. Experiences were assessed on a brief questionnaire with open-ended questions. The average attendance of groups was 86%, but only 56% of participants attended all five sessions of the workshops. The symptom levels did not significantly change during the intervention. Experiences were largely positive. Participants appreciated the interactions in the group and the learning of new skills. Some criticized the workshops as too short and found the logistics of attending difficult.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN50583823. Date Applied 18/03/2022.
Opioid administration across racial and ethnic groups for patients undergoing liver resection: are there disparities?
Authors: Stannard Blaine , Ninh Allen , Mroz Victoria , Ouyang Yuxia , Egorova Natalia N. , DeMaria Samuel , Wang Ryan
Published: December 2024

Background

Racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment of perioperative pain have not been well-studied, despite being observed in a variety of other medical settings. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between race and ethnicity and intra- and postoperative opioid administration for patients undergoing open liver resection surgery.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, adult patients undergoing open liver resection from January 2012 to May 2019 were identified. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were extracted from the institutional perioperative data warehouse. The primary outcome was weight-based intraoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MME/kg). Secondary outcome variables included use of neuraxial analgesia and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable regression models were used, which controlled for pertinent factors such as age and duration of surgery.

Results

There were 1294 adult open liver resections included in this study: 532 (41%) patients self-reported as White, 401 (31%) as Asian, 159 (12%) as Black, 97 (7%) as Hispanic, and 105 (8%) as Other. The risk adjusted mean intraoperative MME/kg was not different among racial groups (White: 3.25 [95% CL 3.02–3.49] mg/kg vs. Asian: 3.38 [95% CL 3.10–3.69] mg/kg, p = 0.87; Black: 2.95 [95% CL 2.70–3.23] mg/kg, p = 0.19; Hispanic: 3.36 [95% CL 3.00–3.77] mg/kg, p = 0.97). In the multivariable models for secondary outcomes, length of stay was significantly higher for Black (estimate: 1.17, CL: 1.00 to 1.35, p = 0.047) and Hispanic (1.30, CL: 1.05 to 1.65, p = 0.018) patients relative to White patients. No racial/ethnic groups were significantly associated with higher or lower odds of receiving regional anesthesia.

Conclusions

For patients undergoing liver resection surgery, no racial and ethnic disparities were observed for weight-based intraoperative MME.
High school diploma is associated with longer postpartum leukocyte telomere length in a cohort of primarily Latina women
Authors: Sumesh Dhanya , Lin Jue , Wojcicki Janet M
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study investigates correlates of maternal leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in the immediate postpartum period using a cross-sectional study design from an existing prospective longitudinal birth cohort of primarily Latina women. The study focuses on the role of maternal health and dietary habits in pregnancy and maternal education level and LTL at delivery.

Study Design

Latina mothers were recruited during the immediate postpartum period prior to 24 h at two San Francisco hospitals and dried blood spots were collected for LTL analysis via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We used multivariable linear regression models to determine independent predictors of maternal LTL during the postpartum period.

Results

In multivariable regression models, increasing maternal age was associated with shorter LTL during the immediate postpartum period (Coeff − 0.015; p < 0.01) whereas having a high school diploma was associated with longer LTL versus not having graduated from high school (Coeff 0.12; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Maternal education level as a potential marker of exposure to life stressors and socioeconomic status was associated with maternal LTL after adjusting for age and other potential confounders in women of reproductive age.
A transphyletic study of metazoan β-catenin protein complexes
Authors: Mbogo Ivan , Kawano Chihiro , Nakamura Ryotaro , Tsuchiya Yuko , Villar-Briones Alejandro , Hirao Yoshitoshi , Yasuoka Yuuri , Hayakawa Eisuke , Tomii Kentaro , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: December 2024

Beta-catenin is essential for diverse biological processes, such as body axis determination and cell differentiation, during metazoan embryonic development. Beta-catenin is thought to exert such functions through complexes formed with various proteins. Although β-catenin complex proteins have been identified in several bilaterians, little is known about the structural and functional properties of β-catenin complexes in early metazoan evolution. In the present study, we performed a comparative analysis of β-catenin sequences in nonbilaterian lineages that diverged early in metazoan evolution. We also carried out transphyletic function experiments with β-catenin from nonbilaterian metazoans using developing Xenopus embryos, including secondary axis induction in embryos and proteomic analysis of β-catenin protein complexes. Comparative functional analysis of nonbilaterian β-catenins demonstrated sequence characteristics important for β-catenin functions, and the deep origin and evolutionary conservation of the cadherin–catenin complex. Proteins that co-immunoprecipitated with β-catenin included several proteins conserved among metazoans. These data provide new insights into the conserved repertoire of β-catenin complexes.
Shifting waves of shipping: a review on global shipping projections and methodologies
Authors: Naghash Hesam , Schott Dingena , Pruyn Jeroen
Published: December 2024

As climate change continues to pose a significant threat to our planet, international maritime shipping plays a crucial role in mitigation efforts. Recognizing the urgency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has revised its targets, now aiming for full decarbonization by 2050. However, there is no established pathway to get to the target. To achieve this, there is a need for models depicting possible futures of the maritime sector, and finding feasible pathways. This research aims to find the most suitable way to develop models to find pathways toward decarbonization targets. This involves evaluating existing ranges and scenarios to understand current estimations and their underlying assumptions and assessing the most suitable modeling methods based on defined criteria. Considering the context, the most suitable models for this objective should perform on a global scale. They should include dynamics between shipping demand & supply as well as the derived fuel demand and supply and emissions; integrate the sector with other parts of the economy; incorporate various technologies into the framework; and span multiple scenarios. The study has two main parts. First, existing scenarios on the future of maritime shipping are analyzed to identify current estimations and assumptions impacting these estimations. Second, various modeling frameworks are assessed against the defined criteria to identify the most suitable modeling structure for achieving the decarbonization targets. Many projections do not meet the IMO’s updated targets, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in setting targets and finding feasible pathways rather than focusing solely on individual measures. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) have been identified as suitable for such projections and policy analysis, although international shipping is often underrepresented in current models. Future research should combine the insights of sectoral models in integrated frameworks such as IAMs to develop integrated strategies to investigate pathways to achieve zero-emission targets. The ultimate goal is to understand how to effectively reduce the sector’s emissions and achieve more environmentally friendly international maritime shipping.