bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mouse model for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH1) reveals PTH-dependent and independent CaSR defects
Authors: Küng Catharina J. , Daryadel Arezoo , Fuente Rocio , Haykir Betül , de Angelis Martin Hrabĕ , Hernando Nati , Rubio-Aliaga Isabel , Wagner Carsten A.
Published: February 2024

The Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) senses extracellular calcium, regulates parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, and has additional functions in various organs related to systemic and local calcium and mineral homeostasis. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type I (FHH1) is caused by heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the CaSR gene, and is characterized by the combination of hypercalcemia, hypocalciuria, normal to elevated PTH, and facultatively hypermagnesemia and mild bone mineralization defects. To date, only heterozygous Casr null mice have been available as model for FHH1. Here we present a novel mouse FHH1 model identified in a large ENU-screen that carries an c.2579 T > A (p.Ile859Asn) variant in the Casr gene (CasrBCH002 mice). In order to dissect direct effects of the genetic variant from PTH-dependent effects, we crossed CasrBCH002 mice with PTH deficient mice. Heterozygous CasrBCH002 mice were fertile, had normal growth and body weight, were hypercalcemic and hypermagnesemic with inappropriately normal PTH levels and urinary calcium excretion replicating some features of FHH1. Hypercalcemia and hypermagnesemia were independent from PTH and correlated with higher expression of claudin 16 and 19 in kidneys. Likewise, reduced expression of the renal TRPM6 channel in CasrBCH002 mice was not dependent on PTH. In bone, mutations in Casr rescued the bone phenotype observed in Pth null mice by increasing osteoclast numbers and improving the columnar pattern of chondrocytes in the growth zone. In summary, CasrBCH002 mice represent a new model to study FHH1 and our results indicate that only a part of the phenotype is driven by PTH.
Unlocking allelic variation in circadian clock genes to develop environmentally robust and productive crops
Authors: Dwivedi Sangam Lal , Quiroz Luis Felipe , Spillane Charles , Wu Rongling , Mattoo Autar K. , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: February 2024

Main conclusion

Molecular mechanisms of biological rhythms provide opportunities to harness functional allelic diversity in core (and trait- or stress-responsive) oscillator networks to develop more climate-resilient and productive germplasm.

The circadian clock senses light and temperature in day–night cycles to drive biological rhythms. The clock integrates endogenous signals and exogenous stimuli to coordinate diverse physiological processes. Advances in high-throughput non-invasive assays, use of forward- and inverse-genetic approaches, and powerful algorithms are allowing quantitation of variation and detection of genes associated with circadian dynamics. Circadian rhythms and phytohormone pathways in response to endogenous and exogenous cues have been well documented the model plant Arabidopsis. Novel allelic variation associated with circadian rhythms facilitates adaptation and range expansion, and may provide additional opportunity to tailor climate-resilient crops. The circadian phase and period can determine adaptation to environments, while the robustness in the circadian amplitude can enhance resilience to environmental changes. Circadian rhythms in plants are tightly controlled by multiple and interlocked transcriptional–translational feedback loops involving morning (CCA1, LHY), mid-day (PRR9, PRR7, PRR5), and evening (TOC1, ELF3, ELF4, LUX) genes that maintain the plant circadian clock ticking. Significant progress has been made to unravel the functions of circadian rhythms and clock genes that regulate traits, via interaction with phytohormones and trait-responsive genes, in diverse crops. Altered circadian rhythms and clock genes may contribute to hybrid vigor as shown in Arabidopsis, maize, and rice. Modifying circadian rhythms via transgenesis or genome-editing may provide additional opportunities to develop crops with better buffering capacity to environmental stresses. Models that involve clock gene‒phytohormone‒trait interactions can provide novel insights to orchestrate circadian rhythms and modulate clock genes to facilitate breeding of all season crops.
Comparing of brain tumor diagnosis with developed local binary patterns methods
Authors: Gül Mehmet , Kaya Yılmaz
Published: February 2024

A brain tumor is one of the most lethal diseases that can affect human health and cause death. Invasive biopsy techniques are one of the most common methods of identifying brain tumor disease. As a result of this procedure, bleeding may occur during the procedure, which could harm some brain functions. Consequently, this invasive biopsy process may be extremely dangerous. To overcome such a dangerous process, medical imaging techniques, which can be used by experts in the field, can be used to conduct a thorough examination and obtain detailed information about the type and stage of the disease. Within the scope of the study, the dataset was examined, and this dataset consisted of brain images with tumors and brain images of normal patients. Numerous studies on medical images were conducted and obtained with high accuracy within the hybrid model algorithms. The dataset's images were enhanced using three distinct local binary patterns (LBP) algorithms in the developed model within the scope of the study: the LBP, step-LBP (nLBP), and angle-LBP (αLBP) algorithms. In the second stage, classification algorithms were used to evaluate the results from the LBP, nLBP and αLBP algorithms. Among the 11 classification algorithms used, four different classification algorithms were chosen as a consequence of the experimental process since they produced the best results. The classification algorithms with the best outcomes are random forest (RF), optimized forest (OF), rotation forest (RF), and instance-based learner (IBk) algorithms, respectively. With the developed model, an extremely high success rate of 99.12% was achieved within the IBk algorithm. Consequently, the clinical service can use the developed method to diagnose tumor-based medical images.
Prostate cancer grading framework based on deep transfer learning and Aquila optimizer
Authors: Balaha Hossam Magdy , Shaban Ahmed Osama , El-Gendy Eman M. , Saafan Mahmoud M.
Published: February 2024

Prostate cancer is the one of the most dominant cancer among males. It represents one of the leading cancer death causes worldwide. Due to the current evolution of artificial intelligence in medical imaging, deep learning has been successfully applied in diseases diagnosis. However, most of the recent studies in prostate cancer classification suffers from either low accuracy or lack of data. Therefore, the present work introduces a hybrid framework for early and accurate classification and segmentation of prostate cancer using deep learning. The proposed framework consists of two stages, namely classification stage and segmentation stage. In the classification stage, 8 pretrained convolutional neural networks were fine-tuned using Aquila optimizer and used to classify patients of prostate cancer from normal ones. If the patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer, segmenting the cancerous spot from the overall image using U-Net can help in accurate diagnosis, and here comes the importance of the segmentation stage. The proposed framework is trained on 3 different datasets in order to generalize the framework. The best reported classification accuracies of the proposed framework are 88.91% using MobileNet for the “ISUP Grade-wise Prostate Cancer” dataset and 100% using MobileNet and ResNet152 for the “Transverse Plane Prostate Dataset” dataset with precisions 89.22% and 100%, respectively. U-Net model gives an average segmentation accuracy and AUC of 98.46% and 0.9778, respectively, using the “PANDA: Resized Train Data (512 × 512)” dataset. The results give an indicator of the acceptable performance of the proposed framework.
Eco-friendly spark-generated CoxOy nanoparticle-modified graphite screen-printed sensing surfaces for the determination of H2O2 in energy drinks
Authors: Siampani Maria , Lazanas Alexandros Ch. , Spyrou Konstantinos , Prodromidis Mamas I.
Published: February 2024

The modification of graphite screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) is reported using an eco-friendly and extremely fast method based on the direct cobalt pin electrode-to-SPE spark discharge at ambient conditions. This approach does not utilize any liquids or chemical templates, does not produce any waste, and allows the in-situ generation of CoxOy nanoparticles onto the electrode surface and the development of efficient electrocatalytic sensing surfaces for the determination of H2O2. Co-spark SPEs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), revealing the formation of surface confined CoxOy nanoparticles and the diverse oxidation states of cobalt species. Co-spark SPEs were also characterized with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Redox transitions of the surface confined electrocatalysts are demonstrated by electrochemical polarization studies, showing the formation of different oxides (CoxOy), varying the XPS results. Amperometric measurements at 0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl revealed a linear relationship between the current response and the concentration of H2O2 over the range 1 − 102 μM, achieving a limit of detection (3σ/m) of 0.6 μM. The interference effect of various electroactive species was effectively addressed by employing dual measurements in the absence and presence of the enzyme catalase. The analytical utility of the method was evaluated in antioxidant rich real-world samples, such as energy drinks, demonstrating sufficient recovery.

Graphical Abstract
Dosimetry in cranial photobiomodulation therapy: effect of cranial thickness and bone density
Authors: Castaño-Castaño Sergio , Zorzo Candela , Martínez-Esteban Juan Á. , Arias Jorge L.
Published: February 2024

This research aims to examine the influence of human skull bone thickness and density on light penetration in PBM therapy across different wavelengths, focusing on how these bone characteristics affect the absorption of therapeutic light. Analyses explored the effect of skull bone density and thickness on light penetration in PBM, specifically using Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for efficacy prediction. Measurements of bone thickness and density were taken using precise tools. This approach emphasizes LLLT's significance in enhancing PBM outcomes by assessing how bone characteristics influence light penetration. The study revealed no significant correlation between skull bone density and thickness and light penetration capability in photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, challenging initial expectations. Wavelengths of 405 nm and 665 nm showed stronger correlations with bone density, suggesting a significant yet weak impact. Conversely, wavelengths of 532 nm, 785 nm, 810 nm, 830 nm, 980 nm, and 1064 nm showed low correlations, indicating minimal impact from bone density variations. However, data variability (R2 < 0.4) suggests that neither density nor thickness robustly predicts light power traversing the bone, indicating penetration capability might be more influenced by bone thickness at certain wavelengths. The study finds that the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy with bone isn't just based on bone density and thickness but involves a complex interplay of factors. These include the bone's chemical and mineral composition, light's wavelength and energy dose, treatment duration and frequency, and the precise location where light is applied on the skull.
3D Genome Reconstruction from Partially Phased Hi-C Data
Authors: Cifuentes Diego , Draisma Jan , Henriksson Oskar , Korchmaros Annachiara , Kubjas Kaie
Published: February 2024

The 3-dimensional (3D) structure of the genome is of significant importance for many cellular processes. In this paper, we study the problem of reconstructing the 3D structure of chromosomes from Hi-C data of diploid organisms, which poses additional challenges compared to the better-studied haploid setting. With the help of techniques from algebraic geometry, we prove that a small amount of phased data is sufficient to ensure finite identifiability, both for noiseless and noisy data. In the light of these results, we propose a new 3D reconstruction method based on semidefinite programming, paired with numerical algebraic geometry and local optimization. The performance of this method is tested on several simulated datasets under different noise levels and with different amounts of phased data. We also apply it to a real dataset from mouse X chromosomes, and we are then able to recover previously known structural features.
Political Business Cycles in Türkiye: A Chaotic Perspective
Authors: Sonustun Fulya Ozaksoy , Bildirici Melike
Published: February 2024

This paper has the goal of analyzing the chaotic structure of political business cycles in Türkiye for the period from 1986 March to 2020 January. To investigate the existence of uncertainty, the chaotic dynamics of the analyzed variables was examined using the Lyapunov exponent, Shannon entropy, and Hurst entropy. The Fourier VAR model was applied to determine the effects of unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and the minimum wage on voting behavior in Türkiye. The Granger Causality approach was also used to assess the direction of the causal relationship between macroeconomic factors and political party groups. Granger causality analysis findings of this paper reveal a bi-directional Granger causality link between the center-right party and economic growth, inflation, unemployment, and the minimum wage. Furthermore, there is also a uni-directional causality relation from inflation, unemployment, and economic growth to the center-left party and a bi-directional causality relation between the minimum wage and the center-left party. In this regard, one of the most remarkable evaluations of this paper is that the sensitivity findings of party groups to macroeconomic factors in Türkiye do not align with the core assumptions of the Partisan Theory concerning the right-left party division. Therefore, contrary to the related theory, the analysis results indicate that it is not eligible to make a sharp and distinct distinction between right-wing and left-wing parties in Türkiye. Additionally, Lyapunov exponent, Shannon entropy, and Hurst entropy findings point to the existence of chaotic structure and uncertainty in political cyclical fluctuations in Türkiye. Accordingly, it is figured out that the existence of chaotic structure and uncertainty in party groups and analyzed variables allows only short-term and not long-term forecasting.
Improving glacio-hydrological model calibration and model performance in cold regions using satellite snow cover data
Authors: Mohammadi Babak , Gao Hongkai , Pilesjö Petter , Duan Zheng
Published: February 2024

Hydrological modeling realism is a central research question in hydrological studies. However, it is still a common practice to calibrate hydrological models using streamflow as a single hydrological variable, which can lead to large parameter uncertainty in hydrological simulations. To address this issue, this study employed a multi-variable calibration framework to reduce parameter uncertainty in a glacierized catchment. The current study employed multi-variable calibration using three different calibration schemes to calibrate a glacio-hydrological model (namely the FLEXG) in northern Sweden. The schemes included using only gauged streamflow data (scheme 1), using satellite snow cover area (SCA) derived from MODIS data (scheme 2), and using both gauged streamflow data and satellite SCA data as references for calibration (scheme 3) of the FLEXG model. This study integrated the objective functions of satellite-derived SCA and gauged streamflow into one criterion for the FLEXG model calibration using a weight-based approach. Our results showed that calibrating the FLEXG model based on solely satellite SCA data (from MODIS) produced an accurate simulation of SCA but poor simulation of streamflow. In contrast, calibrating the FLEXG model based on the measured streamflow data resulted in minimum error for streamflow simulation but high error for SCA simulation. The promising results were achieved for glacio-hydrological simulation with acceptable accuracy for simulation of both streamflow and SCA, when both streamflow and SCA data were used for calibration of FLEXG. Therefore, multi-variable calibration in a glacierized basin could provide more realistic hydrological modeling in terms of multiple glacio-hydrological variables.
Calibration and evaluation of the FAO AquaCrop model for canola (Brassica napus) under full and deficit irrigation in a semi-arid region
Authors: Khorsand Afshin , Dehghanisanij Hossein , Heris Abolfazl Majnooni , Asgarzadeh Hossein , Rezaverdinejad Vahid
Published: February 2024

Field experiments were conducted in the cropping years 2012 and 2013 with four irrigation treatments, I1, I2, I3, and I4, respectively, corresponding to full irrigation, 20, 35, and 50% less than the crop water requirement in a semi-arid region of Iran. Data were used for calibration (2012) and validation (2013) of biomass (B), grain yield (GY), soil water content (SWC), canopy cover (CC), and evapotranspiration (ET) of canola by the AquaCrop model. Model coefficients were calibrated for I1 treatment in 2012, and the calibrated parameters were used for other treatments in both years. Based on the results, the NRMSE value for SWC ranged from 10 to 20%. Simulated and measured SWC for the four water treatments showed that AquaCrop has good accuracy. Overall, the results of the model in simulating SWC for both years were satisfactory. AquaCrop provided overestimation in the calibration phase of ET and underestimation in the ET validation phase. The results also showed that AquaCrop is overestimated in the simulation and prediction of CC and is less satisfactory under water stress. The model evaluation showed that AquaCrop can simulate B and GY with high accuracy. In general, AquaCrop was identified as a good tool for studying irrigation management, crop B and GY, CC, SWC, and other factors affecting the canola growth in the studied fields and climate.
Targeting glutamine metabolism exhibits anti-tumor effects in thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang G.-Q. , Xi C. , Ju N.-T. , Shen C.-T. , Qiu Z.-L. , Song H.-J. , Luo Q.-Y.
Published: February 2024

Background

Effective treatment for patients with advanced thyroid cancer is lacking. Metabolism reprogramming is required for cancer to undergo oncogenic transformation and rapid tumorigenic growth. Glutamine is frequently used by cancer cells for active bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs. This study aims to investigate whether targeting glutamine metabolism is a promising therapeutic strategy for thyroid cancer.

Methods

The expression of glutaminase (GLS) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in thyroid cancer tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and glutamine metabolism-related genes were assessed using real time-qPCR and western blotting. The effects of glutamine metabolism inhibitor 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON) on thyroid cancer cells were determined by CCK-8, clone formation assay, Edu incorporation assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay. The mechanistic study was performed by real time-qPCR, western blotting, Seahorse assay, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometer assay. The effect of DON prodrug (JHU-083) on thyroid cancer in vivo was assessed using xenograft tumor models in BALB/c nude mice.

Results

GLS and GDH were over-expressed in thyroid cancer tissues, and GLS expression was positively associated with lymph-node metastasis and TNM stage. The growth of thyroid cancer cells was significantly inhibited when cultured in glutamine-free medium. Targeting glutamine metabolism with DON inhibited the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells. DON treatment did not promote apoptosis, but increased the proportion of cells in the S phase, accompanied by the decreased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and cyclin A. DON treatment also significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cells by reducing the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Non-essential amino acids, including proline, alanine, aspartate, asparagine, and glycine, were reduced in thyroid cancer cells treated with DON, which could explain the decrease of proteins involved in migration, invasion, and cell cycle. The efficacy and safety of DON prodrug (JHU-083) for thyroid cancer treatment were verified in a mouse model. In addition to suppressing the proliferation and metastasis potential of thyroid cancer in vivo, enhanced innate immune response was also observed in JHU-083-treated xenograft tumors as a result of decreased expression of cluster of differentiation 47 and programmed cell death ligand 1.

Conclusions

Thyroid cancer exhibited enhanced glutamine metabolism, as evidenced by the glutamine dependence of thyroid cancer cells and high expression of multiple glutamine metabolism-related genes. Targeting glutamine metabolism with DON prodrug could be a promising therapeutic option for advanced thyroid cancer.
Weakly Polarized Organic Cation-Modified Hydrated Vanadium Oxides for High-Energy Efficiency Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Jia Xiaoxiao , Liu Chaofeng , Wang Zhi , Huang Di , Cao Guozhong
Published: February 2024

Vanadium oxides, particularly hydrated forms like V2O5·nH2O (VOH), stand out as promising cathode candidates for aqueous zinc ion batteries due to their adjustable layered structure, unique electronic characteristics, and high theoretical capacities. However, challenges such as vanadium dissolution, sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, and low operating voltage still hinder their direct application. In this study, we present a novel vanadium oxide ([C6H6N(CH3)3]1.08V8O20·0.06H2O, TMPA-VOH), developed by pre-inserting trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA+) cations into VOH. The incorporation of weakly polarized organic cations capitalizes on both ionic pre-intercalation and molecular pre-intercalation effects, resulting in a phase and morphology transition, an expansion of the interlayer distance, extrusion of weakly bonded interlayer water, and a substantial increase in V4+ content. These modifications synergistically reduce the electrostatic interactions between Zn2+ and the V–O lattice, enhancing structural stability and reaction kinetics during cycling. As a result, TMPA-VOH achieves an elevated open circuit voltage and operation voltage, exhibits a large specific capacity (451 mAh g–1 at 0.1 A g–1) coupled with high energy efficiency (89%), the significantly-reduced battery polarization, and outstanding rate capability and cycling stability. The concept introduced in this study holds great promise for the development of high-performance oxide-based energy storage materials.
In-vitro bactericidal and anti-oxidant efficacy of biosynthesized CuO/Cu2O-NiO nanocomposites against the pathogenic bacteria and DPPH free radical
Authors: Kumar Kuldeep , Kumar Ravi , Jasrotia Rohit , Kalia Susheel , Arya Vedpriya , Kumar Ashwani , Khargotra Rohit , Singh Tej , Thakur Naveen
Published: February 2024

The biosynthesis of CuO/Cu2O-NiO nanocomposites with ratios of 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 was conducted using Ipomoea carnea leaf extract. This study investigates, for the first time, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of these nanocomposites against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. The antibacterial effect of 90:10 nanocomposites (NCs A1) was found to be enhanced compared to 80:20 (NCs B1) and 70:30 (NCs C1) due to particle aggregation, significant reactive oxygen species production, uniform quantum size, and ideal crystalline size. However, 70:30 nanocomposites (NCs C1) exhibited high radical scavenging activity (96.40%), surpassing ascorbic acid (98.63%). The current study revealed that Ipomoea carnea plant extract-based 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 CuO/Cu2O-NiO NCs work as a new substitute for the currently utilized antibacterial agents, which are answerable for the multi-drug resistance in common bacteria for living beings and also used for biological importance as antibacterial agents in food packaging industries.
Preparation of monophasic YAG raw material by multi-stage process
Authors: Tinkova Vira , Kajan Juraj , Damazyan Grigori , Prnová Anna , Michálková Monika , Švančárek Peter , Gregor Tomáš , Hruška Branislav , Galusek Dušan
Published: February 2024

The paper deals with the study of the features of the process of YAG phase formation via the Solid-State Reaction (SSR) method according to the proposed multi-stage scheme, including three stages of various mechanical and thermal processing (pre-milling in a ball mill for 24, 48 and 72 h, as well as firing at 1150 °C, 1250 °C, and 1450 °C with intermediate grinding step). The commercial micrometer-sized Y2O3 and Al2O3 powders were used as starting materials. The phase transformation was monitored by the X-ray diffraction in each synthesis stage. The microstructure and elemental distribution of samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. During the work, we found the dual effects of partially reacted mixture grinding, which can accelerate or slow down the synthesis rate depending on the YAG content in the preceding stage. We have proposed a simple model including the concept of “critical YAG concentration”. When the lower limit of this parameter (over 60 %) is reached, grinding has a negative effect on the further course of the SSR.  Carrying out the synthesis according to a three-stage scheme makes it possible to obtain a product with a YAG content above 90 %, regardless of the pre-milling time, and the use of a two-stage synthesis scheme provides a monophasic raw material (99 % of YAG) suitable for further single crystals growth. The increased efficiency of the multi-stage YAG synthesis scheme was demonstrated in comparison with the conventional one-stage obtaining process that yielded only up to 60% of the target phase in the temperature range up to 1500 °C.
Bioinspired synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles and assessment of their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Acharya Rajeev , Tettey Felix , Gupta Aakash , Sharma Khaga Raj , Parajuli Niranjan , Bhattarai Narayan
Published: February 2024

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are versatile and promising, with diverse applications in environmental remediation, nanomedicine, cancer treatment, and drug delivery. In this study, ZnO NPs were synthesized utilizing extracts derived from Acacia catechu, Artemisia vulgaris, and Cynodon dactylon. The synthesized ZnO NPs showed an Ultraviolet–visible spectrum at 370 nm, and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the hexagonal wurtzite framework with the average crystallite size of 15.07 nm, 16.98 nm, and 18.97 nm for nanoparticles synthesized utilizing A. catechu, A. vulgaris, and C. dactylon respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated spherical surface morphology with average diameters of 18.5 nm, 17.82 nm, and 17.83 nm for ZnO NPs prepared from A. catechu, A. vulgaris, and C. dactylon, respectively. Furthermore, ZnO NPs tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Kocuria rhizophila, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Shigella sonnei demonstrated a zone of inhibition of 8 to 14 mm. The cell viability and cytotoxicity effects of ZnO NPs were studied on NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells treated with different concentrations (5 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 50 μg/mL). The results showed biocompatibility of all samples, except with higher doses causing cell death. In conclusion, the ZnO NPs synthesized through plant-mediated technique showed promise for potential utilization in various biomedical applications in the future.
Endoscopic Assisted Percutaneous Fixation of Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Avulsion Fracture, Surgical Technique
Authors: Aprato Alessandro , Donis Andrea , Reboli Michele , Vittori Jacopo , Secco Davide Carlo , Massè Alessandro
Published: February 2024

Avulsion fractures of the anterior inferior iliac spine rarely occur in adolescent athletes during rectus femoris contractions or eccentric muscle lengthening while the growth plate is still open. Currently, there are no official guidelines in the literature on the treatment indications of this type of fracture or the type of surgical technique to be used. Nowadays, young and athletic patients desire a quick return to their previous activities, which makes surgical treatment a reasonable choice. Open reduction and internal fixation with an anterior approach are usually recommended when the avulsion fragment has more than 1.5–2 cm displacement on plain radiographs. However, ORIF is associated with a higher risk of heterotopic ossifications and increases the risk of damage to the LFCN. An endoscopic technique was designed to reduce these complications. This technical note describes a procedure of percutaneous fixation to AIIS through 3 endoscopic portals that could potentially minimize complications associated with an open surgical dissection, allowing anatomic reduction under direct visualization.
Balancing cleaner energy and geopolitical interests in the complex transition of the European electricity mix: from Fukushima to the Ukraine war
Authors: Cataldi Marcio , Espinosa Nieves , Jerez Sonia , Montávez Juan Pedro , Da Silveira Larissa Haringer Martins , Dupont Jairton , Teixeira Marcos Alexandre
Published: February 2024

In the modern world, electric energy plays a pivotal role in sustaining life and driving technological, scientific, and human development. Consequently, the selection and availability of the energy sources used for electricity generation have become crucial elements of strategic planning for countries and economic blocks. Moreover, the impact of these choices extends beyond the mere energy demand/supply, affecting economies, societies and the environment across geographical boundaries. This study delves into the various factors influencing the composition and the recent expansion of the European electricity mix. It explores the interplay of environmental, climatic, political, economic, and external factors that shape Europe’s energy choices. To conduct this analysis, we utilized data from the International Energy Agency on electricity generation and GHG emissions. Data mining techniques were employed to uncover patterns and trends in the monthly data from 2010 to 2022, from which political and economic milestones such as the shutdown of nuclear power plants and the European Union’s increased reliance on natural gas imports from Russia were examined. The study also discusses the impact of using natural gas for power generation on increasing GHG emissions. Ultimately, this research reveals that the European Union choices in transitioning towards a cleaner electricity mix have not yet proven efficient. In fact, these choices may have inadvertently created favorable conditions for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, triggering, not only a humanitarian crisis, but also an economic downturn in Europe due to soaring energy prices. This crisis could potentially extend beyond Europe and impact the whole planet in 2023 and on, including developing countries that rely on stable energy prices for their sustainable growth.
Particle-in-Cell simulation of radio-frequency ion thruster RIT-1.0
Authors: Joshi Ninad , Heiliger Christian
Published: February 2024

Ion propulsion systems with a small thrust can be used in space missions for highly accurate controllability while possessing low power and propellant consumption. At the University of Giessen, radio-frequency ion thrusters are miniaturized with thrusts in the order of micro-Newtons ($$\mu$$
μ
N-RIT). As the size of the thruster becomes smaller the plasma properties can not be measured inside a closed plasma chamber. The simulations are needed to investigate plasma properties like temperature, density profile which would aid further opimization. In this work, we discuss kinetic simulations of plasma inside the RIT-1.0 thruster using in-house developed PlasmaPIC code that incorporates Monte-Carlo collisions (MCC) and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) for neutral gas distribution. We briefly present the features of PlasmaPIC and simulation of stable plasma generation. We also show the influence of neutral gas and extraction properties for the RIT-1.0 thruster under consideration.
Populism on the verge of power: the goal-oriented mainstreaming of the French rassemblement national
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Tang Yuxin
Published: February 2024

This article examines the goal-oriented mainstreaming strategy adopted by populist-radical-right (PRR) parties on the verge of power. With the argument that depending on the party’s evolving political status and goal-pursuing strategy, PRR parties’ practices of mainstreaming may take different forms, the research aims to elucidate the dynamic interplay between party goals and mainstreaming strategy. By conducting a comparative content analysis of the French PRR party - Rassemblement National (RN), the article illustrates how the mainstreaming has been performed when the RN tries to juggle with its mixed goals of vote, policy and office. Findings show that RN’s strategic focus is to project an image that is both ideologically coherent and governing capable. The underlying logic is that RN’s political status allows more commitment to office-seeking, but also requires a consistent vote-prioritising strategy.
Sticky brown sludge everywhere: can sludge explain barriers to green behaviour?
Authors: Shreedhar Ganga , Moran Cahal , Mills Stuart
Published: February 2024

Behavioural science has sought to promote pro-environmental behaviours including climate-friendly dietary change, and to reduce travel emissions and excessive wastes. Nevertheless, there is a debate about how effective behavioural interventions are, and in turn, about the real barriers to enduring pro-environmental behaviour change. In this context, we conceptualise brown sludge as multi-level impediment to pro-environmental behaviour change, which results in higher environmental costs shared by the broader society, rather than solely by the individual actor. We propose that brown sludge comprises an array of additional transaction costs, encompassing, but not restricted to, psychological, temporal, and uncertainty costs. Brown sludge can occur at the individual, social, institutional, and societal levels. Examples include confusing eco-information, delay and disinformation campaigns, and complicated systems and infrastructure leading to carbon lock-in.
Cannabinoid Use and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Veitch Matthew R. , Jairam Sean , Gurges Patrick , Cohen Elliott , Kendzerska Tetyana , Murray Brian J. , Boulos Mark I.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder with no widely accepted pharmacological therapy. Cannabinoids have been suggested to reduce OSA severity in small human studies. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to explore the association of self-reported cannabis use on OSA severity and sleep parameters in a large cohort of adults undergoing in-laboratory polysomnography.

Methods:

Sleep and medication data were collected for all consecutive adults who completed diagnostic polysomnography at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre from 2010 to 2022. Multivariable linear regression models were employed that adjusted for age, sex, and BMI (minimally adjusted model), as well as medication and comorbidity data (maximally adjusted model). An exploratory subgroup analysis was additionally run in patients with moderate to severe OSA.

Results:

Of 6,958 individuals (mean age 54.7 ± 16.3, BMI 29.1 ± 6.8, 51.0% female), 71 reported cannabis use. In our minimally adjusted models, cannabis use predicted a reduced respiratory disturbance index (RDI) (β: −4.8 [95% CI: −9.4, −0.2]; p = 0.042); this association became nonsignificant in the fully adjusted models. In an exploratory analysis of patients with moderate to severe OSA (n = 613), cannabis use (n = 7) predicted increased stage N3 sleep (β: 33.5 [95% CI: 15.6, 51.4]; p < 0.001) and decreased REM sleep (β: 16.0 [95% CI: 0.3, 31.7]; p = 0.046).

Conclusion:

Self-reported cannabis use was not associated with OSA severity after adjusting for confounders. In an exploratory subgroup analysis of patients with moderate to severe OSA, cannabis use impacted sleep architecture. Future studies should further explore these findings.
Pralidoxime Is No Longer Fit for Purpose as an Antidote to Organophosphate Poisoning in the United Kingdom
Authors: Corby George
Published: February 2024

Pralidoxime is the only oxime antidote to organophosphate poisoning stocked in the United Kingdom, produced by rational drug design in the 1950s. Typically, it is used alongside atropine, to reverse the effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. However, its efficacy has been questioned by recent meta-analyses of use treating attempted suicides in less economically developed countries, where organophosphate poisoning is more common. This policy analysis assesses the likely efficacy of pralidoxime in the United Kingdom, in scenarios largely different from those evaluated in meta-analyses. In all scenarios, the UK delay in antidote administration poses a major problem, as pralidoxime acts in a time-critical reactivation mechanism before “ageing” of acetylcholinesterase occurs. Additionally, changes in the organophosphates used today versus those pralidoxime was rationally designed to reverse, have reduced efficacy since the 1950s. Finally, the current dosage regimen may be insufficient. Therefore, one must re-evaluate our preparedness and approach to organophosphate poisoning in the United Kingdom.
Malian Women in Public History and Public Memory
Authors: Golaszewski Devon
Published: February 2024

Bamako, March 1991. 100,000 protesters took to the street challenging Mali's military regime. Both men and women participated in six months of protests, their actions shaped by class, gender, and generation. The press, in its reporting, produced a specific, gendered, image of protest, involving young men protesters and their exceptional mères indociles (rebellious mothers) motivated to protest by the risk of bodily harm to their children.1
A classification system for seed (diaspore) monomorphism and heteromorphism in angiosperms
Authors: Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C.
Published: February 2024

‘Seed heteromorphism’ is a broadly- and loosely-defined term used to describe differences in size/mass, morphology, position on mother plants and ecological function (e.g. dispersal, dormancy/germination) of two or more seeds or other diaspores produced by an individual plant. The primary aim of this review paper was to characterize via an in-depth classification scheme the physical structural design (‘architecture’) of diaspore monomorphism and diaspore heteromorphism in angiosperms. The diaspore classification schemes of Mandák and Barker were expanded/modified, and in doing so some of the terminology that Zohary, Ellner and Shmida, and van der Pijl used for describing diaspore dispersal were incorporated into our system. Based on their (relative) size, morphology and position on the mother plant, diaspores of angiosperms were divided into two divisions and each of these into several successively lower hierarchical layers. Thus, our classification scheme, an earlier version of which was published in the second edition of ‘Seeds’ by Baskin and Baskin, includes not only heteromorphic but also monomorphic diaspores, the Division to which the diaspores of the vast majority of angiosperms belong. The scheme will be useful in describing the ecology, biogeography and evolution of seed heteromorphism in flowering plants.
LAPTM4B-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma stem cell proliferation and MDSC migration: implications for HCC progression and sensitivity to PD-L1 monoclonal antibody therapy
Authors: Wang Haojun , Zhou Quanwei , Xie Ding Fang , Xu Qingguo , Yang Tongwang , Wang Wei
Published: February 2024

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), immunotherapy is vital for advanced-stage patients. However, diverse individual responses and tumor heterogeneity have resulted in heterogenous treatment outcomes. Our mechanistic investigations identified LAPTM4B as a crucial gene regulated by ETV1 (a transcription factor), especially in liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). The influence of LAPTM4B on LCSCs is mediated via the Wnt1/c-Myc/β-catenin pathway. CXCL8 secretion by LAPTM4B drove myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) migration, inducing unfavorable patient prognosis. LAPTM4B affected PD-L1 receptor expression in tumor microenvironment and enhanced tumor suppression induced by PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in HCC patients. LAPTM4B up-regulation is correlated with adverse outcomes in HCC patients, sensitizing them to PD-L1 monoclonal antibody therapy.
Anthropogenic aerosols mask increases in US rainfall by greenhouse gases
Authors: Risser Mark D. , Collins William D. , Wehner Michael F. , O’Brien Travis A. , Huang Huanping , Ullrich Paul A.
Published: February 2024

A comprehensive understanding of human-induced changes to rainfall is essential for water resource management and infrastructure design. However, at regional scales, existing detection and attribution studies are rarely able to conclusively identify human influence on precipitation. Here we show that anthropogenic aerosol and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the primary drivers of precipitation change over the United States. GHG emissions increase mean and extreme precipitation from rain gauge measurements across all seasons, while the decadal-scale effect of global aerosol emissions decreases precipitation. Local aerosol emissions further offset GHG increases in the winter and spring but enhance rainfall during the summer and fall. Our results show that the conflicting literature on historical precipitation trends can be explained by offsetting aerosol and greenhouse gas signals. At the scale of the United States, individual climate models reproduce observed changes but cannot confidently determine whether a given anthropogenic agent has increased or decreased rainfall.
Nonlinear spin-orbit coupling in optical thin films
Authors: de Ceglia Domenico , Coudrat Laure , Roland Iännis , Vincenti Maria Antonietta , Scalora Michael , Tanos Rana , Claudon Julien , Gérard Jean-Michel , Degiron Aloyse , Leo Giuseppe , De Angelis Costantino
Published: February 2024

Tunable generation of vortex beams holds relevance in various fields, including communications and sensing. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of nonlinear spin-orbit interactions in thin films of materials with second-order nonlinear susceptibility. Remarkably, the nonlinear tensor can mix the longitudinal and transverse components of the pump field. We observe experimentally our theoretical predictions in the process of second-harmonic generation from a thin film of aluminum gallium arsenide, a material platform widely spread for its role in the advancement of active, nonlinear, and quantum photonic devices. In particular, we prove that a nonlinear thin film can be used to produce vector vortex beams of second-harmonic light when excited by circularly-polarized Gaussian beams.
Specification of neural circuit architecture shaped by context-dependent patterned LAR-RPTP microexons
Authors: Han Kyung Ah , Yoon Taek-Han , Kim Jinhu , Lee Jusung , Lee Ju Yeon , Jang Gyubin , Um Ji Won , Kim Jong Kyoung , Ko Jaewon
Published: February 2024

LAR-RPTPs are evolutionarily conserved presynaptic cell-adhesion molecules that orchestrate multifarious synaptic adhesion pathways. Extensive alternative splicing of LAR-RPTP mRNAs may produce innumerable LAR-RPTP isoforms that act as regulatory “codes” for determining the identity and strength of specific synapse signaling. However, no direct evidence for this hypothesis exists. Here, using targeted RNA sequencing, we detected LAR-RPTP mRNAs in diverse cell types across adult male mouse brain areas. We found pronounced cell-type–specific patterns of two microexons, meA and meB, in Ptprd mRNAs. Moreover, diverse neural circuits targeting the same neuronal populations were dictated by the expression of different Ptprd variants with distinct inclusion patterns of microexons. Furthermore, conditional ablation of Ptprd meA+ variants at presynaptic loci of distinct hippocampal circuits impaired distinct modes of synaptic transmission and object-location memory. Activity-triggered alterations of the presynaptic Ptprd meA code in subicular neurons mediates NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses in CA1 neurons and object-location memory. Our data provide the evidence of cell-type- and/or circuit-specific expression patterns in vivo and physiological functions of LAR-RPTP microexons that are dynamically regulated.
Cbp1 and Cren7 form chromatin-like structures that ensure efficient transcription of long CRISPR arrays
Authors: Blombach Fabian , Sýkora Michal , Case Jo , Feng Xu , Baquero Diana P. , Fouqueau Thomas , Phung Duy Khanh , Barker Declan , Krupovic Mart , She Qunxin , Werner Finn
Published: February 2024

CRISPR arrays form the physical memory of CRISPR adaptive immune systems by incorporating foreign DNA as spacers that are often AT-rich and derived from viruses. As promoter elements such as the TATA-box are AT-rich, CRISPR arrays are prone to harbouring cryptic promoters. Sulfolobales harbour extremely long CRISPR arrays spanning several kilobases, a feature that is accompanied by the CRISPR-specific transcription factor Cbp1. Aberrant Cbp1 expression modulates CRISPR array transcription, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation are unknown. Here, we characterise the genome-wide Cbp1 binding at nucleotide resolution and characterise the binding motifs on distinct CRISPR arrays, as well as on unexpected non-canonical binding sites associated with transposons. Cbp1 recruits Cren7 forming together ‘chimeric’ chromatin-like structures at CRISPR arrays. We dissect Cbp1 function in vitro and in vivo and show that the third helix-turn-helix domain is responsible for Cren7 recruitment, and that Cbp1-Cren7 chromatinization plays a dual role in the transcription of CRISPR arrays. It suppresses spurious transcription from cryptic promoters within CRISPR arrays but enhances CRISPR RNA transcription directed from their cognate promoters in their leader region. Our results show that Cbp1-Cren7 chromatinization drives the productive expression of long CRISPR arrays.
Noncanonical function of folate through folate receptor 1 during neural tube formation
Authors: Balashova Olga A. , Panoutsopoulos Alexios A. , Visina Olesya , Selhub Jacob , Knoepfler Paul S. , Borodinsky Laura N.
Published: February 2024

Folate supplementation reduces the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs), birth defects consisting in the failure of the neural tube to form and close. The mechanisms underlying NTDs and their prevention by folate remain unclear. Here we show that folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) is necessary for the formation of neural tube-like structures in human-cell derived neural organoids. FOLR1 knockdown in neural organoids and inXenopus laevisembryos leads to NTDs that are rescued by pteroate, a folate precursor that is unable to participate in metabolism. We demonstrate that FOLR1 interacts with and opposes the function of CD2-associated protein, molecule essential for apical endocytosis and turnover of C-cadherin in neural plate cells. In addition, folates increase Ca2+transient frequency, suggesting that folate and FOLR1 signal intracellularly to regulate neural plate folding. This study identifies a mechanism of action of folate distinct from its vitamin function during neural tube formation.