bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avatares de la nueva narrativa en cómic: el impostor como (super) héroe en Spiderman Superior y El Infame Iron Man
Authors: Sanchez Lopez Pablo
Published: January 2025

El villano como héroe se ha convertido en un tropo narrativo muy repetido en las historias protagonizadas por superhéroes independientemente del medio en el que estas se creen, llegando a desarrollar una variante propia del arquetipo del antihéroe. Sin embargo, es mucho más infrecuente que el villano adopte el manto o el propio cuerpo del héroe haciéndose pasar por él, más allá de ser utilizado como truco temporal de corta duración. En la segunda década del siglo XXI, la editorial Marvel Comics publicó dos cabeceras que llevaban la idea del impostor como héroe a una nueva dimensión. En el Superior Spiderman y El Invencible Iron Man, dos conocidos villanos asumían el nombre, imagen y poderes del héroe, desafiando las convenciones de lo que el público entendía por antihéroe y forzando una lectura innovadora acerca de la forma en la que el original y el impostor confluyen en un mismo personaje. En este artículo, haremos uso de una metodología cualitativa narrativa para poner el foco en las características particulares de estos avatares de heroicidad ambigua y en cómo la personalidad del individuo se convierte, en ocasiones literalmente, en campo de batalla entre héroes y villanos. Mostraremos, por último, cómo el éxito o fracaso de estos avatares dependerá en gran medida de si son percibidos o no por la opinión pública como verdaderos héroes, siendo la confianza el elemento clave a la hora de determinar si su transformación les ha convertido o no en personajes distintos
Indeks ekologi, produksi oksigen dan estimasi nilai jasa lingkungan serapan karbon pakan lebah Trigona sp.
Authors: Muthmainnah Muthmainnah , Abdullah Andi Azis , Sribianti Irma , Nirwana Nirwana , Ridha Armin
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui indeks ekologi, potensi oksigen dan nilai manfaat ekonomi jasa lingkungan produksi oksigen untuk pakan lebah madu Trigona sp. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Desa Tritiro Kecamatan Bontotiro Kabupaten Bulukumba pada bulan Mei sampai dengan Desember 2021. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode survei dengan penentuan petak contoh secara Purposive Sampling dengan jumlah 11 petak contoh. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif, analisis vegetasi, indeks keanekaragaman jenis (H'), indeks kemerataan jenis (E), indeks dominasi, produksi oksigen dan nilai penyerapan karbon jasa lingkungan. INP pada tingkat pohon, tiang, pancang, semak belukar dengan nilai masing-masing 300, 300, 300 dan 199,37. Produksi oksigen untuk pohon, tiang, semai dan pancang masing-masing sebesar 4,18 ton/tahun, 1,53 ton/tahun, dan 0,36 ton/tahun. Produksi O2 sebesar 6,07 ton/tahun. Nilai jasa lingkungan penyerapan karbon dioksida di lokasi penelitian untuk tingkat pertumbuhan pohon adalah Rp. 440.662/ton/tahun, tingkat tumpukan Rp. 140.210/ton/tahun dan tingkat pancang sebesar Rp. 33.383/ton/tahun. Nilai jasa lingkungan penyerapan karbon dioksida sebesar Rp. 614.255/ton/tahun.
Evolution and Implementation of Continuous Testing in Enterprise Software Engineering
Authors: Srikanth Kunchaparthy
Published: January 2025

Continuous testing has emerged as a critical component in modern enterprise software development, yet organizations face significant challenges in implementing and scaling these practices effectively. This article presents a comprehensive framework for integrating continuous testing within enterprise-scale software development pipelines, addressing the unique challenges of complex, distributed systems. Through this article of real-world implementations and industry best practices, this article outlines a structured approach that encompasses tool selection, infrastructure requirements, and implementation strategies specifically tailored for large-scale applications. The framework considers critical factors such as legacy system integration, regulatory compliance, and cross-team collaboration while providing concrete metrics for measuring success and return on investment. This article findings demonstrate that a well-structured continuous testing approach can reduce deployment cycles by 40% while improving overall software quality and team productivity. This article contributes to the growing body of knowledge on enterprise-scale testing automation and provides actionable insights for organizations transitioning to continuous testing practices.
Dynamic Scaling of AI-Driven Data Platforms: Resource Management for Generative AI Workloads
Authors: Mouna Reddy Mekala
Published: January 2025

This article comprehensively analyzes dynamic scaling mechanisms for AI-driven data platforms, focusing on resource management challenges in generative AI workloads. The article examines the limitations of traditional scaling approaches and proposes a novel algorithm that combines predictive and reactive elements for optimal resource allocation. This article demonstrates significant improvements in resource utilization, cost efficiency, and system performance through an extensive evaluation across multiple cloud platforms, including Databricks and Amazon EMR. The article provides detailed platform-specific optimization strategies and implementation guidelines, offering organizations a robust framework for deploying and managing AI workloads in cloud environments.
Revolutionizing Oncology: Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Soumitra Mandal
Published: January 2025

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as a transformative tool in oncology, offering unprecedented opportunities for early cancer diagnosis and effective treatment. These nanoparticles exhibit unique physicochemical properties, including superparamagnetism, biocompatibility, and a large surface area-to-volume ratio. These properties make them particularly suitable for applications such as high-resolution imaging, targeted drug delivery, and hyperthermia therapy. Additionally, their ability to be functionalized with various biomolecules enables precision targeting of cancerous tissues, further enhancing their efficacy. This article delves into the cutting-edge advancements in the utilization of IONPs, examines their multifunctional roles in oncology, addresses the challenges in their clinical translation, and outlines future directions for research and application in this dynamic field.
LEITURA SUBJETIVA E ESCOLA
Authors: Nascimento Adriana Vicente do , Araújo Naelza Wanderley de
Published: January 2025

A leitura subjetiva continua a ser um tema instigante desde o colóquio “Sujeitos leitores e ensino de literatura” (França, 2004). Neste, vários autores problematizam a aproximação entre leitura e subjetividade, estabelecendo tensões entre os objetivos de ensino e a formação leitora, sobre as quais refletiremos neste estudo. Refletimos ainda como a escola pode se utilizar dos transbordamentos subjetivos no favorecimento da experiência estética, avançando para a instância interpretativa da obra literária. Utilizamo-nos de alguns termos da estética da recepção (Iser, Jauss 2002) para situar como estes agem na vivência subjetiva do texto e como podem favorecer o entendimento da relação entre subjetividade e identidade.
Apuntes conceptuales para la aproximación al estudio de la Violencia Obstétrica en Buenaventura
Authors: Alegria Ruiz Neider Gustavo
Published: January 2025

En este artículo me pregunto por cómo aproximarse al estudio de la Violencia Obstétrica (VO) en territorios del pacífico colombiano. Realizo un rastreo bibliográfico para reconstruir los caminos de la literatura internacional, nacional y de la región. Encuentro y analizo 32 artículos publicados entre 2012 y 2023 en las bases de datos académicas de SCOPUS, SciElo, Dialnet y el buscador Google Académico. Relaciono los aportes de esta bibliografía con dos categorías que orbitan en muchos de estos textos: (i) el dolor y su forma de expresión vía el testimonio de las víctimas, por medio de la bibliografía de Veena Das y (ii) una mirada territorial de la interseccionalidad por medio de estudios que relacionan la Salud Sexual y Reproductiva [SSR] en Buenaventura en los periodos de 2016-2020, así como con las discusiones sobre la ausencia/presencia diferenciada del Estado en el pacífico colombiano. Encuentro que el análisis del dolor que causa este tipo de violencia, si se piensa desde la interseccional (género-disparidades territoriales-raza) es fundamental para aproximarse a entender la ocurrencia de este fenómeno en la vida de las mujeres racializadas del país.
The Impact of Open Banking on Economic and Financial Crime
Authors: Kemp Michael
Published: January 2025

This paper attempts to answer the research question: How does Open Banking impact economic and financial crime? To answer this, panel data on crimes committed in the United Kingdom that span a ten-year period was collected. Using the definition of economic and financial crime most common in the existing literature, data were filtered to include only relevant crimes. Using the synthetic control method to analyze Open Banking as a policy effect, this paper finds evidence that Open Banking leads to increased levels of fraud and blackmail.
The Effect of Relationship Quality on Behavioral Intention Towards Brand; The Role of Moderating of Involvement in The Social Media Context
Authors: ALmarwani Majed Saad
Published: January 2025

The empirical research study aims to examine how relationship quality (RQ) affects behavioral intentions towards a brand and to investigate the moderating influence of brand involvement on purchase and recommendation intentions in emerging markets. The description of the quantitative research method was utilized, and data was collected from 357 undergraduate and postgraduate students at two universities in Saudi Arabia using survey questionnaires. The analysis of the data was conducted using structural equation modeling in SPSS AMOS. The study findings indicate that RQ has a positive impact on behavioral intentions towards the brand. Furthermore, the indirect effect of RQ on purchase intention and recommendation is moderated by brand involvement on social media. This study explores the influence of perceived relationship quality on purchasing and recommending intentions while considering the moderating role of brand involvement in shaping consumer behavior and willingness to recommend brands in the context of developing countries. Finally, the study's results have significant theoretical and managerial contributions.
The Relevance of Philosophy in Christianity: An Analysis of Philosophy's Contribution to Theological Understanding and Faith Practice
Authors: Mesalayuk Yasrin , Lawalata Mozes
Published: January 2025

The role of philosophy in Christianity has been a topic of intense discussion since the Patristic era. Philosophy is often viewed as ambiguous in its contributions to theological understanding and the practice of faith. This study aims to analyze the relevance of philosophy in Christianity, particularly as a support for theological reflection and the practical life of Christians. Using a qualitative approach, the research integrates an in-depth literature review of the works of major Christian philosophers such as Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Karl Rahner, while also exploring the interaction between philosophy and theology in a contemporary context. The findings reveal that philosophy plays a significant role in three main aspects: (1) providing a rational framework for understanding and communicating theological doctrines, (2) serving as a tool for critical thinking in addressing modern intellectual challenges to faith, and (3) acting as an ethical foundation supporting Christian life practices. These results also indicate that the integration of philosophy with theology enriches the experience of faith and opens constructive interdisciplinary dialogue. In conclusion, philosophy is not only relevant but also essential in strengthening the foundations of Christian theology while advancing a more reflective life of faith. This study makes a significant contribution to the development of interdisciplinary studies between philosophy and theology, offering new insights for church leaders, academics, and Christians in exploring faith rationally and holistically.
Selection of terminal Piétrain pigs improves vitality and prevalence of congenital defects in crossbred piglets
Authors: Gorssen Wim , Winters Carmen , Meyermans Roel , Chapard Léa , Hooyberghs Katrijn , De Kort Jaro , Van den Broeke Alice , Depuydt Jürgen , Janssens Steven , Buys Nadine
Published: January 2025

Reducing piglet mortality and congenital defects is vital in pig production, as these traits substantially impact piglet welfare and lead to significant production losses. Additionally, piglets born with congenital defects often demand extra attention and resources from pig farmers. Nowadays, most breeders have shifted towards a more balanced breeding within their maternal pig lines, with a focus on both reproductive capacity and survival traits. However, few studies have investigated the influence of paternal sire genetics on crossbred piglets’ vitality and congenital defects. In this study, we evaluated the impact of an ongoing Piétrain sire breeding program on these traits in crossbred piglets that started in 2019. This study was based on two unique datasets with litter records collected between 2016 and 2024 on four independent commercial sow farms. The first dataset was collected by the breeding organization and consisted of 12,010 crossbred litters (Piétrain sire, hybrid dam; two farms) scored on piglets’ vitality, number of piglets with porcine congenital splay leg syndrome and scrotal hernia, pre-weaning mortality and the number of piglets born death. A second dataset (5,380 crossbred litters; two farms) was collected by ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), using 426 Piétrain boars common to the first dataset of the breeding organization. Using a genetic sire-dam model, the studied traits were estimated to be lowly heritable (h2 = 5.2 to 15.6%). Moreover, vitality scores were genetically moderately correlated with preweaning mortality (rg=-0.59) and porcine congenital splay leg syndrome (rg=-0.52). Evolutions of phenotypic records and estimated breeding values since the start of the breeding program indicate a positive impact on piglet survival and prevalence of porcine congenital splay leg syndrome. The observed prevalence for porcine congenital splay leg syndrome roughly halved from ±1% in 2019 to ±0.5% in 2024, while for pre-weaning mortality, the observed prevalence dropped from ±17% in 2019 to ±14% in 2024. A joint analysis of the datasets showed a moderate to high genetic correlation (rg=0.52 to 0.84) for porcine congenital splay leg syndrome and pre-weaning mortality, indicating the translatability of estimated breeding values for terminal sires to new farms, specifically for these traits. In conclusion, these results show that paternal pig breeding programs can be effective in substantially improving piglets’ vitality while reducing porcine congenital splay leg syndrome and pre-weaning mortality. Due to the pressing societal demands for more animal welfare and the economic impact of these traits, we show other pig breeding companies the important role of paternal pig genetics towards improved piglet vitality and a reduction of congenital defects.
Stage-dependent changes in culture medium osmolality promote porcine oocyte maturation in vitro
Authors: Liu Lixiang , Tang Yu , Shao Jing , Fan Bingfeng , Yang Yifeng , Zhang Ying , Zhao Xiangyuan , Xue Hailong , Sun Huimin , Zhang Xulin , Zhang Yushi , Xu Baozeng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Early preimplantation embryos of mammals exhibit pronounced sensitivity to hyperosmotic conditions, which results in an embryonic developmental block. The reduction of medium osmolarity or the supplementation with organic osmolytes can eliminate this arrest. Therefore, cell volume homeostasis is essential for embryonic development in vitro. Oocytes become capable of independent volume regulation after detaching from the follicle microenvironment. Whether the efficiency and quality of oocyte maturation can be improved by optimizing cell volume regulation by adjusting the osmolality of the culture medium in the presence of the organic osmolyte of glycine remains to be determined.

Methods

The IVM of porcine oocytes was divided into two stages, i.e. the first 22 h as the first stage, and the last 22 h as the second stage. In the presence of 1 mM glycine, we adjusted the osmolality of the culture medium from low to high (290 mOsM for the first 22 h and 320 mOsM thereafter) by adding raffinose, which cannot be used by animal cells, in a culture stage-dependent manner.

Results

Stage-dependent adjustment of simplified medium PZM-3 osmolarity (290 mOsM for the first 22 h and 320 mOsM thereafter) in the presence of 1 mM glycine significantly improved the quality of porcine oocyte maturation in vitro, manifested by the oocyte maturation rate, functional mitochondrial distribution and activity, the transcript levels of glycolysis genes in granulosa cells, and subsequent embryonic developmental ability and ROS levels.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that optimizing cell volume regulation can further enhance the developmental potential of oocytes cultured in vitro.
Characterization of serum metabolome and respiratory microbiota in children with influenza A virus infection
Authors: Shi Xinyi , Hua Shenghao , Chen Zeyuan , Cao Weiyi , Xiao Mengqing , Pei Wenlong , Cao Zhe , Zhang Zhan , Yang Haibing , Shao Xuejun , Xia Yu
Published: January 2025

The risk of children being infected with Influenza A virus (IAV) is high, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to serious illness. Compared with control group, IAV infection decreased the contents of platelet, white blood cell, lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil, CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells, while increasing the number of red blood cell. Additionally, IAV infection increased serum concentrations of total protein, albumin and lipase, while decreasing the contents of calcium, triglyceride, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and gamma-glutamyltransferase. However, the interactions between the respiratory microbiome and metabolites and their impact on IAV in children remains unclear. Ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were employed to analysis the respiratory microbiome and serum metabolic characteristics of 85 patients with IAV infection and age-matched 55 controls with respiratory disease who tested negative for 13 types of respiratory pathogens. The serum metabolic profile of IAV patients was significantly changed, and the purine metabolism was destroyed. Purine metabolism was also enriched in H3N2 patients compared to H1N1, with increased xanthine, deoxyguanosine, and inosine. The respiratory microbiome structure in children with IAV, including H1N1 and H3N2, was significantly different from that of the control, with significantly increased Chao index. The Mantel test revealed the correlation and consistency in the trends of Haemophilus, Ureaplasma and Inosine. This study revealed the characteristics of the respiratory microbiome and serum metabolites in pediatric patients with IAV, providing a new direction for exploring the pathogenesis of IAV in children.
Characteristics and clinical significance of immune cells in omental milky spots of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Mano Yasunobu , Igarashi Yuka , Komori Keisuke , Hashimoto Itaru , Watanabe Hayato , Takahashi Kosuke , Kano Kazuki , Fujikawa Hirohito , Yamada Takanobu , Himuro Hidetomo , Kouro Taku , Wei Feifei , Tsuji Kayoko , Horaguchi Shun , Komahashi Mitsuru , Oshima Takashi , Sasada Tetsuro
Published: January 2025

The omentum is a common site of peritoneal metastasis in various cancers, including gastric cancer. It contains immune cell aggregates known as milky spots, which provide a microenvironment for peritoneal immunity by regulating innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we investigated gene expression profiles in cells from omental milky spots of patients with gastric cancer (n = 37) by RNA sequencing analysis and classified the patients into four groups (G1-4). Notably, significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of macroscopic type, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, and pathological stage (pStage). G3, which was enriched in genes related to acquired immunity, showed earlier tumor stages (macroscopic type 0, Ly0, V0, and pStage I) and a better prognosis. In contrast, G4 showed enrichment of genes related to neutrophils and innate immunity; G1 and G2 showed no enrichment of innate or adaptive immune-related genes, suggesting an immune desert microenvironment. Cytometric analysis revealed significantly more T and B cells and fewer neutrophils in G3. Accordingly, the immune microenvironment in omental milky spots may vary depending on the stage of gastric cancer progression. When univariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to search for prognostically relevant genes specific to G3, 23 potential prognostic genes were identified as common genes associated with relapse-free survival and overall survival. In addition, the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model using these prognostic genes and clinicopathological information showed that combining the B cell marker CD19 and Ly had a high predictive accuracy for prognosis. Based on this study’s results, it is possible that tumor progression, such as lymphatic and/or venous infiltration of tumor cells, may affect the immune cell composition and proportions in omental milky spots of patients with gastric cancer and analysis of gene expression in omental milky spots may help to predict gastric cancer prognosis.
Temporal dynamics of summer phytoplankton communities and their response to environmental changes in the northern Yellow Sea (2011-2020)
Authors: Wang Yibo , Liu Zhiliang , Qi Yanping , Chen Yang , Zhang Haibo , Liu Xihan , Su Du
Published: January 2025

Research on phytoplankton distribution and dynamics is crucial for understanding marine ecosystem functions and evaluating their status. The northern Yellow Sea (NYS), a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean, has experienced significant anthropogenic impacts since the late 20th century, resulting in an increased nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N/P) ratio and heightened phosphorus limitation. These changes are considered critical factors affecting the phytoplankton community structure in the NYS over recent decades. This study analyzed the temporal dynamics of environmental factors and phytoplankton community structure in the NYS during the summers from 2011 to 2020, aiming to elucidate recent changes in phytoplankton community structure and their driving forces. The results indicated a significant decrease in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration after 2011, resulting in a decreased N/P ratio, while phosphorus limitation persisted. Temperature, temperature gradient (reflecting stratification intensity) and salinity exhibited upward trends, whereas pH, nitrogen-to-silicon (N/Si) ratio, and chlorophyll-a concentration showed downward trends. The abundances of total phytoplankton, Bacillariophyta, and Dinoflagellata, as well as the Dia/Dino index, fluctuated annually and correlated with temperature, temperature gradient, and nutrient structure. Diversity indices remained stable throughout the study period. The Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass prominently influenced summer phytoplankton community structure, exhibiting lower phytoplankton abundance, Dia/Dino index, and species richness in the cold water mass region, where adaptable species such as Tripos muelleri and Paralia sulcata predominated. Our results emphasized the impact of environmental changes associated with climate change, including rising temperatures, increased salinity, and enhanced stratification, on the phytoplankton community structure in recent years, particularly concerning the dominant species composition and the Dia/Dino index. Therefore, ongoing attention to the effects of climate change on coastal environments and phytoplankton communities is essential.
Analysis of microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of FGH101 powder superalloy and IN718 deformed superalloy via inertia friction welding
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhang Yongqiang , Qin Feng , Zhang Xuelong , Wang Hao , Liu Ze , Zhang Wenhan , Huang Caiyan , Zhang Chunbo
Published: January 2025

Nickel-based superalloys are indispensable in aerospace engines due to their exceptional high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance, making them critical for joining processes such as inertia friction welding (IFW), which is favored for its efficiency and superior joint quality. In this study, IFW was used to join FGH101 powder superalloy with IN718 deformed superalloy, resulting in significant plastic deformation that formed symmetrical ear-shaped flash on the IN718 side and minor upsetting on the FGH101 side, with a wavy interface due to heat dissipation. Microhardness analysis revealed higher hardness at the weld interface, followed by a sharp decline near the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) on the IN718 side due to phase re-dissolution, while FGH101 showed quicker recovery. Post-weld aging treatments enhanced hardness and strength through γ′ and δ phase precipitation in FGH101 and γ″ phases in IN718. Room temperature tensile tests demonstrated impressive strength with failures occurring plastically within the IN718 base metal, whereas elevated temperatures shifted failure locations to the weld zone without necking. Fatigue tests exhibited varied lifespans, with fractures initiating either at stress concentrators or within the FGH101 base metal far from the weld center. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed mixed-mode fracture patterns, underscoring the importance of microstructure on joint performance and suggesting that optimizing IFW parameters can lead to superior weld quality in aerospace components, thus providing valuable insights for future research and industrial applications.
Impact of remnant cholesterol on acute ischemic stroke prognosis: a nationwide cohort analysis stratified by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease status
Authors: Jiang Sili , Jin Aoming , Xing Wenli , Jing Jing
Published: January 2025

Background

Remnant cholesterol (RC) is an emerging non-traditional risk factor for cardiovascular diseases that has garnered increasing attention. In addition, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may interact synergistically with RC. This study aimed to evaluate the association between RC and functional outcomes in ischemic stroke patients and to investigate the potential interaction effect between RC and NAFLD.

Methods

This study utilized data from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III), which includes ischemic stroke patients monitored for 3 months post-stroke onset. RC was calculated by subtracting both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from total cholesterol. Poor functional outcomes were defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3–6 at the 3-month follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between RC and functional outcomes. Interaction effect analysis was performed to investigate how NAFLD modifies the relationship between RC and prognosis.

Results

Among the 7, 234 participants, the mean age was 62.96 ± 11.44 years and 4,572 (63.2%) were male individuals. Compared to the lowest quartile of RC (Q1), the highest quartile of the RC (Q4) was associated with a lower risk of poor functional outcomes (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–1.00). Meanwhile, we observed a similar relationship between RC and poor functional outcomes in patients with NAFLD (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99); however, in those without NAFLD, there was no significant association between RC and poor functional outcomes.

Conclusion

We found an inverse relationship between RC levels and poor functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke, which was influenced by NAFLD. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal target levels of RC in NAFLD patients.
Reduced frontotemporal connectivity during a verbal fluency task in patients with anxiety, sleep, and major depressive disorders
Authors: Ding Fanxi , Ying Yiyang , Jin Yuqing , Guo Xuanru , Xu You , Yu Zhenghe , Jiang Haiteng
Published: January 2025

Background

It has been well established that psychiatric disorders are often accompanied by cognitive dysfunction. Previous studies have investigated the verbal fluency task (VFT) for detecting executive function impairment in different psychiatric disorders, but the sensitivity and specificity of this task in different psychiatric disorders have not been explored. Furthermore, clarifying the mechanisms underlying variations in executive function impairments across multiple psychiatric disorders will enhance our comprehension of brain activity alternations among these disorders. Therefore, this study combined the VFT and the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the impairment of executive function across psychiatric disorders including anxiety disorder (AD), sleep disorder (SD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

Two hundred and eight participants were enrolled including 52 AD, 52 SD, 52 MDD and 52 healthy controls (HCs). All participants completed the VFT while being monitored using fNIRS to measure changes in brain oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb).

Results

Our results demonstrated that MDD, AD and SD exhibited decreased overall connectivity strength, as well as reduced connected networks involving the frontal and temporal regions during the VFT comparing to HC. Furthermore, the MDD group showed a reduction in connected networks, specifically in the left superior temporal gyrus and precentral gyrus, compared to the AD group.

Conclusion

Our study offers neural evidence that the VFT combined with fNIRS could effectively detect executive function impairment in different psychiatric disorders.
Differences in the movement phase condition and sensory inputs on temporal synchronization and continuation during bilateral foot-tapping tasks
Authors: Numata Atsuki , Terao Yasuo , Sugawara Kenichi , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Furubayashi Toshiaki
Published: January 2025

In the sensorimotor synchronization (synchronized and continuous tapping) task, subjects move their limbs in synchrony with an isochronous tone presented at various tempos and continue tapping at the same pace after the tones have ceased. We investigated the ability of bilateral lower limb motor control for performing this task as a crucial metric for examining motor coordination relevant to human locomotion, such as walking. Here, sensory information such as auditory and tactile inputs is considered to improve the accuracy of sensorimotor synchronization. In this study, we explored the change in tapping variability of rhythmic motor control of the bilateral lower limb with different movement phase conditions in the presence or absence of sensory information. Thirty-three healthy volunteers performed three types of foot-tapping tasks: synchronization-continuation (SC-tap), air-tapping (A-tap), and a combination of both (SCA-tap). Participants were instructed to tap the foot-switch (or perform a similar movement in the A-tap) in synchrony with the tones presented at fixed interstimulus intervals (ISIs) between 500 and 4,800 ms. Taps were performed with either unilateral foot or, in the case of bilateral movements, with both feet, either simultaneously (in-phase) or alternately for bilateral movements (antiphase). The synchronizing tapping error and the inter-tap interval (ITI) were evaluated. The coefficient of variation (CV) of ITI was significantly smaller for the antiphase condition than for the unilateral or in-phase conditions in the SC-tap and SCA-tap tasks. In addition, considering the timing of taps on both sides, the CV was significantly lower for antiphase only in the SC-tap task. The findings indicated that the antiphase condition exhibited superior temporal stability in repetitive lower limb movements. The findings also underscored the significance of tactile feedback from the soles of the feet when stability of rhythmic limb movements unpaced by the tones in antiphase movements was taken into consideration.
Homoharringtonine: mechanisms, clinical applications and research progress
Authors: Wang Wen , He Lan , Lin Ting , Xiang Fulan , Wu Yibin , Zhou Fangliang , He Yingchun
Published: January 2025

Homoharringtonine is a natural alkaloid with significant pharmacological potential that has demonstrated promising efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies in recent years. This article systematically reviews the pharmacological mechanisms of Homoharringtonine, focusing on its key roles in inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell cycle progression, and reducing cell migration and invasion. Additionally, HHT exhibits multiple biological activities, including immunomodulation, antiviral effects, and anti-fibrotic properties, with recent studies also revealing its potential neuroprotective functions. In clinical trials, Homoharringtonine has demonstrated promising efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies, particularly in various types such as acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. Despite the significant antitumor effects observed in clinical applications, its low bioavailability and potential side effects remain major challenges that limit its widespread use. This article details the latest research advancements aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of Homoharringtonine, including various drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles and liposomes, as well as chemical modification strategies. These approaches not only improve HHT’s bioavailability in vivo but also enhance its targeting ability while reducing toxicity to normal cells. Furthermore, the combination of HHT with other drugs presents broader prospects for clinical treatment. By exploring the diverse pharmacological activities of Homoharringtonine in depth, this article aims to provide a foundation for developing novel therapeutic approaches based on natural products, thereby advancing HHT’s application research in cancer treatment and other fields.
FAM134B-mediated endoplasmic reticulum autophagy protects against cisplatin-induced spiral ganglion neuron damage
Authors: Wang Fan , Xu Yue , Wang Yajie , Liu Qian , Li Yanan , Zhang Weiwei , Nong Huiming , Zhang Junhong , Zhao Hao , Yang Huaqian , Guo Lingchuan , Li Jianfeng , Li Hong , Yang Qianqian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) could be damaged by ototoxic drug, cisplatin (Cis), during which process autophagy was involved. FAM134B, the first detected endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy) receptor, plays an important part in the dynamic remodelling of the ER, the mutation of which affects sensory and autonomic neurons. However whether FAM134B-mediated ER-phagy involved in Cis-induced SGN damage or not was unknown. The present study was designed to determine whether FAM134B is expressed in SGNs of C57BL/6 mice and, if so, to explore the potential function of FAM134B in Cis-induced SGN damage in vitro.

Methods

Middle turns of neonatal murine cochleae were cultured and treated with 30 μM Cis in vitro. The distribution of FAM134B, morphological changes of SGNs, and the colocalization of ER segments with lysosomes were measured by immunofluorescence (IF). Apoptosis was measured by TUNEL staining. The expression of FAM134B, proteins associated with ER stress, autophagy and apoptosis was measured by western blot. The reactive oxygen specie (ROS) levels were evaluated by MitoSOX Red and 2′,7′-Dchlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe. Anc80-Fam134b shRNA was used to knockdown the expression of FAM134B in SGNs.

Results

We first found the expression of FAM134B in the cytoplasm of SGNs, especially in the fourth postnatal day mice. Results showed decreases in the number of SGNs and FAM134B expression, as well as increases of ROS level, ER stress, ER-phagy, and apoptosis after Cis stimulus. Inhibiting autophagy increased the expression of FAM134B, and aggravated Cis-induced SGN damage, while the opposite changes were observed when autophagy was activated. Additionally, co-treatment with the N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), ROS scavenger, alleviated Cis-induced ER stress, ER-phagy, and apoptosis. What’s more, knockdown the expression of FAM134B in SGNs made SGNs more vulnerable to cisplatin-induced injury.

Discussion

The present study revealed the expression pattern of FAM134B in C57BL/6 murine SGNs for the first time. Moreover, our work further verified the protective function of FAM134B mediated by ER-phagy in Cis-induced SGN apoptosis, at least partially, correlated with the accumulation of ROS and induction of ER stress, though the detailed regulatory mechanism through which needs much more work to reveal.
Ethanol extract of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua mitigates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Chen Dongliang , Shen Yue , Huang Fang , Huang Bo , Xu Shangfu , Li Lisheng , Liu Jie , Li Zheng , Li Xia
Published: January 2025

Background

Polygonum cyrtonema Hua is a kind of traditional Chinese botanic drug. Modern pharmacological research has confirmed that Polygonum cyrtonema Hua is able to alleviate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but the precise mechanism requires further investigation. This study investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Polygonatum cyrtonema ethanol extract (PCE) against Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice.

Methods

UHPLC-MS/MS was utilized to analyze the metabolites of PCE. The NASH mouse model was establishment in C57BL/6J mice via high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 12 weeks, and from the 9th week, mice were gavaged with PCE (100, 300, and 900 mg/kg/day), simvastatin (4 mg/kg) or saline. One hand, liver injury was assessed by serum enzymes, biochemistry, and histopathology; On the other hand, RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blot were employed to investigate the related molecular mechanisms.

Results

211 metabolites were identified through UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. PCE ameliorated HFD induced liver injury and improved hepatocellular degeneration and steatosis in a dose-dependent way. PCE restored the expression of AMPK, SIRT1, SREBP1 and PPAR-α both in mRNA and protein levels. RNAseq identified unique gene expression profiles in response to high-fat diet (HFD) compared to the PCE treatments. HFD-induced DEGs were attenuated or abolished following PCE treatments. Ingenuity pathway analysis of RNA-seq data revealed key canonical pathways and upstream molecules regulated by PCE.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the ability of PCE in alleviating NASH and underscores AMPK/SIRT1 pathway as a potential theraputic target for NASH treatment.
The enigmatic SLC26A6 multifunctional anion transporter: recent advances in structure-function relationship, pathophysiological significance and novel pharmacological inhibitors
Authors: Seidler Ursula E.
Published: January 2025

SLC26A6, a member of the SLC26 family of multifunctional anion transporters, has been particularly enigmatic because of its multiple modes of transport, its expression in organs that are difficult to study physiologically, and the lack of specific antibodies and inhibitors. This has recently changed. SLC26A6 is expressed in the human pancreas, kidney, intestine, heart and some other organs and is involved in fluid absorption, anion secretion, regulation of intracellular pH and elimination of waste products such as oxalate. This review will focus on three topics: Firstly, a molecular structure of human SLC26A6 has recently been obtained by cryo-electron microscopy. Structure-function studies of the reconstituted SLC26A6 in proteoliposomes suggested a 1:1 stoichiometry, resulting in electroneutral Cl−/HCO3− exchange and electrogenic Cl−/oxalate2− exchange. How do these data help to understand the published functional studies? Secondly, whole exon sequencing of a kidney stone cohort from the United Kingdom database revealed a dominant negative SLC26A6 mutation in a patient with enteric hyperoxaluria, oxalate kidney stones and a low calcium diet. How does this finding fit with previous genetic studies in mice and humans of SLC26A6 gene mutations? Thirdly, progress has been made in identifying specific inhibitors for SLC26A6. Where might this be of clinical relevance?
Differential responses of soil C, N, and P ecological stoichiometric characteristics to different configurations of edge-locked forests in the Kubuqi Desert
Authors: Chen Xue , Zuo Hejun , Yan Min , Wang Haibing , Xi Cheng , Chai Yinchao
Published: January 2025

As a vital component of the desert ecological protection system, the edge-locked forests of the Kubuqi Desert play a crucial role in mitigating wind erosion, stabilizing sand, maintaining soil and water, and restricting desert expansion. In this paper, six types of standard protection forests in the Kubuqi Desert, namely Salix psammophila (SL), Elaeagnus angustifolia (SZ), Salix matsudana (HL), Corethrodendron fruticosum+Salix psammophila (YC + SL), Caragana korshinskii + Populus simonii (XYY + NT), and Elaeagnus angustifolia + Salix matsudana (SZ + HL), were investigated. Notably, the vertical differentiation patterns of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and ecological stoichiometric ratios, as well as soil particle size features within the 0–100-cm soil layer under protection forests with different allocation modes, were systematically and comprehensively analyzed. The study’s findings showed that: (1) Among the six configuration types, SZ, NT + XYY, and SL exhibited higher soil SOC and TN concentrations. Both soil SOC and TN content decreased with increasing soil depth, whereas soil TP content displayed no considerable variation among different stand types or soil depths. (2) Based on the N/P threshold hypothesis, N was the limiting nutrient element for the growth of edge-locked forests in the region. (3) The understory soils of different configurations of edge-locked forests mainly comprised sand. The silt and clay contents of SL and NT + XYY were substantially higher than those of the other four configurations. The vertical distribution patterns of particle size and parameter characteristics had variations. (4) Soil C, N, P, and stoichiometric characteristics are affected by vegetation type, soil depth, and soil texture. In conclusion, SZ and SL can be used as the dominant tree species in the edge-locked forests of the Kubuqi Desert, and the NT + XYY mixed forest configuration pattern displays the most apparent soil improvement effect. This study’s findings offer a scientific reference and foundation for restoring vegetation and enhancing the ecological environment in desert regions. In addition, they provide a theoretical foundation for establishing and managing edge-locked forests.
Development and validity test of impression management efficacy scale based on self-presentation behavior of Chinese youth on social media
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Lei Ke
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study seeks to develop and validate a scale for assessing Impression Management Efficacy (IME) in the context of Chinese youth’s self-presentation behaviors on social media. It aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of their ability and self-efficacy in managing impressions within social media environments.

Methods

For this study, 18 young individuals were selected to participate in in-depth interviews. The specific dimensions of IME were identified through the application of grounded theory categorization. Subsequently, specific measurement questions were formulated by referencing the impression management scale, the social self-efficacy scale, and insights from empirical interviews, leading to the preliminary compilation of the questionnaire. A total of 920 questionnaires were then distributed for a centralized investigation. The collected data underwent repeated testing to refine and finalize the questionnaire.

Results

This study explores the relationship between self-presentation and IME in social media contexts. Through multiple tests and empirical data analysis, IME was delineated into five distinct dimensions: identity management strategy, self-impression management strategy, communication expression efficacy, protection strategy efficacy, and self-presentation efficacy, collectively encompassing 25 measurement items. The study is inherently exploratory in nature.

Discussion

The concept of IME among young people is distinct yet related to traditional notions of impression management and social self-efficacy. While impression management primarily focuses on external behaviors, social self-efficacy assesses one’s perceived social abilities. Both concepts, along with their measurement methods, tend to be relatively singular in focus. IME, however, is closely intertwined with these concepts but possesses a unique conceptual depth and theoretical significance, setting it apart as a multifaceted and nuanced construct.
The influence of mutually beneficial and self-beneficial situations on the lying behavior and cognition of Chinese 4- to 5-year-old children
Authors: Kang Dan , Zhang Yingjie , Xu Xiwu , Li Jiajia
Published: January 2025

Background

Children’s moral development is influenced by their sociocultural context. However, relatively few studies have investigated whether the sociocultural context affects children’s lying behavior and cognition and the relation between them.

Methods

The present study was designed to examine this question in two experiments by posing two moral dilemmas: lying is good for mutually beneficial (honesty conflicts with mutual interests) and lying is good for self-beneficial (honesty conflicts with self-interests). Experiment 1 used the “hide-and-seek” game to investigate the lying behavior of 96 Chinese 4- to 5-year-old children. Experiment 2 used two videos to investigate lying cognition (conceptualization of lying, moral assessment of lying, and prediction of lying) with the same group of children.

Results

In Experiment 1, children lied more in mutually beneficial situations than in self-beneficial situations. Experiment 2 revealed that, compared with self-beneficial situations, children in mutually beneficial situations were more likely to judge untrue statements as truth, to evaluate lying positively, and to predict that they would lie. Further, in mutually beneficial situations, children’s predicted and actual lying behaviors are significantly positively correlated.

Conclusion

These findings support the folk model and highlight the influence of sociocultural factors on lying in Chinese 4- to 5-year-old children. They offer meaningful insights into the development of early moral understanding and behavior.