bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring biomimicry in robotic systems: Nature-inspired pneumatic control and claw-inspired gripper for enhanced pick-and-place efficiency
Authors: Badhniwalla Pakshan , Gangakhedkar Akshay , Bhambhani Liam , Shriyan Uchit , Sharma Chetna
Published: January 2025

In the realm of advanced manufacturing, the integration of digital technologies has revolutionized industrial processes; this paper explores the fusion of nature-inspired design principles with advanced robotics in the context of a Cartesian pneumatically controlled robotic system. Leveraging the elegance of biomimicry, the system integrates a claw-inspired gripper for precision pick-and-place operations. The study employs digital twin technology to enhance the understanding and optimization of the robotic system. By embracing nature-driven design, the Cartesian robotic arm is engineered for enhanced efficiency and adaptability. The biomimetic approach not only improves performance but also aligns with sustainability goals. The abstract encapsulates the essence of harmonizing Cartesian systems, pneumatic control, claw-inspired gripper, digital twins, pick-and-place operations, and nature-driven design to advance the forefront of robotics and automation. Furthermore, this paper addresses the aspect of human–robot collaboration by considering safety protocols and collision avoidance mechanisms when the robot operates in proximity to human workers. The digital twin’s potential extends beyond replication and optimization, paving the way for safer and more efficient manufacturing processes. The report details the entire development process, from the initial understanding of the physical system to creating the digital twin. This work signifies a valuable contribution to manufacturing, robotics, and digital simulation, offering a versatile tool for optimizing industrial processes and enhancing the efficiency of Cartesian robot-assisted plastic injection moulding operations.
SPTA 2.0: Enhanced Scalable Parallel Track Assignment Algorithm with Two-Stage Partition Considering Timing Delay
Authors: Cai Huayang , Huang Pengcheng , Liu Genggeng , Huang Xing , Jing Yidan , Liu Wenhao , Wang Ting-Chi
Published: January 2025

Routability has always been a significant challenge in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design. To overcome the potential mismatch between the global routing results and the detailed routing requirements, track assignment is introduced to achieve an efficient routability estimation. Moreover, with the increasing scale of circuits, the intricate interconnections among the components on the chip lead to increased timing delay in signal transmission, thereby significantly impacting the performance and reliability of the circuit. Thus, to further improve the routability of the circuit, it is also critical to realize an accurate estimation of the timing delay within the track assignment stage. Existing heuristic track assignment algorithms, however, are prone to local optimality, and thus fail to provide accurate routability estimations. In this article, we propose an enhanced scalable parallel track assignment algorithm called
SPTA 2.0
for VLSI design, employing a two-stage partition strategy and considering timing delay. First, the proposed algorithm achieves efficient assignment of all wires by considering the routing information from both the global and local nets. Second, the overlap cost, the blockage cost, and the wirelength cost can be minimized to significantly improve the routability. Third, a critical wire controlling strategy is proposed to optimize signal timing delays inside nets. Finally, a two-stage partition strategy and a panel-subpanel-level parallelism are designed to further reduce the runtime, improving the scalability of the proposed methodology. Experimental results on multiple benchmarks demonstrate that the proposed method provides better routability estimations, and leads to superior track assignment solutions compared with existing algorithms.
MPEG Column: 145th MPEG Meeting (Virtual/Online)
Authors: Timmerer Christian
Published: January 2025

The 145th MPEG meeting was held online from 22-26 January 2024, and the official press release can be found here. It comprises the following highlights:

•Latest Edition of the High Efficiency Image Format Standard Unveils Cutting-Edge Features for Enhanced Image Decoding and Annotation

•MPEG Systems finalizes Standards supporting Interoperability Testing

•MPEG finalizes the Third Edition of MPEG-D Dynamic Range Control

•MPEG finalizes the Second Edition of MPEG-4 Audio Conformance

•MPEG Genomic Coding extended to support Transport and File Format for Genomic Annotations

•MPEG White Paper: Neural Network Coding (NNC) - Efficient Storage and Inference of Neural Networks for Multimedia Applications

This column will focus on the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) and interoperability testing. As usual, a brief update on MPEG-DASH et al. will be provided.
JPEG Column: 102nd JPEG Meeting in San Francisco, U.S.A.
Authors: Pinheiro Antonio
Published: January 2025

JPEG Trust reaches Draft International Standard stage.

The 102nd JPEG meeting was held in San Francisco, California, USA, from 22 to 26 January 2024. At this meeting, JPEG Trust became a Draft International Standard. Moreover, the responses to the Call for Proposals of JPEG NFT were received and analysed. As a consequence, relevant steps were taken towards the definition of standardized tools for certification of the provenance and authenticity of media content in a time where tools for effective media manipulation should be made available to the general public. The 102nd JPEG meeting was finalised with the JPEG Emerging Technologies Workshop, at Tencent, Palo Alto on 27 January.
Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests: State of the Art and Implications for Radiologists
Authors: Kang Stella K. , Gulati Roman , Moise Nathalie , Hur Chin , Elkin Elena B.
Published: January 2025

Radiologists have a crucial role in advancing science, clinical care, and policy related to multi-cancer early detection tests.
CT Predictors of Angiolymphatic Invasion in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer 30 mm or Smaller
Authors: Sun Qi , Li Pengfei , Zhang Jiafang , Yip Rowena , Yankelevitz David F. , Henschke Claudia I.
Published: January 2025

For non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) ranging from 3 mm to 30 mm, angiolymphatic invasion (ALI) was only observed in solid NSCLCs; lollipop sign, spiculation, and volume doubling time based on CT scans were independent predictors of ALI.
Privacy-ensuring Open-weights Large Language Models Are Competitive with Closed-weights GPT-4o in Extracting Chest Radiography Findings from Free-Text Reports
Authors: Nowak Sebastian , Wulff Benjamin , Layer Yannik C. , Theis Maike , Isaak Alexander , Salam Babak , Block Wolfgang , Kuetting Daniel , Pieper Claus C. , Luetkens Julian A. , Attenberger Ulrike , Sprinkart Alois M.
Published: January 2025

Privacy-ensuring, open-weights large language models showed great potential in the extraction of structured content from free-text radiology reports, facilitating the secondary use of clinical databases for applications in data-driven medicine.
Photon-Counting CT Effects on Sensitivity for Liver Lesion Detection: A Reader Study Using Virtual Imaging
Authors: Wildman-Tobriner Benjamin , Felice Nicholas , Kalisz Kevin R. , Allen Brian C. , Thomas Sarah P. , Kruse Danielle E. , Segars William Paul , Harrawood Brian , Bashir Mustafa R. , Marin Daniele , Morrison Samantha , Erkanli Alaattin , Samei Ehsan , Abadi Ehsan
Published: January 2025

In a virtual imaging study, photon-counting CT improved the detection of small liver lesions (<1.5 cm) over conventional energy-integrating detector CT, particularly at lower dose levels.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on CoMgFe-Trimetallic Layered Double Hydroxides for Flubendiamide Detection in Water Samples
Authors: Elfarouki Khadija , Chhaibi Bilal , Aghris Sara , Kacem Marieme , Lahrich Sara , EL Mhammedi Moulay Abderrahim , Dib Mustapha , Hafid Abderrafia , Khouili Mostafa
Published: January 2025

Flubendiamide (FBD) is a widely used insecticide in agriculture, known for its effectiveness in controlling crop pests. However, its use presents significant risks to both the environment and human health. In this study, a novel pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was successfully modified with CoMgFe trimetallic layered double hydroxides (CoMgFe-TLDHs) to achieve sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of 20% FBD, a toxic insecticide posing ecological and health concerns. The CoMgFe-TLDHs were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation method and characterized by thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. These materials were then applied to the PGE surface, significantly enhancing its electrochemical performance, as demonstrated by differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry. Under optimized conditions, PGE/ionic liquid/CoMgFe-TLDHs electrode exhibited excellent analytical properties toward FBD determination. A calibration curve was well-established from 0.8 to 100 μM for FBD with a detection limit of 0.36 μM. The proposed sensor enabled the practical application of sensitive FBD detection in tape and river water with good recovery rates.
Figure 2 from The Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Therapeutic Efficacy of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Koganemaru Shigehiro , Koyama Shohei , Suto Fumitaka , Koga Makito , Inaki Koichiro , Kuwahara Yusuke , Arita Takeo , Hirata Tsuyoshi , Goto Hiroki , Wada Naoya , Kobayashi Maki , Shibutani Tomoko , Okabayashi Tatsuya , Nakamaru Kenji , Kawazoe Akihito , Togashi Yousuke , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Shitara Kohei
Published: January 2025

Immune infiltration in tumors at baseline and association with response to T-DXd therapy. A, Tumoral CD8+ cell densities, as determined using mIHC, at baseline in responders and nonresponders. B, CD8A and CD8B mRNA expression levels, as determined using RNA-seq, in responders and nonresponders. CPM, counts per million. C, Relationship between immune cell densities for cells expressing CD4, CD68, CD20, CD163, CD208, and CD1a, as determined using mIHC and IHC. D, Relationship between immune cell densities and T-DXd efficacy. Patients with high vs. low immune cell densities were grouped based on the median value.
Data from The Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Therapeutic Efficacy of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Koganemaru Shigehiro , Koyama Shohei , Suto Fumitaka , Koga Makito , Inaki Koichiro , Kuwahara Yusuke , Arita Takeo , Hirata Tsuyoshi , Goto Hiroki , Wada Naoya , Kobayashi Maki , Shibutani Tomoko , Okabayashi Tatsuya , Nakamaru Kenji , Kawazoe Akihito , Togashi Yousuke , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Shitara Kohei
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), an anti-HER2 antibody–drug conjugate with a topoisomerase I inhibitor connected by a cleavable linker, has been approved for patients with HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction tumors. This biomarker study assessed HER2 expression and immune cell infiltration in relation to the therapeutic response to T-DXd. This retrospective analysis included samples from patients treated with T-DXd in three clinical trials. We performed RNA sequencing and multiplex IHC on archival tumor samples obtained at baseline, during treatment, and after treatment. Flow cytometry was performed on tumor-infiltrating immune cells freshly isolated from tumor tissues. Samples from 28 patients were included in this study. ERBB2 mRNA levels and CD20+ cell infiltration in tumors were significantly higher at baseline in responders than in nonresponders. Patients were classified into three biological groups based on their baseline tumor/stroma-infiltrating immune cell densities. Two groups reported similar response rates, but a trend was observed toward a shorter progression-free survival in the group with more immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and PD-L1 expression at baseline. T-DXd treatment tended to increase the levels of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and PD1+CD8+ T cells, particularly in responders. Gene expression signatures of CTL and Th cells increased during treatment, whereas signatures related to hypoxia, MYC targets, collagen formation, and IL-10 were downregulated. Our data suggest that HER2 expression levels and baseline tumor microenvironment characteristics correlate with T-DXd efficacy. Furthermore, this treatment may modulate tumor microenvironment immune profiles. Further validation using a larger sample size is warranted.
Significance:
This biomarker study explored HER2 expression levels and immune cell characteristics that may affect response to T-DXd using tumor tissue samples collected from clinical trial participants. The results suggest that HER2 expression levels and tumor characteristics before the initiation of T-DXd may correlate with the efficacy of the drug.
A new species of Namib Day Gecko (Gekkonidae: Rhoptropus Peters, 1869) from the Serra da Neve inselberg, southwestern Angola
Authors: PARRINHA DIOGO , MARQUES MARIANA P. , TIUTENKO ARTHUR , HEINICKE MATTHEW P. , BAUER AARON M. , CERÍACO LUIS M.P.
Published: January 2025

The genus Rhoptropus comprises nine recognized species of diurnal geckos endemic to the arid regions of Angola and Namibia. Seven species occur in Angola, including the widespread R. boultoni and the poorly known Angolan endemics R. benguellensis and R. montanus, formerly recognized as subspecies of R. boultoni. While R. benguellensis is relatively widespread in the Angolan Escarpment highlands, R. montanus is geographically restricted to the Huíla Plateau. Recent fieldwork on the Serra da Neve inselberg, a herpetological diversity hotspot in southwestern Angola, revealed the presence of an undescribed species of Rhoptropus at an elevation of approximately 1600 m. An integrative taxonomic approach combining coloration, morphological and molecular data supports the recognition of this population as a distinct taxonomic unit with affinities to R. montanus, which we describe herein as Rhoptropus nivimontanus sp. nov. The discovery of a new species of Rhoptropus endemic to Serra da Neve is discussed in the biogeographic context of the region.
Mitophylogenetic patterns in Tettigoniidae: Insights from the complete mitogenome of Saga natoliae (Orthoptera)
Authors: KARAKAŞ MÜŞERREF Y. , ULUAR ONUR , YARTAŞ MUSTAFA , ÇIPLAK BATTAL
Published: January 2025

Although there is a consensus on the distinctiveness of Saginae, its phylogenetic position within Tettigoniidae remains a topic to debate. Comprehensive DNA data are essential for clarifying subfamilial relationships within the Tettigoniidae. This study investigates the complete mitogenome of Saga natoliae, providing critical insights into the phylogenetic position of the Saginae. To achieve this, we established two datasets: the first comprises total mitogenome sequences from all published representatives of Tettigoniidae subfamilies and tribes, while the second includes partial mitogenome sequences from subfamilies not represented in the first dataset. The first dataset produced a well-resolved phylogenetic tree, whereas the second exhibited limited resolution. By synthesizing results from both the following conclusions were made: (1) The mitogenome of Saga natoliae displays typical characteristics of both Pancrustaceae and Orthoptera. (2) The mitophylogeny of Tettigoniidae reveals four main clades: (i) Saginae, (ii) Lipotactinae, (iii) the Tettigonioid clade (including Tettigoniidae + Bradyporinae, Hexacentrinae, Conocephalinae, and Meconematinae) and (iv) the Phaneropteroid clade (comprising Pseudophyllinae, Mecopodinae, and Phaneropterinae). Consequently, Saginae is established as a distinct internal lineage, referred to as the Saginoid clade. (3) Our findings do not support close relationships between Saginae and Zaprochilinae, Tympanophorinae and Phasmodinae. (4) Data confirm that Saginae is a monophyletic subfamily, likely originated in Africa and subsequently dispersed to the West Palearctic region.
Novel Mechanisms of Resistance in CLL: Variant BTK Mutations in Second-Generation and Noncovalent BTK Inhibitors
Authors: Tam Constantine S. , Balendran Shalini , Blombery Piers
Published: January 2025

BTK inhibitors (BTKi) are an established standard of care in CLL. The covalent BTKi ibrutinib, acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib bind to BTK C481 and are all susceptible to the C481S mutation. Non-covalent BTKi including pirtobrutinib overcome C481S resistance but are associated with multiple variant (non-C481) BTK mutations, including those associated with resistance to acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib (T474 codon and L528W mutations). We review the current knowledge on variant BTK mutations, discuss their clinical implications and consider their impact on clinical trials.
The systemic evolutionary theory of the origin of cancer (SETOC): an update
Authors: Mazzocca Antonio , Ferraro Giovanni , Misciagna Giovanni
Published: January 2025

The Systemic Evolutionary Theory of the Origin of Cancer (SETOC) is a recently proposed theory founded on two primary principles: the cooperative and endosymbiotic process of cell evolution as described by Lynn Margulis, and the integration of complex systems operating in eukaryotic cells, which is a core concept in systems biology. The SETOC proposes that malignant transformation occurs when cells undergo a continuous adaptation process in response to long-term injuries, leading to tissue remodeling, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately cancer. This process involves a maladaptive response, wherein the 'endosymbiotic contract’ between the nuclear-cytoplasmic system (derived from the primordial archaeal cell) and the mitochondrial system (derived from the primordial α-proteobacterium) gradually breaks down. This ultimately leads to uncoordinated behaviors and functions in transformed cells. The decoupling of the two cellular subsystems causes transformed cells to acquire phenotypic characteristics analogous to those of unicellular organisms, as well as certain biological features of embryonic development that are normally suppressed. These adaptive changes enable cancer cells to survive in the harsh tumor microenvironment characterized by low oxygen concentrations, inadequate nutrients, increased catabolic waste, and increased acidity. De-endosymbiosis reprograms the sequential metabolic functions of glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). This leads to increased lactate fermentation (Warburg effect), respiratory chain dysfunction, and TCA cycle reversal. Here, we present an updated version of the SETOC that incorporates the fundamental principles outlined by this theory and integrates the epistemological approach used to develop it.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) bundle uptake: a case study in Milan, Italy
Authors: Silvestri Fulvio , Silvestri Federico , Coppola Pierluigi
Published: January 2025

Recent applications of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms have highlighted certain limitations in accurately identifying integrated mobility packages (MaaS bundles) that align with users’ needs and preferences while also supporting the financial viability of businesses. This study explores the interest of university community members in adopting and paying for MaaS bundles, aiming to determine whether their preferences differ from those of the general population commonly analyzed in existing research. The research method involved the design and administration of a survey instrument, resulting in 1949 completed computer-assisted web interviews collected between May and June 2023. The willingness to pay (WTP) for different MaaS bundles was estimated based on users’ responses to stated preference choice tree experiments. Results reveal that 45.2% of respondents showed no interest in any proposed MaaS bundle, 29.5% towards only one specific MaaS bundle. Conversely, 25.3% of respondents expressed interest in two or more MaaS bundles. Public transport (PT) pass holders showed a higher WTP for MaaS bundles compared to PT pass non-holders, with a WTP an additional 17.5–28.3% over what they currently pay for their PT pass. The findings reveal a positive attitude among university community members toward MaaS bundles, especially among PT pass holders. This underscores an opportunity for MaaS providers to target this group with tailored bundles that complement existing transport choices, thereby increasing user satisfaction and financial viability.
Pseudocitrobacter cyperus, a novel bacterial species recovered from Cyperus alternifolius in Egypt
Authors: Hamed Samira M. , Amer Mai A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Strain Cyp38ST was isolated as an endophyte from the plant Cyperus alternifolius, collected along the banks of the River Nile in 2019. Preliminary analysis tentatively identified Cyp38ST as belonging to the genus Pseudocitrobacter.

Methods

The preliminary identification of Cyp38ST was performed using the VITEK®2 identification system, MALDI-TOF-MS, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To confirm its taxonomic classification, the draft genome of Cyp38ST was generated using DNBseq, and the genome-based taxonomic evaluation was conducted by calculating the overall genome-relatedness indices (OGRIs) such as Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI), digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), and the tetra-nucleotide signatures (Tetra). Additionally, the biochemical features, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and fatty acid methyl ester content of Cyp38ST were characterized.

Results

VITEK®2 misidentified Cyp38ST as Citrobacter werkmanii, MALDI-TOF-MS identified it as Pseudocitrobacter faecalis. While the 16S rRNA gene showed more than 99.0% similarity to other Pseudocitrobacter species, the calculated OGRIs were lower than the thresholds recommended for species assignment to all currently known Pseudocitrobacter species. Furthermore, the phylogenomic analysis revealed that Cyp38ST forms a distinct species cluster within the genus Pseudocitrobacter. Cyp38ST was predicted as a potential human pathogen and carried a unique ß-lactamase-coding gene.

Conclusion

Here we present Cyp38ST (= CCASU-2024-73T) as the type strain of a novel species within the genus Pseudocitrobacter to which we propose the name Pseudocitrobacter cyperus sp. nov. We provide a full description of the novel species and present its genome sequence and annotation. The discovery of this novel species highlights the potential of endophytic bacteria associated with unique plant hosts to harbor previously uncharacterized microbial diversity.
Service delivery and the role of clinical pharmacists in UK primary care for older people, including people with dementia: a scoping review
Authors: Burnand Alice , Woodward Abi , Kolodin Vladimir , Manthorpe Jill , Jani Yogini , Orlu Mine , Bhanu Cini , Samsi Kritika , Vickerstaff Victoria , Wilcock Jane , Ward Jane , Rait Greta , Davies Nathan
Published: January 2025

Objective

As populations age globally, there is increasing prevalence of multiple long-term conditions, such as dementia, leading to many challenges. The burden on health and care services, economic pressures, and the necessity for innovative policies to better support older people and people with dementia becomes paramount. This review explores how clinical pharmacists working in UK primary care support older people and people with dementia.

Design

Scoping review.

Method

This review was conducted following the framework for scoping reviews in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The search of Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane was initially conducted in September 2022, and updated in August 2024. Searches included literature exploring the landscape of clinical pharmacy services for older people in the UK, focusing on roles and services delivered, perceptions, and experiences.

Results

A total of 30 articles were included. These detail the multifaceted responsibilities of clinical pharmacists in primary care for older people. Stakeholder perspectives, including healthcare professionals and patients, emphasised the positive outcomes of clinical pharmacist involvement, from reducing other practitioners’ workloads to improving patient safety. However, communication gaps, concerns about competence from other healthcare professionals, and the need for clear role definitions emerged as challenges. Research focused on the experiences of underserved groups, such as people with dementia or from minority ethnic backgrounds, is lacking.

Conclusions and implications

The review enhances our understanding of the primary care clinical pharmacist service in the UK and identifies gaps in evidence, emphasising the need for empirical studies on the experiences of older people with cognitive impairment and those from minority ethnic backgrounds. It provides insights into what makes an effective clinical pharmacist service, such as training and communication, which may help to inform international policy and practice and improve service provision globally.
Association between COVID-19 anxiety syndrome and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the postpandemic era: a cross-sectional study in Hong Kong
Authors: Wu Timothy Chung Ming , Ho Jonathan Ka Ming , Choi Sai Kit , Chan Yanki Hiu Yan , Chan Bella Wing Sze , Li Timmy Tim Ming , Tam Fu Po , Wong Ivan Man Chun , Wing Chan Alex Siu
Published: January 2025

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound psychophysiological and socioeconomic effects worldwide. COVID-19 anxiety syndrome (CAS) is a specific cluster of maladaptive coping strategies, including perseveration and avoidance behaviours, in response to the perceived threat and fear of COVID-19. CAS is distinct from general COVID-19 anxiety. The level of CAS in the postpandemic era remained unknown. Despite extensive research on general COVID-19 anxiety and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (CVH), few studies have investigated the association between CAS and CVH. The present study aimed to assess the level of CAS and the prevalence of CVH and explore the association between CAS and CVH in the general population of Hong Kong.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hong Kong. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods and completed an online or a paper-based questionnaire comprising two well-validated instruments. The COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS), which includes the C-19ASS-P and C-19ASS-A subscales, was used to evaluate CAS in terms of perseveration and avoidance behaviours. The COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (CVHS) was used to determine the presence of CVH.

Results

This study included 389 participants. The median C-19ASS-P and C-19ASS-A scores were 8 (Interquartile range (IQR) 5–13) and 3 (IQR 0–6), respectively. The CVHS scores revealed a CVH prevalence of 68.1%. A significantly larger proportion of participants with CVH rated “hesitant” compared with those without CVH across all the CVHS items. Furthermore, the median C-19ASS-P and C-19ASS-A scores were significantly higher for participants without CVH than for those with CVH.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that CAS persists and CVH is common in the postpandemic era and that CAS is associated with CVH. Comprehensive interventions addressing both informational and psychological aspects are needed to increase the rate of vaccine acceptance and to mitigate the effect of CAS on public health outcomes.
AmelOBP4: an antenna-specific odor-binding protein gene required for olfactory behavior in the honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Liu Fang , Lai Yu , Wu Lixian , Li Qiang , Lei Linyue , Yin Wei , Zhang Yuan , Huang Zachary Y. , Zhao Hongxia
Published: January 2025

Background

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) initiate the process of odorant perception. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that OBPs bind a broad variety of chemicals and are more likely to carry pheromones or odor molecules with high binding affinities. However, few studies have investigated its effects on insect behavior. Previously, we found that AmelOBP4 has a significantly higher expression in the heads of foragers than that of nurses regardless of their ages, revealing its importance in foraging behaviour of the honey bee. RNA interference (RNAi) is the induction of sequence specific gene silencing by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), it is a powerful tool that makes gene inactivation possible in organisms that were not amenable to genetic analysis before.

Results

In this study, we found that AmelOBP4 had high expression levels in the antennae of both nurses and foragers, and could be successfully inhibited by feeding double stranded RNA of AmelOBP4 (dsAmelOBP4). Foragers with inhibited AmelOBP4 showed significantly lower sugar responsiveness than control bees, and also significantly reduced EAG response to plant volatiles of nonanal, linalool and 1-Octen-3ol. On the other hand, nurses with inhibited AmelOBP4 showed significantly reduced EAG response to brood pheromone of ethyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl palmitate and β-ocimene. Finally, the Y-tube choice assay showed nurses only exhibited a significantly reduced preference to ethyl oleate, but foragers exhibited significantly reduced preference to all these three plant volatiles.

Conclusions

The findings of our study suggested that AmelOBP4 plays an important role in the odorant binding process, especially in modulating olfactory behaviour in workers. Our results provide a foundation for exploring the olfactory mechanism of Apis mellifera.
SenPred: a single-cell RNA sequencing-based machine learning pipeline to classify deeply senescent dermal fibroblast cells for the detection of an in vivo senescent cell burden
Authors: Hughes Bethany K. , Davis Andrew , Milligan Deborah , Wallis Ryan , Mossa Federica , Philpott Michael P. , Wainwright Linda J. , Gunn David A. , Bishop Cleo L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Senescence classification is an acknowledged challenge within the field, as markers are cell-type and context dependent. Currently, multiple morphological and immunofluorescence markers are required. However, emerging scRNA-seq datasets have enabled an increased understanding of senescent cell heterogeneity.

Methods

Here we present SenPred, a machine-learning pipeline which identifies fibroblast senescence based on single-cell transcriptomics from fibroblasts grown in 2D and 3D.

Results

Using scRNA-seq of both 2D and 3D deeply senescent fibroblasts, the model predicts intra-experimental fibroblast senescence to a high degree of accuracy (> 99% true positives). Applying SenPred to in vivo whole skin scRNA-seq datasets reveals that cells grown in 2D cannot accurately detect fibroblast senescence in vivo. Importantly, utilising scRNA-seq from 3D deeply senescent fibroblasts refines our ML model leading to improved detection of senescent cells in vivo. This is context specific, with the SenPred pipeline proving effective when detecting senescent human dermal fibroblasts in vivo, but not the senescence of lung fibroblasts or whole skin.

Conclusions

We position this as a proof-of-concept study based on currently available scRNA-seq datasets, with the intention to build a holistic model to detect multiple senescent triggers using future emerging datasets. The development of SenPred has allowed for the detection of an in vivo senescent fibroblast burden in human skin, which could have broader implications for the treatment of age-related morbidities.

All code for the SenPred pipeline is available at the following URL: https://github.com/bethk-h/SenPred_HDF.
Standard: Human gastric organoids
Authors: Hong Fan , Tan Ronghui , Wang Ting , Zhong Nanshan , Zhao Hongling , Xu Rui-hua , Shen Lin , Liu Yingbin , Yao Xuebiao , Xiang Dongxi , Hui Lijian , Xiong Jianping , Gao Dong , Zhao Bing , Miao Zhifeng , Hao Jie , Li Yong , Hu Shijun , Fu Boqiang , Hua Guoqiang , Wang Lei , Zeng Zhao-Lei , Chen Chong , Wu Jianmin , Wang Changlin , Wang Chunnian , Zhan Xianbao , Song Chen , Yu Chunping , Yang Yingying , Niu Gengming , Wang Yalong , Zhao Tongbiao , Chen Ye-Guang
Published: January 2025

Organoid technology provides a transformative approach to understand human physiology and pathology, offering valuable insights for scientific research and therapeutic development. Human gastric organoids, in particular, have gained significant interest for applications in disease modeling, drug discovery, and studies of tissue regeneration and homeostasis. However, the lack of standardized quality control has limited their extensive clinical applications. The “Human Gastric Organoids” is part of a series of guidelines for human gastric organoids in China, which establishes comprehensive standards on terminology, technical specifications, testing methods, inspection rules, usage instructions, labeling, transportation, and storage, developed by experts from the Chinese Society for Cell Biology and its branch societies. Released on October 29, 2024, this guideline aims to establish standardized protocols, enhance institutional practices, and promote international standardization for clinical and research applications of human gastric organoids.
Patient centered medication treatment for opioid use disorder in rural Vermont: a qualitative study
Authors: Hichborn Emily G. , Murray Owen B. , Murphy Eilis I. , Gallant Tess E. , Moore Sarah K. , McLeman Bethany M. , Saroyan John , Folland Anthony , Mitchell Megan , Marsch Lisa A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Opioid-related fatal overdoses are occurring at historically high levels and increasing each year. Accessible social and financial support are imperative to the initiation and success of treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) offer effective treatment but there are many more people with untreated OUD than receiving evidence-based medication. Patient-centered care is associated with increased care utilization for substance use disorders. This qualitative study explored the patient perspective of OUD care through a Patient-Centered Care (PCC) framework to illuminate patients’ sense of engagement in care.

Methods

Fifteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted from August through November of 2021 regarding patient experiences receiving MOUD in 13 Vermont Hub and Spoke clinics. Emergent themes were deductively mapped to PCC domains of Therapeutic Alliance, Individualized Care, Shared Decision-Making, and Holistic Care.

Results

Participants indicated that PCC fostered engagement and often characterized MOUD clinics they no longer attended as lacking in PCC. Themes related to Therapeutic Alliance were the most prevalent and suggest pathways to retention. Individualizing care through flexible appointment scheduling was strongly valued, while inflexible scheduling fostered fear of not getting medication. Some participants indicated they were less likely to remain in care when providers did not include them in decisions about medication type, dose, or formulation. Participants also appreciated holistic biopsychosocial care and care referrals.

Conclusions

Patient-centered MOUD care was important to participants and encouraged engagement in care. Prioritizing alliance with patients, adapting care to patient needs and preferences particularly when scheduling, including patients in medication decisions, and biopsychosocial attention to patients are congruent with patient perception of desirable MOUD care. Having this understanding of an established, leading MOUD treatment system may serve to benefit states looking to implement this model, or for states who are looking to improve the model they already have in place, potentially leading to higher treatment and retention rates.

Trial registration

This was not a clinical trial involving an intervention, and therefore registration was not required.
Early systemic insults following severe sepsis-associated encephalopathy of critically ill patients: association with mortality and awakening—an analysis of the OUTCOMEREA database
Authors: Thy Michael , Sonneville Romain , Ruckly Stéphane , Mourvillier Bruno , Schwebel Carole , Cohen Yves , Garrouste-Orgeas Maité , Siami Shidasp , Bruel Cédric , Reignier Jean , Azoulay Elie , Argaud Laurent , Goldgran-Toledano Dany , Laurent Virginie , Dupuis Claire , Poujade Julien , Bouadma Lila , de Montmollin Etienne , Timsit Jean-François ,   on the behalf of the OUTCOME R. E. A. network
Published: January 2025

Background

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) may be worsened by early systemic insults. We aimed to investigate the association of early systemic insults with outcomes of critically ill patients with severe SAE.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis using data from the French OUTCOMEREA prospective multicenter database. We included patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 48 h with severe SAE (defined by a score on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤ 13 and severe sepsis or septic shock (SEPSIS 2.0 criteria)) requiring invasive ventilation and who had no primary brain injury.

We analyzed early systemic insults (abnormal glycemia (< 3 mmol/L or ≥ 11 mmol/L), hypotension (diastolic blood pressure ≤ 50 mmHg), temperature abnormalities (< 36 °C or ≥ 38.3 °C), anemia (hematocrit < 21%), dysnatremia (< 135 mmol/L or ≥ 145 mmol/L), oxygenation abnormalities (PaO2 < 60 or > 200 mmHg), carbon dioxide abnormalities (< 35 mmHg or ≥ 45 mmHg), and the impact of their correction at day 3 on day-28 mortality and awakening, defined as a recovery of GCS > 13.

Results

We included 995 patients with severe SAE, of whom 883 (89%) exhibited at least one early systemic insult that persisted through day 3. Compared to non-survivors, survivors had significantly less early systemic insults (hypoglycemia, hypotension, hypothermia, and anemia) within the first 48 h of ICU admission. The absence of correction of the following systemic insults at day 3 was independently associated with mortality: blood pressure (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–2.34), oxygenation (aHR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.20–2.63), temperature (aHR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.12–1.91) and glycemia (aHR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.10–1.80). Persistent abnormal blood pressure, temperature and glycemia at day 3 were associated with decreased chances of awakening.

Conclusions

In patients with severe SAE, the persistence of systemic insults within the first three days of ICU admission is associated with increased mortality and decreased chances of awakening.
Analysis of faculty readiness for online teaching: assessing impact and adaptability in diverse educational contexts
Authors: Alcaide-Pulido Purificación , Gutiérrez-Villar Belén , Ordóñez-Olmedo Eva , Pérez-Escolar Marta
Published: January 2025

In recent years, educators have encountered significant shifts in teaching methodologies driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving demands in higher education. This transition has prompted adaptations in teaching practices and digital approaches, resulting in a broader paradigm shift across institutions. This study explores faculty perceptions and attitudes toward emerging pedagogies, focusing on their preparedness for digital and hybrid learning environments and the dynamics of teacher-student collaborative learning in these contexts. The research examines how faculty readiness can enhance adaptation to modern educational demands beyond any specific event or period. Utilising the FROCT scale—measuring readiness through comfort with risk, identity disruption, teaching norms, and equity and tenure norms—this research, conducted among Spanish university teachers, that highlight significant shifts in readiness perceptions after 2 years of compulsory online education. Furthermore, the study identifies gender and age disparities in teachers’ perceptions of online education readiness. These findings contributing to a better understanding of teacher preparation and performance in the post-pandemic educational landscape, specifically in online and blended education, where cognitive, metacognitive, and emotional dimensions play integral roles in fostering socialisation online and collaborative learning between educators and students.
Blockchain-enabled digital twin system for brain stroke prediction
Authors: Upadrista Venkatesh , Nazir Sajid , Tianfield Huaglory
Published: January 2025

A digital twin is a virtual model of a real-world system that updates in real-time. In healthcare, digital twins are gaining popularity for monitoring activities like diet, physical activity, and sleep. However, their application in predicting serious conditions such as heart attacks, brain strokes and cancers remains under investigation, with current research showing limited accuracy in such predictions. Moreover, concerns around data security and privacy continue to challenge the widespread adoption of these models. To address these challenges, we developed a secure, machine learning powered digital twin application with three main objectives enhancing prediction accuracy, strengthening security, and ensuring scalability. The application achieved an accuracy of 98.28% for brain stroke prediction on the selected dataset. The data security was enhanced by integrating consortium blockchain technology with machine learning. The results show that the application is tamper-proof and is capable of detecting and automatically correcting backend data anomalies to maintain robust data protection. The application can be extended to monitor other pathologies such as heart attacks, cancers, osteoporosis, and epilepsy with minimal configuration changes.
Long-term effects of institutional quality on financial inclusion in Asia–Pacific countries
Authors: Vo Duc Hong
Published: January 2025

Financial inclusion has recently emerged as an important pillar for sustainable economic growth, poverty eradication, and social transformation globally. While the effects of institutional quality on financial inclusion have been widely investigated, their long-term effects have largely been underexplored, particularly for the Asia–Pacific region. We are especially interested in these long-term effects because institutional reforms require time for implementation and their impacts on various socioeconomic issues are only gradually observed. This paper has developed a new index of institutional quality for countries in the Asia–Pacific region from 2004 to 2020 using the principal component analysis. We estimate the long-term effects of institutional quality on financial inclusion using long-term estimators, including the augmented mean group and the common correlated effects mean group estimators. In our study, institutional quality is proxied by the new index developed in this paper and then by each of the five fundamental aspects of institutional quality: (i) business freedom, (ii) regulatory quality, (iii) investment freedom, (iv) government effectiveness, and (v) the rule of law. We find that improved institutional quality is fundamental to achieving financial inclusion in the region. These effects are particularly prominent in high-income countries in the Asia–Pacific region. However, a closer look at these long-term effects reveals that this effect is conditional on the income level. Interestingly, this long-term effect can be established for high-income countries such as Australia and Japan but not for Singapore. In addition, in the case of middle-income countries, the long-term effect can be confirmed for countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines but not for Thailand and Vietnam. Our results show that institutional reform, albeit very important, should not be considered the only fundamental pillar ensuring financial inclusion, sustainable economic growth, and social transformation in the long run.
Alu insertion polymorphisms and susceptibility to metabolic syndrome in a Moroccan population
Authors: Farhane Hamid , Motrane Majida , Soufaine Karchali , Anaibar Fatima-Ezzahra , Motrane Aïcha , Abeid Said Nassor , Hilali Abderraouf , Harich Nourdin
Published: January 2025

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifaceted disorder that significantly elevates the cardiovascular disease risk. The diversity of the combination of its main components, conditioned by genetics and environmental risk factors, contributes to the complexity of this health condition and increases the difficulty of its diagnosis and treatment.

Objective

Our study aimed to explore the association between four Alu insertion polymorphisms and the risk of MetS as well as its components in the Doukkala population of Morocco.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted on 175 cases of MetS and 252 controls. Four Alu insertion polymorphisms (Alu-ACE, Alu-TPA25, Alu-PV92, and Alu-APOA1) were genotyped using Polymerase Chain Reaction followed by direct electrophoresis of its products.

Results

Our results showed that the Alu-PV92 and Alu-APOA1 Ins/Del polymorphisms are significantly associated with MetS, the patients are characterized by higher frequencies of genotype II (OR = 6.96, 95% CI [4.12–11.75], p < 0.0001) and *Ins allele for Alu-PV92, and DD genotype (OR = 3.32, 95% CI [1.57–7.00], p = 0.001) and *Del allele for Alu-APOA1 compared to controls. Additionally, a significant association was revealed with MetS in men carrying the *Ins allele and the Alu-TPA25 II genotype (OR = 2.11, 95% CI [1.00–4.44], p = 0.0487). Furthermore, our study concluded that the Alu polymorphisms analyzed were linked to several MetS components, such as hyperglycemia, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and abnormal lipid levels.

Conclusion

The Alu-PV92 and Alu-APOA1 Ins/Del polymorphisms were associated with an elevated MetS risk and its components in both women and men from the Doukkala population, while the Alu-TPA25 Ins/Del polymorphism are associated only in men with only some components. These findings hold considerable public health implications, indicating that Alu polymorphisms could serve as biomarkers for identifying individuals at risk of developing MetS.
Novel tetracycline hybrids: synthesis, characterization, docking studies and in-vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity
Authors: Shah Mansi , Suhagia Bhanubhai , Goswami Sunita , Sagar Sneha , Patwari Arpit
Published: January 2025

Background

The biggest menace in the world today is the infection caused by pathogenic bacteria in humans, where majority of the available antibiotics fail to provide therapeutic results due to resistance. The discovery of new molecules is the need of the hour and several research groups worldwide are contributing to fight this scare. This work highlights our efforts towards discovering novel tetracycline hybrids that could serve as potent agents against several pathogenic bacterial strains causing infections. In total, ten compounds were synthesized which were chemically conjugates of Minocycline, an age-old tetracycline, and naturally occurring aldehydes and ketones available from the plant sources. Structural characterization of these compounds was done using Mass and 1HNMR. Molecular docking was carried out in order to predict the binding affinity of these compounds to various bacterial enzymes and known protein targets and to establish the structure–activity relationships. Molecular dynamic simulation studies and in silico pharmacokinetic and toxicity prediction studies were done to determine in silico pharmacokinetics and toxicity of compounds. In-vitro antibacterial activities were done using standard protocols against gram positive bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

Results

Promising results were obtained viz. compound 1,2 and 10 were found to be more potent against Staphylococcus aureus, compound 1 against Enterococcus faecalis, compound 2 and 3 against Escherichia coli, compound 7 and 8 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and compound 7 against Klebsiella pneumoniae when compared with minocycline as standard compound.

Conclusion

All the synthesized compounds were screened for their anti-bacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. Amongst the ten synthesized minocycline hybrids, four minocycline hybrids exhibited potent antibacterial activity as compared to minocycline. These hybrids can serve as a promising lead compound for antibiotic drug discovery.