bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political leader's background and innovation in developing countries
Authors: Donal Ajoumessi Houmpe , Eric Brice Ngatsi Fosso , Salomon Leroy Ghamsi Deffo
Published: October 2024

Studies of innovations in developing countries remain mitigated. Those that have tackled the quest for determinants have been limited to the profiles of business leaders, thus neglecting those of presidents. Yet they are the main drivers of their countries' economic policies. In order to overcome this shortcoming, this article aims to verify, in the light of the political leader theory, the effect of the profile of national leaders on innovation indicators. We formulate the following hypothesis: the preferences of political leaders are defined by their background. We test this hypothesis on a panel of 48 developing countries, covering the period from 1995 to 2018, using the GMM estimation. Results indicate that militaries spend more on R&D than other professions and enhance patent demands, while political horizon hinders innovations. The robustness of the results is verified by using other innovation indicators, in particular domestic patent applications, foreign applications, and the political regime. This article contributes to the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 9 by providing a new tool for policy‐makers to rely on.
In search of the nexus between housing and pensions within the welfare package: A “regime” approach
Authors: Marcinkiewicz Edyta , Chybalski Filip
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the association of housing configurations reflected by different regimes with more specifically determined elements of the welfare state regime, which are pension regimes. The study aims to answer the question of whether the linkage between housing and pensions can be recognized also at the “regime” level. For this purpose, in our analysis, we review and employ the existing typologies of housing and pension regimes identified in the previous literature. The paper presents the results of empirical research comprising comparisons between housing and pension regimes, with reference to decommodification and stratification, as well as homeownership in 24 welfare states. We found little empirical evidence for the existence of a straightforward correspondence between housing regimes and pension regimes. Nonetheless, our analysis reveals some findings that refer to common characteristics in terms of decommodification and stratification in both domains. This could be also a premise for further research to investigate the nexus between pensions and housing by identifying similarities within joint housing‐pension regimes.
TRAPPED BETWEEN CASE AND NUMBER. A TYPOLOGY OF ADNUMERATIVE FORMS†
Authors: Roncero Kristian
Published: October 2024

In this paper, I study the nature of adnumerative or numerative forms; i.e. morphologically dedicated inflectional forms that can only be used with numerals or quantifiers (e.g. Russian dva časá ‘two o'clock’ vs. [gen sg] čása). Adnumeratives are cross‐linguistically very rare; yet they raise some interesting theoretical discussions. This work is based on the framework of Canonical Typology, which assumes the existence of a handful of discrete and cross‐linguistically recurrent morphosyntactic features. Nevertheless, adnumerative forms present a challenge to that distribution, because, as I argue, adnumeratives lie between case and number values. This might well represent a theoretically undesirable scenario, and thus, be diachronically unstable. However, the data I have gathered prove that there are adnumerative forms that have survived in this penumbra for centuries and one can also adduce more evidence of diachronically stable cross‐linguistic phenomena between two feature values (e.g. the anterior). Therefore, I propose that this theoretical space may not be as dark previously depicted and I ask questions for further exploration.
Predictive Processing, Rational Constructivism, and Bayesian Models of Development: Commentary
Authors: Perfors Andrew
Published: October 2024

This is a commentary for a special issue on predictive processing and rational constructivist models of development. Mainly I use the opportunity to ask a bunch of questions about what these theoretical frameworks show us (and what they do not) and mostly where the open questions still are. To get meta for a moment, I thought these questions were the best way to maximize the value of my commentary: They have the highest probability of leading to the most uncertainty reduction for our field in the long term. Please read in that spirit.
Detection of renal tubular transporter proteins in canine urinary extracellular vesicles using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: McGravey L. J. , Antrobus P. R. , Williams T. L.
Published: October 2024

Urinary extracellular vesicles (UEVs) are membranous particles that carry renal tubular transporter proteins. Here, we evaluate whether selected renal tubular transporter proteins can be detected in UEVs isolated from small volume (1–5 mL) canine urine samples of healthy dogs and canine patients with elevated circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH‐related peptide (PTHrp) concentrations, hypercortisolism, and primary hypoadrenocorticism using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The total creatinine content of each urine sample was calculated from urine volume and creatinine concentration. UEVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography prior to quantification by nanoparticle tracking analysis and proteomic analysis by LC–MS/MS. Group comparisons were made using non‐parametric statistics. Aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) and the renal sodium/phosphate co‐transporter (NPT2A) were detected in UEVs isolated from small volume samples of almost all healthy dogs but were not detected in most dogs with elevated circulating PTH/PTH related peptide (PTHrp) concentrations, hypercortisolism and primary hypoadrenocorticism. Total creatinine content of the urine sample was strongly positively correlated with the number of UEVs (rs = .84, P < .001); thus, total creatinine was used as a surrogate marker of UEV number. In healthy dogs, AQP2 and NPT2A were both detected in samples containing at least 1.7 × 109 UEVs or 24 μmol creatinine, however in non‐healthy dogs, AQP2 and NPT2A were not detected in most samples containing up to 6.3 × 109 UEVs or 32 μmol creatinine.
Delayed‐onset cord1 progressive retinal atrophy in English Springer Spaniels genetically affected with the RPGRIP1 variant
Authors: Kwok Jennifer C. , Sato Yu , Niggel Jessica K. , Ozdogan Emma , Murgiano Leonardo , Miyadera Keiko
Published: October 2024

Objective

Cone‐rod dystrophy (cord1) is a form of progressive retinal atrophy. It is linked to an RPGRIP1 genetic variant which is the third most common canine disease variant thus far. While the variant affects various breeds, it is highly prevalent in English Springer Spaniels (ESSs). Yet its clinical and pathological implications remain equivocal. Herein, we study the retinal phenotype in ESSs genetically affected with the RPGRIP1 variant.

Animal Studied

Over 4 years, 494 ESSs (123 affected) were enrolled.

Procedure(s)

Owner‐perceived vision was collected via a questionnaire. Ophthalmic examination included fundus photography. In selected ESSs, retinal function and structure were assessed using electroretinography (ERG, 148 dogs) and optical coherence tomography (OCT, 4 dogs).

Results

Ophthalmoscopic changes included peripheral hypo‐reflective lesions often with distinct borders progressing centripetally culminating in generalized retinal atrophy. Cross‐sectional study revealed declining photopic ERG amplitudes with age in the affected group but not in controls. OCT indicated progressive photoreceptor loss. Despite ophthalmoscopic, ERG, or OCT abnormalities, most affected dogs were not visually impaired per their owners. In a fraction of afflicted ESSs, vision/globe‐threatening complications were documented including cataracts, lens luxation, and glaucoma.

Conclusions

In ESSs, the RPGRIP1 variant is associated with insidious pathology with delayed‐onset visual defects. The subtle phenotype without apparent visual deficit until the final years of life, if at all, may have caused underdiagnosis of cord1. Still, DNA testing remains informative, and ERG and OCT indicate progressive pathology. Peripheral fundus examination and photopic ERG are particularly useful for early detection and monitoring of cord1.
Assessment of amino acids and metabolites in the supernatant of stored concentrates blood from sickle cell trait (SCT) and reference (non‐SCT) donors
Authors: Izidoro Mario A. , de Paula Daiane D. A. , de Oliveira Ingrid , Latini Flávia R. M. , Girão Manoel J. B. C. , Cortez Afonso J. P. , Juliano Luiz
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

Sickle cell trait (SCT) persons are significant donors, and discarding these blood units reduces their supplies, mainly in the third‐world countries. This work focused on 12 metabolites associated with the red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion and 23 amino acids in the supernatants of packed RBC units from SCT and reference (non‐SCT) donors stored in the same conditions.

Materials and Methods

All samples of RBC concentrates were collected and separated from the storage of Colsan (Beneficient Association of Blood Collection), where they were routinely processed and separated as packed RBC units and stored in the refrigerator (2°–6°C). The supernatant samples of each packed RBC bag were separated by centrifugation at days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 of storage and kept at −80°C till the metabolite analysis together.

Results

The quantitation of metabolites and amino acids examined in the supernatant of SCT and reference donors showed no statistical differences along the cold storage. Lactic acid and malic acid releases occur in three phases during RBC storage. Basic and acid amino acids and corresponding amides have low and stable values during the first 14 days of storage, followed by a steep increase.

Conclusion

Our metabolomic results give elements that seem not to contraindicate the transfusion of RBC with SCT, besides its more structural fragility.
Barriers and facilitators to designing, maintaining, and utilizing rare disease patient registries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Stratton Catherine , Taylor Andrew , Konstantinidis Menelaos , McNiven Vanda , Kannu Peter , Gill Peter , Stedman Ian , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Offringa Martin , Potter Beth , Wong-Rieger Durhane , Adams John , Hodgkinson Kathy , Elliott Alison M. , Neville Alexandra , Faughnan Marie , Dyack Sarah , Zhelnov Pavel , Daly-Cyr Jennifer , McGowan Jessie , Straus Sharon , Smith Maureen , Rosella Laura , Tricco Andrea C.
Published: October 2024

Objective:

The objectives of this review are to identify barriers/facilitators to designing, maintaining, and utilizing rare disease patient registries (RDPRs); determine whether and how these differ among patient partners, other knowledge users (KUs), and researchers; and chart definitions of rare diseases and RDPRs.

Introduction:

RDPRs are vital to improving the understanding of the natural histories and predictors of outcomes for rare diseases, assessing interventions, and identifying potential participants for clinical trials. Currently, however, the functionality of RDPRs is not fully optimized. To improve the quality and functionality of RDPRs, it is important to understand the barriers and/or facilitators involved in their design, maintenance, and utilization; how these might differ among patient partners, other KUs, and researchers; and to delineate the range of definitions for rare diseases and RDPRs.

Inclusion criteria:

Evidence of any study design or format (including empirical studies, books, manuals, commentaries, editorials, guidance documents, conference abstracts, review documents, and gray literature) referencing barriers/facilitators for designing, maintaining, or utilizing RDPRs will be considered for inclusion.

Methods:

The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will search health science databases, including the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, the JBI EBP Database, and PsycINFO, from inception onwards, as well as gray literature using the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Grey Matters guidance. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and full-text documents, as well as abstract data. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer. Evidence will be synthesized descriptively and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRIMSA-ScR).

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/mvf9r
Dynamical system analysis for scalar field potential in teleparallel gravity
Authors: Kadam S. A. , Sahu Ananya , Tripathy S. K. , Mishra B.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we have presented a power law cosmological model and its dynamical system analysis in $$f(T,\phi )$$

f
(
T
,
ϕ
)

gravity, where T is the torsion scalar and $$\phi $$
ϕ
is the canonical scalar field. The two well-motivated forms of the non-minimal coupling function $$F(\phi )$$

F
(
ϕ
)

, the exponential form and the power law form, with exponential scalar field potential, are investigated. The dynamical system analysis is performed by establishing the dimensionless dynamical variables, and the critical points were obtained. The evolution of standard density parameters is analysed for each case. The behaviour of the equation of state (EoS) and deceleration parameter agree with the result of recent cosmological observations. The model parameters are constrained using the existence and the stability conditions of the critical points describing different epochs of the evolution of the Universe.
Research on Smart City Road Network Capacity Optimization Configuration Based on Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhang Yanling , Guo Xiaojie
Published: October 2024

At present, the urban traffic system is faced with the problems of congestion and low efficiency, and the traditional methods have certain limitations when dealing with the complex urban road network. This paper aims to explore a new method of capacity Optimization of Road Networks in a Smart City environment and proposes a method based on a Graph Neural network, named “Smart City Road optimization Graph Neural Network” (SCRO-GNN). SCRO-GNN first collects and preprocesses multi-source data, including road network data, traffic flow, accident records, environmental factors, etc. The key node and edge features, including the number of lanes at the intersection, the traffic flow of the section, and the adjacency matrix of the road network are defined to characterize the structure of the road network. Then, the graph neural network model is constructed and trained to predict the traffic flow of different sections and evaluate the road capacity by using the graph structure of the road network. This paper tests the performance of SCRO-GNN on real road networks in multiple cities. The results show that, compared with the traditional traffic flow prediction model, SCRO-GNN can significantly improve the prediction accuracy, especially when dealing with the highly complex urban road network structure. Based on these predictions, the proposed optimization strategy performed well in reducing traffic congestion and improving the efficiency of road use. The research in this paper not only demonstrates the potential of graph neural networks in smart city road network optimization, but also provides a new direction for future traffic system research. The successful implementation of the SCRO-GNN approach is expected to provide more efficient and intelligent solutions for urban traffic management and planning.
Finding Efficient Solutions in Interval Multi-Objective Linear Programming Models by Uncertainty Theory
Authors: Batamiz A. , Hladík M.
Published: October 2024

Interval multi-objective linear programming (IMOLP) ímodels are one of the methods to tackle uncertainties. In this paper, we propose two methods to determine the efficient solutions in the IMOLP models through the expected value, variance and entropy operators which have good properties. One of the most important properties of these methods is to obtain different efficient solutions set according to decision makers’ preferences as available information. We first develop the concept of the expected value, variance and entropy operators on the set of intervals and study some properties of the expected value, variance and entropy operators. Then, we present an IMOLP model with uncertain parameters in the objective functions. In the first method, we use the expected value and variance operators in the IMOLP models and then we apply the weighted sum method to convert an IMOLP model into a multi-objective non-linear programming (MONLP) model. In the second method, the IMOLP model using the expected value, variance and entropy operators can be converted into a multi-objective linear programming (MOLP) model. The proposed methods are applicable for large scale models. Finally, to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed methods, numerical examples and two real-world models are solved.
Learning Joint Topic Representation for Detecting Drift in Social Media Text
Authors: Vijayarani J. , Geetha T.V.
Published: October 2024

Social media texts like tweets and blogs are collaboratively created by human interaction. Rapidly changing trends are leading to topic drift in the social media text. This drift is usually associated with words and hashtags. However, geotags play an essential part in determining topic distribution with location context. The rate of change in the distribution of words, hashtags and geotags cannot be considered uniform and must be handled accordingly. This paper builds a topic model that associates the topic with a mixture of distributions of words, hashtags and geotags. Stochastic gradient Langevin dynamic model with varying mini-batch sizes is used to capture the changes due to the asynchronous distribution of words and tags. Topic representations with co-occurrence and location contexts are specified as hashtag context vector and geotag context vector respectively. These two vectors are jointly learned to yield topical word embedding vectors over time conditioned on hashtags and geotags that can predict location-based topical variations effectively. When evaluated with Chennai and UK geolocated Twitter data, the proposed joint topical word embedding model enhanced by the social tags context, outperforms other methods.
The ACM Web Conference 2024 Report
Authors: Chua Tat-Seng , Ngo Chong-Wah , Kumar Ravi , Lauw Hady W. , Bulterman Dick C. A.
Published: October 2024

The 33rd edition of The Web Conference was successfully held from May 13 to 17, 2024 at Resorts World Convention Centre, Singapore. It was held as in-person conference that also featured rich virtual elements. The first two days of the five-day event featured workshops, tutorials, special days, and symposia. The last three days were the main conference days dedicated to keynote speeches, parallel presentation sessions of research, industry and special tracks, as well as multiple poster and demo sessions. This brief report provides an overview with organization and program details and statistics from Conference Chairs and Program Committee Chairs. Further details can be found at https://www2024.thewebconf.org/. At the conclusion of this report, we express our deep gratitude to authors, volunteers, SIGWEB, steering committee, sponsors and supporters.
A Comparative Study on the Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Conditioned Medium on Caco‐2 Cells as an In Vitro Model for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kalhor Naser , Fazaeli Hoda , Asl Faezeh Davoodi , Sheikholeslami Azar , Hoseini Seyed Jalal Eshagh , Sheykhhasan Mohsen
Published: October 2024

Recent research indicates that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), known for their anti‐inflammatory and anti‐infectious properties, could be a promising alternative for treating inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study examined how MSCs and their derivatives, when cocultured with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐stimulated Caco‐2 cells, affect the expression of genes related to inflammation, microbes, and apoptosis. In the experiment, Caco‐2 cells were exposed to 10 ng/mL of IL‐1β for 24 h. MSCs were sourced from human bone marrow, adipose tissue (AD‐MSC), and menstrual blood. These MSCs and their conditioned medium (CM) were then cocultured with the IL‐1β‐induced Caco‐2 cells. After 48 h, gene expression levels were analyzed using real‐time PCR, and the data were statistically evaluated using T‐tests, U‐Mann–Whitney, and Tukey’s post hoc analyses. The results indicated that IL‐1β at 10 ng/mL was the optimal concentration for inducing Caco‐2 cells with the highest viability and minimal damage. Among the MSCs tested, AD‐MSCs were the most effective in regulating gene expression. Specifically, AD‐MSC treatment significantly reduced the mRNA expression of TNF‐α and IL‐1β, both of which are crucial in sustaining inflammatory responses (p ≤ 0.05). This study concludes that AD‐MSCs have superior effects compared to other MSC sources in modulating genes associated with inflammation, antibacterial effects, and apoptosis in an in vitro model of IBD using Caco‐2 cells.
CHA2DS2‐VASc Score in Predicting Visual Acuity Outcomes Following Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Nemet Achia , Tuuminen Raimo , Yona Tzadok , Plopsky Gilad , Katz Michal , Glinkin Natali , Lelchuk Olga , Pikkel Joseph
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To find whether the CHA2DS2‐VASc score, a system for stratifying stroke risk among patients with atrial fibrillation, correlates with visual acuity prognosis following retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Participants and Methods: This retrospective study included 83 eyes of 83 patients with a diagnosis of branch or central RVO between June 2017 and August 2022 with at least 12 months of follow‐up in Assuta Ashdod Medical Center, Ashdod, Israel. The patients were divided into three groups, with CHA2DS2‐VASc scores of 0–2 (N = 31), 3–5 (N = 45), or 6–9 (N = 7). The change in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between the groups was examined about 1 year after the presentation of RVO.

Results: The patient mean age was 67.9 ± 13.8 years; 38.6% were women. The mean visual acuity was 0.83 ± 0.67 LogMAR units at the first admission and 0.78 ± 0.80 LogMAR units at the last visit. Patients with a CHA2DS2‐VASc score from 6 to 9 had a significantly poorer BCVA prognosis at 1‐year (+0.60 ± 0.94 [−0.27, 1.47] LogMAR units) compared to groups with a CHA2DS2‐VASc score from 3 to 5 (−0.01 ± 0.65 [−0.20, 0.19] LogMAR units) and a CHA2DS2‐VASc score from 0 to 2 (−0.12 ± 0.59 [−0.33, 0.10] LogMAR units) (p = 0.038).

Conclusions: Following RVO, patients with a CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 6 or higher had a worse prognosis in their visual acuity than patients with a lower score.
Quality Evaluation of Herbal Yoghurt Produced Using Cinnamon (Cinnamon cassia), Garlic (Allium sativum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Mbaeyi-Nwaoha Ifeoma Elizabeth , Uzoigwe Augustina Chinechendu , Onyeaka Helen
Published: October 2024

Yoghurt is a widely consumed fermented dairy product, known for its flavour and perceived health benefits. To create herbal yoghurt with unique attributes, different amounts (0, 4, 6 and 8 g) of cinnamon, garlic and ginger were incorporated into the yoghurt postfermentation, resulting in multiple samples. The research assessed various aspects of the herbal yoghurt, including proximate composition, micronutrients, physicochemical properties, antioxidant content, sensory attributes and microbiological characteristics. The proximate analysis revealed variations in moisture (86.67% to 87.79%), protein (4.26% to 4.28%), fat (3.82% to 3.91%), ash (0.88% to 0.95%) and carbohydrates (0.12% to 1.73%). The vitamin C content ranged from 0.21 mg/100 mg to 0.21 mg/100 mg, and vitamin A content from 2.79 IU to 2.86 IU. Phosphorus and calcium content varied from 90.43 mg/100 mg to 91.87 mg/100 mg and 53.72 mg/100 mg to 53.83 mg/100 mg, respectively. The herbal yoghurt exhibited a pH range of 4.57 to 4.67, total titratable acidity from 0.43 to 0.51 and IC50 for DPPH values from 20.83 to 21.78. In terms of sensory evaluation, the control sample (YCTRL) garnered the highest mean scores for all attributes, including appearance, aroma, taste, aftertaste, mouthfeel, consistency and overall acceptability. Panellists rated YGP1, which contained 4 g of ginger powder, as the herbal yoghurt with the most acceptability. Microbiological analysis indicated that the total viable count ranged from 7.9 × 102 (cfu/ml) to 1.1 × 103 (cfu/mL), with lactic acid bacteria counts varying from 1.4 × 103 (cfu/mL) to 2.3 × 103 (cfu/mL). Notably, no mould was detected in any of the yoghurt samples or the control, possibly due to the stringent aseptic conditions and hygienic measures maintained during production. From the results obtained, herbal yoghurt can serve as a highly nutritional functional food enriched with a variety of health benefits.
Traveling Wave Solutions of the Conformable Fractional Klein–Gordon Equation With Power Law Nonlinearity
Authors: Cui Zhoujin , Lu Tao , Chen Bo
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the construction of new traveling wave solutions for the conformable fractional Klein–Gordon equation, which is a well‐known mathematical and physical model that can be used to explain spinless pion and de Broglie waves. In order to accomplish this task, a classic and effective analysis method, namely, the extended tanh–coth method, was utilized. By introducing appropriate transformations, the conformable fractional Klein–Gordon equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations, and then the solutions with hyperbolic function form are obtained. In addition, the effect of fractional parameters on waveform is analyzed by drawing two‐ and three‐dimensional graphics. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the conformable fractional Klein–Gordon equation. The research in this article also indicates that the extended tanh–coth method is a straightforward and concise technique that has the potential to be applicable to many other conformable fractional partial differential equations that appear in mathematical physics.
Donor‐Derived Disseminated Toxoplasmosis in a Liver Transplant Recipient With Documented Sulfa Allergy
Authors: Raglow Zoe , Herriman Emily , Abrams Gabriel , Najjar Marc , Sonnenday Christopher J. , Gregg Kevin S.
Published: October 2024

Transplant recipients who are seronegative for Toxoplasma and receive an organ from a seropositive donor are at high risk for donor‐derived toxoplasmosis in the absence of prophylaxis. While the risk in cardiac transplant recipients is well known, this infection is often underrecognized in noncardiac transplant recipients. Toxoplasmosis in transplant patients is associated with high mortality, and diagnosis is challenging as the presentation is nonspecific. Recommendations for prophylaxis in cardiac transplant recipients are well‐defined, but the optimal prophylactic strategy in noncardiac transplant recipients, especially those with sulfa allergies, is unknown. We report a case of donor‐derived disseminated toxoplasmosis in a liver transplant recipient who did not receive prophylaxis due to documented sulfa allergy. The patient subsequently underwent a challenge with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and was successfully treated with this therapy. This case underscores the variable clinical presentation of donor‐derived toxoplasmosis as well as the critical importance of accurate allergy evaluation pretransplant.
Supplementary Figure S6 from ATF6 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Growth and Stemness by Regulating the Wnt Pathway
Authors: Rodvold Jeffrey J. , Grimmer Matthew , Ruiz Karen , Marsters Scot A. , Oikonomidi Ioanna , Tan-Aristy Eileen , Pham Victoria C. , Sarkar Tamal , Harnoss Jonathan M. , Shatz-Binder Whitney , Modrusan Zora D. , Wu Thomas D. , Lill Jennie R. , Villemure Elisia , Rudolph Joachim , de Sousa e Melo Felipe , Ashkenazi Avi
Published: October 2024

Selective inhibition of ATF6 but not IRE1 or PERK attenuates PDM-272 organoid growth
Supplementary Figure S5 from ATF6 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Growth and Stemness by Regulating the Wnt Pathway
Authors: Rodvold Jeffrey J. , Grimmer Matthew , Ruiz Karen , Marsters Scot A. , Oikonomidi Ioanna , Tan-Aristy Eileen , Pham Victoria C. , Sarkar Tamal , Harnoss Jonathan M. , Shatz-Binder Whitney , Modrusan Zora D. , Wu Thomas D. , Lill Jennie R. , Villemure Elisia , Rudolph Joachim , de Sousa e Melo Felipe , Ashkenazi Avi
Published: October 2024

β-catenin knockdown phenocopies ATF6 silencing
Supplementary Figure S2 from ATF6 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Growth and Stemness by Regulating the Wnt Pathway
Authors: Rodvold Jeffrey J. , Grimmer Matthew , Ruiz Karen , Marsters Scot A. , Oikonomidi Ioanna , Tan-Aristy Eileen , Pham Victoria C. , Sarkar Tamal , Harnoss Jonathan M. , Shatz-Binder Whitney , Modrusan Zora D. , Wu Thomas D. , Lill Jennie R. , Villemure Elisia , Rudolph Joachim , de Sousa e Melo Felipe , Ashkenazi Avi
Published: October 2024

Disruption of ATF6 attenuates growth of multiple CRC cell lines in vitro and in vivo
Figure 6 from ATF6 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Growth and Stemness by Regulating the Wnt Pathway
Authors: Rodvold Jeffrey J. , Grimmer Matthew , Ruiz Karen , Marsters Scot A. , Oikonomidi Ioanna , Tan-Aristy Eileen , Pham Victoria C. , Sarkar Tamal , Harnoss Jonathan M. , Shatz-Binder Whitney , Modrusan Zora D. , Wu Thomas D. , Lill Jennie R. , Villemure Elisia , Rudolph Joachim , de Sousa e Melo Felipe , Ashkenazi Avi
Published: October 2024

Selective ATF6 inhibition attenuates colorectal cancer organoid growth while inhibiting Wnt-pathway activity. A, Viability of normal (Col009 and DNW15) or malignant (PDM-264, PDM-5, PDM-6, PDM-96, PDM-185, and PDM-272) intestinal organoids treated with Ceapin-A7 (10 μmol/L) for 7 days (n = 3). B, Brightfield 4× visualization of PDM-185 growth in the absence (DMSO) or presence of Ceapin-A7 (10 μmol/L) for 7 days. C, Viability of PDM-272 organoid after 7 days of Ceapin-A7 treatment at the specified concentration (n = 3). D, Organoid confluence of PDM-272, as described in C, as quantified by Incucyte (n = 3). E, Cell-cycle distribution of PDM-272 organoid treated without or with Ceapin-A7 (3 μmol/L) after 2 days as determined by flow cytometric PI staining (n = 2). F, Gene expression of ATF6, Wnt signaling genes (AXIN2, LGR5, and TCF7), and Myc signaling genes (MYC and CDCA7) of PDM-272 organoid treated with Ceapin-A7 (3 μmol/L) for 2 days as determined by RT-qPCR (n = 3). G, Viability of PDM-272 after 7 days of growth in the presence of inactive Ceapin-A7 (3 μmol/L), or Ceapin-A7 (3 μmol/L; n = 3). H, Organoid confluence of PDM-272, as described in G (n = 3). I, Light microscopy images of PDM-272 organoid in G after 7-day treatment. J, PDM-272 were treated as in G for 2 days and were analyzed by RT-qPCR for Wnt signaling (AXIN2, LGR5, and TCF7) and Myc signaling (MYC and CDCA7) mRNA levels (n = 3). *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.005; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001.
Figure 3 from ATF6 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Growth and Stemness by Regulating the Wnt Pathway
Authors: Rodvold Jeffrey J. , Grimmer Matthew , Ruiz Karen , Marsters Scot A. , Oikonomidi Ioanna , Tan-Aristy Eileen , Pham Victoria C. , Sarkar Tamal , Harnoss Jonathan M. , Shatz-Binder Whitney , Modrusan Zora D. , Wu Thomas D. , Lill Jennie R. , Villemure Elisia , Rudolph Joachim , de Sousa e Melo Felipe , Ashkenazi Avi
Published: October 2024

ATF6 silencing attenuates cell-cycle progression and downregulates cell-cycle drivers. A, Colo201 and CCK81 cells expressing inducible shATF6 were treated with or without Dox for 3 days and subjected to cell-cycle analysis by EdU incorporation (n = 3). B, G1 phase abundance of Colo201 shATF6.1 cells after treatment with or without Dox for specified treatment lengths as determined by cell-cycle analysis by PI staining (n = 3). C, Colo201 cells expressing inducible shATF6 were treated with Dox for 0 to 4 days and mRNA expression of ATF6 and CDKN1A/p21 was determined by qPCR (n = 2 per group). D, CCK81 cells expressing inducible shATF6 were treated and similarly analyzed as in B. E, Colo201 and CCK81 cells expressing inducible shATF6 were treated without (−) or with Dox for 0 to 4 days, and protein levels of ATF6, p21(CDKN1A), and p27 were determined by immunoblotting. Cells treated without Dox harvested on day 4. F, GSEA plots of hallmark gene sets. G, Heatmap of hallmark MYC targets v2. H, Heatmap of hallmark Wnt/β-catenin signaling. I, Heatmap of stem gene set. J, GSEA plots of stem and specific differentiated cell type gene sets. CellCyc, cell cycle; NES, Normalized Enrichment Score. ; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.005; ***, P < 0.001.
Figure 1 from ATF6 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Growth and Stemness by Regulating the Wnt Pathway
Authors: Rodvold Jeffrey J. , Grimmer Matthew , Ruiz Karen , Marsters Scot A. , Oikonomidi Ioanna , Tan-Aristy Eileen , Pham Victoria C. , Sarkar Tamal , Harnoss Jonathan M. , Shatz-Binder Whitney , Modrusan Zora D. , Wu Thomas D. , Lill Jennie R. , Villemure Elisia , Rudolph Joachim , de Sousa e Melo Felipe , Ashkenazi Avi
Published: October 2024

Several solid malignancies display elevated mRNA expression of ATF6 target genes. A, Expression sum of 13 known ATF6 target genes (ER13 score) based on tissue specimen data from TCGA. ER13 score comparison made respective to each tissue type between cancerous relative to normal tissue. B, ER13 score of patient samples from colorectal cancer subsets of mucinous or not-otherwise-stated adenocarcinoma from malignant and normal samples in TCGA. C, Average log2 expression ER13 single-cell expression of colonic epithelium cells from normal or tumor tissue from Pelka and colleagues (40). D,ATF6 expression of colonic epithelium cells from normal or tumor tissue. E, Average ER13 single-cell expression of colonic epithelium cells from normal or tumor tissue stratified by microsatellite stable or instable tumor cells. Avg, average; C, cancerous; Exp, expression; GBM, glioblastoma; MSI, microsatellite instable; MSS, microsatellite stable; N, normal; NOS, not otherwise stated.
Association between Obesity and Dental Caries in Adults: An Analysis of WHR, and DMFT Score
Authors: Kabbarah Alaa Jameel , Samman Meyassara , Alwafi Abdulraheem A. , Ashi Heba , Abuljadayel Layla Waleed , Bahanan Lina O. , Rajeh Mona T. , Farsi Nada J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The relationship between obesity and dental caries in adults presents inconsistent findings in current literature, which necessitates further research to clarify this relationship. This study aimed to examine the association between obesity and dental caries in adults using a nationally representative sample. Methods: This study employed data of US adults aged >20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pre-pandemic cycle. Obesity was defined using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Dental caries were assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores. Results: Most participants were categorized as individuals with obesity based on the WHR (74.5%) or BMI (72.7%). A significant difference in the DMFT scores and missing teeth was observed between individuals with normal weight and individuals with obesity. After adjusting for the sociodemographic variables, individuals with obesity had a 0.11 higher DMFT score (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.01 to 0.23). A significant association was observed between the WHR and DMFT scores when age was excluded from the model, demonstrating a higher coefficient of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05–0.30). Conclusions: A positive association was observed between obesity and dental caries in the US adult population. However, age was found to be a confounding factor in this relationship. This study highlights the relationship between oral and general health, advocating healthcare providers for an integrated health promotion strategy, through comprehensive campaigns addressing obesity, diet, lifestyle, and dental health, aiming for raising awareness and a more effective public health strategy.
The Effect of Depression and Hopelessness Level on Death Anxiety in Earthquake Survivor Students One Year After the Earthquake
Authors: Gümüş Şekerci Yasemin , Ayvazoğlu Gülşah , Çekiç Mustafa
Published: October 2024

It is important to reveal the long-term psychological effects of the earthquake in earthquake-exposed individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of depression, hopelessness and death anxiety in students who experienced the earthquake one year after the earthquake and to examine the effects of depression and hopelessness on death anxiety. This is a descriptive and correlational study. Data were collected from 155 Emergency Relief and Disaster Management students who experienced the Kahramanmaras earthquake in Türkiye in 2023. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Thorson-Powell Death Anxiety Scale. In the study, a moderate positive correlation was found, indicating that as levels of depression and hopelessness increased, so did death anxiety ( p < .05). Depression and hopelessness explained 18.1% of the variance in death anxiety. Death anxiety was found to be higher in males and in students whose relatives or close friends died.
Comparative study on the cleanliness and compositional change of alloy steels processed by electroslag remelting and vacuum arc remelting
Authors: Zhang Pengzhao , Huo Xudong , Zhao Yijiang , Li Guangqiang , Wang Xijie , Liu Yu
Published: October 2024

The cleanliness and compositional change of Ni containing alloy steel processed by electroslag remelting (ESR) and vacuum arc remelting (VAR) were studied. The results show that compared with the electrode steel, the total oxygen content increases in the steel processed by ESR. On the contrary, the total oxygen and total nitrogen content in the steel processed by VAR can be significantly decreased due to the vacuum environment. The number and size of inclusions in steel processed by VAR are significantly decreased, which indicates that the VAR is conducive to improving the cleanliness of steel. Single TiN inclusions are found in both steels processed by ESR and VAR, and oxide inclusions in two steels are (Mg,Al,Ca)O and (Mg,Al)O, respectively. The growth time of TiN inclusions is relatively shorter in the steel processed by VAR, which leads to the thinner TiN layer surrounding the oxide inclusions. During the VAR process, the high temperature and high vacuum conditions promote the volatilization of Mn in steel, leading to decrease of the Mn content in steel. Therefore, extra Mn should be added to the electrode steel before VAR.
Sex and Dominance Differences in the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Prosocial Behavior: The Roles of Meaning in Life and Resilience
Authors: Li Chunkai , Zhang Miaoji , Xu Shuo
Published: October 2024

The impact of childhood trauma on adolescents’ development is a key topic in social science. Much of the existing literature focuses on its negative consequences, with limited study on its effects on positive social functions, particularly prosocial behavior. This study aims to uncover the link between childhood trauma and prosocial behavior among Chinese adolescents, focusing on how meaning in life and resilience mediate this relationship and how sex and social dominance goals moderate these effects. This study utilized random cluster sampling to survey 659 adolescents (mean age = 15.05, SD = 1.576, 53.6% female) in Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, China. Data on childhood trauma, meaning in life, resilience, and prosocial behavior were collected through self-reported measures. The data were analyzed through Process Macro Model 4 for mediation effects and Model 8 for moderated mediation in SPSS 26.0. Findings indicated that meaning in life (β = −.042, P < .001, SE = 0.015) and resilience (β = −.071, P < .001, SE = 0.018) partially mediate the impact of the main effect. Social dominance goals reduced the negative effects of trauma on prosocial behavior; higher levels lead to reduced impacts (β = −.173, P < .001, SE = 0.039, t = −4.448). Sex differences also moderated the effect of trauma on meaning in life, with females experiencing a greater decrease in the meaning of life after adversity (β = −.825, P < .001, SE = 0.112, t = −7.372). This research offers new insights into the mechanisms by which childhood trauma affects prosocial behavior and emphasizes the need to consider sex and social dominance goals in trauma interventions.
Regulatory Policy Uncertainty, Financial Innovations, and the Performance of Financial Institutions among Emerging Markets
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of regulatory policy uncertainty and financial innovations on the performance of financial institutions among emerging economies from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 2004 to 2020. The study employs the pooled ordinary least squares (POLS) with Driscoll and Kraay’s (1998) standard errors in examining the various interactions specified in the objectives. Results from the analysis suggest that regulatory policy uncertainty negatively influences the performance of financial institutions among sampled economies in the study. Further results show that financial innovations tend to augment the performance of financial institutions, all things being equal. Again, reported findings show that effective governance alone may not be enough to negate the adverse effect of regulatory policy uncertainty on the performance of financial institutions in the subregion.

JEL Classification C33, G18, G2, G28
Data retention in the light of copyright infringements: Protecting the status quo or seeking a third way? (Case C-470/21 La Quadrature du Net II)
Authors: Rojszczak Marcin
Published: October 2024

In La Quadrature du Net II, the EU Court of Justice addressed – once again – the issue of the application of national retention legislation providing for the generalized retention of telecommunications data. This time, unlike in the previous cases, the problem was examined not in relation to measures used in the areas of combating serious crime or pursuing national security objectives, but in relation to counteracting online copyright infringements. Hence the case, decided by the CJEU sitting as the Full Court, concerned an important and topical issue, namely the possibility of countering mass copyright infringements in a situation where, according to a strict reading of the previous case law, the permissibility of imposing an obligation on telecommunications operators to collect information on users’ IP addresses was questioned. The LQDN II judgment – commented on by some as diverging from previous case law – is an important and necessary complement to the Court's earlier interpretation and, at the same time, a guideline on how to design retention laws to be applied not only in the area of countering copyright infringements, but also in other important areas, such as the fight against hate speech.
Ultrasound as a Complementary Tool to Electrodiagnostics in the Evaluation of Compressive Neuropathy of the Common Fibular Nerve
Authors: DeMartini Stephen J. , Faust Amanda M. , Olafsen Nathan P. , Brogan David M. , Dy Christopher J.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Compressive neuropathy of the common fibular nerve (CFN) is increasingly recognized as an etiology for foot drop and falls. Electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies are widely used to evaluate this condition, but such tests are invasive and costly. As with carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes, there may be patients with characteristic symptoms of CFN compressive neuropathy but normal EDX studies in which ultrasound may aid in decision-making.

Purpose:

We sought to examine the association between ultrasound and nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) in the diagnosis of compressive neuropathy of the CFN.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review identifying 104 patients who underwent CFN decompression from January 1, 2015, to June 30, 2023. Patients were included if they had both ultrasound and NCS/EMG prior to CFN decompression for compressive neuropathy and if they were older than 18 years at time of surgery. Patients were excluded if they had entrapment secondary to trauma, iatrogenic injury, or if they had had superficial fibular decompression alone without CFN decompression. After applying exclusion criteria, 17 patients remained in the cohort.

Results:

Mean ultrasound cross-sectional area and side-to-side (STS) ratios were significantly higher in those with abnormal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes versus those with normal CMAP amplitudes. The probability of having an abnormal CMAP amplitude when STS ratio was abnormal was 18 times greater compared with those with normal STS ratio. With each unit increase in STS ratio, CMAP amplitude was reduced by 2.79 mV.

Conclusions:

This retrospective review found that ultrasound may provide complementary diagnostic information to EMG/NCS for compressive neuropathy of the CFN. Further study is needed to examine the relationship between ultrasound findings for CFN compressive neuropathy and results of surgical decompression.
Uncertainty Evaluation for Determination of Sibutramine in Health Food by HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Gong Zi-Shan , Guo Qiao-yun , Zhang Jing , Gong Shuo , Liu Fang , Xu Liang
Published: October 2024

High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to determine the content of sibutramine in health foods according to the BJS 201701 standard Determination of Compounds such as Sibutramine in Food. By evaluating each uncertainty component, the influencing factors of the uncertainty were identified and the expanded uncertainty of sibutramine detection in health foods was provided. Using the example of illegal addition of sibutramine to health products, the HPLC-MS/MS method was used for qualitative screening and quantitative analysis of samples. The sources of uncertainty in the quantitative results were analysed, including sample weighing, sample volume determination, standard solution preparation, standard curve fitting and determination of sample repeatability. The synthetic relative standard uncertainty of the measurement results was calculated and the expanded uncertainty was reported. By optimizing the liquid phase conditions, the sample can be detected within 5 min with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.998. When the content of sibutramine in health products was 42.2 mg/kg, the extended uncertainty of the results was 4.56 mg/kg (k = 2) with a 95% confidence interval. Among the various components affecting the results of detection, the uncertainty introduced during the process of preparing the standard solution has the greatest impact on the results. A proper evaluation of the uncertainty, detailed analysis and quantification of the various sources of uncertainty can help to improve the reliability of test results.