bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Extended Exposure to LED Light on Retinal Metabolome, Cognitive Function, and Behaviour
Authors: Ayyappan Aparna , Kumari Deeksha , Ashok Arjun , Shenoy Revathi P , Moggala Y S Phaneendra Malli , Biswas Monalisa , Shetty Mithun , Theruveethi Nagarajan
Published: October 2024

Background: Exposure to short-wavelength LEDs, which are increasingly common in the digital era, particularly between 400 nm and 490 nm, can negatively impact the visual system and retinal metabolome. Thisstudy aimed to determine the effects of blue light exposure on retinal metabolomic changes and behaviour in rodents via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Methodology: A total of 18 healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6), three control (NC) groups (n=3), and three experimental (EXP) groups (n=3). The EXP animals were exposed to a 4-hour (4.00–8.00 pm) light cycle of blue LED light with uniform illumination (450–500 lux) throughout 14, 21, and 28 days. Postexposure, the rats were subjected to behavioural tests via the passive avoidance test (PAT). The animals were subjected to the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and retinal tissue was removed to evaluate the metabolomic profile via GC-MS.
Results: The PAT showed a notable difference in latency (p=0.0317) between the groups. The EXP to blue light resulted in worsened motor memory and a longer latency to enter the dark compartment (DC). The EPM test did not reveal noteworthy variance in the time spent in the closed arm (TSICA) across sessions (p=0.1801). When retinal metabolites were compared between the groups, there was a notable difference (p < 0.0001), with the experimental groups having different levels of hydroxylamine.
Conclusion: Extended exposure to blue LED light can cause molecular changes in the retina that may lead to significant structural damage over time. This damage can result in alterations in learning and motor memory, which can persist for up to 28 days.
High performance electro-catalyst with inherent nitrogen and sulfur from low rank coal for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Cai Lianguo , Wang Tianzhen
Published: October 2024

Low cost and stable catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a challenge for fuel cells and lithium-O2 batteries. In this paper, the activated carbon with inherent nitrogen and sulfur from lignite was prepared via ambient temperature activation and high temperature carbonization process. The results show the surface areas of as prepared activated carbon was about 933 m2/g. And the nitrogen and sulfur content was 1.7% and 1.8%, respectively, which can facilitate the ORR performances of catalyst. The onset potential was -0.2 V (vs. Hg2Cl2) in 0.1 M KOH solution. The Chronoamperometric (CA) results show the catalyst has a very high stability. The electron transfer number of ORR is 3.81. High nitrogen and sulfur content activated carbon from coal was a promising material for ORR.
Esketamine induces embryonic and cardiac malformation through regulating the nkx2.5 and gata4 in zebrafish
Authors: Li Shuang , Zhao Rui , Jiang Tingyu , Huang Huansen , Tang Jiancheng , Ou Qiuyun
Published: October 2024

Esketamine (EK) has been widely used in the treatment of depression, but the effects of EK prenatal treatment on embryonic heart development have been rarely reported. This study assesses the effects of varying concentrations of EK on embryonic development and cardiogenesis to determine the teratogenic concentration in the zebrafish model, centering on the interaction with the genes nkx2.5 and gata4 to elucidate the mechanism cardiac morphogenesis. Zebrafish embryos were classified into six distinct groups and exposed to either a vehicle or EK to ascertain the half lethal concentration (LC50) at 48 hours post-fertilization (hpf) and 72hpf through enumerating statistics on mortality rates. Embryonic and heart morphologies were assessed utilizing live embryo imaging techniques and stereo microscopy. Nkx2.5 and gata4 were identified via whole-mount in situ hybridization. Exposure to EK results in concentration- and time- dependent significant teratogenic effects on zebrafish embryos. The 48h- and 72h-LC50 of EK for zebrafish embryos were 0.31 (95% CI, 0.22, 0.38) mg·mL-1 and 0.17 (95% CI，0.11, 0.24) mg·mL-1, respectively. A significant reduction in heart rates and body length were observed and the distance between the sinus venosus and bulbar artery (SV-BA) was also found expanded, the pericardial edema area showed significant swelling, and the body axis curvature was more pronounced in the EK exposure groups. WISH analysis showed nkx2.5 staining intensity significantly decreased, while gata4 expression notably increased in direct proportion to EK concentration increase. Our findings suggest that exposure of zebrafish embryos to EK leads to embryonic and cardiac malformations, primarily due to the down-regulation of nkx2.5 and the over-expression of gata4. The insights advocate to maintain equilibrium and a compensatory mechanism in the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression is of paramount importance.
Gender Differences in Sleep Apnea: A Study of the Catalan Population
Authors: León-Gómez Brenda Biaani , Alvarez Maria Mar Rodriguez , Pujol-Salud Jesús , Thio Eulàlia Borrell , Erazo Susana , Antonio Josep Roca , Torán-Monserrat Pere
Published: October 2024

Objective
To analyse the distribution of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and key comorbidities among men and women over 18 years old without a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, seen by the teams of the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS) in both Primary Care (PC) and hospitalization according to Body Mass Index (BMI).
Methods
Cross-sectional, observational, and retrospective study with a cohort of 3,886 people, stratified by sex. Data were obtained from the SIDIAP database covering all individuals diagnosed with OSA without previous cardiovascular events from 01/01/2009-31/12/2016. The variables were age, socioeconomic deprivation index (MEDEA), BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other comorbidities. Cardiovascular risk was calculated using the REGICOR function. Chi-square tests were used to compare variables by sex.
Results
Of the 3,886 people, 28.8% were women. The majority of individuals (92.6%) were > 40 years old. Women reported a higher BMI and a different comorbidity profile. They also showed a higher prevalence of Class III obesity. On the other hand, men presented higher alcohol and tobacco consumption and more metabolic conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia. They also showed a higher cardiovascular risk compared to women.
Conclusion
There are gender differences in OSA without prior cardiovascular disease according to gender and BMI. This has clinical implications to be considered in diagnosis and treatment.
Chiroferromagnetic Quantum Dots for Chiroptical Synapse (ChiropS)
Authors: Yeom Jihyeon , Kwon Junyoung , Jeon Jae Bum , Júnior Walber Gonçalves , Lee Min Gu , Lee Changhyeon , Kim Geunyoung , Song Hanchan , Cheong Woon Hyung , Im Sung Gap , de Moura Andre , Kim Kyung Min
Published: October 2024

Optoelectronic devices using circularly polarized light (CPL) integration holds immense promise, offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity crucial for efficient data processing. With that, there has been growing needs in CPL sensing medium that processes strong optical activity, high stability and sensitivity, multi transition bands and environmental compatibility. Here, defect-engineered chiroferromagnetic quantum dots (CFQDs) are used as a new type of circularly polarized light (CPL) sensing material. By inducing amorphization defects using chiral molecules, CFQDs with a high density of unpaired electrons, atomic structural chirality, amplified chiroptical activity, and multiple exciton transition bands were obtained. The use of CFQDs as CPL sensing medium enables nonlinear long-term plastic behavior with linear optical input of the optoelectronic device, chiroptical synapse, which makes chiral quantum dot as in situ noise filters that facilitate over 20% noise reduction. Our CFQDs also provide over nine times higher integration for photon polarization and wavelength distinctions owing to their unique electric structures, which promises next-generation processors with enhanced energy efficiency, integration, and reduced retention time.
Analysis of Vehicle Movement Attraction Model of Nineteen November University Kolaka Students Tanggetada Sub-district Kolaka District
Authors: ODE AL TAFAKUR LA , PURNAMA HAERUL , Dirgantara Arya
Published: October 2024

Movement attraction is used to express a home-based movement that has a non-home origin or destination or a movement attracted by a non-home-based movement, to explain the trip attraction obtained is the number of movements attracted to a particular land use, location or zone. This study aims to model the movement attraction to the influential variables of a land- use that functions as an education activity center, the data analysis method used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis using Statistical Program for Social Science (SPSS) software using the enter method and stepwise method. Model analysis is based on multiple regression models with SPSS program tools. Model testing includes multiple linear regression test and T test, From the results of the study, the results of the analysis show that the best model for forecasting trip generation for delivery vehicles for Nursing Academy students at the University of Nineteen November Kolaka, Tanggetada District is Y = 288,715 + 127,013 X₃, where Y is vehicle attraction, X3 is faculty area.
Feasibility and acceptability of COVID-19 self-testing offered through community screening posts in Mozambique: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Issufo Sheila , Mavume-Mangunyane Elzier , Valverde Emilio , Ndima Sozinho , Chimoyi Lucy , Penicela Carlos , Andrade Ivete , Berthilde Uwimana , Botão Carlos , Malate Phath G. , Bruno Carmen C. , Nhangave Amâncio , Tasca Bianca G. , Madden Norma , Powers Rachel , Mulder Christiaan , Keller Sara , Peregrino Remilekun Roland , Spruijt Ineke
Published: October 2024

Background COVID-19 self-testing is a key strategy for point-of-care testing and COVID-19 out- management to identify persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 in low- and middle-income settings. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of healthcare worker-supervised COVID-19 self-tests at community bi-directional screening posts for COVID-19 and tuberculosis in urban and peri-urban areas in southern Mozambique.Methods Persons presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and those at risk of COVID-19 infection were eligible for self-testing. We collected and described cascade of care data and survey data of persons who completed self-testing, and conducted logistic regression to assess predictors for the likelihood of using the self-test again (likely/not likely). We invited a subset of clients and supervising healthcare workers for semi-structured in-depth interviews, of which transcripts we analyzed using a thematic approach.Results We invited 382 persons for self-testing, of whom 369 (96.6%) clients performed self-test. 328 (88.9%) were willing to use the self-test again when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and 332 (90%) declared to accept its use as a screening measure for COVID-19 contacts. Provided its affordability, clients perceived self-testing as an acceptable strategy following its accessibility, comfortable usage, quick results. Feasibility of self-testing requires instructional videos in local languages and implementation should be done through community channels. All supervising healthcare workers perceived self-testing as an important tool for increasing testing accessibility, early diagnosis, reduction of overcrowding and COVID-19 infection risk in healthcare facilities.Conclusions COVID-19 self-testing is acceptable and feasible if provided with linguistic and cultural appropriate health education and instructions at affordable price. Self-test delivery packages and systems should be developed that could be adapted to existing or future self-tests for infectious diseases or other non-communicable diseases.
ZFP36-family RNA-binding proteins in regulatory T cells reinforce immune homeostasis.
Authors: Turner Martin , Sáenz-Narciso Beatriz , Bell Sarah , Matheson Louise , Venigalla Ram
Published: October 2024

RNA binding proteins (RBP) of the ZFP36 family limit the differentiation and effector functions of CD4 and CD8 T cells, but little is known of their expression or function in regulatory T cells (Treg). By Treg-restricted deletion of Zfp36 family members we identify the essential role of Zfp36l1 and Zfp36l2 in Treg to maintain immune homeostasis. Mice with Tregs deficient in these RBP display an inflammatory phenotype with an expansion in the numbers of type-2 conventional dendritic cells, T effector cells, T follicular helper and germinal center B cells and elevated serum cytokines and immunoglobulins. In the absence of Zfp36l1 and Zfp36l2, the pool of cycling CTLA-4 in naïve Treg was reduced, Tregs were less sensitive to IL-2 and IL-7 but were more sensitive to IFNγ. In mice lacking both RBP in Treg, the deletion of a single allele of Ifng is sufficient to ameliorate the pathology. Thus, ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 regulate multiple pathways that enable Tregs to enforce immune homeostasis.
Precise mapping of single-stranded DNA breaks by using an engineered, error-prone DNA polymerase for sequence-templated erroneous end-labelling
Authors: Söderberg Ola , Wenson Leonie , Heldin Johan , Martin Marcel , Erbilgin Yücel , Salman Barış , Schaal Wesley , Sandbaumhüter Friederike , Jansson Erik , Chen Xingqi , Davidsson Anton , Stenerlöw Bo , Spjuth Ola
Published: October 2024

The ability to analyze whether DNA includes lesions is important in identifying mitogenic substances. Until now, the detection of single-stranded DNA breaks (SSBs) has lacked precise methods. To overcome this limitation, we have engineered a chimeric DNA polymerase, Sloppymerase, that is able to replicate DNA in the absence of one nucleotide. In addition to polymerase activity, Sloppymerase demonstrates 5´-3´exonuclease activity. We characterized the activity of Sloppymerase and utilized the enzyme to develop a method for sequence-templated erroneous end-labelling sequencing (STEEL-seq) that is relevant to the mapping of SSBs. Following the omission of a specific nucleotide, e.g., dATP, from the reaction mixture, Sloppymerase introduces mismatches directly downstream of SSBs at positions that should contain deoxyadenosine. The ability to retain sequence information after end-labelling ensures that hits are bona fide SSBs. STEEL-seq works with a variety of sequencing technologies, shown by our successful experiments using Sanger, Illumina, PacBio and Nanopore systems.
Single-mode Dispersion-engineered Nonlinear Integrated Waveguides for Ultra-broadband Optical Amplification and Wavelength Conversion
Authors: Andrekson Peter , Zhao Ping , Shekhawat Vijay , Girardi Marcello , He Zonglong , Torres-Company Victor
Published: October 2024

Four-wave mixing is a nonlinear optical phenomenon that can be utilized for wideband ultra-low-noise optical amplification as well as for wavelength conversion. This has extensively been investigated for various applications such as communications, spectroscopy, metrology, quantum computing and bio-imaging. However, there is a clear desire to implement these functionalities in a small footprint nonlinear platform, being compatible with large volume fabrication and being capable of efficient operation across a large optical bandwidth. Many such platforms, e.g., silicon, aluminum gallium arsenide, silicon nitride, nonlinear glass, etc., have been explored, but suffer from intrinsic significant performance degradation, i.e., gain and bandwidth deduction and distortion, because conventional approaches of nonlinear photonic waveguide geometry construction for dispersion engineering focus on waveguide cross section and result in always being multimode as a byproduct. Here we propose and demonstrate a methodology that utilizes not only the impact of the waveguide cross section on the modal and dispersion behavior of the waveguide but also includes the impact of the waveguide bend for cutting off high-order modes. This approach results in simultaneous single-mode operation and dispersion engineering for very broadband operation of four-wave mixing. While we implemented this in silicon nitride waveguides, which has emerged as a promising platform capable of continuous-wave optical parametric amplification, the design approach can be universally used with other platforms as well. By carefully also considering both second- and fourth-order dispersion we achieve unprecedented amplification bandwidths of approximately 300 nm in silicon nitride nonlinear waveguides of which the losses can be as record-low as 0.6 dB/m. In addition, penalty-free all-optical wavelength conversion of 100 Gbit/s data in a single optical carrier over 200 nm is realized, for the first time, without optical amplification of signal or idler waves. These single-mode hyper-dispersion-engineered nonlinear integrated waveguides can become practical building blocks in versatile nonlinear photonic devices and optical networks.
Prevalence of risk factors in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in Damascus _ Syria: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: rashi Mohamad Ala , Alkhateeb Khaled , Altabbaa Hamza , Nakawah Aman , Hamzeh Ghassan , Alnehlawi Omar
Published: October 2024

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of risk factors among patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in Syrian society and the variations in their
distribution according to age and gender.
Methods: This study is a retrospective cross-sectional study, patients data was collected by reviewing the medical records of patients from Al-Assad University Hospital, Al-Mouwasat University Hospital, Children's University Hospital, and Damascus Hospital.
Cross-tabulation tables and the Chi-square test were used to show the relationship between gender/age and the prevalence of risk factors, demonstrate statistical significance and calculate P-value.
Results: From a total of 194 patients included in the study, there were 123 males, accounting for 63.4% of the patients, while there were 71 females, accounting for 36.6%.
The most common risk factor among intracerebral hemorrhage patients was hypertension at 44.8% of the total patients, followed by antithrombotic use at 25.8%, smoking at 19.1%, diabetes at 15.5%, and hematological diseases making up 9.3% of the patients, whereas in age groups under 10 years, various hematological diseases were the most prevalent risk factors at 42.5%, followed by prematurity at 27.5%, and hyaline membrane disease at 15%.
The study showed no statistically significant differences in the distribution of risk factors between males and females except for smoking. However, the results revealed a significant difference in the distribution of risk factors according to age for Smoking, hypertension, antithrombotic use, diabetes, arteriovenous malformation, hyaline membrane disease, hematological diseases, and prematurity(p<0.05).
Conclusion: The study showed that hypertension and antithrombotic use are the most important risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage, so controlling arterial pressure and periodic tests such as (platelet count/PT/PTT) are gold roles in preventing intracerebral hemorrhage.
ATF3-SLC7A7 Axis Regulates mTORC1 Signaling to Suppress Lipogenesis and Tumorigenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qinglin Zhang , Fengzhi Zhu , Yin Tong , Yunxing Huang , Jiangwen Zhang
Published: October 2024

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health challenge with poor prognosis and high mortality. Dysregulated lipid metabolism is increasingly recognized as a key driver of HCC progression. While the transcription factor ATF3 has been implicated in tumorigenesis and lipid regulation, its precise role in HCC development and lipid biosynthesis is not fully understood.
Methods
We generated ATF3-overexpression and ATF3-knockdown HCC cell lines via lentiviral infection. To investigate ATF3’s role in HCC, we performed in vitro assays, including MTT, transwell migration, wound healing, and colony formation assays, alongside an in vivo mouse xenograft model to assess tumor growth. The correlation between ATF3 expression and lipid synthesis was analyzed using RNA-Seq data from HCC patients and further validated by qRT-PCR, Nile Red staining, lipid quantification, correlation analysis, and immunohistochemistry. The impact of ATF3 on mTORC1 signaling was evaluated through western blotting, confocal microscopy, Oil Red O staining, and lipid quantification assays. SLC7A7, identified as a potential downstream effector of ATF3, was analyzed using qRT-PCR, and its influence on mTORC1 signaling was examined in the same manner as ATF3. The binding of ATF3 to the enhancer region of SLC7A7 was identified via ChIP-Seq and confirmed through ChIP-qPCR, luciferase reporter assays, and DNA pull-down assays.
Results
We demonstrate that mTORC1 inhibition markedly reduces lipogenesis in HCC and identify a regulatory axis involving ATF3 and the amino acid transporter SLC7A7. Transcriptomic analysis reveals an inverse correlation between ATF3 expression and lipid synthesis, a finding supported by experimental data. Mechanistically, ATF3 represses mTORC1 signaling, inhibiting lipid biosynthesis, with SLC7A7 acting as a key mediator. ATF3 directly binds to the enhancer region of SLC7A7, activating its transcription and subsequently limiting mTORC1 activity. Functional assays in ATF3-overexpression and -knockdown HCC cell lines confirm ATF3’s tumor-suppressive role.
Conclusion
This study uncovers a novel ATF3-SLC7A7-mTORC1 regulatory axis that mitigates lipogenesis and tumorigenesis in HCC, highlighting a critical link between lipid metabolism and liver cancer progression. These findings present promising therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.
Meta-analysis of recurrence-free survival or disease-free survival as a potential surrogate endpoint for overall survival in esophageal cancer trials
Authors: Anyaduba Uchechukwu Love , Orababa Oluwatosin Qawiyy , Faye Zion , Rashid Nazia , Shafrin Jason , Reardon Gregory
Published: October 2024

Background Cancer trials increasingly use surrogate endpoints, but it is unclear how well recurrence-free (RFS) or disease-free survival (DFS), specifically, predict overall survival (OS) in resectable esophageal cancer (EC).Methods A systematic literature review identified trials with RFS/DFS and OS endpoints. A meta-analysis assessed RFS/DFS as surrogates for OS, estimating pooled hazard ratios (HRs) from trial HRs. Forest plots and heterogeneity tests showed effect sizes and pooled estimates. Unweighted linear regression and weighted sensitivity analysis estimated the correlation between OS and RFS/DFS, producing a regression plot.Results Of 975 articles identified, nine met the criteria, with two more from references. The pooled HR for OS and RFS/DFS were 0.90 and 0.87, respectively. The primary analysis showed a strong Pearson correlation between RFS/DFS and OS (ρ = 0.89, p < 0.001).Conclusion Subject to known methodological limits, RFS/DFS was demonstrated to be a potentially-suitable surrogate endpoint for OS in resectable EC.
Simultaneous determination of multi-class pesticide residues in solanaceous vegetables and selected fruits using LC-MS/MS and potential impact on consumer health with measurement uncertainty
Authors: Aralimarad Prabhuraj , Bedar Jamuna , Mahato Saraswati , Hanchinal Shivanand , Naik Nagaraj , U Shwetha , K Pavankumar , P Naveenkumar , Gavai Abhishek , Rat Ranjitha Sreemantha , Patil Mahendra
Published: October 2024

The present study developed and validated the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) based highly sensitive, rapid and reproducible analytical method for estimating trace level residue of 39 major multiclass pesticides. A total of 480 samples of solanaceous crops (chilli, bell pepper, tomato and brinjal) and 240 from fruit crops (pomegranate and grapes) were collected from local markets of Kalyana Karnataka region for the study. The results indicated, the developed method was linear and showed excellent correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998–0.999 in solvent and 0.993–0.999 in all the matrices analyzed. No significant matrix effect was observed for all pesticides in different matrices and within the range of ± 20%. The recovery percentage at all three levels (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) ranged from 71.28-113.98% with a relative standard deviation of less than 10% for all the matrices evaluated. Measurement uncertainty values estimated at 50 µg/kg spiking level were found lower than 14 µg/kg for all tested pesticides in different matrices. Occurrence of 17 pesticides in all the tested vegetable and fruits samples which include 11 insecticides and 6 fungicides. Imidacloprid, carbendazim, acephate, profenofos, chlorantraniliprole, dimethoate, and difenoconazole were the commonly detected pesticides with 81.67, 76.67, 30.83, 21.67, 43.33 and 86.67% contamination in green chilli, bell pepper, tomato, brinjal, pomegranate and grapes, respectively. The dietary health risk assessment revealed safe for both adults and children as the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values were less than 1 and would not cause any hazardous risk upon consumption.
Modeling the Land use Land cover changes and its impacts on agricultural land area by using GIS and RS at Fitche town, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Ketema Dereje , Bekele Addisu
Published: October 2024

The rapid expansion of urban area rose with population growth, movements and demands have a substantial impact on land use land cover change (LULCC). The study aims to Modeling and analyze LULC changes and its impacts on the surrounding Agricultural farmlands in Fitche town central Ethiopia during the periods of 2002 to 2022. The study employed satellite images of Landsat TM for 2002, Landsat OLI datasets for 2013 and 2022. Support Vector Machine Algorithm of Supervised Classification has been applied to generate LULC maps of 2002, 2013 and 2022 years by using ENVI software and the accuracy of classified land use land cover maps were checked by confusion matrix to derive overall accuracy and results were above the minimum and acceptable threshold level. The performed of modelling Land use land cover (LULC) dynamics have been assessed by Cellular Automata (CA) in Modules of Land Use Change Evaluation (MOLUSCE) Plugins using QGIS and Land Change Modeler (LCM) model to quantify the land use transitions between land cover classes, to identify gain and losses of each class categories in relation to other land cover classes and their spatial trend. Finally, Cellular Automata has been run to model LULC changes in the study area and to predict future land use changes. The parameter, such as Digital Elevation model (DEM), slope, aspect and distance from the road are used as spatial variable maps in the processes of learning in ANN-Multi layer perception to predict their influences on LULC between 2002 and 2022. The actual and projected LULC maps for 2022 indicate a good level of accuracy, with an overall Kappa value of 0.83 and with a percentage of the correctness 88.8 %. Artificial neural networks (ANN)-Multi-layer perception model is then used to forecast changes in LULC for the years 2050. Generally, the results of this study have shown that there was an increased expansion of built up areas in the last 22 years from 10.43% in 2002 to 16.92 % in 2013 and to 25.76% in 2022 and agricultural land was inclined from 66.40% in 2002 to 54.93% in 2013 and decreased to 36.41% in 2022. The simulated result indicate that built-up area covers 29.76% in 2030, 32.31% in 2040 and 35.74% in 2050 and farmlands was expected to be 29.74% in 2030, 26.56% in 2040 and 22.01% in 2050 of the total area coverage. The findings assist farmers and policy-makers in developing optimal land use plans and better management techniques for the long-term development of natural resources.
Cultural Food Preferences and Non-Communicable Diseases: a case study of cultural values assigned to food in Kiribati
Authors: Ng Zhen Ming Jeremy , Cauchi John Paul
Published: October 2024

The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing. This has significant implications for Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) including Kiribati, whose struggles with food security have led to an increased burden of chronic, metabolic, and lifestyle-related NCDs, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. While past studies have explored consumption patterns, no studies have examined actual cultural food preferences in Kiribati. Through freelist data collected from 399 fixed-question household surveys, this study aims to explore this gap in cultural food narratives and see if there is an association with NCD prevalence. The study used Smith’s S salience analysis to assess significance, finding food items such as fish, rice, breadfruit, chicken, and coconut as culturally important in Kiribati. Participants were also categorised into sociodemographic regions, finding nuanced differences between urban and rural communities. The analysis revealed focus foods for tailored interventions that align with cultural narratives and ‘healthy’ foods ensuring effective food security interventions that address the escalating prevalence of NCDs. Limitations were identified, such as the temporal aspect of the data collected just before the COVID-19 pandemic, potential social desirability bias, unequal sample sizes between sociodemographic regions, and disparities between reported food consumption and actual consumption patterns. The study also suggests future implications, including a comprehensive dietary investigation of Kiribati, particularly in examining food additives like sugar and salt, and the applicability of similar methodologies in exploring cultural food narratives in other PICTs.
Effects of WIN 55,212 cannabinoid and SMA-WIN 55,212 on the expression of cannabinoid receptors in different glioma cell lines.
Authors: Taha Safa , Aljishi Muna , Sultan Ameera , Sridha Kannan , Taurin Sebastien , Greish Khaled , Bakhiet Moiz
Published: October 2024

Background:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly invasive primary malignancy of the brain that is prone to acquiring resistance to chemotherapy. Given the limited therapeutic options available, an unmet need exists for effective treatment of GBM. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro anticancer activity of WIN 55,212 (WIN), a synthetic cannabinoid molecule, in the form of micelles conjugated with styrene-maleic acid (SMA) against the LN 18 (epithelial origin) and A172 (mesenchymal origin) glioma cell lines.
Methods:
SMA–WIN 55,212-2 micelles were prepared in vitro using a pre-validated, standard technique. The cytotoxic effects of the two treatments (WIN 55,212-2 and SMA-WIN 55,212-2) were evaluated in glioma cell lines (LN-18 and A-172), and inhibitory concentrations for killing 50% of the cells (IC50) were estimated. The expression of the CB1 (cannabinoid receptor 1), CB2 (cannabinoid receptor 2), TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1), and PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) receptors following treatment with the free and micellar forms of WIN 55,212-2 was detected.
Results:
We observed significantly lower IC50 values for both the LN 18 and A172 cell lines with SMA-WIN 55 and 212-2 than with WIN 55 and 212-2 alone. Similarly, the expression of the CB1 and CB2 receptors was significantly greater in the SMA-WIN 55 and 212-2 cell lines than in the WIN 55 and 212-2 cell lines in the A172 cell line. No significant changes were observed for TRPV1, while only SMA-WIN 55,212-2 increased the expression of PPAR-γ receptors.
Conclusion:
The micellar formulation of WIN 55 and 212-2 had significantly greater effects on both glioma cell lines than did the free WIN 55 and 212-2. The formulations of WIN 55 and 212-2 exhibited variable cannabinoid receptor expression levels and need further evaluation in suitable in vivo animal models. Moreover, SMA-WIN 55 and 212-2 significantly upregulate PPAR-γ, which requires further investigation.
Optimal Layout of the Head Drive for a Self-Supporting Bucket Elevator of High Productivity
Authors: Kurhan Volodymyr , Sydorenko Ihor , Kurgan Viktor , Dudko Ruslan , Bershak Svetlana
Published: October 2024

The article deals with bucket elevators of high productivity. The demand for grain crops is growing worldwide, requiring transportation, transshipment, and storage in huge volumes. Based on this, it is urgent to solve the problem of increasing the productivity of bucket elevators in the self-supporting version. The problem is that increasing performance requires increasing the drive’s power, leading to a significant weight increase. This imposes a limit on the height of the bucket elevator. A considerable weight at a high altitude significantly reduces the stability of the structure itself. For the most part, this problem was solved by limiting the height or productivity of the bucket elevator. The construction of a self-supporting bucket elevator, possible layouts of the head drive, and advantages and disadvantages were considered. Three bucket elevators with different heights, productivity, and belt width were selected to determine the optimal layout. Four drive options were calculated for each design, and a comparative analysis was carried out using a graphical method. The analysis showed that one of the biggest problems is the displacement of the center of mass relative to the central plane of the bucket elevator. As a result, means to ensure the smallest displacement coefficient relative to the vertical axis of the bucket elevator were presented. Advantages, disadvantages, and the possibility of constructive implementation of the layouts were also considered.
Employee training as a tool to achieve goals depending on SME’s type
Authors: Kmecova Iveta , Gavura Stefan
Published: October 2024

Employee training is one of the most important areas of human resources management and is key to the career development of employees. The aim is to determine how the sector and size of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) influence the corporate education of employees. Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed among 610 SMEs in the Czech Republic; valid answers were obtained from 581 enterprises. The respondents mainly include managers responsible for employee education or other representatives with relevant experience. This database was tested using statistical methods, including Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence, Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. The results indicate that enterprises with 150-250 employees try to provide them with training that would correspond to the so-called work-life balance. Enterprises with 50-149 employees often have a larger budget and resources to invest in corporate training. The results show that in terms of SME size, employee training is most commonly applied by medium-sized enterprises. It is confirmed that the bigger the enterprise, the more frequently its employees are trained. On the other hand, the sector does not significantly influence employee training. Slightly above-average use of employee training is observed in the transport and logistics sectors, but the difference is not substantial.
AcknowledgmentThis paper was supported by the project IVSUPS2303 “Current topics of the social pillar of CSR related to acquiring and developing human resources.”
Creative employment as a modern resource of socio-economic recovery of Ukraine
Authors: Marshavin Oleg
Published: October 2024

The article's main idea is to substantiate the importance of creative employment for Ukraine's socio-economic recovery. Human capital, its creative element, can accelerate the transformation of a raw economy with its export orientation into a new economy dominated by technology and technologies inherent in Industry 4.0. The use of methods of dialectical analysis, synthesis, generalization, systemic, strategic, and process approaches, and techniques of abstraction made it possible to reveal the high potential of creative employment for preserving existing jobs and generating new jobs, making it attractive to investors. The systematization of the thoughts and work of domestic and foreign scientists regarding the content of creative employment is of theoretical and practical importance. In accordance with the defined goals and objectives, the conceptual principles of "narrow" and "broad" approaches to the content of creative employment are summarized and deepened. It was found that, according to the "narrow" approach, creative workers are mainly people of art and creative professions, people employed in the media industry, and specialists in the field of information systems and technologies, for which individual work is characteristic. According to the author's position, in accordance with the "broad" approach, creative employment takes place in all branches and spheres that produce material, cultural, and spiritual goods, as well as in management activities. This concept not only brings new knowledge to socioeconomics but also has practical significance for determining the scope of creative employment and evaluating state social and economic policy. The study concluded that creative employment is not an artificial phenomenon detached from technical and social progress. Its development is connected primarily with the increase in the economy's and the social and humanitarian sphere's need for innovative developments, which are subsequently commercialized. According to the author, new industrial relations are formed on this basis, which are gradually transformed into partnership ones.
Tritium content in water bodies in regions of peaceful nuclear explosions
Authors: Repin V. S. , Varfolomeeva K. V. , Biblin A. M. , Zelentsova S. A. , Sednev K. A. , Arkhangelskaya G. V.
Published: October 2024

Sites of peaceful nuclear explosions pose a potential radiation hazard to the territories of the Russian Federation, primarily due to the possible release of radioactivity from the explosion cavity into aquifers and onto the earth's surface. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular monitoring of anthropogenic radionuclides in drinking water sources in settlements located near the sites of peaceful nuclear explosions. Tritium serves as an indicator of the potential release of other anthropogenic radionuclides. Monitoring its levels in water bodies in regions where peaceful nuclear explosions were perfomed, and comparing this data with that from Roshydromet across the Russian Federation, allows for an assessment of the reliability of the engineering barriers between the central explosion zone and the environment with respect to preventing radionuclide migration into aquifers. One method for evaluating the reliability of these barriers is the assessment of tritium specific activity in drinking water sources. This article presents results of the study involving 220 water samples collected from drinking water sources (wells, boreholes, springs, central water supply systems) and surface waters within 167 settlements across 17 subjects of the Russian Federation, where 50 peaceful nuclear explosions were conducted between 1965 and 1988. The samples were collected between May and September 2024 in the settlements within a 30 km radius of a peaceful nuclear explosion site. Measurements of tritium specific activity were performed using the Quantulus 1220-003 alpha-beta spectrometric radiometer. The research revealed that the specific activity of tritium in underground water sources is significantly lower (Student's test p<0,05) than in surface waters. The average specific activity levels of tritium in boreholes, rivers, and lakes were 3.0, 3.45, and 4.31 Bq/kg, respectively. The specific activity of tritium in drinking water sources within the regions of peaceful nuclear explosions was found to be at the background levels recorded by Roshydromet, ranging from 1.1 to 5 Bq/kg.
Analysis of Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine, and Ecgonine Methyl Ester in Hair Strands Via Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS)
Authors: Donateli Patrícia , A. dos Santos Nayara , Charneau Sébastien , V. de Sousa Marcelo , D. Sabino Bruno , Romão Wanderson
Published: October 2024

Hair can provide chemical information about drug use. This study employed matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) to detect drugs in hair samples. The technique was used to detect cocaine (COC, molecular weight (Mw) = 303.14 Da) and its main metabolites, benzoylecgonine (BZE, Mw = 289.13 Da), cocaethylene (COCE, Mw = 317.16 Da) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME, Mw = 199.12 Da) in hair strands using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB, 7.0 mg mL-1) and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA, at concentrations of 1.5, 3.0, 7.0, and 10 mg mL-1) as the evaluated matrices. Among these, CHCA was selected. Subsequently, the qualitative results obtained by MALDI(+) MS were correlated with the quantitative analyses of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), demonstrating a significant correlation in responses (70%), with the detection of analytes by MALDI(+) MS even at low concentrations, determined by GC-MS. The concentration ranges obtained by GC-MS analysis were from 0.6 to 4.1 ng mg-1 of COC, and from 0.05 to 0.4 ng mg-1 of COCE. The effect of pre-washing on the detection of COC and its metabolites was also evaluated, and the results indicated less influence from the pre-washing stage and confirmed the reduction in COC detection in hair exposed to bleaching.
Strain response prediction of offshore wind turbine tower under free vibration
Authors: Zhang Zerong , Zhang Wei , Zhang Shiqiang
Published: October 2024

Strain monitoring of critical locations in offshore wind turbine tower is essential for fatigue life prediction and safe operation of wind turbine. This paper theoretically analyses the feasibility of predicting tower strain under free vibration using the modal superposition method. A finite element numerical model of the tower is established, and the displacement mode and strain mode parameters of the tower are extracted. The initial displacement and strain of the tower at cut-out wind speed are analyzed, and the first three modal coordinate of the tower are calculated using test points of displacement or strain separately. Subsequently, the full field strain of the tower is predicted using the modal superposition method. Comparative results demonstrate higher accuracy in modal coordinate values calculated using test points of displacement, and the accuracy and errors of strain prediction using different numbers of test points are compared, emphasizing the crucial role of selecting optimal positions and numbers of test points in improving prediction accuracy.
Effects of Combined Visual-Motor Response Training on Cognitive Function and Brain Plasticity Mechanisms in Various Populations: Protocol for a Single-Center, Open-Label, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Yu Wenlong , Gao Jiamin , Zhu Ping
Published: October 2024

Background

Cognitive impairment is one of the major diseases facing the aging population. The progressive decline of cognitive function can lead to declining health or even the loss of life, work, and social ability. Exercise and behavioral stimulation can increase neurotransmitters in the brain and improve overall health and cognitive function. Reactivity training can mobilize neuromuscular function and induce changes in brain plasticity, which may effectively improve cognitive dysfunction and delay the occurrence and development of Alzheimer disease; however, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is still limited.

Objective

This study aims to explore the effectiveness and reliability of visual-motor reaction training in improving cognitive function, thereby promoting the application of novel nonpharmacological therapies.

Methods

This study is a single-center, open-label, controlled clinical trial. A total of 78 participants will be recruited for the study, including an equal number of athletes, ordinary healthy college students, and ordinary older adults in the community. Participants will receive 2 weeks of visual-motor response training. The primary outcome of this study is to assess differences in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 2 weeks. The secondary outcomes were the following: acousto-optic response time, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire–9 (SCD-Q9), a 10-word memory test, and safety.

Results

The study was approved by the Shanghai Clinical Research Ethics Committee on January 2, 2024 (SECCR/2023-162-01). As of September 11, 2024, we have completed the recruitment of all 3 groups of volunteers. We expect to complete data collection and analysis by February 2025.

Conclusions

The purpose of this study is to compare improvements in brain perceptual motor functions and cognitive levels across different populations through response ability training and to explore the efficacy and safety of exercise-based nonpharmacological therapies in improving cognitive function. Other potential benefits include understanding the functional differences and perceptual characteristics of the brain’s perceptual-motor system between athletes and the general population and exploring the adaptability of the brain in acquiring skills during competitive sports training. This could provide an evidence base for early sports talent development and broader youth development.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400079602; https://tinyurl.com/23fbbndw

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/56424
Identifying Dermatology Didactic Instructors at Medical Schools in the US: A Comparison Between DO and MD Programs (Preprint)
Authors: Bolen Rebecca , Carboni Alexa , Martini Olnita , Martin Jared , Bussard Caleb , Marroquin Nathaniel , Hayes Kelsey
Published: October 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

As dermatology becomes an increasingly competitive residency specialty, this study aims to evaluate the quality and breadth of dermatology education in U.S. medical schools. Through a survey of all sixty accredited osteopathic (DO) medical schools and a comparative analysis with their allopathic (MD) counterparts, the study examines the presence and delivery of dermatology curricula. While both MD and DO programs provide dermatology education, notable differences were identified in the curriculum structure and the qualifications of instructors. This study highlights variations in faculty composition and examines their potential impact on the effectiveness of dermatologic training across both educational pathways.