bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the impact of upfront chemotherapy and proton beam therapy on treatment outcome and follow-up in central nervous system germ cell tumors: a single center experience
Authors: Del Baldo Giada , Vennarini Sabina , Toniutti Maristella , Abbas Rachid , Lorentini Stefano , Piccirilli Eleonora , Cacchione Antonella , Megaro Giacomina , Di Ruscio Valentina , De Ioris Maria Antonietta , De Salvo Andrea , Albino Giulia , Rossi Sabrina , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Carai Andrea , Mastronuzzi Angela
Published: October 2023

Background

Germ cell tumors (GCT) account for a minority of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, highly prevalent in adolescents and young adults. Despite their aggressive biological behavior, prognosis is excellent in most cases with risk stratified treatment, consisting in a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Whole ventricular irradiation (WVI) and craniospinal irradiation, the treatment of choice for localized and metastatic disease, pose significant risk of collateral effects, therefore proton beam radiation (PBT) has been recently proposed for its steep dose fallout.

Materials and methods

We report our experience in a consecutive series of 17 patients treated for CNS GCT at our Institution from 2015 to 2021.

Results

Most frequent lesion location were sellar/suprasellar (35%) and bifocal germinoma (35%), followed by pineal (18%) and thalamic (12%). Two patients (12%), had evidence of disseminated disease at the time of diagnosis. At the latest follow-up all but one patient showed complete response to treatment. The only relapse was successfully rescued by additional chemotherapy and PBT. PBT was well tolerated in all cases. No visual, neurological or endocrinological worsening was documented during and after treatment. Neuropsychological evaluation demonstrated preservation of cognitive performance after PBT treatment.

Conclusions

Our data, albeit preliminary, strongly support the favourable therapeutic profile of PBT for the treatment of CNS germ cell tumors.
Treatment options for patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced-stage breast cancer: maintaining cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors beyond progression
Authors: Horani Malek , Abdel-Razeq Hikmat
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Over the past decade, the treatment paradigm for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has taken an important shift towards better survival and improved quality of life (QOL), especially for those with hormone receptor (HR)-positive diseases which represent the majority of breast cancer subtypes. The introduction of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors in the upfront therapy of such patients has resulted in dramatic improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), too. However, almost all patients would, sooner or later, develop disease progression and necessitate transition to different lines of treatment that may include chemotherapy. The idea of maintaining CDK4/6 inhibitors beyond disease progression seems attractive, as this approach has the potential to improve outcome in this setting despite the fact that the true benefit, in terms of survival, might not carry the same weight as it initially does. Researchers have been investigating potential mechanisms of resistance and identify possible biological markers for response after disease progression. Much of the available data is retrospective; however, few randomized clinical trials were recently published and few more are ongoing, addressing this point. In this paper, we intend to review the available published studies investigating the potential role for keeping CDK4/6 inhibitors in play beyond disease progression.
YIV-818-A: a novel therapeutic agent in prostate cancer management through androgen receptor downregulation, glucocorticoid receptor inhibition, epigenetic regulation, and enhancement of apalutamide, darolutamide, and enzalutamide efficacy
Authors: Lam Wing , Arammash Mohammad , Cai Wei , Guan Fulan , Jiang Zaoli , Liu Shwu-Huey , Cheng Peikwen , Cheng Yung-Chi
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) often develops resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. Resistance in CRPC is often driven by AR variants and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Thus, drugs that target both could be vital in overcoming resistance.

Methods: Utilizing the STAR Drug Discovery Platform, three hundred medicinal plant extracts were examined across 25 signaling pathways to identify potential drug candidates. Effects of the botanical drug YIV-818-A, derived from optimized water extracts of Rubia cordifolia (R.C.), on Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or Dexamethasone (DEX) induced luciferase activity were assessed in 22RV1 cells harboring the ARE luciferase reporter. Furthermore, the key active compounds in YIV-818-A were identified through activity guided purification. The inhibitory effects of YIV-818-A, RA-V, and RA-VII on AR and GR activities, their impact on AR target genes, and their roles in modifying epigenetic status were investigated. Finally, the synergistic effects of these compounds with established CRPC drugs were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

Results: YIV-818-A was found to effectively inhibit DHT or DEX induced luciferase activity in 22RV1 cells. Deoxybouvardin (RA-V) was identified as the key active compound responsible for inhibiting AR and GR activities. Both YIV-818-A and RA-V, along with RA-VII, effectively downregulated AR and AR-V proteins through inhibiting protein synthesis, impacted the expression of AR target genes, and modified the epigenetic status by reducing levels of Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal proteins (Brd2/Brd4) and H3K27Ac. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited synergistic effects with apalutamide, darolutamide, or enzalutamide, and suppressed AR mediated luciferase activity of 22RV1 cells. Co-administration of YIV-818-A and enzalutamide led to a significant reduction of 22RV1 tumor growth in vivo. Different sources of R.C. had variable levels of RA-V, correlating with their potency in AR inhibition.

Discussion: YIV-818-A, RA-V, and RA-VII show considerable promise in addressing drug resistance in CRPC by targeting both AR protein and GR function, along with modulation of vital epigenetic markers. Given the established safety profile of YIV-818-A, these findings suggest its potential as a chemopreventive agent and a robust anti-prostate cancer drug.
Beneficial effects of ginkgetin on improving nonalcoholic steatohepatitis characterized by bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Bai Yaowei , Li Tongqiang , Liu Jiacheng , Wang Yingliang , Ju Shuguang , Yao Wei , Xiong Bin , Zhou Guofeng
Published: October 2023

Background and aims: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become one of the major causes of cirrhosis and liver failure. However, there are currently no approved medications for managing NASH. Our study was designed to assess the effects of ginkgetin on NASH and the involved mechanisms.

Methods: We constructed a mouse model of NASH by high-fat diet for 24 weeks. The effects of ginkgetin on NASH were evaluated by histological study, Western blot, and biochemical analysis. RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was used to investigate the alteration in gene expression and signaling pathways at bulk and single-cell levels.

Results: Administration of ginkgetin resulted in a marked improvement in hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in the NASH model. And these results were supported by bulk RNA-Seq analysis, in which the related signaling pathways and gene expression were markedly downregulated. Furthermore, single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) analysis revealed that the effects of ginkgetin on NASH were associated with the reprogramming of macrophages, hepatic stellate cells, and endothelial cells. Especially, ginkgetin induced a marked decrease in macrophages and a shift from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotype in NASH mice. And the NASH-associated macrophages (NAMs), which emerge during NASH, were also significantly downregulated by ginkgetin.

Conclusion: Ginkgetin exhibits beneficial effects on improving NASH, supported by bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq. Our study may promote pharmacological therapy for NASH and raise the existent understanding of NASH.
Bitter taste receptors of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Redel Ulrike , Lang Tatjana , Korsching Sigrun I. , Behrens Maik
Published: October 2023

Despite the important role of bitter taste for the rejection of potentially harmful food sources, birds have long been suspected to exhibit inferior bitter tasting abilities. Although more recent reports on the bitter recognition spectra of several bird species have cast doubt about the validity of this assumption, the bitter taste of avian species is still an understudied field. Previously, we reported the bitter activation profiles of three zebra finch receptors Tas2r5, -r6, and –r7, which represent orthologs of a single chicken bitter taste receptor, Tas2r1. In order to get a better understanding of the bitter tasting capabilities of zebra finches, we selected another Tas2r gene of this species that is similar to another chicken Tas2r. Using functional calcium mobilization experiments, we screened zebra finch Tas2r1 with 72 bitter compounds and observed responses for 7 substances. Interestingly, all but one of the newly identified bitter agonists were different from those previously identified for Tas2r5, -r6, and –r7 suggesting that the newly investigated receptor fills important gaps in the zebra finch bitter recognition profile. The most potent bitter agonist found in our study is cucurbitacin I, a highly toxic natural bitter substance. We conclude that zebra finch exhibits an exquisitely developed bitter taste with pronounced cucurbitacin I sensitivity suggesting a prominent ecological role of this compound for zebra finch.
Machine learning approach to evaluate TdP risk of drugs using cardiac electrophysiological model including inter-individual variability
Authors: Fuadah Yunendah Nur , Qauli Ali Ikhsanul , Marcellinus Aroli , Pramudito Muhammad Adnan , Lim Ki Moo
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Predicting ventricular arrhythmia Torsade de Pointes (TdP) caused by drug-induced cardiotoxicity is essential in drug development. Several studies used single biomarkers such as qNet and Repolarization Abnormality (RA) in a single cardiac cell model to evaluate TdP risk. However, a single biomarker may not encompass the full range of factors contributing to TdP risk, leading to divergent TdP risk prediction outcomes, mainly when evaluated using unseen data. We addressed this issue by utilizing multi-in silico features from a population of human ventricular cell models that could capture a representation of the underlying mechanisms contributing to TdP risk to provide a more reliable assessment of drug-induced cardiotoxicity.

Method: We generated a virtual population of human ventricular cell models using a modified O’Hara-Rudy model, allowing inter-individual variation. IC50 and Hill coefficients from 67 drugs were used as input to simulate drug effects on cardiac cells. Fourteen features (dVmdtrepol, dVmdtmax, Vmpeak, Vmresting, APDtri, APD90, APD50, Capeak, Cadiastole, Catri, CaD90, CaD50, qNet, qInward) could be generated from the simulation and used as input to several machine learning models, including k-nearest neighbor (KNN), Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Optimization of the machine learning model was performed using a grid search to select the best parameter of the proposed model. We applied five-fold cross-validation while training the model with 42 drugs and evaluated the model’s performance with test data from 25 drugs.

Result: The proposed ANN model showed the highest performance in predicting the TdP risk of drugs by providing an accuracy of 0.923 (0.908–0.937), sensitivity of 0.926 (0.909–0.942), specificity of 0.921 (0.906–0.935), and AUC score of 0.964 (0.954–0.975).

Discussion and conclusion: According to the performance results, combining the electrophysiological model including inter-individual variation and optimization of machine learning showed good generalization ability when evaluated using the unseen dataset and produced a reliable drug-induced TdP risk prediction system.
Importance of controlling mesocotyl elongation in the development of rice seedlings intended for mechanical transplantation
Authors: Jia Yuanli , Wang Tao , Zhou Gaozi , Tang Lei , Yue Xueping , Liu Xinrui , Cao Tao , Yang Juan , Tao Youfeng , Deng Fei , Zhou Wei , Ren Wanjun , Chen Yong
Published: October 2023

The mesocotyl facilities the emergence of deep-sown rice. However, the effects of mesocotyl elongation on mechanically transplanted rice seedlings remain unclear. In this study, the indica three-line hybrid rice Chuanyou 6709 (CY6709) and the indica conventional rice Guichao II (GCII) were selected as experimental materials. The seedlings were grouped based on mesocotyl lengths of 1.0 and 2.0 cm (M1 and M2, respectively), and seedlings without mesocotyl elongation were used as a control (M0). Seedling morphology, root morphology and physiology, and dynamic changes in soluble sugar and protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activity in the mesocotyl were evaluated. The results showed that the elongation of mesocotyl is not conducive to improving the quality of mechanically transplanted seedlings, resulting in weak seedlings and poor root coiling force. The mesocotyl lengths of the seedlings showed a single peak with increasing seedling age, which gradually disappeared. The longer the mesocotyls, the slower their senescence. The MDA content of M2 was significantly lower than that of M1, and the activities of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and antioxidant enzymes of M2 were higher than those of M1, implying that seedlings with longer mesocotyls yielded lower-quality seedlings, reducing their suitability for mechanized transplantation. Compared with those of M0, the root-shoot ratio, stem base width, leaf age, leaf area, white root number, root coiling force, root length, root surface area, and root volume of M1 and M2 were reduced. Therefore, in the raising of rice seedlings, excessive elongation of the rice mesocotyl is not conducive to optimum root growth and development of aboveground structures for seedlings that are suitable for mechanized transplantation. Controlling the mesocotyl elongation can facilitate the cultivation of high-quality mechanically transplanted seedlings.
In order to lower the antinutritional activity of serine protease inhibitors, we need to understand their role in seed development
Authors: Vorster Juan , Westhuizen Willem van der , Plessis Gedion du , Marais Diana , Sparvoli Francesca , Cominelli Eleonora , Camilli Emanuela , Ferrari Marika , Le Donne Cinzia , Marconi Stefania , Lisciani Silvia , Losa Alessia , Sala Tea , Kunert Karl
Published: October 2023

Proteases, including serine proteases, are involved in the entire life cycle of plants. Proteases are controlled by protease inhibitors (PI) to limit any uncontrolled or harmful protease activity. The role of PIs in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance is well documented, however their role in various other plant processes has not been fully elucidated. Seed development is one such area that lack detailed work on the function of PIs despite the fact that this is a key process in the life cycle of the plant. Serine protease inhibitors (SPI) such as the Bowman-Birk inhibitors and Kunitz-type inhibitors, are abundant in legume seeds and act as antinutrients in humans and animals. Their role in seed development is not fully understood and present an interesting research target. Whether lowering the levels and activity of PIs, in order to lower the anti-nutrient levels in seed will affect the development of viable seed, remains an important question. Studies on the function of SPI in seed development are therefore required. In this Perspective paper, we provide an overview on the current knowledge of seed storage proteins, their degradation as well as on the serine protease-SPI system in seeds and what is known about the consequences when this system is modified. We discuss areas that require investigation. This includes the identification of seed specific SPIs; screening of germplasms, to identify plants with low seed inhibitor content, establishing serine protease-SPI ratios and lastly a focus on molecular techniques that can be used to modify seed SPI activity.
Comparative analysis of KNOX genes and their expression patterns under various treatments in Dendrobium huoshanense
Authors: Li Guohui , Manzoor Muhammad Aamir , Wang Guoyu , Chen Cunwu , Song Cheng
Published: October 2023

Introduction

KNOX plays a pivotal role in governing plant growth, development, and responses to diverse abiotic and biotic stresses. However, information on the relationship between the KNOX gene family and expression levels under different treatments in Dendrobium is still limited.

Methods

To address this problem, we first used bioinformatics methods and revealed the presence of 19 KNOX genes distributed among 13 chromosomes in the Dendrobium huoshanense genome. Through an analysis of phylogenetic relationships, these genes were classified into three distinct clades: class I, class II, and class M. Our investigation included promoter analysis, revealing various cis-acting elements associated with hormones, growth and development, and abiotic stress responses. Additionally, qRT-PCR experiments were conducted to assess the expression patterns of DhKNOX genes under different treatments, including ABA, MeJA, SA, and drought.

Results

The results demonstrated differential expression of DhKNOX genes in response to these treatments, thereby highlighting their potential roles in stress adaptation.

Discussion

Overall, our results contribute important insights for further investigations into the functional characterization of the Dendrobium KNOX gene family, shedding light on their roles in plant development and stress responses.
Cryptochrome and quantum biology: unraveling the mysteries of plant magnetoreception
Authors: Thoradit Thawatchai , Thongyoo Kanjana , Kamoltheptawin Khwanchai , Tunprasert Lalin , El-Esawi Mohamed A. , Aguida Blanche , Jourdan Nathalie , Buddhachat Kittisak , Pooam Marootpong
Published: October 2023

Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of organisms to perceive and respond to Earth’s magnetic field, has captivated scientists for decades, particularly within the field of quantum biology. In the plant science, the exploration of the complicated interplay between quantum phenomena and classical biology in the context of plant magnetoreception has emerged as an attractive area of research. This comprehensive review investigates into three prominent theoretical models: the Radical Pair Mechanism (RPM), the Level Crossing Mechanism (LCM), and the Magnetite-based MagR theory in plants. While examining the advantages, limitations, and challenges associated with each model, this review places a particular weight on the RPM, highlighting its well-established role of cryptochromes and in-vivo experiments on light-independent plant magnetoreception. However, alternative mechanisms such as the LCM and the MagR theory are objectively presented as convincing perspectives that permit further investigation. To shed light on these theoretical frameworks, this review proposes experimental approaches including cutting-edge experimental techniques. By integrating these approaches, a comprehensive understanding of the complex mechanisms driving plant magnetoreception can be achieved, lending support to the fundamental principle in the RPM. In conclusion, this review provides a panoramic overview of plant magnetoreception, highlighting the exciting potential of quantum biology in unraveling the mysteries of magnetoreception. As researchers embark on this captivating scientific journey, the doors to deciphering the diverse mechanisms of magnetoreception in plants stand wide open, offering a profound exploration of nature’s adaptations to environmental cues.
Identification of the role of immune-related genes in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder with metabolic syndrome through machine learning and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Shen Jing , Feng Yu , Lu Minyan , He Jin , Yang Huifeng
Published: October 2023

Background

Bipolar disorder and metabolic syndrome are both associated with the expression of immune disorders. The current study aims to find the effective diagnostic candidate genes for bipolar affective disorder with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

A validation data set of bipolar disorder and metabolic syndrome was provided by the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found utilizing the Limma package, followed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Further analyses were performed to identify the key immune-related center genes through function enrichment analysis, followed by machine learning-based techniques for the construction of protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and identification of the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Random Forest (RF). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to diagnose bipolar affective disorder with metabolic syndrome. To investigate the immune cell imbalance in bipolar disorder, the infiltration of the immune cells was developed.

Results

There were 2,289 DEGs in bipolar disorder, and 691 module genes in metabolic syndrome were identified. The DEGs of bipolar disorder and metabolic syndrome module genes crossed into 129 genes, so a total of 5 candidate genes were finally selected through machine learning. The ROC curve results-based assessment of the diagnostic value was done. These results suggest that these candidate genes have high diagnostic value.

Conclusion

Potential candidate genes for bipolar disorder with metabolic syndrome were found in 5 candidate genes (AP1G2, C1orf54, DMAC2L, RABEPK and ZFAND5), all of which have diagnostic significance.
A critical scientific evaluation of a purportedly negative data report – response to Seneviratne et al. 2022
Authors: Johnson Bankole , Addolorato Giovanni , Lesch Otto , Liu Lei , Rodd Zachary A.
Published: October 2023

A core principle in the pursuit of scientific knowledge is that science is self-correcting and that important results should be replicable. Hypotheses need to be reinforced, adjusted, or rejected when novel results are obtained. Replication of results confirms hypotheses and enhances their integration into scientific practice. In contrast, publication of substantiated and replicated negative findings (i.e., non-significant or opposite findings) can be the basis to reject erroneous hypotheses or develop alternative strategies for investigation. Replication is a problem in all research fields. The Psychology Reproductivity Project reported that only 36% of ‘highly influential’ published research in highly ranked journals were reproduced. Similar to positive data, negative data can be flawed. Errors in a negative data set can be based on methodology, statistics, conceptual defects, and flawed peer review. The peer review process has received progressive scrutiny. A large-scale review of the peer review process of manuscripts submitted to the British Medical Journal group indicated that the process could be characterized as inconsistent, inaccurate, and biased. Further analysis indicated that the peer process is easily manipulated, indicative of a failed system, is a major factor behind the lack of replication in science (acceptance of flawed manuscripts), suppresses opposing scientific evidence and views, and causes gaps in and lack of growth of science. Complicating the integrity of scientific publication is the role of Editors/Researchers. Ethical guidelines exist for major publishing houses about editorial ethics, behavior, and practice.
The impact of exercise on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chaochao , Tian Zuguo , Luo Qiaoyou
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global surge in mental health challenges. This study (PROSPERO CRD42023443860) aimed to investigate the impact of exercise on individuals’ mental health through systematic evaluation and meta-analysis to develop a scientific exercise program.

Methods

We systematically searched the literature up to August 2023 using PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. The Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool gaged the methodological quality of the included literature.

Results

Among the initially identified 10,343 search records, 12 studies were deemed to meet the criteria for systematic review and meta-analysis. Exercise significantly improved anxiety (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.10 to −0.52, p  < 0.00001), depression (−1.02, 95% CI -1.42 to −0.62, p  = 0.0001), stress (−1.05, 95% CI -1.33 to −0.78, p  < 0.00001), and quality of life (1.11, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.41, p  < 0.00001). Subgroup analyzes indicated that a single exercise session lasting 30–40 min had the most pronounced effect on reducing anxiety (−1.29, 95% CI -1.12 to −0.86, p  < 0.00001) and depression (−1.76, 95% CI -2.24 to −1.28, p  < 0.00001). Similarly, an exercise frequency of 3–5 times per week yielded the greatest benefits for anxiety (−1.31, 95% CI -2.15 to −0.46, p  < 0.00001) and depression (−1.27, 95% CI -2.11 to −0.41, p  = 0.0003). Notably, exercise exhibited its most significant impact on depression improvement in the 40–64 age group (−1.32, 95% CI -1.78 to −0.86, p  < 0.00001). Moreover, exercise notably enhanced anxiety levels among individuals in middle and upper-income brackets (−0.99, 95% CI -1.11 to −0.87, p  < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Exercise alleviated anxiety disorders, depression, stress levels, and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most significant impact on anxiety and depression improvement is achieved by engaging in 30–40 min of exercise sessions, 3–5 times per week.
Introducing the open biomedical map of science
Authors: Ginda Michael , Herr Bruce W. , Börner Katy
Published: October 2023

This article introduces work in progress to develop a new, open biomedical map of science (OBMS) using the PubMed citation database. The new science map represents bimodal network relationships between journals and medical subject heading (MeSH) descriptors, based on a journal's articles indexed in the MEDLINE component of PubMed. We review the current efforts to use PubMed data in science of science studies and science mapping. As part of the development process, we compare the journals indexed in PubMed with journals included in the 2011 UCSD map of science to establish a baseline of disciplinary coverage of PubMed for the period 2009–2019. Journal article frequency is analyzed to establish the minimum number of citations required by a journal for inclusion in a map of science. A prototype OBMS is presented, and we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the OBMS, as well as the next steps for using and productizing this new open map for general and free usage.
Developing biodiversity-based solutions for sustainable food systems through transdisciplinary Sustainable Development Goals Labs (SDG-Labs)
Authors: Jarzebski Marcin Pawel , Su Jie , Abrahamyan Armine , Lee Jason , Kawasaki Jintana , Chen Bixia , Andriatsitohaina R. Ntsiva N. , Ocen Ismael , Sioen Giles Bruno , Lambino Ria , Saito Osamu , Elmqvist Thomas , Gasparatos Alexandros
Published: October 2023

Although biodiversity is a central component of food systems, conventional food systems have become one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss globally. There is an increasing need to transform food systems to provide sufficient and nutritious food, but with minimal negative impacts on the environment and society. One of the possible avenues to enable the sustainable transformation of food systems might be through the development of locally appropriate biodiversity-based solutions. In this paper we report the insights and lessons learned during the design and implementation of transdisciplinary projects that employed the concept of Sustainable Development Goals labs (SDG-Labs) to create biodiversity-based solutions to transform food systems. The six SDG-Labs outlined in this paper were implemented in Armenia, China, Japan, Madagascar, Thailand, and Uganda. Collectively they developed very diverse biodiversity-based solutions that used different components of biodiversity, ranging from novel cultivation systems with endangered plants, to gardens using tree species for wind breaks, or novel tea-forestry production systems. Beyond their ability to leverage different components of biodiversity to transform local food systems (also conserving biodiversity in the process), all solutions had multiple co-benefits such as climate change adaptation/mitigation and livelihoods generation, among other sustainability domains. Through a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis we synthesized the experiences gained during the design and implementation of all six SDG-Labs. The findings suggest the great promise of these transdisciplinary approaches for developing solutions at the biodiversity-food-climate nexus. However, this synthesis paper also points to the multiple context-specific challenges that should be overcomed to maximize the potential of SDG-Labs to both enable the sustainable transformation of (local) food systems and/or be scaled up effectively.
Genome-wide association study of mammary gland tumors in Maltese dogs
Authors: Kim Keon , Song Jung Eun , Joo Jae Beom , Park Hyeon A , Choi Chang Hyeon , Je Chang Yun , Kim Ock Kyu , Park Sin Wook , Do Yoon Jung , Hur Tai-Young , Park Sang-Ik , Lee Chang-Min
Published: October 2023

Background

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a valuable tool for investigating genetic and phenotypic variation in many diseases.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify variations in the genomes of Maltese dogs that are associated with the mammary gland tumor (MGT) phenotype and to assess the association between each biological condition and MGT phenotype in Maltese dogs.

Methods

DNA was extracted from 22 tumor samples and 11 whole blood samples from dogs with MGTs. Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was performed, and the top 20 SNPs associated with various conditions and genetic variations were mapped to their corresponding gene locations.

Results

The genotyping process successfully identified 173,662 loci, with an overall genotype completion rate of 99.92%. Through the quality control analysis, 46,912 of these SNPs were excluded. Allelic tests were conducted to generate Manhattan plots, which showed several significant SNPs associated with MGT phenotype in intergenic region. The most prominent SNP, located within a region associated with transcription and linked to the malignancy grade of MGT, was identified on chromosome 5 (p = 0.00001) though there may be lack of statistical significance. Other SNPs were also found in several genes associated with oncogenesis, including TNFSF18, WDR3, ASIC5, STAR, and IL1RAP.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS to analyze the genetic predisposition to MGT in Maltese dogs. Despite the limited number of cases, these analyzed data could provide the basis for further research on the genetic predisposition to MGTs in Maltese dogs.
How Well Do Dogs Cope with Air Travel? An Owner-Reported Survey Study
Authors: Jahn Katrin , Ley Jacqui , DePorter Theresa , Seksel Kersti
Published: October 2023

It is estimated that 2 million domestic animals travel on commercial flights every year in the US alone and that dogs make up 58% of pets travelling worldwide. There has been little research on the welfare effects of air travel on dogs. The purpose of this owner-reported study was to understand how well dogs cope with and recover from air travel from a physical, mental, and emotional health perspective. An online survey questionnaire was distributed globally to pet owners whose dogs had travelled by air in the last 12 months, and the results were collected and analysed. Information was received about dog and owner demographics, logistics, and preparation for travel, as well as the dog’s experience of air travel. Results showed that most dogs cope with and recover well from air travel but that there is a group of individuals who suffer physical, mental, and emotional ill health consequences during or after air travel, including death. Stress management products such as anxiolytic medication, supplements, and pheromones were underutilised and, in some instances, actively discouraged. More education of all stakeholders of pet air travel is needed to improve the physical, mental, and emotional health and welfare of canine air travellers.
Construction Risk Assessment of Yellow River Bridges Based on Combined Empowerment Method and Two-Dimensional Cloud Model
Authors: Wang Lei , Jin Ruibao , Zhou Jianpeng , Li Qingfu
Published: October 2023

(1) In recent years, the economy of the Yellow River basin in China has developed rapidly, and a series of large bridges across the Yellow River have been built on both sides of the Yellow River, which has brought great convenience to regional socio-economic activities. However, risk events are prone to occur during the construction of bridges across the Yellow River, which affect the safety of the bridges’ structure. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a new scientific risk assessment system for the construction safety of bridges across the Yellow River. (2) Methods: Firstly, based on the construction safety risk assessment index system of bridges across the Yellow River, the cloud AHP method and the cloud entropy weight method are used to determine the subjective weight and objective weight of risk indexes, and then the game theory combination weighting method is used to determine the comprehensive weight of each risk index, and then the digital characteristic values of the risk probability cloud and the consequence cloud are calculated and input into the forward cloud generator algorithm. MATLAB was used to generate a two-dimensional comprehensive cloud map, which was visually compared with the standard cloud map, and the probability level and consequence level of each risk index were preliminarily obtained. Finally, the risk assessment matrix was used for comprehensive risk evaluation. (3) Results: Applying the method to the construction safety risk assessment of the Jiaoping Expressway, the overall construction safety risk level of the Yellow River bridge was determined as level 4, and the risk levels of the four primary indicators were: personnel risk (level 3), material and equipment risk (level 4), construction technology risk (level 5), and construction environment risk (level 4). (4) Conclusions: The results of the risk evaluation are consistent with the actual construction state of the bridge, which shows that game theory’s combination of empowerment with a two-dimensional cloud model is scientific and effective when applied to the construction safety risk evaluation of Yellow River bridges.
Damage Evolution in Quasi-Brittle Materials: Experimental Analysis by AE and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Rojo Tanzi Boris Nahuel , Sobczyk Mario , Iturrioz Ignacio , Lacidogna Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

This work investigates the extension of a total-collapse prediction method to include local failures in quasi-brittle materials as they undergo damage processes. The analysis is experimentally conducted with acoustic emission data from a basalt specimen under a prescribed displacement loading test. The proposed failure index is compared with the well-established b-value to evaluate its usefulness; the simulation results are also used to further investigations. In particular, the simulations show that the parameter calculation can be carried out by indirectly estimating the elastic energy released within the system throughout the damage process, which cannot be measured directly. It is concluded that the proposed method is valid, consistently outperforming the b-value as a failure precursor throughout the experimental studies.
Temperature Drift Characteristics Analysis of GMM-FBG Current Sensor Based on Finite-Element Multi-Physics Simulations
Authors: Li Ying , Sun Wei-Feng , Zhang Weichao
Published: October 2023

A composite current sensor is designed with soft ferrite as the magnetizer in combination with giant magnetostrictive material (GMM) and fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The temperature drift characteristics of the GMM, detecting performances under thermal strain caused by temperature variation in the GMM rod, are investigated by simulating the coupled fields of magnetostriction and thermal expansion with the finite-element multi-physics method to explore the temperature-drift mechanism of the ferrite–GMM current detector. The sensing characteristics of the GMM-FBG current sensor under quasi-static current excitation at various work temperatures are evaluated by simulating thermal stress between the GMM and FBG to analyze the temperature drift mechanism of the Bragg wavelength signal modulated by FBG. Even though temperature elevation suppresses GMM magnetization and thereby reduces the slopes of stress–strain curves, the steering magnetization of magnetic domains in the GMM rod tends to saturation without appreciable thermal inhibition in the high-stress region of large current excitation, while the magnetostrictive strain is still abated by the reduction in magnetic flux density caused by the thermal expansion of GMM rods. The temperature elevation can also produce thermal stress between the GMM and FBG, which will decrease the detection sensitivity and testing range of the GMM-FBG current sensor. The temperature drift characteristics of the GMM-FBG are generalized into a formula by fitting the wavelength shifting as a function of thermal strain, which will significantly facilitate designing the scale calibration for various ambient temperatures. The present researchers provide a theoretical basis and experimental guidance for developing GMM-FBG current sensors with high sensitivity and stability.
Effect of High-Powered Ultrasound on Bioactive Compounds and Microbiological Stability of Juices—Review
Authors: Kobus Zbigniew , Osmólska Emilia , Starek-Wójcicka Agnieszka , Krzywicka Monika
Published: October 2023

Extending the shelf life of fruit and vegetable juices plays a key role in improving food security. Ultrasonic technology can be an effective method in the process of replacing traditional heat treatment. It offers a number of benefits, such as better product quality expressed as a higher content of bioactive substances and the preservation of the natural sensory characteristics of the juice: consistency, colour, taste and smell. This paper discusses the methods of ultrasound generation, the equipment used and advances in the construction of ultrasound devices. The influence of ultrasounds on the physical and chemical properties of juices was also analysed, with particular emphasis on bioactive substances and the effectiveness of ultrasonic treatment in the inactivation of microorganisms and enzymes. Prospects and trends in the development of ultrasonic techniques that can effectively increase the efficiency of the ultrasonic juice preservation process are also described. Sonication used alone or with other processing techniques makes it possible to achieve a positive effect on the quality of consumed fruit and vegetable juices.
A Sustainable Electrochemical-Based Solution for Removing Acetamiprid from Water
Authors: Nunes de Morais Alana Maria , Medeiros Araújo Danyelle , Barbosa Segundo Inalmar Dantas , Vieira dos Santos Elisama , Leal de Castro Suely Souza , Martínez-Huitle Carlos A. , Fernandes Alves Janete Jane
Published: October 2023

Pesticides are used worldwide in agriculture to prevent insects and other pests that attack plants and their derivatives. Acetamiprid (ACT) is a type of insecticide belonging to the chemical group of neonicotinoids, which are widely used in agricultural planting to replace organophosphates. Therefore, in this work, the performance of the electrochemical oxidation (EO) process as an alternative solution to eliminate pesticides in water was evaluated. A dimensionally stable anode (DSA, TiO2-RuO2-IrO2) and boron-doped diamond (BDD) were tested as anodes for degrading ACT (30 and 300 mg L−1) by using different applied current densities (j): 30, 60, 90, and 120 mA cm−2. The degradation process was monitored by using ACT decay, spectrophotometric analysis, and chemical oxygen demand. The results clearly showed that ACT (30 mg L−1) was only eliminated from water at the DSA electrode when 90 mA cm−2 was applied, reaching higher removal efficiencies after 180 min of electrolysis. Conversely, ACT was quickly removed at all applied current densities used, at the same concentration. On the other hand, when the ACT concentration was increased (300 mg L−1), 71.4% of the COD removal was reached by applying 90 mA cm−2 using BDD, while no significant improvements were achieved at the DSA electrode when a higher concentration of ACT was electrochemically treated.
Molecular Subtype Classification of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Immune Infiltration Microenvironment Based on Bioinformatics Analysis of Osteoclast-Regulatory Genes
Authors: Gong Yining , Hao Dingjun , Zhang Yong , Tu Yongyong , He Baorong , Yan Liang
Published: October 2023

Osteoporosis is common in postmenopausal women but is often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs, highlighting the importance of early screening and preventive interventions. This study aimed to develop molecular subtype risk stratification of postmenopausal osteoporosis and analyze the immune infiltration microenvironment. Microarray data for osteoporosis were downloaded and analyzed. Logistic and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were used to construct the molecular risk model. Circulating blood samples were collected from 10 enrolled participants to validate the key differentially expressed genes, and consistent clustering based on the expression profiles of candidate genes was performed to obtain molecular subtypes. Three key genes, CTNNB1, MITF, and TNFSF11, were obtained as variables and used to construct the risk model. External experimental validation showed substantial differences in the three key genes between patients with osteoporosis and the controls (p < 0.05). Three subtypes were obtained based on dimensionality reduction clustering results. Cluster 3 had significantly more patients with low bone mineral density (BMD), whereas Cluster 2 had significantly more patients with high BMD (p < 0.05). This study introduced a novel molecular risk model and subtype classification system, which is an evidence-based screening strategy that will guide the active prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis in high-risk postmenopausal women.
The Relationship between the Family Environment and Eating Disorder Symptoms in a Saudi Non-Clinical Sample of Students: A Moderated Mediated Model of Automatic Thoughts and Gender
Authors: Alghanami Badra Hamdi , El Keshky Mogeda El Sayed
Published: October 2023

Eating disorders are a global burden and present personal, family, and societal costs. Most evidence in the literature is based on the relationship between a poor family environment and eating disorders, and the evidence of gender interaction in eating disorders is inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family environment and eating disorder symptoms, the mediating role of negative automatic thoughts, and the moderating role of gender using a non-clinical sample of students. A sample of 440 (70.9% females, aged 18–21) participated in this study. They completed the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ negative), and the Brief Family Relationship Scale (BFRS). PROCESS MACRO was used to study these relationships. The main findings revealed that family environment was negatively associated with eating disorder symptoms and that this relationship was mediated by automatic thoughts. Moreover, gender moderated those relationships, and more intensely in females. The results of this study indicate that the prevention of eating disorders should be directed at training individuals to challenge negative thoughts and encourage healthy individuals to be gender mindful.
Rewelding Residual Stress of Fatigue Crack at U-Rib-to-Deck of an Orthotropic Steel Deck
Authors: Qian Ji , Song Shi-Jie , Zhou Lin-Qiang , Zhang Pei-Yun , Xu Zhen-Bo
Published: October 2023

The orthotropic steel deck is a prevalent stiffening girder structure utilized in long-span cable-stayed bridges and suspension bridges. Nonetheless, the issue of fatigue cracking has persisted in in-service orthotropic steel decks, significantly impacting the longevity of bridges. This study examines the analysis of the distribution of residual stress during the rewelding process of a fatigue crack at the U-rib-to-deck-plate joint of an orthotropic steel bridge deck. Additionally, the impact of the initial welding and the stiffness of the boundary constraint on the residual stress field during rewelding is discussed. The findings indicate that the removal of the fatigue crack prior to rewelding alleviates the transverse residual stress caused by the initial welding. After undergoing the rewelding procedure, both the transverse residual stress and the longitudinal residual stress exhibited a significant stress peak. More precisely, the transverse tensile stress underwent a rise from 21 MPa to 385 MPa, while the longitudinal tensile stress experienced an increase from 345 MPa to 525 MPa. Furthermore, the range of tensile stress within the longitudinal residual distribution expanded by 88%. Moreover, the stress redistribution during the rewelding of the local fatigue crack varied depending on the constraints imposed on the steel bridge deck. Notably, the transverse residual stress increases by 40.6% when compared to the absence of constraints. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for the implementation of rewelding repair techniques on steel bridge decks, emphasizing the significance of considering the effects of residual stresses induced during the rewelding process.