bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental characterisation and statistical modelling of woven carbon fibre weld conductors for electrical resistance welding of thermoplastic composites
Authors: Sänger Alexander , Endrass Manuel , Kupke Michael
Published: June 2024

Resistance welding of high-performance thermoplastic composites is a promising joining technique for the structural assembly of aerospace components. Knowledge of the weld conductor resistance as a function of its dimensions, as well as external boundary conditions such as contact preparation and pressure, can be used to scale welding parameters. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the weld conductor contact preparation, length, width and contact pressure dependent resistance with respect to the Toray 5HS T300JB carbon woven prepreg 281 gsm fibre architecture. The study is based on a 4-wire resistance measurement of the carbon fibre fabric weld conductors and was conducted to provide a solid basis for defining the weld conductor’s resistance, considering the dependence on length, width and contact pressure. The experimentally determined resistance values were approximated using linear and non-linear regression functions and combined into a general formulation with respect to the investigated carbon fibre fabric architecture. The least squares fit of experimental versus model data confirmed a very high model confidence. Thus, the model allows a simplified transfer of electrical properties for process pre-design and scaling considering weld conductors with the same fibre architecture.
Exploring the determinants of autonomous minibus adoption: empirical findings from a demand-based service in Germany
Authors: Barthelmes Lukas , Wilkes Gabriel , Kagerbauer Martin , Vortisch Peter
Published: June 2024

Autonomous on-demand services as part of public transport are discussed to improve public transport substantially. A household survey in Karlsruhe, Germany, was conducted among inhabitants of a residential area where a combined autonomous and on-demand minibus service with automation level 4 was offered. The study investigates the residents’ appraisal of this service and reasons for using and not using it. Results indicate that people generally have a positive attitude towards it and are willing to use it in the future. Difficulties are found in travel speed, availability, and complexity of using such a new service. Favorable factors in the intention to use the service are having a mobility impairment, being open to other forms of new mobility, and not having a car in the household. In the future, to be successful, such services should improve travel times and reliability and address issues of their primary target group, such as the high complexity of accessing these services.
A comprehensive analysis of the WRKY family in soybean and functional analysis of GmWRKY164-GmGSL7c in resistance to soybean mosaic virus
Authors: Zhao Zhihua , Wang Rongna , Su Weihua , Sun Tianjie , Qi Mengnan , Zhang Xueyan , Wei Fengju , Yu Zhouliang , Xiao Fuming , Yan Long , Yang Chunyan , Zhang Jie , Wang Dongmei
Published: June 2024

Background

Soybean mosaic disease caused by soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is one of the most devastating and widespread diseases in soybean producing areas worldwide. The WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are widely involved in plant development and stress responses. However, the roles of the GmWRKY TFs in resistance to SMV are largely unclear.

Results

Here, 185 GmWRKYs were characterized in soybean (Glycine max), among which 60 GmWRKY genes were differentially expressed during SMV infection according to the transcriptome data. The transcriptome data and RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of GmWRKY164 decreased after imidazole treatment and had higher expression levels in the incompatible combination between soybean cultivar variety Jidou 7 and SMV strain N3. Remarkably, the silencing of GmWRKY164 reduced callose deposition and enhanced virus spread during SMV infection. In addition, the transcript levels of the GmGSL7c were dramatically lower upon the silencing of GmWRKY164. Furthermore, EMSA and ChIP-qPCR revealed that GmWRKY164 can directly bind to the promoter of GmGSL7c, which contains the W-box element.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that GmWRKY164 plays a positive role in resistance to SMV infection by regulating the expression of GmGSL7c, resulting in the deposition of callose and the inhibition of viral movement, which provides guidance for future studies in understanding virus-resistance mechanisms in soybean.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic marker for hospitalization in children with influenza infection in an emergency setting
Authors: Uppala Rattapon , Seenoikhao Nattapon , Sitthikarnkha Phanthila , Niamsanit Sirapoom , Saengnipanthkul Suchaorn , Techasatian Leelawadee , Sirikarn Prapassara
Published: June 2024

Background

Influenza is a main cause of illnesses during seasonal outbreaks. Identifying children with influenza who may need hospitalization may lead to better influenza outcomes.

Objective

To identify factors associated with the severity of influenza infection, specifically among children who were admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with influenza at the emergency department.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among pediatric patients (age < 18 years) with a positive influenza rapid test who visited the emergency department at Srinagarind hospital between January2015-December2019. The dependent variable was hospital admission, while the independent variables included clinical parameters, laboratory results, and emergency severity index(ESI). The association between these variables and hospital admission was analyzed.

Results

There were 542 cases of influenza included in the study. The mean age was 7.50 ± 4.52 years. Males accounted for 52.4% of the cases. A total of 190(35.05%) patients, needed hospitalization. Patients with pneumonia, those who required hospitalization or were admitted to the critical care unit, consistently exhibited an elevated absolute monocyte count and a reduced lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). Various factors contribute to an increased risk for hospitalization, including ESI level 1–2, co-morbidity in patients, age < 1 year old, and an LMR below 2.

Conclusions

ESI level 1–2 and co-morbidity in patients represent significant risk factors that contribute to higher hospitalization admissions. A LMR below 2 can be used as a prognostic marker for hospitalization in children with influenza infection.
The impact of temperature, humidity and closing school on the mumps epidemic: a case study in the mainland of China
Authors: Li Xiaoqun , Zhang Lianyun , Tan Changlei , Wu Yan , Zhang Ziheng , Ding Juan , Li Yong
Published: June 2024

Background

To control resurging infectious diseases like mumps, it is necessary to resort to effective control and preventive measures. These measures include increasing vaccine coverage, providing the community with advice on how to reduce exposure, and closing schools. To justify such intervention, it is important to understand how well each of these measures helps to limit transmission.

Methods

In this paper, we propose a simple SEILR (susceptible-exposed-symptomatically infectious-asymptomatically infectious-recovered) model by using a novel transmission rate function to incorporate temperature, humidity, and closing school factors. This new transmission rate function allows us to verify the impact of each factor either separately or combined. Using reported mumps cases from 2004 to 2018 in the mainland of China, we perform data fitting and parameter estimation to evaluate the basic reproduction number $${\mathfrak R}_0$$

R
0

. As a wide range of one-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine programs in China started only in 2008, we use different vaccination proportions for the first Stage I period (from 2004 to 2008) and the second Stage II period (from 2009 to 2018). This allows us to verify the importance of higher vaccine coverage with a possible second dose of MMR vaccine.

Results

We find that the basic reproduction number $${\mathfrak R}_0$$

R
0

 is generally between 1 and 3. We then use the Akaike Information Criteria to assess the extent to which each of the three factors contributed to the spread of mumps. The findings suggest that the impact of all three factors is substantial, with temperature having the most significant impact, followed by school opening and closing, and finally humidity.

Conclusion

We conclude that the strategy of increasing vaccine coverage, changing micro-climate (temperature and humidity), and closing schools can greatly reduce mumps transmission.
Association of the American Heart Association’s new “Life’s Essential 8” with all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cohort study from the NHANES 2009–2016
Authors: Han Yingdong , Di Hong , Wang Yibo , Zhang Yun , Zeng Xuejun
Published: June 2024

Background

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more likely to die prematurely, and this increased risk of death is primarily attributable to deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aim to investigate the relationship between Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), a newly proposed cardiovascular health (CVH) measurement system, and all-cause mortality of CKD patients among US adults.

Methods

A total of 3,169 CKD patients aged 20 and older from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey in 2009–2016 were involved in this study. Participants were divided into low (0–49), moderate (50–79) and high (80–100) CVH groups according to LE8 score (range 0-100). The mortality was ascertained from the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazards regression and restricted cubic spline were used to investigate the relationship.

Results

Among the 3,169 CKD patients, the median age was 66.0 (25.0) years and 1,671 (52.7%) were female, and the median follow-up time was 6.00 years. The median LE8 score of the study cohort was 57.5 (19.4). CKD patients with low CVH, health behavior (HB) and health factors (HF) scores presented with higher all-cause mortality (both log-rank P-values < 0.001). After adjusted for multiple confounders, patients in higher CVH group had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, with a HR (95%CI) of 0.32 (0.19–0.55). Similar results were observed in high HB group [HR 0.36 (0.25–0.50)]. The restricted cubic spline showed a significant inverse relationship between LE8, HB and HF scores with CKD all-cause mortality, while the protective effect seemed weaker for HF score. Above results remained robust in the sensitivity analysis. Stronger inverse associations were revealed in middle-aged patients and patients with higher education levels.

Conclusions

LE8 and its subscales scores were inversely associated with all-cause mortality in patients with CKD. Promoting CVH in CKD patients is a potential way to improve their long-term survival rate.
Burden of drug use disorders in the United States from 1990 to 2021 and its projection until 2035: results from the GBD study
Authors: Zhang Tongchao , Sun Lin , Yin Xiaolin , Chen Hui , Yang Lejin , Yang Xiaorong
Published: June 2024

Background

Drug use disorders (DUDs) have emerged as one of the most significant public health crises, exerting a substantial influence on both community health and socio-economic progress. The United States (US) also suffers a heavy burden, it is necessary to figure out the situation from multiple perspectives and take effective measures to deal with it. Therefore, using the data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2021, we evaluated this topic.

Methods

Annual data on DUDs-related burden were collected from the GBD study 2021. We calculated the indicator of estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) to evaluate the changing trend of burden. The Bayesian model for age-period-cohort was introduced to forecast the burden.

Results

In 2021, the number and age-standardized rate of prevalence were particularly prominent, with 12,146.95 thousand and 3821.43 per 100,000, respectively. Higher burden was also observed in males, 15–45 years old populations, and opioid use disorders subtype. From 1990 to 2021, the DUDs-related burden increased in the US and all states, especially in West Virginia; and the national death-related burden with the highest increase (EAPC = 7.96). Other significant inverse associations were seen between EAPC, age-standardized rates, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Moreover, in the next 14 years, the projected DUDs burden remains exigent.

Conclusions

The burden of DUDs in the US is heavy and has been enlarging. This study proposes that greater attention should be paid to the strategies in males, the younger population, opioid use disorders, and low-SDI states implemented by decision-makers to achieve goals such as reducing burden.
BMI mediates the association of serum uric acid with bone health: a cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Tu Jiayuan , Mo Xiaoqiao , Zhang Xiangda , Chen Zihao , Xi Lijuan , Wu Chunhui , Zeng Xiangchan , Xie Tian
Published: June 2024

Background

The associations between serum uric acid and osteoporosis or osteopenia remain controversial, and few studies have explored whether BMI acts as a mediators in the association between the SUA and OP/ osteopenia.

Objective

To explore the relationship between serum uric acid and osteoporosis or osteopenia among US adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the association between serum uric acid and osteoporosis or osteopenia from four cycles of NHANES. Binary logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models were used to evaluate the association between serum uric acid and osteoporosis or osteopenia, and interaction analysis was used to test the differences between subgroups. Mediation analysis was utilized to investigate whether BMI acts as a mediator in the association between SUA and OP/ osteopenia.

Results

12581 participants aged ≥ 18 years were included. A U-shape nonlinear relationship between SUA and osteoporosis or osteopenia in all people was found (P < 0.0001, P for nonlinear = 0.0287). There were significant interactions in age subgroups (P for interaction = 0.044), sex subgroups (P for interaction = 0.005), and BMI subgroups (P for interaction = 0.017). We further assessed the subgroups and found the optimal range of serum uric acid levels with a lower risk of osteoporosis or osteopenia was 357–535 µmol/L in males, 327–417 µmol/L in people aged ≥ 50 years, above 309 µmol/L in people aged < 50 years, 344–445 µmol/L in people with BMI ≥ 30, and above 308 µmol/L in people with BMI < 30. BMI fully mediated the association of SUA and OP/osteopenia, with a value of -0.0024(-0.0026–-0.0021). These results were robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

A complicated relationship between SUA and bone health in different populations was observed. Maintaining SUA within a specific range may be beneficial to bone health. In addition, BMI may play an important role in the association between SUA and bone health, but considering the limitations of this study, further prospective research is required.
The association between dietary inflammatory index with some cardio-metabolic risk indices among the patients with type 2 diabetes from Hoveyzeh cohort study: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rahimlou Mehran , Ahmadi Amirhossein Ramezani , Cheraghian Bahman , Baghdadi Ghazal , Ghalishourani Samira Sadat , Nozarian Shadi , Hashemi Seyed Jalal , Rahimi Zahra , Jahromi Nasrin Banaei , Hosseini Seyed Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Background

The dietary inflammatory index (DII) serves as a tool to assess the inflammatory impact of an individual’s diet. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and some cardio-metabolic risk indices among patients with T2DM.

Methods

Data from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study, encompassing 2045 adults with T2DM, were analyzed. DII scores were calculated based on food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were performed to assess cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Results

Higher DII scores were positively associated with elevated triglyceride levels, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, lipid accumulation product (LAP), anthropometric indices including a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), hip, waist circumferences (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (all Ptrend < 0.05). Notably, no significant association was observed between DII and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (Ptrend > 0.05). Additionally, dietary intake analysis revealed a negative correlation between DII scores and intake of fiber, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, seafood, dairy products, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E (all Ptrend < 0.05). Conversely, higher DII scores were associated with increased consumption of red meat, processed meat, refined cereals, potatoes, and soft drinks (all Ptrend < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study underscores the critical link between dietary inflammation, assessed by the DII score, and a multitude of cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with T2DM. Notably, while the study did not find a significant association between DII and fasting blood sugar levels, it identified robust associations with novel anthropometric and biochemical indices indicative of cardio-metabolic risk. These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions as a cornerstone strategy for managing T2DM and mitigating its associated complications.
Hematoma expansion prediction based on SMOTE and XGBoost algorithm
Authors: Li Yan , Du Chaonan , Ge Sikai , Zhang Ruonan , Shao Yiming , Chen Keyu , Li Zhepeng , Ma Fei
Published: June 2024

Hematoma expansion (HE) is a high risky symptom with high rate of occurrence for patients who have undergone spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after a major accident or illness. Correct prediction of the occurrence of HE in advance is critical to help the doctors to determine the next step medical treatment. Most existing studies focus only on the occurrence of HE within 6 h after the occurrence of ICH, while in reality a considerable number of patients have HE after the first 6 h but within 24 h. In this study, based on the medical doctors recommendation, we focus on prediction of the occurrence of HE within 24 h, as well as the occurrence of HE every 6 h within 24 h. Based on the demographics and computer tomography (CT) image extraction information, we used the XGBoost method to predict the occurrence of HE within 24 h. In this study, to solve the issue of highly imbalanced data set, which is a frequent case in medical data analysis, we used the SMOTE algorithm for data augmentation. To evaluate our method, we used a data set consisting of 582 patients records, and compared the results of proposed method as well as few machine learning methods. Our experiments show that XGBoost achieved the best prediction performance on the balanced dataset processed by the SMOTE algorithm with an accuracy of 0.82 and F1-score of 0.82. Moreover, our proposed method predicts the occurrence of HE within 6, 12, 18 and 24 h at the accuracy of 0.89, 0.82, 0.87 and 0.94, indicating that the HE occurrence within 24 h can be predicted accurately by the proposed method.
Cartilage progenitor cells derived extracellular vesicles-based cell-free strategy for osteoarthritis treatment by efficient inflammation inhibition and extracellular matrix homeostasis restoration
Authors: Feng Kai , Wang Feng , Chen Hongfang , Zhang Rui , Liu Jiashuo , Li Xiaodong , Xie Xuetao , Kang Qinglin
Published: June 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease which currently lacks of effective agents. It is therefore urgent and necessary to seek an effective approach that can inhibit inflammation and promote cartilage matrix homeostasis. Cartilage progenitor cells (CPCs) are identified as a cell population of superficial zone in articular cartilage which possess strong migration ability, proliferative capacity, and chondrogenic potential. Recently, the application of CPCs may represent a novel cell therapy strategy for OA treatment. There is growing evidence that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are primary mediators of the benefits of stem cell-based therapy. In this study, we explored the protective effects of CPCs-derived EVs (CPCs-EVs) on IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. We found CPCs-EVs exhibited chondro-protective effects in vitro. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that CPCs-EVs promoted matrix anabolism and inhibited inflammatory response at least partially via blocking STAT3 activation. In addition, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified 991 proteins encapsulated in CPCs-EVs. By bioinformatics analysis, we showed that STAT3 regulatory proteins were enriched in CPCs-EVs and could be transported to chondrocytes. To promoting the protective function of CPCs-EVs in vivo, CPCs-EVs were modified with cationic peptide ε-polylysine-polyethylene-distearyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PPD) for surface charge reverse. In posttraumatic OA mice, our results showed PPD modified CPCs-EVs (PPD-EVs) effectively inhibited extracellular matrix catabolism and attenuated cartilage degeneration. Moreover, PPD-EVs down-regulated inflammatory factors expressions and reduced OA-related pain in OA mice. In ex-vivo cultured OA cartilage explants, PPD-EVs successfully promoted matrix anabolism and inhibited inflammation. Collectively, CPCs-EVs-based cell-free therapy is a promising strategy for OA treatment.
Mechanisms, combination therapy, and biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy resistance
Authors: Yang Manshi , Cui Mengying , Sun Yang , Liu Shui , Jiang Weibo
Published: June 2024

Anti-programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies exert significant antitumor effects by overcoming tumor cell immune evasion and reversing T-cell exhaustion. However, the emergence of drug resistance causes most patients to respond poorly to these immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Studies have shown that insufficient T-cell infiltration, lack of PD-1 expression, deficient interferon signaling, loss of tumor antigen presentation, and abnormal lipid metabolism are all considered to be closely associated with immunotherapy resistance. To address drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy, a lot of research has concentrated on developing combination therapy strategies. Currently, ICIs such as anti-PD-1 /PD-L1 antibody combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy have been approved for clinical treatment. In this review, we analyze the mechanisms of resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in terms of the tumor microenvironment, gut microbiota, epigenetic regulation, and co-inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors. We also discuss various promising combination therapeutic strategies to address resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, including combining these therapies with traditional Chinese medicine, non-coding RNAs, targeted therapy, other ICIs, and personalized cancer vaccines. Moreover, we focus on biomarkers that predict resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy as well as combination therapy efficacy. Finally, we suggest ways to further expand the application of immunotherapy through personalized combination strategies using biomarker systems.
Comparative analysis of retroviral Gag-host cell interactions: focus on the nuclear interactome
Authors: Lambert Gregory S. , Rice Breanna L. , Maldonado Rebecca J. Kaddis , Chang Jordan , Parent Leslie J.
Published: June 2024

Retroviruses exploit host proteins to assemble and release virions from infected cells. Previously, most studies focused on interacting partners of retroviral Gag proteins that localize to the cytoplasm or plasma membrane. Given that several full-length Gag proteins have been found in the nucleus, identifying the Gag-nuclear interactome has high potential for novel findings involving previously unknown host processes. Here we systematically compared nuclear factors identified in published HIV-1 proteomic studies and performed our own mass spectrometry analysis using affinity-tagged HIV-1 and RSV Gag proteins mixed with nuclear extracts. We identified 57 nuclear proteins in common between HIV-1 and RSV Gag, and a set of nuclear proteins present in our analysis and ≥ 1 of the published HIV-1 datasets. Many proteins were associated with nuclear processes which could have functional consequences for viral replication, including transcription initiation/elongation/termination, RNA processing, splicing, and chromatin remodeling. Examples include facilitating chromatin remodeling to expose the integrated provirus, promoting expression of viral genes, repressing the transcription of antagonistic cellular genes, preventing splicing of viral RNA, altering splicing of cellular RNAs, or influencing viral or host RNA folding or RNA nuclear export. Many proteins in our pulldowns common to RSV and HIV-1 Gag are critical for transcription, including PolR2B, the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), and LEO1, a PAF1C complex member that regulates transcriptional elongation, supporting the possibility that Gag influences the host transcription profile to aid the virus. Through the interaction of RSV and HIV-1 Gag with splicing-related proteins CBLL1, HNRNPH3, TRA2B, PTBP1 and U2AF1, we speculate that Gag could enhance unspliced viral RNA production for translation and packaging. To validate one putative hit, we demonstrated an interaction of RSV Gag with Mediator complex member Med26, required for RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Although 57 host proteins interacted with both Gag proteins, unique host proteins belonging to each interactome dataset were identified. These results provide a strong premise for future functional studies to investigate roles for these nuclear host factors that may have shared functions in the biology of both retroviruses, as well as functions specific to RSV and HIV-1, given their distinctive hosts and molecular pathology.

Graphical Abstract
Identification of novel therapeutic targets for chronic kidney disease and kidney function by integrating multi-omics proteome with transcriptome
Authors: Si Shucheng , Liu Hongyan , Xu Lu , Zhan Siyan
Published: June 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease for which there is no effective cure. We aimed to identify potential drug targets for CKD and kidney function by integrating plasma proteome and transcriptome.

Methods

We designed a comprehensive analysis pipeline involving two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) (for proteins), summary-based MR (SMR) (for mRNA), and colocalization (for coding genes) to identify potential multi-omics biomarkers for CKD and combined the protein–protein interaction, Gene Ontology (GO), and single-cell annotation to explore the potential biological roles. The outcomes included CKD, extensive kidney function phenotypes, and different CKD clinical types (IgA nephropathy, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis, membranous nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, and diabetic nephropathy).

Results

Leveraging pQTLs of 3032 proteins from 3 large-scale GWASs and corresponding blood- and tissue-specific eQTLs, we identified 32 proteins associated with CKD, which were validated across diverse CKD datasets, kidney function indicators, and clinical types. Notably, 12 proteins with prior MR support, including fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5), isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase 2 (IDI2), inhibin beta C chain (INHBC), butyrophilin subfamily 3 member A2 (BTN3A2), BTN3A3, uromodulin (UMOD), complement component 4A (C4a), C4b, centrosomal protein of 170 kDa (CEP170), serologically defined colon cancer antigen 8 (SDCCAG8), MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence B (MICB), and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2), were confirmed. To our knowledge, 20 novel causal proteins have not been previously reported. Five novel proteins, namely, GCKR (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.10–1.24), IGFBP-5 (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29–0.62), sRAGE (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07–1.22), GNPTG (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.95), and YOD1 (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.18–1.64,) passed the MR, SMR, and colocalization analysis. The other 15 proteins were also candidate targets (GATM, AIF1L, DQA2, PFKFB2, NFATC1, activin AC, Apo A-IV, MFAP4, DJC10, C2CD2L, TCEA2, HLA-E, PLD3, AIF1, and GMPR1). These proteins interact with each other, and their coding genes were mainly enrichment in immunity-related pathways or presented specificity across tissues, kidney-related tissue cells, and kidney single cells.

Conclusions

Our integrated analysis of plasma proteome and transcriptome data identifies 32 potential therapeutic targets for CKD, kidney function, and specific CKD clinical types, offering potential targets for the development of novel immunotherapies, combination therapies, or targeted interventions.
Using action research and a community-academic partnership to understand clinical trial participation: a patient-centered perspective
Authors: Santarossa Sara , Baber Michele , Hussein Janine , Oley Chrystal , Slangerup Kristen , Murphy Dana , Kippen Karen E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Clinical trials that are patient-centered appear to be more successful (e.g., clinical outcomes, improved communication, mutual empowerment, changed attitudes), thus, action research may be a field of importance. The current study explores the Formation and Execution of Activities phases of a community-academic partnership (CAP).

Methods

Members consisted of industry stakeholders, a healthcare/academic institution, and patients/families with lived experiences as cancer survivors and/or caregivers. Retrospectively, CAP members described the facilitating and/or hindering factors present in the partnership development. A document review process was used. Field notes from three CAP meetings, which focused on understanding clinical trial participation, were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

Seven facilitating and three hindering factors were present. Interpersonal (vs. operational) processes were referenced as influential facilitating factors more often. Themes that emerged included ‘trials as a treatment option’, ‘leaving a legacy’, and ‘timing is critical.’

Conclusion

This study provides a patient-centered perspective on barriers/challenges of clinical trial participation and how to improve future perceptions.
Dietary inflammatory index and its association with risk of metabolic syndrome and its components: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of Observational studies
Authors: Bakhshimoghaddam Farnush , Chaharlang Rezvan , Mansoori Anahita , Dehghanseresht Narges
Published: June 2024

Background

It is believed that the progression and development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. Several studies have suggested that the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), which estimates the inflammatory potential of diets, is associated with MetS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationships between DII and the MetS and its components.

Methods

Relevant articles published in English from inception to May 2024 were identified by searching electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included studies that reported the odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), or hazard ratio for the association of DII with the MetS and its components. Effect sizes were pooled using a random effects model.

Results

A total of three prospective studies and 22 cross-sectional studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that pro-inflammatory diets were significantly associated with an increased risk of MetS in cohort studies (RR: 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–1.48) and cross-sectional studies (OR:1.24; 95% CI: 1.11–1.38). Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies showed that a higher DII score was significantly associated with higher odds of hypertension (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.10–1.28) and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.18; CI = 1.06–1.32). The pooled OR comparing the highest versus lowest category of DII with the odds of abdominal obesity and hypertriglyceridemia was significant only after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

In general, higher DII is associated with a higher risk of MetS and some of its components. Based on the findings, dietary interventions should be considered for preventing MetS from the inflammatory perspective.
Exploring the structural and electronic characteristics of phenethylamine derivatives: a density functional theory approach
Authors: Bhaskarapillai Arya , Parayil Sachidanandan , Santhamma Jayasudha , Mangalam Deepa , Anandakumar Velupillai Madhavan Thampi
Published: June 2024

Accurate structure elucidation of biologically active molecules is crucial for designing and developing new drugs, as well as for analyzing their pharmacological activity. In this study, density functional theory calculations are applied to explore the electronic structure and properties of phenethylamine derivatives, including Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Methylene Dioxy Methamphetamine(MDMA). The investigation encompasses various aspects such as geometry optimization, vibrational analysis, electronic properties, Molecular Electrostatic Potential analysis, and local and global descriptor analysis. Additionally, the study utilizes Natural Bond Orbital analysis and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules to investigate the chemical bonding and charge density distributions of these compounds. Experimental techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopic analysis are employed in the range of 4000-400 $$cm^{-1}$$

c

m

-
1

and 4000-50 $$cm^{-1}$$

c

m

-
1

, respectively. Theoretical vibrational analysis with Potential Energy Distribution(PED) assignments is conducted, and the resulting frequencies are compared to experimental spectral data, revealing good agreement. By correlating various structural parameters with the pharmacological activity of each derivative, computational structure elucidation aids in understanding the unique actions of phenethylamine derivatives. The obtained results offer a comprehensive understanding of the molecular behavior and properties of these drugs, facilitating the development of new drugs and therapies for addiction and related disorders.
Specification and survival of post-metamorphic branchiomeric neurons in a non-vertebrate chordate
Authors: Gigante Eduardo D. , Piekarz Katarzyna M. , Gurgis Alexandra , Cohen Leslie , Razy-Krajka Florian , Popsuj Sydney , Johnson Christopher J. , Ali Hussan S. , Mohana Sundaram Shruthi , Stolfi Alberto
Published: June 2024

Tunicates are the sister group to the vertebrates, yet most species have a life cycle split between swimming larva and sedentary adult phases. During metamorphosis, larval neurons are replaced by adult-specific ones. The regulatory mechanisms underlying this replacement remain largely unknown. Using tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis in the tunicate Ciona, we show that orthologs of conserved hindbrain and branchiomeric neuron regulatory factors Pax2/5/8 and Phox2 are required to specify the ‘neck’, a cellular compartment set aside in the larva to give rise to cranial motor neuron-like neurons post-metamorphosis. Using bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses, we characterize the transcriptome of the neck downstream of Pax2/5/8. We present evidence that neck-derived adult ciliomotor neurons begin to differentiate in the larva and persist through metamorphosis, contrary to the assumption that the adult nervous system is formed after settlement and the death of larval neurons during metamorphosis. Finally, we show that FGF signaling during the larval phase alters the patterning of the neck and its derivatives. Suppression of FGF converts neck cells into larval neurons that fail to survive metamorphosis, whereas prolonged FGF signaling promotes an adult neural stem cell-like fate.
Το πρότυπο της εδαφικής ανάπτυξης
Authors: Γούλας Απόστολος
Published: June 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή πραγματεύεται το ζήτημα της εδαφικής ανάπτυξης από ένα σύνολο δρώντων στο εσωτερικό μιας περιοχής της υπαίθρου, συνδέοντάς το με την ικανότητα της περιοχής αυτής να εξασφαλίσει τη λειτουργία δυναμικών μορφών συνεργασίας για την αξιοποίηση των πόρων της. Το διαγνωστικό ανέδειξε τη συμπληρωματικότητα των εννοιών των εδαφικών πόρων, των διευρυμένων συνεργασιών μεταξύ επιχειρήσεων και λοιπών δρώντων καθώς και του συντονισμού. Συνεπώς, η υιοθέτηση από μια περιοχή του προτεινόμενου τρόπου εδαφικής ανάπτυξης βασίζεται στη σύνδεση του εντοπισμού ενός πόρου με, της κινητοποίησης των εμπλεκόμενων δρώντων σε όλους τους κρίκους παραγωγής, μεταποίησης και εμπορίας. Συμπεριλαμβάνει επίσης, τους επιπλέον δρώντες (χρήση-κτήση-διαχείριση) των χώρων (γαιότοποι, βοσκότοποι, τοπία κτλ) και πεδίων (γνώση, τεχνογνωσία κτλ) που αναδεικνύουν τους δεσμούς με τον τόπο αλλά και τα ιδιαίτερα ποιοτικά χαρακτηριστικά που μπορούν να προσδώσουν ιδιοτυπία και μοναδικότητα στον πόρο, στο τελικό αγαθό ή στις προσφερόμενες υπηρεσίες. Η προτεινόμενη έρευνα εστιάζει στις μορφές συνεργασίας (επιχειρηματικές συστάδες) και συντονισμού (διακυβέρνησης) οι οποίες μπορούν να συνεισφέρουν αντλώντας από τις εμπειρίες του αστικού χώρου και των εφοδιαστικών αλυσίδων στην αξιοποίηση των εδαφικών πόρων στο εσωτερικό του αγροτικού χώρου. Διερευνά τα ζητήματα που αφορούν στις προσπάθειες προσαρμογής των υφιστάμενων μορφών συνεργασίας και συντονισμού στις ιδιαίτερες στοχεύσεις ενός εδαφικού σχεδίου. Το σχέδιο αυτό εστιάζει στην ανάδειξη των ιδιότυπων εδαφικών πόρων και στην αύξηση της αξίας των τελικών προϊόντων και αντανακλά τη βούληση ενός συνόλου δρώντων άμεσα και έμμεσα εμπλεκόμενων σ’ αυτή τη διαδικασία. Η προτεινόμενη μεθοδολογία προσέγγισης αναδεικνύει ένα νέο μοντέλο εδαφικής ανάπτυξης μέσα από την αναζήτηση νέων μορφών συνεργασίας. Αυτές οι συστάδες επιχειρήσεων ενσωματώνουν οργανωτικά και λειτουργικά μια νέα διάσταση, τη σύνδεση της παραγωγής και επιχειρηματικής διαδικασίας μιας επιχείρησης με την εδαφική περιοχή από την οποία αυτή αντλεί και εξασφαλίζει την ιδιοτυπία των πόρων από τους οποίους κατασκευάζει και προωθεί στην αγορά τα τελικά της προϊόντα.Η καινοτομία και η συμβολή στην έρευνα της διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η μελέτη, η παρουσίαση και η πρόταση νέων μορφών συνεργασίας, οι οποίες εξ ’ορισμού λειτουργούν ενσωματώνοντας την εδαφική διάσταση. Με τον τρόπο αυτό, οι επιχειρήσεις απαντούν στην συνεχώς αυξανόμενη ζήτηση από τους καταναλωτές για ποιοτικά και ταυτοτικά προϊόντα. Εξάλλου, αυτή την τάση της αγοράς, η έρευνα έδειξε ότι την ενισχύει και η εφαρμογή κατάλληλων δημόσιων πολιτικών τα τελευταία χρόνια, τόσο σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο όσο και σε εθνικό.
Fatty acid content and profile of round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), an expanding thermophilic species in the NW Mediterranean
Authors: VILA-BELMONTE MAR , BOU RICARD , LLORET ELSA , LLORET JOSEP
Published: June 2024

Over the past few decades, due to sea warming driven by global climate change, the habitat range of round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) has expanded into the north-western Mediterranean Sea. This study evaluates the fatty acid content and fatty acid profile of this small, warm-water pelagic fish caught in this area, specifically the northern Catalan coast. The findings provide important insights into the nutritional status of the species under changing environmental conditions. The study confirms that fatty acid content varies according to the individual specimen’s maturity stages (immature, pre-spawners, and spawners). Pre-spawners showed higher fat levels compared to spawners, whose lipids are allocated to their gonads to enhance the survival of their offspring. While a high content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) was generally found at all stages of maturity, pre-spawners had higher levels of EPA but lower levels of DHA than immature individuals and spawners. Moreover, compared to small pelagic fish more typical of the temperate waters in the region (European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, and European sardine, Sardina pilchardus), round sardinella generally have a higher level of PUFAs, especially DHA. Encouraging consumption of this warm water species could provide significant nutritional benefits while reducing fishing pressure on European sardine and European anchovy, whose populations are currently in a very poor state.
Aprendizaje situado: Sinergia pedagógica efectiva en la praxis pedagógica universitaria.
Authors: Briceño Nuñez Chess Emmanuel
Published: June 2024

El artículo aborda la implementación de la Teoría del Aprendizaje Situado en la praxis académica universitaria, destacando su relevancia en un entorno educativo en constante cambio. La investigación adopta un enfoque mixto, utilizando datos cuantitativos y cualitativos obtenidos de docentes universitarios en el estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil. Los resultados revelan un conocimiento positivo de la teoría, pero también obstáculos en su implementación, como la falta de apoyo institucional y barreras culturales. La integración de la teoría en la planificación curricular muestra una conexión entre el conocimiento teórico y su aplicación práctica. La percepción de la efectividad de la teoría destaca mejoras en la participación, comprensión y motivación de los estudiantes. Obstáculos y desafíos en la implementación incluyen la carga de trabajo y la resistencia estudiantil. Se identifica una alta demanda de formación continua, con un énfasis en adaptar la formación a diferentes disciplinas. Desde la perspectiva de la Responsabilidad Social Educativa (RSEdu), se destaca la importancia de abordar estos desafíos para contribuir al desarrollo integral de los estudiantes y la sociedad. La conexión entre la Teoría del Aprendizaje Situado y la RSEdu se fortalece al considerar la colaboración entre docentes y la adaptabilidad en la formación continua, evidenciando el potencial impacto positivo en la formación de ciudadanos éticos y socialmente comprometidos.
Corporações Transnacionais e Violação de Direitos Humanos na América Latina
Authors: Piffer Carla , Teixeira Alessandra Vanessa
Published: June 2024

Diante destas constatações, o presente estudo pretende discorrer sobre a atuação das corporações transnacionais na América Latina e possíveis violações aos Direitos Humanos. Para tanto, será realizada uma explanação acerca da transnacionalidade a partir dos efeitos da globalização. Na sequência, são expostos alguns elementos característicos das corporações transnacionais e da sua atuação para, ao final, apresentar alguns casos de violação aos Direitos Humanos promovidos pelas corporações transnacionais no âmbito da América Latina. Quanto à metodologia empregada, registrase que, na fase de investigação foi utilizado o método indutivo, na fase de tratamento de dados o método cartesiano, e no relatório dos resultados foi empregada a base lógica indutiva.
Dens invaginatus: a review of its aetiology, diagnosis and clinical management
Authors: Hook Hannah , Power Gavin
Published: June 2024

Dens invaginatus is a developmental anomaly predominantly occurring in maxillary lateral incisors, resulting in the invagination of the enamel into the dentine. This infolded area creates a void enabling the stagnation of bacteria and development of dental caries. If left untreated the caries may progress and ultimately result in pulpal necrosis. The treatment of these teeth can be challenging due to the potential complexity of the lesion. It is essential that teeth with dens invaginatus are diagnosed early allowing prophylactic treatment and prevention of pulpal necrosis. This article aims to review the aetiology, prevalence, classification, diagnosis, treatment and orthodontic considerations of teeth affected by dens invaginatus.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of dens invaginatus enables early diagnosis, effective management and, therefore, the best treatment outcomes.
La geopolítica del carbono cero y el papel de los minerales críticos en la transición energética
Authors: Zaar Miriam Hermi
Published: June 2024

Las innovaciones tecnológicas que posibilitarán alcanzar el Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) exigen nuevas materias primas, entre ellas los denominados “minerales críticos” (litio, cobalto, cobre, platino, niobio, REE-, etc.), que se han convertido en elementos clave en el actual escenario económico y geopolítico. A su vez, la disponibilidad de estos minerales está vinculada a los recursos naturales -muchas veces concentrados geográficamente- y al desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías, lo que está exigiendo de los Estados, compañías mineras y empresas tecnológicas, la implementación de estrategias que controlen su extracción y procesamiento, y garantice sus cadenas de suministro. El artículo tiene como objetivo analizar este proceso, desde las perspectivas de la geopolítica y la sostenibilidad, aspectos muy relevantes para la transición energética, debido a los conflictos bélicos motivados por intereses estratégicos, y a los problemas medioambientales provocados por la explotación de estos minerales, muy cuestionada, principalmente en países que no cuentan con una legislación laboral y medioambiental específica, y en ecosistemas frágiles, como son los ambientes marinos profundos.
Emily y Susan: sobrevolando la identidad
Authors: Álvarez Gallego Elena
Published: June 2024

“Emily y Susan: sobrevolando la identidad” es un escritoque trata sobre el desatino que puede haber detrás delquerer meter a Emily Dickinson en la identidad lesbiana.Asimismo, ahonda en la relación que tuvo Emily conla identidad, y cómo se negó durante toda su vida aencajonarse dentro de ella.
"I Can't Go to the Public Library": The Limited Literacy Sponsorscape of American Haredi Children's Literature
Authors: Bernstein Dainy
Published: June 2024

Abstract: With the development of American Haredism (ultra-Orthodox Judaism) in the 1960s and 1970s came a desire for Haredi children's books. Self-publishing authors filled this gap in the 1970s, followed quickly by young readers' divisions in existing Haredi publishing houses and the establishment of new Haredi children's publishers. Key players in Haredi children's publishing also had roles in other Haredi organizations, resulting in close relationships between the various bodies shaping Haredi children's socialization. The ability of the community to maintain its insularity grew as Haredi children's publishing expanded and Haredi child readers were encouraged to rely on approved sources and texts.
Small Acts of Kindness in an Unequal World: Picture Books During and After the Great Recession
Authors: Szetela Adam
Published: June 2024

Abstract: The 2007–2008 financial crisis caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs, homes, and health insurance. From the encampments of Occupy Wall Street to the historic campaign of democratic socialist Bernie Sanders, the crisis also spawned a wave of progressive movements. To paraphrase the opening remarks of the inaugural issue of Catalyst: A Journal of Theory and Strategy , economic inequality is again up for debate. However, it is not up for debate in the pages of picture books. With picture books published between 2007 and 2019 as the reference point, this article argues that most of these books depoliticize economic inequality. Building on the work of other scholars, this article also argues that, despite other changes in the landscape of children's publishing, most of these books resemble books written before the recession.