bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocular Neuromodulation as a Novel Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa: Identifying Rod Responders and Predictors of Visual Improvement
Authors: Musallam Ismail M
Published: June 2024

Background Reduced dysregulated ocular blood flow is proposed as a common pathway for the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The current study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ophthalmic nerve stimulation (ONS) as an ocular blood flow neuromodulator, combined with ascorbic acid (AA) as a potent anti-oxidant in the treatment of RP. Additionally, the initial characteristics of rod responders were identified. Methods Forty participants with simple, non-syndromic RP presented with a characteristic triad of RP, were enrolled in a prospective open-label single-armed interventional study. The severity of the disease was clinically graded into six stages. Patients with an established diagnosis of RP; aged ≥ 4 years, with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 20/400 were included. All participants were daily treated with bilateral ONS sessions combined with intravenous administration of AA for two weeks. The primary efficiency endpoint was 6 months’ changes in scotopic vision as measured by a 10-item, 100-point, Low Luminance Questionnaire-10 (LLQ-10). The secondary efficiency points included BCVA and contrast sensitivity. Rod responders were defined by ≥ 25 points increment of LLQ-10 score at 6 months after treatment. The Results ONS combined with AA treatment significantly improved low luminance vision, BCVA, and contrast sensitivity in patients with RP (p ≤ 0.05). At 6-month visit, twenty-four (60%) patients were identified as rod responders and 16 (40%) patients were rod-non-responders. The mean change in LLQ-10 score was (46.35 ± 16.81) in rod responders versus (4.9 ± 7.6) in non-responders (p < 0.0001). A clinically significant improvement of BCVA (≥ 0.2 logMAR unit) and contrast sensitivity (≥ 0.3 log unit) were demonstrated in 50% of the right eyes of rod responders. Headache in 5 patients (12.5%) was the only encountered side effect in this study. Conclusion Ocular neuromodulation is a safe therapeutic strategy for RP. It significantly improved night vision, BCVA, and contrast sensitivity. Determinants of rod responders include stage of RP, duration of night blindness, and the thickness of ganglion cell layer at baseline. Additionally, two therapeutic scenarios were recognized; an early disease-modifying intervention that restores night vision and reverses the disease process and a late cone rescue intervention that improves/maintains central vision. The trial has not been registered
ERCC3 serves as a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma and positively regulates cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Yang Chen , Du Jiahui , Qiu Xiuqin , Jia Changhong , Ding Cunbao , Wu Yijie , Gao Chaoxu , Wang Weijie , Wang Xiaojun , Liu Song-Bai
Published: June 2024

Background
ERCC3 is an important member of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, and its overexpression is involved in the development of a variety of cancers and is a potential factor for poor tumor prognosis. Currently, the expression and function of ERCC3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical significance of ERCC3 in HCC tissues. The differential expression of ERCC3 across cancers and the characteristics of genetic variation were evaluated using the TCGA database. The TCGA, GEO and ICGC datasets were combined to examine the expression and prognostic value of ERCC3 in HCC. The independent prognostic value of ERCC3 expression levels in HCC was explored based on Cox regression analysis, Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and nomograms. The ssGSEA method was used to determine the pathway association coefficients to reveal the biological function of ERCC3 in HCC and the potential clinical efficacy of immunotherapy. An ERCC3-overexpressing lentivirus was used to infect HepG2 cells and establish a stable transient cell line, and RTCA, wound healing, and Transwell assays were applied to detect the effects of ERCC3 on the biological phenotypes of HCC cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the distribution of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Transcriptome sequencing was used to explore the effect of ERCC3 gene overexpression on the expression of genes involved in signaling pathways in HCC.
Results
The results showed that ERCC3 appeared to be abnormally expressed in a variety of tumors, that ERCC3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly greater in HCC tissues than in normal tissues, and that high ERCC3 expression was significantly correlated with poor survival in HCC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the ERCC3 expression level was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.014). The gene set associated with the high ERCC3 group was significantly involved in multiple immune pathways and tumor progression-related pathways, and ERCC3 expression was significantly associated with immune checkpoints in HCC. The overexpression of the ERCC3 gene promoted HCC cell proliferation and migration and affected cell cycle progression. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that the overexpression of ERCC3 regulated HCC cell proliferation, participated in multiple proinflammatory pathways, induced the formation of an inflammatory microenvironment in tumors, and promoted HCC progression.
Conclusions
High expression of ERCC3 may be a poor prognostic factor for HCC patients and may play an immunomodulatory role in HCC, providing a theoretical basis for the development of targeted immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Primary auditory area volumetry among Sudanese using 3D MRI: A cross-sectional study and literature review
Authors: AbdAlla Eltayeb , Elgadi Ammar , MohamedAli Hoyam , Mohammed Safaa , Elhag Amal
Published: June 2024

1.1 Background:
The primary auditory cortex (PAC) is the home for complex sound interpretation and noise perception. It is located in the Heschl gyrus, a region of the cerebral cortex located in the temporal lobes. Determining the volume of the auditory cortex is important in surgeries; for instance, it helps in determining the location of auditory-sensitive neurons and the anatomical conformations of the PAC. Our aim was to determine the primary auditory volumetry among Sudanese apparently healthy individuals in order to understand and deal with patients with various auditory diseases.
1.2 Methods:
This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Fedail Hospital. Imaging was done using Structured 3D MRI for healthy Sudanese subjects from January to March 2023.
1.3 Results:
The study involved 91 participants aged 48.64 years and found that the right PAC volume was larger than in the left PAC. The mean difference in volume between the two PAC was also significant. No significant gender differences were found in the right PAC volume or left PAC volume. Age-related differences were found to be significant, with the 18-30 age group having the largest mean difference. Person correlation analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between age and right PAC volume and the difference in volume between PACs, suggesting decreased asymmetry as individuals age. However, age did not significantly correlate with total volume, suggesting a nuanced relationship with overall auditory area volume.
1.4 Conclusion:
The study revealed significant interhemispheric inverse asymmetry towards the right side in Sudanese individuals, with no significant gender-specific asymmetry in the auditory cortex.
Promoting Restful Nights: The Role of Safety in Sleep Quality Among Incarcerated Youth
Authors: Fix Rebecca L , Jackson Dylan B , Testa Alexander , Semenza Daniel C
Published: June 2024

Background
Literature demonstrates that carceral settings prove detrimental to sleep among adult populations, yet aspects of juvenile prison that harm the sleep of youth remain understudied. We sought to understand whether and how safety impacts sleep in juvenile prisons in a Southeastern US state. We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study. Survey data were collected from 78 youth in a male juvenile prison. Nineteen youth volunteered for follow-up qualitative interviews. About half of participants were White, and most were non-Latine and heterosexual.
Results
Findings illuminate the need for improved juvenile prison conditions and staff behavior, emphasizing the importance of promoting safer, more supportive environments. Indeed, the inextricable link between safety and environmental characteristics that contribute to feelings of safety (e.g., temperature, noise, lighting) were noted as essential to enhance sleep quality among incarcerated youth, and a vital component of their overall health and well-being. Nutrition and hunger were also regularly noted by participants.
Conclusions
Noteworthy advancements in physical and mental health among these youth are possible by targeting sleep and safety. By holistically supporting needs of incarcerated youth, their safety is more likely, fostering higher well-being and a more successful return to their communities.
Poly(ionic liquid) electrolytes at an extreme salt concentration for solid-state batteries
Authors: Kondou Shinji , Abdullah Mohanad , Popov Ivan , Martins Murillo L. , O'Dell Luke A. , Ueda Hiroyuki , Makhlooghiazad Faezeh , Nakanishi Azusa , Sudoh Taku , Ueno Kazuhide , Watanabe Masayoshi , Howlett Patrick , Zhang Heng , Armand Michel , Sokolov Alexei , Forsyth Maria , Chen Fangfang
Published: June 2024

Polymer-in-salt electrolytes offer a promising solution to the critical challenge of low Li-ion conductivity in solvent-free solid polymer electrolytes. One crucial aspect of their development is maintaining good stability and high conductivity of molten salts within a polymer system. Remarkably, cationic poly(ionic liquids) (polyIL) have emerged as a promising option. The high salt concentration in polyIL not only helps enhance ionic conductivity but also pushes the charge carrier ion transference number beyond 0.5. Nevertheless, stabilizing molten salt remains a challenging hurdle. Here, we report a novel poly(ionic liquid)s-in-salt system with an exceptionally high Li-salt content of up to 90 mol% by integrating a crystallization-resistive Li salt through an asymmetric anion. The resulting electrolyte maintains a stable amorphous phase and achieves considerable conductivity of 9.0×10− 5 S cm− 1 and an impressive Li transference number of 0.81 at 80°C. This leads to substantial improvements in electrolyte performance in prototype Li cells, including reduced interfacial resistance, lowered polarization, and a stable Li deposition/dissolution profile up to 0.5 mA cm− 2. This work provides a valuable opportunity to revisit polymer-in-salt electrolytes at an extremely high salt concentration, contributing new insights into the relationships between high salt concentrations, coordination structures, glass transitions, conductivity, and the decoupling/coupling of ion transport from structural dynamics. It also emphasises the unique role of cationic polymers and opens new prospects for the future design of polymer-in-salt electrolytes.
First fatal elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus type 5 infection in a captive Asian elephant in Germany
Authors: Abdelgawad Azza , Nascimento Mariana , Prahl Adriane , Flügger Michael , Szentiks Claudia A. , Holtze Susanne , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Trimpert Jakob
Published: June 2024

Background: Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infection is the most common cause for lethal hemorrhagic disease in captive juvenile Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Although EEHV-1 is known as the most likely cause of fatal haemorrhagic disease in Asian elephants, EEHV-5 was lately involved in lethal cases of haemorrhagic disease in captive elephants.
Case presentation: Here we report the first death of a four-year old Asian elephant diagnosed with EEHV-5 in Germany. Molecular diagnosis yielded detection of EEHV-5 DNA in all tested tissues. Histopathological examination revealed typical features of hemorrhagic disease in all examined organs. EEHV-5 was sequenced from total DNA isolated from heart tissue by Illumina and Nanopore sequencing. Sequencing data showed 3881 variants, distributed across the entire genome, compared to the published EEHV-5 sequence.
Conclusions: We have detected EEHV-5 in a fatal disease case of a male Asian elephant. Whole genome sequencing revealed substantial differences of our DNA isolate compared to available EEHV-5 sequences. This report of fatal haemorrhagic disease associated with EEHV-5 infection should raise awareness for EEHV-5 as important elephant pathogen. Genome sequencing and downstream SNPs analysis will further encourage future research to understand genetic diversity, pathogenesis and virulence of EEHVs with respect to developing new diagnostic methods, prophylactic strategies, and implementation of surveillance and control measures.
A Clustering-based Multiple Kernel Learning Algorithm for Multi-Class Classification
Authors: xiaofeng Zhang
Published: June 2024

Multiple kernel learning algorithms typically optimize kernel alignment, structural risk minimization, and Bayesian functions. However, they have limitations, including inapplicability to multi-class classification, high time complexity, and no analytic solution. Analyzing clustering and classification similarities, we propose a novel clustering-based multiple kernel learning algorithm for multi-class classification (CBMKL). This algorithm transforms input space to high-dimension feature space using multiple kernel mapping functions. It estimates base kernel function weights and constructs the decision function using clustering objectives. This CBMKL algorithm has several advantages. 1) It handles multi-class problems directly. 2) This algorithm has an analytical solution, avoiding approximate solutions from sampling methods. 3) It also has polynomial time complexity. Experiments on two datasets illustrate these advantages.
Fuzzy clustering opposition multi-objective forensic-based investigation to tradeoff construction project time cost under limited resource
Authors: Le Huu Quoc-Phong , Le Thanh-Tan , Ngo Thi Cam-Tien , Tran Duc-Hoc
Published: June 2024

Balancing the critical factors of project time and cost is essential for maximizing the overall benefits of construction projects. In construction scheduling, challenges often arise due to the varying start times of activities based on precedence relationships and resource availability. Moreover, the cost and duration of activities can fluctuate based on resource allocation. This paper presents a novel framework named Fuzzy Clustering Opposition Multi-Objective Forensic-Based Investigation (FOMOFBI) for solving the construction project time cost tradeoff under limited resource. The proposal algorithm utilizes opposition-based learning at initialization step and during optimization process to enhance exploration capabilities. Integration of fuzzy c-means clustering into the FBI framework aids in accelerating convergence by leveraging population information. A real-world construction case study illustrates ability of FOMOFBI to generate non-dominated solutions, assisting project managers in selecting suitable plans to balance project time and cost within resource limitations, a task typically challenging and time-intensive. In all evaluations, FOMOFBI consistently outperformed other multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, offering top-tier solutions. This evidence strongly suggests that FOMOFBI is well-suited for addressing intricate optimization challenges in real-world contexts.
Chlordane induced neurotoxicosis in urban and suburban Detroit, Michigan striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis)
Authors: Buchweitz John , Sheffler Rachel , Puschner Birgit , Fitzgerald Scott , Melotti Julie
Published: June 2024

Despite the ban of technical chlordane, contamination from this persistent organic pollutant threatens wildlife and human health nearly forty years since its last application. In this study, eight of seventeen skunks displaying illness and neurologic signs had brain tissue concentrations of combined oxychlordane, heptachlor epoxide, and trans-nonachlor exceeding a 1,000 ng/g wet weight diagnostic threshold for toxicosis. Liver tissue concentrations were ten-fold greater than brain when measured on a lipid weight basis, which can help predict lethal brain residues in skunks. The ongoing presence of chlordane in the environment is expected to cause further unintended consequences for wildlife across the Detroit Metropolitan area for decades to come. As with other pollutants in the River Rouge and River Raisin Areas of Concern, the presence of chlordane in the urban environment presents a significant risk for animal, human and ecological health.
Development and validation of a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the differentiation of tick-borne encephalitis infections caused by different virus subtypes
Authors: Freimane Zane , Dobler Gerhard , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Karelis Guntis , Girl Philipp , Kuzmane Sanita , Savicka Oksana , Erber Wilhelm , Zavadska Dace
Published: June 2024

Objectives
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infection caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) that can lead to symptoms of central nervous system inflammation. There are five subtypes of TBEV, three of which – European, Siberian and Far Eastern – occur in Europe. As it is thought that different subtype infections exhibit varying clinical courses and outcomes, serological differentiation of the virus subtypes is clearly important. However, to date, this has proved difficult to achieve.
Methods
An ELISA format was developed based on TBE virus NS1 antigen against the European, Siberian and Far Eastern subtype. The three NS1 antigens were biotechnologically produced in a human cell line and used for ELISA coating. Sera from German (European subtype) and Russian (Siberian and/or Far Eastern subtypes) TBE patients with positive TBEV IgG were used to test the reactivity against these three NS1 antigens.
Results
Testing of 14 German and 32 Russian TBEV IgG-positive sera showed that the ELISA was able to differentiate between TBEV European subtype and TBEV Siberian and Far Eastern subtype infections.
Conclusions
In geographical areas where two or more TBEV subtype infections can occur, the NS1-IgG ELISA developed here constitutes an important diagnostic tool to differentiate between European subtype infections and Siberian/Far Eastern subtype infections and to use the new assay for epidemiological studies to clarify the importance of particular subtype infections in an area. Consequently, it may help to better describe and anticipate the clinical courses and outcomes of particular TBEV subtype infections.
Adolescents and Young Adults in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria: Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use, Perceived Health Effects, Intervention and Challenges
Authors: Umoren Otoh Dayo , Olukotun Stephen Tobi Abraham , Bolarinwa Abisola Christianah , Iche Laurel Chijioke , Anona Kenechukwu P. , OLAOMI Oluwatobi Adeola , Ayeni Lucky Aighowmanfe , Oribhabor Isaac , Badmus Mayowa Josiah
Published: June 2024

Background
Adolescent and young adult drug usage has been on the rise, and it is essential to understand the factors that contribute to illicit drug use in the group. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, perceived health effects, intervention strategies, and challenges related to illegal drug use among adolescents and young adults in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods
This survey was conducted in Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria between January- February 2023. It uses a purposive, descriptive study technique. A total of two hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires were administered to respondents (aged 0–30 years) to obtain information. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21.0) software. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between parameters (p ≤ 0.05).
Results
The results revealed that the majority of the respondents take drugs (79%), use drugs due to peer group pressure (34.0%), to get high (33.6%), due to family problems (16.8%) and occasionally the curiosity to know how it works (28.8%). Furthermore, the majority always take marijuana/cannabis (28%), and occasionally take Loud and Shisha (30%) respectively. The drugs are often obtained from friends (30%), local shops (29.2%), local chemists (28.4%) and occasionally from unknown dealers (29.6%). Interestingly, the majority of the respondents strongly agree that illicit drugs can cause cardiovascular, hepatological, pulmonary, neurological and nephrological conditions and that as an effort of intervention, the government provides anti-drug campaigns, drug education, drug awareness, research and non-governmental organization (NGO) liaison. The chi-square test revealed a significant association between age group and drug use due to peer group pressure, getting high, curiosity about how it works and family problems. Parental status and curiosity about how drugs work. Additionally, there is a significant association between the literacy level of the study group and parents with family problems. (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions
Multiple factors have exposed adolescents and young adults in the study area to drug use this includes peer pressure, curiosity, family issues, and the literacy level of both the study group and their parents.
Numerical Simulation and Evaluation of Constructed Wetland Designs for Effluent Treatment Based on MIKE21
Authors: Xiong Xing , Yang Shanrui , Zhang Junxiang , Chen Jiafan , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Qinghai
Published: June 2024

Constructed Wetlands for Effluent treatment (E-CW) play a vital role in the degradation of pollutants, purification of water, and the improvement of freshwater ecosystems. However, conventional designs often lack a methodical approach for quantifying the efficacy of these wetlands. The present study utilized the MIKE21 Hydrodynamic (HD) module in conjunction with the ECO-Lab Water Quality (AD) module to perform a numerical simulation of the Constructed Wetland for Effluent. The key parameters involved in effective water purification were calibrated and the system's ability to treat effluents from wastewater treatment facilities was assessed. The findings demonstrated significant removal efficiencies for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), and ammonia (NH3-N), with average rates of 51.14%, 43.14%, 63.82%, and 54.38%, respectively. In addition, the simulations exhibited a high degree of accuracy, with hydrodynamic predictions deviating by less than 5% and water quality approximations by less than 15%. Additionally, the use of numerical simulations can provide valuable guidelines for the future design and functional assessment of wetlands by offering crucial insights that aid in the optimization of purification processes and vegetation selection.
Ultrasound and x-ray imageable poloxamer-based hydrogel for loco-regional therapy delivery in the liver
Authors: Delgado Jose F. , Owen Joshua W. , Pritchard William F. , Varble Nicole A. , Lopez-Silva Tania L. , Mikhail Andrew S. , Arrichiello Antonio , Ray Trisha , Morhard Robert , Borde Tabea , Saccenti Laetitia , Xu Sheng , Rivera Jocelyne , Schneider Joel P. , Karanian John W. , Wood Bradford J.
Published: June 2024

Intratumoral injections have the potential for enhanced cancer treatment efficacy while reducing costs and systemic exposure. However, intratumoral drug injections can result in substantial off-target leakage and are invisible under standard imaging modalities like ultrasound (US) and x-ray. A thermosensitive poloxamer-based gel for drug delivery was developed that is visible using x-ray imaging (computed tomography (CT), cone beam CT, fluoroscopy), as well as using US by means of integrating perfluorobutane-filled microbubbles (MBs). MBs content was optimized using tissue mimicking phantoms and ex vivo bovine livers. Gel formulations less than 1% MBs provided gel depositions that were clearly identifiable on US and distinguishable from tissue background and with minimal acoustic artifacts. The cross-sectional areas of gel depositions obtained with US and CT imaging were similar in studies using ex vivo bovine liver and postmortem in situ swine liver. The gel formulation enhanced multimodal image-guided navigation, enabling fusion of ultrasound and x-ray/CT imaging, which may enhance targeting, definition of spatial delivery, and overlap of tumor and gel. Although speculative, such a paradigm for intratumoral drug delivery might streamline clinical workflows, reduce radiation exposure by reliance on US, and boost the precision and accuracy of drug delivery targeting during procedures. Imageable gels may also provide enhanced temporal and spatial control of intratumoral conformal drug delivery.
Fluorescence/colorimetric dual-signal sensor based on carbon dots and gold nanoparticles for visual quantization of Cr 3+
Authors: Shi Jinyu , Wu Suyi , Xue Yu , Xie Qing , Danzeng Qunzeng , Liu Cui , Zhou Chuan-Hua
Published: June 2024

A convenient and sensitive dual-signal visualization method is constructed for detection of trivalent chromium ions (Cr3+) based on fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) and glutathione-modified gold nanoparticles (GSH-Au NPs). The fluorescence of CDs can be quenched by GSH-Au NPs due to the inner filter effect. Cr3+ induces aggregation of GSH-Au NPs because of the coordination with GSH on the surface of Au NPs, leading to the red-shift of surface plasmon resonance absorption of Au NPs that provides a “turn-on” fluorescence and colorimetric assay for Cr3+. The fluorescence/colorimetric dual signal detection shows high sensitivity for Cr3+ with wide detection linear ranges (0.5–70 µM for fluorescence detection and 2–50 µM for colorimetric detection) and low detection limits (0.31 µM for fluorescence detection and 0.30 µM for colorimetric detection). Besides, the method has high selectivity for Cr3+and can be used for detection of Cr3+ in lake water samples, showing its great potential for visual detection of environmental Cr3+.
Gamma rays impact on 2D-MoS2 in water solution
Authors: Altucci Carlo , SINGH MANJOT , Bianco Davide , Adam Jaber , Capaccio Angela , Clemente Stefania , Sorbo Maria Rosaria Del , Feoli Chiara , Kaur Jasneet , Nappi Carmela , Panico Rori , Rusciano Giulia , Rossi Manuela , Sasso Antonio , Valadan Mohammadhasan , Cuoccolo Alberto , Battista Edmondo , Netti Paolo Antonio
Published: June 2024

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, particularly MoS2, are interesting materials for many applications in aerospace research, radiation therapy and bioscience more in general. Since in many of these applications MoS2-based nanomaterials can be placed in an aqueous environment while exposed to ionizing radiation, both experimental and theoretical studies of their behaviour under these conditions is particularly interesting. Here we study the effects of tiny imparted doses of 511 keV photons to MoS2 nanoflakes in water solution. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study in which ionizing radiation on 2D-MoS2 occurs in water -. Interestingly, we find that, in addition to the direct interaction between high-energy photons and nanoflakes, reactive chemical species, generated by ϒ-photons induced radiolysis of water, come into play a relevant role. A radiation transport Monte Carlo simulation allowed determining the elements driving the morphological and spectroscopical changes of 2D-MoS2, experimentally monitored by SEM microscopy, DLS, Raman and UV-vis spectroscopy, AFM, and X-ray photoelectron techniques. Our study demonstrates that radiolysis products affect the Molybdenum oxidation state, which is massively changed from the stable +4 and +6 states into the rarer and more unstable +5. These findings will be relevant for radiation-based therapies and diagnostics in patients that are assuming drugs or contrast agents containing 2D-MoS2 and for aerospace biomedical applications of 2DMs investigating their actions into living organisms on space station or satellites.
The observed El Niño-induced droughts from April to May 2023 increase the risk of famine in West Africa
Authors: Kongo Vincent Ondima , Arreyndip Nkongho Ayuketang
Published: June 2024

The return of El Niño in 2023 brought record global temperatures, an increase in forest fires, floods, heat waves, and intense and severe droughts. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the impact of El Niño on rainfall patterns during the planting season and the potential consequences for agricultural productivity in West Africa. The study used the ERA5 dataset and the SPEI index dataset of the Global Drought Crop Monitoring and performed a thorough spatio-temporal analysis and anomaly calculation of precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, and soil moisture. We uncover El Niño footprints characterized by early rains in March, high temperatures and humidity, and low rainfall in the middle of the planting season (April to May) compared to 2022. Farmers in West Africa usually expect rainfall in early April to start the agricultural season. This shift in rainfall patterns can have a serious impact on agricultural activities and increase vulnerability to severe famine in the region. Rather than relying solely on rainfall, we recommend the use of advanced irrigation techniques and the development of drought-resistant crops to combat the effects of El Niño in the future.
Knockdown of microglial iron import gene, DMT1, worsens cognitive function and alters microglial transcriptional landscape in a sex-specific manner in the APP/PS1 model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Robertson Katrina Volk , Rodriguez Alec S. , Cartailler Jean-Philippe , Shrestha Shristi , Schroeder Kyle R. , Valenti Arianna M. , Harrison Fiona E. , Hasty Alyssa H.
Published: June 2024

Background
Microglial cell iron load and inflammatory activation are significant hallmarks of late-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In vitro, microglia preferentially upregulate the iron importer, divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1, gene name Slc11a2) in response to inflammatory stimuli, and excess iron can augment cellular inflammation, suggesting a feed-forward loop between iron import mechanisms and inflammatory signaling. However, it is not understood whether microglial iron import mechanisms directly contribute to inflammatory signaling and chronic disease in vivo. These studies determined the effects of microglial-specific knockdown of Slc11a2 on AD-related cognitive decline and microglial transcriptional phenotype.
Methods
In vitro experiments and RT-qPCR were used to assess a role for DMT1 in amyloid-β-associated inflammation. To determine the effects of microglial Slc11a2 knockdown on AD-related phenotypes in vivo, triple-transgenic Cx3cr1Cre − ERT2;Slc11a2flfl;APP/PS1+ or – mice were generated and administered corn oil or tamoxifen to induce knockdown at 5–6 months of age. Both sexes underwent behavioral analyses to assess cognition and memory (12–15 months of age). Hippocampal CD11b + microglia were magnetically isolated from female mice (15–17 months) and bulk RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted.
Results
DMT1 inhibition in vitro robustly decreased Aβ-induced inflammatory gene expression and cellular iron levels in conditions of excess iron. In vivo, Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 female, but not male, mice displayed a significant worsening of memory function in Morris water maze and a fear conditioning assay, along with significant hyperactivity compared to control WT and APP/PS1 mice. Hippocampal microglia from Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 females displayed significant increases in Enpp2, Ttr, and the iron-export gene, Slc40a1, compared to control APP/PS1 cells. Slc11a2KD cells from APP/PS1 females also exhibited decreased expression of markers associated with disease-associated microglia (DAMs), such as Apoe, Ctsb, Csf1, and Hif1α.
Conclusions
This work suggests a sex-specific role for microglial iron import gene Slc11a2 in propagating behavioral and cognitive phenotypes in the APP/PS1 model of AD. These data also highlight an association between loss of a DAM-like phenotype in microglia and cognitive deficits in Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 female mice. Overall, this work illuminates an iron-related pathway in microglia that may serve a protective role during disease and offers insight into mechanisms behind disease-related sex differences.
Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosoma Evansi in Camels in North Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Kyari Falmata , Mohammed Konto , Mbaya Albert Wulari , Biu Abdullahi Abubakar , Bukar Mwajim , Tukur Salamatu Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Trypanosoma evansi is the first hemo-pathogenic trypanosome species of equines and dromedaries. Camels are the principal host of T. evansi; but, horses and other Equidae as well as a large range of other hosts can be infected mechanically. Diagnosis of T. evansi basically relies on conventional Giemsa staining of thin and thick blood smears, which are time consuming and require experienced personnel. Serological test used for parasite detection may suffer the disadvantages in reproducibility due to antigenic variation and significant levels of false negative and false positive results. To overcome the limits of sensitivity and specificity imposed by other diagnostic methods, molecular detection of T. evansi deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was carried out in this study on 50 dromedary camels. Five different isolates were obtained from this study. The 5 consensus sequences obtained were compared with other T. evansi isolated from other geographically dispersed locations. The result of this investigation present the first molecular (PCR) detection of T. evansi in camels from Borno and Yobe States of Nigeria and revealed that 5 isolates were identified from this study area which are phylogenetically related to other African isolates from the sub-saharan African, the Middle-East with extension to other parts of Asia and America. This study also revealed two phylogenetically distinct diverse strains base on the ITS-1 gene in the study area. There are no much phylogenetic diversities between the T. evansi strains using the ITS-1 gene. Therefore, it is highly recommended to look into other genes like the RoTat gene and other protein coding genes in order to establish more detailed variations.
Active Block EX-CCII Based Electrical Circuit for Practical Impedance Data of OSCC
Authors: Athokpam Bidhanshel Singh , Ranjan Ashish , Banerjee Sumita , Bhatt Vivek , Maisnam Mamata , Mukherjee Saikat
Published: June 2024

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer, and its behavior can be analyzed using bio-impedance. A single dispersion Cole model is designed using active block Extra X Current Conveyor (EX-CCII), which generates the existing practical oral OSCC bio-impedance data. An experimental result of cancer bio-impedance in the 20 Hz to 5 MHz range is well modeled with an active block EX-CCII resistors (Rand R1) and fractional capacitor (Cα). The proposed design can serve as a step forward for designing a purposeful method for analyzing the behavior of oral cancer impedance without any practical data. The functionality of the proposed electrical circuit for OSCC is well verified through PSPICE simulation using both 0.25 μm CMOS TSMC Technology parameters and the macro model of EX-CCII. Simulation results agree well with experimental bio-impedance data.
The comparison of cellulose regeneration behavior in different solvents after sulfuric acid treatment
Authors: Du Xinyuan , Han Yuke , He Xueni , Lu Yi , Shi Suan , Han Lujia
Published: June 2024

Background
The efficient utilization of cellulose requires certain treatments. Regeneration of cellulose after dissolving it using chemical reagents is one of the commonly used methods. In this study, a high solid/liquid ratio beyond the region normally explored in the conventional processes was applied in the sulfuric acid treatment of cellulose, and different solvents were employed in the cellulose regeneration process.
Results
Sulfuric acid in the swelling state was effective in disrupting the cellulose structure and breaking its internal hydrogen bonds. The crystal type of the cellulose samples regenerated in water was cellulose II, while samples generated in methanol and ethanol showed amorphous structures. Meanwhile, the degree of polymerization (DP), average particle size (D50), and crystallinity (CrI) values of the samples were ranked as water > methanol > ethanol in terms of the regeneration solvents. This order was correlated with the polarity and molecular size of the solvents. The stronger the polarity, the more the liquid could form hydrogen bonds with the sulfuric acid during the regeneration process, which resulted in a higher degree of cellulose agglomeration. When cellulose was regenerated in ethanol after acid treatment, its DP decreased from 210 to 17 and its CrI decreased from 78.90 to 15.39 which will facilitate the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. The results of the enzymatic hydrolysis experiments showed that the glucose productivity of the sample from ethanol was the highest among the three regeneration solvents.
Conclusion
The regeneration solvents have significant impact on the crystal types and physio-chemical property of regenerated cellulose after acid treatment. Solvents with more polarity have a greater ability to form hydrogen bonds with sulfuric acid, resulting in a higher degree of cellulose re-polymerization, while solvents with smaller molecular size give the cellulose less spatial hindrance in forming hydrogen bonds for re-polymerization. Ethanol is considered to be a better solvent for cellulose regeneration after acid treatment among water, ethanol, and methanol.
Unleashing the Full Potential of Digital Endpoints: Eight Questions that Need Attention
Authors: Tackney Mia S. , Villar Sofía S. , Carpenter James R.
Published: June 2024

The use of Digital Health Technologies to measure endpoints in clinical trials opens new opportunities as well as methodological challenges. Digital endpoints may provide more sensitive and higher-frequency measurements of participants' health outcomes, but pose vital statistical challenges around how such endpoints should be defined and validated and how trials incorporating digital endpoints should be designed and analysed. This article presents eight methodological questions, exploring issues around decision making on key issues such as the length of measurement period, choice of summary statistic and definition and handling of missing data, as well as the potential for new estimands and new analyses to leverage the time series data from digital devices. A selection of the challenges are illustrated through a simulation study based on the 2019 Bellerophon INOPulse trial which used time spent in MVPA as a digital endpoint. These eight questions present broad areas where methodological guidance is needed to enable wider uptake of digital endpoints in trials.
Extreme Maldistribution of High Field Strength Elements along Subduction Zones Revealed by Baddeleyite Aggregates in Serpentinite
Authors: Sawada Hikaru , Oyanagi Ryosuke , Niki Sota , Hirata Takafumi , Yoshida Kazuki , Nagata Mitsuhiro , Okamoto Atsushi
Published: June 2024

Alkaline fluids associated with serpentinization cause the dissolution and precipitation of high field strength elements (HFSE) and formation of rare mineral species. In this study, newly discovered baddeleyites in the Higuchi serpentinite body (HSB), Japan, are described. The HSB occurs as a 15×8 m outcrop surrounded by high-P/T metapelite, and baddeleyite was collected from only one serpentinite block. The baddeleyite appear as aggregates exhibiting angular or subrounded shapes with sizes of up to 2 mm in length. The aggregates are composed of acicular baddeleyite surrounded by porous zircon rims. Both the baddeleyite and the zircon yielded U–Pb ages of ca. 96 Ma, corresponding to the peak metamorphic age of the region. Within the aggregates, Th-enriched areas with sizes of less than 20 µm were observed. The baddeleyite aggregates show enrichment of light rare earth elements with positive Eu anomalies. The baddeleyite aggregates were likely produced with zircon megacrysts through metamorphism during serpentinization. Subsequent metasomatism associated with carbonation and silicification led to the formation of the zircon rim and trace-elemental maldistribution. This study demonstrates significant heterogeneity of milli- to micro-scales within a meter-scale serpentinite outcrop. This finding may necessitate a reassessment of the HFSE cycling in subduction zones.
Blood nerve barrier permeability enables nerve targeting of circulating nanoparticles in experimental autoimmune neuritis
Authors: Langert Kelly , Kaur Chanpreet , Villarreal Ellaina , Cabe Maleen
Published: June 2024

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a devastating autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) for which treatment options are strictly palliative. Several studies have shown attenuation of the well-characterized preclinical experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) model with systemically administered therapeutic compounds via a range of anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory mechanisms. Despite this, clinical advancement of these findings is limited by dosing that is not translatable to humans or is associated with off-target and toxic effects. This is due, in part, to the blood-nerve barrier (BNB), which restricts access of the circulation to peripheral nerves. Here, we assessed the degree to which BNB permeability and immune cell infiltration over the course of EAN enable passive accumulation of circulating nanoparticles. We found that at stages of EAN defined by distinct clinical scores and pathology (onset, intermediate, peak), intravenously administered small molecules and nanoparticles ranging from 50–150 nm can permeate into the endoneurium from the endoneurial vasculature in a size- and disease stage-dependent manner. This permeation occurs uniformly in both sciatic nerves and in proximal and distal regions of the nerves. We propose that this passive targeting serves as a platform by which potential therapies for GBS can be reevaluated and investigated preclinically in nanoparticle delivery systems.
Historical Subsurface Cooling in the Tropical Pacific and its Dynamics
Authors: Jiang Feng , Seager Richard , Cane Mark
Published: June 2024

Understanding how the tropical Pacific responds to rising greenhouse gases in recent decades is of paramount importance given its central role in global climate systems. Extensive research has explored the long-term trends of tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (SST) and the overlying atmosphere, yet the historical change of the upper ocean has received far less attention. Here we present compelling evidence of a prominent subsurface cooling pattern along the thermocline in the central-to-eastern tropical Pacific since 1958. This subsurface cooling has been argued to be contributing to the observed cooling or lack of warming of the equatorial cold tongue SST. We further demonstrate that different mechanisms are responsible for different parts of the subsurface cooling. In the central-to-eastern equatorial Pacific and the southeastern off-equatorial Pacific, where zonal wind stress strengthens, a pronounced subsurface cooling trend emerges just above the thermocline that is closely tied to increased Ekman pumping. In the eastern equatorial Pacific where zonal wind stress weakens, the westward surface current and eastward equatorial undercurrent weaken as well, resulting in reduced vertical current shear and increased ocean stability, which suppresses vertical mixing and leads to local cooling. We conclude that the historical subsurface cooling is primarily linked to dynamical adjustments of ocean currents to tropical surface wind stress changes.
El cambio climático y la gestión del agua dulce para consumo humano. Situación legal de las provincias de Buenos Aires y Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Sol Flores Ailen
Published: June 2024

El agua es un recurso crucial para todos los sectores de la sociedad y de los ecosistemas. La interdependencia del agua con la estabilidad del sistema tierra es evidenciada por la alteración del sistema climático debido a las actividades humanas, lo que incrementa los riesgos asociados. Esto representa un desafío para la gestión del recurso, que requiere de marcos legales y políticas públicas intersectoriales que vinculen ambas dimensiones. El objetivo principal del trabajo es describir los posibles efectos del cambio climático e identificar y analizar el marco legal del cambio climático y su vínculo con la gestión del agua dulce en las provincias de Buenos Aires y Córdoba y a nivel nacional, en Argentina.
Decisiones macabras del maternaje, el caso de madres filicidas
Authors: Delgadillo Guzmán Leonor Guadalupe
Published: June 2024

El objetivo de este estudio es ilustrar la necesidad de mostrar determinados cambios psicosociales que se han producido en los filicidios maternos. Varias de las motivaciones estudiadas persisten, porque se encuentran intersubjetivamente atadas a ordenamientos históricos de pareja y familia y que encarnan dos fuertes arquetipos, la maternidad y el amor romántico, que, cuando se rompen de cara a la realidad, resultan para algunas mujeres en una condición desfavorable. A ello se suma una nueva motivación, la apropiación de las mujeres de su propio cuerpo que sucede en paralelo con otro fuerte ordenamiento social, el de la belleza, que implica un detallado autocuidado y tiempo de uso personal, que se contrapone con las exigencias típicas del cuidado de un menor, y que se ve intensificado por la frivolidad y superficialidad de las redes sociales, elemento antes inexistente. Esto conduce a actualizar la clasificación conocida.
La inscripción constitutiva en el funcionamiento del registro de la propiedad inmueble en el sistema jurídico peruano
Authors: Herrera Moscol Máximo
Published: June 2024

El objetivo consistió en determinar el impacto de la inscripción registral constitutiva en el adecuado funcionamiento del registro de la propiedad inmueble en el sistema jurídico peruano, teniendo en cuenta que los sistemas de registro de propiedad se consideran sistemas ineficientes y poco confiables en comparación con los avances tecnológicos logrados en las últimas dos décadas. La metodología fue de tipo básico con enfoque cuantitativo y diseño no experimental explicativo de corte transversal. La población muestral la conformaron 80 especialistas. Los resultados indicaron que en su mayoría bajo una percepción objetiva ante los hechos observados están de acuerdo con la inscripción registral constitutiva (42,5 %) y con el registro de propiedad del inmueble (37,5 %), lo cual permitió contrastar los planteamientos hipotéticos formulados. Se concluye que la inscripción registral constitutiva tiene un impacto significativo que favorece el adecuado funcionamiento del Registro de la Propiedad inmueble en el Sistema Jurídico Peruano, mostrando un impacto del 84,8 % en el cumplimiento de estos procesos establecidos para garantizar la legalidad de las propiedades, al prevalecer una relación de a mayor acuerdo de inscripción registral constitutiva, mayor acuerdo en el registro del inmueble.
Avances en la Informatización del Derecho Notarial cubano
Authors: Lamas Bertrán Gretcher , Araújo Quintero Celia , Ramírez Thomas Dayamis
Published: June 2024

En este artículo se pretende realizar un estudio en torno a los avances en la informatización del Derecho Notarial cubano, a partir de un análisis doctrinal y exegético que caracteriza el tratamiento jurídico dado a través del devenir histórico nacional, implementando breves propuestas de perfeccionamiento a la legislación notarial cubana, a fin de atemperar a la realidad la regulación legal de la figura que ahora se ilustra. Para ello la presente investigación, auxiliadas de diversos métodos generales tales como análisis-síntesis, inducción-deducción, y específicos de las investigaciones jurídicas entre los que pueden citarse el método jurídico-comparado y exegético-jurídico.