bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological Interlocking Assembly: Introduction to Computational Architecture
Authors: Miodragovic Vella Irina
Published: July 2024

Topological interlocking assembly (TIA) and computational architecture treat form as an emergent property of a material system, where the final shape results from the interplay of geometries and geometric interdependencies influenced by material, structural, and fabrication constraints. This paper posits that TIA is an ideal pedagogical tool for introducing students to computational architecture, its theoretical foundations and design principles. Specifically, defining TIA as a material system provides a robust educational approach for engaging students with computation, fostering design processes through bottom-up, hands-on investigations and procedural logic, understanding generative geometric rules, and exploring the flexibility of parametric variations. The methodology is illustrated through a Design Workshop and study unit from the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta. The paper presents four investigations of defining a material system based on TIA - of tetrahedra, cones, octahedra, and osteomorphic blocks—as case studies to demonstrate how these exercises introduce students to computational thinking, parametric design, and fabrication techniques. Finally, the paper discusses the advantages and limitations of this pedagogical methodology.
DCFF-Net: Deep Context Feature Fusion Network for High-Precision Classification of Hyperspectral Image
Authors: Zhijie Chen , Yu Chen , Yuan Wang , Xiaoyan Wang , Xinsheng Wang , Zhouru Xiang
Published: July 2024

Hyperspectral images (HSI) contain abundant spectral information. Efficient extraction and utilization of this information for image classification remain prominent research topics. Previously, hyperspectral classification techniques primarily relied on statistical attributes and mathematical models of spectral data. Deep learning classification techniques have recently been extensively utilized for hyperspectral data classification, yielding promising outcomes. This study proposes a deep learning approach that uses polarization feature maps for classification. Initially, the polar coordinate transformation method is employed to convert the spectral information of all pixels in the image into spectral feature maps. Subsequently, the proposed Deep Context Feature Fusion Network (DCFF-NET) is utilized to classify these feature maps. The model is validated using three open-source hyperspectral datasets: Indian Pines, Pavia University, and Salinas. The experimental results indicated that DCFF-NET achieves excellent classification performance. Experimental results on three public HSI datasets demonstrate that the proposed method accurately recognizes different objects with an overall accuracy (OA) of 86.68%, 94.73%, and 95.14% based on the pixel method, and 98.15%, 99.86%, and 99.98% based on the pixel-patch method.
Serological Investigation for Brucella ceti in Cetaceans from the North-Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Martino Laura , Cuvertoret-Sanz María , Wilkinson Sarah , Allepuz Alberto , Perlas Albert , Ganges Llilianne , Pérez Lola , Domingo Mariano
Published: July 2024

Neurobrucellosis in cetaceans, caused by Brucella ceti, is a relevant cause of death in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Mediterranean Sea. Serological tests are not used as a routinary technique for the diagnosis of this infection. We briefly describe the pathological findings of 10 free-ranging stranded cetaceans diagnosed with Brucella infection in our veterinary necropsy service from 2012 to 2023. Findings included focal diskospondylitis, non-suppurative meningitis, choroiditis and radiculitis. Additionally, an exploratory serological study was conducted in 66 frozen sera collected in the period 2012-2022 from 57 striped dolphins, 5 Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), 2 common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 1 common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and 1 pilot whale (Globicephala melas), to compare antibody levels in Brucella-infected (n=8) and non-infected (n=58) animals, classified by cause of death, sex, age class and cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) infection status. We performed a commercial competition ELISA (cELISA) using serial serum dilutions for each sample, considering a percentage of inhibition (PI) of ≥40% as positive. A titer of 1:160 was arbitrarily determined as the seropositivity threshold. Seropositive species included striped dolphins and Risso’s dolphins. Seroprevalence was higher in animals with neurobrucellosis (87.5%) compared to the overall prevalence (31.8%) and to other causes of death, indicating a high sensitivity but low specificity for neurobrucellosis. Animals with chronic CeMV seemed to have higher seroprevalences, as well as juveniles, which also had more disease prevalence. These results suggest that high antibody titers are not always protective against clinical brucellosis, although they may indicate a carrier state, and that CeMV may potentially condition Brucella epidemiology. More research is required to elucidate the epidemiology and pathogenesis and to disentangle the complicated host-pathogen interaction in Brucella species.
Identification of Some Potential Cellular Receptors and Host Enzymes That Could Potentially Refine the Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) Replication and Tissue Tropism. A Molecular Docking Study.
Authors: Khan Mohd Yasir , Duraisamy Nithyadevi , Shah Abid Ullah , ElAlaoui Reda Nacif , Cherkaoui Mohammed , Hemida Maged Gomaa
Published: July 2024

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is one of the most common pathogens affecting cattle of all ages. BCoV possesses multiple tissue tropism in cattle, particularly in the respiratory and enteric tracts of the affected animals. Viral entry is a crucial step in the replication cycle of all viruses, including BCoV. The process of viral entry requires the orchestration between several proteins from the virus and the host side. The coronavirus spike glycoproteins contributed substantially to other viral infections and the molecular pathogenesis of coronaviruses, including BCoV. Meanwhile, among all corona-viruses, the hemagglutinin esterase enzyme is found in only BCoV and the human corona-virus-OC43 (HCoV-OC43). The viral receptors are among the key players in the viral entry and could explain the viral tropism, at least in part. The presence of some host cell proteases also en-hances the virus replication from the entry until the release of the virus from the host cells. Previous studies have shown that the 9- O-acetylated sialic acids could potentially act as receptors for the BCoV. However, little is known about the BCoV receptors and if other co/receptors might be needed to ensure viral entry to the host cells. In addition to that, the roles of other host cell proteases, such as Furin and TMPRSS2, in BCoV infection have not yet been well studied. The main objectives of the current study are to identify some novel receptors for BCoV and some host cell proteases that might enhance virus replication. We used some in silico docking tools to predict some new BCoV receptors out of some known other coronavirus receptors (ACE-2, NRP1, DPP4, APN, and CEACAM1). Our results postulated the potential actions of the host Furin and TMPRRS2 enzymes in the activation of BCoV-S glycoprotein, which potentially enhances BCoV replication. Our modeling confirms the high binding affinities of both the 9- O-acetylated sialic and the NRP1 with the BCoV-S and BCoV-HE compared to the ACE-2, DPP4, and CEACAM-1, suggesting their roles as receptors for BCoV. Our prediction models show the potential bindings of the Furin and TMPRSS2 to the BCoV-S polybasic cleavage site (RRSRR|A). To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the bovine coronavirus interaction with some other potential host receptors, particularly ACE-2, NRP1, DPP4, APN and CEACAM1, TMPRSS2, and the bovine Furin protease.
Emergency Awake Laparotomy Using Neuraxial Anaesthesia: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Leoni Matteo Luigi Giuseppe , Rossi Tommaso , Mercieri Marco , Cerati Giorgia , Abbott David Michael , Varrassi Giustino , Cattaneo Gaetano , Capelli Patrizio , Mazzoni Manuela , Corso Ruggero Massimo
Published: July 2024

Introduction
Emergency laparotomy is a surgical procedure associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared to elective surgeries. Awake laparotomy under neuraxial anaesthesia has recently emerged as a promising approach in abdominal surgery to improve patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of using lumbar spinal anaesthesia as the primary anaesthetic technique in emergency laparotomies.
Methods
We conducted a case series involving 16 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy for bowel ischemia, perforation, or occlusion. Lumbar spinal anaesthesia was employed as the main anaes-thetic technique. We analysed patient demographics, clinical characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. The primary outcome measures included the adequacy of postoper-ative pain control, the incidence of postoperative complications, and mortality rates.
Results
Among the 16 patients, adequate postoperative pain control was achieved, with only 2 patients requiring additional analgesia. Postoperative complications, including sepsis, wound dehiscence, and pneumonia, were observed in 7 patients (44%). The observed mortality rate was relatively low at 6% (1 patient). Notably, conversion to general anaesthesia was not necessary in any of the cases, and no early readmissions were reported.
Discussion
Our findings highlight the feasibility and potential benefits of using neuraxial anaesthesia in emergency laparotomies. The observed low mortality rate and the avoidance of conversion to general anaesthesia suggest that lumbar spinal anaesthesia may be a useful alternative in emer-gency settings. However, the occurrence of postoperative complications in 44% of patients indi-cates the need for cautious patient selection and close monitoring. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to fully elucidate the efficacy, safety, and potential impact of this tech-nique on patient outcomes in emergency laparotomies.
Antimicrobial Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Allium Species on Several Microorganisms, Including Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Olivas-Flores Jocelyn , Chávez-Méndez José Román , Castillo-Martínez Nydia Alejandra , Sánchez-Pérez Héctor Javier , Serrano-Medina Aracely , Cornejo-Bravo José Manuel
Published: July 2024

This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles (CNP), varying in size, against E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, C. albicans, and clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), as well as the antimicrobial effects of aqueous extracts and lyophilized powders of Allium (garlic) species. CNP were synthesized through ionotropic gelation and characterized by Z potential, hydrodynamic diameter (Dynamic Light Scattering, DLS) and SEM. Aqueous garlic extracts were prepared via decoction. We assessed antimicrobial activity using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods; besides a modified agar proportion method in blood agar was used for antimicrobial activity against MTB. CNP inhibited MTB growth at 300 μg for 116.6 nm particles and 400 μg for 364.4 nm particles. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against E. faecalis with nanoparticles between 200 and 280 nm. Allium sativum extract produced inhibition for C. albicans at 100 μg. The results indicate that CNP possess significant antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, including MTB, at high concentrations. On the other hand, aqueous Allium sativum extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity, but given their instability in solution, the use of lyophilized Allium sativum powder is preferable.
Liver Transcriptomic Profiles of Ruminant Species Fed Spent Hemp Biomass Containing Cannabinoids
Authors: Irawan Agung , Bionaz Massimo
Published: July 2024

The inclusion of spent hemp biomass (SHB), an extracted byproduct from industrial cannabidiol (CBD) production, in the diets of dairy cows and lambs appear to be safe with minor effects on the metabolism, including a decrease of circulating cholesterol and increase bilirubinemia, both associated with liver metabolism. Those effects could be consequence of the presence of cannabinoids, particularly Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD in the SHB. This study aimed to study the transcriptional profile of the liver of dairy cows and lambs fed SHB. Dairy cows received SHB or alfalfa pellet for four weeks of intervention (IP) and four weeks of withdrawal periods (WP). Finishing lambs were fed a control diet (CON), 10% (LH2) or 20% (HH2) SHB for 2 months or 1 month followed by 1-month SHB withdrawal (LH1 and HH1, respectively). RNA sequencing was performed, and the mRNA was annotated using the latest reference genomes. The RNAseq data were filtered, normalized for library size and composition, and statistically analyzed by DESeq2. The bioinformatic analysis was performed by using DAVID, Gene Set Enrichment (GSE) analysis, and the Dynamic Impact Approach. Using a 0.2 FDR cut-off, we identified only ≤24 differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the liver by feeding SHB in dairy cows and a larger number of DEG in lambs (from 71 in HH1 vs. CON to 552 in LH1 vs. CON). The KEGG analysis demonstrated that feeding SHB in dairy cows and lambs had relatively minor to moderate metabolic alterations in dairy cows and lambs mainly associated with amino acids and lipid metabolism whereas cholesterol synthesis was overall activated in lambs. GSE analysis identified activation of PPAR signaling pathway only in dairy cows. We found an opposite effect on activation of metabolism of drug and xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 enzymes in dairy cows and lambs receiving less SHB but an inhibition in HH2 lambs. Immune system-related pathways were inhibited by feeding SHB in lambs, but the impact was minor. Cumulatively, inclusion of SHB containing cannabinoids in dairy and lambs demonstrate very little effects on the alteration of transcriptomic profile of the liver.
Enhancing Mental Health in Stressed College Students during COVID-19: The Impact of Positive Psychology-Based Virtual Music Therapy
Authors: Han Jinwoo , Lee Hyejin , Kim Teri , Lee Sangyeol
Published: July 2024

This study explored the effectiveness of a virtual music therapy program, based on positive psychotherapy principles, for college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-four undergraduate students with partial PTSD were initially assigned to either an experimental group or a control group, with 11 participants in each group by the study's end. The experimental group underwent 15 video sessions of the therapy program, completing one session per weekday over three weeks. The program involved worksheets targeting goals aligned with positive psychology, such as positive affect, life meaning, personal strengths, gratitude, hope, and happiness. Activities included writing music autobiographies, creating and analyzing song lyrics, and exploring various music pieces. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured using the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and the Korean Version of Positive Psychological Capital (K-PPC) before, immediately after, and three weeks post-program. The experimental group showed significant improvements in stress, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, resilience, and the K-PPC total score compared to the control group. These improvements were maintained at the three-week follow-up. The findings suggest that positive psychology-based virtual music therapy can significantly enhance the mental health of highly stressed college students, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Genetically Determined Syndromes Associated with an Increased Risk of Glioma – the Use of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Authors: Inglot Jadwiga , Strzelczyk Joanna Katarzyna , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota , Aebisher David
Published: July 2024

In this review, we have included current information on the use of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of gliomas. We mainly focused on the discussion and regarding the use of photodynamic therapy in patients with genetically determined syndromes that are associated with an increased risk of glioma. The review also uses information on genetic syndromes that are associated with an increased risk of glioma.
Distribuição do ictioplâncton em um trecho fragmentado de um rio em uma bacia hidrográfica do semiárido brasileiro
Authors: De Oliveira Jade de Oliveira da , Hermes-Silva Samara , Silva Fernanda de Oliveira , Lopes Carolina Antonieta , Zaniboni-Filho Evoy
Published: July 2024

O Rio Jequitinhonha está localizado em uma região com elevada diversidade de peixes de água doce endêmicos. Atualmente, encontra-se fragmentado no seu trecho médio pela Usina Hidrelétrica Irapé, e pouco se conhece sobre a dinâmica de ovos e larvas de peixes nessa região. Nesse sentido, este estudo teve como objetivos apresentar um panorama da distribuição espacial e temporal de ovos e da assembleia de larvas no alto-médio Rio Jequitinhonha e relacioná-las às características dos ambientes existentes nessa área. As amostragens foram realizadas a cada três dias entre outubro/2014 e março/2015, em dois ambientes situados a montante e dois a jusante da barragem de Irapé. Foram coletados 2.916 ovos e 2.709 larvas de peixes, e a maior densidade de ovos e larvas foi capturada no trecho localizado a jusante da barragem, no entanto a fragmentação do Rio Jequitinhonha pelo barramento não influenciou na distribuição da assembleia de larvas de peixes situadas nem a montante nem a jusante do reservatório. Os ambientes situados a jusante da barragem, principalmente o tributário Araçuaí, parecem contribuir de forma importante para o sucesso reprodutivo das espécies de peixes da região.
The Implementation of the Dilemma-STEAM Model in Fluid Dynamics Subjects through the Archimedes Screw Project
Authors: Nasbey Hadi , Sabrina Putri Marsha , Sari Ni Larasati Kartika , Muliyati Dewi
Published: July 2024

Physics is one of the sciences that is closely related to daily life. One of them is fluid material. However, understanding of physics, especially fluid material, is still relatively low. These problems can be overcome by applying a learning model that is integrated with teaching materials that have developed over time. The dilemma STEAM learning model is a learning model that can help students to understand physics based on students' experiences. The dilemma STEAM learning model has five learning stages that can make learners recognize the problem, find solutions to then solve the problem. This study aims to develop teaching materials based on the dynamic dilemma STEAM learning model based on the dilemma STEAM learning model. The development of the Archimedes Screw Project equipped with E-Modules as teaching materials was developed using the ADDIE development model. The ADDIE development model has several stages, namely Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. E-Modules are made using the Canva application which can be accessed anywhere and anytime. After the E-Module was developed, the next stage was the feasibility test of the E-Module by experts. The results of the feasibility test by media experts obtained a result of 88.3% with a very feasible category. Meanwhile, the results of the feasibility test by material experts obtained a result of 84% with a very feasible category. And the results of the feasibility test by learning experts obtained a result of 83.3%. And the readability of the E-Modul by the student after using it is 72.4% with a good read, which is demonstrated by the success of the student assembling Archimedes Screw by following five stages of the dilemma STEAM learning model.
Efeito do stress no comportamento alimentar: uma revisão narrativa da literatura
Authors: Afonso Matilde ,   Escola Superior Agrária do Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Quinta do Galinheiro  – S. Pedro, União de  Freguesias de Santarém, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal, Cordeiro António , Jorge Rui ,   Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena – Alto do  Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal,   Escola Superior Agrária  do Instituto Politécnico de  Santarém,  Quinta do Galinheiro  – S. Pedro, União de  Freguesias de Santarém,  2001-904 Santarém,  Portugal,   Escola Superior de  Saúde do Instituto  Politécnico de Leiria,  Campus 2, Morro do Lena – Alto do  Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal,   ciTechCare - Center for  Innovative Care and Health  Technology, Politécnico  de Leiria,  Rua de Santo André – 66- 68, Campus 5,  2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
Published: July 2024

A presente revisão centra-se no efeito do stress no comportamento alimentar em adolescentes, adultos e idosos. Existem alterações no comportamento alimentar como resposta ao stress, existindo evidência em adolescentes, adultos e idosos da existência dessa associação. O aumento do desejo e do consumo de alimentos mais saborosos aumenta para algumas pessoas, enquanto que para outras pode ser exibida uma situação de perda de apetite. A relação do stress com o comportamento alimentar é bidirecional, pois tanto o stress pode levar a alterações no comportamento alimentar como uma má alimentação também pode aumentar os níveis de stress. São necessários mais estudos experimentais que possam inferir casualidade entre o stress e o comportamento alimentar e que averiguem a efetividade de estratégias concretas na prevenção dos episódios de desregulação do comportamento alimentar induzidas pelo stress por forma a fornecer mais e melhores ferramentas aos profissionais de saúde e nutrição que trabalham com esta temática a nível individual ou coletivo.
Classificação, regulamentação e tipologia de alimentos: conceptualização e paradigmas
Authors: Tomé Carneiro João ,   Precision Nutrition and  Cardiometabolic Health,  IMDEA Food,  Carretera Cantoblanco,  8 - 28049, Madrid,  Espanha, Coelho Beatriz , Camacho Barbas Joana , Inês Vieira Maria , Visioli Francesco , Alfredo Martínez José ,   Nova Medical School,  Campo dos Mártires da  Pátria 130,  1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal,   Nova Medical School,  Campo dos Mártires da  Pátria 130,  1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal,   Nova Medical School,  Campo dos Mártires da  Pátria 130,  1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal,   Precision Nutrition and  Cardiometabolic Health,  IMDEA Food,  Carretera Cantoblanco,  8 - 28049, Madrid,  Espanha,   Department of Molecular  Medicine, University of  Padova,  Viale G. Colombo 3 -  35121 Padova, Italy,   Precision Nutrition and  Cardiometabolic Health,  IMDEA Food,  Carretera Cantoblanco,  8 - 28049, Madrid,  Espanha
Published: July 2024

A conceptualização e categorização de alimentos é um processo em constante atualização e é importante que qualquer evolução relevante se transmita de maneira eficiente, transparente e regular a toda a população. Desta forma, o consumidor tem a possibilidade de fazer uma seleção, informada, de produtos que se adequem a uma alimentação saudável. Tendo isso em mente, este artigo sintetiza a informação disponível acerca de determinadas categorias, tipos e definições de alimentos e pretende contribuir para que os consumidores entendam o potencial impacto que estes alimentos podem ter na sua saúde, com base em evidências científicas atuais.
Baťovany – Partizánske: The Contemporary Re/invention of the Heritage of a Baťa Company Town
Authors: Vacková Barbora , Bartošová Nina
Published: July 2024

The text focuses on the re/construction of identity and heritage conservation in the Slovak town of Partizánske. The town was founded as one of the industrial towns of the Baťa company at the turn of the 1930s and 1940s. Despite the efforts of experts, neither the town’s urban plan nor any significant part of it (except for the modernist church) is institutionally protected to this day. In this text, we offer an alternative approach to the re/construction of historical heritage and its institutional protection. In addition to qualities deemed valuable by art historians, this approach is informed by the current collective memory on which the town’s inhabitants base their relationship to historical heritage. We anticipate that focusing on the inhabitants’ current relationship and understanding of the city’s history and broadening the focus beyond the founding firm and its activities can support efforts to institutionalise local heritage conservation.
CZECH CIVIL GENEALOGY IN THE PAST QUARTER CENTURY
Authors: Vodochodská Eva , Burešová Markéta
Published: July 2024

This study explores the transformation of genealogy in the Czech Republic from 1997 to 2022, with a strong focus on the significance of electronic sources. While traditionally limited to the nobility, genealogy has become widely accessible to the civilian population thanks to the internet and the digitization of records. The availability of online tools and websites has made archival materials and family tree creation convenient for the public. Looking ahead, the integration of genealogy with digital science is expected to continue. It is necessary to emphasize the critical need for education at all levels to ensure responsible research and data sharing, especially in the era of electronic resources.
Angelman syndrome in Poland: current diagnosis and therapy status – the caregiver perspective – a questionnaire study
Authors: Agata Suleja , Katarzyna Milska-Musa , Łukasz Przysło , Marzena Bednarczyk , Marcin Kostecki , Dominik Cysewski , Paweł Matryba , Anna Rozensztrauch , Michał Dwornik , Marcin Opacki , Robert Śmigiel , Lukasiewicz Kacper
Published: July 2024

Background Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease caused by imprinting disorders that impede the production of the ubiquitin E3A ligase protein (UBE3A). AS affects multiple systems, with the main symptoms including epilepsy, psychomotor disorders and speech development disorders. To date, no study has been conducted in the Polish population to verify the condition's diagnosis and treatment process.
Results Seventy patients with the median age of 60 months were included into the analysis. 80% of patients were diagnosed with deletion, 19.9% with a mutation of UBE3A gene, 4.3% with paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) and 2.8% with an imprinting defect.
The mean age of first symptoms was 5 months, while the mean age of diagnosis was 29 months (earliest in deletion group at 23 months), and the median duration of diagnosis process was 7 months. The average time to a clinical geneticist appointment was 3 months. 37.9% of the patients initially received a different diagnosis. Epileptic seizures were present in 88.6% of the individuals. 98.6% of the studied group were under care of a pediatric neurologist, 47.1% of a gastroenterologist. A ketogenic diet was used in 7.1% of patients. Caregivers identified finding a specialist suitable for AS patients and access to genetic testing as the biggest problems.
Conclusions The care of patients with AS in Poland is carried out according to the European and world standards, however there is an impeded access to clinical geneticist, and the knowledge about rare diseases among primary healthcare physicians could be improved. Moreover, access to AS care specialists and coordination of care is limited. There is a need for creation a specialized centers and databases for AS patients.
Antarctic geothermal soils exhibit an absence of regional habitat generalist microorganisms
Authors: McDonald Ian , Noell Stephen , Abbaszadeh Jaber , Richards Huw , Vincent Marie Labat Saint , Lee Charles , Herbold Craig , Stott Matthew , Cary Stephen
Published: July 2024

Active geothermal systems are relatively rare in Antarctica and represent metaphorical islands ideal to test microbial dispersal. In this study, we tested the macroecological concept that high dispersal rates result in communities being dominated by either habitat generalists or specialists by investigating the microbial communities on four geographically separated geothermal sites on three Antarctic volcanoes (Mts. Erebus, Melbourne and Rittman). We found that the microbial communities at higher temperature sites (Tramway Ridge on Erebus and Rittmann) were unique from each other and were dominated by a variety of novel Archaea from class Nitrososphaeria, while lower temperature sites (Western Crater on Erebus and Melbourne) had characteristically mesophilic communities (Planctomycetes, Acidobacteriota, etc) that were highly similar. We found that 97% of the detected microbial taxa were regional habitat specialists, with no generalists, with community assembly driven by high dispersal rates and drift (25 and 30% of community assembly, respectively), not environmental selection.
Efficacy and Safety of Vosoritide for Achondroplasia: A Systematic Review and Dose- Related Meta-Analysis, 2024 Article type: Systematic review and Dose-related Meta-analysis
Authors: Khan Misha , Akhtar Syed Muhammad Muneeb , Zulfiqar Eeshal , Sabir Hafsa , Amer Samar A.
Published: July 2024

Background
Achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, poses significant medical and psychosocial challenges. Vosoritide, a new C-type natriuretic peptide analog, has shown promise in treating achondroplasia by helping bones grow. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the effect of different vosoritide doses on height from baseline (z-score), annualized growth velocity (AGV), the upper-to-lower body segment ratio (ULBR), and side effects. changes in growth velocity and the frequency of adverse effects.
Methods
This systematic review and dose-related meta-analyses follow the PRISMA guidelines, which meticulously screen and extract randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from four databases until April 2024 involving 220 patients. We used pairwise meta-analyses and assessed quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.
Results
Higher Vosoritide doses (15 µg/kg or 15–30 µg/kg) showed significantly greater improvements in height z-scores compared to lower doses (2.5 µg/kg or 7.5 µg/kg) or placebo. We observed similar trends for AGV. The 15 µg/kg dose displayed a significantly greater increase compared to both 2.5 µg/kg and 7.5 µg/kg. Interestingly, no significant difference was found between the 15 µg/kg and 30 µg/kg groups, suggesting a possible plateau effect at higher doses. Importantly, both the 15 µg/kg and 15–30 µg/kg groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in growth velocity compared to placebo. While most comparisons showed no significant changes in ULBR, one study reported a small increase in ULBR with the 15 µg/kg dose compared to the 2.5 µg/kg dose. Adverse effects were mild to moderate across all studies, with no severe effects reported.
Conclusion
Vosoritide improves achondroplasia growth in a dose-dependent manner. Higher doses (15 µg/kg or 15–30 µg/kg) significantly increased height and growth velocity compared to lower doses or placebo. All adverse effects were mild to moderate. However, the impact on the ULBR and adverse effects require further investigation.
Orphan receptor-GPR52 inverse agonist efficacy in ameliorating chronic stress-related deficits in reward motivation and phasic accumbal dopamine activity in mice
Authors: Pryce Christopher , Zhang Chenfeng , Kúkeľová Diana , Sigrist Hannes , Hengerer Bastian , Kratzer Ramona , Mracek Philipp , Omrani Azar , von Heimendahl Moritz
Published: July 2024

Reward processing dysfunctions e.g., anhedonia, apathy, are common in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and schizophrenia, and there are currently no established therapies. One potential therapeutic approach is restoration of reward anticipation during appetitive behavior, deficits in which co-occur with attenuated nucleus accumbens (NAc) activity, possibly due to NAc inhibition of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) signaling. Targeting NAc regulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neuron responsiveness to reward cues could involve either the direct or indirect – via ventral pallidium (VP) – pathways. One candidate is the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR52, expressed by DA receptor 2 NAc neurons that project to VP. In mouse brain-slice preparations, GPR52 inverse agonist (GPR52-IA) attenuated evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents at NAc-VP neurons, which could disinhibit VTA DA neurons. A mouse model in which chronic social stress leads to reduced reward learning and effortful motivation was applied to investigate GPR52-IA behavioral effects. Control and chronically stressed mice underwent a discriminative learning test of tone-appetitive behavior-sucrose reinforcement: stress reduced appetitive responding and discriminative learning, and these anticipatory behaviors were dose-dependently reinstated by GPR52-IA. The same mice then underwent an effortful motivation test of operant behavior-tone-sucrose reinforcement: stress reduced effortful motivation and GPR52-IA dose-dependently restored it. In a new cohort, GRABDA-sensor fibre photometry was used to measure NAc DA activity during the motivation test: in stressed mice, reduced motivation co-occurred with attenuated NAc DA activity specifically to the tone that signaled reinforcement of effortful behavior, and GPR52-IA ameliorated both deficits. These findings: (1) Demonstrate preclinical efficacy of GPR52 inverse agonism for stress-related deficits in reward anticipation during appetitive behavior. (2) Suggest that GPR52-dependent disinhibition of the NAc-VP-VTA-NAc circuit, leading to increased phasic NAc DA signaling of earned incentive stimuli, could account for these clinically relevant effects.
Evaluation of Batch-To-Batch Variability and Efficacy Of IPSC-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Mitigating Osteoarthritis Associated Inflammation In Vitro
Authors: Palamà Maria Elisabetta Federica , Gorgun Cansu , Rovere Matteo , Shaw Georgina M. , Reverberi Daniele , Formica Matteo , Quarto Emanuele , Barry Frank , Murphy Mary , GENTILI CHIARA
Published: July 2024

Background
Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) hold promise as a cell-free therapy for various diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA), due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the need for large-scale expansion of MSCs to obtain MSC-EVs for clinical use often leads to senescence-related changes and loss of stem-like properties. In this scenario, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs (iMSCs) offer the unique opportunity to address obstacles associated with traditional MSC-based therapies.
Methods
In this study, a xeno-free (XFS) medium was used for long-term expansion of both MSCs and iMSCs, and subsequent isolation of MSC- and iMSC-derived EVs. Characterization of both cells and EVs was conducted across different passages, and the anti-inflammatory potential of EVs and iEVs was assessed using an in vitro model of osteoarthritis.
Results
Long-term expansion of MSCs resulted in cellular senescence and a reduction in trilineage differentiation capacity by passage five, accompanied by diminished anti-inflammatory properties of EVs. On the other hand, iMSCs exhibited batch-to-batch variability in differentiation potential and the biological properties of iEVs. However, the effects of iMSC-EVs are prolonged compared to MSC-EVs, providing a prolonged window of activity for therapeutic purposes.
Conclusions
While iMSC-EVs demonstrated prolonged effects compared to MSC-EVs, heterogeneity among iMSC batches present significant challenges in utilizing iMSC-derived EVs as a reliable tool for clinical OA treatment. Addressing these limitations is crucial for advancing the translational potential of iPSC-derived therapies in the management of osteoarthritis and other diseases.
Modeling green infrastructure as a flood mitigation strategy in an urban coastal area
Authors: Kriebel Martijn , Liu Ting , Ramirez-Marquez Jose E. , Prigiobbe Valentina
Published: July 2024

Urban areas can be seriously disrupted by flooding after heavy rain events. Therefore, several strategies based on grey infrastructure have been implemented over the years to mitigate the impact of significant rainfalls and make urban areas more resilient against flash floods. Green Infrastructure (GI) is an environmentally appropriate alternative which can reduce the amount of stormwater delivered to a drainage system within an urban area while mitigating the contamination carried with it. To date, however, relatively little attention has been paid to the public acceptance and the presence of shallow aquifers before the implementation of GI measures. This paper presents a framework to assess the social and technical feasibility of GI in a coastal urban area prone to severe flooding. The method consists of the assessment of potential scenarios upon the evaluation of government acceptance coupled with a stormwater management model.The city of Hoboken (NJ) located near the estuary of the Hudson river was selected as an urban laboratory given its vulnerability to flooding and the availability of data.A stormwater management model was developed and used to simulate various GI options to minimize stormwater runoff.Outcomes from the interviews indicate positive feedback for GI implementation, but no specific alternatives could be identified. Based on generally accepted GI measures, i.e., right-of-way storage, resiliency parks, and green roofs, urban hydrology models were implemented. Simulation results show that all of the considered alternatives are effective in reducing runoff volumes for rainfall events of less than 1-year recurrence interval. However, they do not mitigate the negative impact of heavier rain events due to the limited storage as a consequence of site size and the shallow aquifer within the coastal urban area.
Painful legs and moving toes with anti-hu antibody positive paraneoplastic syndrome: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Liu Jun , Tan Weihong , Li Ying , Peng Zhanghui , Hu Zhenzhu
Published: July 2024

Background
Rare and poorly understood, Painful legs and moving toes (PLMTS)manifests as abnormal movements of the toes and moderate to severe leg and foot pain. The exact underlying pathophysiology is not clear. Its incidence is unknown. Here, we report a female patient that was initially misdiagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome by a rheumatologist, but eventually correctly diagnosed with Anti-hu antibody positive paraneoplastic syndrome.
Case presentation:
A 66-year-old female suffered from severe pain in both lower limbs for three months, accompanied by involuntary and irregular movements in her ankles and feet. She also complained of dry mouth. She was initially diagnosed with painful leg and moving toes syndrome provoked by Sjögren's syndrome-related peripheral neuropathy and received corticosteroid pulse therapy. However, the patient's symptoms continued to worsen over time.Follow-up examinations revealed that the patient had anti-Hu antibody IgG positivity in both her blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, together with a tumor in the right ovary. The patient then underwent regular chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and her neurological symptoms were partially relieved during the follow-up. In our case, electroencephalography and brain MRI all revealed unremarkable findings: in clinical practice, this could lead to misdiagnosis with psychogenic conditions. Our patient was almost misdiagnosed as primary Sjogren’s syndrome by a rheumatologist as well. Consequently, we consider that clinicians should be aware of this unique disorder in order to avoid misdiagnosis.
Conclusion
PLMTS can be seen in anti-hu antibody positive paraneoplastic syndrome.
Multiple cryptic lineages and restricted gene flow in the decorator worm Diopatra cuprea
Authors: Ziegler Adam J. , Bell Tina M. , Berke Sarah K. , Strand Allan E. , Sotka Erik E.
Published: July 2024

The decorator worm Diopatra cuprea Bosc, 1802 (Annelid; Polycheate; Onuphidae) is an ecosystem engineer within high-salinity estuaries of the southern and eastern United States. A previous study revealed five relatively deep mitochondrial lineages across its wide geographic distribution. Here, we explore geographic distribution and mitonuclear concordance of these mitochondrial lineages with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped using RADseq. We genotyped 3,162 SNPs from 233 D. cuprea and detected four deep lineages in the nuclear genome: a northern US clade (Massachusetts), a single nuclear clade within mid-Atlantic populations (i.e., Virginia south through northeastern Florida), a southeastern Florida clade and a Gulf of Mexico clade. There was mitonuclear concordance within most individuals, with the notable exception of two mitochondrial clades within a single mid-Atlantic nuclear clade. Thus, there appear to be four cryptic lineages of D. cuprea that suggest four distinct species that rarely hybridize. Within the mid-Atlantic lineage, we detected increasing genetic isolation of populations with increasing geographic distance, a pattern consistent with low dispersal of D. cuprea larvae. Cryptic diversity within the D. cuprea complex is consistent with other common and geographically widespread annelid and Diopatra species that are now being revealed using high-throughput sequencing.
MFF budding from mitochondria regulates melanosome size and maturation
Authors: Rebelo Ana Magalhães , Maracani Aurora , Greco Samuele , Bello Federica Dal , Santorelli Lucia , Gerdol Marco , Pallavicini Alberto , Schiavon Sara , Goff Philip , Scorrano Luca , Sviderskaya Elena , Grumati Paolo , Giacomello Marta
Published: July 2024

Melanosomes are lysosome-related organelles that produce and accumulate melanin. Melanosome maturation is regulated by their association with mitochondria and requires the export and recycling of unneeded cargo via tubular carriers and fission, the mechanisms of which are unknown. Here we show that melanosome fission requires the outer mitochondrial membrane protein mitochondrial fission factor (MFF). We retrieved MFF on melanosomes at different stages of maturation and at early melanosome fission sites: upon downregulation of MFF, but not of the dynamin related protein 1 (DRP1) that executes mitochondrial fission, early melanosomes enlarged, intracellular melanin accumulated and melanosome lumen catabolism increased. The MFF interactome in melanocytes posited a role for a complex network of cytoskeletal factors in its activity. Indeed inhibition of actin nucleation was sufficient to curtail the effects of MFF silencing on melanosomes. Our data unveil an extramitochondrial role for MFF in the regulation of melanosome morphology and maturation that is independent of DRP1 but requires actin polymerization and nucleation factors.
Prevalence, Knowledge and Risk Factors of Medical Student Syndrome Among Medical Students at the university of Khartoum, March 2022
Authors: Elobaid Mohamed Atif Abdelgadir , Abdelgyoum Hafeia Abdelrazig Elhussien , Omer Lina M. , Mohammed Rooa , Musa Muawia E. , Taha Aya M.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Medical Student Syndrome is defined as development of fears and symptoms of an illness related to a disease which a medical student is studying at the time without actually having the disease. The study aimed to measure the prevalence of medical student syndrome, to assess students knowledge of MSS and to identify the association between possible related risk factors [gender, year of study, academic performance, smoking, family medical profession, personal and family psychiatric illness, repeating, addiction and Googling symptoms] and MSS prevalence and some other characteristics [e.g. strength and duration].
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students at university of Khartoum, Sudan. A total of 333 students were selected via stratified proportionate simple random sampling. They completed an electronically disseminated non-standardized questionnaire. Frequencies were calculated via SPSS version 23 and Chi Square tests were done to identify the association between different risk factors and MSS..
Results: 357 medical students participated in this study. 71.1% of them were females. The prevalence of MSS was 62.2%. 3rd and 4th year students recorded the highest rates of prevalence among students. 53.5% of students knew about MSS. 44.1% of students with MSS thought that they had a real disease while experiencing the syndrome. Most of the students who experienced MSS [92.8%] had mild to moderate symptoms, mostly in the cardiovascular system. These symptoms lasted for minutes in the majority [45%]. 19.8% of students with MSS sought medical help. Regarding the risk factors associated with MSS, there is a significant difference associated with the following risk factors [ Sex P=0.008 , Family psychiatric history P=0.009, Googling Symptoms P=0.000 , being in the middle years of study P = 0.000 , being in clinical years P=0.014 , as the P value <0.05 ]..
Conclusions: There is a disparity between MSS prevalence and Knowledge. Some students seek medical help because of it so further efforts are needed to address it to decrease worries and load on the health facilities. Further research is needed to identify and confirm risk factors related to this syndrome.
Rubber Mandrel and Internal Pressure Effects on Thin-Walled Tube Bending: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sayar Majid Askari , Gerdooei Mahdi , Eipakchi Hamidreza , Nosrati Hasan Ghafourian
Published: July 2024

Tube bending plays a crucial role in various industrial sectors, ranging from aerospace, military, and petrochemical to automotive manufacturing. However, a persistent challenge in this process is the occurrence of springback, which disrupts the intended shape of the bent tubes and affects product assembly. While previous research has primarily focused on predicting and managing springback using simplified biaxial stress assumptions, the influence of radial normal stress (internal pressure) has often been overlooked, particularly in modern bending techniques like hydroforming and rubber pad forming. In this study, a comprehensive investigation into the impact of internal pressure on springback during tube bending was undertaken, employing analytical, numerical, and experimental methodologies. The utilization of a rubber mandrel in thin-walled tube bending effectively reduces springback angles by up to 9.86% compared to bending without it. The numerical simulation demonstrates stronger agreement with experimental data, highlighting the importance of internal pressure generated by the mandrel's contact stress. This pressure contributes to increasing the plastic strain level, extending the plastic skin, and removing the elastic core, subsequently reducing springback.
A case report:Laparoscopic surgical treatment without myometrium incision of unruptured cornual pregnancy
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhu Ru
Published: July 2024

The cornual pregnancy is a rare but life-threatening disease of women. The traditional surgical methods are difficult to reduce the blood loss while preserving uterine integrity. We present a case of a 23-year-old woman complained of menopause for 53 days and vaginal spotting. The human chorionic gonadotropin level was 24953mIU/mL. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed a nechoic area with a germ approximately 15mm in length in the right cornua uteri (26*20mm),and primitive heart tube pulsations were visible. To reduce intraoperative bleeding and avoid damage to the myometrium,there are several key points for our conservative laparoscopic treatment.Tighten the sutures that were previously sewn at the base of the cornual pregnancy mass before transvaginal suction and curettage under the laparoscopic supervision.Fold and sew again outside the purse suture to achieve hemostasis.The operation time was about 20 min,and blood loss was about 15ml. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2, and the human chorionic gonadotropin level turned negative after 2 weeks. We describe a laparoscopic surgical treatment that does not require incision of myometrium, reduced the blood loss while preserved uterine integrity.