bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing PDT efficacy in NMIBC: Efflux inhibitor mediated improvement of PpIX levels and efficacy of the combination of PpIX‐PDT and SO‐cleavable prodrugs
Authors: Kumbham Soniya , Rahman Kazi Md Mahabubur , Bosmajian Caroline , Bist Ganesh , Foster Barbara A. , Woo Sukyung , You Youngjae
Published: June 2024

Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown limited efficacy in nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). To improve PDT efficacy, we developed singlet oxygen‐cleavable prodrugs. These prodrugs, when combined with PpIX‐PDT, induce cancer cell death through both PDT and drug release mechanisms. Inhibition of PpIX efflux was reported to be an effective strategy to improve PpIX‐PDT in certain cancer cells. Our main goal was to investigate whether adding an efflux inhibitor to the combination of PpIX and prodrugs can improve the PpIX levels in bladder cancer cells and the release of active drugs, thus improving the overall efficacy of the treatment. We treated bladder cancer cell lines with lapatinib and evaluated intracellular PpIX fluorescence, finding significantly increased accumulation. Combining lapatinib with prodrugs led to significantly reduced cell viability compared to prodrugs or PpIX‐PDT alone. The effect of lapatinib depended on the expression level of the efflux pump in bladder cancer cells. Interestingly, lapatinib increased paclitaxel (PTX) prodrug uptake by threefold compared to prodrug alone. Adding an efflux inhibitor (e.g., lapatinib) into bladder instillation solutions could be a straightforward and effective strategy for NMIBC treatment, particularly in tumors expressing efflux pumps, with the potential for clinical translation.
Experimental Characterisation of GATOR Morphing Aircraft Skins Under Combined In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Loading
Authors: Heeb Rafael Martin , Woods Benjamin King Sutton
Published: June 2024

This work introduces a novel method of conducting differential pressure testing on 3D printed Geometrically Anisostrpopic TermOplastic Rubber (GATOR) morphing aircraft skins to explore their response under the combined in-plane stretching and out-of-plane pressure loading that they would experience on an aircraft wing surface, without the complexity of a full wind tunnel test. An airtight, four-sided GATOR skin specimen is tested up to an in-plain stretch ratio of 1.6 and a differential pressure of 0.028 MPa, with force and displacement data supplemented with stereo Digital image Correlation (DIC) measurements of skin strains. The results have produced high-quality data showcasing that this is a feasible method to test the static differential pressure behaviour of GATOR morphing skins. More importantly, though, it has highlighted that at low stretch ratios, there are small local out-of-plane deformations, and at higher stretch ratios, a more even skin deformation can be observed.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Image Processing and Feature Extraction for Microstructure and Metallurgical Characterization
Authors: Sherwood Benjamin , Billings Christopher , Hall Joshua , Nimmo Caylin , Siddique Zahed , Liu Yingtao
Published: June 2024

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) image processing and metallurgical analysis are critical for gaining a deep understanding of the structures, properties, and performance of metals. Since metals exhibit complex microstructures composed of grains, phases, and defects that significantly influence their mechanical properties, it is important for researchers to visualize and characterize these intricate structures at a microscopic level, providing valuable insights into the material’s behavior. Although advanced SEM platforms and tools have been widely applied for research and development of novel materials, novel algorithms and image processing techniques are needed to automatically and efficiently analyze a large number of SEM images.

This research paper presents the development of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced SEM image processing techniques for the characterization of microstructures in metals. Our long-term goal is to establish an adaptive, data-driven framework for extracting optimal information from individual SEM images, ultimately working towards the creation of a fully automated image processing and analysis methodology. Various data preparation processes, such as image filtering and quality assessment methods, will be investigated for feature identification, extraction, and localization in the SEM images. Then, the extracted information will be used to identify and quantify targeted physical properties and deposition attributes by denoising and image segmentation techniques. Our approach encompasses a comprehensive range of AI/ML techniques, including deep learning, data analytics, and pattern recognition, amalgamated to streamline the image processing workflow. The developed algorithm and software will be able to automatically analyze images and delve into the intricate aspects of physical properties, microstructures, and grain structures, thereby facilitating comprehensive property characterization. The research outcomes will be beneficial for the characterization of 3D printed metals, such as stainless steels, and will be further extended to other alloys in the future.
Nanoscale Property Characterization of Composite Adhesive Bonding Systems With Long-Term Environmental Exposures
Authors: Olander Rita , Tracey Ashley , Grace William , Flinn Brian
Published: June 2024

This preliminary research was directed toward understanding the fundamental science behind polymer matrix-adhesive interactions in adhesively bonded composite aircraft materials throughout the product’s lifecycle. Nanoindentation were used to characterize various regions of adhesively bonded carbon fiber/epoxy composite samples including the matrix resin, adhesive, and bondline mixing zones (interface/interphase). Since bondlines are heterogeneous in nature and are composed of multiple micron-scale subregions, subtle interactions and variations at the bond interface/interphase region can influence the performance of the bonded joint. Characterizing these regions may provide more understanding of process dependent variables, as well as potentially expand the operating limits for these bonded systems. For this study, adhesive bonded composite materials from carbon fiber specimens with long-term on-aircraft time temperature and stress exposures (scrapped parts) as well as specimens with on-ground, outdoor environmental exposures were compared to lab-produced baseline samples. The materials were evaluated using nanomechanical testing to understand the differences between initial interface and/or interphase development and the adhesive interface/interphase after on-aircraft time temperature and stress exposures (scrapped parts) and environmental exposure conditions. Previous studies using standard mechanical property characterization methods have not been able to isolate the adhesive/adherend interphase, due to the micron-sized scale of these regions. Nanomechanical test methods can be used to measure the adhesive/adherend interphase specific properties. Future work is to further understand how these nanoscale properties can be related to bond quality and performance.
Optimal Cable-Stayed Configurations for Pretensioned Space Structures
Authors: Daye Jacob G. , Lee Andrew J. , Griffee Cody , Scalice Niccoli
Published: June 2024

To improve the deployed stiffness and mass efficiency of pre-tensioned spacecraft structures, the efficacy of cable-stayed configurations is analyzed in this paper. The reference structure is a deployable array wing that supports a series of RF panels for space-based antenna applications, and it is designed to be z-folded under stowage. Due to the significant mass of the panels and the large span of the array wing, the entire structure is susceptible to low frequency excitation. Lightweight pretensioned cables that elastically support and stiffen the array along its span are found to drastically raise its fundamental frequency and critical buckling load. An analytical model that is validated by finite element simulations is used to predict the vibration and buckling modes of the constituent structures for both the reference and cable-stayed architectures. A parametric analysis then optimizes the cross-section of the load-bearing members, cable attachment points, and the number of cables to maximize the fundamental frequency for the structural systems. These optimal cable-stayed forms are compared against the reference design, and their effectiveness is demonstrated with a 157% and 255% increase in fundamental frequency for one and two cables, respectively.
Carbon nanotube collimator as an vacuum ultraviolet window
Authors: Olsen S. C. , Allred D. D. , Vanfleet R. R.
Published: June 2024

Windows for vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) sources are valuable for many applications but difficult to fabricate due to most materials being too absorptive at VUV wavelengths. We have designed, fabricated, and characterized a carbon nanotube (CNT) collimator as a window with high (VUV) transmission and significant differential pumping. The CNT collimators are arrays of square channels of various dimensions and height with sidewalls composed of vertically aligned CNT forests. The CNT collimators in this work exhibited peak intensity transmissions for VUV light (58.4 nm) of 18%–37% of that reported for the same system without a collimator present [S. Olsen, D. Allred, and R. Vanfleet, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A (2024)]. Further analysis found that the peak intensity transmissions were lowered due to carbon deposition on the phosphor viewing screen from contaminants. The CNT collimator also had significant sidewall reflection in the VUV range (R=0.21±0.08 in the VUV range for angles 15.6 degrees and below). Pressure ratios (low pressure over high pressure) in the VUV transmission experiment were dominated by leaks in the alignment mechanism. Additional experiments demonstrated the CNT collimator’s reflection and superior differential pumping with pressure ratios less than 0.001.
Structural basis of odor sensing by insect heteromeric odorant receptors
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Chen Andy Q. , Ryu Jaewook , del Mármol Josefina
Published: June 2024

Most insects, including human-targeting mosquitoes, detect odors through odorant-activated ion channel complexes consisting of a divergent odorant-binding subunit (OR) and a conserved co-receptor subunit (Orco). As a basis for understanding how odorants activate these heteromeric receptors, we report here cryo–electron microscopy structures of two different heteromeric odorant receptor complexes containing ORs from disease-vector mosquitos
Aedes aegypti
or
Anopheles gambiae
. These structures reveal an unexpected stoichiometry of one OR to three Orco subunits. Comparison of structures in odorant-bound and unbound states indicates that odorant binding to the sole OR subunit is sufficient to open the channel pore, suggesting a mechanism of OR activation and a conceptual framework for understanding evolution of insect odorant receptor sensitivity.
Probing structural superlubricity of two-dimensional water transport with atomic resolution
Authors: Wu Da , Zhao Zhengpu , Lin Bo , Song Yizhi , Qi Jiajie , Jiang Jian , Yuan Zifeng , Cheng Bowei , Zhao Mengze , Tian Ye , Wang Zhichang , Wu Muhong , Bian Ke , Liu Kai-Hui , Xu Li-Mei , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Wang En-Ge , Jiang Ying
Published: June 2024

Low-dimensional water transport can be drastically enhanced under atomic-scale confinement. However, its microscopic origin is still under debate. In this work, we directly imaged the atomic structure and transport of two-dimensional water islands on graphene and hexagonal boron nitride surfaces using qPlus-based atomic force microscopy. The lattice of the water island was incommensurate with the graphene surface but commensurate with the boron nitride surface owing to different surface electrostatics. The area-normalized static friction on the graphene diminished as the island area was increased by a power of ~–0.58, suggesting superlubricity behavior. By contrast, the friction on the boron nitride appeared insensitive to the area. Molecular dynamic simulations further showed that the friction coefficient of the water islands on the graphene could reduce to <0.01.
Gene editing flows to the lungs
Authors: Bulcaen Mattijs , Carlon Marianne S.
Published: June 2024

Intravenous targeting of airway basal cells for cystic fibrosis gene therapy overcomes lung barriers
Ancient nitrogenases are ATP dependent
Authors: Harris Derek F. , Rucker Holly R. , Garcia Amanda K. , Yang Zhi-Yong , Chang Scott D. , Feinsilber Hannah , Kaçar Betül , Seefeldt Lance C.
Published: June 2024

Life depends on a conserved set of chemical energy currencies that are relics of early biochemistry. One of these is ATP, a molecule that, when paired with a divalent metal ion such as Mg
2+
, can be hydrolyzed to support numerous cellular and molecular processes. Despite its centrality to extant biochemistry, it is unclear whether ATP supported the function of ancient enzymes. We investigate the evolutionary necessity of ATP by experimentally reconstructing an ancestral variant of the N
2
-reducing enzyme nitrogenase. The Proterozoic ancestor is predicted to be ~540–2,300 million years old, post-dating the Great Oxidation Event. Growth rates under nitrogen-fixing conditions are ~80% of those of wild type in
Azotobacter vinelandii
. In the extant enzyme, the hydrolysis of two MgATP is coupled to electron transfer to support substrate reduction. The ancestor has a strict requirement for ATP with no other nucleotide triphosphate analogs (GTP, ITP, and UTP) supporting activity. Alternative divalent metal ions (Fe
2+
, Co
2+
, and Mn
2+
) support activity with ATP but with diminished activities compared to Mg
2+
, similar to the extant enzyme. Additionally, it is shown that the ancestor has an identical efficiency in ATP hydrolyzed per electron transferred to the extant of two. Our results provide direct laboratory evidence of ATP usage by an ancient enzyme.

IMPORTANCE

Life depends on energy-carrying molecules to power many sustaining processes. There is evidence that these molecules may predate the rise of life on Earth, but how and when these dependencies formed is unknown. The resurrection of ancient enzymes provides a unique tool to probe the enzyme’s function and usage of energy-carrying molecules, shedding light on their biochemical origins. Through experimental reconstruction, this research investigates the ancestral dependence of a nitrogen-fixing enzyme on the energy carrier ATP, a requirement for function in the modern enzyme. We show that the resurrected ancestor does not have generalist nucleotide specificity. Rather, the ancestor has a strict requirement for ATP, like the modern enzyme, with similar function and efficiency. The findings elucidate the early-evolved necessity of energy-yielding molecules, delineating their role in ancient biochemical processes. Ultimately, these insights contribute to unraveling the intricate tapestry of evolutionary biology and the origins of life-sustaining dependencies.
An Alternative Approach to Ideas and Personality: Chinese President Xi Jinping and His Mass-Line Sensibilities
Authors: SHIH CHIH-YU
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses a lacuna in the literature concerning how a ruler’s ideas shape their attitudes toward the world and others through their personality. It examines the political ideas of Chinese President Xi Jinping as his references to the self-in-relation rather than his schema to assess and treat alters-in-relation. In addition to allowing political actors to assess the world and engage in policymaking, personality may inspire them to use ideas conversely to prepare themselves for the acceptance of their perceived constituencies. In terms of Xi Jinping’s evolving personality, an initial need to overcome his individual vulnerability by becoming one with the masses has grown into a quest for transcendence that is informed by the following elements: (1) Buddhism while practicing the Party self; (2) the notion of Confucian harmony for the self-cultivation of Party cadres while practicing the national self; and (3) a socialist sensitivity to the material needs of the disadvantaged while practicing the international self. This has been demonstrated through programs that include his anti-corruption campaigns, his Chinese dream of anti-poverty, and his notion of a shared future of humankind. This paper compares the Kyoto School’s use of Buddhism, Mao’s use of Confucianism, and Pol Pot’s use of Maoism. It also discusses how an autocracy can suffer from involution.
Explaining China’s Cautious Responses to the Strategic Choices of the Yoon Administration
Authors: KIM DONGCHAN
Published: June 2024

The Republic of Korea has long sought to balance its relationship with the United States and China. While the ROK had once experienced retaliation from China when it tried to align closer with the United States, the Yoon Suk-Yeol administration has made a strategic choice to do so openly without suffering any explicit retaliation of the kind that followed the THAAD dispute in 2016. This paper attempts to explain why Beijing is refraining from explicit retaliatory measures against the ROK by analyzing the factors that have constrained China’s choices. It argues that despite evident Chinese concerns over the ROK’s strategic alignment with the United States through groupings like the IPEF and collaboration with NATO, China has not explicitly retaliated against the ROK due to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s personal preoccupation with China’s domestic politics and economic issues in addition to a set of diplomatic priorities that exclude the ROK for the time being and some measure of recognition that retaliation can be counterproductive. This paper concludes by arguing that Beijing will not economically retaliate against the ROK unless it directly infringes on China’s core national interests. While there is a broad range of nominally core national interests where China responds rhetorically, there are fewer over which it retaliates with material measures. Therefore, countries facing potential economic retaliation from China over their foreign policy choices must understand the factors that actually compel China to retaliate economically and determine the extent of this retaliation.
Supplementary Table S2 from Nucleolar Localization of the RNA Helicase DDX21 Predicts Survival Outcomes in Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Aljardali Marwa W. , Kremer Kevin M. , Parker Jessica E. , Fleming Elaine , Chen Hao , Lea Jayanthi S. , Kraus W. Lee , Camacho Cristel V.
Published: June 2024

Demographic data of 39 advanced stage endometrioid endometrial cancer patients
The Dolicholatiridae and Fasciolariidae (Gastropoda, Buccinoidea) of the Miocene Paratethys Sea
Authors: HARZHAUSER MATHIAS , LANDAU BERNARD M. , VERMEIJ GEERAT J.
Published: June 2024

We describe one species of Dolicholatiridae and 30 species of Fasciolariidae from the Miocene of the Central Paratethys Sea. The first records of the family Dolicholatiridae and of the Fasciolariidae genus Takashius are documented from the Neogene of Europe, and we describe a first Miocene radiation of the extant Mediterranean Fusininae Pseudofusus.
The Dolicholatiridae Dulaiania nov. gen. and the Fasciolariidae Cryptoneolatirus nov. gen., Eurolatirus nov. gen., Fraudifusinus nov. gen., Snyderifusus nov. gen. and Xenofusinus nov. gen. are described as new genera. Fraudifusinus grundensis nov. sp., Fraudifusinus pseudocrispoides nov. sp., Pseudofusus balteus nov. sp., Pseudofusus rostratoides nov. sp., Pseudofusus stahlschmidti nov. sp., Pseudofusus? schuberthi nov. sp., Takashius kantori nov. sp. and Takashius vinculum nov. sp. are introduced as new species.
Neotypes are designated for Angustifusus hoessii (Naumann, 1852) and Pseudolatirus bilineatus (Naumann, 1852). Lectotypes are designated for Angustifusus vindobonensis (Hoernes & Auinger, 1890), Fraudifusinus crispoides (Kittl, 1887), Tarantinaea hoernesii (Seguenza, 1875), Pseudofusus austriacus (Hoernes & Auinger, 1890), Snyderifusus prevosti (Hörnes, 1853), and Xenofusinus haueri (Hoernes, 1875).
More than two thirds of the species are described as new combinations, illustrating the importance of taxonomic revisions for any paleobiogeographic and biostratigraphic analyses at the species and the genus levels. As a result, our revision led to a distinct decrease of species shared with adjacent regions, compared to previous data. The Tudiclidae Euthria reussi (Hoernes & Auinger, 1885) is discussed as addendum to Harzhauser & Lanau (2024).
Radio Occultation Modeling Experiment (ROMEX): Determining the Impact of Radio Occultation Observations on Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Anthes Richard A. , Marquardt Christian , Ruston Benjamin , Shao Hui
Published: June 2024

The international radio occultation (RO) community is conducting a collaborative effort to explore the impact of a large number of RO observations on numerical weather prediction (NWP). This effort, the Radio Occultation Modeling Experiment (ROMEX), has been endorsed by the International Radio Occultation Working Group, a scientific working group under the auspices of the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS). ROMEX seeks to inform strategies for future RO missions and acquisitions. ROMEX is planned to consist of at least one 3-month period during which all available RO data are collected, processed, archived, and made available to the global community free of charge for research and testing. Although the primary purpose is to test the impact of varying numbers of RO observations on NWP, the 3 months of RO observations during the first ROMEX period (ROMEX-1, September–November 2022) will be a rich dataset for research on many atmospheric phenomena. The RO data providers have sent their data to EUMETSAT for processing. The total number of RO profiles averages between 30 000 and 40 000 per day for ROMEX-1. The processed data (phase, bending angle, refractivity, temperature, and water vapor) will be distributed to ROMEX participants by the Radio Occultation Meteorology Satellite Application Facility (ROM SAF). The data will also be processed independently by the UCAR COSMIC Data Analysis and Archive Center (CDAAC) and available via ROM SAF. The data are freely available to all participants who agree to the conditions that the providers be acknowledged, and the data are not used for commercial or operational purposes.
Long COVID: A risk factor for anxiety, depression, and suicidality?
Authors: Özçelik Neslihan , Özyurt Songül , Topaloğlu Elvan Şentürk , Gümüş Aziz , Hocaoğlu Çiçek , Şahin Ünal
Published: June 2024

In many COVID-19 survivors, symptoms continue for a long time. This study aims to examine the relationship between the long-term effects of COVID-19, levels of anxiety and depression, and suicidal ideation with sociodemographic factors and symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who came for control at least 3 months after having COVID-19 disease, in the stable period, and still have symptoms after COVID-19. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, The Beck Depression Scale (BDS), The Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), and suicidal ideation were assessed with face-to-face questionnaires. A total of 490 patients participated in the study. Thirty percent of patients scored positive on the BDS and 46% scored high on the BAS. Female sex was found to be a risk factor. Anxiety and depression were found to be significantly associated with long COVID symptoms. Both BAS and BDS scores were significantly higher in people with suicidality compared to others, and long-term symptoms were found to be statistically associated with this situation. Depression and anxiety are common in cases of long COVID. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of these potential mental health consequences, especially suicidality, and to provide appropriate support and interventions for individuals with long COVID.
A novel PH1/pE27HGFK1 nanoparticles for orthotopic glioblastoma therapy
Authors: zhang Jian , Li Tao , Liu Ling , Chen Zhenpu , Li Li , Yao Xiaoxuan , Cheng Jiaxing , Hu Xiaoyuan , Guo Jiyin , Li Ruilei , Ge Chunlei , Ling Eng-Ang , Yao Hong
Published: June 2024

Background

The therapeutic resistance to ionizing radiation (IR) and angiogenesis inhibitors is a great challenge for clinicians in the treatment of glioblastoma, which is associated with Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET, VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathway, and the crosstalk between them. In this study, we developed a novel recombinant fusion protein, rE27HGFK1, via HGFK1 tandem with 27 N-terminal residues of Endostatin (E27) and produced a polymeric nanoparticle formed by the co-polymer of PEGylated H1 cationic polymer (PH1) with a plasmid encoding the secreted rE27HGFK1 protein (PH1/pE27HGFK1). We further investigated the anti-tumor effects of rE27HGFK1 and PH1/pE27HGFK1 nanoparticles both in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

We expressed and purified the rE27HGFK1 protein via E. coli. Then, we performed cellular experiments to determine the antitumoral effects and IR radio-sensitivities of the rE27HGFK1 protein in vitro. Finally, we performed animal studies to determine the tumor-targeted abilities and antitumoral activities of the polymeric nanoparticles, PH1/pE27HGFK1, in an orthotopic U118-Luc-bearing xenografted mouse model.

Results

We showed that rE27HGFK1 inhibited the proliferation and the angiogenesis and enhanced the senescence and radiosensitivity of GBM via both MET and VEFGR2 signaling mediated-p16 over-expression and the down-regulation of cyclin D1-CDK4-Rb axis activities in vitro. Next, we displayed that systemic administration of the PEGylated H1 cationic polymer (PH1) effectively delivered the reporter genes to the brain tumor of an orthotopic U118-bearing xenografted mouse model. Finally, we showed that PH1/pE27HGFK1 significantly produced antitumor effects with radiosensitivity in the orthotopic U118-Luc-bearing xenografted Blab/c mouse model through inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation, as well as inducing the necrosis of tumor cells in vivo.

Conclusions

The PH1/pE27HGFK1 nano-drug combined with radiotherapy can be used as a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for Glioblastoma multiforme.
Colonization of the ocean floor by jawless vertebrates across three mass extinctions
Authors: Brownstein Chase Doran , Near Thomas J
Published: June 2024

Background

The deep (> 200 m) ocean floor is often considered to be a refugium of biodiversity; many benthic marine animals appear to share ancient common ancestry with nearshore and terrestrial relatives. Whether this pattern holds for vertebrates is obscured by a poor understanding of the evolutionary history of the oldest marine vertebrate clades. Hagfishes are jawless vertebrates that are either the living sister to all vertebrates or form a clade with lampreys, the only other surviving jawless fishes.

Results

We use the hagfish fossil record and molecular data for all recognized genera to construct a novel hypothesis for hagfish relationships and diversification. We find that crown hagfishes persisted through three mass extinctions after appearing in the Permian ~ 275 Ma, making them one of the oldest living vertebrate lineages. In contrast to most other deep marine vertebrates, we consistently infer a deep origin of continental slope occupation by hagfishes that dates to the Paleozoic.

Conclusion

Our results establish hagfishes as ancient members of demersal continental slope faunas and suggest a prolonged accumulation of deep sea jawless vertebrate biodiversity.
The radiation of New Zealand’s skinks and geckos is associated with distinct viromes
Authors: Waller Stephanie J. , Butcher Richelle G. , Lim Lauren , McInnes Kate , Holmes Edward C. , Geoghegan Jemma L.
Published: June 2024

Background

New Zealand is home to over 120 native endemic species of skinks and geckos that radiated over the last 20–40 million years, likely driven by the exploitation of diverse habitats formed during the Miocene. The recent radiation of animal hosts may facilitate cross-species virus transmission, likely reflecting their close genetic relationships and therefore relatively low barriers for viruses to emerge in new hosts. Conversely, as animal hosts adapt to new niches, even within specific geographic locations, so too could their viruses. Consequently, animals that have niche-specialised following radiations may be expected to harbour genetically distinct viruses. Through a metatranscriptomic analysis of eight of New Zealand’s native skink and gecko species, as well as the only introduced lizard species, the rainbow skink (Lampropholis delicata), we aimed to reveal the diversity of viruses in these hosts and determine whether and how the radiation of skinks and geckos in New Zealand has impacted virus diversity and evolution.

Results

We identified a total of 15 novel reptilian viruses spanning 11 different viral families, across seven of the nine species sampled. Notably, we detected no viral host-switching among the native animals analysed, even between those sampled from the same geographic location. This is compatible with the idea that host speciation has likely resulted in isolated, niche-constrained viral populations that have prevented cross-species transmission. Using a protein structural similarity-based approach, we further identified a highly divergent bunya-like virus that potentially formed a new family within the Bunyavirales.

Conclusions

This study has broadened our understanding of reptilian viruses within New Zealand and illustrates how niche adaptation may limit viral-host interactions.
Health system facilitators and barriers to the integration of mental health services into primary care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a multimethod study
Authors: Mukala Mayoyo Erick , Chenge Faustin , Sow Abdoulaye , Criel Bart , Michielsen Joris , Van den Broeck Kris , Coppieters Yves
Published: June 2024

Background

The integration of mental health into primary care—i.e., the process by which a range of essential mental health care and services are made available in existing multipurpose health care settings that did not previously provide them—can be facilitated or hindered by several health system factors that are still poorly understood. This study aimed to identify health system facilitators and barriers to the integration of mental health services into primary care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to improve the success rate of integration programs.

Methods

We conducted a multimethod, cross-sectional exploratory study. Stakeholders (managers, health service providers, service users, etc.) from sixteen of the twenty-six provinces of the DRC participated. We collected qualitative data through 31 individual, semistructured, face-to-face key informant interviews. We then collected quantitative data through a population-based survey of 413 respondents. We analyzed the interviews via thematic analysis, assigning verbatims to predefined themes and subthemes. For the survey responses, we performed descriptive analysis followed by binomial logistic regression to explore the associations between the variables of interest.

Results

Strong leadership commitment, positive attitudes toward mental health care, the availability of care protocols, mental health task sharing (p < 0.001), and sufficient numbers of primary care providers (PCPs) (p < 0.001) were identified as key health system facilitators of successful integration. However, barriers to integration are mainly related to a poor understanding of what integration is and what it is not, as well as to the poor functionality and performance of health facilities. In addition, stigma, low prioritization of mental health, lack of mental health referents, low retention rate of trained health professionals, lack of reporting tools, lack of standardized national guidelines for integration (p < 0.001), lack of funding (p < 0.001), shortage of mental health specialists to coach PCPs (p < 0.001), and lack of psychotropic medications (p < 0.001) were identified as health system barriers to integration.

Conclusion

Improving the functionality of primary care settings before integrating mental health care would be beneficial for greater success. In addition, addressing identified barriers, such as lack of funding and mental health-related stigma, requires multistakeholder action across all building blocks of the health system.
Utilisation of postnatal care services among maternal in Maeen District – Sana’a City, Yemen
Authors: Haza’a Abdulnasser A. , Odhah Marzoq A. , Al-Ahdal Saddam A. , Abol–Gaith Fawz M. , Ismail Nada A. , Al-Awar Mohammed S. , Al-Jaradi Abdulfatah S. , Eidah Wedian S. , Kaid Manar M.
Published: June 2024

Background

One of the most effective ways to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality is to improve mother and newborn health via the provision of appropriate postnatal care services by qualified healthcare providers. However, there is limited information on the use of postnatal care services in Yemen. This study aimed to determine the utilisation of postnatal care services among mothers in Yemen.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Maeen District of Sana’a City, Yemen from December 2022 to January 2023. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit 321 participants. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied as the study tool in the face-to-face survey.

Result

Less than half (45.2%) of the study participants utilised postnatal care services in this study. The mode of delivery, place of delivery, and receiving information about postnatal care during antenatal visits were significantly associated with postnatal care service utilisation.

Conclusion

Less than half of the study participants were informed about postnatal care services, contributing to their low utilisation. Thus, it is vital to strengthen the provision of information, education, and communication with regard to postnatal care services among pregnant mothers visiting antenatal clinics.
Characterizing the utilization of doula support services among birthing people of color in the United States: a scoping review
Authors: Kang Emily , Stowe Nat’e , Burton Kelsey , Ritchwood Tiarney D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Birthing people of color experience disproportionately higher rates of infant and maternal mortality during pregnancy and birth compared to their white counterparts. The utilization of doula support services may lead to improvements in the birthing experiences of birthing people of color. Yet, the research in this area is sparse. Thus, the purpose of this review is to characterize the research on doula utilization among birthing people of color, identify gaps in the field, and provide recommendations for future research.

Methods

Utilizing PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a scoping review, searching PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2016, to July 3, 2022.

Results

Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria. We identified the three themes characterizing included studies: (1) how doulas support (HDS) their clients, (2) doula support outcomes (DSO), and (3) considerations for implementing doula support services (CIDS). Despite doulas being described as agents of empowerment, and providing social support, education, and advocacy, birthing people of color reported low utilization of doula support services and findings regarding their effectiveness in improving birthing outcomes were mixed.

Conclusions

While some studies suggest that doulas may offer important services to birthing people of color, doulas are largely under-utilized, with many birthing people reporting low knowledge of their potential roles during the pre- and post-partum periods. Moreover, few studies were designed to assess intervention effects, limiting our ability to draw firm conclusions. Birthing people of color are at elevated risk for maternal mortality. As such, interventions are needed to support this population and improve outcomes. Our review suggests that, while doulas have the potential to make important contributions to the birthing support team, they are underutilized, and intervention studies are needed to enable estimates of their true effectiveness.
IPF-related new macrophage subpopulations and diagnostic biomarker identification - combine machine learning with single-cell analysis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yang Yuwei , Cao Yan , Guan Jingzhi
Published: June 2024

Abstracts

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology that lacks a specific treatment. In IPF, macrophages play a key regulatory role as a major component of the lung immune system, especially during inflammation and fibrosis. However, our understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and molecular characterization of macrophages in IPF, as well as their relevance in the clinical setting, is relatively limited. In this study, we analyzed in-depth single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from lung tissues of IPF patients, identified macrophage subpopulations in IPF, and probed their molecular characteristics and biological functions. hdWGCNA identified co-expressed gene modules of a subpopulation of IPF-associated macrophages (IPF-MΦ), and probed the IPF-MΦ by a machine-learning approach. hdWGCNA identified a subpopulation of IPF-associated macrophage subpopulations and probed the IPF-MΦ signature gene (IRMG) for its prognostic value, and a prediction model was developed on this basis. In addition, IPF-MΦ was obtained after recluster analysis of macrophages in IPF lung tissues. Coexpressed gene modules of IPF-MΦ were identified by hdWGCNA. Then, a machine learning approach was utilized to reveal the characteristic genes of IPF-MΦ, and a prediction model was built on this basis. In addition, we discovered a type of macrophage unique to IPF lung tissue named ATP5-MΦ. Its characteristic gene encodes a subunit of the mitochondrial ATP synthase complex, which is closely related to oxidative phosphorylation and proton transmembrane transport, suggesting that ATP5-MΦ may have higher ATP synthesis capacity in IPF lung tissue. This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of IPF and provides a basis for evaluating disease prognosis and predictive medicine in IPF patients.

Graphical Abstract
Phenotyping grapevine resistance to downy mildew: deep learning as a promising tool to assess sporulation and necrosis
Authors: Macia Felicià Maviane , Possamai Tyrone , Dorne Marie-Annick , Lacombe Marie-Céline , Duchêne Eric , Merdinoglu Didier , Peeters Nemo , Rousseau David , Wiedemann-Merdinoglu Sabine
Published: June 2024

Background

Downy mildew is a plant disease that affects all cultivated European grapevine varieties. The disease is caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola. The current strategy to control this threat relies on repeated applications of fungicides. The most eco-friendly and sustainable alternative solution would be to use bred-resistant varieties. During breeding programs, some wild Vitis species have been used as resistance sources to introduce resistance loci in Vitis vinifera varieties. To ensure the durability of resistance, resistant varieties are built on combinations of these loci, some of which are unfortunately already overcome by virulent pathogen strains. The development of a high-throughput machine learning phenotyping method is now essential for identifying new resistance loci.

Results

Images of grapevine leaf discs infected with P. viticola were annotated with OIV 452–1 values, a standard scale, traditionally used by experts to assess resistance visually. This descriptor takes two variables into account the complete phenotype of the symptom: sporulation and necrosis. This annotated dataset was used to train neural networks. Various encoders were used to incorporate prior knowledge of the scale’s ordinality. The best results were obtained with the Swin transformer encoder which achieved an accuracy of 81.7%. Finally, from a biological point of view, the model described the studied trait and identified differences between genotypes in agreement with human observers, with an accuracy of 97% but at a high-throughput 650% faster than that of humans.

Conclusion

This work provides a fast, full pipeline for image processing, including machine learning, to describe the symptoms of grapevine leaf discs infected with P. viticola using the OIV 452–1, a two-symptom standard scale that considers sporulation and necrosis. If symptoms are frequently assessed by visual observation, which is time-consuming, low-throughput, tedious, and expert dependent, the method developed sweeps away all these constraints. This method could be extended to other pathosystems studied on leaf discs where disease symptoms are scored with ordinal scales.
Awareness and practical evaluation of correct use of iron chelators; a study to track the ambiguities of thalassemia patients on their medications in Iran
Authors: Mousavi Mina Saddat , Mohammadnezhad Ghader , Yaghmaei Farideh , Azarkeivan Azita , Esmaily Hadi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward iron chelating agents (ICAs) in Iranian thalassemia major patients.

Methods

A total of 101 patients with thalassemia major were involved in this cross-sectional survey. A deep medication review was done, and participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practice were evaluated by a validated instrument based on a 20-scoring system.

Results

Statistical analyses showed 52 patients (51.5%) had a poor knowledge level (scores < 10) about their medications, 37 (36.6%) had a moderate level (scores 10–15), and 12 (11.9%) had a satisfactory level (scores > 15). Seventy-seven (76.2%) patients have positive beliefs regarding the dependence of their current health status on taking iron chelators, and 63 (62.4%) believed that they would become very ill without taking medication. The results also showed that the mean practice score in patients who received deferoxamine was 5.81 ± 3.50; in the patients who received deferiprone and those who received deferasirox, the mean scores were 7.36 ± 5.15 and 14.94 ± 4.14. Also, the knowledge and practice level had a direct linear correlation based on the regression analyses (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, results of the present research suggests that the patients’ knowledge about the administration, adverse events, and necessity of ICAs was not satisfactory. Improving the knowledge of thalassemia patients toward their medicines through educational interventions is highly recommended to improve their practice level.
Measurement and conceptualization of male involvement in family planning: a bibliometric analysis of Africa-based studies
Authors: Oni Tosin Olajide , Petlele Rebaone , Banjo Olufunmilayo Olufunmilola , Bankole Akinrinola , Akinyemi Akanni Ibukun
Published: June 2024

Background

Male involvement in Family Planning (FP) is an exercise of men’s sexual and reproductive health rights. However, the measurement of male involvement has been highly inconsistent and too discretional in FP studies. As a result, we used bibliometric tools to analyze the existing measures of male involvement in FP and recommend modifications for standard measures.

Methods

Using developed search terms, we searched for research articles ever published on male involvement in FP from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. The search results were filtered for studies that focused on Africa. A total of 152 research articles were selected after the screening, and bibliometric analysis was performed in R.

Results

Results showed that 54% of the studies measured male involvement through approval for FP, while 46.7% measured it through the attitude of males to FP. About 31% measured male involvement through input in deciding FP method, while others measured it through inputs in the choice of FP service center (13.6%), attendance at FP clinic/service center (17.8%), and monetary provision for FP services/materials (12.4%). About 82.2% of the studies used primary data, though the majority (61.2%) obtained information on male involvement from women alone. Only about one in five studies (19.1%) got responses from males and females, with fewer focusing on males alone.

Conclusion

Most studies have measured male involvement in FP through expressed or perceived approval for FP. However, these do not sufficiently capture male involvement and do not reflect women’s autonomy. Other more encompassing measures of male involvement, which would reflect the amount of intimacy among heterosexual partners, depict the extent of the exercise of person-centered rights, and encourage the collection of union-specific data, are recommended.
Emission characterizations and environmental impacts of off-road vehicles
Authors: Li Hsing-Wang , Lai Chia-Hsiang , Chen Ku-Fan , Lin Yi-Ching , Chien Po-Yen , Chen Wei-Hsiang , Chen Kang-Shin , Peng Yen-Ping
Published: June 2024

This study measured particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants in the exhaust of off-road vehicles (excavators, bulldozers) during idling and working. The fingerprint of metals in PM and the emission factors of off-road vehicles were investigated. The concentrations of total PM (TPM), PM10, and PM2.5 were 14–251, 12–181, and 10–163 mg m−3, respectively, for two kinds of off-road vehicles. PM10 occupied 60–70% of TPM, while PM2.5 accounted for 80–90%of PM10. The calculated emission factors were 0.64–0.94, 0.53–0.79, and 0.32–0.49 g BHP−1 h−1 for TPM, PM10, and PM2.5, respectively. Metallic elements of PM were analyzed in order to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. The results showed that the emission of total metallic elements from the excavator and two bulldozers are 2.7 and 7.9–22.6 mg m−3, respectively, and the dominant components are Zn, Fe, and Al. The total carcinogenic risk of Cd and Pb decreased from 9.4 × 10−8 to 1.3 × 10−8 with increasing the distance from 0 to 150 m away from the three off-road vehicles (one excavator, and two bulldozers). The non-carcinogenic risk of both Cd and Pb is lower than the limits (hazard index = 1), which is considered acceptable.
Flexural strengthening of LWRC beams using RSHCC reinforced with glass fiber textile mesh
Authors: Issa Mohamed E. , El-Shafey Nasser F. , Baraghith Ahmed T. , Balat Ehab N.
Published: June 2024

This study aims to explore the flexural behavior of crushed clay brick (CCB) lightweight concrete (LWC) beams strengthened with rubberized strain-hardening cementitious composite reinforced with glass fiber textile mesh layers (GFTM-RSHCC) at the tension side. For this purpose, an experimental investigation consisting of seven simply supported beams, including one un-strengthened specimen, was produced and tested using a monotonic 4-point loading scheme. All specimens had a 120 × 250 mm cross-section, a total length of 2400 mm, and a loaded span of 2200 mm. The studied parameters were the number of GFTM inside the RSHCC (1, 2, or 3) and the thickness of GFTM-RSHCC layer (30 or 40 mm). All the following aspects were tracked: crack pattern, ultimate load, mid-span defection, and ductility. The results show that increasing the number of layers of GFTM and the thickness of RSHCC generally leads to an increase in the ultimate loads and ductility, up to 68% and 83%, respectively, compared to the control beam. Finally, a proposed equation considering the contribution of the GFTM-RSHCC layer was developed to predict the flexural capacity of the strengthened beams. The proposed equation showed good agreement with the experimental results.