bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating the path to environmental sustainability: Insights from CIVETS on the intersection of ICT diffusion, natural resources, and green technological innovation
Authors: Qamruzzaman Md. , Kor Sylvia
Published: December 2024

The rapid technological and economic growth in CIVETS countries poses challenges to environmental sustainability. This study explores the intricate relationships between Information and Communication Technology (ICT), natural resource usage, and green innovation in these economies. Employing advanced statistical models uncovers long-term and short-term patterns, providing valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and scholars. Key findings reveal that ICT diffusion can potentially reduce carbon emissions, while natural resource rent is linked to increased ecological footprints. Conversely, green technological innovation is promising in alleviating environmental degradation. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive policies integrating ICT diffusion, sustainable resource management, and green innovation. To achieve environmental sustainability, the study recommends responsible natural resource extraction, fiscal incentives for green innovation, digital tools for environmental monitoring, and international collaboration. Public awareness and sustainable urbanization practices guided by ICT are also crucial. These insights help policymakers balance economic development with ecological preservation in the CIVETS nations.
Identification and validation of ATP6V1G1-regulated phosphorylated proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yi , Lu Liuyi , Chen Mingxing , Nie Jiaqi , Qin Xue , Chen Huaping
Published: December 2024

V-ATPase Subunit G1 (ATP6V1G1) is one of the subunits of Vacuolar ATPases. Previous studies have indicated that ATP6V1G1 plays important roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with HCC progression. However, the effect of ATP6V1G1 in HCC requires further elucidation. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles of ATP6V1G1 in HCC and further decipher the detailed mechanism. To identify the phosphorylated proteins regulated by ATP6V1G1 in HCC, phosphoproteomics and LC-MS/MS analysis were performed on HepG2 with overexpression of ATP6V1G1 and empty vector. Western blotting was applied to validate the differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins (DEPPs). As a result, 163 DEPPs were identified by proteomics; two up-regulated phosphorylated proteins (p-RPS6(Ser235)) and (p-SQSTM1(Ser272)) and two down-regulated phosphorylated proteins (p-PDPK1(Ser241)) and (p-EEF2 (Ser57)) were validated. Taken together, this study highlighted the potential impact of ATP6V1G1 on tumor progression, which may be beneficial to liver cancer related basic research.
Practitioner preferences in the analysis of cremation deposits in archaeology and biological anthropology: An overview of current osteoarchaeological practices with a focus on sex estimation
Authors: Hlad Marta , Löffelmann Tessi , Griffith Jacob I. , James Hannah F. , Vercauteren Martine , Snoeck Christophe , Veselka Barbara
Published: December 2024

Osteological data, such as biological sex, constitute a base for research in paleodemography and palaeopathology, as well as for understanding past socio-cultural practices. Despite extensive research efforts concerning cremated human remains over the past decades, an internationally acknowledged, standardized osteological protocol is not fully agreed upon. Furthermore, assessing cremation research practices from the literature is challenging because analysis reports are often written in the national languages of practitioners, which makes them difficult to access by an international audience. This study addresses this gap by directly reaching out to experts working with cremated human remains through an online questionnaire in Lime Survey. The aim is to identify and characterize patterns in cremation analysis practices. A particular emphasis was put on the methods of biological sex estimation. While the significance of these data is widely acknowledged, the ways in which they are obtained in practice are seldom examined. The results of this survey reveal an absence of standardization in protocols of analysis, and data collection, as well as in reporting on the cremated remains in publications and reports. Notably, the findings reveal regional preferences in methodological choices and inconsistent institutional training. A majority of respondents expressed a preference for traditional morphological methods over recently published metric and alternative methods for sex estimation. These variations underscore the complexity of establishing standardized cremation analysis protocols and highlight the importance of considering regional contexts and training in shaping future research practices.
Preserving circumflex iliac lymph nodes to reduce the incidence of lower limb lymphedema following lymphadenectomy in cervical and endometrial cancers: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Jianli , Lu Yan , Li Fei , Yao Desheng
Published: December 2024

Lower limb lymphedema (LLL) is a common postoperative complication following lymphadenectomy in cervical and endometrial cancers. Removal of the circumflex iliac nodes distal to the external iliac node (CINDEIN) is associated with LLL. Here, we sought to evaluate whether preserving the CINDEIN is helpful in reducing the incidence of LLL in women with cervical and endometrial cancers and to evaluate the safety of preserving CINDEIN. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, patients with clinical stage I A2 to II A cervical cancer and stage I to III endometrial carcinoma undergoing surgery were randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo pelvic lymphadenectomy with CINDEIN removal or preservation. The primary endpoint was the incidence of LLL at 24 months post-surgery. Eligible patients underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping with carbon nanoparticles (CNP). The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number ChiCTR2300071911. Between Jun 1, 2017, and Dec 31, 2018, 328 participants were randomly assigned to the two groups. Thirteen patients were excluded from the lymphedema analysis. A total of 158 patients in the CINDEIN preservation group and 157 in the CINDEIN removal group completed the follow-up examination. At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. The 3-year overall survival rate was 96.9% in the preservation group and 95.7% in the resection group. For cervical cancer and endometrial carcinoma, the incidence of LLL were significantly lower in the preservation group than in the removal group both at 24 months. No differences in the occurrence time of LLL were observed between the two groups. The LLL stages also showed no significant difference between the two groups. In the removal group, no CINDEIN metastases were identified in any patient. A total of 125 evaluable patients received the injection of CNP. None of the patients had CINDEIN detected as SLNs. CINDEIN removal is an important risk factor for LLL following lymphadenectomy in cervical and endometrial cancers. The metastasis rate of CINDEIN in cervical cancer and early endometrial cancer is relatively low, and preserving CINDEIN might be safe and helpful in reducing the occurrence of LLL.
Blocking microtubule deacetylation inhibits anaphase chromosome movements in crane-fly spermatocytes
Authors: Janan Maral , MacPherson Jess , Forer Arthur
Published: December 2024

Chromosome movement speeds during anaphase are regulated by depolymerization of microtubules. Several models describe chromosome movement during cell division but none of them consider post-translational modifications of tubulin, even though such modifications help specify microtubules for unique cellular activities. Among these modifications, acetylation of Lysine 40 is one of the common post-translational modifications. Acetylation of microtubules greatly improves their stability, especially when subjected to cooling or drug treatment. Since kinetochore microtubules are acetylated in a variety of eukaryote cells, we wondered whether deacetylation of kinetochore microtubules was necessary in order for microtubules to be able to depolymerize during anaphase. HDAC6 (Histone Deacetylase 6) deacetylates acetylated tubulin. To study whether tubulin must be deacetylated during anaphase, we added to living cells two different HDAC6 inhibitors (Tubacin and Trichostatin A), separately, as chromosomes moved poleward in anaphase. Both HDAC6 inhibitors altered chromosome movement: chromosomes either completely stopped moving, or moved more slowly, or sometimes continued movement without speed changes. The effects of the inhibitors on chromosome movement are reversible: half-bivalents either restarted anaphase movement by themselves before washing out the inhibitor or resumed their poleward movement after the inhibitor was washed out. We suggest that kinetochore microtubules need to be deacetylated in order for normal anaphase movements to occur.
RecombiCraft library construction: A novel method for DNA library cloning and expansion using non-enzymatic single-step DNA recombination and liquid culture
Authors: Kawai-Harada Yuki , Mardikoraem Mehrsa , Lauro Katherine , Nimmagadda Vasudha , Tong Quynh , Bello Kayla , Woldring Daniel , Harada Masako
Published: December 2024

In this study, we introduce RecombiCraft, an innovative, rapid, and cost-efficient method for constructing DNA libraries in E. coli. This method uses seamless ligation cloning extract (SLiCE) coupled with liquid culture amplification to effectively minimize sequence biases. The technique capitalizes on the natural homologous recombination capabilities of E. coli cell lysates, eliminating the need for multiple purified enzymes and reducing costs. We first synthesized the library backbone and inserts via PCR, employing high-fidelity polymerase to minimize sequence bias. The SLiCE technique was then used to assemble the DNA fragments introduced into E. coli through electroporation. To ensure the integrity of the library, we optimized culture times based on next-generation sequencing analysis which confirmed the minimal sequence bias. The RecombiCraft method demonstrates that this approach is economical and maintains the library’s uniformity. By using liquid culture, this method can complete DNA library generation in about 12 hours and final extraction is simple, making it a promising tool for genetic research and biotechnology applications.
Long-term effects of group rights to fisheries: Evaluating the Western Alaska Community Development Quota program
Authors: Berman Matthew
Published: December 2024

Restricting access to fisheries and other common property resources through creation of individual transferable rights has been documented to create wealth and promote conservation, but has also reduced employment and increased inequality in fishing communities. Creating group rights instead of individual rights has been suggested as an alternative strategy that could realize the benefits with diminished social cost; however, little independent evaluation of actual implementations of group rights to fisheries has occurred. The Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) program represents an example of allocation of group fishery rights to six not-for-profit organizations representing 65 small, largely Indigenous coastal communities. Using a unique data set of individual and household survey records spanning more than 25 years, we applied a difference-in-differences approach to measure changes in a variety of social and economic indicators, including Indigenous language use and educational attainment, employment, earnings, income, and poverty status, while controlling for demographic and general economic changes over the years. We found significant differences in outcomes for individuals and households in CDQ-participating communities from those residing in nearby communities ineligible for participation. Differences were especially pronounced for earnings and income. Results suggest that group rights can provide significant social benefits. The relatively small community populations provides insufficient power to determine statistically whether the benefits of the CDQ program have been increasing or diminishing over the years, or whether some communities have benefited more than others.
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals in marketing communications of ferry companies
Authors: Wagner Natalia , Łapko Aleksandra , Hącia Ewa , Strulak-Wójcikiewicz Roma
Published: December 2024

Companies are not legally obliged to disclose their commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite this, many decide to build their competitive position on the basis of marketing communications about sustainability practices. This paper investigates the landscape of sustainability communications practices within ferry operators in the Baltic Sea Region. The authors have developed an index based on two sources of information: (1) an expert assessment of sustainability categories built on the basis of the SDGs, and (2) an assessment of marketing communications of ferry companies. The results of the study identified three distinct patterns of conduct. An analysis revealed that voyage safety and greenhouse gas emissions are the two categories which the ferry companies are most committed to. The results show that marketing communications on the realisation of social goals gives way to that on commitment to the realisation of environmental goals. Beyond insights into the ferry market, the study presents a valuable methodological tool for assessing sustainability communications across diverse industries.
Characterization of an Enterococcus sp. SMC-9 strain isolated from bile of a patient with cholangitis
Authors: Yu SooHo , Kang Minhee , Yoo Yeonjae , Kim Tae Yeul , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong
Published: December 2024

The genus Enterococcus is increasingly recognized for its involvement in various human infections, with several species known to be pathogenic. This study characterized Enterococcus sp. SMC-9, isolated from bile of a patient with cholangitis, and compared its characteristics with those of Enterococcus montenegrensis CoE-012-22T, recently isolated from dried beef sausage. A comprehensive analysis, encompassing phylogenetic, genomic, and phenotypic studies, confirmed that strain SMC-9 belongs to the same species as E. montenegrensis CoE-012-22T. However, comparative genomic analysis revealed key differences in virulence and antibiotic resistance gene profiles between the two strains. Notably, genes related to exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and the L-rhamnose biosynthesis pathway were found exclusively in strain SMC-9, suggesting their role in the strain’s colonization of the biliary tract and its involvement in cholangitis. Additionally, the tetracycline resistance gene tet(M), which was absent in E. montenegrensis CoE-012-22T, was identified in strain SMC-9, explaining its high tetracycline minimum inhibitory concentration (>16 μg/mL). These findings highlight the unique pathogenic traits of strain SMC-9 compared to E. montenegrensis CoE-012-22T. Our study underscores the significant genetic and phenotypic variations that can exist among strains within the same species, highlighting the critical need for strain typing to assess their potential impact on patient outcomes and public health.
Improving prediction accuracy in agricultural markets through the CIMA-AttGRU model
Authors: Jiang Yankun , Liu Jinhui , Li Xiaotuan
Published: December 2024

In the Chinese futures market, agricultural product futures play a crucial role. While previous studies have primarily relied on historical price data and fundamental financial indicators of agricultural product futures, there is a growing recognition of the value that lies within the vast amounts of textual data generated in the financial domain. Our study specifically focuses on the limitations of existing methods in capturing the complex relationships and rich semantic information embedded in these textual sources. This article designs a CIMA AttGRU (CIMA-AttGRU) model for soybean futures, which is a forecasting method for the agricultural product market. This model uniquely integrates Collective Intrinsic Mode Analysis (CIMA) with an Attention-Gated Recurrent Unit (AttGRU), leveraging the strengths of both techniques to enhance predictive accuracy and adaptability. The rationale behind employing the CIMA-AttGRU model lies in its ability to effectively tackle the inherent challenges of financial market analysis. By incorporating CIMA, the model adeptly filters out market noise, directly addressing the challenge of high volatility. Additionally, with its attention mechanism, the CIMA-AttGRU targets the issue of non-linear patterns by allowing dynamic adjustment to temporal dependencies, offering differential learning capabilities crucial for capturing the nuanced fluctuations in futures prices. Complementing the CIMA and AttGRU, the integration of Class-wise Adversarial Domain Adaptation (CADA) further refines the model’s robustness, addressing the critical challenge of domain adaptivity. This aspect is particularly vital for edamame futures, where price determinants can vary significantly over time and across regions. Our empirical results demonstrate a significant improvement in forecasting precision, with the CIMA-AttGRU model achieving a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) reduction of 15% and a Mean Squared Error (MSE) reduction of 20% compared to conventional models. This superior performance, especially in terms of prediction accuracy and handling market fluctuations, highlights the improve of the model compared to existing methods and has made significant explorations in agricultural market forecasting.
Specific PCR primer designed from genome data for rapid detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 in the Cavendish banana
Authors: Nozawa Shunsuke , Pangilinan Dan Charlie Joy , Dionisio G. Alvindia , Watanabe Kyoko
Published: December 2024

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) tropical race 4 (TR4) severely affects banana production worldwide. Thus, specific PCR primers have been developed to rapidly diagnose and monitor Foc TR4-related fusarium wilt outbreaks in bananas. However, evaluation of these primers revealed room for improvement in the accuracy. This study aimed to design highly specific PCR primers based on genome data for Foc TR4 downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. The specificity of the primers was assessed using Foc TR4, Foc races 1 and 2, and 15 other formae speciales strains. The utility of the primers was verified by correctly detecting Foc TR4 in 7 out of 86 isolates of Fusarium spp. obtained from banana farms in the Philippines. The primers allowed for rapid detection in experimentally diseased tissues. We concluded that this novel primer set enables the simplified diagnosis of fusarium wilt caused by Foc TR4 in bananas.
The impact of art, storytelling, and STEAM-based approaches on creativity development in autistic youth and young adults: A mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Holt Jeana M. , Siekman Katelyn , Fairbanks Margaret , Fairbanks Mark , Stern Nathaniel
Published: December 2024

There are contradicting perspectives regarding autistics’ ability to be creative. Some researchers cite autistics’ underlying social communication and interaction differences, fixated interests, and inflexible patterns as fundamentally inhibiting creativity. However, many autistics refute this mindset and produce creative works as painters, sculptors, photographers, and graphic artists. This protocol describes a mixed methods study that aims to determine the impact of art, storytelling, and STEAM-based approaches to develop autistic youth and young adult participants’ creative self-efficacy, psychological empowerment, and design thinking traits. The primary research question is: How does a 120-minute workshop intervention impact the creative self-efficacy of autistic participants? We hypothesize that autistic participants’ creative self-efficacy scores would linearly increase from the baseline measure. Exploratory research questions include: How does the workshop intervention affect the psychological empowerment and design thinking traits of the autistic participants? We hypothesize that autistic participants’ psychological empowerment and design thinking traits scores would linearly increase from the baseline measure. We will use a design-based implementation research approach that values the collaboration between the researchers and educators who design interventions to understand when, how, and why learning happens. Recruitment began on 10 November 2023 and ended on 9 August 2024. The study’s results are expected to be published in mid-2025. The study will provide crucial empirical evidence on the effects of an arts-based program on creative self-efficacy, psychological empowerment, and design thinking traits in autistic youth and young adults. We will use qualitative descriptive thematic analysis methods to analyze the digital images, stop motion videos, and participant presentations. Digital artifacts of the participants’ creative process and the study team’s analysis of the autistic youth’s presentations will provide additional data to understand the study phenomenon’s depth, meaning, and context. A mixed methods design is advantageous when exploring complex issues that require empirical evidence and contextual understanding.
Smartphone scanning is a reliable and accurate alternative to contemporary residual limb measurement techniques
Authors: Walters Sam , Metcalfe Benjamin , Twiste Martin , Seminati Elena , Bailey Nicola Y.
Published: December 2024

Monitoring the volume and shape of residual limbs post-amputation is necessary to achieve optimal socket fit and determine overall limb health, yet contemporary clinical measurement techniques show high variance between measures. Three-dimensional scanning presents an opportunity for improved accuracy and reliability of residual limb measurements, however, three-dimensional scanners remain prohibitively expensive. A cost-effective alternative is the use of software that can utilise the photographs of modern smartphone cameras to create geometrically accurate scans. Whilst several studies have investigated the potential of privately developed photogrammetry algorithms for capturing residual limbs with clinical accuracy, none to the authors knowledge have explored commercially available software to do the same. Three applications were tested, namely Polycam, Luma, and Meshroom, to determine if they could produce clinically acceptable results. Scans of ten residual limbs were created using both smartphone technology and a reference structured-light scanner (Artec EVA), against which the validity and reliability of the resulting limb models were assessed using the Bland-Altman method and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, respectively. Polycam and Luma achieved both Pearson Coefficients and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients of 0.999, and Coefficients of Variation of 1.1% and 1.4%, respectively. Volume reliability coefficients were 58.3 ml and 70.0 ml respectively for Polycam and Luma, whereas Meshroom failed to meet any of the criteria for clinical suitability, with a repeatability coefficient of 790.3 ml. Both Polycam and Luma exhibit sufficient accuracy and reliability to be considered for clinical volume measurements.
Microgravity’s effects on miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in a mouse model of segmental bone defects
Authors: Gautam Aarti , Chakraborty Nabarun , Dimitrov George , Hoke Allison , Miller Stacy Ann , Swift Kevin , Sowe Bintu , Conley Carolynn , Kacena Melissa A. , Hammamieh Rasha
Published: December 2024

Rehabilitation from musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) complicate healing dynamics typically by sustained disuse of bone and muscles. Microgravity naturally allows limb disuse and thus an effective model to understand MSKI. The current study examined epigenetic changes in a segmental bone defect (SBD) mouse model in a prolonged unloading condition after spaceflight (FLT). We further connected potential miRNA–mRNA regulatory pathways impacting bone healing. Here, SBD surgery was performed on nine-week-old male mice that were launched into space for approximately 4 weeks. Sham with no surgery and ground controls were included in the study. The midshaft of the ipsilateral femur (with callus on the surgical mice) as well as the ipsilateral quadriceps tissue were used for analysis. Femur and quadriceps had a distinct miRNA profile. There was a stronger surgery effect as observed by miRNA expression when compared to microgravity effects. Leukopoiesis, granulopoiesis, myelopoiesis of leukocytes, differentiation of myeloid leukocytes, and differentiation of progenitor cells were all altered because of surgery in the femur. The biological functions such as apoptosis, necrosis, and activation of cell migration and viability were altered because of surgery in quadriceps. Integrating the transcriptome and microRNA data indicated pronounced changes because of microgravity. According to pathway analysis, microgravity had a greater impact on the quadriceps tissue than the bone tissue in the absence of surgery. The altered biological functions resulting from microgravity were validated by integrating limited proteomics data to miRNA-mRNA. Thus, this study highlights the importance of dynamic interplay of gene-epigene regulations as they appear to be intrinsically interconnected and influence in combination for the biological outcome.
Feasibility study to improve oral health in older adult patients using visiting nursing services: A pilot study
Authors: Noguchi Kyoko , Ochiai Ryota , Akase Tomoko , Nishiyama Kazuhiko , Watabe Setsuko
Published: December 2024

Among older adults in Japan, those requiring long-term care who use visiting nursing services have particularly poor oral health. Given the importance of oral health, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of oral health improvement interventions for such older adult patients using visiting nursing services. This study was a single-arm pilot study. The participants were those who provide oral care to older adults who use visiting nursing services, whether the patients themselves or their family members. Participants implemented oral care appropriate to the patient’s oral environment at least once a day for four weeks. Feasibility assessment consisted of the recruitment, completion, and compliance rates. Changes in the oral environment were measured using the Oral Health Assessment Tool-Japanese (OHAT-J), and changes in scores were assessed over the study period. The study was conducted across three visiting nursing stations, with 52 participants (a recruitment rate of 73.2%). Of these, 42 participants completed the final questionnaire (a completion rate of 80.8%). The compliance rate was 64.3%. The mean OHAT-J score was 4.5 (SD 2.3) pre-intervention, 3.7 (SD 2.0) at one week post-intervention, and 3.6 (SD 2.2) at four weeks post-intervention (p < 0.001), indicating a significant positive trend. The feasibility of this intervention was generally satisfactory, and the results showed that the oral environment was improved. Future studies with a larger scale and higher level of evidence should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
Disparities between sustainability of country-level seafood production and consumption
Authors: Blincow Kayla M. , Haynie Alan C. , Semmens Brice X.
Published: December 2024

Ensuring the sustainability of seafood is increasingly important for supporting food security and stable livelihoods in the face of a growing human population. A country’s seafood sustainability is often defined by how it manages its fisheries stocks; however, growth in the volume and complexity of global seafood trade has created an increasing disconnect between the sustainability of a country’s seafood production and their seafood consumption. Using a global seafood trade database, we demonstrate wide differences between country-specific sustainability of produced versus consumed seafood. Our findings suggest that countries most consistently considered leaders in seafood production sustainability will inevitably consume seafood held to lower sustainability standards through their participation in the global seafood trade network. This issue is exacerbated by an inability to accurately trace the origins of seafood products based on current international trade reporting practices. Our analysis suggests that improved international seafood tracing and sustainability metrics that account for both production and consumption are critical to future efforts to manage global seafood sustainability.
Rethreading the needle: A novel molecular index of soil health (MISH) using microbial functional genes to predict soil health management
Authors: Deel Heather L. , Manter Daniel K. , Moore Jennifer M.
Published: December 2024

Soil health relies on the actions and interactions of an abundant and diverse biological community. Current soil health assessments rely heavily on a suite of soil biological, chemical, and physical indicators, often excluding molecular information. Soil health is critical for sustainable agricultural production, and a comprehensive understanding of how microbial communities provide ecosystem services can help guide management practices. To explore the role of microbial function in soil health, 536 soil samples were collected from 26 U.S. states, representing 52 different crops and grazing lands, and analyzed for various soil health indicators. The bacterial functional profile was characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing paired with PICRUSt2 to predict metagenome functions. Functional data were used as predictors in eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), a powerful machine learning algorithm, and enzymes important to soil health indicators were compiled into a Molecular Index of Soil Health (MISH). The overall MISH score significantly correlated with non-molecular measures of soil health and management practice adoption. Additionally, several new enzymes were identified as potential targets to better understand microbial mediation of soil health. This low-cost, DNA-based approach to measuring soil health is robust and generalizable across climates.
The ameliorative effect of pioglitazone against colistin-induced nephrotoxicity is mediated by inhibition of NF-κB and restoration of Nrf2 signaling: An integrative bioinformatics prediction-guided in vitro study
Authors: Alharbi Metab , Mahmoud Mohamed A. , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Almutairi Mashal M. , Al-Ghamdi Jihan M. , Alsabhan Jawza F. , Shabanah Othman Al , Alshalawi Norah A. , Alzarea Sami I. , Alasmari Abdullah F.
Published: December 2024

Pioglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, has been previously shown to ameliorate kidney damage through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we employed an integrative bioinformatics approach to study the possible mechanisms involved in the mitigative effect of pioglitazone against colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. Next, we validated the results obtained from the bioinformatics study by pre-treating human kidney-2 (HK-2) cell line with pioglitazone 100 μM for 30 minutes and then treating the cells with colistin sulfate 1200 μM for 24 hours. Inflammatory signaling by cytokines and the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways were predicted to be involved in the ameliorative effect of pioglitazone against colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. The nuclear factor kappa B subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) and Nrf2 were among the predicted transcription factors regulating the hub genes. Moreover, miR-24, miR-16, and miR-21 were identified as potential pathogenic miRNAs regulating the hub genes. In contrast, miR-17, miR-27a, and miR-146a were identified as potential protective miRNAs. The in vitro study indicated that pioglitazone pre-treatment increased cell viability in HK-2 cells exposed to colistin. Pioglitazone pre-treatment reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (IL6 and TNF). Moreover, pioglitazone reduced the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and increased the protein expression of Nrf2. The protective effect of pioglitazone against colistin-induced toxicity in HK-2 cells is related to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity through modulating NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling and Nrf2-mediated antioxidative stress signaling.
The relationship between visitors’ motivation and landscape preference for the pilgrimage route on the Mount Miaofeng, China
Authors: Xu Meijing , Liu Jianjiao , Wang Ru , Lu Shan , Xu Feng
Published: December 2024

Many countries have recognized the significance of religious tourist destinations and actively included them into tourism systems. This study took the pilgrimage route on the Mount Miaofeng, a famous sacred place in northern China, as the research site to comprehensively understand visitors’ on-site experience when walking along it. The visitor-employed photography technique, supplemented by a questionnaire survey, was used to explore visitors’ preferences for landscape elements and spatial sequences. The landscape elements were identified in eight categories (including vegetation, religious symbol, mountain, route, human, village, temple fair, and facility), and the spatial sequences of photos along the route were divided into containing views at close, middle, and remote distances. Visitors were classified into three types: those motivated by religious purposes, recreational purposes, and multiple purposes. It was concluded that visitors normally preferred the vegetative landscape and religious symbol categories, and they preferred to take photos with views at close distance (with cultural and aesthetic significance) in human settlements. Visitors motivated by different purposes showed different patterns of preferences for landscapes which are in consistent with their travel motivations. This study contributed to an in-depth interpretation of the people-place relationships and the enrichment of tourism motivation theory, and it could provide valuable references for the conservation, management, and planning of religious tourism destinations.
A roadmap for a Metaverse-based digital governance: A case of the Gambia
Authors: Jobe Pa Sulay , Yilmaz Murat , Ilgın Hüseyin Emre
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the integration of Metaverse technologies into the digital governance framework of The Gambia, in order to identify the sectors where these innovations can be implemented most effectively. Driven by the pursuit of cutting-edge solutions to improve governance, improve public service delivery, and promote citizen engagement, the study uses qualitative analysis methodologies, including interviews with Information Technology (IT) professionals and an examination of government reports. Through the application of NVivo software for data analysis, essential themes and areas suitable for Metaverse applications were uncovered. These include the potential of the Metaverse to fundamentally transform sectors such as education, public service, infrastructure development, urban planning, and cultural heritage tourism. Despite recognizing the capacity of the Metaverse for transformative impact, this research identifies significant obstacles, including technical infrastructure readiness, ethical issues, and the need for policy reform. The findings highlight the need to address these challenges through substantial improvements in digital infrastructure, literacy, ethical guidelines, and policy frameworks. The study calls for a multistakeholder collaboration model, which incorporates government, the private sector, academia, and international bodies, to ensure the successful integration of the Metaverse into the digital governance of The Gambia. Offering comprehensive insights and strategic recommendations, this research underscores the collective effort required of all stakeholders to harness the full potential of the Metaverse, thus facilitating an inclusive and efficient digital governance ecosystem in the Gambia.
Preparing for the next pandemic: Reflections and recommendations from Florida
Authors: Liu Anicca , Waldman Rachel N. , Deal Bonnie , Duff Johnathan , Batycki Jacob N. , Pretto Ernesto A. , Saavedra Jorge , Szapocznik José
Published: December 2024

Context

The COVID-19 emergency warrants reflection on how to improve future infectious disease pandemic preparedness and response (PPR). U.S. States took diverse approaches to COVID-19, with Florida’s approach characterized by fewer restrictions on businesses and individuals. Despite the profound effects of the pandemic, there is a dearth of stakeholder-informed recommendations for PPR at the state level. This study aims to empirically examine stakeholder perspectives on PPR in Florida.

Methods

25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with former and current leaders from government, academia, and the private sector in Florida. Participants were asked about challenges encountered during COVID-19 and considerations for what should be done for future pandemics. Interview transcripts and notes were analyzed using qualitative content analysis (QCA).

Findings

Results were organized into four main categories (recommendations for future actions, challenges in PPR, successes and failures during the COVID-19 response), across which six sub-categories were identified: public health systems capacities; mitigation of disease transmission; roles and relationships; messaging and information dissemination; minimizing other adverse effects of a pandemic; and public health culture. Considering the neglect of existing pandemic plans and jurisdictional tensions around decision-making during COVID-19, participants proposed implementing a pandemic playbook that delineates the responsibilities of relevant agencies and processes of waiving standard procedures. While many suggested closures and restrictions to avoid the spread of disease, others questioned the extent to which such strategies should be implemented.

Conclusions

This study corresponds with the need for consensus-building across ideological divisions, revealing tensions among federal, state, and county-level entities, as well as across state-level agencies. Participants defined successful pandemic response as not only comprising the mitigation of disease transmission, but also the minimization of adverse social and economic effects. Participants discussed strategies for a unified, well-coordinated approach to future pandemics that balances health and economic concerns.
ZNF503-AS2 is a promising therapeutic target and is associated with the immune microenvironment in glioma
Authors: Wu Yibo , Mu Guangjing , Li Fang , Sun Yanfei , Lin Xiaoying , Liu Xuemeng , Zhao Zhimin , Han Mingzhi , Wang Donghai , Huang Bin , Li Xingang
Published: December 2024

Background

Glioma is the most common intracranial malignancy, and the available treatment options are poor. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the malignant progression of glioma. The role of ZNF503-AS2 in glioma has not been reported.

Methods

We screened ZNF503-AS2 with upregulated expression in glioblastoma (GBM) by analyzing the TCGA, CGGA and GTEx databases. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to calculate the enrichment of immune cells and signaling pathways in glioma samples. Single-cell datasets were used to analyze the distribution of ZNF503-AS2. In vitro experiments were used to investigate the biological function of ZNF503-AS2.

Results

ZNF503-AS2 was highly expressed in glioma and was associated with poor prognosis, malignant progression and infiltration of immunosuppressive cells. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis showed that ZNF503-AS2 was mainly expressed in macrophages and tumor cells. Further analysis revealed that immunotherapy may have better efficacy in patients with low ZNF503-AS2 expression. In vitro experiments showed that knockdown of ZNF503-AS2 reduced the proliferation, invasion and migration ability of glioma cells, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis.

Conclusions

ZNF503-AS2 might be a valuable biomarker for predicting the prognosis of glioma patients and a potential target for glioma therapy.
The impact of screen time and social media on youth self-harm behaviour and suicide: A protocol for a systematic reviews
Authors: Gillespie Kerri M. , Branjerdporn Grace , Woerwag Mehta Sabine , Glegg Jasmyn , Porter Matthew , Bartlett Selena E.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Social media, gaming, and other types of screen time have been associated with a number of child and adolescent mental health concerns, including NSSI, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicides. However, findings have been complicated by a quickly changing technological landscape and the COVID-19 pandemic. Inconsistent findings may be related to the dissimilar impacts of different screen time types on different age groups. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the pattern of impact of different screen time types on children and adolescents, investigating age groups of particular risk, and synthesising outcomes, recommendations, and strategies described to inform future studies and guidelines.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted of all study types, and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The following databases will be searched for relevant publications: CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, PsychArticles, Scopus, and Web of Science. Searches will be limited by language (English). Article selection, quality evaluation, and data extraction will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Quality assessment will be conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists for the appropriate study type.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required since we are not using patient data. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal article, and disseminated via conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023493058.
Experiences of labor-intensive procedures in the management of nocturnal enuresis—an explorative interview study in children and parents
Authors: Borgström Malin , Hjelm Katarina , Skogman Barbro H. , Nevéus Tryggve , Tunebjer Maria
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Nocturnal enuresis is a very common and socially distressing condition among children. There are qualitative studies published in children with bowel and bladder problems with a focus on health-related quality of life and the burden of the condition, but there is a lack of knowledge of the experience of managing the treatment procedures at home. From a clinical viewpoint, it can be assumed that the procedures entail a lot of work and have an impact on everyday life apart from the disorders per se, but the actual voices of the children have not been heard.

Purpose

To explore children’s and their parents’ experiences of labor-intensive procedures in the management of enuresis.

Design and methods

A qualitative interview study. Semi-structured interviews were held with fourteen children with enuresis six to nine years of age, together with their parents in Sweden between April 2020 and February 2021. Data were analyzed inductively with qualitative content analysis.

Results

The major findings showed both favorable strategies and challenges in labor-intensive management. The results are described in four categories: 1) experiences of how to manage; 2) managing procedures was a favorable experience; 3) managing procedures made it complicated and 4) problematic to remember.

Conclusion

Managing the treatment of enuresis at home can be challenging. There were procedures that children did not like and new routines that were difficult to remember. However, the study can suggest strategies in how to manage and overcome these difficulties.
GLP-1RA improves diabetic renal injury by alleviating glomerular endothelial cells pyrotosis via RXRα/circ8411/miR-23a-5p/ABCA1 pathway
Authors: Wu Weixi , Wang Yao , Shao Xian , Huang Shuai , Wang Jian , Zhou Saijun , Liu Hongyan , Lin Yao , Yu Pei
Published: December 2024

Background

Lipotoxicity has been implicated in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the role of high glucose levels in DKD and the underlying renal protective mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) remain unclear.

Methods

To investigate cholesterol accumulation, pyroptosis in glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs), and the renal protective mechanisms of GLP-1RAs, we used various techniques, including RT-qPCR, Oil Red O staining, Western blotting, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assays, circRNA microarrays, bioinformatics analysis, gain and loss-of-function experiments, rescue experiments, and luciferase assays. Additionally, in vivo experiments were conducted using C57BL/6J and ApoE-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice.

Results

GEnCs exposed to high glucose exhibited reduced cholesterol efflux, which was accompanied by downregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression, cholesterol accumulation, and pyroptosis. Circ8411 was identified as a regulator of ABCA1, inhibiting miR-23a-5p through its binding to the 3’UTR. Additionally, higher glucose levels decreased circ8411 expression by inhibiting RXRα. GLP-1RAs effectively reduced cholesterol accumulation and cell pyroptosis by targeting the RXRα/circ8411/miR-23a-5p/ABCA1 pathway. In diabetic ApoE-/- mice, renal structure and function were impaired, with resulted in increased cholesterol accumulation and pyroptosis; however, GLP-1RAs treatment reversed these detrimental changes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the RXRα/circ8411/miR-23a-5p/ABCA1 pathway mediates the contribution of high glucose to lipotoxic renal injury. Targeting this pathway may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with DKD and hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, GLP-1RAs may provide renal protective effects by activating this pathway.
Optimization of arc quenching parameters for enhancing surface hardness and line width in S45C steel using Taguchi method
Authors: Nguyen Van-Thuc , Minh Pham Son , Dang Hung-Son , Ho Nguyen
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of arc length, current intensity, travel speed, and gas flow rate on surface hardness and line width during arc quenching process of S45C steel. The current intensity has the greatest influence on the surface hardness of S45C steel, followed by the travel speed, gas flow rate, and arc length. Using the Taguchi method, the optimal values of the parameters such as the arc length of 1.5 mm, the current intensity of 125 A, the travel speed of 250 mm/min and the gas flow rate of 12.5 l/min were calculated. The optimal surface hardness would be 379 HV, with a standard deviation of 46.4 HV. The current intensity is the most critical component in determining line width among these parameters. The arc length ranks second, followed by the TIG gun’s travel speed. The gas flow rate is the least significant factor. A longer arc length may result in a broader heat zone, which leads to a better line width. Increasing the arc length, current intensity, travel speed, and gas flow rate results in a similar pattern of surface hardness change caused by the low-heated and over-heated phenomena. The microhardness distribution showed a hardening zone of up to 2500 μm and a maximum hardness of 453 HV. The microstructure of arc quenching samples has three zones: hardening, heat-affected, and base metal. The hardening zone exhibits a martensite microstructure with a tiny needle shape and a residual austenite matrix.