bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative morphological analysis of
Deinococcus radiodurans
elucidates complex dose-dependent nucleoid condensation during recovery from ionizing radiation
Authors: Cordova Antonio , Niese Brandon , Sweet Philip , Kamat Pratik , Phillip Jude M. , Gordon Vernita , Contreras Lydia M.
Published: June 2024

The extremophile
Deinococcus radiodurans
maintains a highly organized and condensed nucleoid as its default state, possibly contributing to its high tolerance to ionizing radiation (IR). Previous studies of the
D. radiodurans
nucleoid were limited by reliance on manual image annotation and qualitative metrics. Here, we introduce a high-throughput approach to quantify the geometric properties of cells and nucleoids using confocal microscopy, digital reconstructions of cells, and computational modeling. We utilize this novel approach to investigate the dynamic process of nucleoid condensation in response to IR stress. Our quantitative analysis reveals that at the population level, exposure to IR induced nucleoid compaction and decreased the size of
D. radiodurans
cells. Morphological analysis and clustering identified six distinct sub-populations across all tested experimental conditions. Results indicate that exposure to IR induced fractional redistributions of cells across sub-populations to exhibit morphologies associated with greater nucleoid condensation and decreased the abundance of sub-populations associated with cell division. Nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs) may link nucleoid compaction and stress tolerance, but their roles in regulating compaction in
D. radiodurans
are unknown. Imaging of genomic mutants of known and suspected NAPs that contribute to nucleoid condensation found that deletion of nucleic acid-binding proteins, not previously described as NAPs, can remodel the nucleoid by driving condensation or decondensation in the absence of stress and that IR increased the abundance of these morphological states. Thus, our integrated analysis introduces a new methodology for studying environmental influences on bacterial nucleoids and provides an opportunity to further investigate potential regulators of nucleoid condensation.

IMPORTANCE

Deinococcus radiodurans
, an extremophile known for its stress tolerance, constitutively maintains a highly condensed nucleoid. Qualitative studies have described nucleoid behavior under a variety of conditions. However, a lack of quantitative data regarding nucleoid organization and dynamics has limited our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling nucleoid organization in
D. radiodurans
. Here, we introduce a quantitative approach that enables high-throughput quantitative measurements of subcellular spatial characteristics in bacterial cells. Applying this to wild-type or single-protein-deficient populations of
D. radiodurans
subjected to ionizing radiation, we identified significant stress-responsive changes in cell shape, nucleoid organization, and morphology. These findings highlight this methodology’s adaptability and capacity for quantitatively analyzing the cellular response to stressors for screening cellular proteins involved in bacterial nucleoid organization.
Evolving ω-amine transaminase
At
ATA guided by substrate-enzyme binding free energy for enhancing activity and stability against non-natural substrates
Authors: Qiu Shuai , Ju Cong-Lin , Wang Tong , Chen Jie , Cui Yu-Tong , Wang Lin-Quan , Fan Fang-Fang , Huang Jun
Published: June 2024

In the field of chiral amine synthesis, ω-amine transaminase (ω-ATA) is one of the most established enzymes capable of asymmetric amination under optimal conditions. However, the applicability of ω-ATA toward more non-natural complex molecules remains limited due to its low transamination activity, thermostability, and narrow substrate scope. Here, by employing a combined approach of computational virtual screening strategy and combinatorial active-site saturation test/iterative saturation mutagenesis strategy, we have constructed the best variant M14C3-V5 (M14C3-V62A-V116S-E117I-L118I-V147F) with improved ω-ATA from
Aspergillus terreus
(
At
ATA) activity and thermostability toward non-natural substrate 1-acetylnaphthalene, which is the ketone precursor for producing the intermediate (
R
)-(+)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine [(
R
)-NEA] of cinacalcet hydrochloride, showing activity enhancement of up to 3.4-fold compared to parent enzyme M14C3 (
At
ATA-F115L-M150C-H210N-M280C-V149A-L182F-L187F). The computational tools YASARA, Discovery Studio, Amber, and FoldX were applied for predicting mutation hotspots based on substrate-enzyme binding free energies and to show the possible mechanism with features related to
At
ATA structure, catalytic activity, and stability
in silico
analyses. M14C3-V5 achieved 71.8% conversion toward 50 mM 1-acetylnaphthalene in a 50 mL preparative-scale reaction for preparing (
R
)-NEA. Moreover, M14C3-V5 expanded the substrate scope toward aromatic ketone compounds. The generated virtual screening strategy based on the changes in binding free energies has successfully predicted the
At
ATA activity toward 1-acetylnaphthalene and related substrates. Together with experimental data, these approaches can serve as a gateway to explore desirable performances, expand enzyme-substrate scope, and accelerate biocatalysis.

IMPORTANCE

Chiral amine is a crucial compound with many valuable applications. Their asymmetric synthesis employing ω-amine transaminases (ω-ATAs) is considered an attractive method. However, most ω-ATAs exhibit low activity and stability toward various non-natural substrates, which limits their industrial application. In this work, protein engineering strategy and computer-aided design are performed to evolve the activity and stability of ω-ATA from
Aspergillus terreus
toward non-natural substrates. After five rounds of mutations, the best variant, M14C3-V5, is obtained, showing better catalytic efficiency toward 1-acetylnaphthalene and higher thermostability than the original enzyme, M14C3. The robust combinational variant acquired displayed significant application value for pushing the asymmetric synthesis of aromatic chiral amines to a higher level.
Complete genome sequence of
Serratia ureilytica
KML.E1, a copper-tolerant strain isolated from a disused tungsten mine
Authors: Leung K. M. , Wyatt G. R. , Lai G. K. K. , Leung F. C. C. , Griffin S. D. J.
Published: June 2024

Serratia ureilytica
KML.E1 was recovered from a disused tungsten mine in Hong Kong and can tolerate copper(II) concentrations up to 90 mM. Its complete genome, a single chromosome of 5,094,661 bp (59.68% G+ C), was established through hybrid assembly.
Eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinicopathological studies of prevalence
Authors: Thagaard Mikkel Straarup , Vest Stine Dahl , Heegaard Steffen , Marcussen Niels
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) of the eyelid is an aggressive tumour with the ability to metastasise and an increased morbidity. Controversies regarding the epidemiology of this malignant eyelid tumour is widespread in the scientific literature. Western reports repeatedly describes eyelid SGC as a rare occurring tumour in general, accounting for 1%–3% of all eyelid tumours, however studies from Asia have uncovered a higher frequency of eyelid SGC including 54% of all eyelid tumours in Japan, and 43%–56% in India. We wish to retrieve observational data of eyelid SGC prevalence in proportion to total eyelid tumours, from pathological studies published worldwide to resolve this controversy.

Methods and analysis

We will search Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Google Scholar to identify published reports on eyelid SGC prevalence proportions, aiming to clarify the incidence of the tumour. We will include observational clinicopathological studies reporting prevalence with confirmed histopathology. No limitations on publication date or language will be applied. Data from the individual studies and study quality will be extracted by two individual reviewers. Study quality will be assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Instrument for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Raw proportions will be transformed and pooled using a random effects model for meta-analysis. And subgroup analysis according to geography will be performed. If data are deemed unsuitable for a meta-analysis, a narrative synthesis will be presented. We will judge the certainty of evidence and present whether this has an overall effect on the results. The results may shed light on a long-standing academic disparity of the scientific literature.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not require ethical approval. The results of this proposed review will be the subject to a publication in an international peer-reviewed journal within the ophthalmic or pathological specialty.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023487141.
Eligibility for antiamyloid treatment: preparing for disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dobson Ruth , Patterson Katherine , Malik Reshad , Mandal Uttara , Asif Hina , Humphreys Ros , Payne Michael , O-Charoenrat Eng , Huzzey Lauren , Clare Adam , Green Kate , Morton Maija , Sohrabi Catrin , Singh Navreen , Pasupathy Amirtha , Patel Milan , Whiteman Sam , Maxmin Kate , Bass Nicholas , Gupta Bhavya , Cooper Claudia , Marshall Charles , Weil Rimona Sharon , Mummery Catherine J
Published: June 2024

Background

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have early evidence of efficacy. Widespread delivery of DMTs will require major service reconfiguration. Treatment pathways will need to include triaging for eligibility, regular infusions and baseline and follow-up MRI scanning. A critical step in planning is provision of real-world estimates of patients likely to be eligible for triaging, but these are challenging to obtain.

Methods

We performed a retrospective service evaluation of patients attending five memory services across North and East London and a national specialist cognitive disorders service. We examined the likely proportion of patients who would (1) be referred for triaging for DMTs and (2) potentially be suitable for treatments.

Results

Data from a total of 1017 patients were included, 517 of whom were seen in community memory services and 500 in a specialist clinic. In the memory services, 367/517 (71%) were diagnosed with possible AD. After exclusions of those in whom cognitive and frailty scores, MRI contraindications or anticoagulant use indicated they would be unlikely to be suitable, an estimated 32% would be eligible for triaging. In the specialist cognitive clinic, where additional investigations are available, 14% of those seen (70/500) would be potentially eligible for treatment.

Conclusions

While a sizeable proportion of patients attending memory clinics may be referred for triaging for DMTs for AD, only a minority are likely to be suitable for these, as demonstrated in patients seen in specialist cognitive services. This will need to be considered when designing pathways for DMT delivery.
Flexible ureteroscopy in Chinese air force pilots with renal calculi: a cohort study at a single medical centre
Authors: Li Xintao , Zhang J , Yu D , Wang J , Sheng H , Li D , Chen K , Xing J , Wei X , Yan J , Xiao S , Mu D , Guo H , Sun B , Li J
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Renal calculi are the predominant urological ailment in air force pilots. Flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) constitutes a valuable approach for renal calculi treatment. This study presents a decade-long exploration of using FURS for renal calculi treatment in air force pilots. Additionally, it investigates the safety and feasibility of granting waiver flights to pilots with renal parenchyma calcification.

Methods

From December 2009 to December 2019, a retrospective review was conducted on Chinese air force pilots undergoing treatment for renal calculi. Among the pilots assessed, a total of 71 individuals underwent FURS. Endoscopic methodology involved the insertion of a flexible ureteroscope into the ureter and renal pelvis, guided by a safety wire. Stone fragmentation was achieved using a holmium laser fibre, followed by extraction using a soft stone basket. Postoperative non-enhanced CT (NECT) scans was used to confirm stone clearance. Furthermore, clinical diagnoses were classified based on endoscopic findings and postoperative NECT results. All data were presented as mean (SD) or median (minimum-maximum) for continuous variables and frequency counts and percentages for categorical variables.

Results

FURS identified free kidney stones in 60 cases among all patients. The remaining 11 cases, without free stones detected during ureteroscopy, exhibited persistent high-density spots on postoperative NECT. Of the 60 cases with stones, renal calculi were successfully cleared in 30 pilots, while the remaining 30 exhibited persistent high-density spots on NECT postsurgery. Pilots with completely cleared free stones were deemed fit for flight. Pilots with diagnosed renal parenchyma calcification were granted permission to fly under waivers following a meticulous evaluation.

Conclusions

FURS could not only effectively eliminate renal calculi but also accurately diagnose renal parenchyma calcification, facilitating a prompt return to flight for pilots. A protocol for managing pilot renal calculi, informed by FURS and our experience, is proposed.
Lessons learned from the experiences of patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPP syndrome) with a multidisciplinary consultation: a qualitative study
Authors: Wissing Myrthe C , van der Net Lotte , Engels Yvonne , Vissers Kris C P , Kluivers Kirsten B , Wal Selina van der , Notten Kim J B
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a complex multifactorial condition with an increasing prevalence probably due to a rising awareness. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is pain in the pelvic area and often accompanied with complaints in other organ systems of the lesser pelvis. Patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome who present at our center are evaluated in a standardized care pathway with an integrated multidisciplinary consultation. The team works in a single center and consists of gynecologists, pain specialists, urologists, a pelvic floor physiotherapist and a psychologist. The aim of this interview study is to evaluate the value of the multidisciplinary consultation from the patient’s perspectives.

Methods

In a qualitative study, we evaluated the experiences and perspectives of patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome concerning the multidisciplinary consultation at the Radboud University Medical Center. Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome who attended a multidisciplinary consultation between 2019 and 2022. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed via ATLAS.ti with the conventional content analysis.

Results

Data saturation was reached after seven interviews, followed by three confirmative interviews. In total, 10 patients (22–76 years) participated in the study. Three relevant themes were identified in the interviews: the deleterious effects of pain on overall health, the importance of the design of the multidisciplinary consultation, and the performance of healthcare professionals (knowledge, skills and interaction with patients and colleagues). Participants suggested that although the consultation did not improve their pain experience, there was value in having a comprehensive assessment of their disease. Patients preferred the consultation to occur at the beginning of the care. Additionally, they acknowledged the performance of healthcare providers and having their complaints recognized. However, some participants suggested the need for additional attention to mental health issues during the multidisciplinary consultation.

Discussion

Even though patients did not perceive the multidisciplinary consultation to improve their pain experience, they appreciated the sense of recognition by this team.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary consultation is of value from the patients’ perspective. A suggestion for improvement emerged where the multidisciplinary consultation should occur at the beginning of the patient journey.
CT informs detection and treatment options in rheumatoid arthritis complicated by pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease from the FIRST registry
Authors: Funada Masashi , Miyazaki Yusuke , Nakayamada Shingo , Sonomoto Koshiro , Kubo Satoshi , Miyagawa Ippei , Tanaka Hiroaki , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the early detection of pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial (PNTM) disease by CT before the initiation of molecular-targeted therapeutic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with antibiotics.

Methods

Patients with RA underwent chest CT before the introduction of molecular-targeted therapies in the Further Improvement of Rheumatoid arthritis Treatment registry. The primary endpoint was the number of patients who were detected by CT as having PNTM disease, complicating RA.

Results

Of 4447 patients with RA who underwent chest CT, 107 had suspected PNTM disease, and 33 diagnoses were confirmed by culture. In 14 of the 33 patients, plain radiographs showed no abnormalities; PNTM disease was only observed on CT scans. The prevalence of PNTM disease in patients with RA requiring molecular-targeted treatment was six times higher than that in healthy individuals. 31 patients initiated molecular-targeted therapeutic drugs in combination with anti-NTM treatment, and 28 were followed up for 24 months. No significant difference was observed in the retention rate and RA disease activity at 24 months between the PNTM and non-PNTM groups. Coexisting PNTM disease did not affect treatment discontinuation. None of the 28 patients in the PNTM group experienced exacerbation of PNTM disease.

Conclusion

CT screening before the initiation of molecular-targeted treatment enabled the detection of asymptomatic PNTM that was undetectable on plain radiographs. This study showed that molecular-targeted therapeutic drugs in combination with anti-NTM treatment could control the disease activity of both PNTM and RA.
The Bocharova–Bronnikov–Melnikov–Bekenstein black hole’s exact quasibound states and Hawking radiation
Authors: Senjaya David
Published: June 2024

In this letter, we investigate behaviour of massive and massless scalar field that is represented by the covariant Klein–Gordon equation with Bocharova–Bronnikov–Melnikov–Bekenstein (BBMB) black hole background. We successfully solve analytically the governing relativistic wave equation and discover the exact quasibound states’ wave functions and energy levels of both massive and massless cases. The corresponding quasibound states have complex-valued energy $$E=E_R+iE_I$$

E
=

E
R

+
i

E
I

where the real part $$E_R$$

E
R

can be interpreted as the scalar’s relativistic quantized energy while the imaginary part represents decay as the quasibound states tunnels through the black hole’s horizon. The Hawking radiation coming out of the BBMB black hole’s horizon is also discussed and calculated via the Damour–Ruffini method, i.e. by singling out the particle–anti-particle parts of the obtained exact scalar’s exact wave function from where, the radiation distribution function is derived and the Hawking temperature is obtained.
Prenylated Flavonoids in Sophora flavescens: A Systematic Review of Their Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Kong Shasha , Liao Qian , Liu Yuling , Luo Yuting , Fu Sai , Lin Longfei , Li Hui
Published: June 2024

Sophora flavescens has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1700 years. This plant is known for its heat-clearing, damp-drying, insecticidal, and diuretic properties. Phytochemical research has identified prenylated flavonoids as a unique class of bioactive compounds in S. flavescens. Recent pharmacological studies reveal that the prenylated flavonoids from S. flavescens (PFS) exhibit potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and glycolipid metabolism-regulating activities, offering significant therapeutic benefits for various diseases. However, the pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles of PFS have not been systematically studied. Despite the diverse biological effects of prenylated flavonoid compounds against similar diseases, their structure-activity relationship is not yet fully understood. This review aims to summarize the latest findings regarding the chemical composition, drug metabolism, pharmacological properties, toxicity, and structure-activity relationship of prenylated flavonoids from S. flavescens. It seeks to highlight their potential for clinical use and suggest directions for future related studies.
Structural design and multi-objective optimization of an MR isolator based on flow valve-cone rubber structure
Authors: Zhu Pufan , Zhu Mi , Zheng Zhiyuan , Jiang Luhang , Fu Jie , Yu Miao
Published: June 2024

Due to the distinctive working environment of high precision machining and manufacturing field, it poses challenges in meeting the isolation requirements, including limited installation space, multi-dimensional vibration, and a wide range of vibration frequencies. To tackle these obstacles, this paper introduces a magnetorheological (MR) isolator that offers adjustable vertical damping characteristics while guaranteeing three-axis vibration isolation through an inclined cone structure. First, the structure of the isolator was designed by combining a flow valve damper with a conical rubber structure. Second, in pursuit of lightweight design and enhanced magnetic field strength, collaborative simulations using ANSYS and Maxwell are conducted to subject the critical components of the isolator to multi-objective optimization. The optimization results demonstrate that the mass of the isolator has been reduced by approximately 27.7%, while the magnetic field intensity has increased by around 20%. Finally, the performance of the MR isolator was verified through static testing and dynamic testing, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the isolator can generate a maximum damping force of approximately 778[Formula: see text]N when exposed to a current of 1.5[Formula: see text]A. Compared to the initial value of 445.06[Formula: see text]N at 0[Formula: see text]A, there has been an approximate increase of 1.74 times.
Impact of variable electrical conductivity, viscosity on convective heat and mass transfer flow of CuO- and Al2O3-water nanofluids in cylindrical annulus
Authors: Reddy Y. Madhusudhana , Ganteda Charankumar , Sreedhar S. , Himabindu I. B. N. , Sulaiman Tukur Abdulkadir , Obulesu Mopuri , Yusuf Abdullahi , Umar Huzaifa , Uzun Berna
Published: June 2024

In the food industry, electrical conductivity is essential for heating processes. The dependence on temperature conductivity of electricity on the outermost layers flow of the nanofluid is the main topic of this paper. Variable electrical conductivity, viscosity, thermo diffusion, thermal radiation and radiation absorption on convective heat and mass transfer flow Cuo and Al2O3-water nano-fluids confined in cylindrical annulus. The non-linear governing equations have been solved by finite element technique with quadratic approximation functions. For various parametric adjustments, the temperature, speed, and nanoconcentration have all been examined. Similar to the cylindrical wall, quantitative evaluations have been made of the surface resistance, temperature rate and mass transport. It is discovered that for both types of nanofluids, a higher thermo-diffusion effect leads to a lower concentration and Sherwood digits on the cylinders. An augment in Q1 enriches the rapidity in CuO-water nanofluidic system as well as decreases in Al2O3-water nanofluidic. Increased Q1 lowers the real temperature and nanoconcentration in both types of nanofluids.
Photodynamic anticancer and antibacterial properties of a series of Sn(IV) tetraarylporphyrins
Authors: Soy Rodah C. , Babu Balaji , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: June 2024

A series of Sn(IV) porphyrins with 4-methoxy- (1-SnPor), 3-methoxy- (2-SnPor), 4-hydroxy- (3-SnPor) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl (4-SnPor) meso-aryl rings have been synthesized and characterized. 1-4-SnPor have relatively high singlet oxygen quantum yields in the 0.65−0.68 range in DMSO due to the heavy atom effect of the Sn(IV) ion. The lowest energy Q bands of the complexes lie at 612, 602, 615 and 620 nm, respectively. In the context of 4-SnPor, this represents an 18 nm red shift relative to the spectra of Sn(IV) tetraphenylporphyrin and 2-SnPor, which has methoxy groups at a meta-position. The in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) activities of 1-4-SnPor were determined against MCF-7 breast cancer cells through illumination for 20 min with a Thorlabs M625L3 (240 mW.cm[Formula: see text] light emitting diode (LED) that has an output maximum at 625 nm and a Modulight illumination kit providing a dose of 1.7 J.cm[Formula: see text] at the well-plate. The IC[Formula: see text] value of 7.1 μM for 4-SnPor is significantly lower than the values of 14.7, 16.5 and 11.2 μM for 1-3-SnPor, respectively, due to the significant red shift of its Q[Formula: see text] band that results in a better match with the output maximum of the LED. 1-4-SnPor were found to have relatively high photodynamic antimicrobial activity against planktonic Gram-(+) Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and exhibited moderate activity against Gram-([Formula: see text] Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria upon illumination with the Thorlabs M625L3 LED for 75 min providing a dose of 6.5 J.cm[Formula: see text] at the well-plate. Log[Formula: see text] reduction values of 7.62 and > 2.40−2.94 were obtained with 1 and 5 μM solutions in 1% DMSO/PBS, respectively. The photodynamic antimicrobial activities were also investigated against S. aureus and E. coli biofilms.
Codesign of Reactor-Oriented Hardware and Software for Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Jellum Erling Rennemo , Schoeberl Martin , Lee Edward Ashford , Orlandic Milica
Published: June 2024

Modern cyber-physical systems often make use of heterogeneous systems-on-chip with reconfigurable logic to provide adequate computing power and flexible I/O. However, modeling, verifying, and implementing the computations spanning CPUs and reconfigurable logic are still challenging. The hardware and software components are often designed by different teams and at different levels of abstraction, making it hard to reason about the resulting computation. We propose to lift both hardware and software design to the same level of abstraction by using the Lingua Franca coordination language. Lingua Franca is based on a sparse synchronous model that allows modeling concurrency and timing while keeping a sequential model for the actual computation. We define hardware reactors as a subset of the reactor model of computation underlying Lingua Franca. We also present and evaluate reactor-chisel, a hardware runtime implementing the semantics of hardware reactors, and an extension to the Lingua Franca compiler enabling reactor-oriented hardware–software codesign.
Behavioral design in video games
Authors: Birk Max V. , van der Hof Simone , van Rooij Antonius J.
Published: June 2024

Game design has an impact on health and well-being. Due to their evolving capacities, young people and children are especially sensitive to the negative and positive impacts of media design choices. To protect vulnerable people, ethical and responsible game design practices are necessary. But what constitutes “ethical” and responsible game design?

Defining “behavioral design” as video game design decisions that elicit, either accidentally or purposefully, self-negative or self-beneficial behavior in the gamer, we draw from expertise in public health, game design, and legal scholarship to analyze current game design practices. Our work illustrates the centrality of changing business models with game design and the resulting tension within games. In practice, monetization strategies regularly guide decision-making in game design, facilitating risks for gamer welfare and finances.
Global Initiatives Towards Regulatory Frameworks for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education
Authors: Mahrishi Mehul , Abbas Asad , Siddiqui Mohammad Khubeb
Published: June 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) integration into education has received significant global attention, sparking a need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks for governance. In this commentary, we first examine the role of AI in education and how it is integrated with the teaching and learning process. It also discusses the impact of AI on higher education through specific case studies and tries to illuminate the current/emerging trends, challenges, and potential future directions. Furthermore, it highlights insights from global initiatives, policy frameworks, and ethical standards adopted by prominent organizations to govern AI in higher education. The study concludes that the optimal use of these AI apps can only be harnessed through proper transparency and ethical balance.
Effect of Oligopin Administration on Ovarian Morphology in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Sajjadi-Jazi Sayed Mahmoud , Sanginabadi Milad , Moradi Behnaz , Hashemi Taheri Amir Pejman , Amouei Mehrnam , Qorbani Mostafa , Hosseini Saeed , Gity Masoumeh , Mohajeri-Tehrani Mohammad Reza , Taheri Seyed Vahid , Mansour Asieh
Published: June 2024

Background. The effects of oligopin as an antioxidant on polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) have not yet been examined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the oligopin supplementation on PCOM among patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods. This randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was carried out at Shariati Hospital, Arash Hospital, and Yas Hospital, Tehran, Iran, to determine the effect of oligopin (50 mg/d) or placebo in PCOS patients. The ultrasonographic ovarian morphology was assessed in women aged 18–40 years, before and after 3 months of intervention. Results. Among 45 randomized participants, 32 participants, of whom 17 were in the oligopin group and 15 were in the placebo group completed the trial. There was only one adverse event in the oligopin group. The mean (standard deviation) age of the patients was 30.47 (6.30) years and the median (interquartile range) BMI was 27.50 (23.42–33.55). Three months of oligopin therapy significantly decreased ovarian stromal area (p = 0.01) and stromal/total area (p = 0.003). However, no significant differences were observed in the ovarian volume, ovarian area, 2–9 mm antral follicle counts, or peripheral follicle distribution pattern at 3 months. Conclusion. Among participants with PCOS, the use of oligopin (50 mg) daily, as compared with a placebo, resulted in improvement of the stromal area and stromal/total area at the end of the 3 months of treatment. Further studies are, however, needed to evaluate the longer‐term efficacy and safety. This trial is registered with IRCT20140406017139N3.
Harnessing the Regenerative Potential of Fetal Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Endothelial Colony‐Forming Cells in the Biofabrication of Tissue‐Engineered Vascular Grafts (TEVGs)
Authors: Weekes Angus , Wasielewska Joanna M. , Pinto Nigel , Jenkins Jason , Patel Jatin , Li Zhiyong , Klein Travis J. , Meinert Christoph
Published: June 2024

Tissue engineering is a promising approach for the production of small‐diameter vascular grafts; however, there are limited data directly comparing the suitability of applicable cell types for vessel biofabrication. Here, we investigated the potential of adult smooth muscle cells (SMCs), placental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), placental endothelial colony‐forming cells (ECFCs), and a combination of MSCs and ECFCs on highly porous biocompatible poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds produced via melt electrowriting (MEW) for the biofabrication of tissue‐engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs). Cellular attachment, proliferation, and deposition of essential extracellular matrix (ECM) components were analysed in vitro over four weeks. TEVGs cultured with MSCs accumulated the highest levels of collagenous components within a dense ECM, while SMCs and the coculture were more sparsely populated, ascertained via histological and immunofluorescence imaging, and biochemical assessment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enabled visualisation of morphological differences in cell attachment and growth, with MSCs and SMCs infiltrating and covering scaffolds completely within the 28‐day culture period. Coverage and matrix deposition by ECFCs was limited. However, ECFCs lined the ECM formed by MSCs in coculture, visualised via immunostaining. Thus, of cells investigated, placental MSCs were identified as the preferred cell source for the fabrication of tissue‐engineered constructs, exhibiting extensive population of porous polymer scaffolds and production of ECM components; with the inclusion of ECFCs for luminal endothelialisation, an encouraging outcome warranting further consideration in future studies. In combination, these findings represent a substantial step toward the development of the next generation of small‐diameter vascular grafts in the management of cardiovascular disease.
Table S1 from Deep-Learning Model for Tumor-Type Prediction Using Targeted Clinical Genomic Sequencing Data
Authors: Darmofal Madison , Suman Shalabh , Atwal Gurnit , Toomey Michael , Chen Jie-Fu , Chang Jason C. , Vakiani Efsevia , Varghese Anna M. , Balakrishnan Rema Anoop , Syed Aijazuddin , Schultz Nikolaus , Berger Michael F. , Morris Quaid
Published: June 2024

All Sample IDs and associated AACR-GENIE IDs, Cancer Types and classification category (train, test, CUP etc)
Figure S6: Individual Type Shapley Values from Deep-Learning Model for Tumor-Type Prediction Using Targeted Clinical Genomic Sequencing Data
Authors: Darmofal Madison , Suman Shalabh , Atwal Gurnit , Toomey Michael , Chen Jie-Fu , Chang Jason C. , Vakiani Efsevia , Varghese Anna M. , Balakrishnan Rema Anoop , Syed Aijazuddin , Schultz Nikolaus , Berger Michael F. , Morris Quaid
Published: June 2024

Top ten most important features leading to correct predictions of all 38 cancer types included, as approximated by normalized Shapley value effect scores. We sum absolute Shapley values per feature, indicate whether the feature was present or absent by multiplying by 1 or -1, and normalized each feature by the total sum of absolute Shapley values across the correct predictions within the cancer type. Features that correspond to the same gene or arm segment are grouped, top ten values determined after aggregating across genes or arm segments.
Religion and Coronavirus Response in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Okorie Mitterand Mvono
Published: June 2024

In April 2020 there was an inordinate spike in COVID-19 related deaths in Kano State, northern Nigeria, due to a lack of adherence to the national public health emergency recommendations. This article aims to explain why this public health fiasco occurred. Utilizing secondary academic literature and news reports from local media, the article interrogates the manifestation of Islam in northern Nigeria and the resulting undermining of the country’s coronavirus mitigation response. The evidence from Kano State indicates that religious authorities failed to heed the suspension of congregational prayers as the relevant health agencies advised, due to a belief in the exceptionality of northern Nigeria as a theocratic substate in a secular federation. The article therefore highlights the challenges of communicating public health risk in a context where the authority of religious leaders, real or imagined, undercuts the power of state institutions.
Study of the Future Evolution of the Urban Climate of Paris by Statistical–Dynamical Downscaling of the EURO-CORDEX Ensemble
Authors: Le Roy Benjamin , Lemonsu Aude , Schoetter Robert , Machado Tiago
Published: June 2024

High-resolution urban climate projections are needed for local decision-making on climate change adaptation. Regional climate models have resolutions that are too coarse to simulate the urban climate at such resolutions. A novel statistical–dynamical downscaling (SDD) approach is used here to downscale the EURO-CORDEX ensemble to a resolution of 1 km while adding the effect of the city of Paris (France) on air temperature. The downscaled atmospheric fields are then used to drive the Town Energy Balance urban canopy model to produce high-resolution temperature maps over the period 1970–2099, while maintaining the city’s land cover in its present state. The different steps of the SDD are evaluated for the summer season. The regional climate models simulate minimum (maximum) temperatures (TN/TX) that are too high (low). After correction and downscaling, the urban simulations inherit some of these biases but give satisfactory results for summer urban heat islands (UHIs), with average biases of −0.6 K at night and +0.3 K during the day. Changes in future summer temperatures are then studied for two greenhouse gas emission scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Outside the city, the simulations project average increases of 4.1 and 4.8 K for TN and TX for RCP8.5, respectively. In the city, warming is lower, resulting in a decrease in UHIs of −0.19 K at night (from 2.1 to 1.9 K) and −0.16 K during the day. The changes in UHIs are explained by higher rates of warming in rural temperatures due to lower summer precipitation and soil water content and are partially offset by increased ground heat storage in the city.
Analysis of the Structure - Property Relations of Foam Materials
Authors: Chen C. P. , Lakes R. S.
Published: June 2024

This article describes investigations of the relations between mechanical properties (stiffness and strength) and structure of the cells of foam materials. A new analytical approach based on shell theory was used to study closed cell foams and the finite element method was used to study open cell and closed cell foams. Results were compared with experimentally obtained data for copper and polymethacrylimide foams and with results of prior analytical methods. Experimental results lie within the region bounded by the predicted behaviour of fully closed cell and fully open cell foams.
A novel approach of thick coating through selective jet electrodeposition process
Authors: Pandey Anand Mohan , Kapil Sajan , Das Manas
Published: June 2024

Selective Jet Electrodeposition (SJED) emerges as a cutting-edge Additive Manufacturing technology, offering the ability to produce metallic components at both nano and micro scales. In SJED, metallic deposition occurs atom by atom, showcasing potential applications for electroplating (coating) purposes. Achieving a smooth and void-free coating necessitates optimisation of layer height, width and the centre distance between two adjacent beads. An ANOVA study is performed to identify the most impactful input process parameters among source voltage, scan speed and frequency. It evaluates their contribution to the output responses (layer height and width). Furthermore, Response Surface Methodology is performed to obtain the optimal parameters to achieve maximum layer height and minimum layer width. Additionally, multi-bead optimisation is performed to achieve a flat surface condition. Subsequently, a coating is carried out using a toolpath, and a comparative analysis is conducted with the conventional coating method in terms of mechanical properties. The SJED-based coating exhibits superior characteristics compared to conventional coating.
Massive branchial henneguyosis of catfish: A distinct, myxozoan-induced gill disease caused by severe interlamellar Henneguya exilis infection in catfish aquaculture
Authors: Stilwell Justin M. , Griffin Matt J. , Leary John H. , Khoo Lester H. , Camus Alvin C.
Published: June 2024

Proliferative gill disease (PGD), caused by the myxozoan Henneguya ictaluri, has been the most notorious parasitic gill disease in the US catfish aquaculture industry. In 2019, an unusual gill disease caused by massive burdens of another myxozoan, Henneguya exilis, was described in channel ( Ictalurus punctatus) × blue ( Ictalurus furcatus) hybrid catfish. Targeted metagenomic sequencing and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used to differentiate these conditions by comparing myxozoan communities involved in lesion development and disease pathogenesis between massive H. exilis infections and PGD cases. Thirty ethanol-fixed gill holobranchs from 7 cases of massive H. exilis infection in hybrid catfish were subjected to targeted amplicon sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene and compared to a targeted metagenomic data set previously generated from clinical PGD case submissions. Furthermore, serial sections of 14 formalin-fixed gill holobranchs (2 per case) were analyzed by RNAscope duplex chromogenic ISH assays targeting 8 different myxozoan species. Targeted metagenomic and ISH data were concordant, indicating myxozoan community compositions significantly differ between PGD and massive branchial henneguyosis. Although PGD cases often consist of mixed species infections, massive branchial henneguyosis consisted of nearly pure H. exilis infections. Still, H. ictaluri was identified by ISH in association with infrequent PGD lesions, suggesting coinfections occur, and some cases of massive branchial henneguyosis may contain concurrent PGD lesions contributing to morbidity. These findings establish a case definition for a putative emerging, myxozoan-induced gill disease of farm-raised catfish with a proposed condition name of massive branchial henneguyosis of catfish (MBHC).
What if Marquis de Sade Was a Woman? New Evidence of Sex Differences in Behavioral Manifestation of Sadism
Authors: Chopin Julien , DeLisi Matt , Beauregard Eric
Published: June 2024

This study aims to explore the behavioral manifestation of sadism in females involved in sexual crimes. The sample includes 24 female sex offenders for which sadism was assessed with the SeSaS. To conduct a gender-based comparison analysis, we conducted a random selection of 100 sadistic male offenders. Bivariate comparisons and multidimensional scaling analysis were used to determine whether behavioral manifestation and dimensions of sadism are different in female sex offenders. Results showed that sadism in women manifests itself differently from male offenders and practical implications are discussed.
Structural, electrical and magnetoresistance feature of PP+Fe3O4 + Multi-walled carbon nanotubes nano-hybrid based polymer nanocomposite
Authors: Hajiyeva Flora Vidadi , Shirinova HA , Alizada SG , Ramazanov MA
Published: June 2024

This work studied the role of the iron oxide and MWCNT in a change of the electrophysical properties of PP + Fe3O4 + MWCNT nanocomposite to evaluate the potential of these nanocomposites as magnetic field sensors and EMI materials. The morphology of the obtained nanocomposites was studied with a scanning electron microscope and investigated that the sizes of both magnetite nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes stay stable during the three-phase nanocomposite formation. In addition, the X-ray diffraction method revealed that MWCNT plays an essential role in the ordered structure-formation of a polymer nanocomposite more than iron oxide nanoparticles. Dielectric properties of the PP + Fe3O4 nanocomposite were studied. Both dielectric permeability and dielectric losses of PP+MWCNT+Fe3O4 nanocomposites were enhanced. The dielectric permeability of the nanocomposite increased due to the interphase polarization, which in turn related to the formation of ordered structure caused the partial arrangement of carbon nanotubes in the polymer. Furthermore, the study showed that the negative magnetoresistance effect of PP+MWCNT+Fe3O4 nanocomposites is more dependent on the amount of Fe3O4 nanoparticles than that of MWCNT, which explained by the spin polarization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles at room temperature. In this research, the PP+5%Fe3O4+1%MWCNT nanocomposites were considered to be an effective material for magnetic field sensors and EMI shielding.
Anticancer effect of Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone/chitosan/silver nanoparticles) nanocomposite synthesized by gamma radiation
Authors: Ali Hassan Mohamed , S El-Deap Mohamed , Mahmoud Farag Ahmed , Abdelrahman Ibrahim Y , Abdel-Ghaffar Ashraf Maher
Published: June 2024

Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone/chitosan/Ag nanoparticles) Poly (NVP/CS/AgNPs) nanocomposite was prepared by using gamma radiation. Silver nitrate was reduced to AgNPs by using gamma radiation to create highly stable, and evenly dispersed AgNPs within the nanocomposite network. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analysis are used to identify the characteristics of the prepared nanocomposite. The newly biocompatible Poly (NVP/CS/AgNPs) nanocomposite prepared by the gamma radiation is used as a model for an anticancer drug. Regarding its application on cancer cells, the results of the outcome demonstrate that the Poly (NVP/CS/AgNPs) nanocomposite significantly decreased the HepG2 cell viability from 100% to 1.5% after 72 hours using the concentration of 30 µg/ml, and the IC50 recorded 10.024 µg/ml at 72 hours of treatment. Moreover, the treatment with the Poly (NVP/CS/AgNPs) nanocomposite increases the cytotoxicity against cancer cells at different concentrations 30 µg/ml and 3.75 µg/ml at different time intervals of 24, 48, and 72 hours. The percent change of MDA, and H2O2 increased in treated cells, and was recorded at 127%, and 69%, respectively, but the CAT activity decreased by 47% in comparison with untreated cells. Relative gene expression was performed in the control, and treated group. The gene expression revealed that the Bcl-2 gene expression as the anti-apoptotic gene was downregulated in the treated group. In contrast, the apoptotic gene BAX was upregulated, and reached 7383-fold in the group treated. The Bax/ Bcl2 ratio reached 625.19 which is an excellent indicator of apoptosis. Using western blot, the protein expression increased for Caspse-3 and P53 recorded at 203% and 109%, respectively. In conclusion, Poly (NVP/CS/AgNPs) nanocomposite has a potent effect on killing cancer cells.