bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond crippling bias: Carcass‐location bias in roadkill studies
Authors: Román Jacinto , Rodríguez Carlos , García‐Rodríguez Alberto , Diez‐Virto Irati , Gutiérrez‐Expósito Carlos , Jubete Fernando , Paniw Maria , Clavero Miguel , Revilla Eloy , D'Amico Marcello
Published: March 2024

Wildlife roadkill studies need to cope with a mismatch among recorded carcasses and actual road mortality, because of the existence of three biases: crippling, carcass‐persistence, and observer bias. Here, we focused on the often overlooked crippling bias, suggesting that it should be called carcass‐location bias and disentangling the related three possible outcomes for affected wildlife: injured animal escaping and dying away from road, animal rebounding off the road after vehicle collision, and animal retained by vehicle. Such outcomes can probably be affected by different species traits, and, in order to make a first evaluation of this hypothesis, we opportunistically collected 150 direct observations on the ultimate fate of roadkilled vertebrates. Approximately one third of them were affected by carcass‐location bias, so extremely difficult to be recorded through typical roadkill surveys, entailing a considerable and overlooked source of error for roadkill studies and mitigation actions based on them.
Evaluation of the usefulness of plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol concentration normalized by 4α‐hydroxycholesterol for accurate CYP3A phenotyping
Authors: Oda Ayako , Suzuki Yosuke , Sato Haruki , Koyama Teruhide , Nakatochi Masahiro , Momozawa Yukihide , Tanaka Ryota , Ono Hiroyuki , Tatsuta Ryosuke , Ando Tadasuke , Shin Toshitaka , Wakai Kenji , Matsuo Keitaro , Itoh Hiroki , Ohno Keiko
Published: March 2024

Plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol (OHC) has drawn attention as an endogenous substrate indicating CYP3A activity. Plasma 4β‐OHC is produced by hydroxylation by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 and by cholesterol autoxidation. Plasma 4α‐OHC is produced by cholesterol autoxidation and not affected by CYP3A activity. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of plasma 4β‐OHC concentration minus plasma 4α‐OHC concentration (4β‐OHC–4α‐OHC) compared with plasma 4β‐OHC concentration and 4β‐OHC/total cholesterol (TC) ratio in cross‐sectional evaluation of CYP3A activity. Four hundred sixteen general adults were divided into 191 CYP3A5*1 carriers and 225 non‐carriers. Twenty‐six patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with CYP3A5*1 allele were divided into 14 with CKD stage 3 and 12 with stage 4–5D. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the three indices were evaluated for predicting presence or absence of CYP3A5*1 allele in general adults, and for predicting CKD stage 3 or stage 4–5D in patients with CKD. There was no significant difference between AUC of 4β‐OHC–4α‐OHC and AUC of plasma 4β‐OHC concentration in general adults and in patients with CKD. AUC of 4β‐OHC–4α‐OHC was significantly smaller than that of 4β‐OHC/TC ratio in general adults (p = 0.025), but the two indices did not differ in patients with CKD. In conclusion, in the present cross‐sectional evaluation of CYP3A activity in general adults and in patients with CKD with CYP3A5*1 allele, the usefulness of 4β‐OHC–4α‐OHC was not different from plasma 4β‐OHC concentration or 4β‐OHC/TC ratio. However, because of the limitations in study design and subject selection of this research, these findings require verification in further studies.
Genetic variant detection in a South African haemophilia B population
Authors: Bester Chené , Kloppers Jean F. , van Rensburg Walter J. Janse
Published: March 2024

Background

Haemophilia B is characterised by a deficiency of factor IX (FIX) protein due to genetic variants in the FIX gene (F9). Genetic testing may have a vital role in effectively managing haemophilia B. However, in many developing countries, comprehensive genetic variant detection is unavailable. This study aimed to address the lack of genetic data in our country by conducting genetic variant detection on people affected by haemophilia B in our region.

Methods

Twenty‐one participants were screened with a direct Sanger sequencing method to identify variants in the F9 gene. The identified variants were then compared to previously published variants and/or to a reference database.

Results and Discussion

A total of ten F9 genetic changes were detected, with five of them being novel. These identified variants were distributed across different domains of the FIX protein. Only one participant had a history of inhibitor formation against FIX replacement therapy. Notably, this participant had two distinct genetic changes present adjacent to each other. Thus, we hypothesise that the presence of multiple variants within the same functional region of the gene may increase the risk for inhibitor development.

Conclusion

The discovery of novel pathogenic variations in the F9 gene highlights the importance of genetic analysis in specific geographical regions. The possible link between a complex variant and inhibitor formation illustrates the potential role that genetic screening has as a pre‐treatment tool in predicting treatment reactions and outcomes.
Enhanced immunomodulation and periodontal regeneration efficacy of subgingivally delivered progranulin‐loaded hydrogel as an adjunct to non‐surgical treatment for Class II furcation involvement in dogs
Authors: Liu Wenchuan , Song Aimei , Wu Yixi , Gong Pizhang , Zhao Jingjing , Zhang Liguo , Liu Xinyang , Wang Ruwei , Guo Hongmei , Yang Pishan
Published: March 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effect of subgingival delivery of progranulin (PGRN)/gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) complex as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on an experimental periodontitis dog model with Class II furcation involvement (FI).

Materials and Methods

A Class II FI model was established, and the defects were divided into four treatment groups: (a) no treatment (control); (b) SRP; (c) SRP + GelMA; (d) SRP + PGRN/GelMA. Eight weeks after treatment, periodontal parameters were recorded, gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissue were collected for ELISA and RT‐qPCR, respectively, and mandibular tissue blocks were collected for micro computed tomography (micro‐CT) scanning and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.

Results

The SRP + PGRN/GelMA group showed significant improvement in all periodontal parameters compared with those in the other groups. The expression of markers related to M1 macrophage and Th17 cell significantly decreased, and the expression of markers related to M2 macrophage and Treg cell significantly increased in the SRP + PGRN/GelMA group compared with those in the other groups. The volume, quality and area of new bone and the length of new cementum in the root furcation defects of the PGRN/GelMA group were significantly increased compared to those in the other groups.

Conclusions

Subgingival delivery of the PGRN/GelMA complex could be a promising non‐surgical adjunctive therapy for anti‐inflammation, immunomodulation and periodontal regeneration.
Leaf trait variation in grassland plant species in response to soil phosphorus
Authors: Moeneclaey Iris , Schelfhout Stephanie , Blondeel Haben , Van Coillie Frieke , Verheyen Kris , Baeten Lander
Published: March 2024

Questions

Increased soil phosphorus (P) availability in fertilized grasslands can drive both community degradation and delayed community recovery upon agricultural abandonment. Beyond describing grassland community patterns along gradients in P availability, it remains unclear how individual species with different strategies respond to increasing phosphorus. Here we studied intraspecific variability of leaf functional traits in response to soil phosphorus, for species with contrasting resource‐use strategies.

Methods

We set up a pot experiment with communities containing four species, assembled from a pool of 20 mesotrophic grassland species growing along a soil P gradient. Species selection included various growth forms (grasses vs forbs) and resource‐use strategies (acquisitive vs conservative resource use). We measured three variables characterizing the (a)biotic environmental context: bioavailable soil P concentration, total community biomass as a proxy for the intensity of competition, and the proportional biomass of a species in the community as a proxy for its competitive dominance. We investigated the effect of this environmental context on the expression of two leaf traits, specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC).

Results

We found an acquisitive trait expression within species (increase in SLA and decrease in LDMC) in response to increased soil P supply and a conservative trait expression (decrease in SLA and increase in LDMC) in response to an increase in total community biomass. Importantly, the trait responses to the environmental context were generally consistent for species representing very different resource‐use strategies and growth forms.

Conclusions

Species responded with a shift from an acquisitive to a conservative trait expression in response to limited resources; i.e., driven by a decrease in soil phosphorus concentration or an increase in total community biomass. Unexpectedly, the intraspecific variability in response to the changing environmental conditions was not clearly mediated by the species’ strategy. These findings show that plant ecological strategies are probably not the main driver for intraspecific trait variability in an experimental grassland community.
Understanding students' feedback use in medical progress testing: A qualitative interview study
Authors: van Wijk Elise V. , van Blankenstein Floris M. , Janse Roemer J. , Dubois Eline A. , Langers Alexandra M. J.
Published: March 2024

Background

Active engagement with feedback is crucial for feedback to be effective and improve students' learning and achievement. Medical students are provided feedback on their development in the progress test (PT), which has been implemented in various medical curricula, although its format, integration and feedback differ across institutions. Existing research on engagement with feedback in the context of PT is not sufficient to make a definitive judgement on what works and which barriers exist. Therefore, we conducted an interview study to explore students' feedback use in medical progress testing.

Methods

All Dutch medical students participate in a national, curriculum‐independent PT four times a year. This mandatory test, composed of multiple‐choice questions, provides students with written feedback on their scores. Furthermore, an answer key is available to review their answers. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 preclinical and clinical medical students who participated in the PT. Template analysis was performed on the qualitative data using a priori themes based on previous research on feedback use.

Results

Template analysis revealed that students faced challenges in crucial internal psychological processes that impact feedback use, including ‘awareness’, ‘cognizance’, ‘agency’ and ‘volition’. Factors such as stakes, available time, feedback timing and feedback presentation contributed to these difficulties, ultimately hindering feedback use. Notably, feedback engagement was higher during clinical rotations, and students were interested in the feedback when seeking insights into their performance level and career perspectives.

Conclusion

Our study enhanced the understanding of students' feedback utilisation in medical progress testing by identifying key processes and factors that impact feedback use. By recognising and addressing barriers in feedback use, we can improve both student and teacher feedback literacy, thereby transforming the PT into a more valuable learning tool.
Heart rate score in remote monitoring: An additional tool for predicting outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Barradas Maria Inês , Coutinho dos Santos Inês , Duarte Fabiana , Viveiros Monteiro André , Tavares Anabela , Martins Dinis
Published: March 2024

Background

Heart rate score (HRS) ≥ 70% has been associated with arrhythmic events and mortality but these studies were not specific for heart failure (HF) patients. We hypothesized that HRS ≥ 70% obtained from remote monitoring (RM) is associated with HF hospitalizations and arrhythmic events in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods

HRS was calculated from RM in patients with HFrEF and ICD or CRT‐D. Two groups were defined: HRS ≥ 70% (G1, n = 55) and HRS < 70% (G2, n = 48)

Results

A total of 103 patients were included (64.4 ± 13.04 years, 69.9% male, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 33.62 ± 11.97% and FUP 61.7 ± 38.87 months). The device was CRT‐D in 59.2% and ICD in 40.8% and the majority (90.3%) had the device implanted in primary prevention. G1 patients were more frequently male (p = .017) and had more coronary disease (p = .035). HRS ≥70% was an independent predictor for unplanned HF hospitalizations (OR: 1.905 (95% CI: 1.328–3.649), p < .001)). The indication for device implantation (primary vs. secondary prevention), type of device, NYHA class, age, gender and LVEF were not independent predictors of the outcome. VF (4.9 ± 20.0 G1 vs. 1.1 ± 5.47 G2, p = .046) and VT episodes were more prevalent in G1 (3.1 ± 8.93 G1 vs. 0.3 ± 1.59 G2, p = .026), as well as appropriate device shocks (4.3 ± 12.06 G1 vs. 0.3 ± 1.49 G2, p = .023). There was no difference in inappropriate shocks or mortality outcomes between groups.

Conclusion

HRS ≥70% obtained from RM was an independent predictor of HF hospitalizations and was associated with arrhythmic events with VT and VF episodes and appropriate device shocks in HFrEF patients.
Subcutaneous air entrapment after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation evaluated by computed tomography
Authors: Taguchi Yuka , Ishikawa Toshiyuki , Matsumoto Katsumi , Narikawa Masatoshi , Okazaki Yoshinori , Miyagawa Shuichi , Horigome Akira , Hosoda Junya
Published: March 2024

Background

Inappropriate shock (IAS) caused by subcutaneous air entrapment (AE) in an early period after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) implantation has been reported, however, no detailed data on air volume are available. We evaluated the subcutaneous air volume after implantation and its absorption rate one week after implantation.

Methods

Patients who underwent S‐ICD implantation in our hospital received chest CT scans immediately after implantation and followed up 1 week later. The total subcutaneous air volume, air around the generator, the distal electrode, and the proximal electrode within 3 cm were calculated using a three‐dimensional workstation. Fat areas at the level of the lower edge of the generator were also analyzed.

Result

Fifteen patients received CT immediately after implantation. The mean age was 45.6 ± 17.9 (66.7% of men), and the mean body mass index was 24.3 ± 3.3. The three‐incision technique was applied in seven patients and two‐incision technique was in the latter eight patients. The mean total subcutaneous air volume was 18.54 ± 7.50 mL. Air volume around the generator, the distal electrode, and the proximal electrode were 11.05 ± 5.12, 0.72 ± 0.72, and 0.88 ± 0.87 mL, respectively. Twelve patients received a follow‐up CT 1 week later. The mean total subcutaneous air was 0.25 ± 0.45 mL, showing a 98.7% absorption rate.

Conclusion

Although subcutaneous air was observed in all patients after S‐ICD implantation, most of the air was absorbed within 1 week, suggesting a low occurrence of AE‐related IAS after a week postoperation.
Reduced reactivity to fear conditioning and pain tests in persons involved in violent video gaming is influenced by adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Penzkofer Maximilian , Daub Julia , Becker Susanne , Flor Herta
Published: March 2024

Video gaming, including violent video gaming, has become very common and lockdown measures of the COVID‐19 pandemic even increased the prevalence rates. In this study, we examined if violent video gaming is associated with more adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and if it impairs pain processing and fear conditioning. We tested three groups of participants (violent video gamers, nonviolent video gamers, and non‐gamers) and examined fear conditioning as well as pain perception during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Violent video gamers displayed significantly higher pain thresholds as well as pain tolerance for electric stimulation, pressure pain stimulation, and cold pressor pain measurements than nonviolent video gamers and non‐gamers. This relationship was moderated by adverse childhood experiences, especially physical neglect. Brain images acquired during the fear conditioning fMRI task showed that violent video gamers display significantly less differential brain activation to stimuli signaling pain versus no pain in the anterior cingulate cortex, the juxtapositional lobule cortex, and the paracingulate gyrus compared to non‐gamers. There was also a significant negative correlation between adverse childhood experiences and activation in the precuneus and the intracalcarine cortex for signals of pain versus safety. The results of this study imply that violent video gaming is related to reduced processing of pain and signals of pain in a fear learning task, dependent of adverse childhood experiences. These mechanisms need to be examined in more detail and these data could be helpful in preventing the onset and adverse consequences of violent video gaming.
Internalized political repression: Legacies of authoritarianism in the U.S.‐based Syrian diaspora during the Arab Spring
Authors: Almasalkhi Nadia
Published: March 2024

Authoritarian regimes are known to repress the political activity of their diasporas transnationally by threatening harsh sanctions. But is this their only mode of transnational repression? This article builds on scholarship on social control to explore whether migrants bring internalized forms of political repression from their authoritarian home country to their democratic country of settlement—and if so, how it shapes their transnational political activity. In‐depth life‐history interviews with 29 U.S.‐citizen and permanent‐resident Syrian immigrants living in Los Angeles, California and Louisville, Kentucky reveal that for many U.S.‐based Syrians, demobilizing emotions, interpretive frames, and habits learned in Syria depressed their transnational political activity during the Arab Spring. Four internalized mechanisms of transnational political repression are conceptualized: learned helplessness, chronic fear of politics and the State, political trauma, and disciplined aversion to political expression. Leveraging comparisons between activists, demobilized activists, and non‐activists, this article demonstrates the connections between specific political socialization experiences, internalized political repression, and transnational political (in)activity. This article contributes to the growing literature on constraints and barriers to transnational mobilization, and to the debate over the role of pre‐migration political experience on immigrants' political participation.
A semi-adaptive feedforward hybrid active noise control algorithm for multichannel systems
Authors: Cao Shengnan , Sun Hongling , Wang Han , Wu Ming
Published: March 2024

Broadband active noise control systems incorporating fixed controllers exhibit limited ability to reduce sinusoids. This study presents a semi-adaptive feedforward hybrid active noise control (HANC) system to address this issue. The proposed system pairs fixed high-order optimal controllers for broadband noise with adaptive low-order FXLMS-based controllers for narrowband noise. Notably, parallel broadband and narrowband controllers work independently. The proposed semi-adaptive feedforward HANC system demonstrates low computational complexity which makes it suitable for multichannel systems. Simulations and experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed system in controlling mixed noise.
Genome sequence and annotation of
Arthrobacter globiformis
phage Ruchi (AS1) isolated from soil in Lumpkin County, Georgia
Authors: Tatum Brooke , Murray Payton , Bicknell Claire , Webb Shane A. , Kanak Alison
Published: March 2024

Ruchi
,
a temperate, AS1 subcluster bacteriophage isolated in Lumpkin County, Georgia using host
Arthrobacter globiformis
, possesses a genome of 38,571 bp and 67.7% GC. Annotation of this virus revealed 64 predicted reading frames, no predicted tRNA genes, and a close evolutionary relationship to AS1 phage Basilisk.
Comparative Study of Rare Earth Nd and Sm Doping on the Structural, Morphological, Optical, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Traits of Mg-Zn-Cu Spinel Nanoferrites
Authors: Sharma Anand , Jasrotia Rohit , Kumari Nisha , Ahmed Jahangeer , Alshehri Saad M. , Thakur Naveen , Khanna Virat , Kumar Rajesh
Published: March 2024

In the current study, the magnetic nanoparticles of neodymium and samarium substituted Mg-Zn-Cu, with a chemical composition of Mg0.5Zn0.5Cu0.05RxFe1.95-xO4 (x = 0.05; R = Nd, Sm) were produced via the sol-gel auto-combustion route. XRD indicates the evolution of a cubic symmetry having Fd3m space group and no impurities at the room temperature. The FESEM images show the irregularly shaped and agglomerated grains in all samples. FTIR examination reveals the stretching vibrations among the metal cations and anions at interstitial vacancies. The M-H graphs demonstrates that the prepared nanoferrites have low rentivity (0.18–0.84 emu g−1) and coercivity (11.25–34.03 Oe) indicating the formation of superparamagnetic nature. From the electromagnetic traits, the observed sample’s real magnetic permeability (μ″) and permittivity (ε′) along with dielectric loss and magnetic loss reduced with increasing applied field frequency, indicating the typical behaviour of spinel nanoferrites. This may be explained by Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarisation and the electron hopping among the ferrous and ferric ions. The variations in coercivity, anisotropy constant, and electromagnetic traits provide strong evidence that all of the samples are thermally stable and have the potential to be used in solenoids and transformers, and also, in the more resistive devices that operate at the high frequency.
Fault Identification of UHVDC Transmission Based on DF-AD and Ensemble Learning
Authors: Zhao Qingsheng , Yang Xinyu , Han Xiaoqing , Liang Dingkang , Wang Xuping
Published: March 2024

High-resistance ground faults are difficult to detect with existing ultrahigh voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission fault detection systems because of their low sensitivity. To address this challenge, a straightforward mathematical method has been proposed for fault detection in UHVDC system based on the downsampling factor (DF) and approximation derivatives (AD). The signals at multiple sampling frequencies were analysed using the DF, and the AD approach was used to generate various levels of detail and approximation coefficients. Initially, the signals were processed with different DF values. The first, second, and third order derivatives of the generated signals were calculated by the AD method. Next, the entropy features of these signals were computed, and the Random Forest-Recursive feature elimination with cross-validation (RF-RFECV) algorithm was used to select a high-quality feature subset. Finally, an ensemble classifier consisting of Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Naive Bayes (NB) classifiers was utilized to identify UHVDC faults. The MATLAB/Simulink simulation software was used to develop a ±800 kV UHVDC transmission line model and perform simulation experiments with various fault locations and types. Based on the experiments, it has been established that the suggested approach is highly precise in detecting several faults on UHVDC transmission lines. The method is capable of accurately identifying low or high resistance faults, irrespective of their incidence, and is remarkably resistant to transitional resistance. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent performance in identifying faults using a small sample size and is highly reliable.
A Study on the Vehicle Antilock System Based on Adaptive Neural Network Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Li Yaoping , Li Han
Published: March 2024

Vehicle antilock systems play a very important role in the stability and reliability during vehicle braking. Due to the complexity of the braking process, antilock braking system (ABS) usually face the problems such as nonlinearity, time-varying, and uncertain parameter modeling. Thus, aiming at the parameter model uncertainty problem of ABS, an adaptive neural network sliding mode controller (ADRBF-SMC) is designed in this paper. On this basis, establishing the quarter-vehicle model and the seven-degree-of-freedom vehicle model, and treating the difference between the two models as a kind of disturbance, carrying out vehicle braking performance simulation experiments to analyze the variation of braking performance parameters such as vehicle and wheel speeds, slip ratio, braking distance, braking torque, under the three cases of adaptive neural network sliding mode controller, traditional sliding mode controller, and no control. Simulation results show that the adaptive neural network sliding mode controller (ADRBF-SMC) proposed in this paper can play an effective control role in both vehicle dynamics models. In addition, the control method proposed in this paper has stronger anti-interference capability and higher robustness compared with the sliding mode controller (SMC).
FIGURE 2 from Antibody–Drug Conjugate αEGFR-E-P125A Reduces Triple-negative Breast Cancer Vasculogenic Mimicry, Motility, and Metastasis through Inhibition of EGFR, Integrin, and FAK/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Sankar Ankita P. , Cho Hyun-Mi , Shin Seung-Uon , Sneh Tal , Ramakrishnan Sundaram , Elledge Christian , Zhang Yu , Das Rathin , Gil-Henn Hava , Rosenblatt Joseph D.
Published: March 2024

Mechanism of αEGFR-E-P125A action on inhibition of VM in the transcriptome. A, As previously shown, genes along the IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway are significantly upregulated from 2D to 3D using GSEA enrichment plot (left), with top upregulated genes along pathway depicted on the heat map (right). B, Genes along the IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway are significantly downregulated from 3D to the 3D αEGFR-E-P125A treatment transition using GSEA (left), with top downregulated genes depicted on the heat map (right). C, NanoString validation of RNA-seq data demonstrates that many JAK-STAT3 signaling genes are upregulated from 2D to 3D (left) and then downregulated upon αEGFR-E-P125A treatment (right). D, Integrated Pathview plot derived from KEGG database demonstrates upregulation of specific genes of interest within the JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway from the 2D to 3D transition. E, Pathview plot demonstrates overall inverse downregulation of JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway from the 3D-to-3D αEGFR-E-P125A treatment transition. F, As shown previously, genes along the Angiogenesis signaling pathway are significantly upregulated from 2D to 3D using GSEA enrichment plot (left), with top upregulated genes along pathway depicted on the heat map (right). G, Genes along the angiogenesis signaling pathway are significantly downregulated from 3D to the 3D αEGFR-E-P125A treatment transition using GSEA (left), with top downregulated genes depicted on the heat map (right). H, NanoString validation of RNA-seq data demonstrates that many angiogenesis signaling genes are upregulated from 2D to 3D (left) and then downregulated upon αEGFR-E-P125A treatment (right). I, Integrated SBGNview plot derived from Panther database demonstrates upregulation of genes of interest within the angiogenesis signaling pathway from 2D to 3D. J, SBGNview plot demonstrates overall downregulation of the angiogenesis signaling pathway upon 3D to αEGFR-E-P125A treatment transition.
Data from Antibody–Drug Conjugate αEGFR-E-P125A Reduces Triple-negative Breast Cancer Vasculogenic Mimicry, Motility, and Metastasis through Inhibition of EGFR, Integrin, and FAK/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Sankar Ankita P. , Cho Hyun-Mi , Shin Seung-Uon , Sneh Tal , Ramakrishnan Sundaram , Elledge Christian , Zhang Yu , Das Rathin , Gil-Henn Hava , Rosenblatt Joseph D.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Primary tumor growth and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) require supporting vasculature, which develop through a combination of endothelial angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a process associated with aggressive metastatic behavior in which vascular-like structures are lined by tumor cells. We developed αEGFR-E-P125A, an antibody-endostatin fusion protein that delivers a dimeric, mutant endostatin (E-P125A) payload that inhibits TNBC angiogenesis and VM in vitro and in vivo. To characterize the mechanisms associated with induction and inhibition of VM, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of MDA-MB-231-4175 TNBC cells grown in a monolayer (two-dimensional) was compared with cells plated on Matrigel undergoing VM [three-dimensional (3D)]. We then compared RNA-seq between TNBC cells in 3D and cells in 3D with VM inhibited by αEGFR-E-P125A (EGFR-E-P125A). Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that VM induction activated the IL6-JAK-STAT3 and angiogenesis pathways, which were downregulated by αEGFR-E-P125A treatment.

Correlative analysis of the phosphoproteome demonstrated decreased EGFR phosphorylation at Y1069, along with decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase Y397 and STAT3 Y705 sites downstream of α5β1 integrin. Suppression of phosphorylation events downstream of EGFR and α5β1 integrin demonstrated that αEGFR-E-P125A interferes with ligand-receptor activation, inhibits VM, and overcomes oncogenic signaling associated with EGFR and α5β1 integrin cross-talk.

In vivo, αEGFR-E-P125A treatment decreased primary tumor growth and VM, reduced lung metastasis, and confirmed the inhibition of signaling events observed in vitro. Simultaneous inhibition of EGFR and α5β1 integrin signaling by αEGFR-E-P125A is a promising strategy for the inhibition of VM, tumor growth, motility, and metastasis in TNBC and other EGFR-overexpressing tumors.
Significance:
αEGFR-E-P125A reduces VM, angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis by inhibiting EGFR and α5β1 integrin signaling, and is a promising therapeutic agent for TNBC treatment, used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
Food Insecurity in Older Age
Authors: Medeiros de Morais Cecília
Published: March 2024

Aging populations may be associated with increased nutritional risk, malnutrition, and food insecurity. This study aims to examine the relationship between food insecurity and nutritional risk, taking into account selected characteristics of the study group, and factors describing nutritional risk. It was conducted between May and July 2021, among 417 people aged 60 and older, in two regions of Poland. Questions from the SCREEN-14 questionnaire were used to assess nutritional risk. Selected questions from the HFSS questionnaire (U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module) concerning the elderly were used to assess food insecurity. A K-means cluster analysis was used to separate homogeneous clusters into food security indicators and nutritional risk factors. The Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare mean values between groups, and the Chi-square test was used to verify the differences. Two clusters were distinguished: I—“low food security and high nutritional risk” and II—“high food security and low nutritional risk”. Cluster I included people aged 60–65, and over 75, living in urban areas, living alone or with family, with unfavorable economic situations and family relationships. Cluster II was composed of people aged 71–75, who were rural residents, living with a partner, with favorable economic situations and family relations. The vast majority of nutritional risk factors were found in Cluster I and among those at high nutritional risk. The largest number of people were affected by such nutritional risk factors such as difficulty in chewing or biting, loss in appetite, skipping meals, and perceiving one’s weight as abnormal. Moreover, the group of people most significantly affected by high nutritional risk were in unfavorable economic situations, had poor family relationships, lived alone or with family, rated their health as worse than their peers, were overweight and obese, had metabolic disease, or impeding mobility. The results obtained can be applied to the planning of social and health policies for the elderly in Poland.
Ṭāhir Īshān’s Unknown Autograph Manuscripts
Authors: Shanazarova Aziza
Published: March 2024

The current article examines autograph manuscripts of three little-known Sufi doctrinal works of the eighteenth-century Central Asian Sufi, Ṭāhir Īshān, a native of Khwarazm. Ṭāhir Īshān is better known as the author of the eighteenth-century Naqshbandī hagiographical compendium Tadhkira-yi Ṭāhir Īshān, which was completed in 1160/1747. The works in question, entitled Ḥujjat al-sālikīn va rāḥat al-ṭālibīn, Rumūz al-kalām, and Risāla-yi sayr ilā Llāh, survived in their autograph copies in a single manuscript codex preserved at the Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies in Tashkent (Uzbekistan), under the inventory number of MS 5121. Given that the Rumūz al-kalām and Risāla-yi sayr ilā Llāh only survived in their autograph copies, MS 5121 serves as a crucial gateway to these doctrinal texts of Ṭāhir Īshān.
Archives of Discrimination
Authors: Bustanov Alfrid , Shikhaliev Shamil
Published: March 2024

The present article traces the history of multiple private and state archives in Daghestan. Such collections bear imprints of competition between particular individuals and factions. As we shall see, various parties exploited the cultural resources available to them in order to project their subjectivities onto the textual and material evidence. Shifts in cultural values and fashions, together with transformations in language use and an ongoing struggle for personal and communal representation, contributed jointly to the formation of multi-layered discourses on the past. If we are to make sense of our sources, therefore, we must engage with a multitude of competing discourses that have privileged one type of historical view over others, thereby shaping the contours of the body of available material, and rendering information lacunae not just unavoidable, but themselves reflective of past events. Colonialism and coloniality are not alone in having helped configure the power structures that we find manifested in state archives. In fact, much of the competition, marginalization, and careful selection took place even before the transfer of documents to imperial institutions.
Reinstatement of Aloe mutans (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a distinctive, endemic, maculate aloe from the central Limpopo province of South Africa
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , KLOPPER RONELL R.
Published: March 2024

Until 1987, Aloe mutans (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae) was accepted as a distinctive species of maculate aloe from South Africa’s Limpopo province. However, this species thereafter often has been included in the synonymy of A. greatheadii var. davyana. Recently, A. davyana was separated from A. greatheadii at the rank of species, which requires reconsideration of the taxonomic status of A. mutans. It is shown that A. mutans differs from A. davyana in several vegetative and reproductive morphological characters so warranting its recognition at the rank of species. Aloe mutans is therefore here reinstated as an accepted species. Both A. mutans and A. davyana are illustrated and an amplified description is provided for A. mutans.
Seasonal Population Trends of Microbial Communities in Oil Tainted Soils in Greater Port Harcourt Area, Nigeria
Authors: Muyoma Wanjala Paul , Opoku Boadu Kwasi , Wafula Eliud Nalianya , Ibisime Etela
Published: March 2024

The utilization of oil in industries has devastating effect to the environment. Industrial effluents and oil spills are continuously contaminating the soil. Further, seasonality influences the distribution of pollutants in soil. Consequently, soil microbial biota and ecological processes are affected. This study assessed the effect of seasonality on soil fungal and bacterial communities in oil contaminated soils in 12 selected sites in Greater Port Harcourt Area. Standard analytical procedures were used to obtain bio-physicochemical data from the soil samples and t test was used to analyse data. The levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were above 5000 ppm (DPR recommended limit). There was significant difference (p ≤ 0.000) between the means of TPH in wet and dry seasons. Seasonality influenced % HUF and % HUB in the soils of urban, industrial and agricultural sites. Generally, the seasonality trends showed that there was a declining population of THB, HUB, TF, and HUF from the wet season to the dry season. However, the results show that there was a stable trend in % HUB as compared to oscillations observed in % HUF in oil tainted soils across a seasonal divide. We recommend characterization of the microorganism to identify the best candidate for bioremediation of oil tainted soils across a seasonal divide.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Quality of Auditing from the Point of View of Jordanian Certified Public Accountants
Authors: Siam Walid Zakaria , Hamdan Sajeda Abdel Rahman Abdel Hamid
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on audit quality from the perspective of Jordanian Certified Public Accountants. It also aims to identify any differences in the views of Jordanian Certified Public Accountants regarding this impact based on respondents' demographic characteristics such as gender, academic qualification, scientific specialization, job title, years of experience in audit, and professional certifications. A quantitative approach was used in this study, where 150 questionnaires were distributed to 150 Jordanian certified public accountants, and 144 questionnaires were retrieved (27 of them were incomplete), resulting in 117 questionnaires being used for statistical analysis. The results of the study indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on audit quality through the dimensions of audit fees, going concern assessment, audit procedures, auditor's experience, audit period, and audit firm size. The results also showed that there were differences in the views of Jordanian Certified Public Accountants regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on audit quality based on academic qualification, job title, and years of experience in auditing, while no differences were attributed to gender, scientific specialization, and professional certifications of the respondents. Based on the study's findings, the researcher provides several recommendations, including: Audit firms should prioritize the development of skills and experiences of their employees through alternative training programs and remote work arrangements. Audit firms should also review their audit processes and procedures to adapt to the new business environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Regulatory bodies should consider reviewing their oversight standards to address the exceptional challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic especially with regard to auditing and quality auditing.
A Comprehensive Study on Sudden Deafness for Analyzing Their Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Yao Kaiwei , Iqbal Muhammad Asad , Moazzam Nida Fatima , Qian Wei
Published: March 2024

Background: To study the factors associated with the prognosis of patients with sudden deafness to facilitate clinical treatment and improve efficacy. Methods: A total of 414 patients with sudden deafness treated in Zhenjiang First People’s Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were chosen. Relevant data were gathered and the effectiveness of treatment was assessed by comparing hearing test results before and after hospital admission and divided into effective and ineffective groups, and the effectiveness of each factor was analyzed using univariate analysis, Spearman’s correlation analysis, and multifactor logistic regression. Results: The 2 groups had significant differences in age, presence of tinnitus, degree of hearing loss, and triglyceride levels. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between hearing threshold of at least 81 dB at 250 to 8000 Hz, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride levels, and the prognosis ( r < 0, P < .001). A positive correlation exists between high-density lipoprotein levels and prognosis ( r > 0, P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve showed LDL level, age, and time since disease onset appears to be highly predictive. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age >47 years, LDL >2.93 mmol/L, and time to presentation >10 days after disease onset are at higher risk for poor prognosis. Conclusion: Factors that influence the prognosis of patients with sudden deafness include age, tinnitus symptoms, high LDL levels, and the type of hearing curve. Early intervention and targeted treatment should be given to high-risk patients to improve the outcome of sudden deafness in clinical practice.
Experimental analysis of forming forces in incremental forming and its prediction by AI-based methods
Authors: Kumar Parveen , Singh Hari
Published: March 2024

Single point incremental forming (SPIF) is an emerging approach to manufacture the user-specific parts of greater strength economically without involving dedicated tools and dies. In this study, peak deforming loads have been measured and estimated in order to determine the size and capacity of forming machinery for manufacturing components, using the SPIF process, for designed process conditions on AA7075-O sheets. Estimation of maximum deforming loads has been accomplished with the help of hybrid artificial neural network (HANN) approach by taking experimental load values as the input dataset. The load values, estimated by HANN approach, have been compared with the load values estimated by two state-of-art regression approaches, that is, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR). Results show that the regression methods (SVM and GPR) are outperformed by the HANN model with an accuracy of 99.80%. HANN model estimated force values very close to experimental results. The forming forces were found to be greater when the flat-end tools were used as a forming agent in place of hemispherical-end tool. The proposed study would help the researchers and scientists to assess the capacity the machines used in SPIF process to prepare a particular sheet-part and to prevent the failure of hardware during the SPIF process.
Dermatitis, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus nidulans in a horse with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction
Authors: Waitt Wolker Laura H. , Black Annalise , Lee Jung Keun
Published: March 2024

Clinical and histologic examination of a 12-y-old client-owned Quarter Horse gelding with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction revealed dermatitis, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus nidulans, confirmed by a PCR assay. This novel presentation of a fungal disease in a horse was characterized by aggressive local invasion and failure to respond to all medical therapy attempted over a 1-y period. Treatments included systemic and topical antifungals, anti-inflammatories, and use of cellular matrices. Surgical excision was not attempted but should be strongly considered early in the disease process in similar cases if clean margins can be achieved. Postmortem findings were of locally aggressive disease with no dissemination.
Parental Depression and Self-Stigma Among Chinese Young People Living With Depression: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Du Nan , Wang Yihang , Huang Yu-Te
Published: March 2024

Self-stigma is detrimental to psychosocial well-being and the recovery journey among people living with depression. However, there has been limited research exploring the experience of stigma internalization when depression runs in families. This study aims to address this gap by (1) characterizing the manifestations of self-stigma among individuals living with depression whose parent(s) also have depression and (2) exploring the potential mechanisms underlying the impact of parental depression on self-stigma. Essential principles of the constructivist grounded theory approach were adopted to collect data through in-depth interviews with 27 participants aged 15–30, living in Mainland China. Many participants perceived depression running in their family as an endless disaster and an incurable illness. These beliefs further led to stigmatizing emotions (such as suppression, anger, and guilt) and behaviors (such as concealment and social withdrawal). Participants also highlighted ambivalent intergenerational relationships, tense family atmospheres, lower parental emotional involvement and support, and a lack of family flexibility due to parental depression. Furthermore, parental depression impacted participants’ self-stigma by interfering with family relationships, family functioning, and parenting styles. It also shaped their perceptions of family, illness attribution, and public stigma. Additionally, parental depression had an impact on participants’ social functioning, self-esteem, and personality, making them more susceptible to self-stigma. This study emphasizes the crucial role that the family plays in the internalization of stigma among individuals living with depression. It suggests that family dynamics, rather than family structure or economic backgrounds alone, shape this process.
Management of treatment-naïve diabetic macular edema patients: Review of real-world clinical data
Authors: Boscia Francesco , Veritti Daniele , Iaculli Cristiana , Lattanzio Rosangela , Freda Simona , Piergentili Benedetta , Varano Monica
Published: March 2024

The high prevalence of Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a real global health problem. Its complex pathophysiology involves different pathways. Over the last decade, the introduction of intravitreal treatments has dramatically changed the management and prognosis of DME. Among the different treatment options, inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and intravitreal steroids implants represent the first-line therapy of DME. We conducted a review of electronic databases to compile the available evidence about the clinical management of DME in a clinical setting, with a special focus on treatment-naïve patients. Anti-VEGF therapies represent a valuable option for treating DME patients. However, many patients do not respond properly to this treatment and, due to its administration regimen, many patients receive suboptimal treatment in real life. Current evidence demonstrated that in patients with DME, DEX-i improved significantly both anatomic and visual outcomes. Besides eyes with insufficient anti-VEGF respond or recalcitrant DME cases, DEX-i can be effectively and safely used in treatment-naïve DME patients as first line therapy. DEX-i may be considered first line therapy in different clinical scenarios, such as DME eyes with a greater inflammatory component, patients with cardiovascular events, vitrectomized eyes, or those requiring cataract surgery. In conclusion, there are still many points for improvement pending in the clinical management of the patient with DME. Since DME treatment must follow a patient-tailored approach, selecting the best therapeutic approach for each patient requires a good understanding of the pathophysiology of DME.