bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Human Intervention to Human Involvement: A Critical Examination of the Role of Humans in (Semi-)Automated Administrative Decision-Making
Authors: Haitsma Lucas , Brink Barbara
Published: February 2025

In view of recent scandals, evolving regulatory demands, and changing perceptions of human involvement in automated systems, this study examines how the role of humans in semi-automated administrative decision-making (AADM) is conceptualized in academic literature. We conducted a qualitative systematic literature review from the public administration, law and socio-technological fields, to critically examine what is understood as human involvement in AADM.

Our findings suggest that the literature largely focuses on human intervention in AADM, where individual decision makers either review automated outputs before making a decision (human-in-the-loop) or review automated decisions (human-out-of-the-loop). However, a broader scope on human involvement in AADM – which also includes system designers (human-in-control) and monitoring and supervisory roles responsible for ongoing oversight (human-on-the-loop) is crucial to fully capture the human-machine dynamic in AADM.

These insights can be used to advance the understanding of the human-automation interaction in AADM through a more comprehensive conceptualization of human involvement. This broader, governance-oriented, view has the potential to optimize the interrelationship between human involvement and automation, ultimately improving accountability, effectiveness, and adaptability in AADM. New legislation underscores the importance of meaningful human involvement beyond isolated review points, encompassing design and ongoing oversight.
Performance-Security Analysis in O2O Interactions in Future 6G Communications
Authors: Bellini Emanuele , Damiani Ernesto , Di Giovanni Michele , Marrone Stefano
Published: February 2025

In traditional mobile networks, trust between subscribers and their serving networks relies on a hardware root-of-trust: the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). Conversely, trust between service and home networks is established via Trusted Third Parties (TTPs), known as Clearing Houses (CHs). The 6G environment will witness a substantial increase in subscriber numbers, driven by the mass deployment of the Internet of Everything (IoE) and improvements in network performance. Simultaneously, the performance capabilities required of TTPs to manage trustworthy operator-to-operator (O2O) interactions in 6G must align with the demands of the 6G ecosystem. This work focuses on enhancing CH intermediation capabilities to support O2O trustworthy interactions within the 6G context. Given the close connection between performance and trustworthiness, this paper explores these aspects by modeling interactions between communication parties using a Petri Net model. This model is applied to analyze the quantitative relationships among the non-functional requirements of future 6G communication scenarios, considering both traditional and blockchain-based approaches.
Efficient Diabetic Foot Ulcer Classification Using Residual Linearly Clamped Layers with Detachable Convolution Layer in DCNN Xception Model
Authors: Arunesh K. , Rajeashwari S.
Published: February 2025

DFU (Diabetes Foot Ulcer) is caused in the foot of diabetes patients and if the disease is not diagnosed within time, it may lead to various complications and severities. The major symptoms of DFU are foot swelling, dry cracks, leg pain, varied temperature of skin and changes in skin color. When DFU is not treated properly complications tends to remove limb or foot of a person. To overcome these limitations, automatic methods are required for detecting and classifying healthy skin and DFU images. However, the classification of DFU from existing researches provides challenges like resemblance between healthy skin and DFU and has high intra-class and inter-class variations in accordance with the lighting conditions and patient’s ethnicity. The collection and labelling of DFU requires large time and it is complex to differentiate a DFU and a healthy skin, for instance when there are images with a toe, skin wrinkles and small sizes of DFU. Hence, the proposed system implemented DCNN (Deep Convolutional Neural Network) based Xception model, to involve binary classification of healthy and DFU skin images. The DCNN is employed to handle large dataset, but produces over-fitting issues. So, the proposed DCNN based Xception classifier is integrated with RLCL (Residual Linearly Clamped Layers) consisting of minimum detached convolution layers. It helps in reducing over-fitting problems and thus increases precision and computational speed of the proposed system. Further, the input images are optimized by using image enhancement techniques such as Histogram equalization, Adaptive filter and Gamma correlation. Then the efficiency of the proposed system is evaluated based on the performance metrics namely precision, F1-score, recall and accuracy to validate the performance of proposed model with existing algorithms.
Making Sense of Big Data in Intelligent Transportation Systems: Current Trends, Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Mian Ahmad Jan , Adil Muhammad , Brik Bouziane , Harous Saad , Abbas Sohail
Published: February 2025

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) generate massive amounts of Big Data through both sensory and non-sensory platforms. The data support batch processing as well as stream processing, which are essential for reliable operations on the roads and connected vehicles in ITS. Despite the immense potential of Big Data intelligence in ITS, autonomous vehicles are largely confined to testing and trial phases. The research community is working tirelessly to improve the reliability of ITS by designing new protocols, standards and connectivity paradigms. In the recent past, several surveys have been conducted that focus on Big Data Intelligence for ITS, yet none of them have comprehensively addressed the fundamental challenges hindering the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles on the roads. Our survey aims to help readers better understand the technological advancements by delving deep into Big Data architecture, focusing on data acquisition, data storage and data visualization. We reviewed sensory and non-sensory platforms for data acquisition, data storage repositories for archival and retrieval of large datasets, and data visualization for presenting the processed data in an interactive and comprehensible format. To this end, we discussed the current research progress by comprehensively covering the literature and highlighting challenges that urgently require the attention of research community. Based on the concluding remarks, we argued that these challenges hinder the widespread presence of autonomous vehicles on the roads. Understanding these challenges is important for a more informed discussion on the future of self-driven technology. Moreover, we acknowledge that these challenges not only affect individual layers but also impact the functionality of subsequent layers. Finally, we outline our future work that explores how resolving these challenges could enable the realization of innovations such as smart charging systems on the roads and data centers on wheels.
The Impact of Niacin Administration on Plasma Lipids and Gene Expression in the Vervet Monkey Model (Chlorocebus aethiops)
Authors: Ngqaneka Thobile , Magwebu Zandisiwe Emilia , Obikeze Kenechukwu , Chauke Chesa Gift
Published: February 2025

Investigations conducted in mice and humans have reported that the nature and the amount of lipids in plasma can predict the likelihood of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Although niacin has a history as treatment for dyslipidemia, only a handful of clinical trials have investigated its efficiency in the prevention of the morbidity and mortality associated with CVDs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a niacin formulation on gene expression and plasma lipids using 16 vervet monkeys (8 controls and 8 experimental). The control group was given a maintenance diet only, while the experimental group’s diet was supplemented with niacin (100 mg/kg) for a period of 3 months, followed by 4‐week washout. The investigated plasma lipids were total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and triglycerides. Gene expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B‐100 (APOB-100) and sterol regulatory element–binding protein‐2 (SREBP-2), which are involved in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway, was also determined. Niacin administration resulted in statistically significant changes for total cholesterol and HDL‐C, with the changes also significantly higher in females compared to males in the niacin‐treated group. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed significant decrease in CETP during niacin treatment. The downregulation suggested that the vervet monkey model supports the HDL‐C hypothesis. Future studies aimed at supporting these findings are directed towards exploring the epigenetic biomarkers influencing the RCT pathway to combat CVDs.
Trajectory‐Based Safety Analysis of Electric Battery Taxis
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Li Ning , Dong Chunjiao , Li Penghui , Xu Bo , Yang Miaoyan
Published: February 2025

This paper utilizes trajectory data of electric taxis in Shenzhen to first study the driving characteristics of electric taxis from different indicators such as travel/driving speed, overspeed ratio, and overspeed amplitude. A combination weighting VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) evaluation method based on Nash equilibrium is constructed to comprehensively assess the operation safety of electric taxis in various spatiotemporal scenarios. The results show that the average driving speed and overspeed amplitude of battery electric taxis is 39.14 km/h and 22.78%, which is 1.27 and 1.72 times that of fuel taxis. The average overspeed ratio, average acceleration and deceleration and total acceleration and deceleration frequency are all more than twice those of fuel taxis. The average acceleration, deceleration, and idle time ratios of battery electric taxis are 0.27, 0.24 and 0.43, respectively, with a constant speed time ratio of only 0.06. The proposed combination weighting VIKOR evaluation method outperforms other evaluation methods in comprehensively considering data discreteness and correlation. Electric taxis have the highest operational safety on arterial roads, while the safety on minor arterial roads and local roads is relatively poor, especially on weekends. In all spatiotemporal scenarios, the overall operation safety of electric taxis is lower than that of fuel taxis. The research results can provide theoretical support for the formulation of effective measures and policies to reduce dangerous driving behavior of electric taxis.
The Characterization of Nanoliposomes of Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Extract and Their Effect on the Oxidative Stability of Low‐Fat Mayonnaise
Authors: Sanei Sara , Lavasani Alireza Shahab , Khorshidian Nasim , Eyvazzadeh Orang
Published: February 2025

Due to the high fat content and the use of synthetic antioxidants in the mayonnaise formulation, in this study, nanoliposomes (NLPs) of oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) extract were used, and the physical and structural properties of the mayonnaise were investigated. In the research’s second phase, the quince seed mucilage (QSM) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) at concentrations of 1% and 2% were used in mayonnaise as a fat substitute. The NLPs were added to the low‐fat mayonnaise formulation at concentrations of 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. Two samples without additives and TBHQ (200 ppm) were produced as a control. The samples were kept at 4°C for 6 months. The highest encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), antioxidant activity, and the smallest particle size were observed in the NLP‐500 NLP (p < 0.05). In differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry thermograms, NLP‐1000 showed the lowest thermal stability and weight loss. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that NLPs are spherical and homogeneous. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the entrapment of extract in phospholipid layers and a slight change in the peaks. All control treatments showed the highest fat content and pH (p < 0.05). TBHQ and treatments containing 2% QSM + SPI and 2% NLP (Sample 10) and 1% QSM + SPI and 2% NLP (Sample 5) showed the lowest acid, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, and totox values during storage (p < 0.05). Therefore, NLPs containing oleaster extract can prevent the oxidation in mayonnaise.
Incidence of Episiotomy in Kasr Alainy OBGYN Hospital in Cairo, Egypt: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Sadek Omar , Fahim Nora , Yehia Hana , Elmashad Mariam , Alaa Farah , Rakha Abdulrahman , Khaled Ahmad , Sherif Nadine
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study aims to determine the incidence of episiotomy in Kasr Alainy OBGYN Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. The objectives include identifying and examining the reasons behind the notably higher episiotomy rates in this region, and assessing the relevance of general WHO recommendations in lower‐middle‐income countries.

Design: This observational cross‐sectional study was conducted between March 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022, to determine the incidence of episiotomy among vaginal deliveries in the hospital.

Setting: Data was collected from patient charts at Kasr Alainy OBGYN Hospital in Cairo, Egypt.

Patient Sample: The total number of patient charts inspected was 1731, of which 1545 met the inclusion criteria.

Methods: Data were manually collected from patient hospital records at the end of each day, and entered into a standardized data‐collection form. The data collected was then statistically analyzed using SPSS.

Main Outcome Measures: The overall incidence of episiotomy was 64%.

Results: When analyzed by gravidity, the incidence was found to be 97% in primigravida patients and 52% in multigravida patients. Additionally, several other associated factors were examined.

Conclusions: The incidence of episiotomy at Kasr Alainy OBGYN Hospital surpasses the rate recommended by the WHO. Our observations suggest that the primary contributing factors to this elevated incidence include perineal rigidity, the duration of labor, and local practice standards. Further research is recommended to explore the impact of perineal massage before and during delivery, as well as patients’ lifestyle factors, on the necessity for episiotomy.
The Risk of Haematoma and Venous Thrombosis Associated With Thromboprophylaxis Use in Breast Cancer Surgery: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Dhannoon Amenah , Balasubramanian Ishwarya , Dhannoon Ali A. , Butt Abeeda , Hill Arnold D. K.
Published: February 2025

Background: The routine use of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in breast cancer surgery has caused substantial polarity among breast cancer surgeons across the globe. The aim of this study is to assess the use of VTE prophylaxis in breast cancer surgery outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was undertaken of all comparative studies that described the role of VTE prophylaxis in breast cancer surgery. Studies that reported on postoperative outcomes between patients who received VTE prophylaxis (prophylaxis) and those who did not (no prophylaxis) were included in the review. A meta‐analysis using random‐effect model was used to analyse key outcomes, with data presented as odd ratio (OR).

Results: A total of 2470 patients from 6 studies were included in this study. Among these patients, 60.9% (n: 1504) received prophylaxis. The haematoma rate in this study is 0.05% (n: 133). The incidence of haematoma was significantly associated with the use of prophylaxis (6.85% versus 3.11%, p : 0.001). Surgical intervention for haematomas was also significantly associated in this group (3.15% versus 0.83%, p : 0.004). However, there was no difference in VTE events between both groups (0.26% versus 0.36%, p : 0.88).

Conclusions: The use of VTE prophylaxis in breast cancer surgery is associated with increased haematomas without any benefit in preventing VTE events. Future studies that examine the use of risk assessment tools for VTE prophylaxis in high risk patients may be beneficial.
Supplementary Figure 2 from The Selective WEE1 Inhibitor Azenosertib Shows Synergistic Antitumor Activity with KRASG12C Inhibitors in Preclinical Models
Authors: Jameson Nathan M. , Kim Daehwan , Lee Catherine , Skrable Blake , Shea Alexandra , Guo Xiao , Izadi Hooman , Abed Mona , Harismendy Olivier , Ma Jianhui , Kim Doris S. , Lackner Mark R.
Published: February 2025

Combination of azenosertib and KRASG12C inhibitors or WEE1 knockdown demonstrates synergy in CRC, PDAC, and NSCLC in 2D cellular assays
Figure 2 from The Selective WEE1 Inhibitor Azenosertib Shows Synergistic Antitumor Activity with KRASG12C Inhibitors in Preclinical Models
Authors: Jameson Nathan M. , Kim Daehwan , Lee Catherine , Skrable Blake , Shea Alexandra , Guo Xiao , Izadi Hooman , Abed Mona , Harismendy Olivier , Ma Jianhui , Kim Doris S. , Lackner Mark R.
Published: February 2025

Combination of azenosertib with KRASG12C inhibitors reduces tumor cell growth and induces DNA damage and apoptosis in vitro in 3D. A, Seven-day combination treatment dose matrices in KRASG12C NSCLC cell lines cultured as 3D spheroids. Cell viability was measured by 3D CellTiter-Glo and analyzed using the SynergyFinder tool. The Loewe additivity model is depicted in which scores ≥10 are synergistic. Doses are expressed in μmol/L. Cell lines are arranged from most sensitive to least sensitive to KRASG12C monotherapy (left to right). B, Longitudinal cell growth analysis of NCI-H23 spheroids treated with DMSO, 125 nmol/L azenosertib, 5 nmol/L sotorasib, or 5 nmol/L adagrasib for 7 days. The spheroid area was imaged and calculated every 8 hours using an Incucyte instrument. P < 0.0001 for all comparisons with vehicle; P < 0.0001 for combination compared with monotherapies. C, Top, Western blot of protein expression from NCI-H23 spheroids treated with DMSO, 260 nmol/L azenosertib, 38 nmol/L sotorasib, or 20 nmol/L adagrasib for 24 hours. Bottom, Quantification of γH2AX and c-Casp-3/7 protein levels in response to treatment. Results are expressed as fold change relative to DMSO control. DDR, DNA damage response. KRASi, KRAS inhibitor.
Figure 1 from The Selective WEE1 Inhibitor Azenosertib Shows Synergistic Antitumor Activity with KRASG12C Inhibitors in Preclinical Models
Authors: Jameson Nathan M. , Kim Daehwan , Lee Catherine , Skrable Blake , Shea Alexandra , Guo Xiao , Izadi Hooman , Abed Mona , Harismendy Olivier , Ma Jianhui , Kim Doris S. , Lackner Mark R.
Published: February 2025

Combination of azenosertib and KRASG12C inhibitors demonstrates synergy in NSCLC in 2D in vitro cellular assays. A, Seven-day combination treatment dose matrices in KRASG12C NSCLC cell lines cultured in 2D. The Loewe additivity model is depicted in which scores ≥10 are synergistic. Doses are expressed in μmol/L. Cell lines are arranged from most sensitive to least sensitive to KRASG12C monotherapy (left to right). B, Western blots of protein expression from NCI-H2122 NSCLC cells treated with DMSO, 250 nmol/L azenosertib, 62.5 nmol/L sotorasib, 25 nmol/L adagrasib, or the combination for 24 hours. C, DNA content analysis by flow cytometry and represented as the percentage of total cells in each cell-cycle phase. EdU+ and EdU− DNAs distinguish active vs. stalled DNA replication. NCI-H2122 NSCLC cells were treated with DMSO, 500 nmol/L azenosertib, 62.5 nmol/L sotorasib, 50 nmol/L adagrasib, or the combination for 24 hours. D, Quantification of γH2AX and c-Casp-3/7 protein levels from cell lines treated for 24 hours based on doses associated with the highest calculated Loewe synergy score. SW1573 did not have quantifiable intensities for c-Casp-3/7. Cell lines are ordered by in vitro sensitivity to KRASG12C inhibition (most sensitive top). Results are expressed as fold change relative to DMSO control. DDR, DNA damage response. KRASi, KRAS inhibitor.
Population density drives concerted increase in whole brain volume in a wrasse species Coris batuensis
Authors: Emery Yasmin , Pessina Letizia , Bshary Redouan
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The factors shaping vertebrate brain evolution and cognition are broadly categorized as being either social or environmental. Yet their relative importance is debated, partly due to the limitations associated with standard interspecific evolutionary comparisons. Here, we adopt a complementary strategy leveraging within-population variation in fish brain size to ask how variation in social and environmental factors correlate with individual brain size.

Methods: We investigated how overall brain size and brain part sizes varied between demes of the same population in the coral reef associated batu coris Coris batuensis. This species is ideal for our approach because its local population densities are dissociated from both interspecific densities and habitat complexity.

Results: We found that individuals from demes with higher population densities possess larger overall brain volumes than those from lower population density environments, caused by an enlargement of all five main brain regions. Brain anatomical measures show no correlation with interspecific density or habitat complexity.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that variation in intraspecific social challenges select on individual batu coris brain size, either through phenotypic plasticity, differential survival, or habitat choice. These results conform with a broader version of the social brain hypothesis, emphasizing the importance of the entire brain over specific regions like the neocortex in mammals or the telencephalon in fishes.
Evaluation of metabolism-associated proteins in abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Balboa Ramilo Amanda , Chandrinos Nikiforos , Tsichlia Elefantia , Jönsson Josefin , Mani Kevin , Wanhainen Anders , Wågsäter Dick
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development is inversely associated with diabetes mellitus. Targeting glucose metabolism seems to be a beneficial strategy for preventing AAA growth. Several metabolism-related factors are associated with AAA development. This study aims to analyse the expression of the so far unstudied proteins irisin, follistatin, activin A and ghrelin (ligand and receptor) in human and murine aneurysmal tissue, to assess the involvement of these pathways in AAA.
Methods: Gene and protein expression was evaluated in aneurysmal and control tissue samples, by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were studied in vitro for expression. Circulating levels of the proteins of interest in human plasma samples were evaluated by ELISA.
Results: In human aneurysmal tissue, the proteins of interest are were predominantly expressed by VSMCs in neovessels. Expression by human VSMCs was confirmed in vitro. In human plasma, the concentration of Irisin was higher in AAA (+/- diabetes) compared to controls. Patients with AAA and type 2 diabetes treated with metformin had lower levels of follistatin and ghrelin.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates irisin, follistatin and ghrelin as interesting proteins to be studied in the context of the observed negative association between AAA development and type 2 diabetes.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Stuttering Anticipation Scale in Turkish (SAS-TR)
Authors: Uysal Halil Tayyip , Atila-Caglar Nazmiye , Erensoy Ibrahim , Kose Aysen , Jackson Eric S.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Anticipation is a covert aspect of stuttering that plays a crucial role in the lives of adults who stutter (AWS). It can influence anxiety levels or provide an opportunity for self-regulation. For assessing anticipation in stuttering, The Stuttering Anticipation Scale (SAS) was developed. This study aims to develop a Turkish version of the SAS (SAS-TR) and evaluate its validity and reliability.
Method: Ninety-four AWS (aged 18-40 years) participated in the study. They completed SAS-TR and demographic information form either face-to-face or online. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the SAS-TR were assessed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was also conducted as part of the construct validity evaluation.
Results: The SAS-TR scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.947) and high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.973). SAS-TR total score and its sub-dimensions showed acceptable to high positive correlations among themselves (ranging from r = 0.209 to r = 0.962). Factor loadings for the SAS-TR items ranged between 0.572 and 0.899, exceeding 0.300 and indicating suitability for EFA.
Conclusion: The SAS-TR exhibits valid and reliable properties for Turkish-speaking AWS. It is recommended for use in both research and clinical settings to enhance understanding of anticipatory behaviors in this population.
Allogeneic Hemopoietic Cell Transplantation as a Paradigm for Cellular Immunotherapy
Authors: Weiss-Haug Alisha Vanessa , Haraszti Reka Agnes , Hug Stefan , Faul Christoph , Bethge Wolfgang Andreas , Lengerke Claudia
Published: February 2025

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is an established curative treatment for hematologic malignancies and other severe blood disorders. However, alloHCT is also known for its significant side-effects. Summary: Here we review recent advances in targeted molecular therapy, immunotherapy, infectiology and diagnostics that have enhanced the tolerability and the efficacy of alloHCT, expanding its use to less fit and elderly patients. We analyze developments in conditioning regimens, donor selection and the management of graft versus host disease (GVHD) and infections and discuss post-transplantation strategies to prevent relapse. Key Message: In a fresh perspective alloHCT can serve as a platform to enhance the potential of emerging targeted and immune therapies.
Carbonic anhydrase IV deficiency causes intrauterine embryonic loss in mice
Authors: Schumann Sven , Grund Susanne Camilla , Dankert Jaroslaw Thomas , Grümmer Ruth , Wennemuth Gunther
Published: February 2025

Members of the carbonic anhydrase gene family, responsible for the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide, participate in several important biological processes including processes involved in fertilization. CAIV has been shown to play a role in sperm cell capacitation and regulation of sperm motility and is present in mature murine placentae. The present study specifically analyses the distribution of CAIV in female reproductive organs and during early placenta development. Immunostaining for CAIV was performed on female reproductive organs (ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, vagina) of non-pregnant mice and on implantation sites of early pregnancy between 4.5 and 9.5 days post coitum (dpc). Sex typing of embryos was performed by PCR using three separated gene combinations for X- and Y-chromosomes, respectively. Additionally, reproductive outcome of CAIV-deficient mice was determined. CAIV is largely absent in the female reproductive organs of non-pregnant mice. Immunostaining for CAIV was present in the blastocyst and in consecutive stages of the developing embryo. In the endometrial epithelium distant from the implantation chamber, CAIV is induced from 8.5 dpc onwards. Moreover, the yolk sac epithelium, the trophoblast giant cells and the labyrinthine compartment of the developing hemochorial placenta shows a strong immunostaining for CAIV. In heterozygous mating, the number of CAIV knockout pups is significantly reduced than was to be expected according to the mendelian rules, while homozygous mating of CAIV knockout mice results in a significant reduction of litter size which is mainly due to a reduced number of female mice born. Since at 9.5 dpc the number of female embryos is rather higher than that of males, the observed reduction of female offspring appears to be due to a defect in placentation after 9.5 dpc. Thus, CAIV seems to be involved in the signaling network of embryo development, implantation, and placentation.
Arbitragem, saneamento básico e defesa da regulação: uma análise do caso das agências infranacionais
Authors: Hage Thalita , De Oliveira Carlos Roberto , Oliveira Gustavo Justino de
Published: February 2025

Nítido o crescente uso da arbitragem em contratos de concessão e Parcerias Público-Privadas (PPPs) no Brasil, especialmente no âmbito do saneamento básico, setor essencial para a promoção da saúde pública e a dignidade humana. Assim, o presente trabalho busca compreender a agenda da arbitragem nas concessões e PPPs do saneamento básico, com um olhar voltado às agências infranacionais. Assim, tem como objetivo analisar a competência dos Tribunais Arbitrais, e seus limites, na solução de controvérsias derivadas desses contratos e parcerias contratos de concessão e PPPs, observando o arcabouço jurídico pertinente ao setor e enfatizando a necessidade de salvaguarda do interesse público, dos princípios que regem a Administração Pública e da regulação setorial.
Audiências Públicas nas contratações públicas: diferenças entre a Lei 8.666/93 e Lei 14.133/21
Authors: Minski Bruno Henrique Zanette , Chudzij Luísa Fófano
Published: February 2025

Public hearings can be defined as participatory institutions that, by combining principles of participatory and deliberative democracy, encourage popular participation in public decisions. The research aims to verify the main differences in the legal provisions regarding public hearings in public procurement, through the examination of Law 14.133/2021 and Law 8.666/1993, which are the current and previous Public Procurement Law, respectively. The research question is: have the legal provisions for public hearings in public procurement undergone significant changes with the advent of a new Public Procurement Law (Law 14.133/21)? For the investigation, the deductive method and qualitative approach were used, with bibliographic and legislative research. It is concluded that public hearings should be encouraged in the context of public procurement, regardless of legal obligation, in order to enable greater transparency and popular control over Public Administration.
CD4
+
T Cells Expressing Viral Proteins Induce HIV-Associated Endothelial Dysfunction and Hypertension Through Interleukin 1α–Mediated Increases in Endothelial NADPH Oxidase 1
Authors: Kress Taylor C. , Barris Candee T. , Kovacs Laszlo , Khakina Beryl N. , Jordan Coleton R. , Bruder-Nascimento Thiago , Stepp David W. , MacArthur Rodger , Patel Vijay S. , Chen Jie , Pacholczyk Rafal , Kennard Simone , Belin de Chantemèle Eric J.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Although combination antiretroviral therapy has increased life expectancy in people living with HIV, it has led to a marked increase in the prevalence of hypertension, the cause of which is unknown. Despite combination antiretroviral therapy, HIV-derived proteins remain expressed and produced by CD4
+
T lymphocytes in people living with HIV. However, their contribution to HIV-associated hypertension and impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation remains ill defined.

METHODS:

Here, we tested the hypothesis that CD4
+
T cells expressing viral proteins contribute to endothelial dysfunction and hypertension using the Tg26 mouse model of HIV that expresses 7 of the 9 HIV proteins under the long terminal repeat promoter. We used male and female mice, bone marrow transplantation (BMT), adoptive transfer of CD4
+
T cells, and aorta specimen discarded from people living with HIV.

RESULTS:

We reported that intact Tg26 mice and mice receiving BMT (Tg26→WT) or CD4
+
T cells from Tg26 mice display impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation and hypertension. Conversely, BMT from WT mice into Tg26 mice, inhibition of T cell activation, and CD4
+
T cell depletion restored endothelial function and blood pressure in Tg26 mice. Cytokine profiling revealed that Tg26 mice, Tg26→WT, and Tg26 CD4
+
T cells consistently exhibit high interleukin 1α (IL-1α) levels with no significant increase in other cytokines, whereas BMT from WT mice into Tg26 mice reduced IL-1α levels. IL-1α neutralization reduced blood pressure and restored endothelial function in Tg26 mice. To investigate the role of CD4
+
T cells and IL-1α in endothelial dysfunction, we developed an aorta-immune cell coculture system. Exposure of WT aortas to Tg26 CD4
+
T cells impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation, which was blocked by IL-1α–neutralizing antibody. While investigating the mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction, we reported that Tg26 mice, Tg26→WT aorta exhibit high NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1 expression. IL-1α exposure increased NOX1 in human microvascular endothelial cells, and NOX1 blockade restored endothelial function in Tg26 and Tg26→WT arteries, whereas NOX1 deficiency protected against Tg26 BMT-induced impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation and hypertension. Aortas from people living with HIV exhibit high NOX1 levels, and exposure of human aorta to Tg26 T cells increased NOX1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS:

We provide the first evidence that CD4
+
T cells expressing HIV viral proteins induced hypertension through IL-1α–mediated increases in vascular NOX1, which impairs endothelial function in males and females.
Autonomous Epinephrine Release by KCNJ5 Mutation Drives Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection
Authors: Duan Yanyu , Wu Chenglong , Lai Zhenghong , Yuan Qunxing , Hu Naixing , Liu Shaoqiang , Liu Ziyou
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

The pathophysiology of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is linked to genetic variants that affect aortic components. Although hypertension is a risk factor for TAAD, the precise genetic link remains unclear.

METHODS:

A family with autosomal dominant TAAD complicated by hypertension was studied to identify candidate mutations. The effect of the identified mutation on TAAD development was investigated using a CRISPR-Cas9–generated knock-in mouse model to elucidate the mechanism underlying hypertension-induced TAAD.

RESULTS:

The
KCNJ5 p.R242Q
mutation was identified in the family and met the criteria for cosegregation, rarity, and conservation. Utilizing our mouse model, we observed that a significant proportion of heterozygous mice with the mutation displayed dilated thoracic aortas. The mutation’s allele dose was positively correlated with TAAD incidence following β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate treatment. Pathological changes in the thoracic aorta, including collagen deposition and dilation, elevated transforming growth factor-β activity, and extracellular matrix remodeling, were associated with hypertension. Furthermore, the mutation was found to induce lifelong isolated systolic hypertension, attributable to autonomous epinephrine secretion from the adrenal medulla. Unlike wild-type, mutated
KCNJ5
was highly expressed in the adrenal medulla instead of the adrenal cortex. Treatment with the adrenergic β–receptor blocker propranolol reduced systolic hypertension and mitigated TAAD in the heterozygous mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Familial TAAD may stem from
KCNJ5
dysfunction in the G-protein–coupling domain, causing isolated systolic hypertension via increased epinephrine secretion and disruption of thoracic aortic homeostasis. These findings establish a genetic link between systolic hypertension and TAAD.
MYSM1 Mediates Cardiac Parthanatos and Hypertrophy by Deubiquitinating PARP1
Authors: Zhong Xin , Xu Jianjiang , Shi Xiaowen , Lyu Yiting , Qian Yuanyuan , Fang Zimin , Wang Zixuan , Xing Jincheng , Ye Bozhi , Xu Jiajun , Han Jibo
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Cardiac hypertrophy constitutes the primary pathological basis for heart failure and exerts a considerable influence on morbidity and mortality. Deubiquitinating enzymes are crucial regulators of protein degradation and play a pivotal role in cardiac pathophysiology. This study aimed to clarify the involvement of a deubiquitinating enzyme, MYSM1 (Myb-like, SWIRM, and MPN domains 1), in cardiac hypertrophy and to explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS:

Cardiac hypertrophy was developed by angiotensin II or transverse aortic constriction surgery. Cardiomyocyte-specific knockdown of MYSM1 was accomplished using the adeno-associated virus serotype 9-
cTNT
-
Mysm1
-shRNA. Co-immunoprecipitation combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was utilized to identify potential substrates of MYSM1.

RESULTS:

First, we discovered that the expression of MYSM1 increases during cardiac hypertrophy. MYSM1 knockdown mitigated cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy after angiotensin II administration. Cardiomyocyte-specific knockdown of MYSM1 with adeno-associated virus serotype 9 alleviated myocardial dysfunction and hypertrophy caused by transverse aortic constriction surgery. Through co-immunoprecipitation and LC-MS, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) was identified as a potential substrate protein of MYSM1. PARP1 initiates a novel form of programmed cell death termed parthanatos, which is characterized by excessive PARylation, nuclear translocation of AIF, and depletion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. MYSM1 deubiquitinates and stabilizes PARP1 in an MPN domain-dependent manner. In addition, MYSM1 mediates cardiac hypertrophy through PARP1-dependent cardiomyocyte parthanatos.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study identified the role of the MYSM1-PARP1 axis in mediating cardiac hypertrophy and suggested that MYSM1 is a promising pharmacological target for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
Sight-×-Site
Authors: Han Eugene
Published: February 2025

This historical perspective identifies theoretical and graphical parallels between two unlikely accomplices: the mid-twentieth-century multidisciplinary movement the Situationist International, and developments in the psychological study of eye movements. Both schools of thought approach the ostensible objectivity of the visible world through a deconstructed and personalized interpretation made possible by our perception. Especially in regard to aesthetics, our perceptual biases enable an agency through which everyone can participate and ultimately enrich the dialogue that provisions art with meaning. Diagrams of eye-tracking studies inspired by early Situationist graphics highlight the piecemeal and constructive nature of our perception. In the context of unprecedented AI image generation, with aesthetic creativity itself being questioned, the text offers a graphic-based reminder of the value and creativity of our perception.
Natural feeding of the freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei Stimpson, 1861 (Decapoda: Trichodactylidae) in the floodplain of the Araguari River, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Barboza Ana Cláudia Garcia , Nogueira Caio Santos , Bueno Alessandra Angélica Pádua , Jacobucci Giuliano Buzá
Published: February 2025

Freshwater decapods, such as the crabs in the family Trichodactylidae, are key components of benthic food webs, but research on their trophic ecology is limited. This study aimed to investigate variations in the natural diet of the freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei in the Araguari River, Brazil. We analyzed demographic groups and seasonal differences in stomach fullness, volume, and frequency of occurrence of various dietary items. Our results revealed that stomach fullness varied among demographic groups, with adult females showing lower levels and juvenile females showing higher levels. Analysis of stomach contents identified 12 types of items, including unidentified animals, detritus, sand, plastic filaments, and molluscs. Juvenile females showed a higher consumption of plant tissue, while only adult males and juveniles showed a consumption of molluscs. Plant tissue and detritus (digested material) were the most frequent items. These findings reveal the feeding habits of D. pagei in the sampling area, highlighting the influence of demographic groups and seasonal variations on their diet, including the consumption of plant tissue, predation on molluscs, and ingestion of microplastics.
Developing Strategic Foresight among Youth Ministers: A Proposal for Learning a New Leadership Competency
Authors: Goh Gary
Published: February 2025

The world is changing in unprecedented ways in the digital age. Advances in information technology have revolutionized the global flow of information, goods, and services, increasing the speed, extent, and impact of change in human societies like never before. Youth ministers must learn to adapt to evolving new norms and expectations to remain relevant to those they serve. This article argues for strategic foresight as a critical leadership competency to better anticipate and navigate future changes. The argument is organized around three guiding questions:

1. Why is there a need for strategic foresight?

2. What is strategic foresight, and what is it not?

3. How can strategic foresight be developed?

The significance of this article lies in its advocacy for developing a new leadership competency among youth ministers to cultivate both an acute awareness of social change and the capacity for future-ready ministry.
التكوين الثقافيّ للحلم في الرواية العربيّة
Authors: العجيلي شهلا
Published: February 2025

المستخلص

‫يدرس البحث طريقة صناعة الحلم في النصوص الروائيّة العربيّة، وانتقاء مكوّناته، وأسلبته، وتوظيفه ليصير بنية دالّة على المرجعيّة الثقافيّة التي ينتمي إليها النصّ. يفترض البحث أنّ الحلم، إذا ما بقي محدودًا بحدود الثقافة، واتّخذ من مكوّناتها وتأويلاتها مرجعيّة له، فسيُدرَج ضمن قائمة المفردات الثقافيّة، النسقيّة غالبًا، كالملابس، والطعام، واللغة، والشعائر. يتفحّص البحث أيضًا طريقة صناعة الحلم في شكل بنية فنّيّة مبتورة عن المرجعيّة، لتقتصر وظيفته على تكوين العلاقات النصّيّة غير السياقيّة في الرواية. ويدرس البحث الاحتمالين المذكورين في ظلّ كلّ من الرؤية التأويليّة في الثقافة العربيّة الإسلاميّة، والرؤية الحداثيّة لمدرسة التحليل النفسيّ عند كارل يونغ (Carl Jung)، وإريك فروم (Erich Fromm)، ويتوصّل إلى نتائجه عن طريق دراسة خمسة نصوص روائيّة عربيّة، يشكّل الحلم لها إمّا علّة أو وظيفة، وهي: قصّة حلم لهاني النقشبندي، وعام الفيل لليلى أبو زيد، وفاكهة للغربان لأحمد زين، ومنامات لجوخة الحارثي، وصمت الطواحين ليوسف أبو ريّة. يتعرّف البحث إلى المكوّنات الثقافيّة للحلم عن طريق دراسة كلّ من البنية والرمز في علاقته مع المرجعيّة الثقافيّة، وينظر في توجيه الروائيّ الخيالَ نحو كسر العلاقة بين الرمز وسياقه الثقافيّ، أو في إحجامه عن تلك المغامرة.‬
The Effect of Soil Moisture Content on the Growth and Photosynthetic Rate of Quercus acutissima Seedlings
Authors: Luo Yujie , Dong Jin , Mao An , Yuan Yifu
Published: February 2025

With the increasing severity of global climate change, frequent meteorological droughts have caused changes in the water conditions of plant communities, limiting plant growth and leading to a decrease in plant productivity. In the process of vegetation restoration, the introduction of woody plants is constrained by soil moisture. While managing traditional forest nurturing measures, the study of plant functional traits can reflect the growth status of plants. Based on this, this study focuses on the commonly used tree species, Quercus acutissima, in the process of vegetation restoration in North China. Using greenhouse controlled experiments, the growth performance, biomass allocation, and leaf functional traits of seedlings under different water conditions were measured. The decrease in soil moisture inhibited the growth of Q. acutissima seedlings, resulting in a significant decrease in plant height, base diameter, crown width, and total biomass. The seedlings of Q. acutissima adjusted the biomass allocation of the whole plant and tissues within organs to adapt to water deficit. The increase in the proportion of root biomass and fine root biomass helps plants obtain more water. In order to reduce water loss, the stomata of the leaves are closed, which inhibits photosynthesis and leads to a decrease in organic matter accumulation. The LMA of seedlings is relatively stable, which may be a trade-off between light acquisition and water retention in plants.
Gastric Ulcer and Canned Materials and Smoking: Case Control Study
Authors: Alhalaf Rana , Alitr Abdelrahman
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to explore the potential role of smoking and canned material consumption in the development of gastric ulcer disease. Researchers compared 104 gastric ulcer patients with a control group matched for age, sex, and social status. The analysis examined exposure to these factors during three periods: over a lifetime, within five years, and in the year preceding the onset of symptoms. Results revealed a significant link between smoking, regular canned material consumption, and a higher risk of gastric ulcers across all time frames. Since these exposures occurred prior to symptom onset, the findings suggest a possible causal relationship. If confirmed, these factors could account for up to 80% of gastric ulcer cases. smoking with a corresponding increase in rate of development of gastric ulcer allowing to become more prominent. In the early 20th century physician’s believed they could diagnose ulcers clinically and that the diagnosis required hospitalization for “surgical disease. We show that while smoking and canned materials remained common and virulent in Egypt and the Middle East, environmental changes resulted in changes of the pattern of gastric ulcer producing a change in the manifestations. The consumption of many of canned materials, mainlyFava beans, fava beans, chickpeas and mortadella, increase risk. Many of these canned material contain presentatives cause diseases, which were also inversely related to gastric cancer risk. The intake of smoking was positively associatedwith gastric cancer risk, but primarily in men.
Effect of a Biopesticide Based on Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil on Cylas puncticollis, Main Pest of Sweet Potato: Preliminary Laboratory Test
Authors: Hala Kinampinan , Kobenan Koffi Christophe , Essis Brice , Dibi Konan , Koua Kouakou
Published: February 2025

Particularly rich in nutritional elements, and with excellent agronomic characteristics, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is an important crop for food security. It has the potential to improve the nutritional status of rural populations in an inexpensive and sustainable way. In Côte d'Ivoire, sweet potato is grown in all regions, but is unfortunately faced with a number of phytosanitary problems, in particular Cylas puncticollis, weevil which is the main threat. This insect can cause crop losses of up to 97%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a biopesticide based on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil against C. puncticollis. Five doses (1%, 2%, 4%, 8% and 16%) of biopesticide were prepared from essential oil extracted from lemongrass. These different doses were applied to sweet potato leaves fed to adult C. puncticollis individuals reared in the laboratory, compared with an untreated control. Monitoring of the weevil mortality rate for each treatment over 15 days showed that the 8% and 16% doses were the most effective, with mortality rates of 87% and 97% respectively one week after application. These preliminary results constitute an important step in the evaluation of the possibility of using the essential oil of C. citratus in an integrated management strategy for sweet potato weevils.