bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Antitumor Activity of 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole‐Based Heterocycles against Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Emam Dalia R. , Hammouda Mohamed M. , Tag Yasmin , El‐Sawy Eslam R. , Abdelmageed Soha M.
Published: May 2023

Numerous aminothiadiazole‐based compounds have been extensively employed as pharmaceuticals to treat a variety of ailments, leading to a flurry of new discoveries. It takes novel synthetic techniques to prepare new aminothiadiazole derivatives from enaminonitrile derivative 4, which was formerly an important step in the synthesis of pyrazole, isoxazole, and pyrimidine derivatives (6, 8, and 10). For the production of triazolo, imidazolo, and pyrazolo pyrimidine derivatives, enaminonitrile 4 also has shown chemical activity toward various N‐nucleophiles, such as heterocyclic amines (12, 14, and 16). As a result of cyclo‐condensing enaminonitrile precursor 4 with a variety of carbon and oxygen nucleophiles, certain complex, polyfunctional substituted fused 2‐pyridone and chromenone derivatives containing thiadiazole molecules were produced (18, 20, 22, and 25). Next, the cytotoxic effect of the entitled compounds against HepG2 and MCF7 has been reported, followed by an in‐vivo study on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 with the compounds that showed the lowest IC50 values. In addition to molecular docking into the FGFR 4 active site (PDB: 4XCU), the bioavailability of the active compounds in accordance with Lipinski's rule of five has been shown.
Electroactivity Variable Valence NiFe Layered Double Hydroxyde for Cl− Removal through Electrically Switched Ion Exchange
Authors: Guo Xiaoyang , An Xiaowei , Wang Peifen , Wang Tianyun , Li Zhenkun , Ma Xuli , Du Xiao , Hao Xiaogang
Published: May 2023

NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) films with different Ni/Fe molar ratios were successfully prepared on carbon paper (CP) by the potentiostatic method and were used for the removal of chloride ions (Cl−) by electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) technology. The results showed that the Ni/Fe ratios had a significant effect on the adsorption performance of LDH for Cl−. The prepared NiFe LDH film with Ni/Fe molar ratio of 1 : 1 showed the best Cl− ESIX performance and the maximum adsorption capacity could reach 43.8 mg ⋅ g−1 at 1.4 V (vs. SCE) in 20 ppm Cl− solution. The excellent adsorption performance of LDH for Cl− was mainly due to the coupling of the interlayer anion exchange mechanism and the electroactivity‐variable valence mechanism. In addition, the Cl− regeneration rate remained above 95 % during five repeated adsorption/desorption experiments, and the charging capacity was still about 96 % of the initial capacity even after 1000 CV cycles. Therefore, the NiFe LDH film could be a promising electroactive material for the removal of Cl− from aqueous solution.
Reverse Regioselectivity in the Ultrasound‐Promoted Synthesis of 1,3,4‐Tri‐Substituted Pyrazoles via [3+2] Cycloaddition of Hydrazonoyl Chlorides with β‐Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Yavari Issa , Fadaei Mohammad Mahdi , Khaledian Omid
Published: May 2023

Hydrazonoyl chlorides react with β‐nitrostyrenes in ethanol under the clean action of ultrasonic irradiation. The reaction proceeds at room temperature via 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of in situ generated nitrile imine with β‐nitrostyrenes with concurrent elimination of HCl and HNO2 to afford 1,3,4‐trisubstituted pyrazoles with good to high yields and excellent regioselectivity in a short time.
Engineering Biomimetic Biosensor Using Dual‐Targeting Multivalent Aptamer Regulated 3D DNA Walker Enables High‐Performance Detection of Heterogeneous Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Jia Lanlan , Hu Qi , Zhang Tingting , Wang Zhaojia , Wu Dan , Xie Xiaoyu , Wang Sicen
Published: May 2023

The phenotypic heterogeneity of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the nonspecific adsorption of background cells impede the effective and sensitive detection of rare CTCs. Although leukocyte membrane coating approach has a good antileukocyte adhesion ability and holds great promise for addressing the challenge of capture purity, its limited specificity and sensitivity prevent its use in the detection of heterogeneous CTCs. To overcome these obstacles, a biomimetic biosensor that integrated dual‐targeting multivalent aptamer/walker duplex functionalized biomimetic magnetic beads and an enzyme‐powered DNA walker signal amplification strategy is designed. As compared to conventional leukocyte membrane coating, the biomimetic biosensor achieves efficient and high purity enrichment of heterogeneous CTCs with different epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression while minimizing the interference of leukocytes. Meanwhile, the capture of target cells can trigger the release of walker strands to activate an enzyme‐powered DNA walker, resulting in cascade signal amplification and the ultrasensitive and accurate detection of rare heterogeneous CTCs. Importantly, the captured CTCs remained viable and can be recultured in vitro with success. Overall, this work provides a new perspective for the efficient detection of heterogeneous CTCs by biomimetic membrane coating and paves the way for early cancer diagnosis.
RobustNPR: Evaluating the robustness of neural program repair models
Authors: Ge Hongliang , Zhong Wenkang , Li Chuanyi , Ge Jidong , Hu Hao , Luo Bin
Published: May 2023

Due to the high cost of repairing defective programs, many researches focus on automatic program repair (APR). In recent years, the new trend of APR is to apply neural networks to mine the relations between defective programs and corresponding patches automatically, which is known as neural program repair (NPR). The community, however, ignores some important properties that could impact the applicability of NPR systems, such as robustness. For semantic‐identical buggy programs, NPR systems may produce totally different patches. In this paper, we propose an evaluation tool named RobustNPR, the first NPR robustness evaluation tool. RobustNPR employs several mutators to generate semantic‐identical mutants of defective programs. For an original defective program and its mutant, it checks two aspects of NPR: (a) Can NPR fix mutants when it can fix the original defective program? and (b) can NPR generate semantic‐identical patches for the original program and the mutant? Then, we evaluate four SOTA NPR models and analyze the results. From the results, we find that even for the best‐performing model, 20.16% of the repair success is unreliable, which indicates that the robustness of NPR is not perfect. In addition, we find that the robustness of NPR is correlated with model settings and other factors.
Translanguaging and “English Only” at Universities
Authors: Dobinson Toni , Dryden Stephanie , Dovchin Sender , Gong Qian , Mercieca Paul
Published: May 2023

Translanguaging literature has broadly discussed translanguaging as fostering expressive and creative interactions within classroom contexts. Often overlooked, however, are the responses of students who are encouraged to translanguage in spaces they previously deemed to be reserved for the dominant language only. Using Linguistic Ethno‐graphy, we investigate the interactions of eight Chinese university students in two classroom settings at an Australian university. We examine how explicit or implicit English only norms at this university, combined with students' beliefs about English use, affect translanguaging practices and how English as an additional language (LX) users incorporate various resources, including spatial repertoires, peer support, and silence, to varying degrees of success within two different classrooms. The pedagogical implications of this examination point toward academics needing to embrace and legitimize translanguaging practices, not only at classroom level, but at course, university and policy level. Teachers in pre‐tertiary English language courses also need to incorporate such practices into their classrooms if EAL/D students are to be convinced of the legitimacy of translanguaging in the university classroom.
Subcutaneous mast cell tumours: A prospective multi‐institutional clinicopathological and prognostic study of 43 dogs
Authors: Marconato Laura , Stefanello Damiano , Solari Basano Fabrizio , Faroni Eugenio , Dacasto Mauro , Giantin Mery , Bettini Giuliano , Aresu Luca , Bonfanti Ugo , Bertazzolo Walter , Annoni Maurizio , Lecchi Cristina , Sabattini Silvia
Published: May 2023

Background

Canine subcutaneous mast cell tumours (ScMCTs) reportedly have a good prognosis. However, biomarkers that can be used to predict outcome are currently limited.

Methods

A multicentre prospective study was conducted to identify new prognostic markers. Dogs with a first occurrence of ScMCT were enrolled upon primary tumour removal and regional lymphadenectomy. In the absence of metastasis, dogs were monitored, while dogs with overtly metastatic lymph nodes (histological node 3, HN3) received adjuvant vinblastine.

Results

Forty‐three dogs were enrolled: 15 (34.9%) had at least one HN3 lymph node and received vinblastine, and 28 (65.1%) were monitored. Three tumours harboured exon 8 and 9 c‐kit mutations. Eight (18.6%) dogs experienced tumour progression, and five (11.6%) died of MCT‐related causes. The 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 90% and 77%, respectively. Variables significantly associated with an increased risk of progression included high cytograde, a mitotic count (MC) greater than 4/10 high‐power fields (hpf) and Ki67‐index greater than 23. An MC greater than 4/10 hpf was also associated with an increased risk of tumour‐related death.

Limitations

Regional rather than sentinel lymphadenectomy was performed in these dogs. Dogs were enrolled in oncology referral centres, constituting a different population compared to previous studies.

Conclusions

ScMCTs have a good prognosis. However, the metastatic rate at admission was higher in this study than previously reported, and a subset of tumours were associated with a fatal outcome despite multimodal treatment. Proliferative activity and cytograding may predict more aggressive behaviour in ScMCTs.
A case‐control study of atypical guttural pouch empyema in Arabian foals
Authors: van der Vossen Nicole , Cavalcante Paulo , Glynn Sarah , Achappa Devaya , Mehmood Wasiq , Oikawa Masaaki , Vinardell Tatiana , Jamieson Camilla
Published: May 2023

Background

Upper respiratory disease was reported over many seasons in Arabian foals on a single stud farm in the Middle East. Affected foals were noted to have mucopurulent nasal discharge, cough, fever and tachypnea. All affected foals had been empirically treated with a macrolide and rifampicin, by the referring veterinarian without improvement. On endoscopic examination, all affected foals had significant guttural pouch empyema (GPE).

Objectives

(1) To document a previously unreported presentation of guttural pouch empyema (GPE) in a family of juvenile Arabian foals; (2) To document the cytological and microbial composition of the empyema; (3) To identify clinical signs significantly correlated with the presence of GPE, as predictors for the need for guttural pouch (GP) endoscopy; (4) To demonstrate successful resolution of the identified syndrome with mechanical GP lavage and evidence based antimicrobial use, improving antibiotic stewardship and the one‐health approach to respiratory disease in this demographic of foals.

Methods

Evaluation and scoring of clinical signs, upper airway endoscopy and thoracic ultrasound were performed in 14 affected foals and 10 age‐matched controls, followed by comparative tracheal and guttural pouch sputum culture and cytological evaluation. Therapeutic GP lavage was performed and response to therapy monitored.

Results

GPE, cranioventrally distributed ultrasonographic lesions and opportunistic pathogen infection suggested a primary lesion of GPE with aspiration of GP discharge into the lungs. GP lavage resolved the empyema and associated clinical signs in all cases.

Conclusions

Cytological examination of tracheal and guttural pouch aspirates revealed a neutrophilic exudate with lipid‐laden phagocytes, suggestive of engulfed milk. Bacteriology revealed a high prevalence of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus admixed with other opportunistic pathogens. Streptococcus equi ssp. equi was not isolated in any case.
Transient distal renal tubular acidosis with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus after general anaesthesia in a dog
Authors: Ku Dayoung , Lee Dohee , Yun Taesik , Koo Yoonhoi , Chae Yeon , Choi Dongjoon , Choi Minseok , Kang Byeong‐Teck , Yang Mhan‐Pyo , Kim Hakhyun
Published: May 2023

A 3‐year‐old, 3.5 kg, female spayed Pomeranian was referred due to persistent vomiting, anorexia, polyuria and polydipsia, 7 days after receiving general anaesthetic for a medial patellar luxation correction. Physical examination revealed lethargy, tachypnoea and 7% dehydration. Complete blood count and serum chemistry results were unremarkable, and venous blood gas analysis revealed hypokalaemia and hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap. Urinalysis revealed a urine specific gravity (USG) of 1.005, pH of 7.0 and proteinuria, and the bacterial culture was negative. Based on these results, the dog was diagnosed with distal renal tubular acidosis, and potassium citrate was prescribed to correct metabolic acidosis. In addition, concurrent diabetes insipidus (DI) was suspected because the dog showed persistent polyuria, polydipsia and a USG below 1.006 despite dehydration. After 3 days of initial treatment, acidosis was corrected, and vomiting resolved. Desmopressin acetate and hydrochlorothiazide were also prescribed for DI, but the USG was not normalized. Based on the insignificant therapeutic response, nephrogenic DI was highly suspected. DI was resolved after 24 days. This case report describes the concomitant presence of RTA and DI in a dog after general anaesthesia.
Preparation of poly(acrylic acid)/linseed mucilage/chitosan hydrogel for ketorolac release
Authors: Rodríguez‐Loredo Nashiely A. , Ovando‐Medina Víctor M. , Pérez Elías , Corona‐Rivera Miguel A. , Cervantes‐González Elsa , Antonio‐Carmona Iveth D. , Ramos‐Torres Claudia J.
Published: May 2023

Studies of smart and biocompatible hydrogels have resulted in the development of efficient drug‐delivery systems controlled by external stimuli. Taking inadequate doses of ketorolac could cause health complications in humans. Therefore, it is necessary the development of a polymeric matrix for controlled drug delivery to extend the release of Ketorolac. In this work, acrylic acid was polymerized using ammonium persulfate as initiator and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a cross‐linking agent, and in the presence of chitosan (Chit) and linseed mucilage (LS) biopolymers to obtain a composite of PAAc/LS/Chit hydrogel which was used for adsorption and release of ketorolac. Hydrogel was characterized by cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (Cryo‐SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of pH on water hydrogel swelling percentage (S), water absorption percentage (W), and ketorolac‐releasing kinetics were studied. SEM analysis showed hydrogel pore size pH‐depending, with micropore diameters ranging between 5 and 10 nm at acidic pH, while for the hydrogel swollen at pH = 9, bigger pores are observed in the range of 30 to 50 nm. It was observed that S and W increased with the pH of the medium with an S of 608% at a pH of 9 following a Fickian behavior of water diffusion into the hydrogel pore and swelling kinetics represented by a second‐order model. Ketorolac kinetic release was well described through the Korsmeyer‐Peppas mathematical model, with the release rate increasing with the pH, extending the total release time of drug to 20 h.
Feline urethral obstruction secondary to a ballistic foreign object
Authors: Bracchi Lauren , Odunayo Adesola , Ham Kathleen
Published: May 2023

An 8‐year‐old, male neutered, domestic shorthair cat was presented for stranguria, abnormal behaviour and azotaemia. A diagnosis of urethral obstruction was made based on a firm and painful urinary bladder that could not be expressed. Diagnostic workup, inclusive of bloodwork, urinalysis, urine culture and abdominal radiographs, revealed an intraluminal ballistic foreign object. A urinary tract infection was also diagnosed, suspected to be secondary to the ballistic foreign object. A cystotomy was performed and a metallic pellet was removed from the bladder lumen, with no overt signs of a penetrating injury appreciated on evaluation of the body wall and urinary bladder. Clinical signs resolved after surgical intervention, with normal urination appreciated at home after discharge. Urinary obstruction and infection secondary to an intraluminal foreign body is an unusual aetiology for a common feline presenting complaint, and diagnostic imaging should be strongly considered for any patient with a urinary obstruction.
Links between pet ownership and exercise on the mental health of veterinary professionals
Authors: Smith Elliot T. , Barcelos Ana Maria , Mills Daniel S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Connections between the effects of pet ownership and exercise on mental health have previously been demonstrated in different populations. However, little is known about the potential effects of pet ownership and exercise on the mental health of veterinary professionals. Since these individuals have a high prevalence of poor mental health and suicide, while they deal with pets professionally, we investigated the impact of pet ownership, exercise and different types of pet ownership on this demographic group.

Method

Veterinary professionals over 18 years old answered an online questionnaire about pet ownership, exercise, mental health (including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation) and mental health correlates. Regression models were used to identify variables significantly related to mental health outcomes.

Results

Of 1087 respondents, pet owners were more depressed than non‐owners, while anxiety or suicidal ideation was not associated with pet ownership. Dog and horse owners were psychologically healthier (less anxiety, less suicidal ideation) than non‐owners of these species. Veterinary professionals who ran regularly had lower anxiety and depression. Those who walked regularly and spent less time sitting experienced fewer depression symptoms.

Conclusions

Running, walking and avoiding prolonged sitting might protect the mental health of veterinary professionals. The type of pet owned may be an important factor in the relationship between pet ownership and mental health; however, generally, pet ownership was associated with worse mental health outcomes in this demographic group. Future studies should determine the causal nature of these relationships.
Asymptotic expansion for solution of Maxwell equation in domain with highly oscillating boundary
Authors: Boujemaa Saoussen , Khelifi Abdessatar
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we derive high‐order terms in the asymptotic expansions of the boundary perturbations for the electric field by taking into account of highly oscillating perturbations of an inhomogeneity with regular boundary. We show then that the asymptotic expansions depend on some parameter γ, that describes the depth of irregularity. Our study is rigorous and is founded on Field expansion method.
Introduction: Civil Society Responses to Changing Civic Spaces
Authors: Biekart Kees , Kontinen Tiina , Millstein Marianne
Published: May 2023

This introductory chapter contextualizes how the volume resonates to current global trends and research debates concerning democracy, civil society, and civic space. The chapter shows how the debates on the decline of democracy, civil society actors, and changing civil spaces underpin the book’s agenda of exploring civil society responses to civic space. The chapter argues in favour of contextual and relational analyses of how civil society actors and civic space are negotiated, in the context of historically formed governance systems. It also provides an overview of the chapters of the book underlying their original contributions to ongoing debates.
Conclusions: Spaces of Hope and Despair?
Authors: Biekart Kees , Kontinen Tiina , Millstein Marianne
Published: May 2023

This concluding chapter summarizes the key findings of the individual chapters. It recaps the diverse conceptualizations of civic space used, as well as the restrictions and civil society responses identified. The chapter concludes with reflections on other perspectives not elaborated in this particular volume and on potential agendas for future research.
Philanthropy During COVID-19 Emergency: Towards a Postcolonial Perspective?
Authors: Mendonça Patricia Maria E. , Aoqui Cássio , Cardoso Leticia
Published: May 2023

Civic actors started facing an increasingly challenging context with demobilization in recent years in Brazil. In 2019, a conservative government came to power, and the beginning of the pandemic led to deepening inequalities. That was when philanthropy emerged at its strongest: over US $1 billion in private donations were mapped in only three months. This paper presents data on donations during the pandemic and contrasts selected cases with different perspectives of philanthropy. It seeks to answer whether these donations may have had an outlier content for both donors and communities. It was observed that some initiatives started to break with hegemonic models of philanthropy, however, we argue that there is still a high level of resource-dependency from elites and a coloniality of power mindset, which leaves us to the question: “To what extent is a decolonial turn in philanthropy really achievable if its origin is based on colonial thoughts?”.
Beacons of Hope in a Challenging World: Conclusions and Directions for Future Research and Practice
Authors: Guse Tharina , Slezackova Alena , Krafft Andreas M.
Published: May 2023

This chapter summarizes the main tenets of our integrated hope model, followed by salient findings regarding hope in various countries and cultures, reported in this volume. We then identify challenges and future directions for research on hope across cultures and contexts.
Worldviews and Basic Beliefs of Hope
Authors: Krafft Andreas M. , Guse Tharina , Kasprzak Elżbieta , Redlich-Amirav Dorit , Stecz Patryk
Published: May 2023

To further elaborate on the concept of hope outlined in Chap.2, the purpose of this contribution is to investigate the role of basic beliefs and worldviews in sustaining the general perception of hope in different cultures. We begin by introducing the theoretical concepts about the nature of basic beliefs and worldviews, especially with regard to a future-oriented thinking. Employing the Perceived Hope Scale, the Dispositional Hope Scale, the Assumptive Worldviews, and several variables of subjective and psychological well-being, we investigate the levels and predictors of hope in six distinct samples of the Hope Barometer 2017 (N = 6548). Our findings support the notion of hope as a multidimensional phenomenon with certain universal features across cultures while recognizing that people in different cultures experience hope based on specific worldviews, independently from the nation’s economic wealth.
The Extended Frobenius Problem for Fibonacci Sequences Incremented by a Fibonacci Number
Authors: Robles-Pérez Aureliano M. , Rosales José Carlos
Published: May 2023

We study the extended Frobenius problem for sequences of the form $$\{f_a+f_n\}_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$$

{

f
a

+

f
n

}

n
∈
N

, where $$\{f_n\}_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$$

{

f
n

}

n
∈
N

is the Fibonacci sequence and $$f_a$$

f
a

is a Fibonacci number. As a consequence of this study, we show that the family of numerical semigroups associated with these sequences satisfies Wilf’s conjecture.
Epsilon Regularity for the Navier–Stokes Equations via Weak-Strong Uniqueness
Authors: Albritton Dallas , Barker Tobias , Prange Christophe
Published: May 2023

We give a new concise proof of a certain one-scale epsilon regularity criterion using weak-strong uniqueness for solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations with non-zero boundary conditions. It is inspired by an analogous approach for the stationary system due to Struwe.
An inviscid free boundary fluid-wave model
Authors: Kukavica Igor , Tuffaha Amjad
Published: May 2023

We consider the local existence and uniqueness of solutions for a system consisting of an inviscid fluid with a free boundary, modeled by the Euler equations, in a domain enclosed by an elastic boundary, which evolves according to the wave equation. We derive a priori estimates for the local existence of solutions and also conclude the uniqueness. Both, existence and uniqueness are obtained under the assumption that the Euler data belongs to$$H^{r}$$Hr, where$$r>2.5$$r>2.5, which is known to be the borderline exponent for the Euler equations. Unlike the setting of the Euler equations with vacuum, the membrane is shown to stabilize the system in the sense that the Rayleigh–Taylor condition does not need to be assumed.
Self-similarity in homogeneous stationary and evolution problems
Authors: Cholewa Jan W. , Rodriguez-Bernal Anibal
Published: May 2023

We analyse self-similarity properties related to linear elliptic and evolutionary problems involving homogeneous operators in several spaces including measures. We employ these techniques to analyse in particular 2mth-order diffusion equations and the associated fractional problems.
Influence of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on renal blood perfusion
Authors: Liesenfeld Lukas F. , Brandl Andreas
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is accompanied with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Whether AKI is induced by chemotoxicity or hyperthermia-related changes in renal perfusion remains controversial. The influence of HIPEC on renal perfusion has not been evaluated in patients yet.

Methods

Renal blood perfusion was assessed in ten patients treated with HIPEC by intraoperative renal Doppler pulse-wave ultrasound. Ultrasound (US) examinations were performed pre-, intra-, and postoperative with analyses of time-velocity curves. Patient demographics, surgical details, and data regarding renal function were recorded perioperatively. For evaluation of renal Doppler US to predict AKI, patients were divided in two groups with (AKI +) and without (AKI −) kidney injury.

Results

Throughout HIPEC perfusion, neither significant nor consistent changes in renal perfusion could be observed. Postoperative AKI occurred in 6 of 10 participating patients. Intraoperative renal resistive index (RRI) values > 0.8 were observed in one patient developing stage 3 AKI according KDIGO criteria. At 30 min in perfusion, RRI values were significantly higher in AKI + patients.

Conclusion

AKI is a common and frequent complication after HIPEC, but underlying pathophysiology remains elusive. High intraoperative RRI values may indicate an increased risk of postoperative AKI. Present data challenges the relevance of hyperthermia-derived hypothesis of renal hypoperfusion with prerenal injury during HIPEC. More attention should be drawn towards chemotoxic-induced hypothesis of HIPEC-induced AKI and caution applying regimens containing nephrotoxic agents in patients. Further confirmatory and complementary studies on renal perfusion as well as pharmacokinetic HIPEC studies are required.
Diagnostic applications and therapeutic option of Cascade CRISPR/Cas in the modulation of miRNA in diverse cancers: promises and obstacles
Authors: Alinejad Tahereh , Modarressi Shabnam , Sadri Zahra , Hao Zuo , Chen Cheng Shui
Published: May 2023

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas technology is a molecular tool specific to sequences for engineering genomes. Among diverse clusters of Cas proteins, the class 2/type II CRISPR/Cas9 system, despite several challenges, such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and efficient delivery, has shown great promise for driver gene mutation discovery, high-throughput gene screening, epigenetic modulation, nucleic acid detection, disease modeling, and more importantly for therapeutic purposes. CRISPR-based clinical and experimental methods have applications across a wide range of areas, especially for cancer research and, possibly, anticancer therapy. On the other hand, given the influential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulations of cellular division, carcinogenicity, tumorigenesis, migration/invasion, and angiogenesis in diverse normal and pathogenic cellular processes, in different stages of cancer, miRNAs are either oncogenes or tumor suppressors, according to what type of cancer they are involved in. Hence, these noncoding RNA molecules are conceivable biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets. Moreover, they are suggested to be adequate predictors for cancer prediction. Conclusive evidence proves that CRISPR/Cas system can be applied to target small non-coding RNAs. However, the majority of studies have highlighted the application of the CRISPR/Cas system for targeting protein-coding regions. In this review, we specifically discuss diverse applications of CRISPR-based tools for probing miRNA gene function and miRNA-based therapeutic involvement in different types of cancers.
Hybridization may endanger the rare North Apennine endemic Cirsium bertolonii
Authors: Michálková Ester , Šmerda Jakub , Plačková Klára , Knoll Aleš , Bureš Petr
Published: May 2023

We examined populations of North Apennine stenoendemicsCirsium bertoloniiin the Apuan Alps and Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and found individuals morphologically shifted to co-occurringC. acaulonorC. erisithales. Hybrid status of these intermediates was confirmed by flow cytometry, morphometrics and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). We interpreted these hybrids taxonomically asCirsium ×sagrense(C. acaulon × C. bertolonii) andC. ×abetonense(C. bertolonii × C. erisithales). Estimated genome size (2C) was 2244 ± 31 Mbp forC. ×sagrenseand 2152 ± 99 Mbp forC. ×abetonense. Their genomic GC content was 38.95 ± 0.35% and 38.77 ± 0.26%, respectively. Diploid chromosome number 2n = 34 was counted forC.bertolonii, and the previously reported 2n = 12 needs to be considered erroneous. We foundC. bertoloniito be a gynodioecious species (like many otherCirsiumspecies) that is not reproductively isolated by ploidy level or chromosome number from co-occurring congeners. The relatively frequent occurrence ofC. ×sagrensein Monte Sagro (locus classicusofC. bertolonii) and the prevalence ofC. ×abetonensein Alpe Tre Potenze suggest that hybridization occurs repeatedly inC. bertolonii, as also confirmed by older herbarium specimens.C. ×abetonenseproduces ripe achenes and F2 hybrids or backcrosses, as some otherCirsiumhybrids do. Genetic erosion/swamping via interspecific hybridization can therefore pose a risk to the genetic integrity ofC. bertolonii, as it does for some other narrowly endemic high-mountainCirsiumspecies in Europe.
Bacterial communities along parrot digestive and respiratory tracts: the effects of sample type, species and time
Authors: Schmiedová Lucie , Černá Kateřina , Li Tao , Těšický Martin , Kreisinger Jakub , Vinkler Michal
Published: May 2023

Digestive and respiratory tracts are inhabited by rich bacterial communities that can vary between their different segments. In comparison with other bird taxa with developed caeca, parrots that lack caeca have relatively lower variability in intestinal morphology. Here, based on 16S rRNA metabarcoding, we describe variation in microbiota across different parts of parrot digestive and respiratory tracts both at interspecies and intraspecies levels. In domesticated budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), we describe the bacterial variation across eight selected sections of respiratory and digestive tracts, and three non-destructively collected sample types (faeces, and cloacal and oral swabs). Our results show important microbiota divergence between the upper and lower digestive tract, but similarities between respiratory tract and crop, and also between different intestinal segments. Faecal samples appear to provide a better proxy for intestinal microbiota composition than the cloacal swabs. Oral swabs had a similar bacterial composition as the crop and trachea. For a subset of tissues, we confirmed the same pattern also in six different parrot species. Finally, using the faeces and oral swabs in budgerigars, we revealed high oral, but low faecal microbiota stability during a 3-week period mimicking pre-experiment acclimation. Our findings provide a basis essential for microbiota-related experimental planning and result generalisation in non-poultry birds.
Vessel size as a marker of survival in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer
Authors: Milosevic Vladan , Edelmann Reidunn J. , Winge Ingeborg , Strell Carina , Mezheyeuski Artur , Knutsvik Gøril , Askeland Cecilie , Wik Elisabeth , Akslen Lars A. , Östman Arne
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and is one of the hallmarks of cancer. In this study, we analyzed microvessel density, vessel median size, and perivascular a-SMA expression as prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer.

Methods

Dual IHC staining was performed where alpha-SMA antibodies were used together with antibodies against the endothelial cell marker CD34. Digital images of stainings were analyzed to extract quantitative data on vessel density, vessel size, and perivascular alpha-SMA status.

Results

The analyses in the discovery cohort (n = 108) revealed a statistically significant relationship between large vessel size and shorter disease-specific survival (p = 0.007, log-rank test; p = 0.01, HR 3.1; 95% CI 1.3–7.4, Cox-regression analyses). Subset analyses indicated that the survival association of vessel size was strengthened in ER + breast cancer. To consolidate these findings, additional analyses were performed on a validation cohort (n = 267) where an association between large vessel size and reduced survival was also detected in ER + breast cancer (p = 0.016, log-rank test; p = 0.02; HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.7, Cox-regression analyses).

Conclusion

Alpha-SMA/CD34 dual-IHC staining revealed breast cancer heterogeneity regarding vessel size, vessel density, and perivascular a-SMA status. Large vessel size was linked to shorter survival in ER + breast cancer.
Chatbots and messaging platforms in the classroom: An analysis from the teacher’s perspective
Authors: Merelo Juan J. , Castillo Pedro A. , Mora Antonio M , Barranco Francisco , Abbas Noorhan , Guillén Alberto , Tsivitanidou Olia
Published: May 2023

Messaging platforms are applications, generally mediated by an app, desktop program or the web, mainly used for synchronous communication among users. As such, they have been widely adopted officially by higher education establishments, after little or no study of their impact and perception by the teachers. We think that the introduction of these new tools and the opportunities and challenges they have needs to be studied carefully in order to adopt the model, as well as the tool, that is the most adequate for all parties involved. We already studied the perception of these tools by students, in this paper we examine the teachers’ experiences and perceptions through a survey that we validated with peers, and what they think these tools should make or serve so that it enhances students learning and helps them achieve their learning objectives. The survey has been distributed among tertiary education teachers, both in universitary and other kind of tertiary establishments, based in Spain (mainly) and Spanish-speaking countries. We have focused on collecting teachers’ preferences and opinions on the introduction of messaging platforms in their day-to-day work, as well as other services attached to them, such as chatbots. What we intend with this survey is to understand their needs and to gather information about the various educational use cases where these tools could be valuable. In addition, an analysis of how and when teachers’ opinions towards the use of these tools varies across gender, experience, and their discipline of specialization is presented. The key findings of this study highlight the factors that can contribute to the advancement of the adoption of messaging platforms and chatbots in higher education institutions to achieve the desired learning outcomes.
Why Fly? Prudential Value, Climate Change, and the Ethics of Long-distance Leisure Travel
Authors: Timmer Dick , van der Deijl Willem
Published: May 2023

We argue that the prudential benefits of long-distance leisure travel can justify such trips even though there are strong and important reasons against long-distance flying. This is because prudential benefits can render otherwise impermissible actions permissible, and because, according to dominant theories about wellbeing, long-distance leisure travel provides significant prudential benefits. However, this ‘wellbeing argument’ for long-distance leisure travel must be qualified in two ways. First, because travellers are epistemically privileged with respect to knowledge about what is good for them, they must look critically at their own assessment of the prudential benefits of a trip. Second, the wellbeing argument is unlikely to support prudential arguments for long-distance leisure trips made by frequent flyers.
Thermal analysis of aged chars obtained by pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonisation of manure wastes
Authors: Cárdenas-Aguiar E. , Méndez A. , Paz-Ferreiro J. , Sohi S. P. , Gascó Gabriel
Published: May 2023

Biochar is being explored for the improvement of contaminated land as well as quality of soils in agricultural use. Most studies are conducted in the laboratory or involved only short-term field experiments. There remains considerable uncertainty about the long-term implications of biochar use, as a consequence of changes that arise during their ageing within soil. This work assessed the effects of chemical ageing (5% vol H2O2) on different properties of biochars and hydrochars prepared from two types of animal waste (rabbit and pig manure). Four biochars were prepared from pyrolysis of rabbit manure (pyrolysis temperature: 300 and 600 °C) and pig manure (300 and 450 °C) and two hydrochars from each manure by hydrothermal carbonisation at temperatures of 200 and 220 °C. The pristine and aged chars were compared according to the elemental composition and thermogravimetric analysis being also calculated the thermostability index and carbon stability in the ageing process. Results showed that chars prepared at lower temperatures were more sensitive to ageing. Only biochar obtained by pyrolysis at 600 °C showed a high level of resistance to ageing, reflecting the higher stability of the underlying carbon structure.
A Comparison of Presolar Isotopic Signatures in Laboratory-Studied Primitive Solar System Materials and Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko: New Insights from Light Elements, Halogens, and Noble Gases
Authors: Hoppe Peter , Rubin Martin , Altwegg Kathrin
Published: May 2023

Comets are considered the most primitive planetary bodies in our Solar System. ESA’s Rosetta mission to Jupiter family comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P/CG) has provided a wealth of isotope data which expanded the existing data sets on isotopic compositions of comets considerably. In a previous paper (Hoppe et al. in Space Sci. Rev. 214:106, 2018) we reviewed the results for comet 67P/CG from the first four years of data reduction after arrival of Rosetta at the comet in August 2014 and discussed them in the context of respective meteorite data. Since then important new isotope data of several elements, among them the biogenic elements H, C, N, and O, for comet 67P/CG, the Tagish Lake meteorite, and C-type asteroid Ryugu became available which provide new insights into the formation conditions of small planetary bodies in the Solar System’s earliest history. To complement the picture on comet 67P/CG and its context to other primitive Solar System materials, especially meteorites, that emerged from our previous paper, we review here the isotopic compositions of H, C, and N in various volatile molecules, of O in water and a suite of other molecules, of the halogens Cl and Br, and of the noble gas Kr in comet 67P/CG. Furthermore, we also review the H isotope data obtained in the refractory organics of the dust grains collected in the coma of 67P/CG. These data are compared with the respective meteoritic and Ryugu data and spectroscopic observations of other comets and extra-solar environments; Cl, Br, and Kr data are also evaluated in the context of a potential late supernova contribution, as suggested by the Si- and S-isotopic data of 67P/CG.
A Robot-Assisted Microscopy System for Digital Image Correlation in Fatigue Crack Growth Testing
Authors: Paysan F. , Dietrich E. , Breitbarth E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Digital image correlation (DIC) with microscopes has become an important experimental tool in fracture mechanics to study local effects such as the plastic zone, crack closure, crack deflection or crack branching. High-resolution light microscopes provide 2D images but the field of view is limited to a small area and very sensitive to its alignment. A flexible positioning system is therefore needed to collect such DIC data during the entire fatigue crack growth process.

Objective

We present in our paper a new experimental setup for local high-resolution 2D DIC measurements at any location and at any time during fatigue crack growth experiments with a non-fixed DIC microscopy system.

Methods

We use a robot to move the 2D DIC microscope to any location on the surface of the specimen. Optical and tactile methods automatically adjust the system and ensure highest image quality as well as accurate alignment. In addition, an advanced repositioning method reduces out-of-plane motion effects.

Results

The robot is able to achieve a repositioning accuracy of less than 0.06 mm in vector space, resulting in very low Von Mises strain scattering of 0.07 to 0.09% in the DIC evaluation. The system minimizes systematic errors caused by translation and rotational deviations. Effects such as crack deflection, crack branching or the plastic zone of a fatigue crack can be investigated with a field of view of 10.2 x 6.4 mm2.

Conclusions

The robot supported DIC system generates up to 8000 high-quality DIC images in an experiment that enables the application of digital evaluation algorithms. Redundant information create confidence in the results as all revealed effects are comprehensible. This increases the information content of a single fatigue crack growth test and accelerates knowledge generation.
Meteorological influences on co-occurrence of O3 and PM2.5 pollution and implication for emission reductions in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei
Authors: Ma Xiaoqing , Yin Zhicong , Cao Bufan , Wang Huijun
Published: May 2023

Co-occurrence of surface ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution (CP) was frequently observed in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH). More than 50% of CP days occurred during April–May in BTH, and the CP days reached up to 11 in two months of 2018. The PM2.5 or O3 concentration associated with CP was lower than but close to that in O3 and PM2.5 pollution, indicating compound harms during CP days with double-high concentrations of PM2.5 and O3. CP days were significantly facilitated by joint effects of the Rossby wave train that consisted of two centers associated with the Scandinavia pattern and one center over North China as well as a hot, wet, and stagnant environmental condition in BTH. After 2018, the number of CP days decreased sharply while the meteorological conditions did not change significantly. Therefore, changes in meteorological conditions did not really contribute to the decline of CP days in 2019 and 2020. This implies that the reduction of PM2.5 emission has resulted in a reduction of CP days (about 11 days in 2019 and 2020). The differences in atmospheric conditions revealed here were helpful to forecast the types of air pollution on a daily to weekly time scale. The reduction in PM2.5 emission was the main driving factor behind the absence of CP days in 2020, but the control of surface O3 must be stricter and deeper.
A robust motion correction technique for infrared thermography during awake craniotomy
Authors: Iorga Michael , Tate Matthew C. , Parrish Todd B.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Intraoperative infrared thermography is an emerging technique for image-guided neurosurgery, whereby physiological and pathological processes result in temperature changes over space and time. However, motion during data collection leads to downstream artifacts in thermography analyses. We develop a fast, robust technique for motion estimation and correction as a preprocessing step for brain surface thermography recordings.

Methods

A motion correction technique for thermography was developed which approximates the deformation field associated with motion as a grid of two-dimensional bilinear splines (Bispline registration), and a regularization function was designed to constrain motion to biomechanically feasible solutions. The performance of the proposed Bispline registration technique was compared to phase correlation, a band-stop filter, demons registration, and the Horn–Schunck and Lucas–Kanade optical flow techniques.

Results

All methods were analyzed using thermography data from ten patients undergoing awake craniotomy for brain tumor resection, and performance was compared using image quality metrics. The proposed method had the lowest mean-squared error and the highest peak-signal-to-noise ratio of all methods tested and performed slightly worse than phase correlation and Demons registration on the structural similarity index metric (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Band-stop filtering and the Lucas–Kanade method were not strong attenuators of motion, while the Horn–Schunck method was well-performing initially but weakened over time.

Conclusion

Bispline registration had the most consistently strong performance out of all the techniques tested. It is relatively fast for a nonrigid motion correction technique, capable of processing ten frames per second, and could be a viable option for real-time use. Constraining the deformation cost function through regularization and interpolation appears sufficient for fast, monomodal motion correction of thermal data during awake craniotomy.
Development of PROMETHEE-Entropy data mining model for groundwater potentiality modeling: a case study of multifaceted geologic settings in south-western Nigeria
Authors: Mogaji Kehinde Anthony , Atenidegbe Olanrewaju Fred
Published: May 2023

This work looks at developing an object-driven decision support system (DSS) model with the goal of improving the prediction accuracy of the present expert-driven DSS model in assessing groundwater potentiality. The database of remote sensing, geological, and geophysical information was constructed using the technological efficiency of GIS, data mining, and programming tools. Groundwater potential conditioning factors (GPCF) extracted from the datasets include lithology (Li), hydraulic conductivity (K), lineament density (Ld), transmissivity (T), and transverse resistance (TR) for groundwater potentiality mapping in a typical hard rock multifaceted geologic setting in south-western Nigeria. A Python-based entropy approach was used to objectively weight these factors. The weightage findings determined that the greatest and lowest given values for Ld andKwere 0.6 and 0.03, respectively. The produced Python-based PROMETHEE-Entropy model algorithm was born through combining the weight findings with the Python-based PROMETHEE-II method. The groundwater potentiality model (GPM) map of the area was created using the model algorithm's outputs on the gridded raster of GPCF themes. Based on the suggested approach, the validated results of the created GPM maps using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve technique yielded an accuracy of 86%. An object-driven DSS model was created using the approaches that were used. The created object-driven model is a viable alternative to existing approaches in groundwater hydrology and aids in the automation of groundwater resource management in the research region.