bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Komposit Hybride Serat Buah Kelapa dan Tebu Pada Bagian Akar, Batang, Pucuk Bermatrix Polyester BQTN 157
Authors: Subhan Muhamad , Ergiantoro Anugerah , Yuliyanto Yuliyanto
Published: January 2024

Penumpukan serat ampas tebu dan ampas serat buah kelapa akan menyebabkan pembusukan dan bau yang tidak sedap, maka dari itu perlu dilakukan penanganan yang serius. Salah satunya pembuatan komposit serat alam.  Tujuan penelitian untuk mendapatkan nilai pengujian tarik tertinggi pada komposit hybride serat buah kelapa dan serat tebu pada bagian akar,batang, dan pucuk dengan fraksi volume Serat Tebu 10% - Serat Kelapa 20%, Serat Tebu 20% - Serat Kelapa 10% dan Serat Tebu 15% - Serat Kelapa 15%, dengan perlakuan alkali NaOH 5% selama 2 jam. Pembuatan sampel menggunakan metode hand lay,-up. Analisis dilakukan menggunakan metode desain eksperimen langsung. Hasilnya kekuatan tarik tertinggi sebesar 17,2 Mpa pada fraksi volume Serat Tebu 10% - Serat Kelapa 20% dan terjadi penurunan kekuatan tarik pada fraksi volume Serat Tebu 20% - Serat Kelapa 10%. Kekuatan tarik terendah pada fraksi volume Serat Tebu 20% - Serat Kelapa 10% dengan nilai kekuatan uji tarik 6,6 Mpa, artinya semakin banyak penyebaran serat pada resin disetiap komposit akan memperkuat ikatan antara matrik dan serat yang menyebabkan komposit akan bersifat kuat dan tidak getas. Pada foto mikro pada perendaman NaOH 5% selama 2 jam belum mampu membersihkan  kotoran atau lapisan yang menempel pada serat kelapa, sedangkan pada serat tebu dengan perendaman 2 jam sudah mampu membersihkan lapisan atau kotoran pada serat. Kotoran yang menenpel akan mempengaruhi ikatan antara serat dan resin.
Sistem Penyewaan Perlengkapan Tari dengan Menerapkan Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Berbasis Metode SAW (Studi Kasus: Sanggar Seni Pesona Wangka)
Authors: Ratu Bania Naja , Pratama M. Setya , Agita Rindri Yang
Published: January 2024

Sanggar Pesona Wangka merupakan suatu organisasi yang menjadi sarana atau tempat berkegiatan pada bidang tari maupun musik dan telah lama berperan penting dalam pelestarian budaya daerah Bangka Belitung. Sanggar ini juga melayani penyewaan perlengkapan tari. Proses penyewaan perlengkapan tari masih dilakukan secara konvensional sehingga membutuhkan waktu yang lebih lama. Kendala lain yang dihadapi adalah calon penyewa kesulitan untuk mendapatkan informasi mengenai ketersediaan perlengkapan tari yang ingin disewa. Sistem penyewaan yang masih konvensional juga dirasa tidak efisien karena calon penyewa harus datang ke sanggar untuk bertemu dengan pemilik dan memilih langsung perlengkapan tari yang akan disewa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang dan membangun suatu sistem penyewaan perlengkapan tari berbasis website untuk Sanggar Pesona Wangka agar memudahkan pengolahan data-data yang dibutuhkan menjadi informasi yang akurat dan mudah dijangkau oleh banyak orang. Selain itu, sistem penyewaan perlengkapan tari ini menerapkan sistem pendukung keputusan berbasis metode SAW (Simple Additive Weighting) yang dapat memberikan rekomendasi pelanggan terbaik berdasarkan 2 kriteria, yaitu banyak transaksi dan total biaya transaksi. Metode pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode observasi dan wawancara. Untuk pengembangan sistem menggunakan metode prototype dengan bahasa pemrograman PHP dan MySQL. Pengujian sistem dilakukan menggunakan metode black box testing dan user acceptance testing. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan sistem 100% berjalan seperti yang diharapkan. Sedangkan, dari hasil pengujian user acceptance testing diperoleh 92,6% sangat baik bahwa sistem layak digunakan.
Mucinous differentiation of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma: Impact on pathology features and survival outcomes
Authors: Pergialiotis Vasilios , Haidopoulos Dimitrios , Lygizos Vasilios , Vlachos Dimitrios Efthimios , Rodolakis Ioannis , Dimopoulou Aikaterini , Goula Kalliroi , Thomakos Nikolaos
Published: January 2024

Objective: Mucinous differentiation of endometrioid adenocarcinoma refers to the presence of a mucinous component that does not exceed 50% of the surface of the tumor. It has been associated with improved survival outcomes. In the present systematic review, we summarize the evidence to provide a robust result concerning the prognostic significance of this histologic variant. Methods: We systematically searched Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases in our primary search along with the reference lists of electronically retrieved full-text papers. Results: Four retrospective observational studies were included in the present meta-analysis that involved 1.501 patients. Patients with mucinous differentiation of endometrioid carcinomas had similar odds of deep myometrial invasion compared to patients with endometrioid carcinoma (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.62, 1.59) as well as of developing lymphovascular space invasion (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.59, 1.71) or lymph node metastases (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39, 2.05). Recurrence free survival of these patients (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.03, 10.42) were also similar to those of patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. Conclusion: Mucinous differentiation of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma does not appear to be associated with significantly increased risk of lymph node metastases, lymphovascular space invasion or deep myometrial invasion. Concurrently, there is no evidence to support its association with decreased progression free or overall survival rates.
THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE LEISURE USE ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN YOUNG ADULTS
Authors: KAPLAN Mehmet , KERKEZ Müjde
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of active leisure use on the quality of life of young adults. The study data were collected from associate degree students studying at a university between October and November 2022. The sample size of the study was 366 students. The study data were collected using a form that included socio-demographic characteristics, the Leisure Attitudes Scale and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale. Pearson correlation analysis and Tukey test for multiple comparisons were used to evaluate the data. It was observed that the mean score of the emotional sub-dimension of the Leisure Attitude Scale was statistically higher in students who stated that their weekly leisure was sufficient. A strong relationship was found between the age of the students and the mean score of the mental component. The mean mental component scores of students who reported having enough free time per week were better than the others (p
THE EFFECT OF NEUROMUSCULAR EXERCISES ON FUNCTIONALITY, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BALANCE IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY
Authors: ÖZALTIN Gülfem Ezgi , TALU Burcu
Published: January 2024

This study was planned as single- blinded randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of neuromuscular exercises on functionality, physical activity, and balance in patients with osteoarthritis. Sixty patients with osteoarthritis were included. Patients were selected using the random sampling method and allocated to two groups: The experimental group (n=30), and the control group (n=30). The exercises were administered to both groups 6 days a week for 6 weeks, with one set under the physiotherapist’s control and two sets of home exercises repeated 10 times. Pain (VAS), physical activity level, functionality, and balance were evaluated before and after treatment. We found a significant difference in levels of functionality, pain (p
Detection of Factors that Influence Tax Avoidance Using Fraud Diamond Theory
Authors: Indrawayu Luluk , Fitriana Annisa , Sutrisno
Published: January 2024

This research aims to determine the factors that influence tax avoidance using fraud diamond theory. This research uses a pressure variable which is proxied by return on assets, an opportunity variable which is proxied by the ratio of independent commissioners, rationalization which is proxied by changing external auditors, an ability variable which is proxied by changing directors and tax avoidance which is proxied by cash effective tax rate. The object of this research is the LQ-45 manufacturing subsector company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2020-2022 period. The research sample selection method used was purposive sampling. The research sample was 36 samples. This research uses multiple linear regression analysis methods. The research results show that the variables of pressure and rationalization have a significant and influential effect on tax avoidance. Meanwhile, the opportunity and ability variables do not have a significant effect on tax avoidance.
Amplicon sequencing identified a putative pathogen, Macrophomina phaseolina, causing wilt in African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) grown in Tanzania and Uganda
Authors: Xu Xiangming , Minja Ruth , Kizito Elizabeth Balyejusa , Dinssa Fekadu , Deakin Greg , Kabod Pamela Nahamya , Kalala Asheri , Kweka Eliciana , Mbwambo Omary , Mbanzibwa Deusdedith , Msangi Hamza , Nakanwagi Mildred Julian , Passey Tom , Sentance Stuart , Sseremba Godfrey , Stavridou Eleftheria , Bishop Gerard J.
Published: January 2024

African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) is one of the most common traditional vegetables in Tanzania and Uganda, but its productivity is severely affected by wilt diseases caused by a number of pathogens. Plant stem and root samples were collected in several fields from many neighboring diseased and healthy plants of the Gilo group in Tanzania and from the Shum group in Uganda to identify putative pathogens causing wilt on African eggplants. Through amplicon sequencing of sampled diseased and healthy tissues, we identified putative causal pathogens for the wilt symptoms. Wilting of S. aethiopicum in Uganda is most likely caused by the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum whereas, in Tanzania, wilt is most likely caused by the fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina, infecting roots. Infection of stems by Fusarium solani may also contribute to the wilt symptoms in Tanzania. Further artificial inoculation under controlled conditions confirmed that M. phaseolina can cause typical wilting symptoms on S. aethiopcium genotypes. The discovery of different putative causal agents of wilt in the crop demonstrates the need for site specific etiological analysis of wilt before developing and implementing effective control methods. Further research is needed to confirm the results and develop appropriate management measures against specific wilt pathogens.
The crosstalk of intratumor bacteria and the tumor
Authors: Huang Jiating , Mao Yuqin , Wang Lishun
Published: January 2024

The in-depth studies reveal the interaction between the host and commensal microbiomes. Symbiotic bacteria influence in tumor initiation, progression, and response to treatment. Recently, intratumor bacteria have been a burgeoning research field. The tumor microenvironment is under vascular hyperplasia, aerobic glycolysis, hypoxia, and immunosuppression. It might be attractive for bacterial growth and proliferation. As a component of the tumor microenvironment, intratumor bacteria influence tumor growth and metastasis, as well as the efficacy of anti-tumor therapies. Therefore, understanding the intricate interplay of intratumoral bacteria and the host might contribute to better approaches to treat tumors. In this review, we summarize current evidence about roles of intratumor bacteria in tumor initiation and anti-tumor therapy, and what is remained to be solved in this field.
Transovarial transmission of mosquito-borne viruses: a systematic review
Authors: Janjoter Sangeeta , Kataria Divya , Yadav Mahima , Dahiya Nisha , Sehrawat Neelam
Published: January 2024

Background

A number of mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs), such as dengue virus (DENV), zika virus (ZIKV), chikungunya (CHIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and yellow fever virus (YFV) exert adverse health impacts on the global population. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the prime vectors responsible for the transmission of these viruses. The viruses have acquired a number of routes for successful transmission, including horizontal and vertical transmission. Transovarial transmission is a subset/type of vertical transmission adopted by mosquitoes for the transmission of viruses from females to their offspring through eggs/ovaries. It provides a mechanism for these MBVs to persist and maintain their lineage during adverse climatic conditions of extremely hot and cold temperatures, during the dry season, or in the absence of susceptible vertebrate host when horizontal transmission is not possible.

Methods

The publications discussed in this systematic review were searched for using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and websites such as those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, using the search terms “transovarial transmission” and “mosquito-borne viruses” from 16 May 2023 to 20 September 2023.

Results

A total of 2,391 articles were searched, of which 123 were chosen for full text evaluation, and 60 were then included in the study after screening and removing duplicates.

Conclusion

The present systematic review focuses on understanding the above diseases, their pathogenesis, epidemiology and host–parasite interactions. The factors affecting transovarial transmission, potential implications, mosquito antiviral defense mechanism, and the control strategies for these mosquito-borne viral diseases (MBVDs) are also be included in this review.
“My goal is to make sustainability mainstream”: emerging visual narratives on the environmental crisis on Instagram
Authors: San Cornelio Gemma , Martorell Sandra , Ardèvol Elisenda
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In the face of the current climate crisis, environmental communication can contribute to providing new frames of understanding and promoting social change and positive citizen action. Through social media, on platforms like Instagram, concerned citizens embrace environmental communication activism ultimately reshaping the narratives regarding the climate crisis. These individuals, who we identify as both activists and environmental influencers, are challenging the established media narratives with their posts and stories, thus offering alternative narratives. Accordingly, this paper aims to elaborate an incipient characterization of a communicative agenda that includes the emerging elements of these visual narratives in social media as potentially able to engage citizens to take action in their ordinary lives.

Methods

Our research draws on a qualitative methodological approach, based on: (1) a digital ethnography carried out on 60 Instagram accounts devoted to the dissemination of environmental concerns and contents, (2) a visual narrative analysis of 281 selected posts of the previous accounts, and (3) 14 in-depth interviews conducted with digital activists.

Results

We have identified the main traits of these emerging visual narratives: the use of positive visuals and content; first-person accounts highlighting the small actions and achievements (propositive narratives) that can be carried out in our daily lives; and/or the use of memes, humor, and other elements of popular culture to make the environmental cause mainstream.

Discussion

The study underscores a notable divergence between established environmental narratives and those curated by eco-influencers on social media. These influencers strategically leverage emotionally resonant, positive visual narratives, departing from fear-inducing content. They emphasize individual actions and solutions rather than collective interventions, personalizing the climate crisis. Additionally, their narratives engage in a nuanced dialogue with nature and integrate popular culture, humor, and memes to effectively reach diverse audiences. This shift reflects a broader cultural change in communication strategies, signaling a novel approach to mobilize audiences toward environmental engagement.
Recent progress in metabolic reprogramming in gestational diabetes mellitus: a review
Authors: Xie Ya-ping , Lin Shu , Xie Bao-yuan , Zhao Hui-fen
Published: January 2024

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic disease that can impact the normal course of pregnancy and delivery, leading to adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves various factors, such as insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Metabolic reprogramming, which involves mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, is crucial for maintaining human metabolic balance and is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of gestational diabetes mellitus. However, research on the link and metabolic pathways between metabolic reprogramming and gestational diabetes mellitus is limited. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and gestational diabetes mellitus to provide new therapeutic strategies for maternal health during pregnancy and reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus.
Moving towards the implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in Quebec
Authors: Li Ling Jing , Legeay Samuel , Gagnon Ann-Lorie , Frigon Marie-Pier , Tessier Laurence , Tremblay Karine
Published: January 2024

Clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics (PGx) into routine care will elevate the current paradigm of treatment decisions. However, while PGx tests are increasingly becoming reliable and affordable, several barriers have limited their widespread usage in Canada. Globally, over ninety successful PGx implementors can serve as models. The purpose of this paper is to outline the PGx implementation barriers documented in Quebec (Canada) to suggest efficient solutions based on existing PGx clinics and propose an adapted clinical implementation model. We conclude that the province of Quebec is ready to implement PGx.
Altered mitochondrial lymphocyte in overweight schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics and its association with cognitive function
Authors: Zhang Yaoyao , Tang Wei , Tang Bei , Fan Kaili , Zhao Ke , Fang Xinyu , Lin Hui
Published: January 2024

Objective

Increasing evidence indicated that schizophrenia and obesity are associated with altered mitochondrial and immune function. In this study, we investigated the levels of CRP (C-reactive protein) and mitochondrial lymphocytes in chronically treated schizophrenia patients with atypical antipsychotic medications and further explored the relationship between mitochondrial lymphocyte and weight gain as well as cognitive function in these patients.

Methods

We evaluated the mitochondrial lymphocyte count of 97 patients (53 overweight, 44 non-overweight) and 100 healthy controls using mitochondrial fluorescence staining and flow cytometry (NovoCyte, Agilent Technologies, US). The serum CRP was measured by high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical symptoms and cognitive function of the patients were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).

Results

The results showed that mitochondrial lymphocyte counts of CD3+ T, CD3+CD4+ T, and CD3+CD8+ T cells in schizophrenia patients were higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, overweight patients had significantly higher mitochondrial lymphocyte counts of CD3+ T and CD3+CD4+ T cells compared to schizophrenia patients with normal weight. Stratified analysis by gender revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in CD3+CD4+ mitochondrial lymphocyte count in male patients (p = 0.014) and a marginal trend toward significance in female patients (p = 0.058). Furthermore, the mitochondrial lymphocyte counts of CD3+ T and CD3+CD4+ T cells, as well as CRP levels, were positively correlated with BMI in schizophrenia patients, but the mitochondrial lymphocyte counts of CD3+CD4+ T cells were negatively correlated with the language scale in the RBANS.

Conclusion

Our study results provide evidence for the association between altered mitochondrial T lymphocyte and weight gain as well as cognitive impairment in schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotic medications.
Connectivity between populations of the scallop Pecten maximus in the Irish Sea and the implications for fisheries management
Authors: Close Hayden , Lambert Gwladys , Robins Peter , Gimenez Luis
Published: January 2024

Marine species with a pelagic larval phase have the potential to disperse hundreds of kilometres via ocean currents, thus connecting geographically distinct populations. Connectivity between populations therefore plays a central role in population dynamics, genetic diversity and resilience to exploitation or decline and can be an important vector in the management of fisheries. The scallop, Pecten maximus, is a valuable benthic bivalve with a variety of management measures at both regional and national scales. A bio-physical numerical model was developed to simulate and characterise the larval transport and population connectivity of scallops across commercial fishing grounds within the Irish and Celtic Seas. The model incorporated realistic oceanographic currents and known behavioural traits of P. maximus larvae including spawning times, pelagic larval duration, and vertical migration during the various developmental stages i.e., passive, active swimming, vertical migrations, since growth rates change with temperature, which varies spatially and temporally, it was used in the model to determine when an individual larva changed its behaviour. Simulations showed a high degree of connectivity between most populations, with multiple connections allowing for substantial exchanges of larvae. The exception was a population off North Cornwall that was entirely reliant on self-recruitment. A sensitivity analysis of the biological parameters suggested that ocean current patterns primarily controlled the connectivity network, but the strength of the connections was sensitive to spawning date and the specific features of diel vertical migrations. The model identified weakly connected populations that could be vulnerable to overfishing, and populations that are ‘strong connectors’ and a vital source of larvae to maintain the metapopulation. Our approach highlights the benefits of characterising population connectivity as part of an effective management strategy for sustainable fisheries.
Three-dimensional numerical simulations of oblique internal solitary wave-wave interactions in the South China Sea
Authors: Jia Yuxia , Gong Yankun , Zhang Zheen , Yuan Chunxin , Zheng Peng
Published: January 2024

Satellite images show that the oblique internal solitary wave-wave interactions frequently occur in the South China Sea, especially in the periphery of Dongsha Island. Depending on the amplitudes and angles of initial oblique waves, theoretical works illustrated that the evolution pattern falls into different regimes characterised by the respective four-fold augmentation of wave amplitudes (relative to the initial waves) and occurrence of Mach stem waves in the interaction region. Nevertheless, these results were based on the reduced theories rooted from the primitive Navier-Stokes equations and the disparities induced by these simplifications with the scenarios in realistic ocean are still unclear. To fill this research gap, three-dimensional numerical simulations in the South China Sea are used to evaluate the oblique internal solitary wave-wave interactions. It is found that transformations between mode-1 and mode-2 waves occur near the Dongsha Island when two waves obliquely collide, together with a small portion of energy is converted into higher modes, most of which is dissipated locally due to their unstable vertical structures. This conclusion has been seldom reported in previous studies (if any). These oblique interactions are essentially nonlinear and impacted by the dynamical factors, such as varying depth, background current, etc., exhibiting complicated variations of waveforms and energy, which, further, enhance the mixing at local sites in the mechanism of both shear and convective instabilities indicated by the Richardson number.
Recent management of endometrial cancer: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Pados George , Zouzoulas Dimitrios , Tsolakidis Dimitrios
Published: January 2024

Endometrial cancer is a common female gynecological neoplasia and its incidence rate has increased in the past years. Due to its predominant symptoms, most women will present uterine bleeding. It is usually diagnosed at an early stage and surgery has an important role in the treatment plan. The prognosis and quality of life of these patients can be quite favorable, if proper treatment is offered by surgeons. Traditionally, more invasive approaches and procedures were offered to these patients, but recent data suggest that more conservative and minimal invasive choices can be adopted in the treatment algorithm. Minimal invasive surgery, such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery, should be considered as an acceptable alternative, compared to laparotomy with less comorbidities and similar oncological and survival outcomes. Furthermore, sentinel lymph node biopsy has emerged in the surgical staging of endometrial cancer, in order to replace comprehensive lymphadenectomy. It is associated with less intra- and postoperative complications, while preliminary data show no difference in survival rates. However, sentinel lymph node biopsy should be offered within a strict algorithm, to avoid residual metastatic disease. The aim of this review is to analyze all the available data for the application of minimal invasive surgery in early endometrial cancer and especially the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy.
The impact of transitive annotation on the training of taxonomic classifiers
Authors: Muralidharan Harihara Subrahmaniam , Fox Noam Y. , Pop Mihai
Published: January 2024

Introduction

A common task in the analysis of microbial communities involves assigning taxonomic labels to the sequences derived from organisms found in the communities. Frequently, such labels are assigned using machine learning algorithms that are trained to recognize individual taxonomic groups based on training data sets that comprise sequences with known taxonomic labels. Ideally, the training data should rely on labels that are experimentally verified—formal taxonomic labels require knowledge of physical and biochemical properties of organisms that cannot be directly inferred from sequence alone. However, the labels associated with sequences in biological databases are most commonly computational predictions which themselves may rely on computationally-generated data—a process commonly referred to as “transitive annotation.”

Methods

In this manuscript we explore the implications of training a machine learning classifier (the Ribosomal Database Project’s Bayesian classifier in our case) on data that itself has been computationally generated. We generate new training examples based on 16S rRNA data from a metagenomic experiment, and evaluate the extent to which the taxonomic labels predicted by the classifier change after re-training.

Results

We demonstrate that even a few computationally-generated training data points can significantly skew the output of the classifier to the point where entire regions of the taxonomic space can be disturbed.

Discussion and conclusions

We conclude with a discussion of key factors that affect the resilience of classifiers to transitively-annotated training data, and propose best practices to avoid the artifacts described in our paper.
Mitigation of quorum sensing mediated virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the role of Meldrum’s acid activated furan
Authors: Sadik Ajmal , Viswaswar Jithin P. , Rajamoney Ambili , Rekha Anjali , Raj Darsana M. , Prakashan Deepthi , Vasudevan Mydhili , Visakh J. S. , Renuka Dhannya , Hely Sreetha , Shaji Sanu Korumadathil , Chandran Prakash R. , Kumar Geetha , Vijayan Nair Sobha , Haripriyan Jayalekshmi
Published: January 2024

The rapid emergence of drug resistant pathogens is a major threat which has warranted the development of alternative strategies to combat infectious diseases. In this work, we have tested the anti-virulent activity of Meldrum’s acid activated furan (MAF) and 1,3-dimethyl barbituric acid activated furan (BAF) against Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was found that MAF significantly reduced the violacein production and biofilm formation of C. violaceum at sub-inhibitory concentrations. The quorum sensing (QS) regulated virulence factors of P. aeruginosa including biofilm formation, motility, pigment production, and elastase activity were also found to be reduced considerably at sub-inhibitory concentrations of MAF. Additionally, MAF downregulated the expression of genes in the QS circuitry of P. aeruginosa, demonstrating the potential of MAF in lowering the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa. In silico studies demonstrated the potential of MAF to compete with the signaling molecules of C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa for the QS receptor interaction. In vivo studies using Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated the anti-pathogenicity of MAF by enhancing the survival of P. aeruginosa-infected C. elegans. These results suggest that activated furan compounds could be potential inhibitors of QS-mediated virulence factors in C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa, encouraging their use in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Voluntary postural sway control and mobility in adults with low back pain
Authors: Chen Zhengquan , Tirosh Oren , Han Jia , Adams Roger David , El-Ansary Doa , Pranata Adrian
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is associated with altered somatosensory perception, which is involved in both involuntary and voluntary control of posture. Currently, there is a lack of methods and tools for assessing somatosensory acuity in patients with LBP. The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the reliability of the sway discrimination apparatus (SwayDA) (2) to evaluate the differences in somatosensory acuity between patients with LBP and pain-free individuals, and (3) to examine relationships between somatosensory acuity, severity of LBP, and mobility in patients with LBP.

Methods

Twenty participants (10 patients with LBP and 10 matched asymptomatic controls) were recruited in a test–retest reliability test. Another 56 participants were recruited for this study with 28 individuals presenting with LBP and a further twenty-eight being asymptomatic. The SwayDA was custom-built to measure somatosensory perception during voluntary anterior–posterior (SwayDA-AP), medial-lateral to the dominant side (SwayDA-ML-D), and non-dominant side (SwayDA-ML-ND) postural sway control. Participants also completed mobility tests, including 10 times and 1-min sit-to-stand tests (10-STS, 1 m-STS). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to quantify somatosensory acuity in discriminating different voluntary postural sway extents.

Results

The ICC (2.1) for the SwayDA-AP, SwayDA-ML-D, and SwayDA-ML-ND were 0.741, 0.717, and 0.805 with MDC95 0.071, 0.043, and 0.050. Patients with LBP demonstrated significantly lower SwayDA scores (tSwayDA-AP = −2.142, p = 0.037; tSwayDA-ML-D = -2.266, p = 0.027) than asymptomatic controls. The AUC values of the SwayDA-AP test were significantly correlated with ODI (rSwayDA-AP-ODI = −0.391, p = 0.039). Performances on the 1 m-STS and the 10-STS were significantly correlated with the AUC scores from all the SwayDA tests (−0.513 ≤ r ≤ 0.441, all p < 0.05).

Discussion

The SwayDA tests evaluated showed acceptable reliability in assessing somatosensory acuity during voluntary postural sway. Somatosensory acuity was diminished in patients with LBP compared to asymptomatic controls. In patients with LBP, lower somatosensory acuity was associated with increased LBP-related disability. Future research could focus on investigating the factors contributing to the decreased somatosensory perception and mobility in individuals with LBP.
Transmission-selective muscle pathology induced by the active propagation of mutant huntingtin across the human neuromuscular synapse
Authors: Dinamarca Margarita C. , Colombo Laura , Brykczynska Urszula , Grimm Amandine , Fruh Isabelle , Hossain Imtiaz , Gabriel Daniela , Eckert Anne , Müller Matthias , Pecho-Vrieseling Eline
Published: January 2024

Neuron-to-neuron transmission of aggregation-prone, misfolded proteins may potentially explain the spatiotemporal accumulation of pathological lesions in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative protein-misfolding diseases (PMDs). However, little is known about protein transmission from the central nervous system to the periphery, or how this propagation contributes to PMD pathology. To deepen our understanding of these processes, we established two functional neuromuscular systems derived from human iPSCs. One was suitable for long-term high-throughput live-cell imaging and the other was adapted to a microfluidic system assuring that connectivity between motor neurons and muscle cells was restricted to the neuromuscular junction. We show that the Huntington's disease (HD)-associated mutant HTT exon 1 protein (mHTTEx1) is transmitted from neurons to muscle cells across the human neuromuscular junction. We found that transmission is an active and dynamic process that starts before aggregate formation and is regulated by synaptic activity. We further found that transmitted mHTTEx1 causes HD-relevant pathology at both molecular and functional levels in human muscle cells, even in the presence of the ubiquitous expression of mHTTEx1. In conclusion, we have uncovered a causal link between mHTTEx1 synaptic transmission and HD pathology, highlighting the therapeutic potential of blocking toxic protein transmission in PMDs.
PLK1 and PARP positively correlate in Middle Eastern breast cancer and their combined inhibition overcomes PARP inhibitor resistance in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Siraj Abdul K. , Poyil Pratheesh Kumar , Padmaja Divya , Parvathareddy Sandeep Kumar , Alobaisi Khadija , Thangavel Saravanan , Diaz Roxanne , Begum Rafia , Almalik Osama , Al-Dayel Fouad , Al-Kuraya Khawla S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite advancements in treatment approaches, patients diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer (BC) subtypes typically face an unfavorable prognosis. Globally, these cancers continue to pose a significant threat to women's health, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Consequently, there has been a significant struggle to identify viable molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in these patients. Polo-like Kinase-1 (PLK1) represents one of these molecular targets currently undergoing rigorous scrutiny for the treatment of such tumors. Yet, its role in the pathogenesis of BC in Middle Eastern ethnicity remains unexplored.

Methods

We investigated the expression of PLK1 protein in a cohort of more than 1500 Middle Eastern ethnicity BC cases by immunohistochemistry. Association with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis were performed. In vitro studies were conducted using the PLK1 inhibitor volasertib and the PARP inhibitor olaparib, either alone or in combination, in PTC cell lines.

Results

Overexpression of PLK1 was detected in 27.4% of all BC cases, and this was notably correlated with aggressive clinicopathological markers. PLK1 was enriched in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype and exhibited poor overall survival (p = 0.0347). Notably, there was a positive correlation between PLK1 and PARP overexpression, with co-expression of PLK1 and PARP observed in 15.7% of cases and was associated with significantly poorer overall survival (OS) compared to the overexpression of either protein alone (p = 0.0050). In vitro, we studied the effect of PLK1 and PARP inhibitors either single or combined treatments in two BRCA mutated, and one BRCA proficient TNBC cell lines. We showed that combined inhibition significantly reduced cell survival and persuaded apoptosis in TNBC cell lines. Moreover, our findings indicate that inhibition of PLK1 can reinstate sensitivity in PARP inhibitor (PARPi) resistant TNBC cell lines.

Conclusion

Our results shed light on the role of PLK1 in the pathogenesis and prognosis of Middle Eastern BC and support the potential clinical development of combined inhibition of PLK1 and PARP, a strategy that could potentially broaden the use of PLK1 and PARP inhibitors beyond BC cases lacking BRCA.
Potential applications of JAK inhibitors, clinically approved drugs against autoimmune diseases, in cancer therapy
Authors: Wei Xiao-Huan , Liu Yuan-Yuan
Published: January 2024

Disturbances in immunoregulation may lead to both cancer and autoimmune diseases. Many therapeutic drugs for autoimmune diseases also display anti-tumor efficacy. The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways are involved in the secretion of more than 50 distinct cytokines, which have critical roles in inducing autoimmune diseases and tumorigenesis. Thus, Janus kinases have become classical immunotherapeutic targets for immune disease. More than 70 Janus kinase inhibitors have been approved as immunomodulatory drugs for clinical use, of which 12 are used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. This systematic review aims to elucidate the anti-tumor role of clinically approved Janus kinase inhibitors that were primarily designed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and their potential for clinical translation as cancer treatments.
Ameliorative inhibition of sirtuin 6 by imidazole derivative triggers oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis associated with Nrf2/Keap1 signaling in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines
Authors: Dindi Uma Maheswara Rao , Al-Ghamdi Sameer , Alrudian Naif Abdurhman , Dayel Salman Bin , Abuderman Abdulwahab Ali , Saad Alqahtani Mohammed , Bahakim Nasraddin Othman , Ramesh Thiyagarajan , Vilwanathan Ravikumar
Published: January 2024

Background: Redox homeostasis is the vital regulatory system with respect to antioxidative response and detoxification. The imbalance of redox homeostasis causes oxidative stress. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2, also called Nfe2l2)/Kelchlike ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling is the major regulator of redox homeostasis. Nrf2/Keap1 signaling is reported to be involved in cancer cell growth and survival. A high level of Nrf2 in cancers is associated with poor prognosis, resistance to therapeutics, and rapid proliferation, framing Nrf2 as an interesting target in cancer biology. Sirtuins (SIRT1-7) are class III histone deacetylases with NAD + dependent deacetylase activity that have a remarkable impact on antioxidant and redox signaling (ARS) linked with Nrf2 deacetylation thereby increasing its transcription by epigenetic modifications which has been identified as a crucial event in cancer progression under the influence of oxidative stress in various transformed cells. SIRT6 plays an important role in the cytoprotective effect of multiple diseases, including cancer. This study aimed to inhibit SIRT6 using an imidazole derivative, Ethyl 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-H-Imidazole-4-yl] acetate, to assess its impact on Nrf2/Keap1 signaling in A549 and NCI-H460 cell lines.

Method: Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Ethyl 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-H-Imidazole-4-yl] acetate was fixed by cell viability assay. The changes in the gene expression of important regulators involved in this study were examined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and protein expression changes were confirmed by Western blotting. The changes in the antioxidant molecules are determined by biochemical assays. Further, morphological studies were performed to observe the generation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis.

Results: We inhibited SIRT6 using Ethyl 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-H-Imidazole-4-yl] acetate and demonstrated that SIRT6 inhibition impacts the modulation of antioxidant and redox signaling. The level of antioxidant enzymes and percentage of reactive oxygen species scavenging activity were depleted. The morphological studies showed ROS generation, mitochondrial damage, nuclear damage, and apoptosis. The molecular examination of apoptotic factors confirmed apoptotic cell death. Further, molecular studies confirmed the changes in Nrf2 and Keap1 expression during SIRT6 inhibition.

Conclusion: The overall study suggests that SIRT6 inhibition by imidazole derivative disrupts Nrf2/Keap1 signaling leading to oxidative stress and apoptosis induction.
Functional iridoid synthases from iridoid producing and non-producing Nepeta species (subfam. Nepetoidae, fam. Lamiaceae)
Authors: Aničić Neda , Matekalo Dragana , Skorić Marijana , Gašić Uroš , Nestorović Živković Jasmina , Dmitrović Slavica , Božunović Jelena , Milutinović Milica , Petrović Luka , Dimitrijević Milena , Anđelković Boban , Mišić Danijela
Published: January 2024

Iridoids, a class of atypical monoterpenes, exhibit exceptional diversity within the Nepeta genus (subfam. Nepetoidae, fam. Lamiaceae).The majority of these plants produce iridoids of the unique stereochemistry, with nepetalactones (NLs) predominating; however, a few Nepeta species lack these compounds. By comparatively analyzing metabolomics, transcriptomics, gene co-expression, and phylogenetic data of the iridoid-producing N. rtanjensis Diklić & Milojević and iridoid-lacking N. nervosa Royle & Bentham, we presumed that one of the factors responsible for the absence of these compounds in N. nervosa is iridoid synthase (ISY). Two orthologues of ISY were mined from leaves transcriptome of N. rtanjensis (NrPRISE1 and NrPRISE2), while in N. nervosa only one (NnPRISE) was identified, and it was phylogenetically closer to the representatives of the Family 1 isoforms, designated as P5βRs. Organ-specific and MeJA-elicited profiling of iridoid content and co-expression analysis of IBG candidates, highlighted NrPRISE2 and NnPRISE as promising candidates for ISY orthologues, and their function was confirmed using in vitro assays with recombinant proteins, after heterologous expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli and their His-tag affinity purification. NrPRISE2 demonstrated ISY activity both in vitro and likely in planta, which was supported by the 3D modeling and molecular docking analysis, thus reclassification of NrPRISE2 to NrISY is accordingly recommended. NnPRISE also displays in vitro ISY-like activity, while its role under in vivo conditions was not here unambiguously confirmed. Most probably under in vivo conditions the NnPRISE lacks substrates to act upon, as a result of the loss of function of some of the upstream enzymes of the iridoid pathway. Our ongoing work is conducted towards re-establishing the biosynthesis of iridoids in N. nervosa.
Factors increasing the risk for food addiction in Ecuadorian students
Authors: Reivan Ortiz Geovanny Genaro , Campoverde Ximena , Vinañzaca Juan , Estrada Johanna , Yanza Rafael , Granero Roser
Published: January 2024

Background

Food addiction (FA) is a construct that has gained interest in recent years, but its relevance in the Ecuadorian population has not yet been explored. The aims of this study were to explore the differences in the psychological profile (including FA) between university students from Ecuador and to identify the underlying structure of the relationships of the FA severity level through a mediational model.

Methods

The sample consisted of 972 university students, women and men (mean age: 20.1 years old, SD = 2.6), recruited from four Ecuadorian regions. The assessment tools included a unidimensional scale of FA, eating-related measures, emotion regulation state, impulsivity, and psychopathology state. Path analysis modeled the direct and indirect effects explaining the FA severity level.

Results

The results indicated that higher psychopathological levels were associated with FA. Similarly, no differences in FA were observed between the Ecuadorian regions. The path analysis suggested that older age, female sex, and higher difficulties in emotional regulation, impulsivity, negative mood, and anxiety trigger disordered eating; subsequently, more impaired eating behavior impacted the FA level.

Conclusion

FA is a complex clinical entity that includes multiple components related to eating disorders (EDs) and other mental health problems. The results of this study provide empirical knowledge for designing evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.
Temperature sensitive electricity demand and policy implications for energy transition: a case study of Florida, USA
Authors: Fache Anna , Bhat Mahadev G.
Published: January 2024

The demand for electricity is soaring, propelled not only by population and GDP growth but also the pressing effects of climate change. This study seeks to address the uncertainties surrounding future electricity demand by projecting monthly consumption in Florida, USA, taking into account diverse climate scenarios and their potential impacts. Our approach involves utilizing the degree-day method and constructing an energy consumption regression model grounded in historical data. Key variables, including population, employment, GDP, electricity prices, temperature, and daylight hours, are systematically analyzed. This model acts as the fundamental basis for forecasting future electricity needs in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors across the state of Florida up to the year 2050, considering different climate scenarios. Under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario, the residential sector foresees a substantial 63% increase in electricity demand from 2001–2019 to 2050. Under the more extreme RCP 8.5 scenario, this surge climbs to 65%. Meanwhile, the commercial and industrial sectors are expected to witness a 47% and 54% upswing in demand under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. Intriguingly, heightened demand for cooling during scorching summers outweighs the reduced need for heating in winter, particularly in the residential sector. The current renewable energy policies fall short of addressing the impending climate-driven surge in electricity demand. To combat this, our recommendation is the implementation of a Renewable Portfolio Standard, aimed at significantly enhancing the proportion of renewables in Florida's electricity mix. This paper concludes with a set of crucial policy recommendations, imperative for steering a sustainable transition to renewable energy and effectively managing the impacts of extreme heat on people's lives. These recommendations serve as a strategic roadmap for navigating the evolving landscape of electricity demand amidst the complex challenges posed by climate change.