bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma Gondii In Association with TLR4 Among Regular Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Salih Haleema Salman , Abbas Ahmed Abdul-Hassan
Published: October 2024

Background:  Hemodialysis patients can be considered immunocompromised as they have an increased risk of infections.
The activity of Toll -like receptors in defense against   infections was observed particularly for Toll like receptor4 molecule. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) residing in genes encoding Toll -like receptors were reported as significant genetic modifications associated with infections.
Aim: To determine the association between Toll- like receptors 4 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to infection with Toxoplasma gondii in hemodialysis patients.
Materials and Methods: This case- control study was conducted on 150 patients with hemodialysis and 150 apparently healthy blood donors as control group, the samples were collected in the period from march 2021 to November 2021 from Al-Karama   hospital and Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital. All patients were investigated for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii and Abs (IgG, IgM) by using ELISA technique and conformation by molecular technique (Real time-PCR). The selected SNPs in Toll- like receptors 4 were amplified by using conventional polymerase chain reaction PCR and then sequencing there polymorphism.                                                                     
Results: In the current study the comparison of median age between patients and controls was with no significant difference, while the laboratory tests revealed significant difference in median level of urea, creatinin , calcium , potassium ,albumin and hemoglobin,  and insignificant difference for  body mass index and sodium between studied groups.
The ratio of females infected with Toxoplasma gondii was higher than infected males.
The seropositive result in patients for Toxoplasma gondii - IgG and IgM was 15 and 6 respectively while 19 patients were positive by PCR.
However in control group there were 8 patients seropositive for IgG and positive in PCR results while the results of IgM and PCR were negative for all control group.
The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of Toll- like receptors 4 genes were subjected for direct sequencing by using Bio edit software. And the resultant sequences were compared with reference sequences in NCBI. The analysis of TLR-4 rs4986790 genotypes were 24(80%) AA and 6(20%) AG in patients while 6 (60%) AA and 4(40%) AG in controls with insignificant difference, while the analysis of TLR-4 rs4986791 genotypes were   24(80%) CC and 6 (20%) CT in patients while 6 (60%) CC and   4(40%) CT in controls with insignificant difference.  Conclusion: There was no significant association of Toxoplasma gondii with TLR4 genotypes of rs4986790 and rs4986791 SNPs in hemodialysis patients.
Achieving Your Full Potential: A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Flourishing in Your Career and at Work
Authors: Westover Jonathan
Published: October 2024

In his latest work, Achieving Your Full Potential, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover offers a holistic framework to help you maximize your potential and find greater fulfillment in your work. Across 42 research-backed chapters spanning topics from work-life balance and well-being to leadership and organizational change, Westover provides evidence-based strategies and tools to overcome some of the most common roadblocks professionals face. Whether you're experiencing burnout from excessive work hours, languishing in an uninspiring role, or feeling like an "imposter" amid senior colleagues, Westover offers actionable advice drawn from the latest research. His multi-dimensional approach takes into account the various stages of your career journey, from onboarding as a new employee to navigating organizational change as a mid-level manager. You'll develop the self-awareness, soft skills, and resilience necessary to advance your impact and address workplace challenges in a healthy, sustainable way. Weaving in case studies and examples from his consulting practice and own academic research, Westover also outlines how to build high-quality relationships, influence colleagues, and make better career decisions to accelerate your growth. Later chapters provide guidance for those seeking to expand their skills in areas like change management, effective feedback, trust-building communications and listening. For those ready to develop others, he covers topics like supporting millennials, empowering employees and overcoming the tyranny of the urgent in leadership. Whether you feel stuck in your current role, are considering a career pivot, or want to enhance your leadership abilities, this book delivers a robust toolkit to help you achieve your fullest potential. Accessible yet research-driven, Achieving Your Full Potential serves as an indispensable companion and practical playbook for any professional dedicated to lifelong learning, continuous self-improvement and a balanced, flourishing work experience.
Investigar es bueno para el médico y sus pacientes
Authors: Torres Rodrigo M.
Published: October 2024

Si creo tener una idea original, si pienso que hago algo diferente que es de utilidad para los pacientes y para mis colegas y que me distingue, ¿cuál es el camino para comunicarlo?Primero validarlo; recién después: divulgarlo....
Inteligencia artificial en retinopatía diabética
Authors: Oleñik Memmel Andrea R. , Codas Manuel , Balbuena Araceli , Benegas Alejandra , Acosta Arturo , Zapata Miguel Angel
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de un modelo de telemedicina en salud pública para la detección de retinopatía diabética mediante el uso de un retinógrafo portátil con un software de inteligencia artificial.
Materiales y métodos: Estudio prospectivo unicéntrico que incluye pacientes asintomáticos que acudieron a la consulta de la unidad de endocrinología del Hospital Regional de Encarnación (departamento de Itapúa, Paraguay) entre junio y agosto de 2022. Se evaluó la sensibilidad y la especificidad de un sistema de inteligencia artificial aplicado en un programa de telemedicina para la detección de retinopatía diabética proliferativa y no proliferativa.
Resultados: Se evaluaron 591 casos (1.182 ojos). El sistema de inteligencia artificial identificó 8 ojos con signos de retinopatía diabética versus el especialista que validó 6. Los dos estudios restantes también eran patológicos pero correspondían a otra alteración. El sistema de inteligencia artificial detectó 92 estudios positivos de retinopatía diabética no proliferativa que fueron validados por el especialista. El grado de sensibilidad para la detección de retinopatía diabética del sistema inteligente fue del 98% con una alta especificidad del 99,8%.
Conclusión: El uso de la retinografía portátil con software de inteligencia artificial resultó eficiente para hacer cribado en pacientes asintomáticos —pero con factor de riesgo como es la diabetes— en un servicio de endocrinología de un hospital público de Paraguay.
Neuromiotonía ocular (NMO) post radioterapia
Authors: Ebner Roberto
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Se presenta un caso de miotonía ocular tres décadas después de cirugía de la región selar seguida de radioterapia.
Caso clínico: Una paciente de 52 años refiere diplopía inconstante que aparece pocos años antes de la consulta. Si bien presentaba paresia residual del IIIer par craneal derecho post operatorio, la diplopía que refiere es nueva y no se comporta como las ocasionadas por afección de la placa neuro-muscular ni por una nueva masa selar u otras patologías asociadas. El estudio de neuroimágenes específicas para nervios craneales permitió demostrar la presencia de edema del tercer nervio afectado.  Se instauró tratamiento con estabilizadores de membrana y aplicación de toxina botulínica en recto medio del OD para proveer solución a este tipo de diplopía.
Conclusión: La neuromiotonia es una situación infrecuente en pacientes irradiados luego de cirugía de la región selar. La aparición temprana o tardía de diplopía inconstante lleva al diagnóstico de NMO, luego de descartar miastenia, presencia de nueva masa selar y otras, mediante evaluación neurooftalmologica e imágenes adecuadas.
Leyale Sor Beni -Gece Yazıları-
Authors: Sipahioğlu Celaleddin
Published: October 2024

Son dönemler sözün söylenme şekillerinin farklılaştığı dönemler. İnsan hayatına giren iletişim araçlarının, niteliği ve hızı, sözün görselle güçlenmesini sağladı. Artık insanlara ulaşmak bir tık diyebileceğimiz bir mesafede. Yazılı anlatım bir adım geride kalmış gibi görünüyor. Bu hiçbir zaman yazılı kültürün yok olacağı anlamına gelmez. Çünkü yazı asıl olan iletişim aracıdır. Uzun zaman medya dilini ele edebilmek için düşünceler ürettikten sonra, Allah cc bu dil üzere iş yapabilecek imkanları bize bahşetti. İnsanların kalplerine dokunabilmek adına duygu yoğunluğu içinden geçen kelimeler ve cümlelerle anlatabilme özelliğine kavuşmayı bize nasip etti. Gecenin sessizliği içinde yoğrulmuş düşüncelerin satırlar üzerine düşen siluetlerinden bir dünya kurmak o kadar heyecanlandırıcı bir atmosfer ki, kimi zaman bu atmosferin içinden geçerken manevi bir yönlendiricinin yürekten klavyeye düşürdüğü cümlelerin sonradan okunuşunun bile ne kadar latif bir anlayış doğurduğuna şahit olduk.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Best Practices for Reducing Environmental Footprints in the Global Apparel Industry
Authors: Pan Haoyuan , Wang Rui , Wang Haiyang , Jia Zhaoju
Published: October 2024

Coastal regions are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem degradation. These challenges pose significant risks to the livelihoods, infrastructure, and well-being of coastal communities, particularly in developing regions where resources for adaptation are limited. This study investigates the effectiveness of community-based adaptation (CBA) strategies in enhancing resilience in coastal areas by involving local populations in the design and implementation of adaptation efforts. The problem statement focuses on the urgent need for sustainable and scalable adaptation solutions that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change while empowering communities to take ownership of these efforts. Traditional top-down approaches have often proven insufficient in addressing the unique socio-cultural and environmental dynamics of coastal regions. The objectives of this study are threefold: to identify and analyze the key CBA strategies employed in coastal regions, assess their effectiveness in reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience, and explore the role of local knowledge, resources, and governance in driving successful adaptation initiatives. The results demonstrate significant improvements in several key parameters. Income stability increased by 25%, with 35% of households adopting climate-resilient livelihoods. Disaster-related economic losses were reduced by 45%, and 80% of key infrastructure was fortified against climate threats. The study also found a 28% reduction in climate-related illnesses, a 90% increase in access to clean water, and a restoration of 600 hectares of ecosystems, leading to a 20% increase in biodiversity. Moreover, 75% of the population actively participated in decision-making, and 65% of adaptation projects integrated traditional knowledge. These findings suggest that CBA strategies not only effectively reduce the immediate risks posed by climate change but also foster long-term resilience by empowering local communities to lead the adaptation process. The study underscores the importance of scaling these initiatives to enhance coastal resilience globally.
Analisa Stabilitas Perbaikan Dinding Penahan Tanah Eksisting pada Proyek Dermaga Veem Terminal Kalianget Kabupaten Sumenep
Authors: Firatama Aditya Dandy , Aziz Hafif Ahmad Abdul , Rokhmawati Yuni
Published: October 2024

Dermaga Kalianget memiliki peranan penting dalam mendukung aktivitas pelayaran, termasuk pengiriman barang di daerah Kabupaten Sumenep.  Terdapat rencana perbaikan sisi timur dermaga dengan perkuatan dinding penahan tanah beton yang akan diperkuat Corrugated Concrete Sheet Pile dan penambahan pile cap baru. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui staibilitas perbaikan dinding penahan tanah eksisting pada proyek dermaga veem terminal Kalianget dan mendapatkan desain efisien serta aman dengan menggunakan metode kuantitatif pendekatan finite element methode program bantu PLAXIS 2D sehingga didapatkan nilai safety factor yang ditinjau secara global serta gaya dalam yang terjadi.  Dari hasil analisa stabiltas perbaikan dinding penahan tanah Dermaga Kalianget dengan meninjau beberapa metode alternatif perbaikan direkomendasikan 2 metode yaitu perbaikan Alternatif 1 (CCSP dengan perkuatan Angkur Pile) dan perbaikan Alternatif 3 (SPSP dengan perkuatan Angkur Pile). Dari kedua metode alternatif perbaikan telah memenuhi nilai minimum stabilitas dinding penahan tanah, sehingga desain tersebut aman untuk dilaksanakan.
Assessment of Innovative Money-Collecting Systems Strategy for Mobilizing Own-Source Revenue in Isiolo County Government
Authors: Abduba Qanchora Roba , Gichohi (PhD) Paul , Kambura Susan
Published: October 2024

The county governments are expected to mobilize their own-sources revenue to bridge the gap in equity share. Despite the elaborate national fiscal policies and legislative frameworks on own-source revenue mobilization, many county governments, including Isiolo, have continued to report deficiency and inability to increase their own-source revenue, adversely affecting service delivery. This study was set out to assess the innovative money-collecting systems strategy for enhancing own-source revenue in Isiolo County. The rational expectations theory of technology guided it. A cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was applied. Data was collected from the revenue-generating departments and county assembly-budget and finance committee. Since the target population (60) was small, all were included in the study. The content, construct, face validity, and reliability were applied to check the quality of the questionnaire used in data collection. Mean, frequencies, percentage, and factor analysis were computed using statistical package for social sciences, while regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The study found that Isiolo County heavily relied on equity share to execute its functions despite gazetting own-source revenue streams. One drawback was the weak innovative money-collecting systems strategy. The study noted a weak electronic revenue collecting system, hence, loopholes in own-source revenue mobilization initiatives. The need to re-address innovative money-collecting systems strategy was evident; hence the county government should adopt e-billing, e-payment, and security controls systems in collecting own-source revenue. The findings have implications on systems for collecting own-source revenue, budgetary allocation and further affect practices in collecting own-source revenue in Isiolo County government and others.
Foreign Direct Investment and Profitability of Real Estate Firms in Kenya
Authors: Ngunjiri Ruth Njeri
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this research paper was to determine the impact of foreign direct investment on the profitability of real estate firms in Kenya. The research utilized the descriptive research design. The target populace for the investigation encompassed 69 real estate firms that are registered with Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA) in Kenya. Since the populace was small, all the 69 real estate firms were included in the study and thus no sampling was done. Secondary data was collected. The researcher used both descriptive and inferential statistics in the study. The study found that foreign direct investment positively influenced the real estate firm’s profitability. Therefore, an increase in foreign direct investment would lead to an increase in the profitability of real estate firms in Kenya. The study concluded an increase in foreign direct investment would lead to an increase in the profitability of real estate firms in Kenya. The study recommends that the Kenyan government should set a conducive and proper environment for both local and foreign investors. In addition, incentives and tax holidays, and reliefs should be set for foreign investors. This will increase the level of foreign direct investment which will help to attract more investors to the real estate.
Den moderne Konjunkturforskning
Authors: Instituttet for Historie og Samfundsøkonomi
Published: October 2024

Allerede i forrige Aarhundrede begyndte Økonomerne at interessere sig for de regelmæssige Forandringer i det økonomiske Liv, de saakaldte Konjunktursvingninger.
Xist RNA binds select autosomal genes and depends on Repeat B to regulate their expression
Authors: Yao Shengze , Jeon Yesu , Kesner Barry , Lee Jeannie T
Published: October 2024

Xist, a pivotal player in X chromosome inactivation (XCI), has long been perceived as a cis-acting long noncoding RNA that binds exclusively to the inactive X chromosome (Xi). However, Xist’s ability to diffuse under select circumstances has also been documented, leading us to suspect that Xist RNA may have targets and functions beyond the Xi. Here, using female mouse embryonic stem cells (ES) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) as models, we demonstrate that Xist RNA indeed can localize beyond the Xi. However, its binding is limited to ∼100 genes in cells undergoing XCI (ES cells) and in post-XCI cells (MEFs). The target genes are diverse in function but are unified by their active chromatin status. Xist binds discretely to promoters of target genes in neighborhoods relatively depleted for Polycomb marks, contrasting with the broad, Polycomb-enriched domains reported for human XIST RNA. We find that Xist binding is associated with down-modulation of autosomal gene expression. However, unlike on the Xi, Xist binding does not lead to full silencing and also does not spread beyond the target gene. Over-expressing Xist in transgenic ES cells similarly leads to autosomal gene suppression, while deleting Xist’s Repeat B motif reduces autosomal binding and perturbs autosomal down-regulation. Furthermore, treating female ES cells with the Xist inhibitor, X1, leads to loss of autosomal suppression. Altogether, our findings reveal that Xist targets ∼100 genes beyond the Xi, identify Repeat B as a crucial domain for its in-trans function in mice, and indicate that autosomal targeting can be disrupted by a small molecule inhibitor.
Xist RNA binds select autosomal genes and depends on Repeat B to regulate their expression
Authors: Yao Shengze , Jeon Yesu , Kesner Barry , Lee Jeannie T
Published: October 2024

Xist, a pivotal player in X chromosome inactivation (XCI), has long been perceived as a cis-acting long noncoding RNA that binds exclusively to the inactive X chromosome (Xi). However, Xist’s ability to diffuse under select circumstances has also been documented, leading us to suspect that Xist RNA may have targets and functions beyond the Xi. Here, using female mouse embryonic stem cells (ES) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) as models, we demonstrate that Xist RNA indeed can localize beyond the Xi. However, its binding is limited to ∼100 genes in cells undergoing XCI (ES cells) and in post-XCI cells (MEFs). The target genes are diverse in function but are unified by their active chromatin status. Xist binds discretely to promoters of target genes in neighborhoods relatively depleted for Polycomb marks, contrasting with the broad, Polycomb-enriched domains reported for human XIST RNA. We find that Xist binding is associated with down-modulation of autosomal gene expression. However, unlike on the Xi, Xist binding does not lead to full silencing and also does not spread beyond the target gene. Over-expressing Xist in transgenic ES cells similarly lead to autosomal gene suppression, while deleting Xist’s Repeat B motif reduces autosomal binding and perturbs autosomal down-regulation. Furthermore, treating female ES cells with the Xist inhibitor, X1, leads to loss of autosomal suppression. Altogether, our findings reveal Xist targets ∼100 genes beyond the Xi, identify Repeat B as a crucial domain for its in-trans function in mice, and indicate that autosomal targeting can be disrupted by the X1 small molecule inhibitor.
Balancing safety and efficiency in human decision making
Authors: Mahajan Pranav , Tong Shuangyi , Lee Sang Wan , Seymour Ben
Published: October 2024

The safety-efficiency dilemma describes the problem of maintaining safety during efficient exploration and is a special case of the exploration-exploitation dilemma in the face of potential dangers. Conventional exploration-exploitation solutions collapse punishment and reward into a single feedback signal, whereby early losses can be overcome by later gains. However, the brain has a separate system for Pavlovian fear learning, suggesting a possible computational advantage to maintaining a specific fear memory during exploratory decision-making. In a series of simulations, we show this promotes safe but efficient learning and is optimised by arbitrating Pavlovian avoidance of instrumental decision-making according to uncertainty. We provide a basic test of this model in a simple human approach-withdrawal experiment, and show that this flexible avoidance model captures choice and reaction times. These results show that the Pavlovian fear system has a more sophisticated role in decision-making than previously thought, by shaping flexible exploratory behaviour in a computationally precise manner.
Secreted exosomes induce filopodia formation
Authors: McAtee Caitlin , Patel Mikin , Hoshino Daisuke , Sung Bong Hwan , von Lersner Ariana , Shi Mingjian , Hong Nan Hyung , Young Anna , Krystofiak Evan , Zijlstra Andries , Weaver Alissa M
Published: October 2024

Filopodia are dynamic adhesive cytoskeletal structures that are critical for directional sensing, polarization, cell-cell adhesion, and migration of diverse cell types. Filopodia are also critical for neuronal synapse formation. While dynamic rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton is known to be critical for filopodia biogenesis, little is known about the upstream extracellular signals. Here, we identify secreted exosomes as potent regulators of filopodia formation. Inhibition of exosome secretion inhibited the formation and stabilization of filopodia in both cancer cells and neurons and inhibited subsequent synapse formation by neurons. Rescue experiments with purified small and large extracellular vesicles (EVs) identified exosome-enriched small EVs (SEVs) as having potent filopodia-inducing activity. Proteomic analyses of cancer cell-derived SEVs identified the TGF-β family coreceptor endoglin as a key SEV-enriched cargo that regulates filopodia. Cancer cell endoglin levels also affected filopodia-dependent behaviors, including metastasis of cancer cells in chick embryos and 3D migration in collagen gels. As neurons do not express endoglin, we performed a second proteomics experiment to identify SEV cargoes regulated by endoglin that might promote filopodia in both cell types. We discovered a single SEV cargo that was altered in endoglin-KD cancer SEVs, the transmembrane protein Thrombospondin Type 1 Domain Containing 7A (THSD7A). We further found that both cancer cell and neuronal SEVs carry THSD7A and that add-back of purified THSD7A is sufficient to rescue filopodia defects of both endoglin-KD cancer cells and exosome-inhibited neurons. We also find that THSD7A induces filopodia formation through activation of the Rho GTPase, Cdc42. These findings suggest a new model for filopodia formation, triggered by exosomes carrying THSD7A.
Investigating the impact of ketogenic diets
Authors: Samba Nalia , Gendrel Marie
Published: October 2024

Exposure to ketone bodies in early development can reduce neurological impairments in a strain of the nematode C. elegans with PTEN defects.
Interdependence of plasma membrane nanoscale dynamics of a kinase and its cognate substrate underlies Arabidopsis response to viral infection
Authors: Jolivet Marie-Dominique , Deroubaix Anne-Flore , Boudsocq Marie , Abel Nikolaj B , Rocher Marion , Robbe Terezinha , Wattelet-Boyer Valérie , Huard Jennifer , Lefebvre Dorian , Lu Yi-Ju , Day Brad , Saias Grégoire , Ahmed Jahed , Cotelle Valérie , Giovinazzo Nathalie , Gallois Jean-Luc , Yamaji Yasuyuki , German-Retana Sylvie , Gronnier Julien , Ott Thomas , Mongrand Sébastien , Germain Véronique
Published: October 2024

Plant viruses represent a risk to agricultural production and as only a few treatments exist, it is urgent to identify resistance mechanisms and factors. In plant immunity, plasma membrane (PM)-localized proteins play an essential role in sensing the extracellular threat presented by bacteria, fungi or herbivores. Viruses are intracellular pathogens and as such the role of the plant PM in detection and resistance against viruses is often overlooked. We investigated the role of the partially PM-bound Calcium-dependent protein kinase 3 (CPK3) in viral infection and we discovered that it displayed a specific ability to hamper viral propagation over CPK isoforms that are involved in immune response to extracellular pathogens. More and more evidence support that the lateral organization of PM proteins and lipids underlies signal transduction in plants. We showed here that CPK3 diffusion in the PM is reduced upon activation as well as upon viral infection and that such immobilization depended on its substrate, Remorin (REM1.2), a scaffold protein. Furthermore, we discovered that the viral infection induced a CPK3-dependent increase of REM1.2 PM diffusion. Such interdependence was also observable regarding viral propagation. This study unveils a complex relationship between a kinase and its substrate that contrasts with the commonly described co-stabilisation upon activation while it proposes a PM-based mechanism involved in decreased sensitivity to viral infection in plants.
Prolonged Cell Cycle Arrest in Response to DNA damage in Yeast Requires the Maintenance of DNA Damage Signaling and the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
Authors: Zhou Felix Y , Waterman David P , Ashton Marissa , Caban-Penix Suhaily , Memisoglu Gonen , Eapen Vinay V , Haber James E
Published: October 2024

Cells evoke the DNA damage checkpoint (DDC) to inhibit mitosis in the presence of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to allow more time for DNA repair. In budding yeast, a single irreparable DSB is sufficient to activate the DDC and induce cell cycle arrest prior to anaphase for about 12 to 15 hours, after which cells “adapt” to the damage by extinguishing the DDC and resuming the cell cycle. While activation of the DNA damage-dependent cell cycle arrest is well-understood, how it is maintained remains unclear. To address this, we conditionally depleted key DDC proteins after the DDC was fully activated and monitored changes in the maintenance of cell cycle arrest. Degradation of Ddc2
ATRIP
, Rad9, Rad24, or Rad53
CHK2
results in premature resumption of the cell cycle, indicating that these DDC factors are required both to establish and to maintain the arrest. Dun1 is required for establishment, but not maintenance of arrest, whereas Chk1 is required for prolonged maintenance but not for initial establishment of the mitotic arrest. When the cells are challenged with 2 persistent DSBs, they remain permanently arrested. This permanent arrest is initially dependent on the continuous presence of Ddc2, Rad9, and Rad53; however, after 15 hours these proteins become dispensable. Instead, the continued mitotic arrest is sustained by spindle-assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins Mad1, Mad2, and Bub2 but not by Bub2’s binding partner Bfa1. These data suggest that prolonged cell cycle arrest in response to 2 DSBs is achieved by a handoff from the DDC to specific components of the SAC. Furthermore, the establishment and maintenance of DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest requires overlapping but different sets of factors.
Perturbations in eIF3 subunit stoichiometry alter expression of ribosomal proteins and key components of the MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Herrmannová Anna , Jelínek Jan , Pospíšilová Klára , Kerényi Farkas , Vomastek Tomáš , Watt Kathleen , Brábek Jan , Mohammad Mahabub Pasha , Wagner Susan , Topisirovic Ivan , Valášek Leoš Shivaya
Published: October 2024

Protein synthesis plays a major role in homeostasis and when dysregulated leads to various pathologies including cancer. To this end, imbalanced expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) is not only a consequence but also a driver of neoplastic growth. eIF3 is the largest, multi-subunit translation initiation complex with a modular assembly, where aberrant expression of one subunit generates only partially functional subcomplexes. To comprehensively study the effects of eIF3 remodeling, we contrasted the impact of eIF3d, eIF3e or eIF3h depletion on the translatome of HeLa cells using Ribo-seq. Depletion of eIF3d or eIF3e, but not eIF3h reduced the levels of multiple components of the MAPK signaling pathways. Surprisingly, however, depletion of all three eIF3 subunits increased MAPK/ERK pathway activity. Depletion of eIF3e and partially eIF3d also increased translation of TOP mRNAs that encode mainly ribosomal proteins and other components of the translational machinery. Moreover, alterations in eIF3 subunit stoichiometry were often associated with changes in translation of mRNAs containing short uORFs, as in the case of the proto-oncogene MDM2 and the transcription factor ATF4. Collectively, perturbations in eIF3 subunit stoichiometry exert specific effect on the translatome comprising signaling and stress-related transcripts with complex 5’ UTRs that are implicated in homeostatic adaptation to stress and cancer.
A Life Falling Apart
Authors: Knight Amy
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores how Boris Berezovsky sued Roman Abramovich for “using blackmail and threats to force me to sell assets in Russia at a reduced price.” The trial of Berezovsky vs. Abramovich at London's High Court of Justice, the largest financial case in British history, did not begin until October 2011. The dispute centered on whether Berezovsky and Badri Patarkatsishvili had in fact owned shares in Sibneft and Rusal. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin, as prime minister, had continued to pull the strings of power in the Kremlin, much to the disappointment of Western leaders, including President Barack Obama. The chapter looks at Russia's political unrest in 2011–12. By the time Berezovsky lost his case against Abramovich, Putin, back in the Kremlin as Russia's president, was in full battle mode. NATO's strikes against Libya, the war in Syria, and mass protests at home—which Putin accused the West of igniting—had led the Kremlin to a Cold War stance.
On the influence of artificially distorted images in firearm detection performance using deep learning
Authors: Corral-Sanz Patricia , Barreiro-Garrido Alvaro , Moreno A. Belen , Sanchez Angel
Published: October 2024

Detecting people carrying firearms in outdoor or indoor scenes usually identifies (or avoids) potentially dangerous situations. Nevertheless, the automatic detection of these weapons can be greatly affected by the scene conditions. Commonly, in real scenes these firearms can be seen from different perspectives. They also may have different real and apparent sizes. Moreover, the images containing these targets are usually cluttered, and firearms can appear as partially occluded. It is also common that the images can be affected by several types of distortions such as impulse noise, image darkening or blurring. All these perceived variabilities could significantly degrade the accuracy of firearm detection. Current deep detection networks offer good classification accuracy, with high efficiency and under constrained computational resources. However, the influence of practical conditions in which the objects are to be detected has not sufficiently been analyzed. Our article describes an experimental study on how a set of selected image distortions quantitatively degrade the detection performance on test images when the detection networks have only been trained with images that do not present the alterations. The analyzed test image distortions include impulse noise, blurring (or defocus), image darkening, image shrinking and occlusions. In order to quantify the impact of each individual distortion on the firearm detection problem, we have used a standard YOLOv5 network. Our experimental results have shown that the increased addition of impulse salt-and-pepper noise is by far the distortion that affects the most the performance of the detection network.
Learning-based short text compression using BERT models
Authors: Öztürk Emir , Mesut Altan
Published: October 2024

Learning-based data compression methods have gained significant attention in recent years. Although these methods achieve higher compression ratios compared to traditional techniques, their slow processing times make them less suitable for compressing large datasets, and they are generally more effective for short texts rather than longer ones. In this study, MLMCompress, a word-based text compression method that can utilize any BERT masked language model is introduced. The performance of MLMCompress is evaluated using four BERT models: two large models and two smaller models referred to as “tiny”. The large models are used without training, while the smaller models are fine-tuned. The results indicate that MLMCompress, when using the best-performing model, achieved 3838% higher compression ratios for English text and 42% higher compression ratios for multilingual text compared to NNCP, another learning-based method. Although the method does not yield better results than GPTZip, which has been developed in recent years, it achieves comparable outcomes while being up to 35 times faster in the worst-case scenario. Additionally, it demonstrated a 20% improvement in compression speed and a 180% improvement in decompression speed in the best case. Furthermore, MLMCompress outperforms traditional compression methods like Gzip and specialized short text compression methods such as Smaz and Shoco, particularly in compressing short texts, even when using smaller models.
The impact of combined application of biochar and fertilizer on the biochemical properties of soil in soybean fields
Authors: Zhang Mingcong , Xie Wei , Zhong Xingjie , Wang Yuqing , Li Siyan , Zhou Yanhong , Wang Chen
Published: October 2024

Background

Heilongjiang Province is a major soybean production area in China. To improve soil structure and increase soybean yield, this study examined the effects of combined biochar and chemical fertilizer application on the biochemical properties of soil in a maize-soybean rotation system.

Methods

The research were conducted from 2021 to 2022 at Heshan Farm Science Park in Heilongjiang Province, this field plot experiment utilized two soybean varieties, Heihe 43 (a high-protein variety) and Keshan 1 (a high-oil variety). In 2021, two plots with similar fertility levels were selected for planting soybeans and maize. In 2022, a maize-soybean rotation was implemented with five treatments: conventional fertilization (CK), increased biochar+reduced fertilizer 1 (F1+B), reduced fertilizer 1 (F1), increased biochar+reduced fertilizer 2 (F2+B), and reduced fertilizer 2 (F2). The study systematically analyzed the effects of combined biochar and chemical fertilizer application on soil chemical properties and microbial characteristics.

Results

Over 2 years, results showed that combined application effectively improved soil chemical traits. Compared to conventional fertilization (CK) and reduced fertilization (F1, F2), t he combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer (F1+B, F2+B) increased soil pH, EC and the absolute value of zeta potential of soil surface, the CEC of soil significantly increased by 15.6–44.3%, the soil surface charge density and the soil surface charge quantity significantly increased by 16.4–73.5%. The combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer also effectively enhanced the abundance and diversity of soil microbes. Dominant bacterial groups in soybean field soils under different treatments included Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria; while dominant fungal groups were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. Alpha and Beta diversity analyses revealed that the F1+B treatment significantly enhanced the species richness and diversity of bacteria and fungi in the soil, increasing the proportion and evenness of dominant and beneficial genera.
Bioconversion of mango peels into itaconic acid through submerged fermentation and statistical optimization of parameters through response surface methodology
Authors: Saeed Shagufta , Ahmed Sibtain , Qureshi Fatima , Yasin Muhammad Sheraz , Waseem Rida , Mehmood Tahir
Published: October 2024

Itaconic acid is an industrially crucial organic acid due to its broad range of applications. The main hurdle in itaconic acid production is the high cost of the substrate, i.e., pure glucose, required for the fermentation process. Pakistan annually produces about 1.7 to 1.8 million metric tonnes of mango fruit. Keeping this in view, the potential of a sugar-rich fruit by-product, i.e., mango peels, was analyzed to be used as a substrate for the biosynthesis of itaconic acid using Aspergillus niger by submerged fermentation. Different physicochemical parameters (incubation period, temperature, agitation rate, inoculum size, and pH) were optimized using the central composite design (CCD) design of response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum production of itaconic acid, i.e., 4.6 g/L, was analyzed using 10% mango peels w/v (water hydrolysate), 3 mL inoculum volume after 5 days of fermentation period at pH 3, and a temperature of 32 °C when the media was kept at a 200-rpm agitation speed. The itaconic acid extraction from mango peels was done using the solvent extraction method using n-butanol. The identification and quantification of itaconic acid produced in the study were done using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum and the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. According to HPLC analysis, 98.74% purity of itaconic acid was obtained in the research. Hence, it is concluded from the results that sugar-rich mango peels can act as a promising substrate for the biosynthesis of itaconic acid. Further conditions can be optimized at the bioreactor level to meet industrial requirements.
ALKBH5 modulation of ferroptosis in recurrent miscarriage: implications in cytotrophoblast dysfunction
Authors: Qin Chuanmei , Wu Jiayi , Wei Xiaowei , Liu Xueqing , Lin Yi
Published: October 2024

Background

As one of the most common and abundant internal modifications of eukaryotic mRNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are closely related to placental development. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death. During placental development, placental trophoblasts are susceptible to ferroptosis. However, the interactions of m6A and ferroptosis in trophoblast physiology and injury are unclear.

Methods

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) was selected as the main gestational disease in this study. Published data (GSE76862) were used to analyze the gene expression profiles in patients with RM. The extent of m6A modification in total RNA of villous tissues between patients with RM and healthy controls (HC) was compared. ALKBH5 (encoding AlkB homolog 5, RNA demethylase) was selected as the candidate gene for further research. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed the elevated expression of ALKBH5 in the cytotrophoblasts of patients with RM. Then, cell counting kit-8 assays, glutathione disulfide/glutathione quantification, 2′,7′-dichlorfluorescein-diacetate staining, and malonaldehyde assays were used to explore the alterations of ferroptosis-related characteristics following RAS-selective lethal (RSL3) stimulation after overexpression of ALKBH5. Thereafter, we re-analyzed the published RNA sequencing data upon knockdown of ALKBH5, combined with published tissue RNA-seq data, and FTL (encoding ferritin light chain) was identified as the ferroptosis-related gene in cytotrophoblasts of patients with RM that is regulated by ALKBH5. Finally, western blotting and IHC confirmed the increased expression of FTL in the cytotrophoblasts from patients with RM.

Results

Total m6A levels were decreased in patients with RM. The most significant differentially m6A-related gene was ALKBH5, which was increased in patients with RM. In vitro cell experiments showed that treatment with RSL3 resulted in increased cell death and upregulated ALKBH5 expression. Overexpression of ALKBH5 alleviated RSL3-induced HTR8 cell death and caused decreased levels of intracellular oxidation products. Published transcriptome sequencing revealed that FTL was the major ferroptosis-related gene regulated by ALKBH5 in the villous tissues of patients with RM. Consistent with the expression of ALKBH5, FTL was increased by RSL3-induction and increased in patients with RM.

Conclusion

Elevated ALKBH5 alleviated RSL3-induced cytotrophoblast cell death by promoting the expression of FTL in patients with RM. Our results supported the view that ALKBH5 is an important regulator of the ferroptosis-related etiology of RM and suggested that ALKBH5 could be responsible for epigenetic aberrations in RM pathogenesis.
The effect of multi-directional sprint training on change-of-direction speed and reactive agility of collegiate tennis players
Authors: Zhou Zhihui , Xin Chenxi , Zhao Yue , Wu Haijun
Published: October 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of random route multi-directional sprint training (MDST) compared to fixed route MDST on change-of-direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA), and to investigate the correlation between CODS, RA and short-distance straight sprint speed (SDSS).

Method

A total of 19 collegiate tennis players from Beijing Sport University were randomly assigned to either the random route MDST group (RR group, N = 9, age: 22.22 ± 2.22 years) or the fixed route MDST group (FR group, N = 10, age: 21.90 ± 1.66 years). Both groups completed a progressive load intervention training for 3 weeks, three times a week. The RR group’s random route, mirroring the distance and number of change-of-direction (COD) in the FR group’s fixed route, was specifically designed. The spider run, T-drill, RA test and 5-m straight line sprint test were performed before and after the intervention.

Results

Both groups showed improved performance in the spider run (p < 0.05), T-drill (p < 0.01) and 5-m straight (p < 0.001) line sprint test after the intervention. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the improvement of CODS and SDSS between the two groups (p > 0.05). The RA of the RR and FR groups after the intervention was significantly higher than before intervention (p < 0.001), and RR group showed greater improvement in RA compared to the FR group. There was a moderate correlation between spider run and T-drill (r = 0.523), RA (r = 0.388), and no significant correlation between spider run and 5-m straight sprint (p > 0.05). T-drill was moderately correlated with RA (r = 0.347) and 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.321). RA was moderately correlated with 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.551).

Conclusion

Three-week multi-directional sprint training can effectively improve the change-of-direction speed, reactive agility and short-distance straight sprint speed of collegiate tennis players. And random route multi-directional sprint training has better effect on improving reactive agility.
The relationship between allergic rhinitis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Ruikun , Li Mengyao , Liang Jieqiong , Zhan Xiaojun , Lu Yingxia , Huang Guimin , Gu Qinglong
Published: October 2024

Background

Numerous investigations have examined the potential link between allergic rhinitis (AR) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, some studies show no association between the two diseases. The connection between these two conditions remains inconclusive. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis exploring the correlation between AR and ADHD.

Methods

We conducted systematic searches of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ERIC, PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases, up to the year 2023. Subsequently, we conducted a meta-analysis using R 4.2.2, where we computed the pooled odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval to assess the relationship between AR and ADHD within studies exhibiting similar characteristics. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by computing the value using the Cochrane Intervention Manual’s guidelines. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted by stratifying the study population according to gender, age, etc. Sensitivity analysis was performed by systematically removing individual studies.

Results

In this systematic review, we incorporated 12 eligible studies, collectively encompassing a sample size of 530,360 participants. Within the included studies, heterogeneity was observed, and the utilization of a random-effects model demonstrated a noteworthy correlation between children with ADHD and the presence of AR. Similarly, children with AR exhibited a significant correlation with the occurrence of ADHD. We also found some relationships in subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

A substantial correlation is evident between AR and ADHD in children and adolescents. AR may potentially contribute as a risk factor for the onset of ADHD, and conversely, ADHD may heighten the likelihood of developing AR.