bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer-derived exosomes as novel biomarkers in metastatic gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Zhong Danyang , Wang Ziyuan , Ye Zhichao , Wang Yifan , Cai Xiujun
Published: April 2024

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) is the most prevalent and highly metastatic malignant tumor and has a significant impact on mortality rates. Nevertheless, the swift advancement of contemporary technology has not seamlessly aligned with the evolution of detection methodologies, resulting in a deficit of innovative and efficient clinical assays for GIC. Given that exosomes are preferentially released by a myriad of cellular entities, predominantly originating from neoplastic cells, this confers exosomes with a composition enriched in cancer-specific constituents. Furthermore, exosomes exhibit ubiquitous presence across diverse biological fluids, endowing them with the inherent advantages of non-invasiveness, real-time monitoring, and tumor specificity. The unparalleled advantages inherent in exosomes render them as an ideal liquid biopsy biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosticating the potential development of GIC metastasis.

In this review, we summarized the latest research progress and possible potential targets on cancer-derived exosomes (CDEs) in GIC with an emphasis on the mechanisms of exosome promoting cancer metastasis, highlighting the potential roles of CDEs as the biomarker and treatment in metastatic GIC.
The senescence journey in cancer immunoediting
Authors: Zingoni Alessandra , Antonangeli Fabrizio , Sozzani Silvano , Santoni Angela , Cippitelli Marco , Soriani Alessandra
Published: April 2024

Cancer progression is continuously controlled by the immune system which can identify and destroy nascent tumor cells or inhibit metastatic spreading. However, the immune system and its deregulated activity in the tumor microenvironment can also promote tumor progression favoring the outgrowth of cancers capable of escaping immune control, in a process termed cancer immunoediting. This process, which has been classified into three phases, i.e. “elimination”, “equilibrium” and “escape”, is influenced by several cancer- and microenvironment-dependent factors. Senescence is a cellular program primed by cells in response to different pathophysiological stimuli, which is based on long-lasting cell cycle arrest and the secretion of numerous bioactive and inflammatory molecules. Because of this, cellular senescence is a potent immunomodulatory factor promptly recruiting immune cells and actively promoting tissue remodeling. In the context of cancer, these functions can lead to both cancer immunosurveillance and immunosuppression. In this review, the authors will discuss the role of senescence in cancer immunoediting, highlighting its context- and timing-dependent effects on the different three phases, describing how senescent cells promote immune cell recruitment for cancer cell elimination or sustain tumor microenvironment inflammation for immune escape. A potential contribution of senescent cells in cancer dormancy, as a mechanism of therapy resistance and cancer relapse, will be discussed with the final objective to unravel the immunotherapeutic implications of senescence modulation in cancer.
Controllable and reusable seesaw circuit based on nicking endonucleases
Authors: Liao Yuheng , Liu Yizhou , Liu Huan , Liu Xiao , Li Longjie , Xiao Xianjin
Published: April 2024

Seesaw circuits are essential for molecular computing and biosensing. However, a notable limitation of seesaw circuits lies in the irreversible depletion of components, precluding the attainment of system recovery and rendering nucleic acid circuits non-reusable. We developed a brand-new method for creating controllable and reusable seesaw circuits. By using the nicking endonucleases Nt.BbvCI and Nt.Alwi, we removed “functional components” while keeping the “skeletal components” for recurrent usage. T-inputs were introduced, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of AND logic from 2.68 to 11.33 and demonstrating compatibility. We identified the logic switching feature and verified that it does not impair circuit performance. We also built intricate logic circuits, such as OR-AND gate, to demonstrate the versatility of our methodology. This controllable reusability extends the applications of nanotechnology and bioengineering, enhancing the practicality and efficiency of these circuits across various domains.
High-performance pyrite nano-catalyst driven photothermal/chemodynamic synergistic therapy for Osteosarcoma
Authors: Li Meirong , Wang Minghua , Huang Junfeng , Tang Shiqi , Yang Jingyu , Xu Zhourui , Xu Gaixia , Chen Xin , Liu Jia , Yang Chengbin
Published: April 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive bone tumor with strong invasiveness, rapid metastasis, and dreadful mortality. Chemotherapy is a commonly used approach for OS treatment but is limited by the development of drug resistance and long-term adverse effects. To date, OS still lacks the curative treatment. Herein, we fabricated pyrite-based nanoparticles (FeS2@CP NPs) as synergetic therapeutic platform by integrating photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemo-dynamic therapy (CDT) into one system. The synthetic FeS2@CP NPs showed superior Fenton reaction catalytic activity. FeS2@CP NPs-based CDT efficaciously eradicated the tumor cells by initiating dual-effect of killing of apoptosis and ferroptosis. Furthermore, the generated heat from FeS2@CP under near-infrared region II (NIR-II) laser irradiation could not only inhibit tumor’s growth, but also promote tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis by accelerating •OH production and GSH depletion. Finally, the photothermal/NIR II-enhanced CDT synergistic therapy showed excellent osteosarcoma treatment effects both in vitro and in vivo with negligible side effects. Overall, this work provided a high-performance and multifunctional Fenton catalyst for osteosarcoma synergistic therapy, which provided a pathway for the clinical application of PTT augmented CDT.
Secondary syphilis presenting with alopecia and leukoderma in a stable HIV-positive patient in a resource-limited setting: a case report
Authors: Khumalo Sukoluhle , Mafulu Yves , Williams Victor , Musarapasi Normusa , Haumba Samson , Dube Nkululeko
Published: April 2024

Background

Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is mainly transmitted through oral, vaginal and anal sex, in pregnancy and through blood transfusion. Syphilis develops in primary, secondary, latent and tertiary stages and presents with different clinical features at each stage. Infected patients can remain asymptomatic for several years and, without treatment, can, in extreme cases, manifest as damage in several organs and tissues, including the brain, nervous tissue, eyes, ear and soft tissues. In countries with a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden, syphilis increases the risk of HIV infections. We report the case of a young HIV-positive black woman who presented with alopecia and hypopigmentation as features of secondary syphilis.

Case presentation

A virologically suppressed 29-year-old woman on Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) presented with a short history of generalized hair loss associated with a non-itchy maculopapular rash and skin depigmentation on the feet. Limited laboratory testing confirmed a diagnosis of secondary syphilis. She was treated with Benzathine Penicillin 2.4MU. After receiving three doses of the recommended treatment, the presenting features cleared, and the patient recovered fully.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the importance of a high index of clinical suspicion and testing for syphilis in patients presenting with atypical clinical features of secondary syphilis, such as hair loss and hypopigmentation. It also highlights the challenges in diagnosing and clinically managing syphilis in a resource-limited setting.
Long-term surgical outcome and impact on daily life activities of strabismus surgery in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy with and without previous orbital decompression
Authors: Roda Matilde , Valsecchi Nicola , di Geronimo Natalie , Repaci Andrea , Vicennati Valentina , Pagotto Uberto , Fresina Michela , Fontana Luigi , Schiavi Costantino
Published: April 2024

Backgrounds

To report the long-term surgical outcomes and the impact on daily life activities of strabismus surgery in patients with Thyroid Associated Orbitopathy (TAO) with and without previous orbital decompression.

Methods

Patients who underwent strabismus surgery for TAO were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was to evaluate the influence of orbital decompression on the outcomes of TAO related strabismus surgery. Surgical success was defined by the resolution of diplopia and a post-operative deviation < 10 prism diopters (PD). The secondary outcomes were the clinical features, surgical approaches, and impact on daily life activities.

Results

A total of 45 patients were included in the study. The decompression surgery group (DS) included 21 patients (46.7%), whereas the non-decompression surgery group (NDS) patients were 24 (53.3%). The mean follow-up time from the last strabismus surgery was 2,8 years (range 8–200 months). Successful surgical outcome was achieved in 57,1% of patients in the DS, and 75% of patients in the NDS (p = 0,226). DS patients required almost twice the number of surgical interventions for strabismus compared to the NDS (1,95 vs. 1,16 respectively,p = 0,006), a higher number of extraocular muscles recessed in the first surgery (2,67 vs. 1,08 respectively,p < 0.001), and a lower rate of unidirectional surgery compared to NDS (23% vs. 95%,p < 0,001). At the pre-operative assessment, 71.4% of DS patients had eso-hypotropia, while no patients had this type of strabismus in the NDS group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the hypotropia rate was 79.2% in NDS patients and only 4.8% in DS patients (p < 0.001). Moreover, 21,8% of NDS patients used prism lenses in daily life activities, compared to 42.9% of patients that used prism lenses to reduce the impairment in their daily life activities (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

The results of our study showed that DS patients required almost twice the number of strabismus surgical procedures, a higher number of extraocular muscles recessed in the first surgery, and an increased need for prism lenses to correct the residual deviation compared to the NDS, but with similar long-term surgical outcomes.
CYLD alleviates NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in osteoporosis by deubiquitinating WNK1
Authors: Jiang Guiyong , Cai Yu , Cheng Duo , Wang Hao , Deng Geyang , Xiang Dayong
Published: April 2024

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) is the result of bone mass reduction and bone structure disorder. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are the main source of osteogenic precursor cells involved in adult bone remodeling. The involvement of the deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD in OP has recently been discovered. However, the detailed role and mechanism of CYLD remain unknown.

Methods

The OP mouse model was established by performing ovariectomy (OVX) on mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson and Immunohistochemical staining were used to assess pathologic changes. Real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were employed to assess the expression levels of CYLD, WNK1, NLRP3 and osteogenesis-related molecules. The binding relationship between CYLD and WNK1 was validated through a co-immunoprecipitation assay. The osteogenic capacity of BMSCs was determined using Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining (ARS). Protein ubiquitination was evaluated by a ubiquitination assay.

Results

The levels of both CYLD and WNK1 were decreased in bone tissues and BMSCs of OVX mice. Overexpression of CYLD or WNK1 induced osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs. Additionally, NLRP3 inflammation was activated in OVX mice, but its activation was attenuated upon overexpression of CYLD or WNK1. CYLD was observed to reduce the ubiquitination of WNK1, thereby enhancing its protein stability and leading to the inactivation of NLRP3 inflammation. However, the protective effects of CYLD on osteogenic differentiation and NLRP3 inflammation inactivation were diminished upon silencing of WNK1.

Conclusion

CYLD mitigates NLRP3 inflammasome-triggered pyroptosis in osteoporosis through its deubiquitination of WNK1.
The efficacy of machine learning models in forecasting treatment failure in thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with short-segment posterior spinal fixation
Authors: Khaledian Neda , Bagheri Seyed Reza , Sharifi Hasti , Alimohammadi Ehsan
Published: April 2024

Background

Although short-segment posterior spinal fixation (SSPSF) has shown promising clinical outcomes in thoracolumbar burst fractures, the treatment may be prone to a relatively high failure rate. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of machine learning models (MLMs) in predicting factors associated with treatment failure in thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with SSPSF.

Methods

A retrospective review of 332 consecutive patients with traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures who underwent SSPSF at our institution between May 2016 and May 2023 was conducted. Patients were categorized into two groups based on treatment outcome (failure or non-failure). Potential risk factors for treatment failure were compared between the groups. Four MLMs, including random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighborhood (k-NN), were employed to predict treatment failure. Additionally, LR and RF models were used to assess factors associated with treatment failure.

Results

Of the 332 included patients, 61.4% were male (n = 204), and treatment failure was observed in 44 patients (13.3%). Logistic regression analysis identified Load Sharing Classification (LSC) score, lack of index level instrumentation, and interpedicular distance (IPD) as factors associated with treatment failure (P < 0.05). All models demonstrated satisfactory performance. RF exhibited the highest accuracy in predicting treatment failure (accuracy = 0.948), followed by SVM (0.933), k-NN (0.927), and LR (0.917). Moreover, the RF model outperformed other models in terms of sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity = 0.863, specificity = 0.959). The area under the curve (AUC) for RF, LR, SVM, and k-NN was 0.911, 0.823, 0.844, and 0.877, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the utility of machine learning models in predicting treatment failure in thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with SSPSF. The findings support the potential of MLMs to predict treatment failure in this patient population, offering valuable prognostic information for early intervention and cost savings.
Novel molecular typing reveals the risk of recurrence in patients with early-stage papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Sun Mingyu , Zhao Bingqing , Chen Tao , Yao Lijun , Li Xiaoxin , Hu Shaojun , Chen Chengling , Gao Xinbao , Tang Chuangang
Published: April 2024

Background

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is an indolent disease with a favorable prognosis but characterized by a high recurrence rate. We aimed to improve precise stratification of recurrence risk in PTC patients with early stage using multi-gene signatures.

Patients and methods

The present study was performed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and multi-center datasets. Unsupervised consensus clustering was used to obtain the optimal molecular subtypes and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was performed to identify potential genes for the construction of recurrence signature. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test was used to detect survival differences. Harrells concordance index (C-index) was used to assess the performance of the DNA damage repair (DDR) recurrence signature.

Results

Through screening 8 candidate gene sets, the entire cohort was successfully stratified into two recurrence-related molecular subtypes based on DDR genes: DDR-high subtype and DDR-low subtype. The recurrence rate of DDR-high subtype was significantly lower than DDR-low subtype [HR = 0.288 (95%CI, 0.084–0.986), P = 0.047]. Further, a two-gene DDR recurrence signature was constructed, including PER1 and EME2. The high-risk group showed a significantly worse recurrence-free survival (RFS) than the low-risk group [HR = 10.647 (95%CI, 1.363–83.197), P = 0.024]. The multi-center data demonstrated that proportion of patients with low expression of PER1 and EME2 was higher in the recurrence group than those in the non-recurrence group.

Conclusions

These findings could help accurately and reliably identify PTC patients with high risk of recurrence so that they could receive more radical and aggressive treatment strategies and more rigorous surveillance practices.
Neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio is a new diagnostic marker for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Mousa Nasser , salah Mohamed , Elbaz Sherif , Elmetwalli Alaa , Elhammady Amr , Abdelkader Eman , Abdelsalam Mostafa , El-wakeel Niveen , Mansour Marwa , Hashem Manal , El-Emam Ola , Elderiny Wesam , Abdelaziz Mohammed , Elgamal Ayman , Habib Alaa
Published: April 2024

Background

The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) is a novel measure of systemic inflammation and infection. Low albumin levels increase the risk of infection, while high neutrophil counts indicate the presence of infection. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious infection in cirrhotic ascites, and the potential of NPAR in diagnosing SBP is not yet established.

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of NPAR in identifying SBP.

Patients

This prospective multicenter study included 465 patients diagnosed with cirrhotic ascites and SBP according to international guidelines. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. The sensitivity and specificity of NPAR values for diagnosing SBP were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

For SBP diagnosis in the total cohort, NPAR of > 17 had a sensitivity of 85.71%, specificity of 66.67%, and 95% CI (42.1–99.6). In culture-positive SBP, the NPAR at a cut-off > 5.2 had a sensitivity of 85.71%, specificity of 83.33%, and 95% CI (0.709 to 0.979), while in culture-negative SBP, the NPAR at a cut-off > 2.1 had a sensitivity of 92.86%, specificity of 33.33% and CI (0.367 to 0.764). The multivariate analysis revealed that albumin (OR = 2.78, [1.11;3.98], INR (OR = 0.198, [0.066;0.596], creatinine (OR = 0.292, [0.1; 0.81], CRP (OR = 3.18, [1.239;4.52] total leukocytic count (TLC) (OR = 1.97, [1.878; 2.07], platelets (OR = 2.09, [0.99; 2.31] and neutrophil (OR = 3.43, [1.04;3.89] were significantly associated with higher prediction rates for culture positive SBP.

Conclusions

NPAR could be a new, affordable, noninvasive test for diagnosing SBP.
Solution of a nonlinear fractional-order initial value problem via a $\mathscr{C}^{*}$-algebra-valued $\mathcal{R}$-metric space
Authors: Janardhanan Gopinath , Mani Gunaseelan , Michael Edwin Antony Raj , Thabet Sabri T. M. , Kedim Imed
Published: April 2024

In this article, we prove new common fixed-point theorems on a $\mathscr{C}^{*}$

C
∗

-algebra-valued $\mathcal{R}$
R
-metric space. An example is given based on our obtained results. To enhance our results, a strong application based on the fractional-order initial value problem is provided.
Perceptions and engagement of patients with chronic conditions on the use of medical cannabis: a scoping review
Authors: Pomey Marie-Pascale , Jutras-Aswad Didier , Paquette Jesseca , Saadi Kamilla , Taguemout Mélissa , Ikene Dina-Liza , Arbour Nathalie , Zertal Amel , Fréjeau Nathalie , Morin Danielle , Ouellette Jean-Sylvain , Alami Marrouni Kanza , Duquette Pierre
Published: April 2024

Context

Studies generally focus on one type of chronic condition and the effect of medical cannabis (MC) on symptoms; little is known about the perceptions and engagement of patients living with chronic conditions regarding the use of MC.

Objectives

This scoping review aims to explore: (1) what are the dimensions addressed in studies on MC that deal with patients' perceptions of MC? and (2) how have patients been engaged in developing these studies and their methodologies? Through these objectives, we have identified areas for improving future research.

Methods

We searched five databases and applied exclusion criteria to select relevant articles. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify the main themes: (1) reasons to use, to stop using or not to use MC, (2) effects of MC on patients themselves and empowerment, (3) perspective and knowledge about MC, and (4) discussion with relatives and healthcare professionals.

Results

Of 53 articles, the main interest when assessing the perceptions of MC is to identify the reasons to use MC (n = 39), while few articles focused on the reasons leading to stop using MC (n = 13). The majority (85%) appraise the effects of MC as perceived by patients. Less than one third assessed patients’ sense of empowerment. Articles determining the beliefs surrounding and knowledge of MC (n = 41) generally addressed the concerns about or the comfort level with respect to using MC. Only six articles assessed patients’ stereotypes regarding cannabis. Concerns about stigma constituted the main topic while assessing relationships with relatives. Some articles included patients in the research, but none of them had co-created the data collection tool with patients.

Conclusions

Our review outlined that few studies considered chronic diseases as a whole and that few patients are involved in the co-construction of data collection tools as well. There is an evidence gap concerning the results in terms of methodological quality when engaging patients in their design. Future research should evaluate why cannabis’ effectiveness varies between patients, and how access affects the decision to use or not to use MC, particularly regarding the relationship between patients and healthcare providers. Future research should consider age and gender while assessing perceptions and should take into consideration the legislation status of cannabis as these factors could in fact shape perception. To reduce stigma and stereotypes about MC users, better quality and accessible information on MC should be disseminated.
Zero hunger: future challenges and the way forward towards the achievement of sustainable development goal 2
Authors: Sporchia Fabio , Antonelli Marta , Aguilar-Martínez Alicia , Bach-Faig Anna , Caro Dario , Davis Kyle F. , Sonnino Roberta , Galli Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Since 2020, the progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2– Zero Hunger has faced a sudden stall due to an ongoing “polycrisis”. While some countries are on track, a great effort is still globally necessary to achieve the SDG2 targets. Here we provide a brief background about SDG2, including its synergies and trade-offs with other SDGs. We then identify and discuss the main challenges that the pathway towards zero hunger will have to tackle. The lack of a systemic approach, together with the complex, global, and nested dimensions of food systems are identified as key elements to be carefully considered when designing sustainability strategies. This means that a variety of stakeholders are called to simultaneously and cooperatively act on multiple fronts to ensure a safe, equal, and just progress of all countries and populations towards the achievement of SDG2.
How a multidimensional ecology education approach can enhance college curricula to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Klemow Kenneth M. , Cid Carmen R. , Jablonski Leanne M. , Haas Don A.
Published: April 2024

Sustainability, i.e., effective management of natural resources to maintain ecological balance, is taught in formal post-secondary and nonformal education for students of all ages, but is often left out of the basic college and university life sciences coursework. To achieve the United Nations’ 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we must provide students with ecological knowledge and skills to enhance sustainability. Beginning in 2014, Ecological Society of America (ESA) educators developed an integrated, four-dimensional curricular framework (Core Ecological Concepts, Ecological Practices, Cross-Cutting Themes, and Human-Environment Interactions) (4DEE) to generate ecologically literate college students. Here we investigated all possible connections between 4DEE and the SDGs, to determine whether instructors could teach both in context of one another - to the betterment of both sustainability and ecology education. Analysis of the subcomponents of 4DEE arrayed against the Targets in SDGs 13 - Climate Action, 14 - Life Below Water, and 15 - Life on Land, revealed good to strong SDGs connections to each of the 4DEE dimensions. Curricula following the 4DEE approach can better address the SDGs. By integrating this multidimensional framework and connections to the SDGs and their Targets in our classroom, lab, and field experiences on and off campus, educators can help form the next generation of teachers, workers, policymakers, and citizens in ecological literacy and responsible sustainable decision-making. Applying the multidimensional thinking and training of the ESA 4DEE with interdisciplinary collaborations in our institutions and off-campus community partnerships will increase both the ecological literacy and SDG-literacy of present and future generations.
Scientific highlights of the 9th ESWI Influenza Conference
Authors: Reperant Leslie , Russell Colin A. , Osterhaus Albert
Published: April 2024

The European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) held the 9th ESWI Influenza Conference in Valencia from 17—20 September 2023. Here we provide a summary of twelve key presentations, covering major topics on influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) including: infection processes beyond acute respiratory disease, long COVID, vaccines against influenza and RSV, the implications of the potential extinction of influenza B virus Yamagata lineage, and the threats posed by zoonotic highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.
The cytotoxicity effect and identification of bioactive compounds of Prismatomeris glabra crude leaf extracts against breast cancer cells
Authors: Zulkipli Ninie Nadia , Rahman Sholehah Ab , Taib Wan Rohani Wan , Razali Razifah Mohd , Ismail Illyana , Ahmad Wan Amir Nizam Wan , Daud Che Ku Dahlan Che Ku
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite the fact that natives of Southeast Asia have been consuming Prismatomeris glabra for decades for a variety of health benefits, research on this species is not as extensive as that on other species due to its limited distribution. The purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity and identify the bioactive compounds of P. glabra crude leaf extracts against the MCF-7 cell line.

Results

We first examined the potential cytotoxic activity of P. glabra using the MTT assay against the MCF-7 cell line to determine the IC50 of the plant extracts at various concentrations at three time points (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Across all time points, the MTT assay revealed that the aqueous extract exhibited the lowest IC50 values (p < 0.05) compared to the ethanol and methanol extracts. All plant extracts exerted the ability to induce cell death in the MCF-7 cell line at all time points, and the optimal time for P. glabra to manifest its antiproliferative activities and promote cell death was 48 h. LC–MS analysis was conducted to reveal the components in plant extracts. Forty compounds were discovered in P. glabra's extracts, with the majority being flavonoids and triterpenoids. Five similar compounds were present in all three extracts. Further research should be conducted on these compounds to unveil a compound that fulfils the criteria as a promising anticancer agent. This research is of the utmost importance, as it provides a fundamental framework for the identification of alternative therapies for breast cancer and contributes implicitly to the development of new drugs.

Conclusions

This study discovered that P. glabra crude leaf extracts have the potential to inhibit the MCF-7 cell line by inducing cell death.
Automated lithofluid and facies classification in well logs: The rock-physics perspective
Authors: Beloborodov Roman , Gunning James , Pervukhina Marina , Hauser Juerg , Clennell Michael Ben , Mur Alan , Li Vladimir
Published: April 2024

Although an accurate lithofluid and facies interpretation from wireline log data is critical for applications such as joint facies and impedance inversion of seismic data, extracting this information manually is challenging due to the logs’ complexity and the need to combine information from different logs. Traditional clustering methods also struggle with lithofluid type inference due to differing depth trends in petrophysical rock properties stemming from compaction and diagenesis. We introduce a rock-physics machine-learning workflow that automates lithofluid classification and property depth trend modeling to address these challenges. This workflow uses a maximum-likelihood approach, explicitly accounting for depth-related effects via rock-physics models (RPMs) to infer lithofluid types from borehole data. It uses a robust expectation-maximization algorithm to associate each lithofluid type with a specific RPM instance constrained within physically reasonable bounds. The workflow directly outputs lithofluid type proportions and type-specific RPMs with associated uncertainties, providing essential prior information for seismic inversion.
Potential fields as a tool to characterize the inaccessible areas of the earth: The case of Pine Island–Ellsworth Mountains area, West Antarctica
Authors: Ferrara Giuseppe , Ferraccioli Fausto , Fedi Maurizio
Published: April 2024

We seek to characterize the geophysical properties of the West Antarctic Rift System. While it is recognized as one of the largest rift systems on the earth, the West Antarctic Rift System is poorly understood as it is covered by the thick West Antarctic Ice Sheet, making any geologic evaluation difficult. We used the potential-field data sets acquired by the British Antarctic Survey, which included aeromagnetic surveys, to conduct a multiscale analysis to identify the main structural lineaments, i.e., contacts, dikes, sills, volcanic necks and conduits, and spherical source distributions. Several interesting areas were defined in which contact-type sources were associated with faults bordering major rift systems (Pine Island, Byrd Subglacial Basin, and Bentley Subglacial Trench) or related to the tributaries in the Pine Island Rift. Moreover, we detected magmatic sources close to rifting zones based on their shape and orientation (Bentley Subglacial Basin edges), helping to define the depth of the sub-ice topography. Our results helped improve our knowledge of the structural regional geology of the West Antarctic Rift System. This work opens interesting scenarios about the extent and position of magmatic sources and how they contribute to the topography of this sector of the West Antarctic Rift System.
Seismic Soundoff: The untapped potential of the earth's hidden commons
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: April 2024

In this thought-provoking episode, expert geoscience communicator Iain Stewart explores the “hidden commons” of the subsurface. Stewart shares his vision of the subsurface as a new frontier, not just for resource exploitation but as a space for sustainable development and urban innovation. This episode gives geoscientists a new language to describe the importance of their work to the world.
Targeting NAD+ Metabolism: Preclinical Insights into Potential Cancer Therapy Strategies
Authors: Mogol Ayça N , Kaminsky Alanna Z , Dutton David J , Madak Erdogan Zeynep
Published: April 2024

NAD+ is one of the most important metabolites for cellular activities, and its biosynthesis mainly occurs through the salvage pathway using the nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) enzyme. The main nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) consumers, poly-ADP-ribose-polymerases and sirtuins enzymes, are heavily involved in DNA repair and chromatin remodeling. Since cancer cells shift their energy production pathway, NAD levels are significantly affected. NAD's roles in cell survival led to the use of NAD depletion in cancer therapies. NAMPT inhibition (alone or in combination with other cancer therapies, including endocrine therapy and chemotherapy) results in decreased cell viability and tumor burden for many cancer types. Many NAMPT inhibitors (NAMPTi) tested before were discontinued due to toxicity; however, a novel NAMPTi, KPT-9274, is a promising, low-toxicity option currently in clinical trials.
Successful Treatment of Bexarotene-Induced Central Hypothyroidism
Authors: Tucci Marissa , Galagan Robert , Lovre Dragana
Published: April 2024

The synthetic retinoid bexarotene (BXT), used in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), has been associated with central hypothyroidism due to suppression of thyrotropin (TSH) secretion and upregulation of peripheral thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) metabolism. We present a case of a 41-year-old man with CTCL who developed central hypothyroidism within 1 month of receiving BXT. He required sequential uptitration of levothyroxine (LT4) over 15 months, and free T4 (FT4) and total T3 levels were normalized by a daily regimen of LT4 600 mcg and liothyronine (LT3) 15 mcg. While almost all patients regain normal hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis function after cessation of BXT, there are limited data regarding LT4 and LT3 dosing required to adequately treat central hypothyroidism in patients on BXT. Our patient required an LT4 dose approximately 2.8 times the calculated weight-based dose and LT3 supplementation, demonstrating a large LT4/LT3 combination dose may be required to compensate for BXT-induced central hypothyroidism.
The Future of Artificial Intelligence Using Images and Clinical Assessment for Difficult Airway Management
Authors: De Rosa Silvia , Bignami Elena , Bellini Valentina , Battaglini Denise
Published: April 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, particularly deep learning, are automatic and sophisticated methods that recognize complex patterns in imaging data providing high qualitative assessments. Several machine-learning and deep-learning models using imaging techniques have been recently developed and validated to predict difficult airways. Despite advances in AI modeling. In this review article, we describe the advantages of using AI models. We explore how these methods could impact clinical practice. Finally, we discuss predictive modeling for difficult laryngoscopy using machine-learning and the future approach with intelligent intubation devices.
Blood Management in a Liver Transplant Recipient with Kidd (Jka) and Rhesus (D) Antibodies: A Case Report
Authors: Butler Dakota D. , Hundley David A. , Lin Ha Y. , Villani Vincenzo , Bynon John S. , Bai Yu , Pivalizza Evan G.
Published: April 2024

A 67-year-old man presented for urgent liver transplantation (LT). Screening revealed the rare combination of antiRhesus (D) and antiKidd Jk(a) antibodies, requiring antigen-negative red blood cells (RBC) for both phenotypes. This combination has not been reported during LT. Compatible RBCs were initially limited, requiring continued communication between the blood bank/blood supplier to obtain more, including frozen, units. Additional strategies included the use of cell salvage and intentional management of coagulopathy to limit bleeding and RBC requirement. This case highlights blood management during LT when D and Jk(a) antibodies may limit RBC supply and emphasizes the need for effective communication with the blood bank.
New directions for Ψ and m1A decoding in mRNA: deciphering the stoichiometry and function
Authors: Zhang Meiling , Zhang Xiaoting , Ma Yichen , Yi Chengqi
Published: April 2024

Over the past decade, advancements in epitranscriptomics have significantly enhanced our understanding of mRNA metabolism and its role in human development and diseases. This period has witnessed breakthroughs in sequencing technologies and the identification of key proteins involved in RNA modification processes. Alongside the well-studied m6A, Ψ and m1A have emerged as key epitranscriptomic markers. Initially identified through transcriptome-wide profiling, these modifications are now recognized for their broad impact on RNA metabolism and gene expression. In this Perspective, we focus on the detections and functions of Ψ and m1A modifications in mRNA and discuss previous discrepancies and future challenges. We summarize recent advances and highlight the latest sequencing technologies for stoichiometric detection and their mechanistic investigations for functional unveiling in mRNA as the new research directions.
Slow (meV) photoelectron imaging spectroscopy of Strontium atom
Authors: Φερεντίνου Αικατερινή
Published: April 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή επικεντρώνεται σε δύο βασικές κατευθύνσεις, δηλαδή στη μελέτη των ημιδέσμιων συντονισμών κοντά στο κατώφλι και των συντονισμών glory. Η πρώτη κατεύθυνση είναι αφιερωμένη αρχικά στην απεικόνιση των χαρακτηριστικών συντονισμών καταστάσεων μεγάλου χρόνου ζωής στο άτομο του Sr (Z=38) κοντά στο Esp. Η μεγάλη διάρκεια ζωής αυτών των καταστάσεων συνεπάγεται μεγάλη πιθανότητα ιονισμού μέσω σήραγγας. Για το σκοπό αυτό πραγματοποιήθηκαν αρχικά μετρήσεις χρόνου πτήσης ιόντων κοντά και κάτω από το Esp, όπου βρίσκεται ένας σημαντικός αριθμός συντονισμών με διάρκεια ζωής πολλών εκατοντάδων ns. Η απεικόνιση των ημιδέσμιων καταστάσεων εμφάνιζε τα χαρακτηριστικά του συντονισμού χωρίς ιδιαίτερη δομή, επομένως αυτές οι προσπάθειες ήταν εν μέρει επιτυχείς. Ταυτόχρονα, απεικονίστηκαν ορισμένα παρασιτικά οπτικά εφέ που σχετίζονται στενά με τη μεγάλη διάρκεια ζωής των καταστάσεων. Έτσι, αποφασίσαμε να εστιάσουμε την προσοχή μας στην κατανόηση και την αναγνώρισή τους μέσα από την εξερεύνηση της κατάλληλης απεικόνισης τους. Η δεύτερη κατεύθυνση στοχεύει στη μελέτη των συντονισμών glory στο άτομο Sr κατά μήκος της ενεργειακής περιοχής του Esp<E<|Esp|. Τα προκύπτοντα φάσματα glory συγκρίθηκαν με αυτά μιας προηγούμενης εργασίας του εργαστηρίου μας στο άτομο Mg. Από τη σύγκριση μεταξύ τους καθώς και μεταξύ των διαφορετικών σχημάτων διέγερσης που επιτρέπει να εφαρμόσει το άτομο Sr, ανακαλύψαμε χαρακτηριστικά που έχουν παγκόσμιο χαρακτήρα και αυτά που εξαρτώνται από το άτομο στόχο και το σχήμα διέγερσης.
Local Market Reaction to Brand Acquisitions: Evidence from the Craft Beer Industry
Authors: Guler Ali Umut , Misra Kanishka , Singh Vishal
Published: April 2024

Fifteen percent drop in local demand observed after acquisitions of local breweries by large firms.
Submodular Order Functions and Assortment Optimization
Authors: Udwani Rajan
Published: April 2024

We define a new class of set functions that, in addition to being monotone and subadditive, also admit a very limited form of submodularity defined over a permutation of the ground set. We refer to this permutation as a submodular order. This class of functions includes monotone submodular functions as a subfamily. We give fast algorithms with strong approximation guarantees for maximizing submodular order functions under a variety of constraints and show a nearly tight upper bound on the highest approximation guarantee achievable by algorithms with polynomial query complexity. Applying this new notion to the problem of constrained assortment optimization in fundamental choice models, we obtain new algorithms that are both faster and have stronger approximation guarantees (in some cases, first algorithm with constant factor guarantee). We also show an intriguing connection to the maximization of monotone submodular functions in the streaming model, where we recover best known approximation guarantees as a corollary of our results.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.

Funding: This work was supported by the NSF Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation [Grant 2340306] and Google Research Scholar Program.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.04108 .
Improved Breadth First Search For Public Transit Line Search Optimization
Authors: Kartoirono Suprihatin , Riadi Imam , Furizal Furizal , Azhari Ahmad
Published: April 2024

People in general find it difficult to determine the transportation route, because to get to one destination there are many alternative paths that must be passed. This study aims to model the search for alternative bus route routes that are faster to produce routes that must be passed. The method used in this study is Improved Breadth first search by modifying BFS so that its performance is improved in producing route search completion. The improved BFS method is basically the same as BFS doing a level-by-level search stop if a false finish point is found. As the experiment above with a starting point of 175 and an end point of 54 the BFS algorithm takes 27 seconds 564 milliseconds, while the Improve BFS algorithm takes 171 milliseconds. The results showed that improved BFS can improve the performance of the BFS method. Research can be a model to be applied to other optimal route finding cases.
Performance Evaluation of Cardiac Signal Recording Framework (CARDIF)-A Quantitative Assessment for Long Term Monitoring Applications
Authors: Sriraam N. , Arun Uma , Prakash V. S
Published: April 2024

Background: Personal health monitoring with wearable electronics has gained momentum in the recent years due to its usage in flexible textile-based sensors/electrodes for recording of physiological vital parameters. Such system provides scope for long term ambulatory ECG measurement and motion tracking applications. The selection /design of textile sensors play a vital role as it has to overcome skin irritations, improve the skin-electrode impedance required for conductivity. The composition of textile materials, shape and size of the textile electrodes contributes significantly towards the conductivity. Objective: To assess the proposed Cardif system for its suitability to introduce in the clinical routine Method: The proposed textile electrodes were designed using knit jersey conductive material. The skin –contact impedance of the proposed textile material, was measured using two electrode impedance method and measurement was done for different age groups by varying the frequency. Results: The measurement results showed that the impedance was decreasing with increasing frequency and was found to be below 1.5Mohm/cm2 in the frequency range of 20Hz to 1KHz for three different age groups. The performance of the CARDIF was assessed using heart rate, RR interval, SNR as well as qualitative assessment through visual inspection and were compared with gel based disposable Ag/AgCl electrodes. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed and the various results confirm the proposed textile electrodes for continuous patient monitoring applications.
Development of a Non-Invasive Jaundice Meter Using Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry
Authors: Krishnan G Hari , Sudhakar T , Santhosh Sheeba , Mohandass G
Published: April 2024

Proposed work focuses on the use of transcutaneous bilirubinometers as a non-invasive method for estimating total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels in jaundiced individuals. By measuring the yellowness of the skin and analyzing the optical signals reflected from subcutaneous tissues, these bilirubinometers provide a reliable technique for assessing bilirubin levels without the need for invasive procedures. The correlation between cutaneous bilirubin and TSB is explored in detail, highlighting the importance of this relationship in the management of jaundice. Experimental results demonstrate a high correlation between cutaneous bilirubin measurements and TSB levels, further supporting the efficacy of transcutaneous bilirubinometry. The report also discusses the advantages of this method over traditional spectro-photometric techniques, emphasizing its potential as a reliable alternative for estimating TSB levels in Jaundice Patients. Our proposed valuable insights into the use of transcutaneous bilirubinometers and their role in improving the management of jaundice.
Ovarian Gene Transcriptional Responses to Anticonvulsant Drugs (Diazepam and Phenytoin) in Female Wistar Rats
Authors: K. O Oyedeji , O. J. Oyakhilome
Published: April 2024

This study was designed to investigate ovarian gene transcriptional responses to selected anticonvulsant drugs (diazepam and phenytoin) in female rats. Fifteen female rats (120 – 140 g) were used for this study. Diazepam (0.14 mg/kg) and phenytoin (2.8 mg/kg) were given to the rodents orally for 50 days. The method of RT-PCR involving isolation of RNA, conversion of cDNA and electrophoresis was employed to investigate the expression of FSH-R, aromatase and GPX-1genes. Graphics were generated as mean +/- SEM using Graph-pad Prism version 8.0. The expression of GPX-1 was significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated, while the FSH-R and aromatase expressions were significantly (p<0.05) and insignificantly (p>0.05) down-regulated respectively in the diazepam treated rats when compared with their respective controls. The FSH-R and aromatase expressions were significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated, while the GPX-1 expression was insignificantly (p>0.05) up-regulated in the phenytoin treated rats relative to their respective controls. Conclusively, it can be suggested that diazepam: inhibited follicular growth through the down-regulation of FSH-R expression, reduced estrogen level through the down-regulation of aromatase expression, inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress through the up-regulation of GPX-1 expression. In addition, it can be suggested that phenytoin: induced follicular growth through the up-regulation of FSH-R expression, increased estrogen level through the up-regulation of aromatase expression, inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress through the up-regulation of GPX-1 expression.
Small Interfering RNA Drug Delivery System in Cancer
Authors: Nayak Prashant , Charyulu R Narayan
Published: April 2024

siRNAs(Small interfering RNA) have emerged as new nucleic acid drugs to treat life-threatening diseases such as malignant tumors as our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of endogenous RNA interference has increased. Synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNA) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) have been shown to have clinical potential in dental illnesses, eye infections, cancer, metabolic syndromes, neurological disorders, and other illnesses in subsequent RNAi investigations. Although various siRNA are used as a medication for respiratory and ophthalmic illnesses in clinical trials, there are problems in developing siRNA for malignancy treatments because systemic delivery would be required in the treatment of the majority of patients. Aside from nonspecific off-target effects and immunological stimulation issues, proper administration remains a significant challenge. The technologies that have been created for the formulation of siRNA therapeutics, including antisense oligonucleotides and plasmid DNA, have prepared the path for rapid advancement in in-vivo siRNA delivery. This review focuses on the Potential uses of siRNA in different diseases and its challenges in usage.