bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of blood glucose concentration, hepatosomatic index, and liver histology of golden rabbitfish Siganus guttatus at different levels of fermented Gracilaria verrucosa dietary
Authors: Mulyaningrum Sri Redjeki Hesti , Haryati  , Aslamyah Siti , Laining Asda , Suwoyo Hidayat Suryanto
Published: November 2024

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of fermented Gracilaria verrucosa dietary on blood glucose level, hepatosomatic index, and liver histology of golden rabbitfish Siganus guttatus. The inclusion level of fermented G. verrucosa on rabbitfish diet was investigated namely: 0% (G0), 20% (G20), 25% (G25), and 30% (G30). The feeding experiment was conducted in eight weeks with three replicates for each treatment. Juvenile golden rabbitfish were stocking in a fiber tank with 15 fish/100 L density. The concentration of blood glucose, hepatosomatic index, and liver histology of golden rabbitfish was investigated. The hepatosomatic index data was analysed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the blood glucose concentration and liver histology data were analysed descriptively. Fermented G. verrucosa resulted an increasing of blood glucose levels of rabbitfish. The blood glucose levels in control increased within 6 hours after feeding, reaching an average of 48±15 mg/dL, G20 showed an increasing of blood glucose level within 3 hours after feeding (71±6.56 mg/dL), meanwhile G25 and G30 exhibited an increasing in blood glucose levels within 6 hours after feeding, measuring 68.67±34.08 mg/dL and 48.33±17.39 mg/dL, respectively. The varying level of G. verrucosa inclusion did not have a significant impact on the hepatosomatic index (P>0.05), which ranged from 0.99% to 1.13% among all treatments. The liver histology analysis revealed there was no serious problem on liver tissue. The present study demonstrates that fermented G. verrucosa can be effectively used as an energy source without causing any adverse effects on rabbitfish’s liver.
Effect of yellow and blue light on the size of target fish caught by fixed lift net in Pangkep Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Tawil M F , Kurnia M , Jaya I , Amir M I , Adam
Published: November 2024

Fishermen have begun to adapt fixed lift nets by using different coloured lights to attract fish. This study examined the effect of light colour on catch, in particular the size structure of the main target commodity, sardines (Sardinella sp). The study was conducted in Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia from August to November 2021 using an experimental fishing method. The paired-samples T-Test (2-tailed, 95% confidence level) was applied to determine the effect of lamp light colour on fish size. A total of 1,440 sardines caught during 32 fishing trips were measured (fork length, FL) and weight. Total catch volume was greater using yellow light than blue light. The mean TL of sardines caught was significantly (p = 0.000 < 0.05) larger using yellow light (10.48 cm) than blue light (8.70 cm). We conclude that the colour of the lights used to attract fish can significantly affect the size of sardines caught by fixed lift nets.
Antibacterial activity of Kefa forest honey against Vibrio alginolyticus and Aeromonas hydrophila and study of its physical and chemical characteristics
Authors: Salosso Yuliana , Sunadji  , Liufeto Franchy Christian , Fransira Immaria , Djonu Asriati
Published: November 2024

This study aims to examine the antibacterial activity of Kefa forest honey challenged on Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio alginolyticus, two pathogenic bacteria that plague fish farmers. The study on the antibacterial activity of the honey used the disc method with dilution. A spectrophotometer was used to test the total sugar content, gravimetric method to determine the water content and pH meter to measure pH. Furthermore, proximate analysis and Vitamin C followed the AOAC method, namely Kjedahl method for protein, fat soxhlet method, ash and water gravimetric method, vitamin C by titrimetric method with Iodine and antioxidant measurement using DPPH method. The results showed that Kefa forest honey has antibacterial activity against A hydrophila and V. alginolyticus bacteria at concentration from 25-75%. The antibacterial activity of honey concentrations of 50% and 75% was not significantly different so that to streamline the use of honey as an antibacterial in fish farming, 50% concentration of Kefa forest honey could used. Honey at 50% concentration contains 36% sugar, 52.92% water, pH 3.92, Aw 0.903 which allows honey to still have antibacterial activity and honey also has potential as an antioxidant because of its vitamin C and antioxidant content. Honey is full of nutrients because it is high in carbohydrates and water as well as low in protein and fat. In addition, honey also contains amino acids and the highest amino acid content of honey is L-Threonine, followed by L-Proline.
The ENSO-IOD effects on Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in Eastern Indian Ocean - Off Coast Java
Authors: Istnaeni Z D , Hidayat R , Zainuddin M , Gaol J L , Fitrianah D
Published: November 2024

The eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) is influenced by two climate phenomena, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which affect the presence and abundance of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). Monthly satellite data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua L3 of sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface chlorophyll-a (SSC), along with the yellowfin longline catch data, were used to investigate the oceanographic conditions and their impact on yellowfin tuna catch in the EIO, performed by Generalized Additive Model (GAM). Furthermore, the Dipole Model Index (DMI) and oceanic niño index (ONI) were used to measure the IOD and ENSO indications. The results showed that SST + SSC had the best performance with an AIC of 1095.513, with SST becoming the most influential factor with a p-value of 0.0473. Yellowfin tuna were mainly caught in the SST range of 28-28.5°C and SSC of 0.05-0.10 ml/m3. From 2009 to 2010, moderate El Niño, moderate El Nina, and weak positive IOD occurred in the study area, and the yellowfin hook rates declined when the IOD was positive with El Niño.
Concentration of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) detected in Tallo River sediment
Authors: Lalombo Yulia Indasari , Yaqin Khusnul
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to determine the concentrations of metals in the sediment hotspots of the Tallo River in the Manggala Subdistrict of Makassar, South Sulawesi. Metals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) were selected for analysis because they have the potential to act as sources of metal pollutants in the Tallo River. Sediment sampling was conducted at three stations, with three replicates at each station. The three stations, were determined based on the presence of polluted water. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed in accordance with the APHA 23rd Edition (2017) method 3112; 3111B standard. The results demonstrated notable variations in the metal concentrations among the sampling sites. The average Hg concentration at all stations was relatively low, with an average of <0.0001 mg/kg. The highest mean concentration of Pb (p<0.05) was found at station 2, which was an area polluted by residential waste, with a value of 34.38±0.55 mg/kg. The highest mean concentration of Cu (p>0.05) was 35.82±12.11 mg/kg, with this value being observed in all stations. The concentrations of Hg, Pb, and Cu did not exceed the threshold levels permitted by the quality guidelines of the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ANZECC and ARMCANZ) in 2000 and most recently the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in 2004.
Normative legal analysis on the consequence of oil spill on aquatic pollution: Case study of Bintan oil spill
Authors: Maskun  , Achmad  , Naswar  , Paliling Valeria Erika Sari , Amir Mohammad Akhsan Adhyatma , Angi Josse Charmario Wara , Putri Nagida Amalia , Mukarramah Nurul Habaib Al , Assidiq Hasbi
Published: November 2024

The oil spill in Bintan, Indonesia has become one of many oil spill cases leading to aquatic pollution in over 10 years. However, the existing law has not yet been able to address this issue. This research attempts to address two questions; How does international and Indonesian law regulate marine pollution? How does the current regulation apply to the oil spill that occurred in Bintan, Indonesia? This research utilizes normative legal analysis conducted through reviewing international and national legal instruments concerning climate change and health through a statutory approach. This research shows that the current regulation concerning marine pollution is not yet effective to prevent, monitor and mitigate marine pollution issues which led to the occurrence of oil spill in Bintan Island, Indonesia.
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Bungo Fish (Glossogobius giuris Hamilton, 1822) in Lake Tempe, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Kantun W , Fatma  , Moka W , l Rapi N , Awaluddin
Published: November 2024

Heavy metals are a well-known indicator of water pollutants that can adversely impact on living organism. The aims of this study to probe the bioaccumulation of mercury and cadmium in Bungo fish that live in Lake Tempe. The study used purposive sampling, that is collecting the fish from Lake Tempe situated in Wajo, Sidrap and Soppeng. Three-month research, starting from June to August 2021. Samples were tested in detection work by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Bungo fish varied according to the sampling locations. The average bioaccumulation of mercury in Wajo, Soppeng and Sidrap was 0.066 ± 0.005 mg/kg; 0.048 ±0.006 mg/kg; and 0.059 ± 0.002 mg/kg, respectively. The average bioaccumulation of cadmium in Wajo, Soppeng and Sidrap was 0.016 ± 0.001 mg/kg; 0.030 ± 0.009 mg/kg; and 0.025 ± 0.005 mg/kg, respectively. Accordingly, Wajo had the highest degree of mercury bioaccumulation, while Soppeng had the highest degree of cadmium bioaccumulation. In other words, Wajo was the most mercury-polluted area, and Soppeng was the most cadmium-polluted area for Bungo fish. However, the concentration of these substances in both areas remained below the maximum limits for water pollution.
Preliminary study of marine environmental parameters in the southeastern coastal area of Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Widyananto Prastyo Abi , Badriana Mochamad R , Oktaviani Diyah F , Radjawane Ivonne M
Published: November 2024

Southern part of Bali island is famous for its fascinating area, so many marine tourism activities and coastal settlements exist in this area. Therefore, a preliminary monitoring may be beneficial to see the current sea condition around this area. Three places are considered, namely Nusa Dua (ND), Sanur (SN), and Nusa Lembongan (NL). Field activity consists of measuring ocean parameters and collecting water samples which was carried out on 30 September-4 October 2022. Ocean parameters investigated such as temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, DO, and heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Hg). Additional data of physical oceanography from secondary data or references also w taken into account. The measurement data compared to see its conformity with the national standard of seawater for marine tourism. Based on the result, most of the parameters are within the threshold and still considered as good condition.
Introduction
Authors: Chong Nicholas
Published: November 2024

Though Beethoven was nominally a Catholic, most commentators have claimed that his true beliefs were characterized by the “enlightened” rejection of traditional Christian dogma—an assumption that has also been tied to the critical marginalization of his sacred compositions other than the Missa solemnis. Attempts to separate Beethoven from Catholicism have tended, however, to rely on an overly simplistic understanding of the Enlightenment as intrinsically opposed to Christianity, especially the Catholic Church. Such an understanding overlooks the importance of a movement known as the German Catholic Enlightenment, which aimed to reconcile Catholicism with self-consciously enlightened ideas. Beethoven’s attitude to religion was heavily influenced by this movement, though in some respects he also seemed open to more “conservative” varieties of Catholicism. To reconsider the received wisdom concerning Beethoven’s religious beliefs builds on previous efforts to challenge the long-standing but still-influential myth of Beethoven as secular liberal Enlightenment hero.
Beethoven and Johann Michael Sailer
Authors: Chong Nicholas
Published: November 2024

This chapter investigates Beethoven’s connection to the Bavarian Catholic theologian Johann Michael Sailer, one of the most prominent figures in the German Catholic lands during the composer’s lifetime. Beethoven is recorded as having expressed admiration for Sailer and also made unsuccessful plans for his nephew Karl to study with the theologian. In addition, he owned three books by Sailer—Goldkörner der Weisheit und Tugend, Friedrich Christians Vermächtniß, and Kleine Bibel für Kranke und Sterbende und ihre Freunde—along with Sailer’s translation of Thomas à Kempis’s medieval devotional text The Imitation of Christ. The chapter explains how these texts reflect Sailer’s theological outlook, which can be considered a centrist blend of progressive elements from the Catholic Enlightenment with more conservative elements from the Catholic Restoration. Sailer’s moderation in this regard resonates with evidence of Beethoven’s own views discussed in previous chapters and very likely explains why Beethoven found him an attractive figure.
Conclusion
Authors: Chong Nicholas
Published: November 2024

This book concludes with a brief consideration of two issues. First, evidence concerning Beethoven’s religious views after he completed the Missa solemnis suggests that his outlook continued to mix progressive elements inspired by the Catholic Enlightenment with an openness to some aspects of the more conservative Catholic Restoration. Second, the long-standing tendency to separate Beethoven from Catholicism, as well as the related marginalization of his religious works, emerged after the composer’s death because of two simultaneous historical processes. On the one hand, Beethoven and his music were increasingly used as symbols of a liberal German national identity that, given the political hegemony of Protestant Prussia, excluded Catholicism. On the other hand, the Catholic Church became more and more hostile toward the reformist visions of the Church associated with the Catholic Enlightenment. Beethoven’s religious works thus came to be considered too Catholic by liberals, and not Catholic enough by the Church.
Introduction
Authors: Macfarlane Kirsten
Published: November 2024

This book offers a fresh account of the intellectual dynamics of transatlantic puritanism using a microhistorical reconstruction of a single community of immigrants to New England. The introduction briefly introduces the nature and scope of the evidence on which this reconstruction rests, but primarily focusses on outlining the wider historiographical landscape in which it is situated. It explains how the book brings together three separate bodies of literature: the history of biblical scholarship in early modern Europe; the history of puritanism and popular religion in both Britain and North America; and the history of the book, especially the history of reading practices. By combining insights and (most importantly) methods from each of these fields, this book aspires to fulfil the early promise made by book historians that their field might be able to write ‘a social history of culture’.
Systematic review of guideline recommendations for older and frail adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bolt Jennifer , Carvalho Valeria , Lin Kristine , Lee Sung Ju , Inglis Colleen
Published: November 2024

Background

The application of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) across the spectrum of individuals living with diabetes can be challenging, particularly in older adults, where factors such as frailty and multimorbidity exacerbate the complexity of management.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to explore the guidance provided within diabetes CPGs for management of individuals who are older and/or frail, including recommendations for haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) target and pharmacotherapeutic management.

Methods

A systematic search was completed in Medline and Embase to identify national or international type 2 diabetes CPGs published in the last 10 years. Data extracted included recommendations for HbA1c targets and pharmacotherapy in older and frail adults, frailty screening and deprescribing. Quality of included CPGs was appraised with the AGREE II tool.

Results

Twenty-three CPGs were included, within which older adults and frailty were discussed in 21 and 14 CPGs, respectively. Specific HbA1c targets for older and/or frail adults were provided by 15 CPGs, the majority of which suggested a strict target (<7.0%–7.5%) in healthier older adults and a more relaxed target (<8.0%–8.5%) in those who are frail or medically complex. Ten CPGs provided recommendations for insulin therapy and 16 provided recommendations for non-insulin antihyperglycaemic agents that were specific to older and/or frail populations, which primarily focused on minimising risk of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

Most diabetes CPGs recommend strict HbA1c targets in healthier older adults, with more relaxed targets in those living with frailty or medical complexity. However, significant variability exists in pharmacotherapy recommendations and there were proportionately less recommendations for individuals who are frail.
Reactive loops and normative indeterminacy
Authors: Werner Jonas
Published: November 2024

Temporal loops in which two agents are involved in a circle of reactive attitudes create a puzzle concerning who harms whom. I argue that this puzzle, which has been developed by Stephen Kearns in a recent paper in this journal, should be solved by accepting that the situation involves normative indeterminacy. A supervaluationist treatment of this indeterminacy allows us to maintain that the normative supervenes on the non-normative and that the involved agents are in normatively symmetric situations. It further allows to maintain that it is determinately the case that one agent wrongs the other just in case the latter does not wrong the former. I conclude by tentatively arguing that the indeterminacy involved should not be understood as semantic and that the puzzle provides us with a novel case of indeterminacy in reality.
AutoXAI4Omics: an automated explainable AI tool for omics and tabular data
Authors: Strudwick James , Gardiner Laura-Jayne , Denning-James Kate , Haiminen Niina , Evans Ashley , Kelly Jennifer , Madgwick Matthew , Utro Filippo , Seabolt Ed , Gibson Christopher , Bedi Bharat , Clayton Daniel , Howell Ciaron , Parida Laxmi , Carrieri Anna Paola
Published: November 2024

Machine learning (ML) methods offer opportunities for gaining insights into the intricate workings of complex biological systems, and their applications are increasingly prominent in the analysis of omics data to facilitate tasks, such as the identification of novel biomarkers and predictive modeling of phenotypes. For scientists and domain experts, leveraging user-friendly ML pipelines can be incredibly valuable, enabling them to run sophisticated, robust, and interpretable models without requiring in-depth expertise in coding or algorithmic optimization. By streamlining the process of model development and training, researchers can devote their time and energies to the critical tasks of biological interpretation and validation, thereby maximizing the scientific impact of ML-driven insights. Here, we present an entirely automated open-source explainable AI tool, AutoXAI4Omics, that performs classification and regression tasks from omics and tabular numerical data. AutoXAI4Omics accelerates scientific discovery by automating processes and decisions made by AI experts, e.g. selection of the best feature set, hyper-tuning of different ML algorithms and selection of the best ML model for a specific task and dataset. Prior to ML analysis AutoXAI4Omics incorporates feature filtering options that are tailored to specific omic data types. Moreover, the insights into the predictions that are provided by the tool through explainability analysis highlight associations between omic feature values and the targets under investigation, e.g. predicted phenotypes, facilitating the identification of novel actionable insights. AutoXAI4Omics is available at: https://github.com/IBM/AutoXAI4Omics.
From Atalanta to Angelina: Smith & Wesson feminism, white heteropatriarchy, and intimate partner violence
Authors: Nguyen Kim Hong , Voorhees Gerald
Published: November 2024

This article re-examines the increasingly ubiquitous media representations of ass-kicking heroines celebrated by academic and popular feminism in North America. We look at these violent white women as Smith & Wesson feminists, empowered by whiteness and their capacity for physical violence and death. As refigurations of the mythical Atalanta, their fighting power is understood as part of a feminine arsenal for managing romantic or sexual partners. This is a particular kind of white (post)feminism, prominent in the US and Canada, that may be empowering on some level, but only to the extent that women are enabled to enjoy the privileges of and assist in policing the boundaries of white heteropatriarchy. In addition to buttressing the alliance between whiteness and heteropatriarchy, it rationalizes intimate partner violence and other forms of violence, including state sanctioned violence, against women who fight back.
A novel mouse model of myositis-associated interstitial lung disease was established by using TLR9 agonist combined with muscle homogenate
Authors: Bai Ling , Zhu Jiarui , Ma Wenlan , Zhao Peipei , Li Feifei , Zhang Cen , Zhang Sigong
Published: November 2024

Our group previously demonstrated that NETs were involved in interstitial lung diseases (ILD) among patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and the experimental autoimmune myositis (EAM) mouse model and that NETs activated lung fibroblasts through the TLR9-miR7-Smad2 axis. This study aimed to establish a novel mouse model of myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (MAILD) by using a TLR9 agonist (ODN2395). ODN2395 and muscle homogenate were used to induce MAILD in BALB/c mice. MAILD was evaluated using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, serum NETs determination, and myositis-specific antibody profile. Furthermore, TLR9 and IRF3 were examined in a lung biopsy tissue from a dermatomyositis patient with ILD. MAILD mice developed inflammatory myopathy with positive expression of myositis-specific antibodies. ILD occurred in all mice of the MAILD group. ODN2395 at doses of 5 μg, 10 μg, or 20 μg induced ILD, with increasing severity as the dose increased, but 20 μg ODN2395 was not recommended due to non-specific damage to the lungs. ILD could occur as early as one week after immunization and was most pronounced by the fourth/fifth week. MAILD process was accompanied by NETs infiltration and TLR9 activation. TLR9 activation was demonstrated in the patient with DM-ILD. Serum levels of Cit-H3 were elevated in the MAILD group. Skeletal muscle homogenate and ODN2395 induced neutrophils to form NETs in vitro. Combined with muscle homogenate, ODN2395 induced a novel MAILD mouse model with NETs infiltration and TLR9 activation, which are similar to pathogenesis of IIM-ILD, suggesting that MAILD model could replace EAM model in IIM-ILD research.
PCBM synthesis using photoflow strategy
Authors: Sumino Shuhei , Tanaka Yuya , Murata Michihisa , Matsumoto Fukashi , Iwai Toshiyuki , Ito Takatoshi
Published: November 2024

In this study, photoflow synthesis was investigated to develop a more efficient synthesis of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester. High chemical yields were achieved via photoirradiation during heating. In addition, continuous production was confirmed using large-volume flow units, and high chemical yields and productivity were achieved.
Crustal heterogeneity and fault parametrization effects on seismic hazards assessment: southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau case study
Authors: Rui X , Williams C A , Stamps D S , Fang L H
Published: November 2024

Assumptions about lithospheric composition and fault discretization schemes are crucial for estimating seismic hazards. This study aims to examine the impact of these two variables in the Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau, with a specific focus on the Daliangshan mountain area. This area, located along the central segment of the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system, has been considered in the last few decades to host the highest seismic hazards in mainland China given its historical recurrence intervals of large magnitude earthquakes. Previous studies have constrained the kinematics of the region, including estimates of fault slip and accumulated moment magnitudes, assuming (1) the crust is compositionally homogeneous and isotropic and (2) the discretized fault patches (nodes) are coupling independent. In this work, we use constraint from an updated GNSS velocity solution comprised of 287 sites to test the influence of a compositionally heterogeneous crust and two fault patch (node) parametrizations to assess predicted fault slip rates and several seismic hazard quantities. The two fault node parametrizations are: (1) node depth-dependent (NDD; locking coefficients of nodes along a depth profile are dependent) and (2) node depth-independent (NDI; locking coefficients of all nodes are independent). Statistical tests (F-tests) indicate that the NDD model fits GNSS data significantly better than the NDI model even with less than ∼50 per cent of to-be-estimated parameters. We further examine the impact of lithospheric composition on regional kinematics by incorporating data from high-resolution seismic tomography. Comparisons between homogeneous and heterogeneous models for our preferred NDD fault locking parametrization scheme suggest that the material heterogeneity has minimal influence on the predicted recurrence interval estimates of large (e.g. Mw = 7) earthquakes but some influence on discerning the details of the fault coupling distribution. These results show that the crustal medium and parametrization scheme have an impact on the description of fault kinematics, which should be considered as one of the sources of uncertainty in hazard assessment.
Recording a revolution: the clerk of the parliaments and the journals of the house of lords, 1640–9
Authors: Beeton Alex
Published: November 2024

This article examines the creation of the journals of the house of lords during the 1640s. Making extensive use of notes kept by the clerk of the parliaments and his assistants, it argues that the journals are not objective factual records, but documents intended to project an image of the Lords as driven by consensus and tradition. In reality, the Lords were fractious and riven by faction. An investigation of the journals also has important implications for understandings of early modern record-keeping and the nascent information state, showing a deep-rooted desire in seventeenth-century England to conceal and destroy information alongside the recently explored wish to collect and use it.
The genus Paris: a fascinating resource for medicinal and botanical studies
Authors: Ye Xiao , Tao Yang , Pu Xiu-Lan , Hu Hong , Chen Jing , Tan Chun-Lin , Tan Xin , Li Sheng-Hong , Liu Yan
Published: November 2024

The genus Paris, comprising a series of distinctive medicinal plants, has been utilized globally for its therapeutic properties over centuries. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that secondary metabolites from Paris species exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including anticancer, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and other effects. Additionally, the unique morphological traits and large genome size of Paris species have continuously captivated the interest of botanists and horticulturalists. Nonetheless, the conservation of wild Paris populations is threatened due to the lengthy reproductive cycle and overexploitation, posing considerable challenges to their development and sustainable use. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, historical medicinal uses, pharmacological effects and toxicity evaluation of secondary metabolites in Paris species. It also covers the molecular biological research conducted on the genus Paris and proposes key research questions and important directions for future solutions. We advocate for the expansion and implementation of multi-omics approaches, as well as molecular and genetic technologies recently advanced in model plant research, to intensively study Paris species. This will facilitate the comprehensive understanding of gene function and molecular mechanisms underlying specialized metabolite formation in Paris.
Global Well-Posedness for Supercritical SQG With Perturbations of Radially Symmetric Data
Authors: Bulut Aynur , Dong Hongjie
Published: November 2024

We study the global well-posedness of the supercritical dissipative surface quasi-geostrophic (SQG) equation, a key model in geophysical fluid dynamics. While local well-posedness is known, achieving global well-posedness for large initial data remains open. Motivated by enhanced decay in radial solutions, we aim to establish global well-posedness for small perturbations of potentially large radial data. Our main result shows that for small perturbations of radial data, the SQG equation admits a unique global solution.
The impact of overseas assignments on metabolic factors: Panasonic cohort study 23
Authors: Murano Tetsuya , Okada Hiroshi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Kurogi Kazushiro , Tatsumi Yoshihide , Murata Hiroaki , Yoshida Naoki , Ito Masato , Fukui Michiaki
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effects of overseas assignments on the metabolic factors associated with lifestyle disease including body mass index, blood pressure, plasma glucose, lipid profiles, liver enzyme, and uric acid in Japanese individuals.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using annual health examination data from employees of the Panasonic Corporation in Japan. We evaluated the differences in the changes in metabolic factors associated with lifestyle disease during the observation periods between the overseas and non-overseas assignment groups. Propensity score matching was performed to match the characteristics of the two groups. In subgroup analysis, the impact of family accompaniment and the destination on metabolic factors associated with lifestyle disease were also evaluated.

Results

The median ages of the overseas (n = 899) and non-overseas assignment groups (n = 899) were 46 (41–50) and 46 (41–50) years. The average overseas assignment duration was 4.1 ± 1.7 years. Overall, 65.4% of individuals were assigned overseas alone in the overseas assignment group. No significant differences were observed in the changes in metabolic factors associated with lifestyle disease between the overseas and non-overseas assignment groups. In subgroup analyses, the family accompaniment and the destination did not affect changes in any of metabolic factors associated with lifestyle disease during the overseas assignment.

Conclusions

In conclusion, no significant difference was observed in metabolic factors associated with lifestyle disease between the overseas and non-overseas assignment groups in Japanese employees.
Silencing c-myc gene by siRNA delivered by cationic niosomes in MCF-7 cells
Authors: Abdeljaber Shatha N , Aljabali Alaa A , Altrad Bahaa , Obeid Mohammad A
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Gene therapy has a strong potential to treat different cancer types cancers with high therapeutic outcomes. c-myc is believed to be responsible for more than 15% of all gene regulation and functions as a transcription factor for proteins essential for cell proliferation. This study aimed to develop niosome nanocarriers to knockdown c-myc expression using anti-c-myc short-interfering RNA (siRNA) in MCF-7 cells. Altering the activity of the c-myc proto-oncogene has been identified as an important element in minimizing cancer cell growth because anti-c-myc siRNA degrades c-myc mRNA.

Methods

Noisomes were prepared from Tween 85, cholesterol, and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide at 50:40:10 and 40:40:20 molar ratios. Anti-c-myc siRNA was loaded in the prepared niosomes and then applied on MCF-7 cells.

Key findings

Niosomes had a total positive charge formed electrostatic interactions with siRNA. Niosomes were spherical with a size range of 70–100 nm. The prepared niosomes were nontoxic to MCF-7 cells, with IC50 values of >250 µg/ml for both formulations. After encapsulation of anti-c-myc siRNA, nioplexes reduced c-myc mRNA expression by more than 50% compared with the untreated cells. Empty niosomes did not affect c-myc mRNA expression levels, indicating that the effect was due to siRNA rather than the particles themselves.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that niosomes can function as suitable carriers for siRNA delivery to knockdown the c-myc oncogene in MCF-7 cells, thus reducing cancer cell growth.
Contrasting bivalve body-size distributions between Northern and Southern Hemispheres
Authors: Doyle Amanda
Published: November 2024

Despite similarly frigid climates and low diversity compared to the tropics, the Northern and Southern Hemisphere polar regions—and the high latitudes of the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at large—have different histories, and their biotas differ in a number of ways, but these biotic contrasts remain understudied. In this study, I tested whether the body sizes of Northern and Southern Hemisphere extratropical bivalve faunas differ from each other. The Southern Hemisphere polar bivalve fauna has a significantly smaller median body size than the Northern Hemisphere polar region, and this difference remains whether shared families, shared genera or the whole fauna was compared. There were also significant, pervasive contrasts in body size between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere throughout the extratropics for the whole bivalve fauna and largely for the five major bivalve clades examined (Protobranchia, Pteriomorphia, Archiheterodonta, Anomalodesmata and Imparidentia), and these contrasts largely remained even when only endemics were compared.
PanKB: An interactive microbial pangenome knowledgebase for research, biotechnological innovation, and knowledge mining
Authors: Sun Binhuan , Pashkova Liubov , Pieters Pascal Aldo , Harke Archana Sanjay , Mohite Omkar Satyavan , Santos Alberto , Zielinski Daniel C , Palsson Bernhard O , Phaneuf Patrick Victor
Published: November 2024

The exponential growth of microbial genome data presents unprecedented opportunities for unlocking the potential of microorganisms. The burgeoning field of pangenomics offers a framework for extracting insights from this big biological data. Recent advances in microbial pangenomic research have generated substantial data and literature, yielding valuable knowledge across diverse microbial species. PanKB (pankb.org), a knowledgebase designed for microbial pangenomics research and biotechnological applications, was built to capitalize on this wealth of information. PanKB currently includes 51 pangenomes from 8 industrially relevant microbial families, comprising 8402 genomes, over 500 000 genes and over 7M mutations. To describe this data, PanKB implements four main components: (1) Interactive pangenomic analytics to facilitate exploration, intuition, and potential discoveries; (2) Alleleomic analytics, a pangenomic-scale analysis of variants, providing insights into intra-species sequence variation and potential mutations for applications; (3) A global search function enabling broad and deep investigations across pangenomes to power research and bioengineering workflows; (4) A bibliome of 833 open-access pangenomic papers and an interface with an LLM that can answer in-depth questions using its knowledge. PanKB empowers researchers and bioengineers to harness the potential of microbial pangenomics and serves as a valuable resource bridging the gap between pangenomic data and practical applications.
High variability of migration strategies in a reestablished Cygnus buccinator (Trumpeter Swan) population
Authors: Wolfson David W , Knapik Randall T , Buckardt Thomas Anna , Harms Tyler M , Kearns Laura J , Kiss Brian W , Poole Timothy F , Fowler Drew N , Finger Taylor A , Matteson Sumner W , Moriarty John J , Mayo Tiffany , Smith Margaret , Herwig Christine M , Andersen David E , Fieberg John R
Published: November 2024

The interior population (IP) of Cygnus buccinator (Trumpeter Swan), formerly extirpated by market hunting, was reestablished in eastern North America by releasing individuals from both migratory and nonmigratory populations. Their current annual movement patterns are largely unknown. We deployed 113 Global Positioning System–Global System for Mobile Communications transmitters on IP C. buccinator in 6 U.S. states and 1 Canadian province across the current IP breeding range. Using data from 252 “swan-years,” we estimated migration phenology using piecewise regression models fit to each yearly time series of displacement from the breeding site. We fit a latent-state model to characterize population-level associations between breeding latitude and maximum extent of migration, and linear mixed models to quantify associations between individual characteristics (e.g., breeding status and sex) and migration phenology. At the individual level, 59% of swans moved to distant nonbreeding period areas (long-distance migration, defined as moving >100 km from the breeding site), 16% exhibited regional migration (25–100 km from breeding site), 19% exhibited nonmigratory but local movements (<25 km from breeding site), and 6% exhibited multiple migration strategies. Swans breeding at more-northern latitudes departed their territories earlier in autumn, returned later in the spring, and migrated farther from their breeding territories than those breeding at more southern latitudes. Although the population-level association between migration extent and breeding latitude was positive, some individuals remained close to the location of their breeding site during the nonbreeding period. Breeding swans departed later in the autumn than nonbreeders, but breeding status did not have a strong association with arrival in the spring. IP C. buccinator are partial migrants, with a continuum of strategies that vary latitudinally, from local movements to long-distance migration. Much of the variability in movement patterns is related to factors tied to natural history demands (e.g., breeding status) and response to environmental conditions (e.g., through associations with breeding latitude).
Unveiling research productivity barriers via fuzzy AHP: a case of management faculty in India
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Kumar Divesh , Mahajan Ritika
Published: November 2024

This paper focuses on the obstacles that inhibit research productivity in India. Despite being the second-most populous nation globally, India lags in global benchmarks for research productivity and quality. The study aims to identify and categorize the barriers to research productivity among business faculty in India, as well as offer practical insights and a way forward. Twenty specific barriers were identified through a literature review and expert opinion and subsequently analyzed through the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) to prioritize the critical/strongest barriers, with a sensitivity analysis performed to reveal the stability of its rankings. The FAHP results indicated that elimination of personal barriers should receive the highest priority, followed by institutional, psychological, social, and industrial. The results from the sensitivity analysis confirm the positive ripple effect of mitigating personal barriers on other sets of barriers. Additionally, this study draws upon the experiences and insights shared by expert respondents, shedding light on effective strategies to manage and mitigate these barriers in order to enhance the production of quality research.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Contrast Sensitivity in Schizophrenia
Authors: Linares Daniel , Joostens Aster , de la Malla Cristina
Published: November 2024

Background and Hypothesis

Understanding perceptual alterations in mental disorders can help uncover neural and computational anomalies. In schizophrenia, perceptual alterations have been reported for many visual features, including a deficit in contrast sensitivity, a key measure of visual function. The evidence supporting this deficit, however, has not been comprehensively synthesized.

Study Design

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies measuring contrast sensitivity in individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Our search identified 46 studies, of which 43 focused on chronic patients.

Study Results

We found that patients with chronic schizophrenia have reduced contrast sensitivity (g = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.93; P = 8.2 × 10−10). However, we found evidence that the deficit could be driven by medication. Additionally, none of the studies estimated attentional lapses, leaving it uncertain whether a potentially higher frequency of lapses in patients contributes to the observed deficit. Furthermore, only two studies comprehensively assessed visual acuity, complicating the understanding of the role of spatial frequency in the observed deficit.

Conclusions

While we identified a robust deficit in contrast sensitivity among chronic schizophrenia patients, the influence of attentional lapses and medication on this impairment remains unclear. We make several suggestions for future research to clarify the underlying mechanisms contributing to this deficit.
The influence of biomimetic conditions on neurogenic and neuroprotective properties of dedifferentiated fat cells
Authors: Radoszkiewicz Klaudia , Rybkowska Paulina , Szymanska Magdalena , Krzesniak Natalia Ewa , Sarnowska Anna
Published: November 2024

In the era of a constantly growing number of reports on the therapeutic properties of dedifferentiated, ontogenetically rejuvenated cells and their use in the treatment of neurological diseases, the optimization of their derivation and long-term culture methods seem to be crucial. One of the solutions is seen in the use of dedifferentiated fat cells (DFATs) that are characterized by a greater homogeneity. Moreover, these cells seem to possess a higher expression of transcriptional factors necessary to maintain pluripotency (stemness-related transcriptional factors) as well as a greater ability to differentiate in vitro into 3 embryonic germ layers, and a high proliferative potential in comparison to adipose stem/stromal cells. However, the neurogenic and neuroprotective potential of DFATs is still insufficiently understood; hence, our research goal was to contribute to our current knowledge of the subject. To recreate the brain’s physiological (biomimetic) conditions, the cells were cultured at 5% oxygen concentration. The neural differentiation capacity of DFATs was assessed in the presence of the N21 supplement containing the factors that are typically found in the natural environment of the neural cell niche or in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid and under various spatial conditions (microprinting). The neuroprotective properties of DFATs were assessed using the coculture method with the ischemically damaged nerve tissue.
Clinically Applied Biomechanics of Mesh-reinforced Ventral Hernia Repair: A Practical Review
Authors: Jinka Sanjay K.A. , Janis Jeffrey E.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Ventral hernia repair is inherently prone to recurrence. This article is a practical review that summarizes the literature on the biomechanics of ventral hernia repairs to provide clinically applicable, evidence-based recommendations to reduce hernia recurrence.

Methods:

A practical review of all relevant literature in PubMed concerning the mechanics of ventral hernia repairs and the forces involved was conducted in August 2023.

Results:

Of the 598 full-text publications retrieved, 29 satisfied inclusion criteria. Among these, 5 articles included enough numeric data for a quantitative analysis of the ultimate tensile strength of the layers of the abdominal wall.

Conclusions:

The utilization of mesh in ventral hernia repairs is recommended to strengthen weakened abdominal wall tissue. It is essential to primarily close the anterior sheath with a robust mesh–tissue overlap to promote “load-sharing” between the mesh and the abdominal wall. This approach reduces mesh deformity and stress on fixation points, leading to lower hernia recurrence rates. Minimizing mesh fixation (when placed in the retromuscular plane) can reduce postoperative pain and hospital stay without significantly affecting hernia recurrence. Orienting mesh according to abdominal anisotropy is crucial for reducing mesh stiffness, improving healing, and preventing recurrence. Future studies with advanced computer modeling will continue to provide further insights into mesh biomechanics and abdominal wall healing.
The Association Between Chronic Aspirin Treatment and the Clinical Course and Outcomes of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Levy Yael , Fischman Maya , Klein Amir , Elias Adi , Azzam ZS , Ghersin Itai
Published: November 2024

Background &Aim

Aspirin (amino-salicylic acid) is one of the most common medications prescribed worldwide. Several animal model studies have shown that Aspirin pre-treatment had a positive effect on acute pancreatitis outcomes. The impact of Aspirin on acute pancreatitis outcomes in humans is unknown. We aimed to determine the association between chronic Aspirin treatment and the clinical course and outcomes of acute pancreatitis in a large cohort.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center observational study, we included all adult patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of acute pancreatitis between January 2008 and June 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: chronic Aspirin treatment group and non-Aspirin treatment group. Since patients chronically treated with Aspirin were more likely to have comorbidities, we adjusted for these baseline differences using propensity score matching.

Results

The study included 2,308 patients, of whom 596 (25.8%) were chronically treated with Aspirin. Overall, chronic Aspirin treatment was associated with increased 30-day mortality with an OR of 1.91 (95% CI, 1.21-2.97; p = 0.005). It was also associated with severe pancreatitis (OR 2.61; 95% CI, 2.00-3.39; p < 0.001).

In the propensity matched cohort, 30-day mortality rates [OR = 0.53 (95% CI 0.20-1.31, p = 0.2] and severe pancreatitis rates [OR was 1.2 (95% CI 0.83-1.75, p = 0.3)] were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Among patients with acute pancreatitis, chronic Aspirin treatment was not associated with decreased disease severity or reduced 30-day mortality rate. Further studies examining the effect of anti-inflammatory medications on acute pancreatitis outcomes are needed.
AI: Promise or Peril for Patient Safety
Authors: Ullem Beth Daley , Hatlie Martin J. , Lounsbury Olivia
Published: November 2024

Patient safety advocates identify concerns for the impact of AI on patient safety. Patients identified the following 4 main areas that AI developers, regulatory bodies, and clinical users of AI are asked to consider: data integrity and bias, efficacy, payment, and transparency toward shared learning. Increased patient involvement in the development, use assessment and oversight of the technology is critical to ensure trust and trustworthiness in the use of AI in patient care.