bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Limited Role of Conservation Laws in the Double Reduction Routine for Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Sinkala Winter , Kakuli Molahlehi Charles 
Published: October 2024

The double reduction method for finding invariant solutions of a given partial differential equation (PDE) provides for the reduction of a $ q $-th order PDE that admits a nontrivial Lie symmetry and an associated nontrivial conservation law to an ordinary differential equation (ODE) of order $ q-1. $ In all the articles we have seen where the method has been used, the algorithm has involved writing the conservation law in canonical variables determined by the associated symmetry. In this paper, we illustrate that it is not necessary to use or even have the associated conservation law. It is enough to know that there exists a conservation law associated with a given Lie symmetry. Canonical variables derived from the symmetry are sufficient to achieve double reduction. In the canonical variables, the PDE is transformed after routine calculations into an ODE of order one less than that of the PDE. We have outlined steps involved in this variation of the double reduction method and illustrated the routine using five PDEs.
$\delta(\tau_{1},\tau_{2})$-Continuous Functions
Authors: Prachanpol Chatchadaporn , Boonpok Chawalit , Viriyapong Chokchai 
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a new class of functions called $\delta(\tau_{1},\tau_{2})$-continuous functions. Several characterizations of $\delta(\tau_{1},\tau_{2})$-continuous functions are investigated. The relationships between $\delta(\tau_{1},\tau_{2})$-continuity and the other types of $\delta(\tau_{1},\tau_{2})$-continuity are also discussed.
On the Periodicity Solutions of Five Systems of Rational Systems of Difference Equations of Order Five
Authors: AL-Juaid J. G. 
Published: October 2024

The primary aim of this paper is to explore the behavior of several nonlinear systems of difference equations following
T_{n+1}=(E_{n}E_{n-4})/(T_{n-3}(\pm 1 \pm E_{n}E_{n-4})),
E_{n+1}=(T_{n}T_{n-4})/(E_{n-3}(pm 1 \pm T_{n}T_{n-4})),
and obtain solution expressions for them. Moreover, we utilize MATLAB programming to simulare the dynamics and validate our results.
The Role of Traditional Leadership in Rural Development in South Africa: An Analysis of the Dualistic Government System
Authors: Monama Sakiel Albert , Mokoele Ngoako Johannes 
Published: October 2024

Rural areas in many developing countries face distinct development challenges that often require a nuanced understanding of local governance structures. In many rural areas, traditional leadership coexists with local government structures as custodians of governance, resulting in what can be termed a dualistic government system. The dualistic government system is evident where traditional leadership operates alongside the modern democratic government structures, which were established in the post-apartheid era to provide effective service delivery. However, in some cases, there have been clashes between local governments and traditional leadership in attempting to provide service delivery in the land still under the custodianship of chieftains, which hindered the effective provision of service in most rural areas. This paper examines the role of traditional leadership in rural development by focusing on the dualistic government system prevalent in chieftain-controlled areas, using the case of Motantanyane Village in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The paper was based on a mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) research approach, with a sample of 86 participants who were sampled on the basis of purposive sampling and systematic sampling designs. Semi-structured questionnaires and unstructured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The findings showed that traditional leadership is a cornerstone of rural development and that their leadership is essential for bringing about constructive change and promoting development within their communities. The paper concluded that despite its flaws, traditional leadership continues to be important and relevant in rural communities today, especially regarding protecting social traditions, customs, and cultural values. The paper recommended that the role of traditional leadership be redefined in legislative frameworks and that it be involved in all facets of rural development decision-making to create more effective and inclusive development that addresses the issues of chieftain-controlled communities.
Correlation between Geography of Residence, Socio-Culture and Family Structure with Early Marriage In South Bangka
Authors: Ayudita Ayudita 
Published: October 2024

Background: One of four women in the world who had married before 18 years old. Bangka Belitung Islands Province was in the third highest rate of early marriage in Indonesia. This province was mostly a coastal area that had a variety of social cultures. The purpose of the study was to analyze the correlation between the geography of residence, socio-culture, and family structure with early marriage and explore these three factors. Methods: This study used a qualitative study method with 13 informants for qualitative research (5 young women and their parents, village head, Head of Religious Affairs Office, Head of Islamic Community Development Division, Ministry of Religion). Qualitative research was conducted by conducting in-depth interviews with purposive sampling and explained through transcription, coding and categorization processes. Results: Qualitative research found that the geographical factors of residence, socio-culture and family structure influence early marriage. Conclusion: The geography of residence, socio-culture and family structure influenced early marriage. Suggestion: A synergistic effort by providing reproductive health education and sexuality education to children and adolescents. Keywords: Early marriage, geography of residence, socio-cultural, family structure, South Bangka
Genomic regions associated with embryonic loss in primiparous Holstein cows
Authors: Kelson Victoria C. , Kiser Jennifer N. , Davenport Kimberly M. , Suarez Emaly M. , Murdoch Brenda M. , Neibergs Holly L. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionReproductive efficiency in dairy cattle bred by artificial insemination (AI) or via embryo transfer (ET) is important as a means of facilitating the rate of genetic improvement by utilizing superior genetics from sires and donor dams. Fertility is especially challenging in primiparous cows as they have recently calved, are still growing, and are lactating. Fertility, measured by the conception rate from the first service (CCR1), is the number of cows that become pregnant as a result of the first AI or ET compared to all cows serviced, whereas times bred (TBRD) is the number of inseminations cows bred by AI needed to achieve a successful pregnancy.MethodsThis study aimed to identify the loci associated with and gene sets enriched for the CCR1 in primiparous cows that were bred by AI (n = 882) or were ET recipients (n = 353), and to identify the loci associated with the TBRD (n= 1,851) in primiparous cows. A genome-wide association analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for the CCR1 and TBRD in primiparous cows. In cows bred by AI, two loci containing five positional candidate genes were associated with the CCR1 (p &lt; 1 × 10−5) and one gene set with 18 leading-edge genes was enriched (NES ≥3) for the CCR1.Results and discussionIn cows that were ET recipients, five loci were associated with the CCR1, but no gene sets were enriched for the CCR1. For the second phenotype, five loci with nine positional candidate genes were associated with the TBRD and two gene sets with eight leading-edge genes were enriched for the TBRD. Identifying the loci associated with or gene sets enriched for the CCR1 and TBRD provides an opportunity to better understand embryonic loss in AI-bred and ET-recipient cows and to use this information to select for higher reproductive efficiency.
Aspidosperma nitidum reduces parasite load and modulates cytokines in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis
Authors: Brígido Heliton Patrick Cordovil , Varela Everton Luiz Pompeu , Quadros Gomes Antônio Rafael , Neves Cruz Jorddy , Correa-Barbosa Juliana , Siqueira José Edson de Sousa , Chagas Cristian Kallahan Silva , Marinho Andrey Moacir do Rosário , Almeida Carneiro Liliane , Coelho-Ferreira Márlia Regina , Percário Sandro , Dolabela Maria Fâni 
Published: October 2024

The lack of vaccines shows the need for alternative leishmaniasis treatments. In vitro study previously demonstrated the leishmanicidal activity of A. nitidum extracts. This study describes for the first time, the antileishmanial activity of A. nitidum extracts in infected Balb/c mice and its immunomodulatory effect. The extract (EE) was obtained by maceration of the peel powder with ethanol, which was fractionated by acid-base partition, originating the alkaloid (FA) and neutral (FN) fractions. EE and FA were analyzed using mass spectroscopy. Daily intragastric treatment was performed with EE and FA, at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, in Balb/c mice with 28 days of infection by Leishmania amazonensis. A thickness gauge was used to assess the progression of the lesion and the MTT method to determine the parasite load in the spleen. The quantification of IL-10 and IFN-γ was performed by ELISA. Analysis of the mass spectrum of EE indicated the presence of the alkaloids corynantheol and yohimbine, while in FA the alkaloid dihydrocorynantheol was identified. To elucidate the mode of interaction of these alkaloids with the TR protein, molecular target of antileishmanial drugs, we used molecular modeling approaches such as docking, molecular dynamics simulations and free energy affinity. Treatment with EE for 28 days at the highest dose tested, significantly reduced the size of the lesion. EE and FA after 28 days of treatment showed dose-dependent antileishmanial activity, which reduced the parasite load in the spleen of infected mice by 42.5% and 22.1%, respectively. Both EE and FA presented immunomodulatory effect, as they decreased IL-10 expression and increased IFN-y levels. The effectiveness of A. nitidum in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis was proven in this study. The results obtained in silico demonstrated that the compounds are capable of interacting with the catalytic residues of the TR. The affinity energy results demonstrated that the complexes formed are favorable for enzymatic inhibition. The alkaloids present in the plant have demonstrated not only antileishmanial activity, but also the ability to modulate the host’s immune response. These promising results open perspectives for developing more effective and comprehensive treatments against cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in angina patients using radiomic features of pericoronary adipose tissue based on CCTA
Authors: Zhan Weisheng , Luo Yanfang , Luo Hui , Zhou Zheng , Yin Nianpei , Li Yixin , Feng Xinyi , Yang Ying 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate whether radiomic features of pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can better predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with angina pectoris.MethodsA single-center retrospective study included 239 patients with angina pectoris who underwent coronary CT examinations. Participants were divided into MACE (n = 46) and non-MACE (n = 193) groups based on the occurrence of MACE during follow-up, and further allocated into a training cohort (n = 167) and a validation cohort (n = 72) at a 7:3 ratio. Automatic segmentation of PCAT surrounding the proximal segments of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex coronary artery (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA) was performed for all patients. Radiomic features of the coronary arteries were extracted, screened, and integrated while quantifying the fat attenuation index (FAI) for the three vessels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to select clinical predictors of adverse cardiovascular events. Subsequently, machine learning techniques were employed to construct models based on FAI, clinical features, and radiomic characteristics. The predictive performance of each model was assessed and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis for clinical utility.ResultsThe radiomics model demonstrated superior performance in predicting MACE in patients with angina pectoris within both the training and validation cohorts, yielding areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 and 0.71, respectively, which significantly outperformed the FAI model (AUC = 0.71, 0.54) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.81, 0.67), with statistically significant differences in AUC (p &lt; 0.05). Calibration curves for all three predictive models exhibited good fit (all p &gt; 0.05). Decision curve analysis indicated that the radiomics model provided higher clinical benefit than the traditional clinical and FAI models.ConclusionThe CCTA-based PCAT radiomics model is an effective tool for predicting MACE in patients with angina pectoris, assisting clinicians in optimizing risk stratification for individual patients. The CCTA-based radiomics model significantly surpasses traditional FAI and clinical models in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with angina pectoris.
Transcriptomics profiling of the non-small cell lung cancer microenvironment across disease stages reveals dual immune cell-type behaviors
Authors: Hurtado Marcelo , Khajavi Leila , Essabbar Abdelmounim , Kammer Michael , Xie Ting , Coullomb Alexis , Pradines Anne , Casanova Anne , Kruczynski Anna , Gouin Sandrine , Clermont Estelle , Boutillet Léa , Senosain Maria Fernanda , Zou Yong , Zhao Shillin , Burq Prosper , Mahfoudi Abderrahim , Besse Jerome , Launay Pierre , Passioukov Alexandre , Chetaille Eric , Favre Gilles , Maldonado Fabien , Cruzalegui Francisco , Delfour Olivier , Mazières Julien , Pancaldi Vera 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with poor survival despite recent therapeutic advances. A better understanding of the complexity of the tumor microenvironment is needed to improve patients’ outcome.MethodsWe applied a computational immunology approach (involving immune cell proportion estimation by deconvolution, transcription factor activity inference, pathways and immune scores estimations) in order to characterize bulk transcriptomics of 62 primary lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples from patients across disease stages. Focusing specifically on early stage samples, we validated our findings using an independent LUAD cohort with 70 bulk RNAseq and 15 scRNAseq datasets and on TCGA datasets.ResultsThrough our methodology and feature integration pipeline, we identified groups of immune cells related to disease stage as well as potential immune response or evasion and survival. More specifically, we reported a duality in the behavior of immune cells, notably natural killer (NK) cells, which was shown to be associated with survival and could be relevant for immune response or evasion. These distinct NK cell populations were further characterized using scRNAseq data, showing potential differences in their cytotoxic activity.ConclusionThe dual profile of several immune cells, most notably T-cell populations, have been discussed in the context of diseases such as cancer. Here, we report the duality of NK cells which should be taken into account in conjunction with other immune cell populations and behaviors in predicting prognosis, immune response or evasion.
Dexamethasone and IFN-γ primed mesenchymal stem cells conditioned media immunomodulates aberrant NETosis in SLE via PGE2 and IDO
Authors: Priya Khushbu , Thacker Hiral , Chaubey Manaswi , Rai Madhukar , Singh Shambhavi , Rawat Sonali , Giri Kiran , Mohanty Sujata , Rai Geeta 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by dysregulated immune responses, with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) playing a significant role. NETs are recognized by autoantibodies in SLE patients, exacerbating pathology. Both excessive NET formation and impaired degradation contribute to SLE pathophysiology.ObjectiveTo investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Dexamethasone-primed Wharton’s jelly (WJ) derived MSCs CM (DW) and IFN-γ-primed WJ-MSCs-CM (IW) on NETosis and associated protein markers in SLE patients’ LPS or ribonucleoprotein immune complexes (RNP ICs) induced neutrophils and in pristane induced lupus (PIL) model. And to elucidate the mechanism involved therein.MethodsWe investigated the immunomodulatory effects of DW and IW on NETosis in SLE. Utilizing ex vivo and in vivo models, we assessed the impact of preconditioned media on NET formation and associated protein markers neutrophil elastase (NE), citrullinated histone (citH3), myeloperoxidase (MPO), cytoplasmic and mitochondrial ROS production. We also examined the involvement of key immunomodulatory factors present in DW and IW, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).ResultsPreconditioned media effectively suppressed NETosis and reduced ROS generation in SLE neutrophils, indicating their immunomodulatory potential. Inhibition studies implicated IDO and PGE2 in mediating this effect. Combined treatment with DW or IW together with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) demonstrated superior efficacy over HCQ alone, a standard SLE medication. In PIL mouse model, DW and IW treatments reduced NETosis, ROS generation, as evidenced by decreased NET-associated protein expression in vital organs.ConclusionOur study highlights the multifaceted impact of IW and DW on NETosis, ROS dynamics, and lupus severity in SLE. These findings underscore the potential of preconditioned media for the development of targeted, personalized approaches for SLE treatment.
Possible involvement of Toll-like receptor 8-positive monocytes/macrophages in the pathogenesis of Sjögren’s disease
Authors: Yan Lijing , Miyahara Yuka , Sakamoto Mizuki , Kaneko Naoki , Chen Hu , Sameshima Junsei , Kido Hajime , Yokomizo Shiho , Sueyoshi Tomoki , Nagano Haruki , Ohyama Yukiko , Nakamura Seiji , Kawano Shintaro , Moriyama Masafumi 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSjögren’s disease (SjD) is an autoimmune disease marked by lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to glandular dysfunction, where CD4-positive helper T (Th) cells and their cytokines are crucial in the pathogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that Toll-like receptors (TLRs), particularly those recognizing immune complexes containing DNA and RNA, contribute to Th cell activation in various autoimmune diseases. This study explores the expression and function of these TLRs in SjD.MethodsDNA microarray analysis of salivary gland tissue from six SjD patients and real-time PCR (n = 32) was used to identify overexpressed TLRs. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed using tissue lesions and integrated with published scRNA-seq data from tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells to examine gene expression in macrophages and monocytes. Finally, multi-color immunofluorescence staining was conducted to confirm TLR8 expression and function in SjD lesions (n = 19).ResultsDNA microarray analysis revealed the up-regulation of TLR8, along with other TLRs and innate immune response genes in SjD. Real-time PCR showed significant up-regulation of TLR7 and TLR8. TLR8 up-regulated in both analyses. In scRNA-seq analysis, the TLR8-expressing cluster comprised macrophages and monocytes, which also produced T cell activation genes like CD86. TLR8-positive macrophages infiltrated inflammatory sites and frequently expressed CD86 in quantitative imaging approaches.ConclusionsThese results suggest that infiltrating monocytes and macrophages may produce cytokines and chemokines through TLR8 stimulation, potentially enhancing B7 molecule expression, promoting the adaptive immune response, and contributing to SjD pathogenesis.
Prediction of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality using race and race-free estimated glomerular filtration rate in African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Wang Haiping , Cai Jiahui , Fan Hao , Diamantidis Clarissa J. , Young Bessie A. , Bidulescu Aurelian 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundNew Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations without a race adjustment were developed to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We aimed to compare the performance of five CKD-EPI eGFR equations, with or without race, in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all-cause mortality in Black Americans from the Jackson Heart Study.MethodsJHS is an ongoing population-based prospective cohort study of African Americans in the Jackson, Mississippi, metropolitan area. Five CKD-EPI equations were used to estimate GFR at baseline using serum creatinine (Cr) or cystatin C (cys), including 2009 eGFRcr(ASR [age, sex, race]), 2021 eGFRcr(AS [age and sex]), 2012 eGFRcr-cys(ASR), 2021 eGFRcr-cys(AS), 2012 eGFRcys(AS). Endpoints were incident CVD events and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the associations between different eGFRs and outcomes adjusting for atherosclerotic risk factors. Harrell’s C-statistics and Net Reclassification Index (NRI) were used to assess the predictive utility.ResultsAmong 5,129 participants (average age 54.8 ± 12.8 yrs), 1898 were male (37.0%). eGFRcr(AS) provided lower estimates and resulting in a greater proportion of participants categorized as CKD than eGFRcr(ASR), eGFRcr-cys(ASR), eGFRcr-cys(AS) and eGFRcys(AS). A median follow-up of 13.7 and 14.3 years revealed 411 (9.3%) CVD incidents and 1,207 (23.5%) deaths. Lower eGFRs were associated with CVD incidents and all-cause mortality. eGFRcr-cys(ASR), eGFRcr-cys(AS) and eGFRcys(AS) were strongly associated with incident CVD events and all-cause mortality than eGFRcr(ASR) and eGFRcr(AS). A significant discrimination improvement was found in C-statistics for predicting incident CVD events and all-cause mortality after adding each eGFR measure to the basic model including atherosclerotic risk factors. Across a 7.5% 10-year risk threshold, eGFRcys(AS) improved net classification of all-cause mortality (NRI: 2.19, 95%CI: 0.08, 4.65%).ConclusioneGFR based on creatinine omit race has the lowest mean and detects more CKD patients in Black population. The eGFRs incorporating cystatin C strengthens the association between the eGFR and the risks of incident CVD and all-cause mortality. Cystatin C-based eGFR equations might be more appropriate for predicting CVD and mortality among Black population.
Development of a Providencia stuartii multilocus sequence typing scheme
Authors: Arcari Gabriele , De Francesco Alice , Polani Riccardo , Carattoli Alessandra , Capitani Valerio 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe Providencia genus is assuming greater clinical relevance among infections caused by Enterobacterales also because of its intrinsic and acquired resistance to last-resort antibiotics. However, despite having been known and studied for over 50 years, genomics and taxonomy of the Providencia genus are currently undergoing a deep rearrangement. In this study we aim to outline and characterized the P. stuartii species.MethodsWe retrieved from the GenBank database all genomes labelled as Providencia and performed a comprehensive genome-based species definition founded on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and on alignment-free approaches.ResultsAfter defining the genomes assuredly identifiable as P. stuartii, we devised a MultiLocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and a core-genome MLST (cgMLST) schemes, based on 7 and 2,296 loci respectively.DiscussionThis work hence provides a framework for understanding the role of P. stuartii and of other members of this genus, which should be considered as emerging multidrug-resistant pathogens.