bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ULK1 is required for autophagy and promotes metastatic progression in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Shepherd Trevor , Webb Jack , Buensuceso Adrian , Tomas Emily , Borrelli Matthew , Viola Lauren , Hovey Owen , Valdes Yudith Ramos , Singha Bipradeb , Li Shawn 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of gynecological cancer mortality, driven largely by late diagnosis and chemo-resistant disease. While autophagy plays a critical role in the survival of EOC spheroids during metastasis, the role of ULK1, a key regulator of autophagy, in EOC progression remains unclear. To investigate this, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to delete ULK1 in EOC cell lines OVCAR8 and HEYA8, and the immortalized fallopian tube epithelial cell line FT190. Immunoblotting confirmed ULK1 deletion, which disrupted autophagy by blocking LC3 processing, causing p62 accumulation, and decreasing Beclin-1 phosphorylation. Culture-based assays revealed that ULK1 knockout decreased EOC spheroid cell viability due to increased apoptosis, and its loss impaired organoid growth. In vivo xenograft models demonstrated that ULK1 loss significantly reduced tumor burden and metastatic potential. These in vivo findings were supported by results from mesothelial clearance assays, which showed reduced spheroid invasion by ULK1 knockout cells. Proteomic analyses of OVCAR8 spheroids revealed dysregulation due to ULK1 loss in key signaling pathways, including MAPK, mTOR-PI3K-AKT, and apoptosis regulation. Overall, this study highlights ULK1 as a critical regulator of multiple steps of EOC growth and metastasis, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic target in advanced ovarian cancer.
The Effect of Guanfacine on Delirium in the Critically Ill: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Barker Andrew , Kim Harper , Chapleau Christopher A , Agarwal Tanvi , Ghani Arfa , Ge Ying , Lemon Will , Vu Susan , Szychowski Jeff , Boateng Ernestina , Kuo Hui-Chein , Tolwani Ashita , Wagener Brant 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of guanfacine, a selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist, for reducing delirium in critically ill ICU patients. The primary objective was to determine whether guanfacine increased delirium-free days compared to
placebo.
Methods
A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Participants included adult ICU patients diagnosed with delirium. Patients were randomized to receive 2 mg of guanfacine or a placebo daily for up to 14 days. The primary endpoint was the number of days without delirium within the 14-day period. Secondary endpoints included ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of delirium, mechanical ventilation, and hemodynamic measures.
Results
The study enrolled 100 patients, with 50 in each arm. The guanfacine group had more days without delirium (3.4 ± 3.7) than placebo group (2.5 ± 3.1), with an unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1–1.7; p = 0.015). After adjusting for age, delirium subtype, and other confounders, the difference was not significant. No significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes.
Conclusion
Guanfacine increased the number of days without delirium, although the significance diminished after adjusting for confounders. The safety profile of guanfacine was favorable, showing no significant hemodynamic differences.
Funding
Supported by the REINVENT Program, UAB Department of Perioperative Medicine. No external funding.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04578886
Molecular Profiling of Diverse Wheat Germplasm for Resistance to Puccinia triticina
Authors: Ullah Farhan , Shah Liaqat , Ahmad Akhlaq , Can Chen , Si Hongqi , Chuanxi Ma 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Leaf rust (LR) epidemics present a persistent threat to global wheat production, despite the presence of resistance (Lr) genes in wheat. The evolving pathogen Puccinia triticina continually challenges these resistance mechanisms. This study assessed ten wheat lines for relative resistance index (RRI) and screened them for Lr genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) using microsatellite markers. The lines were classified into three groups: susceptible (< 5; 4.32 ± 0.68), moderate (5–7; 6.05 ± 0.67), and resistant (> 7; 8.50 ± 0.22) (p < 0.001). Genetic analysis with 12 polymorphic markers revealed 186 alleles with varying allelic diversity. Markers Xbarc124 and Xgwm512 showed greater diversity, and resistance-related alleles were linked to markers Xgwm512 and Xgwm493, associated with the Lr34 gene. Moderate associations were found with Lr37 (Xbarc1138 and Xgwm400) and Lr24 (Xgwm273), while Lr26 (Xwmc407) was linked to susceptibility. Parental line crosses resulted in higher RRI, indicating beneficial recombination. Structure analysis revealed genetic diversity among resistance groups, with susceptible groups showing distinct clustering. Lines AN179 and PR127 clustered together, showing key resistance alleles, particularly in crosses with resistant PR123. The findings highlight novel pathogen races contributing to resistance breakdown and suggest combining all-stage resistance genes (Lr9, Lr24, Lr37) with adult plant resistance genes (Lr48, Lr22a, Lr34, Lr46) for durable LR resistance. The identified alleles offer valuable insights for marker-assisted breeding to enhance wheat resistance to leaf rust.
Structural, Optical, Electrical and Photocatalytic Properties Ce-doped SnO2 Nanoparticles for Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Khan Hamid , Khan Muhammad Numan , Iqbal Yaseen , Khan Matiullah , Ullah Hafeez 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, and the Kubelka-Munk transformation were utilized to measure the absorption curves and the band gap in the pure and Ce-doped SnO2 nanoparticles that were synthesized using a sonochemical technique. Using the Dielectric LCR meter, all electrical characteristics, such as impedance, ac conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss, were measured at room temperature. Methylene blue photodegradation was used to evaluate the photocatalytic performance. Cerium (Ce) at varying concentrations was introduced to SnO2 nanoparticles in order to broaden the optical absorption spectrum and extend into the visible spectrum. The Debye-Scherrer equation was used to determine the average crystallite size of the undoped and Ce-doped SnO2 NPs, and the results showed that the nanoparticles are in the tetragonal rutile SnO2 phase. The band gap and absorption peak of the SnO2 and Ce-doped SnO2 NPs were determined using the UV-visible absorption spectra. The presence of increasing concentration of Ce, in an excess of 0.5% (w/w), is found to shift the absorption edge towards higher wavelengths and the band gap energy drops from 3.620 to 3.031 eV. The FTIR spectrum revealed the stretching of the vibration bond in a certain frequency range is shown by the O-Sn-O bond information. The SEM images showed the formation of nearly spherical nanoparticles. Ce-doped SnO2 NPs have smaller primary particles than SnO2 NPs. The UV-Vis spectra showed the reduction in band gap due to increase in defects by doping Ce content. The existence of Sn and O elements was confirmed by the observed EDS spectra. Methylene blue was broken down under UV light irradiation in order to examine the photocatalytic activity of SnO2 and Ce-doped SnO2 NP photocatalyst and observed that Ce-doped SnO2 NPs demonstrate improved photocatalytic activity as compared to SnO2. The influence of Ce concentration doping on the electrical properties was observed at room temperature. Impedance decreases with frequency and Ce concentration while ac conductivity is observed to increase with frequency and Ce concentration. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss rise with Ce doping and decrease with frequency. Therefore Ce-doped SnO2 showed improved ability of photo degradation and the optimal ability of SnO2 nanoparticles was achieved by 0.5 at% Ce doping.
Prevalence and management of pelvic organ prolapse. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Issa Abdou Amadou , Diaouga Hamidou Soumana , Salifou Zelika Lankonde , Mahamadou Moumouni Abdoul-Wahab , Oumara Maina , Garba Souleymane Oumarou , Salifou Jamila Harouna , Abdoulaye Maman Bachir , Nouhou Hassan , Nayama Madi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a major public health problem. It corresponds to the descent of female pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus or post-hysterectomy vaginal cuff, and the small or large bowel, resulting in protrusion of the vagina, uterus, or both.
The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, socio-demographic profile of patients, the management and outcomes of POP in a maternity hospital with limited resources in Niger.
Methodology: This was an eight-year retrospective cohort study involving the analysis of medical records from patients who underwent management of POP between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022 at the Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC) in Maradi, Niger. The epidemiological data, treatment, and outcomes of POP were collated and subjected to analysis using the statistical software package Epi infos 7.2.5. Comparisons were made using the Chi-squared test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: During the study period, 358 cases of POP were recorded out of a total of 12536 patients treated in the department, representing a frequency of 2.8%. The mean age of the patients was 46.14 years (range: 17–90 years). The patients were identified as married (307 cases, 85.75%), unemployed (353 cases, 98.6%) and not attending school (332 cases, 92.74%). The largest number of cases were observed in large multiparous women (i.e., those with more than five children), representing 60.05% of the total number of cases (215 patients). The average parity among this group was 6.5 children. The vast majority of patients (269 cases, 75.14%) lived in rural areas. The most frequent motif for consultation were the sensation of mass in the vagina (146 acs,40.78%) and vulvar swelling (138 cas, 38.55%). The most frequent genital prolapses type was middle, made of the hysterocele essentially (150 cases, 41,90%). The stage III of genital prolapses was the most frequent in 76.51% (274 cases). All patients underwent surgical treatment (100%), and the vaginal access was most used in 57.55% (206 cases) of cases. Conservative treatment was performed in the majority of patients (197 cases, 55.02%). The most frequent intraoperative complications were the vesical lesions in 0.56% (2 cases) and ureteral and vascular lesion in 0,28% (1 case). The post-therapeutical evolution was marked by the disappearance of genital prolapses in 100% of cases, no cases of recurrence of prolapse have been observed.
Conclusion: Our findings are in close alignment with those previously documented in the literature. POP is a common occurrence in our region. Surgical treatment is the most practiced and hysterectomy by vaginal surgical approach is the most practiced. Treatment by transvaginal polypropylene prostheses is not available in our region.
Association of new subtypes of diabetes with cardiovascular disease: Insights from Mendelian randomization
Authors: Yang Xueyuan , Li Kui , Yang Changlong , Yang Junyao , Zhang Feng , Tian Kunming , Wen Jiaojiao , Xiao Hong , Chen Lei , Chen Yuxuan , Liu Yanmiao , Hu Xingwei , Liang Jiafei , Ma Yi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Globally, the incidence of cardiovascular disease-related mortality has gradually increased, with higher cardiovascular morbidity in individuals with diabetes. In 2018, researchers stratified new diabetes subgroups using cluster analyses; however, it is still unclear whether a causal relationship exists between these diabetes subtypes and cardiovascular disease. Thus, in this study, we aimed to assess the potential causal relationship between the subtypes of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease using two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.
Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization was used to analyze causal associations between the diabetes subtype and cardiovascular disease using inverse variance-weighted analysis, which was the primary analytical method.
Results Severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD) was found to be a potential risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [Cl]=1.00–1.06; P=0.048). Severe autoimmune diabetes (SAID) was a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (OR=1.03; 95% Cl=1.01–1.05; P=0.004), and a potential protective factor against atrial fibrillation (OR=0.99; 95% Cl=0.98–1.00; P=0.049).
Conclusion: SAID bears a positive causal association with peripheral arterial disease, with evidence suggesting a negative association with atrial fibrillation. SIDD bears a positive causal association with peripheral arterial disease. This study facilitates further enhancement of cardiovascular disease management by clarifying the subtype of diabetes and cardiovascular interrelationships.
Resolve Lassa Fever Persistence: A Compartmental Model with Environmental Virus-Host-Vector Interaction.
Authors: Taboe Hemaho B. , Pilyugin Sergei S. , Ngonghala Calistus N. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lassa fever (LF), caused by the Lassa virus and transmitted primarily by Mastomys natalensis rodents, is a severe hemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, particularly Nigeria, with significant morbidity and mortality rates. This study develops a dynamic model for LF, incorporating crucial but often overlooked factors such as vertical transmission in rodents, surface contamination, and asymptomatic human carriers. Persistence of the disease is proved analytically. Using data from Nigeria, the impact of various control measures is assessed. Results of the study reveal that asymptomatic individuals are key drivers of LF and that including additional LF virus transmission pathways, e.g., vertical transmission and environmental contamination, increases the estimated reproduction number threefold compared to previous studies. The full model and rodent-involved sub-models show the highest disease prevalence, underscoring the need to address rodent involvement for effective control. Effective LF control using only rodent control measures requires maintaining rodent populations below a specific threshold. Additionally, a multifaceted approach, combining antiviral treatment, environmental disinfection, and personal protective equipment, significantly enhances disease control, while the introduction of a competitor rodent species can drastically reduce human and rodent infections. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for integrated, multifaceted strategies, including targeting rodents, asymptomatic cases, and comprehensive treatment and disinfection protocols, for effective LF management.
Opcode-Based Ransomware Detection Using Random Forest and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks: An Automated Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Sha Quanta , Zhang Lun , Liu Yan , Hu Bingbing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Ransomware has evolved into one of the most destructive forms of cyberattacks, causing severe financial losses and compromising critical data across various sectors. Addressing the dynamic and evasive nature of ransomware demands novel detection methods that are capable of identifying sophisticated attacks before significant damage occurs. A new approach is introduced that combines opcode sequence analysis with machine learning, specifically using Random Forest for feature selection and Long Short-Term Memory networks for capturing temporal dependencies in opcode streams. This hybrid model demonstrates high detection accuracy and precision, offering a more resilient solution against ransomware variants, including those employing obfuscation techniques. The experimental evaluation shows that the model effectively reduces false positives while maintaining computational efficiency, making it suitable for real-time ransomware detection. The integration of opcode-based feature selection and sequence analysis creates a robust detection framework capable of addressing modern ransomware challenges.
Heart Attack Prediction by Integrating Independent Component Analysis with Machine Learning Classifiers
Authors: Nawar Abbas Khalifa , Jebur Sabah Abdulazeez , Jawad Hasan Abdulrazzaq , Jahefer Mothefer Majeed , Alkhazraji Lafta , Hussain Abir Jaafar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Detecting heart attack conditions at an early stage is crucial for healthcare, making innovative solutions that contribute to prevention and overall health improvement imperative. Machine learning, as a subset of Artificial Intelligence, plays a pivotal role in heart attack analysis and prediction, leveraging its ability to process large datasets and identify complex patterns. This study introduces a new approach to heart attack prediction by incorporating Independent Component Analysis (ICA) with various ML classifiers, namely K-Nearest Neighbors, Gradient Boosting, Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest. The proposed model was evaluated on two benchmark datasets, achieving notable accuracy rates of 93.44% and 100% on the Cleveland dataset and heart disease dataset, respectively. In addition to accuracy, a comprehensive evaluation using various metrics, including F1-score, Area Under the Curve (AUC), Precision, Recall, and Error rate, is performed. Furthermore, the analysis of the AUC-ROC curve and confusion matrix provides valuable insights into the models' predictive capabilities. The findings underscore the effectiveness of ICA in feature extraction and highlight the remarkable potential of KNN as a robust classifier for heart attack prediction.
Leveraging Satellite Laser Altimetry from ICESat-2 and Radar Altimetry from SWOT for Error Diagnosis in Hydraulic Models: A Case Study of the Chao Phraya River
Authors: Charoensuk Theerapol , Luchner Jakob , Bauer-Gottwein Peter 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Recent advancements in satellite Earth observation (EO) technology have significantly improved the accuracy and density of data available for monitoring rivers and streams, as well as for diagnosing errors in hydraulic models. Laser and radar altimetry missions, such as ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite) and SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography), offer high-resolution measurements of land and water surface elevations (WSE) in remote areas where in-situ data are limited. In this study, we implemented a workflow to assess the accuracy of simulated WSE and evaluate the performance of hydraulic models in the Chao Phraya (CPY) River, using WSE data from ICESat-2 and SWOT. The evaluation of ICESat-2, SWOT, and simulated WSE from the model, compared to in-situ data, resulted in root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.34 m, 0.35 m, and 0.37 m, respectively. Despite this, both ICESat-2 and SWOT data proved effective for error detection and performance evaluation along the CPY River in point, profile, and spatial map comparisons, with overall RMSE values of 0.36 m and 0.33 m, respectively, when compared with simulated WSE. This paper demonstrates that ICESat-2 and SWOT are valuable tools for diagnosing errors and improving hydraulic model performance, providing critical insights for river monitoring and model validation.
A Numerical and Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Diverterless Supersonic Inlet Bumps on Compression Performance
Authors: Doğanok Seyidhan , Gülyeri Eren , Özbey Prof. Dr. Mustafa , Solakoğlu Assist. Prof. Dr. Erhan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this study numerically and experimentally was investigated the effects of bumps on the compression performance. The first bump, Mod-1, has a soft inlet and soft outlet. Mod-2 is designed with similar characteristics but twice as long. The numerical analysis, conducted at 1.8 Ma for two cases, revealed that the Mod-2 bump is more effective than the Mod-1 in mitigating disturbance factors such as flow separation, reverse flow movement, and vortex zones in the duct. By examining the total pressure and the distortion coefficient DC60 at the engine surface (AIP) for the two cases with cross sections taken from the duct, it was found that Mod-2 is 9% more efficient than Mod-1. To illustrate the accuracy of the numerical analysis, two different bump models were produced and tested in a supersonic wind tunnel. In addition, the relationship between cone angle and cone shock was established numerically and experimentally with the obtained results.
Identifying and responding to intimate partner violence in refugee settlement services
Authors: Spangaro Jo , Spence Nigel , Man Nicola , Walsh Jeannette , Cameron Jacqui , Hegarty Kelsey , Koziol-McLain Jane , McMahon Tadgh , Zwi Anthony , Toole-Anstey Chye , Perry Astrid 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent globally, with increased risk for women in situations of conflict, post conflict and resettlement. The Safety and Health after Arrival (SAHAR) study tested IPV screening with women accessing settlement services in New South Wales, Australia, using the validated ACTS tool, along with brief response involving risk assessment, safety planning and referral. A three month follow-up telephone survey was administered to women who had attended four participating sites which delivered the intervention. The survey explored the nature of any IPV experienced, factors associated with disclosure, and responses provided to those who identified IPV. Data is reported on 316 women of whom 48 (15%) identified current IPV. For 45 women who responded to Composite Abuse Scale items, the most common forms of abuse were forced isolation from family/friends (56% 25/45), blame for abusive behaviour (53% 24/45), “put downs” (44% 20/45) and physical violence 38% (17/45). Psychological distress and post-migration stressors were significantly higher for women who disclosed IPV compared to those who did not. Length of residency in Australia and whether the screening occurred during the first or subsequent service visits, were not associated with the likelihood of disclosing IPV. The majority of women who disclosed reported the caseworker’s response to be helpful and involved risk assessment, safety planning and referral. Screening and response to disclosure in settlement services provide opportunities to address abuse experienced by this group of women who are less likely to report experiences of abuse or use mainstream services.
Gnuplot Helper – a new Utility for gnuplot Graph Plotting Software
Authors: Deb Dwaipayan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The gnuplot is a well known software for graph plotting in the field of science and engineering. It is a command based software originally built for Linux environment, however now it’s available for other operating systems too. The present review discusses overview of a utility software namely Gnuplot Helper to be used with gnuplot. This utility can generate and run gnuplot scripts automatically with a button click in Graphical User Interface (GUI) mode without requiring any commands. It can also save the output as an image file which can be used in research papers or other purposes and thus saving time and labour of plotting graphs. This paper also gives a short tutorial on how to use the software.