bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ZSTK474 targeting PIK3R3 inhibits the Wilms’ tumor through G0 / G1 phase arrest
Authors: Li Maoxian , Liu Jiayan , Jin Liming , Mi Tao , Zhang Zhaoxia , Zhanghuang Chenghao , Li Mujie , Wang Jinkui , Wu Xin , Wang Zhaoying , Wang Zhang , He Dawei 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Wilms’ tumor (WT), also known as nephroblastoma, is the predominant form of primary malignant renal cancer. The unfavorable prognoses linked to anaplastic nephroblastoma and recurrent nephroblastoma emphasize the crucial requirement for the exploration of innovative treatment modalities for WT.

Methods
Our study conducted one-way Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses using TARGET-WT nephroblastoma data to identify differentially expressed genes in nephroblastoma and evaluate their prognostic relevance. Utilizing the Connectivity Map database, ZSTK474 emerged as a viable therapeutic option for WT. The effect of ZSTK474 on WT and related underlying mechanisms were further investigated through in vitro and in vivo investigations.

Results
The in vivo experiment results indicated that ZSTK474 effectively inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth in WT mice. CCK-8 assays revealed two nephroblastoma cell lines exhibited half-inhibitory concentrations of 2μM and 2.51μM for ZSTK474, respectively. ZSTK474 was shown to inhibit the migration and invasion capabilities of WT cells in both Transwell and wound healing assays. Flow cytometry apoptosis and TUNEL assays demonstrated that ZSTK474 induced apoptosis in WT cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that ZSTK474 led to the induction of G0/G1 phase arrest. Sequencing of ZSTK474-treated WiT49 cells suggested that the impact of ZSTK474 on WT might be mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway, specifically by inhibiting PIK3R3. Knock-down of PIK3R3 confirmed that ZSTK474 downregulated PIK3R3, reducing Akt phosphorylation, cyclin D and CDK4 levels and elevating P21 expression in nephroblastoma cells. However, current research has limitations, including a lack of understanding of the long-term effects and potential resistance mechanisms of new therapies.

Conclusion
This research provides insight into the potential of ZSTK474 and other PI3K inhibitors for treating nephroblastoma.
Larvicidal properties of essential oils of three Artemisia species against the chemically insecticide-resistant Nile fever vector Culex pipiens (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae): In vitro and in silico studies
Authors: Chebbac Khalid , Abchir Oussama , Chalkha Mohammed , El Moussaoui Abdelfattah , El kasmi-alaoui Mohammed , Lafraxo Soufyane , Chtita Samir , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Alanazi Ashwag S. , Hefnawy Mohamed , Zouirech Otmane , Ouaritini Zineb Benziane , Guemmouh Raja 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study is to determine the larvicidal activity of essential oils (EOs) extracted from three plants of the genus Artemisia against the mosquito Culex pipiens (C. pipiens) using in vitro and in silico studies. A total number of 20 third- and fourth-instar larvae were exposed to various concentrations of the three plants. The LC50 and LC90 values of the tested Artemisia EOs were determined using Probit analysis. In addition, the sensitivity of C. pipiens to these EOs was determined and compared against a standard insecticide, temephos, under laboratory conditions. Furthermore, in silico assessments were carried out on the major constituents to help understand and explain the acquired in vivo results. Gas chromatography analysis identified the major compounds as d-limonene and β-pinene for Artemisia flahaultii, camphor and borneol for Artemisia. aragonensis, and artemisia ketone and caryophyllene for Artemisia annua. A. flahaultii oil showed the highest efficacy against C. pipiens larvae, followed by A. annua oil with average larvicidal activity. In contrast, A. aragonensis EO, composed of a high percentage of monoterpenes, was the least active. Docking simulation indicated that several studied ligands had promising binding scores within the receptor’s binding site compared to the reference insecticide temephos. The obtained results allow us to conclude that A. flahaultii, a species endemic to Morocco, is an excellent means of controlling C. pipiens.
High-order finite-difference ghost-point methods for elliptic problems in domains with curved boundaries
Authors: Coco Armando , Russo Giovanni 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this article, a fourth-order finite-difference ghost-point method for the Poisson equation on regular Cartesian mesh is presented. The method can be considered the high-order extension of the second-order ghost method introduced earlier by the authors. Three different discretizations are considered, which differ in the stencil that discretizes the Laplacian and the source term. It is shown that only two of them provide a stable method. The accuracy of such stable methods is numerically verified on several test problems.
Laboratory Study of Interface Friction between Sand and Steel Surfaces
Authors: Israr Jahanzaib , Ahmad Iftikhar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this study, results have been reported from a series of laboratory tests to determine the interface friction angle of steel surfaces with sand through modified direct shear testing. For completion, steel surfaces with different surface geometry to replicate the roughness have been slid against various sands compacted at different relative densities under both dry and wet conditions. The standard square shape direct shear box has been modified into circular and rectangular boxes to sufficiently enhance the contact area and to subsequently quantify its effect on interface friction angle. A mild steel interface of smooth and rough texture with a groove depth of 0.2 mm and tipping at an angle of 90° has been used in this study. The analysis of results revealed that the interface friction angles obtained from the standard direct shear box agree closely with those obtained from both modified rectangular and circular shear boxes. However, the ratio of the interface friction angle from the modified apparatus and soil’s angle of internal friction significantly depends upon the roughness of the surface in contact with the sand, its median particle size, and is independent of the effects of box size, soil’s relative density, and dry or wet condition. A comparison between existing well-accepted guidelines and current observations has been presented for use by the practicing engineers dealing with soil-structure interaction.
Application of Asaoka’s Method in Multistage Triaxial Compression Testing of Normally Consolidated Soils
Authors: Lijith K. P. , Robinson R. G. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Determination of shear strength parameters becomes a challenge when it is difficult to retrieve a minimum of three identical undisturbed soil specimens. In such a situation, multistage triaxial compression testing can be adopted using a single specimen. Multistage triaxial testing involves stage-wise consolidation and shearing at three confining pressures without the failure of the specimen until the last stage. A critical issue associated with multistage triaxial testing is the estimation of ultimate deviator stress and the corresponding pore pressure as the specimen was not allowed to reach failure in each stage. Conventionally, the failure stress state in each stage is computed by extrapolating the stress–strain and pore pressure–strain data to a finite strain by employing Kondner’s rectangular hyperbola model. However, it is reported in the literature that the aforementioned method often overestimates the deviator stress and pore pressure values. In this context, the present study investigates the suitability of Asaoka’s observational procedure for predicting these values at failure state. The validity of the proposed procedure is verified by comparing the ultimate deviator stress and pore pressure values obtained by analyzing the stress–strain data collected from the literature and by performing multistage triaxial testing on three reconstituted soil samples with that of the rectangular hyperbola method. From the results, it was observed that Asaoka’s method is more suited for predicting the shear strength parameters. It is believed that the proposed methodology would aid in obtaining the shear strength parameters of a soil from a single specimen by conducting multistage triaxial testing.
A 4D Soil-Structure Interaction Model Testing Apparatus
Authors: Riccio Thomas , Romero Tomas , Previtali Marco , Mánica Miguel , Ciantia Matteo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A new three-axis loading frame has been developed to enable real-time visualization of in-situ soil and rock structure interactions via X-ray tomography during small-scale model testing. The constructed frame is capable of performing a wide range of small-scale 1g tests and can accommodate monotonic and cyclic actuation under both load and displacement control. The compact size of the system enables remote multi-axis operation from within an X-ray cone-beam scanning bay, a capability which is owed to a comprehensive design process. Design and fabrication involved a blend of physical and numerical experiments to assess suitable construction materials and performance. In this scope, the new equipment is discussed and its capability is showcased.
Improving Admission Temperature in Infants ≥34 Weeks’ Gestation: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Lawrence Sarah Linda , Nguyen Laura , Sucha Ewa , Lemyre Brigitte , Mitsakakis Nicholas 
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND
NICU admission for hypothermia is a problem worldwide, with associated morbidity, mortality, and financial costs. Many interventions have been studied for smaller infants, but there has been little focus on infants born ≥34 weeks’ gestational age (GA), though most deliveries occur at this gestation. Our primary aim was to improve the proportion of infants ≥34 weeks’ GA with normal NICU admission temperature. Secondary outcomes included improvement of the proportion of normal first temperature in all infants ≥34 weeks’ GA, independent of NICU admission, and improvement of predefined outcome measures.

METHODS
We completed a root cause analysis, using fishbone and process mapping to determine what factors were contributing to hypothermia. A series of changes were trialed using plan-do-study-act cycles to develop a standard operating procedure, covering both vaginal and cesarean section births. Outcome measures were analyzed using a P-chart as well as traditional statistical tests.

RESULTS
We successfully increased the proportion of infants ≥34 weeks’ GA with normothermia on NICU admission from 62% to 80% without increasing hyperthermia. In addition, the interventions improved the proportion of delivery room normothermia in all infants born ≥34 weeks’ GA and were associated with a decreased need for intravenous therapy for hypoglycemia and the incidence of metabolic acidosis.

CONCLUSIONS
This quality improvement initiative was successful at improving our institution’s rates of normal infant temperature. The methodology used can be applied to other similar centers to improve this common problem.
Oldenlandia diffusa(Willd.) Roxb. Essential Oil from Assam, India: GC-MS Analysis and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Narzary Bardwi , Tamuli Kashyap  J , Bordoloi Manobjyoti , Bora Dipsikha 
Published: October 2024

In this study essential oil from Oldenlandia diffusa (aerial parts) was extracted using hydrodistillation method. Characterization of the essential oil was done by using GC-MS analysis and identified 71 compounds. Pentacosane (13.29%), hexacosane (11.59%), tetracosane (11.18%), heptacosane (9.76%),tricosane (6.90%), phytol (5.71%), hexatriacontane (4.87%) and isophytol (4.69%) were the major compounds constituting the oil. Further, cytotoxicity of the extracted oil was observed against PA1 (Ovarian), MIAPaCa-2 (Pancreatic), A549 (Lung), MCF7 (Breast), HeLa (Cervical), HepG2 (Liver), PC-3 (Prostatic), MDA-MB-231 (Breast) cell lines. The oil exhibited dose and time dependent inhibition effects against the cancer cell lines. Best inhibition activity was observed against PA1, HeLa and PC-3 cancer cell lines. The IC50 values ranged from 24.19±0.837 - 3.12±0.126 µg/mL in PA1 cells, 51.87±3.104 - 28.95±0.76 µg/mL in HeLa cells and 52.92±1.233 - 14.62±0.465 µg/mL in PC-3 cells at 24, 48 and 72h. From the experiments, it was clear that essential oil of Oldenlandia diffusa should be further explored as an anticancer agent for developing medicinal drug.
The Repeating Major Earthquakes in the Mexican Subduction Zone Along Oaxaca: Implications for Future Events
Authors: Garza-Giron Ricardo , Lay Thorne , Ye Lingling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The subduction zone along Oaxaca, Mexico, has experienced multiple Mw ≥ 7 earthquakes that ruptured in close proximity several decades apart in at least three locations along the coast. Similarity of waveform recordings from a few long-period seismic stations at teleseismic distances has provided evidence for up to three repeated failures of the same slip patches, or persistent asperities, in the region. The evidence from prior single-station comparisons is bolstered by considering azimuthally distributed sets of body-wave recording pairs for the 1968 and 2018 Pinotepa Nacional (western Oaxaca), and 1965 and 2020 La Crucecita (eastern Oaxaca) earthquakes, as viewed in the long-period World-Wide Standardized Seismograph Network instrument passband (&gt;5 s period). Drawing on detailed slip inversions for the most recent events and observations of their relationships with regional slow-slip events, we note features to be alert for in central Oaxaca where prior repeating events in 1928 and 1978 occurred and there is potential for a similar future event.
Ensino De História nas Escolas Indígenas Amazônicas:
Authors: Albaine Farias da Costa Marcella , Moreira da Silva Naiara , Barbosa dos Santos Sérgio 
Published: October 2024

A entrevista que se segue é fruto de um Projeto coletivo nascido no âmbito da disciplina “História do Ensino de História” do Mestrado Profissional em Ensino de História (ProfHistória) da Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR) e ligado ao Laboratório de Ensino de História e Humanidades Digitais (LABEHD/UFRR). Intitulado “A escuta de intelectuais mulheres e suas contribuições para o campo do Ensino de História”, o mesmo teve por objetivo valorizar a atuação feminina dentro e fora do Estado de Roraima na perspectiva da rede de afetos que vem sendo construída e fortalecida, conectando o extremo norte com todo o território brasileiro na sua amplitude e diversidade. Na entrevista concedida por Circe Bittencourt, referência a todos que se debruçam a pensar o campo do Ensino de História, a pauta principal gira em torno do ensino nas escolas indígenas no contexto amazônico.
Assessing the impact of virtual reality on the restoration of motor function in the acute period of ischemic stroke
Authors: Lakhov A. S. , Starikovskiy M. Yu. , Poverennova I. E. , Kurov M. V. , Persteneva N. P. 
Published: October 2024

Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of using virtual reality to restore motor function in patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke.Material and methods. We studied 207 patients in the acute period of ischemic stroke, who were divided into two groups by randomization: study group – 105 patients, comparison group – 102 patients. All patients received all necessary standardized therapy. Patients in the study group additionally received classes using the ReviVR device. Efficacy was assessed using the NIHSS, FMA-LE, and BBS scales.Results. On all scales studied, patients in the study group demonstrated better results in relation to the comparison group, both in terms of the final result and in terms of the level of change in indicators during the rehabilitation process. The use of virtual reality made it possible to reduce disability on the NIHSS scale to 7.0 (4.0; 9.0) points, which is better than the results of the comparison group – 9.0 (5.0; 13.0) points with a high level of significance p < 0.001. The increase in motor function according to FMA-LE in the study group was higher and amounted to 21.0 (15.0; 24.0) points versus 18.0 (7.0; 22.0) points in the comparison group with a significance level of p = 0.002. The study group also showed better results on the BBS scale – 26.0 (17.0; 34.0) versus 18.0 (5.0; 29.0) points with a significance level of p < 0.001.Conclusion. The use of virtual reality together with standardized therapy in the acute period of ischemic stroke is effective in restoring motor function of the affected lower limb, improving balance and reducing general disability in general.
Causal Relationship Between Osteoporosis, Bone Mineral Density, and Osteonecrosis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yu Hao , Miao Yulin , Biaofang Wei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Osteonecrosis (ON) is a debilitating orthopedic condition characterized by bone cell death due to impaired blood supply, leading to structural changes and disability. Osteoporosis (OP), a systemic skeletal disease, results in reduced bone density and quality, making bones fragile and prone to fractures. Although distinct, OP and ON share several risk factors such as corticosteroid use and smoking. This study aims to investigate the causal relationships between OP, bone mineral density (BMD), and ON using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
Methods
This study utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for OP from the FinnGen database, and BMD data for the lumbar spine and femoral neck from the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis (GEFOS) consortium. ON data were also obtained from the FinnGen database. All participants were of European descent. Genetic instruments were selected based on genome-wide significance, linkage disequilibrium, and strength (F-statistic). Bidirectional MR analysis was performed using inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median methods to assess causality. Sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test and MR-PRESSO, were conducted to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Results
MR analysis demonstrated a positive causal effect of OP on ON using the IVW method, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.223 (95% CI: 1.026–1.459, P = 0.025). The weighted median method also confirmed this result with an OR (95% CI) 1.290 (1.021–1.630), P = 0.033. No significant causal effects were found between BMD (lumbar spine and femoral neck) and ON. Furthermore, ON did not exhibit a causal effect on OP or BMD. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results, showing no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy.
Conclusion
This study provides evidence of a unidirectional causal relationship between OP and ON, suggesting that individuals with a genetic predisposition to OP have an increased risk of developing ON. These findings highlight the importance of early OP detection and management to potentially reduce ON incidence. The lack of a significant causal relationship between BMD and ON indicates that factors other than bone density, such as vascular health, may play a crucial role in ON development. Future research should explore these mechanisms further to inform clinical interventions.
Contrasting vector competence of three main East African Anopheles malaria vector mosquitoes for Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Kweyamba Prisca A. , Hofer Lorenz M. , Kibondo Ummi A. , Mwanga Rehema Y. , Sayi Rajabu M. , Matwewe Fatuma , Lwetoijera Dickson W. , Tambwe Mgeni M. , Moore Sarah J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

There are three Anopheles mosquito species in East Africa that are responsible for the majority of malaria transmission, posing a significant public health concern. Understanding the vector competence of different mosquito species is crucial for targeted and cost-effective malaria control strategies. This study investigated the vector competence of laboratory reared strains of East African An. gambiae sensu stricto, An. funestus s.s., and An. arabiensis mosquitoes towards local isolates of Plasmodium falciparum infection. Mosquito feeding assays using gametocytaemic blood from local donors revealed significant differences in both prevalence and intensity of oocyst and sporozoite infections among the three vectors. An. funestus mosquitoes presented the highest sporozoite prevalence 23.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.5–29.6) and intensity of infection 6-58138 sporozoites. Relative to An. funestus, the odds ratio for sporozoites prevalence were 0.46 (95% CI: 0.25–0.85) in An. gambiae and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.07–0.51) in An. arabiensis, while the incidence rate ratio for sporozoite intensity was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.14–0.69) in An. gambiae and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.16–2.60) in An. arabiensis. Our findings indicate that all three malaria species contribute to malaria transmission in East Africa with An. funestus demonstrating superior vector competence. In conclusion, there is a need for comprehensive malaria control strategies targeting major malaria vector species, an update of malaria transmission models to consider vectoral competence and evaluation of malaria transmission blocking interventions in assays that include An. funestus mosquitoes.
Comparison of methylene blue removal efficiency of activated carbon and carbon nanosheets derived from olive stone from aquatic environment
Authors: Hariri Negar , farahmandkia zohre , Danafar Hossein , fazli Mehran Mohammadian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the increase in population growth and the rapid development of industries have given way to a rise in the usage of natural resources and waste production. Solid waste management (SWM) is an essential component of an environmental management system. SWM approaches are being adapted to make them more practical and effective by environmental regulations and to promote sustainability through the application of the “reduce”, “reuse”, and “recycle” (3R) principles. Therefore, the present study focuses on the reuse of waste as an adsorbent agent with a low cost for removing methylene blue. To achieve such feat, olive stones were milled, pyrolyzed, and sonicated to synthesize activated carbon and carbon nanosheets. Additionally, the study investigated the impact of five parameters (dose of adsorbent, pH, primary pollutant concentration, and temperature) on the adsorption process. FESEM and TEM analyses were carried out in order to make clear what the characteristics of the adsorbent were. The isotherm assessments show that the data is quite fitting for the Langmuir model for adsorption by activated carbon and carbon nanosheets. Additionally, the adsorbent obtained through kinetic modeling indicate that the experimental data is well-matched by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for activated carbon and carbon nanosheets. Synthesized activated carbon and carbon nanosheets from olive stones are low-cost adsorbents with good adsorption properties. They reduce solid waste generation and are efficient adsorbents when it comes to removing methylene blue that is present in aquatic environments.