bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DCAF13 promotes ovarian cancer progression by activating FRAS1-mediated FAK signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Ze-Yi , Wang Xiaomin , Xu Chun-Wei , Sun Qing-Qing , Hua Yu-Xin , Zhou Qi-Yin , Hu Han-Yin , Liu Sheng-Bing , Guo Yan-Jun , Ao Lei , Che Xuan , Zhang Xian-Chao , Heger Michal , Zheng Xin , Liu Ai-Jun , Wang Qian , Zhan Zha-Jun , Cheng Shu-Qun , Pan Wei-Wei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase 4 (CRL4) is closely correlated with the incidence and progression of ovarian cancer. DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 13 (DCAF13), a substrate-recognition protein in the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, is involved in the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer. However, its precise function and the underlying molecular mechanism in this disease remain unclear. In this study we confirmed that DCAF13 is highly expressed in human ovarian cancer and its expression is negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of patients with ovarian cancer. We then used CRISPR/Cas9 to knockout DCAF13 and found that its deletion significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of human ovarian cancer cells. In addition, DCAF13 deficiency inhibited tumor proliferation in nude mice. Mechanistically, CRL4-DCAF13 was found to target Fraser extracellular matrix complex subunit 1 (FRAS1) for polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. FRAS1 was found to influence the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cell through induction of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway. These findings collectively show that DCAF13 is an important oncogene which promotes tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer cells by mediating FRAS1/FAK signaling. Our findings pave the way to develop new potential targeted therapeutics for ovarian cancer treatment.
Nursing Students as Workforce Extenders: An Evidence-Based-Pandemic Education-Innovation
Authors: Jumah Ph Jawaher Abdullah Bin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic severely damaged healthcare systems worldwide, exposing the world’s emergency preparedness and response capacity. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the outcomes of nursing students as workforce extenders in the form of perceived benefits and losses.
Methods: A principle researcher conducted an online search on CINAHL, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library to find the desired studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria, using keywords and MeSH terms.
Results: A total of 1160 participants from a 52 studies were reviewed spanned 5 years published from 21 different countries. Most of the included studies suggested that nursing interventions resulted in improved student learning outcomes as knowledge, skills, satisfaction, critical thinking, and self-confidence.
Conclusion: The nursing students are workforce extenders is an invaluable education innovation, especially during the times of pandemics when nursing shortage reaches its peak. The main findings of this systematic review focused on improved student learning outcomes as acquiring Knowledge, skill performance, critical thinking, self-confidence, and learners satisfaction,
New Upper Palaeolithic rock art complex in the Tejo Valley, Central Portugal
Authors: Pereira Telmo , Garcês Sara , Danelatos Dionysios , Collado Hipólito Giraldo , Nash George H. , Adewumi Opeyemi , Gomes Hugo , Monteiro Patrícia , Oosterbeek Luiz 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The Ocreza Valley (Lower Tejo River), central Portugal provides evidence for a new Upper Palaeolithic rock art complex in western Iberia. Recently discovered panels, comprising several engraved zoomorphic figures that includes an auroch (Panel OCR20), another with a horse figure (Panel OCR22) and a bolder with another engraved auroch figure (Panel OCR21). These discoveries substantially increase the previous number of engravings that included a headless horse found in 2000 (Panel OCR15). The style of the engravings is identical to Upper Palaeolithic open-air engravings from other areas of western Iberia, including, Côa, Sabor, Tua, Siega Verde, La Salud, Zêzere valleys and Vale Boi of northern, central and southern Portugal. These new discoveries indicate the existence of concentrated assemblages of Upper Palaeolithic rock art in the Tejo Valley, overlapping the territory of an already known Holocene-dated Tejo Rock Art Complex (Garcês 2017). Similarities in setting, production, and style with other Western Iberian sites imply potential long-range contact and exchange networks involving the new ideas in artistic endeavour that are coherent with population clustering in central-western Iberia during the LGM.
Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles with bioactive compounds of Actinomycete, Amyculatopsis roodepoortensis strain EA7 and its effect on cell line HT-29
Authors: Amiri Elham , Mirpour Mirsasan , Issazadeh Khosro , Rasti Behnam 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The present study describes the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the extract from the actinomycete isolate Amycolatopsis roodepoortensis strain EA7. The 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that strain EA7 belonged to the Amycolatopsis roodepoortensis species with 99.63% confidence. Their physical characteristics were examined using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, DLS, Zeta potational, and EDX. Microscopic examination revealed spherical ZnO NPs with an estimated average size of 2.98 ± 0.69 nm. The antibacterial and anticancer effect (colon cancer cell line HT-29) of these nanoparticles was observed in a dose-dependent manner. The values of IC50 ZnO-NPs for cell line HT-29 was calculated as 47 µg/ml. Also, the expression level of ATM, ATR, CHK1 and CHK2 genes effective in apoptosis as compared with the control sample in the cell line HT29 was increased as 2.35 ± 0.293, 2.87 ± 0/280, 3.67 ± 0.378, and 5.86 ± 0.495, respectively(P < 0.0001), which indicates the induction Apoptosis in HT-29 cells. However, there was no significant differences in reducing the expression of MMP-9 and BCL-2 genes effective in carcinogenesis as compared with the control sample. Also, flowcytometry results showed, 46.74% of the cells HT-29 entered the apoptosis stage (P < 0.0001). In the analysis of the cell cycle in the Sub-G1 phase, the percentage of cell population increased (35.60%), which indicates the induction of apoptosis (P < 0.001). Given the high antimicrobial and anticancer potential of the synthesized nanoparticles, this research represents a significant step towards further studies on these nanoparticles and the development of a new generation of antimicrobial and anticancer agents.
The Relationship Between CRP Levels and Dental Caries in the US Adult Population: Evidence from NHANES 2015-2018
Authors: AlShammari Abdullah , AlSaleh Saleh , AlKandari Abdulaziz , AlSaqabi Sara , AlJalahmah Dalal , AlSulimmani Woroud , AlDosari Muath , AlHazmi Hesham , AlQaderi Hend 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, affecting 36% of the global population. Despite numerous efforts to diagnose, predict, and prevent this condition, the incidence continues to rise. Considering the emerging connection between oral and systemic health, it is worth exploring the various factors associated with this widespread disease. Notably, the level of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, has been identified as a risk factor for several health conditions, including periodontal disease. This study investigates the association between CRP levels and dental caries within the United States, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Methods
The study analyzed data from the 2015–2018 NHANES cycles, focusing on a nationally representative sample of individuals aged 30–65 years. Weighted multivariable Poisson and logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the relationship between dental caries and CRP levels, adjusting for age, gender, race, education level, diabetes status, and gum disease.
Results
Our analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between CRP levels and dental caries. Specifically, 40.4% of participants with dental caries exhibited elevated CRP levels. The age group of 45–64 years displayed the highest prevalence of increased CRP levels (34.8%). Regression analyses further substantiated the association, with the Poisson regression indicating a 60% increase in the Adjusted Mean Ratio (AMR) of dental caries for higher CRP levels (AMR: 1.6, p-value: <0.01) and the logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with higher CRP levels have a 50% increase in the odds of developing dental caries (AOR: 1.5, p-value: <0.01).
Conclusion
The results of this cross-sectional study of the U.S. population highlight the positive association between increased CRP levels and the prevalence of dental caries. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of oral and systemic health care. Further research is necessary to deepen our understanding of the mechanistic relationship between CRP levels and dental caries.
The Impact of Yangtze River Delta Regional Integration on the Scientific and Technological Achievements Transformation in Higher Education: A Dynamic QCA Analysis Based on Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Yuxin Zhang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Economic, policy, and resource factors within the regional integration of the Yangtze River Delta are crucial pathways for promoting the transformation of scientific and technological achievements in higher education. This study examines the multifactorial synergistic effects behind the differences in scientific and technological achievements transformation in the Yangtze River Delta from the space-time dimension, offering important insights for practical applications. Drawing on interface theory, this study constructs an analytical framework of economic integration-policy integration-innovation resource integration and employs dynamic QCA to analyze provincial panel data from 2013 to 2022. The study explores the configurational effects of economic integration, policy integration, and innovation resource integration on the transformation levels of scientific and technological achievements in the Yangtze River Delta. By combining between-group and within-group analyses, the study investigates the spatial distribution differences in provincial coverage. The findings reveal that no univariate factor is necessary for high levels of scientific and technological achievement transformation. Three distinct pathways were identified in this study, which are the regional economic development-innovation resource integration model, economic integration-research collaboration model, and regional economic development-innovation resource integration model. In the temporal dimension, apart from a collective decline in pathway consistency in 2016 due to economic structural adjustments and reforms in research and development (R&D) funding management, there were fluctuations in consistency from 2019 to 2022, likely driven by COVID-19. In the spatial dimension, two configurations showed significant regional differences in provincial coverage distribution.
Sex Differences in Physical Activity of US children at age 13 months: Child and Mother Physical Activity Study (CAMPAS)
Authors: Kwon Soyang , Welch Sarah , Capan Selin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Lower physical activity (PA) has been observed in females compared to males among preschool-aged and older children. However, the timing of when the sex gap emerges is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether females have lower PA levels than males in the early toddler age and to explore whether gross motor competency and PA parenting practices might explain a sex difference in PA.
Methods
The study design was cross-sectional. Participants were a community-based sample of 137 children aged 10–16 months residing in US Midwest urban/suburban area. Participants’ mothers completed a survey that contained a demographic questionnaire, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire gross motor competency subscale, and a PA parenting practices questionnaire. Participating children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on their hip for 7 days. Accelerometer-measured time spent in moderate- and vigorous intensity PA (MVPA; minutes/day) and in total PA (minutes/day) were calculated. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to predict MVPA and total PA by sex, gross motor competency, PA parenting practices, and socioeconomic status.
Results
Among 137 participants (54.0% female), average age was 13.6 months (SD = 1.7). MVPA was 72 ± 25 and 79 ± 26 minutes/day for females and males, respectively (p = 0.14). Total PA was 221 ± 48 and 238 ± 47 minutes/day for females and males, respectively (p = 0.04). Both gross motor competency and PA-encouraging parenting practices were positively associated MVPA (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively) and total PA (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively); however, these relationships did not differ by sex (p = 0.11 and p = 0.89, respectively). After accounting for gross motor competency and PA parenting practices, total PA was 15 minutes/day lower among females than males (p = 0.04).
Conclusions
This cross-sectional study of US children observed a sex gap in total PA at 10–16 months of age. Gross motor development and PA parenting practices did not differ by child sex nor explain the sex difference in PA. A longitudinal investigation should follow to further narrow down when sex differences in PA emerge and to determine the factors that lead to this difference.
Arctica islandica (Bivalvia) selective feeding on natural plankton in the White Sea
Authors: Lavrentyev Peter , Lezin Peter 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The ocean quahog Arctica islandica (L.) has been the focus of extensive research due to its commercial value and extreme longevity. However, little is known about its natural trophic behavior. In a feeding experiment that used plankton and clams collected from the White Sea coast, Arctica cleared a wide spectrum of particles, ranging from picoplanktonic cyanobacteria and nano-cryptophytes to diatom chains. Diatoms and heterotrophic dinoflagellates formed the bulk of Arctica ration, which equaled ~ 1% of its tissue carbon per day. The estimated prey selectivity increased with particle size, but the clams also discriminated between prey of similar size and taxonomy. The measured Arctica mass-specific filtration rates corresponded to those published earlier for intertidal mussels. Implications for Arctica growth are discussed.
Intrauterine transmission, pregnant outcomes after infection of SARS-CoV-2 during first or second trimester: a small cohort study during Omicron stage
Authors: Zhu Xiangyu , Jiang Zihan , Cao Peixuan , Wei Hongxia , Jiang Peipei , Yang Ying , Zhou ChunXiang , Hu Xiaohan , Wu Xing , Liu Wei , Gu Leilei , Zhou Wensan , Xu Hongpan , Li Jie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed significant public health challenges. Although vaccination provides protection against severe COVID-19, its efficacy against infection and mild symptoms wanes, leaving pregnant women, who are at an increased risk of severe complications, vulnerable.
Methods
In a prospective study conducted from January 31 to February 28, 2023, 225 women with 239 fetuses underwent chromosomal microarray analysis via amniocentesis. Participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA to ensure negativity prior to the procedure. Maternal and infection-related data were collected, and amniotic fluid samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using qRT-PCR. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed through obstetric ultrasound and follow-ups.
Results
None of the 140 amniotic fluid samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, indicating no intrauterine transmission. There were no significant differences in the rates of premature delivery or birth weight between the groups infected in the first and second trimesters.
Conclusion
The study found no evidence of vertical transmission or adverse pregnancy outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first and second trimesters. The impact of Omicron variant infection during these periods was mild, suggesting that amniocentesis beyond the acute stage of COVID-19 is safe.
Sand fly blood meal volumes and their relation to female body weight
Authors: Volfová Věra , Jančářová Magda , Volf Petr 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Sand fly females took a blood meal to develop eggs. The size of the blood meal is important for the fecundity but also affects the dose of pathogens acquired by females while feeding on infected host or during experimental membrane-feeding experiments.
Methods
Under standard laboratory conditions we compared blood meal volumes taken by females of ten sand fly species belonging to four genera: Phlebotomus, Lutzomyia, Migonomyia and Sergentomyia. Amount of ingested blood was determined by haemoglobin assay. In addition, we weighted unfed sand flies to calculate a ratio between body weight and blood meal weight.
Results
The mean blood meal volume ingested by sand fly females of different species ranged from 0.47 to 1.01 µl. Five species studied, Phlebotomus papatasi, P. duboscqi, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Sergentomyia minuta and S. schwetzi took about double size blood meal in comparison to Migonomyia migonei. In females, the mean body weight ranged from 0.183 mg in S. minuta to 0.369 mg in P. duboscqi. In males, the mean body weight ranged from 0.106 mg in M. migonei to 0.242 mg in P. duboscqi. Males were always lighter than females, the ratio between sexes ranged from 75% in P. argentipes to 52% in P. tobbi.
Conclusions
Interspecific analysis did not reveal any correlation between mean blood meal volume/weight and the mean weight of females (Mbl/Mf). Most species took a blood meal 2.25–3.05 times higher their body weight. Relatively tiny females of P. argentipes took 3.34 times their body weight. The highest (Mbl/Mf) ratio was found in both Sergentomyia species studied; females of S. minuta and S. schwetzi took bloodmeals 4,5–5 times higher than their body weight. This parameter is substantially higher then reported for any mosquitoes and biting midges.
Quality of Bioplastic Made From Tofu Waste Starch With Variations of Glycerol Using the Melt Intercalation Method
Authors: Rijal Muhammad , Surati Surati , Natsir Nur Alim , Irmawanty Irmawanty , Tomia Ratni , Pary Corneli , Samputri Salma 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Bioplastics are plastics made from natural (organic) materials and are renewable and easily degraded by nature. This type of research is quantitative research with a laboratory experimental approach with variations in glycerol volume (ml) as the independent variable and bioplastic quality as the dependent variable. The results showed that there were color gradations in each treatment and variations in glycerol volume had an effect on thickness, tensile strength, elongation, elastic modulus, water absorption and bioplastic degradation. Bioplastics made from starch waste starch for each treatment meets JIS-2-1707, ASTM-D-6002 and SNI 7818:2014 standards on parameters of thickness, tensile strength and degradability
Exploring a new clean technology in renewable energy production: The system design of Aloe vera-based plant microbial fuel cells
Authors: Çek Nurettin , Tuna Aysun , Çelik Ali , Orhan Ayhan , Sezer Selman 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Plant-based plant microbial fuel cells are introduced as devices that directly convert solar energy into electrical energy through photosynthesis reactions. Plant microbial fuel cells, which are a renewable and sustainable energy source, produce bioelectricity at different levels depending on plant species and characteristics. In this paper, a plant microbial fuel cell was manufactured by planting Aloe vera in natural plant soil and placing graphite electrodes, then it was operated by giving pure water. Thus, an Aloe vera based plant-microbial fuel cell was manufactured and open circuit potential, linear scanning voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were performed. The peak open-circuit potential generated by the aloe vera-based plant microbial fuel cell was 288 mV, and the peak value of power density reached levels of 200 W/m2. The high activation resistance and ohmic resistance of aloe vera-based plant microbial fuel cell triggered total internal resistance, causing it to show internal resistance at levels of 10 kiloohms. The aloe vera-based system demonstrates promising potential for electricity generation, as evidenced by its peak open-circuit potential. However, the high activation resistance and ohmic resistance leading to a total internal resistance of 10 kiloohms highlight areas for improvement to enhance its efficiency and practicality for widespread use. Further research and development are needed to address these challenges and unlock the full capabilities of aloe vera-based P-MFCs.
Response of carbon storage to land use change and Multi-Scenario predictions in Zunyi, China
Authors: Liu Yi , Mei Xuemeng , Yue Li , Zhang Mingming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Evaluating and predicting how carbon storage (CS) responds to land use change can optimize future spatial layouts and coordinate the relationship between land use and ecosystem services. This study aimed to explore the spatiotemporal evolution of CS in Zunyi from 2000 to 2020, investigate the driving factors of CS, and predict spatiotemporal changes under multiple scenarios in 2030. Woodland (> 62%) and farmland (> 30%) are the main land use types in Zunyi. The land use changes included decreases in farmland (-0.92%) and grassland (-0.76%) and an increase in construction land (+ 0.92%). In 2000, 2010, and 2020, CS in Zunyi was 658.77×10^6 t, 661.44×10^6 t, and 658.35×10^6 t, respectively, initially increasing then decreasing. Woodland, farmland and grassland conversions to construction land and water were primarily responsible for CS loss. The NDVI is the main driving factor influencing the spatial pattern of CS (q > 10%). Furthermore, the impacts of the human footprint index and population density are increasing. In 2030, the CS in Zunyi is projected to decrease under the NDS, ECS and CDS scenarios. Under the ECS, CS is estimated to be 656.67×10^6 t, with the smallest decrease (-0.26%); moreover, this scenario effectively alleviates the decreases in farmland and woodland.