bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of different Standing positions on Pelvic Muscle Activation and Lumbar Lordosis in LBP-developers during prolonged standing
Authors: Abbasi Saeedeh , Minoonejad Hooman , Mousavi Seyed Hamed , Abbasi Hamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) development has been associated with increased hip muscle co-activation and lumbar lordosis during standing in previously asymptomatic individuals. It is commonly advised to use footrests to relieve LB. The impact of adjusting arm position on lumbar biomechanics can also be impressive. This study aimed to compare the effects of normalized footrest height and changing arm position on muscle activity, lumbar lordosis, and pain intensity. Twenty-four female pain developers (PDs) were recruited, identified by a > 10 mm increase on the visual analog scale (VAS) during prolonged standing. Electromyography (EMG) recorded hip muscle activity, and photogrammetry measured lumbar lordosis during one hour of standing. The first group used the footrest intermittently, while the second group additionally changed their arm positions. Both groups showed decreased gluteus medius co-activation during prolonged standing (p = 0.003), with the second group showing lower levels. A significant time effect on lumbar lordosis angle was observed in both groups (p < 0.01). Although lumbar discomfort increased over time and stepping interventions reduced this discomfort, with the second group reporting lower pain intensity (p < 0.05). Applying these interventions in the workplace could be beneficial to reduce discomfort for individuals who stand for long periods of time. Further research is needed to optimize these strategies and assess long-term benefits.
NCAM1 Modulates the Proliferation and Migration of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Chen Yunwei , Liu Ningxin , Yang Yunjing , Yang Lingzhi , Li Yan , Qiao Zhuo , Zhang Yumin , Li Ailing , Xiang Rui , Wen Li , Huang Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a malignant vascular disease characterized by pulmonary arterial remodeling. Neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) is a cell surface glycoprotein that is involved in a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease. However, the role of NCAM1 in PH remains underexplored.
Methods:Pulmonary hypertension models were established using monocrotaline in rats and hypoxia in mice. NCAM1 protein levels in plasma from patients and rats were measured by ELISA. Expression of NCAM1 in rat rat lung tissues were evaluated using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The effects of NCAM1 on rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were studied by stimulating these cells with PDGF-BB.
Results: Elevated levels of NCAM1 protein and mRNA were observed in both PH patients and monocrotaline-induced PH rats. NCAM1 knockdown ameliorated hypoxia-induced PH, highlighting its role in pulmonary artery remodeling. In PASMCs, NCAM1 expression was upregulated by PDGF-BB stimulation, enhancing cell proliferation and migration. This effect was attenuated by NCAM1 knockdown but partially restored by an ERK1/2 pathway activator (tert-Butylhydroquinone, TBHQ), suggesting NCAM1's involvement in PASMC dynamics through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Conclusion: Our findings confirm the role of NCAM1 in pulmonary arterial hypertension and demonstrate its promotion of PASMC proliferation and migration through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Lysozyme and Vancomycin Co-Loaded on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles; a “Trojan Horse” with Synergistic Antimicrobial Effects
Authors: Namdar Nasrin , Fasaei Bahar Nayeri , Shariati Parvin , Joghataei Seyed Mehdi , Arpanaei Ayyoob 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Nanotechnology is emerging as a novel strategy to increase the susceptibility of pathogens resistant to conventional antibiotics. Another effective approach is combination therapy, where multiple therapeutic agents are used simultaneously to enhance treatment efficiency. In this study, both nanoparticles-based formulation and combinatorial therapy were employed to create an effective antibacterial system targeting infectious bacteria. Lysozyme (Lys) and Vancomycin (Van) were co-loaded onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), resulting in Lys-Van-MSNs. The antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles was assessed by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC values for Lys-Van-MSNs were 0.85 µg/ml for Van and 0.168 mg/ml for Lys, indicating reductions of 86.4% and 93.7% respectively, compared to the free forms of Van and Lys. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of these antimicrobial complexes was tested using MTT, ROS, and hemolysis assays on three different human cell lines: breast, fibroblast, and AGS cells, showing negligible cytotoxic effects. Given their synergistic bactericidal properties and excellent biocompatibility, the MSNs-based formulation of combined antimicrobial agents presents a straightforward and effective approach for developing robust tools to combat bacterial infections.
E-MobileViT: A Lightweight Model for Traffic Sign Recognition
Authors: Song Shiqi , Ye Xinfeng , Manoharan Sathiamoorthy 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Traffic sign recognition is crucial for intelligent transportation and autonomous driving, ensuring road safety and efficient traffic management. In this paper, a lightweight enhanced MobileViT model (E-MobileViT) is proposed. It is based on the MobileViT model, combining the advantages of CNN and Transformer. We integrate Efficient Local Attention (ELA) and Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) mechanisms in the model to improve feature extraction. The proposed model improves the feature fusion structure, and significantly reduces the number of model parameters. We evaluated the model on German Traffic Sign Recognition Benchmark (GTSRB), Belgian Traffic Signs Database (BTSD) and China Traffic Signs Database (TSRD) datasets, and its accuracy reaches 99.61%, 99.26% and 97.34%, respectively, which outperforms traditional and advanced models. We confirmed the key role of ELA and CBAM mechanisms through ablation experiments. With fewer parameters than mainstream models, our E-MobileViT model is suitable for resource-constrained environments such as mobile devices, providing a balanced solution for traffic sign recognition tasks.
Morphological and metabolic analysis of Streptomyces rimosus microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC) at various initial organic nitrogen concentrations
Authors: Ścigaczewska Anna , Boruta Tomasz , Grzesiak Weronika , Bizukojć Marcin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The influence of talc microparticles on metabolism and morphology of S. rimosus at various initial organic nitrogen concentrations was investigated. The shake flask cultivations were conducted in the media with yeast extract (nitrogen source) concentration equal to 1 g YE L− 1 and 20 g YE L− 1. Two talc microparticle concentrations of 5 g TALC L− 1 and 10 g TALC L− 1 were tested in microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC) runs. A high nitrogen concentration of 20 g YE L− 1 promoted the development of small agglomerates (pellets) of projected area lower than 105 µm2 and dispersed pseudohyphae. A low nitrogen concentration of 1 g YE L− 1 led to the limitation of S. rimosus growth and, in consequence, the development of the smaller number of large pseudohyphal agglomerates (pellets) of projected area higher than 105 µm2 compared to the culture containing a high amount of nitrogen source. In both cases talc microparticles were embedded into pellets and caused the decrease in their sizes. The lower amount of talc (5 g TALC L− 1) usually caused the weaker effect on S. rimosus morphology and metabolite production than the higher one. This correlation between the microparticles effect on morphology and metabolism of S. rimosus was especially noticeable in the biosynthesis of oxytetracycline, 2-acetyl-2-dicarboxamide oxytetracycline (ADOTC) and spinoxazine A. Compared to the control run, in MPEC their levels increased 4-fold, 5-fold and 1.6-fold respectively. The addition of talc also improved the production of 2-methylthio-cis-zeatin, lorneic acid J and milbemycin A3.
Clinical application of CNV-Seq in the diagnosis of children with abnormal brain development in 130 cases
Authors: Zhu Shaohua , Cheng Shibing , Jia Chunyang , Lin Pengwu , Zhang Peng , Guo YuanYuan , Liu Furong , Feng Xuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background To evaluate the diagnostic value of applying genome copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) in the genetic etiology of abnormal brain development (ABD).
Methods We selected 130 ABD patients discovered in Gansu Maternal and Child Health Hospital from December 2018 to October 2023 as the research subjects, divided into non-syndrome ABD group and syndrome ABD group, performed CNV-seq testing and analyzed the genetic causes of copy number variation.
Results In the 130 cases, we detected a total of 42 abnormal samples, with an abnormal detection rate of 32.3%, included 3 cases (2.3%) of aneuploidy and 39 cases (30%) of CNVs; of which 15 cases were detected in the non-syndrome ABD group, included 1 case (6.67%, 1/15) of aneuploidy, 4 cases (26.7%，4/15) of pathogenic CNVs (pCNVs) and 10 case (66.7%，10/15) of variant of uncertain significance (VUS), and 27 cases were detected in the syndrome-type ABD group, including 2 cases (7.4%, 2/27) of aneuploidy, 19 cases (70.4%, 19/27) of pCNVs and 6 cases (22.2%, 6/27) of VUS. Chi-square test suggested that the difference in detection rate was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion In current study, the application of CNV-Seq in all ABD patient groups has a high abnormal detection rate, especially in the population of syndrome ABD, the detection rate was higher than that of non-syndrome ABD, but in the population of non-syndrome ABD patients, due to the low positive detection rate and the lack of obvious clinical phenotypes, such population were more likely to be neglected in clinical practice. Accordingly, more attention should be paid to population with non-syndrome ABD. In addition, prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling should be performed in a timely manner for these of patients.
Do wild-caught Drosophilids cooperatively forage?
Authors: Kuhar Reeves , Williamson Madeline , Yee Peyton , Naik Guzel , Cursain Sean Michael , Condron Barry 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Animals often form organized cooperative foraging groups, where individual members must adhere to specific rules to maintain cohesiveness. These groups face the challenge of managing potential intruders, who may or may not assist in foraging. In semi-liquid food environments, Drosophila larvae learn to synchronize their movements into clusters, which are thought to make feeding more efficient. Individuals who do not synchronize with the group are excluded from the cluster. Whether clustering behavior occurs in wild-caught larvae, and if so, the extent of their selectivity in group membership, remains unknown. Here, we show that clustering occurs across a number of Drosophilid species, and the capacity to join different clusters varies both between and within species. We collected and observed a larval cluster from rotting fruit in the field, yielding seven Drosophilid species. Subsequent tests for clustering on five stable lines from this collection and 20 other inbred wild-caught lines revealed that all species, except D. suzukii, exhibit clustering behavior. Each line demonstrates varying capacities to become members of different clusters. Additionally, combinations of wild species with lab benchmark strains give varied outcomes in resultant adult fitness. The ability to co-cluster varies between and within species boundaries. However, fly lines that cluster with another tend to impart fitness both to themselves and their host. Our findings demonstrate that multiple species of fly larvae can co-cluster, with variations in clustering ability likely due to genetic factors. This behavior tends to confer mutual benefits to cluster members, suggesting significant ecological implications in Drosophila communities.
Prophylactic Para-aortic lymph node dissection in Colo-Rectal cancer; pilot Study
Authors: Abdalwahab Abdalwahab R. , Abdelhamed Mohamed A , Gad Mai , Allam Rasha Mahmood , Hussein Alaa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide, representing 10% of all cancer types, and is considered the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It usually metastasizes to the liver or lung. Para-aortic lymph node metastasis is considered a metastatic disease (stage 4) according to the AJCC and is considered a regional disease (stage 3) according to the JSCCR. Para-aortic lymph node metastases occur in about 1% of cases. Neoadjuvant CTH, followed by PALN, is the best option for metastatic para-aortic LNs in colorectal cancer patients. This study addresses the value of prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection among colon-rectal cancer patients (overtreatment protocol).
Methodology: This is a prospective study that included patients attending NCI, Cairo University, from December 2020 to December 2023 who were complaining of left colonic cancer or recto-sigmoid cancer and underwent left hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy, or LAR. All patients underwent formal mesenteric LN dissection and prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection.
Results: Among 60 patients who underwent colorectal surgery with prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection, 21 cases (35%) were in the descending colon, 22 cases (36.7%) were in the sigmoid colon, 11 cases (18.3%) were in the recto-sigmoid, and 6 cases (10%) were in the upper rectum. 55 cases (91.7%) were in grade 2, and 5 cases (8.3%) were in grade 3. Neoadjuvant CTH was given in 3 cases (5%) while neoadjuvant RTH was given in 6 cases (10%). Regarding reported postoperative complications, lymphorrhea was reported in 2 patients (3.3%) and wound infection occurred in 6 patients (10%). A recurrence was reported among 8 cases (13.4%).
Conclusions: We aimed in this study to highlight the value of prophylactic para-aortic lymph node dissection among colorectal cancer patients (over-treatment protocol) and report its reflection on predicting the behavior of the disease and subsequently selecting the patients who will be suitable to do this procedure.
How many specialists and residents in Clinical Psychology are required in the Spanish National Health System? A needs-based study
Authors: Prado-Abril Javier , Fernández-García Xacobe , Barber Patricia , Vega Irene de la , Vilagrà Raül , Fernández-Jiménez Eduardo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The Spanish National Health System (NHS) faces a significant shortage of specialists in Clinical Psychology with only 5.58 per 100,000 inhabitants. This study aimed to estimate the required number of specialists and residents in Clinical Psychology to provide adequate psychological treatments to the population in the Spanish public NHS.
Methods
A needs-based model was adapted to forecast the required total number of clinical psychologists and the annual increase in the positions of residents in Clinical Psychology (PIR). This model followed five steps: 1) obtaining Spanish prevalence rates for three broad mental disorder categories (depression, anxiety, and others) from the 2017 National Health Survey (ENSE); 2) multiplying the prevalence rates by the Spanish population; 3) defining the percentage of cases eligible for treatment under three predefined scenarios (protocolized, intermediate, and adjusted); 4) operationalizing the characteristics of the three treatment scenarios (session number and duration); and 5) calculating the total number of specialists and the annual increase required of residents in Clinical Psychology.
Results
Depending on the treatment scenario, the estimations show a need for Clinical Psychology specialists ranging from 1,665 to 13,527 for treating depressive disorders, 1,792 to 9,799 for anxiety disorders, and 2,074 to 8,294 clinical psychologists specifically for other mental disorders. On the other hand, depending on the treatment scenario and the timeframe to achieve the number of professionals estimated (within 3, 5, 8, or 10 years), for example, to achieve those estimations of professionals within three years, and according to the adjusted treatment scenario, the Spanish health system should offer approximately 481 PIR positions yearly during three years.
Conclusions
A significant increase in the number of PIR positions is necessary to meet the growing demand for psychological treatment in the Spanish NHS. Investing in a mental health workforce can lead to substantial health and economic benefits. This study provides valuable insights for workforce planning and highlights the importance of addressing the shortage of clinical psychologists in Spanish public NHS.
Programmable Protein Stabilization with Language Model-Derived Peptide Guides
Authors: Hong Lauren , Ye Tianzheng , Wang Tian , Sri Divya , Zhao Lin , Watson Rio , Vincoff Sophia , Chen Tianlai , Kholina Kseniia , Goel Shrey , DeLisa Matthew , Chatterjee Pranam 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Dysregulated protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway can induce numerous disease phenotypes, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and diabetes. Stabilizing improperly ubiquitinated proteins via target-specific deubiquitination is thus a critical therapeutic goal. Building off the major advances in targeted protein degradation (TPD) using bifunctional small-molecule degraders, targeted protein stabilization (TPS) modalities have been described recently. However, these rely on a limited set of chemical linkers and warheads, which are difficult to generate de novo for new targets and do not exist for classically “undruggable” targets. To address the limited reach of small molecule-based degraders, we previously engineered ubiquibodies (uAbs) by fusing computationally-designed “guide” peptides to E3 ubiquitin ligase domains for modular, CRISPR-analogous TPD. Here, we expand the TPS target space by engineering “deubiquibodies” (duAbs) via fusion of computationally-designed guides to the catalytic domain of the potent OTUB1 deubiquitinase. In human cells, duAbs effectively stabilize exogenous and endogenous proteins in a DUB-dependent manner. To demonstrate duAb modularity, we swap in new target-binding peptides designed via our generative language models to stabilize diverse target proteins, including key tumor suppressor proteins such as p53 and WEE1, as well as heavily-disordered fusion oncoproteins, such as PAX3::FOXO1. In total, our duAb system represents a simple, programmable, CRISPR-analogous strategy for TPS.
A W chromosome-derived feminizing piRNA in pyralid moths demonstrates convergent evolution for primary sex determination signals in Lepidoptera
Authors: Visser Sander , Provazníková Irena , Dalíková Martina , Voříšková Dagmar , Voleníková Anna Chung , Verhulst Eveline C. , Marec František 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The primary signals of sex determination in insects are diverse and evolve erratically. This also appears to be the case with moths and butterflies. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, female development is triggered by a W-linked Feminizer (Fem) piRNA by degrading the mRNA of the Z-linked Masculinizer (Masc) gene, which controls male development. However, Fem piRNA is absent in the related Trilocha varians. Since a mechanism similar to that in the silkworm has evolved in the phylogenetically distant Plutella xylostella, we investigated whether this mechanism is also conserved in other groups of Lepidoptera.
Results
We examined the W chromosome of Ephestia kuehniella for non-coding feminizing genes and identified a putative feminizing piRNA and many partial copies of the EkMasc gene. The piRNA is generated by a repetitive W-linked sequence named E. kuehniella Moth-overruler-of-masculinization (EkMom). EkMom piRNA shows high similarity to a region of the Z-linked EkMasc genes and is expressed at the onset of female development, suggesting that it is likely the primary trigger of sex determination. We then mapped small RNA-seq data from embryos of the related Plodia interpunctella to the PiMasc gene and identified a single small RNA, a putative PiMom piRNA, able to target PiMasc, and with high sequence identity to EkMom piRNA. Both the PiMom and EkMom repeats are present in high copy number and form a single cluster on the W chromosome.
Conclusions
Our study provides multiple lines of evidence that a small piRNA is the putative primary sex-determining signal in two pyralid moths and highlights a possible pathway for the origin of feminizing piRNAs in Lepidoptera. A similarity between the proposed mechanism for female sex determination in E. kuehniella and P. interpunctella (Pyralidae) and P. xylostella (Plutellidae) and the Fem piRNA function in B. mori (Bombycidae) suggests convergent evolution of feminizing piRNAs in Lepidoptera.
Conservation genetic evaluation of Juniperus communis sensu lato (ssp. communis, ssp. nana and ssp. communis var. intermedia) in Slovakia
Authors: Klobučník Miroslav , Kormuťák Andrej , Jurčík Ján , Galgóci Martin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The study investigates the population structure, hybridization, and adaptation of Juniperus communis sensu lato in the context of recent habitat fragmentation across Europe, using inter-Primer Binding Site (iPBS) markers and needle morphometry. Three operational taxonomic units, all native to Slovakia, are analyzed: J. communis ssp. communis, J. communis ssp. nana, and their putative hybrid, J. communis ssp. communis var. intermedia. The results show a moderate overall structure (𝛷𝑃𝑇=0.115, 𝑝=0.001), indicating high gene flow within ssp. communis and low gene flow between ssp. communis and ssp. nana. However, the inter-subspecies differentiation dropped significantly after correcting for non-neutral loci, which implies adaptive divergence despite substantial gene flow. This conclusion is further supported by admixture regression and 𝛷𝑃𝑇-𝑄𝑆𝑇 comparison. In needle morphometry, we find genetic differentiation by selection to be relatively important compared to phenotypic plasticity. This can be highly relevant for conservation measures due to the risk of outbreeding depression. Finally, we identify var. intermedia as the hybrid of the two subspecies, suggesting it as an evolutionary significant unit.