bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Nexus between Financial Development and Carbon Emission in OIC Countries
Authors: Fajri Mohammad Zen Nasrudin , Amal Ikhsanul , Delawari Abdul Fareed , Suminto Ahmad 
Published: July 2024

Economic activities are important factors for the development of countries. However, many countries give too much importance to the economy without paying attention to the country's environment as a result of ongoing economic activities, such as industrial, electricity production, transportation, and commercial and residential which can cause environmental degradation with the spread of CO2 carbon dioxide emissions. The growth of a financial sector that supports those economic activities is considered the driver of carbon emissions at the macro level. However, Islam teaches Muslims to avoid corruption on earth including those leading to the rise in carbon emissions. This makes Muslim-majority countries have better concern in dealing with carbon emissions. This study aims to analyze the influences of financial institution index (FII) and financial market index (FII) on carbon dioxide emissions in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member nations. Using the GMM estimator for a panel dataset of 36 countries between 2000 and 2021, this study unravels that the FII significantly increased carbon emissions in OIC countries. In reverse, FMI contributed to the reduction of carbon emissions in OIC countries. This paper recommends the government set regulations for banking sectors to improve eco-friendly credits for the private sector. It is also recommended that the government enrich the issuance of green securities and strengthen the financial market because it is effective in minimizing carbon emissions.
Changes in neuroinflammatory biomarkers correlate with disease severity and neuroimaging alterations in patients with COVID-19 neurological complications.
Authors: Barros-Aragão Fernanda G. Q. , Pinto Talita P. , Carregari Victor C. , Rezende Nathane B. S. , Pinheiro Thaís L. , Reis-de-Oliveira Guilherme , Cabral-Castro Mauro J. , Queiroz Daniel C. , Fonseca Paula L. C. , Gonçalves Alessandro L. , de Freitas Gabriel R. , Sudo Felipe K. , Mattos Paulo , Bozza Fernando A. , Rodrigues Erika C. , Aguiar Renato S. , Rodrigues Rosana S. , Brandão Carlos O. , Souza Andrea S. , Martins-de-Souza Daniel , De Felice Fernanda G. , Tovar-Moll Fernanda F. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

COVID-19 induces acute and persistent neurological symptoms in mild and severe cases. Proposed concomitant mechanisms include direct viral infection and strain, coagulopathy, hypoxia, and neuroinflammation. However, underlying molecular alterations associated with multiple neurological outcomes in both mild and severe cases are majorly unexplored. To illuminate possible mechanisms leading to COVID-19 neurological disease, we retrospectively investigated in detail a cohort of 35 COVID-19 mild and severe hospitalized patients presenting neurological alterations subject to clinically indicated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. Clinical and neurological investigation, brain imaging, viral sequencing, and cerebrospinal CSF analyses were carried out. We found that COVID-19 patients presented heterogeneous neurological symptoms dissociated from lung burden. Nasal swab viral sequencing revealed a dominant strain at the time of the study, and we could not detect traces of SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein in patients’ CSF by multiple reaction monitoring analysis. Patients presented ubiquitous systemic hyper-inflammation and broad alterations in CSF proteomics related to inflammation, innate immunity, and hemostasis, irrespective of COVID-19 severity or neuroimaging alterations. Elevated CSF interleukin-6 (IL6) correlated with disease severity (sex-, age-, and comorbidity-adjusted mean Severe 24.5 pg/ml, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.62–62.23 vs. Mild 3.91 pg/mL CI 1.5–10.3 patients, p = 0.019). CSF tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and IL6 levels were higher in patients presenting pronounced neuroimaging alterations compared to those who did not (sex-, age-, and comorbidity-adjusted mean TNFα Pronounced 3.4, CI 2.4–4.4 vs. Non-Pronounced 2.0, CI 1.4–2.5, p = 0.022; IL6 Pronounced 33.11, CI 8.89-123.31 vs Non-Pronounced 6.22, CI 2.9-13.34, p = 0.046). Collectively, our findings put neuroinflammation as a possible driver of COVID-19 acute neurological disease in mild and severe cases.
Biosynthesis of unnatural polyisoprenes by engineered prenyltransferases on rubber particles
Authors: Takahashi Seiji , Suenaga-Hiromori Miki , Ishii Tomoki , Khan Nadia Nur Shazana Binti Abu Talib , Mikami Tomoyo , Takahashi Tomohiro , Minakawa Chiho , Yanbe Fumihiro , Waki Toshiyuki , Nakayama Toru , Imaizumi Riki , Yanai Taro , Kataoka Kunishige , Yamashita Satoshi , Takeshita Kohei , Matsuura Hiroaki , Sakai Naoki , Yamamoto Masaki , Yamaguchi Haruhiko , Miyagi-Inoue Yukino , Fushihara Kazuhisa , Tozawa Yuzuru 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Natural rubber (NR) is a sustainable biopolymer consisting mainly of cis-1,4-polyisoprene. Modifying an NR biosynthetic enzyme is a promising strategy to bioproduce novel polymers. Here, we have elucidated the NR biosynthetic mechanism and successfully developed novel enzymes that synthesise NR-sized polyisoprenes with unnatural substrates. NR is synthesised by a cis-prenyltransferase (cPT) on rubber particles (RPs), NR-harbouring lipid monolayer membrane organelles. However, the key to NR biosynthesis is not specialised cPTs, but the proper arrangement of cPTs on RPs since cPTs from various non-NR-producing organisms, such as humans, synthesise NR when introduced into the RPs. A tomato cPT, which condenses only one isoprene unit, was engineered to synthesise novel NR-sized polyisoprenes with artificial substrates by modifying residues for product size determination. Furthermore, the introduction of a modified trans-prenyltransferase into RPs led to the synthesis of NR-sized trans-1,4-polyisoprenes. This RP system could be used as a versatile platform for enzymatic polyisoprenoid synthesis.
Automating adjoint sensitivity analysis for multidisciplinary models involving partial differential equations
Authors: Xiang Ru , Schie Sebastiaan P. C. van , Scotzniovsky Luca , Yan Jiayao , Kamensky David , Hwang John T. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We present a general framework for incorporating partial differential equation (PDE)- based models into gradient-based optimization of multidisciplinary systems by integrating FEniCSx with the recently-developed Computational System Design Language (CSDL). CSDL is a domain specific language designed to facilitate adjoint sensitivity analysis multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO). We use CSDL’s abstractions to link together sub-models representing different disciplines, not all of which are necessarily modeled by PDEs. For the subsystems which are modeled by PDEs, we use FEniCSx to compute partial derivatives of problem residuals, which CSDL can combine with derivatives from other disciplines using the chain rule and the adjoint method. The development of this framework is motivated by the problem of optimizing designs of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft where, due to the relative novelty of this class of vehicle, there is currently a large, unexplored design space. Predicting the performance of eVTOL aircraft requires PDE-based modeling of various sub-problems, including electric motors, composite shell structures, and thermoelasticity and electrochemistry of battery packs. For system-level analysis and optimization, these must be coupled to non-PDE components, such as low-fidelity aerodynamic models, geometric design tools, and lumped-parameter battery and circuit models. In this work, we demonstrate the modeling flexibility and efficiency of this framework through classic optimal control and topology optimization problems with known solutions, and also challenging eVTOL-related applications including shape optimization of an electric motor, and aeroelastic coupling for gust response of an eVTOL wing. Given the generality of this framework, we expect it to facilitate research on a wide-range of PDEconstrained MDO problems beyond eVTOL applications.
A consensus conceptual model of meaningful symptoms and functional impacts in early Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mammen Jennifer , Adams Jamie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
A comprehensive, widely-accepted, patient-centered conceptual model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is needed to improve therapeutic development and guide selection of relevant endpoints.
Objectives
To develop an evidence-based conceptual model of early PD, defined as <3 years since clinical diagnosis, that meets the needs of all relevant stakeholders, including people with PD, researchers, clinicians, industry, and regulators.
Method
A multi-stakeholder taskforce and patient advisory panel oversaw the systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies using JBI Mixed Methods Review criteria and GRADE-CERQual standards for assessment of evidence quality, with iterative taskforce and advisory meetings to develop the model.
Results
More than 340 symptoms and impacts were identified from 38 unique study samples. These were grouped into 10 symptom domains (Movement, Cognitive, Psychiatric, Sleep, Sensory, Speech, Digestive, Urinary, Sexual, Autonomic) and two impact domains (Physical functioning, Psychosocial functioning). Synthesis of findings tables (SOFT) indicate that a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms are prevalent and bothersome in early PD, with strongest evidence for tremor, dexterity, gait, stiffness, and slow movements, as well as cognitive changes (e.g., word finding issues), mood and sleep alterations, urinary dysfunction, constipation, pain, and fatigue. These commonly affected mobility, self-concept, coping, effort of living, interpersonal interactions and important activities, with evidence of many understudied impacts.
Conclusion
This consensus-based conceptual model of early PD provides the most comprehensive catalogue of meaningful symptoms and functional impacts to date. The model and SOFT offer evidence-based tools for identification of concepts of interest to define endpoints for clinical trials.
m6A reader IGF2BP2-stabilized lncRNA LHX1-DT inhibits renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell proliferation and invasion by sponging miR-590-5p
Authors: Wang Kefeng , Zhu Chunming , Li Ruiming , You Xiangyun , Xu Jie , Wang Jiahe , Dong Dan , Chen Xiaonan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been validated to play a vital role in human cancers. However, the modulation of m6A modification on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LHX1-DT is still unknown.
Methods: The m6A levels of RCC tissues and cell lines were detected by colorimetry assay. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and m6A levels were identified by microarray analysis. Functional assays were designed to verify the impacts of lncRNA LHX1-DT (LHX1-DT) on RCC cell proliferation and invasion. The interaction between insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) and LHX1-DT was detected by RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays.
Results: LHX1-DT was downregulated in RCC tissues and decreased LHX1-DT expression predicted poor overall survival in RCC patients. Functional experiments uncovered that LHX1-DT overexpression dramatically inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. Mechanistically, METTL14-mediated m6A reader IGF2BP2 could recognize the m6A modification site of LHX1-DT and enhance its stability. LHX1-DT functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-590-5p, leading to the downregulation of the target programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4) to promote RCC cell proliferation and invasion.
Conclusions: LHX1-DT is an independent prognostic biomarker for RCC. The IGF2BP2/LHX1-DT/miR-590-5p/PDCD4 axis inhibits the progression and is a novel therapeutic target.
Exploring the impact of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from Lantana camara L. on alleviating heat stress in wheat
Authors: Kapoor Neelesh , Agrawal Ankit , Kumar Prafulla , Kumar Ravindra , Sengar Rakesh Singh , Gangwar L. K. , Kumar Pankaj , Dixit Rekha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Wheat faces escalating vulnerability to heat stress as a consequence of climate change, resulting in a substantial annual loss of up to 30% in global wheat productivity. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising frontier, with the potential to revolutionize agriculture across various stages, from seed priming to post-harvest storage. In this study, biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from Lantana camara leaf extracts was evaluated on growth, morphological, bio physiochemical and molecular parameters in four wheat genotypes. The application of ZnO-NPs, particularly at a concentration of 100 ppm, significantly improved various seed growth parameters and total protein content. Genetic analyses unveiled substantial variability among wheat genotypes under both non-stress and heat-stress conditions. Heritability and genetic advance estimates underscored spike length and grain yield as promising traits. Moreover, genotypic and phenotypic correlations revealed intricate relationships between agronomic traits, providing valuable insights for targeted breeding strategies. Path analysis elucidated the direct and indirect contributions of traits to grain yield, emphasizing the significance of biomass, effective tillers per plant, and spike length. Physiological and biochemical responses indicated that ZnO-NPs alleviated the adverse effects of heat stress on chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, relative water content, and cellular membrane stability. Simultaneously, ZnO-NPs enhanced proline, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Gene expression analysis of heat shock proteins (HSP17, Hsp23, and Hsp70) in heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive genotypes under various heat shock treatments revealed distinct responses, with HSP17 exhibiting the highest expression in PBW226 under stress conditions. Overall, this research showcases the potential of biogenic ZnO-NPs to enhance wheat resilience in the face of climate change, highlighting nanotechnology's pivotal role in modern agriculture and its contribution to global food security.
Hydro-mechanical theoretical solutions of supported noncircular excavated in deep elastic ground
Authors: Wang E. T. , Wang H. N. , Song F. , Jia X. C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study provides a general analytical approach to predict the stresses and displacements of deep noncircular tunnels excavated in saturated elastic ground, considering the hydro-mechanical coupling, the interaction between rock and liner, and arbitrary tunnel shapes. The complex variable theory is innovatively extended to solve the seepage fields for noncircular supported tunnels in both surrounding rocks and liner fields. After that, coupled hydro-mechanical solutions of stresses and displacements can be determined by considering the influence of seepage flow on the mechanical responses. Furthermore, stability analyses of supported tunnels are conducted in the hydro-mechanical coupled framework, incorporating the effect of seepage flow. As a verification, a good agreement is observed between stress and displacement fields obtained from the current analytical solutions and numerical simulations. Then, parametric analyses are performed to assess how variations in tunnel shape, liner permeability, and liner thickness influence the mechanical behaviours of supported tunnels. Meanwhile, by employing the Mohr-Coulomb strength criterion, an expression of equivalent stress is proposed to assess the potential failure behaviour of supported tunnels in the entire process of excavation and operation stages. This study provides high potential of application to a number of relevant case studies, such as tunnelling below the water table.
Transformer-based modeling of Clonal Selection and Expression Dynamics (TraCSED) reveals resistance signatures in breast cancer
Authors: Hafner Marc , Maulding Nathan , Zou Jun , Zhou Wei , Metcalfe Ciara , Stuart Joshua , Ye Xin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Understanding transcriptional heterogeneity in cancer cells and its implication for treatment response is critical to identify how resistance occurs and may be targeted. Such heterogeneity can be captured by in vitro studies through clonal barcoding methods. We present TraCSED (Transformer-based modeling of Clonal Selection and Expression Dynamics), a dynamic deep learning approach for modeling clonal selection. Using single-cell gene expression and the fitness of barcoded clones, TraCSED identifies interpretable gene programs and the timepoints at which they are associated with clonal selection. When applied to cells treated with either giredestrant, an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist and degrader, or palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, time-dependent resistance pathways are revealed. For example, ER activity is associated with positive selection around day four under palbociclib treatment and this adaptive response can be suppressed by combining the drugs. Yet, in the combination treatment, one clone still emerged. Clustering based on partial least squares regression found that high baseline expression of both SNHG25 and SNCG genes was the primary marker of positive selection to co-treatment and thus potentially associated with innate resistance – an aspect that traditional differential analysis methods missed. In conclusion, TraCSED enables associating pathways with phenotypes in a time-dependent manner from scRNA-seq data.
Evidence of Partial Artemisinin Resistance in Malaria Endemic Lake Region, Busia County, Western, Kenya
Authors: Makau Mark , Kanoi Bernard N. , Mgawe Calvin , Maina Michael , Too Edwin , Naruse Taeko , Abkallo Hussein , Waweru Harrison , Adung’o Ferdinand , Kaneko Osamu , Gitaka Jesse 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Malaria remains a key health and economic problem particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The emergence of artemisinin resistance (ART-R) parasite strains poses a serious threat to the control and elimination of this scourge. This is because ART remains the first-line treatment drug in the majority of malaria-endemic regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. P. falciparum ART resistance has been linked to mutations in the Kelch – 13 propeller gene (k13) of the Plasmodium falciparum. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the K-13 region have been associated with delayed parasite clearance in vivo and in vitro. These mutations serve as vital molecular markers for tracking the emergence and dispersion of resistance. Recently, there have been increasing reports of the emergence and spread of P. falciparum ART-R parasites in the Eastern Africa region. This necessitates continued surveillance to best inform mitigation efforts. This study investigated the presence of K-13 mutations in the parasite population in Busia County, Kenya, a known malaria-endemic region. Two hundred twenty-six participants with microscopically confirmed uncomplicated malaria were recruited for this study. They were put under directly observed treatment with Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL), and microscopy repeated after 24 hours. P. falciparum DNA from samples showing the lowest 24-hour relative parasite clearance underwent targeted amplification of the K-13 gene using a semi-nested PCR approach, followed by Sanger sequencing. The recently validated ART-R nonsynonymous mutation C469Y was identified in 3% (n = 3) of the samples suggesting it could have had an impact on clinical parasite clearance 24 hours post-AL administration. Our findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of AL resistance in western Kenya and the region to determine the spread of ART-R and inform containment.
Sexual and reproductive health interventions for adolescents in Niger: Historical overview and stakeholder profile Health
Authors: Ibrahim Nassirou , Silva Roxane Borgès Da , Diarra Aïssa , Agyepong Irene Akua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
In many developing countries such as Niger, a variety of interventions have been implemented to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Nevertheless, the reality is that the levels of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) indicators remain critical in these countries. Unfortunately, very few studies have examined the reasons why these interventions fail. This study aimed to improve the knowledge on this topic. Specifically, it described the history of ASRH interventions and examined the profile of the actors who contributed to the emergence of these interventions in Niger.
Methods
A literature review was first conducted covering the period 1975–2021. Then, individual interviews were conducted with 46 actors involved in the process of designing, financing, and implementing ASRH interventions in Niger. For the data analysis, a descriptive historical approach was carried out using an analysis grid to exploit the information collected. Qualitative data were transcribed and coded using Nvivo 12 software, and a content analysis was carried out.
Conclusion
Several interventions have been implemented to improve the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in Niger since 1994, but their impact is questionable.
Functional Connectivity Changes in Human Brain Networks from 2 Hz Rhythmic Muscle Contraction to the Hand: A pilot study
Authors: Stauber William , McGaughey Tyler , Evans Nick , Chaffin Alyssa , Snyder Sean , Webster Paula J. , Sizemore Gina , Brefczynski-Lewis Julie A. , Lewis James W. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

For patients undergoing prolonged bed rest, inactivity results in a decline in multiple physiological systems that can be attenuated by physical exercise in the hospital such as walking. In addition, non-voluntary activation of skeletal muscles can produce some benefits similar to walking. We hypothesize that rhythmical muscle stimulation of small muscles of the hand, in contrast to sensory stimulation of the skin, will lead to patterns of functional connectivity in the brain that reflect central mechanisms behind some of the physiological benefits afforded by exercise. Using a 2x2 design, healthy participants (age 21 to 31) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) immediately before and after a45 minute treatment with either muscle stimulation (2 Hz) or skin stimulation (100 Hz) to the left hand. Six of eight participants responded to the rhythmical muscle contractions in a manner consistent with endorphin release. Functional connectivity data were analyzed using CONN toolbox software. Relative to skin stimulation, rhythmic muscle stimulation led to significant differences in connectivity with regions associated with the autonomic and limbic systems, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, periaqueductal grey, thalamus, basal ganglia, plus insulae and cingulate cortices. In addition, the rhythmic muscle stimulation led to changes in several previously identified resting state networks. In conclusion, distinct networks of the human central nervous system appear to play roles in the outcomes reported for therapeutic use of rhythmical muscle stimulation of hand muscles. These outcomes support the use and future development of similar treatment protocols for bedridden patients or people unable to engage in daily exercise.