bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple myeloma: clinical characteristics, current therapies and emerging innovative treatments targeting ribosome biogenesis dynamics
Authors: Elbahoty Mohamed H. , Papineni Bhavyasree , Samant Rajeev S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a clinical disorder characterized by aberrant plasma cell growth in the bone marrow microenvironment. Globally, the prevalence of MM has been steadily increasing at an alarming rate. In the United States, more than 30,000 cases will be diagnosed in 2024 and it accounts for about 2% of cancer diagnoses and more than 2% of cancer deaths, more than double the worldwide figure. Both symptomatic and active MM are distinguished by uncontrolled plasma cell growth, which results in severe renal impairment, anemia, hypercalcemia, and bone loss. Multiple drugs have been approved by the FDA and are now widely used in clinical practice for MM. Although triplet and quadruplet induction regimens, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and maintenance treatment are used, MM continues to be an incurable illness characterized by relapses that may occur at various phases of its progression. MM patients with frailty, extramedullary disease, plasma cell leukemia, central nervous system recurrence, functional high risk, and the elderly are among those with the greatest current unmet needs. The high cost of care is an additional challenge. MM cells are highly protein secretary cells and thus are dependent on the activation of certain translation pathways. MM also has a high chance of altering ribosomal protein-encoding genes like MYC mutation. In this article we discuss the importance of ribosome biogenesis in promoting MM and RNA polymerase I inhibition as an upcoming treatment with potential promise for MM patients.
Graphical abstract
External facilitators’ practical work for school improvement: de-professionalising or developing improvement capacity?
Authors: Nehez Jaana , Håkansson Lindqvist Marcia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article explores external facilitation for school improvement; more specifically, it examines the practical work of external facilitators. It is based on a Swedish case in which facilitators at the Swedish National Agency for Education support low-performing schools. The article aims to develop knowledge about how external facilitators in their practical work both promote and prevent developed understanding and improvement capacity. Based on observations and documents, facilitators’ endeavours and critical situations in their work to support school improvement are identified. The findings show five different endeavours to promote development of understanding and improvement capacity. However, they also show how taking ownership, simplification, and model focus, three of five identified recurring critical situations, prevent such development. The conclusion is that there are several aspects for external facilitators to balance to promote school improvement and turn around low-performing schools. When planning for external facilitation, it is important to consider how the facilitators’ practical work can be adapted to the local contexts of those who are facilitated in order to promote their ownership of the processes. Without balance and adaptation, external facilitation can lead to deprofessionalisation instead of development of improvement capacity.
Error Estimates and Adaptivity of the Space-Time Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Solving the Richards Equation
Authors: Dolejší Vít , Shin Hyun-Geun , Vlasák Miloslav 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe present a higher-order space-time adaptive method for the numerical solution of the Richards equation that describes a flow motion through variably saturated media. The discretization is based on the space-time discontinuous Galerkin method, which provides high stability and accuracy and can naturally handle varying meshes. We derive reliable and efficient a posteriori error estimates in the residual-based norm. The estimates use well-balanced spatial and temporal flux reconstructions which are constructed locally over space-time elements or space-time patches. The accuracy of the estimates is verified by numerical experiments. Moreover, we develop the hp-adaptive method and demonstrate its efficiency and usefulness on a practically relevant example.
Sonochemical Facile Synthesis of Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles Using Citrus Lemon Extract and Its Catalytic Activity on Azo Dye Degradation
Authors: Dinesh G. Kumaravel , Saranya R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of bismuth oxide nanoparticles through sono-cavitation using citrus lemon extract as a simple, eco-friendly and cost-efficient method was evaluated. The aqueous extract of citrus lemon acted as a bio-reducing and capping/stabilizing agent in the single-step biosynthesis of bismuth oxide nanoparticles. Different instrumental techniques have been used to characterize the biosynthesized bismuth oxide nanoparticles, including UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). UV–vis spectroscopy revealed the formation of stable bismuth oxide nanoparticles at λmax of 400 nm with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band. TEM revealed that the biosynthesized bismuth oxide nanoparticles were rod shaped with a particle size of 26 nm. A potential mechanism for the formation of bismuth oxide nanoparticles with the influence of sono-cavitation has been suggested based on the observed findings. These catalytic capabilities of the bio-synthesized bismuth oxide nanoparticles were then evaluated by degradation of toxic azo dyes under different laboratory conditions. The azo dye Congo red (CR) was effectively degraded to 86% within 30 min under optimum experimental conditions using 0.12 g/mL catalyst. Thus, the phytochemical citrus lemon offers a cheap and eco-friendly solution for the synthesis of catalytic nanoparticles to degrade highly toxic organic compounds such as azo dyes.
Graphical Abstract
Performance of two different artificial intelligence (AI) methods for assessing carpal bone age compared to the standard Greulich and Pyle method
Authors: Alaimo Davide , Terranova Maria Chiara , Palizzolo Ettore , De Angelis Manfredi , Avella Vittorio , Paviglianiti Giuseppe , Lo Re Giuseppe , Matranga Domenica , Salerno Sergio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Evaluate the agreement between bone age assessments conducted by two distinct machine learning system and standard Greulich and Pyle method.

Materials and methods
Carpal radiographs of 225 patients (mean age 8 years and 10 months, SD = 3 years and 1 month) were retrospectively analysed at two separate institutions (October 2018 and May 2022) by both expert radiologists and radiologists in training as well as by two distinct AI software programmes, 16-bit AItm and BoneXpert® in a blinded manner.

Results
The bone age range estimated by the 16-bit AItm system in our sample varied between 1 year and 1 month and 15 years and 8 months (mean bone age 9 years and 5 months SD = 3 years and 3 months). BoneXpert® estimated bone age ranged between 8 months and 15 years and 7 months (mean bone age 8 years and 11 months SD = 3 years and 3 months). The average bone age estimated by the Greulich and Pyle method was between 11 months and 14 years, 9 months (mean bone age 8 years and 4 months SD = 3 years and 3 months). Radiologists’ assessments using the Greulich and Pyle method were significantly correlated (Pearson’s r > 0.80, p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between BoneXpert® and 16-bit AItm (mean difference = − 0.19, 95%CI = (− 0.45; 0.08)), and the agreement between two measurements varies between − 3.45 (95%CI = (− 3.95; − 3.03) and 3.07 (95%CI − 3.03; 3.57).

Conclusions
Both AI methods and GP provide correlated results, although the measurements made by AI were closer to each other compared to the GP method.
An investigation into General Practitioners’ experience with Long Covid
Authors: Farrell Aisling , O’Flynn James , Jennings Aisling 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Long Covid (LC) is the continuation or development of new symptoms after initial COVID-19 infection. Little is known about General Practitioners’ (GP) experience of managing patients with LC.

Aims
The aim of this study is to establish GP experiences with LC.

Methods
A survey was designed and piloted in three training practices prior to distribution. The survey was completed by doctors working in GP training scheme practices in Cork, Ireland.

Results
Fifty-three of one hundred and sixty invited GPs completed the survey, indicating a 33% response rate. 8% (4/53) of participants agreed and 0% (0/53) strongly agreed with the statement they were “confident in diagnosing Long Covid”. 81% (43/53) were not confident in treating patients with LC. 70% (37/53) were unaware of indications for referral to secondary care. 38% (20/53) were aware of the referral pathways to local LC clinics. 93% (49/53) agreed there were educational deficits regarding LC.

Conclusions
There was a lack of confidence in the diagnosis and management of LC, and in the interface with secondary care. There is demand for educational interventions to assist GPs with their care of patients with this emerging condition.
Composite coatings from polycarbosilane derived SiC and Al/SiC cermet active fillers as protective barriers against steel corrosion
Authors: Valerio-Rodríguez María F. , González Luis A. , Mata-Padilla José M. , López-Honorato Eddie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStainless steel is used throughout the world as a structural material. However, it undergoes corrosion damage when exposed to extremely corrosive media, such as the marine environment. An alternative to solve this problem lies in the development of coatings that can withstand extreme conditions but also be easily deposited with inherently corrosion-resistant materials such as silicon carbide (SiC). The present study shows a simple method to produce Al/SiC cermet powders by attrition milling. The resulting cermet powders with a metallic matrix and hemispherical morphology, were employed as fillers in polycarbosilane (PCS) solutions that were sprayed on A304 stainless steel substrates. Al/SiC composite coatings were produced after heating the sprayed suspensions at 700 °C for 1 h in Ar atmosphere. The resulting composite coatings exhibited low surface energies (< 35 mN/m), water contact angles of 53°, and adhesion strength of up to 30 MPa. Finally, corrosion tests were performed in a cyclic corrosion test chamber, showing that these coatings effectively reduced the corrosion rate of stainless steel by 87%, reaching corrosion rate values of 0.007 g/cm2 year.
Multiomics and machine learning-based analysis of pancancer pseudouridine modifications
Authors: Zhang Jiheng , Xu Lei , Yan Xiuwei , Hu Jiahe , Gao Xin , Zhao Hongtao , Geng Mo , Wang Nan , Hu Shaoshan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPseudouridine widely affects the stability and function of RNA. However, our knowledge of pseudouridine properties in tumors is incomplete. We systematically analyzed pseudouridine synthases (PUSs) expression, genomic aberrations, and prognostic features in 10907 samples from 33 tumors. We found that the pseudouridine-associated pathway was abnormal in tumors and affected patient prognosis. Dysregulation of the PUSs expression pattern may arise from copy number variation (CNV) mutations and aberrant DNA methylation. Functional enrichment analyses determined that the PUSs expression was closely associated with the MYC, E2F, and MTORC1 signaling pathways. In addition, PUSs are involved in the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in solid tumors, such as kidney and lung cancers. Particularly in lung cancer, increased expression of PUSs is accompanied by increased immune checkpoint expression and Treg infiltration. The best signature model based on more than 112 machine learning combinations had good prognostic ability in ACC, DLBC, GBM, KICH, MESO, THYM, TGCT, and PRAD tumors, and is expected to guide immunotherapy for 19 tumor types. The model was also effective in identifying patients with tumors amenable to etoposide, camptothecin, cisplatin, or bexarotene treatment. In conclusion, our work highlights the dysregulated features of PUSs and their role in the TME and patient prognosis, providing an initial molecular basis for future exploration of pseudouridine. Studies targeting pseudouridine are expected to lead to the development of potential diagnostic strategies and the evaluation and improvement of antitumor therapies.
Othering and Marginalizing the “Queer” in Rwanda: Findings from Public Perceptions and Lived Experiences of LGBT People
Authors: Stojanovski K. , Igonya E. K. , Gutabarwa L. T , Otukpa E. , Mutuku E. , Ushie B. A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The multidimensionality of stigma that LGBT people experience globally necessitates research to explore the processes at work. The study aimed to quantify the level of othering and explore the process of LGBT othering in Rwanda.

Methods
We conducted a sequential cross-sectional mixed-methods study of LGBT lived experiences in Rwanda. We recruited 499 participants to complete the LGBT-specific survey and 1254 for the non-LGBT survey. We conducted 16 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with non-LGBT participants. For LGBT participants, we completed six focus groups with 59 participants, six in-depth interviews, and three digital storytelling interviews. For the quantitative surveys, we conducted multivariable linear regressions and reported beta coefficients and 95% confidence interval estimates examining LGBT discrimination (LGBT survey) and attitudes toward LGBT (non-LGBT survey). We used deductive and inductive thematic and narrative analysis to analyze the qualitative data.

Results
In adjusted analyses of the non-LGBT survey, as compared to those who knew zero LGBT persons, persons who knew more than five had lower negative attitude scores (β =  − 1.3, 95% CI − 2.2, − 0.5), while the score was lower for those that knew one to five (− 0.2), it was not significant (95% CI − 0.8, 0.5). In the LGBT survey, adjusted analyses indicated that there was no significant difference found in discrimination between bisexual, gay, or lesbian participants. However, as compared to cisgender participants, transgender participants had discrimination scores that were 2.1 points higher (95% CI 1.1, 3.0), and gender non-confirming individuals had scores that were one point higher (95% CI 0.2, 1.9). The qualitative findings showcased how societal “othering” occurs in the everyday life of LGBT Rwandans, with large ramifications in creating feelings of isolation and hampering one’s capacity to live authentically and with dignity.

Conclusion
The findings from our study indicate a high level of othering of the LGBT community across multiple domains, including housing, employment, healthcare, education, religion, and family within Rwanda.

Policy Implications
The findings highlight the importance of social education campaigns about LGBT people, particularly among vital societal role-holders, including healthcare providers and educators. Integrating the rich historical and indigenous culture related to LGBT could be successful in combating anti-West rhetoric.
Investigating corrosion-induced deterioration in bolted steel plate joints using guided wave ultrasonic inspection
Authors: Shah Jay Kumar , Majhi Subhra , Mukherjee Abhijit , Wang Hao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBolted steel plate joints encounter challenges posed by joint corrosion, which impact the quality of interfacial contact among the bolted components. Unfortunately, no correlation between corrosion-induced joint damage and preload, nor an existing numerical model capable of capturing such effects, has been identified. This study aims to utilize guided wave ultrasonic investigation to examine the deterioration of interfacial contact caused by corrosion in bolted joints. Additionally, a contact modification-based numerical approach is presented to capture the effects of changing interfacial stress during joint corrosion. Guided wave mode selection was conducted with some preliminary experiments supplemented with the theory of wave mode dispersion, hence leading to the selection of S0 and A0 mode existing at 300 kHz. The joint was then corroded in a controlled manner using an electrochemical process while simultaneous ultrasonic measurements were taken. The experimental observations highlighted the progressive dispersion in the transmitted A0 mode across the bolted joint, potentially due to changing interfacial stress boundaries between the plates. A damage parameter, termed the dispersion index, was developed based on the energy ratio of different signal sections. A linear change in the dispersion index was observed with the increase in corrosion-induced mass loss. The insight was further established through a numerical investigation by studying the effect of changing bolt preload and the corresponding interfacial stress distribution. The findings revealed that monitoring the changes in the stress distribution at the bolted interface can provide insight into interfacial corrosion. Eventually, destructive tension test results confirmed the effect of joint corrosion on the load-bearing capacity of the joint. The change in failure mode of the pristine and corroded specimen is observed. The reported approach establishes the potential of ultrasonic inspection to investigate the interfacial health of a bolted joint in corroding conditions.
Young children’s computational thinking: educator pedagogy fostering children’s play and learning with a tangible coding device
Authors: Murcia Karen , Cross Emma , Lowe Geoffrey 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe importance of incorporating digital technologies into early childhood education is now widely accepted to help position children as creative producers and not just consumers of technology. Early childhood educators in turn have a key role to play in developing technology-related skills and competencies such as coding and computational thinking (CT). In response, internationally a range of tangible coding technologies (TCTs), or digital toys, have been created to foster the development of young children’s coding and CT skills. However, to what extent are children’s developing skills and knowledge encouraged by the design of the TCT itself, and the educators’ pedagogy? This article reports on a study into the impact of one TCT, Cubetto, on the CT of a group of young children in an Early Years Learning Centre in Australia, and how educators encouraged coding and CT using Cubetto. The study revealed that Cubetto not only promoted children’s understanding of the nature of digital technologies but encouraged CT skills such as sequencing, cause-and-effect, and foundational numeracy in a collaborative, constructivist way. This was mediated in turn by the educators’ ability to utilise Cubetto effectively in an inquiry-based STEM learning context. Accordingly, this study notes that the incorporation of TCTs can be beneficial but need careful consideration as to their educational purpose and should be supported by developmentally appropriate pedagogical practices to maximise their potential in developing coding skills and CT in young children.
Harnessing the power of Arctium lappa root: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications
Authors: Shyam Mukul , Sabina Evan Prince 
Published: August 2024

AbstractArctium lappa, widely recognized as burdock, is a perennial plant that is employed in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine for a wide range of medicinal applications. The herb is rich in bioactive metabolites with therapeutic potential, encompassing polyphenolic antioxidants in its leaves, and flavonoids and fructo-oligosaccharides in its underground parts. Nutraceuticals originating from botanical sources such as Arctium lappa provide supplementary health advantages alongside their nutritional content and have demonstrated effectiveness in the prevention and management of specific ailments. The utilization of Arctium lappa root extract has exhibited encouraging outcomes in addressing hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium, lead, chromium, and acetaminophen, ameliorating liver damage and oxidative stress. Additionally, the root extract displays properties such as antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, aphrodisiac, anti-rheumatic, anti-Alzheimer, and various other pharmacological actions.
Graphical abstract
Biodiversity and biotechnological potential of cultivable Halophilic bacteria from Slana voda (Oravska Polhora, Slovakia) natural salt spring
Authors: Nosalova L. , Piknova M. , Malinicova L. , Pelova M. , Pristas P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHalophilic microorganisms are of immense importance in various fields of biotechnology. There is a multitude of actual or potential applications in the research of environmentally friendly applications in biodegradation, decolorization, food biotechnology, and biopolymers production. Thirty-eight strains of halophilic bacteria were isolated from the Slana voda (Slovakia, Central Europe) natural salt spring, with a tolerance of up to 20% of NaCl. The Halomonas genus accounted for more than 35% of the cultivable microbiota, followed by Shewanella and Pseudoaltermonas genera. More than 55% of bacterial isolates were able to produce at least one of the tested hydrolases (cellulase, lipase, amylase, protease) and three of them were positive for all four enzyme activities. Bacterial isolates showed a relatively high ability to degrade synthetic dyes, namely congo red, crystal violet, malachite green, methylene blue, methyl red, and safranin (5.26, 42.11, 44.74, 63.16, 92.18, and 18.42% of isolates respectively). Interestingly only a small overlap was observed between the isolates producing extremozymes and the isolates demonstrating decolorizing activity.
Influence of microalloying on precipitation behavior and notch impact toughness of welded high-strength structural steels
Authors: Schroeder Nina , Rhode Michael , Kannengiesser Thomas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMicroalloying elements such as Nb and Ti are essential to increase the strength of quenched and tempered high-strength low alloy (HSLA) structural steels with nominal yield strength ≥ 690 MPa and their welded joints. Standards such as EN 10025–6 only specify limits or ranges for chemical composition, which leads to variations in specific compositions between steel manufacturers. These standards do not address the mechanical properties of the material, and even small variations in alloy content can significantly affect these properties. This makes it difficult to predict the weldability and integrity of welded joints, with potential problems such as softening or excessive hardening of the heat-affected zone (HAZ). To understand these metallurgical effects, previous studies have investigated different microalloying routes with varying Ti and Nb contents using test alloys. The high-strength quenched and tempered fine-grained structural steel S690QL is the basic grade regarding chemical composition and heat treatment. To evaluate weldability, three-layer welds were made using high-performance MAG welding. HAZ formation was investigated, and critical microstructural areas were identified, focusing on phase transformations during cooling and metallurgical precipitation behavior. Isothermal thermodynamic calculations for different precipitations were also carried out. Mechanical properties, especially Charpy notch impact toughness, were evaluated to understand the influence of different microalloys on the microstructure of the HAZ and mechanical properties.