bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
γ-T3 inhibits ARHGAP29 in the sensitization of gastric cancer cells to OXA by autophagy
Authors: Zhu Hao , Wang Fa-Lin , Zhang Shang , Gao Guang-Qiang , Tian Hong , Dong Hong-Wei , Wang Qi , Liu Ming , Liu Jia-Ren 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
In the past years, chemoresistance greatly limited the clinical therapeutic efficiency of oxaliplatin (OXA) in gastric cancer (GC). γ-Tocotrienol (γ-T3), a subtype of vitamin E, has attracted a lot of attention on monotherapies or with traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, the co-treatment of γ-T3 with OXA could be an excellent measure to combat this problem.
Methods
This study investigated the effects of γ-T3 combined with oxaliplatin (OXA) on the proliferation, cell cycle, autophagy, and ARHGAP29/GSK-3β/β-Catenin signaling pathways in gastric cancer cells, employing methods such as MTT and MB assays, flow cytometry, Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and molecular docking, as well as in vivo assessment using a nude mouse xenograft model to evaluate the synergistic antitumor effects of γ-T3 and OXA.
Results
In this study, we found that treatment of γ-T3 with OXA inhibited the proliferation and arrested the cell cycle of MKN45 cells and AGS cells, especially better synergistic effects could be gotten in combination of γ-T3 (26.3µmol/L) and OXA (600nmol/L) in MKN45 cells (CI = 0.55). Compared to the control group (30% alcohol), nude mice injected with γ-T3 (20mg/kg b.w.) or OXA (2.0 mg/kg b.w) by intraperitoneal (IP) suppressed the growth of MKN45 cell xenografts, and the efficacy was significantly augmented by co-treatment of γ-T3 and OXA. In addition, ARHGAP29 was negatively correlated with the prognosis of gastric cancer and exhibited binding activity to γ-T3. Combination treatment with γ-T3 and OXA specially down-regulated ARHGAP29 expression in MKN45 cells and xenografts, and then further inhibited downstream GSK-3β/β-Catenin signaling by autophagy induced, resulting from increased LC3-Ⅰ/LC3-Ⅱ ratio and Beclin1 expression, and decreased p62 expression. Overexpression of ARHGAP29 reversed the autophagy-induced decrease in the cell viability of MKN45 cells via a GSK-3β/β-Catenin signaling.
Conclusions
Our findings indicated that γ-T3 exerts a synergistic effect of OXA on inducting autophagy and inhibiting the progression of GC, partially via ARHGAP29/GSK-3β/β-Catenin pathways.
PDCF-DRL: A Contention Window Backoff Scheme Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning for Differentiating Access Categories
Authors: Zhibin Zuo , Demin Wang , Xiaowei Nie , Pan Xiaoduo , Miaolei Deng , Mimi Ma 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose: In wireless network backoff algorithms, the application of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) allows the agent to learn through interactions with the environment, enabling dynamic adjustment of the contention window (CW) size to improve network performance and throughput. However, existing wireless network backoff algorithms integrated with DRL still face problems such as inappropriate backoff strategies, high latency during the backoff process, suboptimal throughput under heavy load conditions, and failure to satisfy the need for differentiating access categories (ACs).To further enhance the performance of wireless networks and meet the various quality of service (QoS) requirements of users based on AC differentiation.
Methods: This paper proposes a CW backoff scheme based on DRL for differentiating ACs. The scheme uses DRL technology to observe the channel collision rate and sense the current network conditions, thereby adaptively adjusting the CW size for ACs. In addition, it dynamically adjusts the backoff strategy according to the perceived current network conditions to optimize the data transmission process.
Results: When the number of competing stations increases from 20 to 120, with an equal number of stations for each AC, the overall throughput of this scheme ranges from 82.86% to 80.81%, representing an improvement of 34.2% to 72.1% over the traditional EDCA mechanism. The overall collision rate ranges from 2.36% to 9.15%, which is a reduction of 43% to 79.18% compared to the traditional EDCA mechanism. Additionally, there is a significant improvement compared to existing deep reinforcement learning-based optimization schemes.
Conclusion: Experimental results show that this scheme effectively discriminates between different ACs, resulting in lower latency and higher throughput for high-priority traffic. Furthermore, adaptively adjusting the CW size and improving the backoff strategy maintains a low collision rate and stable throughput even under heavy load conditions, significantly improving the overall network performance.
Effects of soil salinity on nodulation and growth of invasive and native Prosopis seedlings in arid deserts
Authors: Kenany Eman T. El , El-Keblawy Ali , Shaltout Salma K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Soil salinity is a major environmental stressor that significantly affects nodule formation and the growth of both exotic and native plant species. This study investigates the effects of soil salinity and the canopy cover of Prosopis juliflora on the physico-chemical properties of soil and the nodulation and growth of two exotic (P. juliflora and P. pallida) and one native (P. cineraria) Prosopis species in the arid deserts of the UAE. The results reveal significant variations in soil nutrient content and physical properties under and away from the canopies in both salty and non-salty habitats. Soils under the P. juliflora canopy, particularly in non-salty habitats, exhibited higher levels of essential nutrients and improved physical conditions compared to soils away from the canopy. These favorable conditions led to enhanced nodule formation and biomass production. Prosopis juliflora and P. pallida showed superior growth and nodulation compared to P. cineraria, suggesting a better adaptation to the modified soil environment under the P. juliflora canopy. Despite the study finding that soil salinity negatively impacted soil microbial communities, nutrient availability, and plant growth, P. juliflora demonstrated high salinity tolerance. It maintained robust nodulation and growth, indicating its potential for invading and even rehabilitating degraded saline lands. These findings underscore the importance of canopy cover in mitigating salinity, enhancing soil fertility, and supporting plant growth. The study provides valuable insights into the invasive ability of different Prosopis species, and ecosystem management in arid regions.
Comparison of the natural course of clinical and radiologic features in 13 patients with TRPV4-related skeletal dysplasias
Authors: Güneş Nilay , Alkaya Dilek Uludağ , Kurugoğlu Sebuh , Özyalvaç Nuri , Bursalı Ayşegül , Elçioğlu Nursel H. , Tüysüz Beyhan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Heterozygous TRPV4 mutations cause a group of skeletal dysplasias characterized by short stature, short trunk, and spinal deformities.
Objective
The aim of this study is to compare the natural history of clinical and radiologic features of patients with different TRPV4-related skeletal dysplasias.
Material and methods
Thirteen patients with a mutation in TRPV4 from 10 families were included in the study, and 11 were followed for a median of 6.5 years. The clinical phenotype of five patients was compatible with Kozlowski-type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (SMDK), three each with classic form metatropic dysplasia (MD) and brachyolmia-3 (BCYM3), one each with the mild form of Maroteaux-type spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SEDM), and congenital distal spinal muscular atrophy (CDSMA).
Results
Short stature, and bone pain during running, walking, and stair climbing occurred in SMDK and MD patients after the age of 5 years and became more pronounced with increasing age. Kyphosis was more pronounced in SMDK and MD patients, and scoliosis in BCYM3 and CDSMA. Severe platyspondyly and delayed carpal ossification persisted into adulthood in SMDK and MD patients. Pelvic radiographs of SMDK patients showed irregular proximal femora leading to destruction of the femoral head towards the end of puberty while the marked widening of the femoral neck also occurred in MD. We noticed that metaphyseal dysplasia in long bones other than the proximal femur was so inconspicuous that it could be ignored in SMDK patients.
Conclusion
This study identified important radiologic features that vary by age in TRPV4-related dysplasias and also intrafamilial variability in SMDK and BCYM3 families.
Learning about AI ethics from cases: A scoping review of AI incident repositories and cases
Authors: Knight Simon , McGrath Cormac , Viberg Olga , Pargman Teresa Cerratto 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cases provide a practical resource for learning regarding the uses and challenges of AI applications. Cases give insight into how principles and values are implicated in real contexts, the trade-offs and different perspectives held regarding these contexts, and the – sometimes hidden – relationships between cases, relationships that may support analogical reasoning across contexts.
Objective
We aim to (1) provide an approach for structuring ethics cases and (2) investigate how repositories of cases structure those cases and their content.
Approach
: We motivate a scoping review through a conceptual analysis of ethics case desiderata. The review sought to retrieve repositories, (sometimes known as observatories, catalogues, galleries, or incident databases), and their cases, for analysis of their expression of ethics concepts.
Results
We identify n = 14 repositories, extracting the case schema used in each, to identify how this metadata can express ethical concepts. We find that most repositories focus on harm-indicators, with some indicating positive impacts, but with little explicit reference to ethical concepts; a subset (n = 4) includes no structural elements addressing ethical concepts or impacts. We extract a subset of cases from the total cases (n = 2,000) across repositories, identifying and extracting the subset of cases addressing education (n = 100). These are grouped by topic, with a structured content analysis provided of ethical implications from one sub-theme, offering qualitative insights into the ethical coverage.
Implications
Our conceptual analysis and empirical review exemplify a model for ethics cases (shorthanded as Ethics-case-CPR), while highlighting gaps both in existing case repositories and specific examples of cases.
Eco-Friendly Binder and Thickening Agent Isolated From Apple Rock Bael for Valuable Utilization in Textile Printing
Authors: Elshemy N. S. , Nassar S. H. , Elhawary Nancy S. , Ali Mona M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

When utilizing a commercial binder, it is important to prioritize natural resources for dyeing and printing textile substrates due to environmental concerns and regulations about toxins released by the textile industry. This study is concerned with isolating a genuine thickening agent and binder from apple rock Bael as a natural resource. The extraction of natural thickening agents and binders from apple rock Bael is an ecologically sound alternative to commercial thickeners and binders and a low-cost method for printing natural and synthetic fabrics. The isolated natural gum can be utilized as a thickener and binder in fabric printing applications. The results revealed that the isolated natural gum has good rheological characteristics. All printed samples using isolated natural gum as a thickener or a binder were fixed using innovative techniques, namely microwave irradiation for different time and power levels (covered and uncovered). For comparison all the printed fabrics were fixed using thermal fixation at different intervals and temperatures. The obtained results illustrated that all printed fabric had satisfactory color fastness properties, samples subjected to microwave fixation irradiation gave a depth color giving to K/S value and covered samples had higher value when compared with the uncovered one. Physical and mechanical properties of printed fabrics, such as color yield, color unevenness, penetration, and fixation% were evaluated.
Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of Interactive Breastfeeding Scale
Authors: Ghafel Hawraa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Breastfeeding is a complicated phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, a number of instruments are used to test, evaluate, or gather particular data on the phenomenon, such as the assessment of mother-infants position, the evaluation of premature infants; as well as the abilities and characteristics of a construct like self-effectiveness and mother confidence in breastfeeding; It’s a complex phenomenon that may be subject to biological, psychological, cultural, social, economic, and political influences.
Methods
A descriptive (cross- sectional study design) was carried out to evaluate the factors that interfere with the mother-child interaction during breastfeeding. A non-probability 'purposive sample' consists of (377) mothers who attending primary health care centers in Baghdad City. The study was started at January/2024 to July / 2024.
Results
The Arabic version of the Interactive Breastfeeding Scale reveals strong psychometric properties with Cronbach’s Alpha values ranging from 0.71 to 0.86. Significant correlations were found between the scale and factors like Mother’s Perspective (r = .886) and Child Perspective (r = .661). The findings highlight the importance of mother and child-related factors in breastfeeding experiences.
Conclusions
The Arabic version of the Interactive Breastfeeding Scale (IBfS) demonstrates strong reliability and validity, making it a robust tool for assessing breastfeeding dynamics. Key factors such as Mother’s Perspective and Child Perspective show significant correlations with IBfS, underscoring their critical role in the breastfeeding experience. The scale’s psychometric properties support its use in diverse settings, providing valuable insights into mother-child interactions during breastfeeding.
Recommendations:
It is recommended to implement the Arabic Interactive Breastfeeding Scale (IBfS) in clinical settings to assess and support breastfeeding practices. Targeted interventions should focus on enhancing mother and child perspectives, given their strong correlation with breastfeeding experience. Educational programs for mothers to improve practices and perceptions. Further research is needed to explore the scale's applicability across different populations and to understand less impactful factors.
Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Prediction of Bile Duct Bifurcation Site in Pure Laparoscopic Donor Right Hepatectomy: A Human-in-the-Loop Approach
Authors: Oh Namkee , Kim Bogeun , Rhu Jinsoo , Kim Jong Man , Choi Gyu-Seong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Accurate identification of the bile duct bifurcation site is crucial in pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH) for living donor liver transplantation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict the location of bile duct bifurcation during PLDRH procedures. In this single-institution retrospective feasibility study, we analyzed 55 PLDRH procedures performed between August 2021 and April 2022. We developed a deep learning model combining UNet with a MiT-B3 encoder, utilizing a human-in-the-loop approach. The model was trained on 150 manually annotated frames and refined using expert-reviewed pseudo-labels from an additional 901 frames. Model performance was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and an independent test set. The final model achieved 97% accuracy in clinical evaluation for 5-fold cross-validation and 93.3% accuracy on the independent test set. Quantitative metrics showed improvements from the initial to the final model, with mean Dice Similarity Coefficient increasing from 0.392 to 0.472 and Intersection over Union from 0.279 to 0.339. Sensitivity improved from 0.487 to 0.643, while specificity remained consistent at 0.993. This study demonstrates the potential of AI in accurately predicting the bile duct bifurcation site during PLDRH procedures. The human-in-the-loop approach proved effective in improving model performance and annotation efficiency. While challenges remain in bridging clinical accuracy and quantitative metrics, the high clinical accuracy suggests a promising step towards integrating AI into liver transplant surgery.
Advanced Detection and Mapping of Landslides Using Interferometric SAR Imagery: A Case Study of the July 2024 Event in Wayanad
Authors: V Vineesh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Landslides, particularly in mountainous regions like Wayanad, India, present significant risks to human life, infrastructure, and the environment. The rapid and accurate detection of such events is critical for effective disaster response and risk mitigation. This study investigates the application of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) for detecting and mapping a landslide that occurred on July 30, 2024, in Wayanad. Utilizing Sentinel-1 SAR imagery, this research highlights the advantages of InSAR in monitoring ground deformation over time, particularly in challenging terrains characterized by dense vegetation and steep slopes. The methodology involves analyzing the phase differences between pre- and post-event SAR images to detect surface displacement, enabling the precise delineation of affected areas. The study further enhances the interpretability of results by generating an interactive map using the Folium library, which visually represents the extent of the landslide through a differential interferogram with a customized color palette. This approach not only improves understanding of landslide dynamics but also provides valuable insights for decision-makers involved in disaster management. The findings underscore the potential of SAR-based techniques in advancing landslide detection and risk mitigation, thereby contributing to more resilient strategies in vulnerable regions like Wayanad.
Chemotactic Zn micromotor for treatment of high blood ammonia associated hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Tu Yingfeng , Feng Ye , Gao Chao , Chen Bin , Ding Miaomiao , Du Dailin , Rong Jinhui , Lv Qi , Wilson Daniela , Peng Fei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Hepatic fibrosis is associated with hepatocytes damage, leading to an abnormal increase in blood ammonia. Accumulating ammonia further aggravates the pathological environment and can trigger hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, it is meaningful to construct therapeutic platform for targeted ammonia clearance. In this work, a biocompatible water powered Zn micromotor is constructed as ammonia chemotaxis platform, which can be actuated by water splitting reaction and the self-generated Zn2+ gradient. It can propel towards NH3·H2O source through the formation of complex ions [Zn(NH3)1](OH)+ and [Zn(NH3)2](OH)+, representing a generalizable chemotaxis strategy via coordination reaction. In vivo, the biomimetic swarming behavior of Zn micromotors allows precise navigation and reduction of the intrahepatic ammonia level, thus reshaping the local pathological environment. The decrease in blood ammonia leads to a reduction in ammonia permeated to the brain, which in turn alleviates neuron damage and inhibits the development of hepatic encephalopathy. This mechanism, operating in a green, zero-waste manner, facilitates integration of these micromotors into domain of biological regulation. Such environment adaptive platform is favorable for targeted treatment of hepatic fibrosis and hepatic encephalopathy caused by hyperammonemia, which is expected to provide inspiration for future personalized and precision medicine.
Mapping genetic susceptibility to preterm birth: Analysis of Utah pedigrees using shared genomic segment analysis
Authors: Workalemahu Tsegaselassie , Clark Erin A. S. , Madsen Michael J. , Yu Zhe , Dalton Susan E. , Esplin Sean M. , Manuck Tracy , Neklason Deborah , Wu Wilfred Chen-Han , Jorde Lynn B. , Camp Nicola J , Silver Robert M , Varner Michael W 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is a final common pathway for multiple etiologies, some of which are well known while others likely remain to be identified. There is a genetic component to SPTB, but genetic mechanisms remain poorly defined. Well-characterized family-based studies may aid in identifying genetic contributors to SPTB.
Objective: To identify inherited risk variants for SPTB using large pedigrees.
Study Design: Using the Utah Population Database (UPDB), which links a 4.5 million-person genealogy to state birth certificate and fetal death records, we identified large pedigrees containing multiple women with early SPTB (<34 weeks’ gestation). We reviewed birth certificate data to exclude those with maternal and fetal diagnoses associated with iatrogenic preterm birth, resulting in 74 large multiplex pedigrees for early SPTB. Women with any SPTB (<37 weeks) within these early SPTB pedigrees were invited to participate. Enrolled women underwent comprehensive clinical phenotyping with review of primary medical records. Seven pedigrees, each containing at least 3 sampled women with SPTB, were the focus of this genetic study. High-density single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping was conducted in maternal peripheral blood samples from women in the seven pedigrees. Shared genomic segment (SGS) analysis was performed to identify genome-wide significant chromosomal regions shared in excess by women with SPTB.
Results: We identified two genome-wide significant regions. In single-pedigree SGS analyses, a 1.75 Mb genome-wide significant region at 8q24.23 was shared by 5 out of 6 women with SPTB in a single large pedigree (false positive rate per genome, µ=0.028). In duo-pedigree analysis, this region showed overlapping evidence with a second pedigree. The shared 1.05 Mb 8q24.23 locus had a more extreme false-positive rate (µ=0.0019). and contains FAM135Band KHDRBS3 genes, which have previously been implicated in oncogenesis and ovarian cancer. Duo-pedigree SGS analysis also identified a second genome-wide significant 67 kb locus at 12q21.1-q21.2 that was shared by all SPTB cases in two independent pedigrees (µ=0.01). The intersecting region at 12q21.1-q21.2 contains genes (CAPS2; KCNC2) implicated in vascular-related complications of pregnancy and preterm labor.
Conclusion: We identified two risk loci for SPTB using shared genomic segments analysis in large multiplex pedigrees. Identification of genes associated with SPTB may provide novel therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment to prolong pregnancy and improve outcomes.