bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic activity measured in-situ in microalgae cultures grown in large-scale raceway ponds
Authors: Masojídek Jiří , Štěrbová Karolína , Carnero Victor A. Robles , Torzillo Giuseppe , Gómez-Serrano Cintia , Cicchi Bernardo , Manoel João Artur Câmara , Benavides Ana Margarita Silva , Barceló-Villalobos Marta , Dengra Joaquín Pozo , Ördög Vince , Pinchetti Juan Luis Gómez , Fernándéz Francisco Gabriel Acién , Figueroa Félix López 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Two microalgae, Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp. (Chlorophyceae), robust and well-growing species, with a potential for biostimulating activities, were cultured in raceway ponds (RWPs) placed in a greenhouse. The objective of this case study was to monitor the performance of microalgae cultures in-situ at various depths as concerns photosynthetic activity and physico-chemical variables (irradiance, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration) including biostimulating activity. The data (photochemical yield and electron transport rate monitored by Chl fluorescence and photosynthetic oxygen production) both in-situ and ex-situ revealed that (i) even in thin cultures (0.5-1 g dry weight L-1), the active photic layer in the culture was only about 1 cm indicating that most of the culture was ˊphotosyntheticallyˋ in the dark and (ii) nevertheless, even at high dissolved oxygen concentrations of about 200 %sat and higher the cultures retained relatively high actual photochemical yield Y(II) of about 0.35 and higher when monitored in-situ. The presented work can be used as exemplary data to optimize the growth of microalgae cultures in large-scale raceway ponds by understanding the interplay between culture depth and cell concentration.
Global Trends in Generative AI Adoption: A Quantitative Survey of Postsecondary Students
Authors: Kumar Rahul , McGray Robert 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This research details postsecondary education (PSE) students’ (n = 1021) use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies—specifically Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT—in their academic activities. Through a comprehensive survey analysis, the study sought to identify the extent of GenAI usage for academic purposes, exploring factors such as gender, level of study, and primary language proficiency. Key findings revealed a significant adoption rate among PSE students and high intentions to continue using AI to do academic work in subsequent year. Gender-based usage slightly affected the use of AI and the intention to use AI. There was no substantial differences corresponding to primary language or level of study. The research leveraged the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model to interpret these patterns, suggesting that gender differences and technological acceptance behaviours significantly influence GenAI tool adoption. The study emphasizes the need for educational institutions to adapt to the evolving landscape of AI in education, advocating for policies that recognize and integrate the use of GenAI tools in academic settings. It also invites scholars to examine why females are more likely to report not having used AI or intending to use AI than expected.
Assesment of pathogenic variants in the PAH gene and genotype-phenotype correlation in Phenylketonuria patients from Turkey.
Authors: Balasar Özgür , YILMAZ Banu KADIOĞLU , BAŞDEMİRCİ Müşerref , EKER Hatice KOÇAK , ÇAVDARTEPE Büşra ESER , ŞİMŞEK Levent , TUNÇEZ Ebru , DUYMUŞ Fahrettin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study aims to determine the allele and genotype frequency, evaluate genotype-phenotype correlation, and contribute to the spectrum of pathogenic variants in the PAH gene. Ninety-three individuals diagnosed with PKU were included in the study. Next-generation sequencing was utilized for detecting variants in the PAH gene. Copy Number Variations in patients without biallelic pathogenic variant were investigated by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification method. Genotype-phenotype correlations and genotype-based phenotype predictions were examined by comparing molecular test results with BIOPKUdb database. The clinical distributions of the patients were as follows: classic PKU 21% (n=19), mild PKU 3% (n=3) and mild hyperphenylalaninemia 76% (n=71), respectively. Thirty-nine distinct variants and 70 distinct genotypes were found in patients. The most frequently observed variant was p.Ala300Ser (15%) and the most frequently observed genotype was p.Ala300Ser)/p.Ala300Ser (5,4%). Compound heterozygous genotypes (%69) were more prevalent than homozygous genotypes. Two novel variants, c.1089G>C and c.441+4A>C, were observed. Predicted metabolic phenotypes in the database showed consistency with patient phenotypes (n=33/41). BH4 responsiveness showed partial consistency with database predictions (n=13/25). Establishing genotype-phenotype correlations can facilitate personalized management approaches. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the genetic basis and clinical course of PKU.
Designing strong inducible synthetic promoters in yeasts
Authors: Ishii Jun , Tominaga Masahiro , Shima Yoko , Nozaki Kenta , Ito Yoichiro , Someda Masataka , Shoya Yuji , Hashii Noritaka , Obata Chihiro , Kitano Miho , Suematsu Kohei , Matsukawa Tadashi , Hosoya Keita , Hashiba Noriko , Kondo Akihiko 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Inducible promoters are essential for precise control of target gene expression in synthetic biological systems. However, engineering eukaryotic promoters is often more challenging than engineering prokaryotic promoters due to their greater mechanistic complexity. In this study, we describe a simple and reliable approach for constructing strongly inducible synthetic promoters with minimum leakiness in yeast. The results indicated that the leakiness of yeast-inducible synthetic promoters is primarily the result of cryptic transcriptional activation of heterologous sequences that may be avoided by appropriate insulation and operator mutagenesis. Our promoter design approach successfully generated robust, inducible promoters that achieve a >103-fold induction in reporter gene expression. The utility of these promoters was demonstrated by using them to produce various biologics with titers up to 2 g/L, including antigens designed to raise specific antibodies against a SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant through chicken immunization.
Moral Changes at Post-COVID Atmosphere: A Generational Study of Freshman Iranian University Students
Authors: Azimpour Alireza , Rasti Alireza , Sourshejani Fatemeh Heidari , Sheibani Marziyeh , Nikfetrat Yasaman , Nazarizadeh Reyhaneh , Karimpour Zahra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, some psychological changes have been tracked and reported across the world. Post-COVID-19 freshman university students can be classified as generation Z. The aim of this study was to examine changes in moral and moral-related variables among Iranian freshman university students in generation Z compared with generation Y in the post-COVID-19 era. Variables, including prosocial behaviors, types of prosocial moral reasoning, dimensions of moral identity and religiosity, identity styles, empathy, and social desirability, were assessed among 212 freshman students at …. University of ….. in 2014. However, another assessment of those variables by the same measures and methods was performed among 114 similar students in 2022. Social desirability and lie/nonsense responses were statistically controlled by multiple analysis of covariance and partial correlation methods. Among the post-COVID group, there was less total prosocial moral reasoning, hedonistic, approval-oriented and internalized prosocial moral reasoning, normative identity, symbolization of moral identity, public prosocial behavior, and total, ideological and experimental religiosity; additionally, there was more needs-oriented and stereotypic prosocial moral reasoning, informational identity, altruistic prosocial behaviors, consequential and ritualistic religiosity and empathy. There were different correlations among the two groups, whereas religiosity and its dimensions were positively correlated with many moral variables in the 2014 group, the correlations were negative in the 2022 group. The findings indicate that in post-COVID-19 generation Z, sentimental aspects (e.g., empathy and altruism) of morality increased and that rational (e.g., prosocial moral reasoning) or traditional (e.g., religiosity) aspects decreased.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals immunosuppressive microenvironment and highlights stumor-promoting macrophage cells in Glioblastoma
Authors: Cheng Han , Yan Yan , Zhang Biao , Ma Zhuolin , Fu Siwen , Ji Zhi , Zou Ziji , Wang Qin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive primary brain malignancy in adults. Nevertheless, the cellular heterogeneity and complexity within the GBM microenvironment (TME) are still not fully understood, posing a significant obstacle in the advancement of more efficient immunotherapies for GBM.
Methods
In this study, we conducted an integrated analysis of 48 tumor fragments from 24 GBM patients at the single-cell level, uncovering substantial molecular diversity within immune infiltrates.
Results
We characterized molecular signatures for five distinct tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) subtypes. Notably, the TAM_MRC1 subtype displayed a pronounced M2 polarization signature. Additionally, we identified a subtype of natural killer (NK) cells, designated CD56dim_DNAJB1. This subtype is characterized by an exhausted phenotype, evidenced by an elevated stress signature and enrichment in the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint pathway. Our findings also highlight significant cell-cell interactions among malignant glioma cells, TAM, and NK cells within the TME.
Conclusion
This research sheds light on the functional heterogeneity of glioma and immune cells in the TME, providing potential targets for therapeutic intervention in this immunologically cold cancer.
Convection Flow Patterns and Instability in Evaporating Nanofluid Sessile Droplets under Marangoni and Buoyancy Effects
Authors: Tao Yuequn , Wei Youqiang , Xu Qingxuan , Qin Yi , Liu Qiusheng , Chu Fuqiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The evaporation of droplets containing nanoparticles is commonplace in industrial processes, while there is a lack of research on the instability-related characteristics of evaporation convection in nanofluid droplets, which differ from those of pure fluid droplets. Here we investigate the convection instability patterns and transition phenomenon in an Al2O3-ethanol nanofluid sessile droplet evaporation. Three different convection flow patterns are observed under the influence of both Marangoni effect and buoyancy during the evaporation: Two macroscopic convection cells appear at first, followed by the periodic generation and propagation of hydrothermal waves (HTWs) near the contact line. Then, the Bénard-Marangoni (BM) convection cells gradually emerge and eventually assume a dominant role. The deposition patterns, partly different from the classic coffee-ring pattern, are closely related to the flow patterns of HTWs and BM convection cells during the pinning stage of droplet evaporation. The critical Marangoni (Ma) and Rayleigh (Ra) numbers for the onset of convection flow instability increase with the increase of substrate heating temperature.
Evaluation of machine learning approach for surgical results of Ahmed valve implantation in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Lee Seung Yeop , Lee Dong Yun , Ahn Jaehong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Ahmed valve implantation demonstrated an increasing proportion in glaucoma surgery, but predicting the successful maintenance of target intraocular pressure remains a challenging task. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of machine learning (ML) in predicting surgical outcomes after Ahmed valve implantation and to assess potential risk factors associated with surgical failure to contribute to improving the success rate.
Methods
This study used preoperative data of patients who underwent Ahmed valve implantation from 2017 to 2021 at Ajou University Hospital. These datasets included demographic and ophthalmic parameters (dataset A), systemic medical records excluding psychiatric records (dataset B), and psychiatric medications (dataset C). Logistic regression, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and support vector machines were first evaluated using only dataset A. The algorithm with the best performance was selected based on the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC). Finally, three additional prediction models were developed using the best performance algorithm, incorporating combinations of multiple datasets to predict surgical outcomes at 1 year.
Results
Among 153 eyes of 133 patients, 131 (85.6%) and 22 (14.4%) eyes were categorized as the success and failure groups, respectively. The XGBoost was shown as the best-performance model with an AUROC value of 0.684, using only dataset A. The final three further prediction models were developed based on the combination of multiple datasets using the XGBoost model. All datasets combinations demonstrated the best performances in terms of AUROC (dataset A + B: 0.782; A + C: 0.773; A + B + C: 0.801). Furthermore, advancing age was a risk factor associated with a higher surgical failure incidence.
Conclusions
ML provides some predictive value in predicting the outcomes of Ahmed valve implantation at 1 year. ML evaluation revealed advancing age as a common risk factor for surgical failure.
Role of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway-related circular RNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Shuaiyang , Wu Mei , Xie Bei , Tian Ye , Ma Xingyuan , Li Jing , Ma Bin , Li Linjing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Several studies have demonstrated that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-related circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of PI3K/AKT-related circRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC has not been reported at present. Herein, we systematically reviewed the literature and conducted a meta-analysis of the potential role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR-related circRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
Method
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scoups, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database (VIP) databases were searched for relevant studies from inception to April 19, 2024. Pooled odds ratio (OR) was used to evaluate clinical case characteristics, sensitivity and specificity. Prognostic overall survival (OS) was estimated using the hazard ratio (HR). Subgroup analyses were conducted according to sample type, country and control group type. The quality of each study was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool or the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) method, and Egger’s tests were used to assess potential publication bias. STATA (version 17.0) software was used for statistical analysis.
Results
Twenty five eligible articles, including ten diagnostic studies and sixteen prognostic studies, involving 2995 HCC patients, 435 healthy controls and 338 controls with benign lesions were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75–0.84) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.77–0.92), respectively. Higher levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-associated circRNAs are significantly associated with poor patient prognosis (OS:HR = 1.49, 95% Cl: 0.89–2.48, P < 0.001). Elevated levels of highly expressed circRNAs in patients were significantly associated with HbsAg positivity, MVI positivity, and worse TMN staging in patients with HCC, and elevated levels of low expressed circRNAs in patients were associated with MVI negativity in patients with HCC. No publication bias was found.
Conclusion
PI3K/AKT/mTOR-related circRNAs are potential biomarkers for HCC, especially in the diagnosis of HCC. Due to the small number of included articles and the limitation of the included population, more studies on the diagnostic and prognostic value of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related circRNAs are needed in the future.
The Nutritional Impact of Metallic Taste in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Explorations and Clinical Implications
Authors: Buiret Guillaume , Brignot Hélène , Septier Chantal , Thomas-Danguin Thierry , Féron Gilles 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE: Metallic taste (MT) is frequently observed during head and neck cancer treatments, but very little is known about its impact on nutritional status. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of MT on the quality of life and nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer expressing MT disorder.
METHODS: Questionnaires on quality of life, MT, weight, and food intake were filled out by 44 patients with head and neck cancer before, during, and up to one year after their treatment. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of MT.
RESULTS: MT was commonly observed (27.2%), always during the treatment phase and mostly linked with radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. MT intensity was moderate (40%) to high (26.7%). MT had a significant negative impact on QoL linked to dysgeusia (p=0.025). The negative impacts of MT on food intake and on weight were not significant, possibly due to a combination of sample size, dropouts, and duration of observation. Further research in this area could provide additional insights into how to better address the issue related to MT and enhance the quality of care provided to this patient population.
CONCLUSION: Metallic taste, experienced by 27.2% of head and neck patients, contributes to dysgeusia and results in a significant decline in quality of life.
ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration number: NCT03558789
Association of social isolation and depressive symptoms with workplace productivity loss: A multi- ethnic Asian study
Authors: Ha Joey Wei Yee , Yip Wan Fen , Ge Lixia , Yap Chun Wei , Pereira Michelle Jessica 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The association between health-related productivity loss (HRPL) with social isolation and depressive symptoms is not well studied. We aim to examine the association between social isolation and depressive symptoms with productivity loss.
Methods
The National Healthcare Group (NHG) Population Health Index (PHI) study is a population-based study on community-dwelling employed adults aged ≥21 years, residing in the Central and Northern of Singapore.
The severity of depressive symptoms and social isolation were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6) respectively. Productivity loss was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). We used Generalised Linear Models, with family gamma, log link for the analysis. Models were adjusted for socio-demographic variables (including age, gender, ethnicity, employment status, housing type) and self-reported chronic conditions (including the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia).
Results
There were 2,605 working (2,143 full-time) adults in this study. The median reported percentage of unadjusted productivity loss was 0.0%, 10.0% and 20.0% for individuals with social isolation, depressive symptoms, and both, respectively. In the regression analysis, mean productivity loss scores were 2.81 times (95% Confidence Interval: 2.12, 3.72) higher in participants with depressive symptoms than those without. On the other hand, social isolation was not found to be associated with productivity loss scores (1.17, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.96, 1.42). The interaction term of depressive symptoms with social isolation was statistically significant, with an effect size of 1.89 (95% Confidence Interval: 1.04, 3.44). It appears that productivity loss was amplified when social isolation and depressive symptoms are concomitant.
Conclusions
Our results suggested associations between depressive symptoms and social isolation with productivity loss. The findings highlighted the potential impact of depressive symptoms and social isolation on work performance and draw attention to the importance of having a holistic work support system that promotes mental wellbeing, social connectedness and work productivity.
Current profile of pyrethroid resistance in Rhipicephalus microplus populations sampled from Marathwada region of Maharashtra state, India
Authors: Khating Sandip , Jadhav Nitin , Vijay M. , Sharma Anil Kumar , Srivast Anand , Jadhao Suresh , Kumar Sachin , Kalwaghe Shrikant , Siddiqui M. F.M.F. , Narawade Mahima , Dhabale Ankush , Chigure Gajanan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study examined the pattern of resistance to widely applied synthetic pyrethroids i.e. cypermethrin and deltamethrin, against larvae of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks sampled from Marathwada region in Maharashtra, India. The study also examined the role of α and β-esterase’s and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in resistance development. All eight R. microplus isolates tested were resistant to deltamethrin (RL IV), having RR50 values from 6.88 to 131.26. LPT analysis exhibited the resistance level II deltamethrin resistance in Beed and Hingoli, III in Dharashiv, and IV in Sambhajinagar, Parbhani, Latur, Jalna, and Nanded isolates. The LIT analysis showed that Dharashiv field isolates had the lowest LC50 value of 229.09 ppm against cypermethrin, while Sambhajinagar field isolates had the highest at 489.78 ppm. The RR50 ranged from 1145.45 to 2448.9. Seven isolates were level I resistant to cypermethrin while the Jalna isolate was level II resistant. In larvae treated with deltamethrin and cypermethrin, the activity of α and β-esterase enzymes increased significantly compared to control groups. The enzyme ratios in treated larvae ranged from 0.7533 to 1.7023 for α-esterase and 0.7434 to 3.2054 for β-esterase. The Hingoli isolate treated with cypermethrin exhibited the highest α-esterase activity (903.261), whereas, Sambhajinagar isolate had the highest GST enzyme ratio (2.8224) after deltamethrin exposure. When exposed to cypermethrin, the Hingoli isolate showed the highest GST enzyme ratio, 2.0832.