bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impulsivity Mediates the Relationship between Sleep Quality and Interpersonal Functioning: A Cross-sectional Study in a Sample of University Students
Authors: Farrell Brian J. , Emmerton Robert W. , Camilleri Christina , Sammut Stephen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Amid the current mental health pandemic, research continues to investigate potential contributors associated with increasing levels of negative mental health. Among such contributors is sleep, which is vital for physiological and psychological functioning with potential downstream behavioral consequences, including in relation to impulsivity and social functioning. Given the significant rates of poor sleep quality reported in the literature, our study sought to investigate the relationship between sleep quality, impulsivity and interpersonal functioning among university students.
Methods: An anonymous online survey was administered to university students (Ages 18+; N=526; 33% male, 67% female) addressing demographics, sleep quality, impulsivity, and interpersonal functioning.
Results: Our findings indicate a substantial proportion of students reporting poor sleep quality and impulsivity. Moreover, higher levels of impulsivity and lower interpersonal functioning were associated with poor sleep quality. Mediation analysis revealed a significant mediating role of attentional impulsivity in the relationship between sleep quality and interpersonal functioning.
Conclusions: Repeated reports of significant levels of impulsivity underlying numerous psychiatric disorders, its prevalence socially, and the fundamental issue that impulsivity reflects (i.e., lack of self-control/self-discipline), suggests a necessity to reorient therapeutic efforts towards the root of the problem. Thus, efforts should seek to maximize preventative behaviors that build character/virtue and strengthen the individual (e.g., improving sleep quality and minimizing impulsivity), including through self-discipline and perseverance, in order to reduce negative outcomes (e.g., dysfunctional interpersonal functioning).
WITHDRAWN: Development of a Bidirectional Charger with Current-Controlled Synchronous Reference Frame Hysteresis Based on Unit Templates
Authors: khali sonia , Khali Fatah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
12 April, 2024. Research Square has withdrawn this preprint due to substantial overlap with {another author's published work}(https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/jee-2024-0005).
Unveiling DREB30: A Key Player in Wheat's Battle Against Combined Drought and Heat Stress
Authors: GA NANDINI , Chitranshi Abhishek , Gampa Mallesh , Goswami Suneha , T Vinutha , Dalal Monika , Kumar Sudhir , Kumar Soora Naresh , Mishra Gyan Prakash , Tyagi Aruna , c Vishwanathan , Kumar Ranjeet Ranjan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Dehydration-responsive element-binding protein (DREB) is a transcription factor specific to plants, capable of selectively binding to DRE/CRT elements in reaction to abiotic stresses, such as drought. DREB proteins play a crucial role in increasing a plant's tolerance to drought stress by enabling water conservation, maintaining cellular homeostasis, and alleviating the adverse impacts of drought on growth and development. In the present investigation an amplicon of ~ 858 bp was amplified from C306 wheat cultivar. With accession number OP057913, the gene was submitted to the NCBI Gen Bank. BLASTn search revealed the highest similarity with the ethylene-responsive transcription factor ERF060-like gene from Triticum aestivum. In plants DREB30 is localized in chloroplast. The cloned DREB30 gene has open reading frame (ORF) of 281 amino acids. Conserved domain search analysis showed it belongs to AP2 superfamily. qRT-PCR analysis of the DREB30 gene showed maximum expression in leaves compared to roots under combined stress treatment during both the pollination and grain-filling stages. Our study revealed that combined stress has a severe effect on the relative water content (RWC) and photosynthetic parameters compared to individual stress. Antioxidant enzymes SOD, Catalase, GPx were observed to be increased more under combined stress. The occurrence of combined stress led to a greater increase in Proline (40.56%) and TAC (30%) accumulation compared to the control. Among genotypes HD3226 was severely affected, C306 was least affected by combined stress. We propose that DREB30 emerges as a promising candidate gene for enhancing plant resilience against both drought and heat stress.
NMN partially rescues cuproptosis by upregulating sirt2 to increase intracellular NADPH
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Qiu Shuting , Shao Shihan , Cao Yuejia , Hong Yu , Xu Xianrong , Fang Xuexian , Di Chunhong , Yang Jun , Tan Xiaohua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cuproptosis is characterized by lipoylated protein aggregation and loss of iron–sulfur (Fe–S) proteins, which are crucial for a wide range of important cellular functions, including DNA replication and damage repair. Sirt2 and sirt4 are lipoamidases that remove the lipoyl moiety from lipoylated proteins using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as a cofactor. However, to date, it is not clear whether nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor of NAD+, affects cellular sensitivity to cuproptosis. Therefore, in the current study, cuproptosis was induced by the copper (Cu) ionophore elesclomol (Es) in HeLa cells. It was shown that Es/Cu treatment also increased cellular DNA damage level and induced G1 arrest. On the other hand, NMN treatment partially rescued cuproptosis in a dose-dependent manner, reduced cellular DNA damage level, and further increased the proportion of G1 phase cells. In addition, NMN upregulated the expression of Fe-S protein POLD1, without affecting the aggregation of lipoylated proteins. Mechanistic study revealed that NMN increased the expression of sirt2, as well as increased cellular reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) level. Overexpression of sirt2 and sirt4 did not change the aggregation of lipoylated proteins, however, Sirt2, but not sirt4, increased cellular NADPH levels and partially rescued cuproptosis. Inhibition of NAD+ kinase (NADK), which is responsible for generating NADPH, abolished the rescuing function of NMN and sirt2 for Es/Cu induced cell death. Taken together, our results suggested that DNA damage and G1 arrest are characteristic features of cuproptosis. NMN can partially rescue cuproptosis by upregulating sirt2, increase intracellular NADPH content and maintain the level of Fe-S proteins, independent of the lipoamidase activity of sirt2.
War Effect on the trend of Fasting Blood Sugar Levels on Diabetic Mellitus Patients, in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Teklezgi Mehari Gebre , Gebrerufael Gebru Gebremeskel , Gebru Yared Tbebu , Tekle Mengstu Berhe 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains one of the foremost concerns in life insurance, and it is responsible for premature death. Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of fasting sugar in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. The study was expected to investigate the war effect on the trend of Fasting Blood Sugar Levels of diabetic mellitus patients.
Methods: Longitudinal design with different hierarchical models, which are Linear mixed effects, generalized linear mixed effects, and nonlinear mixed effect models were fitted on the data Fasting Blood Sugar Level as a response variable.
Results:
Results depicted that the Fasting Blood Sugar Level of the patients increased over time. Besides, age, weight, medication, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, creatinine, and linear time effect have positive significant effects whereas triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein have negative significant effects on the FBS level of adult Diabetes mellitus patients.
Conclusion: The war has a significant effect on the poor control of blood glucose levels of adult diabetic patients. Due to the war, siege, or blockages, there were rare medicines, the patients were not taking their medicines on time, and they did not get enough insulin as well.
Genome-wide population genetics and molecular surveillance of insecticide resistance in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes from Ethiopia
Authors: Acford-Palmer Holly , Tadesse Fitsum , Manko Emilia , Phelan Jody , Higgins Matthew , Osborne Ashley , Kristan Mojca , Walker Thomas , Bousema Teun , Messenger Louisa , Clark Taane , Campino Susana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Since the detection of the Asian mosquito Anopheles stephensi in Dijbouti in 2012, it has spread throughout the Horn of Africa. This invasive vector has continued moving across the continent and is a threat to malaria control programs. Vector control methods including insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, have substantially reduced the malaria burden. However, the increasing prevalence of mosquitos resistant to insecticides, including An. stephensi populations, threaten reductions made so far. Here, we generate whole genome sequencing data for An. stephensi sourced from an Ethiopian town (n=27) and compare South Asian populations (n=45; India and Pakistan), assessing genomic diversity, population structure, and uncovering insecticide resistance mutations.
Population structure analysis using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (n=15,533,476), revealed Ethiopian isolates clustering as a distinct ancestral group, separate to South Asian isolates. Three insecticide resistance-associated SNPs (gaba gene: A296S and V327I; vgscL1014F) were detected. Evidence of ongoing selection was found in several loci, including genes previously associated with neonicotinoids, ivermectin, DDT, and pyrethroid resistance.
This study represents the first genome-wide population genetics study of invasive An. stephensi, revealing genomic differences from South Asian populations, which can be used for future assessments of vector population dispersal and detection of insecticide resistance mechanisms.
The plasma metabolome of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is different to non-JIA controls and partially explained by chronic inflammation
Authors: kwon jooa , Neeland Melanie R , Ellis Justine A , Munro Jane , Saffery Richard , Novakovic Boris , Mansell Toby 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is challenging due to shared clinical features between subtypes and with other inflammatory conditions. A molecular signature may therefore be useful for subtype classification in JIA, and targeted plasma metabolomics profiling has the potential to provide such a signature.
The study aimed to characterise the differences in the plasma metabolome between JIA patients and non-JIA controls, and to determine the extent to which these differences are due to chronic inflammation measured by glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA).
Methods: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics of plasma of 73 children with JIA and 18 age- and sex- matched controls was assessed cross-sectionally. Associations between 71 metabolomic biomarkers and JIA, four JIA subtypes, and inflammation (measured by GlycA) were assessed using multivariable linear regression models.
Results: Three biomarkers were different between the control and JIA group, with acetate reduced in JIA (mean difference -0.98 standard deviations, [95% confidence interval -1.49, -0.47], Padj =0.015), while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (1.01 [0.47, 1.55], Padj =0.015) and GlycA (0.91, [0.36, 1.46], Padj =0.041) were elevated in JIA. Subtype analysis revealed that systemic JIA (sJIA) samples accounted for these changes, with no significant metabolic differences identified in oligoarticular and polyarticular (rheumatoid factor positive and rheumatoid factor negative) JIA relative to controls. A total of 24 of 71 biomarkers were significantly different (Padj <0.05) in systemic JIA compared to controls, including acetate, DHA and GlycA. Of the 24 biomarkers, only 6 were significantly associated with levels of the inflammatory marker GlycA.
Conclusion: The variation of plasma NMR metabolome of systemic JIA is the most pronounced relative to non-JIA controls and other JIA subtypes, which show limited evidence of metabolomic disruption. Only a small number of metabolomic profile differences in sJIA were associated with levels of GlycA, indicating a complex relationship between JIA, metabolic disruption, and chronic inflammation.
Global Water Basins under Combined Climate Mitigation, Adaptation, and Sustainable Development Targets
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Vinca Adriano , Byers Edward , Andrijevic Marina , Harmsen Mathijs , Niazi Hassan , Tagomori Isabela Schmidt , Rowe Andrew , McPherson Madeleine , Krey Volker , Riahi Keywan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Water systems are crucial for sustainable development and energy-water-land system-wide climate mitigation and adaptation to changing climate. We explore the dynamic interplay between climate change adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development within these systems. We demonstrate, how strategic investments in a “Resilience scenario” – climate mitigation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) combined, leads to approximately 20% reduction in water stress for vulnerable populations promoting sustainable water and energy systems. Despite the Resilience scenario targets, about one-third of global population (2.8 billion people) is expected to face adaptation barriers by mid-century, hindered by inadequate governance capacity. We demonstrate that investments in SDGs, combined with climate mitigation strategies, are more beneficial for the water sector than pursuing SDGs alone. Our findings suggest a necessary convergence of sustainable development, climate resilience, and human welfare to create a climate-resilient sustainable future, marking a significant step forward in facilitating integrated environmental policy and decision-making.
Targeting Metabolic Vulnerability by Combining NAMPT Inhibitors and Disulfiram for Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lipkowitz Stanley , Kudo Kei , Crooks Daniel , Greer Yoshimi , Yang Ye , Brender Jeffrey , Yoshida Teruhiko , Harrington Brittney , Kamdar Rahul , Korrapati Soumya , Shibuya Yusuke , Henegar Leah , Kopp Jeffrey , Fujii Takeo , Annunziata Christina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OV) has the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers. As the OV progresses, tumor cells spread outside the ovaries to the peritoneal and abdominal cavities, forming cell clusters that float in the ascitic fluid caused by peritonitis carcinomatosa, leading to further dissemination and metastasis. These cell clusters are enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs) which are responsible for treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting CSCs is a potentially effective approach for treating OV. However, understanding how CSCs acquire treatment resistance and identifying targets against CSCs remains challenging. In this study, we demonstrate that 3D-spheroids of OV cell lines exhibit higher stemness than conventional adherent cells. Metabolomics profiling studies have revealed that 3D-spheroids maintain a high-energy state through increased glucose utilization in the citric acid cycle (TCA), efficient nucleotide phosphorylation, and elevated phosphocreatine as an energy buffer. We also found that nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme for NAD+ production, is highly expressed and is a potential therapeutic target against CSCs, while also serving as a prognostic indicator in OV. Moreover, we identified a previously unrecognized anti-tumor mechanism whereby disulfiram, an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitor, synergistically inhibited mitochondrial function when combined with NAMPT inhibitors. Finally, the combination of a NAMPT inhibitor and disulfiram showed significant anti-tumor effects and extended survival in an animal model. Our findings demonstrate the potential of spheroids as a preclinical model for targeting OV CSCs and also indicate that the combination of NAMPT inhibitors and disulfiram is a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome recurrent OV.
Low Density Phases of TiO2 by Cluster Self-Assembly
Authors: Ayuela Andrés , Aguilera-Granja Faustino 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The interest in titanium dioxide (TiO2) phases is growing due to the number of applications in cosmetics, food industry andphotocatalysis, an increase that is driven by its exceptional properties when engineered at the nanoscale like in the form ofnanoparticles. Our goal is to discovered previously unknown low-density phases of TiO2, with potential for applications invarious fields. We then use well-known TiO2 clusters as fundamental building blocks to be self-assembled into unique structuresto study their distinct characteristics. Density functional calculations are emplyed to relax the structures and identify the moststable TiO2 structures within an energy range of 0.1 eV per atom from the rutile and anatase phases, which are confirmed,validating our methodology. Going beyond conventional phases, we found two-dimensional TiO2 structures, previously exploredin separate studies, and showing typical structures of transition metal dichalcogenide layers, that forge a bridge betweendifferent TiO2 structures. It is noteworthy that our investigation uncovered an entirely novel class of TiO2 structures featuringhexagonal cages like beehive channels, opening novel phases with huge potential. These discovered low-density phases areinteresting, particularly the hexagonal cage structures with remarkable large gaps, because they introduce other dimensions foruncharted applications in the ever-growing TiO2 landscape.
c-Myc inhibition and p21 modulation contribute to unsymmetrical bisacridines-induced apoptosis and senescence in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Kurdyn Agnieszka , Pawłowska Monika , Paluszkiewicz Ewa , Cichorek Mirosława , Augustin Ewa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive cancers and is the seventh cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Mutations in the KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, SMAD4/DPC4, and MYC are major genetic alterations associated with cell cycle deregulation, apoptosis inhibition, invasion, metastasis, and poor treatment outcomes in PC. The standard therapy for PC is gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, and FOLFIRINOX, however, they have poor survival rates. Therefore, optimizing therapy for patients with PC is a tremendous challenge. Unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs), synthesized by our group, are new promising compounds that exhibited high cytotoxicity and antitumor activity against several solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer. Accordingly, here we investigated their cellular mechanism of action, with a particular focus on the proteins frequently mutated in PC. We showed that apoptosis was the main triggered mechanism of death and the induction of SMAD4 protein can facilitate this process. c-Myc, which is one of the molecular targets for UAs can ease the induction of cell death in the p53-independent manner. Moreover, UAs can also induce accelerated senescence through the upregulation of p21. What is remarkable, senescent cells after prolonged exposition to UAs can die by apoptosis. Thus, UAs exhibit desirable features of promising candidates for future pancreatic cancer therapies.
An Environmental Scan and Qualitative Inquiry of Cancer Patient Navigation Services in North Carolina
Authors: Fathi Leila , Umble Karl , Waters Austin R. , Kent Erin E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Patient navigation services reduce barriers to accessing cancer care and lead to improved outcomes for patients. North Carolina (NC) has thousands of cancer patients seeking cancer care services each year. We sought to complete a digital environmental scan and qualitative inquiry of cancer patient navigation services throughout the state to better inform patients, hospitals administrators, and state officials about the current state of patient navigation programs for cancer patients throughout NC.
Methods: For seven cancer hospitals in NC, two steps were used: an environmental scan of publicly available information on the hospitals’ websites about navigation services, and key informant interviews with navigation staff at each site.
Results: The website scans revealed information about navigation services was incomplete. Each hospital had a page dedicated to cancer navigation, but many did not outline the specific services available to patients. Interviews revealed that navigation services are available to cancer patients across diagnoses, although only a subset of patients receive services. Cancer navigators reported that their work includes care coordination, patient advocacy, emotional support, and addressing non-medical barriers to health care access (transportation, finances, childcare, etc.). Each navigation service had a unique configuration and referral pattern.
Conclusions: Cancer hospitals throughout NC are working to address barriers to care commonly faced by patients, with some programs offering more robust services compared to others. Hospitals would benefit from updating their websites at regular intervals to fully report the services available to patients through their programs, including direct and clear patient navigation contact methods.
Diffusion in Biological Media: A Comprehensive Numerical-Analytical Study via Surface Analysis and Diffusivities Calculation
Authors: Pacheco Juan Ignacio González , Maldonado Mariela 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study examines the diffusion of substances through biological porous materials (analytically and numerically) via diffusion coefficients calculation and surface analysis. The research proposes a sweetening Bing-type cherries (Prunus avium) process using a combination of sucrose and xylitol and a staining technique utilising erythrosine and red gardenia at varying concentrations (119, 238 and 357 ppm) and temperatures (40, 50 and 60°C). Given the fruit's epidermis resistance, the effective diffusivities of skin were inferior to those in flesh. Temperature and concentration synergise in enhancing diffusion coefficients and dye penetration within the food matrix (357 ppm and 60°C). Red gardenia displayed significant temperature-dependent variation (p = 0.019), whereas erythrosine dye remained stable by temperature changes (p>0.05). Gardenia's effective diffusivities in cherry flesh and skin, at 357 ppm and 60°C, 2.43E-08 and 4.12E-09 m2/s, respectively, significantly differed from those obtained at lower temperatures and concentrations. The results emphasise the importance of considering temperature-concentration effects on mass transfer calculations for food colouring processes.