bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Perspectives in Environmental Monitoring Used in the Study of Illicit Drugs Consumption in Brazil: A Literature Review
Authors: Junior André Luiz Sampaio da Silva , SANTANA GREGORIO MATEUS , Nascimento Madson Moreira , Cunha Ricardo Leal , Mesquita Paulo Roberto Ribeiro , de Jesus Raildo Mota 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Brazil has one of the highest rates of illicit drug consumption and is considered a major corridor for the trafficking of illicit drugs worldwide. Thus, this article reviews the literature on the consumption, distribution, and main environmental impacts of illicit drugs in Brazil and analyzes the III National Survey on Drug Use by the Brazilian Population. The literature review is based on articles published in national and international journals between 2018 and 2023. This review consists of two analyses, the first of which addresses publications from the last six years on the monitoring of illicit drugs in Brazil and a second analysis based on the III National Survey on Drug Use that addresses the different possibilities of contact with drugs. The results revealed that the Southeast region of Brazil has the highest number of studies on the subject, especially in the state of São Paulo, while the North and Northeast regions have the lowest number of studies. The Midwest regions only have studies in the federal capital city, Brasília, while no studies were found in states bordering countries that produce illicit drugs, such as Paraguay and Bolivia. Analytical methods that use the concept of miniaturization, green chemistry, and the adoption of acceptance methods are frequent in most articles. Chemometric and statistical tools are widely used for the analysis, development, and conclusion of identification and quantification methods. In general, the most used analytical technique is LC-MS/TS, but other techniques have gained ground for the analysis of illicit drugs, such as GC-MS associated with sample preparation and analysis techniques like SPE, TV-LVI, LDI, MALDI, and FTIR, among others. Furthermore, the data show that the consumption of illicit drugs is increasing in Brazil, especially among young people. Thus, there is an urgent need to monitor the levels of illicit drugs in water bodies in different regions of the country to assess epidemiology and environmental contamination and gather indicators for social policies that curb the consumption of these drugs in the Brazilian population.
Spatiotemporal analysis of PM2.5 estimated using machine learning over Greater Bangkok: Variability, trends, and persistence
Authors: Aman Nishit , Panyametheekul Sirima , Pawarmart Ittipol , Xian Di , Gao Ling , Tian Lin , Manomaiphiboon Kasemsan , Wang Yangjun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The estimation of surface PM2.5 over Greater Bangkok (GBK) was done using six individual machine learning models (random forest, adaptive boosting, gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting, light gradient boosting, and cat boosting), and a stacked ensemble model (SEM) during the dry season (November–April) for 2018–2022. The predictor variables include aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the Himawari-8 satellite, a set of meteorological variables from ERA5_LAND and ERA5 reanalysis datasets, fire hotspots count and NDVI from MODIS, population density from WorldPop database, and the terrain elevation from USGS. Surface PM2.5 was collected for 37 air quality monitoring stations from the Pollution Control Department and Bangkok Meteorological Administration. A good agreement was found between Satellite AOD and AERONET AOD from two AERONET sites in GBK. Among individual models, light gradient boosting showed the best performance in estimating surface PM2.5 on both hourly and daily scales. The SEM outperformed all the individual models and hence was used for the estimation of PM2.5 for each grid in GBK for each hour. A higher risk of PM2.5 pollution in winter (November–February) as compared to summer (March–April) with a higher intensity in Bangkok province was evident from the spatiotemporal maps for both PM2.5 and its exposure intensity. The increasing trend in PM2.5 was reported over more than half of the area in GBK in winter and one-fifth of areas in summer. PM2.5 showed higher variability in winter as compared to summer which can be attributed to the episodical increase in PM2.5 concentration due to changes in meteorological condition suppressing dilution of PM2.5. The persistence analysis using the Hurst exponent suggested an overall higher persistence in PM2.5 during winter as compared to summer but opposite behaviors in nearby coastal regions. The results suggest the potential of using satellite data in combination with ML techniques to advance air quality monitoring from space over the data-scare regions in developing countries. A derived PM2.5 dataset and results of the study could support the formulation of effective air quality management strategies in GBK.
LAP2α Orchestrates Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres Suppression through Telomeric Heterochromatin Regulation with HDAC1: Unveiling a Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Wang Feng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In response to the challenge of telomere attrition during DNA replication, cancer cells predominantly employ telomerase or, in 10%-15% of cases, the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The intricate details of ALT, however, remain elusive. In this study, we unveil that the knockdown of lamina-associated polypeptide 2 alpha (LAP2α) in ALT cells results in telomere dysfunction, triggering a notable increase in ALT-associated hallmarks, including high frequencies of PML bodies (APBs), C-rich extrachromosomal circles (C-circles), and telomere sister chromatid exchange (T-SCE). Furthermore, LAP2α emerges as a crucial player in the process of break-induced telomere replication for telomerase-positive cells following telomeric double-strand breaks. Mechanistically, our investigation underscores LAP2α's role in hindering the recruitment of homologous recombination factors (e.g., RAD52 and RPA2) to telomeres. This occurs through the regulation of the heterochromatic state of telomeres, thereby increasing telomeric accessibility. Consistent with our findings, LAP2α expression is markedly diminished in ALT-positive Osteosarcoma. The use of methotrexate (MTX), which restores the lost heterochromatin state induced by LAP2α depletion, effectively reverses ALT characteristics. This is highlighted by a significant inhibition of tumor proliferation, specifically in ALT-positive patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. These results underscore the critical role of LAP2α in regulating ALT activity, offering significant insights into the interplay between lamina-associated proteins and telomeres for maintaining telomere length. Of paramount significance, our findings contribute to the identification of a more appropriate target population for the osteosarcoma therapeutic drug, MTX.
Tivantinib induces mitotic death in SHH medulloblastoma cell lines.
Authors: Leva Gianpiero Di , Morlando Sonia , Cox Alexander , Aidoo Ruth , Wilkinson James , Topham Caroline 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The c-MET kinase signalling pathway is a key player in the development of the cerebellum and it has been identified as a potential therapeutic candidate for treating medulloblastoma. Here, we confirm that c-MET and its ligand HGF are highly expressed in the SHH medulloblastoma subgroup with SHH-α and SHH-β subtypes showing the highest levels of expression of both genes, respectively. HGF treatments and siRNA-mediated c-MET knockdown demonstrated the proliferative dependance of SHH MB cells on c-MET signalling but time-lapse microscopy revealed heterogeneous behaviours of SHH cell lines after alterations of c-MET levels. Pharmacological inhibition of c-MET signalling established that tivantinib outperforms other c-MET inhibitors, including crizotinib and foretinib, in killing SHH medulloblastoma cells and induces a prolonged block in mitosis followed by apoptotic death in both 2D and 3D cell culture models. We have also shown that tivantinib enhances the anti-proliferative activity of vincristine, standard of care for MB patients, exclusively in DAOY cells where a combination of vincristine and tivantinib selectively increased the level of PARP cleavage. Finally, we demonstrated that foretinib and crizotinib induce mitotic slippage on SHH MB cells and the use of navitoclax, a pan-BCL2 inhibitor, initiates the apoptotic programme after cells fail mitosis. Taken together, these data suggest that tivantinib is a better clinical option for SHH MB patients and foretinib or crizotinib should be only considered in combination with BCL2 inhibitors.
Impact of the presence and number of chromosomal abnormalities on the clinical outcome in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: a monocentric experience
Authors: Danesin Nicolò , Bonaldi Laura , Martines Annalisa , Nalio Silvia , Bertorelle Roberta , Compagno Sofia , Marcato Raffaella , Manni Sabrina , Scarmozzino Federico , Pizzi Marco , Tos Angelo Paolo Dei , Cellini Alessandro , Scapinello Greta , Visentin Andrea , Trentin Livio , Piazza Francesco 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The prognostic and predictive role of specific gene mutations in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) is well-ascertained whereas the clinical impact of chromosome aberrations is far less known. Recent work has provided initial evidence for an adverse prognostic impact of some aberrations, such as del(6q), while other studies suggest a possible relationship between some clinical features (e.g. advanced age and/or inflammatory status) and specific cytogenetic abnormalities. To add to the still limited knowledge on WM cytogenetics and its clinical implications, we herein report our experience in a cohort of WM patients across 23 years. Based on our retrospective study, we found that abnormal karyotype was more represented in older patients and maintained a statistically significant independence from other molecular, clinical, and biological features related to WM. The presence and the number of cytogenetic aberrations correlated with inferior overall and progression-free survival outcomes regardless of the type of single chromosome aberration. Our data suggests that the role of the altered karyotype deserves to be better clarified specially in elderly WM patients, in whom underlying cytogenetic characteristics and disease biology appear to be characterized by a higher degree of complexity.
Smoking and cluster headache presentation and responsiveness to treatment
Authors: Hamdy Mohamed Mohamed , Nasr Nada , Hamdy Eman 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Though an association between cluster headache (CH) and smoking has been postulated, data from the Middle East region is scarce.
Aim of work:
To study the relationship between smoking and CH clinical characteristics and responsiveness to therapy in Egypt. Methodology: This was a prospective cohort hospital-based study conducted on patients with episodic and chronic CH in a tertiary headache clinic in Egypt during the period between 2019 and 2023.
Results
Of 172 patients with CH recruited, 144 (83.7%) were smokers. Twenty-eight patients had chronic CH. The mean age was 42.08 ± 10.93 (20–66) years, and 76.2% (n = 131) were males. Smokers had a significantly higher median number of cluster episodes in the past five years (3.0 (IQR2.0–4.0) versus 2.0 (IQR 1.0–2.0)) and worse HIT-6 scores [51.0 (44.0–59.75) versus 41.0 (38.0–41.75)] than non-smokers (p < 0.001). The number of cluster attacks in the past five years was positively correlated with the smoking index (r = 0.249 (p = 0.006) and the smoking duration (in years) (r = 0.392 (p < 0.001)). HIT-6 scores were significantly correlated with the age at smoking onset (r=-0.190, = 0.023), smoking index (r = 0.519, p < 0.001), smoking duration (r = 0.611, p < 0.001), and number of cigarettes consumed per day (r = 0.392, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Smoking is significantly correlated with the daily frequency of CH attacks, the frequency of CH episodes in the past five years, and the HIT-6 scores among our cohort.
Influence of soil conditions on severity of Fusarium wilt disease in banana cropping systems of Uganda
Authors: Erima Rockefeller , Tushemereirwe Wilberforce , Stoorvogel Jetse 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and Aims
If there is no effective control for a plant disease it is essential to look for other solutions. This study analyzed the interactions between soil conditions and the severity of race 1 strains of Fusarium wilt disease in different banana cropping systems in Uganda.
Methods
A survey was conducted in three regions of Uganda. The severity of race 1 Fusarium wilt on susceptible bananas was studied in various banana cropping systems. Soil samples were collected in each of the cropping systems from the different regions for both laboratory soil analyses and pot experiments.
Results
There were considerable differences in the soil chemical and physical status at regional level. Cropping systems also exhibited significant differences in potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese contents in the soil. Soil properties were clearly correlated to the severity of race 1 strains of Fusarium wilt varied at different levels of the individual soil properties. Also soil types exhibited significant differences in their individual soil properties and severity of race 1 strains of Fusarium wilt disease. Similar results were also found in a pot experiment under controlled conditions.
Conclusion
Soil types with a high pH, high in potassium, calcium, available phosphorus and low in manganese and clay contents appear to be suppressive to race 1strain of Fusarium wilt in bananas.
Use of proton pump inhibitors after laparoscopic gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy: a nationwide register-based cohort study
Authors: Gormsen Johanne , Sanberg Jonas , Gôgenur Ismail , Helgstrand Frederik 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives
L-RYGB and L-SG are the dominant bariatric procedures worldwide. While L-RYGB is an effective treatment of coexisting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), L-SG is associated with an increased risk of de-novo or worsening of GERD. The study aimed to evaluate the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (L-RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (L-SG).

Subjects/Methods
This nationwide register-based study included all patients undergoing L-RYGB or L-SG in Denmark between 2008-2018. In total, 17 740 patients were included in the study, with 16 096 and 1671 undergoing L-RYGB and L-SG, respectively. The median follow up was 11 years after L-RYGB and 4 years after L-SG.
Data were collected through Danish nationwide health registries. The development in PPI use was assessed through postoperative redeemed prescriptions. GERD development was defined by a relevant diagnosis code associated with gastroscopy, 24 hours pH measurement, revisional surgery or anti-reflux surgery. The risk of initiation of PPI treatment or GERD diagnosis was evaluated using Kaplan Meier plots and COX regression models.

Results
The risk of initiating PPI treatment was significantly higher after L-SG compared with L-RYGB (HR 7.06, 95%CI 6.42-7.77, p<0.0001). The utilization of PPI consistently increased after both procedures. The risk of GERD diagnosis was also significantly higher after L-SG compared with L-RYGB (HR 1.93, 95%CI 1.27-2.93, p<0.0001).

Conclusions
The risk of initiation of PPI treatment was significantly higher after L-SG compared with L-RYGB, and a continuous increase in the utilization of PPI was observed after both procedures.
Assessment of Dynamic NMME Models for Meteorological Drought Forecasting in Western Regions of Iran
Authors: Moghasemi Mehdi , Zohrabi Narges , Fathian Hossein , Shahbazi Alireza Nikbakht , Yeganegi Mohammadreza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study assessed the performance of North American multimodel ensemble (NMME) dynamic systems in forecasting meteorological drought within the western and southwestern watersheds of Iran. Without suitable observational data in this region, the global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) precipitation and Climatic Research Unit (CRU) temperature datasets served as the foundation for comparative analysis. The standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was employed for drought evaluation. The findings indicated that longer forecast horizons significantly reduced model accuracy. Furthermore, the assessment of drought predictability based on SPEI revealed that both CanCM3 and CanCM4 models could predict seasonal drought variations, particularly in the northern regions, with a correlation coefficient (CC) exceeding 0.93 at a forecast horizon of 0.5 months. While both models performed similarly at the watershed level in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), the CanCM4 model displayed a higher characteristic stability index (CSI) correlation (above 0.08) than CanCM3 in diagnosing drought. Seasonal variations were evident, with better drought predictions in northern regions during spring and more noticeable model performance differences between northern and southern regions in summer. The evaluation of forecasting capability in both hindcast and forecast periods showed no significant disparity between the models, albeit the CanCM4 model exhibited superior performance in some instances. These results provide valuable insights for water resource planners, enabling more effective decision-making in drought adaptation.
Isolation and Characterization of polygalacturonase producing thermophilic Aspergillus spp. isolated from decayed tomato fruits
Authors: Sinshaw Gebiru , R Jeyaramraja P 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this study, a polygalacturonase-producing fungus was isolated from decaying tomatoes. Based on colony morphology and hyphal characteristics, this fungus has been identified as Aspergillus sp. The fungus was used in solid-state fermentation to produce an acidic polygalacturonase enzyme. The crude extract obtained from solid-state fermentation had an activity of 94.6 U/mL. The enzyme was then purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation and column chromatography. Ammonium sulphate precipitation increased the enzyme's specific activity from 6.89 U/mg to 12.42 U/mg. Sephadex G-200 was used to purify the enzyme 3.58 times, and its specific activity was determined to be 24.66 U/mg. The Sephacryl S-100 column was responsible for achieving a final fold purification of 9.93 and a specific activity of 68.41 U/mg. When polygalacturonic acid was used as a substrate, the purified enzyme showed the best performance. The enzyme's optimum temperature and pH were found to be 55°C and 5, respectively. CaCl2 was found to be the best chelating ion for the enzyme. This enzyme is recommended for use in a variety of industrial applications.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of UV-Curable Palm Oil-Based Polyurethane Reinforced with Fluoroacrylate Monomer
Authors: Isa Mohamad Ismail Bin Mohamad , Roslan Rasidi , Salim Nurjannah , Mustapha Rohani , Mustapha Siti Noor Hidayah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Functionalized monomer with specific chain length leads to different behaviors of UV-curable polymers. Due to the high demand for high-performance bio-based coating, this research was conducted to understand the effect of fluoroacrylate monomer (FAM) additions on physicochemical properties of palm oil-based polyurethane (POPU) coating. POPU oligomer was synthesized through a series of steps which was acrylation and isocyanation to form acrylated epoxidized palm oil (AEPO) and POPU oligomer, respectively. The POPU oligomer was further added with trimethylolpropane triacrylate and 1,6 hexamethyl diacrylate monomers at 60/30/10 wt% compositions respectively to form 100 wt% resin and followed by the addition of FAM at different concentrations (2–12 parts per hundred resin, phr). The sample was cast on a silicone mold at 1 mm thickness and cured under UV radiation for 60 seconds. The chemical structure elucidation was successfully done by NMR on AEPO and POPU. In 1H NMR analysis, C = C group was detected at 2.0–3.0 ppm and OH peak at 3.687 ppm. For POPU, peak at 3.0 ppm in 1H NMR analysis suggested that NH functional has formed. In 13C NMR, the existence of urethane linkage at 172 ppm further confirmed the reaction. The SEM and XRD results revealed that the addition of FAM induced separation between molecules, which lowered the crosslinking density of POPU coating. The thermal properties of POPU improved glass transition temperature (Tg) of the coating by 2.64% at the addition of 2 phr FAM. The physical properties of POPU was also improved as excellent adhesion properties of FPOPU was shown at 2–6 phr FAM additionsult for glass (4B), wood (3B), steel (5B to 4B). The hardness also improved across all substrates, such as glass (2H to 6H), wood (3H to 4H), and steel (7H to 8H). On the other hand, the addition of higher FAM concentrations (8–12 phr) showed a reduction in thermal properties as the Tg decreased by 7.54%. Moreover, physical properties of FPOPU also deteriorate as high concentration of FAM added. The hardness decreased for glass (6H to 3H) and steel (6H to 5H). Adhesion also decreased for all the substrates tested, including glass (3B to 2B), wood (3B to 2B), and steel (5B to 3B). The optimum fluoroacrylate addition contributing to high adhesion, hardness and thermal performance was observed at 4 phr, and the best surface application was steel surface.
Twelve-month analysis of real-world evidence from a commercial telehealth obesity treatment provider
Authors: Ard Jamy , Hong Young-Rock , Foster Gary , Medcalf Adam , Nadolsky Spencer , Cardel Michelle 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Telehealth for obesity treatment has many advantages, particularly as new anti-obesity medications (AOM) increase treatment demand. However, there is scant research on the effectiveness of large-scale telehealth obesity treatment. This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from adults who initiated AOM treatment with the WeightWatchers (WW) Clinic telehealth program between January 2022 to July 2023. N=53,590 individuals initiated treatment, and 6,089 had 12-month follow-up data. Patients were predominantly female with a mean BMI of 36.9 kg/m2. Average weight loss was 8.9% at 3 months in the initiation cohort, and 19.4% at 12 months in the 12-month cohort. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) based treatments were predominant. Side effects were consistent with classes of medications used, and frequency declined over time. This real-world analysis of a telehealth-delivered obesity treatment program demonstrated outcomes consistent with recent phase 3 clinical trials of AOMs, suggesting generalizability beyond clinical trial and in-person settings.