bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PCMT1 knockdown attenuates malignant properties by globally regulating transcriptome profiles in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Saiding Aili , Maimaitiyiming Dilinuer , Chen Minglan , Yan Futian , Chen Dong , Hu Xinyu , Shi Ping 
Published: November 2023

Background
As the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, Breast cancer has high mortality and metastasis rate, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). As an oncogene, protein-L-isoaspartate (D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase (PCMT1) is a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer and is highly expressed, while its underlying functions remain unknown.

Methods
In this study, we silenced PCTM1 in TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells by short hairpin RNA (shPCMT1) to investigate its cellular functions using cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion experiments. Following this, the transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) experiment was conducted to explore the molecular targets of PCMT1, including differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and regulated alternative splicing events (RASEs).

Results
The results showed that shPCMT1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. We obtained 1,084 DEGs and 2,287 RASEs between shPCMT1 and negative control (NC) groups through RNA-seq. The DEGs were significantly enriched in immune or inflammation response and cell adhesion-associated pathways, pathways associated with PCMT1 cellular function in cell migration. The RASE genes were enriched in cell cycle-associated pathways and were associated with the altered cell proliferation rate. We finally validated the changed expression and splicing levels of DEGs and RASEs. We found that 34 RNA binding protein (RBP) genes were dysregulated by shPCMT1, including NQO1, S100A4, EEF1A2, and RBMS2. The dysregulated RBP genes could partially explain how PCMT1 regulates the global transcriptome profiles.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our study identified the molecular targets of PCMT1 in the TNBC cell line, expands our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of PCMT1 in cancer progression, and provides novel insights into the progression of TNBC. The identified molecular targets are potential therapeutic targets for future TNBC treatment.
Prevalence of Dysmenorrhea and its Management among Undergraduate Students of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Irozulike Faustina Chiamaka , Asiwe Nicholas , Ekokodje Joy Wilberforce , Wedeh Masterson Sampson , Izibeya James Dibagha , Filima Patrick Leo 
Published: November 2023

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a pain felt by women before or during menstruation and is accompanied by some symptoms like headache, dizziness, food cravings, mood swings, and fatigue. Many ways have been adopted for the management of dysmenorrhea. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its management among university students.
Methods: A total of two hundred (200) female university students were involved in this study. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used where students were sampled randomly a questionnaire was used to collect data and data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.
Results: The study found that a majority of the population experiences dysmenorrhea during menstruation (81.5%) and the majority of respondents experienced menstrual flow within 4-5 days with 37% experiencing severe pain. Symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritating mood, depression, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Management of dysmenorrhea varies, with 23.5% using synthetic drugs and 1.5% using local and herbal practices.
Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among the University students and presenting symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and diarrhea, with most using local/herbal medication.
Preschool Teachers’ Perception on the Development and Promotion of Resilience in Young Children at Kindergarten
Authors: Karela Christina 
Published: November 2023

Aims: This paper aimed to examine preschool teachers' perception and understanding on the construct of “resilience” as well as the applied strategies for fostering preschoolers’ resilience at the classroom.
Study Design: The study was conducted between January 2023 and May 2023 and a qualitative methodological approach was adopted.
Methodology: Data were collected through semi-structured, open questioned interviews with 16 preschool teachers (all women, age range 35- 56 years, with working experience from 5 to 20 years) working in public kindergarten at different regions of Greece territory.
Results: Thematic analysis was applied and the findings indicated that the majority of the participants perceived resilience as the ability to cope with adversity and bounce back, which is cultivated and didn’t constitute a character trait. In relation to the strategies used by preschool teachers to promote resilience they emphasized the significance of the closeness of their relationship with children and family, the enhancement of social- emotional knowledge and skills (self-regulation, maintaining friendly relationships), the development of a positive classroom climate and the adaptation of proactive teaching practices (student-oriented and group-cooperative approach).
Conclusion: Although preschool teachers seemed adequate enough to foster resilience in young children they expressed their desire for more training in this field, as well as the need for support from experts (e.g. school psychologists, educational support structures).
Effect of Risk on Total Debt of Companies Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
Authors: Pyoko Oliver Mukweyi , Muchiri Renson 
Published: November 2023

Despite the availability issue, debt financing continues to be an essential form of funding for businesses. Risks have been a major source of uneasiness for owners, executives, experts, as well as shareholders globally. The Kenyan enterprises have a greater susceptible to variations in currency rates in the nation’s economic climate, which is growing to become increasingly open with an increase in global trade. The study objective is to investigate the effect of risk on total debt of companies listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study was underpinned by tradeoff theory and pecking order theory. The study utilized causal research design. Secondary data was used to collect data from yearly accounting statement from 2007-2011. Panel regression was used to analyze the fixed effect model. The result showed that risk negatively and substantially affects total debt. The study recommended that the management of listed firms should understand the tradeoff theory and pecking order theory. The study also recommended that risk should continually be monitored by companies to be in line with the prevailing economic conditions. This can be ensured by studying other factors trend that can affect the risk of companies.
Challenges Facing Women’s Who are Participating in Village Community Bank in Mbarali District
Authors: Gajijime Hansi J. 
Published: November 2023

The study aimed at examining challenges facing women's who are participating in VICOBA at Mbarali Disrict. The specific objectives were: to determine social, economic and structural challenges facing women’s who are participating in Village Community Bank, The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 178 respondents using researcher administered questionnaire and 18 key informants by using interview method. The sample size were selected by using purposive and simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) and qualitative data were analysed by using content analysis technique where data were organized and summarized into different themes and ideas which were expressed by key respondents. The study findings show that 44.9% women faced with a challenge of poor cooperation from VICOBA members, inadequate income 49.4% of women, short loan duration 83.7% revealed by VICOBA women, and structural factors including tough membership conditions by 82.3%. Conclusion, challenge facing women’s participation in VICOBA in Mbarali District were poor education on VICOBA that led them to fail to participate effectively in VICOBA.
Therefore, the study recommends that through proper impletation of policy it can lead to reach the SDGs where encouraging to fight against inequality and the way of ensuring equality is to remove all challenges that facing women’s in their participation in VICOBA.
Heterostrain‐Driven Bandgap Increase in Twisted WS2: A Nanoscale Study
Authors: van Heijst Sabrya E. , Bolhuis Maarten , Brokkelkamp Abel , Sangers Jeroen J. M. , Conesa‐Boj Sonia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTwisted 2D materials present an enticing platform for exploring diverse electronic properties owning to the tunability of their bandgap energy. However, the intricate relationship between local heterostrain fields, thickness, and bandgap energy remains insufficiently understood, particularly at the nanoscale. Here, it presents a comprehensive nanoscale study elucidating the remarkable sensitivity of the bandgap energy to both thickness and heterostrain fields within twisted WS2 nanostructures. This approach integrates electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS) enhanced by machine learning with 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Through this synergistic methodology, enhancements up to 20% in the bandgap energy is unveiled depending on the specimen thickness. This phenomenon is traced back to sizable deformation angles present within individual layers, which can be directly linked to distinct variations in local heterostrain fields. The findings represent a significant advancement in comprehending the electronic behavior of twisted 2D materials and introduce a novel methodological framework with far‐reaching implications for twistronics and the investigation of other materials within the nanoscience domain.
Liposomal Delivery of an Immunostimulatory CpG Induces Robust Antitumor Immunity and Long‐Term Immune Memory by Reprogramming Tumor‐Associated Macrophages
Authors: Kim Yujin , Lee Seojung , Jon Sangyong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs)—representative immune‐suppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME)—are known to promote tumor progression and metastasis, and thus are considered an attractive target for cancer therapy. However, current TAM‐targeting strategies are insufficient to result in robust antitumor efficacy. Here, a small lipid nanoparticle encapsulating immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (SLNP@CpG) is reported as a new immunotherapeutic modality that can reprogram TAMs and further bridge innate‐to‐adaptive immunity. It is found that SLNP@CpG treatment enhances macrophage‐mediated phagocytosis of cancer cells and tumor antigen cross‐presentation, and skews the polarization state of macrophages in vitro. Intratumoral injection of SLNP@CpG into an established murine E.G7‐OVA tumor model significantly suppresses tumor growth and considerably prolongs survival, completely eradicating tumors in 83.3% of mice. Furthermore, tumor‐free mice resist rechallenge with E.G7‐OVA cancer cells through induction of immunological memory and long‐term antitumor immunity. SLNP@CpG even exerts antitumor efficacy in an aggressive B16‐F10 melanoma model by remodeling TME toward immune stimulation and tumor elimination. These findings suggest that, by modulating the function of TAMs and reshaping an immunosuppressive TME, the SLNP@CpG nanomedicine developed here may become a promising immunotherapeutic option applicable to a variety of tumors.
The Story of Ferumoxytol: Synthesis Production, Current Clinical Applications, and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Long Mengmeng , Li Yan , He Hongliang , Gu Ning 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFerumoxytol, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2009, is one of the intravenous iron oxide nanoparticles authorized for the treatment of iron deficiency in chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease. With its exceptional magnetic properties, catalytic activity, and immune activity, as well as good biocompatibility and safety, ferumoxytol has gained significant recognition in various biomedical diagnoses and treatments. Unlike most existing reviews on this topic, this review primarily focuses on the recent clinical and preclinical advances of ferumoxytol in disease treatment, spanning anemia, cancer, infectious inflammatory diseases, regenerative medicine application, magnetic stimulation for neural modulation, etc. Additionally, the newly discovered mechanisms associated with the biological effects of ferumoxytol are discussed, including its magnetic, catalytic, and immunomodulatory properties. Finally, the summary and future prospects concerning the treatment and application of ferumoxytol‐based nanotherapeutics are presented.
Variation and covariation of external shape and cross‐sectional geometry in the human metacarpus
Authors: Tanner Samuel B. , Bardo Ameline , Davies Thomas W. , Dunmore Christopher J. , Johnston Richard E. , Owen Nicholas J. , Kivell Tracy L. , Skinner Matthew M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesAnalyses of external bone shape using geometric morphometrics (GM) and cross‐sectional geometry (CSG) are frequently employed to investigate bone structural variation and reconstruct activity in the past. However, the association between these methods has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we analyze whole bone shape and CSG variation of metacarpals 1–5 and test covariation between them.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed external metacarpal shape using GM and CSG of the diaphysis at three locations in metacarpals 1–5. The study sample includes three modern human groups: crew from the shipwrecked Mary Rose (n = 35 metacarpals), a Pre‐industrial group (n = 50), and a Post‐industrial group (n = 31). We tested group differences in metacarpal shape and CSG, as well as correlations between these two aspects of metacarpal bone structure.ResultsGM analysis demonstrated metacarpus external shape variation is predominately related to changes in diaphyseal width and articular surface size. Differences in external shape were found between the non‐pollical metacarpals of the Mary Rose and Pre‐industrial groups and between the third metacarpals of the Pre‐ and Post‐industrial groups. CSG results suggest the Mary Rose and Post‐industrial groups have stronger metacarpals than the Pre‐industrial group. Correlating CSG and external shape showed significant relationships between increasing external robusticity and biomechanical strength across non‐pollical metacarpals (r: 0.815–0.535; p ≤ 0.05).DiscussionDifferences in metacarpal cortical structure and external shape between human groups suggest differences in the type and frequency of manual activities. Combining these results with studies of entheses and kinematics of the hand will improve reconstructions of manual behavior in the past.
Luminescent Gold Nanoparticles with Discrete DNA Valences for Precisely Controlled Transport at the Subcellular Level
Authors: Nie Wenyan , He Kui , Zhao Zhipeng , Luo Xiaoxi , Liu Jinbin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUltrasmall luminescent gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with excellent capabilities to cross biological barriers offer great promise in designing intelligent model nanomedicines for investigating structure–property relationships at the subcellular level. However, the strict surface controllability of ultrasmall AuNPs is challenging because of their small size. Herein, we report a facile in situ method for precisely controlling DNA aptamer valences on the surface of luminescent AuNPs with emission in the second near‐infrared window using a phosphorothioate‐modified DNA aptamer, AS1411, as a template. The discrete DNA aptamer number of AS1411‐functionalized AuNPs (AS1411‐AuNPs, ≈1.8 nm) with emission at 1030 nm was controlled in one aptamer (V1), two aptamers (V2), and four aptamers (V4). It was then discovered that not only the tumor‐targeting efficiencies but also the subcellular transport of AS1411‐AuNPs were precisely dependent on valences. A slight increase in valence from V1 to V2 increased tumor‐targeting efficiencies and resulted in higher nucleus accumulation, whereas a further increase in valence (e.g., V4) significantly increased tumor‐targeting efficiencies and led to higher cytomembrane accumulation. These results provide a basis for the strict surface control of nanomedicines in the precise regulation of in vivo transport at the subcellular level and their translation into clinical practice in the future.
Effect of conductive layer on the performance of gel electrolyte‐based supercapacitors
Authors: Öztürk Tuğçe P. , Özdemir Onur B. , Gelir Ali , Keshtiban Nahid A. , Yargı Önder , Mucur Selin Pıravadılı , Seçgin Alper 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSolid‐state electrolytes such a further novel finding is going to have great importance because of the disadvantages of liquid electrolytes such as electrochemical instability, low ion selectivity, and interface contact. It is anticipated that the use of solid‐state electrolytes including supercapacitors (SCs) will become widespread with decreasing self‐leakage and environmental damage more than liquid electrolytes. In this study, SCs with graphene/PEDOT: PSS coated electrodes and binary PVA gel electrolytes with a conductive layer were designed and the electrochemical performance of the configurations was characterized. The effects of the conductive layer between binary electrolytes and the concentration of the KOH solution in the electrolytes were studied. It was observed that the conductive layer used between the gel electrolytes causes additional charging at the electrolyte/conductive layer interface and behaves like a serially connected capacitor to the double‐layer capacitor. Interestingly, at a slow sweep rate (5 mV/s), the specific capacitance values of the assembled SCs decreased when a conductive layer was used but it increased when the sweep rate was fast (100 mV/s).
An epidemiologic study of penoscrotal transposition by maternal characteristics using data from the Texas birth defects registry
Authors: Allred Rachel P. , Nguyen Joanne , Agopian A. J. , Canfield Mark A. , Shumate Charles J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundPenoscrotal transposition (PST) is an uncommon urogenital malformation in which the penis is mal‐positioned to be inferior to the scrotum. The purpose of this study was to explore PST risk by maternal characteristics and to describe co‐occurring congenital abnormalities in the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR).MethodsWe conducted a population‐based descriptive study examining occurrence of PST in the TBDR between 1999 and 2019. The primary outcome variable was PST diagnosis during infancy. Descriptive variables included maternal age, education, and race/ethnicity. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated within each maternal variable category using Poisson regression. Counts and percentages of cases with select co‐occurring congenital abnormalities were also calculated.ResultsOverall, 251 infants had PST, providing a prevalence of 0.61/10,000 live male births (95% CI: 0.53–0.68). PST prevalence was significantly lower among infants of mothers who had lower educational attainment (<high school vs. >high school), who were younger (<25 vs. 25–34), and who were Hispanic (vs. non‐Hispanic White) and was significantly higher among older mothers (35+ vs. 25–39). Hypospadias was the most common co‐occurring genitourinary anomaly, affecting close to 70% of cases.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first investigation exploring the prevalence of PST in a population‐based birth defects registry. Our findings help to understand the risk for PST among select maternal demographic characteristics and may assist in generating hypotheses about the underlying etiology of this condition for future work.
Optical analysis of RE3+ (RE = Eu,Tb):MgLa2V2O9 nano‐phosphors
Authors: Hajira Shaik , Vijitha Jillela Santhosh , Dhoble Sanjay Janrao , Raju Borelli Deva Prasad , Reddy Busireddy Sudhakar 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRed and green rare‐earth ion (RE3+) (RE = Eu, Tb):MgLa2V2O9 micro‐powder phosphors were produced utilizing a standard solid‐state chemical process. The X‐ray diffraction examination performed on the phosphors showed that they were crystalline and had a monoclinic structure. The particles grouped together, as shown in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Powder phosphors were examined using a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including photoluminescence (PL), Fourier‐transform infrared, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Brilliant red emission at 615 nm (5D0 → 7F2) having an excitation wavelength (λexci) of 396 nm (7F0 → 5L6) and green emission at 545 nm (5D4 → 7F5) having an λexci = 316 nm (5D4 → 7F2) have both been seen in the emission spectra of Tb3+:MgLa2V2O9 nano‐phosphors. The emission mechanism that is raised in Eu3+:MgLa2V2O9 and Tb3+:MgLa2V2O9 powder phosphors has been explained in an energy level diagram.
When online citizen science meets teaching: Storyfication of a science discovery game to teach, learn, and contribute to genomic research
Authors: Drogaris Chrisostomos , Butyaev Alexander , Nazarova Elena , Sarrazin‐Gendron Roman , Patel Harsh , Singh Akash , Kadota Brenden , Waldispühl Jérôme 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the last decade, video games became a common vehicle for citizen science initiatives in life science, allowing participants to contribute to real scientific data analysis while learning about it. Since 2010, our scientific discovery game (SDG) Phylo enlists participants in comparative genomic data analysis. It is frequently used as a learning tool, but the activities were difficult to aggregate to build a coherent teaching activity. Here, we describe a strategy and series of recipes to facilitate the integration of SDGs in courses and implement this approach in Phylo. We developed new roles and functionalities enabling instructors to create assignments and monitor the progress of students. A story mode progressively introduces comparative genomics concepts, allowing users to learn and contribute to the analysis of real genomic sequences. Preliminary results from a user study suggest this framework may help to boost user motivation and clarify pedagogical objectives.
Comparative Analysis of Organic Extracts Bioactivity from Two Limonium. Mill Species Growing Wild in Tunisian Salty Marshes
Authors: Rahmani Rami , Debouba Mohamed , Aydi Sameh Sassi , Aydi Samir , Bouajila Jalloul 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLimonium. Mill is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family. The present study aimed to compare two Limonium species (L. pruinosum Kuntze and L. tunetanum (Barratte & Bonnet) Maire) in terms of their chemical composition and bioactivity. Chemical profiling showed that the methanolic (MeOH) extracts of both species were the most enriched with total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents. The TFC were higher in L. tunetanum compared to L. pruinosum. HPLC‐DAD analysis showed that distinctly the gallic acid and L‐tyrosine 7‐amido‐4‐methylcoumarin were the main compounds for L. pruinosum and L. tunetanum, respectively. For both Limonium. Mil species, the MeOH extracts displayed the highest antioxidant with IC50 of 7.7 and 8.4 μg/mL for L. pruinosum and L. tunetanum, respectively. The highest anti‐15‐lipoxygnase activity was recorded in the ethyl acetate (IC50=14.2 μg/mL) and Methanol (IC50=15.6 μg/mL) extracts for L. pruinosum. However, for L. tunetanum the best activity was recorded for dichloromethane extract (IC50=10.4 μg/mL). L. pruinosum extracts displayed the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 and HCT‐116 cell lines compared to L. tunetanum ones. The obtained bioactivity discrepancy between Limonium. Mill species was discussed in relation to the organic extract chemical richness.