bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Antitumor Effects of Thymoquinone in Combination with Paclitaxel on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines: Role of P53 Modulation
Authors: Habib Tito N. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal disease with a limited response to chemotherapy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and drug resistance in HCC is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This study focuses on two widely used HCC cell lines, HepG2 and SNU-449, to investigate the combination treatment of paclitaxel (PTX) and thymoquinone (TQ). PTXis a potent chemotherapeutic agent that stabilizes microtubule structure and induces cell cycle arrest, but resistance remains challenging. TQ has shown promising anticancer effects.
Methods: The antitumor effects of mono- and combined drug treatments were assessed in HepG2 and SNU-449 cell lines, including cell viability, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis.
Results: The combination treatment synergistically enhanced the antitumor effects of PTX and TQ. It significantly reduced viable cell numbers, increased caspase-3 activation, and elevated annexin V staining. Interestingly, the combination induced differential cell cycle arrest patterns, with HepG2 cells shifting to the S phase and SNU-449cells showing an increased G2/M cell population. PTX alone induced apoptosis in both cell lines, and TQ exhibited a similar apoptotic effect. The combined treatment further potentiated the apoptotic effect. P53, a tumor suppressor gene, was upregulated by PTX and TQ in the tested cell lines, suggesting its role in modulating the treatment response. P53knockdown enhanced the antitumor properties of PTX and TQ in both cell lines.
Conclusion: The combination therapy of TQ and PTXholds promise as a potential therapeutic regimen for HCC. P53 may have a dual role, acting as a tumor suppressor and a cell protector under stress conditions. Targeting the down-regulatory mechanisms of P53could be a valuable therapeutic approach, particularly in cancers with wild-type P53.
Denticula iranica sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta), a new diatom species from Jolfa travertine depositing hot spring, northwestern Iran
Authors: Parikhani Fatemeh , Atazadeh Ehsan , Razeghi Jafar , Mosaferi Mohammad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

During limnological studies in the northwestern Iran, an unknown taxon belong to genus Denticula was found in Jolfa travertine depositing hot spring. The taxon has similarities with D. eximia, D. valida, D. subtilis, D. elegans, D. thermalis and D. thermaloides as shown by LM and SEM observations but based on detailed light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the species showed sufficient morphological differences to separate it as a new species. The new taxon Denticula iranica sp. nov. with valve length 7.0–38.5, valve width 3.0–6.5 and striae density is 32–34. Valves linear-lanceolate with acutely rounded ends. The keel is marginal along the edge of valve face. The raphe is eccentric and supported by fibulae that extend transapically from the center of the valve. Fibulae extend internally at irregular angles from the raphe to about halfway across the valve face. Striae are rarely visible under LM. Costae are typically parallel to one another, measuring in 8–9 in 10 µm. The new taxon has only been found on travertine-depositing hot spring where it occurs in alkaline lakes (pH = 9.8) with high specific conductance values (EC = 17.44 mScm− 1).
Optimal land allocation and irrigation scheduling to maximize the economic utility
Authors: Kahkhamoghaddam parisa , Ziaei Ali Naghi , Davary kamran , Kanooni Amin , Sadeghi Sedigheh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Attaining sustainable agriculture requires water consumption management. A water allocation optimization model was developed for the Moghan irrigation network (northwest of Iran) based on the AquaCrop plug-in model. The genetic algorithm was applied to optimize water allocation for five main crops, including wheat, first-cultivation maize, second-cultivation maize, soybeans, and alfalfa. The heuristic economic utility (EU) function was used as the objective function to optimize water allocation. In this function, drained water salinity was applied as a penalty factor to the total benefit, and soil salinity deterioration due to irrigation was also considered as a factor in each crop’s benefit. The results showed that the optimal allocated water depth was 17% less than the normal water consumption. Moreover, the application of soil water salinity coefficients did not affect the ratio of EU to EB (economic benefits) for wheat and alfalfa. However, first-cultivation maize, second-cultivation maize, and soybeans cultivation led to a reduction in EU within the study area. A combination of the crops cultivation led to a change in river water quality and an 8.2% reduction in the ratio of EU to EB function.
Assessment of Wellbore Integrity Failure Risk and Hazardous Zones in Depleted Reservoirs Underground Gas Storage During the Operation Processes
Authors: Wang Rui , Kuru Ergun , Zhao Chaojie , Liu Minggang , Jin Yanxin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Depleted reservoirs are widely used for underground gas storage due to their advantages of low construction cost and easy development. Under the influence of complex geological conditions and frequent operations, the integrity of the wells in depleted reservoirs is prone to failure, which would potentially lead to gas leakage. In this study, by using a finite element based computational fluid dynamics model, we have developed evaluation criteria for assessing the severity of the occurred wellbore integrity failure and the risk of the un-occurred wellbore integrity failures respectively to identify hazardous zones potentially prone to wellbore integrity failure. The study results indicate that the gas storage wellbore integrity failure is prone to occur inside the wellbore structure in the direction of the minimum ground stress near the lower boundary of the formation interlayer. The wellbore integrity failure hazardous zones are mainly concentrated at the formation interlayer boundaries. The practical guidelines and solutions derived from current research results can be used for environmental protection work to avoid pollution problems caused by natural gas leakage.
Ultrastrong Light-Matter Coupling in 2D Metal-Organic Chalcogenates
Authors: Jariwala Deep , Anantharaman Surendra , Lynch Jason , Aleksich Mariya , Stevens Christopher , Munley Christopher , Choi Bongjun , Shenoy Sridhar , Darlington Thomas , Majumdar Arka , Schuck P. , Hendrickson Joshua , Hohman James 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Hybridization of excitons with photons to form hybrid quasiparticles, exciton-polaritons (EPs), has been widely investigated in a range of semiconductor material systems coupled to photonic cavities. Self-hybridization occurs when the semiconductor itself can serve as the photonic cavity medium resulting in strongly-coupled EPs with Rabi splitting energies (ħΩ) > 200 meV at room temperatures which recently were observed in layered two-dimensional (2D) excitonic materials. Here, we report an extreme version of this phenomenon, an ultrastrong EP coupling, in a nascent, 2D excitonic system, the metal organic chalcogenate (MOCHA) compound named mithrene. The resulting self-hybridized EPs in mithrene crystals placed on Au substrates show Rabi Splitting in the ultrastrong coupling range (ħΩ > 600 meV) due to the strong oscillator strength of the excitons concurrent with the large refractive indices of mithrene. We further show bright EP emission at room temperature as well as EP dispersions at low-temperatures. Importantly, we find lower EP emission linewidth narrowing to ~1 nm when mithrene crystals are placed in closed Fabry-Perot cavities. Our results suggest that MOCHA materials are ideal for polaritonics in the deep green-blue part of the spectrum where strong excitonic materials with large optical constants are notably scarce.
SARS-CoV-2 Evolution on a Dynamic Immune Landscape
Authors: von Kleist Max , Raharinirina N. Alexia , Gubela Nils , Börnigen Daniela , Smith Maureen , Oh Djin-Ye , Budt Matthias , Mache Christin , Schillings Claudia , Fuchs Stephan , Dürrwald Ralf , Wolff Thorsten , Hoelzer Martin , Paraskevopoulou Sofia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Since the onset of the pandemic, many SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged, exhibiting substantial evolution in the virus spike protein, the main target of neutralizing antibodies. A plausible hypothesis proposes that the virus evolves to evade antibody-mediated neutralization (vaccine- or infection-induced) to maximize its ability to infect an immunologically experienced population. While virus infection induces neutralizing antibodies, viral evolution may thus navigate on a dynamic immune landscape that resulted from the infection history in different regions. Global inequalities in vaccine distribution and differences in infection-prevention measures have shaped this global immunological landscape, resulting in uneven geographic distributions of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Consequently, predicting which variant will spread within particular regions has become increasingly challenging.
To tackle this challenge, we developed a comprehensive mechanistic model of the dynamic immunological landscape of SARS-CoV-2. We utilized deep-mutational scanning data and antibody pharmacokinetics to compute time-dependent cross-neutralization between arbitrary variants. Combined with infection history and molecular surveillance data, we could predict the variant-specific relative number of susceptibles over time, exemplified for Germany. This quantity precisely matched historical variant dynamics, predicted future variant dynamics, and could explain global differences in variant dynamics. Our work strongly supports the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 evolution is driven by escape from humoral immunity, allows contextualizing risk assessment of variants, and provides important clues for vaccine design.
Advances to Diminish Global Newborn Kernicterus Mortality
Authors: Wong Ronald , Vidavalur Ramesh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Initiatives such as “Every Newborn Action Plans” and “Sustainable Developmental Goals” have spurred comprehensive analysis of infant mortality including extreme hyperbilirubinemia. Trends in adverse outcomes over the last three decades (1990-2019). demonstrate differential rates of decline among countries’ stratified healthcare economies. Globally, Kernicterus was responsible for 2.8 (95% UI:2.3, 3.3) million infant deaths (0.07%). In 2019, kernicterus mortality was 4 per million live births for high-income-countries, which was discordant with 293 per million in low-income-countries. Approximately 60% of mortality occurred at age <6 days; 82% of deaths low and low-middle--income-countries. These countries experienced ~43,510 preventable deaths. The average decline rate was 6.2% for high-income-countries and only 3.0% for low-income-countries. Equitable outcomes of kernicteric mortality could be feasible through global dissemination of optimized and standardized systems strategies to manage newborn jaundice; declining trends in adverse neonatal and infant outcomes will require critical surveillance and clinical accountability to bridge discordant gaps.
Heterogeneous genetic architectures and evolutionary genomics of prostate cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Rebbeck Timothy , Janivara Rohini , Chen Wenlong , Hazra Ujani , Baichoo Shakuntala , Agalliu Ilir , Kachambwa Paidamoyo , Simonti Corinne , Brown Lyda , Tambe Saanika , Kim Michelle , Harlemon Maxine , Jalloh Mohamed , Muzondiwa Dillon , Naidoo Daphne , Ajayi Olabode , Snyper Nana , Niang Lamine , Diop Halimatou , Ndoye Medina , Mensah James , Darkwa-Abrahams Afua , Biritwum Richard , Adjei Andrew , Adebiyi Akindele , Shittu Olayiwola , Ogunbiyi Olufemi , Adebayo Sikiru , Nwegbu Maxwell , Ajibola Hafees , Oluwole Olabode , Jamda Mustapha , Pentz Audrey , Haiman Christopher , Spies Petrus , Merwe Andre Van der , Cook Michael , Chanock Stephen J. , Berndt Sonja I. , Watya Stephen , Lubwama Alex , Muchengeti Mazvita , Doherty Sean , Smyth Natalie , Lounsbury David , Fortier Brian , Rohan Thomas , Jacobson Judith , Neugut Alfred , Hsing Ann , Gusev Alexander , Aisuodionoe-Shadrach Oseremen , Joffe Maureen , Adusei Ben , Gueye Serigne , Fernandez Pedro , McBride Jo , Andrews Caroline , Petersen Lindsay , Lachance Joseph 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Men of African descent have the highest prostate cancer (CaP) incidence and mortality rates, yet the genetic basis of CaP in African men has been understudied. We used genomic data from 3,963 CaP cases and 3,509 controls recruited in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda, to infer ancestry-specific genetic architectures and fine-mapped disease associations. Fifteen independent associations at 8q24.21, 6q22.1, and 11q13.3 reached genome-wide significance, including four novel associations. Intriguingly, multiple lead SNPs are private alleles, a pattern arising from recent mutations and the out-of-Africa bottleneck. These African-specific alleles contribute to haplotypes with odds ratios above 2.4. We found that the genetic architecture of CaP differs across Africa, with effect size differences contributing more to this heterogeneity than allele frequency differences. Population genetic analyses reveal that African CaP associations are largely governed by neutral evolution. Collectively, our findings emphasize the utility of conducting genetic studies that use diverse populations.
Chemical, Rheological, and Sensorial Properties of Baladi Bread Supplemented with Buckwheat Flour Produced in Egypt.
Authors: Hassona Mohamed M. , El-Aal Hala A. Abd , Morsy Nahla M. , Hussein Ahmed M. S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This research aimed to enhance the nutritional and sensory qualities of Balady bread by adding locally Egyptian buckwheat flours, Fagopyrum esculentum (FE) and Fagopyrum tataricum (FT), to Hard Wheat Flour (HWF) 82% extraction at three levels (10%, 20%, and 30%). The chemical composition, rheological properties, color, sensory evaluation and stalling of the balady bread were determined. The chemical composition of raw materials revealed that FE was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in protein and fat contents compared to HWF and FT. While FT was higher in fiber and ash contents. Meanwhile, HWF was higher in total carbohydrates. Water absorption, arrival time, dough-development time, mixing tolerance index and dough weakening were significantly increased, however dough-stability was decreased parallel with an increment of the WF substitution level using the FE and FT. The addition of FE and FT with HWF with increasing proportions from 10–30% decreased the Extensibility, Resistance to extension and energy of dough, while proportional number increased. Nutritional analysis revealed that the incorporation of either Fagopyrum species significantly boosted levels of protein, fat, fiber, and ash, while diminishing carbohydrate content. As for color attributes, the L* and b* values decreased as buckwheat supplementation increased. Sensory evaluations exhibited a downward trend for attributes such as taste, aroma, crust hue, crumb structure, bread shape, layer separation, and overall appearance with increasing buckwheat content. In summary, this research offers valuable insights into how locally sourced Egyptian buckwheat flours can be used to both fortify the nutritional profile and influence the rheological and sensory properties of Balady bread.
In Vitro evaluation of p-coumaric acid and Naringin combination in Human Epidermoid Carcinoma Cell Line (A431)
Authors: Velusamy Pradeep , Muthusami Sridhar , Arumugam Ramakrishnan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cancer is considered most detrimental due to high mortality worldwide. Among them skin cancers play a major part by affecting one in three cancer patients globally. About 2-3 million and 1,32,000 cancer cases were reported to be non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers, respectively. Although chemotherapeutic drugs act on cancer cells but results in long lasting morbidities which affects one’s quality of life and also works only in the initial stage of the cancer. Hence, an idea of traditional medicine to cure the disease efficiently with less side effects was emerging among the researchers. We have assessed the combination effect of p-coumaric acid and naringin in exerting anticancer activity using A431 (Epidermoid carcinoma) cells. The MTT analysis of the combination on A431 cells showed the least IC50 concentration of 41 ± µg/ml which is effective than the standard drug Imiquimod with IC50 concentration of 52 ± µg/ml. Further, flow cytometric analysis were carried out to identify the molecular mechanism behind the anticancer effects of the combination. The results revealed that the combination arrested the A431 cell cycle at S phase, induced apoptosis as induced by more early and late apoptotic cells when compared with the control, further reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential in A431 cells. Hence, the result clearly shows the anticancer potential of p-coumaric acid and naringin combination against the skin cancer (A431) cell line. The observed effects may be additive or synergistic effects in inducing ROS generation, apoptosis and reduce the viability of A431 cells.
Highly Stable Two-Dimensional Carbon Allotropes Based on Azulenoid Kekulene
Authors: Khaliullin Rustam , Zhang Zhenzhe , Pham Hanh , Perepichka Dmytro 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Despite enormous interest in 2D carbon allotropes, discovering stable 2D carbon structures with practically useful electronic properties presents a significant challenge. This work shows that fusing azulene-derived macrocycles - azulenoid kekulenes (AK) - into graphene leads to the most stable 2D carbon allotropes reported to date, excluding graphene. DFT modeling predicts that placing the AK units in appropriate relative positions in the graphene lattice opens the 0.54eV electronic bandgap and leads to the appearance of the remarkable 0.80eV secondary gap between conduction bands - a feature that is exceedingly rare in 2D carbon allotropes but is known to enhance light absorption and emission in 3D semiconductors. Among porous AK structures, one material stands out as a stable narrow-multigap (0.36 and 0.56eV) semiconductor with light charge carriers (me = 0.17 m0, mh = 0.19 m0), whereas its boron nitride analog is a wide-multigap (1.51 and 0.82eV) semiconductor with mobile carriers (me = 0.39 m0, mh = 0.32 m0). The multigap engineering strategy proposed here can be applied to other carbon nanostructures creating novel 2D materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications.
Teacher Humor Types and Academic Engagement: Mediating Role of Teacher-student Relationships
Authors: Bao Chenye , Li Ruixing , Zhan Qiqi , Gao Qiyang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The main purpose of the current study is to investigate the links between four different teacher humor types, academic engagement, and teacher–student relationships in the primary education context.
Method
Our data were collected from 385 (184 females) Chinese primary school students by Teacher Humor Scale, revised revision of Chinese Students’ Perceived Teacher–Student Relationship, and revised revision of Chinese Academic Engagement Scale.
Results
The results indicated that teacher humor related to course content directly and significantly predicted students’ academic engagement. Positive teacher–student relationships as perceived by students significantly mediated the relationship between teacher humor related to course content and academic engagement.
Conclusion
This implies that only teacher humor related to course content is an effective daily instructional tool that can promote students’ engagement. These findings complement and extend the previous understanding of the role of teacher humor in primary school students’ learning.
Does somatosensory discrimination therapy alter sensorimotor upper limb function differently compared to motor therapy in children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kleeren Lize , Mailleux Lisa , McLean Belinda , Elliott Catherine , Dequeker Griet , Campenhout Anja Van , de Xivry Jean-Jacques Orban , Verheyden Geert , Ortibus Els , Klingels Katrijn , Feys Hilde 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Besides motor impairments, up to 90% of the children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP) present with somatosensory impairments in the upper limb. As somatosensory information is of utmost importance for coordinated movements and motor learning, somatosensory impairments can further compromise the effective use of the impaired upper limb in daily life activities. Yet, intervention approaches specifically designated to target these somatosensory impairments are insufficiently investigated in children and adolescents with uCP. Therefore, the aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to compare the effectiveness of somatosensory discrimination therapy and dose-matched motor therapy to improve sensorimotor upper limb function in children and adolescents with uCP, who experience somatosensory impairments in the upper limb. We will further explore potential behavioral and neurological predictors of therapy response.
Methods: A parallel group, evaluator-blinded, phase-II, single centre RCT will be conducted for which 50 children and adolescents with uCP, aged 7 to 15 years, will be recruited. Participants will be randomized to receive 3 weekly sessions of 45 minutes of either somatosensory discrimination therapy or upper limb motor therapy for a period of 8 weeks. Stratification will be performed based on age, manual ability and severity of tactile impairment at baseline. Sensorimotor upper limb function will be evaluated at baseline, immediately after the intervention and after 6 months follow-up. The primary outcome measure will be bimanual performance as measured with the Assisting Hand Assessment. Secondary outcomes include a comprehensive test battery to objectify somatosensory function and measures of bimanual coordination, unimanual motor function and goal attainment. Brain imaging will be performed at baseline to investigate structural brain lesion characteristics and structural connectivity of the white matter tracts.
Discussion: This protocol describes the design of an RCT comparing the effectiveness of somatosensory discrimination therapy and dose-matched motor therapy to improve sensorimotor upper limb function in children and adolescents with uCP. The results of this study may aid in the selection of the most effective upper limb therapy, specifically for children and adolescents with tactile impairments.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06006065). Registered on August 8, 2023.