bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
METTL3-mediated m6A modification of circRNF220 modulates miR-330-5p/survivin axis to promote osteosarcoma progression
Authors: Liu Feng , Li Wen , Jin Zhihui , Ye Jia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms of circRNF220s in osteosarcoma (OS) are not well understood.

Methods
The abundances of circRNF220, miR-330-5p, and survivin were determined using qRT-PCR. To assess the m6A accumulation in circRNF220, a methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP) assay was conducted. Cellular multiplication, motility, and invasion were examined using the cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU, colony formation, Transwell, and wound-healing assays. The binding relationships were measured through RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. In vivo functionality was assessed using xenograft models.

Results
CircRNF220 was identified as being overexpressed in both OS cells and tissues. In vitro experiments demonstrated that silencing circRNF220 impeded the proliferation, invasion, and motility of OS cells. Similarly, in vivo studies confirmed that downregulating circRNF220 inhibited the growth of OS. Further mechanistic investigations unveiled that METTL3-modulated circRNF220 regulated the progression of OS by upregulating survivin expression through acting as a sponge for miR-330-5p.

Conclusion
The modulation of METTL3-regulated circRNF220 has been found to promote the progression of OS by modulating the miR-330-5p/survivin axis. This novel finding suggests a potentially unique approach to managing OS.
Exploring potential anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal cannabis
Authors: Gurgenci Taylan , Kijanka Gregor , Greer Ristan , Huggett Georgie , Good Phillip , Moniruzzaman Md , Hardy Janet 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Inflammation is thought to play a key role in malignant disease and may play a significant part in the expression of cancer-related symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a bioactive compound in cannabis and is reported to have significant anti-inflammatory properties.

Method
Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in all participants recruited to a randomised controlled trial of CBD versus placebo in patients with symptoms related to advanced cancer. A panel of inflammatory cytokines was measured over time in a subset of these patients.

Results
There was no difference between the two arms in the trajectory of CRP or cytokine levels from baseline to day 28.

Conclusion
We were unable to demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect of CBD in cancer patients.

Trial registration
ANZCTR 26180001220257, registered 20/07/2018.
An assessment of the health belief model (HBM) properties as predictors of COVID-19 preventive behaviour
Authors: Subedi Sashikala , Leal Filho Walter , Adedeji Adekunle 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Public participation in preventive efforts is crucial in preventing infection and reducing mortality attributed to infectious diseases. The health belief model (HBM) suggests that individuals will likely participate in these efforts when experiencing a personal threat or risk, but only if the benefits of acting outweigh the risk or perceived barriers.

Methods
The current study explores the properties of the HBM as predictors of the public’s compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviour. Quantitative data on HBM properties, COVID-19 preventive behaviour, socioeconomic (SES) and demographic characteristics were collected from a sample of 674 adults in Hamburg, Germany. Binary logistic regression was computed to examine the effect of the properties of HBM on COVID-19 vaccination. Multiple linear regression was calculated to investigate the impacts of HBM properties on the likelihood of participants’ face mask usage as a protective measure against COVID-19 infection.

Results
The logistic regression model was statistically significant, X2(13) = 149.096, p < .001. The specificity and sensitivity for the model is 58.1% and 99.4%, respectively. Similarly, the multiple regression model results showed a good fit for the data. F (13, 650) = 17.093, p < .001, and adjusted R2= .240, suggesting that HBM properties predict face mask usage.

Conclusion
This study’s findings provide robust evidence to recommend that the concerned public health professionals consider individuals’ health beliefs when designing an effective COVID-19 preventive programme. Public health messaging should consider highlighting the benefits of preventive actions and the potential lethality of COVID-19 to evoke an individual’s appropriate concern.
Assessing global warming vulnerability of restricted and common plant species in alpine habitats on two Oceanic Islands
Authors: Mancebo Juana María González , Bello-Rodríguez Víctor , Cubas Jonay , Parada-Díaz Jesús , Bañares-Baudet Ángel , Palomares Ángel , Martín-Esquivel José Luís , del Arco Marcelino J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractClimate change is modifying plant communities and ecosystems around the world. Alpine ecosystems are of special concern on oceanic islands, due to their characteristic higher endemicity percentage, small area and undergoing severe climate change impact in the last few decades. During recent decades there has been increasing interest in the effects of climate change on biodiversity and a range of methods have been developed to assess species vulnerability. However, some new insights are necessary to obtain useful information for species management on oceanic islands. Here in the alpine area of two oceanic islands (Tenerife and La Palma) we evaluate the drivers that best explain the vulnerability of 63 endemic species along three scenarios, covering recent past to present and two future projections (2041–2060 and 2061–2080). The selected drivers were: loss of potential area, mismatch index between potential and occupied areas in different scenarios, and adaptive capacity constraints. We assess the influence of potential area size and whether the drivers of risk and the vulnerability for common, restricted and rare species are significantly different. Our results indicate that management must be widely distributed over the species, and not only focus on restricted species. Evidence for this was that drivers directly deriving from climate change showed no significant differences in their impact on the rarity groups identified. Vulnerability depends partially on the potential area size, showing a more complex picture where constraints on the adaptive capacity of the species have a strong enough influence to modify the effects of the characteristic drivers of climate change.
N-Hydroxyethyl-2-Pyrrolidone Improved Cu-Based Catalysts with High Performance for Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhu Ruibo , Dai Yuanyuan , Xia Hangqi , Niu Qiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTo develop environmentally friendly acetylene hydrochlorination catalysts with high efficiency to replace HgCl2, copper-based catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method. The catalyst with the best performance was finally obtained by adding organic additives NHP. The acetylene conversion rate of the catalyst reached 89%, and the test conditions were T = 150 °C, GHSV(C2H2) = 90 h−1, VHCl/VC2H2 = 1:1.08. The characterization results of XRD, TEM, and ICP showed that NHP improved the dispersion of Cu and reduced the loss of Cu. In addition, from the results of TPR and XPS, the NHP inhibited the reduction of Cuα+ to Cu0, thereby preserving the long-term stability of the catalyst. The BET and TGA results show that the addition of organic additives greatly suppressed the formation of carbon deposits during the catalyst reaction process. Overall, this research provided a series of high-performance Cu-based catalysts obtained by the addition of organic additives NHP.
Graphical Abstract
The Indirect Effect of Biased Judgment Processing of Bodies on Eating Disorder Symptomatology Through Eating Disorder-Specific Reflection
Authors: Shao Rebecca , Krug Isabel , Dondzilo Laura 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The current study sought to empirically evaluate the relationships between biases involving judgment of bodies in terms of their shape and weight, ED-specific rumination subtypes (i.e., ED-specific reflection and ED-specific brooding) and eating disorder (ED) symptomatology.

Methods
Female undergraduates (n = 344) aged 17–24 years completed self-report measures of ED-specific rumination and ED symptomatology and a novel task designed to assess biased judgement processing of bodies.

Results
Results revealed that a bias in judging bodies in terms of their shape and weight was indirectly but not directly associated with ED symptomatology. Specifically, biased judgement processing was indirectly associated with ED symptomatology via ED-specific ruminative reflection but not via ED-specific ruminative brooding.

Conclusions
The current findings suggest biased judgement processing of bodies may contribute to ED symptomatology via ED-specific ruminative reflection. It is important to note that the indirect effect was small suggesting the involvement of other potential variables in this relationship. Thus, further exploration of the cognitive factors involved in the relationship between biased judgement processing and ED symptomatology is warranted.
Effect of environmental variables on mercury accumulation in sediments of an anthropogenically impacted tropical estuary (Buenaventura Bay, Colombian Pacific)
Authors: Molina Andrés , Duque Guillermo , Cogua Pilar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEstuaries are the main entry areas of mercury to the marine environment and are important to understand the effect of this contaminant on marine organisms, since it accumulates in the sediments becoming available to enter the food trophic chain. This study aims to determine the environmental variables that mainly influence the spatiotemporal dynamics of total mercury accumulation in sediments of tropical estuaries. Sediment samples were collected from interior and exterior areas of the estuary during the dry and rainy seasons, representing the spatiotemporal gradients of the estuary. The grain size, organic matter content (OM), and total mercury concentration (THg) of the sediment samples were determined. In addition, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH of the water column associated with each sediment sample were assessed. The variations in environmental conditions, OM and THg in sediment were in accordance with a gradient which goes from conditions influenced by fresh water in the inner estuary to conditions influenced by sea water in the outer part of the estuary. The OM and THg in sediments presented similar variation patterns; they were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season and in the interior area of the estuary than in the exterior area. Despite the complex dynamic observed in the distribution and accumulation processes of mercury in sediments, these processes could be modeled from OM and salinity parameters. Due to the correlations found, in the process of accumulation of mercury in sediments the OM could represents the pathway of transport and accumulation of THg, and salinity could represent the influence of the hydroclimatic variations and environmental gradients of the estuary.
An Accommodation for Whom? Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the Landscape of Flexible and Remote Work for Workers with Disabilities?
Authors: Brooks Jennifer D. , von Schrader Sarah 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAt the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, flexible and remote work was viewed as a silver bullet that would increase employment rates among people with disabilities. This view fails to recognize that not all workers with disabilities can obtain jobs that can be done remotely or on a flexible schedule. Data from the 2019 and 2021 years of the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey were used to examine if disabled workers’ gender, race, ethnicity, age, and education, increase (or decrease) their chances of accessing flexible and remote work and if the group of workers with disabilities who access such options expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings indicate that compared to their non-disabled counterparts, prior to the pandemic, workers with disabilities reported similar rates of flexible and remote work. Workers with disabilities, however, had lower rates of remote work after the start of the pandemic. Regardless of year, flexible and remote work rates vary by demographic group, with disabled workers who are white, female, and college-educated more likely to access these options than multiply marginalized disabled workers.
What’s in the bee nest holes? A single aggregation of Megachile parietina reveals and helps to fill up Eltonian shortfalls
Authors: Monterastelli Elisa , Orlotti Alfonso , Calderai Giulia , Natali Chiara , Lippi Marta Mariotti , Ciofi Claudio , Cini Alessandro , Dapporto Leonardo , Quaranta Marino , Dani Francesca Romana 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMegachile (Chalicodoma) parietina (Geoffroy, 1785) is a Palearctic solitary bee included in the Red List of some central European Countries. Females build durable nests, reused year after year, by mixing soil with a salivary secretion. Like for most solitary bees, the resources contained within M. parietina nests attract several other insects which exploit pollen supplies or feed on the immature brood. These associated insects have mainly been studied for mantained bees and considered for their effect on the host reproductive success.A very large nesting aggregation of M. parietina in Central Tuscany has been studied for three consecutive years. We have identified 32 associated insect species, which certainly are an underestimate of the species present. Among the identified species, only eight had been previously reported for M. parietina. All the species were classified both according to the specificity for the host taxon (Chalicodoma, Megachilidae, Anthophila, Hymenoptera, Others) and to the ecological relationship (cleptoparasites, parasitoids, predators of larvae, food commensal, scavengers, and occasional nest users).This highlighted both the richness of the ecological network within the nesting aggregation and the value of studying these nesting sites to fill Eltonian shortfalls, i.e. the deficiency in ecology knowledge, of bees and their associated fauna.Implications for insect conservation.We suggest that, besides their role in pollination, large and stable bee nesting sites increase the local insect biodiversity, and that attention should be paid to their conservation within actions aimed to support populations of wild pollinators.
Low-dimensional neural ODEs and their application in pharmacokinetics
Authors: Bräm Dominic Stefan , Nahum Uri , Schropp Johannes , Pfister Marc , Koch Gilbert 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMachine Learning (ML) is a fast-evolving field, integrated in many of today’s scientific disciplines. With the recent development of neural ordinary differential equations (NODEs), ML provides a new tool to model dynamical systems in the field of pharmacology and pharmacometrics, such as pharmacokinetics (PK) or pharmacodynamics. The novel and conceptionally different approach of NODEs compared to classical PK modeling creates challenges but also provides opportunities for its application. In this manuscript, we introduce the functionality of NODEs and develop specific low-dimensional NODE structures based on PK principles. We discuss two challenges of NODEs, overfitting and extrapolation to unseen data, and provide practical solutions to these problems. We illustrate concept and application of our proposed low-dimensional NODE approach with several PK modeling examples, including multi-compartmental, target-mediated drug disposition, and delayed absorption behavior. In all investigated scenarios, the NODEs were able to describe the data well and simulate data for new subjects within the observed dosing range. Finally, we briefly demonstrate how NODEs can be combined with mechanistic models. This research work enhances understanding of how NODEs can be applied in PK analyses and illustrates the potential for NODEs in the field of pharmacology and pharmacometrics.
Turbulent statistics and interface dynamics in a lubricated channel flow at $$Re_{\tau }=100$$
Authors: Alati Alessandro , De Angelis Elisabetta 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this work we aim to study, through the use of Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS), the turbulent drag reduction (DR) that occurs in a lubricated channel during the transport of a fluid at a low Reynolds number. In this situation, one of the two fluids separates the second from the wall forming a thin layer in contact with it. In our configuration the thin lubricating layer is adjacent to one of the wall, which will be called lubricated side and and we consider the same density $$(\rho _1=\rho _2)$$

(

ρ
1

=

ρ
2

)

for the two fluids, while for the viscosity ratio $$(\lambda = \nu _1/\nu _2)$$

(
λ
=

ν
1

/

ν
2

)

we will consider two different values: $$\lambda = 1$$

λ
=
1

and $$\lambda = 0.5$$

λ
=
0.5

. Moreover to assess the role of the surface tension we have duplicated the two simulations at We number of $$We=0.055$$

W
e
=
0.055

and $$We=0.5$$

W
e
=
0.5

. As expected the DR mechanism is strongly related to the viscosity ratio, in particular the flow rate increase when decreasing $$\lambda$$
λ
due to a relaminarization of the lubricated layer. Moreover, the parametric analysis on the effect of viscosity ratio and surface tension allows us to highlight very interesting modulations of the dynamics of the interface and of the turbulent kinetic budgets. To date, the latest studies in this area have been carried out using the Phase Field Method for the description of the interface. One of the scopes of the present study is to confirm and extend the existing results by exploring the dynamics of the flow with the use of the volume of fluid method.
Nonlinear dynamics of a piezoelectrically laminated initially curved microbeam resonator exposed to fringing-field electrostatic actuation
Authors: Rashidi Zahra , Azizi Saber , Rahmani Omid 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the nonlinear dynamics of a piezoelectrically sandwiched initially curved microbeam subjected to fringing-field electrostatic actuation is investigated. The governing motion equation is derived by minimizing the Hamiltonian over the time and discretized to a reduced-order model using the Galerkin technique. The modelling accounts for nonlinearities due to the fringing-field electrostatic force, initial curvature and mid-plane stretching. The electrostatic force is numerically computed using finite element simulation. The nonlinear dynamics of the microbeam in the vicinity of primary resonance is investigated, and the bifurcation types are determined by investigating the location of the Floquet exponents and their configuration with respect to the unit circle on the complex plane. The branches on the frequency–response curves, which originate from the period-doubling bifurcation points, are introduced, and the transition from period-1 to period-2 response is demonstrated by slight sweep of the excitation frequency over the time. The effect of DC and AC electrostatic excitation and the piezoelectric excitation on the response of the system are examined, and their effect on the bifurcation types is determined. The force response curves assuming the AC voltage as the bifurcation parameter are also introduced; it is illustrated that in contrast to in-plane electrostatic excitation, in fringing field-based resonators the resonator is not limited by pull-in instability, which is substantially confining the amplitude of the motion in in-plane resonators.
Exploring Factors Influencing the Inhibitory Effect of Volume Dielectric Barrier Discharge on Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Rotondo Palma Rosa , Aceto Domenico , Rotolo Caterina , Ambrico Marianna , Dilecce Giorgio , Faretra Francesco , De Miccolis Angelini Rita Milvia , Ambrico Paolo Francesco 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe application of Low-Temperature Plasmas has shown great potential as an effective and alternative tool for microbial inactivation in recent years. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to fully understand the possible factors influencing these processes. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of square wave modulated Volume Dielectric Barrier Discharge on the direct inhibition of conidial germination in five different fungal species, various discharge conditions, and medium composition. The five different fungal species used were Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia fructicola, Aspergillus carbonarius, Fusarium graminearum, and Alternaria alternata. On water agar, the inhibition of Botrytis cinerea was influenced by the applied voltage, which mainly reflects the uniformity of the treatment. Under the selected voltage condition, the inhibition increased with treatment duration and decreased with fungal spore complexity. B. cinerea and M. fructicola, with unicellular conidia and low melanin content, showed similar behaviour and high sensitivity to the treatment. F. graminearum and A. alternata, both having multicellular conidia, were more resistant to the plasma treatment and showed different sensitivity likely due to different content in melanin. However, after 1 min of treatment, complete inhibition of conidial germination was achieved for all the tested species. Inhibition of A. carbonarius conidia on different agarized media containing dextrose or malt extract was influenced by the complexity and composition of the medium, being potato dextrose agar that more hindered the plasma efficacy. Each medium exhibited a different electrical response studied by Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy and morphology observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy images. These differences translated into a different response to the applied electrical field, influencing plasma generation and uniformity.
Levels of Physical Activity, Enjoyment, Self-Efficacy for Exercise, and Social Support Before and After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Longitudinal Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Imhagen Annika , Karlsson Jan , Ohlsson-Nevo Emma , Stenberg Erik , Jansson Stefan , Hagberg Lars 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Physical activity (PA) after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) can influence weight loss, health status, and quality of life. Known mediators to participate in PA are enjoyment, self-efficacy, and social support. Little is known about PA behavior in MBS individuals. The aim of this study was to explore levels of PA and the PA mediators enjoyment, self-efficacy, and social support before and after MBS and to investigate changes over time.

Methods
Adults scheduled to undergo MBS were recruited from a Swedish university hospital. Accelerometer-measured and self-reported PA, body weight, and PA mediators were collected at baseline and at 12 to 18 months post-surgery.

Results
Among 90 individuals included, 50 completed the follow-up assessment and had valid accelerometer data. Sedentary time (minutes/day) was unchanged, but sedentary time as percentage of wear time decreased significantly from 67.2% to 64.5% (p<0.05). Time spent in light PA and total PA increased significantly from 259.3 to 288.7 min/day (p < 0.05) and from 270.5 to 303.5 min/day (p < 0.01), respectively. Step counts increased significantly from 6013 to 7460 steps/day (p < 0.01). There was a significant increase in self-reported PA, enjoyment, self-efficacy for exercise, and positive social support from family. The increase in PA mediators did not lead to a significant change in time spent in moderate to vigorous PA.

Conclusion
The increase in PA-mediators was not associated with an increase in moderate to vigorous PA, but the strengthened PA mediators suggest potential for an increase in moderate to vigorous PA in patients undergoing MBS.

Graphical abstract