bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NKD2 Trigger NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Facilitates Thyroid Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Ke Shaoying , Pan Qunxiong , Wang Congren , Su Zijian , Li Mingzhu , Liu Xiaoyu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractNKD inhibitor of WNT signaling pathway 2 (NKD2) is an emerging player in cancer onset and progression. Here, it was confirmed that THCA patients have robustly expressed NKD2, which was linked to an advanced pathologic stage. The prognosis was worse for those with high NKD2 levels. Functionally, ectopically produced NKD2 promotes THCA cell proliferation, whereas NKD2 knockdown impairs the ability of THCA cells to proliferate. Mechanically, ectopically expressed NKD2 activated NF-κB transcriptional activity, whereas NKD2-deficient THCA cells showed lower NF-κB transcriptional activity. As a result, NKD2 activates the NF-κB signaling pathway, encouraging the growth of THCA cells.
How Can Geoscience Communication Foster Public Engagement with Geoconservation?
Authors: Rodrigues Joana , Costa e Silva Elsa , Pereira Diamantino Insua 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGeoscience and geodiversity, two sides of the same coin, deal with very poor social visibility and recognition. Ensuring the protection of geodiversity is not only in the geoscientists’ hands and all of society needs to be involved. Therefore, public engagement with geodiversity demands new solutions and a change of paradigm in geoscience communication. Most of the science communication activities undertaken by geoscientists, even when they use modern approaches and technologies, are mainly designed based on empirical experience, laid on didactical approaches and assuming the public’s knowledge deficit. In order to engage the society with geodiversity, it is not enough to focus on scientific literacy and deficit models in which lack of knowledge is considered to be the main obstacle between science and society. It is fundamental to establish a commitment between society and science based on dialogue where lay public is not seen anymore as a single entity with a knowledge deficit. Non-experts must become also protagonists in scientific decisions with social impact and integrate their knowledge and concerns in public participation and decision-making. Engagement with geoscience and geodiversity would benefit from more effective and targeted communication strategies, with different approaches to engage with communities, local stakeholders, media, students and teachers, scientific community, tourists, politicians or policy-makers, and groups with different concerns and distinct relations with science. In the last 20 years, science communication research has made many relevant contributions in order to promote more participatory processes with which society is asked to engage. Regarding geoscience communication as a discipline, it is a very recent Earth science branch that also incorporates social science, behavioral science, and science communication, but still lacks a clear and formal definition. This study provides a comprehensive review of the literature in order to develop a conceptual framework for geoscience communication research, identifying the main challenges and opportunities.
Fruit and vegetable processing and consumption: Knowledge, attitude, and practices among rural women in East Africa
Authors: Sarfo Jacob , Pawelzik Elke , Keding Gudrun B. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
High post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables (FVs) limit their supply and availability for year-round consumption. Hence, processing innovations at their production areas could help address this constraint, which requires the need to assess people's perceptions in these areas. Therefore, this study gauged the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards FV processing and consumption and its relationship with actual FV consumption. Surveys were conducted with women in six study sites – three fruit and three vegetable production areas – in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Quantitative 24-h dietary and 7-day FV recalls were collected across two seasons. Open and closed-ended questions were constructed to assess the women's knowledge, attitude, and practices towards FV processing and consumption. The fruit and vegetable sites included 584 and 732 women, respectively. Average fruit consumption was 4-135 g/day in the plenty season and 4-106 g/day in the lean season. Vegetable consumption was 112-146 g/day and 84-180 g/day in the plenty and lean season, respectively. There were significant consumption differences across seasons. Most women expressed high knowledge of FV processing and consumption benefits and showed a positive attitude towards FV processing and consumption. Yet, in practice, a small number of women process FVs largely due to limited processing know-how and equipment. The relationship between knowledge and attitude and FV consumption was negative or none. The high knowledge and positive attitude expressed, yet the limited processing know-how and equipment should be a basis for interventions to increase FV processing into nutritious products for better nutrition and to ensure their availability year-round.
Lenvatinib inhibits intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via Gadd45a-mediated cell cycle arrest
Authors: Yan Xia , Wang Dan , Ning Zhouyu , Meng Zhi-qiang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the anticancer activities of lenvatinib in ICC and its possible molecular mechanisms.

Methods
Patients-derived xenograft (PDX) model and cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model were both used for the in vivo study. For in vivo work, ICC cell lines were applied to analyze the effect of Lenvatinib on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and the molecular mechanism.

Results
In the present study, we found that lenvatinib dramatically hindered in vivo tumor growth in ICC patient-derived xenograft models. In addition, by using in vitro experiments in ICC cell lines, we found that lenvatinib dose- and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation of ICC cells and induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Transcriptional profiling analysis further applied indicated that lenvatinib might inhibit cell proliferation through the induction of cell-cycle arrestment via activating of Gadd45a, it was evidenced by that the knockout of Gadd45a significantly attenuated the cycle arrest induced by lenvatinib, as well as the inhibitory effect of lenvatinib on ICC.

Conclusion
Our work first found that lenvatinib exerted an excellent antitumor effect on ICC, mainly via inducing Gadd45a-mediated cell cycle arrest. Our work provides evidence and a rationale for the future use of lenvatinib in the treatment of ICC.
Pakistani healthcare professionals’ perceptions of communication with patients and their relatives about hereditary breast cancer: a qualitative study in a LMIC
Authors: Ahmed Shenaz , Jafri Hussain , Ahmed Wajeeha Naseer , Khanam Andleeb , Rashid Yasmin , Ahmed Mushtaq 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPakistan has the highest incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in Asia, with high numbers of patients diagnosed at a young age suggesting the possibility of an inherited cancer syndrome. Communication of hereditary breast cancer (HBC) risk information with patients could enable earlier detection of the condition in relatives and reduce mortality rates. This study aimed to explore perceptions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Pakistan about communication with patients and their relatives about HBC. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with eighteen HCPs during March to May 2020 in Lahore. Thematic analysis shows the HCPs were generally supportive of informing patients themselves about HBC, but believed it was the patients’ role to inform their relatives. HCPs also highlighted important barriers to communication with patients about HBC, including (i) patients’ low socioeconomic status and educational attainment; (ii) high prevalence of the social stigma of breast cancer; and (iii) lack of health resources and facilities to provide genetic testing for HBC. In conclusion, HCPs would value the development of interventions to support communication between HCPs and patients. They also highlighted the need for interventions to support intrafamilial communication about HBC. Much research and political support are needed to address patient, social, and systemic-level barriers to facilitate communication about HBC.
Vascular nitrosative stress in hypertension induced by fetal undernutrition in rats
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Pilar , Poasakate Anuson , Ruvira-Hernando Santiago , Gutierrez-Arzapalo Perla Y. , Böger Rainer , Hannemann Juliane , Lüneburg Nicole , Arribas Silvia M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFetal undernutrition predisposes to hypertension development. Since nitric oxide (NO) is a key factor in blood pressure control, we aimed to investigate the role of NO alterations in hypertension induced by fetal undernutrition in rats. Male and female offspring from dams exposed to undernutrition during the second half of gestation (MUN) were studied at 21 days (normotensive) and 6 months of age (hypertension developed only in males). In aorta, we analyzed total and phosphorylated endothelial NO synthase (eNOS, p-eNOS), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and Nrf2 (Western blot). In plasma we assessed l-arginine, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, SDMA; LC–MS/MS), nitrates (NOx, Griess reaction), carbonyl groups, and lipid peroxidation (spectrophotometry). In iliac arteries, we studied superoxide anion production (DHE staining, confocal microscopy) and vasodilatation to acetylcholine (isometric tension). Twenty-one-day-old MUN offspring did not show alterations in vascular e-NOS or 3NT expression, plasma l-Arg/ADMA ratio, or NOx. Compared to control group, 6-month-old MUN rats showed increased aortic expression of p-eNOS/eNOS and 3-NT, being Nrf2 expression lower, elevated plasma l-arginine/ADMA, NOx and carbonyl levels, increased iliac artery DHE staining and reduced acetylcholine-mediated relaxations. These alterations in MUN rats were sex-dependent, affecting males. However, females showed some signs of endothelial dysfunction. We conclude that increased NO production in the context of a pro-oxidative environment, leads to vascular nitrosative damage and dysfunction, which can participate in hypertension development in MUN males. Females show a better adaptation, but signs of endothelial dysfunction, which can explain hypertension in ageing.
ACPSEM position paper: dosimetry for magnetic resonance imaging linear accelerators
Authors: Begg Jarrad , Jelen Urszula , Moutrie Zoe , Oliver Chris , Holloway Lois , Brown Rhonda ,   the ACPSEM Magnetic Resonance Imaging Linac Working Group (MRILWG)
Published: February 2023

AbstractConsistency and clear guidelines on dosimetry are essential for accurate and precise dosimetry, to ensure the best patient outcomes and to allow direct dose comparison across different centres. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Linac (MRI-linac) systems have recently been introduced to Australasian clinics. This report provides recommendations on reference dosimetry measurements for MRI-linacs on behalf of the Australiasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) MRI-linac working group. There are two configurations considered for MRI-linacs, perpendicular and parallel, referring to the relative direction of the magnetic field and radiation beam, with different impacts on dose deposition in a medium. These recommendations focus on ion chambers which are most commonly used in the clinic for reference dosimetry. Water phantoms must be MR safe or conditional and practical limitations on phantom set-up must be considered. Solid phantoms are not advised for reference dosimetry. For reference dosimetry, IAEA TRS-398 recommendations cannot be followed completely due to physical differences between conventional linac and MRI-linac systems. Manufacturers’ advice on reference conditions should be followed. Beam quality specification of TPR20,10 is recommended. The configuration of the central axis of the ion chamber relative to the magnetic field and radiation beam impacts the chamber response and must be considered carefully. Recommended corrections to delivered dose are $${k}_{{Q}_{msr}{Q}_{0}}^{{f}_{msr}{f}_{ref}}$$

k

Q

msr

Q
0

f

msr

f

ref

, a correction for beam quality and $${k}_{\overrightarrow{B},{Q}_{msr}}^{{f}_{msr}}$$

k

B
→

,

Q

msr

f

msr

, for the impact of the magnetic field on dosimeter response in the magnetic field. Literature based values for $${k}_{\overrightarrow{B},{Q}_{msr}}^{{f}_{msr}}$$

k

B
→

,

Q

msr

f

msr

are given. It is important to note that this is a developing field and these recommendations should be used together with a review of current literature.
Trait − driven analysis of the 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome suggests a complex pattern of interactions between candidate genes
Authors: Miceli Martina , Failla Pinella , Saccuzzo Lucia , Galesi Ornella , Amata Silvestra , Romano Corrado , Bonaglia Maria Clara , Fichera Marco 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Individuals with the 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome share a complex phenotype including neurodevelopmental delay, brain malformations, microcephaly, and autistic behavior. The analysis of the shortest region of overlap (SRO) between deletions in ~ 40 patients has led to the identification of two critical regions and four strongly candidate genes (BCL11A, REL, USP34 and XPO1). However, the delineation of their role in the occurrence of specific traits is hampered by their incomplete penetrance.

Objective
To better delineate the role of hemizygosity of specific regions in selected traits by leveraging information both from penetrant and non − penetrant deletions.

Methods
Deletions in patients that do not present a specific trait cannot contribute to delineate the SROs. We recently developed a probabilistic model that, by considering also the non − penetrant deletions, allows a more reliable assignment of peculiar traits to specific genomic segments. We apply this method adding two new patients to the published cases.

Results
Our results delineate an intricate pattern of genotype − phenotype correlation where BCL11A emerges as the main gene for autistic behavior while USP34 and/or XPO1 haploinsufficiency are mainly associated with microcephaly, hearing loss and IUGR. BCL11A, USP34 and XPO1 genes are broadly related with brain malformations albeit with distinct patterns of brain damage.

Conclusions
The observed penetrance of deletions encompassing different SROs and that predicted when considering each single SRO as acting independently, may reflect a more complex model than the additive one. Our approach may improve the genotype/phenotype correlation and may help to identify specific pathogenic mechanisms in contiguous gene syndromes.
Investigation of an effective acid pre-treatment method for the valorisation of Canola fines
Authors: Ranjan A. , Welz P. J. , Mthethwa T. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Canola fines are the straw-like material and other residues removed from incoming Canola crops before processing for seed oil. In South Africa, this lignocellulosic biomass is abundant and non-seasonal, making it an ideal substrate for recovery of sugars for valorization to higher value products. Pre-treatment for release of sugars from lignocellulose should be optimized for a given substrate. In this study, mechanical pre-treatment to reduce the size of Canola fines was followed by: (i) steam-assisted acid pre-treatment (0–2% H2SO4 % v/v) at different temperatures (20–55 °C), and biomass loading rates (2–8% w/v), and (ii) enzyme hydrolysis, using a central composite experimental design approach. The sugars in the hydrolysates obtained from stages (i) and (ii) were measured quantitatively and qualitatively as outputs that were used to assess process efficiency and to obtain predictive models. The raw and spent Canola fines from each phase were fully characterized in terms of chemical and structural changes at each stage of pre-treatment.The Canola fines contained 23.0% w/w lignin, 21.4% w/w cellulose, and 15.9% w/w hemicellulose. The maximum yield of total sugars after steam-assisted acid hydrolysis (18.6% w/w) was increased after enzyme hydrolysis (28.3 % w/w) and was higher than reported for other studies pre-treating rapeseed and Canola straws (10.2–11.8% w/w). The sugar profiles in the hydrolysates after steam-assisted acid hydrolysis (xylose>arabinose>glucose) differed from those obtained after acid-assisted enzyme hydrolysis (xylose>glucose>cellobiose>arabinose). The microscopic and chemical analyses of the Canola fines showed sequential breakdown of the lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, with some lignin still intact at the end of the pre-treatment. For application of this technology, no heating would be required for acid pre-treatment as temperature was not a significant variable. In addition, the optimal H2SO4 concentration was low (1.7% v/v), minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals as well as the risk of releasing microbial and/or enzyme inhibitors during the process. Enzyme hydrolysis should only be required if the downstream application requires higher sugar concentrations and/or different sugar profiles.
Non-carbon greenhouse gas emissions for hybrid electric vehicles: three-way catalyst nitrous oxide and ammonia trade-off
Authors: Brinklow G. , Herreros J. M. , Zeraati Rezaei S. , Doustdar O. , Tsolakis A. , Kolpin A. , Millington P. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTransport sector decarbonisation is leading to increased demand for electrified powertrains including hybrid vehicles. The presence of an internal combustion engine and electric motor offer multiple performance and efficiency advantages. However, changes in the conditions that catalytic aftertreatment systems are subjected to can present challenges in meeting forthcoming emissions standards. This work investigated the three-way catalyst performance to abate regulated and unregulated emissions from a gasoline direct injection engine working under conditions related to hybrid vehicle operation. The focus on unregulated emissions of NH3 and N2O is of interest due to limited literature on their formation in conventional, and particularly hybrid, vehicle aftertreatment systems. Furthermore, the likelihood of their regulation when the EURO 7 emissions standards are introduced increases the pertinence of this work. For this particular engine and aftertreatment setup, it was found that starting the engine whilst the three-way catalyst temperature was below 150 ℃ led to an increase in tailpipe regulated emissions and N2O. Whilst, starting the engine when three-way catalyst temperatures were above 350 ℃ lead to tailpipe NH3 emissions. This was due to the selectivity of NO to form N2O at lower temperatures and NH3 at higher temperatures. For the case of the studied catalyst, a vehicle energy management strategy opting to start the engine with the three-way catalyst within a targeted temperature range allowed for a trade-off between regulated emissions, N2O and NH3. These findings are significant since it can be used to optimise hybrid vehicle control strategies minimising both regulated and unregulated emissions.
Mathematical modeling of toxoplasmosis with multiple hosts, vertical transmission and cat vaccination
Authors: González-Parra Gilberto , Arenas Abraham J. , Chen-Charpentier Benito , Sultana Sharmin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we present an epidemiological model to study the dynamics of toxoplasmosis in cat and mouse populations under a continuous cat vaccination program. We construct a mathematical model at the cat and mouse populations level that includes the effect of oocysts of the parasiteT. gondiiwhich causes the toxoplasmosis infection. We include vertical transmission in both populations. We prove that the basic reproduction number$${\mathcal {R}}_{0}$$R0is a threshold parameter that determines the global dynamics and the outcome of the toxoplasmosis disease in the cat and population. Numerical simulations are presented to support the theoretical results and to show the impact of a vaccination program for cats. In addition, the simulations give insight on the effect of a public health program related to removing the oocysts from the environment. These simulations show the effectiveness of a constant vaccination intervention and a oocysts clearance program.
Novel model of material removal rate on ultrasonic-assisted chemical mechanical polishing for sapphire
Authors: Zhou Mufang , Zhong Min , Xu Wenhu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractUltrasonic-assisted chemical mechanical polishing (UA-CMP) can greatly improve the sapphire material removal and surface quality, but its polishing mechanism is still unclear. This paper proposed a novel model of material removal rate (MRR) to explore the mechanism of sapphire UA-CMP. It contains two modes, namely two-body wear and abrasive-impact. Furthermore, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) in-situ study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, and polishing experiments were conducted to verify the model and reveal the polishing mechanism. In the AFM in-situ studies, the tip scratched the reaction layer on the sapphire surface. The pit with a 0.22 nm depth is the evidence of two-body wear. The CFD simulation showed that abrasives could be driven by the ultrasonic vibration to impact the sapphire surface at high frequencies. The maximum total velocity and the air volume fraction (AVF) in the central area increased from 0.26 to 0.55 m/s and 20% to 49%, respectively, with the rising amplitudes of 1–3 µm. However, the maximum total velocity rose slightly from 0.33 to 0.42 m/s, and the AVF was nearly unchanged under 40–80 r/min. It indicated that the ultrasonic energy has great effects on the abrasive-impact mode. The UA-CMP experimental results exhibited that there was 63.7% improvement in MRR when the polishing velocities rose from 40 to 80 r/min. The roughness of the polished sapphire surface was Ra = 0.07 nm. It identified that the higher speed achieved greater MRR mainly through the two-body wear mode. This study is beneficial to further understanding the UA-CMP mechanism and promoting the development of UA-CMP technology.
Strength weakening and its micromechanism in water–rock interaction, a short review in laboratory tests
Authors: Zhang Cun , Bai Qingsheng , Han Penghua , Wang Lei , Wang Xiaojie , Wang Fangtian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWater–rock interaction (WRI) is a topic of interest in geology and geotechnical engineering. Many geological hazards and engineering safety problems are severe under the WRI. This study focuses on the water weakening of rock strength and its influencing factors (water content, immersion time, and wetting–drying cycles). The strength of the rock mass decreases to varying degrees with water content, immersion time, and wetting–drying cycles depending on the rock mass type and mineral composition. The corresponding acoustic emission count and intensity and infrared radiation intensity also weaken accordingly. WRI enhances the plasticity of rock mass and reduces its brittleness. Various microscopic methods for studying the pore characterization and weakening mechanism of the WRI were compared and analyzed. Various methods should be adopted to study the pore evolution of WRI comprehensively. Microscopic methods are used to study the weakening mechanism of WRI. In future work, the mechanical parameters of rocks weakened under long-term water immersion (over years) should be considered, and more attention should be paid to how the laboratory scale is applied to the engineering scale.