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Unveiling Arabic named entity recognition using natural language processing with artificial intelligence approach on Moroccan dialect

Defining the multifaceted roles of dental academics: A consensus approach using the Fuzzy Delphi Method

Dental academics are the foundation of dental institutions. They are mostly dental specialists and scientists driven by a passion for teaching and intellectual challenges. Although most have not been trained or certified as educators, they are tasked with educating the next generation of dentists within their fields of expertise. Beyond teaching, dental academics juggle multifaceted roles as educators, researchers, administrators, and clinicians. The effort to balance these multiple roles may lead dental academics to face identity conflicts, loss of work satisfaction and ultimately burnout and attrition from the workforce. Given the limited literature on defining faculty competencies and roles in medical and dental education, and an ongoing retention issues, it is crucial to clearly delineate these roles to assist dental academics establish their academic identity and plan their careers. This study aims to systematically define the specific roles of dental academics using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). Engaging 27 experts in the first round and 23 in the second, consensus was reached on items derived from evidence-based literature to define these roles. Analysis yielded 17 accepted items representing the four main roles of dental academics. Each primary role encompassed a diverse range of job descriptions, precluding a single, definitive description. The application of FDM not only refines the understanding of academic roles but also contributes to establishing the identity of dental academics, aiding their adaptation to the multiple roles and supporting their career advancement.

Separable neural signals for reward and emotion prediction errors

Investigating whether socially acquired nocebo effects can spread to other treatments

A combination of silica and cigarette smoke extract exacerbates lung fibrosis: Unveiling a harmful synergy

Smoking could potentiate the profibrotic effects of silica in the lungs, including increasing the risk of cancer and silicosis. Crystalline silica-induced silicosis has been associated with lung fibrosis. Moreover, smoking is strongly linked with an increased risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Although pulmonary fibrosis is a recognized feature in asthma airway modeling, the effects of cigarette smoke and silica, both individually and together, have not been studied. We examined the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on silica-induced fibrosis in asthmatic patients and healthy individuals by using fibroblasts from both groups. Cigarette smoke enhanced the fibrotic effects of silica in healthy and asthmatic lung fibroblasts. Healthy fibroblasts exhibited low baseline levels of fibrotic proteins. However, exposure to CSE and silica significantly increased extracellular matrix (ECM) markers. Asthmatic fibroblasts, with higher baseline levels of these markers, showed even greater upregulation upon exposure. The combination of silica and cigarette smoke also promoted collagen deposition and upregulated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in asthmatic fibroblasts. Cessation of smoking and control of silica exposure are essential for reducing lung inflammation and fibrosis. Additionally, therapeutic targets should be investigated for their protective effects against these toxins.

Prolonging lung cancer response to EGFR inhibition by targeting the selective advantage of resistant cells

Abstract Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) almost invariably relapse in the long term, due to the emergence of subpopulations of resistant cells. Through a DNA barcoding approach, we show that the clinically approved drug sorafenib specifically abolishes the selective advantage of EGFR-TKI-resistant cells, while preserving the response of EGFR-TKI-sensitive cells. Sorafenib is active against multiple mechanisms of resistance/tolerance to EGFR-TKIs and its effects depend on early inhibition of MAPK-interacting kinase (MKNK) activity and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, and later down-regulation of MCL1 and EGFR. Using different xenograft and allograft models, we show that the sorafenib-EGFR-TKI combination can delay tumor growth and promote the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Together, our findings indicate that sorafenib can prolong the response to EGFR-TKIs by targeting NSCLC capacity to adapt to treatment through the emergence of resistant cells.

Physiological and molecular responses of house fly (Musca domestica L.) to clove flower bud extracts

Influence of elevated temperature on the nutritional profile of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Seeds

Increasing occurrences of episodic heat stress significantly affect crop quality traits, including those of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The adverse effectof heat stress on seed quality was evaluated by cultivating eight chickpea genotypes under non-stress and heat stress conditions, with temperatures set at 25/15°C and 35/20°C, respectively. The genotypes exhibited notable genetic variations in “seed carbon (C, %), protein (%), phosphorus (P, %), potassium (K, %), magnesium (Mg, %), sulfur (S, %), and manganese (Mn, ppm)” concentrations under both conditions. However, no significant variations were observed for seed (S%), seed iron (Fe, ppm), and zinc (Zn, ppm), concentrations under NS conditions or seed copper (Cu, ppm) under heat stress conditions. The genotype (G) × temperature (T) interaction was significant for all traits except for seed K. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between seed C and protein, seed Mg and P, and seed protein and S under non-stress (NS) conditions. Under heat stress, significant correlations were observed between seed protein and Mg, and seed protein and P. In contrast, significant negative correlations were observed between seed Ca and K under NS conditions and seed Ca and K and seed Fe and Cu under heat stress conditions. The adverse effects of heat stress on nutritional quality and seed yield underscore the necessity for continued research into developing heat-tolerant chickpea cultivars with enhanced seed nutritional traits.

Biomimetic magnetobacterial microrobots for active pneumonia therapy

Soil-based biochar and foliar-spraying of chitosan enhances the phytochemical traits of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) under varying moisture levels

Remimazolam’s clinical application and safety: A signal detection analysis based on FAERS data and literature support

This study aimed to evaluate the adverse event profile of remimazolam, a novel ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine, with a focus on its safety in the respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune systems across diverse patient populations. We analyzed adverse event reports from the FAERS database over a defined period, performing signal detection using the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) and the reporting odds ratio (ROR), and contextualized the findings with a concurrent literature review. Remimazolam demonstrated a strong signal for hypoventilation. In the cardiovascular system, it was associated with serious adverse events, including cardiac and cardiorespiratory arrest, particularly in high-risk patients. Furthermore, we detected significant signals for severe hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylactic shock and laryngeal edema, while signals in other systems were less pronounced but remained clinically significant. Given that the study population was predominantly elderly, and considering the serious nature of the identified signals, its potential for adverse events necessitates vigilant monitoring. Future research should focus on clarifying risks within specific high-risk groups to establish optimized safety protocols.

A spatial single-cell atlas of the claustro-insular region uncovers key regulators of neuronal identity and excitability

Fractional differential quadrature method for modeling composite halide perovskite solar cells

Comparison of the composition and antiplasmodial activity of Artemisia annua teas using an untargeted metabolomic approach

The use of teas made from locally cultivated Artemisia annua to fight malaria in remote areas where access to care is difficult is a matter of debate. This study aimed at document differences in the composition of A. annua teas cultivated in Benin to be sold as antimalarial teas, and in France, and their impact on antiplasmodial activity. A. annua teas were prepared with plants from one location in south France and from ten different plantations in Benin. Artemisinin was quantified in herbal teas with a liquid chromatography system coupled to mass spectrometry and multiple reaction monitoring detection methods. The herbal teas were tested against chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum using isotopic microtest to determine IC50 values and calculate the concentration of artemisinin corresponding to the IC50 of the teas [ART(tea)_IC50]. Chemical profiles were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry and a metabolomic analysis was performed to annotate compounds statistically linked to the antiplasmodial properties of the teas. Artemisinin content varied between 0.3 mg/L for tea with plants from France to 15.7 mg/L for teas made with plants from Benin with differences between locations. Artemisinin content was decreasing after a one-year storage of the plant for 3 localities in Benin with loss of 33%, 48% and 24% (P < 0.05). Artemisinin concentrations and antiplasmodial activity of teas were positively correlated although the comparison of ART(tea)_IC50s to IC50 of pure artemisinin suggested that other compounds present in the tea were involved in the activity, either enhancing or limiting it. Unknown alkaloids in A. annua teas correlated to antiplasmodial activity were also detected. These findings suggest that A. annua teas deserve further studies to identify other metabolites of interest and determine their role in antiplasmodial activity in relation to other molecules, particularly artemisinin.

Multivariate protein landscape of host response in hospitalised patients with suspected infection in the emergency department

Transgenerational effects of in ovo stimulation with synbiotic and choline on gonadal tissue across three generations

Abstract Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in hereditary processes, shaping phenotypic outcomes across generations. This study investigates the transgenerational impacts of in ovo injection of bioactive substances on gene expression and DNA methylation in the male gonads using the Green-legged Partridgelike chickens as a model organism. Synbiotic PoultryStar® (Biomin; PS) and choline were injected in ovo on the 12th day of egg incubation. In the F1 generation, three groups were established: (1) control (C, 0.9% physiological saline); (2) PS synbiotic (SYN, 2 mg/embryo); and (3) PS synbiotic combined with choline (SYNCH, 2 mg/embryo of synbiotic and 0.25 mg/embryo of choline). In subsequent F2 and F3 generations, groups SYN and SYNCH were further divided into two subgroups each: (A) only injected in F1 embryos (SYNs and SYNCHs); and (B) repeatedly injected in every generation (SYNr and SYNCHr). At 21 weeks post-hatching, gonadal tissues were sampled from F2 and F3 male chickens for transcriptomic and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). Synbiotic alone produced minimal and diminishing changes in gene expression across generations. In contrast, the single co-administration of synbiotic and choline in F1 embryos (SYNCHs) led to 1,897 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 786 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in F3. Repeated administration across generations (SYNCHr) resulted in an even greater number of DEGs (2,804) and DMRs (2,880) in F3, reflecting a cumulative exposure effect. DEGs in SYNCH groups were mainly enriched in pathways related to cytoskeletal organization and extracellular matrix. In SYNCHs, methylation changes were associated with TGF-beta signaling, whereas SYNCHr showed additional enrichment in Wnt signaling, focal adhesion, and adipocytokine signaling pathways. Integrative analysis revealed coordinated changes in gene expression and DNA methylation, particularly in the F3 generation, identifying 37 genes (47 DMRs) in SYNCHs and 194 genes (306 DMRs) in SYNCHr. This study highlights the potential of prenatal epigenetic interventions to induce gene expression and DNA methylation changes across generations in reproductive tissues.

Quality of reported ages: A robust re-modification in Total Modified Whipple’s Index

In demographic research, the accuracy of the reported ages in surveys and censuses is a persistently important issue. The common indices developed and used to examine the quality of age data are Whipple, Myers, Bachi’s, modified Whipple, and the total modified Whipple’s index. The most commonly used and simplest to compute index is the original Whipple’s index proposed by George Chandler Whipple. It is a summary measure used to check age heaping on ages ending with digits 0 and 5. The other summary index is the total modified Whipple index by Spoorenberg. A robust modification is proposed for the total modified Whipple index. This modification, based on the method of the original Whipple index for all digits (0, 1, 2 … 9), is simple, robust, and easy to interpret. The proposed index is used to check the quality of age data from the Demographic and Health Survey data series of three countries (India, Pakistan, and Turkey). The original Whipple index only measures the preferences or avoidances of ages ending in digits 0 and 5. The existing summary index total modified Whipple index, based on modified Whipple indexes, covers all ages; however, results showed that the digit indexes for the terminal digits 1, 2, 3 and 4 have some added probability of being included. The newly proposed summary index, Robust Modified Whipple Index, is based on Rogers Whipple indexes, which display an equal probability for all ten digits i = 1,2,3…,9. In the application to the series of datasets, the proposed index is found better and more robust. The comparison of the results of the total modified Whipple index and proposed robust modified Whipple index concludes that the proposed modification is a more precise and robust to measure age misreporting by taking the effects of all terminal digits of reported ages. The proposed modification is suitable for the evaluation of the quality of self reported and interviewer recorded ages at the time of surveys and censuses.

Patterns of maternal and child health services utilization and associated socioeconomic disparities in sub-Saharan Africa

Perceived indoor thermal environment and depressive symptoms among older adults in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study

Abstract Depression is a major global health problem and presents a significant health burden. Although abnormal indoor temperatures are known to be associated with adverse health effects, their link to depression is unclear, especially regarding indoor heat. This study aimed to examine the association between perceived indoor cold or heat and depressive symptoms among Japanese older adults. We used cross-sectional data from the 2022 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES), targeting independent older adults aged ≥ 65 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was the dependent variable, while the participants’ self-reported ability of their housing to prevent indoor cold or heat was the independent variable. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression models with potential confounders as covariates. Additionally, we conducted a stratified analysis by geographical regions to explore regional differences. Of a total of 17,491 participants (49.4% male), 22.8% reported depressive symptoms. After adjusting for confounders, participants living in houses that could not prevent cold or heat had a 1.57 (95% CI = 1.45–1.71) times higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than those living in houses that could prevent cold or heat. In the stratified analysis by geographical regions, a significant association was observed in all areas except for Hokkaido, the northernmost area with the coldest climate. In conclusion, perceived indoor cold or heat was associated with an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults. Further research is expected to investigate the impact of improving the indoor thermal environment, such as by installing insulation, on the prevention of depression.

Audiovisual angle and voice incongruence do not affect audiovisual verbal short-term memory in virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) environments are frequently used in auditory and cognitive research to imitate real-life scenarios. The visual component in VR has the potential to affect how auditory information is processed, especially if incongruences between the visual and auditory information occur. This study investigated how audiovisual incongruence in VR implemented with a head-mounted display (HMD) affects verbal short-term memory compared to presentation of the same material over traditional computer monitors. Two experiments were conducted with both these display devices and two types of audiovisual incongruences: angle (Exp 1) and voice (Exp 2) incongruence. To quantify short-term memory, an audiovisual verbal serial recall (avVSR) task was developed where an embodied conversational agent (ECA) was animated to speak a digit sequence, which participants had to remember. The results showed no effect of the display devices on the proportion of correctly recalled digits overall, although subjective evaluations showed a higher sense of presence in the HMD condition. For the extreme conditions of angle incongruence in the computer monitor presentation, the proportion of correctly recalled digits increased marginally, presumably due to raised attention, but the effect size was negligible. Response times were not affected by incongruences in either display device across both experiments. These findings suggest that at least for the conditions studied here, the avVSR task is robust against angle and voice audiovisual incongruences in both HMD and computer monitor displays.