bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drivers of spatiotemporal variability in a marine foundation species
Authors: Giraldo‐Ospina Anita , Bell Tom , Carr Mark H. , Caselle Jennifer E. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMarine foundation species are critical for the structure and functioning of ecosystems and constitute the pillar of trophic chains while also providing a variety of ecosystem services. In recent decades, many foundation species have declined in abundance, sometimes threatening their current geographical distribution. Kelps (Laminariales) are the primary foundation species in temperate coastal systems worldwide. Kelp ecosystems are notoriously variable, challenging the identification of key factors controlling their dynamics. Identification of these drivers is key to predicting the fate of kelp ecosystems under climatic change and to informing management and conservation decisions such as restoration. Here, we used in situ data from long‐term monitoring programs across 1350 km of coast spanning multiple biogeographic regions in the state of California (USA) to identify the major regional drivers of density of two dominant canopy‐forming kelp species and to elucidate the spatial and temporal scales over which they operate. We used generalized additive mixed models to identify the key drivers of density of two dominant kelp species (Nereocystis luetkeana and Macrocystis pyrifera) across four ecological regions of the state of California (north, central, southwest, and southeast) and for the past two decades (2004–2021). The dominant drivers of kelp density varied among regions and species but always included some combination of nitrate availability, wave energy and exposure, density of purple sea urchins, and temperature as the most important predictors. These variables explained 63% of the variability of bull kelp in the northern and central regions, and 45% and 51.4% of the variability in giant kelp for the central/southwest and southeast regions, respectively. These large‐scale analyses infer that a combination of lower nutrient availability, changes in wave energy and exposure, and increases in temperature and purple sea urchin counts have contributed to the decline of kelp observed in the last decade. Understanding the drivers of kelp dynamics can be used to identify regional patterns of historical stability and periods of significant change, ultimately informing resource management and conservation decisions such as site selection for kelp protection and restoration.
Paleoenvironmental context of fluvial soils in the dryest region of Brazilian semiarid
Authors: Xavier Patricia Dornellas , Xavier Rafael Albuquerque , Figueiredo Renan , Andrade Cláudio Vinícios Pedroso de Azevedo , Borges Neto Inocencio de Oliveira , de Souza José João Lelis Leal , de Souza Bartolomeu Israel , Reis João 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPaleoenvironmental analysis in the Brazilian semiarid region is challenging. The low occurrence of flooded regions limits the preservation of pollen and accumulation of organic matter. In well‐drained sites, the high pH and intense erosion destroy phytoliths. The low studies performed in limestone caves indicate that the semiarid climate conditions were established in the last 5 kyr before the present in Northeastern Brazil. In these conditions, alluvial deposits are potential sources of information about the recent past evolution of semiarid regions once the size, selection and composition of sediments reflect erosion and transport. This study aimed to analyse the recent past drainage evolution in the Borborema Plateau and Sertaneja Low Surface, two of the driest regions in Brazil. Four Fluvisols and one Cambisol were described in alluvial fans. Physical, chemical and sedimentological analyses were performed. Selected horizons were dated according to the OSL method. Variability of texture, mineral chemical composition and organic carbon content indicate discontinuities in all soil profiles. Layers of very poorly selected coarse material deposited in high‐energy depositional systems are interbedded with clay‐rich layers deposited by low‐energy energy. The abundance of Fe, Si, Ti, Ca and K indicates variation in the source of the deposited materials. The age variation between the soil profiles indicates four evolutionary stages between 2,700 and ~100 yr. The higher age variance between layers in the Borborema Plateau indicates frequent and low‐magnitude sedimentation events. These events are typical of semiarid climates because they reflect low sediment transport capacity by the ephemeral rivers. On the other hand, the lower age variation between the layers and buried A horizons suggest intense aggradation intercalated by stabilized periods, when vegetation was established and bioturbation formed A horizons.
Optimizing Contrast‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Neurography of the Brachial Plexus With Delayed Scanning
Authors: Xu Jun , Hu Xiaoli , Su Xiaoyun , Gui Shen , Lei Ziqiao , Liu Xiaoming , Zhou Xiangzhi , Wang Lixia , Wu Wenjun , Kong Xiangchuang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundContrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance neurography (ceMRN) can enhance brachial plexus visualization and quality of imaging. However, the interval between contrast injection and scanning that provides the highest‐quality images is not known.MethodsFifteen patients underwent brachial plexus imaging using the 3D T2‐NerveView sequence with a scanning duration of 5 min. A consecutive six‐phase scan was initiated immediately at the start of contrast agent injection. Subsequently, all patients' images were classified into six groups according to the phases: group A (phase 1, delay 0 min), group B (phase 2, delay 5 min), group C (phase 3, delay 10 min), group D (phase 4, delay 15 min), group E (phase 5, delay 20 min), and group F (phase 6, delay 25 min). The image quality in each group was assessed based on nerve signal (signalnerve), muscle signal (signalmuscle), lymph node signal (signallymph node), background noise (BN), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and subjective score.ResultsSignalnerve, signalmuscle, BN, and SNR did not significantly differ among the six groups (p > 0.05). However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in signallymph node (F = 16.067), CNR (F = 9.495), and subjective score (χ2 = 23.586). As the scanning delay increased, signallymph node intensity gradually increased whereas the CNR gradually decreased. The subjective score was significantly higher in groups B (4.83 ± 0.24), C (4.90 ± 0.21), D (4.87 ± 0.30), E (4.83 ± 0.31), and F (4.83 ± 0.31) than in group A (4.47 ± 0.30).ConclusionWe recommend performing brachial plexus ceMRN 5 min after contrast injection. With this delay, the brachial plexus can be visualized optimally with minimal interference from background signals.
Single‐Cell Transcriptome Decoding Umbilical Cord‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Heterogeneity Reveals a Unique IL1R1HighPDGFRAHigh Ultroser‐G‐MSC With Osteogenesis and Chondrogenesis Signatures
Authors: Huang Shihao , Xu Xinyu , Guo Jiaqi , Li Zhuolan , Wu Yanlin , Liu Yuanyuan , Sun Qinyi , Wang Sihan , Yan Huilin , Su Yueyan , Guo Wei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe heterogeneity of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) is culturing‐dependent, resulting in functional non‐uniformness. To achieve the best clinical benefit, a comprehensive understanding of the origin of the heterogeneity in different culture systems can identify functional subgroups to direct the precise application of hUC‐MSCs. Here, we create a single‐cell transcriptome atlas of hUC‐MSC in different culture systems for the identification of a subgroup of Ultroser‐G‐MSCs with high osteogenic and chondrogenic potentials featured by high expressions of IL1R1 and PDGFRA. Further experimental validations surprisingly reveal that IL1R1highPDGFRAhigh Ultroser‐G‐MSCs possess advantages over “traditional” hUC‐MSCs in the treatments of modeled osteoarthritis, leading to a cell‐cell communication network centered in Clusters 0 and 2. Moreover, we found that Wnt5 signaling is the key pathway for the dynamic transformation of osteogenic and chondrogenic phenotypes in hUC‐MSC. Overall, the present study paves the way for the clarification of heterogenetic nature of hUC‐MSC in different culture systems for the selection of optimal MSC types to achieve the precision on clinical treatments.
Aged‐Related Fibroblast Activation Protein Expression in Skeletal Muscles Evaluated by PET Imaging
Authors: Suh Minseok , Gil Joonhyung , Kang Yeon‐Koo , Choi Hongyoon , Cheon Gi Jeong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundFibroblast activation protein (FAP) is prominently involved in the tumour microenvironment and tissue remodelling processes in most cancers, and its expression is also noted in normal skeletal muscle. This study aims to explore the relationship between FAP expression and age‐related muscle characteristics through FAP inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT imaging.MethodsThis retrospective analysis studied 54 patients with lung cancer (n = 27) and pancreatic cancer (n = 27) using FAPI PET/CT. Imaging‐based muscle features including the mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and Hounsfield units (HU) were evaluated. Age‐related FAP expression in skeletal muscles was also evaluated using the Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) dataset. Statistical analyses included Spearman's rank correlation and Kruskal–Wallis test, with a p‐value of less than 0.05 considered significant.ResultsAnalysis revealed a moderate to strong positive correlation between FAPI SUVmean and age (ρ = 0.368, p = 0.006), with older age groups showing higher muscle uptake. Within specific cohorts, the FAPI‐74 group demonstrated a stronger correlation (ρ = 0.500, p = 0.008) compared to the FAPI‐46 group (ρ = 0.319, p = 0.105). SUVmean also correlated negatively with muscle density (HU) (ρ = −0.298, p = 0.029), suggesting an association with higher fat infiltration. GTEx data supported these findings, showing a significant increase in FAP expression across age groups (p < 0.001), with the highest median FAP in the 70–79 age group.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates an age‐related increase in FAPI uptake in skeletal muscle, correlated with changes in muscle density and fat infiltration. The role of FAP extends beyond pathology to normal muscle, indicating broader biological functions. Accordingly, FAPI PET shows promise for assessing age‐related muscle health and quality.
Investigation of Neuronal–Astroglial Injury Proteins and MMP‐9 Serum Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Relationship With Autistic Regression
Authors: Devecioğlu Huriye Berna , Tan Çağman , Mısır Ekin Günal , Esen Halime Tuna Çak , Özbek Begüm , Kültür Sadriye Ebru Çengel 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study compared serum levels of S100B, GFAP, UCHL‐1, NF‐H and MMP‐9 between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and controls, focusing on their association with regression in ASD. We hypothesized that neuroinflammation and neuronal/astroglial damage markers would be higher in the ASD group than in controls and even more elevated in the regressive ASD subgroup compared to the non‐regressive subgroup.MethodsThe study included 50 children with ASD (ages 4–10) and 30 healthy children. Participants underwent the K‐SADS‐PL diagnostic interview, CARS, a semi‐structured interview for regression, ABC, AuBC, CPRS‐RS and SRS assessments. Serum levels of S100B, GFAP, UCHL‐1, NF‐H and MMP‐9 were measured using flow cytometry and ELISA.ResultsSerum levels of S100B, GFAP, UCHL‐1, NF‐H and MMP‐9 showed no significant differences between the ASD and control groups. Within the ASD group, no notable differences were found in sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, or serum marker levels between those with and without regression.ConclusionThe findings obtained in this study suggested that it is necessary to question whether the peripheral circulation can represent changes in central nervous system and to review the existence of autistic regression as a separate entity in ASD in terms of clinical features and etiopathogenesis.
Leveraging Mask Autoencoder and Crossover Binary Sand Cat Algorithm for Early Detection of Glaucoma
Authors: Rekha C. , Jayashree K. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTGlaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, can be effectively managed if detected early. Glaucoma is directly associated with aging as it commonly occurs in people over the age of 40 and in elderly people. Glaucoma detection in retinal fundus images typically involves utilizing image processing and machine learning techniques. By leveraging advancements in computer vision, a robust and automated system is developed to assist ophthalmologists in screening and diagnosing glaucoma from retinal fundus images. Furthermore, fundus images can vary significantly in quality due to factors like illumination variations, focus, and artifacts. Ensuring consistent image quality across different datasets and acquisition devices is essential for reliable detection. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists to develop robust and reliable solutions for the detection of glaucoma. Hence a novel mask autoencoder‐based crossover binary sand cat (MA‐CBSC) algorithm is proposed to detect glaucoma. In this algorithm, the mask autoencoder recognizes the features indicating the presence of glaucoma in the input images and the crossover binary sand cat algorithm is used to fine tune the overall performance of the algorithm by selecting the most appropriate features escaped due to overfitting issues. Preprocessing steps such as image enhancement, filtering, and data cleaning are applied to the extracted ROI for the purpose of increasing the image quality and enhancing the visibility of features relevant to glaucoma detection. ROI extraction attributes namely optic disc, cup‐to‐disc ratio, bean‐pot cupping, and vertical enlargement are derived from the ROI along with some other relevant features. In this work, the crossover‐based binary sand cat optimization algorithm is utilized for hyperparameter tuning to enhance the efficiency of the MA‐CBSC method. Extensive experimental assessments are conducted, comparing the effectiveness of MA‐CBSC algorithms with the Retinal Disease Classification dataset, Fundus Glaucoma Detection Data Dataset, and Glaucoma Dataset. The results obtained by the proposed method are compared with the results obtained by the existing techniques such as DLCNN‐MGWO‐VW, FRCNN‐FKM, ML‐DCNN, and DNN‐MSO to show its superiority. Seven evaluation parameters are used in assessing the efficiency of the developed model including positive predictive value (PPV), accuracy, precision, F1 score, sensitivity, recall, and specificity. These evaluation measures show that the model has a more promising performance than the existing methods with 98.3% accuracy.
Protective Efficacy of Yogurt, Milk, and Fluoridated Tooth Creme Against Acidic Beverages on Human Teeth: Stereomicroscopic and Ultrastructural Analyses
Authors: Basu Sourendra Nath , Kumar Priya , Gawali Rohan Ashok , Urs Aadithya B. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAcidic beverages can cause significant demineralization and erosive ultrastructural changes in human teeth, while milk and yogurt can prevent dental erosion. This in vitro study aimed to quantify and compare the protective efficacy of yogurt and milk against acidic beverages using stereomicroscopy, weight reduction experiments, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall, 24 freshly extracted single‐rooted human teeth (preserved in neutral buffered formalin) were randomly divided into four treatment subgroups: yogurt, milk, topical fluoridated tooth cream (TFTC), and unprotected teeth. They were immersed periodically in the six commonly consumed acidic beverages. Four control teeth were neither protected nor immersed in any beverage. The protective efficacy of these agents was calculated from the quantification of surface changes using stereomicroscopy and the extent of percentage weight reduction. SEM was also conducted on selected samples to validate the stereomicroscopic observations. One‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference analysis of the quantified stereomicroscopic features showed that TFTC significantly outperformed other agents in terms of preventing erosive surface changes in human teeth (p < 0.05). Similar findings were observed in the weight reduction experiment, which further supported the stereomicroscopic findings. It revealed that TFTC, yogurt, and milk provided significant protection in comparison to the unprotected group of teeth (p < 0.05) against weight reduction caused by acidic beverages. SEM analysis supported the hypothesis that protected teeth showed lesser ultrastructural damage when compared to unprotected teeth.
Distribution of Vertices Required a High‐Degree Condition on Partitions of Graphs Under Degree Constraints
Authors: Furuya Michitaka , Maezawa Shun‐ichi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTLet be a graph, and let be functions. Let be the union of edges shared by two cycles of order at most four, and let . In this paper, we prove that if for with , and , then can be partitioned into two subgraphs and such that for each . The result is a generalization of some known results and gives a distribution of vertices required by a high‐degree condition on partitions of graphs under degree constraints.
Amino Acid Metabolism and Immune Dysfunction in Urea Cycle Disorders: T and B Cell Perspectives
Authors: Gemici Karaaslan Betul , Kiykim Ayca , Burtecene Nihan , Gokden Meltem , Cansever Mehmet Serif , Hopurcuoglu Duhan , Cengiz Gökçe Nuran , Topcu Birol , Zubarioğlu Tanyel , Kiykim Ertugrul , Cokuğras Haluk , Aktuglu Zeybek Ayse Cigdem 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTUrea cycle disorders (UCDs) are a group of genetic metabolic conditions characterized by enzyme deficiencies responsible for detoxifying ammonia. Hyperammonemia, the accumulation of intermediate metabolites, and a deficiency of essential amino acids—due to a protein‐restrictive diet and the use of ammonia scavengers—can increase the risk of infections, particularly during metabolic crises. While the underlying mechanisms of immune suppression are still being fully elucidated, hyperammonemia may impair the function of immune cells, particularly T cells and macrophages, inhibiting the proliferation of T cells and cytokine production. Arginine, which is essential for T‐cell activation and function, may also be limited in these patients, and its depletion can increase their vulnerability to infections. Twenty‐four UCD patients and 31 healthy donors were recruited for the study. Peripheral lymphocyte subset analysis, intracellular protein and cytokine staining, and proliferation assays were performed by flow cytometry. Amino acid levels were measured using the HPLC method. The UCD patients exhibited low lymphocyte‐proliferation capacity in both proximal and distal defects in response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and anti‐CD2, anti‐CD3, and anti‐CD28 (CD‐mix), which was lower than healthy controls. Proximal‐UCD patients exhibited a significantly higher response for IFN‐γ compared to both distal‐UCD patients and healthy controls. The different amino acids in the culture medium were changed significantly in the groups. This study highlights significant immune dysfunctions in UCD patients, particularly impaired T‐cell proliferation and altered amino acid metabolism. Proximal UCD patients exhibited a higher IFN‐γ response, indicating a potential for hyperinflammation. Despite this, infection rates did not significantly differ between proximal UCD and distal UCD patients, although distal UCD patients had higher hospitalization rates. Amino acid analysis revealed distinct metabolic disruptions, emphasizing the complex interplay between metabolism and immune function. These findings suggest that UCDs cause profound immune alterations, necessitating further research to develop targeted therapeutic strategies.
EndoFLIP distensibility index correlates with histologic findings in children with eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Almazan Erik , Liang Tom Z. , Hohl Brenna , Hoskins Brett J. , Birkness‐Gartman Jacqueline E. , Ng Kenneth 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackground and AimsThe Eosinophilic Esophagitis Histology Scoring System (EoEHSS) is useful for diagnosing and characterizing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). A limitation of the EoEHSS is that lamina propria fibrosis scores are infrequently determined due to challenges in sampling lamina propria. Low distensibility index (DI) measured by endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) is associated with fibrostenotic severity in pediatric patients with EoE. We investigated the correlation between DI and the EoEHSS to understand whether EndoFLIP could be a useful complementary tool for evaluating EoE‐associated remodeling in children.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of patients <21 years of age who underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy and EndoFLIP between October 2017 and July 2023 with histologic diagnoses of normal/reactive, reflux, or EoE. EoEHSS scores and luminal parameters were compared between groups. DI measured at 30 mL inflation was compared with EoEHSS scores.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐six EGDs with biopsy and EndoFLIP were performed on 112 patients. There were 80 normal/reactive, 32 reflux, and 14 EoE biopsies. At 30 mL inflation, DI was lowest in the EoE group (p = 0.03). DI at 30 mL inflation negatively correlated with the EoEHSS overall grade score, as well as grade and stage scores for eosinophil abscesses, eosinophil surface layering, dilated intercellular spaces, and basal zone hyperplasia (all p < 0.05). DI at 30 mL inflation also negatively correlated with the eosinophilic inflammation stage score (p < 0.05).ConclusionDI measured by EndoFLIP at 30 mL inflation shows a negative correlation with composite EoEHSS scores and subscores, suggestive of remodeling. EndoFLIP may complement the EoEHSS in evaluating EoE‐associated esophageal remodeling.
Preparation, physicochemical characterization and functional properties of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by polysaccharides from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L
Authors: Wang Huimei , Li Chang , Li Yingzhi , Gao Jiaming , Leng Xueping , Huang Danfei 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBACKGROUNDSelenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), comprising a novel selenium element with higher bioactivity, easily aggregate into large black monomeric selenium particles. In the present study, polysaccharides from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. (PLP) was used as a template and morphology/particle size modifier to synthesize selenium nanoparticles. The preparation process of SeNPs stabilized by PLP was optimized, and its antioxidant and immunological activities were investigated.RESULTSThe optimal preparation conditions of PLP‐SeNPs were a reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction time of 1.5 h, a PLP concentration of 0.04 mg · mL−1 and a Na2SeO3/Vc molar ratio of 1:5. Stable spherical PLP‐SeNPs with a particle size of 78.39 ± 2.15 nm were prepared through this process. The PLP‐SeNPs complex at a concentration of 32 μg · mL−1 demonstrated scavenging activities against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals and 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethyl‐benzothiazolin‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radicals of up to 49.49 ± 2.58%, 60.99 ± 2.49% and 42.07 ± 1.76%, respectively. The PLP‐SeNPs complex significantly increased the activation of RAW264.7 cells through improving phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species levels, and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐10.CONCLUSIONThe present study lays a theoretical foundation for the development of food‐borne SeNPs and the exploration of their application in functional foods, which will help to promote the high‐value utilization of P. asiatica L., and also has an important guiding significance for the healthy development of selenium‐enriched functional food industry. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.