bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phagocytosis by the retinal pigment epithelium: New insights into polarized cell mechanics
Authors: Zihni Ceniz 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a specialized epithelium at the back of the eye that carries out a variety of functions essential for visual health. Recent studies have advanced our molecular understanding of one of the major functions of the RPE; phagocytosis of spent photoreceptor outer segments (POS). Notably, a mechanical link, formed between apical integrins bound to extracellular POS and the intracellular actomyosin cytoskeleton, is proposed to drive the internalization of POS. The process may involve a “nibbling” action, as an initial step, to sever outer segment tips. These insights have led us to hypothesize an “integrin adhesome‐like” network, atypically assembled at apical membrane RPE‐POS contacts. I propose that this hypothetical network orchestrates the complex membrane remodeling events required for particle internalization. Therefore, its analysis and characterization will likely lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control POS phagocytosis.
Overexpression of the Global Transcriptional Regulator LaeA Leads to Production of Cyclic Lipopeptides in Marine‐Derived Aspergillus niger L14
Authors: Zhou Wenjuan , Li Mengshi , Wang Wei , Bai Xuelian , Zhang Huawei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTOverexpression of a global transcriptional regulator LaeA was performed to awaken cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in a marine sponge‐derived fungus, Aspergillus niger L14, to obtain secondary metabolites (SMs), and resulted in the production of five previously undiscovered SMs in the wild‐type strain, including three cyclic lipopeptides aspochracin (1), JBIR‐15 (2) sclerotiotide C (3), kojic acid (4) and penicillic acid (5). Bioassays revealed that compound 2 displayed promising antimicrobial effects on Candida albicans with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 32 µg/mL and 4 exhibited significant antioxidant activity with a similar half‐maximal inhibitory concentration value (5 µg/mL) to that of ascorbic acid. Transcriptome analysis results indicated that the overexpression of LaeA in strain L14 remarkably enhanced the expression of genes involved in polyketide synthase–non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase hybrids and amino acid metabolism, demonstrating an effective approach for the production of cyclic lipopeptides.
Extracellular fluid volume as a key indicator in home‐care management of chronic heart failure: The role of nutritional and exercise therapy
Authors: Shida Junko , Watanabe Ryosuke , Kazama Itsuro , Wanezaki Masahiro , Misawa Hiromi , Uno Chisaki , Matsuda Yumi 
Published: December 2024

Key Clinical MessageExtracellular fluid volume, rather than body weight, should guide chronic heart failure management in home‐care patients. Enhancing muscle mass through pharmacotherapy, nutrition, and exercise is essential to prevent heart failure exacerbation.
New Concept on the Generation and Regulation of Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Zhang Gong , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCircularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has attracted tremendous attention because of its significant application prospect across multiple fields of three‐dimensional display, data storage, and information encryption. Chirality and luminescence are two necessary prerequisites for the generation of CPL. However, controlling these two factors simultaneously in a rational manner remains a challenge. Herein, we highlight the recent advances on the rational generation and regulation of CPL through the new concept, named matching rules, mainly including fluorescence‐selective absorption, circularly polarized fluorescence energy transfer, and chiral communication between excited state and ground state. An important commonality among these strategies is that they need a good overlap of the corresponding spectra between the luminescent part (fluorescence, phosphorescence, or CPL) and the chiral part (organic, inorganic, or organic‐inorganic hybrid materials), which can be contactless and separate. Different from most previous studies, no covalent or noncovalent interactions between the two parts are required, which makes them more facile and convenient. Finally, we summarize the main advantages of these strategies and the current challenges. We expect this concept to offer insightful and novel understanding and inspiration on CPL generation and regulation.
Rationale and Design of a Study to Assess the Engagement and Usefulness of the Care4Today Connect Digital Health Application for Disease Management in Coronary Artery Disease and Peripheral Artery Disease (iPACE‐CVD Study)
Authors: Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Charlton‐Ouw Kristofer , Jefferson Brian , Peeran Syed , Bisharat Mohannad , Ortega‐Paz Luis , Harxhi Ante , Kaul Simrati , Michaud Evelyne , Juan Stephanie , Woods Breeana , Damaraju CV , Fontana Gregory , Bonaca Marc P. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionCoronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) increase the risks of cardiovascular events and death. Digital health technologies are rapidly expanding to improve healthcare quality and access. The Care4Today Connect (C4T CAD‐PAD) mobile application is designed to help patients with CAD and/or PAD improve medication adherence, learn about their disease, make lifestyle modifications, and enhance healthcare provider (HCP) connection via an HCP‐facing portal.Hypothesis & MethodsThe prospective, single‐arm, multicenter, noninterventional iPACE‐CVD (innovative Patient compAnion impaCting health outcomEs: a CardioVascular Digital health program) study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06052319) is evaluating engagement and usefulness of the application for patients with CAD and/or PAD in clinical settings. Application access is provided with a code from patients' HCPs. Key features include medication and health experience tracking. The application is available in English and Spanish and for iOS and Android devices. Engagement is defined as the proportion of patients who use the application for ≥ 10 weeks during the 3‐month study period. Application use is defined as the number of patients using ≥ 1 application feature(s) each week. Usefulness is determined by the percentage of engaged patients who complete the My Feedback Matters survey with a satisfaction response score of > 2 (on a 5‐point scale, where 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree) for at least three of the six questions.ResultsA total of 271 participants were enrolled between November 29, 2023, and May 15, 2024. The study concluded on August 15, 2024.ConclusionThis study will help enhance the application for subsequent studies. Trial Registration: NCT06052319
On the usefulness of genomic selection for rice ratoon performance in early breeding stages
Authors: Borges Karina Lima Reis , Montiel Maria Guadalupe , Cerioli Tommaso , Angira Brijesh , Famoso Adam , Fritsche‐Neto Roberto 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRice (Oryza sativa L.) ratooning, a sustainable production system involves regrowing a second rice crop and it is a very common practice in southwest United States. Employing modern tools such as genomic selection (GS) can enhance breeding efficiency by enabling early selection. The Louisiana State University Rice Breeding Program has traditionally focused on developing superior varieties for the Louisiana's rice industry, however ratoon (RT) performance has typically been considered only in the late breeding stages, when there is little genetic variability available, and all the previous selections were made based on other qualitative and quantitative traits. Therefore, we aimed to verify if our pipeline for variety development is efficient in simultaneously selecting top grain yield performance lines for both harvest seasons: the main crop (H1) and the RT. In this context, we tested the following approaches: 1) Selection index, 2) Indirect selection, and 3) GS. Grain yield data evaluated over three years and three locations from the MP6‐8 population was used in this study. The results highlighted the genetic potential to be explored and the reliability of the data quality. Despite the low phenotypic and genotypic correlations between the first and second harvests (0.11 and 0.12, respectively), the plant response indices proved inefficient for dual‐season selection. Consequently, genotype ranking changed between harvest seasons, suggesting their relative independence. In simpler terms, the genotype that yields the highest productivity for H1 may not necessarily be the same for RT. Our study highlights the feasibility of using GS tools to perform early selections for RT and underscores it as a target trait in the breeding decision‐making process.
Dual Activation‐Induced Marker Combinations Efficiently Identify and Discern Antigen‐Specific and Bystander‐Activated Human CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Ceraolo Maria Grazia , Leccese Maristella , Cassotta Antonino , Triolo Sara , Bombaci Mauro , Coluccio Elena , Prati Daniele , Ungaro Riccardo , Abrignani Sergio , Bandera Alessandra , Sallusto Federica , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Notarbartolo Samuele 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIdentifying activated T lymphocytes and differentiating antigen‐specific from bystander T cells is crucial for understanding adaptive immune responses. This study investigates the efficacy of activation‐induced markers (AIMs) in distinguishing these cell populations. We measured the expression of commonly used AIMs (CD25, CD38, CD40L, CD69, CD137, HLA‐DR, ICOS, and OX40) in an in vitro T‐cell activation system and evaluated their sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value.We demonstrated that individual AIMs, while specific in detecting activated CD4+ T cells, poorly discriminate between antigen‐specific and bystander activation, as assessed by a discriminative capacity (DC) score we developed. Our analysis revealed that dual AIM combinations significantly enhanced the ability to distinguish antigen‐specific from bystander‐activated T cells, achieving DC scores above 90%. These combinations also improved positive predictive value and specificity with a modest reduction in sensitivity. The CD25hi/ICOShi combination emerged as the most efficient, with an average sensitivity of 84.35%, specificity of 99.7%, and DC score of 90.12%. Validation through T‐cell cloning and antigen re‐stimulation confirmed the robustness of our predictions.This study provides a practical framework for researchers to optimize strategies for identifying and isolating antigen‐specific human CD4+ T lymphocytes and studying their phenotype, function, and T‐cell receptor repertoire.
Experimental Investigation on the Seismic Behavior of RC Double‐Column Medium‐Height Bents Retrofitted With SCEB‐Us
Authors: Dong Huihui , Hu Xiao , Bi Kaiming , Han Qiang , Entezami Alireza , Du Xiuli 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTTwo columns of RC double‐column medium‐height bents (DCMBs) are normally connected by link beams to enhance the lateral stability. Serious damage and/or large residual displacement were repeatedly observed in the DCMBs after major earthquakes, which may make the bridges lose traffic functionality or even be demolished and rebuilt. To enhance the seismic performance of bridge structures with DCMB with link beams, the self‐centering energy dissipation braces (SCEBs) were applied to the DCMB in the “K”‐shaped arrangement scenario to replace the traditional link beams in this study. To this end, the design philosophies of the SCEBs in the DCMB were first developed based on the configuration and force analysis of the DCMB with SCEBs. Then, 1:4 scaled RC DCMB and DCMB with link beams specimens were designed. Based on the design philosophies and the hysteretic performance of the DCMB, a novel SCEB with U‐shaped steel plates (SCEB‐U) was developed and tested, and the test results showed that the SCEB‐U exhibited a typical flag‐shaped hysteretic behavior with great deformation capacity. Subsequently, the quasi‐static cyclic loading test of the DCMB with SCEBs specimen was carried out, and a DCMB with link beams and a DCMB with energy dissipation braces (EDBs) with U‐shaped steel plates (DCMB with EDB‐Us) were also tested for comparison. The experimental results showed that the DCMBs with braces suffered the least damage compared with the DCMB with link beams, and there was no obvious damage in the column‐brace connection regions. The DCMB with SCEB‐Us exhibited excellent flag‐type hysteresis behavior with large carrying capacity, stable energy dissipation, and satisfactory self‐centering ability.
Field EPSPs of Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells Studied by Selective Optogenetic Activation of Hilar Mossy Cells in Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Bernstein Hannah L. , Lu Yi‐Ling , Botterill Justin J. , Duffy Áine M. , LaFrancois John J. , Scharfman Helen E. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTGlutamatergic dentate gyrus (DG) mossy cells (MCs) innervate the primary DG cell type, granule cells (GCs). Numerous MC synapses are on GC proximal dendrites in the inner molecular layer (IML). However, field recordings of the GC excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSPs) have not been used to study this pathway selectively. Here we describe methods to selectively activate MC axons in the IML using mice with Cre recombinase expressed in MCs. Slices were made after injecting adeno‐associated virus (AAV) encoding channelrhodopsin (ChR2) in the DG. In these slices, we show that fEPSPs could be recorded reliably in the IML in response to optogenetic stimulation of MC axons. Furthermore, fEPSPs were widespread across the septotemporal axis. However, fEPSPs were relatively weak because they were small in amplitude and did not elicit a significant population spike in GCs. They also showed little paired pulse facilitation. We confirmed the extracellular findings with patch clamp recordings of GCs despite different recording chambers and other differences in methods. Together the results provide a simple method for studying MC activation of GCs and add to the evidence that this input is normally weak but widespread across the GC population.
Behavioural Interventions for Problematic Infant Sleeping and Cry/Fuss Behaviour: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Stanzel Karin , Honda Tomoko , Tran Thach , Fisher Jane 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis systematic review and meta‐analyses aim to synthesise evidence about behavioural interventions to address dysregulated sleeping and cry/fuss behaviour in infants aged up to 12 months and the effects on infant behaviour and maternal mental health. A systematic literature search of English‐language publications was performed in November 2020 and updated in May 2023 using Medline, Embase, PsychInfo and Cinahl Plus. Twenty‐two papers reporting twenty studies met inclusion criteria of these sixteen papers reported both maternal and infant outcomes. Although, there is heterogeneity of the investigations, their results are broadly consistent. Parents who attended a behavioural intervention program for unsettled behaviours in infants reported improvement of their mental health and parenting confidence, and unsettled infant behaviours were improved including a reduction of night waking and cry/fuss behaviour. This review and meta‐analyse provides evidence that behavioural interventions show a mild to moderate improvement in unsettled infant behaviour and maternal mental health.
Validating social reinforcer classes for low‐severity challenging behavior identified by sensitivity tests
Authors: Melanson Isaac J. , Fahmie Tara A. , Ferris Emily L. , Rahaman Javid A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBehavior analysts typically assess and treat challenging behavior after it occurs regularly and at high severity. Although effective, this reactive approach is quite costly and resource intensive. A growing literature supports an alternative preventive approach; the first step involves conducting sensitivity tests to screen the topographies and functions of low‐severity behavior evoked by establishing operations commonly included in challenging behavior research (e.g., Fahmie et al., 2020). Despite the potential value of sensitivity tests, their correspondence with functional analyses has yet to be established. This study measured the correspondence between social reinforcer classes nominated by sensitivity tests and social reinforcer classes verified by traditional functional analysis outcomes of the same behaviors. Participants included 10 young autistic learners who were reported to exhibit low‐severity challenging behavior. Data showed generally high correspondence between both assessment outcomes for challenging behavior but not for appropriate requests.
The β‐Chain Mutation p.Arg17Stop Impairs Fibrinogen Synthesis and Secretion: A Nonsense Mutation Associated With Hypofibrinogenemia
Authors: Qian Chen , Huang Chaoyu , Luo Qinghui , Qin Kaili , Wu Yangyang , Liao Lin , Zhang Qian , Xiang Liqun , Yan Jie 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCongenital hypofibrinogenemia, a quantitative fibrinogen disorder, is characterized by abnormally low levels of both functional and antigen fibrinogen. We identified a heterozygous nonsense mutation, p.Arg17Stop, in the fibrinogen Bβ chain of a three‐month‐old female infant.MethodsCoagulation testing, gene analysis, in vitro plasmid construction, and functional analyses were conducted to investigate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms.ResultsPlasma fibrinogen levels showed decrease in the proband. DNA sequencing of the proband revealed a heterozygous point mutation (c.139C>T) in exon 2 of the FGB gene causing Arg → Stop substitution. Human Arg17 was found to be highly conserved. In vitro expression analyses indicated that the mutation impacts both the transcription and translation of the FGB gene, subsequently affecting the synthesis and secretion of fibrinogen.ConclusionsThe p.Arg17Stop mutation in the fibrinogen Bβ chain disrupts fibrinogen production and secretion, contributing to hypofibrinogenemia.
Characterization of Spirulina‐derived extracellular vesicles and their potential as a vaccine adjuvant
Authors: Sharifpour Mohammad Farouq , Sikder Suchandan , Wong Yide , Koifman Na'ama , Thomas Tamara , Courtney Robert , Seymour Jamie , Loukas Alex 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSpirulina is an edible cyanobacterium that increasingly gaining recognition for it untapped potential in the biomanufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Despite the rapidly accumulating information on extracellular vesicles (EVs) from most other bacteria, nothing is known about Spirulina extracellular vesicles (SPEVs). This study reports the successful isolation, characterization and visualization of SPEVs for the first time and it further investigates the potential therapeutic benefits of SPEVs using a mouse model. SPEVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation and size‐exclusion‐chromatography. Cryo‐Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed pleomorphic outer‐membrane‐vesicles and outer‐inner‐membrane‐vesicles displaying diverse shapes, sizes and corona densities. To assess short‐ and long‐term immune responses, mice were injected intraperitoneally with SPEVs, which demonstrated a significant increase in neutrophils and M1 macrophages at the injection site, indicating a pro‐inflammatory effect induced by SPEVs without clinical signs of toxicity or hypersensitivity. Furthermore, SPEVs demonstrated potent adjuvanticity by enhancing antigen‐specific IgG responses in mice by over 100‐fold compared to an unadjuvanted model vaccine antigen. Mass‐spectrometry identified 54 proteins within SPEVs, including three protein superfamily members linked to the observed pro‐inflammatory effects. Our findings highlight the potential of SPEVs as a new class of vaccine adjuvant and warrant additional studies to further characterize the nature of the immune response.
Health‐related quality of life determinants in Spanish children with eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: García‐Martínez de Bartolomé Ruth , Barrio‐Torres Josefa , Sebastián‐Viana Tomás , Vila‐Miravet Víctor , La Orden‐Izquierdo Enrique , Fernández‐Fernández Sonia , Herrero‐Álvarez Myriam , Soria‐López Marta , Botija‐Arcos Gonzalo , Rodríguez‐Martínez Alejandro , Galicia‐Poblet Gonzalo , García‐Díaz Alejandro , Herreros‐Sáenz Marta , Blasco‐Alonso Javier , Rodrigo‐García Gloria , Alonso‐Pérez Natalia , de Valderrama‐Rodríguez Ana Fernández , Oppenau‐López Noel , Pérez‐Moneo Begoña , Feo‐Ortega Sara , Vecino‐López Raquel , Donado‐Palencia Paloma , Alberto‐Alonso José Ramón , Revenga‐Parra Margarita , Lorenzo‐Garrido Helena , Carro‐Rodríguez Miguel Ángel , Grande‐Herrero Luis , Vicente‐Santamaría Saioa , Balmaseda‐Serrano Elena , Miranda‐Cid María Carmen , Martín‐González Jessica , García‐Romero Ruth , García‐Tirado Diana , Rizo‐Pascual Jana , Alonso‐López Pedro , Blanco‐Rodríguez Miriam , Rendo‐Vázquez Alicia , Millán‐Jiménez Antonio , Castro‐Millán Ana , Bastida‐Ratera Eduard , Cilleruelo‐Pascual M. Luz 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo study the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and its possible determinant factors in Spanish children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and their parents.MethodsMulticenter observational cross‐sectional study. The Spanish version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Eosinophilic Esophagitis Module was filled out by EoE patients aged 8–18 and their parents. Demographic, psychosocial, and clinical variables were studied. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify related factors of HRQoL.ResultsA total of 279 children and their parents participated (72.7% males). 39.1% received swallowed corticosteroids, 35.5% proton pump inhibitors and 16.8% diet. 1.1% received other treatments and 7.5% received no treatment. Poor compliance to treatment was observed in 11.5% and 6.5% of patients were referred to mental health.The Total Scale Scores were 72.71 ± 17.50 and 75.62 ± 16.73 for children and parents, respectively. “Communication” was the dimension with the highest scores (82.14 ± 21.65 and 81.59 ± 24.13) while “Food and Eating” (48.92 ± 32.94 and 62.85 ± 28.78), and “Food Feelings” (53.55 ± 29.96 and 53.95 ± 27.78) had the lower scores. Patients and parents under dietary treatment showed lower scores than those under pharmacological treatment, 65.77 ± 16.96 versus 74.28 ± 16.96, p = 0.001 and 68.33 ± 17.32 versus 77.24 ± 15.97, p = 0.001, respectively. Factors associated with worse HRQoL scores were symptom frequency, diet, food allergies, and the need for mental health assistance.ConclusionsThe HRQoL of children and their parents was “good.” However, diet, frequency of symptoms, food allergies, and the need for mental health care were the factors that had a negative impact on HRQoL of children with EoE.
Designing a Heteroleptic Tetrahedral Group with an Ultrahigh Polarizability Anisotropy by Optimizing the Bonding Electrons Activity and Their Distribution
Authors: Sha Hongyuan , Yang Dongling , Li Qinghe , Yang Lilin , Wang Zujian , Su Rongbing , He Chao , Su Bin , Yang Xiaoming , Long Xifa 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn contrast to regular tetrahedral groups, which struggle to induce a sufficient birefringence to satisfy the phase‐matching condition, heteroleptic tetrahedral ones with higher polarizability anisotropy are perfect functional building units for short‐wave UV nonlinear optical crystals. However, the intrinsic origin of their properties remains unclear. Here, the high polarizability anisotropy in groups is deconstructed to the large anisotropy of numerical density and confined force of the electron, which corresponds to the optimization of bonding electrons activity and their distribution in the tetrahedral group. It can be perfectly achieved in heteroleptic tetrahedral groups. Then, an elegant hetero‐two‐site heteroleptic tetrahedral group, [SO2NH2Cl], with a high polarizability anisotropy is found, which is inducive to generate a large optical anisotropy as confirmed by the experimental birefringence of 0.085 @ 546 nm and the excellent phase‐matching ability in SO2NH2Cl crystals. Therefore, this work illuminates a new horizon for the design of heteroleptic tetrahedron‐based short‐wave UV nonlinear optical materials.