bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteriophages and their potential for treatment of metabolic diseases
Authors: Deng Youpeng , Jiang Shouwei , Duan Hanyu , Shao Haonan , Duan Yi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRecent advances highlight the role of gut virome, particularly phageome, in metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, and hyperlipidemia. While alterations in gut bacteria are well‐documented, emerging evidence suggests that changes in gut viruses also contribute to these disorders. Bacteriophages, the most abundant gut viruses, influence bacterial populations through their lytic and lysogenic cycles, potentially modulating the gut ecosystem and metabolic pathways. Phage therapy, previously overshadowed by antibiotics, is experiencing renewed interest due to rising antibiotic resistance. It offers a novel approach to precisely edit the gut microbiota, with promising applications in metabolic diseases. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries about gut virome in metabolic disease patients, review preclinical and clinical studies of phage therapy on metabolic diseases as well as the breakthroughs and currently faced problems and concerns.image
Comparing the effectiveness of different DNA extraction methods in MX‐80 bentonite
Authors: Mijnendonckx Kristel , Smolders Carla , Bartak Deepa , Le Duc Trung , Morales‐Hidalgo Mar , Povedano‐Priego Cristina , Jroundi Fadwa , Merroun Mohamed L. , Leys Natalie , Cerna Katerina 
Published: November 2024

AbstractApproaches to DNA extraction play a crucial role in determining the variability of results obtained through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Particularly, clay‐rich samples can impede the efficiency of various standard cultivation‐independent techniques. We conducted an inter‐laboratory comparison study to thoroughly assess the efficacy of two published DNA extraction methods (kit‐based and phenol‐chloroform‐based) specifically designed for bentonite samples. To this end, we spiked Wyoming MX 80 bentonite with two different mock communities and compared the obtained DNA yield and purity, the presence of contaminants and the community profile. Our findings suggest that both methods are equally viable, with the best choice depending on the specific requirements of the downstream analysis. However, it is crucial to maintain consistency in the chosen method, as comparing results becomes challenging, particularly in the presence of bentonite. In summary, our study emphasizes the significance of standardized DNA extraction methods and underscores the importance of validating these methods using appropriate controls when studying microbial communities with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, particularly in environments characterized by low biomass and clay‐rich compositions. Additionally, slight modifications to one of the extraction methods can substantially enhance its efficiency.
Immune Signatures of Solid Tumor Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: An Observational Study
Authors: Chen Ling , Tan Hourui , Geng Ruixuan , Li Yifan , Wang Yingyi , Li Taisheng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeOur study aimed to comprehensively describe the features of peripheral blood multiple immune cell phenotypes in solid tumor patients during pretreatment and after immunotherapy, providing a more convenient approach for studying the prognosis of immunotherapy in different solid tumor patients.MethodsWe prospectively recruited patients with advanced solid tumors from Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) between February 2023 and April 2024. Using multicolor flow cytometry, our study comprehensively observed and described the signatures of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets including activation, proliferation, function, naïve memory, and T cell exhaustion immune cell subsets in this population of pretreatment and after immunotherapy.ResultsOur study enrolled 59 advanced solid tumor patients with immunotherapy and 59 healthy controls were matched by age and gender. The results demonstrated a marked upregulation in the expression of lymphocyte activation markers CD38 and HLA‐DR, as well as exhaustion and proliferation markers PD‐1 and Ki67, in solid tumor patients compared to healthy controls. After immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment, mainly the expression of Ki67CD4+T and HLA‐DRCD38CD4+T, was significantly upregulated compared to pretreatment levels (p = 0.017, p = 0.019, respectively). We further found that gynecological tumors with better prognoses had higher baseline activation levels of CD4+ T cells compared to other solid tumors with poorer prognoses.ConclusionOur study elucidated the characteristics of different lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of solid tumor patients. Further research revealed changes in the phenotypes of different lymphocyte subsets after ICIs treatment, with the activated phenotype of CD4+ T cells playing a crucial role in the antitumor effect. This lays the groundwork for further exploration of prognostic biomarkers and predictive models for cancer patients with immunotherapy.
Hologenomic data generation and analysis in wild vertebrates
Authors: Pietroni Carlotta , Gaun Nanna , Leonard Aoife , Lauritsen Jonas , Martin‐Bideguren Garazi , Odriozola Iñaki , Aizpurua Ostaizka , Alberdi Antton , Eisenhofer Raphael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Hologenomics, the joint analysis of host genomes and microbial metagenomes, has the potential to address fundamental biological questions from a systemic host‐microbiota perspective. However, multiple fieldwork, laboratory and bioinformatic steps challenge quality, representativeness and comparability of hologenomic data.

Leveraging the first 2025 samples sourced from 151 wild vertebrate species analysed in the Earth Hologenome Initiative, we scrutinise hologenomic data generation steps, including laboratory and bioinformatic procedures. Comparisons across taxa and sample types provide novel insights into the relationships between laboratory quality metrics and derived data, the variation of host, prokaryotic and non‐prokaryotic fractions of shotgun data, and the relationship between data quality and quantity with genome and metagenome reconstruction.

Our results show that faecal samples are significantly better than anal and cloacal swabs to study intestinal microbiomes using genome‐resolved metagenomics. We also report that birds and bats both have substantially lower microbial DNA fractions and a higher degree of sample‐to‐sample variability compared to amphibians, reptiles and non‐flying mammals.

Based on these data, we provide suggestions to the field for robustly and efficiently generating hologenomic data from wild vertebrates.
Stiffening symphony of aging: Biophysical changes in senescent osteocytes
Authors: Tilton Maryam , Weivoda Megan , Astudillo Potes Maria , Gingery Anne , Liu Alan Y. , Tchkonia Tamara , Lu Lichun , Kirkland James L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSenescent osteocytes are key contributors to age‐related bone loss and fragility; however, the impact of mechanobiological changes in these cells remains poorly understood. This study provides a novel analysis of these changes in primary osteocytes following irradiation‐induced senescence. By integrating subcellular mechanical measurements with gene expression analyses, we identified significant, time‐dependent alterations in the mechanical properties of senescent bone cells. Increases in classical markers such as SA‐β‐Gal activity and p16Ink4a expression levels confirmed the senescence status post‐irradiation. Our key findings include a time‐dependent increase in cytoskeletal Young's modulus and altered viscoelastic properties of the plasma membrane, affecting the contractility of primary osteocytes. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in Sclerostin (Sost) expression 21 days post‐irradiation. These biophysical changes may impair osteocyte mechanosensation and mechanotransduction, contributing to bone fragility. This is the first study to time‐map senescence‐associated mechanical changes in the osteocyte cytoskeleton. Our findings highlight the potential of biophysical markers as indicators of cellular senescence, providing more specificity than traditional, variable biomolecular markers. We believe these results may support biomechanical stimulation as a potential therapeutic strategy to rejuvenate aging osteocytes and enhance bone health.
Long term trends in non‐audit fees and audit quality: New evidence based on going concern opinions and financial restatements
Authors: Biswas Pallab Kumar , Griffin Paul A. , Lont David H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe revisit the question of whether high levels of non‐audit fees degrade audit quality. We use a structural model to specify the key variables and a grouping approach to reduce measurement error and tighten identification of the non‐audit fee threat to audit quality. We use going concern opinions (GCOs) and financial restatements to proxy for audit quality. We find that higher non‐audit fees reduce the percentage of GCOs issued around the passage of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), and that restatements are higher around SOX also. The trends in the GCO and restatement percentages after SOX are consistent with an improvement in audit quality.
Discovery through iNaturalist: First record of Hoplopeza Bezzi, 1909 (Diptera: Hybotidae) from New Zealand and an updated key to the genera of Ocydromiinae from the Australasian Region
Authors: Barros Luana M. , Soares Matheus M. M. , Ale‐Rocha Rosaly 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHoplopeza pulcherrima (Bezzi, 1909) is recorded from New Zealand through photographs posted on the website iNaturalist, corresponding to the first record of the genus Hoplopeza for this country. Furthermore, we redescribed H. pulcherrima through specimens collected near the type locality in New South Wales, Australia. An updated key for the genera of Ocydromiinae from the Australasian Region is also provided.
Radiographic Assessment of the Hind Limb Bone Development in Maned Wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
Authors: Gonçalves Raphael A. B. , Rahal Sheila C. , Silva Jeana P. , Cassanego Guilherme R. , Mamprim Maria J. , Rolim Luna S. , Teixeira Carlos R. , Inamassu Letícia R. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to analyse the growth plate fusion and secondary ossification centres of the hind limbs in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) using radiographs. Data from three maned wolves estimated to be 3–4 months old were utilised. The right and left hind limbs were radiographed in the mediolateral and craniocaudal views once a month until 11–12 months of age and then every 2–3 months until 18–19 months of age. The growth plates identified in the hind limbs and their closure times were as follows: proximal femur (13–15 months), distal femur (13–15 months), proximal tibia (17–19 months), tibial tuberosity (17–19 months), distal tibia (11–13 months), proximal fibula (13–15 months) and calcaneal tuber (8–9 months). Measurements of the areas of the secondary ossification centres of the proximal epiphysis of the femur, distal epiphysis of the tibia, patella and fibular tarsal bone epiphysis showed a significant difference between the first assessment and 6–7 months. The distal femoral epiphysis, proximal tibial epiphysis and tibial tuberosity showed a statistically significant difference between the first assessment and 7–8 months. The difference in the proximal epiphysis of the fibula was observed between 4 to 5 months and 7 to 8 months. In conclusion, the information obtained regarding the growth plates and secondary ossification centres of the maned wolves may support other studies and help understand the normal patterns of the species.
Predictors of Myocardial Fibrosis Detected by CMR in Patients With Idiopathic PVCs
Authors: Ailoaei Ștefan , Șorodoc Laurențiu , Ureche Carina , Sîtari Nicolae , Sandu Gabriel , Ceasovschih Alexandr , Grecu Mihaela , Sascău Radu Andy , Stătescu Cristian 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPremature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a frequent electrocardiographic finding in routine medical practice, and 16% of the patients with idiopathic PVCs may have underlying heart disease.ObjectiveWe analyzed the correlation between the morphology of the PVCs and the myocardial scarring identified by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), together with the impact of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on the need for ablation.MethodsNinety‐four patients (median age 56 years) with frequent PVCs (> 500 PVCs on 24 h) and a structurally normal heart were referred for comprehensive CMR. The patients were followed for 12 months. Patients were referred for ablation if they were symptomatic in the context of frequent PVCs.ResultsThe prevalence of LGE identified by CMR was higher among males (OR 5.506 (2.092–14.49) p < 0.05), with an age ≥ 50 years (OR 1.047 (1.015–1.08), p < 0.05) and a higher PVC burden (OR 1.922 (1.723–1.976), p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with PVCs with a LBBB inferior axis had four times higher risk of exhibiting LGE (OR 4.09 (1.584–10.565), p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.059 (1.019–1.099), p < 0.05) and a LBBB inferior axis (OR 4.605 (1.472–14.404), p < 0.05) were independently associated with the presence of LGE.ConclusionPatients with PVCs and apparently, structurally normal heart present myocardial scarring identified by CMR in 71.23% of cases. PVCs with LBBB inferior axis pattern, age ≥ 50 years and male sex are associated with the presence of LGE on CMR. In multivariate analysis, age and LBBB inferior axis were independently correlated with the presence of LGE.
S1P/S1PRs‐TRPV4 axis is a novel therapeutic target for persistent pain and itch in chronic dermatitis
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhou Yuan , Wang Changming , Ren Jiahui , Wang Yin , Liu Pei , Feng Weimeng , Li Xue , Qi Mingxin , Yang Yan , Zhu Chan , Wang Fang , Ma Yuxiang , Tang Zongxiang , Yu Guang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeWhile pain and itch are both commonly associated with chronic dermatitis (CD), the molecular mechanisms underlying these debilitating symptoms is not well understood. This study aims to identify novel, endogenous compounds that mediate CD‐associated pain and itch.Experimental ApproachLesional skin of CD model mice was examined using unbiased metabolomic analysis to identify candidate pain or itch inducing compounds in CD. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) concentration in CD model skin was analysed using UPLC/MS/MS. Behaviour, calcium imaging and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the pain and itch effects and mechanisms of the identified CD‐related compounds.Key ResultsIn the lesional skin of CD model mice, 136 compounds were significantly changed. These compounds are predominately associated with the sphingolipids metabolism pathway. S1P is significantly increased in the lesional skin . The TRPV4 channel was critical for S1P induced itch and pain. Sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2), the key enzyme controlling S1P synthesis, was significantly increased in lesional skin. ABC294640, a SPHK2 inhibitor, significantly decreased S1P concentration in lesional CD model skin, as well as in model associated epidermal hyperplasia and chronic pain and itch. In CD patients, SPHK2 expression and S1P concentration were significantly elevated compared to healthy control skin.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results indicate that, in CD, increased S1P induces chronic pain and itch partly through TRPV4. Inhibition of S1P synthesis or the S1P/S1P receptor‐TRPV4 pathway are promising treatment strategies for CD‐associated pain and itch.
S100A8 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer metastasis
Authors: Deguchi Atsuko , Maru Yoshiro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMetastasis is a major cause of cancer‐related deaths. Similar to the tumor microenvironment formation, the premetastatic niche develops in distant organs before the arrival of tumor cells. Elucidating the mechanism(s) underlying premetastatic niche formation could contribute to the establishment of effective therapeutic targets for metastasis. Our research indicates that primary tumors hijack Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling to establish a premetastatic niche in the lungs by utilizing an endogenous ligand S100A8. S100A8 is expressed not only in immune cells but also in various types of tumor cells. By focusing on S100A8 as a therapeutic target, we identified at least three multivalent S100A8 inhibitory peptides. Here, we review the tumor‐promoting role of S100A8‐mediated TLR4 signaling and propose S100A8 as a potential therapeutic target for aggressive cancer.
Non‐alkylating agents‐induced gonadotoxicity in pre‐pubertal males: Insights on the clinical and pre‐clinical front
Authors: Sriram Sruthi , Macedo Tiago , Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies , van de Wetering Marianne , Looijenga Leendert H. J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhilst chemotherapy regimens have proven to be more successful for pediatric cancer patients over the years, their influence on long‐term side effects is relatively poorly understood. One of the possible targets is the gonads, with gonadotoxic agents representing those that threaten the patient's ability to have children post surviving the primary disease treatment. Many risk stratification guidelines have categorized these agents based on the severity of their effect on the pre‐pubertal testis. While the consensus is that those agents factored with a cyclophosphamide equivalent dosage pose the highest threat to fertility (e.g. alkylating agents), other agents might still contribute to a reduced testis function; especially in the case of combination therapies. Besides, it is important to note that studies deciphering the effect of other non‐alkylating agents on the pre‐pubertal testis lack standardized conclusions for clinically relevant outcomes. This makes it imperative to ensure the knowledge gap is addressed between the clinic and pre‐clinic to understand potential gonadotoxic effects, ultimately leading to improved patient care. Therefore, this review will summarize the key findings in understanding the gonadotoxic effects of the most commonly researched non‐alkylating agents: vincristine, etoposide, doxorubicin, and imatinib on the pre‐pubertal testis.
S2k guideline basal cell carcinoma of the skin (update 2023)
Authors: Lang Berenice M. , Balermpas Panagiotis , Bauer Andrea , Blum Andreas , Dirschka Thomas , Follmann Markus , Frank Jorge , Frerich Bernhard , Fritz Klaus , Hauschild Axel , Heindl Ludwig M. , Howaldt Hans‐Peter , Ihrler Stephan , Kakkassery Vinodh , Klumpp Bernhard , Krause‐Bergmann Albrecht , Löser Christoph , Meissner Markus , Sachse Michael M. , Schlaak Max , Schön Michael P. , Tischendorf Lutz , Tronnier Michael , Vordermark Dirk , Welzel Julia , Weichenthal Michael , Wiegand Susanne , Kaufmann Roland , Grabbe Stephan 
Published: November 2024

SummaryBasal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in the fair‐skinned population and its incidence continues to rise. An update of the S2k guideline with the participation of all specialist societies familiar with the clinical picture and previous literature research is of great importance for the quality of care for affected patients. In addition to epidemiology, diagnostics and histology are discussed. After risk stratification, therapy is divided into topical, systemic and radiation therapy. Surgical removal remains the treatment of first choice in most cases. The approval of anti‐PD1 inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic tumors has opened up a new option in second‐line therapy (after hedgehog inhibitors).
Association of ‘weekend warrior’ and other leisure time physical activity patterns with obesity and adiposity: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hui Stanley Sai‐chuen , Chin Edwin Chun‐yip , Chan Jacky Ka Wai , Chan Ben Ping‐Shing , Wan James Ho‐pong , Wong Sam Wing‐Sum 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of different physical activity patterns on obesity.Materials and methodsData from adults aged 17–79 years were extracted from the Hong Kong Territory‐Wide Physical Fitness Survey conducted in 2011–2012 and 2021–2022. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) patterns were collected through questionnaires and categorized as inactive (no MVPA ≥10 min), insufficiently active (<150 min MVPA/week), weekend warriors (≥150 min MVPA/week from 1 to 2 days) and regularly active (≥150 min MVPA/week from ≥3 days). The association between these activity patterns with obesity risk and body fat percentage was analysed.ResultsThis study included 9863 obesity data (including valid waist circumference and body mass index) and 7496 body fat data. Compared with the inactive group, the weekend warriors and regularly active individuals had lower risks of general and abdominal obesity, as well as reduced body fat. Furthermore, individuals who were insufficiently active but engaged in ≥3 days of MVPA showed significantly lower body fat and obesity risk than their inactive counterparts.ConclusionEngaging in physical activity even once or twice a week can positively impact weight control.
Exploring the Behavioural Mechanism of College Students' Participation in Academic Competition: A Structural Equation Model Approach
Authors: Fu Xinjian , Li Yingxiang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTUniversity student academic competitions can test students' learning outcomes, improve their academic performance and stimulate their interest in learning. Exploring the behavioural mechanisms influencing students' academic competition is quite important, but there is currently little research on this topic. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature. We collected data from 460 university students during the fall semester of the 2023–2024 academic year and conducted a path analysis using structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore these behavioural mechanisms. The study found that external support, perceived value and institutional trust are significantly positively correlated with competition behaviour. However, the relationship between perceived usefulness and competition behaviour is not significant. Institutional trust plays a partial mediating role in the effects of external support, perceived usefulness and perceived value on competition behaviour. Therefore, the factors that affect college students' competitive behaviour include internal and external factors. The contribution of this research is to provide empirical evidence and explain what factors may affect competition behaviour.
Outside School ICT Use for Learning and Science Performance: The Mediating Role of Motivation and Epistemological Beliefs
Authors: Xiong Feng , Nie Youyan , Bai Barry , Lee Ai Noi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study utilised 2015 PISA data from the United Kingdom and Hong Kong to examine the relations between outside school ICT use for learning and science performance through a mediation model. The results uncovered three key findings: Firstly, ICT use for learning exhibited negative total effects on science performance in the United Kingdom, whereas the effects were non‐significant in Hong Kong. Secondly, ICT use for learning consistently showed positive indirect effects on science performance through the mediation of self‐efficacy, enjoyment and interest. However, no indirect effects were observed through utility value in either of the sampled countries/regions. Notably, ICT use for learning showed positive indirect effects through the mediation of epistemological beliefs in Hong Kong but not in the United Kingdom. Thirdly, ICT use for learning displayed negative unexplained (i.e., direct) effects on science performance, suggesting that potentially negative mediators have not been fully identified. Future research shall focus on exploring potential mediations that may cause negative indirect effects to develop more targeted interventions.