bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-Chain Polyphosphates Induce Tau Fibrillation and Neurotoxicity in Human iPSC-Derived Retinal Neurons
Authors: Baiocco Paola , Barolo Lorenzo , Mautone Lorenza , Gigante Ylenia , Ghirga Silvia , Mura Francesco , Farina Maria Vittoria , Tacconi Stefano , Dini Luciana , Ruocco Giancarlo , Boffi Alberto , Milanetti Edoardo , Angelantonio Silvia Di 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia is closely associated with the aggregation of tau, a multifunctional protein essential for neuronal stability and function. Given the role of tau aggregation in neurodegeneration, understanding the mechanisms behind its fibrils formation is crucial for developing therapeutic interventions to halt or reverse disease progression. However, the structural complexity and diverse aggregation pathways of tau present significant challenges, requiring comprehensive experimental studies. In this research, we demonstrate that short-chain polyphosphates, specifically sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTPP), effectively induce tau fibril formation in vitro using the microtubule-binding domain fragment (K18). NaTPP-induced fibrils display unique structural characteristics and aggregation kinetics compared to those induced by heparin, indicating distinct pathogenic pathways. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we show that NaTPP promotes aggregation by exposing key residues necessary for fibril formation, which remain concealed under non-aggregating conditions. This interaction drives tau into an aggregation-prone state, revealing a novel mechanism. Furthermore, our study indicates that human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal neurons internalize NaTPP-induced fibrils within 24 hours, pointing to a potential pathway for tau spread in neurodegeneration. To explore the translational implications of NaTPP-induced fibrils, we assessed their long-term effects on cellular viability, tubulin integrity, and stress responses in retinal neuron cultures. Compared to heparin, NaTPP promoted fewer but longer fibrils with initially low cytotoxicity but induced a stress response marked by increased endogenous tau and p62/SQSTM1 expression. Prolonged exposure to NaTPP-induced oligomers significantly increased cytotoxicity, leading to tubulin fragmentation, altered caspase activity, and elevated levels of phosphorylated pathological tau. These findings align with a neurodegenerative phenotype, highlighting the relevance of polyphosphates in tau pathology. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of the role of polyphosphate in tau aggregation, linking it to key cellular pathways in neurodegeneration.
Valorisation of an aromatic compound from a renewable natural resource: eugenol, by hemi-synthesis of new molecules for antimicrobial and anticorrosion applications
Authors: REBBAH BAHIJA , haib Abderrahim El , Lahmady Sara , Aallam Yassine , Kotmani Wissal , Hnini Rachid , Gouygou Maryse , Forsal Issam , Rakib ElMostapha , Hannioui Abdellah 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Various semi-synthetic derivatives of eugenol have been reported in recent years with improved bioactivities and a broad mode of action. The main objective of this work is to develop new heterocyclic and acyclic molecules with potential biological and electrochemical activities from a readily available natural product, eugenol, known chemically as 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol with the molecular formula C10H12O2. It belongs to a class of natural phenolic monoterpenoids. Here we describe the synthesis of eugenol derivatives and the evaluation of their biological and electrochemical activities. These new eugenol derivatives were synthesized and characterized by NMR and FTIR. Electrochemical methods, such as polarisation curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, were used to evaluate the corrosion inhibition properties of eugenol. Regarding corrosion inhibition properties, eugenol derivatives have shown that they can be used as organic corrosion inhibitors in aggressive environments to reduce the corrosion process of metals in industry. According to the results obtained in this work, several products tested showed significant efficacy against various pathogenic bacteria studied, particularly at concentrations of 100 µg/mL. Most of them synthesized showed a zone of inhibition greater than 11 mm.
High-Ammonia Microenvironment Promotes Stemness and Metastatic Potential in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Zou Renchao , Jiang Sicong , Mei Jiaqi , Chen Chen , Yu Jia , Fu Yanqiu , Chen Siyu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of liver cancer, characterized by frequent recurrence and metastasis, which remain significant obstacles to effective treatment. Ammonia accumulates in the tumor microenvironment of HCC due to dysfunction in the urea cycle, but the detailed impact of ammonia on HCC cells remains insufficiently understood.
Methods
We exposed HCC cell lines to high concentrations of ammonium chloride to evaluate alterations in proliferation, stemness, and migratory potential. After ammonia removal, changes in cellular behavior were assessed using colony formation, wound healing, and spheroid assays. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to investigate ammonia-induced metabolic reprogramming and alterations in gene expression. Additionally, animal models were employed to validate the impact of ammonia on tumor growth and metastasis.
Results
Exposure to high-ammonia conditions transiently suppressed HCC cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis. However, following ammonia removal, cells demonstrated increased proliferation, enhanced spheroid formation, and elevated migratory capacity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of genes associated with cell adhesion, migration, and glycolysis. Concurrently, metabolomic profiling indicated increased lactate production, facilitating the aggressive behavior of HCC cells after ammonia withdrawal. Animal experiments confirmed that high-ammonia exposure accelerated tumor growth and metastasis.
Conclusion
Ammonia exerts a dual effect on HCC progression: it initially suppresses cell growth but later promotes stemness, proliferation, and metastasis through metabolic reprogramming. Targeting ammonia metabolism or glycolysis in the tumor microenvironment may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating HCC recurrence and metastasis. Future studies utilizing clinical samples are required to validate these findings and identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting ammonia metabolism.
Wearable Sensors and Artificial Intelligence for sleep apnea detection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Osa-Sanchez Ainhoa , Ramos-Martinez-de-Soria Javier , Mendez-Zorrilla Amaia , Ruiz Ibon Oleagordia , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Sleep apnea, a prevalent disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to its significant impact on public health and quality of life. The integration of wearable devices and artificial intelligence technologies has revolutionized the treatment and diagnosis of sleep apnea. Leveraging the portability and sensors of wearable devices, coupled with AI algorithms, has enabled real-time monitoring and accurate analysis of sleep patterns, facilitating early detection and personalized interventions for people suffering from sleep apnea. This review of articles presents a systematic review of the current state of the art in identifying the latest artificial intelligence techniques, wearable devices, data types, and preprocessing methods employed in the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Four databases were used and the results before screening report 249 studies published between 2020 and 2024. After screening, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. This review reveals a trend in recent years where methodologies involving patches, clocks and rings have been increasingly integrated with convolutional neural networks, producing promising results, particularly when combined with transfer learning techniques. We observed that the outcomes of various algorithms and their combinations also rely on the quantity and type of data utilized for training. The findings suggest that employing multiple combinations of different neural networks with convolutional layers contributes to the development of a more precise system for early diagnosis of sleep apnea.
The influence of orthokeratology on peripheral refraction during accommodation
Authors: Li Zhixing , Jin Xia , Gui Mengfang , Zhang Xiaojin , Guo Xiaohong , Pan Tonghe , Wang Ying 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

SIGNIFICANCE: The change in peripheral refraction from hyperopic to myopic defocus following orthokeratology (OK) has been recognized as a main factor in myopia control. However, the impact of OK lenses on peripheral refraction at nearpoints in myopic eyes has not yet been investigated.
PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate changes in peripheral refraction during accommodation in myopic adults after orthokeratology (OK) wear.
METHODS:Twenty-four selected myopic adults (mean spherical equivalent: -2.70±1.04 D) participated in this study. Peripheral refractions were measured by an auto-refractor with targets located at 25cm and 50cm from the eye. Measurements were performed across ±30º of the horizontal field in 5º steps from the visual axis of subject’s right eye before and after wearing the OK lens. The statistical package SPSS was used to analyze the data to determine the relationship between peripheral refractions and accommodation.
RESULTS: After wearing the OK lens, the peripheral refraction became more myopic with increasing eccentricity during accommodation (t>2.80, p< 0.01, N30º, N25º, N20º, T15º, T20º, T25º and T30º, for 25cm and 50cm). While relative hyperopic reflective errors were observed in the central (accommodative lag) and near peripheral (=<15 º) retinal fields (t<-2.5, p<0.02, for 0º, N5º, N10º, N15º and T10º for 25cm and 50cm), relative myopic refractive errors were evident in the farther periphery (>15 º). (for 25cm, -0.45±1.18, -0.71±1.47, -1.00±1.31 and -1.70±2.16D, for N30º, T20º, T25º, and T30º; for 50cm, -0.76±1.28, -0.84±1.05; -1.17±1.30 and -2.15±1.81D, for N30º, T20º, T25º, and T30º; t>2.5, P<0.02)
CONCLUSION: The myopic shift of peripheral refraction from the OK lens was partly counteracted by an insufficient change in refractive power of the eye during accommodation. Even though the refractive errors become relative hyperopic in the central and near peripheral retinal ﬁelds, relative myopic refraction was still maintained in the farther periphery for the accommodated myopic eyes treated with OK lenses.
Investigating the Role of Necroptosis in the Immunological Microenvironment of Periodontitis
Authors: Chen Yuanwei , Wang Tairan , Zheng Zhanglong , Ai Zexin , Jiang Jirui , Li Shengjiao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Extensive research has delved into the nexus between necroptosis and immunity, yet its impact on the immunological microenvironment of periodontitis remains elusive. Therefore, our study aims to elucidate the role of necroptosis in shaping this particular microenvironment.
Results We examined the differential expression of necroptosis genes in healthy and periodontitis samples, analyzing their correlations with infiltrating immunocytes, immune responses, and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene. Distinct necroptosis-mediated expression patterns were identified, along with genes associated with the necroptosis phenotype. Notably, 37 necroptosis genes were dysregulated, leading to the development of a seven-necroptosis classifier that accurately distinguished periodontitis from healthy samples. Our findings reveal a profound association between necroptosis and the immunological microenvironment, evidenced by the positive correlation between ZBP1 and MLKL expression with plasma cells, the negative correlation between TNFRSF1B and ZBP1 with resting dendritic cells, and the modulation of BCR signaling and TGF family receptor activity by ZBP1 and MLKL. Furthermore, we uncovered a positive correlation between ZBP1 and HLA-C expression and a negative correlation between HSPA4 and HLA-A expression. Our analysis identified two distinct necroptosis expression patterns, each characterized by unique immune features. Among the 5272 genes associated with the necroptosis phenotype, 339 genes were linked to immunity, their biological functions centering on immunocyte regulation.
Conclusion This study underscores the significant role of necroptosis in shaping the immunological microenvironment of periodontitis, offering novel insights into the pathogenesis of this condition and paving the way for potential therapeutic strategies for periodontitis and its systemic comorbidities.
Explaining the higher nonresponse rates of immigrant populations: Insights from an analysis of panel attrition
Authors: Kalmijn Matthijs 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Many studies have documented lower response rates of first- and second-generation immigrants in surveys. Several theories have been suggested to explain these differences, focusing on socioeconomic differences, differences in residence, and problems with cultural and social integration. Such explanations have been challenging to test, given the lack of information on sample subjects beforehand. In the current contribution, these explanations are tested by analyzing panel attrition. Using two-wave national panel data with a register- based oversample of immigrants in the Netherlands and regression decomposition methods, evidence was found for each of the three explanations. Attrition of immigrants is higher because of differences in how and where immigrants live and because immigrants have a lower socioeconomic status on average than natives. There is some evidence that attrition is increased by lower levels of cultural and social integration, but migrant-specific explanations were less influential than the more ‘generic’ explanations. Biases in descriptive evidence for key integration indicators existed due to selective attrition but were small in magnitude, lessening concerns about underestimations of immigrant integration in survey research.
Derivation of seismic fragility curves through mechanical-analytical approaches: the case study of the URM school buildings in Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (Italy)
Authors: Giusto Sofia , Boem Ingrid , Alfano Sara , Gattesco Natalino , Cattari Serena 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Seismic events worldwide have shown that school buildings can exhibit vulnerability levels even higher than ordinary buildings. This highlights the urgent need for reliable risk analyses to guide decision-making in the implementation of large-scale mitigation policies. Developing seismic fragility curves that accurately reflect their typological and structural features is essential to achieve this. In this context, the paper compares two different mechanical-analytical methods, namely the “DBV-Masonry” and “Firstep-M_PRO”, which have been independently developed at the University of Genoa and at the University of Trieste, respectively. Among various possible methods, the mechanical-analytical approach is chosen for its computational efficiency in assessing large portfolios and its flexibility in capturing the features of specific buildings, such as schools (i.e. significant inter-story height and spacing between internal transversal walls). Both methods are applied to the same sample consisting of 101 unreinforced masonry (URM) schools located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (Italy). One of key-goals of the paper is to provide a very comprehensive comparison of the similarities and differences between two methods for deriving seismic fragility curves which refer only to the global in-plane response. The impact of such an epistemic model uncertainty, together with the inter-building variability, is thus quantified and fragility curves are also validated against results from previous studies.
Inhibition of Zbp1- PANoptosome-mediated PANoptosis effectively attenuates acute pancreatitis
Authors: Li Jie , Jia Yu-chen , Zhang Haoyu , Wang Zheng , Xie Xiaozhou , Cao Feng , Li Fei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Early acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory disease that involves multiple modes of cell death, including apoptosis, necrotic apoptosis, and pyroptosis in its disease process. PANoptosis, a type of cell death that includes pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, has had an important role in a variety of infectious and inflammatory diseases in recent years. To judge the relationship between PANoptosis and AP, we first analyzed the data from pancreatic transcriptome data by bioinformatics techniques, and we found the enrichment of PANoptosis pathway in AP. Next, we screened the genes and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with AP and PANoptosis. Finally, we found that Zbp1 may have a major role in the process of PANoptosis. For this purpose, we constructed AP models in mice and in vitro cell line 266-6 and intervened by inhibiting Zbp1. The final results showed that the PANoptosis in mice was significantly suppressed after inhibition of Zbp1. In conclusion, inflammatory injury in AP can be significantly improved by inhibiting Zbp1- PANoptosome-mediated PANoptosis.
Impact of Maternal Stress and COVID-19 Exposure During Pregnancy on Offspring Neurodevelopment: Signature Cohort 12 Month Follow-Up
Authors: Garrido-Torres Nathalia , Román-Jarrín Andrés , Rider Julia , Alemany-Navarro María , Gibson Blake A. , de-Felipe Bea , Pérez-Gómez Alberto , Cerrillos Lucas , Duque-Sánchez Cristina , Alameda Luis , Ruiz-Mateos Ezequiel , Ruiz-Veguilla Miguel , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented global challenges. Amid the crisis, the potential impact of COVID-19 exposure on the neurodevelopment of offspring born to infected mothers emerged as a critical concern. This is a prospective cohort study of offspring exposed to mild or severe COVID-19 during pregnancy. Pregnant women who acquired SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled in the SIGNATURE project at Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio in Seville, Spain, between 01/01/2021 and 08/31/2022. Maternal stress was assessed through the Perceived Stress Scale; offspring neurodevelopment was screened through Ages & Stages Questionnaire, 3rd Edition (ASQ-3) at 6 months and 12 months. Association between COVID-19 severity and neurodevelopmental outcomes were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analysis. The cohort included 689 women categorized into three distinct groups based on COVID-19 severity: non-infected mothers (N = 277), mothers with mild COVID-19 (N = 358), and mothers with severe COVID-19 (N = 54). In utero exposure to severe COVID-19 infection nearly tripled the risk of developmental concern in the ASQ-3 personal-social subdomain at 12 months follow-up [OR = 2.751 (95% CI 1.065–7.106), p = 0.037], independently of the timing of the infection and maternal stress. While this study did not yield statistically significant results, it highlights the need to further investigate the potential association between COVID-19 during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment to understand the potential long-term consequences of prenatal COVID-19 exposure.
From mesh to neural nets: A multi-method evaluation of physics informed neural network and galerkin finite element method for solving nonlinear convection-reaction-diffusion equations
Authors: Hasan Fardous , Ali Hazrat , Arief Hasan Asyari 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Non-linear convection-reaction-diffusion (CRD) partial differential equations (PDEs) are crucial for modeling complex phenomena in fields such as biology, ecology, population dynamics, physics, and engineering. Numerical approximation of these non-linear systems is essential due to the challenges of obtaining exact solutions. Traditionally, the Galerkin finite element method (GFEM) has been the standard computational tool for solving these PDEs. With the advancements in machine learning, Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) has emerged as a promising alternative for approximating non-linear PDEs.In this study, we compare the performance of PINN and GFEM by solving four distinct one-dimensional CRD problems with varying initial and boundary conditions and evaluate the performance of PINN over GFEM. This evaluation metrics includes error estimates, and visual representations of the solutions, supported by statistical methods such as the root mean squared error (RMSE), the standard deviation of error, the the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and the coefficient of variation (CV) test.Our findings reveal that while both methods achieve solutions close to the analytical results, PINN demonstrate superior accuracy and efficiency. PINN achieved significantly lower RMSE values and smaller standard deviations for Burgers' equation, Fisher's equation, and Newell-Whitehead-Segel equation, indicating higher accuracy and greater consistency. While GFEM shows slightly better accuracy for the Burgers-Huxley equation, its performance was less consistent over time. In contrast, PINN exhibit more reliable and robust performance, highlighting their potential as a cutting-edge approach for solving non-linear PDEs.
DNA Barcoding for Taxonomic Resolution in Lamiaceae: Evaluating rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA Markers for Species Identification
Authors: Hafez Amr , Elwahy Ahmed , Radwan Khaled , Fouad Nourhan , Mahdy Ehab , Fouad Ahmed 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Lamiaceae family presents an example of the taxonomic complexities that challenge traditional identification methods. This study aimed to assay the effectiveness of three DNA barcoding markers (rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA) for species identification within the genera Thymus, Mentha, and Salvia collected from various Egyptian locations. Results obtained indicated that rbcL showed a 100% amplification and sequencing efficiency across all genera nevertheless, it showed limited species resolution, with a genetic distance between Thymus and Mentha that reached 0.0154. On the other hand, matK and trnH-psbA showed superior species discrimination but lower amplification efficiency, especially for Salvia where it recorded a low of 12.5%. Interestingly, trnH-psbA marker showed the highest interspecific variability with 172 parsimony informative sites. Phylogenetic analysis using Neighbor-Joining trees supported distinct clades for each genus, with matK and trnH-psbA markers providing better resolution. Our study showed that matK and trnH-psbA are more effective for discriminating closely related species of Lamiaceae family. The incorporation of these markers increases the accuracy of taxonomic identification, and their application promotes conservation and ensures quality supply of Lamiaceae species of medicinal and commercial importance. The current study emphasizes the need for multi-locus DNA barcoding for biodiversity studies and its application in conservation of genetic resources as key aspects of Egypt's diverse flora.