bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pearl millet phenology assessment: An integration of field, a review, and in silico approach
Authors: Carcedo Ana , Maddonni Gustavo , Ramalingam Ajay Prasanth , Parray Sabreena A. , Tugoo Midhat Z. , Pereira Thatiane Alves , Perumal Ramasamy , Prasad P. V. Vara , Ciampitti Ignacio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] is an essential subsistence cereal for food security in dryland farming systems of the semiarid tropics (e.g., in sub‐Saharan Africa) and has improved tolerance to drought, heat, and salinity stress compared to other domesticated cereals. Assessing the variation on phenology is critical toward devising effective adaptative management strategies for crop adaptation to current and future climate change. In this context, pearl millet presents a vast genetic diversity, exhibiting sensitivity to temperature and photoperiod. Hence, this study aims to describe the genotypic variability in the phenological responses of pearl millet to temperature and photoperiod, particularly affecting leaf number with implications on the overall total time to flowering. The dataset encompassed 21 publications from seven countries, with experiments conducted from 1965 to 2023, including three field studies from the United States. Broad variability has been reported for phyllochron values ranging from 45 to 111°Cd leaf−1, with a mean value of 67°Cd leaf−1. Thermal time to panicle initiation ranged from 340 to 594°C, but no response to photoperiod duration was found due to the nature of dataset. Maximum number of leaves per shoot ranged from 11 to 25, showing response (1.55–2.15 leaf h−1) to photoperiod due to variations in thermal time to flowering (from 875 to 1346°Cd). Thermal time to flowering increased ca. 323°Cd h−1 under day durations longer than 13.3 h, below which basic vegetative phase duration was close to 1033°Cd. Based on the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator simulations, different combinations of the above responses (in silico cultivars) generated a great range of times to flowering (44–120 days) for locations in Senegal, Brazil, India, and United States. The findings of this study can help breeders to explore the phenological genetic variability of pearl millet and provide inputs for crop growth models to evaluate future in silico scenarios.
Innovative method of environmental safety research of starch‐based films with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Dobrucka Renata , Urbaniak Mikołaj , Kozak Wojciech , Szymański Marcin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this work, films based on three different starches have been developed and modified by adding silver nanoparticles. We examined the films in terms of their mechanical properties, barrier properties and environmental toxicity to plants and invertebrates. For the toxicity studies, we used the following seeds: Berny rapeseed, Brassica napus; Salvia hispanica—chia, Salvia hispanica; and Karo narrowleaf lupine, Lupinus angustifolius. The invertebrates used for toxicity studies were Daphnia pulex, Tubifex tubifex, Chaoborus sp. (larva), Chironomus aprilinus, and Artemia sp. The tests showed that KD, TD, and ZD films were the most phytotoxic, which was confirmed by the percentages of germination and growth inhibition calculated for all test plants. K2D, D2T, and Z2D films exhibited considerable toxicity to lupine and chia. The conducted biotoxicity tests concerning the modified films and their effect on the selected invertebrates showed that Daphnia pulex and Artemia were highly sensitive to the tested factors. Only Chaoborus sp. (larva) exhibited total resistance to the tested films, which did not cause death of the organism in any case. Biotests on invertebrates and plants developed and used in this research can be successfully used to determine the toxicity of other substances.
Leptin reduces LPS‐induced A1 reactive astrocyte activation and inflammation via inhibiting p38‐MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Meiqi , Song Yiqun , Hu Xiaoxuan , Zhang Zixuan , Tan Ruolan , Cai Zhenlu , Wang Xinyi , Fu Yali , You Hongli , Cui Simeng , Zhao Wanting , An Jing , Chen Xinlin , Lu Haixia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNeurotoxic A1 reactive astrocytes are induced by inflammatory stimuli. Leptin has been confirmed to have neuroprotective properties. However, its effect on the activation of A1 astrocytes in infectious inflammation is unclear. In the current study, astrocytes cultured from postnatal day 1 Sprague–Dawley rats were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an acute in vitro inflammatory response. Leptin was applied 6 h later to observe its protective effects. The viability of the astrocytes was assessed. A1 astrocyte activation was determined by analyzing the gene expression of C3, H2‐D1, H2‐T23, and Serping 1 and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α. The levels of phospho‐p38 (pp38) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) phosphor‐p65 (pp65) were measured to explore the possible signaling pathways. Additionally, an LPS‐induced inflammatory animal model was established to investigate the in vivo effects of leptin on A1 astrocytic activation. Results showed that in the in vitro culture system, LPS stimulation caused elevated expression of A1 astrocyte‐specific genes and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, indicating the activation of A1 astrocytes. Leptin treatment significantly reversed the LPS induced upregulation in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, LPS upregulated pp38, NF‐κB pp65 protein and inflammatory cytokines were successfully reduced by leptin. In the LPS‐induced animal model, the amelioratory effect of leptin on A1 astrocyte activation and inflammation was further confirmed, showed by the reduced sickness behaviors, A1 astrocyte genesis and inflammatory cytokines in vivo. Our results demonstrate that leptin efficiently inhibits LPS‐induced neurotoxic activation of A1 astrocytes and neuroinflammation by suppressing p38‐MAPK signaling pathway.
Aberrant neurodevelopment in human iPS cell‐derived models of Alexander disease
Authors: Matusova Zuzana , Dykstra Werner , de Pablo Yolanda , Zetterdahl Oskar G. , Canals Isaac , van Gelder Charlotte A. G. H. , Vos Harmjan R. , Pérez‐Sala Dolores , Kubista Mikael , Abaffy Pavel , Ahlenius Henrik , Valihrach Lukas , Hol Elly M. , Pekny Milos 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAlexander disease (AxD) is a rare and severe neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). While the exact disease mechanism remains unknown, previous studies suggest that mutant GFAP influences many cellular processes, including cytoskeleton stability, mechanosensing, metabolism, and proteasome function. While most studies have primarily focused on GFAP‐expressing astrocytes, GFAP is also expressed by radial glia and neural progenitor cells, prompting questions about the impact of GFAP mutations on central nervous system (CNS) development. In this study, we observed impaired differentiation of astrocytes and neurons in co‐cultures of astrocytes and neurons, as well as in neural organoids, both generated from AxD patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells with a GFAPR239C mutation. Leveraging single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq), we identified distinct cell populations and transcriptomic differences between the mutant GFAP cultures and a corrected isogenic control. These findings were supported by results obtained with immunocytochemistry and proteomics. In co‐cultures, the GFAPR239C mutation resulted in an increased abundance of immature cells, while in unguided neural organoids and cortical organoids, we observed altered lineage commitment and reduced abundance of astrocytes. Gene expression analysis revealed increased stress susceptibility, cytoskeletal abnormalities, and altered extracellular matrix and cell–cell communication patterns in the AxD cultures, which also exhibited higher cell death after stress. Overall, our results point to altered cell differentiation in AxD patient‐derived iPS‐cell models, opening new avenues for AxD research.
Unsteady MHD flow past an oscillating vertical plate with periodic temperature variation and exponential mass diffusion embedded in a porous medium with thermal and mass stratification effects
Authors: Das Pappu , Deka Rudra Kanta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe present study investigates the impacts of both mass and thermal stratification on unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow past a plate swinging vertically on its own axis while entangled in a porous medium with periodic temperature variation and exponential mass diffusion. The technique of Laplace transform for the unitary Prandtl and Schmidt numbers is employed to obtain the closed‐form solution for the nondimensional system of partial differential equations that govern the system for velocity, temperature, and concentration fields. For various physical factors, such as stratification parameters, phase angle, thermal Grashof number, Darcy number, mass Grashof number, and time on velocity, temperature, concentration, skin‐friction, plate heat flux, and mass flux, numerical computations have been performed, and illustrated in graphs. It has been observed that the steady state is attained more swiftly when stratification is applied to the flow. The desire to enhance the knowledge of fluid flow in many technological as well as environmental circumstances, where such conditions are widely used could be the driving force behind this research. Significant results from the thermal and mass stratification are contrasted with the environment where stratification is absent. Understanding flow mechanisms in both naturally occurring and artificially created environments can be enriched by this innovative method.
Addressing social determinants of mental health through cognitive behavioral therapy
Authors: Gantt‐Howrey Alexandra , Brookover Dana L. , Robins Lauren B. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely studied and implemented means of counseling. Researchers have emphasized the need for counselors to consider wider contextual factors that affect clients in their use of CBT, including the social determinants of mental health (SDMH). We conducted a concurrent nested mixed methods study to better understand the outcomes of a 3‐month CBT‐based SDMH training program for N = 8 professional counselors. We implemented a quasi‐experimental quantitative design and a phenomenological qualitative design. Results of Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests indicate statistically significant increases in participants’ SDMH and multicultural competence following completion of the training program. Thematic analysis findings suggest practical steps participants intend to take to address SDMH in their CBT practice with clients, including use of universal assessment tools and engagement in further training. Implications for counseling practice conclude.
Determination of Vatiquinone Drug‐Drug Interactions, as CYP450 Perpetrator and Victim, Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Lee Lucy , Okudaira Noriko , Murase Katsuyuki , Kong Ronald , Jones Hannah M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractVatiquinone, a 15‐lipoxygenase inhibitor, is in development for patients with Friedreich's ataxia. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling addressed drug‐drug interaction gaps without additional studies. A PBPK model (Simcyp Simulator version 21, full model) was developed using parameters obtained from in vitro studies, in silico estimation and optimization, and two clinical studies. A venous blood dosing model best characterized vatiquinone lymphatic absorption. Apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was used to optimize intrinsic clearance (CLint). Intestinal availability (Fg) was estimated using the hybrid flow term (Qgut), unbound fraction in the enterocytes (fugut), and gut intrinsic metabolic clearance (CLuG,int). Renal clearance (CLR) was set to zero. Assuming an Fa of 1, CYP3A4 contribution (fmCYP3A4) was further optimized. The PBPK model was verified with two clinical studies and demonstrated that it adequately characterized vatiquinone PK. As a perpetrator, the model predicted no risk for vatiquinone to significantly alter the drug exposures of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 substrates as evident bynegligible reduction in both midazolam and caffeine area under the curve (AUC)inf and Cmax. As a victim, the model predicted that vatiquinone exposures are weakly influenced by moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers. With fluconazole coadministration, vatiquinone AUCinf and Cmax increased by nearly 50% and 25%, respectively. With efavirenz coadministration, vatiquinone AUCinf and Cmax decreased by approximately 20% and 10%, respectively. Results suggested that vatiquinone does not significantly impact CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 substrates and that moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers weakly impact vatiquinone AUC.
Assessing adolescent gynecomastia: The role of shear wave ultrasound elastography
Authors: Parlak Ayşe Eda , Gok Ozlem Vardar , Toslak Iclal Erdem , Baran Riza Taner , Parlak Mesut 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectivesPubertal gynecomastia (PG) is defined as benign proliferation of male breast tissue. Ultrasonography is frequently used for follow‐up of symptomatic gynecomastia. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of breast disorders. Our aim is to evaluate SWE properties of breast tissue in PG.MethodsFifty consecutive adolescents, aged 10–18 with a diagnosis of gynecomastia were prospectively included in the study. Following clinical and laboratory evaluation, participants underwent B‐mode ultrasound and classified as nodular, dendritic, and diffuse pattern. SWE and hormonal values of all groups were recorded. Then, statistical analysis was performed.ResultsBriefly, 92 breasts (43 left and 49 right; 42 bilateral and 8 unilateral) were included in the analyses. There were no significant differences in clinical parameters including age, BMI‐SDS, estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and E2/T levels within groups (p > 0.05). Breast volume and SWE levels were significantly different in all groups (p < 0.05). SWE values were significantly lower for those of dendritic pattern than in nodular pattern (p < 0.05). ROC analysis revealed that for the best the cut‐off value of 13.7 kPa, area under the curve value was 0.922 with 84% sensitivity and 87% specificity.ConclusionsSWE values were significantly lower in patients with dendritic gynecomastia than those with nodular gynecomastia. Knowledge of the SWE values for the initial diagnosis and follow‐up values could help avoid unnecessary interventions.
Risk factors for post‐coronavirus disease condition in the Alpha‐, Delta‐, and Omicron‐dominant waves among adults in Japan: A population‐based matched case‐control study
Authors: Hori Miyuki , Hayama‐Terada Mina , Kitamura Akihiko , Hosozawa Mariko , Muto Yoko , Iba Arisa , Takayama Yoshihiro , Kimura Takashi , Iso Hiroyasu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractVaccination is associated with a reduced risk of post‐coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) condition (PCC). Here, risk factors including vaccination for PCC in the Omicron‐dominant waves among Japanese adults were investigated. This was a registry‐based matched case‐control study of individuals aged 18–79 years diagnosed with COVID‐19 registered in a National database between March 2021 and April 2022 and matched noninfected individuals living in Yao City, Japan. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to assess persistent symptoms and their risk factors. The COVID‐19 vaccination status was obtained from the Vaccination Registry. PCC risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Overall, 4185 infected (cases) and 3382 noninfected (controls) individuals were included in the analysis. The mean ages and proportions of women were 44.7 years and 60.2% and 45.5 years and 60.7% for cases and controls, respectively. A total of 3805 (90.9%) participants had asymptomatic or mild acute symptoms at the median (range) follow‐up of 271 (185–605) days. The prevalence of PCC was 15.0% for cases while that of persistent symptoms was 4.4% for controls; among the cases, it was 27.0% in the Alpha‐ and Delta‐dominant waves and 12.8% in the Omicron‐dominant wave. Female sex, comorbidities, and hospitalization were positively associated with PCC. One or more vaccine doses of vaccination were inversely associated with PCC; the inverse association was stronger in the Alpha‐ and Delta‐dominant waves (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12–0.73) than in the Omicron‐dominant wave (aOR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.59–1.07).
An indigenous microalgal pool containing Klebsormidium sp. K39 as a stable and efficacious biotechnological strategy for Escherichia coli removal in urban wastewater treatment
Authors: Occhipinti Paride Salvatore , Russo Nunziatina , Foti Paola , Pino Alessandra , Randazzo Cinzia L , Pollio Antonino , Caggia Cinzia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn recent decades the demand for freshwater has drastically increased as a consequence of population growth, economic development, climate change and pollution. Therefore, any strategy for wastewater treatment can play a role in alleviating the pressure on freshwater sources.RESULTSIn the present study an autochthonous microalgal pool (MP), isolated from a constructed wetland, was proposed as an alternative to the secondary treatment of an urban wastewater treatment system. The MP removal efficacy was compared to those obtained using Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus quadricauda, against E. coli. Results exhibited a comparable removal efficacy and after 2 days, in samples inoculated with E. coli at lower density, S. quadricauda and C. vulgaris induced a decrease of 2.0 units Log and the autochthonous MP of 1.8 units Log, whereas in samples with E. coli at higher density the bacteria were reduced 2.8, 3.4 and 2.0 units Log by S. quadricauda, C. vulgaris and the autochthonous MP, respectively. Moreover, the identification of microalgal strains isolated from the MP revealed the presence of Klebsormidium sp. K39, C. vulgaris, Tetradesmus obliquus and S. quadricauda. Although the MP composition remained quite constant, at the end of the treatment, a different distribution among the microalgal species was observed with Klebsormidium sp. K39 found as dominant.CONCLUSIONThe microalgal‐based wastewater treatment appears as a valuable alternative, although further investigations, based on ‘omics’ approaches, could be applied to better explore any fluctuation within the MP species composition in an in situ trial. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Photo‐Mediated RAFT Step‐Growth Polymerization With Diacrylate Monomers: Investigating Versatility and Oxygen Tolerance
Authors: Clouthier Samantha Marie , Li Jiajia , Tanaka Joji , You Wei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPhotomediated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) step‐growth polymerization is performed using a trithiocarbonate‐based chain transfer agent (CTA) and acrylate‐based monomers both with and without a photocatalyst. The versatility of photo‐mediated RAFT step‐growth is demonstrated by one‐pot synthesis of a graft copolymer via sequential monomer addition. Furthermore, oxygen‐tolerant photo‐mediated RAFT step‐growth is demonstrated, facilitated by the appropriate selection of photocatalyst and solvent pair (zinc tetraphenyl porphyrin [ZnTPP] and dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]), enabling ultralow volume polymerization under open‐air conditions.
Pulmonary fibrosis: pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Wang Jianhai , Li Kuan , Hao De , Li Xue , Zhu Yu , Yu Hongzhi , Chen Huaiyong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by extensive alterations of cellular fate and function and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, leading to lung tissue scarring and impaired respiratory function. Although our understanding of its pathogenesis has increased, effective treatments remain scarce, and fibrotic progression is a major cause of mortality. Recent research has identified various etiological factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors, which contribute to the onset and progression of PF. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms by which these factors interact to drive fibrosis are not yet fully elucidated. This review thoroughly examines the diverse etiological factors, cellular and molecular mechanisms, and key signaling pathways involved in PF, such as TGF‐β, WNT/β‐catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR. It also discusses current therapeutic strategies, including antifibrotic agents like pirfenidone and nintedanib, and explores emerging treatments targeting fibrosis and cellular senescence. Emphasizing the need for omni‐target approaches to overcome the limitations of current therapies, this review integrates recent findings to enhance our understanding of PF and contribute to the development of more effective prevention and management strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
In‐Home Remote Assessment of the MDS‐UPDRS Part III: Multi‐Cultural Development and Validation of a Guide for Patients
Authors: Tosin Michelle H.S. , Sanchez‐Ferro Alvaro , Wu Ruey‐Meei , de Oliveira Beatriz G.R.B. , Leite Marco Antonio A. , Suárez Pablo Rábano , Goetz Christopher G. , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Stebbins Glenn T. , Mestre Tiago A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe shift toward virtualized care introduces challenges in assessing the motor severity of Parkinson's disease (PD). The Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) part III, the most used rating scale in PD, lacks validation for synchronous remote administration.ObjectiveOur goal was to validate the usability of a patient guide to allow an accurate video‐based MDS‐UDPRS part III remote examination.MethodsWe conducted a multi‐stage mixed methods study that included a team consensus for the concept of the guide, cognitive pretesting, and usability (system usability scale, [SUS]) testing in five sites (total n = 25 participants) with distinct linguistic and cultural contexts.ResultsA multi‐language (English, Portuguese, Spanish, and traditional Chinese) largely pictograph guide of the MDS‐UPDRS part III remote examination reached benchmark for usability (SUS score ≥68) in 25 participants who completed the synchronous remote assessment.ConclusionsThe MDS‐UDPRS part III remote examination guide can be used remotely accurately, and facilitate clinical practice and research in a paradigm of telemedicine.