bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A classification model for resectability in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Nakamura Ikuo , Yoh Tomoaki , Nishimura Takashi , Okuno Masayuki , Okamoto Tomohiro , Sueoka Hideaki , Iida Kenjiro , Tada Masaharu , Ishii Takamichi , Seo Satoru , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Iijima Hiroko , Hirono Seiko , Hatano Etsuro 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimSome patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have poor outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to propose a new resectability classification for patients with HCC.MethodsWe classified patients into three categories: resectable (R), borderline resectable (BR), and unresectable (UR). Patients (n = 409) who underwent hepatectomy for HCC were assigned to the non‐UR (R and BR classes combined; n = 285) and UR‐HCC classes (n = 68; training cohort). Patient characteristics in the BR‐HCC and R‐HCC groups were compared. The new criteria were tested in a validation cohort (n = 295).ResultsOf the 285 patients, 229 and 56 were classified into the R‐ and BR‐HCC classes, respectively, using macrovascular invasion, tumor size, and future liver remnant/modified albumin‐bilirubin scores. Patients with BR‐HCC demonstrated significantly worse progression‐free and overall survival (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) than patients with R‐HCC in the training cohort. Similar results were observed in the validation cohort. Multivariate analysis of the non‐UR‐HCC group in the training cohort revealed that the tumor number and BR‐HCC were independent predictive factors for poor overall survival.ConclusionsThis classification can help select patients with BR‐HCC for preoperative treatment before considering surgery.
Improvement of functional properties of Chlorella‐inulin conjugates via Maillard reaction
Authors: Riaz Rabaila , Tas Ozan , Oztop Mecit Halil , Niazi Muhammad Bilal Khan , Janjua Hussnain Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

SummaryFunctionalities of proteins for the formulation of protein‐fortified products are crucial, impacting the use of protein from sustainable sources such as algae. Glycation (the initial step of the Maillard browning reaction) is a standout modification technique explored to improve the functions of the protein in the food matrices. In this study, Chlorella powder was conjugated with inulin using a wet glycation method. It is a quick, scalable and easy method for improving the functionality of food proteins. In this study, conjugation was performed for three different Chlorella to inulin molar ratios (S1:1, S3:1 and S5:1). The solution of each molar ratio was heated at 90°C for 30 min under alkaline state (9.0 pH). Characterisation was conducted employing OPA assay, browning intensity and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. The results suggested glycation achieved the highest for the Chlorella‐inulin ratio of 1:1. Glycation extent influenced the solubility of this conjugate significantly (P < 0.05) under an acidic medium. Other functional properties including hydration, moisture uptake, oil‐binding and emulsifying activity were also significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced compared to unmodified Chlorella powder. Chlorella conjugate with molar ratio 1:1 also displayed higher antioxidant properties suggesting glycation's role in improving Chlorella powder free radical scavenging capabilities (1.25‐fold increase) and reducing power (2.24‐fold increase). The total scavenging activity and total reducing power of S1:1 were 2.526 × 10−3 and 1.872 × 10−3 mg mL−1 mg−1(Trolox Eq.), respectively. The results provide an understanding of different functionalities for glycated conjugates promising utilisation in the food and beverage industry.
Mental Health Status and the Intention to Leave the Profession of Nurses Employed Across Catalonia, Spain: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Giménez‐Díez David , Leyva‐Moral Juan M. , Watson Carolina E. , Bernabeu‐Tamayo Maria Dolors 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe relationship between nurses' mental well‐being and intention to leave the profession remains a pressing issue.AimTo determine the mental health status and the intention to leave the profession of nurses employed across diverse healthcare sectors in Catalonia, Spain.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 1051 Registered Nurses in Catalonia, Spain, using convenience sampling through social media platforms and personal contacts. Participants completed four standardised instruments online to measure anxiety, insomnia, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, along with an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire. The methodology of this study was guided by the STROBE checklist.ResultsThe analysis revealed that a significant proportion of participants exhibited mental health issues: 44% showed moderate to severe anxiety, 31% experienced moderate to severe insomnia, 40% suffered from moderate to severe depression and 42% had moderate to severe posttraumatic stress disorder. Participants who had worked in COVID hospital units were 1.38 times more likely to experience poor mental health status. Although not all associations were statistically significant, nurses working in primary healthcare, intensive care units and nursing homes had increased odds of poor mental health. Additionally, 53% of participants had reconsidered their working status, with 69% of them expressing an intention to leave the nursing profession.LimitationsThe evolving nature of the pandemic and the adaptation of healthcare workers to the new scenario may have influenced their experiences during data collection.ImplicationsHighlights the increase in mental health‐related needs and high rates of psychiatric symptoms among nurses nowadays.RecommendationsAddressing mental health needs is crucial to mitigate the intention of nurses to abandon the profession.
Unraveling the Urban Ecosystem: An Ethnographic Study of Logistics Service Providers
Authors: de Tarragon Hugo , Theodoraki Christina , Hlady‐Rispal Martine , Casteran Gauthier 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAlthough there is a growing interest in developing sustainable cities, a significant knowledge gap persists regarding the concrete logistics choices necessary to achieve such cities. Grounded in ethnographic research on city logistics, this study examines how logistics service providers (LSPs) navigate sustainability challenges within the urban ecosystem while also meeting the efficiency demands of their business ecosystem. By repositioning LSPs as a sub‐ecosystem nested within the broader urban ecosystem, the article demonstrates how LSPs adeptly address the intricacies of the urban environment and respond to pressures from their business ecosystem. This investigation greatly enhances the understanding of the underlying issues affecting city logistics' sustainability. It deepens insight into the concept of city logistics as a sub‐ecosystem within the urban ecosystem, highlighting how its sustainability is intertwined with the structure of the urban ecosystem. From a societal perspective, this research conceptualizes city logistics as a business activity and a vital social service that bolsters urban well‐being. The findings suggest a need for further research into the role of city logistics actors as key contributors to urban sustainability.
Post‐conference review of oral session 6 and short talk in the 17th international IgA nephropathy conference, Tokyo 2023
Authors: Alexander Suceena 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOral session 6 titled ‘Clinical Trial 1’ and the short talk on ‘Landscape of Clinical Trials in IgAN‐What's beyond the Horizon?’ took place on 30 September 2023 in the symposium venue. The short talk highlighted the increase in IgAN trials in the last decade and the challenges of global clinical trials from the site investigator perspective. The talk also underlined the importance of relooking and repurposing already available and approved therapeutics. There were six oral sessions that focussed mainly on the interim results of ongoing clinical trials as well as early phase results with new investigational agents.
Utilizing complement inhibition in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Lafayette Richard 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe role of complement in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy has been heavily explored over the past 50 years. This has led to the general acceptance that complement plays an important role in the clinical presentation and risk for progression of disease in patients with IgA nephropathy. Herein, we review the evidence for complement activation in IgA nephropathy, focusing on evidence that the lectin and alternate pathways are the main actors. We are entering an era of intense investigation of various inhibitors of complement, which should ultimately be the best indicator of contributions of the lectin, alternate and common complement pathways to disease burden. More importantly, we will see if these efforts result in the discovery of clinically relevant options in managing this important disease.
Proteolytic processing of both RXLR and EER motifs in oomycete effectors
Authors: Xu Lin , Wang Shumei , Wang Wei , Wang Haixia , Welsh Lydia , Boevink Petra C. , Whisson Stephen C. , Birch Paul R. J. 
Published: September 2024

Summary

Arg‐any amino acid‐Leu‐Arg (RXLR) effectors are central oomycete virulence factors that suppress plant immunity. Relatively little is known about how they are processed post‐translationally before delivery into host cells.

A range of molecular, cell and biochemical processes were used to investigate proteolytic processing of RXLR and Glu‐Glu‐Arg (EER) motifs in Phytophthora infestans effectors.

Proteolytic cleavage at the RXLR motif occurred before secretion in all effectors tested, suggesting it is a general rule. Cleavage occurred between the leucine and the second arginine. There was no cleavage of a naturally occurring second RXLR motif in a structured region of Pi21388/AvrBlb1, or one introduced at a similar position in effector Pi04314, in keeping with the motif being positionally constrained, potentially to disordered regions closely following the signal peptide. Remarkably, independent proteolytic cleavage of the EER motif, often found immediately after the RXLR, was also observed, occurring immediately after the arginine. Full‐length effectors expressed in host plant Nicotiana benthamiana revealed that, although secreted, they were poorly processed, suggesting that RXLR and EER cleavage does not occur in all eukaryotic cells.

We conclude that, whether possessing both RXLR and EER, or either motif alone, these effectors are likely generally proteolytically processed before secretion.
Viroid and viroid‐like elements in plants and plant‐associated microbiota: a new layer of biodiversity for plant holobionts
Authors: Navarro Beatriz , Turina Massimo 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThe functional relevance of plant‐associated microorganisms is theoretically framed within the holobiont concept. The role of viruses in plant holobionts is being recognized both for their direct effects when hosted in plants (cryptic plant viruses) and for their indirect effects when infecting microorganisms associated with plants in tripartite interactions (e.g. mycoviruses and bacteriophages). We argue that viroids, the smallest infectious agents typically infecting only plant hosts, must also be included in plant holobiont studies. The same applies to the recently discovered large number of viroid‐like elements infecting hosts of other life kingdoms that are closely associated with plants. Here we also describe in depth the diversity of such viroid‐like elements and their initial functional characterization in plant‐associated fungi.
Growing‐Season Precipitation Is a Key Driver of Plant Leaf Area to Sapwood Area Ratio at the Global Scale
Authors: He Pengcheng , Ye Qing , Yu Kailiang , Wang Han , Xu Huiying , Yin Qiulong , Yue Ming , Liang Xingyun , Wang Weiren , You Zhangtian , Zhong Yi , Liu Hui 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTLeaf area to sapwood area ratio (AL/AS) influences carbon sequestration, community composition, and ecosystem functioning in terrestrial vegetation and is closely related to leaf economics and hydraulics. However, critical predictors of AL/AS are not well understood. We compiled an AL/AS data set with 1612 species‐site combinations (1137 species from 285 sites worldwide) from our field experiments and published literature. We found the global mean AL/AS to be 0.63 m2 cm−2, with its variation largely driven by growing‐season precipitation (Pgs), which accounted for 18% of the variation in AL/AS. Species in tropical rainforests exhibited the highest AL/AS (0.82 m2 cm−2), whereas desert species showed the lowest AL/AS (0.16 m2 cm−2). Soil factors such as soil nitrogen and soil organic carbon exhibited positive effects on AL/AS, whereas soil pH was negatively correlated with AL/AS. Tree density accounted for 7% of the variation in AL/AS. All biotic and abiotic predictors collectively explained up to 45% of the variation in AL/AS. Additionally, AL/AS was positively correlated to the net primary productivity (NPP) of the ecosystem. Our study provides insights into the driving factors of AL/AS at the global scale and highlights the importance of AL/AS in ecosystem productivity. Given that Pgs is the most critical driver of AL/AS, alterations in global precipitation belts, particularly seasonal precipitation, may induce changes in plant leaf area on the branches.
The effect of ceramides on skin absorption by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Song Hee , Yun Jeonghoon , Kim Woncheol , Seon Eunsu , Lee Chanhwi , Jeon Jaejoon , Yun Mid Eum , Park Keun Hyung 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionCeramides are essential epidermal constituents that play a critical role in skin moisturization treatment as a raw material in cosmetics formulation. Recently, ceramides have been known to be frequently applied in various cosmetic formulations. Despite ceramide's beneficial characteristics, academic research regarding ceramides and their skin absorption remains insufficient. Therefore, our study conducted clinical research employing Raman spectroscopy to investigate the effects of ceramides on skin absorption to enhance the understanding of ceramides’ dermatological functionality and their topical application in cosmetics science.Materials and MethodsTwenty healthy individuals with dry skin have participated in this clinical trial. In this double‐arm designed trial, the test group received an investigational product with ceramides (5000 ppm) and a control group received an investigational product without the ceramides while all other components remained identical. The subjects visited the clinical research center and acclimatized for 30 min in constant humidity and temperature for equilibrium, subsequently conducting a measurement. Before the trial, the research subject's target site (lower arm area) was kept clean, devoid of any cosmetic administering 24 h before the trial when investigational product was topically applied.ResultsOur findings with Raman spectroscopy statistically demonstrate that skin absorption amount, speed and depth for both groups improved overall (p < 0.05) after administration of the investigational product. Notably, the test group received an investigational product with ceramides (5000 ppm) indicating superior effectiveness across all parameters compared to a control group from comparison analysis of each parameter (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study concludes that ceramide‐containing cosmetics provide a beneficial effect on skin absorption via visual and statistical results of Raman spectroscopy analysis.
Using Wavelet Analysis of Blood Flow Oscillations to Investigate Differences in Skin Blood Flow Regulations Between the Upper and Lower Limbs
Authors: Guo Jiaqi , Lin Songmei , Hung Isabella Yu‐Ju , Lin Cheng‐Feng , Mo Pu‐Chun , Sun Pu , Jan Yih‐Kuen 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate the differences in skin blood flow regulations between the upper and lower limbs in healthy adults using wavelet analysis of skin blood oscillations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the dominant skin blood flow control of the upper and lower limbs in healthy adults.MethodsSkin blood flow of the forearm and leg was simultaneously measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in 17 healthy adults. Skin blood flow oscillations were analyzed using wavelet analysis to assess the dominant control among the metabolic endothelial (0.0095–0.02 Hz), neurogenic (0.02–0.05 Hz), myogenic (0.05–0.15 Hz), respiratory (0.15–0.4 Hz), and cardiac (0.4–2 Hz) origins.ResultsSkin blood flow in the leg (11.13 ± 4.90 perfusion unit) was significantly higher than in the forearm (6.90 ± 2.50 perfusion unit, p < 0.001). The metabolic endothelial control is more dominant in the forearm (1.19 ±0.51 au) compared to the leg (0.73 ± 0.41 au, p < 0.01). The myogenic control is more dominant in the leg (1.18 ± 0.28 au) compared to the forearm (0.96±0.18 au, p < 0.05).ConclusionThrough wavelet analysis of skin blood flow oscillations, the results indicate that metabolic endothelial control is more dominant in the forearm (upper limbs) and myogenic control is more dominant in the leg (lower limbs).
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Contemporary Education, Vol. 7, No. 2
Authors: Oscar William 
Published: September 2024

International Journal of Contemporary Education (IJCE) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJCE publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 2 Božić-Lenard Dragana, University of Osijek Croatia, CroatiaClaire Goode, Otago Polytechnic at Te Pūkenga, New ZealandDina Radeljas, Mohawk Valley Community College, USAEdward Bolden, Case Western Reserve University, USAGiuseppe Maugeri, University of Urbino, ItalyInaad M Sayer, University of Human Development, IraqIvan Lenard, Elementary School Ladimirevci, CroatiaMatthew Schatt, University of Florida, USASaid K. Juma, State University of Zanzibar, TanzaniaVassiliki Pliogou, University of Western Macedonia, Greece William OscarEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of Contemporary Education------------------------------------------------------------Redfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USATel: 1-503-828-0536 ext. 509Fax: 1-503-828-0537E-mail 1: ijce@redfame.comE-mail 2: ijce@redfame.orgURL: http://ijce.redfame.com
A gene regulating ergot alkaloid biosynthesis in
Metarhizium brunneum
Authors: Fabian Samantha J. , Steen Chey R. , Damron F. Heath , DeRiggi Celeste A. , Panaccione Daniel G. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Ergot alkaloid synthesis (
eas
) gene clusters found in several fungi encode biosynthesis of agriculturally and pharmaceutically important ergot alkaloids. Although the biosynthetic genes of the ergot alkaloid pathway have been well characterized, regulation of those genes is unknown. We characterized a gene with sequence similarity to a putative transcription factor and that was found adjacent to the
eas
cluster of
Metarhizium brunneum
, a plant symbiont and insect pathogen. Function of the novel gene,
easR,
was explored by CRISPR-Cas9-derived gene knockouts. To maximize potential for ergot alkaloid accumulation, strains of
M. brunneum
were injected into larvae of the insect
Galleria mellonella
. Larvae infected with the wild type contained abundant ergot alkaloids, but those infected with
easR
knockouts lacked detectable ergot alkaloids. The
easR
knockout strains had significantly reduced or no detectable mRNA from
eas
cluster genes in RNAseq and qualitative RT-PCR analyses, whereas the wild-type strain contained abundant mRNA from all
eas
genes. These data demonstrate that the product of
easR
is required for ergot alkaloid accumulation and provide evidence that it has a role in the expression of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis genes. Larvae infected with an
easR
knockout survived significantly longer than those infected with the wild type (
P
< 0.0001), indicating a role for EasR, and indirectly confirming a role for ergot alkaloids, in the virulence of
M. brunneum
to insects. Homologs of
easR
were found associated with
eas
clusters of at least 15 other ergot alkaloid-producing fungi, indicating that EasR homologs may contribute to regulation of ergot alkaloid synthesis in additional fungi.

IMPORTANCE
Ergot alkaloids produced by several species of fungi are important as contaminants of food and feed in agriculture and also as the foundation of numerous pharmaceuticals prescribed for dementia, migraines, hyperprolactinemia, and several other disorders. Information on control of the ergot alkaloid pathway may contribute to strategies to limit their production in agricultural settings or increase their yield for pharmaceutical production. Our results demonstrate that a previously uncharacterized gene clustered with the ergot alkaloid synthesis genes is required for the sufficient transcription of the ergot alkaloid biosynthesis genes. This observation suggests the gene encodes a factor regulating transcription of those biosynthetic genes.
Amino acids could sustain fungal life in the energy-limited anaerobic sediments below the seafloor
Authors: Zain Ul Arifeen Muhammad , Ahmad Shoaib , Wu Xinwei , Hou Shengwei , Liu Changhong 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Deep-sea sediments harbor abundant microbial communities extending vertically up to ~2.5 km below the seafloor. Despite their prevalence, the reasons for their large community sizes and low energy fluxes remain unclear. Particularly, the reliance of fungi, the predominant eukaryotic group, on amino acids in these energy-limited, anaerobic conditions is poorly understood. We investigated the role of amino acids in the growth and development of the fungus
Schizophyllum commune
20R-7-F01, isolated from anaerobic sub-seafloor sediments. The fungus efficiently used all amino acids as carbon sources, and some as nitrogen sources, with specific amino acids influencing sexual reproduction and fruit-body formation. Notably, amino acids with hydrocarbon chains or methyl groups appeared crucial for fruit-body production. The upregulation of genes, metabolites, and pathways related to amino acid metabolism in the fungus under anaerobic conditions underscores the significance of amino acids as energy and nutrient sources in such environments. Amino acids not only served as carbon/nitrogen sources but also contributed to fungal fruit-body formation under low oxygen conditions, vital for long-term fungal survival in the energy-limited deep biosphere. This study sheds light on the crucial role of amino acids in fungal growth and reproduction in energy-limited anaerobic conditions.

IMPORTANCE
In the depths beneath the ocean floor, where darkness, anaerobic conditions, and energy scarcity prevail, life persists against all odds. This study illuminates the pivotal role of amino acids, the fundamental building blocks of life, as a vital energy for deep subseafloor fungi. Our research uncovers how these fungi not only rely on amino acids for survival but also utilize them to reproduce, forming fruit bodies in environments deprived of oxygen and energy. This revelation not only elucidates the mechanisms enabling fungal survival in extreme conditions but also hints at the essentiality of amino acids as nutrients for other deep-sea microbes. By unraveling these mysteries of the hidden biosphere, our study opens new frontiers in understanding the resilience and adaptation of life in the most inhospitable environments on our planet.