bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Fatty acid metabolism-Related Genes in the Progression from Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver to Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Xie Xuancheng , Xiong Tao , Zhai Yue , Liu Xingli , Song Wei , Gao Meng , He Xiao , Fan Hongjie , Wang Gang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aim
To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FAMRGs) and the gene expression clustering in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods
The NAFLD dataset was sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and their specific functions analyzed. Biomarkers were identified using machine learning and Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis. CIBERSORT evaluated immune cell infiltration and the relationship between biomarkers and immune cells. Fatty acid metabolism-related DEGs (FAMRDEGs) were identified, and consensus clustering differentiated NAFLD patients into two clusters. Clinical differences between subtypes were compared. Principal component analysis calculated cluster-specific gene scores, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis assessed the proportion of immune cells between clusters.
Results
A total of 2124 DEGs were identified, primarily associated with immune-related pathways. Among 44 FAMRDEGs, FMO1 was identified as a biomarker for NAFLD and validated using an independent dataset, qRT-PCR, and WB. Immune cell infiltration analysis suggested that NAFLD may be co-regulated by immune cells and FMO1. Clustering of NAFLD individuals based on the 44 FAMRDEGs revealed that genes in cluster A were predominantly related to immune pathways, while those in cluster B were associated with metabolic pathways. Disease severity was higher in cluster A, which also had a larger proportion of differing immune cells compared to cluster B.
Conclusion
FMO1 was identified as a biomarker for NAFLD. High expression of PPT1 and PTGS2 correlated with disease severity. The identification of NAFLD subgroups based on has enhanced our knowledge of NAFLD etiology.
Association between sarcopenia and parity in American women based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2011–2018
Authors: Hou Xuefeng , Chen Dong , Shen Yuchen , Jiang Jian , Xu Kangjie , Dai Bin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Muscle atrophy is a condition characterized by a decrease in muscle mass, and it is more prevalent among females than males. Currently, there is limited research on the relationship between parity (number of pregnancies) and muscle atrophy. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between parity and muscle loss among Americans.
Materials and Methods: Clinical data from 3,530 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018 were analyzed. Restricted quadratic spline models were utilized in dose-response analyses to assess the relationship between parity and muscle atrophy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance confounding factors between the muscle atrophy group and the non-muscle atrophy group.
Results: Among the 3,530 participants, 330 (9.3%) were diagnosed with muscle atrophy. Our study revealed that factors such as older age, Mexican-American descent, low educational level, married status, poverty, physical inactivity, and higher parity were associated with muscle loss. The dose–response analyses showed a positive correlation between increasing parity and muscle atrophy, signifying that a higher number of pregnancies is linked to an increased risk of muscle atrophy. The results of PSM analysis further supported the positive association between parity and muscle atrophy, even after adjusting for other confounding variables.
Conclusion: Expanding on our research, we observed a positive correlation between higher parity and an elevated likelihood of experiencing muscle atrophy in postmenopausal American women. Engaging in regular exercise might reduce this risk.
Correcting Autoinflammation in STING-Associated Vasculopathy with Onset in Infancy (SAVI) by Human Stem Cell Genome-Editing
Authors: Pavel-Dinu Mara , Viel Sebastien , Selvaraj Sridhar , Gastou Marc , Feist William , Perret Magali , Rouvet Isabelle , Nombel Anais , Hacein-Bey-Abina Salima , Belot Alexandre , Porteus Matthew 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Type I interferonopathies comprise a large group of Mendelian autoinflammatory diseases that generally lack effective treatments. STING-associated Vasculitis with onset in Infancy (SAVI) is a severe autosomal dominant disease due to gain-of-functon(GOF) mutations in the gene STING1, encoding for the Stimulator of Interferon Response CGAMP Interactor 1 (STING1). SAVI leads to a severe multisystemic disease comprising systemic vasculitis and lung fibrosis. A possible therapeutic approach is to engineer the patient’s hematopoietic system to restore interferon homeostasis, thereby preventing chronic inflammation and organ damage and halting disease development. Here, we describe a “universal” genome editing correction strategy using CRISPR/Cas9 that targets the stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1 (STING1) gene at the endogenous locus in SAVI patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and in human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). The engineered SAVI-iPSCs express normal levels of STING1 protein following differentiation into monocytes and macrophages and no longer produce interferon-alpha (IFN-α) at a basal state. Using SAVI-gene-engineered HSPCs, we determined the minimum fraction of mutant alleles required to induce spontaneous IFN-α production, thus establishing the threshold of genome correction necessary to rescue the disease. Finally, we demonstrated engineered CD34+ HSPCs at the STING1 locus retain regenerative potential by supporting long-term repopulating capacity and multi-lineage differentiation potential following transplantation into immunocompromised mice. Together, these studies established the rationale for the clinical translation of SAVI genome editing and a therapeutic framework for correcting other type I interferonopathies.
1,000,000 on/off ratio in sub-1nm channel length CNT/monolayer MoS2/CNT vertical transistors
Authors: Yu Woo Jong , Do Van Dam , Duong Ngoc Thanh , Vu Van Tu , Nguyen Minh Chien , Dat Vu Khac , Duong Hai Phuong , Do Dinh Phuc , Phan Thanh Luan , Yun Hong Won , Lim Seong Chu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Vertical field effect transistors (VFETs) using graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) heterostructures are promising for downsizing the channel length to a monolayer TMD thickness of 0.65 nm. However, graphene/monolayer TMD/metal VFETs struggle with a low on/off ratio due to gate field screening by the graphene layer and a high off-state tunneling current caused by the large contact area. Here, we propose a 0.65 nm channel length VFET with a very high on/off current ratio made by cross-stacking top and bottom carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a monolayer TMD in between. The ultra-narrow junction area in the CNT/monolayer TMD/CNT VFET can significantly reduce the off-state tunneling current. Additionally, the gate field is transmitted from the sidewall of the bottom CNT to the monolayer MoS2 vertical channel between the two CNTs without field screening, thus achieving very strong gate modulation. Unlike the BH change (< 92 meV) of the graphene/MoS2/metal junction, which is fully dependent on the Fermi level (EF) shift of graphene, the CNT/MoS2/CNT junction exhibits a larger BH change (370 meV) than the typical EF shift (20 meV with Vg = -30 ~ 20 V) of semi-metallic CNTs. As a result, our CNT/monolayer MoS2/CNT VFETs exhibit about 105 times higher on/off ratio (= 106), 105 times lower off current (= 10− 13 A), and 100 times lower SS (= 0.4 V.dec− 1) compared to graphene/monolayer TMD/metal VFETs. In the comparison between multilayer MoS2 and monolayer MoS2 VFETs, rigid multilayer MoS2 forms a large air gap at the multilayer MoS2/CNT/substrate heterostructure, which reduces electric field transmission. In contrast, monolayer MoS2 bends significantly along the sidewall of the CNT, resulting in minimal air gap formation and enhancing the electric field effect in the channel. As a result, CNT/monolayer MoS2/CNT VFET shows 10 times higher on-current saturation and on/off ratio compared to the CNT/multilayer MoS2/CNT VFET.
Neutrophil NADPH oxidase breaks the inflammatory IL-1β/IL-17A circuit to enhance pathogen clearance during respiratory virus infections.
Authors: Warnatsch Annika , Sofoluwe Aderonke , Petropoulos Angelos , Goomanee Abhilesh , Ali-Khan Zehra 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Respiratory virus infections are invariably accompanied by an increase in oxidative stress, characterised by elevated production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the lung, which plays a pivotal role in both pathogenesis and host defence. Using a mouse model, neutrophil NADPH Oxidase 2 (Nox2) emerges as a key player, primarily responsible for generation of ROS during the early phases of Influenza A Virus (IAV) infection. Neutrophil Nox2-derived ROS display a multifaceted role, not only unleashing oxidative stress but in turn curbing neutrophil-derived IL-1β signalling. Absence of neutrophil Nox2 triggered heightened production of IL-1β, promoting the proliferation of IL-17-producing gamma delta (γδ) T cells. This early self-amplified augmentation of the IL-1β/IL-17 axis counteracted the antiviral interferon response against IAV infection in mice. We extended our findings to humans. Similar patterns of ROS production and cytokine regulation were observed in human neutrophils when exposed to virus analogue poly(I:C) and SARS-CoV-2. Our discovery highlights that ROS, often associated with harm, play a dual role by regulating cytokine signalling and thus influencing the immune response against respiratory viruses.
Immune perturbations induced by SARS-CoV2 in infants vary with disease severity and differ from adults’ responses
Authors: Ramilo Octavio , Nehar-Belaid Djamel , Mejias Asuncion , Xu Zhaohui , Marches Radu , Yerrabelli Rushil , Chen Guo , Mertz Sara , Ye Fang , Sanchez Pablo , Aydillo Teresa , Miorin Lisa , cupic Anastasija , Garcia-Sastre Adolfo , Ucar Duygu , Banchereau Jacques , Pascual Virginia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Differences in immune profiles of children and adults with COVID-19 have been previously described. However, no systematic studies have been reported from infants hospitalized with severe disease. We applied a multidimensional approach to decipher the immune responses of SARS-CoV-2 infected infants (n=26; 10 subacute, 11 moderate and 5 severe; median age=~1.6 months) and matched controls (n=14; median age=~2 months). Single cell (scRNA-seq) profiling of PBMCs revealed substantial alterations in cell composition in SARS-CoV-2 infected infants; with most cell-types switching to an interferon-stimulated gene (ISGhi) state including: (i) CD14+ monocytes co-expressing ISGs and inflammasome-related molecules, (ii) ISGhi naïve CD4+ T cells, (iii) ISGhi proliferating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, and (iv) ISGhi naïve and transitional B cells. Concurrently, we observed increased serum concentrations of both interferons and inflammatory cytokines in infected infants. Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 were also consistently detected in the absence of anti-IFN autoantibodies. Compared with infected adults, infants displayed a similar ISG signature in monocytes but a markedly enhanced ISG signature in T and B cells. These findings provide new insights into the distinct immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in the first year of life and underscore the importance of further defining the unique features of early life immunity.
Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Analgesic, and Antibacterial Properties of Chrysopogon zizanioides Leaf Extract: An In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Evaluation
Authors: Akash Sajidur , Akter Most. Afrin , Talukder Chayan , Mim Sumaya Alam , Rahman Md. Atikur , Obaid Md. Abdullah Al , Islam Md.Mirajul , Himu Jahidul Islam , Aziz Tareq , Rashid M A , Jahan Mst. Lubna , Ali Md. Sarafat 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as vetiver, has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. This study investigated Chrysopogon zizanioides leaf extract's antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic, and antidiabetic properties. A diclofenac sodium standard and control group were used to compare the extract's analgesic impact in an animal model. The extract was 66.08% analgesic, whereas diclofenac sodium was 91.11%. Antibacterial activity was assessed against various bacterial pathogens, showing strong inhibition of gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, with an inhibition zone of 30 ± 4.39 mm. The extract also demonstrated notable activity against gram-negative bacteria, with Escherichia coli exhibiting the highest inhibition of 22 ± 1.93 mm.
Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assays. The extract had an IC50 of 257.23 µg/ml, whereas ascorbic acid had an IC50 of 7.8 µg/ml. Moreover, GC-MS analysis identified 63 phytoconstituents and the antidiabetic activity showed as in silico model where in molecular docking 9,19-Cyclolanostan-3-ol acetate (3.beta.) showing the highest binding scores with proteins such as 5NN5 (-9.6820 kcal/mol) and 4GQR (-10.2851 kcal/mol). Additionally, Phytol demonstrated a Glide docking value of -9.1677 kcal/mol with protein 5F19. ADMET analysis showed the extract's non-carcinogenicity and good absorption, whereas PASS predictions and drug-likeness data suggested significant oral bioavailability, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides leaf extract as a natural pharmacological agent. Further research, including clinical trials and isolation of active compounds, is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and confirm its efficacy and safety for human use.
Prefrontal Cortical NR2B-Containing NMDA Receptors are Essential for Spatial Working Memory Performance
Authors: Li Baoming , Peng Jiyun , Wang Gongwu , Han Yingying , Qu Lili , Wang Min , Arnsten Amy , Cai Jingxia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

NR2A and NR2B are the major GluR2 subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. NR2B-containing NMDA receptor was found exclusively expressed in prefrontal cortical (PFC) layer III post-synapses of pyramidal neurons. Many studies have suggested the importance of PFC NR2B-containing NMDA receptor for working memory, especially for the persistent delay cell firing. However, direct evidence for the necessity of PFC NR2B-containing NMDA receptor on working memory is still absent, especially in non-human primates. Here, we directly evaluated the necessity of PFC synaptic NR2B in both rats and monkeys. We first examined the synaptosome expression ratio of NR2B/2A in the PFC, hippocampus and visual cortex and confirmed a relatively higher expression ratio in the PFC than in the hippocampus and visual cortex in both species. We then investigated the effect of intra-PFC blockade of NR2B on the performance of spatial working memory task and found that the spatial working memory, but not pattern discrimination, was robustly impaired in a delay length-dependent way upon NR2B blockade in both species. The present study provided behavioral and neuropharmacological evidence for the critical role of PFC NR2B-containing receptor in primate PFC.
Environmental Degradation and Fragmentation of Microplastics: Dependence on Polymer Type, Humidity, UV Dose and Temperature
Authors: Pfohl Patrizia , Santizo Katherine , Sipe Joana , Wiesner Mark , Harrison Sam , Svendsen Claus , Wohlleben Wendel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Depending on the environmental compartment, plastics are subjected to various stressors, including UV light, water, microbial exudates (enzymes), and temperature. Among these, stress on plastics from photo-chemical processes was identified as a leading exposure pathway of plastics, e.g., in the atmosphere or on the water surface. While the focus of earlier studies mainly was on deterioration of the chemical and mechanical properties, more recent studies demonstrate how photo-oxidation leads to fragmentation and release of secondary micro- and nanoplastic fragments, as well as low-molecular weight species. These studies tend to focus on a single exposure condition and a limited number of polymer types. Therefore, this study focuses on systematically evaluating the influence of temperature and relative humidity during simulated UV exposure on the fragmentation and degradation of five types of pristine microplastic powders: polypropylene, low density polyethylene, polyamide 6, high impact polystyrene and thermoplastic polyurethane. We quantified the dose-dependent release of water-soluble organics, as well as secondary micro- and nanoplastics (including their particle size distributions) and found that the polymer identity dictated the type and quantity of species released rather than the aging protocol. With this systematic assessment the generated data can be used in mechanistic microplastic fragmentation models to determine fragmentation rates and fragment size distributions.
Research on subsurface damage of CFRP cutting with biomimetic gradient micro-textured tools
Authors: Gao Mengxue , Zhang Xu , Hu Liangfei , Song Yue , Yao Peiwei , Zhang Liqiang , Zhang Xuechang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

CFRP (Carbon fiber reinforced polymer) exhibits anisotropy and low interlaminar shear strength, which makes it prone to inducing defects, especially at the fiber cutting angle of 135°, where subsurface damage is especially severe. This article constructs a 3D microscopic finite element model for CFRP cutting and analyzes the cutting mechanism of micro-textured tools at a 135° fiber cutting angle, and proposes use micro-textured tools with varying depths for cutting. Concurrently, incorporating the "crescent-shaped depression" morphology of bamboo rats' incisors, it is able to effectively mitigate subsurface damage during CFRP cutting while maintaining the structural strength of the cutting tool. The biomimetic gradient micro-textured tools proposed in this study can effectively reduce the overall subsurface damage during CFRP processing at various angles. Compared to non-textured and equal-depth micro-textured tools, the overall maximum subsurface damage is reduced by 44.92% and 21.99% respectively, providing an effective solution to reduce subsurface damage.
A new human spine model for use in cinematographic gait analysis
Authors: Tabor Piotr , Palczewska Iwona , Grygiel Rafał , Olszewska Elżbieta , Chwała Wiesław , Mastalerz Andrzej 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two spine models: the broken curve model and a new four tangent circles model. The modification concerns the adaptation of data acquisition to kinematic methods used in e.g. gait and running analysis.
Method
Plastic, movable spine model of human with flexible intervertebral discs (manufactured by Erler Zimmer GE3014) was used as the study material. Markers with a diameter of 5mm were glued to each spinous process (from C7 to L5). The recording was performed with a 6-camera Vicon system. Two spine models were created: a broken curve model used, among others, in the Diers scanner, and an own model of 4 circles, similar to the model of circles used in X-ray and CT analysis.
Results
The errors in the position of the spinous processes were significantly smaller in the 4-circle model than in the broken curve model. They ranged from 0.01 to 6.5 mm in the lumbar section, from 0.004 to 3.1 mm in the thoracic section. The practical possibilities of using the four-circle model during the cinematographic analysis of gait and run should be checked.
Conclusion
The four-circle model is more accurate than the broken curve model and can be used in the cinematographic analysis of the human spine movement.
Optimizing Lassa Fever Outbreak Control: A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Contact Tracing Integration in Epidemiological Models
Authors: Ajala Bolarinwa Olumide , Adejumo Adebowale Olusola , Akinyemi Joseph Adekunle , Ekum Matthew Iwada , Barrah Vincent , Barrah-Ajala Jennifer Uzodinma , Nwanya Julius Chigozie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, presents significant public health challenges because of its high mortality rate and potential for rapid spread. Accurate models are crucial for effective outbreak management and resource allocation. As such, this study examines the modelling of Lassa fever transmission through a comparative analysis of two epidemiological models: one incorporating contact tracing and the other without. By integrating epidemiological data and mathematical models, contact tracing and noncontact tracing are performed to investigate the dynamics of the Lassa fever model through reproduction number (R 0). The uniqueness of the solution is tested and confirmed via an invariant property, and through the next generation matrix, the reproduction number is determined. Our findings indicate that the model with integrated contact tracing significantly enhances early detection, reduces the number of secondary infections, and provides a more precise understanding of transmission dynamics. This model also supports more efficient allocation of healthcare resources and bolsters public confidence in health interventions. In contrast, the model without contact tracing tends to underestimate the spread of the virus and fails to optimize resource deployment. The comparative analysis underscores the importance of incorporating contact tracing into Lassa fever models, highlighting its critical role in controlling outbreaks, reducing transmission , and improving public health outcomes. This research advocates the widespread adoption of contact tracing in the modelling and management of Lassa fever and similar infectious diseases.
Super-Lubricous Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogel Microspheres for Use in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments
Authors: Stealey Samuel , Dharmesh Ether , Bhagat Maitreyi , Tyagi Abdul Malik , Schab Andrew , Hong Mellissa , Osbourn Damon , Abu-Amer Yousef , Jelliss Paul A. , Zustiak Silviya Petrova 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage degeneration and significant reduction in lubrication. One strategy to recover the natural lubrication of the synovial fluid is the injection of hydrogel microspheres, which offer both reduction in friction and the potential to encapsulate therapeutic cargo. Here, we have fabricated polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel microspheres via a modified electrospraying setup and Michael-type addition crosslinking. To improve throughout, crosslinking of PEG droplets was delayed until after droplet formation was complete. Microsphere diameter could be easily tuned based on syringe needle diameter. A custom-synthesized super-lubricious copolymer consisting of adhesive dopamine methacrylate (DMA) and zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) was used to dip-coat the PEG microspheres. The lubricious copolymer also incorporated rhodamine B, allowing for easy visualization and tracking. The copolymer coating exhibited in vitro stability for over 21 d and did not significantly affect cell proliferation. Lubricity was measured with a custom tribo-rheology setup and mechanical properties were tested with rheology. Super-lubricious PEG microspheres coated with the copolymer reduced coefficient of friction by 57% compared to simulated synovial fluid, indicating beneficial lubrication properties. The copolymer coating did not affect microsphere stiffness, and both coated-and uncoated microspheres showed shear-thinning properties, allowing for easy injection. When injected into C57BL6 mice, PEG microspheres exhibited stability for up to 26 d and did not adversely affect mouse behavior. These super-lubricious PEG microspheres offer great promise to reduce the friction that is a hallmark of progressive OA, potentially mitigating the need for total knee arthroplasty.