bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sinking Dead—Arctic Deep‐Sea Scavengers' Diet Suggests Nekton as Vector in Benthopelagic Coupling
Authors: Schmittmann Lara , Schindler Sophie V. , Bayer Till , Fuss Janina , Havermans Charlotte , Merten Véronique , Hoving Henk‐Jan T. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMany benthic deep‐sea animals rely on carcasses from the overlying water column that sink to the seafloor and form local organic enrichments known as food falls. This flux of organic carbon from the shallow pelagic to the deep sea is part of the biological carbon pump (BCP) and as such contributes to carbon sequestration. For a complete understanding of local carbon budgets, it is crucial to identify the diversity and distribution of sinking carcasses which are difficult to detect by observational methods. Here, we analyzed the diet of the abundant amphipod scavenger, Eurythenes gryllus, by DNA metabarcoding to assess their potential to identify food falls in the Fram Strait, a gateway to the Arctic. E. gryllus scavenges on nekton but so far it was not certain whether this represents their main diet. We detected dietary taxa (26 in total) in 20 out of 101 analyzed amphipods. We found that amphipods primarily fed on larger nekton including fish, cephalopods, and mammals, with bony fish being the most targeted food source in terms of diversity and abundance. Only one amphipod had fed on a gelatinous organism. These results support the hypothesis that E. gryllus targets mostly nekton food falls. The diversity of dietary taxa differed between the Eastern and Western Fram Strait, which suggests regional variability in food falls availability. We also detected, for the first time in E. gryllus, infections with the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium. This detection demonstrates the potential of metabarcoding for revealing both food web dynamics and host–parasite interactions in the deep sea. E. gryllus seems a promising “natural sampler” to monitor the diversity of deep‐sea food falls which will help to investigate the importance of medium‐sized food falls in local vertical carbon export in a rapidly changing Arctic Ocean.
Relational Systems Evaluation rubrics as tools for building and measuring evaluation capacity
Authors: Urban Jennifer Brown , Postlewaite Elyse L. , Davis Bekki , Les Elaine , Buckley Jane , Hargraves Monica 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEvaluation capacity building (ECB) is still an emerging area of study in the field of evaluation. The purpose of ECB is to assist program practitioners with implementing higher‐quality evaluation; however, we need better tools and resources to effectively assess ECB efforts. Existing measures typically depend on self‐report as opposed to assessing the artifacts of ECB training. Among the few non‐self‐report tools that support the assessment of ECB efforts are Relational Systems Evaluation rubrics designed to evaluate logic models, pathway models, and evaluation plans. These rubrics were first developed and tested several years ago. The purpose of the current study is to update the Relational Systems Evaluation rubrics to reflect current ECB knowledge. The updated rubrics have good to excellent inter‐rater reliability and high internal consistency. The results of this study contribute to the ECB field by providing measurement tools for assessing the quality of ECB artifacts. The rubrics can also be used by organizations and funders who need a systematic approach for assessing (and comparing) the quality of evaluation plans and visual theory of change models (e.g., logic models).
Guidelines for anti‐inflammatory assays in RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Wu Xincheng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn recent years, research on various bioactive compounds with anti‐inflammation effects has become increasingly active. Evaluating anti‐inflammatory activity is well established in cell models represented by RAW264.7 cells. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assays are commonly used to detect the effects of drugs or deleterious substances on cytotoxicity, cell viability, and survival. RAW264.7 cells release nitric oxide (NO) when exposed to inflammatory stimuli, so their anti‐inflammatory capacity can be assessed by detecting the NO content in cell culture supernatants, and the Griess method is one of the commonly used methods for determining NO concentration. RAW264.7 cells release a variety of inflammation‐associated cytokines, such as the TNF‐α and IL‐1β, with ELISA being the standard method to detect the release of these inflammatory factors. For mRNA expression levels of genes associated with inflammation, real‐time PCR (Quantitative Real‐time PCR, qPCR) is commonly used. In addition, the well‐known western blotting assay can be used to detect the expression levels of proteins associated with inflammatory signaling pathways. In this guideline, we discuss the basic principles and practices of the above experimental methods, which provide a valuable reference for the anti‐inflammatory experimental methods in cellular models such as the RAW264.7 cells.
Experimental study on the effects of integrating phase change material with a solar updraft tower
Authors: Qasim Ali Abdulrahman , Mussa Munther Abdullah 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe solar updraft tower power plant presents a promising renewable energy solution but faces limitations in thermal efficiency and energy production during nonsunny hours. This study addresses a critical gap in the literature by investigating the integration of latent heat storage systems utilizing paraffin wax as phase change materials (PCMs) to enhance solar updraft tower (SUT) performance. Two identical small‐scale SUTs were constructed, both using the same tank configuration; however, the PCM device was filled with paraffin wax as a PCM, while the non‐PCM device contained only atmospheric air. Three scenarios were explored, featuring varying PCM tank heights of 2, 4, and 6 cm (the full capacity of the PCM tank). Results indicated that, from 3 p.m. until sunset, the PCM‐integrated SUT in Case 3 (with 6 cm of PCM) achieved the best performance, with an average absorber temperature rise of 25°C, compared with 12°C for the non‐PCM device. During the same period, the average air velocity at the tower neck, where a wind turbine could be installed, was 1.21 m/s for the PCM device, versus 0.82 m/s for the non‐PCM device. Notably, the nocturnal operating time extended significantly with PCM use, rising from 90 min for the 2 cm case to 125 min for the 6 cm case. In contrast, the non‐PCM device exhibited no operational time after sunset. This research not only demonstrates the effectiveness of PCM in improving the thermal performance and operational longevity of SUTs but also introduces a novel tank configuration that allows for flexible PCM integration, representing a significant advancement in the development of more efficient SUT systems.
Evaluating the yield of digital single operator cholangioscopy in posttransplant biliary strictures after unsuccessful guidewire placement with ERCP
Authors: Ng Jonathan , Chandran Sujievvan , Be Kim Hay , Zorron Cheng Tao Pu Leonardo , Choi Kevin Kyung Ho , Saxena Payal , Kaffes Arthur John , Vaughan Rhys , Efthymiou Marios 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsStrictures are the most common biliary complication after liver transplantation, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered the gold standard in its management. Failure to cross the biliary anastomosis requires a repeated attempt with ERCP, referral for percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) or surgery. We present our experience with the digital single operator cholangioscope (D‐SOC) in achieving guidewire access in a liver transplant cohort with difficult biliary strictures who have failed conventional ERCP methods.MethodsThis was a retrospective study involving two adult liver transplant centers servicing the two most populated states in Australia. Deceased‐donor liver transplant recipients undergoing D‐SOC for biliary strictures who have failed conventional methods to achieve biliary access were included.ResultsBetween July 2017 to April 2022, eighteen patients underwent D‐SOC after failing to achieve guidewire placement through standard ERCP techniques. Thirteen out of eighteen (72%) had successful guidewire placement with index D‐SOC. Five of eighteen patients (28%) had unsuccessful guidewire placement with D‐SOC. In two of these patients, use of D‐SOC informed further endoscopic management, with one avoiding PTC and the other avoiding surgery. Two of the five patients required PTC and one patient was left unstented. Three patients developed post D‐SOC cholangitis.ConclusionsD‐SOC is effective at achieving guidewire access in post‐liver transplant patients who fail conventional ERCP techniques and should be considered in the treatment algorithm as a step before PTC and surgery.
“Between the Lines”: Perceptions of Poetry With Authorship Attributed to Artificial Intelligence or Humans – A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Stanko‐Kaczmarek Maja , Dera Lilianna , Koscielska Halszka 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI) literature generation, understanding how society perceives AI‐generated content, compared with human‐produced literature is of paramount importance. This study investigated societal perceptions and biases toward AI‐generated versus human‐produced poetry. A sample of 123 participants was subjected to a controlled experiment in which they evaluated a human‐generated poem that was randomly attributed to either a human, an AI, or an unspecified author. The assessment metrics comprised five categories: originality, aesthetic appeal, emotional engagement, coherence, and interpretive difficulty. An analysis of variance was used to analyze the survey results. Our findings revealed that poems attributed to an AI consistently received lower scores for originality, aesthetic appeal, and emotional engagement compared to those attributed to a human author. However, AI‐generated content was perceived as more complex and was rated higher in terms of interpretive difficulty. Interestingly, perceived authorship did not significantly influence coherence as a metric. When the poem was believed to be AI‐generated, it faced more critical evaluations than when it was human‐attributed. When authorship was ambiguous, feedback was distributed uniformly across negative, positive, and neutral sentiments, suggesting a potential mitigating effect of ambiguity on bias.
Inactivation of Tnf‐α/Tnfr signaling attenuates progression of intervertebral disc degeneration in mice
Authors: Tao Chu , Lin Sixiong , Shi Yujia , Gong Weiyuan , Chen Mingjue , Li Jianglong , Zhang Peijun , Yao Qing , Qian Dongyang , Ling Zemin , Xiao Guozhi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of low back pain (LBP), worsened by chronic inflammatory processes associated with aging. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnf‐α) and its receptors, Tnf receptor type 1 (Tnfr1) and Tnf receptor type 2 (Tnfr2), are upregulated in IVDD. However, its pathologic mechanisms remain poorly defined.MethodsTo investigate the role of Tnfr in IVDD, we generated global Tnfr1/2 double knockout (KO) mice and age‐matched control C57BL/6 male mice, and analyzed intervertebral disc (IVD)‐related phenotypes of both genotypes under physiological conditions, aging, and lumbar spine instability (LSI) model through histological and immunofluorescence analyses and μCT imaging. Expression levels of key extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in aged and LSI mice, especially markers of cell proliferation and apoptosis, were evaluated in aged (21‐month‐old) mice.ResultsAt 4 months, KO and control mice showed no marked differences of IVDD‐related parameters. However, at 21 months of age, the loss of Tnfr expression significantly alleviated IVDD‐like phenotypes, including a significant increase in height of the nucleus pulposus (NPs) and reductions of endplates (EPs) porosity and histopathological scores, when compared to controls. Tnfr deficiency promoted anabolic metabolism of the ECM proteins and suppressed ECM catabolism. Tnfr loss largely inhibited hypertrophic differentiation, and, in the meantime, suppressed cell apoptosis and cellular senescence in the annulus fibrosis, NP, and EP tissues without affecting cell proliferation. Similar results were observed in the LSI model, where Tnfr deficiency significantly alleviated IVDD and enhanced ECM anabolic metabolism while suppressing catabolism.ConclusionThe deletion of Tnfr mitigates age‐related and LSI‐induced IVDD, as evidenced by preserved IVD structure, and improved ECM integrity. These findings suggest a crucial role of Tnf‐α/Tnfr signaling in IVDD pathogenesis in mice. Targeting this pathway may be a novel strategy for IVDD prevention and treatment.
CANVAR: A Tool for Clinical Annotation of Variants Using ClinVar Databases
Authors: Vestergaard Lau K. , Lopacinska‐Jørgensen Joanna , Høgdall Estrid V. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundGenomic medicine has transformed clinical genetics by utilizing high‐throughput sequencing technologies to analyze genetic variants associated with diseases. Accurate variant classification is crucial for diagnosis and treatment decisions, and various tools and software such as the Ion Reporter Software and the Illumina Nirvana Software often used in a clinical setting utilize information from the ClinVar database/archive to aid in variant interpretation. However, these existing annotation tools may lack access to the latest ClinVar data, necessitating manual variant inspection.AimsTo address this gap in developing a tool providing the latest ClinVar data for variant annotation in clinical and research settings.Materials and MethodsWe introduce CANVAR, a Python‐based script that efficiently annotates variants identified from next‐generation sequencing in a clinical or research context, offering comprehensive information from the latest ClinVar database.ResultsCANVAR provides accurate, up‐to‐date variant annotations, streamlining variant analysis.DiscussionThe rise in genomic data requires accurate variant annotation for clinical decision‐making. Misclassification poses risks, and current tools may not always access the latest data, challenging variant interpretation.ConclusionCANVAR contributes to enhancing variant annotation by offering comprehensive information from the latest ClinVar database for genetic variants identified through next‐generation sequencing.
Curcumin Attenuates Dextran Sodium Sulfate Induced Colitis in Obese Mice
Authors: Kang Zeng‐Ping , Xiao Qiu‐Ping , Huang Jia‐Qi , Wang Meng‐Xue , Huang Jie , Wei Si‐Yi , Cheng Nian , Wang Hai‐Yan , Liu Duan‐Yong , Zhong You‐Bao , Zhao Hai‐Mei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractScope: Curcumin (Cur), with diverse pharmacological properties, shows anti‐obesity, immunomodulatory, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Its role in ulcerative colitis complicated by obesity remains unclear.Methods and results: Here, colitis is induced in obese mice using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), followed by administration of Cur at a dosage of 100 mg kg−1 for 14 days. Cur effectively alleviates DSS‐induced colitis in obese mice, accompanied by an increase in body weight and survival rate, reduction in disease activity index, elongation of the colon, decrease in colonic weight, and improvements in ulcer formation and inflammatory cell infiltration in colonic tissues. Additionally, Cur effectively improves lipid metabolism and the composition of the gut microbiota, and enhances mucosal integrity and boosts anti‐oxidative stress capacity in obese mice with colitis. Importantly, Cur is effective in improving the homeostasis of memory T cells in obese mice with colitis. Furthermore, Cur regulates inflammatory cytokines expression and inhibits activation of the JAK2/STAT signaling pathway in colonic tissues of obese mice with colitis.Conclusions: Cur alleviates colitis in obese mice through a comprehensive mechanism that improves lipid metabolism, modulates gut microbiota composition, enhances mucosal integrity and anti‐oxidative stress, balances memory T cell populations, regulates inflammatory cytokines, and suppresses the JAK2/STAT signaling pathway.
A photonic sensor system for real-time monitoring of turbidity changes in aquaculture
Authors: Tolon Mustafa Tolga , Tokaç Adnan , Kostak Enis N. , Strehse Christoph 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study was to test the compatibility and performance of a developed photonic sensor system, which can serve as a dependable and practical device for continuous monitoring of turbidity changes in aquaculture tanks.

Methods
The fabricated photonic sensor system consisted of an integrated data logger and sensor probe. The sensor probe exhibited a precise emission of infrared light at a wavelength of 850 nm. Moreover, the sensor evaluates the ambient light across the red-green-blue spectrum. To ensure accuracy and reliability, the entire system underwent a thorough calibration process, referencing nephelometric turbidity unit values acquired through a specialized handheld turbidimeter. Rigorous trials were systematically conducted in 600-L seawater tanks featuring tubular sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa and Gilt-head Sea Bream Sparus auratus to ensure the sensitivity and robustness of the photonic sensor system to the aquaculture environment.

Result
A calibration curve revealed a significant correlation between the infrared channel values of the sensor (photon counts) and the turbidity values measured by the turbidimeter. The photonic sensor effectively captured turbidity changes in the aquaculture tanks, with significant differences observed between the tanks. The sensor performance was evaluated in trials with Gilt-head Sea Bream, which showed sensitivity to high turbidity changes. The photonic sensor system accurately reflects turbidity changes continuously using its own active light source, independent of ambient light intensity, which is essential for turbid water conditions or for taking measurements in total darkness.

Conclusion
The photonic sensor is a reliable tool for the continuous and accurate monitoring of turbidity changes in aquaculture systems. However, there are specific usage limitations under low-turbidity conditions that can be improved in further studies.
An Analysis of the Otolaryngology Workforce in Pennsylvania
Authors: Sciscent Bao Y. , Chan Kimberly , Eberly Hänel W. , Goldenberg David , Goyal Neerav 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to analyze the distribution of otolaryngologists between urban and rural counties in Pennsylvania.Study DesignRetrospective database.SettingAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) database and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Database.MethodsThe AAO‐HNS database (Entnet.org) and the CMS Database were used to identify otolaryngologists, their primary location, and their state of training. The 2023 Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes were used to classify metropolitan (codes 1‐3) and nonmetropolitan counties (codes 4‐9) and determine county populations.ResultsA total of 388 otolaryngologists were identified across 67 Pennsylvania counties (33 metropolitan, 34 nonmetropolitan), 80% of which were male. There were 354 otolaryngologists in metropolitan counties serving 11.2 million people, with an average of 2.4 otolaryngologists per 100,000 people (/100 k). The majority of otolaryngologists (n = 235, 60.6%) are located in counties designated by code 1. There were 34 otolaryngologists in nonmetropolitan counties serving 1.8 million people, with an average of 2.4 otolaryngologists/100 k. Montour County (code 6) is home to a large academic center and accounts for 14/34 otolaryngologists in the nonmetropolitan counties. With the exception of Montour County, the remaining nonmetropolitan counties averaged 1.0 otolaryngologist/100 k. Only 3 metropolitan counties did not have otolaryngologists compared to 19 nonmetropolitan counties without otolaryngologists. Most otolaryngologists received their residency training in Pennsylvania (n = 177). New York (n = 35) and Maryland (n = 24) were the second most common states for training.ConclusionThere is a lack of otolaryngologists in rural counties of Pennsylvania, except in counties home to large academic centers.
Postprocedure protocols after intraarticular orthobiologic injections—A scoping review
Authors: Kruse Ryan C. , Rossmiller Kristina D. , Fleagle Timothy R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease affecting 500 million people throughout the world. Although orthobiologics have been proposed as a symptom and disease modifying treatment for osteoarthritis, there is significant heterogeneity in the results of the orthobiologic procedures in the literature. One possible explanation for the heterogeneity is the inconsistent reporting and description of the postorthobiologic protocols. The goal of this scoping review was to identify the current literature on the use of orthobiologics for osteoarthritis and critically evaluate the postorthobiologic protocol within these studies. A total of 200 identified studies met inclusion criteria. In 37.5% of studies, there was no mention of a postorthobiologic protocol. Of the 125 studies that did mention a postorthobiologic protocol, only 38.4% included a rehabilitation protocol, 21.6% included postprocedure weightbearing restrictions, and only 2 (1.6%) mentioned the use of durable medical equipment. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug restriction was described in 91.2% of study protocols, whereas corticosteroids and immunosuppressants were restricted in 84.8% and 19.2% of protocols, respectively. The results of this scoping review demonstrate the inconsistent reporting of postorthobiologic procedure protocols in the literature, with significant heterogeneity in those that are described. These findings highlight the need for future research and improved reporting of postorthobiologic protocols.
Incidence of lymphedema among adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Gettys Christine R. , Smith Sean , Rauch Kimberly K. , Whitney Daniel G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundLymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition but is understudied among adults with cerebral palsy (CP).ObjectiveTo compare the 2‐year incidence of lymphedema between adults with versus without CP before and after accounting for multimorbidity, cancer diagnosis/treatment, and lymph node/channel surgery.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingNationwide commercial claims data from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017.ParticipantsAdults ≥18 years old with and without CP with at least 12 months of continuous health plan enrollment, defined as the baseline period, were included for analysis. The 12‐month baseline period was used to establish information on preexisting lymphedema (for exclusion), presence of cancer, including radiation treatment and lymph node surgery, and the Whitney Comorbidity Index (WCI).InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasureThe 2‐year incidence rate (IR) and IR ratio (IRR) of lymphedema were evaluated. Cox regression estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of 2‐year lymphedema after adjusting for age, gender, WCI, cancer diagnosis/treatment, and lymph node/channel surgery.ResultsThe 2‐year IR of lymphedema was 5.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.59–6.88) for adults with CP (n = 9922) and 1.81 (95% CI = 1.79–1.83) for adults without CP (n = 12,932,288); the IRR was 3.17 (95% CI = 2.59–3.87) and the adjusted HR was 2.43 (95% CI = 1.98–2.98). There was evidence of effect modification by gender, age, and WCI score. All HRs were elevated, but men with versus without CP had higher HRs than women with versus without CP; HRs for adults with versus without CP were higher for younger participants and those with lower WCI scores.ConclusionsAdults with CP had a higher 2‐year rate of lymphedema compared with those without CP. Men with CP had a disproportionately higher rate than women with CP when compared with their gender‐based reference cohorts without CP.