bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adipose gene expression profiles in Northern Finncattle, Mirandesa cattle, Yakutian cattle and commercial Holstein cattle
Authors: Ruvinskiy Daniil , Amaral Andreia , Weldenegodguad Melak , Ammosov Innokentyi , Honkatukia Mervi , Lindeberg Heli , Peippo Jaana , Popov Ruslan , Soppela Päivi , Stammler Florian , Uimari Pekka , Ginja Catarina , Kantanen Juha , Pokharel Kisun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe drastic change in global climate has led to in-depth studies of the geneticresources of native cattle adapted to challenging environments. Native cattle breeds may harbor unique genetic mechanisms that have enabled them adapt to their given environmental conditions. Adipose tissues are key factors in the regulation of metabolism and energy balance and are crucial for the molecular switches needed to adapt to rapid environmental and nutritional changes. The transcriptome landscape of four adipose tissues was used in this study to investigate the differential gene expression profiles in three local breeds, Yakutian cattle (Sakha Republic), Northern Finncattle (Finland), Mirandesa cattle (Portugal) and commercial Holstein cattle. A total of 26 animals (12 cows, 14 bulls) yielded 81 samples of perirenal adipose tissue (n = 26), metacarpal adipose tissue (n = 26), tailhead adipose tissue (n = 26) and prescapular adipose tissue (n = 3). More than 17,000 genes were expressed in our dataset. Principal component analysis of the normalized expression profiles revealed a differential expression profile of the metacarpal adipose tissue. We found that the genes upregulated in the metacarpal adipose tissue of Yakutian cattle, such as NR4A3, TEKT3, and FGGY, were associated with energy metabolism and response to cold temperatures. In Mirandesa cattle, the upregulated genes in perirenal adipose tissue were related to immune response and inflammation (AVPR2, CCN1, and IL6), while in Northern Finncattle, the upregulated genes appeared to be involved in various physiological processes, including energy metabolism (IGFBP2). According to the sex-based comparisons, the most interesting result was the upregulation of the TPRG1 gene in three tissues of Yakutian cattle females, suggesting that adaptation is related to feed efficiency. The highest number of differentially expressed genes was found between Yakutian cattle and Holstein, several of which were associated with immunity in Yakutian cattle, indicating potential differences in disease resistance and immunity between the two breeds. This study highlights the vast difference in gene expression profiles in adipose tissues among breeds from different climatic environments, most likely highlighting selective pressure and the potential significance of the uniquely important regulatory functions of metacarpal adipose tissue.
Estimating the distribution of reedbed in Britain demonstrates challenges of remotely sensing rare land cover types at large spatial scales
Authors: Davies Jacob G. , Dytham Calvin , Robinson Robert A. , Beale Colin M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCommon Reed Phragmites australis, globally one of the mostly widely distributed wetland plants, is important for biodiversity and for humans. However, like most wetland plant communities, reedbed has rarely been mapped at large geographical scales, restricting the information available to study reed’s range dynamics or inform its management. Using Sentinel-2 data and machine learning, we aimed to produce the first published remotely-sensed reedbed map of Britain; however, accuracy as assessed by field validation was relatively low (AUC = 0.671), with many false positives (commission error of 93.4%). A similar workflow carried out in Google Earth Engine, using nearly an order of magnitude more images, gave a lower commission error but a disproportionately higher omission error. Using the known commission and omission error, we estimate that in 2015–2017 ~ 7800 ha of Britain was reedbed. Our study highlights the enduring barriers to accurate land cover classification at large spatial scales. Even with a ‘big data’ approach, reflectance error and ecological factors such as confusion land cover types and geographical variation in temporal reflectance function will probably continue to limit the size of area for which land cover can be classified accurately, therefore limiting the utility of remote sensing for ecologists.
Clustered ARPE-19 cells distinct in mitochondrial membrane potential may play a pivotal role in cell differentiation
Authors: Miyatani Takafumi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Numa Kosaku , Uehara Asako , Otsuki Yohei , Hamuro Junji , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with the dysfunction and degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Here, we examined how the formation and expansions of cell clusters are regulated by the differentiation of the RPE　cells. In this study, ARPE-19 cells were cultivated in standard or differentiation media, i.e., without or with nicotinamide, to evaluate the spreading of cell clusters specified with differentiated cell phenotypes. Mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and the distribution of the RPE cell clusters was also monitored with or without rotenone, a mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I inhibitor. Cultured ARPE-19 cells generated scattered cell clusters composed mostly of smaller size cells expressing the differentiation markers mouse anti-cellular retinaldehyde–binding protein (CRALBP) and Bestrophin only in differentiation medium. After the increase of the number of clusters, the clusters appeared to paracellularly merge, resulting in expansion of the area occupied by the clusters. Of note, the cells within the clusters selectively had high MMP and were in accordance with the expression of RPE differentiation markers. Rotenone repressed the formation of the clusters and decreased intracellular MMP. The above results suggest that clustering of RPE cells with functional mitochondria plays a pivotal role in RPE cell differentiation process and the ETC complex I inhibition greatly influences the composition of RPE cells that are degenerated or differentiation disposed.
Value creation of copra meal mannan into functional manno-oligosaccharides (β-MOS) using the mannanase Bacillus man B (BlMan26B)
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Cao , Haltrich Dietmar , Min Thae Thae , Nguyen Thu-Ha , Yamabhai Montarop 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAgricultural wastes rich in β-mannan are an important environmental problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries. This research aims at dealing with this and investigates the valorization of mannan-rich copra meal from virgin coconut oil manufacturing into mannan-oligosaccharides (β-MOS) by enzymatic hydrolysis using β-mannanase from Bacillus licheniformis (BlMan26B). Lab-scale process, involving pre-treatment and bioconversion steps, were conducted and evaluated. Lyophilized β-MOS was analyzed and its biological activities were assessed. The size of oligosaccharides obtained ranged from dimers to hexamers with 36.7% conversion yields. The prebiotic effects of β-MOS were demonstrated in comparison with commercial inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). In vitro toxicity assays of β -MOS on human dermal fibroblasts and monocytes showed no cytotoxic effect. Interestingly, β-MOS at concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 µg/mL also demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced inflammation of human macrophage THP-1 in a dose-dependent manner. However, at high dose, β-MOS could also stimulate inflammation. Therefore, further investigation must be conducted to ensure its efficacy and safe use in the future. These results indicate that β-MOS have the potential to be used as valued-added health-promoting nutraceutical or feed additive after additional in-depth studies. These finding should be applicable for other agricultural wastes rich in mannan as well.
Modulation of αv integrins by lebecetin, a viper venom-derived molecule, in experimental neuroinflammation and demyelination models
Authors: Neili Nour-elhouda , AbdelKafi-Koubaa Zaineb , Jebali Jed , Kaidi Khouloud , Sahraoui Ghada , Ahmed Melika Ben , Srairi-Abid Najet , Marrakchi Naziha , Doghri Raoudha , ELBini Ines 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSeveral neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, are linked to alterations in myelin content or structure. Transmembrane receptors such as integrins could be involved in these alterations. In the present study, we investigated the role of αv-integrins in experimental models of neuroinflammation and demyelination with the use of lebecetin (LCT), a C-lectin protein purified from Macrovipera lebetina viper venom, as an αv-integrin modulator. In a model of neuroinflammation, LCT inhibited the upregulation of αv, β3, β5, α5, and β1 integrins, as well as the associated release of pro-inflammatory factor IL-6 and chemokine CXCL-10, and decreased the expression of phosphorylated NfκB. The subsequent “indirect culture” between reactive astrocytes and oligodendrocytes showed a down-regulation of αv and β3 integrins versus upregulation of β1 one, accompanied by a reduced expression of myelin basic protein (MBP). Treatment of oligodendrocytes with LCT rectified the changes in integrin and MBP expression. Through Western blot quantification, LCT was shown to upregulate the expression levels of PI3K and p-mTOR while downregulating expression levels of p-AKT in oligodendrocytes, suggesting the neuroprotective and pro-myelinating effects of LCT may be related to the PI3K/mTor/AKT pathway. Concomitantly, we found that LCT promoted remyelination by tracking the increased expression of MBP in the brains of cuprizone-intoxicated mice. These results point to an involvement of integrins in not only neuroinflammation but demyelination as well. Thus, targeting αv integrins could offer potential therapeutic avenues for the treatment of demyelinating diseases.
Novel 3-dimensional effective regurgitation orifice area quantification serves as a reliable tool to identify severe mitral valve regurgitation
Authors: Harm Tobias , Schwarz Frederic-Joaquim , Zdanyte Monika , Goldschmied Andreas , Baas Livia , Aidery Parwez , Shcherbyna Serhii , Toskas Ioannis , Keller Timea , Kast Isabela , Schreieck Juergen , Geisler Tobias , Gawaz Meinrad Paul , Mueller Karin Anne Lydia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA precise quantification of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity is essential for treatment and outcome of patients with MR. 3D echocardiography facilitates estimation of MR but selection of patients with necessity of invasive treatment remains challenging. We investigate effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA) quantification by 3D compared to 2D echocardiography in patients with MR and highlight the improved discrimination of MR severity. We consecutively enrolled fifty patients with primary or secondary and at least moderate MR undergoing 2D and 3D colour Doppler echocardiography prior to transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). Improved accuracy of MR grading using 3D vena contracta area (VCA) as an estimate of EROA was compared to 2D proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) quantification method and a multiparameter reference standard. Quantification of EROA remarkably varies between 2D and 3D echocardiography and the discrimination between moderate and severe MR was significantly (p = 0.001) different using 2D PISA or 3D VCA, respectively. 3D VCA correlated significantly (r = 0.501, p < 0.001) better with the pre-defined MR severity. We detected crucial differences in the correct identification of severe MR between 2D and 3D techniques, thus 2D PISA significantly (p < 0.0001) underestimates EROA due to clinical and morphological parameters. The assessment of 3D VCA resulted in improved diagnostic accuracy.
GPT-3.5 altruistic advice is sensitive to reciprocal concerns but not to strategic risk
Authors: Schmidt Eva-Madeleine , Bonati Sara , Köbis Nils , Soraperra Ivan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPre-trained large language models (LLMs) have garnered significant attention for their ability to generate human-like text and responses across various domains. This study delves into examines the social and strategic behavior of the commonly used LLM GPT-3.5 by investigating its suggestions in well-established behavioral economics paradigms. Specifically, we focus on social preferences, including altruism, reciprocity, and fairness, in the context of two classic economic games: the Dictator Game (DG) and the Ultimatum Game (UG). Our research aims to answer three overarching questions: (1) To what extent do GPT-3.5 suggestions reflect human social preferences? (2) How do socio-demographic features of the advisee and (3) technical parameters of the model influence the suggestions of GPT-3.5? We present detailed empirical evidence from extensive experiments with GPT-3.5, analyzing its responses to various game scenarios while manipulating the demographics of the advisee and the model temperature. Our findings reveal that, in the DG Dictator Game, model suggestions are more altruistic than in humans. We further show that it also picks up on more subtle aspects of human social preferences: fairness and reciprocity. This research contributes to the ongoing exploration of AI-driven systems’ alignment with human behavior and social norms, providing valuable insights into the behavior of pre-trained LLMs and their implications for human-AI interactions. Additionally, our study offers a methodological benchmark for future research examining human-like characteristics and behaviors in language models.
Causal relationships between immunophenotypes, plasma metabolites, and temporomandibular disorders based on Mendelian randomization
Authors: Qiu Danqi , Sun Shuntao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhile numerous studies have underscored the implication of immune cells and metabolites in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), conclusive evidence for causality remains elusive. Consequently, our aim is to explore the causal connections between immunophenotypes and plasma metabolites in relation to TMD employing a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Summary statistics data on 731 immunophenotypes (n = 3757) and 1091 plasma metabolites (n = 8299) were obtained from comprehensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS), while TMD data (5668 cases and 205,355 controls) were acquired from the FinnGen Consortium. Bidirectional MR analyses and a two-step MR approach assessed causal relationships and potential intermediaries. Various corrections and sensitivity analyses were utilized to assess the robustness of the findings. Two immunophenotypes and seven metabolites were significantly associated with TMD risk. Specifically, Alpha-hydroxyisovalerate mediated the link between CD33 on CD33dim HLA DR + CD11b + and TMD (β = 0.034, P = 5.95 × 10–5), while CD8 on NKT cells mediated the causal relationship between 5-acetylamino-6-formylamino-3-methyluracil levels and TMD (β = 0.069, P = 5.11 × 10–5). Our findings revealed the causal relationships between immunophenotypes and plasma metabolites on TMD from a genetic perspective, potentially aiding in TMD prevention.
Spectrum aided vision enhancer enhances mucosal visualization by hyperspectral imaging in capsule endoscopy
Authors: Wang Yen-Po , Karmakar Riya , Mukundan Arvind , Tsao Yu-Ming , Sung Te-Chin , Lu Ching-Liang , Wang Hsiang-Chen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNarrow-band imaging (NBI) is more efficient in detecting early gastrointestinal cancer than white light imaging (WLI). NBI technology is available only in conventional endoscopy, but unavailable in magnetic-assisted capsule endoscopy (MACE) systems due to MACE’s small size and obstacles in image processing issues. MACE is an easy, safe, and convenient tool for both patients and physicians to avoid the disadvantages of conventional endoscopy. Enabling NBI technology in MACE is mandatory. We developed a novel method to improve mucosal visualization using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) known as Spectrum Aided Visual Enhancer (SAVE, Transfer N, Hitspectra Intelligent Technology Co., Kaohsiung, Taiwan). The technique was developed by converting the WLI image captured by MACE to enhance SAVE images. The structural similarity index metric (SSIM) between the WLI MACE images and the enhanced SAVE images was 91%, while the entropy difference between the WLI MACE images and the enhanced SAVE images was only 0.47%. SAVE algorithm can identify the mucosal break on the esophagogastric junction in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder. We successfully developed a novel image-enhancing technique, SAVE, in the MACE system, showing close similarity to the NBI from the conventional endoscopy system. The future application of this novel technology in the MACE system can be promising.
A human-serum-free medium can induce more infectious P. falciparum gametocytes than a conventional human-serum-containing medium
Authors: Miura Kazutoyo , Deng Bingbing , Varadharajan Suresh Ragavan , Gebremicale Yonas T. , Zhou Luwen , Pham Thao P. , Roche Kyle , Diouf Ababacar , Lovell Jonathan F. , Julien Jean-Philippe , Long Carole A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMalaria remains a global health problem, and the standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA) is a key functional assay for development of new interventions to stop malaria transmission from human to mosquito. For SMFA, media with ~ 10% of human serum has been used for infectious gametocyte cultures, however, there are multiple challenges to obtain a suitable human serum. Here we show a human-serum-free culture medium (HSF), which was a mixture of two stem cell culture media and AlbuMAX, supported infectious gametocyte growth. Moreover, the HSF-induced gametocytes elicited significantly higher numbers of oocysts compared to gametocytes cultured with conventional human serum medium (Conv). While some caution is required when comparing percent transmission reducing activity data generated from HSF-SMFA and Conv-SMFA, the HSF method can facilitate the establishment of gametocyte cultures or SMFA by bypassing the need for human serum. Thus, this study will support future development of P. falciparum transmission-blocking interventions.
Dim light at night unmasks sex-specific differences in circadian and autonomic regulation of cardiovascular physiology
Authors: Prabhat Abhilash , Sami Dema , Ehlman Allison , Stumpf Isabel , Seward Tanya , Su Wen , Gong Ming C. , Schroder Elizabeth A. , Delisle Brian P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractShift work and artificial light at night disrupt the entrainment of endogenous circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior to the day-night cycle. We hypothesized that exposure to dim light at night (dLAN) disrupts feeding rhythms, leading to sex-specific changes in autonomic signaling and day-night heart rate and blood pressure rhythms. Compared to mice housed in 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycles, mice exposed to dLAN showed reduced amplitudes in day-night feeding, heart rate, and blood pressure rhythms. In female mice, dLAN reduced the amplitude of day-night cardiovascular rhythms by decreasing the relative sympathetic regulation at night, while in male mice, it did so by increasing the relative sympathetic regulation during the daytime. Time-restricted feeding to the dim light cycle reversed these autonomic changes in both sexes. We conclude that dLAN induces sex-specific changes in autonomic regulation of heart rate and blood pressure, and time-restricted feeding may represent a chronotherapeutic strategy to mitigate the cardiovascular impact of light at night.
Photoaging enhances the leaching of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and transformation products from polyvinyl chloride microplastics into aquatic environments
Authors: Henkel Charlotte , Hüffer Thorsten , Peng Ruoting , Gao Xiaoyu , Ghoshal Subhasis , Hofmann Thilo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIncreasing chemical pollution is a threat to sustainable water resources worldwide. Plastics and harmful additives released from plastics add to this burden and might pose a risk to aquatic organisms, and human health. Phthalates, which are common plasticizers and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are released from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics and are a cause of concern. Therefore, the leaching kinetics of additives, including the influence of environmental weathering, are key to assessing exposure concentrations but remain largely unknown. We show that photoaging strongly enhances the leaching rates of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) by a factor of 1.5, and newly-formed harmful transformation products, such as mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), phthalic acid, and phthalic anhydride from PVC microplastics into the aquatic environment. Leaching half-lives of DEHP reduced from 449 years for pristine PVC to 121 years for photoaged PVC. Aqueous boundary layer diffusion (ABLD) is the limiting mass transfer process for the release of DEHP from pristine and photoaged PVC microplastics. The leaching of transformation products is limited by intraparticle diffusion (IPD). The calculated mass transfer rates can be used to predict exposure concentrations of harmful additives in the aquatic environment.
Inhibition of hepatic oxalate overproduction ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Das Sandeep , Finney Alexandra C. , Anand Sumit Kumar , Rohilla Sumati , Liu Yuhao , Pandey Nilesh , Ghrayeb Alia , Kumar Dhananjay , Nunez Kelley , Liu Zhipeng , Arias Fabio , Zhao Ying , Pearson-Gallion Brenna H. , McKinney M. Peyton , Richard Koral S. E. , Gomez-Vidal Jose A. , Abdullah Chowdhury S. , Cockerham Elizabeth D. , Eniafe Joseph , Yurochko Andrew D. , Magdy Tarek , Pattillo Christopher B. , Kevil Christopher G. , Razani Babak , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Seeley Erin H. , Galliano Gretchen E. , Wei Bo , Tan Lin , Mahmud Iqbal , Surakka Ida , Garcia-Barrio Minerva T. , Lorenzi Philip L. , Gottlieb Eyal , Salido Eduardo , Zhang Jifeng , Orr A. Wayne , Liu Wanqing , Diaz-Gavilan Monica , Chen Y. Eugene , Dhanesha Nirav , Thevenot Paul T. , Cohen Ari J. , Yurdagul Arif , Rom Oren 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is on the rise, and with limited pharmacological therapy available, identification of new metabolic targets is urgently needed. Oxalate is a terminal metabolite produced from glyoxylate by hepatic lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA). The liver-specific alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGXT) detoxifies glyoxylate, preventing oxalate accumulation. Here we show that AGXT is suppressed and LDHA is activated in livers from patients and mice with MASH, leading to oxalate overproduction. In turn, oxalate promotes steatosis in hepatocytes by inhibiting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) transcription and fatty acid β-oxidation and induces monocyte chemotaxis via C–C motif chemokine ligand 2. In male mice with diet-induced MASH, targeting oxalate overproduction through hepatocyte-specific AGXT overexpression or pharmacological inhibition of LDHA potently lowers steatohepatitis and fibrosis by inducing PPARα-driven fatty acid β-oxidation and suppressing monocyte chemotaxis, nuclear factor-κB and transforming growth factor-β targets. These findings highlight hepatic oxalate overproduction as a target for the treatment of MASH.