bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DIVERGesTOOL – Entwicklung einer Toolbox zur Erfassung geschlechtlicher Vielfalt in der quantitativen Gesundheitsforschung
Authors: Horstmann Sophie , Schmechel Corinna , Becher Eva , Oertelt-Prigione Sabine , Palm Kerstin , Bolte Gabriele 
Published: June 2024

ZusammenfassungIn der epidemiologischen Gesundheitsforschung besteht ein großer Bedarf an umfassenden Erhebungsinstrumenten, die der Multidimensionalität und Variabilität von Geschlecht gerecht werden. Das Forschungsprojekt DIVERGesTOOL griff diesen in den letzten Jahren immer deutlicher werdenden Bedarf auf. Es verfolgte das Ziel, eine anwendungsorientierte Toolbox zur Erfassung geschlechtlicher Vielfalt für die quantitative Gesundheitsforschung in Deutschland zu entwickeln.Der Entwicklungsprozess war partizipativ angelegt, Vertreter*innen großer epidemiologischer Studien in Deutschland wurden direkt einbezogen. Im Rahmen von vier gemeinsamen Workshops wurde eine Toolbox entwickelt, die sich aus mehreren Bestandteilen zusammensetzt: Die Basis-Items sind ein grundlegendes, allgemein nutzbares Set aus drei Fragen, die sich am Two-Step-Approach orientieren. Sie werden anstelle der bisher routinemäßig in den Gesundheitswissenschaften angewendeten binären Geschlechtsvariable empfohlen. Zudem enthält die Toolbox Zusatz-Items mit beispielhaften Fragebogen-Items für spezifische Fragestellungen oder Studienpopulationen. Ergänzt wurden die Items um ausführliche Anwendungshinweise und Hintergrundinformationen. Die Toolbox steht Interessierten online kostenlos über die Website des Projektes zur Verfügung (https://www.uni-bremen.de/divergestool-projekt/divergestool-toolbox).Langfristig soll die DIVERGesTOOL-Toolbox Forschende dabei unterstützen, geschlechtliche Vielfalt in die eigene Forschung zu integrieren, und somit zu mehr Geschlechtersensibilität in der Gesundheitsforschung und validen Forschungsergebnissen beitragen.
Involvement of dysregulated hippocampal histone H3K9 methylation at the promoter of the BDNF gene in impaired memory extinction
Authors: Oga Kenichi , Fuchikami Manabu , Kobayashi Hironori , Miyagi Tatsuhiro , Fujita Sho , Fujita Satoshi , Okada Satoshi , Morinobu Shigeru 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Rationale
Since the precise mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain unknown, effective treatment interventions have not yet been established. Impaired extinction of fear memory (EFM) is one of the core symptoms of PTSD and is associated with stress-induced epigenetic change in gene expression.

Objectives
In this study, we examined whether the involvement of histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) in EFM is mediated through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus, and whether BIX01294, a selective G9a and GLP histone methyltransferase inhibitor, could be treatment for impaired EFM in an animal model of PTSD.

Methods
The single prolonged stress (SPS) paradigm was used to model PTSD. We measured BDNF mRNA levels by RT-PCR, and H3K9me2 levels in the BDNF gene promoters by chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR. After undergoing contextual fear conditioning and hippocampal injection of BIX01294, male rats were subjected to extinction training and extinction testing and their freezing times and BDNF mRNA levels were measured.

Results
Compared to sham rats, SPS rats showed decreased BDNF mRNA levels 2 h after extinction training, no significant changes in levels of global H3K9me2 prior to extinction training, and increased levels of H3K9me2 in BDNF gene promoter IV, but not in BDNF gene promoter I. Administration of BIX01294 ameliorated the decrease in BDNF mRNA levels 2 h after extinction training and subsequently alleviated impaired EFM in extinction tests in SPS rats.

Conclusion
We conclude that reduced hippocampal levels of BDNF mRNA due to increase in H3K9me2 levels may play a role in PTSD-associated EFM impairment, and BIX01294 could be a PTSD treatment option.
Microplastics Biodegradation by Estuarine and Landfill Microbiomes
Authors: Pires Cristina S. , Costa Luís , Barbosa Sónia G. , Sequeira João Carlos , Cachetas Diogo , Freitas José P. , Martins Gilberto , Machado Ana Vera , Cavaleiro Ana J. , Salvador Andreia F. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPlastic pollution poses a worldwide environmental challenge, affecting wildlife and human health. Assessing the biodegradation capabilities of natural microbiomes in environments contaminated with microplastics is crucial for mitigating the effects of plastic pollution. In this work, we evaluated the potential of landfill leachate (LL) and estuarine sediments (ES) to biodegrade polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polycaprolactone (PCL), under aerobic, anaerobic, thermophilic, and mesophilic conditions. PCL underwent extensive aerobic biodegradation with LL (99 ± 7%) and ES (78 ± 3%) within 50–60 days. Under anaerobic conditions, LL degraded 87 ± 19% of PCL in 60 days, whereas ES showed minimal biodegradation (3 ± 0.3%). PE and PET showed no notable degradation. Metataxonomics results (16S rRNA sequencing) revealed the presence of highly abundant thermophilic microorganisms assigned to Coprothermobacter sp. (6.8% and 28% relative abundance in anaerobic and aerobic incubations, respectively). Coprothermobacter spp. contain genes encoding two enzymes, an esterase and a thermostable monoacylglycerol lipase, that can potentially catalyze PCL hydrolysis. These results suggest that Coprothermobacter sp. may be pivotal in landfill leachate microbiomes for thermophilic PCL biodegradation across varying conditions. The anaerobic microbial community was dominated by hydrogenotrophic methanogens assigned to Methanothermobacter sp. (21%), pointing at possible syntrophic interactions with Coprothermobacter sp. (a H2-producer) during PCL biodegradation. In the aerobic experiments, fungi dominated the eukaryotic microbial community (e.g., Exophiala (41%), Penicillium (17%), and Mucor (18%)), suggesting that aerobic PCL biodegradation by LL involves collaboration between fungi and bacteria. Our findings bring insights on the microbial communities and microbial interactions mediating plastic biodegradation, offering valuable perspectives for plastic pollution mitigation.
Membrane protein Bcsdr2 mediates biofilm integrity, hyphal growth and virulence of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Zhang Wei , Cao Yi , Li Hua , Rasmey Abdel-Hamied M. , Zhang Kecheng , Shi Liming , Ge Beibei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea is a devastating disease responsible for large losses to agricultural production, and B. cinerea is a necrotrophic model fungal plant pathogen. Membrane proteins are important targets of fungicides and hotspots in the research and development of fungicide products. Wuyiencin affects the permeability and pathogenicity of B. cinerea, parallel reaction monitoring revealed the association of membrane protein Bcsdr2, and the bacteriostatic mechanism of wuyiencin was elucidated. In the present work, we generated and characterised ΔBcsdr2 deletion and complemented mutant B. cinerea strains. The ΔBcsdr2 deletion mutants exhibited biofilm loss and dissolution, and their functional activity was illustrated by reduced necrotic colonisation on strawberry and grape fruits. Targeted deletion of Bcsdr2 also blocked several phenotypic defects in aspects of mycelial growth, conidiation and virulence. All phenotypic defects were restored by targeted gene complementation. The roles of Bcsdr2 in biofilms and pathogenicity were also supported by quantitative real-time RT-PCR results showing that phosphatidylserine decarboxylase synthesis gene Bcpsd and chitin synthase gene BcCHSVII were downregulated in the early stages of infection for the ΔBcsdr2 strain. The results suggest that Bcsdr2 plays important roles in regulating various cellular processes in B. cinerea.

Key points
• The mechanism of wuyiencin inhibits B. cinerea is closely associated with membrane proteins.
• Wuyiencin can downregulate the expression of the membrane protein Bcsdr2 in B. cinerea.
• Bcsdr2 is involved in regulating B. cinerea virulence, growth and development.
Treatment of chronic and complex meniscal tears with arthroscopic meniscus repair augmented with collagen matrix wrapping: failure rate and functional outcomes
Authors: Vicens Marga H. , Pujol Oriol , Portas-Torres Irene , Aguilar Marc , Joshi Nayana , Minguell Joan , Castellet Enric , Casaccia Marcelo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Meniscal wrapping is a fully arthroscopic technique that involves enhanced meniscal repair with a tissue-engineered collagen matrix wrapping. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using the meniscal wrapping technique for the treatment of chronic or complex meniscal tears. The primary objective is to assess its failure rate. The secondary objectives are to analyse complication rate, functional outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.

Methods
This retrospective case series study included patients who sustained chronic and complex tears undergoing meniscal wrapping with autologous liquid bone marrow injection. Failure rate was considered if the patient underwent partial or complete meniscectomy or knee replacement during the follow-up, while other unexpected knee reoperations were considered as complications. Clinical outcomes were evaluated through the IKDC score, Tegner Activity Score and Short Assessment of Patient Satisfaction.

Results
Twenty-one patients were included (15 non-acute bucket-handle tears, three non-acute horizontal tears and three non-acute complex injuries). The failure rate was 9.5% at 33 months. The rate of other unplanned reoperations was 14.3%, but none of these complications were apparently directly related to the wrapping technique. The average postoperative IKDC was 73.3/100. No statistically significant difference was encountered between preinjury and postoperative Tegner Activity Score. The mean overall patient satisfaction was 88.3/100.

Conclusions
Meniscal wrapping can be safely used as an adjunctive technique to meniscal repair in such difficult-to-treat cases to preserve the meniscus. The technique achieves a low failure rate and promising results of knee function, and patient satisfaction.
Individual flexibility in group foraging behaviour of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi)
Authors: Murray Annie , Royauté Raphaël , Stevens Guy M. W. , Roberts Callum , Arnold Kathryn E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Flexibility in animal foraging strategies can increase overall feeding efficiency for individuals. For example, group foraging can increase the efficiency of resource exploitation; conversely solo foraging can reduce intraspecific competition, particularly at low resource densities. The cost–benefit trade-off of such flexibility is likely to differ within and among individuals. Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are large filter-feeding elasmobranchs that often aggregate to feed on ephemeral upwellings of zooplankton. Over three years in the Maldives, we free-dived to film 3106 foraging events involving 343 individually identifiable M. alfredi. Individuals fed either solo or in groups with a clear leader plus between one and eight followers. M. alfredi were significantly more likely to forage in groups than solo at high just prior to high tide and when aggregations were larger. Within aggregations, individuals foraged in larger groups when more food was available, and when the overall aggregations were relatively large suggesting that foraging in large groups was more beneficial when food is abundant, and the costs of intraspecific competition were outweighed by the efficiency resulting from group foraging strategies. Females, the larger sex, were more likely to lead foraging groups than males. The high within-individual variance (over 70%), suggested individuals were unpredictable across all foraging behaviours, thus individual M. alfredi cannot be classified into foraging types or specialists. Instead, each individual was capable of considerable behavioural flexibility, as predicted for a species reliant on spatially and temporally ephemeral resources.

Significance statement
Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, are at risk from targeted and by-catch fisheries due to their slow life history and aggregative behaviour. M. alfredi feed together in aggregations on short-lived glut of microscopic zooplankton. Over three years in the Maldives, we filmed 3106 foraging events involving 343 individually identifiable M. alfredi. Manta rays were more likely to forage in groups than solo just prior to high tide and when aggregations were larger, attracted by the influx of zooplankton. Foraging groups included more individuals when plankton was more abundant. However, individuals flipped between solo and group foraging and did not specialise. Foraging groups were most often led by females, the larger sex. Individuals were very flexible in how they foraged, which makes sense for a species that relies on a food source that varies enormously in when, where and for how long it is available. Understanding manta ray foraging behaviour will help conservation management efforts and predict their responses to climate change.
A three-dimensional extension of the slope chain code: analyzing the tortuosity of the flagellar beat of human sperm
Authors: Bribiesca-Sánchez Andrés , Guzmán Adolfo , Montoya Fernando , Díaz-Guerrero Dan S. , Hernández Haydeé O. , Hernández-Herrera Paul , Darszon Alberto , Corkidi Gabriel , Bribiesca Ernesto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the realm of 3D image processing, accurately representing the geometric nuances of line curves is crucial. Building upon the foundation set by the slope chain code, which adeptly represents intricate two-dimensional curves using an array capturing the exterior angles at each vertex, this study introduces an innovative 3D encoding method tailored for polygonal curves. This 3D encoding employs parallel slope and torsion chains, ensuring invariance to common transformations like translations, rotations, and uniform scaling, while also demonstrating robustness against mirror imaging and variable starting points. A hallmark feature of this method is its ability to compute tortuosity, a descriptor of curve complexity or winding nature. By applying this technique to biomedical engineering, we delved into the flagellar beat patterns of human sperm. These insights underscore the versatility of our 3D encoding across diverse computer vision applications.
A second life for mining waste as an amendment for soil remediation
Authors: Salgado Lorena , Aparicio Laura , Afif Elías , Fernández-López Esther , Gallego Jose R. , Forján Rubén 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMining is a cornerstone of the productive system, particularly in sectors, such as renewable energy and electronic equipment production, where its significance is anticipated to grow in the coming years. Aligned with the principles of Nature-Based Solutions and Zero Waste policies, recycling mining waste as soil amendments could concurrently restore degraded areas and reduce the disposal of mining waste. In this context, we aimed to remediate a post-mining soil primarily impacted by heavy metal pollution using an alkaline waste generated in dunite exploitation, either in combination with compost or independently in field conditions. The objectives were to minimize heavy metal(loid)s mobility (As, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Se), to improve soil health, and stimulate plant growth (phytoremediation, Lolium perenne L. was used). Results revealed that the combination of dunite and compost successfully reduced the concentrations of available Cu and Ni in the soil by more than four times, significantly enhanced soil properties, and promoted the harvest of a greater biomass. Additionally, Lolium perenne L. demonstrated phytostabilizing capacity for Cu and Ni in the soil treated with the amendments. In conclusion, the utilization of combined dunite-based and organic amendments proves to be a favorable strategy for restoring polluted post-mining soils.
Unravelling urban nesting site selection in an opportunistic gull: an integrated analysis of micro-spatial habitat and litter quantification
Authors: Martín-Vélez Víctor , Domingo Joana , Cardador Laura , Montalvo Tomas , Navarro Joan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe proliferation of gull populations in urban areas has led to an increase in human-gull conflicts, especially in highly populated cities where these opportunistic predators are often considered a nuisance. There is a lack of data regarding the selection of nesting sites by gulls, so management measures at nesting level cannot be implemented. Here, we investigated the main environmental factors that explain the nesting preferences of the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) in urban areas, using the population in the city of Barcelona (NE Spain) as study model. We conducted an integrated analysis that combines micro-scale habitat selection assessments of 148 urban nesting sites with a macro-scale assessment of gull movements derived from GPS tracking of breeding yellow-legged gulls. We also analysed the type and abundance of litter in nests and main factors related to this. Nests were mainly found on flat roofs or above a structure on the main roof located at corner placements and situated on gravel substrate. Nest selection showed a negative relation to port distance and a building height beyond 12 m. The presence of litter was detected in more than 80% nests and was related to population density. Understanding the ecology of yellow-legged gulls in urban areas has implications for urban population management to prevent nest establishment.
Deceleration captured by InSAR after local stabilization works in a slow-moving landslide: the case of Arcos de la Frontera (SW Spain)
Authors: Bru Guadalupe , Ezquerro Pablo , Azañón Jose M. , Mateos Rosa M. , Tsige Meaza , Béjar-Pizarro Marta , Guardiola-Albert Carolina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInterferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is a remote sensing tool used for monitoring urban areas affected by geological hazards. Here we analysed the effectiveness of stabilization works on a slow-moving landslide in Arcos de La Frontera (Cádiz, Spain) using a persistent scatterer interferometric approach. The works consisted on jet grouting of cement-based injections and were applied locally to stabilize the most damaged neighbourhood. We processed a large stack of Sentinel-1 SAR satellite acquisitions covering the period January, 2016, to March, 2023, and obtained surface velocity and displacement trends measured along the line of sight (LOS) of the satellite on both ascending and descending orbits. The results show a clear deceleration of the landslide head after mid-2018, suggesting the local stabilization works were effective after that time. Prior to mid-2018, the maximum LOS velocity of the landslide head was 2.2 cm/year in ascending orbit and 1.3 cm/year in the descending orbit, decreasing to 0.43 cm/year and 0.23 cm/year, respectively. The InSAR results were compared to in-situ monitoring data and revealed that the extent of the stabilization has influenced a much larger area beyond the zone of the local interventions. Overall, InSAR has proved a powerful and versatile tool to be implemented in operational geotechnical monitoring.
Ticks and spirochetes of the genus Borrelia in urban areas of Central-Western Poland
Authors: Ciebiera Olaf , Grochowalska Renata , Łopińska Andżelina , Zduniak Piotr , Strzała Tomasz , Jerzak Leszek 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDue to the extensive use of green urban areas as recreation places, city residents are exposed to tick-borne pathogens. The objectives of our study were (i) to determine the occurrence of ticks in urban green areas, focussing on areas used by humans such as parks, schools and kindergartens, and urban forests, and (ii) to assess the prevalence of Borrelia infections in ticks in Zielona Góra, a medium-sized city in western Poland. A total of 161 ticks representing the two species Ixodes ricinus (34 males, 51 females, 30 nymphs) and Dermacentor reticulatus (20 males, 26 females) were collected from 29 of 72 (40.3%) study sites. In total, 26.1% of the ticks (85.7% of I. ricinus and 14.3% of D. reticulatus) yielded DNA of Borrelia. The difference in the infection rate between I. ricinus and D. reticulatus was significant. Among infected ticks, the most frequent spirochete species were B. lusitaniae (50.0%) and B. afzelii (26.2%), followed by B. spielmanii (9.5%), B. valaisiana (7.1%), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, (4.8%) and B. miyamotoi (2.4%). No co-infections were found. We did not observe a correlation in the occurrence of Borrelia spirochetes in ticks found in individual study sites that differed in terms of habitat type and height of vegetation. Our findings demonstrate that the Borrelia transmission cycles are active within urban habitats, pointing the need for monitoring of tick-borne pathogens in public green areas. They could serve as guidelines for authorities for the proper management of urban green spaces in a way that may limit tick populations and the potential health risks posed by tick-borne pathogens.
Effect of Enterococcus faecalis infection on some immune parameters, immune genes expression and tissue pathology of Argyrosomus regius
Authors: Aboyadak Ibrahim Mohamed , Ali Nadia Gabr 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEnterococcus faecalis is a newly emerged fish pathogen affecting many cultured fish species. The present work aimed to determine the cause of mortalities affecting the cultured Meagre farm and study the infectious agent virulence, disease pathology. Also, to determine the influence of infection on complement 3, cyclooxygenase, and lysozyme gene expression and concentrations in fish serum. The internal organs of diseased fish were severely congested with the presence of petechial haemorrhages on the liver, gonads, and all over the elementary tract. Thirty-one bacterial isolates were recovered from naturally infected fish; seventeen were identified biochemically as E. faecalis. Random E. faecalis isolate was verified for pathogenicity in meager fingerlings and was indeed pathogenic with lethal dose-fifty (LD50) estimated by 4.6 × 106 colony forming unit (CFU) fish−1. The posterior kidney and hepatopancreas of experimentally infected fish showed severe inflammation, necrosis, degeneration, and haemorrhage. Detachment of mucosa lining the stomach and intestine (intestinal villi and gastric glands) was prominent. The examined gastric tissues exhibited inflammation, leucocytic infiltration, and congestion. The expression of C3, Cox2, and Lyz was upregulated 24-h post-infection and then decreased near the baseline at 96 h. Serum C 3 and Lyz concentrations peaked at 24 h and 48 h after that decreased. IgM level gradually increased with time and peaked at 96 h. In conclusion, E. faecalis is assumed pathogenic for cultured meager, experimental infection stimulated immune systems and upregulated the expression of some immune-related genes.