bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Citrate polymer optical fiber for measuring refractive index based on LSPR sensor
Authors: Arefnia Fatemeh , Zibaii Mohammad Ismail , Layeghi Azam , Rostami Soroush , Babakhani-Fard Mohammad-Mahdi , Moghadam Fatemeh Mortazavi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFiber optic localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensors have become an effective tool in refractive index (RI) detection for biomedical applications because of their high sensitivity. However, using conventional optical fiber has caused limitations in implanting the sensor in the body. This research presents the design and construction of a new type of polymer-based LSPR sensors to address this issue. Also, finite element method (FEM) is used to design the sensor and test it theoretically. The proposed polymer optical fiber (POF) based on citrate is biocompatible, flexible, and degradable, with a rate of 22% and 27 over 12 days. The step RI structure utilizes two polymers for light transmission: poly (octamethylene maleate citrate) (POMC) as the core and poly (octamethylene citrate) (POC) as the cladding. The POF core and cladding diameters and lengths are 700 µm, 1400 µm, and 7 cm, respectively. The coupling efficiency of light to the POF was enhanced using a microsphere fiber optic tip. The obtained results show that the light coupling efficiency increased to 77.8%. Plasma surface treatment was used to immobilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the tip of the POF, as a LSPR-POF sensor. Adsorption kinetics was measured based on the pseudo-first-order model to determine the efficiency of immobilizing AuNPs, in which the adsorption rate constant (k) was obtained be 8.6 × 10–3 min−1. The RI sensitivity of the sensor in the range from 1.3332 to 1.3604 RIU was obtained as 7778%/RIU, and the sensitivity was enhanced ~ 5 times to the previous RI POF sensors. These results are in good agreement with theory and computer simulation. It promises a highly sensitive and label-free detection biosensor for point-of-care applications such as neurosciences.
Punicalagin increases follicular activation, development and activity of superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 1 in cultured bovine ovarian tissues
Authors: Bezerra Vitória S. , Costa Francisco C. , Caetano Filho Francisco F. , Costa José J. N. , de Lima Neto Miguel F. , Furtado Cristiana L. M. , Ceccatto Vânia M. , Araújo Valdevane R. , Silva José R. V. 
Published: August 2024

Context The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro culture of ovarian tissues impairs follicular development and survival. Aims To evaluate the effects of punicalagin on the development and survival of primordial follicles, stromal cell and collagen fibres, as well as on the levels of mRNA for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and perirredoxin 6 (PRDX6), and activity of antioxidant enzymes in cultured bovine ovarian tissues. Methods Bovine ovarian cortical tissues were cultured for 6 days in α-MEM+ alone or with 1.0, 10.0, or 100.0 μM punicalagin at 38.5°C with 5% CO2. Follicle morphology and growth, stromal cell density, and collagen fibres were evaluated by classical histology, while the expression of mRNA was evaluated by real-time PCR. The activity of enzymes was analysed by the Bradford method. Key results Punicalagin improved follicle survival and development, reduced mRNA expression for SOD1 and CAT, but did not influence stromal cells or collagen fibres. Punicalagin (10.0 μM) increased the levels of thiol and activity of SOD1, CAT, and GPX1 enzymes. Conclusions Punicalagin (10.0 μM) promotes follicle survival and development and activates SOD1, CAT, and GPX1 enzymes in bovine ovarian tissues. Implications Punicalagin improves follicle development and survival in cultured ovarian tissues.
Has genomic selection fulfilled its promise?
Authors: Banks Robert G. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Genomic selection has been increasingly implemented since its initial description in 2001. The initial focus of activity was in the dairy industry in the developed world but it has now been adopted in all major livestock species, and adoption is underway in most agronomically important plants. The promise of genomic selection includes increased accuracy of estimation of genetic merit, earlier estimation of genetic merit, the capacity to make improvements in traits previously less tractable to genetic change, and the capacity to estimate genetic merit in animals without phenotypic records.
Each of these benefits has been realised in practice, with the significance of the opportunity varying with species.
At the same time, ease of adoption and realisation of benefits has varied, based on three broad parameters: the availability of suitable (and sufficiently cheap) genotyping tools, the prior extent of systematic recording of phenotypes, and the use of estimates of genetic merit in selection.
The effectiveness of genomic selection depends on the existence and composition of a genomic reference population, and this is the most significant challenge for any industry, breed or breeding program seeking to achieve the available benefits. The challenge is two-fold: first, to ensure that sufficient of the right phenotypes are recorded on the right animals, and second, flowing directly from the first, is to fund the phenotyping effort – and challenges aspects are ongoing. “Right” in the context of both phenotypes and animals means most informative, or relevant to the breeding objective or goal.
No standard approach has been outlined for addressing these challenges, but the review presents some simple conceptual thinking that can assist.
Genomic selection also heightens the importance of ensuring maintenance of genetic diversity, and of monitoring changes in both selected and non-selected traits.
Genomic selection has fulfilled its promise where applied effectively and is increasing scope for genetic improvement both in rate of progress and trait coverage. At the same time, its dependencies must be addressed in order to the potential benefits to be realised, and this will likely require new organisational and funding arrangements in many situations.
Introduction to the concept of effective albumin concentration
Authors: Erstad Brian L 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this article is to discuss how the structural and presumably functional integrity of albumin, as described by the concept of effective albumin concentration (eAlb), has potentially important clinical implications beyond the total albumin concentration (tAlb) routinely reported by clinical laboratories.

Summary
Albumin has several functions beyond its oncotic effects, including molecule binding, substance transport, detoxification actions, and serving as an antioxidant. However, there are conformational changes that occur during or following the manufacture of albumin and during its administration to patients with various disease states, such as decompensated liver disease, that often impair these functions. Such impairments are not reflected in tAlb values reported by clinical laboratories and might explain the disconnect often seen between albumin’s proposed beneficial mechanistic functions and its less-than-predicted clinical effectiveness as noted in published studies. The concept of eAlb has been introduced to describe albumin with structural and functional integrity. Limited studies have found associations between eAlb values and patient prognostic indicators, but the techniques used to decide these effective concentrations to date are complicated and require specialized equipment and experienced researchers for proper interpretation.

Conclusion
Estimation of eAlb may provide valuable information on the functional ability of albumin beyond the tAlb reported by clinical laboratories, but more research is needed to decide how this information is best used in the clinical setting.
Pro-atherogenic medical conditions are associated with widespread regional brain metabolite abnormalities in those with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Durazzo Timothy C , Kraybill Eric P , Stephens Lauren H , May April C , Meyerhoff Dieter J 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
Widespread brain metabolite abnormalities in those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) were reported in numerous studies, but the effects of the pro-atherogenic conditions of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C seropositivity, and hyperlipidemia on metabolite levels were not considered. These conditions were associated with brain metabolite abnormalities in those without AUD. We predicted treatment-seeking individuals with AUD and pro-atherogenic conditions (Atherogenic+) demonstrate lower regional metabolite markers of neuronal viability [N-acetylaspartate (NAA)] and cell membrane turnover/synthesis [choline-containing compounds (Cho)], compared with those with AUD without pro-atherogenic conditions (Atherogenic−) and healthy controls (CON).

Methods
Atherogenic+ (n = 59) and Atherogenic− (n = 51) and CON (n = 49) completed a 1.5 T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging study. Groups were compared on NAA, Cho, total creatine, and myoinositol in cortical gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and select subcortical regions.

Results
Atherogenic+ had lower frontal GM and temporal WM NAA than CON. Atherogenic+ showed lower parietal GM, frontal, parietal and occipital WM and lenticular nuclei NAA level than Atherogenic− and CON. Atherogenic− showed lower frontal GM and WM NAA than CON. Atherogenic+ had lower Cho level than CON in the frontal GM, parietal WM, and thalamus. Atherogenic+ showed lower frontal WM and cerebellar vermis Cho than Atherogenic− and CON.

Conclusions
Findings suggest proatherogenic conditions in those with AUD were associated with increased compromise of neuronal integrity and cell membrane turnover/synthesis. The greater metabolite abnormalities observed in Atherogenic+ may relate to increased oxidative stress-related compromise of neuronal and glial cell structure and/or impaired arterial vasoreactivity/lumen viability.
Pan-lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis reference genome for enhanced molecular diagnosis
Authors: Bahk Kunhyung , Sung Joohon , Seki Mitsuko , Kim Kyungjong , Kim Jina , Choi Hongjo , Whang Jake , Mitarai Satoshi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) control, whole genome sequencing-based molecular drug susceptibility testing (molDST-WGS) has emerged as a pivotal tool. However, the current reliance on a single-strain reference limits molDST-WGS’s true potential. To address this, we introduce a new pan-lineage reference genome, ‘MtbRf’. We assembled ‘unmapped’ reads from 3,614 MTB genomes (751 L1; 881 L2; 1,700 L3; and 282 L4) into 35 shared, annotated contigs (54 coding sequences [CDSs]). We constructed MtbRf through: (1) searching for contig homologues among genome database that precipitate results uniquely within Mycobacteria genus; (2) comparing genomes with H37Rv (‘lift-over’) to define 18 insertions; and (3) filling gaps in H37Rv with insertions. MtbRf adds 1.18% sequences to H37rv, salvaging &gt;60% of previously unmapped reads. Transcriptomics confirmed gene expression of new CDSs. The new variants provided a moderate DST predictive value (AUROC 0.60–0.75). MtbRf thus unveils previously hidden genomic information and lays the foundation for lineage-specific molDST-WGS.
Cutting the Gordian knot of diuretic resistance using continuous ultrafiltration in a Holt–Oram patient with decompensated heart failure and Eisenmenger syndrome: a case report
Authors: Dimitroglou Yannis , Mantzouranis Emmanouil , Chrysohoou Christina , Brili Stella , Tsioufis Konstantinos 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Continuous ultrafiltration consists a decongestion method for patients with refractory decompensated heart failure with diuretic resistance as it enables the energetic withdrawal of isotonic fluid under controlled rate according to the patient’s vital signs, offering decongestion without exceeding plasma refill rate.

Case summary
A 62-year-old male with history of Holt–Oram syndrome with Eisenmenger physiology presented with worsening dyspnoea. Patient initial clinical and laboratory examination, renal vein ultrasound, and echocardiogram were consistent with significant congestion. A combined strategy of intravenous furosemide with early initiation of continuous ultrafiltration at an adjustable rate for 4 days was finally selected. Patient remained haemodynamically stable during the total treatment time and exhibited significant clinical and laboratory improvement. Consecutive renal vein ultrasounds and echocardiograms demonstrated a continuous and steady recession of congestion. During the 4 days of ultrafiltration, total fluid loss was estimated at 42 L. Patient remained asymptomatic without signs of worsened congestion at 1, 3, and 5 months follow-up.

Discussion
Our case depicts that continuous ultrafiltration without exceeding plasma refill rate allows an impaired right ventricle to maintain significant preload. This suggests that it might be considered for patients in whom a session of short classic ultrafiltration might have detrimental results regarding cardiac output.
Mitral valve repair in ventricular functional mitral regurgitation: a simplified technique of papillary muscles relocation
Authors: Girdauskas Evaldas , Owais Tamer , Dumps Christian , Favot Elisa , Tomšič Anton 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Mitral valve repair techniques in ventricular functional mitral regurgitation are controversial due to ongoing debates about long-term repair durability in the setting of left ventricular remodelling. To address the limitations of conventional annuloplasty, subannular techniques, such as papillary muscle relocation, have been developed. However, the limited reproducibility of these techniques has hindered their widespread adoption. In this context, we introduce a simplified and reproducible method for papillary muscle relocation. This method utilizes transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance and premeasured polytetrafluoroethylene loops to streamline the procedure.
Moderately thermostable GH1 β-glucosidases from hyperacidophilic archaeon Cuniculiplasma divulgatum S5
Authors: Khusnutdinova Anna N , Tran Hai , Devlekar Saloni , Distaso Marco A , Kublanov Ilya V , Skarina Tatiana , Stogios Peter , Savchenko Alexei , Ferrer Manuel , Golyshina Olga V , Yakunin Alexander F , Golyshin Peter N 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Family GH1 glycosyl hydrolases are ubiquitous in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and are utilized in numerous industrial applications, including bioconversion of lignocelluloses. In this study, hyperacidophilic archaeon Cuniculiplasma divulgatum (S5T=JCM 30642T) was explored as a source of novel carbohydrate-active enzymes. The genome of C. divulgatum encodes three GH1 enzyme candidates, from which CIB12 and CIB13 were heterologously expressed and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis of CIB12 and CIB13 clustered them with β-glucosidases from genuinely thermophilic archaea including Thermoplasma acidophilum, Picrophilus torridus, Sulfolobus solfataricus, Pyrococcus furiosus, and Thermococcus kodakarensis. Purified enzymes showed maximal activities at pH 4.5–6.0 (CIB12) and 4.5–5.5 (CIB13) with optimal temperatures at 50°C, suggesting a high-temperature origin of Cuniculiplasma spp. ancestors. Crystal structures of both enzymes revealed a classical (α/β)8 TIM-barrel fold with the active site located inside the barrel close to the C-termini of β-strands including the catalytic residues Glu204 and Glu388 (CIB12), and Glu204 and Glu385 (CIB13). Both enzymes preferred cellobiose over lactose as substrates and were classified as cellobiohydrolases. Cellobiose addition increased the biomass yield of Cuniculiplasma cultures growing on peptides by 50%, suggesting that the cellobiohydrolases expand the carbon substrate range and hence environmental fitness of Cuniculiplasma.
Self-Employment Transitions and Health Outcomes in Later Life: Evidence From China
Authors: Hu Ting , Chen Yu-Chih , Halvorsen Cal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Self-employment is a vital alternative to waged employment for older workers. Recent research has shown that employment transitions frequently occur when individuals approach retirement. However, evidence of how older people’s health changes when they switch between self and waged employment is lacking, particularly outside Western contexts. To address this research gap, we explored the health impact of employment transitions for the older working population in China by hukou (urban or rural household registration status), region, and education.

Research Design and Methods
We employed fixed effect models to examine the impact of employment transitions on cognitive, mental, and physical health and life satisfaction drawing on data from four waves (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 4,606). Given China’s unique context, we analyzed the results of agricultural and nonagricultural work separately.

Results
Individuals transitioning into or remaining in self-employment had lower self-rated health and life satisfaction than those remaining in waged employment. There was no significant difference in cognitive functioning or depressive symptoms. Additionally, those who transitioned from self-employment into waged employment rated their health worse than those who remained in waged employment. The health impacts were more apparent for agricultural than nonagricultural self-employment, particularly for older workers living in urban regions with rural hukou and lower education levels.

Discussion and Implications
Most older Chinese transitioning into or staying self-employed are or were pushed into self-employment due to their low human capital and socioeconomic status, which affects their subsequent health. Pension reform and policies supporting older adults to stay in the workforce could help close the economic and health gaps between rural and urban older adults.
Constraints on the 2013 Saravan intraslab earthquake using permanent GNSS, InSAR and seismic data
Authors: Amiri Meysam , Walpersdorf Andrea , Mousavi Zahra , Khorrami Fatemeh , Pathier Erwan , Samsonov Sergey V , Saadat Seied Abdolreza , Nankali Hamid Reza , Sedighi Morteza 
Published: August 2024

SUMMARY
On 16 April 2013, an Mw = 7.7 earthquake struck the border of Iran and Pakistan in the central part of the Makran subduction zone with a reported depth of 80 km by USGS. This rare event in this poorly instrumented region helps to shed light on the kinematics of the subducting slab. We investigate source parameters of the Saravan intraslab normal earthquake using RADARSAT-2 SAR images in three ascending tracks, nine permanent GNSS sites and teleseismic data. The maximum coseismic displacement occurred at the SRVN GNSS station with 54.1 mm southeast horizontal and 42.7 mm upward vertical displacements. The coseismic ascending InSAR displacement maps illustrate a continuous and smooth NE-trending elliptical shape deformation pattern with a maximum of ∼29 cm of displacement away from the satellite. We use 25 broad-band teleseismic P-waveforms to estimate the focal mechanism of the main shock. A joint uniform inversion of InSAR, GNSS and teleseismic data reveals a NW-dipping SW-striking fault and a primarily normal-faulting earthquake with a minor right-lateral strike-slip component. The static slip distribution of the InSAR coseismic maps localizes variable slip at depths between 50 and 81 km with a maximum amplitude &gt;3 m at 60–75.5 km depth, rupturing the oceanic crust of the subducted slab. The kinematic slip distribution exhibits a well-constrained slip pattern with a nucleation depth of 65 km. The source time function indicates that the earthquake reaches its maximum moment tensor release at ∼8 and ∼16 s. The NE-trend of the Saravan earthquake slip pattern, the orientation of the volcanic arc, and the distribution of the intraslab intermediate-depth normal earthquakes provide new insights into slab geometry in the central Makran subduction zone. We suggest that the slab bending at the hinge of subducting Arabian Plate is oblique along a NE–SW direction parallel to the volcanic arc rather than the shoreline or deformation front, and it is likely to be the reason for an oblique volcanic arc in the Makran subduction zone. These new constraints on the Makran slab geometry will help further studies in establishing realistic coupling maps for seismic hazard assessment.
Clinically relevant mouse models of severe spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1
Authors: Holbrook Sarah E , Hicks Amy N , Martin Paige B , Hines Timothy J , Castro Harold P , Cox Gregory A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress (SMARD1) is a lethal infantile disease, characterized by the loss of motor neurons leading to muscular atrophy, diaphragmatic paralysis, and weakness in the trunk and limbs. Mutations in IGHMBP2, a ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA helicase, have been shown to cause a wide spectrum of motor neuron disease. Though mutations in IGHMBP2 are mostly associated with SMARD1, milder alleles cause the axonal neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2S (CMT2S), and some null alleles are potentially a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Variant heterogeneity studied using an allelic series can be informative in order to create a broad spectrum of models that better exhibit the human variation. We previously identified the nmd2J mouse model of SMARD1, as well as two milder CMT2S mouse models. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to create three new, more severe Ighmbp2 mouse models of SMARD1, including a null allele, a deletion of C495 (C495del) and a deletion of L362 (L362del). Phenotypic characterization of the IGHMBP2L362del homozygous mutants and IGHMBP2C495del homozygous mutants respectively show a more severe disease presentation than the previous nmd2J model. The IGHMBP2L362del mutants lack a clear denervation in the diaphragm while the IGHMBP2C495del mutants display a neurogenic diaphragmatic phenotype as observed in SMARD1 patients. Characterization of the Ighmbp2-null model indicated neo-natal lethality (median lifespan = 0.5 days). These novel strains expand the spectrum of SMARD1 models to better reflect the clinical continuum observed in the human patients with various IGHMBP2 recessive mutations.
Influencing factors of rural residents’ household waste classification habits: evidence from Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Liu Changjin , Li Chuanqi , Li Ning , Yang Jing , Teng Yuhua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Guiding rural residents to develop the habit of sorting household waste is an effective way to address resource waste and environmental pollution. However, in existing research, scholars generally focus on the influencing factors of household garbage classification behavior, lacking research on unconscious habits. Therefore, based on the survey data of China’s first national ecological civilization pilot zone in Jiangxi, this study used a multiple regression model to comprehensively investigate the factors affecting the sorting habits of rural residents from the aspects of individual and situational factors. Results showed that factors such as communication diffusion policy, garbage sorting facilities, economic incentives, garbage sorting behavior frequency, new media use, environmental emotion, and environmental cognition exert a significant positive influence on guiding rural residents toward adopting garbage sorting habits. In addition, heterogeneity analysis underscores notable variations in influencing factors across different age groups and education levels among rural residents. The findings contribute to the expansion of the current knowledge landscape pertaining to residents’ behavior habits. Importantly, this study provides new ideas methodologies for effectively guiding rural residents in cultivating the habit of household garbage classification.