bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Load monitoring of a helicopter inceptor through efficient FBG sensors placement
Authors: Ballarin Pietro , Marchesoli Davide , Zanet Davide Pio Loco , Rigamonti Daniela , Zanoni Andrea 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The implementation of fly-by-wire technologies on rotorcraft requires the knowledge of the loads exerted by the pilot on the command chain during the flight; however, it is not easy to retrieve such information. In this work, a novel composite sensorized helicopter inceptor is developed aimed at monitoring the loads applied by the pilot during the flight for the entire helicopter lifecycle. The inceptor is produced using a soluble mandrel, and the connection elements are produced in polymeric material, allowing the connection of the optical fiber carrying the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to the interrogation system. Two prototypes of inceptor are manufactured, the first is produced with the aim to calibrate the Finite Element (FE) model of the component. Then the model is exploited to perform a sensor placement optimization based on the minimization of the condition number of the system using a Genetic Algorithm. The second prototype is produced positioning the FBG sensors according to the output of the optimization. Results show that a satisfactory load identification capability is obtained using only two sensors positioned according to the optimization technique. A comparison is also performed using the first prototype equipped with four strain gauges positioned using qualitative criteria: results show that a better load identification quality is obtained with only two sensors positioned according to the placement optimization technique. This work demonstrates the feasibility of a composite sensorized helicopter inceptor, characterized by a complex geometry, capable to provide satisfactory load identification quality with a limited number of sensors.
Microbiological diversity among patients with Lemierre syndrome and clinical implications: an individual patient-level analysis
Authors: Frehner Maurus , Fumagalli Riccardo M. , Brugger Silvio D. , Cardi Silvia , Catalani Filippo , Trinchero Alice , Pecci Alessandro , Kucher Nils , Valerio Luca , Barco Stefano 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Lemierre syndrome is a rare condition traditionally defined by bacterial infection of the head/neck region, local thrombophlebitis, and septic embolism. Although in most cases Fusobacterium necrophorum is isolated, it is questionable whether the presence of this microbe is mandatory for diagnosis. In this study, we investigated microorganisms isolated in cases of Lemierre syndrome and their association with demographical and clinical features.

Methods
We conducted an analysis of individual patient data from 712 patients diagnosed with Lemierre syndrome. Demographics, clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and outcomes according to different pathogens were evaluated.

Results
Among a total of 712 patients, in 574 cases bacterial growth was detected. In 415 patients Fusobacterium spp. was isolated, in 108 either Streptococcus spp. or Staphylococcus spp., and in 51 other bacteria. Patients with different bacteria differed markedly in age, site of preceding infections, clinical presentation, and treatment. Fusobacterium spp. was typically isolated in younger patients (69% of patients aged 16 to 30 years) while Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were more prevalent in older subjects (30% of patients aged over 45 years). Of all cases with Fusobacterium spp., 63% had a thrombosis of the internal jugular vein and 91% septic embolism, compared with 94% and 69%, respectively, in cases with Streptococcus spp. or Staphylococcus spp.

Conclusion
In contrast to the available literature, our study suggests that Lemierre syndrome may be caused by multiple bacterial species, and that the clinical presentation and course may vary according to the specific bacterial species involved.
Evaluation of fluid status in patients with acromegaly through bioelectrical impedance vector analysis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Varaldo Emanuele , Prencipe Nunzia , Berton Alessandro Maria , Cuboni Daniela , Aversa Luigi Simone , Sibilla Michela , Mocellini Francesca , Bioletto Fabio , Ghigo Ezio , Gasco Valentina , Grottoli Silvia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The acromegalic state is associated with an increase in total body water and sodium. The aim of our study was to assess the hydration status of patients with acromegaly using bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA), differentiating patients according to their disease status (active, medically controlled or cured) and to compare the confidence and tolerance ellipses of BIVA in those patients in relation to a reference healthy population.

Methods
We analyzed data from 73 consecutive patients aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with acromegaly and undergoing regular follow-up at our Division for whom a BIVA analysis was available. Patients were evaluated through BIVA and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), growth hormone (GH), serum sodium and potassium, creatinine, glucose, HbA1c and plasma and urine osmolality were collected. Exclusion criteria were concurrent presence of arginine-vasopressin deficiency, dysnatremia or the presence of pathologies known to significantly alter the extracellular fluid.

Results
Sixty-nine patients (M/F 34/35, age 60 ± 14 years) were enrolled in the study. As expected, patients with active disease (n = 22) presented higher IGF-I and GH levels compared to other subjects. Patients with controlled disease (n = 33) were significantly older than other individuals (p = 0.028 vs. active disease, p = 0.024 vs. cured disease). Compared to a reference healthy population, patients with either active or medically controlled disease showed significant fluid overload (p < 0.0001 for both males and females) and BIVA confidence analysis demonstrated that there were no significant differences in hydration status between the two groups (p = 0.363). On the other hand, patients with cured disease (n = 14) showed reduced hydration status compared to patients with active disease (p = 0.016), although no difference was observed compared to patients with controlled disease (p = 0.308).

Conclusion
The results of our study demonstrate that patients with either active or medically controlled acromegaly present a significant overhydration compared to a healthy reference population and that alterations in body water content usually improve in individuals with cured disease.
Fire-weather conditions during two fires in Southern Portugal: Meteorology, Orography, and Fuel Characteristics
Authors: Purificação Carolina , Santos Filippe L. M. , Henkes Alice , Kartsios Stergios , Couto Flavio Tiago 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The interactions between meteorology, orography and fuel have a major impact on fire dynamics, influencing its behaviour. This study presents the results about the atmospheric environment and surface aspects of two wildfires that occurred in Southern Portugal. Two numerical simulations were performed by the Meso-NH atmospheric model using a two-way nested domain configuration with horizontal resolutions of 2500 m and 500 m, respectively. Furthermore, observations of land use/land cover and live fuel moisture content analysis for each wildfire were used to understand the land occupation and vegetation dynamics. Both cases present significant fuel variability with low live fuel moisture content, showing high probability of fire occurrence over the region. The analysis of Castro Marim’s fire with ignition during the nighttime, presented critical fire weather conditions, namely high air temperatures and low relative humidity, even overnight. Furthermore, the interaction of the northerly flow with the local terrain led to the spread of the fire to southeast and south westward. In the second case study, Odemira’s fire exhibited a complex environment marked by continual shifts in wind direction. However, the study highlights the strong southeasterly flow prevailing from the Gibraltar Strait reaching the Algarve region and producing intense winds in the local mountains. Algarve region contains forest species such as maritime pine and eucalyptus in large variations of altitude that are highly susceptible to the occurrence of wildfires if the forests are not adequately manage, significantly threatening the safety of front-line firefighters. In a regional context, the present study shows that the use of atmospheric modelling can be useful in assessing fire risk when also the surface aspects obtained from remote sensing observations are considered.
Animal Bodies and Futures: Rethinking Ethical Implications of Cultivated Meat and Fish
Authors: Ferrari Arianna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper critically examines the ethical discourse surrounding cultivated meat and fish, arguing that it has largely remained confined to theoretical or speculative discussions, neglecting the practical and evolving implications of this emerging technology—particularly in relation to the continued involvement of animals in its production. I demonstrate that a significant gap exists in the assessment of the impact on animal bodies during cell harvesting and cultivation, leading to a distorted or incomplete understanding of the normative dimensions of this innovation. The paper further addresses the often-overlooked issue of “animal futures,” particularly the treatment of animals post-biopsy, and the ethical concerns surrounding the breeding of animals specifically for stem cell production. It critiques the lack of foresight in current ethical discussions, which fail to adequately consider the long-term lives of animals involved in the production of cultivated meat. Advocating for a more comprehensive ethical framework, the paper calls for a deeper, more nuanced consideration of both the immediate and future welfare of these animals. In doing so, the paper stresses that ethical reflection should not be an afterthought but an integral part of technological development—one that must influence both its design and its evolution. Through this analysis, the paper aims to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse on the ethics of cultivated meat, urging a rethinking of the relationship between technological progress and animal welfare and rights.
Evaluating ChatGPT’s Accuracy and Helpfulness in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Queries Compared to Traditional Search Engines: A New Era of Health Information Retrieval
Authors: Lahoud Chloe , Tawfik Mark , Di Pietro Gaetano , Andrawes Sherif 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is exponentially growing across medical specialties, offering numerous advantages over traditional search engines. This manuscript aims to fill this gap by evaluating the performance of the AI system ChatGPT in the context of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) related queries compared to traditional search engine responses. We compared the AI system ChatGPT 3.5 with the traditional search engine Google. Six standardized queries on GERD topics (definition, risk factors, diagnosis, symptoms, and management) were generated using Google’s auto-completions. Responses from ChatGPT 3.5 and Google were evaluated for accuracy and helpfulness using a five-point Likert scale by three independent gastroenterology experts. Statistical analysis was performed using Python. For accuracy, ChatGPT received average ratings of 5, 4.67, and 4.67, while traditional search engines scored 4.83, 4.33, and 3.33 (p-values 0.363, 0.105, 0.001). For helpfulness, ChatGPT was rated 5, 4.67, and 4.83, compared to 4.33, 4, and 3.33 for traditional search engines (p-values 0.012, 0.025, 0.004). Evaluator 3 found ChatGPT significantly more accurate, while evaluators 1 and 2 saw no significant difference. All three evaluators rated ChatGPT as significantly more helpful. Overall, ChatGPT received higher ratings for both accuracy and helpfulness. This study demonstrates that AI systems like ChatGPT 3.5 provide more accurate and useful information on GERD than traditional search engines like Google. AI can enhance patient education and decision-making, though further research is needed to confirm its reliability across other topics.
Molecular mechanisms of Mmd2 gene in regulating growth of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Si Shuqing , Zhang Xiaojun , Yu Yang , Zhong Xiaoyun , Zhang Xiaoxi , Yuan Jianbo , Chu Ka Hou , Li Fuhua 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Growth of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, the most important farmed crustacean, has consistently been a focal point for breeders. Over the past decades, some candidate genes for shrimp growth have been identified. However, further research is needed to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanism of these genes. LvMmd2 was previously identified as a candidate gene that may inhibit the growth of L. vannamei. In this study, we analyzed the genotype and expression of the LvMmd2 gene in a breeding family and indicated its role as a growth-inhibiting gene. We found that LvMmd2 co-localized with its homolog LvPAQR3 at the Golgi apparatus. Using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and DUAL membrane system yeast two-hybrid (MbY2H), we indicated the interactions between LvMmd2 and LvPAQR3, LvPAQR3 and LvRaf1, as well as LvMmd2 and LvRho. These results suggest that LvMmd2 directly and indirectly regulates the Ras signaling pathway. Furthermore, we show that the LvMmd2 gene may indirectly affect the PI3K/AKT, insulin, and Hippo signaling pathways to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation via LvPAQR3 and LvRaf1. Through transcriptome and MbY2H analyses, we have also revealed the interaction between LvMmd2 and proteins involved in growth, immunity, protein transport, synthesis, and modification. These findings demonstrate the various molecular pathways through which LvMmd2 regulates L. vannamei growth. This study provides insights into the mechanism of shrimp growth regulated by Mmd2, enhances our understanding of LvMmd2 function, and highlights its potential application in shrimp breeding.
Young infants’ exposure to parabens: lotion use as a potential source of exposure
Authors: Boxer Elizabeth , Zhong Yilin , Levasseur Jessica , Stapleton Heather M. , Hoffman Kate 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Parabens are widely used as antimicrobials in personal care products and pharmaceuticals. While previous studies demonstrate paraben exposure is ubiquitous, data investigating infants’ exposure is limited.

Objective
We sought to characterize infants’ exposure to parabens and identify factors associated with higher levels of exposure.

Methods
Families enrolled in the CHildren’s Immune ResPonse Study between 2016-2018. Parents completed questionnaires, providing information on demographics and lifestyle factors. Urine samples were collected when infants were 1 to 3 months old (n = 71) and 12 months old (n = 29), with 18 infants evaluated at both ages. Parabens were measured in urine samples using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and served as an indicator of exposure.

Results
Methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), and propylparaben (PP) were detected in >70% of urine samples, and concentrations ranged several orders of magnitude (specific-gravity-corrected medians: MP = 25.4 PP = 3.55; EP = 0.90 ng/mL). Butylparaben was detected less frequently (<50%). Paraben concentrations were lower than those reported for older children and adults; however, we did not find statistically significant differences in paraben concentrations by infant age. Correlations between measurements taken over time were poor, suggesting paraben exposure is variable, and multiple measurements are needed to capture cumulative exposure information. We observed differences in exposure by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status; non-White infants and infants whose parents completed less education had higher paraben exposure. Recent lotion usage strongly predicted paraben exposure in 1–3-month-olds. For example, infants using lotion in the past seven days had urinary MP concentrations 355% higher than infants without lotion usage (eß = 4.55, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.68, 12.55, p < 0.001). Together, our results suggest infants are ubiquitously exposed to parabens and personal care product use may be an important source of exposure.

Impact

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to report paraben levels and evaluate predictors of exposure in infants. This study supports the hypothesis that universal exposure to parabens extends to infants, as indicated by urinary biomarker concentrations. Of the predictors evaluated, lotion use in the last seven days was the strongest predictor of exposure in 1-3-month-olds. Given infant paraben levels are strongly correlated to lotion use, there may be an opportunity for parents to reduce paraben exposure by limiting its application or consulting ingredient labels to ensure no parabens are present.
REM density predicts rapid antidepressant response to ketamine in individuals with treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Kheirkhah Mina , Duncan Wallace C. , Yuan Qiaoping , Wang Philip R. , Jamalabadi Hamidreza , Leistritz Lutz , Walter Martin , Goldman David , Zarate Carlos A. , Hejazi Nadia S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Abnormalities during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep contribute to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), but few studies have explored the relationship between REM sleep and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In MDD, REM sleep abnormalities often manifest as alterations in total night REM Density (RD), RD in the first REM period (RD1), and REM Latency (RL). Among these, RD1 is notably considered a potential endophenotype of depression. This study compared REM sleep markers between 63 drug-free individuals with TRD (39 F/24 M) and 41 healthy volunteers (25 F/16 M). It also investigated the effects of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, on these REM sleep variables. Specifically, the study investigated whether RD1 could predict antidepressant response to ketamine. TRD participants showed higher RD1 and shorter RL at baseline compared to HVs, as assessed via non-parametric tests, but Total Night RD did not differ between the two groups. Ketamine treatment decreased RD1 in TRD participants but did not affect Total Night RD or RL. As assessed via the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, baseline RD1 level moderately predicted antidepressant response to ketamine versus non-response (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.73, with a median accuracy of 0.75), wherein TRD participants with higher baseline RD1 were more likely to respond to ketamine. These results underscore the utility of RD1 for identifying individuals most likely to benefit from ketamine treatment, enabling more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies. Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00088699, NCT01204918.
Nucleolar NOL9 regulated by DNA methylation promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Xiyao , Song Xin , Zheng Xingrong , Qian Tinglin , Zhang Boxiang , Wu Lina , Lian Qinghai , Chen Jia , Luo Qiumin , Xu Wenxiong , Peng Liang , Xie Chan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis (RiboSis) and ribosomal stress are critical in tumor progression, positioning RiboSis as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment and for overcoming drug resistance. In this study, we examined the role of RiboSis in the progression from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing specifically on nucleolar protein 9 (NOL9) and its influence on HCC pathogenesis and therapeutic response. Our findings showed that NOL9 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues, correlating with larger tumor sizes and more advanced pathological grades. High levels of NOL9 expression were associated with unfavorable prognosis in both the TCGA-LIHC and our HCC cohorts. Functional assays indicated that NOL9 regulated HCC cell proliferation and apoptosis; specifically, NOL9 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while overexpression enhanced these processes. In vivo studies confirmed that NOL9 depletion reduced tumor growth. Mechanistically, NOL9 expression was regulated by DNA methylation and the transcription factor ZNF384. Our DNA methylation analysis revealed an inverse correlation between NOL9 expression and methylation at specific CpG sites, implicating DNMT1 in its epigenetic regulation. Additionally, NOL9-mediated cell proliferation was dependent on activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study highlights the multifaceted role of NOL9 in HCC pathogenesis, underscoring its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
The integrated stress response engages a cell-autonomous, ligand-independent, DR5-driven apoptosis switch
Authors: Zappa Francesca , Muniozguren Nerea L. , Conrad Julia E. , Acosta-Alvear Diego 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The integrated stress response (ISR) is a fundamental signaling network that leverages the cell’s biosynthetic capacity against different stresses to restore homeostasis. However, when homeostasis is unattainable, the ISR switches to drive cell death and eliminate irreparably damaged cells. Previous work has shown that persistent activity of the ISR kinase PERK during unyielding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces apoptosis downstream of death receptor 5 (DR5) [1]. ER stress provides activating signals that engage the ectodomain (ED) of DR5 to drive its unconventional activation in the Golgi apparatus [1, 2]. Here, using chemical genetics to uncouple stress sensing from ISR activation, we found that DR5 signaling from the Golgi apparatus is integral to the ISR and not specific to ER stress. Furthermore, we show that DR5 activation can be driven solely by increased expression and does not require its ED. These findings indicate that a general ISR kill switch eliminates irreversibly injured cells.
CDK8/19 inhibition attenuates G1 arrest induced by BCR-ABL antagonists and accelerates death of chronic myelogenous leukemia cells
Authors: Khamidullina Alvina I. , Yastrebova Margarita A. , Bruter Alexandra V. , Nuzhina Julia V. , Vorobyeva Nadezhda E. , Khrustaleva Anastasia M. , Varlamova Ekaterina A. , Tyakht Alexander V. , Abramenko Iaroslav E. , Ivanova Ekaterina S. , Zamkova Maria A. , Li Jing , Lim Chang-Uk , Chen Mengqian , Broude Eugenia V. , Roninson Igor B. , Shtil Alexander A. , Tatarskiy Victor V. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Imatinib mesylate (IM) and other BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BCR-ABLi) are the mainstay of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) treatment. However, activation of circumventing signaling pathways and quiescence may limit BCR-ABLi efficacy. CDK8/19 Mediator kinases have been implicated in the emergence of non-genetic drug resistance. Dissecting the effects of pharmacological CDK8/19 inhibition on CML survival in response to BCR-ABLi, we found that a selective, non-toxic CDK8/19 inhibitor (CDK8/19i) Senexin B (SenB) and other CDK8/19i sensitized K562 cells to different BCR-ABLi via attenuation of cell cycle arrest. In particular, SenB prevented IM-induced upregulation of genes that negatively regulate cell cycle progression. SenB also antagonized IM-activated p27Kip1 elevation thereby diminishing the population of G1-arrested cells. After transient G1 arrest, cells treated with IM + SenB re-entered the S phase, where they were halted and underwent replicative stress. Consequently, the combination of IM and SenB intensified apoptotic cell death, measured by activation of caspase 9 and 3, subsequent cleavage of poly(ADPriboso)polymerase 1, positive Annexin V staining and increase of subG1 fraction. In contrast, IM-treated BCR-ABL-positive KU812 CML cells, which did not induce p27Kip1, readily died regardless of SenB treatment. Thus, CDK8/19i prevent the quiescence-mediated escape from BCR-ABLi-induced apoptosis, suggesting a strategy for avoiding the CML relapse.