bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Differential Cutaneous Gene Expression in the Color Variation of Two Ornamental Discus, Red Melon and Red Cover
Authors: Ng Tian Tsyh , Lau Cher Chien , Tan Min Pau , Wong Li Lian , Sung Yeong Yik , Muhammad Tengku Sifzizul Tengku , Liying Sui , Danish‐Daniel Muhd 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTRed Melon (RM) and Red Cover (RC) discus (Symphysodon spp.) are ornamental fish varieties that were selectively bred from the wild parental lineages of the brown discus S. aquafaciatus over many generations, resulting in distinct cutaneous patterns from juveniles to adults. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, skin samples were collected from juveniles aged 60 days and adults aged 1 year from RM and RC for investigations. Microscopic observation detected xanthophores and erythrophores in all samples, except RC juveniles with no erythrophores. Melanophores were presented only in RC. The comparative analysis revealed that genes involved in pteridine synthesis (gch1 and zgc:153031), one‐carbon metabolism (aldh1l2 and zgc153031), and lipid metabolism (apoda and klf1) were differentially expressed in RM juveniles, which may be associated with the development of erythrophores and xanthophores. The temporal inhibition of melanophore differentiation and development was observed in RM juveniles, coupled with elevated expression of notum2 and sost, two antagonist genes in Wnt‐signaling, suggesting their roles in melanophore development. Distinct pigment pattern between RM and RC since the juvenile stage may be driven by the differential expression of multiple axial developmental genes, including GATA, ankyrin, and mitotic spindle orientation proteins. This is the first report to describe the differential growth of cutaneous pigments and the molecular processes involved in red discus. The results provided valuable insights into pigment pattern differences in an interesting ornamental fish model.
Association between cathepsins and skin cancers: A bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Xinyi , Zhuang Haocheng , Xu Mingze , Hou Fangzhen , Xue Chunyu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeveral cathepsins have been identified as being involved in the development of cancer. Nevertheless, the connection between cathepsins and skin cancers remained highly elusive.MethodsA bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to investigate the causal association between cathepsins and skin malignancies. The genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) data for cathepsins, malignant melanoma (MM), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were obtained from European research. The primary method employed was inverse variance weighted. In addition, MR‐Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode were also executed. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR‐Egger, and MR‐PRESSO.ResultsFrom univariable MR (UVMR), cathepsin H, and S were determined to have a causal relationship with BCC. Additionally, cathepsin H was identified as associated with MM. Multivariable MR (MVMR) showed that after correcting for risk factors of skin carcinoma, cathepsin H was detected to be protective against BCC, whereas cathepsin S has been observed as a risk factor for BCC. No substantial pleiotropy and heterogeneity were identified in the sensitivity analysis.ConclusionThis study was the first to establish a direct link between cathepsins and skin malignancies. Cathepsin H and S have the potential to serve as new biomarkers for BCC, offering valuable assistance in the prompt identification, treatment, and prevention of the disease. Nevertheless, additional clinical trials are required to validate our findings.
The causal relationship between androgenetic alopecia and serum uric acid: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yu Yan , Wang Shu , Wu Zijun , Lin Jinru , Wang Huiping 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite numerous studies investigating the association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and serum uric acid (SUA), the causal relationship between AGA and SUA remains unknown.MethodsWe utilized bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causality between AGA and SUA. Our study chose single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with genome‐wide significance (p < 5×10−8) for the exposure and showing low linkage disequilibrium (R2 < 0.001) as IVs. Various MR methods were employed to evaluate causality, including inverse‐variance weighted (IVW), Weighted Median, MR‐Egger, Weighted Mode and Simple Mode. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results.ResultsUsing the IVW method, we did not find a significant causal relationship between AGA and SUA (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.01; p = 0.451). Similarly, the IVW method did not reveal evidence of causality between SUA and AGA (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.91–1.03; p = 0.301). The results from other methods were consistent with those of the IVW approach.ConclusionThe study did not identify a causal relationship between AGA and SUA. Future research should involve larger cohorts and advanced methods to validate the findings and explore the complex interactions between AGA and SUA levels in different populations.
Causal effects of omega‐6 and LDL‐C on androgenetic alopecia: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Peilong Liu , Quanlin Zhao , Shuqing Gu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing studies have reported a causal relationship between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and lipid‐related metabolites. However, the relationships between HDL‐C, LDL‐C, Omega‐6, and Omega‐3 with AGA remain unclear. Some research findings are even contradictory. Therefore, we designed this study to explore this issue.MethodsIn this study, we selected seven exposure factors, screened SNPs with significant associations, removed linkage disequilibrium and weak instrumental variables, and conducted bidirectional MR analysis.ResultsThe study found that omega‐6 and LDL‐C, especially total cholesterol in medium LDL and total cholesterol in small LDL, are risk factors for the occurrence of androgenetic alopecia.ConclusionIn summary, we found that various lipid‐related metabolites have a causal relationship with the occurrence of androgenetic alopecia, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia and offering references for clinical treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Evaluating a Stochastic Singularity Level in a V-Notch Isotropic Domain Due to Randomness in Material Properties
Authors: Omer Netta 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The singular level of a v-notched isotropic domain is crucial as it relates to the domain’s stress intensity factor (SIF), which is essential for failure prediction. Typically, the singular level is calculated using deterministic material properties (like mean values), but this can misrepresent the severity of the singularity. The singular level’s accuracy is influenced by the stochastic nature of material properties, particularly Poisson’s ratio. This paper presents a stochastic approximation of eigenvalues for an isotropic v-notched domain with stochastic material properties. While both Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio are independent stochastic variables, only the stochasticity of Poisson’s ratio affects the eigenvalues. The generalized polynomial chaos method is applied to these stochastic eigenvalues, resulting in a polynomial approximation based on the domain’s stochastic Poisson ratio. The polynomial’s deterministic constants are derived from eigenvalues computed using chosen deterministic material properties according to the stochastic properties of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. A numerical example illustrates the stochastic approximation of the first two eigenvalues, showing fast convergence as the number of polynomials increases. Results are validated against the Monte Carlo method, highlighting the importance of stochastic approximation in accurately predicting the singular level, which may be more severe than expected when using deterministic approximations. These findings have significant practical implications, as they underscore the need to consider stochastic material properties in structural design and failure prediction.
Training for Elite Team-Pursuit Track Cyclists—Part II: A Comparison of Preparation Phases in Consecutive World-Record-Breaking Seasons
Authors: Stadnyk Antony M.J. , Stanley Jamie , Decker Tim , Slattery Katie M. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose: To compare the training characteristics of an elite team pursuit cycling squad in the 3-month preparation phases prior to 2 successive world-record (WR) performances. Methods: Training data of 5 male track endurance cyclists (mean [SD]; age 23.4 [3.46] y; body mass 80.2 [2.74] kg; 4.5 [0.17] W·kg−1 at LT2; maximal aerobic power 6.2 [0.27] W·kg−1; maximal oxygen uptake 65.9 [2.89] mL·kg−1·min−1) were analyzed with weekly total training volume by training type and heart rate, power output, and torque intensity distributions calculated with reference to the respective WRs’ performance requirements. Results: Athletes completed 805 (82.81) and 725 (68.40) min·wk–1 of training, respectively, in each season. In the second season, there was a 32% increase in total track volume, although track sessions were shorter (ie, greater frequency) in the second season. A pyramidal intensity distribution was consistent across both seasons, with 81% of training, on average, performed below LT1 power output each week, whereas 6% of training was performed above LT2. Athletes accumulated greater volume above WR team pursuit lead power (2.4% vs 0.9%) and torque (6.2% vs 3.2%) in 2019. In one athlete, mean single-leg-press peak rate of force development was 71% and 46% higher at mid- and late-phases, respectively, during the preparation period. Conclusions: These findings provide novel insights into the common and contrasting methods contributing to successive WR team pursuit performances. Greater accumulation of volume above race-specific power and torque (eg, team pursuit lead), as well as improved neuromuscular force-generating capacities, may be worthy of investigation for implementation in training programs.
Physiological and Performance Adaptations to Varying Rest Distributions During Short Sprint Interval Training Trials in Female Volleyball Players: A Comparative Analysis of Interindividual Variability
Authors: Tao Tao , Zhang Na , Yu Dawei , Sheykhlouvand Mohsen 
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the impact of different rest periods between short sprint interval training (SSIT) trials on the physiological and performance adaptations of female volleyball players. Methods: Twenty-four trained college athletes volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to 3 SSIT groups with different work-to-rest ratios (1:2 [5-s run:10-s rest], 1:4 [5-s run:20-s rest], and 1:6 [5-s work:30-s rest]). Before and after 6-week training, physiological parameters (maximum oxygen uptake, first and second ventilatory thresholds, and peak and mean power output) and physical performance measures (ie, countermovement vertical jump, 10-m sprint, and T-test change-of-direction speed) were evaluated. Results: After the training period, all groups improved (P = .001) their sport-related performance and physiological parameters, ranging from moderate to very large effect sizes. Comparative analysis of the magnitude of training effects indicated that the 1:6 SSIT group had in a significantly greater change in countermovement vertical jump (P = .007), 10-m sprint (P = .014), peak power output (P = .019), and mean power output (P = .05) compared with 1:2 SSIT group. By contrast, the 1:2 SSIT group demonstrated significantly (P = .022) greater changes in maximum oxygen uptake than the 1:6 SSIT group. However, the change-of-direction speed and changes in first and second ventilatory thresholds were the same among the groups (P > .05). Conclusions: When performing SSIT, longer rest intervals are suitable for physical and anaerobic performance, and shorter rest periods are appropriate for enhancing the cardiorespiratory fitness of female volleyball players’ performance.
Mapping the existing evidence of the effects of school food policies on health, acceptance and affordability of secondary school children in Europe: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Meuer Janina , Blecha Nadia , Hübner Wiebke , Christianson Lara , Wolters Maike , Busse Heide , Hebestreit Antje , Forberger Sarah 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionUnhealthy diets pose a significant public health risk among European children, contributing to the increasing prevalence of overweight and non-communicable diseases. Children spend a substantial amount of time at school daily, including lunchtime, so the school setting becomes crucial for promoting healthy diets and lifestyle habits. While there is a large body of literature on the impact of school food policies on health and non-health outcomes, it is essential to identify which policies are effective and can be recommended for implementation to ensure the efficient use of resources. This article presents a protocol for a scoping review that aims to map the current published literature on the effects of school food policies on health outcomes, acceptance and affordability in secondary school children in Europe. Moreover, the scoping review will map the measurements used to assess health outcomes, acceptance and affordability.Methods and analysisThe scoping review protocol and review follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review. To identify eligible studies, we will search MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science. The reference lists of the included articles will be checked for additional studies. In addition, country-specific ministry reports from Member States of the European Union, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland will be identified. The WHO and European Commission websites will also be searched for relevant reports. The scoping review will include literature published until 20 September 2023. No restrictions to study design and language will be applied. Screening and data extraction will be carried out independently by three reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion. A pretested data charting table will be used to extract key information. Findings will be presented in tabular and visualised summaries and a narrative summary.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review does not require ethical approval. Our dissemination strategy comprises peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and recommendations to policy-makers.
Twenty-year oncology sperm banking experience at a Canadian academic fertility centre: a retrospective study examining the usage and reproductive outcomes from oncology patients
Authors: Chen Tianhui , Hamilton Scot , Liu Kimberly E. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMany cancer treatments pose a threat to fertility for patients. Semen cryopreservation before cancer treatment is an effective method to preserve fertility. There are sparse long-term data on the usage of samples from Canadian oncology sperm banks.MethodsA retrospective chart review of all oncology sperm banking samples at a Canadian academic fertility centre from 2001 to 2020 was conducted.ResultsFrom 2001 to 2020, 4521 samples were banked by 2504 patients. The most frequent diagnoses among these patients were testicular cancer (29.5%) and lymphoma (26.9%). Of these patients, only 81 (3.2%) patients returned to use their samples with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment and 62 (2.5%) patients transferred their samples to another clinic. The time between banking and return for usage of the sperm ranged from 1 to 131 months with a median of 18 months after banking. A total of 66 IVF cycles (104 embryo transfers) and 101 IUI cycles from 67 patients were reviewed. Of the 67 couples who used their samples, 53.7% achieved a clinical pregnancy. The clinical pregnancy rate was 6.6% per cycle for IUI and 30.8% per embryo transfer for IVF. Higher sperm concentration or total motile count was not associated with a higher chance of pregnancy. Patients who conceived had on average 1.9 ± 0.8 (p=0.02) more usable embryos per cycle than those who did not conceive.ConclusionsSperm cryopreservation provides a valuable option for patients with cancer to achieve parenthood after potentially gonadotoxic cancer treatment. However, the overall usage of banked oncology sperm samples is very low.
Oscillatory potential findings in patients with acute ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Qu Ya , Ran Li , Wang Gang , Wang Min , Li Shiying 
Published: August 2024

AimsTo explore the sensitive components of full-field electroretinography (ERG) as indicators of retina function at the onset of acute ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).Methods11 patients (11 eyes) with ischaemic CRVO and 32 patients (32 eyes) with non-ischaemic CRVO who presented with first-episode unilateral CRVO within 1 month of symptom onset and with no previous intervention were examined by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision standard ERG.ResultsA significant amplitude decline and peak time delay in light-adapted (LA) 3 ERG and LA 30 Hz flicker ERG (p<0.05 for all) was found in the ischaemic CRVO eyes, compared with the non-ischaemic CRVO eyes. The b/a amplitude ratio of dark-adapted (DA) 3 ERG, DA 10 ERG and LA 3 ERG was significantly different between the ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups (p<0.05 for all). Regarding oscillatory potentials (OPs), the amplitudes of OP1, OP2 and OP3 as well as the sum of DA 3 OP1–4 amplitudes (∑OPs) showed significant changes (p<0.01 for all) between two groups. No peak time delay of OPs was found between the ischaemic and non-ischaemic CRVO eyes.ConclusionThe amplitude of DA 0.01 ERG, components of LA 3 ERG and LA 30 Hz flicker ERG, and the b/a amplitude ratio could be among the most sensitive indicators in patients with acute ischaemic CRVO. The amplitudes of OP1, OP2, OP3 and ∑OPs in the CRVO eyes were reduced to 40% of the control values, showing that this quantitative method is reliable for detecting ischaemic retinal diseases, even in early stage.
An IL-7 fusion protein targeting EDA fibronectin upregulates TCF1 on CD8+ T-cells, preferentially accumulates to neoplastic lesions, and boosts PD-1 blockade
Authors: Di Nitto Cesare , Ravazza Domenico , Gilardoni Ettore , Look Thomas , Sun Miaomiao , Prodi Eleonora , Moisoiu Vlad , Pellegrino Christian , Manz Markus G. , Puca Emanuele , Weller Michael , Weiss Tobias , Neri Dario , De Luca Roberto 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundAnti-PD-1 antibodies have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to induce long-lasting complete remissions in a proportion of patients. Current research efforts are attempting to identify biomarkers and suitable combination partners to predict or further improve the activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Antibody-cytokine fusions are a class of pharmaceuticals that showed the potential to boost the anticancer properties of other immunotherapies. Extradomain A-fibronectin (EDA-FN), which is expressed in most solid and hematological tumors but is virtually undetectable in healthy adult tissues, is an attractive target for the delivery of cytokine at the site of the disease.MethodsIn this work, we describe the generation and characterization of a novel interleukin-7-based fusion protein targeting EDA-FN termed F8(scDb)-IL7. The product consists of the F8 antibody specific to the alternatively spliced EDA of FN in the single-chain diabody (scDb) format fused to human IL-7.ResultsF8(scDb)-IL7 efficiently stimulates human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Moreover, the product significantly increases the expression of T Cell Factor 1 (TCF-1) on CD8+T cells compared with an IL2-fusion protein. TCF-1 has emerged as a pivotal transcription factor that influences the durability and potency of immune responses against tumors. In preclinical cancer models, F8(scDb)-IL7 demonstrates potent single-agent activity and eradicates sarcoma lesions when combined with anti-PD-1.ConclusionsOur results provide the rationale to explore the combination of F8(scDb)-IL7 with anti-PD-1 antibodies for the treatment of patients with cancer.
Targeting TNFRSF25 by agonistic antibodies and multimeric TL1A proteins co-stimulated CD8+T cells and inhibited tumor growth
Authors: Lyu Xueyuan , Zhao Linlin , Chen Sijia , Li Yulu , Yang Yajing , Liu Huisi , Yang Fang , Li Wenhui , Sui Jianhua 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundTumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 25 (TNFRSF25) is a T-cell co-stimulatory receptor. Expression of its ligand, TNF-like cytokine 1A (TL1A), on mouse tumor cells has been shown to promote tumor regression. This study aimed to develop TNFRSF25 agonists (both antibodies (Abs) and TL1A proteins) and to investigate their potential antitumor effects.MethodsAnti-mouse TNFRSF25 (mTNFRSF25) Abs and multimeric TL1A proteins were generated as TNFRSF25 agonists. Their agonism was assessed in luciferase reporter and T-cell co-stimulation assays, and their antitumor effects were evaluated in syngeneic mouse tumor models. TNFRSF25 expression within the tumor microenvironment and the effects of an anti-mTNFRSF25 agonistic Ab on tumor-infiltrating T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell depletion assays were used to identify the immune cell types that contribute to the antitumor effect of the anti-mTNFRSF25 Ab. The Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) dependence of TNFRSF25 agonists was assessed in anin vivoT-cell expansion model and a mouse tumor model using Fc variants and FcγR-deficient mice.ResultsTNFRSF25 agonists exhibited antitumor effects in syngeneic mouse tumor models without causing observed side effects. We identified an anti-mTNFRSF25 agonistic Ab, 1A6-m1, which exhibited greater antitumor activity than a higher affinity anti-TNFRSF25 Ab which engages an overlapping epitope with 1A6-m1. 1A6-m1 activated CD8+T cells and antigen-specific T cells, leading to tumor regression; it also induced long-term antitumor immune memory. Although activating TNFRSF25 by 1A6-m1 expanded splenic regulatory T (Treg) cells, it did not influence intratumoral Treg cells. Moreover, 1A6-m1’s antitumor effects required the engagement of both inhibitory FcγRIIB and activating FcγRIII. Replacing 1A6-m1’s CH1-hinge region with that of human IgG2 (h2) conferred enhanced antitumor effects. Finally, we also generated multimeric human and mouse TL1A fusion proteins as TNFRSF25 agonists, and they co-stimulated CD8+T cells and reduced tumor growth, even in the absence of Fc-FcγR interactions.ConclusionOur data demonstrates the potential of activating TNFRSF25 by Abs and multimeric TL1A proteins for cancer immunotherapy and provides insights into their development astherapeutics.