bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating small non‐coding RNAs are associated with the insulin‐resistant and obesity‐related type 2 diabetes clusters
Authors: de Klerk Juliette A. , Beulens Joline W. J. , Bijkerk Roel , van Zonneveld Anton Jan , Elders Petra J. M. , ’t Hart Leen M. , Slieker Roderick 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo uncover differences in small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) categorized into five clusters based on individual characteristics, which may aid in the identification of those prone to rapid progression.Materials and MethodsIn the Hoorn Diabetes Care System (DCS) cohort, participants were clustered by age, body mass index (BMI), and glycated haemoglobin, C‐peptide and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, yielding severe insulin‐deficient diabetes, severe insulin‐resistant diabetes (SIRD), mild obesity‐related diabetes (MOD), mild diabetes, and mild diabetes with high HDL cholesterol clusters (n = 412). Utilizing plasma sncRNA‐sequencing, we identified distinct cluster‐specific sncRNAs. Validation was performed in a smaller DCS Hoorn dataset (n = 138). To elucidate their potential functions, we examined tissue expression, identified potential targets or (co‐)regulated proteins, conducted gene set enrichment analyses on the targets through Reactome, and examined tissue expression of the (co‐)regulated proteins.ResultsThe insulin‐resistant cluster exhibited aberrant expression of 10 sncRNAs, while the high BMI cluster featured eight differentially expressed sncRNAs. Multiple (co‐)regulated proteins were identified for sncRNAs associated with both clusters. Proteins associated with both clusters showed enrichment for metabolism. Proteins that specifically and only associated with the SIRD cluster showed enrichment for immune‐related signalling. Furthermore, MOD cluster‐specific associated proteins showed enrichment for the complement system.ConclusionsOur research showed differential sncRNA levels among type 2 diabetes clusters. This may reflect and could deepen our understanding of molecular mechanisms, in development, progression, and risk factors for each cluster.
The myth of federal reserve de facto independence
Authors: Pittaluga Giovanni B. , Seghezza Elena , Morelli Pierluigi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the literature on central banks independence these institutions are considered as being apolitical. In reality, central banks are political actors and their de facto independence changes over time even if their de jure independence remains unvaried. An example of this is the Federal Reserve Bank (Fed), whose de facto independence in the past decades has fluctuated significantly because of the pressures of Congress and the President. To counter these pressures, the Fed seeks support from certain interest groups. The success of this behavior is more likely when the President and Congress represent different political parties.
CRP and sCD25 help distinguish between adult‐onset Still's disease and HLH
Authors: Beckett Madelaine , Spaner Caroline , Goubran Mariam , Wade John , Avina‐Zubieta Juan Antonio , Setiadi Audi , Tucker Lori , Shojania Kam , Au Sheila , Mattman Andre , Lee Agnes Y. Y. , Fajgenbaum David C. , Chen Luke Y. C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveAdult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) are both hyperferritinemic cytokine storm syndromes that can be difficult to distinguish from each other in hospitalized patients. The objective of this study was to compare the inflammatory markers ferritin, D‐dimer, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and soluble CD25 (sCD25) in patients with AOSD and sHLH. These four markers were chosen as they are widely available and represent different aspects of inflammatory diseases: macrophage activation (ferritin); endothelialopathy (D‐dimer); interleukin‐1/interleukin‐6/tumour necrosis factor elevation (CRP) and T cell activation (sCD25).MethodsThis was a single‐center retrospective study. Patients diagnosed by the Hematology service at Vancouver General Hospital for AOSD or sHLH from 2009 to 2023 were included.ResultsThere were 16 AOSD and 44 sHLH patients identified. Ferritin was lower in AOSD than HLH (median 11 360 μg/L vs. 29 020 μg/L, p = .01) while D‐dimer was not significantly different (median 5310 mg/L FEU vs. 7000 mg/L FEU, p = .3). CRP was higher (median 168 mg/L vs. 71 mg/L, p <.01) and sCD25 was lower (median 2220 vs. 7280 U/mL, p = .004) in AOSD compared to HLH. The combined ROC curve using CRP >130 mg/L and sCD25< 3900 U/mL to distinguish AOSD from HLH had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.93–0.97) with sensitivity 91% and specificity 93%.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that simple, widely available laboratory tests such as CRP and sCD25 can help clinicians distinguish AOSD from HLH in acutely ill adults with extreme hyperferritinemia. Larger studies examining a wider range of clinically available inflammatory biomarkers in a more diverse set of cytokine storm syndromes are warranted.
Fire impacts on the biology of stream ecosystems: A synthesis of current knowledge to guide future research and integrated fire management
Authors: Erdozain Maitane , Cardil Adrián , de‐Miguel Sergio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFreshwater ecosystems host disproportionately high biodiversity and provide unique ecosystem services, yet they are being degraded at an alarming rate. Fires, which are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to global change, can affect these ecosystems in many ways, but this relationship is not fully understood. We conducted a systematic review to characterize the literature on the effects of fires on stream ecosystems and found that (1) abiotic indicators were more commonly investigated than biotic ones, (2) most previous research was conducted in North America and in the temperate evergreen forest biome, (3) following a control‐impact (CI) or before‐after (BA) design, (4) predominantly assessing wildfires as opposed to prescribed fires, (5) in small headwater streams, and (6) with a focus on structural and not functional biological indicators. After quantitatively analyzing previous research, we detected great variability in responses, with increases, decreases, and no changes being reported for most indicators (e.g., macroinvertebrate richness, fish density, algal biomass, and leaf decomposition). We shed light on these seemingly contradicting results by showing that the presence of extreme hydrological post‐fire events, the time lag between fire and sampling, and whether the riparian forest burned or not influenced the outcome of previous research. Results suggest that although wildfires and the following hydrological events can have dramatic impacts in the short term, most biological endpoints recover within 5–10 years, and that detrimental effects are minimal in the case of prescribed fires. We also detected that no effects were more often reported by BACI studies than by CI or BA studies, raising the question of whether this research field may be biased by the inherent limitations of CI and BA designs. Finally, we make recommendations to help advance this field of research and guide future integrated fire management that includes the protection of freshwater ecosystems.
Predicting emergent animal biodiversity patterns across multiple scales
Authors: Johnston Alice S. A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRestoring biodiversity‐based resilience and ecosystem multi‐functionality needs to be informed by more accurate predictions of animal biodiversity responses to environmental change. Ecological models make a substantial contribution to this understanding, especially when they encode the biological mechanisms and processes that give rise to emergent patterns (population, community, ecosystem properties and dynamics). Here, a distinction between ‘mechanistic’ and ‘process‐based’ ecological models is established to review existing approaches. Mechanistic and process‐based ecological models have made key advances to understanding the structure, function and dynamics of animal biodiversity, but are typically designed to account for specific levels of biological organisation and spatiotemporal scales. Cross‐scale ecological models, which predict emergent co‐occurring biodiversity patterns at interacting scales of space, time and biological organisation, is a critical next step in predictive ecology. A way forward is to first capitalise on existing models to systematically evaluate the ability of scale‐explicit mechanisms and processes to predict emergent patterns at alternative scales. Such model intercomparisons will reveal mechanism to process transitions across fine to broad scales, overcome approach‐specific barriers to model realism or tractability and identify gaps which necessitate the development of new fundamental principles. Key challenges surrounding model complexity and uncertainty would need to be addressed, and while opportunities from big data can streamline the integration of multiple scale‐explicit biodiversity patterns, ambitious cross‐scale field studies are also needed. Crucially, overcoming cross‐scale ecological modelling challenges would unite disparate fields of ecology with the common goal of improving the evidence‐base to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems under novel environmental change.
Increased crossing of thermal stress thresholds of vegetation under global warming
Authors: Li Xiangyi , Huntingford Chris , Wang Kai , Cui Jiangpeng , Xu Hao , Kan Fei , Anniwaer Nazhakaiti , Yang Hui , Peñuelas Josep , Piao Shilong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTemperature extremes exert a significant influence on terrestrial ecosystems, but the precise levels at which these extremes trigger adverse shifts in vegetation productivity have remained elusive. In this study, we have derived two critical thresholds, using standard deviations (SDs) of growing‐season temperature and satellite‐based vegetation productivity as key indicators. Our findings reveal that, on average, vegetation productivity experiences rapid suppression when confronted with temperature anomalies exceeding 1.45 SD above the mean temperature during 2001–2018. Furthermore, at temperatures exceeding 2.98 SD above the mean, we observe the maximum level of suppression, particularly in response to the most extreme high‐temperature events. When Earth System Models are driven by a future medium emission scenario, they project that mean temperatures will routinely surpass both of these critical thresholds by approximately the years 2050 and 2070, respectively. However, it is important to note that the timing of these threshold crossings exhibits spatial variation and will appear much earlier in tropical regions. Our finding highlights that restricting global warming to just 1.5°C can increase safe areas for vegetation growth by 13% compared to allowing warming to reach 2°C above preindustrial levels. This mitigation strategy helps avoid exposure to detrimental extreme temperatures that breach these thresholds. Our study underscores the pivotal role of climate mitigation policies in fostering the sustainable development of terrestrial ecosystems in a warming world.
Potato flour‐based film: Effect of gelatine on the rheological, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties
Authors: Fu Zong‐qiang , Zheng Zi‐xu , Li Yi , Guo Shao‐xiang , Gao Dong‐ming , Li Fei‐fei 
Published: July 2024

SummaryPotato flour/gelatine films in different ratios (6:0, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1) were prepared and their properties were examined in this study. Potato flour film‐forming dispersion without gelatine showed the highest particle size and apparent viscosity. As the gelatine concentration increased, the composite films became smoother and more transparent. Gelatine incorporated with potato flour films reduced the retrogradation enthalpy and glass transition temperature, leading to the low tensile strength and high elongation at break. Although water content and water solubility index increased with the higher gelatine concentration, water vapour permeability of composite films decreased from 14.59 × 10−13 gm−1s−1Pa−1 to 5.83 × 10−13 gm−1s−1Pa−1. In addition, it was noted that water contact angle increased from 24.50° to 102.33° as gelatine concentration increased from 0% (6:0) to 50% (1:1). According to these findings, potato flour film with the presence of gelatine showed the better moisture barrier properties.
UNCovering new causes of monogenic systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ellyard Julia I , Gantier Michael P 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUNC93B1 is essential for the stability and endosomal trafficking of nucleic‐acid sensing Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) including TLR7 and TLR8. Increased TLR7 responses are associated with lupus autoimmunity in both mice and humans. In a recent article, Al‐Azab et al. demonstrate the role of a variant of UNC93B1 (p.V117L) in the induction of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus in patients and in mice through TLR7/8 hyperresponsiveness. They also highlight a potential role for the pharmacological inhibition of interleukin‐1 receptor–associated kinase (IRAK) 1 and/or 4 in ameliorating disease.
Combining Desulfurisation Gypsum and Polyacrylamide to Reduce Soil Salinity and Promote Buckwheat Photosynthesis
Authors: Tao Wanghai , Zhao Xue , Ning Songrui , Ji Meiyue , Wang Quanjiu 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTSoil salinisation poses a significant threat to global agricultural production and food security. China is among the countries most severely impacted by soil salinisation. To investigate the improvement technology for saline–alkali stress in buckwheat, a typical multigrain crop in northwest China, a coupling regulation study using desulfurisation gypsum and polyacrylamide (PAM) was conducted in 2019 and 2020. Desulfurisation gypsum was applied at 0, 5.5, 11, 16.5 and 22 kg·ha−1, while PAM was applied at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg·ha−1. The results demonstrated that applying 11 t·ha−1 desulfurisation gypsum and 30 kg·ha−1 PAM effectively reduces soil salinity and pH, averaging 81.79% and 6.07%, respectively. Furthermore, it did not cause soil heavy metal pollution and created the best soil environment for buckwheat growth. Among the models tested, the nonrectangular hyperbolic model was the most accurate in describing buckwheat's photosynthetic light response. The optimal treatment for achieving the best photosynthetic performance—measured by apparent quantum efficiency, maximum net photosynthetic rate, light compensation point, light saturation point, dark respiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, leaf water use efficiency and yield—was achieved through applying 11 t·ha−1 desulfurisation gypsum and 30 kg·ha−1 PAM. Therefore, desulfurised gypsum and PAM should be applied at 11 t·ha−1 and 30 kg·ha−1, respectively, to improve buckwheat's adaptability to different light intensities while promoting its photosynthetic response in saline–alkali soils. This study provides an effective technical scheme for reducing salt and promoting the growth of crops under salinity stress, which is of great significance for improving salinity land in arid areas.
Modeling phase separation mechanisms in oxy‐fluoride glass‐ceramics containing SrF2:Ln3+ and ZnAl2O4:Cr3+ nanocrystals
Authors: Wadhwa Abhishek , Xu Xiuxia , Huang Yiping , Qiao Xvsheng , Du Jincheng , Fan Xianping , Wang Zhiyu , Qian Guodong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIt is imperative to develop a comprehensive understanding of phase separation mechanisms in multi‐phase oxy‐fluoride glass ceramics (GCs) to customize their structural and optical characteristics for particular applications in photonics. The manuscript utilizes molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to examine the phase separation mechanisms in SiO2–Al2O3–SrF2–ZnF2–LnF3‐CrF3 (where Ln represents the lanthanide elements) GCs during the simultaneous precipitation of SrF2: Ln3+ and ZnAl2O4: Cr3+ nanocrystals. Insights into the atomic‐level interactions that regulate the separation and formation of distinct phases rich in fluoride and oxide are obtained through MD simulations. The results reveal that Sr2+ and Ln3+ ions partition preferentially into the fluoride phase, whereas Zn2+ and Cr3+ associate with the oxide aluminosilicate network. Remarkably, the separated fluoride and oxide phases bear structural similarities with the existing experimental outcomes. The introduction of SrF2 facilitates phase separation in oxy‐fluoride glass system by causing the formation of SrF2: Ln3+ nanocrystals in regions abundant in fluoride, while the substitution of ZnF2 for SrF2 results in the formation of ZnAl2O4: Cr3+ nanocrystals originating from the separated oxide phase. Therefore, the reported simulations offer molecular‐level insights into the mechanisms underlying phase separation and the functions of various glass components, thereby facilitating the development of customized oxy‐fluoride GCs with tailored properties.
Upregulation of circ‐IGF1R increased therapeutic effect of hypoxia‐pretreated ADSC‐derived extracellular vesicle by regulating miR‐503‐5p/HK2/VEGFA axis
Authors: Shi Rongfeng , Jia Pengfei , Zhao Suming , Yuan Hongxin , Shi Jiahai , Zhao Hui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is a major cause of blindness and chronic ulcers in the working‐age population worldwide. Wound healing is deeply dependent on neovascularization to restore blood flow. Former research has found that differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) are associated with hyperglycaemia‐induced endothelial cell damage, and hypoxia‐pretreated adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs)‐extracellular vesicle (HEV) transplants have a more therapeutic effect to enhance wound healing in diabetic mice by delivery circRNA. The current investigation employed high‐throughput sequencing to identify circRNAs that are abnormally expressed between EV and HEV. The regulatory mechanism and predicted targets of one differentially expressed circRNA, circ‐IGF1R, were investigated utilizing bioinformatics analyses, luciferase reporter assays, angiogenic differentiation assays, flow cytometric apoptosis analysis and RT‐qPCR. Circ‐IGF1R expression increased in HEV, and downregulation of circ‐IGF1R suppressed and reversed the promotion effect of HEV on angiogenesis in ulcerated tissue. Bioinformatics analyses and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR‐503‐5p was the downstream target of circ‐IGF1R, and inhibiting miR‐503‐5p restored the promotion effect of HEV on angiogenesis after circ‐IGF1R silence. The study also found that miR‐503‐5p can interact with 3'‐UTR of both HK2 and VEGFA. Overexpression of HK2 or VEGFA restored the promotion effect of HExo on angiogenesis after circ‐IGF1R silence. Overexpression miR‐503‐5p or silence HK2/VEGFA reversed the protective effect of circ‐IGF1R to MLMECs angiogenic differentiation. Overexpression of circ‐IGF1R increased the protective effect of HEV on the promotion of wound healing in mice with diabetes. Circ‐IGF1R promotes HIF‐1α expression through miR‐503‐5p sponging. Our data demonstrate that circ‐IGF1R overexpression EVs from ADSCs suppress high glucose‐induced endothelial cell damage by regulating miR‐503‐5p/HK2/VEGFA axis.
Identification of SLC7A11‐AS1/SLC7A11 pair as a ferroptosis‐related therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Xiao , Wang Yida , Jiao Sitong , Gao Huanhuan , Zhang Mengqian , Wang Xin , Zhou Xunyu , Wu Chuanfang , Bao Jinku 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prevalent malignancy worldwide, poses significant challenges in terms of prognosis, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. Ferroptosis offers notable advantages over apoptosis, holding promise as a novel therapeutic approach for HCC complexities. Moreover, while the interaction between long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs is pivotal in various physiological and pathological processes, their involvement in ferroptosis remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we constructed a ferroptosis‐related lncRNA‐mRNA correlation network in HCC using Pearson correlation analysis. Notably, the SLC7A11‐AS1/SLC7A11 pair, exhibiting high correlation, was identified. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a significant correlation between the expression levels of this pair and key clinical characteristics of HCC patients, including gender, pathology, Ishak scores and tumour size. And poor prognosis was associated with high expression of this pair. Functional experiments demonstrated that SLC7A11‐AS1, by binding to the 3′UTR region of SLC7A11 mRNA, enhanced its stability, thereby promoting HCC cell growth and resistance to erastin‐ induced ferroptosis. Additionally, in vivo studies confirmed that SLC7A11‐AS1 knockdown potentiated the inhibitory effects of erastin on tumour growth. Overall, our findings suggest that targeting the SLC7A11‐AS1/SLC7A11 pair holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC patients.
Epimedium‐Curculigo herb pair enhances bone repair with infected bone defects and regulates osteoblasts through LncRNA MALAT1/miR‐34a‐5p/SMAD2 axis
Authors: Miao Maomao , Li Mengying , Sheng Yunjie , Tong Peijian , Zhang Yang , Shou Dan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInfected bone defects (IBDs) are the common condition in the clinical practice of orthopaedics. Although surgery and anti‐infective medicine are the firstly chosen treatments, in many cases, patients experience a prolonged bone union process after anti‐infective treatment. Epimedium‐Curculigo herb pair (ECP) has been proved to be effective for bone repair. However, the mechanisms of ECP in IBDs are insufficiency. In this study, Effect of ECP in IBDs was verified by micro‐CT and histological examination. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the main components in ECP containing medicated serum (ECP‐CS) were performed. The network pharmacological approaches were then applied to predict potential pathways for ECP associated with bone repair. In addition, the mechanism of ECP regulating LncRNA MALAT1/miRNA‐34a‐5p/SMAD2 signalling axis was evaluated by molecular biology experiments. In vivo experiments indicated that ECP could significantly promote bone repair. The results of the chemical components analysis and the pathway identification revealed that TGF‐β signalling pathway was related to ECP. The results of in vitro experiments indicated that ECP‐CS could reverse the damage caused by LPS through inhibiting the expressions of LncRNA MALAT1 and SMAD2, and improving the expressions of miR‐34a‐5p, ALP, RUNX2 and Collagen type І in osteoblasts significantly. This research showed that ECP could regulate the TGF‐β/SMADs signalling pathway to promote bone repair. Meanwhile, ECP could alleviate LPS‐induced bone loss by modulating the signalling axis of LncRNA MALAT1/miRNA‐34a‐5p/ SMAD2 in IBDs.