bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open-source 3D printed manifolds for exposure studies using human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Singer Ryan , Ball Elizabeth , Milad Nadia , Nguyen Jenny P. , Cao Quynh , Selvaganapathy Ravi , Zhang Boyang , Dabaghi Mohammadhossein , Satia Imran , Hirota Jeremy A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRationaleInhalation of airborne stimuli can damage the airway epithelium, increasing the risk of developing respiratory or systemic diseases.In vitrostudies using air-liquid interface cell cultures enable controlled investigation of cellular responses to relevant exposures. Commercialin vitroexposure systems provide precise and reproducible dosage but require significant capital investment and are not amenable to customization. Research groups interested in respiratory exposure science may benefit from a more accessible alternative open-source exposure system. We present 3D printed manifolds for applying a range of airborne exposures uniformly across standard, commercially available 6- and 24-well plates with air-liquid interface culture inserts.MethodsA simple chamber-style exposure system and the manifolds were evaluated for exposure uniformity via computational fluid dynamics simulations and deposition of nebulized FITC-labelled dextran. The chamber and manifolds were manufactured using a stereolithography 3D printer. Cannabis concentrate vapor was generated from 3 different vaporizers and applied to well plates using the manifold system. Calu-3 cells were cultured on Transwell™ inserts and exposed to whole tobacco smoke or room air.ResultsThe manifolds produced less variation in simulated air velocities and physical deposition of FITC-dextran aerosol deposition across well plates compared to those of the chamber-style exposure system. Distinct doses of cannabis concentrate vapour were delivered to well plates with low variation among wells. Whole tobacco smoke exposure using the manifold system induced functional changes in Calu-3 airway epithelial cell barrier function, cytokine production (IL-6 and IL-8), and cell membrane potential.ConclusionsCollectively, our data demonstrate the feasibility and the validity of our open-source 3D printed manifolds for use in studying various respiratory exposures and position our designs as more accessible options in parallel with commercially available systems.All article content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY-NC 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
Tailoring hydrophobicity and strength in spider silk-inspired coatings via thermal treatments
Authors: Seisto Anni , Borisova Anna S. , Pylkkänen Robert , Mohammadi Pezhman 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe advent of advanced coatings has transformed material functionalities, extending their roles from basic coverage and visual appeal to include unique properties such as self-healing, superior hydrophobicity, and antimicrobial action. However, the traditional dependency on petrochemical-derived materials for these coatings raises environmental concerns. This study proposes the use of renewable and alternative materials for coating development. We present the use of bioengineered spider silk-inspired protein (SSIP), produced through recombinant technology, as a viable, eco-friendly alternative due to their ease of processing under ambient pressure and the utilization of water as a solvent, alongside their exceptional physicochemical properties. Our research investigates the effects of different thermal treatments and protein concentrations on the mechanical strength and surface water repellency of coatings on silica bases. Our findings reveal a direct correlation between the temperature of heat treatment and the enhancements in surface hydrophobicity and mechanical strength, where elevated temperatures facilitate increased resistance to water and improved mechanical integrity. Consequently, we advocate SSIPs present a promising, sustainable choice for advanced coatings, providing a pathway to fine-tune coating recipes for better mechanical and hydrophobic properties with a reduced ecological footprint, finding potential uses in various fields such as electronics.
Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (Trikafta®) does not affect the Growth ofAspergillus fumigatus in vitro
Authors: Biquand Elise , Khau Sandra , Fouquenet Delphine , Costes Floriane , Chesnay Adélaïde , Desoubeaux Guillaume , Briard Benoit 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFungal infection, especially allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, is a leading cause of infection-associated morbidity and death in patients with cystic fibrosis. We have previously discovered that the new leading therapeutic treatment in cystic fibrosis, CFTR modulators Elexakaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI, Trikafta®), drastically reduces the colonization and infection byAspergillus fumigatus. However, the reasons for this decrease in patients are not known so far. In this study we have shown, usingA. fumigatusreference strains and strains isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis, that CFTR modulators have no discernable impact on fungal growthin vitro. These results are consistent regardless of drugs concentration, demonstrating that treatment does not exert a direct antimicrobial or stimulatory effectin vitroonA. fumigatusconidia growth, when exposed to actualin vivoCFTR modulators concentration.
Explicitly Nonlinear Connectivity-Matrix Independent Component Analysis in Resting fMRI Data
Authors: Motlaghian S. M. , Baker B. , Ford J. M. , Iraji A. , Miller R. , Preda A. , Van Erp T.G. , Calhoun V. D. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTIndependent component analysis (ICA) is a widely used data-driven technique for investigating brain structure and function to extract intrinsic networks. However, the ability of ICA, a linear mixing model, to capture nonlinear relationships is inherently limited. While nonlinear ICA can be used to estimate nonlinear+ linear mixtures, it can be useful to study the degree to which there is nonlinearity above and beyond the widely studied linear resting networks. Here, we propose a way to divide the data into sources exhibiting linear-only or explicitly nonlinear dependencies in resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. Such an approach can be very informative as it allows us to evaluate the degree to which a given network might be linear, nonlinear, or both linear and nonlinear. Here, we present an enhanced connectivity-domain ICA approach, connectivity-matrix ICA, incorporating normalized mutual information (NMI) after canceling the linear effects to measure explicitly nonlinear (EN) relationships within voxel connectivity. This integration enables the identification of brain spatial maps that exhibit pronounced explicitly nonlinear dependencies while excluding linear relationships. By eliminating linear dependencies and utilizing NMI, we discover highly structured resting networks that conventional functional connectivity methods would typically overlook. The results indicate that several maps show only linear or EN relationships, and the rest of the components display both linear and nonlinear patterns. We categorized these maps as linear-only, EN-only, and linear-EN maps. We also evaluate differences in the identified networks in a schizophrenia dataset. A significant global difference has been discovered between schizophrenia and controls in some linear-EN maps, such as the frontal lobe. Moreover, the temporal lobe and thalamus display linear group differences, while the visual and motor cortex display global differences in nonlinear relationships as their primary driver of these disparities. In sum, our findings emphasize the significance of accounting for explicitly nonlinear dependencies in functional connectivity analysis and demonstrate the effectiveness of the extended cmICA approach in revealing previously unrecognized brain dynamics.
Fibroblastic FLT3L supports lymph node dendritic cells in the interfollicular niche
Authors: Lane Ryan S. , Wu Sunny Z. , Davidson Christopher , Byrne Ashley , Kayser Brandon D. , Huang Hejin , Williams Katherine , Fernandez Matthew , Jiang Jian , Zhang Juan , Asuncion Raymond , Decalf Jérémie , Roose-Girma Merone , Lee Wyne P. , McGinnis Lisa , Warming Soren , Stephenson William , Rost Sandra , Moussion Christine , Biancalani Tommaso , Müller Sören , Turley Shannon J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDendritic cell (DC) homeostasis is maintained in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) by Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L). The specific niche providing this DC growth factor within human and mouse SLOs is unclear. Here, we show that Gremlin1 (Grem1)-expressing lymph node fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) support DC homeostasis via provision of FLT3L. Grem1 FRCs co-localize with DCs and express FLT3L in human and mouse lymph nodes. Using a new genetic model, we provide evidence that FLT3L produced by GREM1 FRCs maintains lymph node preDCs, cDCs, and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). Spatial transcriptomics and cytofluorometry reveal that Grem1 FRC-derived FLT3L supports not only proliferation, but also survival of lymph node cDCs within the interfollicular zone (IFZ). Functionally, loss of Grem1 FRC-derived FLT3L impairs cDC priming of antigen-specific T cell responses. These findings provide key mechanistic insights underlying stromal cell support of DC homeostasis and function.
The symbiosis of healthcare professionals and patients: understanding the dynamics of long-term care relationships between healthcare professionals and patients in oncology
Authors: Chung Liam Il-Young , Ahadi Awranoos , Lee Grace , Jung Chan Mi , Chae Lena , Hong Ilene , Kang Grace , Jang Jessica , Park Brandon , Chae Young Kwang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic diseases are a significant source of physical, emotional, mental, and social distress to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). In particular, cancer patients face immense challenges as they navigate their uncertain futures. These difficulties necessitate a collaborative environment where patients, caregivers, and HCPs support each other to improve everyone’s quality of life. This study aims to investigate factors that influence a healthy long-term care relationship between patients and HCPs.MethodsThis qualitative study analyzes the experiences of the HCPs with patients and their caregivers at a large metropolitan academic medical center. Twenty-two de-identified reflective essays written by HCPs as part of the Pacemakers initiative at the medical center, which seeks to empower HCPs, patients, and caregivers in creative ways along the management journey were analyzed. The essays describe meaningful experiences, such as patient/caregiver award ceremonies celebrating resilience and hope. Essays (N= 22) were thematically analyzed by two independent coders to identify key codes and themes (italicized).ResultsThe presence ofsupport networks(n= 10) was crucial for patients and caregivers.Conveying solidarity(n= 21) helped patients experience companionship with their medical team, family, and friends.Small acts of kindness(n= 10) led to meaningful interactions that encouraged patients.Compassion(n= 19) andpatient-centeredness(n= 17) fostered a receptive environment where patients and caregivers felt heard. Celebrating and honoring theresilience(n= 10) of the patients made them feel recognized, and this process of celebration was also found to bolster arenewed sense of purpose for the HCPs(n= 11).ConclusionThe results highlight the importance of holistic support for patients and their caregivers. Creative encouragement empowers both patients and HCPs, building trust and strengthening the pursuit of their health. This mutual care fosters an environment conducive to healing and recovery. This study offers insights into effectively supporting patients and HCPs in long-term care relationships.
Novel non-invasive physical photobiomodulation can treat congenital colour vision deficiency and enhance color vision recognition ability: a randomized, single blind, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bao Nandi , Jia Liang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundColor vision deficiency (CVD) is a common congenital ophthalmic disease, and there are no effective therapeutic measures currently available for this patient population. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) in CVD patients.MethodsA randomized controlled trial design was applied in this study, whereby 80 patients with red-green CVD were randomly divided into PBM treatment and control groups. Color vision was assessed after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Statistical analysis of treatment was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn’s test for multiple comparisons using SPSS and R software.FindingsCompared to the control group, the color vision of CVD patients exhibited a significant improvement in the PBM treatment group for different parameters (Ps□0.05).InterpretationPBM therapy could significantly improve color vision in patients with congenital CVD, especially in patients with green CVD.
The new role of carbonic anhydrases and bicarbonate in acclimatization and hypoxia stress responses inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Białas Alex , Dąbrowska-Bronk Joanna , Gawroński Piotr , Karpiński Stanisław 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPlant growth and stress responses largely depend on the chloroplast retrograde signaling. Stoichiometry of carbon dioxide assimilation and transpiration, efficiency of photosynthesis, and absorbed energy fate in photosystems between photochemistry, fluorescence and heat channels impact on the chloroplast retrograde signaling. Recent studies revealed that 22 kDa photosystem II protein (PsbS) and plant β carbonic anhydrases (βCAs), except their obvious functions, are also involved in regulation of plant stress responses. Obtained results suggest that simultaneous overexpression ofβCA1and/orβCA2withPsbSgenes leads to improved photoprotection, acclimation to variable light conditions, and water use efficiency. However, this was achieved on the costs of lower biomass gain in double and triple (oePsbSoeβCA1 and oePsbSoeβCA1βCA2, respectively) transgenic lines in comparison to Col-0, andnpq4-1mutant. After bicarbonate fertilization we observed significant increase in biomass production in triple transgenic lines compared to oePsbS andnpq4-1plants, but not to Col-0. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that bicarbonate treatment of double and triple transgenic lines specifically induced expression of genes and transcription factors related to hypoxia, freezing, drought, high light, and pathogen attack stress responses, contrary to other genotypes. Interestingly, expression of two of these transcription factors, DREB - CBF2 subfamily (A-1 of ERF/AP2), and BT2 were reduced in oePsbStransgenic line. Our results suggest a novel regulatory role of βCAs and bicarbonate in the regulation of stress responses and plant productivity.
Persistent obesity since childhood or adolescence accelerates biological aging in young adults from Chile’s oldest birth cohort
Authors: Correa mP , Burrows R , Albala C , Sepúlveda C , Salech F , Troncoso R , Gonzalez-Billault C 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTAging and obesity are primary risk factors for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. However, a mechanistic correlation between these risk factors has not been fully established. Using a historical birth cohort from Chile, we delve into the relationship between obesity and accelerated aging, spanning cellular to systemic levels. The cohort, comprising men and women in their late 20s, had their BMI recorded since birth, with 57% having obesity since childhood or adolescence. Our aim was to investigate if persistent obesity since childhood or adolescence leads to the display of molecular aging features in young adulthood. We also sought to determine whether cardiometabolic health issues accompanied this early aging phenotype. We used inferential statistics and data mining for analysis. Results show that persistent obesity since childhood or adolescence leads to epigenetic changes, telomere shortening, chronic inflammation, impaired nutrient sensing, mitochondrial stress, and diminished intercellular communication, resembling a compound network of interactions. This obesity-induced accelerated aging phenotype coincided with persistent decline of the cardiometabolic profile. Implications of our findings are significant and suggest that integrating molecular markers with clinical and epidemiological data could be valuable in identifying individuals at increased disease risk due to accelerated aging.
Plasma Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Results from a Nested Case-Control Study and Two-sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Wang Dandan , Wu Lei , Feng Pei , Sun Yexiu , Wu Di , Xu He , Peng Hao , Li Hongmei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe temporal relationship between Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is unclear. This study aimed to examine the temporal and probable causal relationship between them.MethodsA nested case-control study including 387 pairs of cases with HDP and healthy controls was conducted. Seven SCFAs levels in plasma samples drawn at 16-20 gestational weeks before HDP were assayed by GC/MS. The individual and joint associations of SCFAs with HDP were examined by logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, respectively, followed by two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to test the underlying causality.ResultsThe univariate model found each interquartile increase in plasma valerate was associated with a 32.1% (OR=0.679, 95%CI=0.546-0.844) reduction in the risk of HDP, a 29.4%(OR=0.706, 95%CI=0.548-0.910) reduction in the risk of gestational hypertension (GH) and a 39.1% (OR=0.609, 95%CI=0.397-0.935) reduction in the risk of preeclampsia/chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia (PE/CH-PE). However, after adjustment for covariates, valerate was only associated with the risk of HDP (OR=0.699, 95% CI=0.516-0.946). In addition, plasma isobutyrate and hexanoate were associated with lower risks of HDP and PE/CH-PE. Furthermore, SCFAs co-exposure could reduce the risks of HDP and GH. MR showed that plasma acetate (OR=0.784, 95%CI=0.64-0.962), valerate (OR=0.575, 95%CI=0.363-0.909) and isovalerate (OR=0.642, 95%CI=0.428-0.963) had protective causal effects on GH. Meanwhile, plasma acetate had protective causal effects on PE (OR=0.746, 95%CI=0.6-0.927).ConclusionsThe study suggested it is necessary to appropriately increase SCFAs levels during pregnancy to reduce the risk of HDP.
Placodiscus bijugus(Sapindaceae) a new species of Endangered lowland evergreen forest tree from the western foothills of Mt Cameroon and from Korup National Park, Cameroon
Authors: Gosline George , Ndam Nouhou , Cable Stuart , Cheek Martin 
Published: August 2024

SummaryA new range-restricted species ofPlacodiscusRadlk. is described, mapped and illustrated.Placodiscus bijugusis a cauliflorous tree (4 –)5 – 10 m tall, characterised by having two pairs of leaflets, 1(– 2)-flowered cymules with minute bracts, a glabrous disk, pedicels 3 – 3.2 mm long and large (3 – 4 cm diam.), shortly stipitate, retuse fruits, orbicular in outline. It is similar toP. caudatusPierre ex Pellegr. which has been reported from surveys in Cameroon. We discuss the typification and range of the latter species which in fact appears to be absent from Cameroon.Placodiscus bijugusis provisionally assessed as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) using the IUCN standard, since only three locations, with threats are reported. The species has a small, slightly range, disjunct between Mt Cameroon and Korup National Park in coastal SW region Cameroon. We review other species with this disjunct range.
Modelling medulloblastoma pathogenesis and treatment in human cerebellar organoids
Authors: Willott Thomas , Nicholson James G , Xiao Yunchen , Ogunbiyi Olumide , Mistry Talisa , Zabet Nicolae Radu , Merve Ashirwad , Badodi Sara , Marino Silvia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFaithful genetically engineeredin vivomodels of medulloblastoma (MB) are currently available only for some molecular subgroups, in keeping with recent studies showing the unique role of human-specific progenitors in the development of G3 and G4 MB subgroups. We generated human cerebellar organoids (CbO) from expanded potential stem cells (EPSC) and characterised in depth their epigenetic and transcriptomic profile. We show the presence of sub compartment-specific cerebellar lineages linked to MB formation, including populations expressing signature genes of G3 and G4 MB cells-of-origin in a 1 month-old CbO. Moreover, we demonstrate that CbO sustains MB cells proliferation and invasion in a 3D co-culture model (CbO-MB) while preserving their molecular identity, and that treatment of CbO-MB with anti-tumour compounds recapitulate the efficacy ofin vivodrug testing in PDX models.Graphical Abstract
Evolutionary Measures Show that Recurrence of DCIS is Distinct from Progression to Breast Cancer
Authors: Fortunato Angelo , Mallo Diego , Cisneros Luis , King Lorraine M. , Khan Aziz , Curtis Christina , Ryser Marc D. , Lo Joseph Y. , Hall Allison , Marks Jeffrey R. , Hwang E. Shelley , Maley Carlo C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractProgression from pre-cancers like ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) to invasive disease (cancer) is driven by somatic evolution and is altered by clinical interventions. We hypothesized that genetic and/or phenotypic intra-tumor heterogeneity would predict clinical outcomes for DCIS since it serves as the substrate for natural selection among cells. We profiled two samples from two geographically distinct foci from each DCIS in both cross-sectional (N = 119) and longitudinal cohorts (N = 224), with whole exome sequencing, low-pass whole genome sequencing, and a panel of immunohistochemical markers. In the longitudinal cohorts, the only statistically significant predictors of time to non-invasive DCIS recurrence were the combination of treatment (lumpectomy only vs mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation, HR = 12.13,p= 0.003, Wald test with FDR correction), ER status (HR = 0.16 for ER+ compared to ER-,p= 0.0045), and divergence in SNVs between the two samples (HR = 1.33 per 10% divergence,p= 0.018). SNV divergence also distinguished between pure DCIS and DCIS synchronous with invasive disease in the cross-sectional cohort. In contrast, the only statistically significant predictors of time to progression to invasive disease were the combination of the width of the surgical margin (HR = 0.67 per mm,p= 0.043) and the number of mutations that were detectable at high allele frequencies (HR = 1.30 per 10 SNVs,p= 0.02). These results imply that recurrence with DCIS is a clinical and biological process different from invasive progression.SignificanceEvolutionary measures of breast pre-cancers associate with local recurrence after surgery, as well as progression to cancer. Recurrence and progression are different biological processes impacted differently by clinical interventions.
Acceptance of an Mpox Vaccine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Petrichko Skylar , Kindrachuk Jason , Nkamba Dalau , Halbrook Megan , Merritt Sydney , Kalengi Handdy , Kamba Leonard , Beya Michael , Hoff Nicole A. , Luhata Christophe , Kaba Didine K. , Rimoin Anne W. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTWe report general acceptance of an mpox vaccine (61.0%) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (n = 5226) with higher acceptance among healthcare workers and respondents in historic mpox-endemic regions. These data highlight the need for increased community engagement and sensitization before widespread deployment of mpox vaccines.