bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) behavioral phenotypes are not underscored by different gut microbiomes
Authors: Ayayee Paul A. , Wong Ryan Y. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough bold and shy behavioral phenotypes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been selectively bred and maintained over multiple generations, it is unclear if they are underscored by different gut microbiota. Using the microbiota–gut–brain concept, we examined the relationship between gut microbiota and the behavioral phenotypes within this model animal system to assess possible gut microbe‐mediated effects on host behavior. To this end, we amplified and sequenced 16S rRNA gene amplicons from the guts of bold and shy zebrafish individuals using the Illumina Miseq platform. We did not record any significant differences in within‐group microbial diversity nor between‐group community composition of the two behavioral phenotypes. Interestingly, though not statistically different, we determined that the gut microbial community of the bold phenotype was dominated by Burkholderiaceae, Micropepsaceae, and Propionibacteriaceae. In contrast, the shy phenotype was dominated by Beijerinckaceae, Pirelullacaeae, Rhizobiales_Incertis_Sedis, and Rubinishaeraceae. The absence of any significant difference in gut microbiome profiles between the two phenotypes would suggest that in this species, there might exist a stable core gut microbiome, regardless of behavioral phenotypes, and possibly, a limited role for the gut microbiota in modulating this selected‐for host behavior. This study characterized the gut microbiomes of distinct innate behavioral phenotypes of the zebrafish (that are not considered dysbiotic states) and did not rely on antibiotic or probiotic treatments to induce changes in behavior. Such studies are crucial to our understanding of the modulating impacts of the gut microbiome on normative animal behavior.
L‐DOPA Test in the Diagnosis of Childhood Short Stature: Evaluation of Growth Hormone Peaks Over Time
Authors: Castelli Barbara , De Santis Rita , Carrera Simona , Malanima Marco Andrea , De Masi Salvatore , Stagi Stefano 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn childhood, growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) diagnosis is based on auxological assessment and biochemical provocative tests, whose reliability remains disputed. Recently, several papers have been published on standardising the duration of some tests. The aim of our study was to analyse the possible length reduction of the L‐DOPA provocative test.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the response of GH to L‐DOPA in 256 children, analysing 267 tests (some patients were retested over time for the persistence of severe auxopathy). We studied the same data considering GH peak threshold both at 8 ng/mL (Italian GHD cut‐off) and at 10 ng/mL (international cut‐off). Based on stimulation tests, patients were divided into two groups: GHD and no‐GHD short children. We described the results in the whole population and then clustering for gender and pubertal stage. We termed as index the test stopped at 90 min.ResultsThe GH peak after L‐DOPA mostly occurred at 60 min. The sensitivity of the index test was the highest, while the specificity was slightly higher using the 8 ng/mL threshold (specificity = 0.68; 95% CI 0.60–0.76) then using the 10 ng/mL threshold (specificity = 0.56; 95% CI 0.47–0.65) at 90 min. The two ROC curves showed moderate performance of the test at 90 min. While the negative predictive value was 100% in both tests, the positive predictive value was slightly better with 10 ng/mL cut‐off. Considering the two groups established by GHD definition and placing a GH threshold at 10 ng/mL, stopping L‐DOPA test time at 90 min would have changed the test result and subsequentially patient's classification in 3/267 of the analysed tests (1.1%), while with the Italian GH threshold value at 8 ng/mL in 7/267 of the tests (2.6%).ConclusionsOur research shows that omitting 120‐min time reduces L‐DOPA test specificity, especially with GHD cut‐off at 10 ng/mL.
Lipidomics revealed the superior anti‐obesity effect of brown adipose tissue in obese mice
Authors: Jia Min , Yue Hao , Xu Tongcheng , Xu Yong‐Jiang , Liu Yuanfa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBrown adipose tissue (BAT) has been reported to possess the potential to ameliorate diet‐induced obesity. However, the molecular mechanism of BAT activation in alleviating obese states remains unclear. This study investigated the physiology and BAT index of high‐fat diet‐induced and normal chow mice after 3 weeks of mild cold treatment. Body weights and lipid accumulations in BAT and white adipose tissue were significantly decreased by cold treatment. Lipidomics analysis showed that chronic cold treatment caused the remodeling of major lipid classes in BAT, especially species and phospholipid content, plus the mitochondrial morphology. Evidence indicated mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis, and all the effects caused by BAT activation were more pronounced in obese mice. Taken together, our study revealed that phospholipid metabolism is the fundamental requirement in the anti‐obesity effect of BAT.Practical Applications: Chronic mild cold treatment induced a significant alteration of lipid species and content in BAT and improvement in overall lipid metabolism. Apart from biogenesis and thermogenesis, the categories and morphology of mitochondria were also significantly altered. Though obese mice have inactivated BAT with impaired mitochondria, the superior effect caused by BAT activation on obese mice than control mice indicated the great potential to be evoked. This article may provide lifestyle guidelines for the population with overweight and obesity, especially in teenagers and children.
Electrochemical Transformations of Enamines: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Li Dandan , Chen Long 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEnamines, containing nucleophilic amino groups and activated C=C bonds, are important building blocks, and widely used in the synthesis of heterocycles, natural products, and pharmaceuticals. In recent years, electrosynthesis has gradually developed into a powerful protocol for constructing chemical bonds due to its high economy, environmental friendliness, and mild reaction conditions. This review summarized the recent advances in the electrochemical transformation of enamines, including the construction of heterocyclic compounds, C(sp2)−H bond functionalization of enamines for synthesis of multi‐substituted alkenes, and the functionalization reactions of enamines via C=C double bond cleavage. The reaction conditions and mechanisms were systematically discussed, and the challenges and future directions of this field were included in this review.
Comparative study using spectroscopic and mineralogical fingerprinting for suspended sediment source apportionment in a river–reservoir system
Authors: Das Arnab , Remesan Renji , Chakraborty Somsubhra , Collins Adrian L. , Gupta Ashok Kumar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe need to control soil erosion has received increasing attention, but quantitative data on the sources of suspended sediment in many river–reservoir systems is still lacking. The goal of this research was to compare the application of spectroscopic [mid‐infrared (MIR)] and mineralogical [X‐ray diffraction (XRD)] fingerprints for assessing relative sediment source contributions from different land use groups (agricultural lands, forests and human settlements) in the Konar–Damodar river–reservoir system in India. Source apportionment was estimated using partial least square (PLS) regression for spectroscopic tracers (MIR) and the Bayesian MixSIAR model for mineralogical tracers. Both methods identified differences between the pre‐ and post‐monsoon sediment contributions of forests (overall contribution bounds of ~35–43%). During monsoon seasons, both fingerprinting methods indicated agricultural land use as the primary source of suspended sediment. Although there were some temporal variations in the predicted contributions of the land use sources, the MIR‐PLS and mineralogical–MixSIAR methods produced comparable ranges. The respective variations in contributions, using MIR‐PLS and mineralogical–MixSIAR, were ~31 to 66% compared with ~36 to 61% for agricultural lands, ~21 to 43% compared with ~15 to 39% for forests and ~16 to 37% compared with ~19 to 32% for human settlements.
Two protein‐derived peptides from Bombyx mori attenuate colitis by enhancing intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbiota ecology
Authors: Zhou Yaxi , Wang Diandian , Guo Jinhong , Zheng Yue , Duan Hao , Yan Wenjie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFood‐sourced proteins have been shown to have ameliorative effects on ulcerative colitis (UC), and studies have identified potential anti‐inflammatory activity of silkworm pupa proteins. Here, we identified and screened two novel protein‐derived peptides, PDLGLF (PD‐6) and GTEGGFPF (GT‐8), from Bombyx mori using UPLC–MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis. These peptides can serve as effective experimental drugs for colitis by modulating the gut microbiota. Treatment with peptides PD‐6 and GT‐8 inhibited colitis inflammation in UC mice, improved oxidative stress levels, and maintained intestinal epithelial barrier function. Peptides PD‐6 and GT‐8 also altered the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in UC mice and increased the concentration of short‐chain fatty acids. In conclusion, these findings reveal the potential of the naturally derived bioactive peptides PD‐6 and GT‐8 in controlling intestinal inflammation and underscore the potential of PD‐6 and GT‐8 as promising candidates for the prevention and improvement of UC‐related inflammatory diseases.
Monolithic finite element modeling of compressible fluid‐structure‐electrostatics interactions in MEMS devices
Authors: Dutta Suman , Jog C. S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis work presents a monolithic finite element strategy for the accurate solution of strongly‐coupled fluid‐structure‐electrostatics interaction problems involving a compressible fluid. The complete set of equations for a compressible fluid is employed within the framework of the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) fluid formulation on the reference configuration. The proposed numerical approach incorporates geometric nonlinearities of both the structural and fluid domains, and can thus be used for investigating dynamic pull‐in phenomena and squeeze film damping in high aspect‐ratio micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) structures immersed in a compressible fluid. Through various illustrative examples, we demonstrate the significant influence of fluid compressibility on the dynamics of MEMS devices subjected to constrained geometry and/or high‐frequency electrostatic actuation. Moreover, we compare the proposed formulation with the nonlinear compressible Reynolds equation and highlight that, particularly at low pressures and high fluid viscosity, the Reynolds equation fails to provide a reliable approximation to the complete set of equations utilized in our proposed formulation.
Oleanolic acid attenuates obesity through modulating the lipid metabolism in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Zhang Guangjie , Zhang Huiying , Dong Ruiyi , Zhao Hongmei , Li Junfeng , Yue Weiming , Ma Zheng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAs a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, oleanolic acid has hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. This work performed the in vitro experiments and animal assay to explore whether oleanolic acid alleviates lipid accumulation induced by high‐fat diet by mediating PPARγ. Oil red O staining showed that oleanolic acid can reduce lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, which were treated with oleic acid and palmitic acid. Immunofluorescence, western blot analysis, and RT‐qPCR showed that oleanolic acid could promote nuclear translocation of PPARγ and reduce the expression level of PPARγ, C/EBP‐β, and SREBP‐1c. The results of in vivo experiments indicated that dietary intervention with oleanolic acid can effectively improve the fat accumulation in liver tissue and attenuate the level of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in serum caused by high‐fat diet. Meanwhile, oleanolic acid did not cause lesions in vital organs at the experimental concentrations. In addition, the computer simulation indicated that oleanolic acid could directly bind to PPARγ with a reasonable and stable docking conformation. The above research results can provide new evidence for oleanolic acid to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Comparative analysis of the nutritional, physicochemical, and bioactive characteristics of Artemisia abyssinica and Artemisia arborescens for the evaluation of their potential as ingredients in functional foods
Authors: Al‐Maqtari Qais Ali , Othman Norzila , Mohammed Jalaleldeen Khaleel , Mahdi Amer Ali , Al‐Ansi Waleed , Noman Abeer Essam , Al‐Gheethi Adel Ali Saeed , Asharuddin Syazwani Mohd 
Published: August 2024

AbstractArtemisia abyssinica and Artemisia arborescens are unique plants that show significant bioactive properties and are used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. This study assessed the nutritional values, functional properties, chemical composition, and bioactive attributes of these plants as functional nutritional supplements. Compared to A. arborescens, A. abyssinica had higher fat (4.76%), fiber (16.07%), total carbohydrates (55.87%), and energy (302.15 kcal/100 g DW), along with superior functional properties, including higher water and oil absorption capacities (638.81% and 425.85%, respectively) and foaming capacity and stability (25.67% and 58.48%). The investigation of volatile compounds found that A. abyssinica had higher amounts of hotrienol (4.53%), yomogi alcohol (3.92%), caryophyllene (3.67%), and carvotanacetone (3.64%), which possess anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Artemisia abyssinica contributed over 30% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of amino acids. It displayed superior levels of sodium (31.46 mg/100 g DW) and calcium (238.07 mg/100 g DW). It also exhibited higher levels of organic acids, particularly malic acid, butyric acid, and succinic acid, compared to A. arborescens. Fatty acid analysis revealed palmitic and linoleic acids as primary components in both plants, with A. abyssinica having a higher palmitic acid content. Artemisia abyssinica also had higher vitamin C and thiamine levels. Although A. arborescens showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and capacity, A. abyssinica demonstrated acceptable efficiency in TPC and antioxidant content. These findings highlight the potential of both Artemisia species, particularly A. abyssinica, as valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds for various applications.
Determination of free fatty acids and volatile compounds of butter oil produced from pasteurized and unpasteurized butter at different temperatures
Authors: Demir Tekin , Andiç Seval , Oğuz Şehriban 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this study, the effects of different raw materials, different processing temperatures, and storage temperatures on some properties of butter oil were investigated. Two different kinds of butter were produced from cream containing 40% milk fat. Both butter samples were processed into butter oil at three different temperatures (60, 90, and 120°C). Butter and butter oil samples were stored at +4°C and analyses were performed at 0, 30, and 60 days of storage. There are no significant differences between the atherogenicity index and the saturated and unsaturated fatty acid composition of butter and butter oil samples. Free fatty acid values of all samples increased during storage. Also, in all three storage periods, it was determined that free fatty acids were higher in butter samples than in butter oil samples. During storage, saturated and unsaturated free fatty acid values are generally higher in butter oil processed at 60°C than in butter oil processed at 90°C and 120°C. In total, 40 volatile compounds were detected, which included 8 ketones, each of 6 aldehydes, alcohols, acids, and hydrocarbons, 5 terpenes, and 3 esters in butter and butter oil samples. Aldehydes and ketones were generally highest in butter oil processed at 120°C.
Ameliorative effects of humic acid and L‐tryptophan on enzyme activity, mineral content, biochemical properties, and plant growth of spinach cultivated in saline conditions
Authors: Turfan Nezahat , Kibar Beyhan , Davletova Nazakat , Kibar Hakan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSalinity poses a significant abiotic stress that limits plant productivity, thereby posing a serious threat to agricultural sustainability and worldwide food security. Techniques that can overcome this problem are needed. Recent focus has been placed on employing organic substances like humic acid (HA) and amino acids, including L‐tryptophan (L‐TRP), to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress on cultivated plants. Accordingly, in this research, the impact of foliar applications of HA and L‐TRP, both separately and combined, on the growth parameters and biochemical properties of spinach subjected to salt stress was investigated. In the present study, eight treatments (1. control, 2. salt (NaCl), 3. HA, 4. L‐TRP, 5. HA + NaCl, 6. L‐TRP + NaCl, 7. HA + L‐TRP, and 8. HA + L‐TRP + NaCl) were investigated. The study showed that salt stress markedly reduced several growth properties in spinach, including plant height, number of leaves, leaf dimensions, and both fresh and dry weight. Additionally, it significantly lowered contents of chlorophyll (a, b, and total), carotenoid, polyphenol, lutein, anthocyanin, polyphenol oxidase, glycine betaine, relative water content, and the antioxidant enzyme activities (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase). On the other hand, significant increases were observed in sodium, chlorine, potassium, sulfur, zinc, nickel, proline, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide levels of spinach with salinity. Individual and combined applications of HA and L‐TRP positively influenced plant growth, relative water content, activities of antioxidant enzyme, chlorophyll, and mineral contents of spinach under both normal and saline conditions. In conclusion, the combined use of HA and L‐TRP under salt stress conditions is promising in mitigating the negative impacts of salinity and can be suggested as an effective alternative approach for cultivating spinach in saline environments.
Early circulating tumor DNA changes predict outcomes in head and neck cancer patients under re‐radiotherapy
Authors: Janke Florian , Stritzke Florian , Dvornikovich Katharina , Franke Henrik , Angeles Arlou Kristina , Riediger Anja Lisa , Ogrodnik Simon , Gerhardt Sabrina , Regnery Sebastian , Schröter Philipp , Bauer Lukas , Weusthof Katharina , Görtz Magdalena , Harrabi Semi , Herfarth Klaus , Neelsen Christian , Paech Daniel , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Abdollahi Amir , Adeberg Sebastian , Debus Jürgen , Sültmann Holger , Held Thomas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLocal recurrence after radiotherapy is common in locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Re‐irradiation can improve local disease control, but disease progression remains frequent. Hence, predictive biomarkers are needed to adapt treatment intensity to the patient's individual risk. We quantified circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in sequential plasma samples and correlated ctDNA levels with disease outcome. Ninety four longitudinal plasma samples from 16 locally advanced HNC patients and 57 healthy donors were collected at re‐radiotherapy baseline, after 5 and 10 radiation fractions, at irradiation end, and at routine follow‐up visits. Plasma DNA was subjected to low coverage whole genome sequencing for copy number variation (CNV) profiling to quantify ctDNA burden. CNV‐based ctDNA burden was detected in 8/16 patients and 25/94 plasma samples. Ten additional ctDNA‐positive samples were identified by tracking patient‐specific CNVs found in earlier sequential plasma samples. ctDNA‐positivity after 5 and 10 radiation fractions (both: log‐rank, p = .050) as well as at the end of irradiation correlated with short progression‐free survival (log‐rank, p = .006). Moreover, a pronounced decrease of ctDNA toward re‐radiotherapy termination was associated with worse treatment outcome (log‐rank, p = .005). Dynamic ctDNA tracking in serial plasma beyond re‐radiotherapy reflected treatment response and imminent disease progression. In five patients, molecular progression was detected prior to tumor progression based on clinical imaging. Our findings emphasize that quantifying ctDNA during re‐radiotherapy may contribute to disease monitoring and personalization of adjuvant treatment, follow‐up intervals, and dose prescription.
Successful endourological treatment for a rare case of atazanavir‐induced urinary stones
Authors: Nakamura Takehiro , Takazawa Ryoji , Umino Yosuke 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAtazanavir, an anti‐HIV drug, induces urinary stone formation. We herein report a case of atazanavir‐induced bilateral ureteral stones treated with endourological procedures.Case presentationA 47‐year‐old male patient on atazanavir was admitted with right flank pain. The patient's serum creatinine level was 3.60 mg/dL. Plain computed tomography showed bilateral hydronephrosis. The left upper ureter was obstructed by a 13 × 12 × 9‐mm mass, which had very low CT attenuation values. The lower part of the right ureter was obstructed, but no mass was observed. Given his medical history, we suspected bilateral ureteral obstruction caused by drug‐induced stones. A ureteral stent was successfully inserted on the right side, but not on the left side. Thereafter, a bilateral ureteroscopic lithotripsy was performed. Infrared spectrophotometry revealed that the stone component was atazanavir.ConclusionUnderstanding the characteristics of these rare drug‐induced stones will aid in the proper early diagnosis and treatment.