bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the Stability and Predictive Utility of Across- and Within-Domain Intra-Individual Variability in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: DesRuisseaux Libby A , Guevara Jasmin E , Duff Kevin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
Dispersion is a form of intra-individual variability across neuropsychological tests that has been shown to predict cognitive decline. However, few studies have investigated the stability and predictive utility of both across- and within-domain dispersion. The current study aims to fill these gaps in the literature by examining multiple indices of dispersion in a longitudinal clinical sample of individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at baseline.

Method
Two hundred thirty-eight MCI patients from a cognitive disorders clinic underwent testing at baseline and after approximately 1.5 years. Linear regression was used to examine whether baseline across- and within-domain dispersion predicted cognitive decline in individuals whose diagnostic classification progressed to dementia (i.e., MCI-Decline) and those who retained an MCI diagnosis at follow-up (i.e., MCI-Stable). Cognitive decline was operationalized dichotomously using group status and continuously using standardized regression-based (SRB) z-scores.

Results
Dispersion variables at baseline and follow-up were positively correlated in both groups, with the exception of within-domain executive functioning and language dispersion in the MCI-Decline group. None of the dispersion variables predicted diagnostic conversion to MCI. Using SRB z-scores, greater across-domain dispersion predicted greater overall cognitive decline at follow-up, but this was not the case for within-domain variables with the exception of visuospatial skills.

Conclusions
Results suggest that across- and within-domain dispersion are relatively stable across time, and that across-domain dispersion is predictive of subtle cognitive decline in patients with MCI. However, these results also highlight that findings may differ based on the tests included in dispersion calculations.
Evaluation of antifungal activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles and associated cellular responses
Authors: Nishino Shunsuke , Oiki Sayoko , Yamana Yoshimasa , Hagiwara Daisuke 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, as a metal oxide nanomaterial, are increasingly used for various industrial and biomedical applications. Although their cytotoxicity to bacteria and the associated mechanisms have attracted particular attention, the mechanisms behind their antifungal effects have remained unclear. This study investigated the antifungal properties of CeO2, focusing on Aspergillus oryzae. CeO2 inhibited fungal spore germination on solid substrates, and the effect was fungistatic rather than fungicidal. CeO2 inhibited fungal growth, especially under UV irradiation, and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Tocopherol reduced the intracellular ROS levels and the growth-inhibitory effects of CeO2, suggesting that ROS are involved in these growth-inhibitory effects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulated expression of genes related to phospholipases and phosphate metabolism. CeO2 affected phosphate ion concentration in the medium, potentially influencing cellular responses. This research provided valuable insights into the antifungal effects of CeO2 application, which differ from those of conventional photocatalysts like TiO2.
Coffee consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of preeclampsia in rats by inhibiting 2-methoxyestradiol production
Authors: Chen Linyan , Wu Xiyuan , Wang Pan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disease that causes maternal symptoms such as high blood pressure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E2), an endogenous metabolite of 17β-estradiol (E2) formed by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), plays an important role in pregnancy. Our earlier studies have shown that polyphenols present in coffee can inhibit COMT activity, which may inhibit the formation of 2-MeO-E2 and contribute to PE. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the possible effect and mechanism of coffee intake during pregnancy on PE in rats. Coffee is administered with or without the co-treatment of 2-MeO-E2 to pregnant rats from the10th to the18th day of pregnancy. The results show that pregnant rats with coffee intake had prominent fetal growth restriction, hypertension, and proteinuria, which can be ameliorated by co-treatment of 2-MeO-E2. In addition, coffee treatment leads to significantly decreased serum 2-MeO-E2. Therefore, the PE symptoms induced by coffee treatment are probably mediated by decreased 2-MeO-E2. In sum, our findings provide a new mechanistic insight into how coffee intake could lead to increased risk of PE, and demonstrate the effectiveness of 2-MeO-E2 supplementation as a potential therapeutic agent for PE.
Macropinocytosis inhibits alkaliptosis in pancreatic cancer cells through fatty acid uptake
Authors: Chen Fangquan , Tang Hu , Lin Junhao , Xiang Limin , Lu Yanjiao , Kang Rui , Tang Daolin , Liu Jiao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Alkaliptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is characterized by lysosomal dysfunction and intracellular pH alkalinization. The pharmacological induction of alkaliptosis using the small molecule compound JTC801 has emerged as a promising anticancer strategy in various types of cancers, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, we investigate a novel mechanism by which macropinocytosis, an endocytic process involving the uptake of extracellular material, promotes resistance to alkaliptosis in human PDAC cells. Through lipid metabolomics analysis and functional studies, we demonstrate that the inhibition of alkaliptosis by fatty acids, such as oleic acid, is not dependent on endogenous synthetic pathways but rather on exogenous uptake facilitated by macropinocytosis. Consequently, targeting macropinocytosis through pharmacological approaches (e.g. using EIPA or EHoP-016) or genetic interventions (e.g. RAC1 knockdown) effectively enhances JTC801-induced alkaliptosis in human PDAC cells. These findings provide compelling evidence that the modulation of macropinocytosis can increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to alkaliptosis inducers.
Early-onset lupus nephritis
Authors: Peyronel Francesco , Rossi Giovanni M , Palazzini Giulia , Odone Ludovica , Errichiello Carmela , Emmi Giacomo , Vaglio Augusto 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Early-onset systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a distinct clinical entity characterized by the onset of disease manifestations during childhood. Despite some similarities to patients who are diagnosed during adulthood, early-onset SLE typically displays a greater disease severity, with aggressive multiorgan involvement, lower responsiveness to classical therapies, and more frequent flares. Lupus nephritis is one of the most severe complications of SLE and represents a major risk factor for long-term morbidity and mortality, especially in children. This review focuses on the clinical and histological aspects of early-onset lupus nephritis, aiming at highlighting relevant differences with adult patients, emphasizing long-term outcomes and discussing the management of long-term complications. We also discuss monogenic lupus, a spectrum of conditions caused by single gene variants affecting the complement cascade, extracellular and intracellular nucleic acid sensing and processing, and occasionally other metabolic pathways. These monogenic forms typically develop early in life and often have clinical manifestations that resemble sporadic SLE, whereas their response to standard treatments is poor.
Marine Debris Harbor Unique, yet Functionally Similar Cryptofauna Communities
Authors: Payton Tokea G , Metzger Anna M , Childress Michael J 
Published: July 2024

Synopsis
Human-made debris is entering the ocean at alarming rates. These artificial structures are becoming habitats for small marine taxa known as cryptofauna. Cryptofauna are among the most essential reef taxa; however, little is known about these organisms, let alone their fate considering degrading coral reefs and increasing anthropogenic disturbance. The current study explores differences in naturally occurring cryptofauna biodiversity compared to those inhabiting benthic marine debris. To explore this difference, we measured invertebrate diversity from autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) located on patch reefs along the middle Florida Keys reef tract. ARMS were used as a proxy for natural structure to compare to marine debris removed from five reef locations. Plastic debris was the most abundant of all the debris material collected. Wood and concrete were identified as covariates since they are sourced from wooden lobster traps. Taxa diversity varied significantly between ARMS and debris, indicating that each structural unit contained significantly different and diverse communities. The most influential taxa identified included commensal shrimps, hermit crabs, brittle stars, segmented worms, and several families of crabs. Additionally, while functional richness increased with taxa richness for ARMS communities, debris communities showed decreasing functional richness and high functional similarity, suggesting a specialization of debris-specific taxa. Overall, these data assist in better understanding of the marine community ecology surrounding anthropogenic marine debris for future debris removal and management practices for comprehensive reef health.
An overview of next generation sequencing strategies and genomics tools used for tuberculosis research
Authors: Deb Sushanta , Basu Jhinuk , Choudhary Megha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a grave public health concern and is considered the foremost contributor to human mortality resulting from infectious disease. Due to the stringent clonality and extremely restricted genomic diversity, conventional methods prove inefficient for in-depth exploration of minor genomic variations and the evolutionary dynamics operating in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) populations. Until now, the majority of reviews have primarily focused on delineating the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in predicting antibiotic resistant genes, surveillance of drug resistance strains, and M.tb lineage classifications. Despite the growing use of next generation sequencing (NGS) and WGS analysis in TB research, there are limited studies that provide a comprehensive summary of there role in studying macroevolution, minor genetic variations, assessing mixed TB infections, and tracking transmission networks at an individual level. This highlights the need for systematic effort to fully explore the potential of WGS and its associated tools in advancing our understanding of TB epidemiology and disease transmission. We delve into the recent bioinformatics pipelines and NGS strategies that leverage various genetic features and simultaneous exploration of host-pathogen protein expression profile to decipher the genetic heterogeneity and host-pathogen interaction dynamics of the M.tb infections. This review highlights the potential benefits and limitations of NGS and bioinformatics tools and discusses their role in TB detection and epidemiology. Overall, this review could be a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in NGS-based approaches in TB research.
Top-down and bottom-up microbiome engineering approaches to enable biomanufacturing from waste biomass
Authors: Lyu Xuejiao , Nuhu Mujaheed , Candry Pieter , Wolfanger Jenna , Betenbaugh Michael , Saldivar Alexis , Zuniga Cristal , Wang Ying , Shrestha Shilva 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Growing environmental concerns and the need to adopt a circular economy have highlighted the importance of waste valorization for resource recovery. Microbial consortia-enabled biotechnologies have made significant developments in the biomanufacturing of valuable resources from waste biomass that serve as suitable alternatives to petrochemical-derived products. These microbial consortia-based processes are designed following a top-down or bottom-up engineering approach. The top-down approach is a classical method that uses environmental variables to selectively steer an existing microbial consortium to achieve a target function. While high-throughput sequencing has enabled microbial community characterization, the major challenge is to disentangle complex microbial interactions and manipulate the structure and function accordingly. The bottom-up approach uses prior knowledge of the metabolic pathway and possible interactions among consortium partners to design and engineer synthetic microbial consortia. This strategy offers some control over the composition and function of the consortium for targeted bioprocesses, but challenges remain in optimal assembly methods and long-term stability. In this review, we present the recent advancements, challenges, and opportunities for further improvement using top-down and bottom-up approaches for microbiome engineering. As the bottom-up approach is relatively a new concept for waste valorization, this review explores the assembly and design of synthetic microbial consortia, ecological engineering principles to optimize microbial consortia, and metabolic engineering approaches for efficient conversion. Integration of top-down and bottom-up approaches along with developments in metabolic modeling to predict and optimize consortia function are also highlighted.

One-Sentence Summary
This review highlights the microbial consortia-driven waste valorization for biomanufacturing through top-down and bottom-up design approaches and describes strategies, tools, and unexplored opportunities to optimize the design and stability of such consortia.
Predictors of operative ischemic cerebrovascular complications in skull base tumor resections: Experience in low-resource setting
Authors: Shiferaw Mestet Yibeltal , Baleh Abat Sahlu , Gizaw Abel , Teklemariam Tsegazeab Laeke , Aklilu Abenezer Tirsit , Awedew Atalel Fentahun , Anley Denekew Tenaw , Mekuria Bereket Hailu , Yesuf Ermias Fikiru , Yigzaw Mengistu Ayele , Molla Henok Teshome , Adise Mldie Alemu , Awano Mekides Musie , Teym Abraham 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Ischemic cerebrovascular complications following skull base tumor resections remain a significant factor impacting both short-term and long-term patient outcomes. This study aims to improve risk stratification, surgical decision-making, and postoperative care protocols.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study on predictors of ischemic cerebrovascular complications among patients who underwent skull base tumor resection was conducted at 2 high-volume neurosurgical centers in Ethiopia from 2018 to 2023. Binary logistic analysis was performed to see the association of each predictor variable.

Results
The study included 266 patients, with 65.5% being female. The median age and tumor size were 37 (± IQR = 17) years and 4.9 cm (± IQR 1.5), respectively. Ischemic cerebrovascular complications occurred in 19.9% of patients. Middle cranial fossa tumors and tumors spanning both anterior and middle cranial fossa (AOR = 6.75, 95% CI: 1.66–27.54, P &lt; .008), grades 3–5 vascular encasement (AOR = 5.04, 95% CI: 1.79–14.12, P &lt; .002), near-total resection and gross total resection (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.01–8.24, P &lt; .048), and difficult hemostasis (AOR = 9.37, 95% CI: 3.19–27.52, P &lt; .000) were significantly associated with iatrogenic vascular injury. Subarachnoid hemorrhage had a statistically significant association with vasospasm (AOR = 12.27, 95% CI: 1.99–75.37, P = .007).

Conclusions
Surgery-related ischemic cerebrovascular complications are common. Thorough perioperative risk stratification and proactive treatment planning are crucial to mitigate vascular insults associated with it. In low-resource settings, neurosurgical services are provided without advanced instruments, leading to more complications. Therefore, it is important to focus on improving neurosurgical setup to enhance patient outcomes.
Cavitating pulmonary lesion secondary to mycobacterium szulgai infection—case report of a rare pathogenic organism
Authors: Sohail Aroon , Hare James , Ibrahim Abdalla 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Mycobacterium szulgai (MS) is a species of non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), which very rarely is identified as the causative pathogen of pulmonary infections. Due to its rarity, there are limitations in the existing literature regarding the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of MS pulmonary infection. Our case report provides further information regarding the clinical, microbiological and radiological findings associated with MS pulmonary infection with suggestions provided on its long term management.
An Update in Claviceps paspali Disease: A Comprehensive Analysis on Field and Greenhouse Paspalum spp. Infection
Authors: Oberti Hector , Reyno Rafael , Do Canto Javier , Castro Lucia , Murchio Sara , Rossi Carlos , Ayala Walter , Dalla-Rizza Marco 
Published: July 2024

Paspalum L. is a genus of the Poaceae family, with many species serving as well-adapted forage plants in subtropical climates and continuous grazing systems. However, Claviceps paspali, an ascomycete of the order Hypocreales, represents a major threat to the Paspalum species. This fungus induces ergot disease, characterized by the replacement of infected flower seeds with sclerotia, which adversely affects seed production and animal health through mycotoxin production. Although ergot disease is reported in many countries, no totally resistant Paspalum cultivars have been reported for commercial use. This study comparatively evaluated disease development in six Paspalum species under greenhouse conditions with three specific isolates of C. paspali, along with field trials. In addition, field isolates of C. paspali were analyzed for phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. Greenhouse evaluation revealed variable susceptibility among Paspalum species, with P. malacophyllum, P. notatum, and P. umbrosum being the most resistant. In field trials P. dilatatum showed the highest severity index, and P. umbrosum and P. malacophyllum were less affected. The phenotypic characterization of 22 C. paspali isolates showed variability in pigmentation and growth rates, with potato dextrose agar being the culture medium in which the highest growth rate was observed. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates identified two well-supported lineages between C. paspali species. This research reports an ergot resistance gradient among Paspalum species, identifying genuine sources of resistance. In addition, virulent isolates of C. paspali potentially useful for rapid screening of accessions or crosses in Paspalum breeding programs were identified. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Ginkgetin improved experimental colitis by inhibiting intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis through EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling
Authors: Geng Zhijun , Zuo Lugen , Li Jing , Yin Lixia , Yang Jingjing , Duan Ting , Wang Lian , Zhang Xiaofeng , Song Xue , Wang Yueyue , Hu Jianguo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractExcessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells leads to intestinal barrier dysfunction, which is not only one of the pathological features of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but also a therapeutic target. A natural plant extract, Ginkgetin (GK), has been reported to have anti‐apoptotic activity, but its role in IBD is unknown. This study aimed to explore whether GK has anti‐colitis effects and related mechanisms. An experimental colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was established, and GK was found to relieve colitis in DSS‐induced mice as evidenced by improvements in weight loss, colon shortening, Disease Activity Index (DAI), macroscopic and tissue scores, and proinflammatory mediators. In addition, in DSS mice and TNF‐α‐induced colonic organoids, GK protected the intestinal barrier and inhibited intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, by improving permeability and inhibiting the number of apoptotic cells and the expression of key apoptotic regulators (cleaved caspase 3, Bax and Bcl‐2). The underlying mechanism of GK's protective effect was explored by bioinformatics, rescue experiments and molecular docking, and it was found that GK might directly target and activate EGFR, thereby interfering with PI3K/AKT signaling to inhibit apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, GK inhibited intestinal epithelial apoptosis in mice with experimental colitis, at least in part, by activating EGFR and interfering with PI3K/AKT activation, explaining the underlying mechanism for ameliorating colitis, which may provide new options for the treatment of IBD.
Identification of differential m6A RNA methylomes and ALKBH5 as a potential prevention target in the developmental neurotoxicity induced by multiple sevoflurane exposures
Authors: Meng Xiaowen , Wang Yichan , Zhao Weiming , Chen Ying , Li Wenting , Peng Ke , Xu Hanbing , Yang Yufan , Shan Xisheng , Huo Wenwen , Liu Huayue , Ji Fuhai 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSevoflurane, as a commonly used inhaled anesthetic for pediatric patients, has been reported that multiple sevoflurane exposures are associated with a greater risk of developing neurocognitive disorder. N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A), as the most common mRNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a crucial regulator of brain function in processes involving synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and neurodevelopment. Nevertheless, the relevance of m6A RNA methylation in the multiple sevoflurane exposure‐induced developmental neurotoxicity remains mostly elusive. Herein, we evaluated the genome‐wide m6A RNA modification and gene expression in hippocampus of mice that received with multiple sevoflurane exposures using m6A‐sequencing (m6A‐seq) and RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq). We discovered 19 genes with differences in the m6A methylated modification and differential expression in the hippocampus. Among these genes, we determined that a total of nine differential expressed genes may be closely associated with the occurrence of developmental neurotoxicity induced by multiple sevoflurane exposures. We further found that the alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), but not methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) and Wilms tumor 1‐associated protein (WTAP), were increased in the hippocampus of mice that received with multiple sevoflurane exposures. And the IOX1, as an inhibitor of ALKBH5, significantly improved the learning and memory defects and reduced neuronal damage in the hippocampus of mice induced by multiple sevoflurane exposures. The current study revealed the role of m6A methylated modification and m6A‐related regulators in sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment, which might provide a novel insight into identifying biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for inhaled anesthetic‐induced developmental neurotoxicity.