bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017–2020
Authors: Yang Zheng , Song Shupeng , Li Lufeng , Yuan Zhe , Li Yongguo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as a predominant liver disease worldwide, lacking approved drugs for clinical intervention at present. The composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) is used to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of diets, with higher CDAI indicating greater exposure to antioxidants. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the relationship between CDAI and MASLD in order to identify potential therapeutic approaches. We collected data from 12,286 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2017 to 2020 for analysis. The correlation between CDAI and MASLD status, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was evaluated by adjusting for confounding variables using weighted binary logistic regression model, linear regression model, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. The median CDAI in this study was − 0.3055 (interquartile range [IQR], − 2.299 to 2.290). The CDAI was higher in the population characterized by being young, female, higher income, absence of diabetes, and non-MASLD. After multivariable adjustment, the results of the weighted linear regression model suggested that higher CDAI may be associated with a decrease in CAP values; the results of the RCS regression model indicated significant non-linear relationships between MASLD status, CAP, LSM, and CDAI. The CDAI corresponding to the inflection points of the relationship curves between MASLD status, CAP, LSM, and CDAI were 0.349, 0.699, and 0.174, respectively. After further stratification by gender, we found that the relationship between MASLD status, CAP, and CDAI was significantly linear for females, whereas for males, it was non-linear, and the CDAI values corresponding to the inflection points in the curves for males were 1.325 and 0.985, respectively. We found that higher CDAI may be associated with decreased CAP values, particularly significant in females, suggesting that the intake of complex dietary antioxidants may ameliorate hepatic steatosis and reduce the occurrence of MASLD. Therefore, promoting dietary patterns rich in antioxidants may be an appropriate strategy to reduce the incidence of MASLD.
Optimization of thermosonication conditions for critical quality parameters of watermelon juice using response surface methodology
Authors: Maoto Makaepea M. , Beswa Daniso , Jideani Afam I. O. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Topical consumer interest in natural, healthier, safer and nutritional juice, has inspired the search for innovative technologies that can minimize product degradation. In this regard, thermosonication has been proposed as a potential processing technology that can preserve and produce “fresh” products. Watermelon (Citrullus
lanatus) juice is a nutrient-rich fruit juice that is desired by consumers due to its appealing color, pleasant odor, sweet taste and low-calorie content. This fruit juice is, however, highly perishable and prone to microorganisms, because of its neutral pH value and high amount of water activity. In addition, it is thermo-sensitive and therefore degrades quickly under thermal processing. This study aimed to identify the optimal thermosonication processing conditions for retaining the critical quality parameters (lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic content) of watermelon juice. Response surface methodology, employing a central composite design, was used to determine the effects of temperature (18–52 °C), processing time (2–13 min) and amplitude level (24–73 μm) at a constant frequency of 25 kHz. The highest quality parameters were obtained at 25 °C, 2 min, and 24 µm at a constant frequency of 25 kHz, which resulted in lycopene of 8.10 mg/100 g, β-carotene of 0.19 mg/100 g, ascorbic acid of 3.11 mg/100 g and total polyphenolic content of 23.96 mg/GAE/g with a desirability of 0.81. The proposed model was adequate (p < 0.0001), with a satisfactory determination coefficient (R2) of less than 0.8 for all phytochemicals. Thermosonicated watermelon juice samples showed minimal changes in their phytochemical properties, when compared to fresh juices; the lycopene content showed a significant increase after thermosonication, and a significant retention of β-carotene, ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic acid was observed. According to the findings, thermosonication could be a viable method for preserving watermelon juice, with minimal quality loss and improved functional attributes.
Nitrogen-doped hollow carbon sphere composite Mn3O4 as an advanced host for lithium-sulfur battery
Authors: Wang Haibin , Liu Jun , Ju Wenqi , Xu Xupeng , Chen Jiwei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs the most promising advanced energy storage system, lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are highly favored by the researchers because of their advantages of high energy density (2500 W h kg−1), low cost and non-pollution. However, the low conductivity, volume expansion of sulfur, and shuttle effect are still the great hindrance to the practical application of LSBs. Herein, the above problems can be addressed through the following strategies: (1) Hollow carbon microspheres with high specific surface area were constructed as sulfur hosts to increase sulfur loading while also being able to enhance the physical adsorption of polysulfides; (2) the loading of Mn3O4 particles on the basis of hollow carbon microspheres facilitates the capture and adsorption of polysulfides; (3) the hollow carbon sphere structure as a conductive network can provide more pathways for rapid electrical/ionic transport and also accelerate electrolyte wetting. Moreover, the thinner shell of hollow carbon microsphere is conducive to ion diffusion and speed up the reaction rate. Thus, the NHCS/Mn3O4/S composites exhibit a high discharge specific capacity of 1010.3 mAh g−1 at first and still maintained a reversible capacity of 269.2 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles. This work presents a facile sustainable and efficient synergistic strategy for the development of advanced LSBs.
A decade of submersible observations revealed temporal trends in elasmobranchs in a remote island of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Espinoza Mario , Quesada-Perez Fabio , Madrigal-Mora Sergio , Naranjo-Elizondo Beatriz , Clarke Tayler M. , Cortés Jorge 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNo-take marine protected areas (MPAs) can mitigate the effects of overfishing, climate change and habitat degradation, which are leading causes of an unprecedented global biodiversity crisis. However, assessing the effectiveness of MPAs, especially in remote oceanic islands, can be logistically challenging and often restricted to relatively shallow and accessible environments. Here, we used a long-term dataset (2010–2019) collected by the DeepSee submersible of the Undersea Hunter Group that operates in Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica, to (1) determine the frequency of occurrence of elasmobranch species at two depth intervals (50–100 m; 300–400 m), and (2) investigate temporal trends in the occurrence of common elasmobranch species between 2010 and 2019, as well as potential drivers of the observed changes. Overall, we observed 17 elasmobranch species, 15 of which were recorded on shallow dives (50–100 m) and 11 on deep dives (300–400 m). We found a decreasing trend in the probability of occurrence of Carcharhinus falciformis over time (2010–2019), while other species (e.g. Taeniurops meyeni, Sphyrna lewini, Carcharhinus galapagensis, Triaenodon obesus, and Galeocerdo cuvier) showed an increasing trend. Our study suggests that some species like S. lewini may be shifting their distributions towards deeper waters in response to ocean warming but may also be sensitive to low oxygen levels at greater depths. These findings highlight the need for regional 3D environmental information and long-term deepwater surveys to understand the extent of shark and ray population declines in the ETP and other regions, as most fishery-independent surveys from data-poor countries have been limited to relatively shallow waters.
Mastoparan-7 adjuvanted COBRA H1 and H3 hemagglutinin influenza vaccines
Authors: Sanchez Pedro L. , Staats Herman F. , Abraham Soman N. , Ross Ted M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAdjuvants enhance, prolong, and modulate immune responses by vaccine antigens to maximize protective immunity and enable more effective immunization in the young and elderly. Most adjuvants are formulated with injectable vaccines. However, an intranasal route of vaccination may induce mucosal and systemic immune responses for enhancing protective immunity in individuals and be easier to administer compared to injectable vaccines. In this study, a next generation of broadly-reactive influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccines were developed using the Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen (COBRA) methodology. These HA vaccines were formulated with Mastoparan 7 (M7-NH2) mast cell degranulating peptide adjuvant and administered intranasally to determine vaccine-induced seroconversion of antibodies against a panel of influenza viruses and protection following infection with H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in mice. Mice vaccinated intranasally with M7-NH2-adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines had high HAIs against a panel of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses and were protected against both morbidity and mortality, with reduced viral lung titers, following challenge with an H1N1 influenza virus. Additionally, M7-NH2 adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines induced Th2 skewed immune responses with robust IgG and isotype antibodies in the serum and mucosal lung lavages. Overall, this intranasally delivered M7-NH2 -adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccine provides effective protection against drifted H1N1 and H3N2 viruses.
Evidence of object permanence, short-term spatial memory, causality, understanding of object properties and gravity across five different ungulate species
Authors: Schaffer Alina , Widdig Anja , Holland Ruben , Amici Federica 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn their natural environment, animals face a variety of ecological and social challenges, which might be linked to the emergence of different cognitive skills. To assess inter-specific variation in cognitive skills, we used ungulates as a study model, testing a total of 26 captive individuals across 5 different species (i.e., dwarf goats, Capra aegagrus hircus, llamas, Lama glama, guanacos, Lama guanicoe, zebras, Equus grevyi, and rhinos, Diceros bicornis michaeli). Across species, we used the same well-established experimental procedures to test individuals’ performance in naïve physics tasks, i.e. object permanence, short-term spatial memory, causality, understanding of object properties, and gravity. Our results revealed that study subjects showed object permanence, were able to remember the position of hidden food after up to 60 s, and inferred the position of hidden food from the sound produced or not produced when shaking containers. Moreover, they showed an understanding of basic object properties, being able to locate objects hidden behind occluders based on their size and inclination, and could reliably follow the trajectory of falling objects across different conditions. Finally, inter-specific differences were limited to the understanding of object properties, and suggest that domesticated species as goats might perform better than non-domesticated ones in tasks requiring these skills. These results provide new information on the cognitive skills of a still understudied taxon and confirm ungulates as a promising taxon for the comparative study of cognitive evolution.
Live cell imaging of β-tubulin mRNA reveals spatiotemporal expression dynamics in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Kawatomi Keishu , Morita Yuki , Katakura Yoshinori , Takegawa Kaoru , Berepiki Adokiye , Higuchi Yujiro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn filamentous fungi, microtubules are important for polar growth and morphological maintenance and serve as rails for intracellular trafficking. The molecular mechanisms associated with microtubules have been analyzed. However, little is known about when and where tubulin, a component of microtubules, is biosynthesized in multinuclear and multicellular filamentous fungi. In this study, we visualized microtubules based on the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP)-labeled α-tubulin and β-tubulin mRNA tagged by the EGFP-mediated MS2 system in living yellow Koji mold Aspergillus oryzae cells in order to understand the spatiotemporal production mechanism of tubulin. We found that mRNA of btuA, encoding for β-tubulin, localized at dot-like structures through the apical, middle and basal regions of the hyphal cells. In addition, some btuA mRNA dots showed microtubule-dependent motor protein-like dynamics in the cells. Furthermore, it was found that btuA mRNA dots were decreased in the cytoplasm just before mitosis but increased immediately after mitosis, followed by a gradual decrease. In summary, the localization and abundance of β-tubulin mRNA is spatiotemporally regulated in living A. oryzae hyphal cells.
PtWRKY2, a WRKY transcription factor from Pinellia ternata confers heat tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Dan , Cui Wanning , Bo Chen , Wang Ru , Zhu Yanfang , Duan Yongbo , Wang Dexin , Xue Jianping , Xue Tao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHigh temperatures are a major stress factor that limit the growth of Pinellia ternata. WRKY proteins widely distribute in plants with the important roles in plant growth and stress responses. However, WRKY genes have not been identified in P. ternata thus far. In this study, five PtWRKYs with four functional subgroups were identified in P. ternata. One group III WRKY transcription factor, PtWRKY2, was strongly induced by high temperatures, whereas the other four PtWRKYs were suppressed. Analysis of transcription factor characteristics revealed that PtWRKY2 localized to the nucleus and specifically bound to W-box elements without transcriptional activation activity. Overexpression of PtWRKY2 increased the heat tolerance of Arabidopsis, as shown by the higher percentage of seed germination and survival rate, and the longer root length of transgenic lines under high temperatures compared to the wild-type. Moreover, PtWRKY2 overexpression significantly decreased reactive oxygen species accumulation by increasing the catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities. Furthermore, the selected heat shock-associated genes, including five transcription factors (HSFA1A, HSFA7A, bZIP28, DREB2A, and DREB2B), two heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP17.4), and three antioxidant enzymes (POD34, CAT1, and SOD1), were all upregulated in transgenic Arabidopsis. The study identifies that PtWRKY2 functions as a key transcriptional regulator in the heat tolerance of P. ternata, which might provide new insights into the genetic improvement of P. ternata.
Identification of apolipoprotein E-derived amyloid within cholesterol granulomas of leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)
Authors: Ikeda Mitsuhiro , Kondo Hirotaka , Murakami Tomoaki , Iwaide Susumu , Itoh Yoshiyuki , Shibuya Hisashi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractApolipoprotein E (ApoE) is involved in cholesterol transport among cells and also plays an important role in amyloid formation, co-depositing with amyloid fibrils in various types of amyloidosis. Although the in vivo amyloidogenicity of ApoE has not been previously demonstrated, this study provides evidence of ApoE amyloidogenicity in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius), belonging to the class Reptilia. Histologically, amyloid deposits were localized within cholesterol granulomas and exhibited positive Congo red staining, with yellow to green birefringence under polarized light. On mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis, ApoE was detected as a dominant component of amyloid; of the full length of the 274 amino acid residues, peptides derived from Leu185-Arg230 were frequently detected with non-tryptic truncations. Immunohistochemistry with anti-leopard gecko ApoE antibody showed positive reactions of amyloid deposits. These results show that ApoE is an amyloid precursor protein within the cholesterol granulomas of leopard geckos. Although further investigations are needed, the C-terminal region of ApoE involved in amyloid formation is a lipid-binding region, and there should be a relationship between amyloidogenesis and the development of cholesterol granulomas in leopard geckos. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of ApoE-related diseases.
Predictive value of invasive mechanical ventilation parameters for mortality in COVID-19 related ARDS: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gutiérrez Luis , Araya Karina , Becerra Mara , Pérez Camilo , Valenzuela Jorge , Lera Lydia , Lizana Pablo A. , del Sol Mariano , Muñoz-Cofré Rodrigo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) can generate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring advanced management within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) using invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV However, managing this phenomenon has seen learning and improvements through direct experience. Therefore, this study aims were to describe the assessment of the different IMV variables in patients with post-COVID-19 hospitalized in the ICU and their relation with mortality. Observational and retrospective study. The sample was divided into two, the surviving group (SG) and the non-surviving group (NSG). Clinical data were extracted from the electronic clinical file and the respiratory therapist record sheet. The following information was obtained: Patient medical history: gender, age, co-morbidities, arterial gases, days on IMV, and IMV parameters. Out of a total of 101 patients, the total mortality was 32%. There was a significant decrease in respiratory rate (RR) (29.12 ± 4.24–26.78 ± 3.59, p = 0.006), Driving pressure (DP) (11.33 ± 2.39–9.67 ± 1.84, p = 0.002), Ventilatory rate (VR) (2.26 ± 0.66–1.89 ± 0.45, p = 0.001) and a significant rise in Static compliance (Cest) (35.49 ± 8.64–41.45 ± 9.62, p = 0.003) and relation between Arterial oxygen pressure/Inspirated oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2) (201.5 ± 53.98- 227.8 ± 52.11, p = 0.008) after 72 h of IMV, within the NSG compared to the SG. Apart from these points, multi-morbidity (HR = 3.208, p = 0.010) and DP (HR = 1.228, p = 0.030) and VR variables (HR = 2.267, p = 0.027) had more death probabilities. The results of this study indicate that there was a significant increase in RR, DP, VR, and CO2 and a significant drop in Cest and PaO2/FiO2 among the NSG compared with the SG. Apart from this, the DP and VR variables, multi-morbidity and being male. have more possibility of death.
Monitoring and quantifying replication fork dynamics with high-throughput methods
Authors: Fajri Nora , Petryk Nataliya 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBefore each cell division, eukaryotic cells must replicate their chromosomes to ensure the accurate transmission of genetic information. Chromosome replication involves more than just DNA duplication; it also includes chromatin assembly, inheritance of epigenetic marks, and faithful resumption of all genomic functions after replication. Recent progress in quantitative technologies has revolutionized our understanding of the complexity and dynamics of DNA replication forks at both molecular and genomic scales. Here, we highlight the pivotal role of these novel methods in uncovering the principles and mechanisms of chromosome replication. These technologies have illuminated the regulation of genome replication programs, quantified the impact of DNA replication on genomic mutations and evolutionary processes, and elucidated the mechanisms of replication-coupled chromatin assembly and epigenome maintenance.
Earth’s atmosphere protects the biosphere from nearby supernovae
Authors: Christoudias Theodoros , Kirkby Jasper , Stolzenburg Dominik , Pozzer Andrea , Sommer Eva , Brasseur Guy P. , Kulmala Markku , Lelieveld Jos 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGeological evidence indicates that a supernova within 100 parsecs of Earth occurs around once per million years. Such nearby supernovas can produce an intense gamma-ray burst and a 100-fold increase of cosmic rays, lasting several centuries. We find that the effect of a short burst of gamma rays is small since they are strongly attenuated before reaching the lower stratosphere. Intense cosmic radiation affects stratospheric ozone but, due to compensating effects in catalytic chemical cycles, ozone depletion is moderate and comparable to that from current anthropogenic emissions. This also holds for the low-oxygen atmosphere during early evolution of terrestrial life. We estimate the increase in aerosol and clouds from a 100-fold increase of cosmic rays exerts a radiative forcing comparable in magnitude but opposite in sign to current anthropogenic climate forcing. We conclude that Earth’s atmosphere is effective at shielding the biosphere from nearby supernovae.
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on low birth weight in a nationwide study in India
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Hill Clare , Halliday Timothy J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Among newborns, those born in India have the highest prevalence of low birth weight (LBW). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the risk factors for LBW. This study examined whether birth outcomes deteriorated during the pandemic period compared to those during the pre-pandemic period.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included nationally representative data on 198,203 infants. Multivariate ordinary least square and logistic regression models with district fixed effects were fitted to compare the birth outcomes in the pandemic period (April 2020-April 2021) and the pre-pandemic period (July 2014-December 2019). Regression models were adjusted for covariates—gender and birth order of the child, mother’s age and education, rural residence, religion, caste, and household wealth.

Results
The pandemic cohort includes 11,851 infants (5.8%), while the pre-pandemic cohort includes 192,764 infants (94.2%). The LBW prevalence rate is 20% in the pandemic cohort and 17% in the pre-pandemic cohort. The covariate-adjusted model shows significant differences in birth weight (11 grams) and LBW (aOR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03-1.14) between the pandemic and pre-pandemic cohorts.

Conclusions
Our findings show that babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic are more likely to be LBW. The subgroup analyses indicate significant differences by religion but not by maternal education, caste, and wealth group.