bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of allograft immune responses by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide administration in a rat model of kidney transplantation
Authors: Sato Yu , Noguchi Hiroshi , Kubo Shinsuke , Kaku Keizo , Okabe Yasuhiro , Onishi Hideya , Nakamura Masafumi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the periodontal tissues. Although it is associated with various systemic diseases, the impact of periodontitis on kidney transplantation (KT) outcomes, particularly allograft rejection, remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of periodontitis on transplant immunity, specifically examining Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS-PG). In vitro experiments revealed that LPS-PG increased regulatory T cells (Tregs) in Lewis rat spleen cells. In a mixed lymphocyte reaction assay, concentrations of interferon-γ, indicative of alloreactivity, were lower than in controls when LPS-PG was added to the culture and when LPS-PG-administered Lewis rat spleen cells were used as responders. In a rat KT model, LPS-PG administration to recipients promoted mild tubulitis and low serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels 5 days post-KT compared with PBS-administered controls. Furthermore, LPS-PG-administered recipients had an elevated Treg proportion in their peripheral blood and spleen cells, and increased infiltrating Tregs in kidney allografts, compared with controls. The elevated Treg proportion in peripheral blood and spleen cells had a significant negative correlation with serum creatinine, suggesting elevated Tregs modulated allograft rejection. These findings suggest that periodontitis might modulate alloimmune reactivity through LPS-PG and Tregs, offering insights to refine immunosuppressive strategies for KT recipients.
3D-printed ultra-small Brownian viscometers
Authors: Vizsnyiczai Gaszton , Kubacková Jana , Iványi Gergely T. , Slabý Cyril , Horváth Denis , Hovan Andrej , Strejčková Alena , Tomori Zoltán , Kelemen Lóránd , Bánó Gregor 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMeasuring viscosity in volumes smaller than a microliter is a challenging endeavor. A new type of microscopic viscometers is presented to assess the viscosity of Newtonian liquids. Micron-sized flexible polymer cantilevers are created by two-photon polymerization direct laser writing. Because of the low stiffness and high elasticity of the polymer material the microcantilevers exhibit pronounced Brownian motion when submerged in a liquid medium. By imaging the cantilever’s spherically shaped end, these fluctuations can be tracked with high accuracy. The hydrodynamic resistance of the microviscometer is determined by fitting the power spectral density of the measured fluctuations with a theoretical frequency dependence. Validation measurements in water-glycerol mixtures with known viscosities reveal excellent linearity of the hydrodynamic resistance to viscosity, allowing for a simple linear calibration. The stand-alone viscometer structures have a characteristic size of a few tens of microns and only require a very basic external instrumentation in the form of microscopic imaging at moderate framerates (~ 100 fps). Thus, our results point to a practical and simple to use ultra-low volume viscometer that can be integrated into lab-on-a-chip devices.
Specialized diving traits in the generalist morphology of Fulica (Aves, Rallidae)
Authors: De Mendoza Ricardo Santiago , Carril Julieta , Degrange Federico Javier , Tambussi Claudia Patricia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFoot-propelled diving comprises the primary locomotion-based feeding strategy for many birds, including families such as Phalacrocoracidae, Anhingidae, Podicipedidae, Gaviidae, and the diving ducks within Anatidae. While the morphology of specialized divers is well known, the corresponding morphology is less known for birds not as specialized but capable of diving, such as the coots (Rallidae, Fulica spp.). To compare the osteology of Fulica with other (non-diving) Rallidae, and with foot-propelled diving birds that are distantly related, we considered osteological characters, as well as the proportion of the hind limb bones and the femoral splay angle to construct a phylomorphospace, and to perform a comparative disparity analysis considering ecomorphologically relevant characters related to swimming and diving. Coots resulted to be significantly disparate from other Rallidae showing many traits of specialized foot-propelled divers, but only noticeable when compared with other rallids, as the degree of development of these traits is markedly less than in loons, grebes, or cormorants. This may correspond to a stabilizing selection of characteristics associated with a generalist morphology in Fulica. Studying adaptation in generalist taxa broadens our understanding of ecomorphologically significant features, thereby enabling us to generalize their evolutionary patterns.
Diagnostic role of SPP1 and collagen IV in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus with MASLD
Authors: Xiao Shan , Wang Xiao Bei , Yang Ye , Wang Qin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus combined with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) leads to an increasing incidence of liver injury year by year, and patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing cirrhosis or even liver failure. No drugs have emerged to specifically treat this disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms and causative hub genes of type 2 diabetes combined with MASLD. The data were obtained through the GEO platform for bioinformatics analysis and validated by in vitro experiments to find the causative targets of type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with MASLD, which will provide some theoretical basis for the development of future therapeutic drugs. GSE23343 and GSE49541 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with MASLD for functional enrichment analysis. And STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to construct Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) and hub gene networks. And GO (gene ontology, GO) analysis and KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes, KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on target genes. A total of 185 co-expressed DEGs were obtained by differential analysis, and 20 key genes involved in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes were finally screened. These 20 key genes were involved in 529 GO enrichment results and 20 KEGG enrichment results, and were mainly associated with ECM–receptor interaction, Focal adhesion, Human papillomavirus infection, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. A total of two target genes (SPP1, collagen IV) were found to be highly correlated with type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with MASLD. Real time PCR results showed that there was a significant difference in SPP1 and collagen IV mRNA expression among the three groups (P < 0.05). SPP1 and Collagen IV may be candidate biomarkers for type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with MASLD, as verified by bioinformatics screening and in vitro experiments. Our findings provide new targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes combined with MASLD.
Layered complexity, reorganisational ability and self-healing mechanisms of heteropolysaccharide solutions
Authors: Ivashchenko Olena 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHeteropolysaccharides are among the most widely distributed compounds in nature, acting as both tissue building blocks and as a source of nutrients. Their physicochemical and biological properties have been studied thoroughly; however, the microstructural properties of heteropolysaccharides are still poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the micro-structural peculiarities of agarose, gum arabic, hyaluronic and alginic acids by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). Herein, attention is paid to layered complexity of the microstructure differentiating surface, under surface, inner, and substrate interface layers. The scale and pattern of the polysaccharide’s microstructure depend on the concentration, changing from lamellae to cell-like porous structures. This work provides the insight into micro- and nanoscale mechanisms of self-healing and substrate-induced reorganisation. Thus, investigation of the self-healing mechanism revealed that this diffusion-based process starts from the fibres, turning into lamellae, following by cell-like structures with smaller dimensions. Investigation of the substrate-induced reorganisation ability showed that nano-to-micro (scale) porous substrate causes reorganisation in the interface layer of the studied heteropolysaccharides. This work contributes to understanding the structural peculiarities of heteropolysaccharides by looking at them through a supramolecular, micro-level prism.
Quantitative analysis of commercial coating penetration into Fagus crenata wood using X-ray microtomography
Authors: Ekaputri Tyana Solichah , Tanaka Takashi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecent advances in wood treatment include the use of eco-friendly coatings to improve the wood’s dimensional stability and appearance. Assessing coating performance during its service life is critical for establishing a knowledge base for product optimization. Numerous approaches, including microimaging, are available for analyzing coating behavior. In addition to conventional microscopic techniques, high-resolution X-ray microtomography is a tool that provides nondestructive imaging of coatings and their substrates. In this study, we performed two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) visualization of tomographic reconstruction images of two coating types, spray and brush, to observe and assess the distribution of several commercial Japanese coating materials inFagus crenata. X-ray images and plot profiles were used to determine the penetration depths and thicknesses of coatings. Each coated sample was scanned using X-ray microtomography, which allowed successful visualization and quantification of the coating penetration depth. Chemical content and concentration of the coating materials influenced penetration depth and amount.
Unique attributes of official endorsers in destination marketing
Authors: Zhao Yipeng , Li Yan , Liu Bo , Chang Haodong , Guo Yining 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlong with the digital transformation of the administrative environment and the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, official endorsers have nurtured a new channel for tourism destination marketing, which is of great significance to local economic recovery. However, less attention has been paid to the different effects of endorsement between ordinary endorsers and official endorsers, mainly due to their contrasting social statuses. To bridge the research gap, the source credibility model and social identity theory are integrated to construct the distinctive attributes of officials, as well as structural equation model is utilized to explore the underlying mechanism of official endorsement. Findings indicate that trustworthiness, the sense of authority, expertise, and attractiveness have direct positive effects on official identification, while also indirectly influencing tourists’ attitudes toward the destination through official identification. These findings provide theoretical and managerial implications for the local government managers involved in tourism destination marketing.
High pulse wave velocity is associated with enlarged perivascular spaces in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Saji Naoki , Kinjo Yoshino , Murotani Kenta , Niida Shumpei , Takeda Akinori , Sakurai Takashi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated associations between enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, an association between EPVS and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) has not yet been clarified. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of our prospective study cohort of 109 participants (16 with DLB). We assessed cognitive function, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and brain magnetic resonance imaging features. The relationships between EPVS and DLB were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Compared with the non-dementia group, the DLB group was more likely to have EPVS in the basal ganglia. Compared with participants without EPVS, those with EPVS were older and had cognitive impairment and high PWV. In multivariable analyses, EPVS in the basal ganglia was independently associated with DLB. High PWV was also independently associated with EPVS in both the basal ganglia and centrum semiovale. High PWV may cause cerebrovascular pulsatility, leading to accelerated EPVS in DLB participants.
Seasonal dependence of deterministic versus stochastic processes influencing soil fungal community composition in a lowland Amazonian rain forest
Authors: Buscardo Erika , Geml József , Nagy Laszlo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe contribution of deterministic versus stochastic processes to the spatio-temporal assembly of soil microbial communities in tropical forests requires quantification so that responses to climate change may be accurately projected. Here we report the spatio-temporal composition of soil fungal communities in a topographically homogeneous forest area in central Amazonia. Soil fungal communities have a greater turnover in space than over time. Stochastic processes are inferred to dominate in the rainy season and deterministic processes in the dry season. Our study highlights the importance of spatial heterogeneity in the absence of environmental gradients and its relationship with seasonal patterns that modulate spatial heterogeneity and contribute to environmental determinism versus stochasticity for fungal community assembly. This baseline may serve to assess deviations in community patterns caused by changes in biotic interactions with above-ground vegetation, such as those resulting from shifts in taxonomical/functional composition of trees driven by climate change.
Defective flow space limits the scaling up of turbulence bioreactors for platelet generation
Authors: Okamoto Haruki , Fujio Kosuke , Nakamura Sou , Harada Yasuo , Hayashi Hideki , Higashi Natsumi , Ninomiya Atsushi , Tanaka Ryota , Sugimoto Naoshi , Takayama Naoya , Kaneda Atsushi , Sawaguchi Akira , Kato Yoshikazu , Eto Koji 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo complement donor-dependent platelets supplies, we previously developed an ex vivo manufacturing system using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived expandable immortalized megakaryocyte progenitor cell lines (imMKCLs), and a turbulent flow bioreactor to generate iPSC-derived platelets products (iPSC-PLTs). However, the tank size of the bioreactor was limited to 10 L. Here we examined the feasibility of scaling up to 50 L with reciprocal motion by two impellers. Under optimized turbulence parameters corresponding to 10 L bioreactor, 50 L bioreactor elicited iPSC-PLTs with intact in vivo hemostatic function but with less production efficiency. This insufficiency was caused by increased defective turbulent flow space. A computer simulation proposed that designing 50 L turbulent flow bioreactor with three impellers or a new bioreactor with a modified rotating impeller and unique structure reduces this space. These findings indicate that large-scale iPSC-PLTs manufacturing from cultured imMKCLs requires optimization of the tank structure in addition to optimal turbulent energy and shear stress.
Limitations of current techniques in clinical antimicrobial resistance diagnosis: examples and future prospects
Authors: Hassall Jack , Coxon Carmen , Patel Vishal C. , Goldenberg Simon D. , Sergaki Chrysi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a global threat to public health. Without proactive intervention, common infections may become untreatable, restricting the types of clinical intervention that can be undertaken and reversing improvements in mortality rates. Effective antimicrobial stewardship represents one approach to restrict the spread of antimicrobial resistance but relies on rapid and accurate diagnostics that minimise the unnecessary use of antibiotics. This is increasingly a key unmet clinical need. In this paper, we describe existing techniques for the detection of antimicrobial resistance, while examining their drawbacks and limitations. We also discuss emerging diagnostic technologies in the field, and the need for standardisation to allow for swifter and more widespread clinical adoption.
ORPHYS – Behandlungsmanual für eine psychodynamische
Kurzzeitpsychotherapie bei schwerer körperlicher Erkrankung
Authors: Philipp Rebecca , Walbaum Charlotte , Lindner Reinhard , Karger André , Maatouk Imad , Dinger Ulrike , Vehling Sigrun 
Published: June 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Diagnose einer lebensbedrohlichen Erkrankung kann zu einer Reaktualisierung
existenzieller Konflikte führen. Der plötzliche Verlust von Kontinuität,
körperlicher Integrität, und sozialen Rollen kann die psychischen
Verarbeitungsmöglichkeiten der Patient:innen überfordern. Insbesondere affektive
Störungen und Symptome existenzieller Belastung erschweren die psychosoziale und
medizinische Versorgung. Psychodynamische Behandlungsansätze können das Erleben
von Nähe und Verbundenheit zu stärken, um Verluste zu bewältigen und
Abschiedsprozesse zu ermöglichen. Das ORPHYS Manual beschreibt eine
psychodynamische Kurzzeitpsychotherapie (12–24 Sitzungen), die das Ziel hat,
existenzielle Belastungen schwer körperlich Erkrankter vor dem Hintergrund
interaktioneller Konflikte am Lebensende zu adressieren. Die Kombination
stützender und konfliktaufdeckender Interventionen, die nah am subjektiven
Erleben und der individuellen Krankheitssituation der Patient:innen formuliert
werden, soll diesen dabei helfen, abgewehrte affektive Zustände zu integrieren
sowie einen Zugang zu eigenen Beziehungs- und Bewältigungsmustern zu erlangen.
ORPHYS soll einen gemeinsamen Trauerprozess ermöglichen, bei dem der intensive
Wunsch nach Beziehung am Lebensende und die Realität des Sterbens
nebeneinanderstehen können.
Body Appreciation is Associated with Emotional Eating in Turkish
Female Athletes
Authors: Kenger Emre Batuhan , Karahan Tugce Ozlu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIt is known that female athletes are at risk for eating disorders. It is thought
that factors such as pressure and stress experienced by professional athletes
may affect emotional eating and body appreciation. In this context, the aim of
this study was to evaluate the emotional eating and body appreciation of
professional Turkish female athletes. A total of 265 professional female
athletes were categorized according to their sport types and nationality.
Emotional eating was found to be higher and body appreciation to be lower in
athletes competing at the national level. The results of the hierarchical
regression analysis, which included variables such as age, body mass index,
professional sports background, national level, and sport type show that the
most effective factor in explaining emotional eating in professional female
athletes is body appreciation. The present study findings support that
professional female athletes are at risk in terms of emotional eating and body
appreciation. In addition, emotional eating scores were found to be higher and
body appreciation scores were lower in national athletes. Psychological factors
such as intense stress and pressure have an impact on the eating behavior and
body appreciation of national athletes. These results suggest that athletes
should be evaluated by nutritionists, doctors, and psychologists from a
multidisciplinary perspective.
Perceived social support, self-esteem, and depression among Indian trans men with and without sex reassignment surgery
Authors: Patki Sairaj M. , Gandhi Poonam , Walawalkar Aditya P. , Goyal Anukriti A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe psychological challenges associated with gender identity in developing countries like India are only recently receiving research attention. The study aimed to understand self-esteem, perceived social support, and depression among trans men in India. A comparative analysis was also undertaken between those who have and have not undergone sex reassignment surgery. The sample comprised 30 trans men, out of which 15 had undergone sex reassignment surgery and 15 had not. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and Beck’s Depression Inventory-II were used. Perceived social support from family and friends was found to be a significant predictor of self-esteem. Support from all three sources—family, friends, and significant others significantly predicted depression among the total sample. Trans men who had undergone sex reassignment surgery, reported higher self-esteem and lower depression levels, as compared to those who were yet to undergo surgery. The findings highlighted the contribution of social support in fostering the mental health of trans men. The consequent psychological benefits of surgery were also demonstrated. The study has implications for planning and designing mental health interventions for this community.
High-efficiency sound source localization using data-driven sparse sampling with validation using monopole laser sound source
Authors: Kaneko S. , Ozawa Y. , Nakai K. , Saito Y. , Asai K. , Nonomura T. , Ura H. 
Published: June 2024

This study proposes a framework that reduces the calculation cost of sound source localization with the Amiet model, using a data-driven sparse sampling method. This method accelerates the calculation of the steering vector used in conventional beamforming. An aeroacoustic wind tunnel test was conducted in a 2 × 2 m2 low-speed wind tunnel, and the proposed method was verified. During the test, a monopole laser sound source, which does not interfere with the flow, was used, and its acoustic signals were measured using a microphone array. Next, steering vectors were reconstructed by discovering dominant modes and optimized sampling points from the training data based on the Amiet model and the modified data-driven sparse sampling method. Finally, the sound-source positions when the steering vector of the proposed model was used were compared with the positions observed when the steering vector of which all the grid points were calculated was used. The error was less than 2 mm when 16 modes were used, and the calculation time was reduced to ∼1/33 of that of the previous Amiet model.