bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the spatial knowledge gaps of Odonata diversity and conservation in the South American Pampa
Authors: Pires Mateus , Martins Fernanda , del Palacio Alejandro , Muzón Javier , Vareira Luisa , Juen Leandro , Périco Eduardo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Anthropogenic activities highly threaten neotropical freshwater habitats. Aquatic insects are sensitive to environmental alterations and thus considered under great risk due to such pressures. However, large‐scale gaps regarding the knowledge of the distribution of aquatic insect species remain in the Neotropics, particularly in the South American temperate grasslands (Pampas), hindering the knowledge of hotspots of aquatic insect diversity and the prioritization of conservation areas destined to protect their populations.
Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the geographical distribution of Odonata species and use ecological niche models to estimate the areas with the highest potential richness of Odonata species in the Pampas. We also calculate a sampling effort index and interpolate it with maps of protected areas to identify the spatial knowledge gaps regarding their conservation in the region
Our compilation of Odonata species records retrieved 237 species for the Pampa. However, Odonata species were recorded in less than 2% of the Pampa. Our findings indicated a higher potential diversity of Odonata in northeastern Argentina, southern Uruguay and southern Brazil. Interpolations of sampling effort index and protected areas showed that 95% of the area potentially rich in Odonata species fall outside protected areas.
Our study highlights the shortfall regarding the knowledge of the distribution of Odonata diversity in non‐forest landscapes of the Neotropical region. It also shows that protected areas of the Pampa cover a minor area of the Odonata species range in the region.
Biochemical characterization of Bombyx mori Dicer‐2 that dices double‐stranded RNAs into 20‐nt small RNA
Authors: Tabara Midori , Harada Mayuko , Kuriyama Kazunori , Sakamoto Takuma , Takeda Atsushi , Fukuhara Toshiyuki , Tabunoki Hiroko 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe detected enzymatic activity that generates 20‐nucleotide (nt) RNA from double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in crude extracts prepared from various silkworm (Bombyx mori) organs. The result using knocked‐down cultured cells indicated that this dicing activity originated from B. mori Dicer‐2 (BmDcr2). Biochemical analyses revealed that BmDcr2 preferentially cleaves 5′‐phosphorylated dsRNAs at the 20‐nt site—counted from the 5′‐phosphorylated end—and required ATP and magnesium ions for the dicing reaction. This is the first report of the biochemical characterization of Dicer‐2 in lepidopteran insects. This enzymatic property of BmDcr2 in vitro is consistent with the in vivo small interfering RNA profile in virus‐infected silkworm cells.
GOAT rs10096097 and CREB1 rs6740584 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Egyptians
Authors: Shahin Nancy N. , Shaker Olfat G. , Mahmoud Mohamed O. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder that affects nearly half a billion people around the world and causes millions of deaths annually. Treatment of diabetes or related complications represents an economic burden not only for developing countries but also for the developed ones. Hence, new efficient therapeutic and preventive strategies and screening tools are necessary. The current work aimed to assess the potential association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ghrelin O‐acyltransferase (GOAT) rs10096097, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) rs6740584, and v‐maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MafA) rs62521874 genes with type 2 DM susceptibility in Egyptians. A total of 96 patients with type 2 DM along with 72 healthy individuals participated in this study. Genotyping was executed via real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the serum protein levels of GOAT, CREB, and MafA were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genotyping revealed a significant association of GOAT rs10096097 and CREB1 rs6740584 SNPs with type 2 diabetes risk, with significantly higher GOAT rs10096097 G allele and CREB1 rs6740584 T allele frequencies in diabetic patients than in controls. However, insignificant association was identified between the MafA rs62521874 SNP and diabetes in the examined sample of the Egyptian residents. Serum GOAT, CREB1, and MafA protein levels did not vary significantly between diabetic and control individuals. Yet, significant variation in serum GOAT and CREB1 levels was detected between CREB1 rs6740584 genotypes within the diabetic group, with CT and TT genotype carriers showing higher levels than AA genotype patients. GOAT rs10096097 and CREB1 rs6740584, but not MafA rs62521874, SNPs are associated with type 2 diabetes risk in the studied Egyptians.
In‐vitro and in‐silico investigations of SLC‐0111 hydrazinyl analogs as human carbonic anhydrase I, II, IX, and XII inhibitors
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Vats Lalit , Giovannuzzi Simone , Mohan Brij , Supuran Claudiu T. , Sharma Pawan K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTwo novel series of hydrazinyl‐based benzenesulfonamides 9a–j and 10a–j were designed and synthesized using SLC‐0111 as the lead molecule. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against four different human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoforms I, II, IX, and XII. Both the series reported here were practically inactive against the off‐target isozyme hCA I. Notably, derivative 10a exhibited superior potency (Ki of 10.2 nM) than acetazolamide (AAZ) against the cytosolic isoform hCA II. The hCA IX and XII isoforms implicated in tumor progression were effectively inhibited with Kis in the low nanomolar range of 20.5–176.6 nM and 6.0–127.5 nM, respectively. Compound 9g emerged as the most potent and selective hCA IX and XII inhibitor with Ki of 20.5 nM and SI of 200.1, and Ki of 6.0 nM and SI of 683.7, respectively, over hCA I. Furthermore, six compounds (9a, 9h, 10a, 10g, 10i, and 10j) exhibited significant inhibition toward hCA IX (Kis = 27.0, 41.1, 27.4, 25.9, 40.7, and 30.8 nM) relative to AAZ and SLC‐0111 (Kis = 25.0 and 45.0 nM, respectively). These findings underscore the potential of these derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of hCA IX and XII over the off‐target hCA I and II.
A hit expansion of 3‐benzamidopyrazine‐2‐carboxamide: Toward inhibitors of prolyl‐tRNA synthetase with antimycobacterial activity
Authors: Pallabothula Vinod Sukanth Kumar , Abdalrahman Nechirwan Taimur , Mori Matteo , Fekri Amir Hossein , Janďourek Ondřej , Konečná Klára , Paterová Pavla , Novák Martin , Dudášová‐Hatoková Paulína , Štěrbová‐Kovaříková Petra , Castellano Carlo , Meneghetti Fiorella , Villa Stefania , Kuneš Jiří , Juhás Martin , Zitko Jan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study presents an exploration of the chemical space around derivatives of 3‐benzamidopyrazine‐2‐carboxamides, previously identified as potent antimycobacterial compounds with predicted binding to mycobacterial prolyl‐transfer RNA synthetase. New urea derivatives (Series‐1) were generally inactive, probably due to their preference for cis‐trans conformation (confirmed by density functional theory calculations and experimentally by nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy NMR). Series‐2 (3‐benzamidopyrazine‐2‐carboxamides with disubstituted benzene ring) demonstrated that substituents larger than fluorine are not tolerated in the ortho position of the benzene ring. This series brought two new compounds (21: R = 2‐F, 4‐Cl and 22: R = 2‐F, 4‐Br) with in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv as well as multidrug‐resistant clinical isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 6.25 to 25 μg/mL. The lactone‐type derivatives 4H‐pyrazino[2,3‐d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones (Series‐3) were inactive, but solvent stability studies of compound 29 indicated that they might be developed to usable lactone prodrugs of inhibitors of mycobacterial aspartate decarboxylase (PanD).
Children with Hirschsprung's disease have high morbidity in the first 5 years of life
Authors: Damkjær Mads , Tan Joachim , Morris Joan K. , Loane Maria , Given Joanne , Cavero‐Carbonell Clara , Gissler Mika , Neville Amanda J. , Pierini Anna , Rissmann Anke , Tucker David , Garne Ester 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundHirschsprung's disease is a rare congenital anomaly of the colon with absence of the ganglionic nerve cells. The treatment of the anomaly is surgical.MethodsThis population‐based data‐linkage cohort study was part of the EUROlinkCAT project and investigated mortality and morbidity for the first 5 years of life for European children diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease. Nine population‐based registries in five countries from the European surveillance of congenital anomalies network (EUROCAT) participated. Data on children born 1995–2014 and diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease were linked to hospital databases. All analyses were adjusted for region and length of follow‐up, which differed by registry.ResultsThe study included 680 children with Hirschsprung's disease. One‐year survival was 97.7% (95% CI: 96.4–98.7). Overall, 85% (82–87) had a code for a specified intestinal surgery within the first year increasing to 92% (90–94) before age 5 years. The median age at the first intestinal surgery up to 5 years was 28 days (11–46) and the median number of intestinal surgical procedures was 3.5 (3.1–3.9). Thirty days mortality after neonatal surgery (within 28 days after birth) was 0.9% (0.2–2.5) for children with a code for intestinal surgery within the first 28 days after birth and there were no deaths for children with a code for stoma surgery in the neonatal period.ConclusionChildren with Hirschsprung's disease have a high morbidity in the first 5 years of life requiring more surgical procedures in addition to the initial surgery. Mortality after neonatal surgery is low.
Orange luminescence of α‐Al2O3 related to clusters consisting of F centers and divalent cations
Authors: Vigier Maxence , Massuyeau Florian , Fritsch Emmanuel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe orange luminescence of α‐Al2O3 under UV excitation is characterized by a 2.07‐eV orange broadband emission that has not yet been elucidated. This emission is present in natural and synthetic crystals and powders, as well as in Be‐treated samples. All orange‐luminescent materials have low Fe concentration (mostly <1000 ppm) with traces of divalent cations, mostly Mg, or Be in Be‐diffused material (dozens of ppm). Mg2+, Mn2+, and Be2+ cations substitute for trivalent Al. To accommodate the charge deficit, several defects are created, including oxygen vacancies also called F centers. Indeed, our excitation spectra revealed the presence of several different F centers (F, F+, and clustered F2, F2+, F22+) in those samples. However, the thermal stability and the measured luminescence lifetimes do not match with previously reported characteristics of isolated F centers. Based on our experiments, we suggest that a complex aggregate of two F centers (F22+) trapped at divalent cations is a major cause of this uncommon microsecond lifetime emission, even if a variety of other defects, including Cr3+, V3+, or interstitial Al3+, are present.
Association of patient socioeconomic status with outcomes after palliative treatment for disseminated cancer
Authors: Maduka Richard C. , Canavan Maureen E. , Walters Samantha L. , Ermer Theresa , Zhan Peter L. , Kaminski Michael F. , Li Andrew X. , Pichert Matthew D. , Salazar Michelle C. , Prsic Elizabeth H. , Boffa Daniel J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPalliative treatment has been associated with improved quality of life and survival for a wide variety of metastatic cancers. However, it is unclear whether the benefits of palliative treatment are uniformly experienced across the US cancer population. We evaluated patterns and outcomes of palliative treatment based on socioeconomic, sociodemographic and treating facility characteristics.MethodsPatients diagnosed between 2008 and 2019 with Stage IV primary cancer of nine organ sites were analyzed in the National Cancer Database. The association between identified variables, and outcomes concerning the administration of palliative treatment were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsOverall 238,995 (23.6%) of Stage IV patients received palliative treatment, which increased over time for all cancers (from 20.7% in 2008 to 25.6% in 2019). Palliative treatment utilization differed significantly by region (West less than Northeast, OR: 0.55 [0.54–0.56], p < 0.001) and insurance payer status (uninsured greater than private insurance, OR: 1.35 [1.32–1.39], p < 0.001). Black race and Hispanic ethnicity were also associated with lower rates of palliative treatment compared to White and non‐Hispanics respectively (OR for Blacks: 0.91 [0.90–0.93], p < 0.001 and OR for Hispanics: 0.79 [0.77–0.81] p < 0.001).ConclusionsThere are important differences in the utilization of palliative treatment across different populations in the United States. A better understanding of variability in palliative treatment use and outcomes may identify opportunities to improve informed decision making and optimize quality of care at the end‐of‐life.
Xylarkarynone A and B: Two Bioactive Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes from Xylaria sp. HHY‐2
Authors: Zhu Li , Zhang Sheng‐Qi , Wang Yi‐Nong , Wang Jia‐Xin , Wang Cheng‐Yao , Cai Lan , Wen Zhao‐Fei , Deng Liang , Cai Le 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA new compound xylarkarynone A (1), a first reported natural product compound xylarkarynone B (2) and eight known compounds (3‐10) were isolated from Xylaria sp. HHY‐2. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, DP4+ probability analyses and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The bioactivities of isolated compounds were assayed. Compound 1 exhibited obvious activity against A549 cells with an IC50 value of 6.12±0.28 μM. Additionally, compound 1 showed moderate antifungal activities against Plectosphaerella cucumerina and Aspergillus niger with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of both 16 μg/mL, which was at the same grade with positive control nystatin. Most compounds exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory activity against P. cucumerina, indicating that Xylaria sp. has potential as inhibitors against P. cucumerina.
The Development and Opportunities of Predictive Biotechnology
Authors: Nestl Bettina M. , Nebel Bernd A. , Resch Verena , Schürmann Martin , Tischler Dirk 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRecent advances in bioeconomy allow a holistic view of existing and new process chains and enable novel production routines continuously advanced by academia and industry. All this progress benefits from a growing number of prediction tools that have found their way into the field. For example, automated genome annotations, tools for building model structures of proteins, and structural protein prediction methods such as AlphaFold2TM or RoseTTAFold have gained popularity in recent years. Recently, it has become apparent that more and more AI‐based tools are being developed and used for biocatalysis and biotechnology. This is an excellent opportunity for academia and industry to accelerate advancements in the field further. Biotechnology, as a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field, stands to benefit greatly from these developments.
Reprogramming Filamentous fd Viruses to Capture Copper Ions
Authors: Korkmaz Nuriye , Usman Muhammad , Kim Minyoung 
Published: May 2024

AbstractC‐terminal truncated variants (A, VA, NVA, ANVA, FANVA and GFANVA) of our recently identified Cu(II) specific peptide “HGFANVA” were displayed on filamentous fd phages. Wild type fd‐tet and engineered virus variants were treated with 100 mM Cu(II) solution at a final phage concentration of 1011 vir/ml and 1012 vir/ml. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging before Cu(II) exposure showed ≈6–8 nm thick filamentous virus layer formation. Cu(II) treatment resulted in aggregated bundle‐like assemblies with mineral deposition. HGFANVA phage formed aggregates with an excessive mineral coverage. As the virus concentration was 10‐fold decreased, nanowire‐like assemblies were observed for shorter peptide variants A, NVA and ANVA. Wild type fd phages did not show any mineral formation. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses revealed the presence of C and N peaks on phage organic material. Cu peak was only detected for engineered viruses. Metal ion binding of viruses was next investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses. Engineered viruses were able to bind Cu(II) forming mineralized intertwined structures although no His (H) unit was displayed. Such genetically reprogrammed virus based biological materials can be further applied for bioremediation studies to achieve a circular economy.
Inhibition of RNA Phosphodiester Backbone Cleavage in the Presence of Organic Cations of Different Sizes
Authors: Yoshioka Senri , Doi Asuka , Nakano Shu‐ichi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLiving cells contain various types of organic cations that may interact with nucleic acids. In order to understand the nucleic acid–binding properties of organic cations of different sizes, we investigated the ability of simple organic cations to inhibit the RNA phosphodiester bond cleavage promoted by Mg2+, Pb2+, and RNA‐cleaving serum proteins. Kinetic analysis using chimeric DNA–RNA oligonucleotides showed that the cleavage at ribonucleotide sites was inhibited in the presence of monovalent cations comprising alkyl chains or benzene rings. The comparison of the cleavage rates in the presence of quaternary ammonium and phosphonium ions indicated that the steric hindrance effect of organic cations on their binding to the RNA backbone is significant when the cation size is larger than the phosphate–phosphate distance of a single‐stranded nucleic acid. The cleavage inhibition was also observed for ribonucleotides located in long loops but not in short loops of oligonucleotide structures, indicating less efficient binding of bulky cations to structurally constrained regions. These results reveal the unique nucleic acid–binding properties of bulky cations distinct from those of metal ions.
Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma refractory to Burr hole surgery: A case report
Authors: Phuyal Subash , Paudel Sushanta , Chhetri Suchit Thapa , Sedain Gopal , Phuyal Prakash , Shrestha Oshan , Khanal Deepa 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageMiddle meningeal artery embolization is a valuable alternative for chronic subdural hematoma refractory to Burr hole surgery. In a 61‐year‐old patient, this endovascular intervention effectively resolved the hematoma alleviating associated symptoms.
POSTN knockdown suppresses IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells via inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway and alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Wang Zhaoheng , Zhu Daxue , Yang Fengguang , Chen Haiwei , Kang Jihe , Liu Wenzhao , Lin Aixin , Kang Xuewen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of POSTN on IL‐1β induced inflammation, apoptosis, NF‐κB pathway and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs). NP tissue samples with different Pfirrmann grades were collected from patients with different degrees of IVDD. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were used to compare the expression of POSTN protein in NP tissues. Using the IL‐1β‐induced IVDD model, NPCs were transfected with lentivirus‐coated si‐POSTN to down‐regulate the expression of POSTN and treated with CU‐T12‐9 to evaluate the involvement of NF‐κB pathway. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL staining were used to detect the expression changes of inflammation, apoptosis and NF‐κB pathway‐related proteins in NPCs. To investigate the role of POSTN in vivo, a rat IVDD model was established by needle puncture of the intervertebral disc. Rats were injected with lentivirus‐coated si‐POSTN, and H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed. POSTN expression is positively correlated with the severity of IVDD in human. POSTN expression was significantly increased in the IL‐1β‐induced NPCs degeneration model. Downregulation of POSTN protects NPCs from IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and apoptosis. CU‐T12‐9 treatment reversed the protective effect of si‐POSTN on NPCs. Furthermore, lentivirus‐coated si‐POSTN injection partially reversed NP tissue damage in the IVDD model in vivo. POSTN knockdown reduces inflammation and apoptosis of NPCs by inhibiting NF‐κB pathway, and ultimately prevents IVDD. Therefore, POSTN may be an effective target for the treatment of IVDD.
Use cases of a digital twin bridge in operation
Authors: Nieborowski Sonja , Windmann Sarah , Bednorz Jennifer , Hindersmann Iris , Zinke Tim 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe digital twin bridge makes an important contribution on the way to predictive life cycle management. The potentials are many, especially in the life cycle phase “operation.” There, the digital twin bridge can serve as an efficient tool in terms of analyses, predictions, control, and monitoring. The goal is optimized maintenance, the importance of which continues to grow in view of the current challenges for civil engineering structures. It is therefore particularly important that relevant stakeholders with their needs and requirements are involved in the conception of the digital twin bridge at an early stage. This approach is being pursued by the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) in various research projects that already cover partial aspects of the digital twin and is also being continued in an ongoing project to develop an overall concept for the digital twin bridge. Possible use cases were collected and assigned to the topics of “operational processes,” “maintenance planning and implementation,” and “strategic life cycle management.” In a workshop, the use cases were discussed and initially ranked by and with stakeholders. The results form an important basis for the elaboration of the modular overall concept of the digital twin bridge and the way into practice.
Electrocatalytic Multicomponent Cascade Cross‐Coupling for the Synthesis of Chalcogenosulfonates
Authors: Zhao Zhiheng , Yan Hongyan , Zhou Yaqin , Xue Wei , Gu Lijun , Zhang Shengyong 
Published: May 2024

Comprehensive SummaryAn electrocatalytic multicomponent cascade cross‐coupling for the synthesis of chalcogenosulfonates has been established. This approach does not require the use of transition metals, acids, and external oxidants. The gentle conditions and tolerance to a wide variety of functional groups permit the derivatization of complex indoles.