bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in natriuretic peptide response in self-identified white and black individuals: a physiological clinical trial
Authors: Shetty Naman S. , Gaonkar Mokshad , Patel Nirav , Vekariya Nehal , Yerabolu Krishin , Dhaliwal Jasninder S. , Buford Thomas W. , Gower Barbara , Li Peng , Wang Thomas J. , Arora Garima , Arora Pankaj 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Black individuals have lower plasma natriuretic peptide (NP) concentrations than white individuals. However, race-based differences in the NP response to physiological perturbations are unknown. In this physiological trial (NCT#03070184), we measured the NP [mid-regional atrial NP (MR-proANP), N-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP), and BNP] response to physiological perturbations among healthy, self-identified Black and white participants aged 18-40 years. The primary and secondary outcomes were the change in plasma NP concentrations at 6 weeks after metoprolol (initiated at 50 mg/day and doubled every 2 weeks) and standardized, aerobic exercise (70% of their maximal oxygen uptake on a salt-standardized background), respectively. Among 40 Black [median age: 27 (22, 32) years; 21 (52.5%) women] and 40 white [median age: 25 (20, 30) years; 19 (47.5%) women] participants, exercise increased MR-proANP (Black: 35%; white: 43%), NT-proBNP (Black: 11%; white: 23%), and BNP (Black: 59%; white: 61%) in both self-reported races. Exercise was associated with an increase in plasma MR-proANP (pinteraction: 0.25) and BNP (pinteraction: 0.87) concentrations which did not vary by self-reported race. However, the increase in plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were higher in white participants than in Black participants. (pinteraction: 0.04) Similarly, metoprolol therapy increased MR-proANP (Black: 18%; white: 16%), NT-proBNP (Black: 95%; white: 99%), and BNP (Black: 45%; white: 74%) in both self-reported races. The metoprolol-associated increase in plasma MR-proANP (pinteraction: 0.85), NT-proBNP (pinteraction: 0.94), and BNP (pinteraction: 0.21) concentrations were similar by self-reported race. In conclusion, the higher increase in plasma NT-proBNP concentrationsamong white patients after exercise suggests that exercise may induce significant physiological variations in NP levels. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03070184.
Electrolyte and metabolite composition of cystic fluid from a rat model of ARPKD
Authors: Klemens Christine A. , Fedoriuk Mykhailo , Semenikhina Marharyta , Stefanenko Mariia , Zietara Adrian , Levchenko Vladislav , Dissanayake Lashodya V. , Palygin Oleg , Staruschenko Alexander 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Fluid-filled cysts are the key feature of polycystic kidney disease, which eventually leads to renal failure. We analyzed the composition of cyst fluid from a rat model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, the PCK rat, and identified sexual differences. Our results demonstrate that the ion composition of cyst fluid differs from that of urine or plasma. Untargeted metabolomics combined with transcriptomic data identified tryptophan metabolism, enzyme metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and fatty acid metabolism as pathways differing between male and female PCK rats. We quantified 42 amino acids in the cyst fluid (PCK only), plasma, and urine of male and female PCK rats and Sprague Dawley rats. Taurine was the most concentrated amino acid present in the cyst fluid, and PCK rat urinary taurine excretion was over 3-fold greater than Sprague Dawley rats. Understanding the composition of cyst fluid provides valuable insights into disease pathophysiology and may help identify potential dietary or pharmacological interventions to mitigate disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
Profiting from prestige: the political economy of mega-events in Azerbaijan
Authors: LaPorte Jody 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Why do rentier states seek out hosting rights for major international events? This article investigates this question through a qualitative case study of mega-events programs in Azerbaijan. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, hydrocarbon exports have formed the backbone of the country’s economy and the main source of rents for ruling elites. Focusing on the development of Azerbaijan’s events industry in the 2000’s and 2010’s, the article uses available evidence and process tracing techniques to develop the hypothesis that Azerbaijan’s elites sought out hosting rights, at least in part, to diversify their sources of private rents. By problematising the direction of causality between mega-events and rent-seeking behaviour, this analysis expands current theories on states’ motivations for hosting these events and contributes to existing understandings about how these proceedings serve to support and sustain rentier regimes.
Us and them
Authors: Osisanwo Ayo , Oji Ruth Karachi Benson 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
#EndSARS protest started publicly on October 8, 2020, with teeming Nigerian youths moving from one location to the
other to press home their demands, protesting police brutality among others. The protesters, especially those in Lagos, chose the
Lekki Toll Gate as their protest base. The protest protracted across the country until October 20, 2020, when there were alleged
shootings at the Lekki location by men in uniform believed to be from the Nigerian army. The protest and the shooting generated
controversies, with the international community lending their voice to condemn the act. Existing studies on protests in Nigeria
have examined #fuel fees must fall, Biafra protest, and so forth. Yet, studies have not adequately examined the #EndSARS-induced
Lekki shooting. Its critical examination can confirm or refute the existing claims on protest discourse. This study, therefore,
examines the newspaper narratives on the October 20 #EndSARS shooting at Lekki Toll Gate, to identify the deployed discourse
issues, the pragmatic acts, identities and ideological polarisations in the discourses. Using aspects of van Dijk’s model of
critical discourse analysis, Mey’s pragmatics acts and Voyant Tools, related narratives from two widely read Nigerian newspapers:
Punch and Leadership revealed two broad ideological polarisations (US vs THEM) and four
sub-categorisations of ideological discourse structure: actor description, argument, activity and goal description, and discourse
strategies, and different pragmatic acts.
Efficient noble gas purification using hot getters and gas circulation by convection
Authors: Teixeira J.M.R. , Henriques C.A.O. , Silva P.A.O.C. , Mano R.D.P. , Dos Santos J.M.F. , Monteiro C.M.B. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Noble gas radiation detectors with optical readout are gaining popularity in fields like
astrophysics and particle physics due to their ability to produce both ionization and
scintillation signals in response to ionizing radiation interaction. In addition, the
amplification of primary ionization signals can be achieved by promoting secondary scintillation
in the gas. Noble gas purity, especially concerning impurities like H2O, N2, O2,
CO2, and hydrocarbons, greatly influences its performance. These impurities can cause the
loss of primary electrons and quench the scintillation signal. A very high purity level of the gas
is required. In the early 90's, a simple method was developed for noble gas purification in
sealed, small volume (up to few litters) gas radiation detectors. Gas purification is achieved
promoting gas circulation through Zr-based hot getters, simply maintaining the gas circulation by
convection. The effectiveness of this method has been only confirmed by the energy resolutions
achieved in those detectors, which were similar to that achieved in other high-performance noble
gas detectors. In this work, we used waveform analysis of the primary and secondary scintillation
signals and we were able to evaluate the impact of the attachment and quenching caused by
impurities in one of our detectors filled with pure Xe, and estimate upper values for the impurity
content in the gas. The maximum overall impurity concentration was estimated to be below 4 ppm,
considering nearly all the impurities, and below 82 ppm if N2 is considered. The electron
lifetime was measured to be 2.1 ± 0.1 ms, in line with those achieved in other
high-performance optical detectors.
The role of IgA and IgG in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection: A cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: Islam Rubiyat E , Zewdie Meaza , Mussa Daniel , Abebe Yonas , Ottenhoff Tom H M , Franken Kees L M C , Abebe Fekadu , Wassie Liya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Despite the high global prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in humans, most infected individuals achieve a stable immunological equilibrium, without showing clinical signs and symptoms of tuberculosis (TB). Although the role of antibodies in TB is assumed to be relatively small compared to cell-mediated immunity, their role in TB has been documented in a few recent studies.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we quantitated antibody responses to Mtb antigens, lipoarabinomannan (LAM), and heparin-binding hemagglutinin adhesin (HBHA) by determining antigen-specific immunoglobulin A(IgA) and G(IgG) secretion levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serum and saliva of pulmonary TB patients (PTB), their household contacts (HHC), and community controls (CC) (determined by QuantiFERON TB Gold assay QFT- test result).

Results
The HBHA-specific IgA levels were significantly higher in both saliva and serum in HHC groups compared to PTB patients (P=0.013, P=0.023). Exposed contacts, who were QFT-negative had higher serum HBHA-specific IgA responses compared to PTB patients (P=0.04). QFT-negative HHC and QFT-positive CC showed higher HBHA and LAM-specific IgG responses (P=0.006, P=0.002, P=0.0009, P=0.006, respectively) than PTB patients. Generally, LAM and HBHA-specific IgA levels were significantly higher in saliva compared to serum (P&lt;0.0001) in all study groups.

Conclusion
Overall, the observed higher levels of IgA and IgG in controls, and exposed but QFT-negative contacts suggest a correlation with, and perhaps a role for these antibodies in preventing the development of active TB. The findings highlighted the potential involvement of saliva IgA in the immune response to Mtb, underscoring the relevance of mucosal immunity in TB infection.
Towards standardization in robotic lung transplant: a novel approach in minimally invasive thoracic surgery
Authors: Ascanio Fernando , Abdallah Naoufal Zebdi , Rosado Joel , Sánchez Leire , Romero Laura , Jauregui Alberto 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Robotic lung transplantation presents a viable and innovative alternative to traditional open surgery, providing notable advantages in terms of surgical precision, enhanced patient recovery and improved wound healing. This article details a standardized, step-by-step robotic-assisted technique, strategic port placement, dissection of pulmonary vessels, and sequential anastomoses. By aiming to establish and refine this minimally invasive approach, the technique sets a foundation for further advancements in complex surgical procedures.
Unveiling the Structural Character of Informal Work: New Labour Subject and Financial Exploitation Beyond the Promise of Transition
Authors: Lobato Julieta 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Informal work is a defining aspect of the contemporary global labour landscape, not only in the Global South but also notably in the Global North. The predominant approach to informality in international labour and economic law frequently depicts it as a market failure, suggesting its effective rectification through labour market policies aimed at transitioning informal workers into the formal sector—the ‘transitional approach’. This article challenges this approach. The main argument contends that by characterising informality as exceptional, the transitional approach fails to recognise its integral role in the shaping of contemporary capitalism. Furthermore, this characterisation perpetuates a paradigm of full employment, which relies on a notion of formal labour markets as internally coherent, embedded in colonial narratives surrounding development discourse. Drawing from the case of the ‘Workers of the Popular Economy’ (Trabajadores y Trabajadoras de la Economía Popular) in Argentina, the article posits that the structural character of informality is underscored by: (i) the emergence of a new labour subject not captured by traditional labour law (socio-political argument) and (ii) a shift in the labour–capital relationship, increasingly mediated by debt rather than solely by wages (economic argument).
Eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) as hosts for ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Powassan virus in Virginia, USA
Authors: Schiff Peter , Cumbie Alexandra N , Roberts Ashley , Riley Jennifer , Eastwood Gillian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Tick-borne pathogen infections are an increasing occurrence globally, yet many aspects of pathogen maintenance and host-tick interactions remain poorly understood. Here we consider the potential role of eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) in the enzootic cycles of tick-borne pathogens of medical importance in Virginia. Over a 3-year period, ticks and blood were collected from rabbits acquired through passive surveillance in 21 counties in Virginia. Seven hundred seventy ticks were collected from 90 of the 121 rabbits examined in this study. Tick species collected from the rabbits included Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes spp. Ticks identified as Ixodes spp. and H. leporispalustris were tested in pools for Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Powassan virus (POWV). Borrelia burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum were detected in several Ixodes spp. pools yielding a pooled infection rate of 4.6% and 3.7%, respectively. These bacterial pathogens along with POWV were detected in pools of H. leporispalustris yielding pooled infection rates of 0.2%, 0.2%, and 0.5%, respectively. In addition, 3 rabbits were found to have neutralizing antibodies against POWV indicating exposure to this tick-borne flavivirus. We describe the presence of infected ticks (including juvenile ticks that could bite humans as adults) utilizing rabbits as hosts, as well as evidence of POWV infection (1.75% seroprevalence) in rabbit sera. These results provide useful information about the role of rabbits as hosts to infected ticks, though cannot ascertain their role in the maintenance or the transfer of pathogens from the rabbits to naïve ticks. Future studies are warranted to explore any additional roles these and other lagomorphs may be playing in the enzootic cycle of tick-borne pathogens.
Navigating the tension: US refugee resettlement agency support of postsecondary access
Authors: Casellas Connors Ishara , Unangst Lisa , Evans Kerri 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In recent years, humanitarian crises have displaced millions of people across the globe. This mixed-methods project examines US refugee resettlement agency (RRA) support for displaced individuals seeking to access postsecondary education. Drawing on survey data and complemented with key stakeholder interviews, we characterize how agencies frame their current populations of clients and their interests in postsecondary education, as well as the projects, programs, and policies RRAs utilize to support displaced peoples’ access to postsecondary education. Through the lenses of neoliberalism and resource dependence theory, we capture how student aspirations inform postsecondary programming and the role of staffing, networks, and partnerships—pointing to the ways that agencies leverage discretionary space. In a real sense, RRAs intervene in neoliberal, exclusionary tactics to ensure that postsecondary education, while aligning with program participants’ aspirations, becomes centered within resettlement.
Gene expression driving ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathways in ripening tomato fruit; a kinetic modelling approach
Authors: Nguyen Thao Minh Viet , Tran Dinh Thi , Mata Clara I , Van de Poel Bram , Nicolaï Bart M , Hertog Maarten L A T M 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Ethylene biosynthesis and signaling are pivotal pathways in various plant aging processes, including fruit ripening. Kinetic models can be used to better understand metabolic pathways, but modeling of the ethylene-related pathways is limited and the link between these pathways remains unsolved. A transcriptomics-based kinetic model was developed, consisting of ordinary differential equations describing ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathways in tomato during fruit development and ripening, both on- and off-vine. This model was calibrated against a large volume of transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic data during on-vine fruit development and ripening of tomato fruit grown in winter and summer. The model was validated using data on off-vine ripening of mature green harvested fruit grown in the same seasons. The ethylene biosynthesis pathway under different conditions appeared to be largely driven by gene expression levels. The ethylene-regulation of fruit ripening of a heat tolerant tomato grown in different seasons is identical but with quantitative differences at the targeted omics levels. This is reflected by some of the same parameters with distinct values for summer and winter fruit. The current model is the first attempt to model the ethylene signaling pathway starting from gene expression, the various protein – protein interactions, including the link with ethylene production, internal ethylene levels and the binding to its receptors.
Alignment of menu items offered in Canadian long-term care homes with Canada’s food guide and the Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Middleton Caroline G. , Lee Jennifer J. , L’Abbé Mary R. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Many residents in long-term care (LTC) homes face the risk of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases like diabetes, underscoring the crucial role of menu planning. In most provinces, menu items offered in LTC homes must adhere to Canada’s food guide (CFG). Other dietary guidelines, like those in Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines (DCCP), provide recommendations for managing chronic disease; however, the alignment of individual menu items with CFG and DCCP is unknown. The objective was to assess the alignment of menu items offered in LTC homes with CFG and DCCP.

Methods
Using a four-week menu cycle designed for LTC, menu items (n = 1,365) were assessed using two nutrient profile models based on CFG and the DCCP. The Canadian Foods Scoring System (CFSS) categorized items as “very poor” to “excellent” choices according to CFG, and the DCCP nutrient profile model classified items as “least” to “mostly aligned” with DCCP. Descriptive statistics summarized menu items by CFSS and DCCP nutrient profile model categories across meal occasions and food categories.

Results
Overall, 52.8% of menu items served in LTC homes were rated “good” or “excellent” choices by CFSS, and 50.8% were classified as “most aligned” with the DCCP nutrient profile model. Afternoon Snacks had the highest proportion of the least healthy items. Legumes and Vegetables were the healthiest categories, and Sugars & Sweets, along with Combination Dishes, ranked as the least healthy.

Conclusions
While about one-half of LTC menu items align with CFG and DCCP, opportunities remain to enhance their nutritional quality. Developing a translational tool based on nutrient profile models could simplify the application of food-based dietary guidelines, supporting more effective and aligned LTC menu planning.
Arcyriaflavin A, a cyclin D1/CDK4 inhibitor, suppresses tumor growth, migration, and invasion of metastatic melanoma cells
Authors: Kim Dokyeong , Park Junseong , Kim Yoon-Seob , Na Okcho , Park Minyoung , Zhang Songzi , Cho Sumin , Chung Yeun-Jun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Despite advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, cutaneous melanoma continues to have a high mortality rate and poor prognosis, with therapies having limited efficacy in advanced melanoma. Therefore, it is crucial to develop novel therapeutics with proven clinical potential. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of arcyriaflavin A (ArcA), a potent inhibitor of the cyclin D1/CDK4 complex, in suppressing aggressive phenotypes of metastatic melanoma.

Methods
The effects of ArcA on viability and cell cycle were evaluated across four melanoma cell lines: WM239A and its metastatic derivatives: 113–6/4L, 131/4-5B1, and 131/4-5B2. Additionally, we performed wound healing and transwell invasion assays, followed by western blot. We further established xenograft mouse models by subcutaneously injecting them with the four melanoma cell lines and measured tumor size and weight biweekly. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to compare protein expression.

Results
ArcA demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, selectively targeting melanoma cells without affecting normal cells, and induced G1 cell cycle arrest. Moreover, ArcA significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in metastatic melanoma cell lines, accompanied by reduced expression levels of p-GSK-3β (Ser9), MMP-9, and MMP-13, suggesting that its anti-metastatic effects may be partially mediated through GSK-3β, MMP-9, and MMP-13. These findings were further validated using mouse xenograft models; ArcA-treated mice exhibited significantly smaller tumor volumes and lighter tumor weights compared to vehicle-treated mice. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed decreased expression of p-GSK-3β, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in tumor tissues from ArcA-treated mice.

Conclusions
Collectively, our findings indicate that ArcA possesses substantial anti-tumor potential, including cytotoxic effects and inhibition of migration and invasion in metastatic melanoma. These results suggest that ArcA could enhance therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.