bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conserved Genes in Highly Regenerative Metazoans Are Associated with Planarian Regeneration
Authors: Chereddy Shankar C R R , Makino Takashi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Metazoan species depict a wide spectrum of regeneration ability which calls into question the evolutionary origins of the underlying processes. Since species with high regeneration ability are widely distributed throughout metazoans, there is a possibility that the metazoan ancestor had an underlying common molecular mechanism. Early metazoans like sponges possess high regenerative ability, but, due to the large differences they have with Cnidaria and Bilateria regarding symmetry and neuronal systems, it can be inferred that this regenerative ability is different. We hypothesized that the last common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria possessed remarkable regenerative ability which was lost during evolution. We separated Cnidaria and Bilateria into three classes possessing whole-body regenerating, high regenerative ability, and low regenerative ability. Using a multiway BLAST and gene phylogeny approach, we identified genes conserved in whole-body regenerating species and lost in low regenerative ability species and labeled them Cnidaria and Bilaterian regeneration genes. Through transcription factor analysis, we identified that Cnidaria and Bilaterian regeneration genes were associated with an overabundance of homeodomain regulatory elements. RNA interference of Cnidaria and Bilaterian regeneration genes resulted in loss of regeneration phenotype for HRJDa, HRJDb, DUF21, DISP3, and ARMR genes. We observed that DUF21 knockdown was highly lethal in the early stages of regeneration indicating a potential role in wound response. Also, HRJDa, HRJDb, DISP3, and ARMR knockdown showed loss of regeneration phenotype after second amputation. The results strongly correlate with their respective RNA-seq profiles. We propose that Cnidaria and Bilaterian regeneration genes play a major role in regeneration across highly regenerative Cnidaria and Bilateria.
Analyzing Burn-Related Content on Social Media Platforms: A Study of Creator Types, Content Focus, and Engagement Metrics
Authors: Manasyan Artur , Ross Erin , Malkoff Nicolas , Cannata Brigette , Yenikomshian Haig A , Gillenwater T Justin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Social media offers a readily available, cost-effective way for medical experts to disseminate knowledge and shape public health outcomes but also allows for the spread of misinformation. This study aims to analyze burn-related material on social media by creator, content type, and engagement. Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) were queried with the following search terms: “burn,” “burn injury,” “burn recovery,” and “burn treatment.” Identified accounts were then manually screened for relevance. Year of creation and engagement metrics were collected. Accounts were categorized by content and creator type. Data were reported using descriptive statistics and visualized graphically to explore trends. Our search yielded 434 profiles, 234 of which met the inclusion criteria. TikTok had the most engagement at a median of 43,500 followers per account, with 38.3% of accounts focusing on individual experiences of burn survivors primarily on personal accounts (48.3%). In contrast, content on Facebook was related to the promotion of medical services (36.9%), whereas the most represented creator type was medical centers (33.6%). Nonprofits made up 40.4% of accounts on Twitter/X and more than a third of the content focused on patient advocacy, support, or burn prevention (36.5%). Important topics like burn education, prevention, and social support are lacking on major social media platforms. Engagement from burn care organizations and burn experts on social media is necessary. The findings of this study may guide advocates in the burn community on where and how to disseminate information on social media.
Molecular plasticity to ocean warming and habitat loss in a coral reef fish
Authors: Swank Ally R , Tracy Claire B , Mendonça Mary T , Bernal Moisés A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Sea surface temperatures are rising at unprecedented rates, leading to a progressive degradation of complex habitats formed by coral reefs. In parallel, acute thermal stress can lead to physiological challenges for ectotherms that inhabit coral reefs, including fishes. Warming and habitat simplification could push marine fishes beyond their physiological limits in the near future. Specifically, questions remain on how warming and habitat structure influence the brains of marine fishes. Here we evaluated how thermal stress and habitat loss are acting independently and synergistically as stressors in a damselfish of the Western Atlantic, Abudefduf saxatilis. For this experiment, 40 individuals were exposed to different combinations of temperature (27 °C or 31 °C) and habitat complexity (complex vs. simple) for 10 days, and changes in brain gene expression and oxidative stress of liver and muscle were evaluated. The results indicate that warming resulted in increased oxidative damage in the liver (P = 0.007) and changes in gene expression of the brain including genes associated with neurotransmission, immune function, and tissue repair. Individuals from simplified habitats showed higher numbers of differentially expressed genes and changes for genes associated with synaptic plasticity and spatial memory. In addition, a reference transcriptome of A. saxatilis is presented here for the first time, serving as a resource for future molecular studies. This project enhances our understanding of how fishes are responding to the combination of coral reef degradation and thermal stress while elucidating the plastic mechanisms that will enable generalists to persist in a changing world.
Vegan grade medium component screening and concentration optimization for the fermentation of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502® using Design of Experiments
Authors: Parecha Darshankumar , Alfano Alberto , Cimini Donatella , Schiraldi Chiara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Lactobacillus paracasei IMC502® is a commercially successful probiotic strain. However, there are no reports that investigate growth medium composition in relation to improved biomass production for this strain. The major outcome of the present study is the design and optimization of a growth medium based on vegan components to be used in the cultivation of Lactobacillus paracasei IMC502®, by using Design of Experiments. Besides comparing different carbon sources, the use of plant-based peptones as nitrogen sources was considered. In particular, the use of guar peptone as the main nitrogen source, in the optimization of fermentation media for the production of probiotics, could replace other plant peptones (e.g. potato, rice, wheat, and soy) which are part of the human diet, thereby avoiding an increase in product and process prices. A model with R2 and adjusted R2 values higher than 95% was obtained. Model accuracy was equal to 94.11%. The vegan-optimized culture medium described in this study increased biomass production by about 65% compared to growth on De Man–Rogosa–Sharpe (MRS) medium. Moreover, this approach showed that most of the salts and trace elements generally present in MRS are not affecting biomass production, thus a simplified medium preparation can be proposed with higher probiotic biomass yield and titer.
The possibility to obtain viable lactic acid bacteria at high density from vegetable derived nutrients will be of great interest to specific consumer communities, opening the way to follow this approach with other probiotics of impact for human health.
Potential utility of pretreatment serum miRNAs for optimal treatment selection in advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Uehara Takashi , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Yoshida Hiroshi , Ogawa Yuto , Miura Junichiro , Fujimiya Hitoshi , Yamamoto Yusuke , Kawauchi Junpei , Takizawa Satoko , Yonemori Kan , Sakamoto Hiromi , Kato Ken , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Ochiya Takahiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
The primary treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer is selected from whether primary debulking surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We investigated whether pretreatment serum microRNA profiles are useful for selecting patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer who obtain better outcomes from undergoing primary debulking surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods
Consecutive patients with clinical stage IIIB–IVB and serum microRNA data were selected. Patients who underwent primary debulking surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy were subjected to 1:1 propensity score matching before comparing their progression-free survival using Cox modelling. Progression-free probabilities for the selected microRNA profiles were calculated, and the estimated progression-free survival with the recommended primary treatment was determined and compared with the actual progression-free survival of the patients.

Results
Of the 108 patients with stage IIIB–IVB disease, the data of 24 who underwent primary debulking surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy were compared. Eleven and three microRNAs were independent predictors of progression-free survival in patients who underwent primary debulking surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. Two microRNAs correlated significantly with complete resection of the tumours in primary debulking surgery. No differences were found between the actual and estimated progression-free survival in the primary debulking surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy groups (P &gt; 0.05). The recommended and actual primary treatments were identical in 27 (56.3%) of the 48 patients. The median improved survival times between recommended and actual treatment were 11.7 and 32.6 months for patients with actual primary debulking surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, respectively.

Conclusions
Pretreatment microRNA profiles could be used to select subgroups of patients who benefited more from primary debulking surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and might contribute to selecting the optimal primary treatment modality in advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients.
Radiomics for predicting MGMT status in cerebral glioblastoma: comparison of different MRI sequences
Authors: Zheng Fei , Zhang Lingling , Chen Hongyan , Zang Yuying , Chen Xuzhu , Li Yiming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUsing radiomics to predict O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation status in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and compare the performances of different MRI sequences. Preoperative MRI scans from 215 patients were included in this retrospective study. After image preprocessing and feature extraction, two kinds of machine-learning models were established and compared for their performances. One kind was established using all MRI sequences (T1-weighted image, T2-weighted image, contrast enhancement, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, DWI_b_high, DWI_b_low and apparent diffusion coefficient), and the other kind was based on single MRI sequence as listed above. For the machine-learning model based on all sequences, a total of seven radiomic features were selected with the Maximum Relevance and Minimum Redundancy algorithm. The predictive accuracy was 0.993 and 0.750 in the training and validation sets, respectively, and the area under curves were 1.000 and 0.754 in the two sets, respectively. For the machine-learning model based on single sequence, the numbers of selected features were 8, 10, 10, 13, 9, 7 and 6 for T1-weighted image, T2-weighted image, contrast enhancement, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, DWI_b_high, DWI_b_low and apparent diffusion coefficient, respectively, with predictive accuracies of 0.797–1.000 and 0.583–0.694 in the training and validation sets, respectively, and the area under curves of 0.874–1.000 and 0.538–0.697 in the two sets, respectively. Specifically, T1-weighted image-based model performed best, while contrast enhancement-based model performed worst in the independent validation set. The machine-learning models based on seven different single MRI sequences performed differently in predicting O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase status in glioblastoma, while the machine-learning model based on the combination of all sequences performed best.
Realism at the end of the rainbow? An argument towards diversifying hydrogen in EU regulation
Authors: Talus Kim , Pinto Jaqueline , Gallegos Francisca 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The European Union’s (EU) decarbonization strategy involves hydrogen as an integral pillar. Since hydrogen is a secondary energy carrier, meaning it must be manufactured, not all hydrogen is made equal. Renewable hydrogen or RFNBOs (Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origins) have been given high priority by the EU in their strategy to establish a market for hydrogen. The EU’s creation of RFNBO usage objectives is a step towards establishing a demand-side market. One such goal is to bring into the EU up to 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen. However, it is doubtful that this large amount can be reached given the strict criteria for what qualifies as renewable hydrogen and, thus, as RFNBO. This article analyses key provisions of the EU framework that affect the EU’s aim to produce and import up to 20 million tonnes of hydrogen overall. It concludes the EU’s emphasis on RFNBOs rather than a broader range of hydrogen pathways undermines the goal of rapidly developing a hydrogen market. Using turquoise hydrogen as a case study, the article shows how the EU’s decarbonization efforts would be aided, trade would be enabled, and fragmentation would be decreased if targets were expanded to encompass additional forms of hydrogen.
Non-canonical bases differentially represented in the sex chromosomes of the dioecious plant Silene latifolia
Authors: Hubinský Marcel , Hobza Roman , Starczak Marta , Gackowski Daniel , Kubát Zdeněk , Janíček Tomáš , Horáková Lucie , Rodriguez Lorenzo Jose Luis 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC), known as oxi-mCs, garners significant interest in plants as potential epigenetic marks. While research in mammals has established a role in cell reprogramming, carcinogenesis, and gene regulation, their functions in plants remain unclear. In rice, 5hmC has been associated with transposable elements (TEs) and heterochromatin. This study utilizes Silene latifolia, a dioecious plant with heteromorphic sex chromosomes and a genome with a large proportion of TEs, which provides a favourable environment for the study of oxi-mCs in individual sexes. Notably, we detected surprisingly high levels of oxi-mCs in S. latifolia comparable with mammals. Nuclei showed enrichment in heterochromatic regions, except for 5hmC whose signal was homogeneously distributed. Intriguingly, the same X chromosome in females displayed overall enrichment of 5hmC and 5fC compared with its counterpart. This fact is shared with 5mC, resembling dosage compensation. Co-localization showed higher correlation between 5mC and 5fC than with 5hmC, indicating no potential relationship between 5hmC and 5fC. Additionally, the promoter of several sex-linked genes and sex-biased TEs clustered in a clear sex-dependent way. Together, these findings unveil a hypothetical role for oxi-mCs in S. latifolia sex chromosome development, warranting further exploration.
Analyzing and Assessing the Current Status of Heat-Related Illnesses in the South Korean Military
Authors: Jung Jae-Hyeop , Lim Hunjong , Hwang Sung Il , Yu Jeong-A 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The population of the Republic of Korea often experiences heat-related illnesses during summer that are exacerbated by significant variations. With rising temperatures attributed to global warming and other environmental changes within the military, combined with the military medical services’ mission to uphold combat capabilities and promote health, it has become crucial to accurately understand the status of heat-related illnesses and integrate more comprehensive and systematic preventive measures. This study aimed to analyze data on heat-related illnesses between 2018 and 2022 to assess and reflect on the said diseases in the South Korean Military.

Materials and Methods
We performed a secondary analysis using data provided by the Defense Medical Statistic Information System. This single-institution retrospective, cross-sectional study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Armed Forces Medical Command (approval number: AFMC-2023-11-001).

Results
Over the past 5 years, the annual number of soldiers treated for heat-related illnesses, whether as outpatients or inpatients, at division medical facilities and military hospitals ranged from 846 to 1,250 cases per year. The proportion of severe cases fluctuates annually between 1.1% and 1.8%. Notably, 94 to 96% of all heat-related illnesses were recorded between May and September, with peak rates in July and August.

Conclusion
The army reported the highest number of heat-related illnesses among military branches, with soldiers comprising the majority of cases. This highlights the urgent need for enhanced heat illness prevention measures within army ranks. Notably, the incidence of these illnesses peaked during July and August, underlining the critical periods for intensified preventive efforts.
Iron biology
Authors: Del Vecchio Lucia , Girelli Domenico , Vinchi Francesca , Cozzolino Mario , Elliott Steve , Mark Patrick B , Valenti Luca , Qian Christopher , Guo Qian , Qian Zhong-Ming , Ciceri Paola , Locatelli Francesco 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Iron is a fundamental element for biological life, from bacteria to humans. Iron is essential for cell function and survival, energy production and metabolism, whereas increased levels cause oxidative stress. It is also a constituent of haemoglobin and thus it is necessary for oxygen transportation through the body. Given these multiple functions, the regulation of iron metabolism is complex and tight coupled with oxygen homeostasis at tissue and cellular levels, thanks to the interaction with the hypoxia inducible factor system. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), iron deficiency significantly contributes to anaemia development. This frequently overlaps with chronic inflammation, causing iron- restricted erythropoiesis. To add further complexity, metabolic hyperferritinemia may, on one hand, increase the risk for CKD and, on the other, overlaps with functional iron deficiency. Excessive intracellular iron in certain cell types during CKD can also mediate cellular death (called ferroptosis), and contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney damage, atherosclerosis and vascular calcifications. This review is aimed at broadening the perspective of iron metabolism in the setting of CKD not just as a contributor to anaemia in CKD patients, but also as an important player with an impact on cell metabolism, renal fibrosis and the cardiovascular system.
Deciphering the Efficacy of β-Lactams in the Face of Metallo-β-Lactamase-Derived Resistance in Enterobacterales: Supraphysiologic Zinc in the Broth Is the Culprit
Authors: Abdelraouf Kamilia , Gill Christian M , Gethers Matthew , Tiseo Giusy , Barnini Simona , Falcone Marco , Menichetti Francesco , Nicolau David P 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
In vitro–in vivo discordance in β-lactams’ activities against metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL)-producing Enterobacterales has been described. We aimed to assess whether this discordance is attributed to the supra-physiologic zinc concentration in in vitro testing media.

Methods
A clinical and microbiological observational study of patients with bloodstream infections due to New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was performed. Outcomes of patients treated empirically with non-MBL-active β-lactam therapy (carbapenems and ceftazidime/avibactam) and MBL-active β-lactam therapy (ceftazidime/avibactam + aztreonam) were documented. The patients’ isolates were used to induce septicemia in mice, and survival upon meropenem treatment was recorded. Meropenem minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined in standard media and in the presence of physiological zinc concentrations.

Results
Twenty-nine patients receiving empiric non-MBL-active β-lactams (median duration, 4 days) were compared with 29 receiving MBL-active β-lactams. The 14-day mortality rates were 21% and 14%, respectively. In the murine septicemia model, meropenem treatment resulted in protection from mortality (P &lt; .0001). Meropenem MICs in the physiologic zinc concentration broth were 1- to &gt;16-fold lower vs MICs in zinc-unadjusted broth (≥64 mg/L).

Conclusions
Our data provide foundational support to establish pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships using MICs derived in physiologic zinc concentration, which may better predict β-lactam therapy outcome.
Brentuximab vedotin for skin involvement in refractory diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, an open-label trial
Authors: Fernández-Codina Andreu , Nevskaya Tatiana , Baron Murray , Appleton C Thomas , Cecchini Matthew J , Philip Amanda , El-Shimy Maha , Vanderhoek Louise , Pinal-Fernández Iago , Pope Janet E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
We explored the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin, a chimeric anti-CD30 antibody drug conjugate, in patients with severe active diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).

Methods
This phase II proof-of-concept, single centre, open-label, single arm, investigator-initiated trial included patients ≥18 years, with dcSSc, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥15 with &lt;5 years since the first non-Raynaud’s symptom and/or skin worsening despite immunosuppression who were treated with intravenous brentuximab vedotin 0.6 mg/kg q3 weeks for 45 weeks. The primary end point was a decrease in mRSS of ≥8 points at 48 weeks.

Results
Eleven patients were treated with brentuximab vedotin, with nine completing the study. The mean mRSS reduction at week 48 was 11.3 (95% CI 6.9, 15.8; P = 0.001), meeting the primary end point in the intention to treat analysis (7/11 had a decrease in mRSS ≥8). The % forced vital capacity increased by 7.8% (12.5). The Composite Response Index in dcSSc (CRISS) suggested a beneficial treatment effect (86% ≥0.6). Most adverse events were mild. No SAEs were attributed to brentuximab vedotin.

Conclusion
In dcSSc, brentuximab vedotin improved skin and FVC without safety concerns. A placebo-controlled trial is warranted to corroborate these initial findings.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03198689.