bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Permian–Triassic Boundary in Sedimentary Succession of the Barents Sea
Authors: Malysheva E.O. , Doronina M.S. , Kleschina L.N. , Nikitina V.A. , Popov A.S. , Vasilyeva N. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
—The Permian–Triassic (P–T) boundary records the most dramatic events in Phanerozoic history. The character of the boundary differs greatly, so it has been the subject of great discussion. The Barents Sea separates regions having markedly different expressions of the P–T boundary, and it can give an insight into the conditions of formation of this boundary in different parts of the European North. This contribution is based on a combination of regional projects from the Russian and Norwegian sectors, including seismic data across the Barents Sea and well data in marginal zones. Application of new seismic data and the sequence stratigraphy concept provides a novel approach to correlation and interpretation of the P–T boundary beneath the Barents Sea. The study has revealed a distinct regional sequence boundary corresponding to the P–T boundary with conformable and unconformable bedding. Three major types of this stratigraphic boundary are recognized. The distinct “erosional” type of the P–T boundary, with a significantly reduced Permian section, exists in the southeast (Timan–Pechora Basin). The conformable “overcompensated” type of boundary with an additional Lower Triassic section is interpreted in the central part of the Barents Sea. Westward, beneath the Norwegian sector, a relatively conformable “condensed” type of P–T boundary predominates. In addition to these types associated with regional paleostructural and depositional trends, the superposed “structural” subtype caused by local growth of structures at the Permian–Triassic boundary is identified.
Study on Composite Rock-Breaking Mechanism of Ultrahigh-Pressure Water Jet–PDC Cutter
Authors: Cai Can , Cao Wenyang , Yang Xianpeng , Zhang Pei , Zeng Lang , Zhou Shengwen 
Published: April 2024

Summary
The drilling industry is paying increasing attention to deep and ultradeep wells because of the gradual decline and depletion of recoverable resources on the shallow surface. However, the difficulty of conventional mechanical rock-breaking grows significantly with increasing drilling depth. It has been found that the effect of a high-pressure water jet combined with a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter is significant and can greatly increase the efficacy of rock breaking. A composite rock-breaking experimental device with a high-pressure jet was designed to carry out composite rock-breaking experiments. Meanwhile, a composite rock-breaking numerical model of high-pressure water jet-PDC cutter was created by smoothed particle hydrodynamics/finite element method (SPH/FEM). After verifying the reliability of the numerical model through experiments, the key factors, including rock stress field, cutting force, and jet field, were extracted to analyze the composite rock-breaking mechanism. The results show that the enhancing effect of jet impact on rock breaking is mainly reflected in three aspects: (1) The high-pressure water jet can create a groove and crater on the rock surface, effectively unloading the rock stress at the bottom of the well and increasing the area of rock damage; (2) PDC cutter vibration can be efficiently reduced with high-pressure jet; and (3) the rock debris in front of the cutter is cleaned in time, avoiding the waste of energy caused by the secondary cutting and reducing the temperature rise of the PDC cutter. Besides, it has been investigated how parameters like jet pressure, nozzle diameter, impact distance, and cutting depth influence the effect of jet rock breaking. The findings indicate that the best rock-breaking efficiency and economy occur at jet pressures of 30–40 MPa. Correspondingly, in terms of nozzle angle, nozzle diameter, and impact distance, the ideal ranges are 60°, 1.0–1.5 mm, and 10 mm, respectively, wherein the ideal impact distance is approximately 10 times the nozzle diameter. This research is critical for the advancement of high-pressure jet drilling technology and the design of supporting drill bits.
Clinical validation of the 2008 and 2022 diagnostic criteria for early multiple system atrophy
Authors: Kim Seoyeon , Woo Kyung Ah , Shin Jung Hwan , Kim Han-Joon , Jeon Beomseok 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The Movement Disorders Society criteria for multiple system atrophy (MDS-MSA) was recently proposed to improve the diagnostic accuracy, particularly the lack of sensitivity at early stages. We aimed to seek consistencies and discrepancies between the old and new criteria in early MSA-C.
Methods
Fifty patients with a cerebellar syndrome with duration less than two years were recruited. Either MSA or cerebellar ataxia (CA) was diagnosed according to the second consensus criteria and MDS-MSA criteria, respectively.
Results
Among the forty-one MSA-C patients diagnosed by the second consensus criteria, sixteen patients were diagnosed with CA by the MDS-MSA criteria due to lack of supportive clinical features. Eleven probable MSA patients were diagnosed with clinically probable MSA by the MDS-MSA criteria, due to absence of MRI biomarkers.
Conclusion
The MDS-MSA criteria seems to be stricter compared with the second consensus criteria, and modest sensitivity still proposes a challenge for early detection of MSA-C.
Extraction of carbon nanodots from benzoin resin soot for multifaceted antibacterial applications
Authors: T Pranesh , Raja Gnanadeepam , Gopal Judy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Antimicrobial compounds have been gaining paramount importance in recent years since there has been a lot of concern over the increasing threats from microbial infections. Medicinal smoke has always been received with warmth and positivity and being an age-old traditional process, has been practiced down the generations. Nanomaterials have become highly promising when it comes to antimicrobial applications and carbon nanomaterials have also gained preeminence. In the following study, carbon nanodots were extracted and characterized from benzoin resin smoke and tested for its antibacterial, anti oral bacterial and anti-biofilm properties. With rising concerns over chemically synthesized nanomaterials, green extraction of carbon nanodots from benzoin smoke, will come handy for multiple biomedical applications.
SAK3 confers neuroprotection in the neurodegeneration model of X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism
Authors: Aryal Shivani , Chen Shawei , Burbach Kyle F , Yang Yan , Capano Lucia S , Kim Woo Kyung , Bragg D. Cristopher , Yoo Andrew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism(XDP) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder that results in the loss of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). XDP is associated with disease-specific mutations in and around the TAF1 gene. This study highlights the utility of directly reprogrammed MSNs from fibroblasts of affected XDP individuals as a platform that captures cellular and epigenetic phenotypes associated with XDP-related neurodegeneration. In addition, the current study demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of SAK3 currently tested in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Methods
XDP fibroblasts from three independent patients as well as age- and sex-matched control fibroblasts were used to generate MSNs by direct neuronal reprogramming using miRNA-9/9*-124 and thetranscription factors CTIP2, DLX1-P2A-DLX2, and MYT1L. Neuronal death, DNA damage, and mitochondrial health assays were carried out to assess the neurodegenerative state of directly reprogrammed MSNs from XDP patients (XDP-MSNs). RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing were performed to infer changes in the transcriptomic and chromatin landscapesof XDP-MSNs compared to those of control MSNs (Ctrl-MSNs).
Results
Our results show that XDP patient fibroblasts can be successfully reprogrammed into MSNs and XDP-MSNs display several degenerative phenotypes, including neuronal death, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction, compared to Ctrl-MSNs reprogrammed from age- and sex-matched control individuals’ fibroblasts. In addition, XDP-MSNs showed increased vulnerability to TNFα -toxicity compared to Ctrl-MSNs. To dissect the altered cellular state in XDP-MSNs, we conducted transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility analyses using RNA- and ATAC-seq. Our results indicate that pathways related to neuronal function, calcium signaling, and genes related to other neurodegenerative diseases are commonly altered in XDP-MSNs from multiple patients. Interestingly, we found that SAK3, a T-type calcium channel activator, that may have therapeutic values in other neurodegenerative disorders, protected XDP-MSNs from neuronal death. Notably, we found that SAK3-mediated alleviation of neurodegeneration in XDP-MSNs was accompanied by gene expression changes toward Ctrl-MSNs.
Maternal Anemia Emerges as a Potential Risk Factor for Anemia in Children Aged 6-59 Months in Tanzania: Evidence from the 2022 TDHS-MIS Cross-Sectional Household Survey
Authors: Xavier Sancho , Victor Audêncio , Gotine Ana Raquel Manuel , Silva Ageo Mário da 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Various studies have explored the risk factors for anemia in children aged 6 to 59 months, but the effect of maternal anemia on child anemia has been less examined. This study sought to analyze the impact of maternal anemia on anemia in children in this age group in Tanzania.
Methods: Data was extracted from the Tanzania TDHS-MIS 2022, conducted from March to July. A total of 2,500 children aged between 6 and 59 months were included in the final analysis. The analysis considered both univariate and multivariate odds ratios (COR and AOR, respectively), with a 95% CI, as determinants of anemia. Data was analyzed using R software.
Results:The overall prevalence of anemia in children aged 6 to 59 months was 70.16% (95% CI = 68.32; 71.95), with 40.8% of cases classified as mild, 56.4% moderate, and 2.8% as severe. This prevalence was higher in children < 24 months (75.1%). In the model adjusted for other factors, maternal anemia emerged as a potential indicator for anemia in this age group, with an AOR of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.18; 1.87) for mild anemia, 1.71 (95% CI: 1.32; 2.21) for moderate, and 2.14 (95% CI: 1.08; 4.26) for severe anemia. Furthermore, children under 24 months, males, with a recent history of diarrhea, in families with more than two children, and with mothers aged between 20 and 29 years, were more likely to develop anemia. On the other hand, children who received drugs for intestinal parasitosis in the last six months were less likely to have anemia.
Conclusion:This study highlights the high prevalence of child anemia in Tanzania, especially in children under 24 months. Maternal anemia emergedas a significant potential predictor for child anemia. Targeted interventions that address both maternal and child health are crucial for reducing the prevalence of anemia and improving child health outcomes.
The Association Between Pre-Pregnancy and First-Trimester Hair Cortisol and Preterm Birth: A Causal Inference Model
Authors: Chen Yinxian , Künzel Richard G. , Sanchez Sixto E. , Rondon Marta B. , Pinto Nelida I. , Sanchez Elena , Kirschbaum Clemens , Valeri Linda , Koenen Karestan C. , Gelaye Bizu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Adverse life events and chronic psychological distress before and during pregnancy have frequently been associated with preterm birth (PTB) but the biological underpinnings remain unclear. We investigated the association between corticosteroid levels in pre-pregnancy and first-trimester hair and the risk of PTB.
Methods
We followed 1,808 pregnant women from a prospective pre-birth cohort study in Lima, Perú. Hair samples were taken at the end of the first pregnancy trimester. The two most proximal 3cm segments to the scalp (representing pre-pregnancy and first-trimester) were analyzed to obtain hair cortisol and cortisone concentrations (HCC and HCNC). PTB was defined as birth < 37 completed gestational weeks. We constructed four generalized propensity scores for pre-pregnancy and first-trimester HCC and HCNC to create corresponding inverse probability weights before fitting marginal structural models for estimating the effect of HCC and HCNC on PTB risk.
Results
Pre-pregnancy Log HCC was not independently associated with PTB risk (RR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.79, 1.19). In contrast, one SD increase from the mean first-trimester Log HCC was independently associated with a 37% (95%CI: 1.11, 1.69) increased risk of PTB. Although imprecise, pre-pregnancy Log HCNC was negatively associated with PTB risk (RR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.58, 1.20), whereas the association between first-trimester Log HCNC and PTB risk was positive (RR = 1.20; 95%CI: 0.87, 1.65).
Conclusions
Our findings show that chronic corticosteroid levels in early pregnancy are causally linked to PTB risk in pregnant Peruvian women. This finding contributes to understanding the biological underpinnings of PTB better to enhance PTB prevention.
PACT is requisite for prostate cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Leedman Peter , Beveridge Dianne , Woo Andrew , Richardson Kirsty , Brown Rikki , Stuart Lisa , Singh Manjot , Redfern Andrew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

PACT (encoded by the PRKRA gene) is a double-stranded RNA binding protein that has two main functions in mammals: facilitation of antiviral defense mechanisms via the activation of protein kinase RNA (PKR) and retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-1), and PACT is also a member of the cytoplasmic RNA-induced silencing complex. We previously described an alternate role for PACT as a modulator of nuclear receptor (NR)-regulated gene expression. Here, we investigated the role of PACT in prostate cancer (PCa) using a loss-of-function approach. Depletion of PACT in PCa cell lines resulted in a reduction in cell proliferation; however, they were viable. RNA-sequencing analysis of LNCaP PCa cells ± PACT revealed a depletion of biological processes involved in cell cycle, mitochondrial function, and NR-response pathways in the PACT knockout (KO) cells. In the PACT KO cells, downregulated genes included H2AFJ, PSMD5, AQP3, TMEM45B, SLC22A3, and KLK3 (prostate specific antigen, PSA), and siRNA mediated knockdown of these genes reduced cell growth and proliferation in LNCaP cells. Taken together, these data provide support for PRKRA as a proproliferative gene in PCa and targeting PRKRA, or the genes that are downregulated in PACT KO cells via siRNA therapies, could benefit PCa patient survival.
Development and validation of frailty risk prediction model for elderly patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: LIU Siqin , YUAN Xiaoli , LIANG Heting , JIANG Zhixia , YANG Xiaoling , GAO Huiming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of frailty for elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), development a risk prediction model of nomogram for elderly patients with CHD, and verify the prediction effect.
Methods A total of 592 elderly patients with CHD from 3 third-level hospitals, 5 second-level hospitals and 3 community health service centers in Guizhou Province from April 2022 to January 2023 were conveniently selected and enrolled. The general information questionnaire, the Frail scale and the instrumental ability of daily living assessment scale were utilized to collect data. And the patients divided into two group according to frailty, χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used to select and determine the influencing factors of frailty. The nomograph prediction model of elderly patients with CHD was established by R software (4.2.2). Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the area under the ROC curve were used to evaluate the e predictive effect of the model. The Bootstrap resampling method was used to verify the model and draw the calibration curve of the prediction model.
Results The incidence of frailty was 30.07%. The multiple factor analysis showed that poor health status (OR=70.885)/general health status (OR=18.018), smoking (OR=0.483), social participation (OR=0.169), impaired instrumental ability of daily living (OR=3.131) were independent risk factors for frailty (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the nomograph prediction model was 0.837 (95% CI: 0.808 ～ 0.881, P<0.001), sensitivity of 0.798, specificity of 0.792; the X2 value of Hosmer-Lemeshow was 7.111（P=0.213）. The model validation results showed that the C value was 0.836(95% CI: 0.801~0.873), Brier score was 0.138, the predicted value was consistent with the actual value basically.
Conclusion The incidence of frailty in elderly patients with CHD is high, which is affected by many influencing factors, health status, smoking, social participation and ability of daily life have certain predictive value for frailty, that can provide reference for early screening and intervention of elderly patients with coronary heart disease.
Dexrazoxane reduces antithrombin activity: Five case reports
Authors: Nagano Tomohiro , Kondo Kaho , Matsumura Akifumi , Niiya Daigo , Fujii Soichiro , Takeuchi Makoto 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Dexrazoxane prevents anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and treats anthracycline extravasation. Thrombosis is not a major adverse effect of dexrazoxane use but their relationship has been reported. Here, we describe five patients in whom antithrombin activity decreased after dexrazoxane injections. All five patients were prescribed dexrazoxane to protect the soft tissues from anthracycline extravasation during chemotherapy for hematological malignancies. This led to a reduction in antithrombin activity after a median of 4 days from the first dexrazoxane injection. The activity levels recovered several days later, and one of the patients developed deep vein thrombosis. There was no explanation other than dexrazoxane use, prompting us to speculate that dexrazoxane reduces antithrombin activity. We infer that a decrease in antithrombin activity triggers thrombosis after dexrazoxane injection. Based on these cases and a review of previous reports on dexrazoxane and thrombosis, it is recommended that clinicians monitor antithrombin decline and thrombosis development in patients undergoing dexrazoxane treatment.
A robust mouse model of human parainfluenza 3 virus infection and efficacy of GS-441524, the parent nucleoside of remdesivir, against lung pathology
Authors: Neyts Johan , Lin Yuxia , Khan Mona , Weynand Birgit , Laporte Manon , Coenjaerts Frank , Babusis Darius , Bilello John , Mombaerts Peter , Jochmans Dirk 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV-3) can cause severe respiratory tract infections. The development of vaccines and antivirals is hampered by the lack of convenient small-animal infection models. Here, we show that intranasal inoculation of AG129 mice (double IFNα/β and IFNγ receptor knockout mice) with HPIV-3 leads to viral replication in the upper and lower airways, with peak viral loads on days 1-3 post-infection. By multiplex fluorescence RNAscope and immunohistochemistry followed by confocal microscopy, we demonstrate viral tropism to ciliated cells and club cells of the bronchiolar epithelium. From day 5 post-infection, a marked lung pathology develops, with perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, bronchopneumonia, and hyperplasia of pneumocytes. Oral treatment with GS-441524, the parent nucleoside of remdesivir, drastically reduces infectious virus titers in the lung, with a relatively normal histology. Intranasal treatment also affords an antiviral effect. We conclude that AG129 mice serve as a robust preclinical model for developing therapeutic and prophylactic strategies against HPIV-3. Our results support further evaluation of GS-441524 and its prodrug forms as potential treatment of HPIV-3 infection in humans.
Hepatocyte-specific loss of melanocortin 1 receptor disturbs fatty acid metabolism and promotes adipocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Rinne Petteri , Thapa Keshav , Ghimire Bishwa , Pokharel Kisun , Cai Minying , Savontaus Eriika 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background/objectives
Melanocortins mediate their biological functions via five different melanocortin receptors (MC1R - MC5R). MC1R is expressed in the skin and leukocytes, where it regulates skin pigmentation and inflammatory responses. MC1R is also present in the liver and white adipose tissue, but its functional role in these tissues is unclear. This study aimed at determining the regulatory role of MC1R in fatty acid metabolism.
Methods
Recessive yellow (Mc1re/e) mice, a model of global MC1R deficiency, and hepatocyte-specific MC1R deficient mice (Mc1r LKO) were fed a chow or Western diet for 12 weeks. The mouse models were characterized for body weight and composition, liver adiposity, adipose tissue mass and morphology, glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, qPCR and RNA sequencing analyses were used to investigate gene expression profiles in the liver and adipose tissue. HepG2 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes were to study the effects of pharmacological MC1R activation.
Results
Chow- and Western diet-fed Mc1re/e showed increased liver weight, white adipose tissue mass and plasma triglyceride (TG) concentration compared to wild type mice. This phenotype occurred without significant changes in food intake, body weight, physical activity or glucose metabolism. Mc1r LKO mice displayed a similar phenotype characterized by larger fat depots, increased adipocyte hypertrophy and enhanced accumulation of TG in the liver and plasma. In terms of gene expression, markers of de novo lipogenesis, inflammation and apoptosis were upregulated in the liver of Mc1r LKO mice, while enzymes regulating lipolysis were downregulated in white adipose tissue of these mice. In cultured hepatocytes, selective activation of MC1R reduced ChREBP expression, which is a central transcription factor for lipogenesis.
Conclusions
Hepatocyte-specific loss of MC1R disturbs fatty acid metabolism in the liver and leads to an obesity phenotype characterized by enhanced adipocyte hypertrophy and TG accumulation in the liver and circulation.