bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing beard growth in a group of transgender assigned female at birth individuals on gender affirming hormone therapy
Authors: Marinelli L. , Bichiri A. , Cagnina S. , Castella L. , Ghigo E. , Motta G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Testosterone therapy represents the cornerstone of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) among t-AFAB (transgender Assigned Female At Birth) people. Minoxidil is a vasodilator drug approved for topical use for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing beard growth in a group of t-AFAB people on GAHT.

Methods
Sixteen t-AFAB individuals with an incomplete beard development, on GAHT for at least 6 months, were enrolled. Topical minoxidil was applied to the interested facial areas. Before starting (T0), after 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months, we evaluated facial hair growth using the Ferriman-Gallwey modified score (FGm).

Results
Subjects were 26 (2.7) years old and on GAHT for 18.5 [15–54] months; using a paired match evaluation, a statistically significant facial hair growth was observed over time, in particular at T6 (median upper lip FGm 3.5 [3–4] vs 2 [1–2] at T0 and chin FGm 4 [3.25–4] vs 1 [1–2] at T0; p ≤ 0.002). Comparing the minoxidil group with a control group (n = 16) matched for age and BMI who developed a full-grown beard only with GAHT, a logistic multivariable analysis identified hirsutism before GAHT was independently positively associated with the development of a full beard [OR 15.22 (95% CI 1.46–158.82); p = 0.023].

Conclusions
This is the first study demonstrating the efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing facial hair growth among t-AFAB people on GAHT. Further studies will be necessary to assess whether the obtained improvements will persist after discontinuing the medication.
Sarcopenic obesity and reduced BMD in young men living with HIV: body composition and sex steroids interplay
Authors: De Vincentis S. , Greco C. , Fanelli F. , Decaroli M. C. , Diazzi C. , Mezzullo M. , Milic J. , De Santis M. C. , Roli L. , Pagotto U. , Guaraldi G. , Rochira V. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Sex steroids play a key role on male bone homeostasis and body composition (BC), their role in men living with HIV (MLWH) is less recognized. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of low BMD, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity (SO) and their relationship with sex steroids in MLWH aged < 50.

Methods
Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study on MLWH younger than 50 (median age 47.0 years). BC and BMD were evaluated with DXA. Two different definitions of sarcopenia were applied: appendicular lean mass/height2 (ALMI) < 7.26 kg/m2 or appendicular lean mass/body weight (ALM/W) < 28.27%. Low BMD was defined for Z-score < −2.0. Sarcopenia coupled with obesity identified SO. Serum total testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured by LC–MS/MS; free testosterone (cFT) was calculated by Vermeulen equation.

Results
Sarcopenia was detected in 107 (34.9%) and 44 (14.3%) out of 307 MLWH according to ALMI and ALM/W, respectively. The prevalence of SO was similar by using both ALMI (11.4%) and ALM/W (12.4%). Sarcopenic and SO MLWH had lower total T and cFT in both the definition for sarcopenia. BMD was reduced in 43/307 (14.0%). Serum E2 < 18 pg/mL was an independent contributing factor for sarcopenia, SO, and low BMD.

Conclusions
T and E2 are important determinants of BC even in MLWH. This is among the first studies investigating the distribution of obesity phenotypes and the prevalence of SO among MLWH showing that SO is present in 11–12% of enrolled MLWH regardless of the definition used. However, deep differences emerged using two different diagnostic definitions.
Exploring the Clinical Usefulness of Undergraduate Medical Research: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Burke Emma , Savage Colm , Begley John , Sioufi Stephanie , Smith Simon , Stoyanov Slavi , O’Tuathaigh Colm 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA significant amount of published clinical research has no measurable impact on health and disease outcomes, and research in undergraduate medical education is viewed as especially susceptible. The aims of this mixed methods study were to (a) to use group concept mapping (GCM) to explore key features identified by hospital physicians, medical educators, and medical students as central to clinical usefulness in an undergraduate medical research context, and (b) review a sample of undergraduate medical research projects based on usefulness criteria described by Ioannidis (2016). In the GCM procedure, 54 respondents (39 students, 15 physicians) from an Irish medical school participated across each of three phases: brainstorming, sorting, and rating. Data was analysed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering. A retrospective analysis of 252 student projects was also completed using a rubric based on Ioannidis’s (2016) six domains of “clinical usefulness”: problem base, context placement and information gain, pragmatism, patient-centredness, feasibility, and transparency. Projects were scored for each domain by three assessors. Results were analysed and presented using descriptive analysis.GCM analysis revealed the following “clinically useful” research characteristics: optimal design and methodology, practicality, research skills development, translational impact, patient-centredness, and asking a clinical question. Following a rubric-based analysis of projects, the highest scoring categories (mean rating; range of 1–4) were feasibility (3.57), transparency (3.32), and problem base (3.05). The lowest scoring areas were context placement and information gain (2.73), pragmatism (2.68), and patient-centredness (212). We identified considerable conceptual overlap between stakeholder consensus views on “clinical usefulness” as applied to undergraduate research and Ioannidis’s criteria. Patient-centredness was identified as a domain requiring greater emphasis during the design of undergraduate medical research.
The Turán and Laguerre inequalities for quasi-polynomial-like functions
Authors: Gajdzica Krystian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper deals with both the higher order Turán inequalities and the Laguerre inequalities for quasi-polynomial-like functions that are expressions of the form $$f(n)=c_l(n)n^l+\cdots +c_d(n)n^d+o(n^d)$$

f

(
n
)

=

c
l

(
n
)

n
l

+
⋯
+

c
d

(
n
)

n
d

+
o

(

n
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)

, where $$d,l\in \mathbb {N}$$

d
,
l
∈
N

and $$d\leqslant l$$

d
⩽
l

. A natural example of such a function is the A-partition function $$p_{A}(n)$$

p
A

(
n
)

, which enumerates the number of partitions of n with parts in the fixed finite multiset $$A=\{a_1,a_2,\ldots ,a_k\}$$

A
=
{

a
1

,

a
2

,
…
,

a
k

}

of positive integers. For an arbitrary positive integer d, we present efficient criteria for both the order d Turán inequality and the dth Laguarre inequality for quasi-polynomial-like functions. In particular, we apply these results to deduce non-trivial analogues for $$p_A(n)$$

p
A

(
n
)

.
International mobility between the UK and Europe around Brexit: a data-driven study
Authors: Sîrbu Alina , Goglia Diletta , Kim Jisu , Magos Paul Maximilian , Pollacci Laura , Spyratos Spyridon , Rossetti Giulio , Iacus Stefano Maria 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAmong the multiple effects of Brexit, changes in migration and mobility across Europe were expected. Several studies have analysed these aspects, mostly from the point of view of perceptions, motivations, economic effects, scenarios, and changes in migration from Central and Eastern European countries. In this study we propose an analysis of migration and cross-border mobility using an integrated data-driven approach. We investigate official statistics from Eurostat, together with non-traditional data, to give a more complete view of the changes after Brexit, at EU and regional level. Specifically, we employ scientific publication and Crunchbase data to study highly-skilled migration, Twitter and Air Passenger data to investigate monthly trends. While main trends are preserved across datasets, with a general decrease in migration towards the UK immediately after the referendum approval, we are able to also observe more fine grained trends specific to some data or regions. Furthermore, we relate the changes in mobility observed from Air Passenger data with attention to Brexit from Google Trends data.
Development of dye-sensitized solar cells using pigment extracts produced by Talaromyces atroroseus GH2
Authors: Tropea Alessia , Spadaro Donatella , Trocino Stefano , Giuffrida Daniele , Salerno Tania Maria Grazia , Ruiz-Sanchez Juan Pablo , Montañez Julio , Morales-Oyervides Lourdes , Dufossé Laurent , Mondello Luigi , Calogero Giuseppe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe identification of more efficient, clean, secure, and competitive energy supply is necessary to align with the needs of sustainable devices. For this reason, a study for developing innovative dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on microbial pigments is reported starting from Talaromyces atroroseus GH2. The fungus was cultivated by fermentation and the extracellular pigment extract was characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analyses. The most abundant compound among the 22 azaphilone-type pigments identified was represented by PP-O. The device’s behavior was investigated in relation to electrolyte and pH for verifying the stability on time and the photovoltaic performance. Devices obtained were characterized by UV–vis measurements to verify the absorbance intensity and transmittance percentage. Moreover, photovoltaic parameters through photo-electrochemical measurements (I–V curves) and impedance characteristics by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were determined. The best microbial device showed a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.69 mA/cm2, an open-circuit photo-voltage (Voc) of 0.27 V and a Fill Factor (FF) of 0.60. Furthermore, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device was 0.11%. Thus, the present study demonstrated the potential of microbial origin pigments for developing DSSCs.
Graphical abstract
8-Cl-Ado and 8-NH2-Ado synergize with venetoclax to target the methionine-MAT2A-SAM axis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Guo Jiamin , Buettner Ralf , Du Li , Li Zhenlong , Liu Wei , Su Rui , Chen Zhenhua , Che Yuan , Zhang Yi , Ma Rui , Nguyen Le Xuan Truong , Moore Roger E. , Khyatiben Pathak , Chen Min-Hsuan , Patrick Pirrotte , Wu Xiwei , Marcucci Guido , Wang Lili , Horne David , Chen Jianjun , Yang Yanzhong , Rosen Steven T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTargeting the metabolic dependencies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells is a promising therapeutical strategy. In particular, the cysteine and methionine metabolism pathway (C/M) is significantly altered in AML cells compared to healthy blood cells. Moreover, methionine has been identified as one of the dominant amino acid dependencies of AML cells. Through RNA-seq, we found that the two nucleoside analogs 8-chloro-adenosine (8CA) and 8-amino-adenosine (8AA) significantly suppress the C/M pathway in AML cells, and methionine-adenosyltransferase-2A (MAT2A) is one of most significantly downregulated genes. Additionally, mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Venetoclax (VEN), a BCL-2 inhibitor recently approved by the FDA for AML treatment, significantly decreases the intracellular level of methionine in AML cells. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that combining 8CA or 8AA with VEN can efficiently target the Methionine-MAT2A-S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) axis in AML. Our results demonstrate that VEN and 8CA/8AA synergistically decrease the SAM biosynthesis and effectively target AML cells both in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest the promising potential of combining 8CA/8AA and VEN for AML treatment by inhibiting Methionine-MAT2A-SAM axis and provide a strong rationale for our recently activated clinical trial.
PBX/Knotted 1 homeobox-2 (PKNOX2) is a novel regulator of myocardial fibrosis
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Haotong , Liu Xiaorui , Zhang Ningning , Wang Kui , Shi Anteng , Gao Hang , Akdis Deniz , Saguner Ardan M. , Xu Xinjie , Osto Elena , Van de Veen Willem , Li Guangyu , Bayés-Genís Antoni , Duru Firat , Song Jiangping , Li Xiangjie , Hu Shengshou 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTMuch effort has been made to uncover the cellular heterogeneities of human hearts by single-nucleus RNA sequencing. However, the cardiac transcriptional regulation networks have not been systematically described because of the limitations in detecting transcription factors. In this study, we optimized a pipeline for isolating nuclei and conducting single-nucleus RNA sequencing targeted to detect a higher number of cell signal genes and an optimal number of transcription factors. With this unbiased protocol, we characterized the cellular composition of healthy human hearts and investigated the transcriptional regulation networks involved in determining the cellular identities and functions of the main cardiac cell subtypes. Particularly in fibroblasts, a novel regulator, PKNOX2, was identified as being associated with physiological fibroblast activation in healthy hearts. To validate the roles of these transcription factors in maintaining homeostasis, we used single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis of transplanted failing hearts focusing on fibroblast remodelling. The trajectory analysis suggested that PKNOX2 was abnormally decreased from fibroblast activation to pathological myofibroblast formation. Both gain- and loss-of-function in vitro experiments demonstrated the inhibitory role of PKNOX2 in pathological fibrosis remodelling. Moreover, fibroblast-specific overexpression and knockout of PKNOX2 in a heart failure mouse model induced by transverse aortic constriction surgery significantly improved and aggravated myocardial fibrosis, respectively. In summary, this study established a high-quality pipeline for single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis of heart muscle. With this optimized protocol, we described the transcriptional regulation networks of the main cardiac cell subtypes and identified PKNOX2 as a novel regulator in suppressing fibrosis and a potential therapeutic target for future translational studies.
N4BP1 functions as a dimerization-dependent linear ubiquitin reader which regulates TNF signalling
Authors: Kliza Katarzyna W. , Song Wei , Pinzuti Irene , Schaubeck Simone , Kunzelmann Simone , Kuntin David , Fornili Arianna , Pandini Alessandro , Hofmann Kay , Garnett James A. , Stieglitz Benjamin , Husnjak Koraljka 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSignalling through TNFR1 modulates proinflammatory gene transcription and programmed cell death, and its impairment causes autoimmune diseases and cancer. NEDD4-binding protein 1 (N4BP1) is a critical suppressor of proinflammatory cytokine production that acts as a regulator of innate immune signalling and inflammation. However, our current understanding about the molecular properties that enable N4BP1 to exert its suppressive potential remain limited. Here, we show that N4BP1 is a novel linear ubiquitin reader that negatively regulates NFκB signalling by its unique dimerization-dependent ubiquitin-binding module that we named LUBIN. Dimeric N4BP1 strategically positions two non-selective ubiquitin-binding domains to ensure preferential recognition of linear ubiquitin. Under proinflammatory conditions, N4BP1 is recruited to the nascent TNFR1 signalling complex, where it regulates duration of proinflammatory signalling in LUBIN-dependent manner. N4BP1 deficiency accelerates TNFα-induced cell death by increasing complex II assembly. Under proapoptotic conditions, caspase-8 mediates proteolytic processing of N4BP1, resulting in rapid degradation of N4BP1 by the 26 S proteasome, and acceleration of apoptosis. In summary, our findings demonstrate that N4BP1 dimerization creates a novel type of ubiquitin reader that selectively recognises linear ubiquitin which enables the timely and coordinated regulation of TNFR1-mediated inflammation and cell death.
Diet changes due to urbanization in South Africa are linked to microbiome and metabolome signatures of Westernization and colorectal cancer
Authors: Ramaboli M. C. , Ocvirk S. , Khan Mirzaei M. , Eberhart B. L. , Valdivia-Garcia M. , Metwaly A. , Neuhaus K. , Barker G. , Ru J. , Nesengani L. T. , Mahdi-Joest D. , Wilson A. S. , Joni S. K. , Layman D. C. , Zheng J. , Mandal R. , Chen Q. , Perez M. R. , Fortuin S. , Gaunt B. , Wishart D. , Methé B. , Haller D. , Li J. V. , Deng L. , Swart R. , O’Keefe S. J. D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTransition from traditional high-fiber to Western diets in urbanizing communities of Sub-Saharan Africa is associated with increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD), exemplified by colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. To investigate how urbanization gives rise to microbial patterns that may be amenable by dietary intervention, we analyzed diet intake, fecal 16 S bacteriome, virome, and metabolome in a cross-sectional study in healthy rural and urban Xhosa people (South Africa). Urban Xhosa individuals had higher intakes of energy (urban: 3,578 ± 455; rural: 2,185 ± 179 kcal/d), fat and animal protein. This was associated with lower fecal bacteriome diversity and a shift from genera favoring degradation of complex carbohydrates (e.g., Prevotella) to taxa previously shown to be associated with bile acid metabolism and CRC. Urban Xhosa individuals had higher fecal levels of deoxycholic acid, shown to be associated with higher CRC risk, but similar short-chain fatty acid concentrations compared with rural individuals. Fecal virome composition was associated with distinct gut bacterial communities across urbanization, characterized by different dominant host bacteria (urban: Bacteriodota; rural: unassigned taxa) and variable correlation with fecal metabolites and dietary nutrients. Food and skin microbiota samples showed compositional differences along the urbanization gradient. Rural-urban dietary transition in South Africa is linked to major changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome. Further studies are needed to prove cause and identify whether restoration of specific components of the traditional diet will arrest the accelerating rise in NCDs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Inkjet-printed optical interference filters
Authors: Jin Qihao , Zhang Qiaoshuang , Rainer Christian , Hu Hang , Chen Junchi , Gehring Tim , Dycke Jan , Singh Roja , Paetzold Ulrich W. , Hernández-Sosa Gerardo , Kling Rainer , Lemmer Uli 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOptical interference filters (OIFs) are vital components for a wide range of optical and photonic systems. They are pivotal in controlling spectral transmission and reflection upon demand. OIFs rely on optical interference of the incident wave at multilayers, which are fabricated with nanometer precision. Here, we demonstrate that these requirements can be fulfilled by inkjet printing. This versatile technology offers a high degree of freedom in manufacturing, as well as cost-affordable and rapid-prototyping features from the micron to the meter scale. In this work, via rational ink design and formulation, OIFs were fully inkjet printed in ambient conditions. Longpass, shortpass, bandpass, and dichroic OIFs were fabricated, and precise control of the spectral response in OIFs was realized. Subsequently, customized lateral patterning of OIFs by inkjet printing was achieved. Furthermore, upscaling of the printed OIFs to A4 size (29.7 × 21.0 cm²) was demonstrated.
Orphan high field superconductivity in non-superconducting uranium ditelluride
Authors: Frank Corey E. , Lewin Sylvia K. , Saucedo Salas Gicela , Czajka Peter , Hayes Ian M. , Yoon Hyeok , Metz Tristin , Paglione Johnpierre , Singleton John , Butch Nicholas P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReentrant superconductivity is an uncommon phenomenon in which the destructive effects of magnetic field on superconductivity are mitigated, allowing a zero-resistance state to survive under conditions that would otherwise destroy it. Typically, the reentrant superconducting region derives from a zero-field parent superconducting phase. Here, we show that in UTe2 crystals extreme applied magnetic fields give rise to an unprecedented high-field superconductor that lacks a zero-field antecedent. This high-field orphan superconductivity exists at angles offset between 29o and 42o from the crystallographic b to c axes with applied fields between 37 T and 52 T. The stability of field-induced orphan superconductivity presented in this work defies both empirical precedent and theoretical explanation and demonstrates that high-field superconductivity can exist in an otherwise non-superconducting material.
Integrating taxonomic signals from MAGs and contigs improves read annotation and taxonomic profiling of metagenomes
Authors: Hauptfeld Ernestina , Pappas Nikolaos , van Iwaarden Sandra , Snoek Basten L. , Aldas-Vargas Andrea , Dutilh Bas E. , von Meijenfeldt F. A. Bastiaan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMetagenomic analysis typically includes read-based taxonomic profiling, assembly, and binning of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Here we integrate these steps in Read Annotation Tool (RAT), which uses robust taxonomic signals from MAGs and contigs to enhance read annotation. RAT reconstructs taxonomic profiles with high precision and sensitivity, outperforming other state-of-the-art tools. In high-diversity groundwater samples, RAT annotates a large fraction of the metagenomic reads, calling novel taxa at the appropriate, sometimes high taxonomic ranks. Thus, RAT integrative profiling provides an accurate and comprehensive view of the microbiome from shotgun metagenomics data. The package of Contig Annotation Tool (CAT), Bin Annotation Tool (BAT), and RAT is available at https://github.com/MGXlab/CAT_pack (from CAT pack v6.0). The CAT pack now also supports Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB) annotations.
Electrostatic steering of thermal emission with active metasurface control of delocalized modes
Authors: Siegel Joel , Kim Shinho , Fortman Margaret , Wan Chenghao , Kats Mikhail A. , Hon Philip W. C. , Sweatlock Luke , Jang Min Seok , Brar Victor Watson 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe theoretically describe and experimentally demonstrate a graphene-integrated metasurface structure that enables electrically-tunable directional control of thermal emission. This device consists of a dielectric spacer that acts as a Fabry-Perot resonator supporting long-range delocalized modes bounded on one side by an electrostatically tunable metal-graphene metasurface. By varying the Fermi level of the graphene, the accumulated phase of the Fabry-Perot mode is shifted, which changes the direction of absorption and emission at a fixed frequency. We directly measure the frequency- and angle-dependent emissivity of the thermal emission from a fabricated device heated to 250 °C. Our results show that electrostatic control allows the thermal emission at 6.61 μm to be continuously steered over 16°, with a peak emissivity maintained above 0.9. We analyze the dynamic behavior of the thermal emission steerer theoretically using a Fano interference model, and use the model to design optimized thermal steerer structures.