bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collection methods of wild barn owl pellets at low environmental contamination and proposals of microbiological and ecological investigations
Authors: Caprari Claudio , Bucci Antonio , Divino Fabio , Giovacchini Simone , Mirone Enrico , Monaco Pamela , Perrella Giada , Quaranta Luca , Scalabrino Simone , Ranalli Giancarlo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The barn owl Tyto alba is a medium-sized nocturnal raptor, predator of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, distributed all over the world. Environmentally uncontaminated wild barn owl pellets are hard and rare to find and provide a natural matrix for biological investigations.

Results
Different solutions for collecting wild barn owl pellets at low environmental contamination are proposed. These solutions are based on a daily sanitized surface for sample retrieval, followed by rapid analysis. As an example of the possible investigations that can be carried out on these matrices, with the aim to highlight the relevance of the obtained results also from a biotechnological perspective. Two rare pellet samples from wild barn owl T. alba, appropriately collected in a rural area of central Italy, were analyzed using culture-dependent, molecular (Next-Generation Sequencing), and enzyme profile analysis techniques. The osteological observations of the bone remains provided useful information for identifying the prey, mainly rodents (Apodemus sp.). Under our experimental conditions, the results revealed both a wide heterogeneity between the pellet microbiota and a great percentage of uncultured bacteria not classified at the species level. Furthermore, microbial cultures of Malbranchea albolutea, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Lactobacillus sp. were isolated and studied.
Finally, we quantified the environmental impact of our experimental work in terms of CO2 equivalent release. To compensate for the release of 300 kg/CO2 eq., three Taxus. baccata L. were planted.

Conclusions
This work provides a starting point for developing an effective strategy to study and characterize wild barn owl pellets at low environmental contamination. It presents a simple and easy technique/protocol for collecting the pellets. The microbiota heterogeneity found in the two analyzed samples suggests that barn owl pellets can represent a potential natural reservoir for the discovery of new microorganisms to be used in various biotechnological applications. This could open the way for further large-scale studies on a greater number of samples and populations.

Graphical Abstract
Study of the mandibular canal and its surrounding canals by multi-view cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Chen Yingqi , Liao Qianting , Wu Yuexia , He Rui , Zhang Nanxiang , Liao Yanfen , Lian Keqian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To determine the mandibular anatomical structures by observing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) from multiple angles.

Materials and methods
This retrospective study analyzed 1593 consecutive CBCT images. Ultimately, 95 CBCTs met the inclusion criteria. The mandibular, inferior lingual, and bony canals at the tooth apex were studied by multi-angle observation CBCT. Descriptive statistics were used for statistical analysis.

Results
It is beneficial to further observe the anastomosis of the mandibular, lingual, and mandibular canals when the course of the mandibular lingual canal is observed on CBCT cross-section. The frequency of the inferior lingual canal anastomosis with the mandibular canal was 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 33, 53.3) in the sample. The mental foramen was located below the long axis of the tooth in a few samples, with an occurrence rate of 29.5% (95% CI 20.1, 38.8). The occurrence rate of various types of the bony canal at the apex of the tooth in canines, first premolars, second premolars, first molars, and second molars under the root apex was recorded through the multi-angle observation of the dental volume reformat (DVR) and three-dimensional (3D) levels in CBCT.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the utility of CBCT imaging in examining mandibular anatomy from multiple angles, providing valuable insights into anatomical variations, and enhancing our understanding of mandibular structures. This research emphasizes the crucial role of meticulous CBCT examination in precisely identifying and understanding key anatomical structures, ultimately reducing the risk of surgical complications.

Critical relevance statement
By examining cone-beam computed tomography scans from various perspectives, it is possible to determine the precise position of anatomical structures within the jaw. This allows for a more accurate assessment, reducing the risk of harm to these structures during treatment.

Key points
• It is crucial to utilize image data effectively to enhance the comprehension of human anatomy.
• We captured detailed images of the mandible from different angles and orientations utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
• This study provides essential anatomical information for procedural planning to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety.

Graphical Abstract
Reliability, costs, and radiation dose of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in diagnosis of radiologic sarcopenia in surgically menopausal women
Authors: Stuursma Annechien , Stroot Iris A. S. , Vermeulen Karin M. , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Greuter Marcel J. W. , Mourits Marian J. E. , de Bock Geertruida H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare reliability, costs, and radiation dose of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to MRI and CT in measuring muscle mass for the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Methods
Thirty-four consecutive DXA scans performed in surgically menopausal women from November 2019 until March 2020 were analyzed by two observers. Observers analyzed muscle mass of the lower limbs in every scan twice. Reliability was assessed by calculating inter- and intra-observer variability. Reliability from CT and MRI as well as radiation dose from CT and DXA were collected from literature. Costs for each type of scan were calculated according to the guidelines for economic evaluation of the Dutch National Health Care Institute.

Results
The 34 participants had a median age of 58 years (IQR 53–65) and a median body mass index of 24.6 (IQR 21.7–29.7). Inter-observer variability had an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.997 (95% CI 0.994–0.998) with a relative variability of 0.037 ± 0.022%. Regarding intra-observer variability, observer 1 had an ICC of 0.998 (95% CI 0.996–0.999) with a relative variability of 0.019 ± 0.016% and observer 2 had an ICC of 0.997 (95% CI 0.993–0.998) with a relative variability of 0.016 ± 0.011%. DXA costs were €62, CT €77, and MRI €195. The estimated radiation dose of CT was 2.5–3.0 mSv, for DXA this was 2–4 µSv.

Conclusions
DXA has lower costs and a lower radiation dose, with low inter- and intra-observer variability, compared to CT and MRI for assessing lower limb muscle mass.

Trial registration
Netherlands Trial Register; NL8068.

Critical relevance statement
DXA is a good alternative for CT and MRI in assessing lower limb muscle mass, with lower costs and lower radiation dose, while inter-observer and intra-observer variability are low.

Key points
• Screening for sarcopenia should be optimized as the population ages.
• DXA outperformed CT and MRI in the measured metrics.
• DXA validity should be further evaluated as an alternative to CT and MRI for sarcopenia evaluation.

Graphical Abstract
Small-molecule α-lipoic acid targets ELK1 to balance human neutrophil and erythrocyte differentiation
Authors: Zhang Yimeng , Zhou Ya , Li Xiaohong , Pan Xu , Bai Ju , Chen Yijin , Lai Zhenyang , Chen Qiang , Ma Feng , Dong Yong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Erythroid and myeloid differentiation disorders are commonly occurred in leukemia. Given that the relationship between erythroid and myeloid lineages is still unclear. To find the co-regulators in erythroid and myeloid differentiation might help to find new target for therapy of myeloid leukemia. In hematopoiesis, ALA (alpha lipoic acid) is reported to inhibit neutrophil lineage determination by targeting transcription factor ELK1 in granulocyte-monocyte progenitors via splicing factor SF3B1. However, further exploration is needed to determine whether ELK1 is a common regulatory factor for erythroid and myeloid differentiation.

Methods
In vitro culture of isolated CD34+, CMPs (common myeloid progenitors) and CD34+ CD371– HSPCs (hematopoietic stem progenitor cells) were performed to assay the differentiation potential of monocytes, neutrophils, and erythrocytes. Overexpression lentivirus of long isoform (L-ELK1) or the short isoform (S-ELK1) of ELK1 transduced CD34+ HSPCs were transplanted into NSG mice to assay the human lymphocyte and myeloid differentiation differences 3 months after transplantation. Knocking down of SRSF11, which was high expressed in CD371+GMPs (granulocyte-monocyte progenitors), upregulated by ALA and binding to ELK1-RNA splicing site, was performed to analyze the function in erythroid differentiation derived from CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs (hematopoietic progenitor cells). RNA sequencing of L-ELK1 and S-ELK1 overexpressed CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs were performed to assay the signals changed by ELK1.

Results
Here, we presented new evidence that ALA promoted erythroid differentiation by targeting the transcription factor ELK1 in CD34+ CD371– hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs). Overexpression of either the long isoform (L-ELK1) or the short isoform (S-ELK1) of ELK1 inhibited erythroid-cell differentiation, but knockdown of ELK1 did not affect erythroid-cell differentiation. RNAseq analysis of CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs showed that L-ELK1 upregulated the expression of genes related to neutrophil activity, phosphorylation, and hypoxia signals, while S-ELK1 mainly regulated hypoxia-related signals. However, most of the genes that were upregulated by L-ELK1 were only moderately upregulated by S-ELK1, which might be due to a lack of serum response factor interaction and regulation domains in S-ELK1 compared to L-ELK1. In summary, the differentiation of neutrophils and erythrocytes might need to rely on the dose of L-ELK1 and S-ELK1 to achieve precise regulation via RNA splicing signals at early lineage commitment.

Conclusions
ALA and ELK1 are found to regulate both human granulopoiesis and erythropoiesis via RNA spliceosome, and ALA-ELK1 signal might be the target of human leukemia therapy.
Utilizing bioprinting to engineer spatially organized tissues from the bottom-up
Authors: Zhan Yichen , Jiang Wenbin , Liu Zhirong , Wang Zhenxing , Guo Ke , Sun Jiaming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn response to the growing demand for organ substitutes, tissue engineering has evolved significantly. However, it is still challenging to create functional tissues and organs. Tissue engineering from the ‘bottom-up’ is promising on solving this problem due to its ability to construct tissues with physiological complexity. The workflow of this strategy involves two key steps: the creation of building blocks, and the subsequent assembly. There are many techniques developed for the two pivotal steps. Notably, bioprinting is versatile among these techniques and has been widely used in research. With its high level of automation, bioprinting has great capacity in engineering tissues with precision and holds promise to construct multi-material tissues. In this review, we summarize the techniques applied in fabrication and assembly of building blocks. We elaborate mechanisms and applications of bioprinting, particularly in the 'bottom-up' strategy. We state our perspectives on future trends of bottom-up tissue engineering, hoping to provide useful reference for researchers in this field.
Sex-based differences in growth-related IGF1 signaling in response to PAPP-A2 deficiency: comparative effects of rhGH, rhIGF1 and rhPAPP-A2 treatments
Authors: Fernández-Arjona María del Mar , Navarro Juan Antonio , López-Gambero Antonio Jesús , de Ceglia Marialuisa , Rodríguez Miguel , Rubio Leticia , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Barrios Vicente , Chowen Julie A. , Argente Jesús , Rivera Patricia , Suárez Juan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Children with pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2) mutations resulting in low levels of bioactive insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and progressive postnatal growth retardation have improved growth velocity and height following recombinant human (rh)IGF1 treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate whether Pappa2 deficiency and pharmacological manipulation of GH/IGF1 system are associated with sex-specific differences in growth-related signaling pathways.

Methods
Plasma, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and liver of Pappa2ko/ko mice of both sexes, showing reduced skeletal growth, and liver of these mice treated with rhGH, rhIGF1 and rhPAPP-A2 from postnatal day (PND) 5 to PND35 were analyzed.

Results
Reduced body and femur length of Pappa2ko/ko mice was associated with increases in: (1) components of IGF1 ternary complexes (IGF1, IGFBP5/Igfbp5, Igfbp3, Igfals) in plasma, hypothalamus and/or liver; and (2) key signaling regulators (phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, mTOR, GSK3β, ERK1/2 and AMPKα) in hypothalamus, pituitary gland and/or liver, with Pappa2ko/ko females having a more prominent effect. Compared to rhGH and rhIGF1, rhPAPP-A2 specifically induced: (1) increased body and femur length, and reduced plasma total IGF1 and IGFBP5 concentrations in Pappa2ko/ko females; and (2) increased Igf1 and Igf1r levels and decreased Ghr, Igfbp3 and Igfals levels in the liver of Pappa2ko/ko females. These changes were accompanied by lower phospho-STAT5, phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK2 levels and higher phospho-AMPK levels in the liver of Pappa2ko/ko females.

Conclusions
Sex-specific differences in IGF1 system and signaling pathways are associated with Pappa2 deficiency, pointing to rhPAPP-A2 as a promising drug to alleviate postnatal growth retardation underlying low IGF1 bioavailability in a female-specific manner.
EEG emotion recognition based on differential entropy feature matrix through 2D-CNN-LSTM network
Authors: Wang Teng , Huang Xiaoqiao , Xiao Zenan , Cai Wude , Tai Yonghang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEmotion recognition research has attracted great interest in various research fields, and electroencephalography (EEG) is considered a promising tool for extracting emotion-related information. However, traditional EEG-based emotion recognition methods ignore the spatial correlation between electrodes. To address this problem, this paper proposes an EEG-based emotion recognition method combining differential entropy feature matrix (DEFM) and 2D-CNN-LSTM. In this work, first, the one-dimensional EEG vector sequence is converted into a two-dimensional grid matrix sequence, which corresponds to the distribution of brain regions of the EEG electrode positions, and can better characterize the spatial correlation between the EEG signals of multiple adjacent electrodes. Then, the EEG signal is divided into equal time windows, and the differential entropy (DE) of each electrode in this time window is calculated, it is combined with a two-dimensional grid matrix and differential entropy to obtain a new data representation that can capture the spatiotemporal correlation of the EEG signal, which is called DEFM. Secondly, we use 2D-CNN-LSTM to accurately identify the emotional categories contained in the EEG signals and finally classify them through the fully connected layer. Experiments are conducted on the widely used DEAP dataset. Experimental results show that the method achieves an average classification accuracy of 91.92% and 92.31% for valence and arousal, respectively. The method performs outstandingly in emotion recognition. This method effectively combines the temporal and spatial correlation of EEG signals, improves the accuracy and robustness of EEG emotion recognition, and has broad application prospects in the field of emotion classification and recognition based on EEG signals.
Intelligent multi-agent model for energy-efficient communication in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Saleem Kiran , Wang Lei , Bharany Salil , Ouahada Khmaies , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Hamam Habib 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe research addresses energy consumption, latency, and network reliability challenges in wireless sensor network communication, especially in military security applications. A multi-agent context-aware model employing the belief-desire-intention (BDI) reasoning mechanism is proposed. This model utilizes a semantic knowledge-based intelligent reasoning network to monitor suspicious activities within a prohibited zone, generating alerts. Additionally, a BDI intelligent multi-level data transmission routing algorithm is proposed to optimize energy consumption constraints and enhance energy-awareness among nodes. The energy optimization analysis involves the Energy Percent Dataset, showcasing the efficiency of four wireless sensor network techniques (E-FEERP, GTEB, HHO-UCRA, EEIMWSN) in maintaining high energy levels. E-FEERP consistently exhibits superior energy efficiency (93 to 98%), emphasizing its effectiveness. The Energy Consumption Dataset provides insights into the joule measurements of energy consumption for each technique, highlighting their diverse energy efficiency characteristics. Latency measurements are presented for four techniques within a fixed transmission range of 5000 m. E-FEERP demonstrates latency ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 s, while multi-hop latency values range from 2.7 to 2.9 s. These values provide valuable insights into the performance characteristics of each technique under specified conditions. The Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) dataset reveals the consistent performance of the techniques in maintaining successful packet delivery within the specified transmission range. E-FEERP achieves PDR values between 89.5 and 92.3%, demonstrating its reliability. The Packet Received Data further illustrates the efficiency of each technique in receiving transmitted packets. Moreover the network lifetime results show E-FEERP consistently improving from 2550 s to round 925. GTEB and HHO-UCRA exhibit fluctuations around 3100 and 3600 s, indicating variable performance. In contrast, EEIMWSN consistently improves from round 1250 to 4500 s.
Characterization of peer support services for substance use disorders in 11 US emergency departments in 2020: findings from a NIDA clinical trials network site selection process
Authors: Jennings Lindsey K , Lander Laura , Lawdahl Tricia , McClure Erin A. , Moreland Angela , McCauley Jenna L. , Haynes Louise , Matheson Timothy , Jones Richard , Robey Thomas E. , Kawasaki Sarah , Moschella Phillip , Raheemullah Amer , Miller Suzette , Gregovich Gina , Waltman Deborah , Brady Kathleen T. , Barth Kelly S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Emergency departments (ED) are incorporating Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) to help with patient care for substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite rapid growth in this area, little is published regarding workflow, expectations of the peer role, and core components of the PSS intervention. This study describes these elements in a national sample of ED-based peer support intervention programs.

Methods
A survey was conducted to assess PSS site characteristics as part of site selection process for a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN) evaluating PSS effectiveness, Surveys were distributed to clinical sites affiliated with the 16 CTN nodes. Surveys were completed by a representative(s) of the site and collected data on the PSS role in the ED including details regarding funding and certification, services rendered, role in medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and naloxone distribution, and factors impacting implementation and maintenance of ED PSS programs. Quantitative data was summarized with descriptive statistics. Free-text fields were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results
A total of 11 surveys were completed, collected from 9 different states. ED PSS funding was from grants (55%), hospital funds (46%), peer recovery organizations (27%) or other (18%). Funding was anticipated to continue for a mean of 16 months (range 12 to 36 months). The majority of programs provided “general recovery support (81%) Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services (55%), and assisted with naloxone distribution to ED patients (64%). A minority assisted with ED-initiated buprenorphine (EDIB) programs (27%). Most (91%) provided services to patients after they were discharged from the ED. Barriers to implementation included lack of outpatient referral sources, barriers to initiating MOUD, stigma at the clinician and system level, and lack of ongoing PSS availability due to short-term grant funding.

Conclusions
The majority of ED-based PSSs were funded through time-limited grants, and short-term grant funding was identified as a barrier for ED PSS programs. There was consistency among sites in the involvement of PSSs in facilitation of transitions of SUD care, coordination of follow-up after ED discharge, and PSS involvement in naloxone distribution.
Conflict in Ukraine and the unsettling ripples: implications on food systems and development in North Africa
Authors: Ben Hassen Tarek , El Bilali Hamid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe ongoing conflict in Ukraine has profoundly impacted food systems in North Africa. This paper aims to analyze the impact of the conflict on food security in North Africa and the potential long-term consequences for the global food system. The research explores both scholarly and grey literature, including government reports, academic articles, and news articles. The findings indicate that food systems in North Africa have been particularly affected by the conflict in Ukraine, owing to its influence on the global economy, trade dynamics, and food prices. The consequent high fertilizer prices have also affected local food production, decreasing yields and increasing food prices. However, those countries with substantial financial resources (cf. Algeria) will likely be able to mitigate the adverse effects on their citizens. In contrast, countries with limited resources (cf. Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia) or failed states (cf. Libya) may struggle to ensure the food security of their populations. The findings highlight the importance of considering these impacts when addressing global food security challenges. The food security situation in North Africa serves as a reminder of the interconnectivity of global food systems and the need for continued efforts to ensure food security for all.