bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
M1 macrophages polarized by crude polysaccharides isolated from Auricularia polytricha exhibit anti-tumor effect on human breast cancer cells
Authors: Nilkhet Sunita , Mongkolpobsin Kuljira , Sillapachaiyaporn Chanin , Wongsirojkul Nichaporn , Tencomnao Tewin , Chuchawankul Siriporn 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBreast cancer has been reported to correlate with the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) or M2-like macrophages in tumor microenvironment (TME) that could promote breast cancer progression. In contrast, M1-like macrophages displayed anti-tumor activity toward cancer. This study was focused on Auricularia polytricha (AP), a cloud ear mushroom, which has been reported for anti-tumor activity and immunomodulation. AP extracts were screened on differentiated THP-1 macrophages (M0). Results demonstrated that water extract (APW) and crude polysaccharides (APW-CP) could upregulate M1-related genes and cytokines production (IL-6, IL-1 β and TNF-α) significantly. Moreover, APW and APW-CP showed a high expression of CD86 (M1 marker) compared to M0. The NF-κB signaling pathway is crucial for pro-inflammatory gene regulation. The APW and APW-CP treatment showed the induction of the NF-κB pathway in a dose-dependent manner, which related to the β-glucan content in the extracts. Furthermore, APW-CP polarized macrophages were investigated for anti-tumor activity on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Results showed that APW-CP could inhibit the invasion of breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Therefore, M1 macrophages polarized by APW-CP showed anti-tumor activity against the breast cancer cells and β-glucan may be the potential M1-phenotype inducer.
Mixed effects modelling of excess mortality and COVID-19 lockdowns in Thailand
Authors: De Padua Durante Anna Christine , Lacaza Rutcher , Lapitan Pamela , Kochhar Nishtha , Tan Elaine S. , Thomas Milan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAccurate mortality data are critical for understanding the impact of COVID-19 and learning lessons from crisis responses. But published statistics risk misrepresenting deaths due to limited testing, underreporting, and lack of subnational data, especially in developing countries. Thailand experienced four COVID-19 waves between January 2020 and December 2021, and used a color-coded, province-level system for lockdowns. To account for deaths directly and indirectly caused by COVID-19, this paper uses mixed effects modelling to estimate counterfactual deaths for 2020–2021 and construct a monthly time series of provincial excess mortality. A fixed effects negative binomial and mixed effects Poisson model both substantiate other studies’ estimates of excess deaths using subnational data for the first time. Then, panel regression methods are used to characterize the correlations among restrictions, mobility, and excess mortality. The regressions show that mobility reductions modestly curbed mortality immediately upon imposition, suggesting that aversion of non-COVID deaths was a major aspect of the lockdowns’ effect in Thailand. However, the estimates are imprecise. An auto-regressive distributed lag model suggests that the effect of lockdowns was through reduced mobility, but the effectiveness appears to have varied over the course of the pandemic.
Relationship between feed efficiency and gut microbiota in laying chickens under contrasting feeding conditions
Authors: Bernard Maria , Lecoeur Alexandre , Coville Jean-Luc , Bruneau Nicolas , Jardet Deborah , Lagarrigue Sandrine , Meynadier Annabelle , Calenge Fanny , Pascal Géraldine , Zerjal Tatiana 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe gut microbiota is known to play an important role in energy harvest and is likely to affect feed efficiency. In this study, we used 16S metabarcoding sequencing to analyse the caecal microbiota of laying hens from feed-efficient and non-efficient lines obtained by divergent selection for residual feed intake. The two lines were fed either a commercial wheat-soybean based diet (CTR) or a low-energy, high-fibre corn-sunflower diet (LE). The analysis revealed a significant line x diet interaction, highlighting distinct differences in microbial community composition between the two lines when hens were fed the CTR diet, and more muted differences when hens were fed the LE diet. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that a richer and more diverse microbiota may play a role in enhancing feed efficiency, albeit in a diet-dependent manner. The taxonomic differences observed in the microbial composition seem to correlate with alterations in starch and fibre digestion as well as in the production of short-chain fatty acids. As a result, we hypothesise that efficient hens are able to optimise nutrient absorption through the activity of fibrolytic bacteria such as Alistipes or Anaerosporobacter, which, via their production of propionate, influence various aspects of host metabolism.
Mechanical characteristics analysis of high dimensional vibration isolation systems based on high-static-low-dynamic stiffness technology
Authors: Li Bu-yun , Shuai Chang-geng , Ma Jian-guo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLarge floating raft vibration isolation systems (FRVISs) based on high-static-low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) technology offer excellent low frequency vibration isolation performance with broad application prospects. However, the design process for these complex high-dimensional coupled nonlinear systems remains poorly developed, particularly when applied for ocean-going vessels that experience rolling and pitching motions. The present work addresses this issue by establishing a six-degree-of-freedom HSLDS vibration isolation model for FRVISs composed of eight isolators, and the model is applied to fully analyze the swing stability and multidimensional vibration isolation performance of these systems. The influence of nonlinearity on the mechanical properties of the vibration isolators is analyzed more clearly by assuming that each vibration isolator realizes nonlinear HSLDS characteristics in the z direction and linear characteristics in the x and y directions. The results demonstrate that the swing displacement responses of the system are greatly reduced under weak nonlinearity, which reflects the high static stiffness and high static stability characteristics of an HSLDS system. The multidimensional vibration isolation performance of the system is evaluated according to the impacts of nonlinearity, the installation height Hz of the isolators, and the relative position Dr of the two middle isolators. The results of analysis demonstrate that applying a value of Hz = 0 produces the best vibration isolation performance overall under strong nonlinearity by avoiding unnecessary secondary peaks in the force transmission rate under harmonic mechanical excitation and ensuring a maximum high-frequency vibration isolation effect. However, applying a weak nonlinearity is better than a strong nonlinearity if Hz is not zero. In contrast, Dr has little effect on the vibration isolation effect of the raft in the x, y, and z directions. Therefore, an equidistant installation with Dr = 0.5 would be considered ideal from the standpoint of installation stability.
Spintronic virtual neural network by a voltage controlled ferromagnet for associative memory
Authors: Taniguchi Tomohiro , Imai Yusuke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecently, an associative memory operation by a virtual oscillator network, consisting of a single spintronic oscillator, was examined to solve issues in conventional, real oscillators-based neural networks such as inhomogeneities between the oscillators. However, the spintronic oscillator still carries issues dissipating large amount of energy because it is driven by electric current. Here, we propose to use a single ferromagnet manipulated by voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect as a fundamental element in a virtual neural network, which will contribute to significantly reducing the Joule heating caused by electric current. Instead of the oscillation in oscillator networks, magnetization relaxation dynamics were used for the associative memory operation. The associative memory operation for alphabet patterns is successfully demonstrated by giving correspondences between the colors in a pattern recognition task and the sign of a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy coefficient, which could be either positive or negative via the VCMA effect.
A set of guidelines as support for the integrated geo-environmental characterization of highly contaminated coastal sites
Authors: Rizzo Angela , Scicchitano Giovanni , Mastronuzzi Giuseppe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe knowledge of geomorphodynamic aspects is crucial for understanding marine and coastal processes/dynamics as well as for characterizing coastal environments heavily affected by anthropogenic activities. To provide a framework of analysis that can be applied in a consistent way for the geo-environmental characterization of highly contaminated coastal sites, in this paper a set of operational guidelines is proposed. Special attention is given to the role of geomorphological-based surveys and analyses in defining (i) the site-specific geological model of the investigated site, (ii) the anthropogenic impacts on marine and coastal sediments, (iii) the expected morphodynamic variations induced by climate change and anthropogenic interventions, (iv) tailored dissemination activities and community engagement plans. Then, an evaluation of the state of the art of activities already performed for the characterization of the coastal contaminated sites located in the Apulia region (southern Italy) is provided. The outcomes of this research are also provided in the form of infographics to favor their dissemination among communities and stakeholders.
Evaluation of specific RBE in different cells of hippocampus under high-dose proton irradiation in rats
Authors: Zhou Shengying , Ding Xingchen , Zhang Yiyuan , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaowen , Guo Yujiao , Zhang Jianguang , Liu Xiao , Gong Guanzhong , Su Ya , Wang Lizhen , Zhao Miaoqing , Hu Man 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe study aimed to determine the specific relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of various cells in the hippocampus following proton irradiation. Sixty Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 5 groups receiving 20 or 30 Gy of proton or photon irradiation. Pathomorphological neuronal damage in the hippocampus was assessed using Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. The expression level of NeuN, Nestin, Caspase-3, Olig2, CD68 and CD45 were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The RBE range established by comparing the effects of proton and photon irradiation at equivalent biological outcomes. Proton20Gy induced more severe damage to neurons than photon20Gy, but showed no difference compared to photon30Gy. The RBE of neuron was determined to be 1.65. Similarly, both proton20Gy and proton30Gy resulted in more inhibition of oligodendrocytes and activation of microglia in the hippocampal regions than photon20Gy and photon30Gy. However, the expression of Olig2 was higher and CD68 was lower in the proton20Gy group than in the photon30Gy group. The RBE of oligodendrocyte and microglia was estimated to be between 1.1 to 1.65. For neural stem cells (NSCs) and immune cells, there were no significant difference in the expression of Nestin and CD45 between proton and photon irradiation (both 20 and 30 Gy). Therefore, the RBE for NSCs and immune cell was determined to be 1.1. These findings highlight the varying RBE values of different cells in the hippocampus in vivo. Moreover, the actual RBE of the hippocampus may be higher than 1.1, suggesting that using as RBE value of 1.1 in clinical practice may underestimate the toxicities induced by proton radiation.
Health status based on EQ-5D-5L for the cancer patient population in Malaysia
Authors: Wan Puteh Sharifa Ezat , Razali Hasyimah , Ismail Aniza , Zulkifli Malina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe EQ-5D is a common generic tool used in clinical trials and economic evaluations to evaluate the health-related quality of life as a proxy of health outcomes. To date, studies using EQ-5D-5L to evaluate the health status of cancer patients remain scarce in Malaysia. In this study, EQ-5D-5L dimensions, EQ-5D-5L index, and EQ-VAS scores were applied to assess the health status of Malaysian cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted March-December 2022 to collect data relevant to the EQ-5D-5L valuation of health status via the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform. Respondents rated their health states using EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS. Among the 235 respondents, the mean EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS score were 0.76 (SD 0.223) and 81.06 (SD 16.36). Most of the patients reported some problems in the pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression dimensions. The level of education, stage of cancer, and comorbidity were significantly associated with better health status on EQ-5D-5L (p < 0.05) but only the stage of cancer was significantly associated with EQ-VAS scores. This study highlighted the disparities in self-reported health status across patients of different sociodemographic and medical profiles with EQ-5D-5L valuation. Thus, future research should use EQ-5D norm scores as a benchmark of comparison among cancer patients.
Automating the Illumina DNA library preparation kit for whole genome sequencing applications on the flowbot ONE liquid handler robot
Authors: Meijers Erin , Verhees Fabienne B. , Heemskerk Dennis , Wessels Els , Claas Eric C. J. , Boers Stefan A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhole-genome sequencing (WGS) is currently making its transition from research tool into routine (clinical) diagnostic practice. The workflow for WGS includes the highly labor-intensive library preparations (LP), one of the most critical steps in the WGS procedure. Here, we describe the automation of the LP on the flowbot ONE robot to minimize the risk of human error and reduce hands-on time (HOT). For this, the robot was equipped, programmed, and optimized to perform the Illumina DNA Prep automatically. Results obtained from 16 LP that were performed both manually and automatically showed comparable library DNA yields (median of 1.5-fold difference), similar assembly quality values, and 100% concordance on the final core genome multilocus sequence typing results. In addition, reproducibility of results was confirmed by re-processing eight of the 16 LPs using the automated workflow. With the automated workflow, the HOT was reduced to 25 min compared to the 125 min needed when performing eight LPs using the manual workflow. The turn-around time was 170 and 200 min for the automated and manual workflow, respectively. In summary, the automated workflow on the flowbot ONE generates consistent results in terms of reliability and reproducibility, while significantly reducing HOT as compared to manual LP.
Population structure and ongoing microevolution of the emerging multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium ST213
Authors: Serrano-Fujarte Isela , Calva Edmundo , García-Domínguez Jimena , Ortiz-Jiménez Stephanie , Puente José L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSalmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ST213 is an emergent multidrug-resistant sequence type associated with the food chain, and gastrointestinal and invasive infections in North America. Here, we applied genomic and phenotypic analyses to illustrate the diversity and evolution of sequence type ST213. The population structure and evolutionary history of ST213 strains, particularly the North American isolates (NA-ST213) distinguish them from other S. Typhimurium sequence types, including European ST213 strains. NA-ST213 isolates were distributed in four co-circulating lineages with distinct multidrug resistance profiles and unique phage and CRISPR spacers patterns that could have shaped their local microevolution. Compared to the SL1344 reference strain, NA-ST213 demonstrated reduced adherence and internalization in cultured eukaryotic cell lines but exhibited more efficient replication and intracellular survival. This study underscores the relevance of studying an emergent S. Typhimurium sequence type and the events leading to its diversification beyond the well-characterized reference strains and worldwide predominant sequence types. However, it must also serve as a cautionary tale of the potential health risk the NA-ST213 may represent; particularly when there is a close relationship with pandemic sequence types such as the monophasic ST34.
Strategic attitude expressions as identity performance and identity creation in interaction
Authors: O’Reilly Caoimhe , Mannion Shane , Maher Paul J. , Smith Elaine M. , MacCarron Pádraig , Quayle Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe assess the strategic alignment of attitudes and the active construction of attitude-based identity across two studies. Study one assessed the twitter response (hashtags in English) to the war in Ukraine for five months after Russia’s first invasion of Ukraine 2022 (N = 8149). Results demonstrated that individuals publicly expressed hashtags similar to others close to them in the followership network, showing their support for Ukraine and condemnation of the Russian invasion in qualitatively different ways. Study two was a preregistered Prolific experiment with geographical European participants ran in September, 2022 (N = 1368). Results demonstrated that attitude interaction with ingroup members motivated interactants towards attitude alignment, and attitude alignment strengthened the identification that motivated the alignment in the first place. Results suggest that attitude expression is performative and constrained by one’s group relationship with one’s audience and the definition of social identity can be constrained by opinion-based identity performance.
Ultrathin MOF nanosheets and their mixed-matrix membranes for ammonia and aliphatic amine sensing in water
Authors: Ladhi Ritu , Dhillon Arshminder Kaur , Singh Monika 
Published: April 2024

Ultrathin Ni-btc MOF NS showed “turn-on” fluorescence in presence of NH3 and aliphatic amines in water. Different dipole-dipole interactions between MOF NS and analytes, resulted in different fluorescence behaviour in order NH3 > MA > DIPA > TEA.
Gene Therapy in Hemophilia A: Achievements, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Bala Natasha S. , Thornburg Courtney D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractStrides in advancements of care of persons with hemophilia include development of long-acting factor replacement therapies, novel substitution and hemostatic rebalancing agents, and most recently approved gene therapy. Several decades of preclinical and clinical trials have led to development of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene transfer for endogenous production of factor VIII (FVIII) in hemophilia A (HA). Only one gene therapy product for HA (valoctocogene roxaparvovec) has been approved by regulatory authorities. Results of valoctocogene roxaparvovec trial show significant improvement in bleeding rates and use of factor replacement therapy; however, sustainability and duration of response show variability with overall decline in FVIII expression over time. Further challenges include untoward adverse effects involving liver toxicity requiring immunosuppression and development of neutralizing antibodies to AAV vector rendering future doses ineffective. Real-life applicability of gene therapy for HA will require appropriate patient screening, infrastructure setup, long-term monitoring including data collection of patient-reported outcomes and innovative payment schemes. This review article highlights the success and development of HA gene therapy trials, challenges including adverse outcomes and variability of response, and perspectives on approach to gene therapy including shared decision-making and need for future strategies to overcome the several unmet needs.
“Almost a mother tongue”
Authors: Miles William F. S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Passage of Israel’s Jewish nationality law in 2018 shined more than usual light on the Druze citizens of Israel.
It put into painful question their integration into Israeli society. Key to that integration is Druze mastery of the Jewish
State’s official language; hence the question, “How do Israeli Druze learn Hebrew?” The answer is multivariable: pedagogy, gender,
bilingualism, technology, religion, conscription, and socialization are all factors. Druze mastery of Hebrew through the IDF is
being replaced by formal language education. This is reinforced through growing participation of Druze females in Israeli
institutions. Arabic being the maternal tongue of Druze, unlike among the nation’s Jewish majority Hebrew surpasses English as
their second language. Increasing use of social/digital media in Hebrew, particularly among the young, reinforces the bilingual
identity of Israeli Druze. So do Hebrew language textbooks, which “Israelize” Druze by teaching about Judaism and emphasizing
similarities between Jewish and Druze traditions.
When Adventure Doesn’t Fit: Size Inclusion in the Outdoors
Authors: Olsen Richelle 
Published: April 2024

Summary
From hiking the slopes of Mount Everest and mountain biking from Canada to Mexico, to starting my own body positive adventure organisation, I share my adventure journey as a woman in a plus size body, mapping my way to find acceptance, identity and a sense of belonging in the outdoors. Facing the ongoing struggle to find adventure clothing that fits bodies like mine, I explore the ideas of inclusion, safety, and the improved experience that comes from gear that fits. I question the lack of diversity in advertising and the notion that you need to go far, go fast, and look a certain way to be adventurous.

Information
© CAB International 2024
Evidence for reversible oxygen ion movement during electrical pulsing: enabler of emerging ferroelectricity in binary oxides
Authors: Liu Huan , Yu Fei , Chen Bing , Luo Zheng-Dong , Chen Jiajia , Zhang Yong , Feng Ze , Dong Hong , Yu Xiao , Liu Yan , Han Genquan , Hao Yue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Ferroelectric HfO2-based materials and devices show promising potential for applications in information technology but face challenges with inadequate electrostatic control, degraded reliability, and serious variation in effective oxide thickness scaling. We demonstrate a novel interface-type switching strategy to realize ferroelectric characteristics in atomic-scale amorphous binary oxide films, which are formed in oxygen-deficient conditions by atomic layer deposition at low temperatures. This approach can avoid the shortcomings of reliability degradation and gate leakage increment in scaling polycrystalline doped HfO2-based films. Using theoretical modeling and experimental characterization, we show the following. (1) Emerging ferroelectricity exists in ultrathin oxide systems as a result of microscopic ion migration during the switching process. (2) These ferroelectric binary oxide films are governed by an interface-limited switching mechanism, which can be attributed to oxygen vacancy migration and surface defects related to electron (de)trapping. (3) Transistors featuring ultrathin amorphous dielectrics, used for non-volatile memory applications with an operating voltage reduced to ±1 V, have also been experimentally demonstrated. These findings suggest that this strategy is a promising approach to realizing next-generation complementary metal-oxide semiconductors with scalable ferroelectric materials.