bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer vision enables taxon-specific identification of African carnivore tooth marks on bone
Authors: Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel , Pizarro-Monzo Marcos , Cifuentes-Alcobendas Gabriel , Vegara-Riquelme Marina , Jiménez-García Blanca , Baquedano Enrique 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTaphonomic works aim at discovering how paleontological and archaeofaunal assemblages were formed. They also aim at determining how hominin fossils were preserved or destroyed. Hominins and other mammal carnivores have been co-evolving, at least during the past two million years, and their potential interactions determined the evolution of human behavior. In order to understand all this, taxon-specific carnivore agency must be effectively identified in the fossil record. Until now, taphonomists have been able to determine, to some degree, hominin and carnivore inputs in site formation, and their interactions in the modification of part of those assemblages. However, the inability to determine agency more specifically has hampered the development of taphonomic research, whose methods are virtually identical to those used several decades ago (lagged by a high degree of subjectivity). A call for more objective and agent-specific methods would be a major contribution to the advancement of taphonomic research. Here, we present one of these advances. The use of computer vision (CV) on a large data set of images of tooth marks has enabled the objective discrimination of taxon-specific carnivore agency up to 88% of the testing sample. We highlight the significance of this method in an interdisciplinary interplay between traditional taphonomic-paleontological analysis and artificial intelligence-based computer science. The new questions that can be addressed with this will certainly bring important changes to several ideas on important aspects of the human evolutionary process.
Hypomagnesaemia with varying degrees of extrarenal symptoms as a consequence of heterozygous CNNM2 variants
Authors: Bosman Willem , Franken Gijs A. C. , de las Heras Javier , Madariaga Leire , Barakat Tahsin Stefan , Oostenbrink Rianne , van Slegtenhorst Marjon , Perdomo-Ramírez Ana , Claverie-Martín Félix , van Eerde Albertien M. , Vargas-Poussou Rosa , Dubourg Laurence Derain , González-Recio Irene , Martínez-Cruz Luis Alfonso , de Baaij Jeroen H. F. , Hoenderop Joost G. J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVariants in the CNNM2 gene are causative for hypomagnesaemia, seizures and intellectual disability, although the phenotypes can be variable. This study aims to understand the genotype–phenotype relationship in affected individuals with CNNM2 variants by phenotypic, functional and structural analysis of new as well as previously reported variants. This results in the identification of seven variants that significantly affect CNNM2-mediated Mg2+ transport. Pathogenicity of these variants is further supported by structural modelling, which predicts CNNM2 structure to be affected by all of them. Strikingly, seizures and intellectual disability are absent in 4 out of 7 cases, indicating these phenotypes are caused either by specific CNNM2 variant only or by additional risk factors. Moreover, in line with sporadic observations from previous reports, CNNM2 variants might be associated with disturbances in parathyroid hormone and Ca2+ homeostasis.
The impact of input node placement in the controllability of structural brain networks
Authors: Alizadeh Darbandi Seyed Samie , Fornito Alex , Ghasemi Abdorasoul 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNetwork controllability refers to the ability to steer the state of a network towards a target state by driving certain nodes, known as input nodes. This concept can be applied to brain networks for studying brain function and its relation to the structure, which has numerous practical applications. Brain network controllability involves using external signals such as electrical stimulation to drive specific brain regions and navigate the neurophysiological activity level of the brain around the state space. Although controllability is mainly theoretical, the energy required for control is critical in real-world implementations. With a focus on the structural brain networks, this study explores the impact of white matter fiber architecture on the control energy in brain networks using the theory of how input node placement affects the LCC (the longest distance between inputs and other network nodes). Initially, we use a single input node as it is theoretically possible to control brain networks with just one input. We show that highly connected brain regions that lead to lower LCCs are more energy-efficient as a single input node. However, there may still be a need for a significant amount of control energy with one input, and achieving controllability with less energy could be of interest. We identify the minimum number of input nodes required to control brain networks with smaller LCCs, demonstrating that reducing the LCC can significantly decrease the control energy in brain networks. Our results show that relying solely on highly connected nodes is not effective in controlling brain networks with lower energy by using multiple inputs because of densely interconnected brain network hubs. Instead, a combination of low and high-degree nodes is necessary.
Molecular characterization of non-aureus staphylococci and Mammaliicoccus from Hipposideros bats in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Adesoji Tomiwa O. , George Uwem E. , Sulayman Taofiq A. , Uwanibe Jessica N. , Olawoye Idowu B. , Igbokwe Joseph O. , Olanipekun Tobi G. , Adeleke Richard A. , Akindoyin Akintayo I. , Famakinwa Temitope J. , Adamu Andrew M. , Terkuma Christabel A. , Ezekiel Grace O. , Eromon Philomena E. , Happi Anise N. , Fadare Taiwo O. , Shittu Adebayo O. , Happi Christian T. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBats are not only ecologically valuable mammals but also reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Their vast population, ability to fly, and inhabit diverse ecological niches could play some role in the spread of antibiotic resistance. This study investigated non-aureus staphylococci and Mammaliicoccus colonization in the Hipposideros bats at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Pharyngeal samples (n = 23) of the insectivorous bats were analyzed, and the presumptive non-aureus staphylococcal and Mammaliicoccus isolates were confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The isolates were characterized based on antibiotic susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Six bacterial genomes were assembled, and three species were identified, including Mammaliicoccus sciuri (n = 4), Staphylococcus gallinarum (n = 1), and Staphylococcus nepalensis (n = 1). All the isolates were resistant to clindamycin, while the M. sciuri and S. gallinarum isolates were also resistant to fusidic acid. WGS analysis revealed that the M. sciuri and S. gallinarum isolates were mecA-positive. In addition, the M. sciuri isolates possessed some virulence (icaA, icaB, icaC, and sspA) genes. Multi-locus sequence typing identified two new M. sciuri sequence types (STs) 233 and ST234. The identification of these new STs in a migratory mammal deserves close monitoring because previously known ST57, ST60, and ST65 sharing ack (8), ftsZ (13), glpK (14), gmk (6), and tpiA (10) alleles with ST233 and ST234 have been linked to mastitis in animals. Moreover, the broad host range of M. sciuri could facilitate the dispersal of antibiotic resistance genes. This study provides evidence of the importance of including migratory animals in monitoring the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.
X-irradiated umbilical cord blood cells retain their regenerative effect in experimental stroke
Authors: Yasui Kazuta , Ogawa Yuko , Saino Orie , Akamatsu Rie , Fuchizaki Akihiro , Irie Yoriko , Nabetani Makoto , Tanaka Mitsunobu , Takihara Yoshihiro , Taguchi Akihiko , Kimura Takafumi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough regenerative therapy with stem cells is believed to be affected by their proliferation and differentiation potential, there is insufficient evidence regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this regenerative effect. We recently found that gap junction-mediated cell–cell transfer of small metabolites occurred very rapidly after stem cell treatment in a mouse model of experimental stroke. This study aimed to investigate whether the tissue repair ability of umbilical cord blood cells is affected by X-irradiation at 15 Gy or more, which suppresses their proliferative ability. In this study, X-irradiated mononuclear (XR) cells were prepared from umbilical cord blood. Even though hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell activity was diminished in the XR cells, the regenerative activity was surprisingly conserved and promoted recovery from experimental stroke in mice. Thus, our study provides evidence regarding the possible therapeutic mechanism by which damaged cerebrovascular endothelial cells or perivascular astrocytes may be rescued by low-molecular-weight metabolites supplied by injected XR cells in 10 min as energy sources, resulting in improved blood flow and neurogenesis in the infarction area. Thus, XR cells may exert their tissue repair capabilities by triggering neo-neuro-angiogenesis, rather than via cell-autonomous effects.
Mineralogical compositions of soils under three geological formations in some parts of Ogun state, Nigeria and their agricultural potentials
Authors: Adekiya Aruna Olasekan , Ajayi Grace Atinuke , Adegbite Kehinde Abodunde , Imhanze Faith Luciana , Ibaba Ayibanoa Lekoo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInvestigating the mineralogical compositions of soils under different geological formations becomes imperative for maximizing agricultural productivity and ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural practices. Therefore, studies were carried out on mineral compositions and diversities of soils developed over the Basement complex rock, Coastal plain sands and Ewekoro formations in Ogun state Nigeria. A total of nine profile pits (three per location) of 2 m × 1 m × 2 m size were dug in all the three locations. Soil samples were collected from the pedogenic horizons of each profile pits in replicates into a well labeled polyethylene bag. Using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the mineral contents and their relative abundance, elemental compositions and morphologies of the fine sand, coarse silt and clay fractions of the soils at different topographic positions were identified, described and compared. Results obtained from XRD and SEM analyses exhibited similarities. The most abundant elements in the basement complex and Ewekoro pedon were oxygen, carbon and silicon whereas in the coastal plain sand pedon, oxygen, carbon and aluminum were the most abundant element. The presence of mixed-layer illite, mica, kaolinite, quartz, hematite, anatase, goethite, and chlorite at varying degrees was observed in the pedons developed on these geological formations, although kaolinite and quartz dominated the soil matrix. The mineralogical complexity of the pedons followed the order of basement complex > coastal plain sand > Ewekoro formation. Profiles developed on the Ewekoro formation exhibited the highest degree of weathering, as evidenced by their chemical properties and mineralogical compositions. The petrographic evaluation of the three geological formations revealed that all pedons were rich in quartz and exhibited varying degrees of mineral complexity and maturation. The overlapping and distinct characteristics among the geologies indicated different stages of weathering. By using the mineral maturity index, profiles developed over the basement complex rock and the coastal plain sand could be regarded as sub-matured and this could have contributed significantly to the native fertility of these soils and profiles from the Ewekoro formation were the most weathered. The use of Ewekoro formation for agriculture would necessitate significant investments in agro-inputs and sound principles of soil management through integrated soil fertility management.
Determination and risk assessment of aflatoxin B1 in the kernel of imported raw hazelnuts from Eastern Azerbaijan Province of Iran
Authors: Samimi Parnian , Aslani Ramin , Molaee-Aghaee Ebrahim , Sadighara Parisa , Shariatifar Nabi , Jahed Khaniki Gholamreza , Ozcakmak Sibel , Reshadat Zahra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is widespread and seriously threatens public health worldwide. This study aimed to investigate AFB1 in imported hazelnut samples in northwest of Iran (Eastern Azerbaijan Province) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescent Detector (HPLC-FLD). In all tested samples AFB1 was detected. The mean concentration of AFB1 was 4.20 μg/kg and ranged from 3.145 to 8.13 μg/kg. All samples contained AFB1 levels within the maximum acceptable limit except for one sample. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment of AFB1 from consuming imported hazelnuts by Iranian children and adults was evaluated based on the margin of exposure (MoE) and quantitative liver cancer risk approaches. The MoE mean for children was 2529.76, while for adults, it was 8854.16, indicating a public health concern. The present study found that the risk of developing liver cancer among Iranian children was 0.11100736 per 100,000 people, and in the Iranian adult population was 0.0314496 cancers per 100,000 people. Since environmental conditions potentially affect aflatoxin levels in nuts, countries are advised to monitor aflatoxin contents in imported nuts, especially from countries with a conducive climate for mold growth.
Nutritional knowledge, nutritional status and associated factors among pregnant adolescents in the West Arsi Zone, central Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Adane , Adissu Yohannes , Tamiru Dessalegn , Belachew Tefera 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhen pregnancy occur among teenagers; there is a competition for nutrients between the still-growing adolescent mother and her fetus. Pregnant adolescents’ nutrition issues are not addressed well and changes are too slow in Ethiopia. This study aimed to study, nutrition knowledge, nutritional status and associated factors among pregnant adolescents in West Arsi , central Ethiopia. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 426 pregnant adolescents between January 1 and January 25, 2023. Data were collected using kobo collect and analyzed using SPSS version 25. We performed linear regression to identify independent predictors of nutritional status and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify nutritional knowledge. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated to show the strength of the association. Magnitude of good nutrition knowledge was 23.7%, 95% CI (21.4–25.3%), and the odds of having good nutrition knowledge was 7.5 times higher among participants whose education level was above college compared with illiterate participants [(AOR = 7.5, 95% CI = (5.27–9.38)],the odds of having good nutrition knowledge was 8 times higher among adolescent who had ANC visits, [(AOR = 8, 95% CI = (3.63–13.85)], and the odds of having good nutrition knowledge was 5 times higher among adolescents who received nutrition education [(AOR = 5, 95% CI = (3.67- 13.53)]. Receiving nutrition education (β = 0.25, P = 0.002) and good nutrition knowledge (β = 0.08, P < 0.001) were positively associated with nutritional status; however, food insecurity (β = − 0.93, P < 0.001) was negatively associated with nutritional status. The nutrition knowledge of pregnant adolescents was suboptimal; educational status, ANC visits and nutrition education were associated with good nutrition knowledge, whereas food insecurity, low nutrition knowledge, and not receiving nutrition education were predictors of poor nutritional status. Nutritional education interventions, increasing utilization of ANC, and interventions for improving food security are strongly recommended.
The embryo-oil drop assembly: the timing and morphology of a critical event for fish early-life history survival
Authors: Nande Manuel , Pérez Montse , Presa Pablo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEgg specific gravity is of relevance for fish recruitment since the ability to float influences egg and larvae development, dispersal and connectivity between fishing grounds. Using zootechnics, histological approaches, optical and electronic transmission microscopy, this study describes the morphogenetic mechanism of adhesion of the oil-drop covering layer (OCL) to the oil droplet (OD) in embryos of Merluccius merluccius under physical conditions reflecting the marine environment. The herein described primordial (p)OCL is a substructure of the inner yolk syncytial layer which contains egg organella aimed to mobilize lipidic reserves from the oil drop (OD) towards the embryo blood. It is shown that the timely OD-OCL assembly is a critical morphogenetic process for embryo and larvae survival. Such assembly depends on egg buoyance because of its influence on the embryo capacity to rotate within the perivitelline space. Therefore, oil droplet adhesion (ODA) eggs are capable to complete their development while oil droplet non-adhesion eggs (ODNA) dye soon after hatching. We show that gravity-dependent egg buoyance categories exhibit different ODA/ODNA ratios (0–77%) and that relationship diminishes under incubation systems such as sprayers, that do not assure a dynamic seawater surface mixing to avoid egg desiccation. As an adaptive trait, egg gravity strongly depends on oceanic properties such as current dynamics, turbulence, oxygen, rainfall, and salinity, whose rapid changes would likely challenge the sustainability of fisheries recruitment.
Soil burial-induced degradation of cellulose films in a moisture-controlled environment
Authors: Rumi Shaida S. , Liyanage Sumedha , Abidi Noureddine 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, the biodegradability of cellulose films was evaluated in controlled-moisture soil environments. The films were prepared from low-quality cotton fibers through dissolution in DMAc/LiCl, casting, regeneration, glycerol plasticization, and hot-pressing. Two soil burial degradation experiments were conducted in August 2020 (11th August to 13th October) and March 2021 (24th March to 24th July) under controlled moisture conditions to assess the biodegradation behavior of cellulose films. The films were retrieved from soil beds at seven-day intervals, and morphological and physicochemical changes in the films were investigated. The results indicated that the cellulose films exhibited gradual changes starting on Day 7 and major changes after Day 35. Stereomicroscopy images showed the growth and development of fungal mycelia on the surface of the films, and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of biomolecules originating from microorganisms. The tensile strength and elongation of cellulose films were significantly reduced by 64% and 96% in the first experiment and by 40% and 94% in the second experiment, respectively, during the degradation period. Degradation also significantly impacted the thermal stability (14% and 16.5% reduction, respectively, in the first and second studies) of the films. The cellulose-based films completely degraded within 63 days in late summer and 112 days in spring. This study demonstrates that, unlike synthetic plastics, films prepared from low-quality cotton fibers can easily degrade in the natural environment.
Aneuploidy is frequent in heterozygous diploid and triploid hydatidiform moles
Authors: Walbum P. , Andreasen L. , Geilswijk M. , Niemann I. , Sunde L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHydatidiform moles are abnormal conceptuses. Many hydatidiform moles are diploid androgenetic, and of these, most are homozygous in all loci. Additionally, most hydatidiform moles are euploid. Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) array analysis, in two studies a higher frequency of aneuploidy was observed in diploid androgenetic heterozygous conceptuses, than in their homozygous counterparts. In the Danish Mole Project, we analyze conceptuses suspected to be hydatidiform moles due to the clinical presentation, using karyotyping and Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis. Among 278 diploid androgenetic conceptuses, 226 were homozygous in all loci and 52 (18.7%) were heterozygous in several loci. Among 142 triploid diandric conceptuses, 141 were heterozygous for paternally inherited alleles in several loci. Here we show that the frequencies of aneuploidy in diploid androgenetic heterozygous and triploid diandric heterozygous conceptuses were significantly higher than the frequency of aneuploidy in diploid androgenetic homozygous conceptuses. In diploid androgenetic and triploid diandric conceptuses that are heterozygous for paternally inherited alleles, the two paternally inherited sets of genomes originate in two spermatozoa. Each spermatozoon provides one pair of centrioles to the zygote. The presence of two pairs of centrioles may cause an increased risk of aneuploidy.
Social support during pregnancy and the risk of postpartum depression in Polish women: A prospective study
Authors: Żyrek Joanna , Klimek Magdalena , Apanasewicz Anna , Ciochoń Aleksandra , Danel Dariusz P. , Marcinkowska Urszula M. , Mijas Magdalena , Ziomkiewicz Anna , Galbarczyk Andrzej 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSocial support has been proposed as an important determinant of women's physical and emotional well-being during pregnancy and after childbirth. Our study aimed to examine the association between the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) and perceived social support during pregnancy. A web-based prospective study survey was conducted among Polish women. The level of social support was measured with the Berlin Social Support Scales during pregnancy. Four weeks after the birth the risk of PPD was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Data from 932 mothers aged 19–43 (mean 30.95; SD 3.83) were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. Higher perceived available support (emotional and instrumental), currently received support (emotional, instrumental and informational), satisfaction with the support, and sum of score were all associated with lower risk of PPD, after controlling for selected covariates (woman's age, socioeconomic status, parity status, place of residency, education, child's Apgar score, type of delivery, complications during birth, kin assisting the labor, breastfeeding). Our results suggest that the more social support the pregnant woman receives, the lower is her risk of PPD. Since humans evolved as cooperative breeders, they are inherently reliant on social support to raise children and such allomaternal help could improve maternal well-being.