bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo digestibility of prebiotic galactooligosacharides synthesized by β‐galactosidase from Lactobacillus delbruecki subsp. bulgaricusCRL450
Authors: Fara Agustina , Hernández Hernández Oswaldo , Palacios Jorge , Montilla Antonia , Zárate Gabriela 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe general assumption that prebiotics reach the colon without any alterations has been challenged. Some in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that ‘non‐digestible’ oligosaccharides are digested to different degrees depending on their structural composition. In the present study, we compared different methods aiming to assess the digestibility of oligosaccharides synthesized by β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) of Lactobacillus delbruecki subsp. bulgaricus CRL450 (CRL450‐β‐gal) from lactose, lactulose and lactitol.RESULTSIn the simulated gastrointestinal fluid method, no changes were observed. However, the oligosaccharides synthesized by CRL450‐β‐gal were partially hydrolyzed in vitro, depending on their structure and composition, with rat small intestinal extract (RSIE) and small intestinal brush‐border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from pig. Digestion of some oligosaccharides increased when mixtures were fed to C57BL/6 mice used as in vivo model; however, lactulose‐oligosaccharides were the most resistant to the physiological conditions of mice. In general β (1→6) linked products showed higher resistance compared to β (1→3) oligosaccharides.CONCLUSIONIn vitro digestion methods, without disaccharidases, may underestimate the importance of carbohydrates hydrolysis in the small intestine. Although BVMM and RSIE digestion assays are appropriate in vitro methods for these studies, in vivo studies remain the most reliable for understanding what actually happens in the digestion of oligosaccharides. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Shallow trochlear groove and narrow medial trochlear width at the proximal trochlea in patients with trochlear dysplasia: A three‐dimensional computed tomography analysis
Authors: Lee Joon Young , Kim Sung Eun , Kwon Oh Hyo , Kim Youngjun , Son Tae‐geun , Han Hyuk‐Soo , Ro Du Hyun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeAlthough the Dejour classification is the primary classification system for evaluating trochlear dysplasia, concerns have been raised about its reliability owing to its qualitative criteria and challenges associated with obtaining accurate radiographs. This study aimed to quantify trochlear dysplasia using three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction with novel parameters related to the transepicondylar axis (TEA).MethodsSixty patients were enrolled, including 20 with trochlear dysplasia and 40 healthy controls. The 3D CT model was generated using the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System software. The following six parameters were measured in eight consecutive planes at 15° intervals (planes 0–105): the distance from the TEA to the most cortical point of the lateral condyle (‘LP‐TEA’, where LP stands for lateral peak), medial condyle (‘MP‐TEA’, MP for medial peak) and deepest point of the trochlea (‘TG‐TEA’, TG for trochlear groove). The distances from the medial epicondyle (MEC) to the corresponding TEA points were measured (‘LP‐MEC’, ‘MP‐MEC’ and ‘TG‐MEC’).ResultsIn the dysplasia group, TG‐TEA (planes 0, 15 and 30) and MP‐MEC (planes 0, 15 and 30) were significantly greater than those in the control group (all p < 0.05 for planes of TG‐TEA and MP‐MEC). For type A dysplasia, LP‐MEC (plane 0) was greater than that in the control group. For type B dysplasia, the MP‐MEC (planes 0 and 15) and TG‐TEA (planes 0 and 15) were greater than those of the control group. For type D dysplasia, MP‐MEC (planes 0, 15 and 30) and TG‐TEA (planes 0 and 15) were elevated.ConclusionThe 3D CT reconstruction analysis established a reproducible method for quantifying osseous trochlear morphology. Patients with trochlear dysplasia had a shallow TG and narrow medial trochlear width at tracking angles of 0°–30°. This finding corroborates the clinical manifestations of recurrent patellar instability that occur during early flexion.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
The asymmetric effect of corporate reputation communication on flagship and non‐flagship product evaluations
Authors: Chen Zengxiang , Mao Huifang , Tu Tu , Wang Haizhong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research investigates how corporate reputation communications, specifically, those that focus on corporate ability (CA) versus corporate social responsibility (CSR), impact consumer evaluations of flagship products and non‐flagship products. Across five studies utilizing different research methods (survey, eye‐tracking, and experiments), we demonstrate an asymmetric effect of corporate reputation communication on product evaluations, dependent on the product's flagship status in its company's product portfolio (i.e., all products owned and marketed by a company). Specifically, while CSR is more conducive to consumer evaluations of flagship products, CA is more beneficial for evaluations of non‐flagship products. Such effects are more prominent when consumers lack detailed product attribute information. Given the strategic importance of flagship products to a company, this work adds to the emerging body of research on CSR communication by highlighting its advantage in bolstering consumer evaluations of flagship products.
Atypical mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly diagnosed through the identification of a novel pathogenic mutation in EFTUD2
Authors: Chen Ying , Yang Run , Chen Xin , Lin Naier , Li Chenlong , Fu Yaoyao , He Aijuan , Wang Yimin , Zhang Tianyu , Ma Jing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM, OMIM# 610536) is a rare monogenic disease that is caused by a mutation in the elongation factor Tu GTP binding domain containing 2 gene (EFTUD2, OMIM* 603892). It is characterized by mandibulofacial dysplasia, microcephaly, malformed ears, cleft palate, growth and intellectual disability. MFDM can be easily misdiagnosed due to its phenotypic overlap with other craniofacial dysostosis syndromes. The clinical presentation of MFDM is highly variable among patients.MethodsA patient with craniofacial anomalies was enrolled and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. To make a definitive diagnosis, whole‐exome sequencing was performed, followed by validation by Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe patient presented with extensive facial bone dysostosis, upward slanting palpebral fissures, outer and middle ear malformation, a previously unreported orbit anomaly, and spina bifida occulta. A novel, pathogenic insertion mutation (c.215_216insT: p.Tyr73Valfs*4) in EFTUD2 was identified as the likely cause of the disease.ConclusionsWe diagnosed this atypical case of MFDM by the detection of a novel pathogenetic mutation in EFTUD2. We also observed previously unreported features. These findings enrich both the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of MFDM.
Genetic control of MRI contrast using the manganese transporter Zip14
Authors: Rallapalli Harikrishna , McCall Eleanor C. , Koretsky Alan P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeGene‐expression reporter systems, such as green fluorescent protein, have been instrumental to understanding biological processes in living organisms at organ system, tissue, cell, and molecular scales. More than 30 years of work on developing MRI‐visible gene‐expression reporter systems has resulted in a variety of clever application‐specific methods. However, these techniques have not yet been widely adopted, so a general‐purpose expression reporter is still required. Here, we demonstrate that the manganese ion transporter Zip14 is an in vivo MRI‐visible, flexible, and robust gene‐expression reporter to meet this need.MethodsPlasmid constructs consisting of a cell type–specific promoter, gene coding for human Zip14, and a histology‐visible tag were packaged into adeno‐associated viruses. These viruses were intracranially injected into the mouse brain. Serial in vivo MRI was performed using a vendor‐supplied 3D‐MPRAGE sequence. No additional contrast agents were administered. Animals were sacrificed after the last imaging timepoint for immunohistological validation.ResultsNeuron‐specific overexpression of Zip14 produced substantial and long‐lasting changes in MRI contrast. Using appropriate viruses enabled both anterograde and retrograde neural tracing. Expression of Zip14 in astrocytes also enabled MRI of glia populations in the living mammalian brain.ConclusionsThe flexibility of this system as an MRI‐visible gene‐expression reporter will enable many applications of serial, high‐resolution imaging of gene expression for basic science and therapy development.
Fiber‐reinforced sustainable biomimetic Bouligand structures for hot and humid environments
Authors: Liu Qi , Tang Xin , Bai Zhongyang , Li Lijuan , Hu Yingcheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe mechanical properties of existing materials can be improved with the Bouligand structure. However, most current studies mainly focus on improving material properties with Bouligand structure in ambient temperature environments and neglect the weakening of the properties in hot and humid environments. Thus, we chose bamboo, which is highly hydrophilic with a natural unidirectional structure, as the raw material to prepare bamboo composite laminates with the Bouligand structure. The effect of humid and hot environments on the mechanical properties of laminated materials with the Bouligand structure was investigated. The results showed that the Bouligand structure was greatly affected by the humid–hot environment, and the smaller the laying angle of the spiral, the lesser the effect of the humid–hot environment on the mechanical properties. Additionally, in the hot and humid environment, the bending strength and impact strength of the laminated materials decreased by 11.45% and 11.57%, respectively, at a layup angle of 10° compared with those at room temperature, indicating that the spiral layup angle greatly impacted the mechanical properties in hot and humid environments. This study provides insight into the application of the Bouligand structure in improving material properties in hot and humid environments.Highlights
Exploring the performance changes in the bionic Bouligand structure in hot and humid environments.
Exploring the optimal angular mechanical properties of the Bouligand structure by changing the helical layup angle in both wet and dry environments.
Developing a novel green biomass material with a biomimetic Bouligand structure using the unique natural unidirectional structure of bamboo, expanding the application fields of biomaterials.
Effects of routine repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the sleep duration of patients with treatment‐resistant depression: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sadeghniiat Khosro , Zebardast Jayran , Parsaei Mohammadamin , Seyedmirzaei Homa , Arbabi Mohammad , Noorbala Ahmad Ali , Ansari Sahar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term and long‐term effects of routine repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the sleep duration, depressive symptoms, and quality of life of patients with treatment‐resistant depression (TRD).MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 25 participants with TRD were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and four sleep duration components of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Depression severity was measured with Hamilton's Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI‐II), and patient‐perceived quality of life with the 36‐Item Short‐Form Survey (SF‐36). All of these measures were evaluated at baseline (T0), and immediately (T1), 6 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) after the end of intervention.ResultsAt T1 endpoint, HDRS, BDI, SF‐36, ISI, and three PSQI items (time to wake up, time taken to fall asleep, and Real Sleep Time) significantly improved, though these gains were reduced at follow‐up endpoints (T2 and T3). Adjusting for confounders (age, sex, occupational status, BMI, and hypnotic medication) revealed that only improvements in HDRS, BDI, and time taken to fall asleep at T1 remained statistically significant. Linear regression analyses showed no significant association between reduced time taken to fall asleep and depression symptoms, suggesting rTMS can independently enhance this parameter, irrespective of depression resolution.ConclusionRoutine rTMS therapy can potentially enhance sleep duration in TRD individuals, alongside improved depressive symptoms and quality of life. However, these benefits tend to decrease over long‐term follow‐up, emphasizing a more pronounced short‐term efficacy of rTMS.
Suicide mortality rates in Japan before and beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic era
Authors: Okada Motohiro , Matsumoto Ryusuke , Motomura Eishi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractStatistical analyses from Japan reported increasing suicides in 2020, first in the world, proving the severity of the public health crisis during the COVID‐19 pandemic; however, so far, international suicides have not been shown to be objectively increasing at population level. Followed studies reported the existence of a substantial heterogeneity of suicides among subgroups and time‐lag impacts. Against public health crisis in Japan, policymakers, psychiatrists and public health personnel should prioritize improving suicide prevention programs following evidence‐based policymaking. Understanding how/what factors relate to the COVID‐19 pandemic and what other factors have shaped the increasing suicide numbers since 2020 through objectively well‐controlled/fine‐grained analyses of high‐quality longitudinal/cross‐sectional data at the individual, regional, and national levels is important for identifying the reasons for the recent trend. For this purpose, this study examined suicide statistics, statistical analysis methods, and their interpretations. Recent analyses suggest an increased suicide risk among females <50 years and males <30 years in 2020–2022. Notably, time‐series analyses revealed that adolescent suicides began increasing before the pandemic, while working‐age female suicides sharply increased synchronously with the pandemic outbreak. Causality analyses suggest that social issues facing Japan and recent global psychosocial and socioeconomic transformations are risk factors for suicide in high‐risk groups. Finally, this report demonstrates the importance of providing appropriate support based on an objective understanding of individuals who are at risk for suicide, without being bound by traditional established knowledges.
Pneumatic spray delivery‐based fixed spray system configuration optimization for efficient agrochemical application in modern vineyards
Authors: Bhalekar Dattatray G , Sahni Ramesh K , Schrader M Jacob , Khot Lav R 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe hydraulic spray delivery (HSD)‐based solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) emitter configuration has been optimized for agrochemical applications in vertical shoot position (VSP) vineyards. It uses cost‐prohibitive emitters, and their placement restricts the mechanical pruning activities. Therefore, this study focused on optimizing the spray performance of a pneumatic spray delivery (PSD)‐based SSCDS variant that addresses the earlier issues. Three PSD‐SSCDS emitter configurations (C1–C3) were designed using modified low‐cost emitters (E1: modified flat fan, E2: 90° modular flat fan) for agrochemical applications in VSP vineyards. C1 had an E1 installed on trellis posts at 1.67 m above ground level. C2 had a pair of E2 installed per vine at 0.3 m below the cordon, while C3 combined the emitter placement of C1 and C2. The spray deposition (ng cm−2) and coverage (%) were quantified (mean ± standard error) using mylar cards and water‐sensitive paper samplers placed within the canopy, respectively.RESULTSSpray deposition for C1, C2, and C3 was 301.12 ± 63.30, 347.9 ± 66.29, and 837.6 ± 92.53 ng cm−2, respectively. Whereas spray coverage for corresponding configurations was 18.02 ± 2.63, 8.98 ± 1.84, and 28.84 ± 2.46%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSOverall, configuration C3 provided significantly higher spray deposition and coverage than C1 and C2. Substantially reduced system installation cost and emitter density per hectare with improved spray performance were achieved by C3 compared to earlier optimized HSD‐SSCDS configuration in the VSP vineyards. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
First use of unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor Halyomorpha halys and recognize it using artificial intelligence
Authors: Giannetti Daniele , Patelli Niccolò , Palazzetti Lorenzo , Betti Sorbelli Francesco , Pinotti Cristina M. , Maistrello Lara 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDHalyomorpha halys is one of the most damaging invasive agricultural pests in North America and southern Europe. It is commonly monitored using pheromone traps, which are not very effective because few bugs are caught and some escape and/or remain outside the trap on surrounding plants where they feed, increasing the damage. Other monitoring techniques are based on visual sampling, sweep‐netting and tree‐beating. However, all these methods require several hours of human labor and are difficult to apply to large areas. The aim of this work is to develop an automated monitoring system that integrates image acquisition through the use of drones with H. halys detection through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).RESULTSThe study results allowed the development of an automated flight protocol using a mobile app to capture high‐resolution images. The drone caused only low levels of disturbance in both adult and intermediate instars, inducing freezing behavior in adults. Each of the AI models used achieved very good performance, with a detection accuracy of up to 97% and recall of up to 87% for the X‐TL model.CONCLUSIONThe first application of this novel monitoring system demonstrated the potential of drones and AI to detect and quantify the presence of H. halys. The ability to capture high‐altitude, high‐resolution images makes this method potentially suitable for use with a range of crops and pests. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Understanding arrival contexts of local refugee reception using a ‘phase space’ perspective
Authors: Enßle‐Reinhardt Friederike , Glorius Birgit , Schneider Hanne 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMigration is an inherently spatial phenomenon as it depicts the processes and effects of humans' movement from one place to another. Recent debates in geographical migration research highlight the need to adequately understand how the distinct nature of space and place shape migration and arrival processes. Taking up this call, this contribution proposes to bring together more‐than‐relational approaches to space in geography and the ‘local turn’ in research on migration and integration. Drawing on the empirical example of refugee reception and integration in the city of Rostock in Germany, the contribution explores how space, it's persisting and changing elements, impacts migration flows and constrains or supports migrants' arrival processes. The analysis works along three aspects of more‐than‐relational approaches to space, namely the role of persistent spatial aspects, such as the topography or national borders, and their interplay with relational space; the impact of spatially confined administrative units and regional embeddedness; and the temporal depth of space. The contribution closes by proposing two points how a more‐than‐relational approach can enhance the conceptualisation of space in geographical migration studies: (1) the mutual constitution of relational and non‐relational aspects of space into a specific space shaping migration flows through their interplay, and (2) the openness of a ‘phase space’ approach towards future developments admitting that the inner logic of a place can develop and change.
Synergy detection: A practical guide to statistical assessment of potential drug combinations
Authors: Makariadou Elli , Wang Xuechen , Hein Nicholas , Deresa Negera W. , Mutambanengwe Kathy , Verbist Bie , Thas Olivier 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCombination treatments have been of increasing importance in drug development across therapeutic areas to improve treatment response, minimize the development of resistance, and/or minimize adverse events. Pre‐clinical in‐vitro combination experiments aim to explore the potential of such drug combinations during drug discovery by comparing the observed effect of the combination with the expected treatment effect under the assumption of no interaction (i.e., null model). This tutorial will address important design aspects of such experiments to allow proper statistical evaluation. Additionally, it will highlight the Biochemically Intuitive Generalized Loewe methodology (BIGL R package available on CRAN) to statistically detect deviations from the expectation under different null models. A clear advantage of the methodology is the quantification of the effect sizes, together with confidence interval while controlling the directional false coverage rate. Finally, a case study will showcase the workflow in analyzing combination experiments.
Betulinic acid ameliorates cast‐immobilized skeletal muscle atrophy but not denervation‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Enoki Yuki , Kanezaki Yuki , Takahata Isamu , Taguchi Kazuaki , Matsumoto Kazuaki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundTerpenoids have gained attention as therapeutic agents for skeletal muscle atrophy owing to their various physiological activities. In this study, we screened four terpenoids for their therapeutic potential against muscle atrophy in cultured cells and evaluated the effectiveness of betulinic acid in two disuse muscle atrophy models.MethodsC2C12 cells were used as the skeletal muscle model in cell culture experiments. Betulinic acid (100 mg/kg, twice daily) was administered to two different mouse models of muscle atrophy (established using the sciatic denervation and casting methods) for 7 days.ResultsIn myotube experiments, the mRNA expression of atrogin‐1 and myostatin was significantly suppressed by betulinic and ursolic acids (P < 0.05). In the differentiation phase of C2C12 myotubes, the mRNA expression levels of myoD and myogenin were significantly increased by betulinic acid (P < 0.05). In addition, apelin and irisin were also significantly increased by betulinic acid (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Consequently, betulinic acid was administered to the aforementioned muscle atrophy models. Betulinic acid did not inhibit the decrease in skeletal muscle weight observed in the denervation model. However, it significantly inhibited the decrease in tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) weights and grip strength observed in the cast‐immobilized skeletal muscle atrophy model (TA: Cast + Veh vs. Cast + Bet = 42.6 ± 1.0 vs. 46.0 ± 0.8 mg, P < 0.01; EDL: Cast + Veh vs. Cast + Bet = 9.0 ± 0.4 vs. 11.3 ± 0.5 mg, P < 0.01; grip strength: Cast + Veh vs. Cast + Bet = 222 ± 4.8 vs. 245 ± 3.6 g, P < 0.05). In addition, betulinic acid administration partially inhibited the decrease in skeletal muscle cross‐sectional area.ConclusionsBetulinic acid alleviated muscle atrophy in the cast model of muscle atrophy and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of immobilized disuse skeletal muscle atrophy.