bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac biopsies reveal differences in transcriptomics between left and right ventricle in patients with or without diagnostic signs of heart failure
Authors: Frisk Christoffer , Das Sarbashis , Eriksson Maria J. , Walentinsson Anna , Corbascio Matthias , Hage Camilla , Kumar Chanchal , Ekström Mattias , Maret Eva , Persson Hans , Linde Cecilia , Persson Bengt 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNew or mild heart failure (HF) is mainly caused by left ventricular dysfunction. We hypothesised that gene expression differ between the left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) and secondly by type of LV dysfunction. We compared gene expression through myocardial biopsies from LV and RV of patients undergoing elective coronary bypass surgery (CABG). Patients were categorised based on LV ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function and NT-proBNP into pEF (preserved; LVEF ≥ 45%), rEF (reduced; LVEF < 45%) or normal LV function. Principal component analysis of gene expression displayed two clusters corresponding to LV and RV. Up-regulated genes in LV included natriuretic peptides NPPA and NPPB, transcription factors/coactivators STAT4 and VGLL2, ion channel related HCN2 and LRRC38 associated with cardiac muscle contraction, cytoskeleton, and cellular component movement. Patients with pEF phenotype versus normal differed in gene expression predominantly in LV, supporting that diastolic dysfunction and structural changes reflect early LV disease in pEF. DKK2 was overexpressed in LV of HFpEF phenotype, potentially leading to lower expression levels of β-catenin, α-SMA (smooth muscle actin), and enhanced apoptosis, and could be a possible factor in the development of HFpEF. CXCL14 was down-regulated in both pEF and rEF, and may play a role to promote development of HF.
Ordered weighted evaluation method of lifting operation safety risks considering coupling effect
Authors: Yan Kesheng , Jin Lianghai , Yu Xiaoyun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn order to accurately evaluate the safety risk degree of lifting operations and improve the safety control level of lifting operations, firstly, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is used to decompose the construction process of lifting operations, Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) is used to decompose the safety risk, 16 safety risk factors of lifting operations are identified, and the risk evaluation system is constructed. Then, the safety risk assessment model of lifting operations is constructed by integrating risk coupling theory, joint ordered weighting operators, and an interaction matrix to identify key risk factors and safety risk levels. Finally, taking the lifting operation construction project of Yangfanggou Hydropower Station as an example, the evaluation index system and method are applied. The results show that the high-risk safety risks of the lifting operation construction of the project are: 'Low safety awareness causes workers to operate illegally X23', 'Operation error caused by illegal command X33', 'Workers' risky work caused by low safety awareness X34', 'Edge, high and climbing operation protection is not in place X36', and 'Improper binding of components caused by workers' illegal operation X25'. The construction of the lifting operation poses a significant risk level, and the evaluation results are consistent with the actual situation. The rationality of the evaluation system and model constructed in this paper can provide a reference for the safety management and control of the construction site of the lifting operation and the safety of the lifting operation.
Investigation of physio-mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of starch–zinc oxide nanoparticles active films reinforced with Ferula gummosa Boiss essential oil
Authors: Sarhadi Hamid , Shahdadi Fatemeh , Salehi Sardoei Ali , Hatami Mehrnaz , Ghorbanpour Mansour 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe production of surface compounds coated with active substances has gained significant attention in recent years. This study investigated the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of a composite made of starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) containing various concentrations of Ferula gummosa essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The addition of ZnO NPs improved the thickness, mechanical and microbial properties, and reduced the water vapor permeability of the starch active film. The addition of F. gummosa essential oil to the starch nanocomposite decreased the water vapor permeability from 6.25 to 5.63 g mm−2 d−1 kPa−1, but this decrease was significant only at the concentration of 1.5% of essential oils (p < 0.05). Adding 1.5% of F. gummosa essential oil to starch nanocomposite led to a decrease in Tensile Strength value, while an increase in Elongation at Break values was observed. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite revealed that the pure starch film did not show any lack of growth zone. The addition of ZnO NPs to the starch matrix resulted in antimicrobial activity on both studied bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in the starch/ZnO NPs film containing 1.5% essential oil with an inhibition zone of 340 mm2 on S. aureus. Antioxidant activity increased significantly with increasing concentration of F. gummosa essential oil (P < 0.05). The film containing 1.5% essential oil had the highest (50.5%) antioxidant activity. Coating also improved the chemical characteristics of fish fillet. In conclusion, the starch nanocomposite containing ZnO NPs and F. gummosa essential oil has the potential to be used in the aquatic packaging industry.
Dynamic identification of important nodes in complex networks based on the KPDN–INCC method
Authors: Zhang Jieyong , Zhao Liang , Sun Peng , Liang Wei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article focuses on the cascading failure problem and node importance evaluation method in complex networks. To address the issue of identifying important nodes in dynamic networks, the method used in static networks is introduced and the necessity of re-evaluating node status during node removal is proposed. Studies have found that the methods for identifying dynamic and static network nodes are two different directions, and most literature only uses dynamic methods to verify static methods. Therefore, it is necessary to find suitable node evaluation methods for dynamic networks. Based on this, this article proposes a method that integrates local and global correlation properties. In terms of global features, we introduce an improved k-shell method with fusion degree to improve the resolution of node ranking. In terms of local features, we introduce Solton factor and structure hole factor improved by INCC (improved network constraint coefficient), which effectively improves the algorithm’s ability to identify the relationship between adjacent nodes. Through comparison with existing methods, it is found that the KPDN–INCC method proposed in this paper complements the KPDN method and can accurately identify important nodes, thereby helping to quickly disintegrate the network. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method in identifying important nodes in a small-world network with a random parameter less than 0.4 was verified through artificial network experiments.
In-plane oxygen diffusion measurements in polymer films using time-resolved imaging of programmable luminescent tags
Authors: Kantelberg Richard , Achenbach Tim , Kirch Anton , Reineke Sebastian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOxygen diffusion properties in thin polymer films are key parameters in industrial applications from food packaging, over medical encapsulation to organic semiconductor devices and have been continuously investigated in recent decades. The established methods have in common that they require complex pressure-sensitive setups or vacuum technology and usually do not come without surface effects. In contrast, this work provides a low-cost, precise and reliable method to determine the oxygen diffusion coefficient D in bulk polymer films based on tracking the phosphorescent pattern of a programmable luminescent tag over time. Our method exploits two-dimensional image analysis of oxygen-quenched organic room-temperature phosphors in a host polymer with high spatial accuracy. It avoids interface effects and accounts for the photoconsumption of oxygen. As a role model, the diffusion coefficients of polystyrene glasses with molecular weights between 13k and 350k g/mol are determined to be in the range of (0.8–1.5) × 10–7 cm2/s, which is in good agreement with previously reported values. We finally demonstrate the reduction of the oxygen diffusion coefficient in polystyrene by one quarter upon annealing above its glass transition temperature.
Biosynthesis of palladium, platinum, and their bimetallic nanoparticles using rosemary and ginseng herbal plants: evaluation of anticancer activity
Authors: Alinaghi Moloud , Mokarram Pooneh , Ahmadi Mazaher , Bozorg-ghalati Farzaneh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this research, palladium (II) and platinum (II), as well as their bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized using medicinal plants in an eco-friendly manner. Rosemary and Ginseng extracts were chosen due to their promising anticancer potential. The synthesized nanoparticles underwent characterization through FT-IR spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM techniques. Once the expected structures were confirmed, the performance of these nanoparticles, which exhibited an optimal size, was evaluated as potential anticancer agents through in vitro method on colon cancer cell lines (Ls180, SW480). MTT assay studies showed that the synthesized nanoparticles induced cell death. Moreover, real-time PCR was employed to investigate autophagy markers and the effect of nanoparticles on the apoptosis process, demonstrating a significant effect of the synthesized compounds in this regard.
High Arctic “hotspots” for sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) off western and northern Svalbard, Norway, revealed by multi-year Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)
Authors: Pöyhönen Viivi , Thomisch Karolin , Kovacs Kit M. , Lydersen Christian , Ahonen Heidi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDespite the well-documented, broad global distribution of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), their distributional patterns remain poorly known in Arctic regions, where year-round monitoring is challenging. Adult male sperm whales are known to migrate seasonally between nutrient-rich high latitude waters and low latitude breeding grounds. However, knowledge is limited regarding fine-scale distribution and seasonal presence at high latitudes. To investigate the acoustic occurrence of this vocally active species in the High Arctic of the Northeast Atlantic, this study combined automated and manual click detection methods to analyze passive acoustic data collected at eight locations around the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway, between 2012 and 2021. The results revealed the presence of sperm whales at six recording sites and demonstrated sperm whale “hotspots” in ice-free areas in eastern Fram Strait along the shelf break and close to the west coast of Spitsbergen from May–January, with some variation between years and locations. Although acoustic presence decreased with increasing latitude, even the northern-most location (81° N) recorded sperm whale vocal activity between August and January. This study provides a baseline for sperm whale acoustic presence in the High Arctic, which will be essential in the context of detecting future changes and also for predicting future distribution patterns in the rapidly changing Arctic marine environment.
Integrating X-ray phase-contrast imaging and histology for comparative evaluation of breast tissue malignancies in virtual histology analysis
Authors: Donato Sandro , Arana Peña Lucia Mariel , Arfelli Fulvia , Brombal Luca , Colmo Luisella , Longo Renata , Martellani Fulvia , Tromba Giuliana , Zanconati Fabrizio , Bonazza Deborah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDetecting breast tissue alterations is essential for cancer diagnosis. However, inherent bidimensionality limits histological procedures’ effectiveness in identifying these changes. Our study applies a 3D virtual histology method based on X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (PhC $$\mu$$
μ
CT), performed at a synchrotron facility, to investigate breast tissue samples including different types of lesions, namely intraductal papilloma, micropapillary intracystic carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. One-to-one comparisons of X-ray and histological images explore the clinical potential of 3D X-ray virtual histology. Results show that PhC $$\mu$$
μ
CT technique provides high spatial resolution and soft tissue sensitivity, while being non-destructive, not requiring a dedicated sample processing and being compatible with conventional histology. PhC $$\mu$$
μ
CT can enhance the visualization of morphological characteristics such as stromal tissue, fibrovascular core, terminal duct lobular unit, stromal/epithelium interface, basement membrane, and adipocytes. Despite not reaching the (sub) cellular level, the three-dimensionality of PhC $$\mu$$
μ
CT images allows to depict in-depth alterations of the breast tissues, potentially revealing pathologically relevant details missed by a single histological section. Compared to serial sectioning, PhC $$\mu$$
μ
CT allows the virtual investigation of the sample volume along any orientation, possibly guiding the pathologist in the choice of the most suitable cutting plane. Overall, PhC $$\mu$$
μ
CT virtual histology holds great promise as a tool adding to conventional histology for improving efficiency, accessibility, and diagnostic accuracy of pathological evaluation.
Clinical characteristics of Guillain–Barré syndrome in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Cao Xiaoyu , Guo Juan , Yang Yaran , Yu Zhibo , Pan Hua , Zhou Wei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo investigate the clinical characteristics of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Records of patients with positive anti-SSA antibodies hospitalized in the Beijing Tiantan Hospital between December 2011 and May 2020 were retrieved. Patients who fulfilled the criteria for diagnosis of GBS and primary SS were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Among the 785 patients with positive anti-SSA, 52 patients were identified in this study. They were 27 males and 25 females with median age of 59 years old. Besides anti-SSA antibodies, multiple autoantibodies were detected in these patients including antinuclear antibody, anti-Ro52, anti-mitochondrial M2, anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies. Preceding infection was reported in 42 patients. Hyporeflexia/areflexia and limbs weakness were the most common manifestation and 35 patients presented cranial nerve injuries. GBS disability score of 3, 4 and 5 was scaled in 28 (53.8%), 15 (28.8%) and 3 (5.8%) patients respectively. Forty-six patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) monotherapy, 5 patients were treated by IVIG plus glucocorticoids, and 51 patients improved during hospitalization. The frequency of male gender among the patients with both GBS and primary SS suggests an independent onset of GBS and the co-existence of these autoimmune diseases in patients with multiple autoantibodies. Majority of patients with GBS and primary SS experience benign disease course.
Label-free functional analysis of root-associated microbes with dynamic quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy
Authors: Serafini Caroline E. , Green Madison , Diering Abigail , Cicerone Marcus T. , Cheung Lily S. , Kostka Joel E. , Robles Francisco E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe increasing global demand for food, coupled with concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers, underscores the urgency of developing sustainable agricultural practices. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, known as diazotrophs, offer a potential solution by converting atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, a deeper understanding of their interactions with plants and other microbes is needed. In this study, we introduce a recently developed label-free 3D quantitative phase imaging technology called dynamic quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy (DqOBM) to assess the functional dynamic activity of diazotrophs in vitro and in situ. Our experiments involved three different diazotrophs (Sinorhizobium meliloti, Azotobacter vinelandii, and Rahnella aquatilis) cultured on media with amendments of carbon and nitrogen sources. Over 5 days, we observed increased dynamics in nutrient-amended media. These results suggest that the observed bacterial dynamics correlate with their metabolic activity. Furthermore, we applied qOBM to visualize microbial dynamics within the root cap and elongation zone of Arabidopsis thaliana primary roots. This allowed us to identify distinct areas of microbial infiltration in plant roots without the need for fluorescent markers. Our findings demonstrate that DqOBM can effectively characterize microbial dynamics and provide insights into plant-microbe interactions in situ, offering a valuable tool for advancing our understanding of sustainable agriculture.
Optimization of the seat position for a personal vehicle equipped with a crankset: pilot study
Authors: Bereś Łukasz , Pyrzanowska Justyna , Mirowska-Guzel Dagmara , Obszański Marcin , Pyrzanowski Paweł 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe aim of the study was to optimize the seat for a personal vehicle equipped with a crankset mechanism, meant for everyday use. The inclination of the seat backrest was selected on the basis of theoretical considerations. Then dynamic tests were carried out on a group of young, healthy men in order to verify the ergonomic aspects of the seat position in relation to the crankset and determine the efficiency of the human-mechanism system with a load of 50 W. The data obtained from the dynamic tests were subject to statistical analysis. Research has shown that higher seat positions result in statistically higher efficiencies. In addition, a holistic analysis of the personal vehicle design problem shows that the upper position of the seat is also the best. The results of the research can be used to optimize personal vehicles using human force as a drive.
A high-throughput gut-on-chip platform to study the epithelial responses to enterotoxins
Authors: Morelli Moran , Cabezuelo Rodríguez Marta , Queiroz Karla 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnterotoxins are a type of toxins that primarily affect the intestines. Understanding their harmful effects is essential for food safety and medical research. Current methods lack high-throughput, robust, and translatable models capable of characterizing toxin-specific epithelial damage. Pressing concerns regarding enterotoxin contamination of foods and emerging interest in clinical applications of enterotoxins emphasize the need for new platforms. Here, we demonstrate how Caco-2 tubules can be used to study the effect of enterotoxins on the human intestinal epithelium, reflecting toxins’ distinct pathogenic mechanisms. After exposure of the model to toxins nigericin, ochratoxin A, patulin and melittin, we observed dose-dependent reductions in barrier permeability as measured by TEER, which were detected with higher sensitivity than previous studies using conventional models. Combination of LDH release assays and DRAQ7 staining allowed comprehensive evaluation of toxin cytotoxicity, which was only observed after exposure to melittin and ochratoxin A. Furthermore, the study of actin cytoskeleton allowed to assess toxin-induced changes in cell morphology, which were only caused by nigericin. Altogether, our study highlights the potential of our Caco-2 tubular model in becoming a multi-parametric and high-throughput tool to bridge the gap between current enterotoxin research and translatable in vivo models of the human intestinal epithelium.
Preliminary characterization of gut mycobiome enterotypes reveals the correlation trends between host metabolic parameter and diet: a case study in the Thai Cohort
Authors: Mok Kevin , Poolsawat Thitirat , Somnuk Surasawadee , Wanikorn Bandhita , Patumcharoenpol Preecha , Nitisinprasert Sunee , Vongsangnak Wanwipa , Nakphaichit Massalin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe association between the gut mycobiome and its potential influence on host metabolism in the Thai Cohort was assessed. Two distinct predominant enterotypes, Saccharomyces (Sa) and Aspergillus/Penicillium (Ap/Pe) showed differences in gut mycobiota diversity and composition. Notably, the Sa enterotype exhibited lower evenness and richness, likely due to the prevalence of Saccharomyces, while both enterotypes displayed unique metabolic behaviors related to nutrient metabolism and body composition. Fiber consumption was positively correlated with adverse body composition and fasting glucose levels in individuals with the Sa enterotype, whereas in the Ap/Pe enterotype it was positively correlated with fat and protein intake. The metabolic functional analysis revealed the Sa enterotype associated with carbohydrate metabolism, while the Ap/Pe enterotype involved in lipid metabolism. Very interestingly, the genes involved in the pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathway, such as polygalacturonase and l-arabinose-isomerase, were enriched in the Sa enterotype signifying a metabolic capacity for complex carbohydrate degradation and utilization of less common sugars as energy sources. These findings highlight the interplay between gut mycobiome composition, dietary habits, and metabolic outcomes within the Thai cohort studies.
Static magnetic field reduces cisplatin resistance via increasing apoptosis pathways and genotoxicity in cancer cell lines
Authors: Zafari Jaber , Rastegar-Pouyani Nima , Javani Jouni Fatemeh , Najjar Nabaa , Azarshin Seyedeh Zohreh , Jafarzadeh Emad , Abdolmaleki Parviz , Hoseini Shirazi Farshad 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCisplatin is a chemotherapy drug widely used in cancer treatment. Alongside its clinical benefits, however, it may inflict intolerable toxicity and other adverse effects on healthy tissues. Due to the limitation of administering a high dose of cisplatin as well as cancer drug resistance, it is necessary to utilize new methods optimizing treatment modalities through both higher therapeutic efficacy and reduced administered doses of radiation and drugs. In this study, sensitive (A2780) and resistant (A2780CP) ovarian carcinoma cells underwent treatment with cisplatin + static magnetic field (SMF). First, the levels of genotoxicity after treatment were evaluated by Comet assay. Then, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assay were conducted by a flow cytometer. Lastly, the expression levels of genes involved in apoptosis and cellular drug uptake were investigated by PCR. After treating different groups of cells for 24, 48, and 96 h, the co-treatment of SMF and cisplatin as a combination managed to increase the amount of DNA damage in both sensitive and resistant cell lines. A considerable increase in mortality of cells was also observed mostly in the form of apoptosis, which was caused by inhibition of the cell cycle. The combination also increased the expression levels of apoptotic genes, namely P53 and P21; however, it did not have much effect on the expression levels of BCL2. Besides, the levels of CTR1 gene expression increased significantly in the groups receiving the aforementioned combination. Our study suggests that the combination of cisplatin + SMF might have clinical potential which needs further investigations through future studies.