bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology of the male reproductive system and sperm of Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas, 1852) (Heteroptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Paulo Mauricio da Silva , Rezende Paulo Henrique , Dias Glenda , Lino‐Neto José 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTaxonomic data on Coreidae have been fragmented over time and need to be revised. Likewise, data related to the development of germ cells and the features of the male reproductive system, including sperm, will contribute to understanding the biological mechanisms of reproduction and the systematics of its representatives. Aiming to provide these data, we describe the morphology of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of Leptoglossus zonatus using light and transmission electron microscopies, respectively. Each of the two testes is surrounded by a bright red‐pigmented sheath and formed by seven follicles arranged side by side. The two vasa deferentia are filled with individualized sperm, especially in their final portion, which is dilated and curved. After dilation, the vasa deferentia receive the ducts of the accessory glands of mesodermal origin. The other unpaired accessory gland is of ectodermal origin and opens into the ejaculatory duct. Both glandular types are densely coiled and have lumens filled with secreted material. Testicular follicles contain cysts with germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis, indicating continuous production of gametes throughout adult life. Mature sperm measure around 310 μm long, with a nucleus of 36 μm and a flagellum formed only by an axoneme of 9 + 9 + 2 microtubules and two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives. Like the sperm of other Heteroptera, the acrosome has a single structure (without perforatorium), there are no accessory bodies in the flagella, and the mitochondrial derivatives are connected to the axonemes, supporting the synapomorphic condition of these characteristics for this suborder of bedbugs.Research Highlights
The Leptoglossus zonatus sperm are slender and long, about 310 μm in length, and a nucleus 36 μm long.
Spermatogenesis occurs throughout adult life and equally in the seven testicular follicles.
The centriole adjunct in L. zonatus sperm does not give rise to accessory bodies.
The ectodermal gland produces a filamentous secretion, whereas in the ectodermal sac, the secretion is globular.
Baicalin induces ferroptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing the activity of FTH1
Authors: Wen Zhihao , Zhang Yuxiao , Gao Bo , Chen Xin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the role of the ferroptosis‐related gene FTH1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and evaluated the therapeutic potential of baicalin in OSCC cell treatment.MethodsA prognostic model was established by bioinformatic analysis, consisting of 12 ferroptosis related genes (FRGs), and FTH1 was selected as the most significantly up‐regulated FRGs. The clinical correlation of FTH1 in OSCC samples was evaluated by both immunohistochemical and bioinformatic characterizations. The effects of FTH1 on migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proliferation were determined by wound healing assays, transwell assays, western blotting and 5′‐ethynl 2′‐deoxyuridine proliferation assays, respectively. The effects of FTH1 on ferroptosis were tested via ferroptosis markers and Mito Tracker staining. In addition, the therapeutic effects of baicalin on OSCC cells were confirmed using EMT, migration, invasion, proliferation and ferroptosis assays.ResultsThe 12 FRGs were predictive of the prognosis for OSCC patients, and FTH1 expression was identified as significantly up‐regulated in OSCC samples, which was highly associated with survival, immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity. Moreover, knocking down FTH1 inhibited cell proliferation, EMT and invasive phenotypes, but induced ferroptosis in OSCC cells (Cal27 and SCC25). Furthermore, baicalin directly suppressed expression of FTH1 in OSCC cells, and effectively promoted ferroptosis and inhibited the proliferation as well as EMT by directly targeting FTH1.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated that FTH1 is a therapeutic target for OSCC treatment, and has provided evidence that baicalin offers a promising alternative for OSCC treatment.
Knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention strategies and U = U among adult sexual and gender minorities in Brazil
Authors: Silva Kayser Rogerio Oliveira , Ferreira Rayane Cupolillo , Coelho Lara E. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Torres Thiago S. , Luz Paula M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionAlthough strong scientific evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of treatment‐as‐prevention (TasP) is available, full endorsement of the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U = U) and “zero‐risk” messages could be improved. Increasing knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment is a critical component of care efforts. The study assessed knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention strategies, and the perceived accuracy of the slogan U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Brazil.MethodsCross‐sectional web‐based survey targeting adult SGM living in Brazil (2021−2022) recruited on social media and dating apps. We used the 12‐item HIV Knowledge Assessment (HIV‐KA) questionnaire to assess HIV knowledge, three items of which address pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post‐exposure prophylaxis and TasP. Perceived accuracy of the U = U slogan was assessed with the question: “With regards to HIV‐positive individuals transmitting HIV through sexual contact, how accurate do you believe the slogan U = U is?”. We a priori grouped the study population into three mutually exclusive groups: people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV negative and HIV unknown. We used logistic regression models to assess factors associated with high HIV knowledge and perception of the U = U as completely accurate.ResultsOf 50,222 individuals accessing the questionnaire, 23,981 were included: 5071 (21.0%) PLHIV, 17,257 (71.5%) HIV negative and 1653 (6.9%) HIV unknown. The proportion of participants with high knowledge was significantly higher for PLHIV and HIV negative (48.1% and 45.5%, respectively) compared to 26.1% of HIV unknown. More PLHIV perceived U = U as completely accurate (80.4%), compared to 60.0% of HIV negative and 42.9% of HIV unknown. HIV knowledge correlates with perceived accuracy of the U = U slogan across all groups. Higher HIV knowledge was associated with higher income and education regardless of HIV status. Among HIV‐negative participants, PrEP awareness and use were associated with higher knowledge and accurate perception of the U = U slogan.ConclusionsOur findings show that HIV knowledge and perceived accuracy of U = U are strongly correlated, that knowledge differs according to HIV status, and that poor socio‐economic is linked to poor knowledge among SGM from Brazil. Educational strategies regarding TasP, U = U and zero risk targeting socio‐economically vulnerable populations are urgent in Brazil.
Improvements in Between‐Vendor MRI Harmonization of Renal T2 Mapping using Stimulated Echo Compensation
Authors: Li Hao , Daniel Alexander J. , Buchanan Charlotte E. , Nery Fábio , Morris David M. , Li Shaohang , Huang Yuan , Sousa João A. , Sourbron Steven , Mendichovszky Iosif A. , Thomas David L. , Priest Andrew N. , Francis Susan T. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundT2 mapping is valuable to evaluate pathophysiology in kidney disease. However, variations in T2 relaxation time measurements across MR scanners and vendors may occur requiring additional correction.PurposeTo harmonize renal T2 measurements between MR vendor platforms, and use an extended‐phase‐graph‐based fitting method (“StimFit”) to correct stimulated echoes and reduce between‐vendor variations.Study TypeProspective.Subjects8 healthy “travelling” volunteers (37.5% female, 32 ± 6 years) imaged on four MRI systems across three vendors at four sites, 10 healthy volunteers (50% female, 32 ± 8 years) scanned multiple times on a given MR scanner for repeatability evaluation. ISMRM/NIST system phantom scanned for evaluation of T2 accuracy.Field Strength/Sequence3T, multiecho spin‐echo sequence.AssessmentT2 images fit using conventional monoexponential fitting and “StimFit.” Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of phantom measurements with reference T2 values. Average cortex and medulla T2 values compared between MR vendors, with masks obtained from T2‐weighted images and T1 maps. Full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) T2 distributions to evaluate local homogeneity of measurements.Statistical TestsCoefficient of variation (CV), linear mixed‐effects model, analysis of variance, student's t‐tests, Bland–Altman plots, P‐value <0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsIn the ISMRM/NIST phantom, “StimFit” reduced the MAPE from 4.9%, 9.1%, 24.4%, and 18.1% for the four sites (three vendors) to 3.3%, 3.0%, 6.6%, and 4.1%, respectively. In vivo, there was a significant difference in kidney T2 measurements between vendors using a monoexponential fit, but not with “StimFit” (P = 0.86 and 0.92, cortex and medulla, respectively). The intervendor CVs of T2 measures were reduced from 8.0% to 2.6% (cortex) and 7.1% to 2.8% (medulla) with StimFit, resulting in no significant differences for the CVs of intravendor repeat acquisitions (P = 0.13 and 0.05). “StimFit” significantly reduced the FWHM of T2 distributions in the cortex and whole kidney.Data ConclusionStimulated‐echo correction reduces renal T2 variation across MR vendor platforms.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 1
Estimating the extent of selective reporting: An application to economics
Authors: Bruns Stephan B. , Deressa Teshome K. , Stanley T. D. , Doucouliagos Chris , Ioannidis John P. A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUsing a sample of 70,399 published p‐values from 192 meta‐analyses, we empirically estimate the counterfactual distribution of p‐values in the absence of any biases. Comparing observed p‐values with counterfactually expected p‐values allows us to estimate how many p‐values are published as being statistically significant when they should have been published as non‐significant. We estimate the extent of selectively reported p‐values to range between 57.7% and 71.9% of the significant p‐values. The counterfactual p‐value distribution also allows us to assess shifts of p‐values along the entire distribution of published p‐values, revealing that particularly very small p‐values (p < 0.001) are unexpectedly abundant in the published literature. Subsample analysis suggests that the extent of selective reporting is reduced in research fields that use experimental designs, analyze microeconomics research questions, and have at least some adequately powered studies.
An enhanced productivity of pink oyster mushroom with improved nutritional profile, characterization and attempt for commercial exploitation
Authors: Jayaseelan Priyadharshini , Rajan Aishwarya , Banerjee Rintu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAn attempt has been made to explore the nutritional profile of pink oyster mushrooms that have been grown in various agricultural residues, including sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, coconut coir and sawdust, along with other nutrient supplements such as defatted mustard and chickpea powder, for appropriate growth and fruiting body formation in a short span of time. The spawn production was experimented with five different grain varieties. The study became interesting when the observations differed slightly from the traditional practices, with the addition of defatted mustard supplements resulting in a positive correlation with respect to reducing the fruiting time, as well as improving yield and the nutritional profile of Pleurotus djamor.RESULTSAn elevated yield of 651.93 g kg−1 was recorded in the medium where the RS and DM were used in the ratio of 1:0.01 (rice straw +1% w/w defatted mustard) bag, whereas, in terms of protein content, a maximum yield of 32.57 ± 0.79 mg g−1 was observed when SB:DM was in the same ratio (sugarcane bagasse +1% w/w defatted mustard) bag.CONCLUSIONTo confer the best outcomes from the screened substrates, a series of experiments were performed by varying the concentration of RS and SB, with 1% w/w DM. It is worth noting that the highest protein content of 32.76 ± 0.38 mg g−1 was obtained along with the total yield of 702.56 ± 2.9 g kg−1 of mushroom when the ratio of RS:SB was 0.7:0.3. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cassava retting ability and textural attributes of fufu for demand‐driven cassava breeding
Authors: Chijioke Ugo , Abah Simon Peter , Achonwa Oluchi , Okoye Benjamin , Ayetigbo Oluwatoyin , Ejechi Mercy , Iro Ugochi Jane , Njoku Damian , Ogunka Nwamaka , Osodeke Sonia , Ogbete Chukwudi , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Madu Tessy , Ceballos Hernán , Dufour Dominique , Egesi Chiedozie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDCassava retting ability and the textural qualities of cooked fufu are important quality traits. Cassava retting is a complex process in which soaking causes tissue breakdown, starch release, and softening. The rate at which various traits linked to it evolve varies greatly during fufu processing. According to the literature, there is no standard approach for determining retting ability. The retting indices and textural properties of fufu were measured using both manual and instrumental approaches.RESULTSDifferent protocols were developed to classify 64 and 11 cassava genotypes into various groups based on retting ability and textural qualities, respectively. The retting protocols revealed considerable genetic dissimilarities in genotype classification: foaming ability and water clarity should be measured at 24 h, while penetrometer, hardness, turbidity, pH, and total titratable acidity data are best collected after 36 h. The stepwise regression model revealed that pH, foaming ability, and dry matter content are the best multivariates (with the highest R2) for predicting cassava retting. These predictors were used to develop an index for assessing the retting ability of cassava genotypes. The retting index developed showed a significant relationship with dry matter content and fufu yield. The study also showed significant correlations between instrumental cohesiveness and sensory smoothness (r = −0.75), moldability (r = −0.62), and stretchability (r = 0.78). Instrumental cohesiveness can correctly estimate fufu smoothness (R2 = 0.56, P = 0.008) and stretchability (R2 = 0.60, P = 0.005).CONCLUSIONpH, foaming ability, and dry matter content are the best traits for predicting cassava retting ability, while instrumental cohesiveness can effectively estimate fufu smoothness and stretchability. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The Role of Steroids in the Preservation of Hearing and Vestibular Function in Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Pimentel de Morais Catarina , Branco Pedro , Pereira André , Castelhano Luís , Donato Mariana , Correia Filipe , O'Neill Assunção , Santos Ricardo , Escada Pedro 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveCochlear implant surgery is guided by principles of atraumatic insertion as to protect the inner ear. Previous studies suggest the potential benefit of steroids in patients undergoing cochlear implantation (CI), although the optimal route of administration has yet to be determined. We aim to systematically review the human studies of hearing and vestibular function preservation in patients undergoing CI receiving perioperative steroids and to discuss their role.Data SourcesSearch performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases in December 2023.Review MethodsStudies comparing several methods of steroid delivery and conventional management for patients undergoing CI were identified. Primary outcomes included hearing and vestibular function preservation. Secondary outcomes included reported adverse events, routes of steroid administration, and the presence of a control group without steroid administration.ResultsA total of 15 studies (N = 659) met inclusion criteria. Methodology, doses, route of steroid administration, and follow‐up duration differed between most studies. Audiometric, vestibular, and hearing preservation (HP) results were inconsistent. In 12 studies, perioperative steroids were associated with either increased HP or vestibular function preservation. Only two studies reported adverse events related to oral corticosteroid therapy.ConclusionsThere is a tendency for perioperative steroids to have a positive impact, at least in the short term, on hearing and vestibular function preservation in CI. Topical corticosteroid therapy appears to have a superior risk–benefit profile. There is a need for future carefully designed randomized controlled trials to determine the ideal route of steroid administration and its real impact in the long term. Laryngoscope, 134:3458–3465, 2024
Properties of humin isolated from Polish arable soils: The most recalcitrant fraction of soil organic matter that prevent soil degradation
Authors: Weber Jerzy , Jerzykiewicz Maria , Ukalska‐Jaruga Aleksandra , Ćwieląg‐Piasecka Irmina , Jamroz Elżbieta , Kocowicz Andrzej , Debicka Magdalena , Bekier Jakub , Mielnik Lilla , Bejger Romualda , Grabusiewicz Agnieszka 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe purpose of the research was to determine the molecular properties of humin (HUM) determined by elemental composition, as well as spectroscopic 13C Magic Angle Splitting Cross Polarisation Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C MAS CP NMR), Fourier transformed infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance and scanning electron microscope energy‐dispersive x‐ray (SEM–EDX) techniques. Soil samples were isolated from the mollic horizon of Phaeozem and Chernozem arable soils derived from different parent materials in Poland. The HUM was isolated as the fraction that was remined after exhaustive extraction of the humic and fulvic acids by NaOH and was followed by removal of the mineral fraction with HF/HCl treatment. The results obtained indicated that the HUM structures isolated by the adopted method are a chemically heterogeneous conglomerate, composed of a complex of many strongly combined units of organic substances. This fraction indicated a highly condensed structure with a predominance of aromatic components (predominating over chain forms ranging from 7.05% to 10.32%) and hydrophobic reactive moieties. The share of hydrophobic forms ranges from 77.41% to 80.83%. The ash content, ranging from 22.89% to 54.50%, as well as SEM–EDX used indicated that the HUM isolated with the adopted procedure is strongly associated with the mineral components of the soil. The aromatic part of HUM is strongly associated with the mineral components of the soil, what provides their stability in the environment. These observations confirm the high resistance of HUM to decomposition and indicate the great importance of this fraction in carbon sequestration and preventing soil degradation.
The publication facts label: A public and professional guide for research articles
Authors: Willinsky John , Pimentel Daniel 
Published: February 2024

Key points
The expansion of open access entails a responsibility for supporting this public access with a guide to why, in an ‘Age of Misinformation’, research may be trustworthy.
Such a guide can also provide a check on predatory journals, a fear of which may be unduly limiting researchers tapping into the expanding global scale of research activity.
Journal publishing platforms offer opportunities for automating the gathering and presenting of relevant data for assessing journal adherence to scholarly standards.
Industry organizations, such as ORCID, Crossref, and DOAJ, offer trust and verification networks that can be employed to further strengthen scholarly publishing integrity.
Mapping Subcortico‐Cortical Coupling—A Comparison of Thalamic and Subthalamic Oscillations
Authors: Steina Alexandra , Sure Sarah , Butz Markus , Vesper Jan , Schnitzler Alfons , Hirschmann Jan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) is an effective target for deep brain stimulation in tremor patients. Despite its therapeutic importance, its oscillatory coupling to cortical areas has rarely been investigated in humans.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to identify the cortical areas coupled to the VIM in patients with essential tremor.MethodsWe combined resting‐state magnetoencephalography with local field potential recordings from the VIM of 19 essential tremor patients. Whole‐brain maps of VIM–cortex coherence in several frequency bands were constructed using beamforming and compared with corresponding maps of subthalamic nucleus (STN) coherence based on data from 19 patients with Parkinson's disease. In addition, we computed spectral Granger causality.ResultsThe topographies of VIM–cortex and STN–cortex coherence were very similar overall but differed quantitatively. Both nuclei were coupled to the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex in the high‐beta band; to the sensorimotor cortex, brainstem, and cerebellum in the low‐beta band; and to the temporal cortex, brainstem, and cerebellum in the alpha band. High‐beta coherence to sensorimotor cortex was stronger for the STN (P = 0.014), whereas low‐beta coherence to the brainstem was stronger for the VIM (P = 0.017). Although the STN was driven by cortical activity in the high‐beta band, the VIM led the sensorimotor cortex in the alpha band.ConclusionsThalamo‐cortical coupling is spatially and spectrally organized. The overall similar topographies of VIM–cortex and STN–cortex coherence suggest that functional connections are not necessarily unique to one subcortical structure but might reflect larger frequency‐specific networks involving VIM and STN to a different degree. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Molecular mechanism of emodin in inhibiting the activity of Aeromonas hydrophila via AtpE
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Zhou Jun , Li Xuguang , Deng Yanfei , Ge Xianping , Liu Bo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Aeromonas hydrophila, a leading pathogen of aquatic organisms, poses a significant challenge in terms of effective and safe inhibition.

Methods
Through the method of experiments and molecular simulations, we discovered that emodin effectively inhibits the A. hydrophila via the binding of emodin with AtpE (ATP synthase subunit C). Bacterial inhibition experiments show that emodin effectively inhibits the activity and growth of A. hydrophila.

Result
Further molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation revealed that emodin binds directly to AtpE. More specifically, it binds to certain residues of AtpE, including TYR73, LEU70, ALA13, TYR10, MET17, and ALA14, ultimately leading to inhibition of activity.

Conclusion
Consequently, our discovery sheds new light on exploring the molecular mechanism through which emodin displays antimicrobial activity against A. hydrophila.