bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The best defense is a good offense: Anti‐predator behavior of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) against conger eel attacks
Authors: Salvador Beatriz , Cabanellas‐Reboredo Miguel , Garci Manuel E. , González Ángel F. , Hernández‐Urcera Jorge 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe present the description of defensive behavior in wild Octopus vulgaris against conger eel (Conger conger) attacks based on three video sequences recorded by recreational SCUBA divers in the eastern Atlantic off the coast of Galicia (NW Spain) and in the Cantabrian Sea (NW Spain). These records document common traits in defensive behavior: (1) the octopuses enveloped the conger eel's head to obscure its view; (2) they covered the eel's gills in an attempt to suffocate it; (3) they released ink; (4) the octopuses lost some appendages because of the fight. In the third video, the octopus did not exhibit the defensive behavior described in the first two videos due to an inability to utilize its arms in defense, and the conger eel's success in capturing octopuses is discussed. Additionally, both the cost that the octopus could face by losing some arms during the fight and whether the experience it acquires can be an advantage for future encounters are analyzed. The defensive behavior exhibited by octopuses in this study highlights their ability to survive in a hostile environment and serves as an example of the extensive repertoire of anti‐predator strategies employed by these cephalopods.
Peganum harmala L. extract‐based Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs): Green synthesis, characterization, and assessment of antibacterial and antifungal properties
Authors: Ullah Izaz , Rauf Abdur , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Luqman Muhammad , Islam Md. Rezaul , Hemeg Hassan A. , Ahmad Zubair , Al‐Awthan Yahya S. , Bahattab Omar , Quradha Mohammed Mansour 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDuring the last decade, nanotechnology has attained a significant place among the scientific community for the biosynthesis of plant‐based nanoparticles owing to its effective, safe, and eco‐friendly nature. Hence, keeping in view the significance of nanotechnology, the current study was conducted to develop, characterize (UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy), and assess the antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) properties of Peganum harmala L. Extract‐based Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). Characteristic absorption peaks at 420 and 540 nm revealed the formation of AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. SEM images revealed that both silver and gold nanoparticles were oval and spherical with average size ranging from 42 to 72 and 12.6 to 35.7 nm, respectively. Similarly, FT‐IR spectra revealed that the functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and polyphenolic groups of biomolecules present in the extract are possibly responsible for reducing metallic ions and the formation of nanoparticles. Likewise, the EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver and gold in synthesized NPs. Furthermore, the AgNPs and AuNPs showed good antibacterial and antifungal activities. The maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity was noticed for P. harmala extract against Pseudomonas aeroginosa (21 mm) and Candida albicon (18 mm), respectively. Whereas, the maximum antibacterial and antifungal activities of synthesized AgNPs were observed against Salmonella typhi (25 mm) and Penicillium notatum (36 mm), respectively. Moreover, in the case of AuNPs, the highest antibacterial and antifungal activity of synthesized AuNPs was noticed against Escherichia coli (25 mm) and C. albicon (31 mm), respectively. Findings of this study revealed that P. harmala extract and biosynthesized NPs (silver and gold) possessed significant antibacterial and antifungal properties against different bacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, P. aeroginosa, and S. typhi) and fungal (C. albicans, Aspergillus Niger, and P. notatum) strains. Further studies must be carried out to assess the probable mechanism of action associated with these antimicrobial properties.
Molecular Characterization of α‐ and β‐Thalassemia Among Children Less Than 18 Years Old in Guizhou, China
Authors: Li Yan , Jin Jiao , Tuo Yuanyuan , Huang Pei , Huang Jing , Yang Honglan , He Zhixu 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThalassemia is an inherited hemolytic disease, the complications and sequelae of which have posed a huge impact on both patients and society. But limited studies have investigated the molecular characterization of α‐ and β‐thalassemia in children from Guizhou, China.MethodsBetween January 2019 and December 2022, a total of 3301 children, aged 6 months to 18 years, suspected of having thalassemia underwent molecular analysis.ResultsOut of the total sample, 824 (25%) children were found to carry thalassemia mutations. The carrier rates of α‐thalassemia, β‐thalassemia, and α + β‐thalassemia were determined as 8.1%, 15.6%, and 1.3%, respectively. Approximately 96.5% of the α‐thalassemia gene mutations were ‐‐SEA (51%), ααCS (20.9%), ‐α3.7 (19.6%), and ‐α4.2 (5.0%). The most prevalent mutations of β‐thalassemia were βCD17(A>T) (41.5%), βCD41‐42(‐TTCT) (37.7%), and βIVS‐II‐654(C>T) (11.3%). Additionally, we identified rare cases, including one case with ααHb Nunobiki/αα, two cases with triplicated α‐thalassemia (one case with ααα/ααα and βCD41‐42/βN and the other with ααα‐3.7/αα and βE CD26/βN), and also one case with α Q‐Thailandα/‐α4.2 and βCD41‐42/βN.ConclusionsOur study findings provide important insights into the heterogeneity of thalassemia carrier rates and molecular profiles among children in the Guizhou region. The findings support the development of prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of severe thalassemia in the future.
Evaluation of Automated Magnetic Bead–Based DNA Extraction for Detection of Short Tandem Repeat Expansions With Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Faust Helene , Duffek Patricia , Hentschel Julia , Popp Denny 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLong‐read technologies such as nanopore sequencing provide new opportunities to detect short tandem repeat expansions. Therefore, a DNA extraction method is necessary that minimizes DNA fragmentation and hence allows the identification of large repeat expansions. In this study, an automated magnetic bead–based DNA extraction method and the required EDTA blood storage conditions as well as DNA and sequencing quality were evaluated for their suitability for repeat expansion detection with nanopore sequencing.MethodsDNA was extracted from EDTA blood, and subsequently, its concentration, purity, and integrity were assessed. DNA was then subjected to nanopore sequencing, and quality metrics of the obtained sequencing data were evaluated.ResultsDNA extracted from fresh EDTA blood as well as from cooled or frozen EDTA blood revealed high DNA integrity whereas storage at room temperature over 7 days had detrimental effects. After nanopore sequencing, the read length N50 values of approximately 9 kb were obtained, and based on adaptive sampling of samples with a known repeat expansion, repeat expansions up to 10 kb could be detected.ConclusionThe automated magnetic bead–based DNA extraction was sufficient to detect short tandem repeat expansions, omitting the need for high‐molecular‐weight DNA extraction methods. Therefore, DNA should be extracted either from fresh blood or from blood stored in cooled or frozen conditions. Consequently, this study may help other laboratories to evaluate their DNA extraction method regarding the suitability for detecting repeat expansions with nanopore sequencing.
Family health beliefs and cascade genetic testing in Asian families with hereditary cancer risk: “Okay, now what?”
Authors: Tran Leena , Young Jennifer L. , Barton Claire M. , Hodan Rachel , Hanson‐Kahn Andrea , Chun Nicolette 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe limited literature on Asian family communication of hereditary cancer risk and cascade genetic testing for pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA1 and BRCA2 has reported that Asian patients have selective communication of test results and lower cascade testing rates. To better understand the factors that impact communication and cascade testing in Asian families, we conducted an in‐depth qualitative study guided by the Health Belief Model. Participants with heterozygous PVs in ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, or PALB2, who identified their family's origins to an Asian country, were recruited from the Stanford Cancer Genetics Research Database in October–November 2021. Utilizing a constructivist approach, we conducted sixteen semi‐structured interviews around family communication and cascade genetic testing. The research team analyzed the transcript data using a reflexive thematic approach. Extensive discussions between the research team resulted in three primary themes presented in this paper: (1) the role of family health beliefs in cascade genetic testing, (2) changes in communication as a result of genetic testing, and (3) genetics providers' role in supporting family discussions on cascade genetic testing. Certain health beliefs, such as perceived susceptibility to cancer and self‐efficacy to take action, were co‐created by family members and these shared beliefs influenced decisions about genetic testing, family communication, and family support during the cascade genetic testing process. Participants shared strategies for how genetics providers can prepare Asian patients for more effective conversations with relatives and better address potential testing barriers by tailoring information and providing anticipatory guidance. This study represents an important contribution to the literature about cascade testing among an underrepresented group. Shared family health beliefs about genetic testing may be particularly relevant for this community and these findings can inform strategies to increase cascade genetic testing in Asian families.
Graft‐versus‐host disease after autologous stem cell transplantation in a recipient who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation 20 years earlier
Authors: Imataki Osamu , Yoshida Shunsuke , Ishida Tomoya , Fujita Haruyuki , Uemura Makiko 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA literature review does not provide information about the safety of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in a recipient who has previously received allogeneic HSCT. We treated a 69‐year‐old woman with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The patient received autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the second complete remission of malignant lymphoma. The patient had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (allo‐HSCT) for chronic myeloid leukemia 20 years ago. Chronic myeloid leukemia had been in complete remission for the previous 20 years. Thus, the patient received autologous and allogenic HSCT 20 years apart. ASCT involves the patient receiving “self” hematopoietic cells from an allogeneic donor. In other words, this is immunologically the second allo‐HSCT. The allo‐HSCT 20 years ago was undergone by a related healthy brother, a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) 8/8 full matched donor. The conditioning regimen was reduced‐intensity consisting of fludarabine and busulfan. The patient did not experience acute or chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) after allo‐HSCT. The second transplantation, ASCT was performed to the MEAM conditioning regimen. Engraftment was uneventful, and complete donor chimerism had been achieved even after ASCT. She suffered from an acute gastric mucosal lesion 52 days after ASCT. Pathological finding of gastric mucosa was nonspecific acute gastritis with significant neutrophil infiltration. Sex chromosome analysis of gastric mucosa demonstrated that mucosal cells had XX signals, whereas infiltrating neutrophils had XY signals. We speculated the patient onset of an acute gastric GVHD in this recipient after the second transplantation. This case remarked infiltration of neutrophils triggered GVHD reaction by resetting allogeneic immune reaction after the second transplantation. We describe a rare occurrence of GVHD reaction in a recipient of ASCT following allo‐HSCT.
State of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the wildlife management profession
Authors: Werdel Ty J. , Matarrita‐Cascante David , Lucero Jacob E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTraditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), described as the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the ecosystem, has always been part of Indigenous communities and their daily lives; however, TEK has progressively been incorporated into the academic and professional field of North American wildlife management and ecology despite its historical domination by Western scientific attitudes, knowledge, and methods. The objective of this note is to provide an overview of such progression from the standpoint of the first author, an Indigenous professional trained in a Western scientific paradigm. More specifically, the paper categorizes the history and the current state of TEK in the wildlife management profession while providing insights for the future of the field.
Spin‐Selective Trifunctional Metasurfaces for Deforming Versatile Nondiffractive Beams along the Optical Trajectory
Authors: Li Tianyue , Chen Yun , Fu Boyan , Liu Mengjiao , Wang Jinwen , Gao Hong , Wang Shuming , Zhu Shining 
Published: March 2024

AbstractExploring and taming the diffraction phenomena and divergence of light are foundational to enhancing comprehension of nature and developing photonic technologies. Despite the numerous types of nondiffraction beam generation technologies, the 3D deformation and intricate wavefront shaping of structures during propagation have yet to be studied through the lens of nanophotonic devices. Herein, the dynamic conversion of a circular Airy beam (CAB) to a Bessel beam with a single‐layer spin‐selective metasurface is demonstrated. This spatial transformation arises from the interplay of 1D local and 2D global phases, facilitating the 3D control of non‐diffractive light fields. An additional overall phase gradient and orbital angular momentum are introduced, which effectively altering the propagation direction and transverse fields of complex amplitude beams along the optical path. The manifested samples exhibit superior defect resistance, laying a crucial application in micro/nanolithography technologies. This approach expands the in‐plane spin‐selective mechanism and leverages the out‐of‐plane propagation dimension, allowing for integrated high‐resolution imaging, on‐chip optical micromanipulation, and micro/nanofabrication within a versatile nanophotonic platform.
Dietary therapies for adult and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Deas Jessica , Shah Neha D. , Konijeti Gauree G. , Lundin Abigail , Lanser Olivia , Magavi Pooja , Ali Sabina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDiet is an environmental exposure implicated in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Dietary therapy is also a tool for management of these conditions. Nutrition therapy for IBD has been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation, promote healing, and alleviate symptoms, as well as improve patients' nutrition status. Although the mechanisms of action of most nutrition therapies for IBD are not well understood, the diets are theorized to eliminate triggers for gut dysbiosis and mucosal immune dysfunction associated with the typical Western diet. Exclusive enteral nutrition and the Crohn's disease exclusion diet are increasingly being used as the primary treatment modality for the induction of remission and/or maintenance therapy in children, and in some adults, with CD. Several other diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, anti‐inflammatory diet for IBD, and diets excluding gluten, FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), lactose, or other compounds, may be helpful in symptom management in both CD and UC, though evidence for biochemical efficacy is limited. In this review, we discuss the role of diet components in IBD pathogenesis and examine diets currently used in the management of children and adults with IBD. We also address practical, psychosocial, and cultural considerations for dietary therapy across diverse populations.
Ultrasonication‐assisted alkali treatment of hemp fibers to improve the fiber/matrix interface of hemp/epoxy composites: The influence of sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant
Authors: Karaduman Yekta , Secinti‐Klopf Hatice , Sahbaz Karaduman Nesrin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlkali pretreatment of fibers is an efficient technique to enhance fiber/matrix bonding in natural fiber composites. This study investigates if the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant increases the efficacy of alkali treatment of hemp fibers. SDS concentrations ranging between 2 and 10% wt/wt were used with a constant (10% wt/wt) NaOH concentration. Fiber surfaces were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fiber surfaces were cleaner when SDS was used compared with alkali treatment with no SDS added indicating the elimination of substances such as lignin, waxes, hemicelluloses, and pectin. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and TGA studies also confirmed the removal of these substituents. Mechanical performance of the composites was evaluated via static and dynamic tests. The tensile strength and modulus improved 24.9% and 13.6% respectively with the addition of 10 wt% SDS. The flexural strength and modulus also showed an improvement of 22.4% and 26.3% respectively when 10 wt% SDS was added to alkali solution. Dynamic mechanical tests showed that the storage and loss modulus of the composites increase with SDS/alkali treatment. Results indicated that the use of SDS in alkali treatment notably improves the composite performance which is attributable to more efficient elimination of noncellulosic constituents from fiber structure.Highlights
Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) improves the efficacy of NaOH treatment of hemp.
Removal of noncellulosic substances from fibers was facilitated by SDS.
Ultrasound/SDS assisted alkalization of fibers improved composite properties.
Modulation of TNF‐α, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐10 by nebivolol–valsartan and nebivolol–lisinopril polytherapy in SHR rats
Authors: Diego Lezama‐Martinez , Jazmin Flores‐Monroy , Diana Ramirez‐Hernandez , German‐Isauro Garrido‐Farina , Salvador Fonseca‐Coronado , Maria‐Elena Hernandez‐Campos 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAntihypertensive drug therapies have demonstrated their capacity to modulate the inflammatory processes associated with hypertension, leading to improvements in disease progression. Given the prevalent use of polytherapy in treating most hypertensive patients, comprehending the time‐dependent effects of combination treatments on inflammation becomes imperative. In this study, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into seven groups (n = 6): (i) SHR + vehicle, (ii) SHR + nebivolol, (iii) SHR + valsartan, (iv) SHR + lisinopril, (v) SHR + nebivolol–valsartan, (vi) SHR + nebivolol–lisinopril, and (vii) WKY + vehicle. Blood pressure was measured using the tail‐cuff method. Temporal alterations in inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐10 were assessed in serum through ELISA and mRNA expression in aortic tissue via qPCR after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of treatment with nebivolol, lisinopril, valsartan, and their respective combinations. Histological alterations in the aorta were assessed. The findings indicated that combined treatments reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in SHR. The nebivolol and lisinopril combination demonstrated a significant decrease in IL‐6 serum and mRNA expression at both 1 week and 4 weeks into the treatment. Additionally, TNF‐α mRNA expression also showed a reduction with this combination at the same time points. Particularly, nebivolol–valsartan significantly decreased TNF‐α serum and mRNA expression after one and four weeks of treatment. Furthermore, an elevation in serum IL‐10 levels was observed with both combination treatments starting from the second week onwards. This study provides compelling evidence that concurrent administration of nebivolol with lisinopril or valsartan exerts time‐dependent effects, reducing proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6 while modifying IL‐10 levels in an experimental hypertensive model.
Relish involved in immunity and larval survival in the willow leaf beetle Plagiodera versicolora
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Long , Zhang Qi , Wang Xin , Liu Yi‐Peng , Ze Long‐Ji , Zhang Hai‐Nan , Lu Min 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDInsects mainly rely on innate immunity against pathogen infection. Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a worldwide leaf‐eating forest pest in salicaceous trees. However, the mechanisms behind the immunodeficiency pathway (IMD) remain poorly understood.RESULTSIn this study, we obtained a Relish gene from transcriptome analysis. Tissue and instar expression profiles were subsequently obtained using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results showed that Relish has high expression levels in eggs, larvae and adults, and especially in fat bodies. Transcripts of the tested antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), defensin1, defensin2 and attacin2 were downregulated by dsRelish. Knockdown of Relish led to greater mortality in larvae after Staphylococcus aureus infection. In addition, we performed bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA‐based high‐throughput sequencing. The results showed that the relative abundance of some gut bacteria was significantly altered after dsRelish ingestion.CONCLUSIONThis study provides a greater understanding of the IMD signaling pathway, facilitating functional studies of Relish in P. versicolora. Moreover, a genetic pest management technique might be developed using Relish as a lethal gene to control the pest P. versicolora. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
An effective segmentation and attention‐based reptile residual capsule auto encoder for pest classification
Authors: Biradar Nagaveni , Hosalli Girisha 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPURPOSEInsect pests are a major global factor affecting agricultural crop productivity and quality. Rapid and precise insect pest detection is crucial for improving handling and prediction techniques. There are several methods for pest detection and classification tasks; still, the inaccurate detection, computation complexity and several other challenges affect the performance of the model.DESIGNThus, this research presents a Deep Learning (DL) approach that has led to significant advancements and is currently being applied successfully in many domains, such as autonomous insect pest detection. Initially, the input images are gathered from the test dataset. The next step in pre‐processing the input images is to improve the model capacity by removing unwanted data using the Enhanced Kuan filter method. Then, the pre‐processed images are segmented using the Attention‐based U‐Net method.ORIGINALITYFinally, a novel Attention Based Reptile Residual Capsule Auto Encoder (ARRCAE) technique is proposed to classify and recognize crop pests. Furthermore, the Improved Reptile Search Optimisation (IRSO) algorithm is employed to fine‐tune the classification parameters optimally. As a result, the proposed study enhances performance by classifying crop pest detection systems. The suggested method makes use of a Python tool for simulation, and pest datasets are utilized for result analysis.FINDINGSThe suggested model beats other current models with an accuracy of 98%, precision of 97%, recall of 96%, and specificity of 99% for the pest dataset, per the simulation results that were obtained. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.