bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global latitudinal gradients and the evolution of body size in dinosaurs and mammals
Authors: Wilson Lauren N. , Gardner Jacob D. , Wilson John P. , Farnsworth Alex , Perry Zackary R. , Druckenmiller Patrick S. , Erickson Gregory M. , Organ Chris L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGlobal climate patterns fundamentally shape the distribution of species and ecosystems. For example, Bergmann’s rule predicts that homeothermic animals, including birds and mammals, inhabiting cooler climates are generally larger than close relatives from warmer climates. The modern world, however, lacks the comparative data needed to evaluate such macroecological rules rigorously. Here, we test for Bergmann’s rule in Mesozoic dinosaurs and mammaliaforms that radiated within relatively temperate global climate regimes. We develop a phylogenetic model that accounts for biases in the fossil record and allows for variable evolutionary dispersal rates. Our analysis also includes new fossil data from the extreme high-latitude Late Cretaceous Arctic Prince Creek Formation. We find no evidence for Bergmann’s rule in Mesozoic dinosaurs or mammaliaforms, the ancestors of extant homeothermic birds and mammals. When our model is applied to thousands of extant dinosaur (bird) and mammal species, we find that body size evolution remains independent of latitude. A modest temperature effect is found in extant, but not in Mesozoic, birds, suggesting that body size evolution in modern birds was influenced by Bergmann’s rule during Cenozoic climatic change. Our study provides a general approach for studying macroecological rules, highlighting the fossil record’s power to address longstanding ecological principles.
Rewritable printing of ionic liquid nanofilm utilizing focused ion beam induced film wetting
Authors: Gu Haohao , Meng Kaixin , Yuan Ruowei , Xiao Siyang , Shan Yuying , Zhu Rui , Deng Yajun , Luo Xiaojin , Li Ruijie , Liu Lei , Chen Xu , Shi Yuping , Wang Xiaodong , Duan Chuanhua , Wang Hao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractManipulating liquid flow over open solid substrate at nanoscale is important for printing, sensing, and energy devices. The predominant methods of liquid maneuvering usually involve complicated surface fabrications, while recent attempts employing external stimuli face difficulties in attaining nanoscale flow control. Here we report a largely unexplored ion beam induced film wetting (IBFW) technology for open surface nanofluidics. Local electrostatic forces, which are generated by the unique charging effect of Helium focused ion beam (HFIB), induce precursor film of ionic liquid and the disjoining pressure propels and stabilizes the nanofilm with desired patterns. The IBFW technique eliminates the complicated surface fabrication procedures to achieve nanoscale flow in a controllable and rewritable manner. By combining with electrochemical deposition, various solid materials with desired patterns can be produced.
Bioelectric stimulation controls tissue shape and size
Authors: Shim Gawoon , Breinyn Isaac B. , Martínez-Calvo Alejandro , Rao Sameeksha , Cohen Daniel J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEpithelial tissues sheath organs and electro-mechanically regulate ion and water transport to regulate development, homeostasis, and hydrostatic organ pressure. Here, we demonstrate how external electrical stimulation allows us to control these processes in living tissues. Specifically, we electrically stimulate hollow, 3D kidneyoids and gut organoids and find that physiological-strength electrical stimulation of ∼ 5 - 10 V/cm powerfully inflates hollow tissues; a process we call electro-inflation. Electro-inflation is mediated by increased ion flux through ion channels/transporters and triggers subsequent osmotic water flow into the lumen, generating hydrostatic pressure that competes against cytoskeletal tension. Our computational studies suggest that electro-inflation is strongly driven by field-induced ion crowding on the outer surface of the tissue. Electrically stimulated tissues also break symmetry in 3D resulting from electrotaxis and affecting tissue shape. The ability of electrical cues to regulate tissue size and shape emphasizes the role and importance of the electrical micro-environment for living tissues.
The recent rapid expansion of multidrug resistant Ural lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Moldova
Authors: Chitwood Melanie H. , Colijn Caroline , Yang Chongguang , Crudu Valeriu , Ciobanu Nelly , Codreanu Alexandru , Kim Jaehee , Rancu Isabel , Rhee Kyu , Cohen Ted , Sobkowiak Benjamin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe projected trajectory of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) epidemics depends on the reproductive fitness of circulating strains of MDR M. tuberculosis (Mtb). Previous efforts to characterize the fitness of MDR Mtb have found that Mtb strains of the Beijing sublineage (Lineage 2.2.1) may be more prone to develop resistance and retain fitness in the presence of resistance-conferring mutations than other lineages. Using Mtb genome sequences from all culture-positive cases collected over two years in Moldova, we estimate the fitness of Ural (Lineage 4.2) and Beijing strains, the two lineages in which MDR is concentrated in the country. We estimate that the fitness of MDR Ural strains substantially exceeds that of other susceptible and MDR strains, and we identify several mutations specific to these MDR Ural strains. Our findings suggest that MDR Ural Mtb has been transmitting efficiently in Moldova and poses a substantial risk of spreading further in the region.
Compact meta-differentiator for achieving isotropically high-contrast ultrasonic imaging
Authors: Jia Yurou , Zhang Suying , Zhang Xuan , Long Houyou , Xu Caibin , Bai Yechao , Cheng Ying , Wu Dajian , Deng Mingxi , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Liu Xiaojun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUltrasonic imaging is crucial in the fields of biomedical engineering for its deep penetration capabilities and non-ionizing nature. However, traditional techniques heavily rely on impedance differences within objects, resulting in poor contrast when imaging acoustically transparent targets. Here, we propose a compact spatial differentiator for underwater isotropic edge-enhanced imaging, which enhances the imaging contrast without the need for contrast agents or external physical fields. This design incorporates an amplitude meta-grating for linear transmission along the radial direction, combined with a phase meta-grating that utilizes focus and spiral phases with a first-order topological charge. Through theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental validation, we substantiate the effectiveness of our technique in distinguishing amplitude objects with isotropic edge enhancements. Importantly, this method also enables the accurate detection of both phase objects and artificial biological models. This breakthrough creates new opportunities for applications in medical diagnosis and nondestructive testing.
COVID-19 vaccination induces distinct T-cell responses in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients and immunocompetent children
Authors: Roznik Katerina , Xue Jiashu , Stavrakis Georgia , Johnston T. Scott , Kalluri Divya , Ohsie Rivka , Qin Caroline X. , McAteer John , Segev Dorry L. , Mogul Douglas , Werbel William A. , Karaba Andrew H. , Thompson Elizabeth A. , Cox Andrea L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImmune responses to COVID-19 vaccination are attenuated in adult solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) and additional vaccine doses are recommended for this population. However, whether COVID-19 mRNA vaccine responses are limited in pediatric SOTRs (pSOTRs) compared to immunocompetent children is unknown. Due to SARS-CoV-2 evolution and mutations that evade neutralizing antibodies, T cells may provide important defense in SOTRs who mount poor humoral responses. Therefore, we assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers, surrogate neutralization, and spike (S)-specific T-cell responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in pSOTRs and their healthy siblings (pHCs) before and after the bivalent vaccine dose. Despite immunosuppression, pSOTRs demonstrated humoral responses to both ancestral strain and Omicron subvariants following the primary ancestral strain monovalent mRNA COVID-19 series and multiple booster doses. These responses were not significantly different from those observed in pHCs and significantly higher six months after vaccination than responses in adult SOTRs two weeks post-vaccination. However, pSOTRs mounted limited S-specific CD8+ T-cell responses and qualitatively distinct CD4+ T-cell responses, primarily producing IL-2 and TNF with less IFN-γ production compared to pHCs. Bivalent vaccination enhanced humoral responses in some pSOTRs but did not shift the CD4+ T-cell responses toward increased IFN-γ production. Our findings indicate that S-specific CD4+ T cells in pSOTRs have distinct qualities with unknown protective capacity, yet vaccination produces cross-reactive antibodies not significantly different from responses in pHCs. Given altered T-cell responses, additional vaccine doses in pSOTRs to maintain high titer cross-reactive antibodies may be important in ensuring protection against SARS-CoV-2.
The strategy of three-dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks to exclude dye contaminants in aqueous solutions
Authors: Ghahari Afsaneh , Farzad Farzaneh , Azadnejad Reza 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe development of effective solid adsorbents is necessary to remove organic pollutants from wastewater in response to the global water crisis. The present study investigates the adsorption behavior of dye pollutants on a 1, 3, 6, 8-tetrakis (4formylphenyl) pyrene (TFPPy) for the self-assembly of an innovative three-dimensional (3D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Molecular dynamics (MD) and the well-tempered metadynamics simulation were used to evaluate the ability of COFs to adsorb seven types of dye pollutants (DPs). These include methyl orange (MO), gentian violet (GV), brilliant green (BG), tolonium chloride (TC), methylene blue (MB), anionic congo red (CR), and rhodamine B (Rh B). To examine this process, several descriptors are calculated from the simulation trajectories, including interaction energies, root-mean-square deviation, radial distribution function, solvent-accessible surface area, mean square displacement, and the number of hydrogen bonds to figure out the process. After analyzing the data, it was found that the MO/COFs system displayed exceptional stability. It was confirmed by a significant value of −448.54 KJmol−1 for total interaction energy. The density profile of dye molecules in the MO and Rh B-COFs systems exhibits the highest peaks at approximately 325.79, and 26.75 kg/m³, respectively. The free energy values for the DPs/COFs complexes at their global minima reached about, −512.127, −435.603, −381.244, −300.313, and −283.230 kJmol-1 for MO/GV/BG/TC/ and Rh B with the COFs, respectively. The nature of the design of TFFPy-COF’s unique, ultrafast kinetics, high adsorption capacity, and good reusability endow them with great potential for removing dyes in an aqueous environment.
The chromosomal-scale genome sequencing and assembly of Athetis lepigone
Authors: Yesaya Alexander , Zhang Lei , Wu Chao , Fu Yiheng , Zhang Ji , An Jingjie , Xiao Yutao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAthetis lepigone is an emerging highly polyphagous insect pest reported to cause crop damage in several European and Asian countries. However, our understanding of its genetic adaptation mechanisms has been limited due to lack of high-quality genetic resources. In this study, we present a chromosomal-level genome of A. lepigone, representing the first species in the genus of Athetis. We employed PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C technologies to generate 612.49 Mb genome assembly which contains 42.43% repeat sequences with a scaffold N50 of 20.9 Mb. The contigs were successfully clustered into 31 chromosomal-size scaffolds with 37% GC content. BUSCO assessment revealed a genome completeness of 97.4% with 96.3 identified as core Arthropoda single copy orthologs. Among the 17,322 genes that were predicted, 15,965 genes were functionally annotated, representing a coverage of 92.17%. Furthermore, we revealed 106 P450, 37 GST, 27 UGT, and 74 COE gene families in the genome of A. lepigone. This genome provides a significant and invaluable genomic resource for further research across the entire genus of Athetis.
The influence of Gleason score ≤ 6 histology on the outcome of high-risk localized prostate cancer after modern radiotherapy
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Suzuki Gen , Masui Koji , Aibe Norihiro , Kimoto Takuya , Yamada Kei , Okihara Koji , Hongo Fumiya , Okumi Masayoshi , Shiraishi Takumi , Fujihara Atsuko , Yoshida Ken , Nakamura Satoaki , Kato Takashi , Hashimoto Yasutoshi , Okabe Haruumi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe aimed to retrospectively review outcomes in patients with high-risk prostate cancer and a Gleason score ≤ 6 following modern radiotherapy. We analyzed the outcomes of 1374 patients who had undergone modern radiotherapy, comprising a high-risk low grade [HRLG] group (Gleason score ≤ 6; n = 94) and a high-risk high grade [HRHG] group (Gleason score ≥ 7, n = 1125). We included 955 patients who received brachytherapy with or without external beam radio-therapy (EBRT) and 264 who received modern EBRT (intensity-modulated radiotherapy [IMRT] or stereotactic body radiotherapy [SBRT]). At a median follow-up of 60 (2–177) months, actuarial 5-year biochemical failure-free survival rates were 97.8 and 91.8% (p = 0.017), respectively. The frequency of clinical failure in the HRLG group was less than that in the HRHG group (0% vs 5.4%, p = 0.012). The HRLG group had a better 5-year distant metastasis-free survival than the HRHG group (100% vs 96.0%, p = 0.035). As the HRLG group exhibited no clinical failure and better outcomes than the HRHG group, the HRLG group might potentially be classified as a lower-risk group.
The role of genetic polymorphisms in the sulfation of pregnenolone by human cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT2B1a
Authors: Alatwi Eid , Bairam Ahsan F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPregnenolone is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of many steroid hormones and neuroprotective steroids. Sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1 (SULT2B1a) has been reported to be highly selective to sulfate pregnenolone. This study aimed to clarify the effect of missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human SULT2B1 gene on the sulfating activity of coded SULT2B1a allozymes toward Pregnenolone. To investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the SULT2B1 gene on the sulfation of pregnenolone by SULT2B1a allozymes, 13 recombinant SULT2B1a allozymes were generated, expressed, and purified using established procedures. Human SULT2B1a SNPs were identified by a comprehensive database search. 13 SULT2B1a nonsynonymous missense coding SNPs (cSNPs) were selected, and site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate the corresponding cDNAs, packaged in pGEX-2TK expression vector, encoding these 13 SULT2B1a allozymes, which were bacterially expressed in BL21 E. coli cells and purified by glutathione-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Purified SULT2B1a allozymes were analyzed for sulfating activities towards pregnenolone. In comparison with the wild-type SULT2B1a, of the 13 allozymes, 11 showed reduced activity toward pregnenolone at 0.1 µM. Specifically, P134L and R259Q allozymes, reported to be involved in autosomal-recessive congenital ichthyosis, displayed low activity (1–10%) toward pregnenolone. The findings of this study may demonstrate the impact of genetic polymorphism on the sulfation of pregnenolone in individuals with different SULT2B1 genotypes.
Innovative textiles treated with TiO2-AgNPs with succinic acid as a cross-linking agent for medical uses
Authors: Ali Mohamed Abdel-Shakur , Abdel-Rahim Emam Abdel-Mobdy , Mahmoud Azza Abdel-Aziz , Mohamed Sahar Emam 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSilver and titanium-silver nanoparticles have unique properties that make the textile industry progress through the high quality of textiles. Preparation of AgNPs and TiO2-Ag core–shell nanoparticles in different concentrations (0.01% and 0.1% OWF) and applying it to cotton fabrics (Giza 88 and Giza 94) by using succinic acid 5%/SHP as a cross-linking agent. Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX) are tools for AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs characterization and the treated cotton. The resulting AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs were added to cotton fabrics at different concentrations. The antimicrobial activities, UV protection, self-cleaning, and the treated fabrics' mechanical characteristics were investigated. Silver nanoparticles and titanium dioxide-silver nanoparticles core–shell were prepared to be used in the treatment of cotton fabrics to improve their UV protection properties, self-cleaning, elongation and strength, as well as the antimicrobial activities to use the produced textiles for medical and laboratory uses and to increase protection for medical workers taking into account the spread of infection. The results demonstrated that a suitable distribution of prepared AgNPs supported the spherical form. Additionally, AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs have both achieved stability, with values of (− 20.8 mV and − 30 mV, respectively). The synthesized nanoparticles spread and penetrated textiles' surfaces with efficiency. The findings demonstrated the superior UV protection value (UPF 50+) and self-cleaning capabilities of AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs. In the treatment with 0.01% AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs, the tensile strength dropped, but the mechanical characteristics were enhanced by raising the concentration to 0.1%. The results of this investigation demonstrated that the cotton fabric treated with TiO2-AgNPs exhibited superior general characteristics when compared to the sample treated only with AgNPs.
Resistant Escherichia coli isolated from wild mammals from two rescue and rehabilitation centers in Costa Rica: characterization and public health relevance
Authors: Fernandes Rita , Abreu Raquel , Serrano Isa , Such Roger , Garcia-Vila Encarnación , Quirós Sandy , Cunha Eva , Tavares Luís , Oliveira Manuela 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence profiles of 67 Escherichia coli isolates obtained from faecal samples of 77 wild mammals from 19 different species, admitted in two rescue and rehabilitation centers in Costa Rica. It was possible to classify 48% (n = 32) of the isolates as multidrug-resistant, and while the highest resistance levels were found towards commonly prescribed antimicrobials, resistance to fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins were also observed. Isolates obtained from samples of rehabilitated animals or animals treated with antibiotics were found to have significantly higher AMR levels, with the former also having a significant association with a multidrug-resistance profile. Additionally, the isolates displayed the capacity to produce α-haemolysins (n = 64, 96%), biofilms (n = 51, 76%) and protease (n = 21, 31%). Our results showed that AMR might be a widespread phenomenon within Costa Rican wildlife and that both free-ranging and rehabilitated wild mammals are potential carriers of bacteria with important resistance and virulence profiles. These results highlight the need to study potential sources of resistance determinants to wildlife, and to determine if wild animals can disseminate resistant bacteria in the environment, potentially posing a significant threat to public health and hindering the implementation of a “One Health” approach.
The functional and psychological impact of delayed hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 89,996 patients
Authors: Cooper G. M. , Bayram J. M. , Clement N. D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the impact of presurgical waiting times on pre-/post-operative joint specific pain and function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and perspectives of patients awaiting primary elective total hip (THR) and knee (TKR) replacements. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception until 30th January 2023 (CRD42022288128). Secondary literature and unpublished datasets containing paediatric, non-elective, partial, or revision replacement populations were excluded. PRISMA 2020 reporting and GRADE certainty of evidence guidelines were followed. Residual maximum likelihood meta-analysis and linear meta-regression was performed to elucidate the influence of presurgical waiting time. Twenty-six studies were eligible for systematic review and sixteen for meta-analysis, capturing 89,996 patients (60.6% female, mean age 67.4 years) between 2001 and 2022. A significant deterioration in joint function (mean difference (MD):0.0575%; 95% CI 0.0064, 0.1086; p = 0.028(4d.p.); I2 = 73.1%) and HRQOL (MD: 0.05%; 95% CI − 0.0001.0009; p = 0.011(4 d.p.); I2 = 80.6%) was identified per additional day of waiting. Despite qualitative evidence, meta-analysis could not observe a relationship with postoperative outcome data. Patient responses to delayed THR and TKR surgery were unanimously negative. Immediate action should seek to reduce the increased patient anxiety and significant reductions in pre-operative joint functionality and HRQOL associated with prolonged pre-surgical waiting time, whilst mitigating any potential deleterious post-operative effects.
Analysis and dynamical structure of glucose insulin glucagon system with Mittage-Leffler kernel for type I diabetes mellitus
Authors: Batool Maryam , Farman Muhammad , Ghaffari Abdul Sattar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Munjam Shankar Rao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a fractional-order mathematical model to explain the role of glucagon in maintaining the glucose level in the human body by using a generalised form of a fractal fractional operator. The existence, boundedness, and positivity of the results are constructed by fixed point theory and the Lipschitz condition for the biological feasibility of the system. Also, global stability analysis with Lyapunov’s first derivative functions is treated. Numerical simulations for fractional-order systems are derived with the help of Lagrange interpolation under the Mittage-Leffler kernel. Results are derived for normal and type 1 diabetes at different initial conditions, which support the theoretical observations. These results play an important role in the glucose-insulin-glucagon system in the sense of a closed-loop design, which is helpful for the development of artificial pancreas to control diabetes in society.