bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary stem cell-derived exocrine circRNA ATG7 regulates the SOCS1/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR-4500, inhibits M1 macrophage polarization, and alleviates the progression of diabetes nephropathy
Authors: Sun Yang , Zhao Yanhong , Lu Yongxin , Li Hongmei , Xiang Jin , Yang Dongmei , Wang Jinrui , Gao Xinglian , Wang Yian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
The etiopathogenesis of diabetes nephropathy (DN) has not yet been fully clarified. Finding effective treatments to prevent renal failure in DN patients has become the main focus of research in recent years. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to play a momentous role in DN progression. Based on this, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism by which urine-derived stem cell (USC)-derived exosome circRNA ATG7 (Exo-ATG7) mediates DN progression.

Methods
Exosomes from USCs were isolated and identified. The DN rat model was established by intraperitoneally injecting 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. The protein expression levels were measured by Western blot and immunofluorescence. HE and Masson staining were used to evaluate renal injury, and the expression of related genes was detected by RT-qPCR.

Results
CircRNA ATG7 was significantly downregulated in the DN rat model, and the extracellular vesicles of USCs improved renal function and reduced inflammation in DN rats. However, after knocking down the USCs-derived exosome circRNA ATG7, improvement and therapeutic effect on renal function in DN rats were lost. In addition, overexpression of ATG7 facilitated the switching of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, upregulation of circRNA ATG7 expression can alleviate renal damage in DN rats. Importantly, the USCs-derived exosome circRNA ATG7 promotes macrophage M2 polarization by regulating the SOCS1/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR-4500. In addition, animal experiments also confirmed that after knocking down ATG7 in USC cells, the extracted exosome-treated DN rats could weaken the therapeutic effect of USC exosomes.

Conclusion
Our research results indicate that USC-derived exosomal circRNA ATG7 facilitates macrophage phenotype switching from M1 to M2 through the SOCS1/STAT3 signaling pathway mediated by miR-4500, thereby inhibiting DN progression.
A Novel Method to Measure Equi-Biaxial Residual Stress by Nanoindentation
Authors: Greco A. , Sgambitterra E. , Furgiuele F. , Furfari D. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The accurate measurement of residual stresses (RS) is crucial for predicting the performance of mechanical components, as RS can significantly impact fatigue life, fracture, corrosion, and wear resistance. Different experimental methods were developed to measure RS, including non-destructive techniques. Among these methods, instrumented nanoindentation has emerged as a promising approach to assess equi- or non-equi-biaxial RS states. This technique analyzes variations in the mechanical response of indentation on a stressed or stress-free component to estimate residual stresses. Previous studies proposed different approaches to establish a relationship between RS and indentation parameters, such as contact area, peak load, mean contact pressure, indentation work, etc. However, the correlation between RS and peak load variation, commonly assumed to be linear, showed limitations, particularly when dealing with compressive RS.

Objective
The aim of this work is to develop a hybrid procedure, based on finite element (FEM) simulations and experimental analyses, to measure the equi-biaxial residual stresses. In particular, it is based on the analysis of the nanoindentation peak load variation generated by the presence of residual stresses on a component.

Methods
To overcome the limitations of the linear assumption, nanoindentation experiments were combined with finite element analyses (FEA). FEA simulations were used to estimate the correlation between RS and peak load variation, providing a better understanding of the non-linear relationship. A proper experimental setup, consisting in a stress generating jig, was designed and manufactured to perform nanoindentations on a sample, made by aluminium alloy AA 7050 T451, subjected to external mechanical stress with the aim to validate the FEA model. FEA and the digital image correlation (DIC) technique were also used to verify that the induced stress field was the expected one.

Results
Obtained results revealed that the proposed method is a valid way to measure residual stresses. In fact, it offers an improved correlation between RS and peak load variation. In addition, by integrating nanoindentation experiments and FEA, a more accurate assessment of RS can be also achieved.

Conclusions
This research contributes to the development of a consistent methodology for RS measurement using instrumented nanoindentation.
Microplastic in long-term soil monitoring: first spatial and temporal data on plastics in agricultural topsoils
Authors: Weber Collin J. , Bastijans Jan-Eric , Lügger Katrin , Heller Christian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Within the emerging field of soil related microplastic (MP) research, little is known about spatio-temporal variations of MP concentrations in soils. To overcome this current knowledge gap, we suggest the exploitation of long-term soil monitoring programmes (LTSM) and its archived soil samples, to gain first data on spatio-temporal variations within soil MP contamination.

Methods
We analysed 32 archived topsoil samples of 13 cropland and 3 control sites, including grassland and forest sites, which are part of the LTSM programme of the German federal state of Hesse. Analysed samples cover a time span of 10–16 years. MP (>300 µm) have been extracted via sodium chloride (NaCl, 1.2 g cm−3) density separation, Nile Red staining and fluorescent optical identification followed by ATR-FTIR analysis of individual MP.

Results
We found MP contamination (mean 34.66 ± 24.08 p kg−1) from mainly PE and synthetic rubber polymers. Furthermore, we were able to detect spatial MP contamination hotspots, with unexpected high MP concentrations in control grassland and forest LTSM sites. In case of temporal trends, we cannot conclude a general increase of MP concentrations over time. However, as we found MP in older and newer samples, MP contamination is likely to be ubiquitous in topsoils and has already been present in the environment for several decades.

Conclusion
Our findings underline the role of cropland topsoils as MP reservoirs, but raise questions on the MP storage in grassland and forest soils. Applying MP analytical tools to archived LTSM samples enables first insights within non-targeted spatial source analysis and temporal trends of soils MP pollution. If enhanced analytical methods will be applied to LTSM samples, it will be possible to gain more detailed insights within spatio-temporal MP dynamics in soils.
Complex secondary structure in small Rep_3 plasmids of Acinetobacter spp.
Authors: Petrova Nikola , Coma Matus , Pristas Peter , Kolesarova Mariana , Kiskova Jana 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBacterial plasmids are important mobile genetic elements which often carry specific genes important for bacterial successful survival under various inhospitable environmental conditions. Most of the previous research has focused on large plasmids providing these beneficial traits to their host cells. In this study, small cryptic plasmid pALK1 (3 051 bp) was isolated from metallotolerant and alkalitollerant strain Acinetobacter sp. K1. The plasmid encodes Rep_3 family replication protein and MobM mobilization protein but none pALK1-like plasmids were detected in other Acinetobacter strains of environmental and animal origin. The secondary structure of the pALK1 plasmid is characterized by the complexity of multiple sets of direct and inverted repeats in its nucleotide sequence. Comparative genomics was used to hypothesize the biological functions of these repeats in Acinetobacter spp., whereas several similar plasmids with a related organization of direct repeats and palindromes are known in this genus.
Sex Differences in Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Klevmoen Marianne , Mulder Janneke W.C.M. , Roeters van Lennep Jeanine E. , Holven Kirsten B. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review aims to summarize the existing research on sex differences in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) across the lifespan.

Recent Findings
From childhood onward, total- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in girls are higher than those in boys with FH. By the age of 30 years, women with FH have a higher LDL-C burden than men. In adulthood, women are diagnosed later than men, receive less lipid-lowering treatment, and consequently have higher LDL-C levels. An excessive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk is reported in young female compared to male FH patients. The periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding contribute to treatment loss and increased cholesterol burden.

Summary
Earlier initiation of treatment, especially in girls with FH, and lifelong treatment during all life stages are important. Future research should aim to recruit both women and men, report sex-specific data, and investigate the impact of the female life course on cardiovascular outcomes. Future guidelines should include sex-specific aspects.

Graphical abstract
Novel Insights into Osteoclast Energy Metabolism
Authors: Ledesma-Colunga Maria G. , Passin Vanessa , Lademann Franziska , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Rauner Martina 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Osteoclasts are crucial for the dynamic remodeling of bone as they resorb old and damaged bone, making space for new bone. Metabolic reprogramming in these cells not only supports phenotypic changes, but also provides the necessary energy for their highly energy-consuming activity, bone resorption. In this review, we highlight recent developments in our understanding of the metabolic adaptations that influence osteoclast behavior and the overall remodeling of bone tissue.

Recent Findings
Osteoclasts undergo metabolic reprogramming to meet the energy demands during their transition from precursor cells to fully mature bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Recent research has made considerable progress in pinpointing crucial metabolic adaptations and checkpoint proteins in this process. Notably, glucose metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, and oxidative respiration were identified as essential pathways involved in osteoclast differentiation, cytoskeletal organization, and resorptive activity. Furthermore, the interaction between these pathways and amino acid and lipid metabolism adds to the complexity of the process. These interconnected processes can function as diverse fuel sources or have independent regulatory effects, significantly influencing osteoclast function.

Summary
Energy metabolism in osteoclasts involves various substrates and pathways to meet the energetic requirements of osteoclasts throughout their maturation stages. This understanding of osteoclast biology may provide valuable insights for modulating osteoclast activity during the pathogenesis of bone-related disorders and may pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
From Altered States to Metaphysics: The Epistemic Status of Psychedelic-induced Metaphysical Beliefs
Authors: Gładziejewski Paweł 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPsychedelic substances elicit powerful, uncanny conscious experiences that are thought to possess therapeutic value. In those who undergo them, these altered states of consciousness often induce shifts in metaphysical beliefs about the fundamental structure of reality. The contents of those beliefs range from contentious to bizarre, especially when considered from the point of view of naturalism. Can chemically induced, radically altered states of consciousness provide reasons for or play some positive epistemic role with respect to metaphysical beliefs? In this paper, I discuss a view that has been underexplored in recent literature. I argue that psychedelic states can be rationally integrated into one’s epistemic life. Consequently, updating one’s metaphysical beliefs based on altered states of consciousness does not have to constitute an instance of epistemic irrationality.
The Metaverse: Virtual Metaphysics, Virtual Governance, and Virtual Abundance
Authors: Turner Cody 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn his article ‘The Metaverse: Surveillant Physics, Virtual Realist Governance, and the Missing Commons,’ Andrew McStay addresses an entwinement of ethical, political, and metaphysical concerns surrounding the Metaverse, arguing that the Metaverse is not being designed to further the public good but is instead being created to serve the plutocratic ends of technology corporations. He advances the notion of ‘surveillant physics’ to capture this insight and introduces the concept of ‘virtual realist governance’ as a theoretical framework that ought to guide Metaverse design and regulation. This commentary article primarily serves as a supplementary piece rather than a direct critique of McStay’s work. First, I flag certain understated or overlooked nuances in McStay’s discussion. Then, I extend McStay’s discussion by juxtaposing a Lockean inspired argument supporting the property rights of Metaverse creators with an opposing argument advocating for a Metaverse user's ‘right to virtual abundance,’ informed by the potential of virtual reality technology to eliminate scarcity in virtual worlds. Contrasting these arguments highlights the tension between corporate rights and social justice in the governance of virtual worlds and bears directly on McStay’s assertion that there is a problem of the missing commons in the early design of the Metaverse.
Emerging Mueller matrix microscopy applications in biophysics and biomedicine
Authors: Diaspro Alberto , Bianchini Paolo , Callegari Fabio , Cuneo Lisa , Marongiu Riccardo , Le Gratiet Aymeric , Mohebi Ali , Scotto M. , Sheppard Colin J. R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPolarized and wide-field light microscopy has been studied for many years to develop accurate and information-rich images within a focused framework on biophysics and biomedicine. Technological advances and conceptual understanding have recently led to significant results in terms of applications. Simultaneously, developments in label-free methods are opening a new window on molecular imaging at a low dose of illumination. The ability to encode and decode polarized light pixel by pixel, coupled with the computational strength provided by artificial intelligence, is the running perspective of label-free optical microscopy. More specifically, the information-rich content Mueller matrix microscopy through its 16 elements offers multimodal imaging, an original data set to be integrated with other advanced optical methods. This dilates the spectrum of possible and potential applications. Here, we explore the recent advances in basic and applied research towards technological applications tailored for specific questions in biophysics and biomedicine.
A full-set tooth segmentation model based on improved PointNet++
Authors: Yuan Li , Liu Xinyi , Yu Jiannan , Li Yanfeng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSegmentation of a complete set of teeth from three-dimensional (3D) intra-oral scanner images is a crucial step in tooth identification procedures. In large-scale disasters with many victims, teeth are often the preferred and reliable source for victim identification due to their hard and non-deformable characteristics. In this paper we present a study on the automatic segmentation of a complete set of teeth from intra-oral scanner images. We propose a tooth segmentation method based on an improved PointNet++ architecture. To address the problem of inadequate segmentation capability of the teeth-gingival boundary of PointNet++, we introduce a single-point preliminary feature extraction (SPFE) module to better preserve the subtle details that may be overlooked by the original PointNet++ model. In addition, a weighted-sum local feature aggregation (WSLFA) mechanism is proposed to replace the max pooling in PointNet++ to better perform feature aggregation. The experimental results on 52 testing datasets using the network trained on 160 annotated 3D intra-oral scanner images demonstrate that our improved PointNet++ method achieves a segmentation accuracy of 97.68%, and performs well under different dental conditions.
Performance of eco-friendly concrete: a safe direction to sustainable cities development
Authors: Shaban Wafaa Mohamed , Daef Kariman Samir 
Published: October 2023

AbstractConstructing sustainable cities for the future usually encounters some challenges such as reducing the environmental footprint through using eco-friendly materials. Coarse recycled aggregate retrieved from demolished concrete structures is considered one of the eco-friendly building materials. This study aims to investigate the impact of strengthened recycled aggregate with pozzolan slurry on the different properties of concrete. Three various groups of pozzolan slurries; silica fume with fly ash, cement with fly ash, and nano-silica are used to strengthen the inferior properties of recycled aggregate. Findings showed that the proposed treatment method efficiently improved the quality of recycled aggregate. Also, this method achieved eco-friendly concrete with preferable mechanical behavior and greater resistivity against chloride diffusion. The wastage of compressive strength was 10–20%, flexural strength was 5–16%, and the elastic modulus was 13–30% of the recycled aggregate concrete in comparison with normal concrete at 28 days. By considering the application of recycled aggregate in the manufacture of new concrete, this study's results can serve as principles for achieving sustainable concrete infrastructure in the smart cities of the future.
The Demand and Supply of Pandemic Populism: A Global Overview
Authors: Zulianello Mattia , Guasti Petra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and populism. We analyse the demand and supply sides of the populist phenomenon during the pandemic. On the demand side, we focus on the interplay between populist attitudes and COVID-19 restrictions by assessing the role of conspiracy theories, social media and alternative news media. On the supply side, we identify similarities and differences in the responses of populist actors globally. Hence, we focus on the main ideational varieties of the contemporary populist phenomenon (right-wing, left-wing and valence populism) while also distinguishing between populists in government and opposition. The analysis reveals that complexity is the defining feature of both the demand and supply sides of populism in times of pandemic.
Fish remains from the Rhaetian (Late Triassic) of Winterswijk, the Netherlands (Pisces: Chondrichthyes and Actinopterygii)
Authors: de Lange Bart , Chenal Emmanuel , Diependaal Henk J. , Reumer Jelle W.F. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Chondrichthyan and actinopterygian fish remains from Rhaetian (c. 208.05–201.36 Ma) or perhaps Late Norian deposits in the Winterswijk quarry are described. The most abundant taxon is the actinopterygian Gyrolepis albertii, followed by the chondrichthyan Lissodus minimus. Furthermore, the palaeopterygian actinopterygians Saurichthys longidens and Birgeria acuminata, and some teeth of neopterygians Sargodon tomicus, ‘Lepidotes’ sp. and indeterminate pycnodontiforms are recorded in addition to the chondrichthyans Rhomphaiodon minor, Parascylloides turnerae and some ‘Hybodus’ cf. cuspidatus (senior synonym of H. cloacinus). Chondrichthyan dermal denticles, actinopterygian scales and gill rakers, tooth plates, and some fish bones were also found. There is considerable faunal resemblance to the various localities from the Rhaetian of the British Penarth Group, although it depends on the location as to whether chondrichthyans or actinopterygians prevail in the samples. On average, there are more chondrichthyan teeth present in the British samples than actinopterygian teeth, which is opposite to the situation in Winterswijk. That might be explained by different ecological circumstances, such as lower oxygen levels in bottom waters in Winterswijk and freshwater input and/or changes in salinity in the UK.
Sorting of persistent morphological polymorphisms links paleobiological pattern to population process
Authors: Parins-Fukuchi Charles Tomomi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBiological variation fuels evolutionary change. Across longer timescales, however, polymorphisms at both the genomic and phenotypic levels often persist longer than would be expected under standard population genetic models such as positive selection or genetic drift. Explaining the maintenance of this variation within populations across long time spans via balancing selection has been a major triumph of theoretical population genetics and ecology. Although persistent polymorphisms can often be traced in fossil lineages over long periods through the rock record, paleobiology has had little to say about either the long-term maintenance of phenotypic variation or its macroevolutionary consequences. I explore the dynamics that occur when persistent polymorphisms maintained over long lineage durations are filtered into descendant lineages during periods of demographic upheaval that occur at speciation. I evaluate these patterns in two lineages: Ectocion, a genus of Eocene mammals, and botryocrinids, a Mississippian cladid crinoid family. Following origination, descendants are less variable than their ancestors. The patterns by which ancestral variation is sorted cannot be distinguished from drift. Maintained and accumulated polymorphisms in highly variable ancestral lineages such as Barycrinus rhombiferus Owen and Shumard, 1852 may fuel radiations as character states are sorted into multiple descendant lineages. Interrogating the conditions under which trans-specific polymorphism is either maintained or lost during periods of demographic and ecological upheaval can explain how population-level processes contribute to the emergent macroevolutionary dynamics that shape the history of life as preserved in the fossil record.
Ownership is (likely to be) a moral foundation
Authors: Atari Mohammad , Haidt Jonathan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Boyer presents a compelling account of ownership as the outcome of interaction between two evolved cognitive systems. We integrate this model into current discussions of moral pluralism, suggesting that ownership meets the criteria to be a moral foundation. We caution against ignoring cultural variation in ownership norms and against explaining complex, contested moral phenomena using a monist approach.