bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colony discrimination and competition in the eusocial trematode, Himasthla rhigedana
Authors: Whyte Brian Anthony , Cash Elizabeth , Tsutsui Neil 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The California horn snail (Cerithideopsis californica) hosts a diverse community of trematode parasite species, yet these species rarely co-occur in the same host. Some trematodes in this community competitively exclude conspecifics and heterospecifics using a soldier caste. How these trematodes can distinguish colonymates from competitors is unknown. Here we examine patterns of colony discrimination in Himasthla rhigedana, a marsh-dwelling species of parasitic trematode that possesses a soldier caste in their intermediate snail hosts. Aggression assays pairing colonies against multiple opponents demonstrate that H. rhigedana distinguish between conspecific colonies, consistently directing more attacks towards colonies collected from a distant marsh. We demonstrate that conspecific interactions between colonies are predominantly symmetrical (both colonies attack during encounters), and that the likelihood of aggression is the same whether the attacker soldier is “sterile” (soldier redia with no germinal balls) or an “intermediate” (soldier redia with developing germinal balls). Recognizing heterospecific or conspecific threats is a necessary function for the evolution of soldier castes, which almost exclusively occur within eusocial insects. By finding parallels in disparate phyla, our results in H. rhigedana provide a foundation for understanding the evolution of colony discrimination generally, as well as in trematode species and other parasite taxa with similar competitive interactions.
SAG1.3-derived Frizzled-targeting negative allosteric modulators
Authors: Schulte Gunnar , Grätz Lukas , Turku Ainoleena , Kozielewicz Pawel , Bowin Carl-Fredrik , Scharf Magdalena , Voss Jan , Kinsolving Julia , Shekhani Rawan , Oliva-Vilarnau Nuria , Koolmeister Tobias , Körber Marlies , Lauschke Volker , Löber Stefan , Gmeiner Peter 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Exaggerated Wingless/Int1 (WNT)/Frizzled (FZD) signaling contributes to pathologies including fibrosis and different forms of cancers. Thus, targeting FZDs as WNT receptors for therapeutic purposes constitutes a promising intervention if the imminent risk of unwanted side effects caused by the involvement of WNT/FZD signaling in stem cell regulation and tissue homeostasis can be controlled. Here, we derivatize SAG1.3, which acts through FZD6 as a partial agonist. Screening of SAG1.3 derivates identified compound 11 that competed with BODIPY-cyclopamine binding at different FZDs and inhibited WNT-induced FZD dynamics and β-catenin signaling in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, compound 11 blocked WNT-3A-induced Axin2 and Lgr5 gene expression in human primary hepatocyte spheroids and reduced the viability of RNF43-mutated but not RNF43-wildtype pancreatic cancer cells. The small molecule acted as a paralog-nonselective negative allosteric modulator acting by limiting WNT- and WNT-surrogate induced receptor dynamics providing a valid proof-of-concept for targeting FZDs with small molecule compounds.
Association of dietary nutrient density with the risk of sarcopenia and its components in Chinese adults from Henan province
Authors: Zhai Junya , Ma Baihui , Zhang Xu , Lyu Quanjun , Guo Lijun , Khatun Pipasha , Liang Rui , Cong Minghua , Wu Hongbo , Kong Yongxia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The Nutrient-Rich Foods (NRF) Index is one of the critical elements of diet quality based on nutrient density. NRF9.2 is a validated tool to assess dietary quality among Chinese adults from Henan province. Previous studies showed that lifestyle interventions may prevent or delay sarcopenia. Nutrient density has not yet been evaluated concerning muscle health. Therefore, the association between the NRF9.2 index and the risk of sarcopenia and its elements was explored based on a cross-sectional study of general Chinese adults from Henan Province.
Methods
A total of 631 individuals aged 18–75 years recruited in three communities in Henan, China. The criteria for defining sarcopenia were updated by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019. The NRF9.2 index was calculated based on nine beneficial nutrients and two nutrients to limit, using the algorithm based on sums and 100 kcal. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of sarcopenia and its elements associated with nutrient density.
Results
A total of 353 non-repetitive foods consumed by subjects were scored using the NRF9.2 algorithms. Vegetables, bacteria and algae, dried beans, products, fruits, and fish had higher NRF9.2 scores, while fast food, alcoholic beverages, sugar, preserved fruits, beverages, and seasonings had lower NRF9.2 scores. After multiple adjustments, participants with the highest NRF9.2 score (the fourth quartile) had a 55% lower risk of low grip strength than those in the lowest group (the first quartile) [OR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.21,0.93)]. The NRF9.2 score was not related to the risk of sarcopenia, ASMI, or gait speed.
Conclusion
After multiple adjustments, participants with high nutrient density had a low risk of low grip strength than those with low nutrient density. These results revealed that the nutrient density model can help individuals make healthy food choices and build a healthy diet to decrease the risk of low grip strength.
Numerical Modeling of Cough Aerosol Transmission in an Upward-moving Escalator With Multi-objective Optimization Using the Genetic Algorithm for Covid-19 and Other Airborne Diseases
Authors: Ali Abu Raihan Ibna , Mohee Faizul M. , Freire-Gormaly Marina 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Escalators have been recommended instead of elevators during the COVID-19 pandemic since it allows transportation for a large number of people without being enclosed in a small indoor space. Escalators have a tremendous capacity to move large numbers of people and are commonly used in various public facilities such as shopping centers, supermarkets, airports, and subways. This current study focused on investigating the transmission of cough droplets from an infected source person traveling on an Upward Moving Escalator (UME) using the ANSYS FLUENT. The Eulerian-Lagrangian method combined with two-way coupling was used to numerically obtain the aerosol transport, spatial distribution, and deposition information in the UME. The effect of UME operational speed and Relative Humidity (RH) was also investigated through multiphase flow. Finally, multi-objective optimization was performed using a Genetic Algorithm (GA). The investigation revealed that the hand railings were one of the most susceptible contaminated surfaces to the expelled respiratory droplets. The cough droplets expelled from the mouth entered the recirculation zones via the upper portion of the shoulder and wake zone behind the torso. The droplets contaminated the lower portion of the human body at lower operational speed if another passenger stood two steps behind the infected person. Higher operational speeds and lower RH demonstrated higher penetration lengths. The optimization indicated higher operational speed and lower RH to maintain lower concentration with higher penetration length.
Predicting the properties of fruit chemicals using neural networks
Authors: Han Junming , Li Tong , He Yun , Yang Ziyi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
As a kind of machine learning method, neural networks have made significant breakthroughs in various fields in the past few years, especially in the fields of text, speech, images, videos, etc., where data is unstructured, traditional machine learning hardly exceeded ’glass ceiling’, So many researchers have turned to using neural networks as auxiliary tools, achieve significant breakthroughs, or found new research methods. In the computational chemistry field, neural networks have ubiquity and broad applicability to a range of challenges, including virtual screening, quantitative structure-activity relationship, protein structure prediction, materials design, quantum chemistry, and property prediction. So, this paper proposes an efficient way that use graph neural networks to predict the properties of chemicals in fruits, and this research aims to provide some guidance to researchers and shorten the cycle of identifying chemicals.
Clinical outcomes and predictive factors of stent grafts treatment for symptomatic central venous obstruction in end stage kidney disease patients with arteriovenous access
Authors: liu yamin , wang yufei , wang xinfang , zhang beihao , lu xiaoqing , liang xianhui , wang pei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim
To assess the effectiveness and predictive factors of stent grafts (SGs) for the treatment of central venous obstruction disease (CVOD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with arteriovenous (AV) access.
Methods
HD patients with CVOD who underwent SGs at our center between August 2018 and June 2022 were enrolled. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used for survival curve analysis. SGs.
Results
59 SG implantation procedures for CVOD were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression for the predictive factor analysis. Thirty subjects had stenosis and 29 had occlusion. The access circuit primary patency (ACPP) after SG placement at 6, 12, and 24 months was 80.9%, 53.8%, and 31.4%, respectively. The target lesion primary patency (TLPP) after SG placement at 6, 12, and 24 months were 91.3%, 67.6%, and 44.5%, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, the TLPP was higher in the stenosis group than in the occlusion group, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.165). The TLPP of procedures post-SG placement was significantly improved compared to that before SG placement (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression showed that a target lesion length ≥ 30 mm and procedural defects were independently associated with a lower TLPP after SG treatment for CVOD in HD patients.
Conclusion
SG placement is safe and effective for the treatment of CVOD in HD patients. SG improves the TLPP of endovascular therapy (EVT) for CVOD. A target lesion length ≥ 30 mm and procedure defects were predictive factors for TLPP.
Identification of Polymorphisms and Genetic Diversity Studies of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3(IRF3) Gene in Muturu,White Fulani and N’Dama Cattle
Authors: Mohammed Abubakar Akinfolarin , Ozoje Micheal , De Campos John , Ikeobi Christian , Talabi Adewale , Durosaro Samuel , Ilori Babatunde , Aderoju Johnson 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is one of the strongest positional candidate genes implicated in a host of health-related phenotypes such as general disease resistance. The study was carried out to genetically characterize the IRF3 gene in the, N’Dama, Muturu and White Fulani cattle. DNA was extracted from the blood samples using the Zymo-spin extraction kit. ARLEQUIN 2.0001 software was used to estimate the basic population genetic statistics while DnaSP version 5.10.01 was used to estimate genetic diversity indices and test for deviation from neutrality. A total number of 18 and 29 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed after using the software called codon code aligner in exons 1–2 and 5–6 of the IRF3 gene respectively in the three cattle breeds after polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. In exons 1–2, the Muturu (MU) possessed the highest value of SNPs (16) and genetic diversity indices, while the N’Dama (ND) possessed the least (1). In exons 5–6, the highest value of SNPs (14) was observed in the White Fulani and the genetic diversity indices was also high while the Muturu had the least. Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) carried out for the loci under consideration revealed a higher level of variation among populations than within populations. It was therefore concluded that the IRF3 gene had many polymorphisms and was highly diversified in Nigerian cattle breeds.
Exploring the Causality Between Mean Platelet Volume and Sepsis: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.
Authors: Yu Xueshu , Xu Wen , Ruan Xiangyuan , Xu Luwei , Ye Yincai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
The potential relationship between Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and the progression of sepsis has been proposed; however, the nature of this association, whether it entails causation or a subsequent outcome, remains a topic of debate. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of MPV on sepsis using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization framework.
Methods:
Genetic associations related to sepsis were derived from the most extensive and current genome-wide association study (GWAS) available, encompassing 11,643 cases and 474,841 controls, serving as the dataset for outcomes. Additionally, genetic associations linked to Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) were drawn from another GWAS, constituting the dataset for exposure. Estimates were computed through inverse-variance weighting, supplemented by sensitivity analyses using MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. Moreover, Cochran's Q test and “leave-one-out” analysis were also taken into account.
Results:
The results obtained from the inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis failed to provide evidence in support of a causal relationship between MPV and sepsis (β = -0.119, SE = 0.280, P = 0.671). Consistent estimates were derived from the MR analyses conducted using the IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Examination of heterogeneity through Cochran's Q test revealed no indications of variability among IV estimates derived from individual genetic variants. Additionally, the outcomes of the "leave-one-out" analysis demonstrated that no individual single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) exerted undue influence on the IVW estimate.
Conclusion:
The outcomes of the MR analysis did not substantiate a causal connection between MPV and sepsis.
Study on General Practitioners' Cognition of Antibacterial Drugs Use
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Zheng Yuanyuan , Yang Kaichao , Ren Jingjing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Rational use of antimicrobial drugs play an important role in improving clinical efficacy. However, inappropriate antibiotic use accelerates antimicrobial resistance, We aimed to assess the general practitioner's understanding of the use of antibiotics.
Methods A self-designed online questionnaire was conducted among general practitioners. The content includes basic information, general practitioners' understanding of the use of antibiotics,training needs for general practitioners (GPs) on use of antibiotics.
Results A total of 772 GPs participated in the survey,with an average age of 40.97±8.87 years, of which 46.63%(360) were male.724（93.78%）GPs agree“High rates of antibiotic use could lead to bacterial resistanc”.657（85.10%）GPs agree“A serious problem of antibiotic abuse in China”.711（92.10%）GPs agree “Abuse of antibiotics is one of the main reasons for bacterial resistance”.661(85.62%) GPs agree“Need fast and effective diagnostic techniques to assist me in using antibiotics”. 561(72.67%) GPs often promote rational medication knowledge to patients, 582(75.39%) GPs often study adverse reactions of drugs and inform to patients.496(64.25%) GPs often actively learn about antibacterial drug related knowledges, 424(54.92%) GPs often require clinical or laboratory evidence of bacterial infections when using antibiotics. On average, 247（32.05%） GPs master in the use of antibiotics, and 364（47.18%） GPs indicate that they are familiar with the use of antibiotics. On average, 627(81.21%) GPs have chosen appropriate answers regarding the use of antibiotics. 754(97.67%) GPs consider it was necessary to participate in training on the rational use of antibiotics, and 745(96.51) GPs have training needs. 713(92.36%) GPs believe that clinical pharmacist intervention is necessary when using antibiotics.
Conclusions The rational application of antibiotics is the key to improving efficacy. Most GPs have a good understanding of when to use antibiotics and the plan for using antibiotics, but there are significant differences on some issues.More than 90% of GPs believe that training on antibiotics and intervention from clinical pharmacists are necessary. So, it is recommended to strengthen the training of general practitioners, based on evidence-based medicine, strictly grasp the indications for the use of antibiotics, strive for targeted treatment, reduce experiential treatment, and ensure that the indications, variety selection, administration route, dosage, and course of treatment for the use of antibiotics are suitable for patients.
Long-Term Evolution of Percutaneous Groin Access in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: A Study of the Sequential Suture and Plug Vascular Closure Devices Technique
Authors: Xu Chen , Xu Guo-xiong , Chen Lei , Zhang Zhi-xuan , Jin Yi-qi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to assess the long-term complications and evolution of groin access using the sequential suture and plug vascular closure devices (VCDs) technique during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data from all patients who underwent EVAR with more than 12 months of follow-up at our center between January 2022 and September 2022. The study included 64 patients with a mean age of 66.3 ± 13.9 years and a male-to-female ratio of 82.8%. We employed the sequential suture and plug VCDs technique as the standard practice for access closure. Technical success was defined as achieving complete hemostasis without needing bailout endovascular or surgical interventions. Access-related complications were assessed at 30 days and during the most recent follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan, with the severity graded according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification.
Results
The sequential suture and plug VCDs technique demonstrated a 100% success rate across the study population. The mean follow-up time from the procedure to the most recent scan was 16.1 ± 2.2 months, and the mean sheath size used was 20.5 ± 2.3 Fr. Short-term complications occurred in 4.1% of cases, comprising minor access bleeding incidents (n = 3) and pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). No long-term complications were observed during the study period, with no major complications reported. Additionally, the accessed vessels exhibited a significant increase in calcification score (1.02 ± 1.05 vs. 1.36 ± 1.08; p = 0.027) between the baseline and the last follow-up scan, while there were no significant changes in diameter.
Conclusions
The sequential suture and plug VCDs technique represents a safe method for access closure during EVAR, demonstrating low rates of short-term and long-term complications. However, further investigation through larger multi-center studies is warranted.
HSP47 Destabilizes CD155 Through TRAF2 in Synergistic Anti-TIGIT Treatment of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ye Zhaoming , Mou Haochen , Zhang Wenkan , Chen Shixin , Chen Liang , Wang Zenan , Wang Zhuli , YINWANG Eloy , Shao Zhenxuan , Zhou Hao , Chen Tao , Xue Yucheng , Sun Hangxiang , Wang Fangqian , Xu Kaicheng , Chai Xupeng , Zhang Jiahao , Yao Minjun , Zhao Shenzhi , Lei Jiangchu , Ji Xiaoxiao , Lu Senxu , Wang Shengdong , Wang Chenhuan , Qu Hao , Li Binghao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) plays an essential role in correcting protein folding, and abnormal protein folding is closely related to tumorigenesis. However, the relationship between HSP47 and cancer immune response is poorly studied. Herein, HSP47 was found to be frequently overexpressed in human osteosarcomas. In animal models, HSP47 inhibition resulted in enhanced immune cell infiltration and function. Transcriptome data revealed that HSP47 negatively regulated CD155, a ligand of TIGIT. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy targeting the novel immune checkpoint molecule TIGIT is effective in limited patients. Further investigations are urgently needed to harness a robust response of this treatment. TIGIT antibody and HSP47-targeted therapy significantly inhibited the progression of osteosarcoma in mice and consequently prolonged survival. Mechanistically, inhibition of HSP47 attenuated TRAF2 protein ubiquitination and subsequently facilitated NF-κB-mediated CD155 transcription in HSP47-overexpressed osteosarcomas. Similarly, CD155 expression was significantly weakened in TRAF2-inhibited osteosarcoma cells. Collectively, our data revealed that targeting HSP47 could reinforce the expression of CD155 and therefore enhance the efficacy of anti-TIGIT treatment, providing a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
X-ray Electronic Pair Distribution Functions for Validating Experimental and Theoretical Electronic Densities of Materials
Authors: Sonobe Kazutaka , Tominaka Satoshi , Machida Akihiko 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The states and properties of materials are governed by the constituent atomic structures defined by the positions of nuclei and electrons. Although quantum chemical simulations and other measurements, such as synchrotron X-ray scattering, are used to elucidate the atomic structures of materials under development, experimental data are required for verification and adjustment. Scattering measurements, based on empirical models focused on nucleus positions, are at the core of experimental analyses. However, structure determination way sensitive to the electron shape is limited and not applicable to materials in any state of matter. In this study, electronic pair distribution functions were derived from X-ray scattering data and were used to validate the electron positions in covalent materials on a sub-angstrom scale. This approach is expanded from atomic pair distribution functions analysing wide materials including crystalline and non-crystalline materials, and enables direct comparison of experimental and theoretical electronic structures to validate material's structures beyond atomic configurations.
Motor learning in multijoint virtual arm movements with novel kinematics
Authors: Inubashiri Nagisa , Hagio Shota , Kouzaki Motoki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Humans move their hands towards precise positions, a skill supported by the coordination of multiple joint movements, even in the presence of inherent redundancy. However, it remains unclear how the central nervous system learns the relationship between redundant joint movements and hand positions when starting from scratch. To address this question, a virtual-arm reaching task was performed in which participants were required to move a cursor corresponding to the hand of a virtual arm to a target. The joint angles of the virtual arm were determined by the heights of the participants’ fingers. The results demonstrated that the participants moved the cursor to the target straighter and faster in the late phase than they did in the initial phase of learning. This improvement was accompanied by a reduction in the amount of angular changes in the virtual limb joint, predominantly characterized by an increased reliance on the shoulder joint as opposed to the wrist joint. Moreover, increased shoulder joint use relative to that of the other joints was positively correlated with the number of successful target acquisitions. These findings suggest that the central nervous system selects a combination of multijoint movements that minimize motor effort while learning novel upper-limb kinematics.