bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational exposure to organic solvents and risk of bladder cancer
Authors: Xie Shuai , Friesen Melissa C. , Baris Dalsu , Schwenn Molly , Rothman Nathaniel , Johnson Alison , Karagas Margaret R. , Silverman Debra T. , Koutros Stella 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Bladder cancer has been linked to several occupations that involve the use of solvents, including those used in the dry-cleaning industry.

Objectives
We evaluated exposure to solvents and risk of bladder cancer in 1182 incident cases and 1408 controls from a population-based study.

Methods
Exposure to solvents was quantitatively assessed using a job-exposure matrix (CANJEM). Exposure to benzene, toluene and xylene often co-occur. Therefore, we created two additional sets of metrics for combined benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) exposure: (1) CANJEM-based BTX metrics and (2) hybrid BTX metrics, using an approach that integrates the CANJEM-based BTX metrics together with lifetime occupational histories and exposure-oriented modules that captured within-job, respondent-specific details about tasks and chemicals. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using logistic regression.

Results
Bladder cancer risks were increased among those ever exposed to benzene (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.14–2.32), toluene (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.06–2.43), and xylene (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.13–2.48) individually. We further observed a statistically significant exposure-response relationship for cumulative BTX exposure, with a stronger association using the hybrid BTX metrics (ORQ1vsUnexposed = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.83–1.90; ORQ2vsUnexposed = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.00–2.31; ORQ3vsUnexposed = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.24–2.85; and ORQ4vsUnexposed = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.35–3.69) (p-trend=0.001) than using CANJEM-based metrics (p-trend=0.02).

Impact
There is limited evidence about the role of exposure to specific organic solvents, alone or in combination on the risk of developing bladder cancer. In this study, workers with increasing exposure to benzene, toluene, and xylene as a group (BTX) had a statistically significant exposure-response relationship with bladder cancer. Future evaluation of the carcinogenicity of BTX and other organic solvents, particularly concurrent exposure, on bladder cancer development is needed.
Genetic architecture of childhood speech disorder: a review
Authors: Morgan Angela T. , Amor David J. , St John Miya D. , Scheffer Ingrid. E. , Hildebrand Michael S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSevere speech disorders lead to poor literacy, reduced academic attainment and negative psychosocial outcomes. As early as the 1950s, the familial nature of speech disorders was recognized, implying a genetic basis; but the molecular genetic basis remained unknown. In 2001, investigation of a large three generational family with severe speech disorder, known as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), revealed the first causative gene; FOXP2. A long hiatus then followed for CAS candidate genes, but in the past three years, genetic analysis of cohorts ascertained for CAS have revealed over 30 causative genes. A total of 36 pathogenic variants have been identified from 122 cases across 3 cohorts in this nascent field. All genes identified have been in coding regions to date, with no apparent benefit at this stage for WGS over WES in identifying monogenic conditions associated with CAS. Hence current findings suggest a remarkable one in three children have a genetic variant that explains their CAS, with significant genetic heterogeneity emerging. Around half of the candidate genes identified are currently supported by medium (6 genes) to strong (9 genes) evidence supporting the association between the gene and CAS. Despite genetic heterogeneity; many implicated proteins functionally converge on pathways involved in chromatin modification or transcriptional regulation, opening the door to precision diagnosis and therapies. Most of the new candidate genes for CAS are associated with previously described neurodevelopmental conditions that include intellectual disability, autism and epilepsy; broadening the phenotypic spectrum to a distinctly milder presentation defined by primary speech disorder in the setting of normal intellect. Insights into the genetic bases of CAS, a severe, rare speech disorder, are yet to translate to understanding the heritability of more common, typically milder forms of speech or language impairment such as stuttering or phonological disorder. These disorders likely follow complex inheritance with polygenic contributions in many cases, rather than the monogenic patterns that underly one-third of patients with CAS. Clinical genetic testing for should now be implemented for individuals with CAS, given its high diagnostic rate, which parallels many other neurodevelopmental disorders where this testing is already standard of care. The shared mechanisms implicated by gene discovery for CAS highlight potential new targets for future precision therapies.
CircUSP1 as a novel marker promotes gastric cancer progression via stabilizing HuR to upregulate USP1 and Vimentin
Authors: Li Rong , Wang Junyi , Xie Zhenfan , Tian Xinyu , Hou Jie , Wang Dongli , Qian Hui , Shen Han , Xu Wenrong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating various tumors. However, their biological functions and mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) have not been well understood. Here, we discovered a stable cytoplasmic circRNA named circUSP1 (hsa_circ_000613) in GC. CircUSP1 upregulation in GC tissues was correlated with tumor size and differentiation. We observed that circUSP1 promoted GC growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, circUSP1 mainly interacted with the RRM1 domain of an RNA-binding protein (RBP) called HuR, stabilizing its protein level by inhibiting β-TrCP-mediated ubiquitination degradation. The oncogenic properties of HuR mediated promotive effects of circUSP1 in GC progression. Moreover, we identified USP1 and Vimentin as downstream targets of HuR in post-transcriptional regulation, mediating the effects of circUSP1. The parent gene USP1 also enhanced the viability and mobility of GC cells. Additionally, tissue-derived circUSP1 could serve as an independent prognostic factor for GC, while plasma-derived circUSP1 showed promise as a diagnostic biomarker, outperforming conventional markers including serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA19-9). Our study highlights that circUSP1 promotes GC progression by binding to and stabilizing oncogenic HuR, thereby facilitating the upregulation of USP1 and Vimentin at the post-transcriptional level. These findings suggest that circUSP1 could be a potential therapeutic target and a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for GC.
Falls in oxygen saturations accompany electrographic seizures in term neonates: an observational study
Authors: Wertheim David , Kage Anup C. , Lancoma-Malcolm Ivone , Francia Caroline , Yoong Michael , Shah Divyen K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Effective seizure detection is important however, clinical signs of seizure activity may be subtle in neonates. This study aimed to systematically investigate SpO2 and respiratory pattern changes associated with EEG seizures in term-born neonates.

Method
An observational study in term neonates at risk of seizures admitted to a single tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit. Synchronised high-resolution physiological data (ECG, pulse oximetry, respiration) and EEG/amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) monitoring were recorded. Sections of traces with evidence of clear EEG seizure activity were compared with physiological data recorded at the same time.

Results
22/44 (50%) neonates who had aEEG monitoring were noted to have electrographic seizures. Physiologic download measurements were available for 11 of these neonates. In nine of these, an acute drop in oxygen saturation (SpO2) of at least 5% was noted in at least one seizure. Accompanying apnoeas were noted in three neonates.

Conclusion
Acute decreases in SpO2 were seen in term neonates associated with seizures and these were not always accompanied by an apnoeic episode. Physiologic download in association with EEG monitoring may assist in improving seizure detection. Unexplained drops in SpO2 could indicate further investigation for possible seizures in at-risk neonates.

Impact

A decrease in blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) associated with EEG seizures can occur in term infants with HIE or perinatal stroke.

Drops in SpO2 associated with EEG seizures in term infants with HIE or stroke may occur in the absence of apnoeas.

Unexplained acute falls in SpO2 in sick neonates may suggest possible seizures.

Drops in SpO2 associated with seizures in term infants can occur over less than 3 minutes.

Physiological monitoring alongside EEG monitoring could help to improve seizure detection.
M6A RNA methylation in biliary tract cancer: the function roles and potential therapeutic implications
Authors: Bai Xuesong , Huang Jianhao , Jin Yiqun , Chen Jiemin , Zhou Shengnan , Dong Liangbo , Han Xianlin , He Xiaodong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiliary tract cancers (BTCs) are relatively rare malignancies with a poor prognosis. For advanced BTCs, the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic approaches is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BTC tumorigenesis and development for the exploration of effective targeted therapies. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant RNA modifications in eukaryotes, is found usually dysregulated and involved in tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance in tumors. Numerous studies have confirmed that aberrant m6A regulators function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in BTCs by the reversible regulation of RNA metabolism, including splicing, export, degradation and translation. In this review, we summarized the current roles of the m6A regulators and their functional impacts on RNA fate in BTCs. The improved understanding of m6A modification in BTCs also provides a reasonable outlook for the exploration of new diagnostic strategies and efficient therapeutic targets.
Dimensional control of interface coupling-induced ferromagnetism in CaRuO3/SrCuO2 superlattices
Authors: Zhe Li , Wenxiao Shi , Jine Zhang , Jie Zheng , Mengqin Wang , ZhaoZhao Zhu , Furong Han , Hui Zhang , Liming Xie , Chen Yunzhong , Hu Fengxia , Shen Baogen , Chen Yuansha , Sun Jirong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Due to the strong interactions from multiple degrees of freedom at the interfaces, electron-correlated oxide heterostructures have provided a promising platform for creating exotic quantum states. Understanding and controlling the coupling effects at the oxide interface are prerequisites for designing emergent interfacial phases with desired functionalities. Here, we report the dimensional control of the interface coupling-induced ferromagnetic (FM) phase in perovskite-CaRuO3/infinite-layered-SrCuO2 superlattices. Structural analysis reveals the occurrence of chain-type to planar-type structural transitions for the SrCuO2 layer as the layer thickness increases. The Hall and magnetoresistance measurements indicate the appearance of an interfacial FM state in the originally paramagnetic CaRuO3 layers when the CaRuO3 layer is in proximity to the chain-type SrCuO2 layers; this superlattice has the highest Curie temperature of ~75 K and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Along with the thickness-driven structural transition of the SrCuO2 layers, the interfacial FM order gradually deteriorates and finally disappears. As shown by the X-ray absorption results, the charge transfer at the CaRuO3/chain-SrCuO2 and CaRuO3/plane-SrCuO2 interfaces are different, resulting in dimensional control of the interfacial magnetic state. The results from our study can be used to facilitate a new method to manipulate interface coupling and create emergent interfacial phases in oxide heterostructures.
Simulated microgravity attenuates myogenesis and contractile function of 3D engineered skeletal muscle tissues
Authors: Ren Zhanping , Ahn Eun Hyun , Do Minjae , Mair Devin B. , Monemianesfahani Amir , Lee Peter H. U. , Kim Deok-Ho 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWhile the effects of microgravity on inducing skeletal muscle atrophy have been extensively studied, the impacts of microgravity on myogenesis and its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we developed a microphysiological system of engineered muscle tissue (EMT) fabricated using a collagen / Matrigel composite hydrogel and murine skeletal myoblasts. This 3D EMT model allows non-invasive quantitative assessment of contractile function. After applying a 7-day differentiation protocol to induce myotube formation, the EMTs clearly exhibited sarcomerogenesis, myofilament formation, and synchronous twitch and tetanic contractions with electrical stimuli. Using this 3D EMT system, we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity at 10−3 G on myogenesis and contractile function utilizing a random positioning machine. EMTs cultured for 5 days in simulated microgravity exhibited significantly reduced contractile forces, myofiber size, and differential expression of muscle contractile, myogenesis regulatory, and mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins. These results indicate simulated microgravity attenuates myogenesis, resulting in impaired muscle function.
Polygenic effects on brain functional endophenotype for deficit and non-deficit schizophrenia
Authors: Fang Jin , Lv Yiding , Xie Yingying , Tang Xiaowei , Zhang Xiaobin , Wang Xiang , Yu Miao , Zhou Chao , Qin Wen , Zhang Xiangrong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDeficit schizophrenia (DS) is a subtype of schizophrenia (SCZ). The polygenic effects on the neuroimaging alterations in DS still remain unknown. This study aims to calculate the polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia (PRS-SCZ) in DS, and further explores the potential associations with functional features of brain. PRS-SCZ was calculated according to the Whole Exome sequencing and Genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Resting-state fMRI, as well as biochemical features and neurocognitive data were obtained from 33 DS, 47 NDS and 41 HCs, and association studies of genetic risk with neuroimaging were performed in this sample. The analyses of amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo) and functional connectivity (FC) were performed to detect the functional alterations between DS and NDS. In addition, correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationships between functional features (ALFF, ReHo, FC) and PRS-SCZ. The PRS-SCZ of DS was significantly lower than that in NDS and HC. Compared to NDS, there was a significant increase in the ALFF of left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG.L) and left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG.L) and a significant decrease in the ALFF of right precuneus (PCUN.R) and ReHo of right middle frontal gyrus (MFG.R) in DS. FCs were widely changed between DS and NDS, mainly concentrated in default mode network, including ITG, PCUN and angular gyrus (ANG). Correlation analysis revealed that the ALFF of left ITG, the ReHo of right middle frontal gyrus, the FC value between insula and ANG, left ITG and right corpus callosum, left ITG and right PCUN, as well as the scores of Trail Making Test-B, were associated with PRS-SCZ in DS. The present study demonstrated the differential polygenic effects on functional changes of brain in DS and NDS, providing a potential neuroimaging-genetic perspective for the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
A divergent intermediate strategy yields biologically diverse pseudo-natural products
Authors: Bag Sukdev , Liu Jie , Patil Sohan , Bonowski Jana , Koska Sandra , Schölermann Beate , Zhang Ruirui , Wang Lin , Pahl Axel , Sievers Sonja , Brieger Lukas , Strohmann Carsten , Ziegler Slava , Grigalunas Michael , Waldmann Herbert 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe efficient exploration of biologically relevant chemical space is essential for the discovery of bioactive compounds. A molecular design principle that possesses both biological relevance and structural diversity may more efficiently lead to compound collections that are enriched in diverse bioactivities. Here the diverse pseudo-natural product (PNP) strategy, which combines the biological relevance of the PNP concept with synthetic diversification strategies from diversity-oriented synthesis, is reported. A diverse PNP collection was synthesized from a common divergent intermediate through developed indole dearomatization methodologies to afford three-dimensional molecular frameworks that could be further diversified via intramolecular coupling and/or carbon monoxide insertion. In total, 154 PNPs were synthesized representing eight different classes. Cheminformatic analyses showed that the PNPs are structurally diverse between classes. Biological investigations revealed the extent of diverse bioactivity enrichment of the collection in which four inhibitors of Hedgehog signalling, DNA synthesis, de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis and tubulin polymerization were identified from four different PNP classes.
Cellular uptake and in vivo distribution of mesenchymal-stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles are protein corona dependent
Authors: Liam-Or Revadee , Faruqu Farid N. , Walters Adam , Han Shunping , Xu Lizhou , Wang Julie Tzu-Wen , Oberlaender Jennifer , Sanchez-Fueyo Alberto , Lombardi Giovanna , Dazzi Francesco , Mailaender Volker , Al-Jamal Khuloud T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells are promising nanotherapeutics in liver diseases due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Nevertheless, a concern has been raised regarding the rapid clearance of exogenous EVs by phagocytic cells. Here we explore the impact of protein corona on EVs derived from two culturing conditions in which specific proteins acquired from media were simultaneously adsorbed on the EV surface. Additionally, by incubating EVs with serum, simulating protein corona formation upon systemic delivery, further resolved protein corona–EV complex patterns were investigated. Our findings reveal the potential influences of corona composition on EVs under in vitro conditions and their in vivo kinetics. Our data suggest that bound albumin creates an EV signature that can retarget EVs from hepatic macrophages. This results in markedly improved cellular uptake by hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells. This phenomenon can be applied as a camouflage strategy by precoating EVs with albumin to fabricate the albumin-enriched protein corona–EV complex, enhancing non-phagocytic uptake in the liver. This work addresses a critical challenge facing intravenously administered EVs for liver therapy by tailoring the protein corona–EV complex for liver cell targeting and immune evasion.
Quantum measurement enables single biomarker sensitivity in flow cytometry
Authors: Sabines-Chesterking J. , Burenkov I. A. , Polyakov S. V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe present the first unambiguous experimental method enabling single-fluorophore sensitivity in a flow cytometer using quantum properties of single-photon emitters. We use a quantum measurement based on the second-order coherence function to prove that the optical signal is produced by individual biomarkers traversing the interrogation volume of the flow cytometer from the first principles. This observation enables the use of the quantum toolbox for rapid detection, enumeration, and sorting of single fluorophores in large cell populations as well as a ‘photons-to-moles’ calibration of this measurement modality.
Laser-assisted see-through technology for locating sound sources inside a structure
Authors: Wu Sean F. , Lu Yazhong , Ernest Cameron , Zhao Yang , Chen Lingguang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA laser-assisted see-through technology is developed to locate sound sources inside a structure and to analyze the interior sound field. Six lasers were employed to measure simultaneously the normal velocities on the exterior surface. These input data were used to locate sound sources inside a solid structure using a passive sonic detection and ranging algorithm, and then to reconstruct the interior sound field using the Helmholtz equation least squares method, and finally to observe the changes of the interior sound field over time through computer tomography. If signals are time invariant, all these can be accomplished with two lasers, one being fixed and another moving around to measure the normal surface velocity sequentially to establish transfer function with respect to the stationary laser. Once the transfer functions are established, they can be multiplied by any segment of time-domain signals measured by the fixed laser to acquire multiple normal surface velocities, as if they were measured simultaneously. This laser-assisted see-through technology has been validated experimentally and employed to observe the aerodynamically-induced sound field generated by a blower inside a projector. This development is important as it signifies a significant advancement in sound source localization, and opens the door to a class of applications presently unattainable.
The nightscape of the Arctic winter shapes the diving behavior of a marine predator
Authors: Chambault Philippine , Teilmann Jonas , Tervo Outi , Sinding Mikkel Holger S. , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPredator–prey interactions in marine ecosystems are dynamically influenced by light, as demonstrated by diel vertical migrations of low-trophic level organisms. At high latitudes, the long winter nights can provide foraging opportunities for marine predators targeting vertically migrating prey closer to the surface at night. However, there is limited documentation of such diel patterns in marine predators under extreme light regimes. To address this, we recorded the diving behavior of 17 harbour porpoises just south of the Arctic circle in West Greenland, from summer to winter. Unlike classical diel vertical migration, the porpoises dove 24–37% deeper at night and the frequency of deep dives (> 100 m) increased tenfold as they entered the darkest months. The daily mean depth was negatively correlated with daylength, suggesting an increased diving activity when approaching the polar night. Our findings suggest a light-mediated strategy in which harbour porpoises would either target (i) benthic prey, (ii) pelagic prey migrating seasonally towards the seafloor, or (iii) vertically migrating prey that may be otherwise inaccessible in deeper waters at night, therefore maximizing feeding activity during extended periods of darkness. Extreme light regimes observed at high latitudes are therefore critical in structuring pelagic communities and food webs.