bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No impact of habitat fragmentation on condition and dispersal ability in the highly mobile butterfly Pieris rapae
Authors: Deppe Franziska , Achterberg Christoph , Dittmar Johanna‐Marie , Kunz Steffen , Näckel Lara , Wittkamp Luisa , Fischer Klaus 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe loss and fragmentation of natural habitats due to agricultural intensification have a strong negative impact on farmland biodiversity. The concomitant isolation of essential resources may exert selection pressures toward increased dispersal performance in flying insects, possibly resulting in differences in flight morphology and dispersal propensity across landscapes. Here, we compared condition, flight morphology, dispersal capacity, and propensity of the common butterfly Pieris rapae among four pairs of highly fragmented “modern” and less fragmented “traditional” agricultural landscapes. We did not find differences between landscape types, but between locations and sexes. These results are not entirely unexpected, as P. rapae is a highly mobile generalist species, able to exploit temporarily available resources such as rapeseed in modern agricultural landscapes. In addition, our negative results may suggest a lack of time for evolutionary change such that differences may appear in the future. However, more specialized species with low dispersal ability may show clearer patterns and may well suffer from habitat fragmentation, and investigating such interrelation is an important task for future research.
The influence of advanced age on long‐term postsurgical analgesic use in patients receiving neuraxial anaesthesia for elective surgery
Authors: Sun Mingyang , Chen Wan‐Ming , Wu Szu‐Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the relationship between age and long‐term postsurgical analgesic use in patients who underwent elective surgery with neuraxial anaesthesia.DesignRetrospective observational study using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 2015 to 2019.SettingNational Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan.PatientsA total of 12,810 patients (6405 younger and 6405 older) matched using propensity score matching.InterventionsOlder (≥65 years).MeasurementsThe use of long‐term (3 or 6 months) postoperative analgesics, including opioids, as a surrogate marker of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) was analysed using logistic regression.Main ResultsAfter 3 months of surgery, older adults had higher use of all analgesics (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.03–1.28) and opioids (OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.09–1.28) compared to younger patients. Similar results were observed after 6 months of surgery (all analgesic use: OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.03–1.20; opioid use: OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.07–1.81).ConclusionThe findings from this study suggest that older adults are more likely to experience CPSP and have increased use of long‐term analgesics, including opioids, after undergoing elective surgery with neuraxial anaesthesia. The study highlights the need for improved pain management strategies for older adults after surgery.SignificanceOlder age is an independent risk factor for long‐term analgesic use after surgery under neuraxial anaesthesiaanesthesia, indicating an increased risk for chronic postsurgical pain.
Haplotype reconstruction for genetically complex regions with ambiguous genotype calls: Illustration by the KIR gene region
Authors: van der Burg Lars L. J. , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Baldauf Henning , Sauter Jürgen , Schetelig Johannes , Putter Hein , Böhringer Stefan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAdvances in DNA sequencing technologies have enabled genotyping of complex genetic regions exhibiting copy number variation and high allelic diversity, yet it is impossible to derive exact genotypes in all cases, often resulting in ambiguous genotype calls, that is, partially missing data. An example of such a gene region is the killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) genes. These genes are of special interest in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. For such complex gene regions, current haplotype reconstruction methods are not feasible as they cannot cope with the complexity of the data. We present an expectation–maximization (EM)‐algorithm to estimate haplotype frequencies (HTFs) which deals with the missing data components, and takes into account linkage disequilibrium (LD) between genes. To cope with the exponential increase in the number of haplotypes as genes are added, we add three components to a standard EM‐algorithm implementation. First, reconstruction is performed iteratively, adding one gene at a time. Second, after each step, haplotypes with frequencies below a threshold are collapsed in a rare haplotype group. Third, the HTF of the rare haplotype group is profiled in subsequent iterations to improve estimates. A simulation study evaluates the effect of combining information of multiple genes on the estimates of these frequencies. We show that estimated HTFs are approximately unbiased. Our simulation study shows that the EM‐algorithm is able to combine information from multiple genes when LD is high, whereas increased ambiguity levels increase bias. Linear regression models based on this EM, show that a large number of haplotypes can be problematic for unbiased effect size estimation and that models need to be sparse. In a real data analysis of KIR genotypes, we compare HTFs to those obtained in an independent study. Our new EM‐algorithm‐based method is the first to account for the full genetic architecture of complex gene regions, such as the KIR gene region. This algorithm can handle the numerous observed ambiguities, and allows for the collapsing of haplotypes to perform implicit dimension reduction. Combining information from multiple genes improves haplotype reconstruction.
Potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapy of sepsis: Lactylation
Authors: Sun ZeXian , Song Yu , Li Jie , Li Yize , Yu YongHao , Wang Xin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionAs a disease that has plagued human health for decades, sepsis has so far had no specific diagnostic or therapeutic indicators. The discovery of lactylation modifications not only uncovered the deep‐rooted causes of changing between lactate level and pathophysiology and immunology of sepsis, but also reaffirmed the inevitable link between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic reprogramming in sepsis. Lactylation modification became a potential marker for diagnosis and guiding the treatment of sepsis.AimIn this paper, we will summarize the discovery and regulation of lactylation modifications, discuss the study of lactylation modifications in sepsis, and evaluate their possibility and potential as diagnostic and therapeutic indicators of sepsis.ConclusionLactylation modification is directly regulated by glycolysis and lactate, and inhibition of glycolytic pathway‐related enzymes can regulate the level of lactylation modification, and more importantly, lactylation modification can act on these enzymes to regulate their functions and feedback regulate the level of glycolysis, this finding provides more ideas for clinical treatment of sepsis. We use “epigenetic modification”, “glycolysis”, “lactate”, “lactylaiton” and “sepsis” as keywords and search the relevant literature through Pubmed and Web of science up to 2023.
Mechanistic insights into the role of probiotics in modulating immune cells in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Guo Ni , Lv Lu‐lu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC) is a persistent inflammatory disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract, mainly the colon, which is defined by inflammatory responses and the formation of ulcers. Probiotics have been shown to directly impact various immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T and B cells. By interacting with cell surface receptors, they regulate immune cell activity, produce metabolites that influence immune responses, and control the release of cytokines and chemokines.MethodsThis article is a comprehensive review wherein we conducted an exhaustive search across published literature, utilizing reputable databases like PubMed and Web of Science. Our focus centered on pertinent keywords, such as “UC,” ‘DSS,” “TNBS,” “immune cells,” and “inflammatory cytokines,” to compile the most current insights regarding the therapeutic potential of probiotics in managing UC.ResultsThis overview aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the effects of probiotics on immune cells in relation to UC. Probiotics have a crucial role in promoting the proliferation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are necessary for preserving immunological homeostasis and regulating inflammatory responses. They also decrease the activation of pro‐inflammatory cells like T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells, contributing to UC development. Thus, probiotics significantly impact both direct and indirect pathways of immune cell regulation in UC, promoting Treg differentiation, inhibiting pro‐inflammatory cell activation, and regulating cytokine and chemokine release.ConclusionProbiotics demonstrate significant potential in modulating the immune reactions in UC. Their capacity to modulate different immune cells and inflammation‐related processes makes them a promising therapeutic approach for managing UC. However, further studies are warranted to optimize their use and fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects in UC treatment.
Regulation of long noncoding RNAs in the pathogenesis and clinical implications of pituitary adenomas
Authors: Wang Ling , Xu Dingkai 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundPituitary adenoma (PA) is a type of tumor that develops in the sella turcica and is one of the most frequent intracranial tumors. It belongs to a type of adenoma derived from a single clone of cells in the pituitary gland. PA ranks third among all intracranial tumors, following only gliomas and meningioma. The average prevalence rate is approximately 15% at autopsy and 22.5% at radiological examinations.Objective and SignificanceMost PAs are benign and non‐invasive adenomas that can be removed surgically or controlled with medication. However, approximately 35% of them show invasion into nearby anatomical structures and cannot be completely resected. 0.1%~0.2% of PA cases eventually develop into pituitary carcinomas. Additionally, PA may cause severe morbidity due to mass effects and the disorder of pituitary hormone secretion. Therefore, there is an urgent need to clarify the pathological mechanism of PA, improve the accuracy of diagnosis, and develop targeted therapies.Research StatusAlthough current knowledge about the pathogenesis of PA remains limited, epigenetic modulation of PA has been increasingly implicated. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally and exert substantial roles in the initiation, progression, or suppression of various tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown close relationships between lncRNA dysregulation and PA development.ConclusionsThis review highlights recent progress in the study of lncRNAs in PA pathogenesis and their potential as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for PA patients.
TNFAIP3 interacting protein 2 relieves lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory injury in endometritis by inhibiting NF‐kappaB activation
Authors: Qian Xinxin , Wang Yan , Li Xingmei , Li Yuewen , Li Liping 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundEndometritis seriously affects the health of women, and it is important to identify new targets for its treatment.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the role of TNFAIP3 interacting protein 2 (TNIP2) in endometritis through human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).MethodshEECs were induced with LPS to build a cellular model of endometritis. Cell growth and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit‐8 and flow cytometry. The TNIP2 mRNA and protein levels were measured using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. The caspase3 activity was calculated using a Caspase3 activity kit. Interleukin (IL)−1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels were determined by enzyme‐linked‐immunosorbent‐assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined using the corresponding kits. Nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) pathway was determined by western blot assay.ResultsTNIP2 was downregulated in the LPS‐induced endometritis cell model. Cell viability was reduced, apoptosis was enhanced, and IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α levels increased in LPS‐induced hEECs. Additionally, LDH activity and ROS concentration were upregulated, whereas CAT and SOD activities were downregulated in LPS‐induced hEECs. These results were reversed by TNIP2 overexpression. Moreover, the results hinted that NF‐κB was involved in the effects of TNIP2 on the LPS‐induced endometritis cell model.ConclusionTNIP2 alleviated endometritis by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for endometritis.
Cervical pessary to prevent preterm birth and poor neonatal outcome: An integrity meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials focusing on adherence to the European Medical Device Regulation
Authors: Kyvernitakis Ioannis , Baschat Ahmet A. , Malan Marcel , Rath Werner , Berger Richard , Henrich Wolfgang , Schleussner Ekkehard , Yousefi Bahareh , Timmesfeld Nina , Maul Holger 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundFindings from randomized trials (RCTs) on cervical pessary treatment to prevent spontaneous preterm birth are inconsistent.ObjectivesOur hypothesis suggests that adhering to the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and following the instructions for use are essential prerequisites for successful therapy. Conversely, the non‐adherence to these guidelines will probably contribute to its failure.Search Strategy and Selection CriteriaBased on validated criteria from integrity assessments we performed a systematic review identifying 14 RCTs evaluating the effect of cervical pessaries.Data Collection and AnalysisWe analyzed the implications of 14 criteria each accounting for 0–2 points of a score reflecting the clinical evaluation plan (CEP) as proposed by the MDR to evaluate the risk–benefit ratio of medical devices.Main ResultsSeven RCTs in each singleton and twin pregnancies (5193 “cases”) were included, detecting a high heterogeneity within control groups (I2 = 85% and 87%, respectively, P < 0.01). The CEP score varied from 11 to 26 points for all studies. The most common reasons for low scores and potential data compromise were poor recruitment rates, no (completed) power analysis, and no pre‐registration, but mainly non‐adherence to technical, biological, and clinical equivalence to the instructions for use as required by the MDR. All trials with score values greater than 20 had applied audit procedures. Within this group we found significantly reduced rates of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks within the pessary group in singleton (odds ratio 0.28; 95% confidence interval 0.12–0.65) and twin pregnancies (odds ratio 0.30; 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.67). Similarly, there was a significant reduction in the composite poor neonatal outcome in singleton (odds ratio 0.25; 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.61) and twin pregnancies (odds ratio 0.54; 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.82) after a pessary as compared with controls.ConclusionNon‐audited RCTs and meta‐analyses mixing studies of different clinical quality as pre‐defined by a CEP and the MDR pose the risk for erroneous conclusions.
Toward establishing a qualifying autoclitic repertoire in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Owen Todd M. , Rodriguez Nicole M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAutoclitics are secondary verbal operants that are controlled by a feature of the conditions that occasion or evoke a primary verbal operant such as a tact or mand. Qualifying autoclitics extend, negate, or assert a speaker's primary verbal response and modify the intensity or direction of the listener's behavior. Howard and Rice (1988) established autoclitics that indicated weak stimulus control (e.g., “like a [primary tact]”) with four neurotypical preschool children. However, generalization to newly acquired tacts was limited. In Experiment 1, we addressed similar behavior as in Howard and Rice but with autistic children while using simultaneous teaching procedures, and we observed generalization across sets and with newly acquired tacts. In Experiment 2, we evaluated the effects of multiple‐exemplar training on generalization of autoclitics across sets of naturalistic stimuli. Across participants, gradual increases in the frequency of autoclitics occurred with untaught stimuli after teaching with one or more sets.
Identifying Rare Genetic Determinants for Improved Polygenic Risk Prediction of Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk
Authors: Lu Tianyuan , Forgetta Vincenzo , Zhou Sirui , Richards J Brent , Greenwood Celia MT 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTOsteoporosis and fractures severely impact the elderly population. Polygenic risk scores for bone mineral density have demonstrated potential clinical utility. However, the value of rare genetic determinants in risk prediction has not been assessed. With whole-exome sequencing data from 436,824 UK Biobank participants, we assigned White British ancestry individuals into a training data set (n = 317,434) and a test data set (n = 74,825). In the training data set, we developed a common variant-based polygenic risk score for heel ultrasound speed of sound (SOS). Next, we performed burden testing to identify genes harboring rare determinants of bone mineral density, targeting influential rare variants with predicted high deleteriousness. We constructed a genetic risk score, called ggSOS, to incorporate influential rare variants in significant gene burden masks into the common variant-based polygenic risk score. We assessed the predictive performance of ggSOS in the White British test data set, as well as in populations of non-White British European (n = 18,885), African (n = 7165), East Asian (n = 2236), South Asian (n = 9829), and other admixed (n = 1481) ancestries. Twelve genes in pivotal regulatory pathways of bone homeostasis harbored influential rare variants associated with SOS (p &lt; 5.5 × 10−7), including AHNAK, BMP5, CYP19A1, FAM20A, FBXW5, KDM5B, KREMEN1, LGR4, LRP5, SMAD6, SOST, and WNT1. Among 4013 (5.4%) individuals in the test data set carrying these variants, a one standard deviation decrease in ggSOS was associated with 1.35-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.57) increased hazard of major osteoporotic fracture. However, compared with a common variant-based polygenic risk score (C-index = 0.641), ggSOS had only marginally improved prediction accuracy in identifying at-risk individuals (C-index = 0.644), with overlapping confidence intervals. Similarly, ggSOS did not demonstrate substantially improved predictive performance in non-European ancestry populations. In summary, modeling the effects of rare genetic determinants may assist polygenic prediction of fracture risk among carriers of influential rare variants. Nonetheless, improved clinical utility is not guaranteed for population-level risk screening. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Bridging Eulerian and Lagrangian Poisson–Boltzmann solvers by ESES
Authors: Ullah Sheik Ahmed , Yang Xin , Jones Ben , Zhao Shan , Geng Weihua , Wei Guo‐Wei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) model is a widely used electrostatic model for biomolecular solvation analysis. Formulated as an elliptic interface problem, the PB model can be numerically solved on either Eulerian meshes using finite difference/finite element methods or Lagrangian meshes using boundary element methods. Molecular surface generators, which produce the discretized dielectric interfaces between solutes and solvents, are critical factors in determining the accuracy and efficiency of the PB solvers. In this work, we investigate the utility of the Eulerian Solvent Excluded Surface (ESES) software for rendering conjugated Eulerian and Lagrangian surface representations, which enables us to numerically validate and compare the quality of Eulerian PB solvers, such as the MIBPB solver, and the Lagrangian PB solvers, such as the TABI‐PB solver. Furthermore, with the ESES software and its associated PB solvers, we are able to numerically validate an interesting and useful but often neglected source‐target symmetric property associated with the linearized PB model.
COVID‐19 and the chemical industry: impacts, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Abedsoltan Hossein 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic imposed unparalleled challenges for the chemical industry, leading to disruptions in supply chains and demand dynamics. This period of crisis tested the adaptability and resilience of global chemical companies. Despite the challenges, the chemical industry exhibited remarkable innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. It demonstrated its capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to societal needs. Key lessons emerged, emphasizing the importance of diversifying supply chains, implementing scenario planning, and embracing digitalization for enhanced preparedness. As the world progresses toward recovery, the chemical industry is poised to leverage the valuable lessons learned. Industry 4.0 adoption, agile decision‐making, and collaborative efforts with various sectors, research institutions, and governments have accelerated digital transformation and enabled collective responses to global challenges. By focusing on healthcare, advanced materials, and circular economy initiatives, the industry can align with market trends and contribute to societal needs. Furthermore, prioritizing sustainability, regionalization, and responsible practices will be integral to future success. Proactive measures such as strengthening supply chain resilience, enhancing digital capabilities, and fostering a culture of innovation will empower chemical companies to navigate future challenges with confidence. By investing in sustainability, employee well‐being, and responsible practices, the chemical industry can play a pivotal role in building a more resilient and sustainable world. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).