bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impact of Simulated Microgravity on Cellular DNA: A Comparative Analysis of Cancer and Normal Cell Lines
Authors: Altaie Saifaldeen , Alrawi Amera , Xuexin Duan , Alnada Qater 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The examination of the impact of microgravity on biological systems has gained considerable attention owing to its potential implications for health and disease. Simulated microgravity serves as a valuable methodology for elucidating the intricate cellular responses to altered gravitational conditions. This study investigates the effects of simulated microgravity on cellular DNA, employing four distinct cell lines—breast, brain, and esophageal cancer cells, in conjunction with normal cells for comparative analysis. The experiment utilized the comet assay test to quantitatively assess DNA damage. The results revealed a discernible disparity in the response to simulated microgravity, notably with cancer cells exhibiting a significant increase in DNA damage compared to the relatively minimal effects observed in both control and normal cells. Furthermore, within the cancer cell lines, significant variations in the extent of DNA damage were evident, implying a cell type-dependent response to simulated microgravity. These findings illuminate the potential differential susceptibility of cancerous and normal cells to microgravity-induced DNA damage. Consequently, this research substantially contributes to our comprehension of microgravity-induced cellular responses and unveils promising avenues for targeted interventions in cancer therapy.
Early generation of a precursor CD8 T cell that can adapt to acute or chronic viral infection
Authors: Ahmed Rafi , McManus Daniel , Valanparambil Rajesh , Medina Christopher , Hu Yinghong , Scharer Chris , Sobierajska Ewelina , Chang Daniel , Wieland Andreas , Lee Judong , Nasti Tahseen , Hashimoto Masao , Ross James , Prokhnevska Nataliya , Cardenas Maria , Gill Amanda , Clark Elisa , Abadie Kathleen , Kueh Hao Yuan , Kaye Jonathan , Au-Yeung Byron , Kissick Haydn 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Virus specific PD-1+ TCF-1+ TOX+ stem-like CD8+ T cells are essential for maintaining T cell responses during chronic infection and are also critical for PD-1 directed immunotherapy. In this study we have used the mouse model of chronic LCMV infection to examine when these virus specific stem-like CD8+ T cells are generated during the course of chronic infection and what is the role of antigen in maintaining the stem-like program. We found that these stem-like CD8+ T cells are generated early (day 5) during chronic infection and that antigen is essential for maintaining their stem-like program. This early generation of stem-like CD8+ T cells suggested that the fate commitment to this cell population was agnostic to the eventual outcome of infection and the immune system prepares a priori for a potential chronic infection. Indeed, we found that an identical virus specific stem-cell like CD8+ T cell population was also generated during acute LCMV infection but these cells were lost once the virus was cleared. To determine the fate of these early PD-1+TCF-1+TOX+ stem-like CD8+ T cells that are generated during both acute and chronic LCMV infection we set up two reciprocal adoptive transfer experiments. In the first experiment we transferred day 5 stem-like CD8+ T cells from chronically infected into acutely infected mice and examined their differentiation after viral clearance. We found that these early stem-like CD8+ T cells downregulated canonical markers of the chronic stem-like CD8+ T cells and expressed markers (CD127 and CD62L) associated with central memory CD8+ T cells. In the second experiment, we transferred day 5 stem-like cells from acutely infected mice into chronically infected mice and found that these CD8+ T cells could function like resource cells after transfer into a chronic environment by generating effector CD8+ T cells in both lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues while also maintaining the number of stem-like CD8+ T cells. These findings provide insight into the generation and maintenance of virus specific stem-like CD8+ T cells that play a critical role in chronic viral infection. In particular, our study highlights the early generation of stem-like CD8+ T cells and their ability to adapt to either an acute or chronic infection. These findings are of broad significance since these novel stem-like CD8+ T cells play an important role in not only viral infections but also in cancer and autoimmunity.
BZDRs promote breast cancer progression through GABRA3-ECM signaling
Authors: Yang Wei-Chung , Lin Yen-Yi , Ding Jeak Ling , Zhang Bo-Xiang , Nguyen Phung-Anh , Hung Chin-Sheng , Hsieh Tsung-Han , Chang Shu-Chun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
BZDRs (benzodiazepines and related Z-drugs), are widely used for clinical treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders. BZDRs act on GABA type A receptors to inhibit neurotransmitters. Previously, we have demonstrated that clinical use of Diazepam (benzodiazepines) and Zolpidem (Z-drugs) are associated with the risk of breast cancer (BRCA) as the treatment time increased. Here, we further investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of BZDRs, Diazepam and Zolpidem, in breast cancer progression. We showed that these BZDRs significantly stimulated BRCA cell migration and invasion, and that long-term usage of BZDRs increased the mortality rate of BRCA patients (p = 0.034). Retrospective studies on patient samples indicate that among 16 GABA receptors examined, GABRA3 (a pro-tumorigenic player) was significantly upregulated during BRCA advancement. BZDRs stimulated GABRA3, which downregulated anti-tumorigenic ECM (extracellular matrix) molecules (S100B, COL6A6 and VIT) and upregulated pro-tumorigenic FBN3 in BRCA cells. Notably, GABRA3-knockdown dramatically suppressed BRCA cell invasion induced by BZDRs, which seemed to work via manipulation of the ECM molecules. Altogether, our data support GABRA3-associated ECM signaling, through the axes of GABRA3-S100B, GABRA3-COL6A6, GABRA3-VIT and GABRA3-FBN3, which might individually or collaboratively play pivotal roles in exacerbating BZDR-mediated breast cancer progression.
Chiari malformation in a restricted-resource setting and treatment challenges: Case report and literature review
Authors: Hakimi Turyalai , Qasem Khalid Mohammad , Hakimi Zamaryalai , Jawed Mohammad Anwar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Chiari malformations encompass many abnormalities in the skull, primarily impacting the cerebellum and typically involving the back part of the skull. It is defined by the downward displacement of one or both cerebellar tonsils via the foramen magnum. The clinical manifestations are a result of impaired function in the brainstem and lower cranial nerves. Decompressive surgery, with or without duraplasty, is the preferred therapeutic option. However, it can be particularly difficult in low-resource settings due to a lack of technical facilities.
Case presentation
A 40-day-old infant was brought to our pediatric surgery unit with a large cystic mass located in her occipital area. The patient was administered a suitable antibiotic regimen in response to the respiratory illness and prepped for definitive treatment. She underwent tension-free decompressive repair with the preservation of both cerebellar tonsils without duraplasty for the purpose of preventing post-operative complications, mostly hydrocephalus. The surgical procedure and postoperative period were without any notable incidents.
Conclusion
Chiari malformation is a complex neurosurgical condition with varying levels of surgical outcome, depending on the extent of the problem. A specialized pediatric neurosurgical center and a controlled follow-up system are the essential components of better surgical results and enhancing the quality of life.
Effects of a Modified Heat Treatment on the Quasi-Static and Dynamic Behavior of Additively Manufactured Lattice Structures
Authors: Rowe Russell , Almeida Nara , Prather Andy , Beck Sadie , Palazotto Anthony N , Davami Keivan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The flexibility of additive manufacturing techniques that produce parts from powders layer-by-layer directly from a digital model, enabled the fabrication of complex lightweight lattice structures with precisely engineered mechanical properties. Herein, an investigation of the quasi-static and dynamic behavior of additively manufactured (AM) triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattice structures before and after a novel post-process heat treatment step is conducted. The specimens were fabricated out of Inconel 718, a nickel-chromium-based superalloy, using a selective laser melting technique with three different topologies, namely, Gyroid, Primitive, and I-WP. The quasi-static tests were conducted at a strain rate of 0.002 s− 1 and dynamic experiments were conducted using a split Hopkinson pressure bar at three different strain rates, 600 s− 1, 800 s− 1, and 1000 s− 1. It was shown that while the strain rate does not significantly affect the mechanical responses of the lattice structures, the heat treatment step dramatically changes their behavior. Results demonstrated that after the heat treatment, the yield strength of the I-WP specimens increased by 65.2% under a quasi-static load. Also, flow stress after yielding in the dynamic tests was shown to increase around 9.6% for I-WP specimens and up to 12.8% for Gyroid specimens. The specific energy absorption values were 10.5, 19.1, and 10.7 for I-WP, Gyroid, and Primitive, respectively, before the heat treatment, and changed to 19.6, 19.8, and 15.4 after the heat treatment. The results confirm that by precisely designing the architecture of a lattice structure and implementing a modified heat treatment process, it is possible to optimize the weight, strength, and energy absorption capability of this type of metamaterial.
Mental health impacts of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in patients and household contacts: A mixed-method study
Authors: M Yogesh , Parmar Dipesh V , Patel Nirmalkumar Shaileshbhai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients experience disproportionately worse mental health with implications for adherence, outcomes, and families. Comprehensive assessments of comorbid depression/anxiety and related factors remain limited. Objective: To assess the prevalence, predictors, and qualitative experiences of depression and anxiety in MDR-TB patients and Household contacts.
Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted in Gujarat, India with 403 smear-positive MDR-TB patients and 403 contacts. The quantitative phase administered structured questionnaires on sociodemographic factors, clinical history, depression/anxiety symptoms, and psychosocial stressors. Logistic regression models were used. The qualitative phase included in-depth interviews with 30 purposively sampled patients for thematic content analysis. Results were integrated to contextualize quantitative findings.
Results: High rates of depression (37.5%, n=151) and anxiety (45.2%, n=182) were documented among MDR-TB patients, significantly greater than household contacts (20.1%, n=81 and 25.1%, n=101 respectively. Older age, female gender, divorced/widowed status, financial constraints, substance abuse, disease severity, medication side effects, and perceived stigma emerged as significant risk factors. Themes highlighted depression, stigma, caretaking demands, and suggestions for patient support services.
Conclusion: MDR-TB patients experience a substantially higher dual disease burden of depression/anxiety elevating the risk for adverse outcomes and transmission. Improving psychosocial support is vital to patient-centric care pathways for vulnerable groups. Mixed methods provide comprehensive evidence to inform integrated physical-mental health services.
Comparative study of high-temperature anaerobic digestion of municipal sludge under acid/alkali and low-temperature hydrothermal synergistic pretreatment
Authors: Huang Ying , baoyan Chi , Zhang Zhongyu , Shao Feng , Zhou Weidong , Zhou Kemei , Zha Rong , Ruan Xiaoqing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The efficiency of anaerobic digestion of sludge can be significantly improved through a combination of acid or alkali hydrolysis with low-temperature hydrothermal (LTH) pretreatment. The impact of various agents in conjunction with LTH treatment on sludge properties and high-temperature anaerobic digestion (HTAD) systems was comprehensively examined in this study. Comparative analyses reveal that NaOH-LTH pretreatment surpasses HCl-LTH pretreatment in enhancing sludge organic matter solubilization and enhancing HTAD system. Contrary to expectations, the use of acetic acid (HAc) pretreatment does not further enhance organic matter solubilization in sludge. Instead, it inhibits gas production efficiency and diminishes the removal efficiency of total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) during HTAD. Among the pretreatments, NaOH (pH 11, 24h)-LTH (90°C, 30 min) co-treatment emerges as the optimal condition. This configuration results in a 12.5-fold increase in sludge soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) compared to untreated samples, a 34.1% improvement in methane yield in the HTAD system, and a remarkable TCOD removal efficiency of 36.8%. Notably, this combined pretreatment induces significant alterations in the microbial community structure of the sludge HTAD system. Following NaOH-LTH pretreatment, the total relative abundance of methanogenic archaea increases from 80.2–92.3% compared to untreated systems. These findings offer valuable insights for the engineering application of sludge HTAD, particularly in the selection of treatment protocols.
Revisiting the absolute green synthesis of MFI zeolite and derived metal-acid bifunctional catalysts
Authors: Xu Wenqi , Li Hongqing , Zhu Mengxuan , Wang Rui , Jiang Heng , Jin Changzi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Developing sustainable synthesis method of versatile zeolites to overcome the shortcoming of traditional process is of significant for development of green chemistry and environmentally friendly techniques. In this work, MFI zeolite (ZSM-5) was synthesized through organotemplate-, solvent- and seed-free quasi-solid state transformation with commercial silica gel or Stöber colloidal SiO2 as silica source. The key influencing factors to this absolute green synthesis process, such as starting material composition, crystallization temperature and time, had been unambiguously investigated by combining a series of characterization techniques and the optimized synthesis conditions had been obtained. In addition, this green synthesis method can be extended into the fabrication of encapsulated metal-zeolite bifunctional catalyst, which is effective in hydroisomerization of n-heptane. These results are instructive for development of green synthesis of aluminosilicate zeolites and derived heterogeneous catalysts.
Hierarchical representations of relative numerical magnitudes in the human frontoparietal cortex
Authors: Kido Teruaki , Yotsumoto Yuko , Hayashi Masamichi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The ability to estimate numerical magnitude is essential for decision-making and is thought to underlie arithmetic skills. In humans, neural populations in the frontoparietal regions are tuned to represent numerosity. However, it remains unclear whether their response properties are fixed to a specific numerosity (i.e., absolute code) or dynamically scaled according to the range of numerosities relevant to the context (i.e., relative code). Here, using functional magnetic resonance imaging combined with multivariate pattern analysis, we uncover evidence that representations of relative numerosity coding emerge gradually as visual information processing advances in the frontoparietal regions. In contrast, the early sensory areas predominantly exhibit absolute coding. These findings indicate a hierarchical organization of relative numerosity representations that adapt their response properties according to the context. Our results highlight the existence of a context-dependent optimization mechanism in numerosity representation, enabling the efficient processing of infinite magnitude information with finite neural recourses.
A comprehensive investigation on various welding facets for FSW of advanced structural AMC
Authors: Acharya Uttam , Choudhury Smrity , Sethi Durjyodhan , Akinlabi Esther , Saxena Kuldeep K , Roy Barnik Saha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The study comprehensively explores various welding facets for FSW of advanced structural AMC (AA6092/17.5 SiCp-T6) by varying the Tool Rotational Speed (TRS). Thermal variations, force-torque distribution, structural evolution, and joint mechanical characteristics were evaluated. At 1000 rpm, welding temperature increases along the welding direction, contrasting with other TRS. The cooling rate escalates as welding progresses. The temperature gap between the Advancing Side (AS) and the Retreating Side (RS) widens with higher TRS. Increasing TRS leads to decreased spindle torque and Z-force, with X-force fluctuations evident at lower TRS. Additionally, the TRP exhibits a direct linear relationship with the energy input during the welding process. Microstructural analysis reveals diverse SiC particle aggregation in the Nugget Zone (NZ) across all the TRS conditions. Notably, at 1500 rpm, an onion ring width of 80 µm is observed. At 1750 rpm, iron particles indicating tool wear and an Al2O3 mud-cake-like formation is traced out. Furthermore, as TRS rises to 1500 rpm, there is a decrease in the particle size, succeeded by an increase, aligning with variations in the grain size. Welds display lower hardness than the BM, following a 'W' shape profile with the AS-HAZ region consistently showing the lowest hardness across all conditions. Hardness peaks at 1500 rpm, then decreases. The Tensile samples mostly fracture outside the weld zone, except at 1700 rpm. UTS values range from 308 MPa to 358 MPa, with joint efficiency peaking at 87% for 1500 rpm before decreasing to 74%. Welding at 1500 rpm exhibits greater elongation compared to the Base Metal, with fractographic analysis indicating predominantly ductile failure, except at 1750 rpm, displaying a mixed mode of failure.
Rendezvous-PIERCE technique: establishing a channel through severe calcification in infrainguinal arterial lesions using needle rendezvous
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Kashima Yoshifumi , Sato Katsuhiko , Fujita Tsutomu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Severe calcification often prevents device passage and balloon expansion in cases of lower extremity artery disease. To address this limitation, we introduced a novel calcium modification technique called Rendezvous-PIERCE (R-PIERCE).
Methods
A needle was inserted in a retrograde manner and advanced to touch the tip of an antegrade guidewire within the lesion. Then, the guidewire was advanced into the lumen of the needle to achieve partial guidewire externalization, also known as needle rendezvous. The needle was then introduced over the externalized guidewire under wire tension and repeatedly rotated and advanced across the lesion to modify calcified intimal plaques. Notably, this technique can be applied in the opposite direction.
Results
Case 1 involved a 68-year-old male with a calcified occlusion of the anterior tibial artery. An antegrade guidewire reached the midpoint of the occlusion; however, microcatheters and balloons could not pass through the proximal calcification. Therefore, R-PIERCE was used to modify uncrossable lesions. An antegrade 2.5-mm balloon crossed and dilated the lesion, achieving hemostasis at the needle insertion site. The antegrade guidewire successfully crossed the entire lesion and was dilated by the 2.5-mm balloon. Final angiography demonstrated successful flow. In Case 2, an 80-year-old male had a calcified femoropopliteal occlusion. An antegrade guidewire was advanced into the distal superficial femoral artery (SFA); however, no device was able to follow it. R-PIERCE was performed to modify the calcification from the distal to the medial SFA. The antegrade balloon successfully crossed and dilated obstructed lesions. Furthermore, the antegrade guidewire crossed the entire lesion, and the antegrade balloon was dilated. Final angiography revealed a successful flow without complications.
Conclusions
R-PIERCE is useful for modifying complex calcified lesions during the wiring of occlusive lesions.
Optimizing expected cross value for genetic introgression
Authors: Chen Charles , Ahadi Pouya , Balasundaram Balabhaskar , Borrero Juan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this study, we address the mate selection problem in the hybridization stage of a breeding pipeline, which constitutes the multi-objective breeding goal key to the performance of a variety development program. The solution framework we formulate seeks to ensure that individuals with the most desirable genomic characteristics are selected to cross, in order to maximize the likelihood of the inheritance of desirable genetic materials to the progeny. Unlike approaches that use phenotypic values for parental selection and evaluate individuals separately, we use a criterion that relies on the genetic architecture of target traits and evaluates the combination of the genomic information of the pair of individuals. We introduce the expected cross value (ECV) criterion that measures the expected number of desirable alleles for a gamete produced by two individuals of the population selected as parents. We use the ECV criterion to develop an integer linear programming formulation for the parental selection problem. The formulation is capable of controlling the inbreeding level between selected parents. We extend the approach in two directions: (i) improving multiple target traits simultaneously, and (ii) finding a multi-parental solution to design crossing blocks. We evaluate the performance of the ECV criterion using a simulation study. Finally, we discuss how the ECV criterion and the proposed integer linear programming techniques can be applied to improve the efficiency of genetic introgression while maintaining genetic diversity in a breeding program.