bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Carboplatin on the Functional Integrity of the Human Sperm Membrane In Vitro
Authors: REITER WERNER J. , TOMEK SANDRA , ZIELINSKI CHRISTOPH C. , MARBERGER MICHAEL 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTAlthough it is well known that carboplatin is a drug that binds directly to DNA, causing DNA‐DNA and DNA‐protein crosslinks, which is the presumptive method for killing cells, the whole mechanism of action of carboplatin on spermatozoa is unclear. There are no published data in peer‐reviewed journals focused on the interaction between carboplatin and cell membranes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the minimal concentration of carboplatin that would affect the functional integrity of the human sperm membrane in an in vitro model. Human‐ejaculated spermatozoa were obtained from 20 healthy normozoospermic donors. Solutions (SOL) of 0.5 mL of the semen samples and 0.5 mL NaCl (0.9%) containing increasing concentrations (7.5, 15, 30, and 60 ng) of carboplatin per 1 mL of SOL were prepared. Then, the hypoosmotic‐swelling (HOS) test and the eosin test were performed on these samples and compared with the control (no carboplatin) group. Significant damage to the plasma membrane in the head region (eosin test positive) and in the tail region of spermatozoa, as assessed by the HOS test, was observed in concentrations of 30 and 60 ng carboplatin per 1 mL of SOL in comparison to the values evaluated in the control group. The results demonstrate that a minimal carboplatin concentration of 30 ng/mL causes significant damage to membrane integrity of spermatozoa in healthy volunteers.
Capacitation and Induction of the Acrosome Reaction in Bull Spermatozoa With Norepinephrine
Authors: WAY AMY L. , KILLIAN GARY J. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTIdentification of norepinephrine (NE) within the microenvironment of the bovine oviduct suggests a potential role for catecholamines in the events surrounding fertilization. Previous studies have shown that the catecholamines capacitate and induce the acrosome reaction in spermatozoa from several species. The current project was undertaken to investigate the role of catecholamines in bovine sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Freshly ejaculated bovine spermatozoa were incubated in NE (0–1000 ng/mL) and induced to acrosome‐react with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Additionally, spermatozoa capacitated with heparin were incubated with NE (0–1000 ng/mL) to assess its ability to induce the acrosomereaction in capacitated spermatozoa. Concentrations of NE were chosen on the basis of physiological concentrations previously determined for bovine oviductal fluid. NE at concentrations of 10 and 20 ng/mL capacitated bovine spermatozoa after 2 hours of incubation. Additionally, spermatozoa incubated for 2 hours with heparin were induced to acrosome‐react with 10 and 20 ng/mL NE. Interestingly, higher concentrations of NE inhibited both capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Incubating spermatozoa with dopamine or epinephrine did not result in capacitation or the acrosome reaction, suggesting that the action of NE was specific to that catecholamine. The ability of NE to capacitate or induce the acrosome reaction appears to be dependent on the presence of another membrane‐destabilizing factor. Although adrenergic receptors have not been identified on spermatozoa from any species, the action of NE on spermatozoa may be a receptor‐mediated event. This study suggests a possible function for oviductal catecholamines in sperm preparation prior to fertilization.
Identification of Candidate Genes Involved in Gonocyte Development
Authors: VAN DEN HAM RENE , Van DISSEL‐EMILIANI FEDERICA M.F. , Van PELT ANS M.M. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTSeveral germ cell tumors that occur in adult men likely originate from gonocytes that are impaired in their development. To select candidate genes that are involved in the normal development of the gonocytes, we constructed a complementary DNA (cDNA) library from rat gonocytes as well as from single, paired, and aligned A spermatogonia (As, Apr, and Aal spermatogonia, respectively), their direct descendants. Five hundred gonocyte clones were differentially screened using both libraries. Successive verification by dot blot assays yielded 7 clones that were consistently highly abundant only in the gonocyte cDNA library. Also, in situ hybridization of these clones confirmed their differential expression. They encoded for, respectively, succinate dehydrogenase, ribosomal protein S15a, and the 65‐kilodalton scaffolding subunit (α isoform) of protein phosphatase 2A. No clues regarding the nature of the remaining four clones could be found. Hence, using differential screening on both constructed cDNA libraries, we were able to select several genes that are interesting candidates for studying the molecular mechanisms of normal gonocyte development.
LncRNA SEMA3B‐AS1 suppresses the tumor‐initiating characteristics of triple negative breast cancer via engaging in MLL4‐mediated H3K4 trimethylation
Authors: Chen Debo , Chen Zhishan , Wang Zhitang , Hong Chengye , Wang Qinglan , Yang Peidong , Huang Zhidong , Lian Weibin , Huang Yiqin , Fu Wei , Li Junjing , Hong Zhipeng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators of tumor‐initiating cells (TICs) and hold particular importance in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Yet, the precise mechanisms by which TIC‐associated lncRNAs influence TNBC remain unclear. Our research utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Cancer (BC) data set to identify prognostic lncRNAs. We then conducted extensive assays to explore their impact on the tumor‐initiating phenotype of TNBC cells and the underlying mechanisms. Notably, we found that low expression of lncRNA SEMA3B‐AS1 correlated with unfavorable survival in BC patients. SEMA3B‐AS1 was also downregulated in TNBC and linked to advanced tumor stage. Functional experiments confirmed its role as a TIC‐suppressing lncRNA, curtailing mammosphere formation, ALDH + TIC cell proportion, and impairing clonogenicity, migration, and invasion. Mechanistic insights unveiled SEMA3B‐AS1's nuclear localization and interaction with MLL4 (mixed‐lineage leukemia 4), triggering H3K4 methylation‐associated transcript activation and thus elevating the expression of SEMA3B, a recognized tumor suppressor gene. Our findings emphasize SEMA3B‐AS1's significance as a TNBC‐suppressing lncRNA that modulates TIC behavior. This study advances our comprehension of lncRNA's role in TNBC progression, advocating for their potential as therapeutic targets in this aggressive BC subtype.
Maternal and fetal safety outcomes after in utero stem cell injection: A systematic review
Authors: Sagar Rachel L. , Walther‐Jallow Lilian , Götherström Cecilia , Westgren Magnus , David Anna L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the maternal and fetal safety of In utero stem cell transplantation (IUSCT).MethodsMedline®, Embase and Cochrane library (1967−2023) search for publications reporting IUSCT in humans. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full‐text papers.ResultsSixty six transplantation procedures in 52 fetuses were performed for haemoglobinopathies (n = 14), red cell/bleeding disorders (n = 4), immunodeficiencies (n = 15), storage disorders (n = 7), osteogenesis imperfecta (n = 2) and healthy fetuses (n = 10). The average gestational age was 18.9 weeks; of procedures reporting the injection route, cells were delivered by intraperitoneal (n = 37), intravenous (n = 19), or intracardiac (n = 4) injection or a combination (n = 3); most fetuses received one injection (n = 41). Haematopoietic (n = 40) or mesenchymal (n = 12) stem cells were delivered. The cell dose was inconsistently reported (range 1.8−3.3 × 109 cells total (n = 27); 2.7−5.0 × 109/kg estimated fetal weight (n = 17)). The acute fetal procedural complication rate was 4.5% (3/66); the acute fetal mortality rate was 3.0% (2/66). Neonatal survival was 69.2% (36/52). Immediate maternal and pregnancy outcomes were reported in only 30.8% (16/52) and 44.2% (23/52) of cases respectively. Four fetal/pregnancy outcomes would also classify as ≥ Grade 2 maternal adverse events.ConclusionsShort‐, medium‐, and long‐term maternal and fetal adverse events should be reported in all IUSCT studies.
Examining the roles of labor factors, investment, and industrialization in poverty alleviation: Empirical evidence from Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Rambe Roosemarina Anggraini , Purmini Purmini , Alfansi Lizar , Armelly Armelly , Yusnida Yusnida 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article examines the effect of unemployment, laborer education, type of employment, gender, off‐farm worker vulnerability, investment, and industrialization levels on poverty in districts/cities in Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted in 154 districts/cities in Sumatra from 2013 to 2018. Using a panel data regression model, this study found that laborer education, type of employment, gender, and industrialization level positively affected the poverty rate. By comparison, relatively higher levels of worker vulnerability and investment negatively influenced poverty. Unemployment rates did not influence poverty significantly. The policy recommendation for poverty alleviation, therefore, is the creation of jobs in sectors outside of agriculture, especially in the processing industry and service sectors, coupled with improving the quality of workers' performance through skill training. The study contributes to the literature on poverty reduction by providing insight into how labor factors, investment, and industrialization influence poverty.
Protective effects of melatonin on DEHP‐induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in prepubertal testes via the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Chen Jiadong , Zhao Tianxin , Zheng Xiangqin , Kang Lian , Wang Junke , Wei Yuexin , Wu Yuhao , Shen Lianju , Long Chunlan , Wei Guanghui , Wu Shengde 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDi(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, is one of the most common plasticizers and is widely used in various plastic products. DEHP induces apoptosis and oxidative stress and has been shown to have androgenic toxicity. However, the methods to combat DEHP‐induced testicular damage and the mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we used melatonin, which has strong antioxidant properties, to intervene in prepubertal mice and mouse Leydig cells (TM3) treated with DEHP or its metabolite mono(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). The results showed that melatonin protected against DEHP‐induced testicular damage in prepubertal mice, mainly by protecting against DEHP‐induced structural destruction of the germinal tubules and by attenuating the DEHP‐induced decrease in testicular organ coefficients and testosterone levels. Transcriptomic analysis found that melatonin may attenuate DEHP‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in prepubertal testes. In vitro studies further revealed that MEHP induces oxidative stress injury and increases apoptosis in TM3 cells, while melatonin reversed this damage. In vitro studies also found that MEHP exposure inhibited the expression levels of molecules related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and melatonin reversed this change. In conclusion, these findings suggest that melatonin protects against DEHP‐induced prepubertal testicular injury via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and provide a theoretical basis and experimental rationale for combating male reproductive dysfunction.
Operationalizing selection criteria for clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease: Biomarker and clinical considerations
Authors: Petersen Ronald C. , Graf Ana , Brady Chris , De Santi Susan , Florian Hana , Landen Jaren , Pontecorvo Mike , Randolph Christopher , Sink Kaycee M. , Carrillo Maria C. , Weber Christopher J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) staging criteria lack standardized, empirical description. Well‐defined AD staging criteria are an important consideration in protocol design, influencing a more standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria and defining what constitutes meaningful differentiation among the stages. However, many trials are being designed on the basis of biomarker features and the two need to be coordinated. The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable (AARR) Spring 2021 meeting discussed the implementation of preclinical AD staging criteria, and provided recommendations for how they may best be incorporated into clinical trials research. Discussion also included what currently available tools for global clinical trials may best define populations in preclinical AD trials, and if are we able to differentiate preclinical from clinical stages of the disease. Well‐defined AD staging criteria are key to improving early detection, diagnostics, clinical trial enrollment, and identifying statistically significant clinical changes, and researchers discussed how emerging blood biomarkers may help with more efficient screening in preclinical stages.
Worldsheet description of a massive type IIA superstring in
10D
Authors: Garcia del Moral M. P. , León P. , Restuccia A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We construct, following [1,
2], a massive M2-brane
(supermembrane) as the limit of a genus two M2-brane that becomes a twice punctured
Riemann surface with particular boundary conditions on the fields defined on the
punctures. The target space is M9 × LCD,
where LCD is a genus one light cone diagram. It
contains mass terms and a topological term associated with the non-triviality of the
target surface that, at low energies, can be associated with the presence of a
cosmological constant. We show that the supergravity background of the M2-brane
considered in this formulation requires the presence of M9-branes acting as sources.
They correspond to the 11D uplift of the characteristic D8’s of Romans supergravity.
To this end, we explicitly show that some of the background singularities of the
massive M2-brane can be reproduced by the M9-branes found by [3]. This establishes a relation between the
Romans mass and the moduli of the massive M2-brane.When dimensionally reduced, we obtain a worldsheet Hamiltonian of a N=2
type IIA closed superstring in 10D. We denote it massive string. The corresponding massive string inherits a non-vanishing constant term from the
topological massive M2-brane that shifts the Hamiltonian. The non-vanishing
parameter is related to the non-trivial structure of the massive M2-brane background
and it can be related to the Romans mass term. It also contains a modified tension
due to the non-trivial dependence on the moduli and on the punctures associated with
the target torus.
Quantum theory of dark matter scattering
Authors: Kamada Ayuki , Kuwahara Takumi , Patel Ami 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Dark matter self-scattering is one of key ingredients for small-scale structure of the Universe, while dark matter annihilation is important for the indirect measurements. There is a strong correlation between the velocity-dependent self-scattering cross section and the Sommerfeld enhancement factor for the dark matter annihilation cross section. In this study, we formulate a direct relation between them by the use of Watson’s (initial state/final state) theorem and Omnès solution, and our formulation reproduces the Sommerfeld enhancement factor, which directly computed by solving the Schrödinger equation, from the scattering phase shift.
Dai-Freed anomaly in the standard model and topological inflation
Authors: Kawasaki Masahiro , Yanagida Tsutomu T. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
When we impose discrete symmetries in the standard model we have Dai-Freed global anomalies. However, interestingly if we introduce three right-handed neutrinos we can have an anomaly-free discrete Z4 gauge symmetry. This Z4 symmetry should be spontaneously broken down to the Z2 symmetry to generate the heavy Majorana masses for the right-handed neutrinos. We show that this symmetry breaking naturally generates topological inflation, which is consistent with the CMB observations at present and predicts a significant tensor mode with scalar-tensor ratio r > 0.03. The right-handed neutrinos play an important role in reheating processes. The reheating temperature is as high as ∼ 108 GeV, and non-thermal leptogenesis successfully takes place.
Dark dimension gravitons as dark matter
Authors: Gonzalo Eduardo , Montero Miguel , Obied Georges , Vafa Cumrun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We consider cosmological aspects of the Dark Dimension (a mesoscopic dimension of micron scale), which has recently been proposed as the unique corner of the quantum gravity landscape consistent with both the Swampland criteria and observations. In particular we show how this leads, by the universal coupling of the Standard Model sector to bulk gravitons, to massive spin 2 KK excitations of the graviton in the dark dimension (the “dark gravitons”) as an unavoidable dark matter candidate. Assuming a lifetime for the current de Sitter phase of our universe of order Hubble, which follows from both the dS Swampland Conjecture and TCC, we show that generic features of the dark dimension cosmology can naturally lead to the correct dark matter density and a resolution of the cosmological coincidence problem, where the matter/radiation equality temperature (T ~ 1 eV) coincides with the temperature where the dark energy begins to dominate. Thus one does not need to appeal to Weinberg’s anthropic argument to explain this coincidence. The dark gravitons are produced at T ~ 4 GeV, and their composition changes as they mainly decay to lighter gravitons, without losing much total mass density. The mass of dark gravitons is mDM ∼ 1 − 100 keV today.
Superdensity with Respect to a Radon Measure on $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$
Authors: Delladio Silvano 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe introduce and investigate superdensity and the density degree of sets with respect to a Radon measure on $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

. Some applications are provided. In particular, we prove a result on the approximability of a set by closed subsets of small density degree and a generalization of Schwarz’s theorem on cross derivatives.
A Note on Invariant Description of SU(2)–Structures in Dimension 5
Authors: Niedziałomski Kamil 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe develop an invariant approach to SU(2)–structures on spin 5–manifolds. We characterize (via spinor approach) the subspaces in the spinor bundle which induce the same group isomorphic to SU(2). Moreover, we show how to induce quaternionic structure on the contact distribution of the considered SU(2)–structure. We show the invariance of certain components of the covariant derivative $$\nabla \varphi $$

∇
φ

, where $$\varphi $$
φ
is any spinor field defining SU(2)–structure. This shows, as expected, that (at least some of) the intrinsic torsion modules can be derived invariantly with the spinorial approach. We conclude with the explicit description of the intrinsic torsion and the characteristic connection.
Epidemiology of Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia in Germany Based on Real World Data
Authors: May Melanie , Oheim Ralf , Bovy Leonore , Doess Axel , Maessen Dirk , Neukirch Benno , Norris Raeleesha , Williams Angela , Abrahamsen Bo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is an ultra-rare disease caused mostly by benign tumors that secrete fibroblast growth factor-23. Because of nonspecific symptoms, the diagnostic delay is long, and therapy can be challenging. Moreover, epidemiological data on TIO are scarce owing to its rarity. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify TIO’s incidence rates and prevalence in Germany. Retrospective longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses were conducted using anonymized German claims data from the statutory health insurance (SHI) database. This database, which comprises the data of approximately 5 million insurants, is a representative sample of the German population and supports national projections. As there is no unique International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) code for TIO, operational categories based on different surrogates were defined to determine the prevalence and incidence rates of TIO among probable patients. This study showed that TIO has a prevalence of (documented code, advanced imaging, medication, or tumor removal) 0.187 per 100,000 persons and an incidence rate of ≤ 0.094 per 100,000 person years. This analysis provides the first epidemiological insight into German patients with TIO. Despite the general limitations associated with the analysis of SHI claims data of ultra-rare diseases, we believe that this analysis provides a sound basis for further analysis, particularly with regard to the care situation of patients with TIO.
Reproductive behavior, seasonality, and distribution of three devil ray species (Mobula mobular, M. thurstoni, and M. munkiana) in the Southern Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Palacios Marta D. , Trejo-Ramírez Abel , Velázquez-Hernández Sidharta , Huesca-Mayorga Scarlett A. K. , Stewart Joshua D. , Cronin Melissa R. , Lezama-Ochoa Nerea , Zilliacus Kelly M. , González‑Armas Rogelio , Galván‑Magaña Felipe , Croll Donald A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe examined the reproductive behavior (courtship and mating), seasonality and its distribution in three Mobula species, spinetail, bentfin, and Munk’s devil rays (M. mobular, M. thurstoni, and M. munkiana) in the southwestern Gulf of California, Mexico, using boat surveys (with drone and in-water observations) (n = 69 survey days), spotter planes (n = 428 flights), and citizen science observations (n = 31). We examined whether (1) reproductive grounds existed within the area for any of these species, (2) whether reproductive behavior followed seasonal patterns, and (3) if this behavior was similar among all mobula rays. We observed reproductive behavior in 221 events in 2017 and 2021–2022, for M. mobular (n = 10), M. thurstoni (n = 3), and M. munkiana (n = 208) dispersed along 312 km of the eastern Baja California Peninsula between 4 m and 6.3 km away from the coast. Most events (n = 209) occurred in the La Ventana and Ensenada de Muertos areas. Courtship was observed for M. mobular and M. thurstoni and a copulation attempt for M. munkiana, with reproductive behavior following a seasonal pattern occurring from March to August, with a peak during May (81.9% of the events). Mobula munkiana displayed previously undescribed behaviors, such as the “piggyback leaps” as a pre-copulatory position and the “courtship vortex”, where 122 individuals were observed circling in a clockwise direction for 5 h with courtship groups joining and leaving the main vortex formation. This study highlights the areas of La Ventana and Ensenada de Muertos as critical habitats for reproductive behavior of two endangered and one vulnerable devil ray species.