bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity and Distributional Pattern of Grasshoppers Fauna in Agroforest and Vegetative Lands of Tehsil Havelian, Pakistan
Authors: Waqar Zainab , Ahmed Shabir , Mehmood Sardar Azhar , Panhwar Waheed Ali , Ahmad Bilal , Khan Salman 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Grasshoppers are one of the most varied group of insects. They belong to phylum Arthropoda, class Insecta and order Orthoptera. Ensifera and Caelifera are two common suborders of the order Orthoptera. The current study was carried out to explore the diversity and distribution of grasshoppers in Tehsil Havelian, District Abbottabad, KPK. Field survey was conducted in 19 localities of Tehsil Havelian from August 2022 to October 2022. Environmental parameters like Temperature and Humidity were also measured. Total 400 specimens were collected from Tehsil Havelian by using Sweep Netting method and Handpicking method and were preserved in the Zoological Museum of Hazara University Mansehra. This study revealed 18 species, 14 genera and 3 families belonging to 2 sub-orders of Orthoptera. Species identified during present research includes: Acrida cinerea, Acrida exaltata, Aiolopus thalassinus, Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus, Oedaleus decorus, Oedaleus senegalensis, Oxya hyla, Oxya japonica, Oxya velox, Patanga succincta, Spathosternum prasiniferum, Trilophidiini annulate, Atractomorpha crenulate, Chrotogonus trachypterus, Conocephalus maculatus, Himertula kinneari, Mecopoda elongate and Phaneroptera gracilis. The most common species recorded in Tehsil Havelian was Spathosternum prasiniferum. Moreover, Acrididae was the most common family and Pyrogomorphidae was recorded as least common family in Tehsil Havelian.
Mechanism of BRCA1-BARD1 function in DNA end resection and DNA protection
Authors: Cejka Petr , Ceppi Ilaria , Stritto Maria Rosaria Dello , Braunshier Stefan , Mutze Martin , Reginato Giordano , Sanchez Aurore , Halder Swagata , Howard Sean , Mengoli Valentina , Seidel Ralf 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR) is initiated by DNA end resection, a process involving the controlled degradation of the 5'-terminated strands at DSB sites 1,2. The breast cancer suppressor BRCA1-BARD1 not only promotes resection and HR, but it also protects DNA upon replication stress 1,3-9. While BRCA1-BARD1 counteracts the anti-resection and pro-non-homologous end-joining factor 53BP1, its direct role in resection has been unclear, particularly due to complex phenotypes associated with the depletion of this essential and multi-functional complex 10-18. Using purified recombinant proteins, we show here that BRCA1-BARD1 directly promotes long-range DNA end resection pathways catalyzed by the EXO1 or DNA2 nucleases. In the DNA2-dependent pathway, BRCA1-BARD1 stimulates DNA unwinding by the WRN/BLM RecQ family helicase. Together with MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) and phosphorylated CtIP, BRCA1-BARD1 forms the BRCA1-C complex 19,20, which stimulates resection synergistically to even a greater extent. A mutation in phosphorylated CtIP (S327A), which disrupts its binding to the BRCT repeats of BRCA1 and hence the integrity of the BRCA1-C complex 21-23, inhibits resection, showing that BRCA1-C is a functionally integrated ensemble directly promoting long-range resection. While BRCA1-BARD1 stimulates resection in DSB repair, it paradoxically also protects replication forks from unscheduled degradation upon stress, which involves an HR-independent function of the recombinase RAD51 4-6,8. We show that in the presence of RAD51, BRCA1-BARD1 instead inhibits DNA degradation. Based on our data, the presence and local concentration of RAD51 might determine the balance between the pro-nuclease and the DNA protection functions of BRCA1-BARD1 in the various physiological contexts.
Effects of different concentrations of corn stover on microbial community structure during rumen fluid pretreatment and the biogas production by anaerobic digestion
Authors: Yu Qing , Sun Chen , Cao Weixing , Liu Ronghou , Abd-Alla Mohamed Hemida , Rasmey Abdel-Hamied M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this work, the corn stover (CS) with concentration of 3%, 6% and 9% (w/v) were pretreated by rumen fluid and then used for batched mesophilic biogas production. The results showed that after a 6-day pretreatment, VFAs production of 3.78, 8.27, and 10.4 g/L could be found in 3%, 6% and 9%, respectively. When concerning with biogas production, the highest accumulative methane production of 149.1 mL CH4/g VS was achieved by 6% pretreated CS, which was 22% and 45% higher than 3% and 9%, respectively. Also, it was 3.6 times higher than the same concentration of unpretreated CS. The results of microbial community structure revealed highest relative abundance of Firmicutes (45%) and Euryarchaeota (3.9%) in 6% CS, which was beneficial to its high VFAs and methane production. These findings provide scientific reference for the utilization of CS and support the development of agricultural waste resource utilization and environmental protection.
Simulation-Based, Peer-to-Peer Learning of a Technical Skill for Pre-Clinical Medical Students
Authors: Bederson Maria , McNicholas Meagan , Jamison Shandra , Ryals Athena , Ledersnaider Max , Brown Carlos 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Simulation is a promising tool for medical education of technical skills without the risk of harm to patients. The aim of this project was to design, implement, and assess the impact of an hour-long, student-led, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) workshop for first-year medical students, which included novel learning methods. The primary goal was to increase confidence, comfort, and competence in a technical skill.
Methods
Students’ baseline understanding of POCUS was assessed with pre- and post-workshop surveys, which included a Likert scale for rating confidence, and multiple-choice answer questions. The workshop itself consisted of a ten-minute didactics’ session, which emphasized the principles of echogenicity using light-logic, and three hands-on stations for the practice of skills including: probe handling, object identification and ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of a simulated soft-tissue abscess. Molds were made on site with a mixture of Jell-O and Psyllium using previously published methods. Pre- and post-workshop survey entries were collected and analyzed for statistical significance.
Results
Every student from the first-year medical class at the researchers’ institution participated in this workshop (N = 57), with 55 surveys included for analysis. Surveys were performed anonymously. Results showed a significant improvement in self-assessed comfort and confidence with newly learned ultrasound skills and clinical applications. In total, 87.3% of students reported an improved understanding of POCUS, 93% endorsed a benefit from the experience to their learning, and 89% endorsed improvement of their clinical skills. Free responses for feedback highlighted a desire for more practice, more time, and more frequent activities similar to the one described herein.
Conclusions
The described activity resulted in overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and measured substantial improvement in subjective and objective understanding of POCUS. Further work is needed to assess the effectiveness of the individual components of the activity and long-term retention of knowledge learned.
Serum proteomics reveals APOE dependent and independent protein signatures in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Valborg , Frick Elisabet , Emilsson Valur , Jonmundsson Thorarinn , Steindorsdottir Anna , Johnson Erik C.B. , Puerta Raquel , Dammer Eric , Shantaraman Anantharaman , Cano Amanda , Boada Merce , Valero Sergi , Garcia-Gonzalez Pablo , Gudmundsson Elias , Gudjonsson Alexander , Pitts Rebecca , Qiu Xiazi , Finkel Nancy , Loureiro Joseph , Orth Anthony , Seyfried Nicholas , Levey Allan , Ruiz Agustín , Aspelund Thor , Jennings Lori , Launer Lenore , Gudnason Vilmundur 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The current demand for early intervention, prevention, and treatment of late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) warrants deeper understanding of the underlying molecular processes which could contribute to biomarker and drug target discovery. Utilizing high-throughput proteomic measurements in serum from a prospective population-based cohort of older adults (n = 5,294), we identified 303 unique proteins associated with incident LOAD (median follow-up 12.8 years). Over 40% of these proteins were associated with LOAD independently of APOE-ε4 carrier status. These proteins were implicated in neuronal processes and overlapped with protein signatures of LOAD in brain and cerebrospinal fluid. We found 17 proteins which LOAD-association was strongly dependent on APOE-ε4 carrier status. Most of them showed consistent associations with LOAD in cerebrospinal fluid and a third had brain-specific gene expression. Remarkably, four proteins in this group (TBCA, ARL2, S100A13 and IRF6) were downregulated by APOE-ε4 yet upregulated as a consequence of LOAD as determined in a bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis, reflecting a potential response to the disease onset. Accordingly, the direct association of these proteins to LOAD was reversed upon APOE-ε4 genotype adjustment, a finding which we replicate in an external cohort (n = 719). Our findings provide an insight into the dysregulated pathways that may lead to the development and early detection of LOAD, including those both independent and dependent on APOE-ε4. Importantly, many of the LOAD-associated proteins we find in the circulation have been found to be expressed - and have a direct link with AD - in brain tissue. Thus, the proteins identified here, and their upstream modulating pathways, provide a new source of circulating biomarker and therapeutic target candidates for LOAD.
Neutralizing Antibodies Reveal Cryptic Vulnerabilities and Interdomain Crosstalk in the Porcine Deltacoronavirus Spike
Authors: Bosch Berend-Jan , Du Wenjuan , Debski-Antoniak Oliver , Drabek Dubravka , Haperen Rien van , Dortmondt Melissa van , Lee Joline van der , Drulyte Ieva , Kuppeveld Frank van , Grosveld Frank , Hurdiss Daniel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging enteric pathogen in pigs that has recently been detected in humans. Despite this zoonotic concern, the antigenic structure of PDCoV remains unknown. The virus relies on its spike (S) protein for cell entry, making it a prime target for neutralizing antibodies. Here we generated and characterized a set of neutralizing antibodies targeting the S protein, shedding light on PDCoV S interdomain crosstalk and its vulnerable sites. Among the four identified antibodies, one targets the S1A domain, causing local and long-range conformational changes, resulting in partial exposure of the S1B domain. The other antibodies bind the S1B domain, disrupting binding to the APN receptor. Notably, the epitopes of these S1B-targeting antibodies are concealed in the prefusion S trimer conformation, highlighting the necessity for conformational changes for effective antibody binding. The binding footprint of one S1B binder entirely overlaps with APN-interacting residues and thus targets a highly conserved epitope. These findings provide critical structural insights into the humoral immune response against the PDCoV S protein, potentially guiding vaccine and therapeutic development for this zoonotic pathogen.
The Best Timing of IVF-ET after Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation for Patients with Hydrosalpinx
Authors: Li Jie , Zhou Li , Mo Fuhua , Lin Zhong , Mo Sien , Shi Qiuling 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) at different time intervals after laparoscopic tubal ligation on pregnancy outcomes.
Methods
The main outcome measures included: ovarian response index, laboratory index and clinical pregnancy outcome. The indicators were analyzed by univariate and multivariate-Logistic regression. Our study was a retrospective cohort study and 976 patients were included (Group 1: 0–3 months after ligation, N = 186, Group 2: 3–6 months after ligation, N = 438, Group 3: 6–12 months after ligation, N = 352).
Results
The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in group 1 were higher than those in group 2 and group 3 (61.36% vs. 52.89% vs. 56.61% for CPR, 53.79% vs. 43.93% vs. 47.93% for LBR, 76.34% vs. 69.41% vs. 65.91% for CLBR, P < 0.05). In addition, the biochemical pregnancy abortion rate in group 1 was significantly lower (1.52% vs. 5.20% vs. 6.20%, P < 0.05). In linear regression analysis, with the delay of IVF-ET treatment after ligation, the number of available D3 embryos, the rates of available blastocyst and high-quality blastocyst tended to decrease (P < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, the CPR and LBR in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 3 (OR: 578, 95%CI: 0.384, 0.870 for CPR, OR: 643, 95%CI: 0.436, 0.950 for LBR, P < 0.05). For elderly patients, the different time intervals did not affect pregnancy outcomes. For patients with DOR, the LBR in group 1 was higher than that in group 2 and group 3 (69.23% vs. 32.43% vs. 60.0%, P < 0.05). Biochemical pregnancy rate, CPR and CLBR in group 1 were higher than other groups, but no statistical difference (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
For patients with hydrosalpinx, IVF-ET treatment within 3 months after laparoscopic tubal ligation would result in more potential embryos and better pregnancy outcomes.
Characterisation and Modelling of Potassium-ion Batteries
Authors: Dhir Shobhan , Cattermull John , Jagger Ben , Schart Maximilian , Olbrich Lorenz , Chen Yifan , Zhao Junyi , Sada Krishnakanth , Goodwin Andrew , Pasta Mauro 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are emerging as a promising alternative technology to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their significantly reduced dependency on critical minerals. KIBs may also present an opportunity for superior fast-charging compared to LIBs, with significantly faster K-ion electrolyte transport properties already demonstrated. In the absence of a viable K-ion electrolyte, a full-cell KIB rate model in commercial cell formats is required to determine the fast-charging potential for KIBs. However, a thorough and accurate characterisation of the critical electrode material properties determining rate performance---the solid state diffusivity and exchange current density---has not yet been conducted for the leading KIB electrode materials. Here, for the first time, we accurately characterise the effective solid state diffusivities and exchange current densities of the graphite anode and potassium manganese hexacyanoferrate KMn[Fe(CN)6] (KMF) cathode, through a combination of optimised material design and state-of-the-art analysis. Finally, we present the first Doyle-Fuller-Newman model of a KIB full cell in a hypothetical commercial cylindrical cell format, identifying the critical materials properties that limit their rate capability.
The potential value of pre-delivery hematologic index in patients with placental abruption and perinatal outcomes
Authors: LI HUA , li Wenxia , Xu Ting , Chen Qiu ling , Cai Min , Hu Ke , Shi Jun , LI meiyi , Peng Jing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to clarify the risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of placental abruption(PA), as well as explore the relationship between the severity of placental abruption and maternal and fetal outcomes. Another purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in hematological biomarkers before delivery in PA and whether their use in predicting the severity of PA.
Methods
A total of 310 cases of placental abruption among 56,895 women who delivered at our tertiary maternity center between December 2015 and February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into four groups based on abruption severity of grade 0, I, II or III, then clinical variables and in hematological biomarkers before delivery were compared among the four groups. The clinic data and pre-delivery hematological biomarkers of placental abruption of different severities were analyzed.
Results
The incidence of placental abruption in our sample was 0.54%. Primary symptoms of placental abruption included abdominal pain (49.6%), vaginal bleeding (39%), bloody amniotic fluid (24%), abnormal fetal heart rate (16.4%), or no symptoms at all (4.5%). Grade III abruption was significantly more likely to occur than abruption of other grades in patients with preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, and anemia (P < 0.05). As the severity of placental abruption increased, birth weight and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min decreased significantly, while the risk of neonatal asphyxia increased significantly. Overall, 0.64% of fetuses had cerebral palsy and 0.96% died. Among mothers, the risk of blood transfusion or cesarean section increased with abruption severity. Pre-delivery hematologic index, the lymphocytes, hemoglobin and fibrinogen decreased significantly(P < 0.05), while the neutrophils, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR), prothrombin time(PT) and D-dimer increased significantly with abruption severity(P < 0.05). The variation in the level of coagulation indicators was corresponded to the amount of blood loss during postpartum hemorrhage.
Conclusions
With increasing severity of placental abruption was associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The pre-delivery hematologic index, especially NLR, PT and D-dimer were associated with disease severity, further research should focus on the changes in the hematologic index in PA is critical to reveal the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Impact of opsin kinetics on high-rate stimulation of the auditory nerve in mice
Authors: Ajay Elise A. , Thompson Alex C. , Azees Ajmal A. , Wise Andrew , Grayden David B. , Fallon James B. , Richardson Rachael T. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Optogenetic stimulation improves spectral resolution compared to electrical stimulation in preclinical cochlear implant studies but remains unreliable at the high stimulation rates needed for precise temporal resolution. Combined optogenetic-electrical stimulation has been shown to improve temporal resolution while maintaining good spectral resolution. However, the reliability of combined stimulation at clinically relevant stimulation rates (> 400 pulses per second (pps)) is yet to be tested, nor whether altering opsin channel kinetics impacts these findings. We investigated responses of the auditory nerve and inferior colliculus to electrical, optogenetic, and combined stimulation in mice virally transduced with one of three opsin variants with different opsin kinetics: ChR2-H134R, ChIEF, or ChR2-C128A. Robust optogenetic responses were elicited in ChR2-H134R and ChIEF mice but extended periods of stimulation led to severe and non-recoverable deterioration of optogenetic responses. Unlike previous studies, there was no consistent facilitation of electrical responses in combined stimulation trials. Although ChIEF responses outperformed ChR2-H134R at 100 pps, the temporal characteristics were similar at higher rates. Combined stimulation significantly improved response characteristics at 400 pps, shown here for the first time in mice virally transduced with the ChR2-H134R and ChIEF opsins. These results have significant implications for the translation of optogenetic-only and combined stimulation techniques for hearing loss.
Instruments for Patient Safety Assessment: a scoping review
Authors: Nunes Elisabete Maria Garcia Teles , Sirtoli Fernanda , Lima Eliane , Minarini Greyce , Gaspar Filomena , Lucas Pedro , Primo Cândida 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective: To perform a systematic review of the existing literature to map instruments/scales for assessing patient safety in healthcare services.
Method: scoping review. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/p329w). Eligibility criteria were defined based on the mnemonic P (patients), C (instruments/scales for assessing safety), C (healthcare services), in any language, and without temporal restriction. The study search was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and Scopus databases, and the repository of the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. Two independent reviewers performed selection and data extraction.
Results: 63 articles were selected, identifying 48 instruments/scales and 71 dimensions for patient safety assessment, with a predominance of dimensions such as teamwork, professional satisfaction, safety climate, communication, and working conditions.
Conclusion: The diversity of instruments and dimensions for patient safety assessment characterizes the multidimensionality and scope of patient safety. However, it hinders benchmarking between institutions and healthcare units.
SKP alleviates the ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease through suppression of HIF-1α/HO-1 pathway based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation.
Authors: Yan Yangtian , Yuan Ningning , Chen Yuchi , Ma Yun , Chen Ali , Wang Fujing , Yan Shihua , He Zhuo’en , He Jinyue , Zhang Chi , Wang Hao , Wang Mingqing , Diao Jianxin , Xiao Wei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Backgroud
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) represents a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Shenkang Pills (SKP), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been widely used in the treatment of DKD and has obvious antioxidant effect. Ferroptosis, a novel mode of cell death due to iron overload, has been shown to be associated with DKD. Nevertheless, the precise effects and underlying mechanisms of SKP on ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease remain unclear.
Methods
The active components of SKP were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database.Targets related to DKD and ferroptosis were collected from the GeneCards database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and Herb-ingredient-targets gene network were constructed using Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted utilizing the Metascape system database. Additionally, an in vivo model of DKD induced by Streptozotocin (STZ) was established to further investigate and validate the possible mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of SKP.
Results
We retrieved 56 compounds and identified 223 targets of SKP through the TCMSP database. Key targets were identified by PPI. Using Herb-ingredient-Targets gene network, the primary active ingredients in SKP to alleviate ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease were obtained. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that SKP has the potential to alleviate ferroptosis through HIF signaling pathway, thereby mitigating renal injury in DKD. In animal experiments, fasting blood glucose, 24h urine protein, urea nitrogen and serum creatine were measured. The results showed that SKP could improve DKD. Results from animal experiments were also confirmed the efficacy of SKP in alleviating renal fibrosis, oxidative stress and ferroptosis in DKD mice.These effects were accompanied by the significant reductions in renal tissue expression of HIF-1α and HO-1 proteins. The mRNA and immunohistochemistry results were the same as above.
Conclusions
SKP potentially mitigating renal injury in DKD by subduing ferroptosis through the intricacies of the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway.