bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental justice: geostatistical analysis of environmental hazards and socioeconomic factors—the case of Italy
Authors: Bernardini Papalia Rosa , Scognamiglio Giorgia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe analysis of environmental issues and the pursuit of environmental justice have gained significant attention in modern times. While progress has been made in understanding environmental impacts and establishing the right to access environmental information, the need to examine environmental inequalities persists. This study aimed to propose a methodology to identify and analyse potential ‘sacrifice zones’ within a region of interest using: (i) Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA), (ii) Municipal Risk Indicators, and (iii) Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) models. The relationship between environmental hazards and social disadvantage in the Campania region of Italy was estimated and the findings of this preliminary study in this area are presented. Our preliminary results: (i) reveal a non-random distribution of contaminated sites and waste management plants (ii) localize the ‘sacrifice zones’ that are predominantly located in municipalities between the provinces of Naples and Caserta, (iii) show a disproportionately burdened with higher environmental risk and greater social vulnerability in some specific areas. Further investigations are required to replicate the results of this study under different environmental conditions. Additionally, enabling more precise identification of affected populations and areas subjected to heightened environmental pressures that would enhance the potential of the proposed approach. The proposed methodology can be adapted to different spatial contexts and data sources.
Flax for seed or fibre use? Flax capsules from ancient Egyptian sites (3rd millennium BC to second century AD) compared with modern flax genebank accessions
Authors: Karg S. , Spinazzi-Lucchesi C. , Diederichsen A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn order to determine whether ancient Egyptians had already selected and cultivated very specialized flax types according to their purpose for textile or oil production, respectively, we compared archaeobotanical flax finds with nearly 3000 diverse genebank accessions kept at the Plant Gene Resources of Canada (PGRC). The main result was that fibre flax was most probably already cultivated during the 3rd millennium BC, whereas in later periods an intermediate flax and/or oil type was in use. The collaboration between archaeobotanists and genebank curators shows how our knowledge about ancient usage of plants can be improved by interpreting observations made on ancient findings using recent characterization data obtained from diverse genebank material.
Maternal Body Mass Index and Recommended Gestational Weight Gain in a Middle Eastern Setting
Authors: Olukade Tawa , Salama Husam , Al-Obaidly Sawsan , AlQubaisi Mai , Al-Rifai Hilal 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
Maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are modifiable risk factors that influence pregnancy outcomes. We examined the association between the two factors in pregnant women in Qatar with regard to the GWG recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2009.

Methods
We performed a population-based retrospective cohort analysis of 3547 singleton births, using routinely collected data from a Middle Eastern hospital database.

Results
The mean maternal age was 29.7 ± 5.5 years, prepregnancy BMI was 27.5 ± 5.8 kg/m2, GWG was 9.58 kg ± 6.87 kg and gestational age at birth was 38.5 ± 1.9 weeks. In line with IOM recommendations, we found that higher BMI was correlated with decreased GWG and BMI was significantly associated with GWG even after adjusting for maternal age, parity, and infants’ gestational age at birth. Nonetheless, GWG in more than one-third of women who were overweight or obese exceeded the IOM recommendation.
Integrating genome-wide association study into genomic selection for the prediction of agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Mengchen , Ye Junhua , Xu Qun , Feng Yue , Xu Siliang , Hu Dongxiu , Wei Xinghua , Hu Peisong , Yang Yaolong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAccurately identifying varieties with targeted agronomic traits was thought to contribute to genetic selection and accelerate rice breeding progress. Genomic selection (GS) is a promising technique that uses markers covering the whole genome to predict the genomic-estimated breeding values (GEBV), with the ability to select before phenotypes are measured. To choose the appropriate GS models for breeding work, we analyzed the predictability of nine agronomic traits measured from a population of 459 diverse rice varieties. By the comparison of eight representative GS models, we found that the prediction accuracies ranged from 0.407 to 0.896, with reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) having the highest predictive ability in most traits. Further results demonstrated the predictivity of GS is altered by several factors. Moreover, we assessed the method of integrating genome-wide association study (GWAS) into various GS models. The predictabilities of GS combined peak-associated markers generated from six different GWAS models were significantly different; a recommendation of Mixed Linear Model (MLM)-RKHS was given for the GWAS-GS-integrated prediction. Finally, based on the above result, we experimented with applying the P-values obtained from optimal GWAS models into ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction (rrBLUP), which benefited the low predictive traits in rice.
Bats as indicators of ecological resilience in a megacity
Authors: Gutiérrez-Granados Gabriel , Rodríguez-Zúñiga María Teresa 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUrbanization has transformed more than 50% of the land area and brought the emergence of a new humanized-based ecosystem. In answer to this, urban systems have looked for become resilient. Thus, urban landscapes must enhance their resilience capacities; robustness, adaptability, and transformability. However, there is a necessity of a well performing and easy gathering indicators. In this paper, we propose that bats are a good indicator of city’s capacity to be resilient. We used bat permanence, species diversity, and activities to analyze Mexico City resilience capacities. We used citizen science to register bat sounds around the city. From these data we identified bat species and two main activities: passes and hunting buzzes. Data showed that the east and center area of the city had the lower species richness and relative abundance, while south was the richest. This diversity patterns were in response to different habitat characteristics, mainly those related to landscape. However, activities and permanence were strongly related with human presence. The bat permanence modeled, indicated that bat community structure could be shaped under changing scenarios. Due to their differential sensitivity bats are good indicators of habitat changes in urban landscapes. Cities seeking resilience should perform planned-habitat management to achieve a bat-friendly status and promote the ecosystem services that bats can provide.
Whole brain irradiation–induced endothelial dysfunction in the mouse brain
Authors: Kiss Tamas , Ungvari Anna , Gulej Rafal , Nyúl-Tóth Ádám , Tarantini Stefano , Benyo Zoltan , Csik Boglarka , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Mukli Peter , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWhole brain irradiation (WBI), also known as whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), is a well-established treatment for multiple brain metastases and as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgical removal of a cerebral metastasis. However, WBI has been found to lead to a gradual decline in neurocognitive function in approximately 50% of patients who survive the treatment, significantly impacting their overall quality of life. Recent preclinical investigations have shed light on the underlying mechanisms of this adverse effect, revealing a complex cerebrovascular injury that involves the induction of cellular senescence in various components of the neurovascular unit, including endothelial cells. The emergence of cellular senescence following WBI has been implicated in the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and impairment of neurovascular coupling responses following irradiation. Building upon these findings, the present study aims to test the hypothesis that WBI-induced endothelial injury promotes endothelial dysfunction, which mimics the aging phenotype. To investigate this hypothesis, we employed a clinically relevant fractionated WBI protocol (5 Gy twice weekly for 4 weeks) on young mice. Both the WBI-treated and control mice were fitted with a cranial window, enabling the assessment of microvascular endothelial function. In order to evaluate the endothelium-dependent, NO-mediated cerebral blood flow (CBF) responses, we topically administered acetylcholine and ATP, and measured the resulting changes using laser Doppler flowmetry. We found that the increases in regional CBF induced by acetylcholine and ATP were significantly diminished in mice subjected to WBI. These findings provide additional preclinical evidence supporting the notion that WBI induces dysfunction in cerebrovascular endothelial cells, which in turn likely contributes to the detrimental long-term effects of the treatment. This endothelial dysfunction resembles an accelerated aging phenotype in the cerebrovascular system and is likely causally linked to the development of cognitive impairment. By integrating these findings with our previous results, we have deepened our understanding of the lasting consequences of WBI. Moreover, our study underscores the critical role of cerebromicrovascular health in safeguarding cognitive function over the long term. This enhanced understanding highlights the importance of prioritizing cerebromicrovascular health in the context of preserving cognitive abilities.
Sertraline Pre-Treatment Attenuates Hemorrhagic Transformation Induced in Rats after Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion via Down Regulation of Neuronal CD163: Involvement of M1/M2 Polarization Interchange and Inhibiting Autophagy
Authors: Mohamed Shimaa K. , Ahmed Amany A. E. , Elkhoely Abeer 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) is one of the neurovascular diseases which leads to severe brain deterioration. Haemorrhagic transformation (HT) is the main complication of ischemic stroke. It exacerbates by reperfusion, causing a more deleterious effect on the brain and death. The current study explored the protective effect of sertraline (Sert) against cerebral I/R in rats by inhibiting HT, together with the molecular pathways involved in this effect. Forty-eight wister male rats were divided into 4 groups: Sham, Sert + Sham, I/R, and Sert + I/R. The ischemic model was induced by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery for 20 min, then reperfusion for 24 h. Sertraline (20 mg/kg, p.o.) was administrated for 14 days before exposure to ischemia. Pre-treatment with Sert led to a significant attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, Sert attenuated phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinases and nuclear factor kappa—p65 expression, consequently modulating microglial polarisation to M2 phenotype. Moreover, Sert prevented the hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke as indicated by the notable decrease in neuronal expression of CD163, activity of Heme oxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 levels. In the same context, Sert decreased levels of autophagy and apoptotic markers. Furthermore, histological examination, Toluidine blue, and Prussian blue stain aligned with the results. In conclusion, Sert protected against cerebral I/R damage by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptotic process. It is worth mentioning that our study was the first to show that Sert inhibited hemorrhagic transformation.
Graphical Abstract
The protective effect of sertraline against injury induced by cerebral ischemia reperfusion via inhibiting Hemorrhagic transformation.
A facile Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method for the model unicellular green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Quach Truyen N. , Sato Shirley J. , Behrens Mark R. , Black Paul N. , DiRusso Concetta C. , Cerutti Heriberto D. , Clemente Tom Elmo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA reliable and simple Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for the unicellular green algae model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been developed. The protocol has been successfully employed with both neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) and the phleomycin resistance (bleI) genes coupled with the selective agents paromomycin and zeocin, respectively. A set of binary vectors were assembled that carry the selectable marker cassettes under control either of the Rbcs2 alone or fused to the HSP270A leader sequence, PsaD, or ß-tubulin2 promoters. The corresponding T-DNA elements also harbored a cassette with a codon-optimized version of yellow fluorescence protein (YFP) under control of the Rbcs2 promoter in which the YFP open reading frame was interrupted with the first intron of Rbcs2 to prevent expression in Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The resultant binary vectors were introduced into A. tumefaciens strain C58C1/pMP90, and the derived transconjugants were used for transformation studies with the walled C. reinhardtii strain CC124. Estimated transformation frequencies ranged from 0.09 to 2.86 colonies per 106 cells inoculated. Molecular characterizations on a subset of the transgenic lineages revealed that most of the transgenic events harbored single locus insertions. Moreover, sequencing of captured junction fragments about the T-DNA insertion site showed that minimal disruption of the C. reinhardtii genome occurred. However, the transgenic lineages often harbored truncated T-DNA regions within the non-selectable marker gene cassettes.
Influence of Austempering Conditions on Hardness and Microstructure of Bainite in Low-Alloyed Steel
Authors: Ståhlkrantz Adam , Hedström Peter , Sarius Niklas , Borgenstam Annika 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe influence of austempering temperature and time on the microstructure and hardness of a low-alloyed bainitic steel is investigated in the temperature range 275 °C to 375 °C for up to 24 hours. It is shown that the dislocation density and coarseness of the bainitic microstructure are affected by the austempering temperature, while only the dislocation density is significantly affected by the austempering time. The hardness of the steel is estimated based on microstructure–property relations and is in good agreement with the measured hardness. In conclusion, the decrease in dislocation density is the main reason for loss in hardness upon increasing austempering temperature and/or time for the studied temperature range.
Distinct immune escape and microenvironment between RG-like and pri-OPC-like glioma revealed by single-cell RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Xian Weiwei , Asad Mohammad , Wu Shuai , Bai Zhixin , Li Fengjiao , Lu Junfeng , Zu Gaoyu , Brintnell Erin , Chen Hong , Mao Ying , Zhou Guomin , Liao Bo , Wu Jinsong , Wang Edwin , You Linya 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe association of neurogenesis and gliogenesis with glioma remains unclear. By conducting single-cell RNA-seq analyses on 26 gliomas, we reported their classification into primitive oligodendrocyte precursor cell (pri-OPC)-like and radial glia (RG)-like tumors and validated it in a public cohort and TCGA glioma. The RG-like tumors exhibited wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase and tended to carry EGFR mutations, and the pri-OPC-like ones were prone to carrying TP53 mutations. Tumor subclones only in pri-OPC-like tumors showed substantially down-regulated MHC-I genes, suggesting their distinct immune evasion programs. Furthermore, the two subgroups appeared to extensively modulate glioma-infiltrating lymphocytes in distinct manners. Some specific genes not expressed in normal immune cells were found in glioma-infiltrating lymphocytes. For example, glial/glioma stem cell markers OLIG1/PTPRZ1 and B cell-specific receptors IGLC2/IGKC were expressed in pri-OPC-like and RG-like glioma-infiltrating lymphocytes, respectively. Their expression was positively correlated with those of immune checkpoint genes (e.g., LGALS33) and poor survivals as validated by the increased expression of LGALS3 upon IGKC overexpression in Jurkat cells. This finding indicated a potential inhibitory role in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and could provide a new way of cancer immune evasion.
Reference guide for the diagnosis of adult primary immune thrombocytopenia, 2023 edition
Authors: Kashiwagi Hirokazu , Kuwana Masataka , Murata Mitsuru , Shimada Naoki , Takafuta Toshiro , Yamanouchi Jun , Kato Hisashi , Hato Takaaki , Tomiyama Yoshiaki ,   Committee for Reference Guide for diagnosis of adult ITP Research Team for Coagulopathy and Other Intractable Diseases supported by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Science Research Grant Project: Research on Health Care Policy for Intractable Diseases
Published: November 2023

AbstractPrimary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia due to accelerated platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. Diagnosis of ITP is still challenging because ITP has been diagnosed by exclusion. Exclusion of thrombocytopenia due to bone marrow failure is especially important in Japan because of high prevalence of aplastic anemia compared to Western countries. Hence, we propose a new diagnostic criteria involving the measurement of plasma thrombopoietin (TPO) levels and percentage of immature platelet fraction (RP% or IPF%); 1) isolated thrombocytopenia with no morphological evidence of dysplasia in any blood cell type in a blood smear, 2) normal or slightly increased plasma TPO level (< cutoff), 3) elevated RP% or IPF% (> upper limit of normal), and 4) absence of other conditions that potentially cause thrombocytopenia including secondary ITP. A diagnosis of ITP is made if conditions 1-4 are all met. Cases in which criterion 2 or 3 is not met or unavailable are defined as “possible ITP,” and diagnosis of ITP can be made mainly by typical clinical course. These new criteria enable us to clearly differentiate ITP from aplastic anemia and other forms of hypoplastic thrombocytopenia and can be highly useful in clinical practice for avoiding unnecessary bone marrow examination as well as for appropriate selection of treatments.
Increasing multi-hazard climate risk and financial and health impacts on northern homeowners
Authors: Schwoerer Tobias , Schmidt Jennifer I. , Berman Matthew , Bieniek Peter , Farquharson Louise M. , Nicolsky Dmitry , Powell James , Roberts Rachel , Thoman Rick , Ziel Robert 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCurrently, more than half of the world’s human population lives in urban areas, which are increasingly affected by climate hazards. Little is known about how multi-hazard environments affect people, especially those living in urban areas in northern latitudes. This study surveyed homeowners in Anchorage and Fairbanks, USA, Alaska’s largest urban centers, to measure individual risk perceptions, mitigation response, and damages related to wildfire, surface ice hazards, and permafrost thaw. Up to one third of residents reported being affected by all three hazards, with surface ice hazards being the most widely distributed, related to an estimated $25 million in annual damages. Behavioral risk response, policy recommendations for rapidly changing urban environments, and the challenges to local governments in mitigation efforts are discussed.
Advances and Challenges in the Assessment of Executive Functions in Under 36 Months: a Scoping Review
Authors: Escobar-Ruiz Valeria , Arias-Vázquez Pedro I. , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos A. , Doval Eduardo , Jané-Ballabriga Maria C. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Neurodevelopmental disorders present deficits in executive functions (EFs). Before 36 months old, EFs act as basic abilities that allow adequate executive functioning at later ages. Three basic EFs are assessable before the child reaches 36 months old: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. This review aims to provide an overview of the progress and difficulties in assessing these three basic executive functions before children reach 36 months old.

Methods
Four databases were systematically searched without time or language limitations. The selection process was done using a PRISMA flowchart for scoping reviews. Sixteen studies were included, all in English and published between 2004 and 2021.

Results
Out of 277 studies, 16 met the inclusion criteria. The general data of the studies were summarized, such as sample age, type of study, measurement features, types of EFs assessed, task names, internal structure, reliability, and main contributions. The findings on available tasks and scales, factor structure, biological and environmental factors, and the variables influencing EFs before 36 months old are described.

Conclusions
Multiple factors influenced the evolution of EFs. The unidimensional model seems to better explain EFs before 36 months old. Expanding psychometric research with large samples and studying samples of children with symptoms at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders may help to improve the measurement of EFs before 36 months old.
Maleic acid and malonic acid reduced the pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by inhibiting mycelial growth, sclerotia formation and virulence factors
Authors: Fei Yu-chen , Cheng Qin , Zhang Huan , Han Chuang , Wang Xu , Li Yan-feng , Li Shi-qian , Zhao Xiao-hu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSclerotinia sclerotiorum is a necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus with broad distribution and host range. Bioactive compounds derived from plant extracts have been proven to be effective in controlling S. sclerotiorum. In this study, the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum was effectively inhibited by maleic acid, malonic acid, and their combination at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, with respective inhibition rates of 32.5%, 9.98%, and 67.6%. The treatment of detached leaves with the two acids resulted in a decrease in lesion diameters. Interestingly, maleic acid and malonic acid decreased the number of sclerotia while simultaneously increasing their weight. The two acids also disrupted the cell structure of sclerotia, leading to sheet-like electron-thin regions. On a molecular level, maleic acid reduced oxalic acid secretion, upregulated the expression of Ss-Odc2 and downregulated CWDE10, Ss-Bi1 and Ss-Ggt1. Differently, malonic acid downregulated CWDE2 and Ss-Odc1. These findings verified that maleic acid and malonic acid could effectively inhibit S. sclerotiorum, providing promising evidence for the development of an environmentally friendly biocontrol agent.