bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of atmospheric particles: A study of particulate matter and microplastic in the Region of Hortênsias – Brazil
Authors: Pletsch Patriane Noschang , Costa Gustavo Marques , Morisso Fernando Dal Pont , Berlese Daiane Bolzan , de Quevedo Daniela Muller , Osório Daniela Migliavacca 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Atmospheric pollution is one of the main consequences of anthropogenic activities in the environment. The insertion of particles suspended in the air, which are composed of dust, fumes, microplastics, and aerosols emitted by industries, vehicles, and constructions, alters the quality of the environment they are inserted into, impacting both human health and the environment. Therefore, this study aims to identify the atmospheric particles that may be influencing the air quality in the Region of Hortênsias/RS (municipalities of Canela and Gramado). The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM2.5−10 were evaluated at two sites from April 2021 to April 2022. The Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter Sampler (FCS) was used to collect samples at the site located in Canela (S1). In Gramado (S2), in addition to the FCS, a dichotomous sampler was also used for sampling. The filters were observed under a microscope to evaluate the presence of polymeric material. The selected particles were then analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Six samples of PM2.5 did not meet the air quality standards recommended by the WHO Guideline. Alterations in the concentrations of PM2.5 were also observed in October and December 2021 at S1 and S2 and in April 2022 at S2. The results demonstrated low air quality, and the microscopic analysis detected the presence of particles with characteristics of polymeric material. These particles suggest traces of microplastics, in addition to the presence of vehicular soot and fly ash when analyzed by SEM/EDS.
BAZ2A-SUV39H1-SMAD2/3-OCT4 regulates stemness, cell cycle exit and chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Militi Stefania , Liu Feng , Nibhani Reshma , Mouti Mai Abdel , Pook Martin , Cai Liuyang , Choo Siew Woh , Pauklin Siim 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Tumorigenesis leads to the dedifferentiation of some cancer cells partly resemble stem cells. The maintenance circuitries and epigenetic regulatory complexes that regulate this stem cell-like state known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) are largely unclear. Here we aimed to find strategies for eliminating CSCs in pancreatic cancer (PDAC), one of the most metastatic and lethal cancers in human. Proteomic analyses of SMAD2/3 cofactors and screening of CSC self-renewal regulators uncovered BAZ2A and SUV39H1 as therapeutic targets of CSCs that cooperate with TGFβ/ACTIVIN-SMAD2/3 signalling in gene expression regulation. We show that Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor (CDKI) loci p14/p16 and p15 are silenced in CSCs by SMAD2/3-BAZ2A-SUV39H1 complex, and inhibiting BAZ2A and SUV39H1 reactivates silenced p14/p16/p15 that helps eliminating CSCs. Furthermore, the TGFβ/ACTIVIN signalling maintains a bivalent poised chromatin and enhancer-promoter 3D looping on CDKI, EMT and ABCC loci through SMAD2/3-SNON-PRC2-TrxG cooperating with OCT4/SOX2/NANOG. Elevated TGFβ/ACTIVIN signalling forms a positive feedback with p21/p57 that promotes a quasi-mesenchymal state of CSCs with increased EMT and higher G0 phase habitance that elevates CSC chemoresistance. Collectively, our study uncovers mechanisms how cell cycle regulation is hijacked in CSCs for supporting cellular plasticity, and how to circumvent this mechanism with combined treatment for targeted therapies.
Effects of water-induced aging on iron oxide nanoparticles: Linking crystal structure, iron ion release, and toxicity
Authors: Dzeranov Artur , Bondarenko Liubov , Saman Daniel , Prokof`ev Mikhail , Terekhova Vera , Telegina Lyudmila , Dzhardimalieva Gulzhian , Bolotskaya Sofia , Kydralieva Kamila 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The effects of aging of colloidal dispersions of iron (Fe) oxy(hydr)oxides have practical implications for a variety of fields, including medicine, biology, chemistry, and environmental science. Aging affects the stability of these materials under different environmental conditions, thereby affecting their reactivity and applicability in remediation. However, only a limited number of studies have focused on aging-induced changes in the phase composition, surface properties, and toxicological effects of nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, a variety of Fe oxides were synthesized, including the closely related Fe oxides magnetite and maghemite, intermediate phases (Fe3-δO4: Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3, 5Fe2O3∙9H2O), and δ-FeOOH. Fe3O4 was synthesized by precipitation, γ-Fe2O3 by direct oxidation of Fe3O4, while 5Fe2O3∙9H2O and δ-FeOOH were prepared by precipitation with slow and fast oxidation, respectively. The crystal structure, surface charge, and leaching of Fe ions of these materials were measured. All synthesized materials were then tested in bioassays with ciliates and higher plants at circumneutral pH, both upon preparation and after aqueous aging. Quantitative analysis of the XRD data using the Rietveld method showed that the crystal structure of the magnetite nanoparticles changed to γ-Fe2O3. The evaluation of biological activity in Sinapis alba (white mustard) showed that NPs of different compositions, stored at a maximum concentration of 10 g L-1, inhibited root growth by 50%. In the case of δ-FeOOH and Fe3O4, however, concentrations of 1 g L-1 caused only minor inhibition. The toxic effects of Fe-NPs, attributed to the release of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions by oxidation, were found to be consistent with the redox behavior of NPs. The study of the properties of magnetic nanoparticles, both in their initial state and after aqueous aging, enhances our understanding of their performance in magnetic nanofluids.
Heterozygous OTULIN-variant related fasciitis and skin necrosis treated by TNF inhibition.
Authors: Arts Rob JW , Linden Tristan J van der , de Made Caspar I van , Hendriks Marianne MC , Heijden Wouter A van der , de Mast Quirijn , Schuurs-Hoeijmakers Janneke HM , Simons Annet , Spaan András N , Mulders-Manders Catharina M , de Veerdonk Frank L van 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Here we describe an adult female with severe fasciitis and skin necrosis who carried a private, predicted deleterious missense mutation in OTULIN in heterozygozity. OTULIN is a cellular regulator of deubiquitination that has been shown to play a key role in intrinsic immunity against staphylococcal α-toxin. The patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and multiple surgical explorations were conducted without clinical response. Since autoinflammation was the predominant clinical feature, TNF inhibition was started with a good clinical response. We show for the first time that excessive inflammation in autosomal dominant OTULIN deficiency can be effectively treated by TNF inhibition.
Emergence and spread of feline infection peritonitis due to a highly pathogenic canine/feline recombinant coronavirus
Authors: Tait-Burkard Christine , Atippa Charalampos , Warr Amanda , Epaminondas Demetris , O'Shea Marie , Fletcher Sarah , Malbon Alexandra , Lyraki Maria , Hammond Rachael , Hardas Alexandros , Zanti Antria , Loukaidou Stavroula , Gentil Michaela , Gunn-Moore Danielle , Mazeri Stella 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cross-species transmission of coronaviruses (CoVs) poses a serious threat to both animal and human health1-3. Whilst the large RNA genome of CoVs shows relatively low mutation rates, recombination within genera is frequently observed and demonstrated4-7. Companion animals are often overlooked in the transmission cycle of viral diseases; however, the close relationship of feline (FCoV) and canine CoV (CCoV) to human hCoV-229E5,8, as well as their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-29 highlight their importance in potential transmission cycles. Whilst recombination between CCoV and FCoV of a large fragment spanning orf1b to M has been previously described5,10, here we report the emergence of a novel, highly pathogenic FCoV-CCoV recombinant responsible for a rapidly spreading outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), originating in Cyprus11. The recombination, spanning spike, shows 97% sequence identity to the pantropic canine coronavirus CB/05. Infection is spreading fast and infecting cats of all ages. Development of FIP appears rapid and likely non-reliant on biotype switch12. High sequence identity of isolates from cats in different districts of the island is strongly supportive of direct transmission. A deletion and several amino acid changes in spike, particularly the receptor binding domain, compared to other FCoV-2s, indicate changes to receptor binding and likely cell tropism.
BCOOT-Based Binary Optimization for Microarray-Based Cancer Gene Selection and Classification: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yaqoob Abrar , Verma Navneet Kumar , Aziz Rabia Musheer 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this research, we introduce an innovative approach, for selecting genes in microarray-based cancer classification. Analysing gene expression using microarrays is crucial for disease and cancer detection. However, identifying the relevant gene markers is challenging due to the nature and high dimensional aspects of the data. We introduce the BCOOT (Binary COOT) optimization algorithm, which shows potential for gene selection tasks. We propose three variations; BCOOT, BCOOT-C and BCOOT-CGA. In our approach we transform the COOT algorithm into binary form using a hyperbolic tangent transfer function. The second strategy enhances exploration by incorporating a crossover operator (C) into BCOOT. For our method BCOOT-CGA we combine BCOOT C with a Genetic Algorithm to strengthen exploitation and identify robust and informative genes. To improve the gene selection process further we include a prefiltering step called redundancy relevance (mRMR) technique to eliminate redundant genes. To evaluate our proposed algorithms performance we conduct assessments, on six established microarray datasets comparing them with other robust optimization techniques and state of the art gene selection methodologies. In the classification step of our study, we utilize a Random Forest classifier. The experimental findings showcase that the BCOOT-CGA approach outperforms both BCOOT and BCOOT-C, surpassing alternative methods regarding the accuracy of predictions and the quantity of chosen genes in the majority of instances. This underscores the effectiveness of our proposed approach in enhancing microarray-based cancer classification, highlighting its potential to advance disease diagnosis and prognosis.
Climatic warming strengthening water constraint on seasonal peak photosynthesis in northern ecosystems
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Chen Xingan , Huang Yuefei , Yang Yuting , Tan Shen , Nie Chong , Wang Guang-Qian , Chen Zhichao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The seasonal peak of vegetation photosynthesis is a key indicator of terrestrial ecosystem productivity, bearing significant impacts on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Recent remote sensing observations have indicated an escalating trend in peak photosynthesis, yet the sustained trajectory of this increase under warming remains uncertain. Notably, water availability and temperature emerge as paramount limiting factors governing vegetation photosynthesis. To probe these constraints, here we employ solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence as a surrogate for photosynthesis, focusing on the examination of temperature and water-related restrictions on peak photosynthesis for northern ecosystems. Our findings unveil a discernible expansion of water-constrained zones in northern ecosystems over the past two decades. A general relationship is identified between mean annual temperature and precipitation that effectively distinguishes temperature-constrained and water-constrained ecosystems, which can be used to predict future changes in the constraint status in various climate change scenarios. Our results show that water-constrained regions will further expand by 4.51% and 11.13% by 2100 under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios.
The impact of the length of proximal margin on the prognosis of adenocarcinoma of gastroesophageal junction and strategies : A real-world study
Authors: Pang Tao , Nie Mingming , Fan lei , Wang Jia yang , Liu Zhao rui , Qin Ying yi , Yin Kai 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: The optimal proximal margin (PM) length for SiewertII/III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEJ) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the optimal PM length using an abdominal approach to guide surgical decision-making.
Methods: A prospective study analyzed 304 consecutive patients diagnosed with SiewertII/III AEJ between January 2019 and December 2021. Total gastrectomy was performed via the abdominal approach, and PM length was measured on fixed gross specimens. X-Tile software determined the optimal PM cut-point based on progression-free survival (PFS). Univariate analyses compared baseline characteristics across PM groups, while survival analyses utilized Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox proportional hazards regression for assessing the impact of margin length on survival. Multivariable analyses were conducted to adjust for confounding variables.
Results: The study included 264 AEJ cases classified as Siewert II (71.97%) or III (28.03%). The median gross PM length was 1.0 cm (IQR: 0.5 cm-1.5 cm, range: 0 cm-6 cm). PM length ≥1.2 cm was associated with a lower risk of disease progression compared to PM length 0.4 cm on PFS (HR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.84, P = 0.015). Moreover, PM ≥1.2 cm improved prognosis in subgroups of T4 or N3, tumor size <4 cm, Siewert II, and Lauren classification.
Conclusions: For Siewert type II/III AEJ, a proximal margin length ≥1.2 cm (1.65 cm in situ) is associated with improved outcomes. These findings offer valuable insights into the association between PM length and outcomes in SiewertII/III AEJ, providing guidance for surgical approaches and aiding clinical decision-making to enhance patient outcomes.
Causal relationship between gut microbiota and brain microbleeds: a comprehensive Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Tianxiang , Liu Hanchen , Wu Congyan , Zhang Xiaoxi , Liu Jianmin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Considerable evidence has been reported that alterations in gut microbiota composition could cause cerebrovascular diseases. The microbiota-gut-brain axis also hinted at a possible contribution of the gut microbiota to cerebrovascular diseases. However, the causal association between the gut microbiome and the risk of brain microbleeds (BMB) is unclear.
Methods
We performed two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) utilizing the summary-level data of respective genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 211 gut microbial taxa and two BMB phenotypes to reveal the causal association between gut microbiota and BMB.
Results
We identified 7 causal relationships between genetic liability in the gut microbiome and any BMB, including those involving the genus Lachnospiraceae. We found 13 associations between genetic liability in the gut microbiome and lobar BMB. Moreover, we found 6 associations between genetic liability in the gut microbiome and deep infratentorial BMB. The bidirectional, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy analyses confirmed the robustness of MR results.
Conclusion
Our MR analysis revealed that the gut microbiota was causally associated with BMB and may be helpful in providing new insights for further mechanistic and clinical studies of microbiota-mediated cerebrovascular diseases.
Rituximab added to conditioning regimen significantly improves erythroid engraftment in major incompatible ABO-group hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Finazzi Maria Chiara , Weber Alessandra , Pavoni Chiara , Grassi Anna , Micò Maria Caterina , Algarotti Alessandra , Lussana Federico , Rambaldi Alessandro 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
ABO-group major incompatibility hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) increases the risk of delayed red cell engraftment and other immunological complications. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of pre-transplant infusion of rituximab in patients with ABO-incompatibility in improving red blood cell engraftment after HSCT, measured by time to reach transfusion independence. We performed a retrospective, single-center study including 131 consecutive patients transplanted with major or bidirectional ABO-incompatible grafts between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2019. Fifty-one patients received infusion of rituximab during the conditioning regimen, while 80 patients did not receive any additional preventive treatment. Time to transfusion independence was significantly reduced for patients treated with rituximab (1 month, 95% CI, 0.5-2) compared with the control group (3.2 months, 95% CI 1.5–3.2, p = 0.02). By multivariable analysis, factors associated with a faster red blood cell engraftment were rituximab use (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.18–2.91, p = 0.007) and having received a stem cell graft with a number of CD34 + cells ≥ 3.7 x10^6/kg (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.34–3.57, p = 0.002). Although limited by the retrospective nature of the study, the results of this analysis show that rituximab added to conditioning regimens is feasible, safe, and able to improve post-transplant red blood cell engraftment.
Development and assessment of an efficient predictive nomogram for bloodstream infection in gallstone patients
Authors: Shen Xiuqing , Wu Changsheng , Zhong Rongxin , Chen Falin , Wang Sijie , Cao Pengju , Chen Shaoting 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to create and authenticate a user-friendly nomogram for assessing the risk of bloodstream infections (BSI) in patients with gallstones.
Methods Data on 261 patients without BSI and 96 patients with BSI who had gallstones were gathered between January 2019 and April 2023. The ten variables—age, sex, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NE%), calcitonin (PCT), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST)—were first screened using the single-factor regression analysis. Multiple regression analyses were used to optimize the risk model's predictive features. The prediction model's discrimination, calibration, and clinical application performance were evaluated using the consistency index (c-index), calibration curve, and clinical decision curve (DCA).
Results Nine variables show no multicollinearity, with the exception of gender, according to collinearity analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was included to select age, PCT, and AST predictors. Among them, age [OR = 0.562 (0.366–0.939), P = 0.028] is a protective factor for gallstone patients with blood flow infection (P < 0.05), whereas PCT [OR = 2.115 (1.244–3.597), P = 0.006], and AST [OR = 3.469 (1.942–6.198), P = 0.000] are risk factors for concurrent BSI in gallstone patients with gallstones (P < 0.05). On the basis of the anticipated variables, a prediction model was created. With a bootstrap validation of 0.7 and a C-index of 0.71, the prediction model's validation shows sufficient discrimination. The calibration curve showed how well the model can be corrected and how accurate its predictions are. The DCA results demonstrated that the predictive model was clinically effective when the threshold probability was between 17–77%, as the net return was more significant than the two extreme models.
Conclusion As an additional technique for predicting individuals with gallstones complicated by blood flow infection, the nomogram has some predictive power.
Genetic diversity of enteroviral meningitis, herpangina and hand, foot, and mouth disease in Kazakhstan
Authors: Dinara Kamalova , Assel Akhmetova , Asylulan Amirgazin , Igor Sytnik , Alexander Shevtsov 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Enteroviral infection is a common cause of aseptic meningitis, herpangina, and hand, foot, and mouth disease in children. Limited data are available on the enteroviral subtypes associated with hospitalization for these conditions in Kazakhstan. We collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and nasopharyngeal swabs (NSW) from children (N=152, median age=8 years) hospitalized with symptoms of aseptic meningitis (AM, N=139) or herpangina (HA, N=13) disease. We then genotyped enteroviral subtypes associated with AM (n=50) and HA (n=9) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) on the viral protein 1 (VP1), followed up by whole-genome sequencing of the isolated viral species. All identified EVs were species B EV, consisting of five echovirus (E6, E9, E11, E21 and E25) and three coxsackievirus (CVA9, CVB3 and CVB5) serotypes within the cohort. The most abundant EVs were CVA9 (38.5%), CVB5 (21.5%) and E6 (13.8%). Most HA samples (6/9) were genotyped with coxsackievirus CVA9, while AM was associated with a variety of both echovirus and coxsackievirus serotypes.
The results suggest that coxsackievirus CVA9 may be the dominant serotype circulating in the HA population, while AM is more diverse in terms of circulating echovirus and coxsackievirus serotypes. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical implications of these findings and to investigate potential differences in disease severity or outcomes associated with different EV serotypes.
Customized Passive-Dynamic Ankle-Foot Orthoses Can Improve Walking Economy and Speed for Many Individuals Post-Stroke
Authors: Skigen Jacob T. , Koller Corey A. , Nigro Luke , Reisman Darcy S. , McKee Zahra , Pinhey Shay R. , Henderson Adrienne , Wilken Jason M. , Arch Elisa S. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (PD-AFOs) are often prescribed to address plantar flexor weakness during gait, which is commonly observed after stroke. However, limited evidence is available to inform the prescription guidelines of PD-AFO bending stiffness. This study assessed the extent to which PD-AFOs customized to match an individual’s level of plantar flexor weakness influence walking function, as compared to No AFO and their standard of care (SOC) AFO.
Methods
Mechanical cost-of-transport, self-selected walking speed, and key biomechanical variables were measured while individuals greater than six months post-stroke walked with No AFO, with their SOC AFO, and with a stiffness-customized PD-AFO. Outcomes were compared across these conditions using a repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman test (depending on normality) for group-level analysis and simulation modeling analysis for individual-level analysis.
Results
Twenty participants completed study activities. Mechanical cost-of-transport and self-selected walking speed improved with the stiffness-customized PD-AFOs. However, this did not result in a consistent improvement in other biomechanical variables. In line with the heterogeneous nature of the post-stroke population, the response to the PD-AFO was highly variable.
Conclusions
Stiffness-customized PD-AFOs can improve the mechanical cost-of-transport and self-selected walking speed in many individuals post-stroke, as compared to No AFO and participants’ standard of care AFO. This work provides initial efficacy data for stiffness-customized PD-AFOs in individuals post-stroke and lays the foundation for future studies to enable consistently effective prescription of PD-AFOs for patients post-stroke in clinical practice.
Trial Registration
Trial Number: NCT04619043