bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydroalcoholic extract: A potential source from Azadirachta indica a Juss flower for DNA and BSA binding, scavenging, fungicidal, and larvicidal activities
Authors: Mohanasundaram Palanivelmurugan , Sankaran Sudha , Mathivanan Dhamodiran , Kamaraj Chinnaperumal , Mary Saral Antoneyraj 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe present study focuses on the evaluation of the DNA and BSA binding capability, anti‐fungal, metal chelation, and larvicidal activity of extracts of Azadirachta indica A Juss flower. The different extracts of A. indica was prepared by soxhlet extraction using Petroleum Ether (PE), acetone (AC), and hydroalcohol (HA) as solvents. DNA and BSA binding ability of HA extract was calculated through the UV–Visible titrimetric method. The phytochemicals present in the extract show good binding ability towards DNA and BSA. H2O2 and NO scavenging activity were evaluated and HA extracts shows good antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 62 and 48 μg/mg, respectively. The metal chelating property was calculated, where HA shows good chelating ability with the IC50 value of 32.23 μg/mg. The antifungal activity of these extracts was evaluated against different fungal stains; among them, hydroalcoholic extract shows a higher zone of inhibition in all the fungal stains than Petroleum Ether and acetone extracts and acetone extracts (i.e., 50 μg/μL MIC). The potential extract (i.e., HA extract) was used to estimate the larvicidal activity of parasites. The % of mortality was evaluated through a dose‐dependent assay and it is confirmed that when concentration increases, the mortality rate increases. The correlation between metal chelating activity and total flavonoid and phenolic content was calculated and it was found that there is a good correlation (R2 – .743 and .902, respectively). These results proved that HA extract possesses biologically important phytochemicals that contribute to pharmaceutical and biological activities and could be a natural remedy for various real‐time applications.
Pathogenicity of rice blast isolates (Pyricularia oryzae) in irrigated lowland of Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Quazi Mostaque , Bhuiyan Md. Rejwan , Hossain Md. Motaher , Ausraf Nur , Islam Md. Shahid , Hera Md. Hasibur Rahaman , Rashid Md. Mamunur , Akanda Md. Abdul Mannan , Hossain M. Mofazzal , Chowdhury Md. Tajul Islam , Latif Md. Abdul , Obara Mitsuhiro , Fukuta Yoshimichi , Khan Mohammad Ashik Iqbal 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRice blast poses a significant threat to food security in Bangladesh, particularly in irrigated lowland (boro rice), which constitutes over 50% of the country's total rice production. While using resistant varieties is an effective method to control rice blast, developing durable resistance is challenged by the pathogen's high variability. To address this, the current study examined the distribution of rice blast reaction types in the major rice‐growing ecosystem of Bangladesh, the irrigated lowland. Two surveys were conducted and 80 blast isolates were evaluated for pathogenicity against differential varieties (DVs). The results revealed that the high frequency of virulence (over 80%) for blast resistant genes, such as Pib, Pit, Pia, Pik‐s, Pi12(t), Pi19(t) and Pi20(t), whereas Pish, Pik‐m, Pi1, Pik‐h, Pi9 and Pita‐2 genes had the least virulence frequency. These low virulence frequency genes demonstrated promising potential for the development of blast resistant varieties in Bangladesh. The isolates were further categorized into two distinct cluster groups based on their reaction patterns to DVs, with theones coming from the eastern region predominantly in Cluster I, while the ones from the northern regions belonged mainly to Cluster II. Additionally, the isolates were classified based on five reaction types, namely U, i, k, z and ta, following a new designation system. Among these, U63, i0, k100, z06 and ta403 were the most dominant reaction types. Although these reaction types were prevalent across Bangladesh, their distribution frequency varied in different major rice‐growing regions. Furthermore, the study observed that early maturing varieties in the irrigated lowland ecosystem were highly susceptible to blast. The findings of this study will be crucial for developing a comprehensive and long‐lasting blast protection system in Bangladesh, focusing on broad‐spectrum resistance strategies.
Negotiating family language policy: Emotional experiences and playful language input in heritage language learning
Authors: Cantas Nermin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHeritage language (HL) learning is often facilitated by consistent exposure to the HL in family language policy (FLP). However, when children develop a preference for the majority language, family members may negotiate their use of both languages to establish a stronger emotional bond with their children while providing rich HL input. This article presents a case study of a Czech–English‐speaking family in the Midwestern United States, focusing on the parents’ sporadic use of their HL during mainly English interactions with their 5‐ and 8‐year‐old children. Drawing on Vygotsky's concept of perezhivanie as the theoretical framework and considering emotions as cultural and discursive constructs, this article uses discourse analytic methods to examine emotions in the participants’ routine social interactions. The findings suggest that even though the parents’ use of English combined with sporadic HL input may seem counterproductive for the children's HL learning, it may still contribute to their HL development when the HL is used in child‐centric and playful ways. This study has pedagogical implications for understanding the value of playful HL input in promoting HL learning. Additionally, it proposes theoretical advancements in the study of emotions in second language acquisition (SLA) by demonstrating how Vygotsky's notion of perezhivanie can be utilized to investigate the role of emotions in second language learning.
The genetic and immune features of salivary gland secretory carcinoma with high‐grade transformation
Authors: Wang Yu , Sun Jingjing , Sun Bao , Zhang Chunye , Tian Zhen , Wang Lizhen , Li Jiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the clinicopathological, molecular, and immune features of conventional and high‐grade transformation (HGT) secretory carcinoma (SC) in salivary glands.Materials and MethodsThe clinicopathological data of 88 cases including 74 conventional SCs and 14 SCs with HGT were reviewed. Targeted next‐generation sequencing was performed in 11 SCs with HGT and 7 conventional SCs. The level of PD‐L1 and CD8+ TILs was determined by immunohistochemistry.ResultsCompared with the conventional group, the rates of nodal metastasis, local recurrence, distant metastasis and mortality were significantly higher in the HGT cohort. Mutations of ARID1A/B, KMT2A, HOXD13, NRG1 and ETV6 genes were identified in HGT SCs. A recurrent E307G mutation in GATA6 gene was also observed in two cases. Two deceased HGT patients with distant metastasis harboured NOTCH3 mutations. ETV6‐RET translocation was prone to occur in the HGT SCs. Additionally, PD‐L1 expression was low, and CD8+ TILs were sparse in most HGT cases.ConclusionOur findings reveal novel gene alterations involved in the progression of HGT in SCs. Most HGT SCs patients cannot benefit from PD‐L1 blocking and may be approached with a distinct treatment strategy including the lymph node dissection and application of molecular target drugs in precision oncology.
Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the podophyllotoxins accumulation and formation mechanisms in Juniperus sabina L. leaves
Authors: Xu Shengnan , Hu Huizhong , Wang Ziyi , Yang Zhifang , Wei Xiaocha , Li Dengwu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPodophyllotoxin is an important secondary metabolite because of its remarkable anticancer and anti‐Condyloma acuminatum activities. Juniperus sabina L. (J. sabina) has been proven as a new plant source of podophyllotoxins. However, the mechanism of podophyllotoxins accumulation and synthesis in J. sabina is unclear, which greatly limits their applications. Based on this, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed on different developmental stages of J. sabina leaves to determine the molecular mechanism of the biosynthesis of podophyllotoxins in this study. Firstly, 8 podophyllotoxins and 54 differentially accumulated compounds were identified from metabolomic analysis of J. sabina leaves at different developmental stages. The total lignans and podophyllotoxin contents were determined by HPLC, clarifying that May to September was the critical period for the accumulation of podophyllotoxins in J. sabina leaves. Transcriptome and metabolic analysis showed that 47 DEGs encoded 16 key enzymes involved in podophyllotoxin biosynthesis, among which 8 key enzyme genes (PAL, HCT, CCR, C4H, DIR, PLR, OMT and CYP82) were identified. Furthermore, JsPLR was proven to be a key rate‐limiting enzyme cytoplasmic‐localized. JsPLR overexpression significantly increased matairesinol and podophyllotoxin content.. The findings of qRT‐PCR study indicated that the differential expression of JsPLR gene might be a key factor leading to the differential accumulation of podophyllotoxin. Overall, the study brings new insight into the accumulation and formation mechanisms of podophyllotoxins and the comprehensive development and utilization of J. sabina resources.
A Study on Generative Design Reasoning and Students' Divergent and Convergent Thinking
Authors: Brown Alex , Goldstein Molly H. , Clay John , Demirel H. Onan , Li Xingang , Sha Zhenghui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Computer-aided design (CAD) is a standard design tool used in engineering practice and by students. CAD has become increasingly analytic and inventive in incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to design, e.g., generative design (GD), to help expand designers' divergent thinking. However, generative design technologies are relatively new, we know little about generative design thinking in students. This research aims to advance our understanding of the relationship between aspects of generative design thinking and traditional design thinking. This study was set in an introductory graphics and design course where student designers used Fusion 360 to optimize a bicycle wheel frame. We collected the following data from the sample: divergent and convergent psychological tests and an open-ended response to a generative design prompt (called the generative design reasoning elicitation problem). A Spearman's rank correlation showed no statistically significant relationship between generative design reasoning and divergent thinking. However, an analysis of variance found a significant difference in generative design reasoning and convergent thinking between groups with moderate GD reasoning and low GD reasoning. This study shows that new computational tools might present the same challenges to beginning designers as conventional tools. Instructors should be aware of informed design practices and encourage students to grow into informed designers by introducing them to new technology, such as generative design.
Multiple metastasis of malignant melanoma. The diagnostic role of ultrasonography starting from a parotid tumor.
Authors: Badea Alexandru Florin , Orza Răzvan , Seicean Andrada 
Published: January 2024

We presented the case of a patient with a slowly developing right parotid tumor over the course of several years. Multimodal ultrasonography proved relevant for malignancy. Subsequent imaging identified tumors in numerous organs, considered metastases. Ultrasonography consolidated all identified aspects. Biopsy from an adrenal mass and histological examination evidenced the presence of a malignant, metastatic melanoma with cutaneous origin. Considerations are made regarding the role of ultrasonography in such cases.
Relationship Between Objective and Subjective Markers of Muscle Recovery in Professional Handball Players
Authors: Henze Alexander-Stephan , Matits Lynn , Huth Jochen , Mauch Frieder 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between items of the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS) related to physical stress and recovery and the biomarker creatine kinase (CK) in professional handball. Methods: CK and SRSS items (physical performance capability, overall recovery, muscular stress, and overall stress) were assessed in an observational study of 16 adult male professional handball players from a team in the highest German league during the 2019–20 preseason. Their preseason training schedule included several microcycles, each consisting of 3 consecutive days of intense training followed by a rest day. On 5 of these rest days, when players were classified as nonrested, and the 5 immediately following days, when players were classified as rested, players completed the SRSS between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, followed by blood sampling. Correlations between SRSS items were performed using Kendall τ. The relationship between each SRSS item and CK levels over time was examined using a mixed-effects model with a random intercept. Results: CK levels and SRSS stress items were significantly higher and SRSS recovery items were significantly lower in nonrested players. SRSS items were significantly positively or negatively correlated (all items: P < .001) and showed a significant effect indicating lower CK levels in rested players (all items: P ≤ .001; ). Conclusions: The investigated SRSS items may be a viable option for assessing muscle recovery in adult male professional handball players in a cost-effective and noninvasive manner. They can be used as a single monitoring tool or as part of a multimodal approach.
Pontiella agarivorans
sp. nov., a novel marine anaerobic bacterium capable of degrading macroalgal polysaccharides and fixing nitrogen
Authors: Liu Na , Kivenson Veronika , Peng Xuefeng , Cui Zhisong , Lankiewicz Thomas S. , Gosselin Kelsey M. , English Chance J. , Blair Elaina M. , O'Malley Michelle A. , Valentine David L. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Marine macroalgae produce abundant and diverse polysaccharides, which contribute substantially to the organic matter exported to the deep ocean. Microbial degradation of these polysaccharides plays an important role in the turnover of macroalgal biomass. Various members of the
Planctomycetes
-
Verrucomicrobia
-
Chlamydia
(PVC) superphylum are degraders of polysaccharides in widespread anoxic environments. In this study, we isolated a novel anaerobic bacterial strain NLcol2
T
from microbial mats on the surface of marine sediments offshore Santa Barbara, CA, USA. Based on 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and phylogenomic analyses, strain NLcol2
T
represents a novel species within the
Pontiella
genus in the
Kiritimatiellota
phylum (within the PVC superphylum). Strain NLcol2
T
is able to utilize various monosaccharides, disaccharides, and macroalgal polysaccharides such as agar and ɩ-carrageenan. A near-complete genome also revealed an extensive metabolic capacity for anaerobic degradation of sulfated polysaccharides, as evidenced by 202 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and 165 sulfatases. Additionally, its ability of nitrogen fixation was confirmed by nitrogenase activity detected during growth on nitrogen-free medium, and the presence of nitrogenases (
nifDKH
) encoded in the genome. Based on the physiological and genomic analyses, this strain represents a new species of bacteria that may play an important role in the degradation of macroalgal polysaccharides and with relevance to the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen in marine environments. Strain NLcol2
T
(= DSM 113125
T
= MCCC 1K08672
T
) is proposed to be the type strain of a novel species in the
Pontiella
genus, and the name
Pontiella agarivorans
sp. nov. is proposed.

IMPORTANCE

Growth and intentional burial of marine macroalgae is being considered as a carbon dioxide reduction strategy but elicits concerns as to the fate and impacts of this macroalgal carbon in the ocean. Diverse heterotrophic microbial communities in the ocean specialize in these complex polymers such as carrageenan and fucoidan, for example, members of the
Kiritimatiellota
phylum. However, only four type strains within the phylum have been cultivated and characterized to date, and there is limited knowledge about the metabolic capabilities and functional roles of related organisms in the environment. The new isolate strain NLcol2
T
expands the known substrate range of this phylum and further reveals the ability to fix nitrogen during anaerobic growth on macroalgal polysaccharides, thereby informing the issue of macroalgal carbon disposal.
COVID-19: incidence and mortality in Sweden comparing all foreign-born to all Swedish-born individuals in different occupations in an unvaccinated cohort of year 2020
Authors: Tondel Martin , Nordquist Tobias , Helgesson Magnus , Svartengren Magnus 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesThe aim was to analyse the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in immigrants compared with Swedish born in inpatients and outpatient registers, respectively.MethodsThe study population included all persons 20–88 years of age living in Sweden, 31 December 2019, including 1 676 516 foreign-born persons and 6 037 151 Swedish-born persons. The outcome was clinical cases of COVID-19 with a positive PCR test (ICD-10 U07.01) or without a positive PCR test (U07.2) from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Persons 20–64 years of age were classified with occupational titles according to the Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations. Residing municipality of each individual was coded according to the Swedish Association of Local Authorities. Relative risks (RR) were calculated by sex in 5 years age bands using Swedish born as reference. Age-adjusted RRs (adj RR) with 95% CIs were calculated in a Poisson regression model. Rural municipalities were used as the reference category.ResultsForeign born had consistently higher RRs in COVID-19, regardless of sex, with a peak in 50–69 years of age. Foreign born had a higher RR of death in COVID-19 above 50 years and 40 years of age in women and men, respectively. Among occupations, male drivers had the highest adj RR 4.37 (95% CI 3.45 to 5.54) and 5.09 (4.26 to 6.07) in outpatients and inpatients, respectively (U07.1). Persons living in commuting municipalities did not show any consistent increased risk for COVID-19.ConclusionForeign born have a higher risk of COVID-19 compared with Swedish-born individuals at any age and occupation before vaccination began in 2021.
Correlation between epidural space depth measured with ultrasound and MRI compared to clinical loss of resistance when performing lumbar epidural steroid injection
Authors: Singh Naileshni , Pritzlaff Scott , Bautista Barry , Yan Charley , Wilson Machelle D , Chang Jennifer , Fishman Scott M 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThis prospective study assessed the accuracy of MRI and ultrasound (US) measurements as a preprocedural assessment tool for predicting clinical loss of resistance depth (CLORD) during fluoroscopy-guided lumbar epidural steroid injections (ESIs).Materials and methodsSixty patients enrolled received lumbar ESIs at an academic chronic pain clinic. The MRI measurement calculated the distance between the skin and the posterior epidural space, while US measurements included transverse and parasagittal oblique views of the interlaminar space. The epidural space measurements were compared with the CLORD during the performance of the prone epidural injections. The differences in measurements were analyzed using two one-sided tests for equivalency with a 0.5 equivalency margin. The intraclass correlation coefficients between CLORD and the imaging modalities were estimated using mixed effects models.ResultsMRI was equivalent to CLORD with a mean difference of –0.2 cm (95% CI –0.39 to –0.11). US transverse and US parasagittal oblique measurements were not equivalent to and underestimated CLORD with mean differences of –0.98 cm (90% CI –1.8 to –0.77) and –0.79 cm (90% CI −1.0 to −5.9), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients between MRI and CLORD were the highest at 0.85, compared with 0.65 and 0.73 for transverse and parasagittal oblique US views, respectively.ConclusionsMRI measurements are preferable over US for preprocedural assessment of patients receiving lumbar ESIs for predicting CLORD.
Indole-3-Propionic Acid Protects Against Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Wang Yu-Chen , Koay Yen Chin , Pan Calvin , Zhou Zhiqiang , Tang Wilson , Wilcox Jennifer , Li Xinmin S. , Zagouras Alexia , Marques Francine , Allayee Hooman , Rey Federico E. , Kaye David M. , O’Sullivan John F. , Hazen Stanley L. , Cao Yang , Lusis Aldons J. 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common but poorly understood form of heart failure, characterized by impaired diastolic function. It is highly heterogeneous with multiple comorbidities, including obesity and diabetes, making human studies difficult.

METHODS:
Metabolomic analyses in a mouse model of HFpEF showed that levels of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a metabolite produced by gut bacteria from tryptophan, were reduced in the plasma and heart tissue of HFpEF mice as compared with controls. We then examined the role of IPA in mouse models of HFpEF as well as 2 human HFpEF cohorts.

RESULTS:

The protective role and therapeutic effects of IPA were confirmed in mouse models of HFpEF using IPA dietary supplementation. IPA attenuated diastolic dysfunction, metabolic remodeling, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and intestinal epithelial barrier damage. In the heart, IPA suppressed the expression of NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyl transferase), restored nicotinamide, NAD
+
/NADH, and SIRT3 (sirtuin 3) levels. IPA mediates the protective effects on diastolic dysfunction, at least in part, by promoting the expression of SIRT3. SIRT3 regulation was mediated by IPA binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, as
Sirt3
knockdown diminished the effects of IPA on diastolic dysfunction in vivo. The role of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide circuit in HFpEF was further confirmed by nicotinamide supplementation,
Nnmt
knockdown, and
Nnmt
overexpression in vivo. IPA levels were significantly reduced in patients with HFpEF in 2 independent human cohorts, consistent with a protective function in humans, as well as mice.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings reveal that IPA protects against diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF by enhancing the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide salvage pathway, suggesting the possibility of therapeutic management by either altering the gut microbiome composition or supplementing the diet with IPA.
Unseen Sound: One Step into the Blind Future (Academic Access Version)
Authors: Slater Andy , McLain Elizabeth 
Published: January 2024

AbstractElizabeth McLain interviews CripTech incubator artist Andy Slater about Unseen Sound (2023), his work for E.A.A.T.: Experiments in Art, Access and Technology. Slater discusses accessibility as artistic practice, the exclusion of blind folks from augmented and extended reality, and experimental art’s capacity for fostering access intimacy. While developing Unseen Sound, Slater experienced failures in access and technology. Hyperactive listening—the key to Slater’s creative practice— enabled him to pivot and continue the fight for accessible extended reality (XR) technology. In the process, he makes the case for a brilliant blind future by making noise in public spaces and leaning into the weirdness.
Crip-Techno-Tinkerism: A Neurodivergent Learning Style Meets Machine Learning
Authors: Lincoln Erika Jean 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The artist discusses the development of their crip-techno-tinkerism methodology and its application to machine learning. They outline how their tinkering with the creation of datasets and the manipulation of transfer learning within machine learning models can reflect the diversity of neurodivergent learning.