bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of maternal first trimester treatment regimen on the outcome of valproate exposed pregnancies: an observational Embryotox cohort study
Authors: Fietz Anne-Katrin , Onken Marlies , Padberg Stephanie , Schaefer Christof , Dathe Katarina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEffects of valproate (VPA) dose and treatment discontinuation during the first trimester of pregnancy on the risks of spontaneous abortions (SAB) and major birth defects were analyzed. Pregnancies with first trimester VPA exposure (n = 484) prospectively recorded by the German Embryotox center in 1997–2016 were compared with a randomly selected, non-exposed cohort (n = 1446). The SAB risk was not significantly increased in the VPA cohort [HRadj 1.31 (95% CI 0.85–2.02)] but major birth defects were significantly more frequent [8.7% vs. 3.4%; ORadj 2.61 (95% CI 1.51–4.50)]. Risk was even higher in pregnancies with no VPA discontinuation in first trimester [ORadj 3.66 (95% CI 2.04–6.54)]. Significant ORs were found for nervous system defects in general [ORadj 5.69 (95% CI 1.73–18.78)], severe microcephaly [ORadj 6.65 (95% CI 1.17–37.68)], hypospadias [ORadj 19.49 (95% CI 1.80–211)] and urinary system defects [ORadj 6.51 (95% CI 1.48–28.67)]. VPA dose had a stronger effect than antiepileptic poly- versus monotherapy; for VPA dose ≥ 1500 mg/day the ORadj was 5.41 (95% CI 2.32–12.66)]. A daily dose increase of 100 mg was calculated to raise the risk for major birth defects by 15% [OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.08–1.23)]. Overall, maternal first trimester treatment regimen had a relevant impact on birth defect risk.
Losing ground: projections of climate-driven bloom shifts and their implications for the future of California’s almond orchards
Authors: Orozco Jessica , Lauterman Oren , Sperling Or , Paz-Kagan Tarin , Zwieniecki Maciej A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractClimate change is expected to impact the spring phenology of perennial trees, potentially altering the suitability of land for their cultivation. In this study, we investigate the effects of climate change on the bloom timing of almond orchards, focusing on California, the world's leading region for almond production. By analyzing historical climatic data, employing a model that considers hourly temperatures and fall non-structural carbohydrates to predict bloom dates, and examining various Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) scenarios, we assess the potential impacts of climate shifts on plant phenology and, consequently, on land suitability for almond farming. Our findings reveal that, within the next 30 years, the land suitable for almond production will not undergo significant changes. However, under unchanged emission scenarios, the available land to support almond orchard farming could decline between 48 to 73% by the end of the century. This reduction corresponds with an early shift in bloom time from the average Day of Year (DOY) 64 observed over the past 40 years to a projected earlier bloom between DOY 28–33 by 2100. These results emphasize the critical role climate shifts have in shaping future land use strategies for almond production in Central Valley, California. Consequently, understanding and addressing these factors is essential for the sustainable management and preservation of agricultural land, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in the Siglec family of genes in tumor immune microenvironment of sarcoma
Authors: Qi Lili , Jiang Kuiying , Zhao Fei-fei , Ren Ping , Wang Ling 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSarcomas (SARC) are a highly heterogeneous cancer type that is prone to recurrence and metastasis. Numerous studies have confirmed that Siglecs are involved in immune signaling and play a key role in regulating immune responses in inflammatory diseases and various cancers. However, studies that systematically explore the therapeutic and prognostic value of Siglecs in SARC patients are very limited. The online databases GEPIA, UALCAN, TIMER, The Kaplan–Meier Plotter, GeneMANIA, cBioPortal, and STING were used in this study. IHC staining was performed on the collected patient tissues, and clinical data were statistically analyzed. The transcript levels of most Siglec family members showed a high expression pattern in SARC. Compared with normal tissues, Siglec-5, Siglec-10, and Siglec-12 were abnormally highly expressed in tumor tissues. Importantly, Siglec-15 was significantly associated with poor prognosis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the Siglec family was mainly enriched in hematopoietic cell lineages. The genes associated with molecular mutations in the Siglec family were mainly TP53 and MUC16, among which Siglec-2 and Siglec-15 were significantly associated with the survival of patients. The expression levels of all Siglec family members were significantly correlated with various types of immune cells (B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the somatic copy number changes of all Siglec molecules and the abundance of immune infiltrates. Our study paints a promising vision for the development of immunotherapy drugs and the construction of prognostic stratification models by investigating the therapeutic and prognostic potential of the Siglec family for SARC.
SPIRAL MRI for in vivo lithium-7 imaging: a feasibility study in mice after oral lithium treatment
Authors: Memhave Tor Rasmus , Moussavi Amir , Boretius Susann 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLithium has been the frontline treatment for bipolar disorder for over 60 years. However, its mode of action and distribution in the brain is still incompletely understood. The primary isotope of lithium, lithium-7 (7Li), is a magnetic resonance (MR) active, spin-3/2 nucleus. However, its low MR sensitivity and the small brain size of mice make 7Li MR imaging (MRI) difficult in preclinical research. We tested four MRI sequences (FLASH, RARE, bSSFP, and SPIRAL) on lithium-containing phantoms, and bSSFP and SPIRAL on orally lithium-treated adult C57BL/6 mice. 7Li MR spectroscopy was acquired weekly at 9.4T to monitor the lithium uptake. The in vivo T1 relaxation time of 7Li was estimated in four mice. 4-h SPIRAL 7Li MRI was acquired in ten mice at a resolution of 2 × 2 × 3 mm3. SPIRAL MRI provided the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per unit acquisition time and the best image quality. We observed a non-homogeneous distribution of lithium in the mouse brain, with the highest concentrations in the cortex, ventricles, and basal brain regions. Almost no lithium signal was detected in the olfactory bulb and the cerebellum. We showed that in vivo 7Li MRI in mice is feasible, although with limited spatial resolution and SNR.
Proteomics and phosphoproteomics to study Tuina reverses capsule fibrosis in frozen shoulder: a research report based on rats
Authors: Qiao Yingjie , Wang Jianmin , Zheng Lijun , Yang Yanhong , Li Huadong , Li Muzhen , Zhang Shidong , Wang Hongyi , Zhang Tiantian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFrozen shoulder (FS) is a common disorder often treated with Tuina, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. We employed proteomics and phosphoproteomics to investigate the mechanisms associated with the treatment of capsule fibrosis in FS rats. We used a method composed of three weeks of cast immobilization to establish a model of FS. We then administered Tuina once daily for 14 days, evaluated glenohumeral range of motion (ROM), assessed histological changes, and identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using proteomics and phosphoproteomics. This study demonstrated that Tuina could improve glenohumeral ROM and reserve capsule fibrosis in FS rats. Proteomics revealed proteins regulated by Tuina belonging to the PI3K-AKT and ECM receptor interaction signaling pathways. Phosphoproteomics detected differentially phosphorylated proteins regulated by Tuina to be enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. The combination of proteomics and phosphoproteomics for Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of Myh3 and Srsf1 with a node degree larger than the average degree were considered the central regulatory protein modulated by Tuina to reverse capsule fibrosis. Thbs1, Vtn, and Tenascin-W were significantly enriched in PI3K-AKT and ECM receptor interaction signaling pathways and highly expressed in model rats. Tuina resulted in reduced expression of these proteins. Our findings demonstrated some of mechanisms behind the reversal of FS capsule fibrosis following Tuina, a scientific medical therapy for FS patients.
Abnormal ore pressure mechanism of working face under the influence of overlying concentrated coal pillar
Authors: Zhengzheng Cao , Qiang Sun , Zhenhua Li , Feng Du 
Published: January 2024

AbstractShenfu Dongsheng coal field is a cross-century energy base which is developed and constructed in China. In recent years, some mines have successively entered to the coal seam of the second layer. Due to the reasons of early mining, many coal pillars are left in the coal seam of the first layer, resulting in the phenomenon of strong ore pressure in the mining range before and after the coal pillar in the lower coal seam and even causing the buckling accident. In order to solve such safety problems, this paper takes the 22,307 working face in Bulianta coal mine as the research object, adopts physical similarity simulation experiment and theoretical analysis to systematically study the overlying rock characteristics and abnormal ore pressure manifestation mechanism of shallow and close coal seam in different working stages. The results show that the roof overburden of the key layer in the lower group bends and sinks when the coal pillar is mined, resulting in the activation and instability of the “masonry beam” structure formed by the roof of the upper coal seam. When the coal pillar is discharged, the residual concentrated coal pillar and the room type coal pillar are unstable under the action of high supporting stress, resulting in shear failure of the inter-layer rock in the upper part of 22,307 working face, causing the strong dynamic pressure of the working face to appear and then leading to the buckling accident. The working resistance of the support in each stage is obtained by establishing the structure diagram of the overlying rock under each stage and the corresponding mechanical structure model. Finally, the working resistance required by the support in the mining stage under the goaf is 16,692.6 kN, the working resistance required by the support in the coal pillar stage is 19,692.6 kN, the working resistance required by the support in the mining stage under the concentrated coal pillar is 13,150.6 kN, and the working resistance required by the support in the coal pillar stage is 19,215.6 kN.
Experimental and numerical evaluation for drum dynamic reliability under extremely complex working conditions
Authors: Zhao Guochao , Jin Xin , Zhao Lijuan , Zhou Wenchao , Liu Xuejing 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCoal mining machine drums are prone to damage and malfunction under extremely complex working conditions, which seriously affects the efficiency and safety of coal production. In this paper, based on the theory of coal rock cutting and virtual simulation technology, finite element models of drum cutting coal rock were established and then verified by physical experiments. Through simulation analysis, the dynamic reliability of the drum was studied from three aspects: load, stress and wear, and a mathematical model of drum load was established with respect to the traction speed and drum rotation speed; based on the orthogonal test, the optimal working parameters to improve the wear resistance of the drum were derived. The results of the study found that when the traction speed increases, the load on the drum increases, and when the drum rotation speed increases, the load on the drum decreases; when the traction speed is increased from 2 to 6 m/min, the stress on the pick body under different rotation speeds increases to different degrees, with an average increase rate of 27.394%; when the drum rotation speed is 90 r/min, the traction speed is 3 m/min, and the coal loading mode is projectile loading, the wear depth of the picks and spiral blades is relatively small. The research method and results of this paper can provide a reference for the selection of the drum working parameters.
Surface characterization and antibacterial efficiency of well-ordered TiO2 nanotube surfaces fabricated on titanium foams
Authors: Durdu Salih , Sivlin Dila , Ozcan Kadriye , Kalkan Selin , Keles Ozgul , Usta Metin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTitanium (Ti)-based implants are not compatible enough due to their bio-inert character, insufficient antibacterial capabilities and stress-shielding problem for dental and orthopaedic implant applications. Thus, this work focused to fabricate, analyze and improve antibacterial properties titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube array surfaces on Ti foam by anodic oxidation (AO) process. The well-ordered nanotube arrays with approximately 75 nm were successfully fabricated at 40 V for 1 h on Ti foams. Ti and O were observed as major elements on AO-coated Ti foam surfaces. In addition, the existence of TiO2 structure was proved on AO-coated foam Ti surfaces. For potential dental and orthopedic implant application, in vitro antibacterial properties were investigated versus Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. For both bacteria, antibacterial properties of TiO2 nanotube surface were greater than bare Ti foam. The bacterial inhibition versus Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of TiO2 nanotube surfaces are improved as 53.3% and 69.4% compared to bare Ti foam.
A biomarker panel of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and serum amyloid A is a predictor of sepsis in severe trauma patients
Authors: Li Mei , Qin Yan-jun , Zhang Xin-liang , Zhang Chun-hua , Ci Rui-juan , Chen Wei , Hu De-zheng , Dong Shi-min 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSevere trauma could induce sepsis due to the loss of control of the infection, which may eventually lead to death. Accurate and timely diagnosis of sepsis with severe trauma remains challenging both for clinician and laboratory. Combinations of markers, as opposed to single ones, may improve diagnosis. We compared the diagnostic characteristics of routinely used biomarkers of sepsis alone and in combination, trying to define a biomarker panel to predict sepsis in severe patients. This prospective observational study included patients with severe trauma (Injury severity score, ISS = 16 or more) in the emergency intensive care unit (EICU) at a university hospital. Blood samples were collected and plasma levels of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured using commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. A total of 100 patients were eligible for analysis. Of these, 52 were diagnosed with sepsis. CRP yielded the highest discriminative value followed by PCT. In multiple logistic regression, SAA, CRP, and PCT were found to be independent predictors of sepsis. Bioscore which was composed of SAA, CRP, and PCT was shown to be far superior to that of each individual biomarker taken individually. Therefore, compared with single markers, the biomarker panel of PCT, CRP, and SAA was more predictive of sepsis in severe polytrauma patients.
A carboxy-terminal ubiquitylation site regulates androgen receptor activity
Authors: Arai Seiji , Gao Yanfei , Yu Ziyang , Xie Lisha , Wang Liyang , Zhang Tengfei , Nouri Mannan , Chen Shaoyong , Asara John M. , Balk Steven P. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDegradation of unliganded androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer cells can be prevented by proteasome inhibition, but this is associated with only modest increases in polyubiquitylated AR. An inhibitor (VLX1570) of the deubiquitylases associated with the proteasome did not increase ubiquitylation of unliganded AR, indicating that AR is not targeted by these deubiquitylases. We then identified a series of AR ubiquitylation sites, including a not previously identified site at K911, as well as methylation sites and previously identified phosphorylation sites. Mutagenesis of K911 increases AR stability, chromatin binding, and transcriptional activity. We further found that K313, a previously reported ubiquitylation site, could also be methylated and acetylated. Mutagenesis of K313, in combination with K318, increases AR transcriptional activity, indicating that distinct posttranslational modifications at K313 differentially regulate AR activity. Together these studies expand the spectrum of AR posttranslational modifications, and indicate that the K911 site may regulate AR turnover on chromatin.
Single-cell analysis reveals the stromal dynamics and tumor-specific characteristics in the microenvironment of ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Linan , Cascio Sandra , Mellors John W. , Buckanovich Ronald J. , Osmanbeyoglu Hatice Ulku 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHigh-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a heterogeneous disease, and a highstromal/desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with a poor outcome. Stromal cell subtypes, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, establish a complex network of paracrine signaling pathways with tumor-infiltrating immune cells that drive effector cell tumor immune exclusion and inhibit the antitumor immune response. In this work, we integrate single-cell transcriptomics of the HGSOC TME from public and in-house datasets (n = 20) and stratify tumors based upon high vs. low stromal cell content. Although our cohort size is small, our analyses suggest a distinct transcriptomic landscape for immune and non-immune cells in high-stromal vs. low-stromal tumors. High-stromal tumors have a lower fraction of certain T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages, and increased expression of CXCL12 in epithelial cancer cells and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs). Analysis of cell-cell communication indicate that epithelial cancer cells and CA-MSCs secrete CXCL12 that interacte with the CXCR4 receptor, which is overexpressed on NK and CD8+ T cells. Dual IHC staining show that tumor infiltrating CD8 T cells localize in proximity of CXCL12+ tumor area. Moreover, CXCL12 and/or CXCR4 antibodies confirm the immunosuppressive role of CXCL12-CXCR4 in high-stromal tumors.
Nano-assembled open quantum dot nanotube devices
Authors: Althuon Tim , Cubaynes Tino , Auer Aljoscha , Sürgers Christoph , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA pristine suspended carbon nanotube is a near ideal environment to host long-lived quantum states. For this reason, they have been used as the core element of qubits and to explore numerous condensed matter physics phenomena. One of the most advanced technique to realize complex carbon nanotube based quantum circuits relies on a mechanical integration of the nanotube into the circuit. Despite the high-quality and complexity of the fabricated circuits, the range of possible experiments was limited to the closed quantum dot regime. Here, by engineering a transparent metal-nanotube interface, we developed a technique that overcomes this limitation. We reliably reach the open quantum dot regime as demonstrated by measurements of Fabry-Perot interferences and Kondo physics in multiple devices. A circuit-nanotube alignment precision of ± 200 nm is demonstrated. Our technique allows to envision experiments requiring the combination of complex circuits and strongly coupled carbon nanotubes such as the realization of carbon nanotube superconducting qubits or flux-mediated optomechanics experiments.
Towards a digitally connected body for holistic and continuous health insight
Authors: Gutruf Philipp 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe digitally connected body with clinical grade multimodal and multisite biosignal acquisition is a key goal of the wearable device communities, which will enable advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. Recent advances in sensor and biointerfaces have enabled insight into biomarkers and physiological states that far exceed the commercially available technologies. However, they often require intimate contact with the target organ, which is possible acutely or over days but may not translate to continuous monitoring without substantial user engagement. Holistic device ecosystems or standards are therefore required to enable a digitally connected body. Here, we discuss current barriers and highlight potential avenues to enable a seamless, almost imperceptible network, of wearable sensors to capture health comprehensively and chronically.
The financial well-being of fruit farmers in Chile and Tunisia depends more on social and geographical factors than on climate change
Authors: Obster Fabian , Bohle Heidi , Pechan Paul M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractClimate change has significant implications for economically important crops, yet understanding its specific impact on farm financial wellbeing remains a challenging task. In this study we present self-reported perceptions of fruit farmers about their financial well-being when confronted with different climate change factors. We employed a combination of supervised machine learning and statistical modelling methods to analyze the data. The data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 801 randomly selected cherry and peach farmers in Tunisia and Chile. Specific climate change factors, namely increases in temperature and reductions in precipitation, can have a regionally discernible effect on the self-perceived financial wellbeing of fruit farmers. This effect is less pronounced in Tunisia than in Chile. However, climate change is of lessor importance in predicting farm financial wellbeing, particularly for farms already doing well financially. Social assets, which include reliance on and trust in information sources, community and science, play an important role in increasing the probability of fruit farm financial wellbeing in both Tunisia and Chile. However, the most influential predictive factors differ between the two countries. In Chile, the location of the farm is the primary determinant of financial wellbeing, while in Tunisia it was the presence of social assets.
Restored lowland heathlands store substantially less carbon than undisturbed lowland heath
Authors: Duddigan Sarah , Hales-Henao Aysha , Bruce Maisie , Diaz Anita , Tibbett Mark 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe conversion of lowland heathland to agricultural land in Europe significantly depleted soil carbon stocks. Restoring heathlands has been proposed as a mechanism to sequester soil carbon. Here we compared soil carbon in (i) agricultural pasture; (ii) native heathland and (iii) restored heathland through acidification with elemental sulfur (sulphur). After 18 years of soil acidification, soil chemical properties (pH, extractable nutrients etc.), fauna and vegetation assemblage resembled that of native heathlands. However, native heathland was found to contain more than double the soil carbon stock of restored heath, with significantly higher contents of stable soil organic matter, and restored heath soil carbon was not significantly different to the control pasture. This result, combined with supporting findings of a comprehensive literature review, has ramifications for carbon-sequestration proposals, given the urgency required for climate mitigation tools.