bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) response to salinity and seed priming with NaCl
Authors: Damalas Christos A. , Koutroubas Spyridon D. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractLaboratory and pot trials were conducted to study germination performance of rapeseed (Brassica napus L., genotype Excalibur) under NaCl salinity after seed priming with 20 mM NaCl for 24 h. In the laboratory trial, salinity levels of 80, 160, and 240 mM NaCl reduced the germination percentage by 14, 56, and 80 percentage points, respectively compared to the non‐saline control. NaCl priming lowered the detrimental effect of salt stress on germination by promoting germination from 81% to 85% under salinity of 80 mM, from 39% to 68% under salinity of 160 mM, and from 15% to 56% under salinity of 240 mM NaCl (maximum alleviation). Furthermore, NaCl priming increased the germination tolerance index and the vigour index of seedlings as compared with the control seeds. Relative water content of the leaves was decreased with increasing salinity, showing limited water availability and a loss of turgor in the leaves. NaCl priming reduced the decrease in relative water content under salinity. Concerning the pot trial, the salinity level of 240 mM NaCl reduced the dry weight of rapeseed seedlings by 80.9% in the non‐primed seeds and by 55.8% in the primed seeds. NaCl priming improved the mean productivity index by 1.26 times under salinity of 240 mM NaCl and the harmonic mean index by 1.98 times under salinity of 240 mM NaCl compared with non‐primed seeds. Salinity limited seed performance of rapeseed, whereas NaCl priming improved seed performance and early growth in saline environment. The priming method needs to be examined in a selection of relevant genotypes under a range of saline conditions.
Geospatial Determinants of Maternal Overweight, Gestational Diabetes and Large for Gestational Age Birthweight in Melbourne During and After COVID‐19 Lockdowns
Authors: Marzan Melvin B. , Rolnik Daniel L. , Jiang Jason , Said Joanne M. , Palmer Kirsten R. , Potenza Stephanie , Pritchard Natasha , Whitehead Clare L. , Sheehan Penelope M. , Ford Jolyon , Mol Ben W. , Walker Susan P. , Hui Lisa 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundResearch has linked postcode‐level sociodemographic, food and built environment factors to maternal and perinatal outcomes like overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and large for gestational age (LGA) birthweight. However, little is known about how these factors were influenced by the COVID‐19 pandemic. We examine how postcode‐level indicators and lockdown conditions are associated with the prevalence of maternal overweight, GDM and LGA.Materials and MethodsWe analysed birth records from 12 public maternity hospitals in Melbourne, integrating postcode‐level environmental indicators. Spatial regression models assessed associations between these indicators and maternal health outcomes, distinguishing between (a) the COVID‐19 lockdown and (b) post‐lockdown periods.ResultsWe included 31 083 singleton birth records from 2020 to 2023 across 235 postcodes in Greater Melbourne. The prevalence of maternal overweight, GDM and LGA were 496, 178 and 103 per 1000 births, respectively. Maternal overweight was less prevalent in postcodes with higher median ages and socioeconomic scores, with disparities intensifying during lockdowns. GDM was more common in areas with younger, overseas‐born populations, while LGA correlated with higher median age and fewer overseas‐born residents. Notably, maternal overweight mediated the effect of socioeconomic status on GDM and LGA.ConclusionsThe prevalence of maternal overweight, GDM and LGA varies significantly across Melbourne, shaped by postcode‐level factors. The pandemic lockdown amplified existing health disparities. The food and built‐environment factors independently influence maternal and perinatal outcomes.
A Phenotypically Distinct Human Th2 Cell Subpopulation Is Associated With Development of Allergic Disorders in Infancy
Authors: Pizzarello Catherine R. , Jackson Courtney M. , Herman Katherine , Seppo Antti E. , Rebhahn Jonathan , Scherzi Tyler , Berin M. Cecilia , Looney R. John , Mosmann Tim R. , Järvinen Kirsi M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundLittle is known about the ontogeny of T cell immunity during infancy in farming and urban lifestyles due to the lack of immunophenotyping in such birth cohorts.MethodsTwo birth cohorts (farming and urban) at differing risks and rates of allergic diseases were compared. Blood mononuclear cells were collected from infants at birth, and 6 and 12 months of age. Full spectrum flow cytometry, followed by traditional gating and the Scalable Weighted Iterative Flow‐clustering Technique (SWIFT) high‐dimensional analysis, were used to identify cell populations that differed between farming and urban infants. Additionally, single‐cell RNAseq and multiplex cytokine assays were used to assess the function of cell populations of interest.ResultsSeveral regulatory T cell (Treg) subpopulations were elevated in farming lifestyles and in non‐atopic infants. A unique effector memory CD25+CD127+CD161−CD49d+CCR4+CRTH2+ Th2 population was elevated at 6 months in urban infants and in those who developed atopic dermatitis and/or food allergy and allergic sensitization. Although this population shared Th2 and IL‐9 skewing with Th2A cells, the population uniquely failed to express CD161, produced more IL‐2 and TNF‐α, and upregulated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), FOXP3 and the cytokine inducible SH2‐containing protein gene (CISH) relative to Th2A cells. This population has been termed Th2B cells.ConclusionWe describe a unique effector memory Th2 population elevated in urban high‐risk infants, potentially implicated in the development of allergic disease.
Motile cilia: Key developmental and functional roles in reproductive systems
Authors: Yang Shiyu , Wang Xiaoli , Gao Huihui , Yuan Shuiqiao 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundCilia are specialized microtubule‐based organelles that extend from the cell surface and are classified into non‐motile and motile types. The assembly and function of cilia are regulated by a complex molecular network that enables motile cilia to generate fluid flow across epithelial surfaces through coordinated beating. These motile cilia are found in the respiratory, nervous, and reproductive systems. In males, motile cilia are found in the efferent ducts and facilitate the transport of sperm from the testis to the epididymis. In females, they are mainly found in the oviducts, where they help to transport, nourish and fertilize eggs, and are also present in the endometrial epithelium.Material‐MethodsThis review compares the common factors that affect motile cilia in both male and female reproductive tracts, discusses the origin and development of multiciliated cell and cilia within the efferent ducts and oviducts, and enumerates the infertility or related reproductive diseases that may arise due to motile cilia defects.Results‐DiscussionIn males, motile cilia in the efferent ducts create turbulence through their beating, which keeps semen suspended and prevents ductal obstruction. In females, motile cilia are distributed on the epithelia of the oviducts and the endometrium. Specifically, motile cilia in the infundibulum of the oviduct aid in capturing oocytes, while cilia in the isthmus region have been found to bind to sperm heads, facilitating the formation of the sperm reservoir. Several common factors, such as miR‐34b/c and miR‐449, TAp73, Gemc1, and estrogen, etc., have been shown to play crucial regulatory roles in motile cilia within the efferent ducts and oviducts, thereby further influencing fertility outcomes.ConclusionsPathogenic mutations that disrupt ciliary function can impair ciliogenesis or alter the structure of sperm flagella, potentially resulting in infertility. Consequently, motile cilia in both the male and female reproductive tracts are crucial for fertility. There are still numerous unresolved mysteries surrounding these cilia that merit further investigation by researchers, as they hold great significance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of infertility and related reproductive disorders.
Locked down: Orthopaedic surgery in a regional health service during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Page Thomas , Rogers Margaret , Eng Kevin , Porter Kirsten , Gill Stephen D. , Page Richard S. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundCOVID‐19 affected access to healthcare. Victoria, Australia was heavily affected. Hospitals deferred non‐urgent operations and preserved health resources to manage people with COVID‐19. Elective orthopaedic surgery was directly impacted. This study investigated changes to orthopaedic procedures and the elective surgery waitlist during the COVID‐19 at a large regional health service in Victoria.MethodsData were acquired from University Hospital Geelong, a publicly funded regional health service in Victoria, Australia. Orthopaedic surgeries and waitlist numbers were collated for financial years ending (FYE) 2020–2023. Procedures were displayed as total, planned and unplanned (i.e., trauma).ResultsFrom FYE 2020 to 2023 there was 8244 orthopaedic surgery cases with 8850 procedures. Planned joint replacements of knee, hip and shoulder decreased collectively by 19% in FYE 2022 and increased by 66% in FYE 2023. Waiting lists rose from 247 in FYE 2020 and peaked at 786 in FYE 2022, before falling to 390 in FYE 2023. The number of fractured neck of femur procedures were consistent each year (average 152/year), while ankle and wrist fractures declined by 55% and 43% during FYE 2022 and increased in FYE 2023 by 106% and 159% respectively.ConclusionChanges to planned orthopaedic procedures and waitlists in a regional centre were evident throughout the pandemic. These results can help to inform strategies to optimize the provision of orthopaedic surgery during future major disruptive events.
The Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Veno‐Venous Hemodiafiltration With High Cutoff Membrane Versus High Flux Membrane in Septic Acute Kidney Injury: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Song Xiaowei , Liu Caihong , Zhang Min , Wei Wei , Yang Letian , Wang Bo , Huang Yongxiu , Song Guojiao , Wang Fang , Yang Yingying , Zhao Yuliang , Zhang Ling , Fu Ping 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe application of high cutoff (HCO) membranes for continuous renal replacement therapy remains unclear in septic acute kidney injury (S‐AKI) patients.MethodsS‐AKI patients who received continuous veno‐venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) were randomly assigned to the experimental group (HCO membrane) and the control group (high flux membrane, HF membrane). Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in serum and waste fluid were measured at 0, 2, 12, and 24 h after CVVHDF initiation and the 28‐day mortality.ResultsEleven patients were randomized to the HCO group, and 9 patients in the HF group, with a mean age of 54.9 ± 3.2 years and 6 patients (30%) being female. After 24 h of treatment with CVVHDF, there were significant reductions in serum IL‐6 and TNF‐α concentrations in the HCO group (p = 0.001, 0.015) and HF group (p = 0.004, 0.031). The serum IL‐6 reduction rate of the HCO group was significantly higher than that of the HF group (79.21% vs. 42.69%, p = 0.025), while serum TNF‐α reduction rates were comparable between the 2 groups. There were no significant changes in serum albumin after 24 h using either HCO membrane (28.7 ± 1.7 g/L vs. 32.7 ± 1.6 g/L, p = 0.138) or HF membrane (29.6 ± 1.1 g/L vs. 32.6 ± 1.3 g/L, p = 0.055). The two groups had similar 24‐h filter clotting rates and 28‐day mortality.ConclusionWhile CVVHDF with the HCO membrane and HF membrane both achieved significant reductions in serum cytokine levels, the HCO membrane was associated with a greater reduction rate in IL‐6 but not in TNF‐α. No difference was observed in serum albumin, mortality, or filter clotting.Trial RegistrationRegistry number: ChiCTR2000039725
Sex Differences in the In‐Hospital Outcomes of Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Population‐Based National Inpatient Sample Study From 2015 to 2021
Authors: Li Renxi , Prastein Deyanira J. , Boyce Steven W. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundLeft ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation can be used to manage advanced heart failure. Debates over sex differences in postoperative outcomes of LVAD implantation remain contentious; there is limited evidence available from the continuous‐flow era, particularly following the introduction of third‐generation devices. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive, contemporary, and population‐based analysis of the sex difference in the in‐hospital outcomes following LVAD implantations.MethodsPatients who underwent LVAD implantation were selected from National Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015–2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare in‐hospital outcomes between females and males, where demographics, socioeconomic status, primary payer status, hospital characteristics, comorbidities, and transfer/admission status were adjusted.ResultsThere were 1201 (23.6%) female and 3881 (76.4%) male patients who underwent LVAD implantation. Females and males had comparable in‐hospital mortality, MACE, and stroke. However, females had higher diaphragmatic paralysis (aOR = 7.94, 95 CI = 1.46–43.48, p = 0.02). Meanwhile, females had lower cardiogenic shock (aOR = 0.85, 95 CI = 0.73–0.98, p = 0.02), renal complications (aOR = 0.72, 95 CI = 0.62–0.84, p < 0.01), and infection (aOR = 0.70, 95 CI = 0.58–0.86, p < 0.01). Females also had longer hospital length of stay (44.1 ± 40.0 vs. 38.8 ± 30.6 days, p = 0.01) and higher total hospital charges (1293779.0 ± 1182139.0 vs. 1172780.0 ± 917544.0 US dollars, p = 0.04).ConclusionIn the contemporary era with the introduction of third‐generation devices, in‐hospital mortality and stroke after LVAD implantation continued to decrease and were comparable in both sexes. However, there are still notable sex‐based differences in the complications of LVAD implantation, which underscores the need for sex‐specific preoperative risk assessments and tailored perioperative management.
Uniportal S6 Segmentectomy for Newly Developed Lung Cancer in the Residual Left Lower Lobe Following Left Lingulectomy
Authors: Abe Sosei , Motokura Fumihito , Washida Yasuo , Hachitanda Yoichi , Tateishi Masaki , Hazeyama Takanori , Yamaguchi Junzo , Kawashita Yujo , Ueda Takashi , Sato Toshihiko 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTUniportal video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has gained global popularity as a minimally invasive surgical approach and has been increasingly adopted for various procedures in Japan. The current case report focuses on the uniportal VATS treatment of a 71‐year‐old female diagnosed with a lesion in the left S6 2 years after undergoing left lingulectomy. The surgery was challenging due to the presence of strong adhesions, particularly in the pulmonary hilum region, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding. Uniportal VATS treatment was conducted to reduce invasiveness and facilitate early ambulation. The patient's postoperative recovery was smooth, and she remained recurrence‐free up to approximately 2 years after surgery. This case highlights the challenges of reoperation after anatomical lung resection and emphasizes the importance of surgical adaptability in uniportal VATS treatment for complex cases.
Skeletal deformities in Sparus aurata from Türkiye: Incidences from Bafa Lake and the Aegean Sea
Authors: Güçlü Salim Serkan , Jawad Laith A. , Koca Habil Uğur , Cilbiz Mehmet , Aydın Celalettin 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe first record of the abnormalities ankylosis (fusion of vertebrae), lordosis (V‐shaped curvature of the vertebral column), kyphosis (Λ‐shaped curvature), and kypholordosis (the presence of both conditions) have been reported in two specimens of Sparus aurata collected from Bafa Lake and Bodrum‐Kıyıkışlacık Coast, Türkiye and used in this study. Both specimens displayed a severe level of deformity. All cases were non‐fatal as they occurred in subadult individuals. Assessment of abnormality in the studied specimen was carried out by the morphological diagnosis and using mammography. Externally, the two specimens have a deeper body than the normal specimen. There was significant osteological damage has been revealed by the mammography of these deformed specimens. The saddleback anomaly is in the anterior part of the spinous part of the dorsal fin that showed no missing spines. In addition, the lateral line was deformed in both specimens examined. In addition, there were several minor skeletal abnormalities. These anomalies have been considered an important indicator of environmentally induced stress on the wild fishes. Hence, the present finding highlights the need for closer monitoring of the marine environment and for the identification of the specific factor that causes these abnormalities.
Are attachment to parents and self‐efficacy linked with emerging adults' values of future expectations?
Authors: Reis Joana , Nunes Filipa , Matos Paula Mena , Mota Catarina Pinheiro 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe instability and unpredictability of Western societies challenge how individuals plan their life courses shaping the expectations that emerging adults develop in their future. Although there is a well‐established interest in studying emerging adulthood, there is limited information regarding the role of family and individual contexts on how emerging adults perceive their futures. The current study examined the association between attachment to parents and emerging adults' values of future expectations (optimism, pessimism, and hope) and self‐efficacy's mediating role in that association. The sample was composed of 676 emerging adults, aged between 18 and 30 years (M = 23.04; SD = 3.37). Results showed that attachment to parents and self‐efficacy is associated with values of future expectations of emerging adults, and self‐efficacy mediates the following links: from the quality of the emotional bond with both parents and the separation anxiety regarding the mother to values of future expectations. These findings are discussed based on attachment theory.
Assessment of Spinster homologue 2 (Spns2)‐dependent transport of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate as a therapeutic target
Authors: Kharel Yugesh , Huang Tao , Dunnavant Kyle , Foster Daniel , Souza George M. P. R. , Nimchuk Katherine E. , Merchak Andrea R. , Pavelec Caitlin M. , Juskiewicz Zuzanna J. , Alexander Simon S. , Gaultier Alban , Abbott Stephen B. G. , Shin Jung‐Bum , Isakson Brant E. , Xu Wehao , Leitinger Norbert , Santos Webster L. , Lynch Kevin R. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackground and PurposeSphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator (SRM) drugs suppress immune system function by disrupting lymphocyte trafficking, but SRMs are broadly immunosuppressive with on‐target liabilities. Another strategy to modulate the immune system is to block S1P transport. This study tests the hypothesis that blockers of S1P transport (STBs) mediated by Spinster homologue 2 (Spns2) approximate the efficacy of SRMs without their adverse events.Experimental ApproachWe have discovered and optimized STBs to enable investigations of S1P biology and to determine whether S1P transport is a valid drug target. The STB SLF80821178 was administered to rodents to assess its efficacy in a multiple sclerosis model and to test for toxicities associated with SRMs or Spns2‐deficient mice. Further, potential biomarkers of STBs, absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) in blood and S1P concentrations in plasma and lymph, were measured.Key ResultsSLF80821178 resembles SRMs in that it is efficacious in a standard multiple sclerosis model but does not evoke bradycardia or lung leakage, common to the SRM drug class. Also, chronic SLF80821178 administration does not affect auditory responses in adult mice despite the neurosensorial hearing defect observed in Spns2‐null mice. While both SRM and STB administration decrease ALCs, the maximal effect is less with an STB (45% vs. 90%). STBs have minimal effects on S1P concentration in plasma or thoracic duct lymph.Conclusion and ImplicationsWe found nothing to invalidate Spns2‐dependent S1P transport as a drug target. Indeed, STBs could be superior to SRMs as a therapy to modulate immune system function.
Biochemical and Structural Studies of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase PTP‐PEST (PTPN12) in Search of Small Molecule Inhibitors
Authors: Johnson Delna , Dixit Madhulika , Kirubakaran Sivapriya 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPTP‐PEST (also known as PTPN12) regulates cellular signaling and transduction pathways by dephosphorylating its substrate. PTP‐PEST is considered an important drug target owing to its involvement in cancer progression and myocardial injury. Till now only a few inhibitors are currently being studied in the inhibition of PTP‐PEST, majorly belonging to the class of metal‐based drugs. In this study, we aimed to investigate small molecules that could potentially inhibit PTP‐PEST for further development of PTP‐PEST inhibitors. As an approach, we used an in silico molecular docking technique to screen an in‐house synthesized molecular library. Further, we validated the docking results by in vitro inhibition screening of the best molecules using the purified catalytic domain of human PTP‐PEST, which was over‐expressed in E.coli. We identified a myo‐inositol based derivative, J1‐65, which binds to PTP‐PEST and results in the competitive inhibition of the protein. Further, we confirmed this protein‐ligand binding using binding affinity studies based on protein thermal shift assay and in silico molecular dynamic simulations. Our efforts to discover a novel scaffold for inhibiting hPTP‐PEST mark a crucial stride in laying the groundwork for the future development of selective PTP‐PEST inhibitors.
Heterogenous impact of China's place‐based environmental regulations on its hog industry: A synthetic difference‐in‐differences approach
Authors: Cheng Nieyan , Zhang Wendong , Xiong Tao 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAgricultural water pollution from the livestock industry is a growing concern in China and globally. Since 2014, China classified eight urban provinces in the southeast as a development control zone (DCZ), which prohibits new hog facility construction and encourages hog farms to relocate to other regions. Leveraging synthetic difference‐in‐differences (SDID), we systematically analyze the impacts of such place‐based regulations on the hog industry and water pollution, especially revealing heterogenous responses. Our results show that, on average, the regulations led to heterogenous reductions in hog inventories both within and across DCZ provinces, mainly resulting from the closures of existing hog farms. The effects range from a 2% increase to 40% hog inventory reduction, equivalent to a loss of over U.S. $5.06 billion in the DCZ hog sectoral revenue. We explore three channels to explain the heterogeneity: counties upstream of big cities, counties designated as main hog counties, and counties with drinking water sources serve as origins of the heterogenous effects. However, we find no significant water quality improvement.