bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) deletion in myeloid cells augments cholestatic liver injury
Authors: Krishnan Anuradha , Ozturk Nazli Begum , Cutshaw Kaiyel A. , Guicciardi Maria Eugenia , Kitagataya Takashi , Olson Kirsta E. , Pavelko Kevin D. , Sherman William , Wixom Alexander Q. , Jalan-Sakrikar Nidhi , Baez-Faria Michelle , Gutierrez Florencia , Gores Gregory J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDuctular reactive (DR) cells exacerbate cholestatic liver injury and fibrosis. Herein, we posit that tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) emanates from recruited macrophages and restrains DR cell expansion, thereby limiting cholestatic liver injury. Wild type (WT), Trailfl/fl and myeloid-specific Trail deleted (TrailΔmye) C57BL/6 mice were exposed to DDC diet-induced cholestatic liver injury, which induced hepatomegaly and liver injury as compared to control diet-fed mice. However, parameters of liver injury, fibrosis, and inflammation were all increased in the TrailΔmye mice as compared to the WT and Trailfl/fl mice. High dimensional mass cytometry indicated that cholestasis resulted in increased hepatic recruitment of subsets of macrophages and neutrophils in the TrailΔmye mice. Spatial transcriptomics analysis revealed that the PanCK+ cholangiocytes from TrailΔmye mice had increased expression of the known myeloid attractants S100a8, Cxcl5, Cx3cl1, and Cxcl1. Additionally, in situ hybridization of Cxcl1, a potent neutrophil chemoattractant, demonstrated an increased expression in CK19+ cholangiocytes of TrailΔmye mice. Collectively, these data suggest that TRAIL from myeloid cells, particularly macrophages, restrains a subset of DR cells (i.e., Cxcl1 positive cells), limiting liver inflammation and fibrosis. Reprogramming macrophages to express TRAIL may be salutary in cholestasis.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms of long COVID
Authors: Klírová Monika , Adamová Andrea , Biačková Nina , Laskov Olga , Renková Veronika , Stuchlíková Zuzana , Odnohová Karolína , Novák Tomáš 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe study aimed to assess the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the treatment of neuropsychiatric (NP) symptoms of the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), known as the long COVID. A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study compared the efficacy and safety of prefrontal cortex active tDCS to sham-tDCS in treating NP-PASC. Patients diagnosed with NP-PASC, with a Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) score ≥ 40, were eligible for the study. Twenty tDCS sessions were administered within four weeks, with continuous, end-of-treatment, and follow-up measurements. The primary outcome was a change in the FIS at the end-of-treatment, analyzed in the intention-to-treat population. Data from 33 patients assigned to active (n = 16) or sham-tDCS (n = 17) were analyzed. After the treatment, a decrease in the FIS score was more pronounced in the sham than in the active group, yet the intergroup difference was insignificant (11.7 [95% CI −11.1 to 34.5], p = 0.6). Furthermore, no significant intergroup differences were observed regarding anxiety, depression, quality of life, and cognitive performance. The small cohort sample, differences in baseline FIS scores between groups (non-stratified randomization), or chosen stimulation parameters may have influenced our findings. However, it might also be possible that the expected mechanism of action of tDCS is insufficient to treat these conditions.
Genetic testing for fetal loss of heterozygosity using single nucleotide polymorphism array and whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Xue Huili , Yu Aili , Zhang Lin , Chen Lingji , Guo Qun , Lin Min , lin Na , Chen Xuemei , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe study explored the clinical significance of fetal loss of heterozygosity (LOH) identified by single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array). We retrospectively reviewed data from pregnant women who underwent invasive diagnostic procedures at prenatal diagnosis centers in southeastern China from December 2016 to December 2021. SNP array was performed by the Affymetrix CytoScan 750 K array platform. Fetuses with LOH were further identified by parental verification, MS-MLPA, and/or trio whole-exome sequencing (trio-WES). The genetic results, fetal clinical manifestations, and perinatal outcome were analyzed. Of 11,062 fetuses, 106 (0.96%) had LOH exhibiting a neutral copy number, 88 (83.0%) had LOH in a single chromosome, whereas 18 (17.0%) had multiple LOHs on different chromosomes. Sixty-six fetuses had ultrasound anomalies (UAs), most frequently fetal growth restriction (18/66 (27.3%)). Parental SNP array verification was performed in 21 cases and trio-WES in 21 cases. Twelve cases had clinically relevant uniparental disomy, five had pathogenic variants, four had likely pathogenic variants, six had variants of unknown significance, and eight had identity by descent. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes in fetuses with LOH and UAs (24/66 (36.4%)) was higher than in those without UAs (6/40 (15.0%)) (p < 0.05). LOH is not uncommon. Molecular genetic testing techniques, including parental SNP array verification, trio-WES, methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, regular and systematic ultrasonic monitoring, and placental study, can accurately assess the prognosis and guide the management of the affected pregnancy.
Elevated tolerance of both short-term and continuous drought stress during reproductive stages by exogenous application of hydrogen peroxide on soybean
Authors: Basal Oqba , Zargar Tahoora Batool , Veres Szilvia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe global production of soybean, among other drought-susceptible crops, is reportedly affected by drought periods, putting more pressure on food production worldwide. Drought alters plants’ morphology, physiology and biochemistry. As a response to drought, reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations are elevated, causing cellular damage. However, lower concentrations of ROS were reported to have an alleviating role through up-regulating various defensive mechanisms on different levels in drought-stressed plants. This experiment was set up in a controlled environment to monitor the effects of exogenous spray of different (0, 1, 5 and 10 mM) concentrations of H2O2 on two soybean genotypes, i.e., Speeda (drought-tolerant), and Coraline (drought-susceptible) under severe drought stress conditions (induced by polyethylene glycol) during flowering stage. Furthermore, each treatment was further divided into two groups, the first group was kept under drought, whereas drought was terminated in the second group at the end of the flowering stage, and the plants were allowed to recover. After 3 days of application, drought stress significantly decreased chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b, total carotenoids, stomatal conductance, both optimal and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm and Df/Fm, respectively), relative water content, specific leaf area, shoot length and dry weight, and pod number and fresh weight, but significantly increased the leaf concentration of both proline and total soluble sugars, the root length, volume and dry weight of both genotypes. The foliar application of 1 mM and 5 mM H2O2 on Speeda and Coraline, respectively enhanced most of the decreased traits measurably, whereas the 10 mM concentration did not. The group of treatments where drought was maintained after flowering failed to produce pods, regardless of H2O2 application and concentration, and gradually deteriorated and died 16 and 19 days after drought application on Coraline and Speeda, respectively. Overall, Speeda showed better performance under drought conditions. Low concentrations of foliar H2O2 could help the experimented soybean genotypes better overcome the influence of severe drought during even sensitive stages, such as flowering. Furthermore, our findings suggest that chlorophyll fluorescence and the cellular content of proline and soluble sugars in the leaves can provide clear information on the influence of both drought imposition and H2O2 application on soybean plants.
Plastiphily is linked to generic virulence traits of important human pathogenic fungi
Authors: Gkoutselis Gerasimos , Rohrbach Stephan , Harjes Janno , Brachmann Andreas , Horn Marcus A. , Rambold Gerhard 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFungi comprise relevant human pathogens, causing over a billion infections each year. Plastic pollution alters niches of fungi by providing trillions of artificial microhabitats, mostly in the form of microplastics, where pathogens might accumulate, thrive, and evolve. However, interactions between fungi and microplastics in nature are largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the assembly, architecture, and ecology of mycobiomes in soil (micro)plastispheres near human dwellings in a model- and network-based metagenome study combined with a global-scale trait data annotation. Our results reveal a strong selection of important human pathogens, in an idiosyncratic, otherwise predominantly neutrally assembled plastisphere, which is strongly linked to generic fungal virulence traits. These findings substantiate our niche expansion postulate, demonstrate the emergence of plastiphily among fungal pathogens and imply the existence of a plastisphere virulence school, underpinning the need to declare microplastics as a factor of global health.
Towards practical implementation of molecular communication: A cost‐effective experimental platform based on the human circulatory system
Authors: Bayat Mohammad , Mostafavi Mohammad , Arabameri Abazar 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRecently, there have been numerous studies exploring the field of molecular communication (MC) systems. However, due to the high cost and limited availability of advanced micro/nano‐scale equipment, most of these works remain purely theoretical, with only a few being examined through experimental platforms. Additionally, the absence of a suitable model for flow‐assisted MC‐based systems poses another significant challenge. This research focuses on the potential applications of MC technology within the human body. To address the limitations mentioned above, a closed‐loop experimental platform based on the human circulatory system is proposed. This platform offers a cost‐effective and accessible solution for studying MC systems. The implementation process involves a brief discussion about the circulatory system model. By varying flow rates and the quantity of released information particles, channel impulse responses are obtained. Based on the observed experimental data, the authors have successfully developed a new theoretical model that accurately fits the experimental data. The model demonstrates a strong level of agreement with the observed results. This model demonstrates its suitability for flow‐assisted MC‐based systems.
Transiting exoplanets with the Mid-InfraRed Instrument on board JWST: From simulations to observations
Authors: Dyrek A. , Ducrot E. , Lagage P.-O. , Tremblin P. , Kendrew S. , Bouwman J. , Bouffet R. 
Published: January 2024

Context. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has now started its exploration of exoplanetary worlds. In particular, the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) with its Low-Resolution Spectrometer (LRS) carries out transit, eclipse, and phase-curve spectroscopy of exoplanetary atmospheres with an unprecedented precision in a so far almost uncharted wavelength range.
Aims. The precision and significance in the detection of molecules in exoplanetary atmospheres relies on a thorough understanding of the instrument itself and on accurate data reduction methods. This paper aims to provide a clear description of the instrumental systematics that affect observations of transiting exoplanets through the use of simulations.
Methods. We carried out realistic simulations of transiting-exoplanet observations with the MIRI LRS instrument that included the model of the exoplanet system, the optical path of the telescope, the MIRI detector performances, and instrumental systematics and drifts that could alter the atmospheric features we are meant to detect in the data. After we introduce our pipeline, we show its performance on the transit of L 168-9b, a super-Earth-sized exoplanet observed during the commissioning of the MIRI instrument.
Results. This paper provides a better understanding of the data themselves and of the best practices in terms of reduction and analysis through comparisons between simulations and real data. We show that simulations validate the current data-analysis methods. Simulations also highlight instrumental effects that impact the accuracy of our current spectral extraction techniques. These simulations are proven to be essential in the preparation of JWST observation programs and help us to assess the detectability of various atmospheric and surface scenarios.
Searching for X-ray counterparts of degree-wide TeV halos around middle-aged pulsars with SRG/eROSITA
Authors: Khokhriakova A. , Becker W. , Ponti G. , Sasaki M. , Li B. , Liu R.-Y. 
Published: January 2024

Context. Extended gamma-ray TeV emission (TeV halos) has been detected around middle-aged pulsars. A proposed model to explain these TeV halos is that electrons from a degree-wide pulsar wind nebula (PWN) get up-scattered by cosmic microwave background photons through inverse Compton processes. However, no X-ray degree-wide faint diffuse PWNe have been found around these middle-aged pulsars in previous X-ray observations.
Aims. We performed a search for degree-wide PWNe around Geminga, PSR B0656+14, B0540+23, J0633+0632, and J0631+1036 using data from the first four consecutive Spectrum Roentgen Gamma/eROSITA all-sky surveys. In order to better understand the mechanisms underlying the formation of TeV halos, we investigated the magnetic field strength within an area of 1° in radius centred on those pulsars.
Methods. To achieve our goals, we selected a list of suitable candidate pulsars in the eROSITA-DE part of the sky and applied data reduction techniques to process the eROSITA data. We then performed a spatial analysis of the regions around selected pulsars.
Results. We do not detect any degree-wide diffuse emission driven by rotation-powered pulsars around Geminga, PSR B0656+14, B0540+23, J0633+0632, or J0631+1036. Indeed, close inspection of the data shows that the pulsars of interest are all embedded in diffuse emission from supernova remnants such as the Monogem Ring or the Rosetta Nebula, while PSR B0540+23 is located ~2.5° away from the Crab pulsar, which is exceptionally bright, causing its X-ray emission to spread over a significant area up to the position of PSR B0540+23 and therefore strongly diminishes our capacity to search for degree-wide bright diffuse X-ray emission.
Conclusions. Despite the non-detection of any degree-wide PWN surrounding the analysed pulsars, we set flux upper limits to provide useful information on magnetic field strength and its spatial distribution around those pulsars, providing additional constraints on the proposed theory for the formation of TeV halos around pulsars.
Disentangling the association of PAH molecules with star formation
Authors: Ujjwal Krishnan , Kartha Sreeja S. , Akhil Krishna R. , Mathew Blesson , Subramanian Smitha , Sudheesh T. P. , Thomas Robin 
Published: January 2024

Context. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous complex molecules in the interstellar medium and are used as an indirect indicator of star formation. On the other hand, the ultraviolet (UV) emission from young massive stars directly traces the star formation activity in a galaxy. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), along with the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), opened up a new window of opportunity to better understand the properties of PAH molecules that are associated with star-forming regions.
Aims. We investigate how the resolved scale properties of PAH molecules in nearby galaxies are affected by star formation.
Methods. We analyzed the PAH features observed at 3.3, 7.7, and 11.3 μm using F335M, F770W, and F1130W images obtained from the JWST. These images helped us identify and quantify the PAH molecules. Additionally, we used UVIT images to assess the star formation associated with these PAH-emitting regions. Our study focused on three galaxies, namely NGC 628, NGC 1365, and NGC 7496, which were selected based on the availability of both JWST and UVIT images. Bright PAH emission regions were identified in the JWST images, and their corresponding UV emission was estimated using the UVIT images. We quantified the star formation properties of these PAH emitting regions using the UVIT images. Furthermore, we investigated the relation between the star formation surface density (ΣSFR) and the PAH ratios to better understand the impact of star formation on the properties of PAH molecules.
Results. Based on the resolved scale study of the PAH-bright regions using JWST images, we found that the fraction of ionized PAH molecules is high in the star-forming regions with high ΣSFR. We observed that emission from smaller PAH molecules is higher in star-forming regions with higher ΣSFR.
Conclusions. Our study suggests that the PAH molecules excited by the photons from star-forming regions with higher ΣSFR are dominantly smaller and ionized molecules. UV photons from the star-forming regions could be the reason for the higher fraction of the ionized PAHs. We suggest that the effect of the high temperature in the star-forming regions and the formation of smaller PAH molecules in the star-forming regions might also result in the higher emission in the F335MPAH band.
Dust survival in harsh environments
Authors: Nanni A. , Cristallo S. , Donevski D. , Michałowski M. J. , Romano M. , Sawant P. 
Published: January 2024

Aims. We investigate the role of photo-evaporation of dust that is exposed to the radiation field of hot young stars and planetary nebulae (PNe) as a possible destruction mechanism of dust grains in the interstellar medium (ISM).
Methods. We estimated photo-evaporation induced by the feedback of individual or clustered young stars, of PNe, and in the presence of a variable radiation field that scales with the interstellar radiation field. For PNe, we investigated the dust photo-evaporation of dust grains already present in the ISM and of those formed in the last phases of the evolution of thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) stars. We included dust photo-evaporation rate in models of dust evolution in galaxies for different assumptions of the dust growth scenario, the dust-to-gas ratios, the star formation histories, and the initial mass functions of the stars.
Results. For all the cases we considered, we found that both photo-evaporation from young stars and from PNe is negligible with respect to other dust-removal processes such as destruction from supernova shocks, astration, and possibly outflow. Grains are stable against photo-evaporation when they are exposed to a radiation field that is up to 107 times the interstellar radiation field.
Conclusions. Dust grains of size ≥0.01 µm are not efficiently destroyed either by photo-evaporation in the presence of a strong radiation field.
The Role of Density in Achieving Volume and Weight Symmetry in Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Mayr-Riedler Michael S. , Topka Charlotte , Schneider Simon , Heidekrueger Paul I. , Machens Hans-Günther , Broer P. Niclas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Knowledge of tissue and implant density is crucial in obtaining both volume and weight symmetry in unilateral breast reconstruction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and compare the density of abdominal and breast tissue specimens as well as of 5th generation breast implants.
Methods Thirty-one breast tissue and 30 abdominal tissue specimens from 61 patients undergoing either mammaplasty or abdominoplasty as well as five different 5th generation breast implants were examined. Density (g/mL) was calculated by applying the water displacement method.
Results The mean specimen density was 0.94 ± 0.02 g/mL for breast tissue and 0.94 ± 0.02 g/mL for abdominal tissue, showing no significant difference (p = 0.230). Breast tissue density significantly (p = 0.04) decreased with age, while abdominal tissue did not. A regression equation to calculate the density of breast tissue corrected for age (breast density [g/mL] = 0.975–0.0007 * age) is provided. Breast tissue density was not related to body mass index, past pregnancy, or a history of breastfeeding. The breast implants had a density ranging from 0.76 to 1.03 g/mL which differed significantly from breast tissue density (–0.19 g/mL [–19.8%] to +0.09 g/mL [+9.58%]; p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion Our results support the suitability of abdominal-based perforator flaps in achieving both volume and weight symmetry in unilateral autologous breast reconstruction. Abdominal flap volume can be derived one-to-one from mastectomy weight. Further, given significant brand-dependent density differences, the potential to impose weight disbalances when performing unilateral implant-based reconstructions of large breasts should be considered.
Audiogram Estimation by Auditory Brainstem Response with NB CE-Chirp LS stimulus in Normal Hearing Infants
Authors: Ormundo Diego da Silva , Fávero Mariana Lopes , Lewis Doris Ruthy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction NB CE-Chirp LS was developed to improve the audiogram estimation by auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds during audiological assessment of infants and difficult to test children. However, before we know how the stimulus behaves in several types of hearing loss, it is important we know how the stimulus behaves in normal hearing infants.
Objective To describe ABR thresholds with NB CE-Chirp LS stimulus for 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz, as well as the amplitude and absolute latency for ABR thresholds.
Methods Auditory brainstem response thresholds were evaluated with the Eclipse EP25 system. NB CE-Chirp LS was presented using an ER-3A insert earphone. EEG filter was 30 Hz high-pass and 1,500 Hz low-pass. The ABR threshold was defined as the lowest intensity capable of clearly evoke wave V, accompanied by an absent response 5 dB below.
Results Eighteen normal hearing infants were evaluated. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the ABR threshold (dB nHL) were: 23.8 (±4.2); 14.4 (±5.7); 6.0 (±5.0); and 7.0 (±5.9). The mean and SD of the absolute latency (ms) were: 8.86 (±1.12); 9.21 (±0.95); 9.44 (±0.78); and 9.64 (±0.52). The mean amplitude (nV) and SD were: 0.123 (±0.035); 0.127 (±0.039); 0.141 (±0.052); and 0.105 (±0.028), respectively, for 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 Hz.
Conclusion Auditory brainstem response threshold with NB CE-Chirp LS reaches low levels, in special for high frequencies. It provides absolute latencies similar between frequencies with robust amplitude. The results obtained brings to the examiner more confidence in the results registered.