bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alien toxic toads suppress individual growth and phenotypic development of native predatory salamanders
Authors: Inoue Yoshihiro , Okamiya Hisanori , Aota Takayuki , Crossland Michael R. , Kishida Osamu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Alien species can influence populations of native species through individual-level effects such as predation, competition, and poisoning. For alien species that possess strong defensive chemicals, poisoning is one of the most powerful mechanisms of individual-level effects on native biota. Although toxic alien species could potentially negatively affect survival (lethal effects) or life history traits (sublethal effects) of native predators via poisoning, previous studies have mainly focused on acute lethal effects. Thus, delayed effects on predator life history traits have been largely overlooked. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted laboratory and field experiments to investigate whether toxic alien prey (hatchlings and tadpoles of an invasive toad, Bufo japonicus formosus) affect survival and/or growth and development of a native predatory salamander (larvae of Hynobius retardatus) on Hokkaido, Japan. The laboratory experiment revealed that consumption of a single toad hatchling exerted no lethal effects on salamanders, but suppressed both salamander growth and development of an ecological phenotype (broad gape) normally induced by environmental conditions. Furthermore, the field experiment in a natural pond showed that the presence of toad hatchlings and tadpoles resulted in reduced salamander growth (smaller body size) and lower survival of salamanders in the later larval period. The results of the laboratory and field experiments are complementary evidence of the life history impacts of the toxic alien toad on native salamanders. Thus, poisoning effects of toxic alien species can affect the life history of native predators even if they do not exert the acute lethality.
Opposed Mood Dynamics of Depression and Anxiety are related to Reward Prediction Error
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Wang Zhihao , Wang Ting , Nan Tian , Xu Jiahua , Aleman André , Luo Yuejia , Blain Bastien , Liu Yunzhe 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mood fluctuations, central to human experience, are profoundly influenced by reward prediction error (RPE). Although depression and anxiety are traditionally understood to exhibit contrasting mood fluctuations, their interrelated nature has made it challenging to pinpoint their specific roles in RPE-induced mood variations. In this study, we employed a computational model of momentary mood using a gambling task, involving 2,011 participants. These participants also completed a series of questionnaires, allowing us to differentiate the influences of anxiety- and depression-specific traits through bifactor modelling. Across five experiments, we found that depression was associated with dampened mood fluctuations due to mood hyposensitivity to RPE. In contrast, anxiety correlated with heightened mood fluctuations stemming from mood hypersensitivity to RPE. Notably, when participants were given explicit RPE information, the suppressive impact of depression on mood sensitivity was mitigated, leading to mood improvement. Furthermore, we verified that adjusting mood sensitivity to RPE is beneficial for patients with mood disorders. Collectively, our results present a novel, non-pharmacological, and easy-to-use online intervention for depression.
EU’s Medical Device Expert Panels: Analysis of Membership and Published Clinical Evaluation Consultation Procedure (CECP) Results
Authors: Watson Colleen , Richmond Frances J 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The new EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) places greater importance on the role of clinical evidence to establish safety and performance. Article 54 of the MDR calls for expert committees to independently review the scientific, technical, and clinical evidence supporting the market authorization of certain novel devices independently from the established process of Notified Body reviews. Four expert committees (General and Plastic Surgery and Dentistry; Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Rehabilitation, Rheumatology; Circulatory System; and Neurology) have published at least one Scientific Opinion (SO) under the Clinical Evaluation Consultation Procedure (CECP) in 2021-2022.
Methods
The four expert committees with published CECP opinions were reviewed to assess the academic backgrounds and professional expertise of each member with respect to clinical, technical, and biological domains on a 0-2 scale for each domain. A content review was conducted on the 10 CECP opinions published by these committees to assess their consistency with the goals and outcome expectations set by the MDR. The extent of content related to each of the clinical, technical, and biological domains was also assessed on a 0-2 scale.
Results
All committees were composed primarily by members with strong clinical expertise, but only a few had strong technical and biological expertise. Across committees, the averaged scores of members related to academic background and professional expertise both ranged from 1.64-2.00 in the clinical domain, but only 0-0.15 and 0.15-0.69 respectively in the biological domain, and 0.12-0.55 and 0.23-0.73 respectively in the technical domain.
A content review for the 10 SOs showed that all opinions focussed exclusively or primarily on the clinical evidence. Three contained a modest amount of additional text directed at technical/engineering issues and five at biological issues.
Conclusions
Expert committees are composed predominantly of expert clinical reviewers but have many fewer members with significant technical or biological expertise. This may limit the ability of the committees to evaluate the significant technical and biological risks that are often best understood by preclinical testing. Broadening the expertise across the committees may improve the depth of their benefit/risk critiques.
Effectiveness of a new generation CEW in human subjects with a goal directed task
Authors: Kunz Sebastian Niko , Ho Jeffrey. D. , Dawes Donald. M. , Knack Sarah K. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) have been used by law enforcement agencies worldwide to control and restrain potentially violent persons. As new generations of these weapons are developed, effectiveness and safety need to be evaluated. The new TASER 10 uses an independently targeted probe scheme with floating polarities so that any two probes can form a connection. This is in contrast to older generation weapons, which used paired probes with fixed take-off angles. The expectation is with 10 shots and independent targeting, the weapon will have a greater effectiveness. In this pilot study, we used our previously published, standardized methodology for measurement of CEW effectiveness on motivated human volunteers for several objectives: 1) to directly compare the effectiveness of the waveform on human subjects to an older generation weapon (the TASER 7), 2) to more broadly compare it to historic controls and 3) to look at various configurations to determine effectiveness of these configurations. The task at hand was to reach a suspended martial arts dummy 12 ft (3.65 m) away while being exposed (under power) to the electrical waveform of the TASER devices in various dart configurations. Several intervention groups were examined. We used video review with our standard methodology to rate goal achievement and limb capture. The results demonstrate that the TASER 10 has similar ability to induce neuromuscular incapacitation as the TASER 7. Additionally, the ability of the TASER 10 to place multiple darts on a specific target area to create the desired probe spread is a technological advantage over previous models, making it potentially more effective in the field.
TAB182 Regulates Glycolytic Metabolism by Controlling LDHA Transcription to Impact Tumor Radiosensitivity
Authors: zhou pingkun , Chen Shi , Xie Dafei , Li Saiyu , Luo Jinghua , Han Yang , Guo Hejiang , Gao Shuaining , Huang Xin , Guan Hua , Huang Ruixue 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Metabolic reprogramming is a significant characteristic of cancer cells, and closely associated with the resistance of tumors to radiotherapy. Metabolic change involves multiple pathways, with much yet to be understood. This study aims to identify key factors influencing tumor metabolism, potentially aiding in combating radiation resistance in cancer therapy.
Method
Proteomic analysis elucidated the role of TAB182 in cellular processes. Glycolysis-related markers (lactate, pyruvate, and ATP) were measured using specific assays. Metabolic-related mRNA and protein expression was evaluated using qPCR and Western blotting experiments. Transcriptional activity was quantified with dual-luciferase reporter assays, and tumor cell radiation sensitivity was determined through clonogenic assays and nude mouse xenograft models.
Results
Ionizing radiation (IR) significantly increases TAB182 expression, and knocking down TAB182 enhances cancer cells' sensitivity to IR. Proteomic analysis indicated that TAB182 influences several vital biological processes, including multiple metabolic pathways. Knockdown of TAB182 results in decreased lactate production and increased pyruvate and ATP levels in cancer cells. Additionally, knocking down TAB182 reverses radiation-induced metabolic changes, such as radioresistant-related lactate production. Further investigation reveals TAB182's necessity for activating LDHA transcription, with its knockdown attenuating the upregulation of LDHA by IR, subsequently suppressing lactate production. Subsequent studies reveal that TAB182 controls LDHA expression by affecting transcription factors SP1 and c-MYC. Targeted suppression of TAB182 significantly enhances the sensitivity of murine xenograft tumors to radiotherapy.
Conclusion
The study unveils a novel role of TAB182 in glucose metabolism by controlling LDHA transcription, potentially affecting IR-induced metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells during radiotherapy. Targeting TAB182 may offer significant implications for developing therapeutic strategies in tumor radiosensitization.
Dual-channel Mechano-phosphorescence: A Combined Locking Effect with Twisted Molecular Structures and Robust Interactions
Authors: Yu Tao , Xie Zongliang , Mao Zhu , Wang Hailan , Xiao Yuxin , Zhang Xiayu , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Organic mechanoluminescence materials, featuring dual emission and ultralong phosphorescence characteristics, exhibit significant potential for applications in real-time stress sensing, pressure-sensitive lighting, advanced security marking techniques, and material breakage monitoring. However, due to immature molecular design strategies and unclear luminescence mechanisms, these materials remain rarely reported. In this study, we propose a precise molecular design strategy to achieve dual-channel mechano-phosphorescence. By introducing the arylphosphine oxide group into a highly twisted molecular framework, enhanced intra- and intermolecular interactions could be achieved within rigid structures, leading to dual-channel mechanoluminescence with greatly promoted ultralong phosphorescence. Further investigations reveal the substantial boosting effect of intra- and intermolecular interactions on mechanoluminescence and ultralong phosphorescence properties by locking the highly twisted molecular skeleton. This work provides a concise and guiding route to develop novel smart responsive luminescence materials for widespread applications in material science.
Optimization of barrel temperature and feed moisture content on physio-chemical and sensory properties of extruded snacks from finger millet, sweet potato, and soybean composite flour
Authors: Mohammed Ibrahim , Forsido Sirawdink Fikreyesus , Kuyu Chala G. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Extruded snacks are commonly made with cereals with good expansion properties but low nutritional value. This study aimed to develop a nutrient-rich optimized extruded snack by incorporating orange-fleshed sweet potato, finger millet, and soybean flour. The extrusion processing conditions were optimized using a response surface method with a range of barrel temperature (90–130°C) and (20–26%) feed moisture content. Thirteen treatment combinations were generated for this experiment using response surface methods and face-centered central composite design. Standard methods were used to evaluate the effect of barrel temperature and feed moisture content on extruded snacks' nutritional, anti-nutritional, physical, functional, and sensory acceptability. The data were analyzed using Design Expert software version 13. Multiple regression analysis showed significant effects of the independent variables on moisture, protein, fat, beta-carotene, bulk density, hardness, expansion ratio, WAI, WSI, and overall acceptability of the extrudates. The optimum response of 14.06% protein, 3.26% ash, 69.12% carbohydrate, 6.477mg/100g beta-carotene, 0.36g/ml BD, 2.72mm/mm ER, 87.28N hardness, 4.34g/g WAI, 22.34% WSI, and overall acceptability of 3.30 was achieved at a barrel temperature of 114.5°C and feed moisture content of 20%. The extrusion processing conditions significantly impacted the resulting extrudates' nutritional value and other properties. These findings suggest that optimizing the extrusion processing conditions can lead to developing extruded snacks with desirable nutritional, physical, functional, and sensory properties.
Genome Characteristics and ODVs Proteome of a Second Distinct Alphabaculovirus from Spodoptera litura
Authors: Gao Weisong , Liu Xingjian , Gao Xintao , Wu Tong , Wei Shuang , Zhang Zhifang , Zhang Huan , Li Yinü 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Spodoptera litura is a harmful pest that feeds on over 80 species of plants, which can be infected and killed by Spodoptera lituranucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltNPV). SpltNPV-C3 is a clone from type C SpltNPV, observed and collected in Japan. Compared with type A or type B SpltNPV, SpltNPV-C3 can cause rapid mortality of S. litura larvae.
Methods
In this research, occlusion bodies (OBs) and occlusion-derived viruses (ODVs) of SpltNPV-C3 were purified, and OBs were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). ODVs were observed under a transmission electron microscope (TEM).
Results
Both of OBs and ODVs show typical nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) morphological characteristics.The genome of SpltNPV-C3 was sequenced and analyzed, and the total length was 148,634 bp (GenBank accession:780426 which was submitted as SpltNPV-Ⅱ) with a G+C content of 45%. A total of 149 ORFs were determined to encode ORFs. Based on the core genes of baculovirus, a phylogenetic tree of 90 baculoviruses was constructed. LC‒MS/MS was used to analyze the proteins of SpltNPV-C3; 34 proteins were found in the purified ODVs, 15 of which were core proteins. The complexes of Per osinfectivity factors 1, 2, 3 and 4 (PIF-1, 2, 3 and 4) were predicted with the help of the AlphaFold multimer and predicted conserved sequences in PIF-3. SpltNPV-C3 is a valuable species because of its virulence, and this research will be beneficial for pest control by analyzing the genome and proteins of SpltNPV-C3.
Evaluation of green technology innovation efficiency in provinces along the Chinese “Belt and Road”
Authors: Zhou Yulan , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Haixia , Yu Xiaozhong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Green technology innovation is the fundamental guarantee to achieve the dual-carbon goal and an important driving force for the sustainable economic development of provinces along the "Belt and Road". Based on the data of 17 provinces along the Belt and Road from 2011 to 2020, this paper uses the super-efficiency SBM model and Malmquist index to measure and evaluate the efficiency of green technology innovation. The results show that from 2011 to 2020, the efficiency of green technology innovation in the provinces along the "Belt and Road" shows a fluctuating upward trend as a whole, and there are large differences among regions. Spatially, it shows the characteristics of "high east, low west" and "high south, low north". There are obvious development differences and differences between the southeast region and other regions. The average value of Malmquist index in provinces along the Belt and Road is greater than 1. The overall development situation is good. Malmquist index is mainly affected by pure technical efficiency and technological progress. Finally, suggestions for regional development and improvement of green technology innovation efficiency are put forward.
Distinguishing the role of positivity bias, cognitive impairment and emotional reactivity in the deontological preference in multiple sclerosis during moral dilemmas: a social cognition study protocol
Authors: Zikos Laurent , Degraeve Béatrice , Pinti Antonio , Poupart Julien , Norberciak Laurène , Kwiatkowski Arnaud , Donze Cécile , Lenne Bruno 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by a broad and unpredictable range of symptoms, including cognitive and sociocognitive dysfunction. Among these social-cognitive functions, moral judgment has been explored in persons with MS (PwMS) using moral dilemmas, where participants must decide whether to sacrifice one person to save a greater number. Opting for such a sacrifice reflects utilitarian reasoning (sacrificing one for the benefit of many is deemed acceptable), while refusing reflects deontological reasoning (such sacrifice is considered morally wrong). Compared to controls, PwMS have been shown to make greater deontological moral choices in such dilemmas.
Objectives
While PwMS have demonstrated a higher tendency for deontological moral choices in moral dilemmas compared to controls, the underlying determinants of this reasoning pattern remain unclear. In this project, we aim to investigate cognitive, emotional, and motivational factors that may explain deontological decision-making in MS.
Methods and analysis
We will recruit a sample of 45 PwMS and 45 controls aged 18–55 years. The type of response, deontological or utilitarian, to a series of 20 vignettes of moral dilemmas will constitute the primary outcomes. Global cognitive performance, temporal perception and emotional reactivity measured by electrodermal activity (EDA) during moral dilemmas will be secondary outcomes.
Ethics and dissemination:
Ethics approval was granted by a national ethical committee (CPP Ouest III, national number 2023-A00447-38). The project is sponsored by the ARSEP Foundation. Findings will be presented at national and international conferences, as well as published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Network Analysis Uncovers Gene-Regulatory Intersections Linking Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis to Blood Cancers and Other Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Pudjihartono N. , Ho D. , O'Sullivan J. M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an inflammatory joint disease characterized by a complex genetic etiology. As JIA progresses, patients commonly develop additional comorbid conditions, including other autoimmune diseases and cancers. However, the specific gene-regulatory mechanism linking these conditions remains unknown. This study aims to elucidate the underlying gene-regulatory mechanisms that link JIA to its associated comorbidities.
Methods
A two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to identify blood-expressed genes causally linked to JIA. Integration of data from expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), 3 dimensional (3D) genome organization, and protein-protein interaction network was performed to pinpoint sets of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (i.e., spatial eQTL SNPs) regulating the expression of these genes and their interaction partners. These SNPs were then cross-referenced against a public GWAS database to identify other traits that have been previously associated with these SNPs.
Results
MR analysis identified 54 blood-expressed genes causally linked to JIA. The spatial eQTLs regulating JIA causal genes and their interaction partners were enriched for the GWAS SNPs of 87 comorbid traits. Shared dysregulation of three HLA class II genes (HLA-DQB2, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQA2) underpins the association between JIA and most comorbid traits. We highlighted a set of genes on chromosome 6p22.1 (HLA-A, HCG4P5, HLA-T, MOG, TRIM26, HCG, IFITM4P) involved in the association between JIA and specific autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. Unique associations between JIA and Hodgkin lymphoma was identified through genes in 6p21.3 (FKBPL, PBX2, AGER) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia through the BAK1 gene. Notably, genes like PBX2 and BAK1 have been implicated in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis.
Conclusions
The JIA phenotype is partially determined by an individual's genetic susceptibility to specific co-occurring conditions. Our research enhances the understanding of disease origins by identifying regulatory mechanisms linking JIA with its comorbidities. This offers avenues for pinpointing shared therapeutic targets, thereby improving outcomes for patients with multimorbidity.
Further evidence supporting the role of GTDC1 in glycine metabolism and neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Bonaglia Maria , Errichiello Edoardo , Lecca Mauro , Vantaggiato Chiara , Motta Zoaraide , Zanotta Nicoletta , Zucca Claudio , Bertuzzo Sara , Piubelli Luciano , Pollegioni Loredano 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) represent the genetic cause of about 15–20% of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). We identified a ~ 67 kb de novo intragenic deletion on chromosome 2q22.3 in a female individual showing a developmental encephalopathy characterized by epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, speech delay, microcephaly, and thin corpus callosum with facial dysmorphisms. The microdeletion involved exons 5–6 of GTDC1, encoding a putative glycosyltransferase, whose expression is particularly enriched in the nervous system. In a previous study, a balanced de novo translocation encompassing GTDC1 was reported in a male child with global developmental delay and delayed speech and language development. Based on these premises, we explored the transcriptomic profile of our proband to evaluate the functional consequences of the novel GTDC1 de novo intragenic deletion in relation to the observed neurodevelopmental phenotype. RNA-seq on the proband’s lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) showed expression changes of glycine/serine and cytokine/chemokine signalling pathways, which are related to neurodevelopment and epileptogenesis. Subsequent analysis by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) revealed increased levels of glycine in the proband’s LCL and serum compared to matched controls. Given that an increased level of glycine has been observed in the plasma samples of individuals with Rett syndrome, a condition sharing epilepsy, microcephaly, and intellectual disability with our proband, we proposed that the GTDC1 downregulation is implicated in neurodevelopmental impairment by altering glycine metabolism. Furthermore, our findings expanded the phenotypic spectrum of the novel GTDC1-related condition, including microcephaly and epilepsy among relevant clinical features.