bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-term and long-term effects of microplastics and organic UV-filters on the invertebrate model species Daphnia magna
Authors: Svigruha Réka , Fodor István , Németh Zoltán , Farkas Anna , Pirger Zsolt , Ács András 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
There is an ongoing debate regarding the role of microplastics (MPs) in enhancing the effects of various chemical compounds, highlighting the need for more detailed analyses. In this study, neonates of the water flea (Daphnia magna) were exposed to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs; 3 µm; exposure concentration, 1.25 mg/L), a mixture of seven organic UV-filters (avobenzone, ethylhexyl triazone, homosalate, iscotrizinol, octinoxate, octisalate, and octocrylene; each at a low environmental concentration of 200 ng/L), or the combination of both pollutants for 3, 7, or 21 days. Results showed that PS-MPs alone decreased the body size of daphnids, while all treatments increased heart rate by the end of the 21-day exposure. On days 3 and 21, both PS-MPs and PS-MPs + UV-filters reduced swimming speed and total distance travelled. Additionally, PS-MPs increased the time of the first egg production, but decreased the egg number in the first production, total egg number, maximum egg number, and total neonate number during the 21-day treatment. Similarly, UV-filters or the combined pollutants increased the time of the first egg production and decreased the total neonate number. All treatments increased multixenobiotic resistance activity on days 3 and 7, while only UV-filters elevated CYP450 activity on day 3. PS-MPs or combined pollutants increased GST activity during early exposure but showed no effect on day 21. CAT activity was also affected by treatments in a time-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that chronic exposure to PS-MPs and UV-filters, applied individually or in combination at a low environmental concentration, moderately impacts development, heart rate, and swimming activity in D. magna, while significantly altering reproduction and key cellular functions such as membrane transport activity, metabolism, and antioxidant defense. Co-exposure did not reveal a clear pattern of synergism or antagonism, suggesting that joint toxicity risks of these xenobiotics typically emerge at concentrations higher than low environmental levels. Future studies should explore potential interactions more thoroughly and assess transgenerational effects on reproduction and cellular defense pathways.
Flexible Assessment in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Review of Strategies and Implications
Authors: Barua Lumbini , Lockee Barbara 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The article highlights the growing significance of flexible assessment in higher education as institutions adapt to the increasingly diverse needs of their student populations. The demand for customizable educational experiences, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made flexibility in assessment essential for sustaining and improving student engagement, satisfaction, and outcomes. This review explores various strategies for implementing flexible assessment, including flexible tasks, formats, weighting, deadlines, feedback, and deliberate planning. It also addresses the challenges, such as choice overload and increased instructor workload, that can arise when flexibility is not carefully implemented. Through a comprehensive review of existing and recent research, the article reiterates the proven benefits of flexible assessment while offering evidence-based recommendations for effective implementation. It calls for further research to develop assessment practices that can contribute to a more adaptable and equitable assessment environment for today’s modern learners.
Thermally Dependent Metastability of Indium-Tungsten-Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Powell Eli , Nagesha Meghana , Manley Robert G. , Zhu Bin , Hirschman Karl D. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Indium tungsten oxide (IWO) has been investigated as an oxide semiconductor candidate for next-generation thin-film transistors (TFTs). Bottom-gate TFTs were fabricated with a 30-nm IWO channel material sputter-deposited with oxygen partial pressure (PO2) ranging from 2.5% to 10% of the total ambient pressure. Annealing was conducted at temperatures ranging from 100ºC to 275ºC. Device transfer characteristic measurements revealed a pronounced interaction between the sputter PO2 setting and passivation annealing conditions. Devices annealed at 100ºC in air ambient demonstrated characteristics with a strong dependence on PO2, attributed to differences in oxygen vacancy defects and semiconductor electronic properties. Devices annealed at 200ºC in air ambient demonstrated characteristics like those of unannealed devices, with operation far in depletion mode. Donor state passivation is possible following additional annealing at 275ºC in air, with reduced sensitivity to the initial sputter PO2 setting. A hypothesis on the mechanism of metastability is proposed.
Role of respiratory secretion culture in the surgical outcome prediction of bacterial empyema
Authors: Liu Chia-Chi , Cheng Ya-Fu , Chen Yi-Ling , Cheng Ching-Yuan , Huang Chang-Lun , Hung Wei-Heng , Wang Bing-Yen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Thoracic empyema is a serious infection. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a recommended treatment, and pleural fluid and tissue cultures are collected intraoperatively. The combination of a pleural peels tissue culture and a pleural fluid culture improves the positive culture rate. We aimed to investigate the role of respiratory secretion cultures to determine the optimal management for improving surgical outcome.

Methods
The study analyzed 225 adult patients with phase II/III thoracic empyema who underwent thoracoscopic decortication. Respiratory secretion cultures were obtained and compared with pleural cultures. Key outcomes were culture positivity and pathogen consistency, with secondary outcomes including intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and mortality.

Results
There were 225 empyema patients with either a positive pleural fluid culture or a positive pleural peel tissue culture. Of these, 76 patients had positive respiratory secretion culture findings during hospitalization. The most common pathogen species were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (44%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (16%) in the respiratory secretion cultures and Streptococcus spp. (38%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (12%) in the pleural cultures. There were 30 patients having a common pathogen in the respiratory secretion culture and in the pleural fluid/tissue culture. Poor outcome measures were found in these patients, including the longer use of antibiotics preoperatively [2.50 (1.00–6.00) days versus 5.00 (2.75–11.00) days, p = 0.006] and a higher mortality rate during hospitalization (40.0% versus 17.4%, p = 0.002).

Conclusions
Respiratory secretion cultures are vital for predicting surgical outcomes in bacterial empyema, and prompt specimen collection can improve patient survival.
Consenting for Spinal Cord Stimulation – the Pitfalls and Solution
Authors: Mehta Vivek , Munglani Rajesh , Eyre Giles , Bajaj Gaurav , Abd-Elsayed Alaa , Poply Kavita 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose of Review
To discuss the importance of the consenting process for patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy and understanding related complications and effects.

Recent Findings
Litigation for SCS/DRG related complications can be very costly, with the mean average settlement in cases relating to SCS being $303,173 dollars in the USA. According to the US Anaesthesia Closed Claims Project database, 10,546 claims related to pain medicine were made between 1990 and 2013; 43 of which were associated with SCS complications. This article will further explore consenting and complications within the context of SCS.

Summary
Consenting for SCS is a crucial and very important step which potentially reflect on patients’ expectations and outcomes.
Lasting Impact: Exploring the Brain Mechanisms that Link Traumatic Brain Injury to Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Edwards Samantha , Corrigan Frances , Collins-Praino Lyndsey 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Development of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is linked with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), although the mechanisms driving this remain unclear. Of note, many key parallels have been identified between the pathologies of PD and TBI; in particular, PD is characterised by loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra (SN), accompanied by broader changes to dopaminergic signalling, disruption of the Locus Coeruleus (LC) and noradrenergic system, and accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein in Lewy Bodies, which spreads in a stereotypical pattern throughout the brain. Widespread disruptions to the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems, including progressive neuronal loss from the SN and LC, have been observed acutely following injury, some of which have also been identified chronically in TBI patients and preclinical models. Furthermore, changes to α-synuclein expression are also seen both acutely and chronically following injury throughout the brain, although detailed characterisation of these changes and spread of pathology is limited. In this review, we detail the current literature regarding dopaminergic and noradrenergic disruption and α-synuclein pathology following injury, with particular focus on how these changes may predispose individuals to prolonged pathology and progressive neurodegeneration, particularly the development of PD. While it is increasingly clear that TBI is a key risk factor for the development of PD, significant gaps remain in current understanding of neurodegenerative pathology following TBI, particularly chronic manifestations of injury.
Role of liver-resident NK cells in liver immunity
Authors: Pan Zheng , Ye Yan-shuo , Liu Chang , Li Wei 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The tolerogenic immune microenvironment of the liver (the immune system avoids attacking harmless antigens, such as antigens derived from food and gut microbiota) has garnered significant attention in recent years. Inherent immune cells in the liver play a unique role in regulating this microenvironment. Liver-resident natural killer (LrNK) cells, also known as liver type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s), are a recently discovered subset of immune cells that possess properties distinct from those of conventional NK (cNK) cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that there are significant differences between LrNK and cNK cells, with LrNK cells potentially exhibiting immunosuppressive functions in the liver. This review summarizes the latest findings on LrNK cells, focusing on their phenotype, heterogeneity, plasticity, origin, development, and the required transcription factors. In addition, immune functions of LrNK cells in various liver diseases, including liver cancer, viral infections, liver injury, and cirrhosis, were analyzed. By elucidating the role of LrNK cells in liver immunity, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying liver immunity and contribute to the improvement of liver disease treatment.
Backbone and side‑chain 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments and secondary structure determination of the rhizobial FixJ
Authors: Horikawa Akio , Okubo Rika , Hishikura Naoki , Watanabe Riki , Kurashima-Ito Kaori , Sayeesh Pooppadi Maxin , Inomata Kohsuke , Mishima Masaki , Koteishi Hiroyasu , Sawai Hitomi , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Ikeya Teppei , Ito Yutaka 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Bradyrhizobium japonicum (B.japonicum) enables high soybean yields with little or no nitrogen fertiliser. A two component regulatory system comprising FixL, a histidine kinase with O2-sensing activity, and FixJ, a response regulator, controls the expression of genes involved in nitrogen fixation, such as fixK and nifA. Only under anaerobic conditions, the monophosphate group is transferred from FixL to the N-terminal receiver domain of FixJ (FixJN), which eventually promote the association of the C-terminal effector domain (FixJC) to the promoter regions of the nitrogen-fixation-related genes. Structural biological analyses carried out so far for rhizobial FixJ molecules have proposed a solution structure for FixJ that differs from the crystal structures, in which the two domains are extended. To understand the FixJ activation caused by phosphorylation of the N-terminal domain, which presumably regulates through the interactions between FixJN and FixJC, here we have performed backbone and sidechain resonance assignments of the unphosphorylated state of B. japonicum FixJ.
Congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Kinuya Seigo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine (JSNM) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. JSNM has been contributing a lot to the development of nuclear medicine, leading a number of international activities. New procedures both in diagnosis and treatment have been continuously developed. JSNM will work hard for the better management of patients.
The Relationship Between Respiration Rate and Quality Parameters of Russet Potatoes During Long-Term Storage
Authors: Pedrosa Vanessa Maria Dantas , Izidoro Maiqui , Paythosh Samuel , Dungan Robert S. , Olsen Nora , Spear Rhett , de Almeida Teixeira Gustavo Henrique 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Understanding the storage requirements of emerging potato cultivars is paramount for effective storage management. Thus, the objective of this study was to quantify the respiration rates of the standard Russet Burbank, and the new cultivars Ivory Russet, Dakota Russet, and Rainier Russet potatoes to understand the relationship between respiration rate and quality parameters during storage. Tubers were cured at 12.8 °C and 95% relative humidity (RH) for 14 days before gradually transitioning to 5.5, 7.2, or 8.9 °C (95% RH). Lower respiration rates were observed at 5.5 °C, with comparable rates at 7.2–8.9 °C. Dakota Russet had lower respiration rates (0.95 mg CO2 kg−1 h−1) while Rainier Russet the highest (1.29 mg CO2 kg−1 h−1). Sucrose content was negatively affected by respiration of Ivory Russet, Rainier Russet, and Russet Burbank, glucose content was affected by all cultivars, though. Fry color (Photovolt reflectance) was positively correlated to the respiration rates of all cultivars. The respiration rates had low correlations with all quality parameters.
The heat of the battle: inflammation’s role in prostate cancer development and inflammation-targeted therapies
Authors: Sharma Ujjawal , Sahu Anidrisha , Shekhar Himanshu , Sharma Bunty , Haque Shafiul , Kaur Damandeep , Tuli Hardeep Singh , Mishra Astha , Ahmad Faraz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In prostate cancer (PC), chronic inflammation silently guides disease progression, playing a significant role. As a major global health concern, PC contributes to high mortality rates and rising new cases worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for research into the molecular mechanisms behind this disease. Notably, the persistence of inflammation actively promotes cancer development, including in PC. This review explores the complex relationship between inflammation and PC, examining the molecular pathways, genetic and environmental factors, and clinical implications involved in inflammation-driven carcinogenesis. From cellular and molecular elements of the inflammatory microenvironment to mechanisms like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and inflammasome activation, these processes highlight inflammation’s influence on PC progression and metastasis. Furthermore, this review discusses current therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation in PC management and identifies future research directions aimed at unraveling the complexities of inflammation-induced PC (Supplementary Fig. 1). It defines the complex relationship between inflammation and PC, emphasizes the importance of targeting inflammation therapeutically and highlights innovative approaches in PC treatment.

Graphical Abstract
New insights into Notch signaling as a crucial pathway of pancreatic cancer stem cell behavior by chrysin-polylactic acid-based nanocomposite
Authors: Ragab Eman M. , Gamal Doaa M. El , El-najjar Fares F. , Elkomy Hager A. , Ragab Mahmoud A. , Elantary Mariam A. , Basyouni Omar M. , Moustafa Sherif M. , EL-Naggar Shimaa A. , Elsherbiny Abeer S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an extremely deadly illness for which there are few reliable treatments. Recent research indicates that malignant tumors are highly variable and consist of a tiny subset of unique cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for the beginning and spread of tumors. These cells are typically identified by the expression of specific cell surface markers. A population of pancreatic cancer stem cells with aberrantly active developmental signaling pathways has been identified in recent studies of human pancreatic tumors. Among these Notch signaling pathway has been identified as a key regulator of CSCs self-renewal, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Chrysin-loaded polylactic acid (PLA) as polymeric nanoparticles systems have been growing interest in using as platforms for improved drug delivery. This review aims to explore innovative strategies for targeted therapy and optimized drug delivery in pancreatic CSCs by manipulating the Notch pathway and leveraging PLA-based drug delivery systems. Furthermore, we will assess the capability of PLA nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability and effectiveness of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. The insights gained from this review have the potential to contribute to the development of novel treatment approaches that combine targeted therapy with advanced drug delivery utilizing biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles.
Efficacy and Prognosis of ROSA Robot-Assisted Stereotactic Intracranial Hematoma Removal in Patients with Cerebral Hemorrhage in Basal Ganglia Region: Comparison with Craniotomy and Neuroendoscopy
Authors: Wu Haitao , Lu Bin , Wang Wei , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Tingxuan , Bao Yue , Li Luo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study compares the clinical efficacy and outcomes of three surgical techniques—robot-assisted stereotactic assistance (ROSA), neuroendoscopy, and craniotomy—in the removal of intracranial hematomas in patients with cerebral hemorrhage affecting the basal ganglia. This retrospective study included 110 patients, who were grouped based on the surgical method used: 40 patients in the ROSA group, 50 in the craniotomy group, and 20 in the endoscopy group. We then compared the outcomes of the ROSA group with those of the craniotomy and endoscopy groups. Compared with the craniotomy group, the ROSA group had a significantly shorter operation time, higher hematoma clearance rate, lesser intraoperative blood loss, fewer postoperative pulmonary infections, and lower modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and > 3 months after discharge. Compared with the endoscopy group, the ROSA group had a shorter operation time, lesser intraoperative blood loss, and fewer intraoperative blood transfusions. The ROSA robot provided superior surgical outcomes and patient prognoses compared to craniotomy and neuroendoscopy for the removal of intracranial hematomas in patients with basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage.
Regional Variation in Phragmites australis Reproductive Traits and Seedling Performance in North America
Authors: Lee Sean F.H. , McCormick Melissa K. , Mozdzer Thomas J. , Clay Keith , Farrer Emily C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Seedling recruitment is an important mode of establishment utilized by many invasive plants. In widespread invasive plants, regional variation in the rates of seedling recruitment can contribute to differences in invasion intensity across regions. In this study, we examined regional variation in reproductive traits and seedling performance in a cosmopolitan invasive wetland grass, Phragmites australis. We tested whether nitrogen levels and regions with different histories and intensities of invasion would affect reproductive traits and seedling performance. We sampled invasive Phragmites inflorescences from 34 populations across three regions in North America: The Northeast (old, most intense invasion), the Midwest (recent, intense invasion), and Southeast (recent, sparse invasion). We hypothesized that Northeast Phragmites populations would have the highest reproductive output and seedling performance, and that populations experiencing high nitrogen pollution would have higher reproductive output and seedling performance under high nitrogen conditions. We found that populations in the Northeast had the highest inflorescence mass, as expected. We also found that despite sparse distribution of Phragmites in the Southeast, populations from the Southeast displayed a high potential for sexual reproduction. However, increasing watershed-level nitrogen (kg/km2) decreased percent seed germination in Southeastern populations, suggesting that Southeastern populations are sensitive to rising nitrogen levels. While elevated nitrogen improved seedling performance through increased belowground growth in Southeastern Phragmites seedlings, elevated nitrogen decreased belowground growth in Midwestern seedlings. These results suggest that the southeastern region of North America may be primed to become an emergent invasion front of Phragmites, warranting more research into the possible management of Phragmites spread in the region.
Endosymbiont escape as a mechanism to increase the rate of endosymbiosis formation
Authors: Sathe Santosh , Beier Simon , Becks Lutz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Endosymbiosis plays a key role in shaping biodiversity, but its origin and maintenance remain difficult to explain. Vertical transmission of endosymbionts is an important mechanism that can stabilize endosymbiotic interactions, but it also restricts the rate at which new endosymbiotic units can be formed. To explain the prevalence of endosymbiotic interactions, additional mechanisms that could increase the rate at which novel endosymbiotic units are formed should be considered. Horizontal transfer of endosymbionts may increase the rate of endosymbiosis formation. The underlying assumption of this mechanism, that endosymbionts have evolved to escape their host actively, has not been tested experimentally. We tested this mechanism in ciliate and algal species that differ in their ability to form endosymbiosis. We found that algal cells escaped from the ciliate hosts, with endosymbiotic algal species escaping more frequently than those that are intracellular only as prey. We tested the advantage of this mechanism and found that the rate at which new endosymbiotic units are formed was three times higher when both vertical and horizontal transmission by escaped cells was possible, compared to vertical transmission alone. This, together with the finding that the escape of endosymbiotic algae was higher in endosymbiotic than in predatory ciliate species and higher in environments where endosymbiotic units grow slowly, suggests that the escape has evolved as a mechanism. This finding has important implications for the conditions favoring the evolution of endosymbiosis as this mechanism can increase the rate of novel endosymbiotic unit formation and promote more advantageous endosymbiotic partner pairings.