bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogeographic Insights Into the Late Miocene Diversification of the Giant Deep‐Ocean Amphipod Eurythenes
Authors: González Carolina E. , Weston Johanna N. J. , Rivera Reinaldo , Oliva Marcelo , Escribano Rubén , Ulloa Osvaldo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMechanisms driving the spatial and temporal patterns of species distribution in the Earth's largest habitat, the deep ocean, remain largely enigmatic. The late Miocene to the Pliocene (~23–2.58 Ma) is a period that was marked by significant geological, climatic, and oceanographic changes. This transitional period spurred widespread species diversification, particularly among widely distributed benthic scavengers, such as amphipods. Here, we take step toward understanding the long‐term evolutionary processes of amphipod colonization and diversification in the deep ocean by focusing on the model genus Eurythenes S. I. Smith in Scudder, 1882. These large‐bodied scavengers play key roles in benthic communities. We constructed a time‐calibrated phylogeny using two mitochondrial DNA genes by analyzing publicly available data on 14 species of Eurythenes across a global depth range from 839 to 8081 m. The resulting phylogenetic tree reveals a diverse clade, with a common ancestor originating around 11.81 Ma. A gradual increase in the effective population size of Eurythenes was observed, particularly during the Pliocene (~4 Ma). The net diversification rate remained almost constant, with slight increases between the Miocene and Pliocene (~8–4 Ma), and most new species appeared during the latter period. Additionally, reconstruction of the ancestral area suggested that the common ancestor of Eurythenes had a global distribution. A combination of dispersal and sympatric processes, along with environmental factors, such as changes in ocean temperature and sea level, contributed to the present biogeographic distribution of these species. Our findings highlight the importance of historical events, such as plate tectonics and changes in deep‐water circulation, in driving the rapid speciation of Eurythenes and underscore their essential role in shaping deep‐ocean biodiversity.
Maximizing Identification Precision of Hymenoptera and Brachycera (Diptera) With a Non‐Destructive DNA Metabarcoding Approach
Authors: Kilian Isabel C. , Kirse Ameli , Peters Ralph S. , Bourlat Sarah J. , Fonseca Vera G. , Wägele Wolfgang J. , Hamm Andrée , Mengual Ximo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn recent years, DNA metabarcoding has been used for a more efficient assessment of bulk samples. However, there remains a paucity of studies examining potential disparities in species identification methodologies. Here, we explore the outcomes of diverse clustering and filtering techniques on data from a non‐destructive metabarcoding approach, compared to species‐level morphological identification of Brachycera (Diptera) and Hymenoptera of two bulk samples collected with Malaise traps. The study evaluated four distinct approaches, namely clustering to Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) or ASVs clustered to Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) coupled with subsequent filtering using the LULU algorithm at 84% and 96% minimum match. In total, 114 species of Brachycera (35 families) and 85 species of Hymenoptera (27 families) were identified morphologically. Depending on the selected approach, DNA metabarcoding results strongly varied in terms of detected molecular units blasted to brachyceran and hymenopteran species. For Brachycera, ASVs clustered into OTUs followed by LULU using a 96% minimum match (OTU96) inferred the number of molecular units closest to the number of morphologically identified species. Using Syrphidae as an exemplary family, we found an overlap ranging from 9% to 81% between the morphological identification and the different clustering and filtering approaches, OTU96 being also here the closest one. For Hymenoptera, while OTU96 also yielded the highest number of molecular units, it was still considerably low compared to the number of morphologically identified species. Our results show that metabarcoding methodology needs to be significantly improved to be applied to Hymenoptera. Conversely, for Brachycera, we acknowledge the promise of employing a non‐destructive metabarcoding approach, incorporating ASV clustering into OTUs and filtering with LULU, to derive dependable species lists. Such lists hold significant potential for applications in biomonitoring, conservation efforts, and other related fields.
Revealing Elasmobranch Distributions in Turbid Coastal Waters: Insights From Environmental DNA and Particle Tracking
Authors: Dunn Nick , Ward Sophie , Barker Joanna , Davies Jake , Davies Sarah , Wray Ben , Robins Peter , Apetroaie Isabelle , Williams Jake , Hopkins Kevin , Curnick David 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMany sharks, rays and skates are highly threatened and vulnerable to overexploitation, as such reliable monitoring of elasmobranchs is key to effective management and conservation. The mobile and elusive nature of these species makes monitoring challenging, particularly in temperate waters with low visibility. Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods present an opportunity to study these species in the absence of visual identification or invasive techniques. However, eDNA data alone can be difficult to interpret for species monitoring, particularly in a marine setting where its distribution can be influenced by water currents. In this study, we investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of elasmobranch species in two Special Areas for Conservation (SAC) off the coast of Wales. We took monthly eDNA samples for 1 year (starting September 2020 and March 2022 for the northern and southern SACs, respectively), and used metabarcoding to reveal the presence of elasmobranch species. We combined these data with hydrodynamic modelling and particle tracking methods to simulate the potential origins of the detected eDNA. We detected 11 elasmobranch species, including the critically endangered angelshark (Squatina squatina) and tope (Galeorhinus galeus). Most detections were in the spring and the fewest in the autumn. The particle tracking simulations predicted that eDNA was shed, on average, approximately 7 km and 15 km (in the northern and southern SACs, respectively) from the sampling stations at which it was detected. These results show that the two SACs represent important areas for elasmobranchs in the United Kingdom and demonstrate that eDNA methods combined with particle tracking simulations can represent a new frontier for monitoring marine species.
Nitrogen fixation may not alleviate stoichiometric imbalances that limit primary production in eutrophic lake ecosystems
Authors: Andersen Isabelle M. , Taylor Jason M. , Kelly Patrick T. , Hoke Alexa K. , Robbins Caleb J. , Scott J. Thad 
Published: January 2025

AbstractEcosystem‐scale primary production may be proximately limited by nitrogen (N) but ultimately limited by phosphorus (P) because N2 fixation contributes new N that accumulates relative to P at ecosystem scales. However, the duration needed to transition between proximate N limitation and ultimate P limitation remains unknown for most ecosystems, including lakes. Here we present the results of a fully replicated, multi‐annual lake mesocosm experiment that permitted full air‐water‐sediment interactions that mimicked lake ecosystem ecology. We manipulated N supply relative to P to achieve a gradient of N:P stoichiometry. Despite N2 fixation contributing as much as 80% of reactive N in the low N treatments, phytoplankton biomass in these treatments was not different from the unfertilized controls. This suggests that primary production remained N limited in the lowest N treatments, even when N2 fixation was substantial. Although fixed N inputs reduced the N imbalance relative to P in the low N treatments seasonally, fixed N did not accumulate over multiple years. Additionally, reactive N did not readily accumulate in the high N treatments. Instead, water column stoichiometry was proportional to the experimental N and P additions, suggesting a strong influence from external nutrient loading. Thus, we found no evidence that N accumulation from N2 fixation was sufficient to trigger a transition to ultimate P limitation seasonally or across our 3‐year experiment. Rather, our results indicate that proximate N limitation perpetuates in eutrophic lakes, likely due to N export being proportional to its inputs. These findings offer new insight regarding the biogeochemical controls on ecosystem stoichiometry and their influence on the timeframe for proximate N limitation and ultimate P limitation in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.
The Anti‐Human P2X7 Monoclonal Antibody (Clone L4) Can Mediate Complement‐Dependent Cytotoxicity of Human Leukocytes
Authors: Elhage Amal , Watson Debbie , Sluyter Ronald 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTP2X7 is an extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP)‐gated cation channel that plays various roles in inflammation and immunity. P2X7 is present on peripheral blood monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and innate and adaptive lymphocytes. The anti‐human P2X7 monoclonal antibody (mAb; clone L4), used for immunolabelling P2X7 or blocking P2X7 activity, is a murine IgG2b antibody, but its ability to mediate complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) is unknown. In this study the functionality of this mAb was confirmed by inhibition of ATP‐induced Ca2+ responses in HEK‐293 cells expressing P2X7 (HEK‐P2X7). Spectrophotometric measurements of lactate dehydrogenase release demonstrated that the anti‐P2X7 mAb mediated CDC in HEK‐P2X7 but not HEK‐293 cells. Further, flow cytometric measurements of the viability dye, 7‐aminoactinomycin D, showed that this mAb mediated CDC in human RPMI 8226 but not mouse J774 cells. Immunolabelling with this mAb and flow cytometry revealed that relative amounts of cell surface P2X7 varied between human peripheral blood leukocytes. As such, the anti‐P2X7 mAb preferentially mediated CDC of leukocytes that displayed relatively high cell surface P2X7, namely monocytes, DCs, natural killer T cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and T helper 17 cells. Together, this data highlights a novel approach to target cellular P2X7 and to limit unwanted P2X7 functions.
Synthesis of 4‐Iodoimidazole Nucleosides: A Biocatalyzed Whole Cell Approach
Authors: Giaimo Lautaro A. M. , Lafuente Leticia , Fernández Varela Romina N. , Nóbile Matías L. , Iribarren Adolfo M. , Lewkowicz Elizabeth S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractNucleoside analogues are biologically active drugs that are well known for their therapeutic properties. Chemical synthesis of these compounds is complex due to time constraints, contaminant methodologies, and numerous steps involved. In contrast, biocatalyzed synthesis, particularly using microorganisms, offers many advantages. In this work, we introduce the synthesis of 4‐iodoimidazole‐ribonucleoside, through a microbial transglycosylation biocatalyzed by Erwinia amylovora whole cells, selected as the optimal catalyst for this biotransformation upon evaluating our microbial collection. Parameters were analyzed to optimize the reaction, and the use of this biocatalyst in transglycosylation with other natural and non‐natural bases and different sugar donor nucleosides was also verified.
Biases in Volumetric Versus Surface Analyses in Population Receptive Field Mapping
Authors: Linhardt David , Woletz Michael , Paz‐Alonso Pedro M. , Windischberger Christian , Lerma‐Usabiaga Garikoitz 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPopulation receptive field (pRF) mapping is a quantitative functional MRI (fMRI) analysis method that links visual field positions with specific locations in the visual cortex. A common preprocessing step in pRF analyses involves projecting volumetric fMRI data onto the cortical surface, typically leading to upsampling of the data. This process may introduce biases in the resulting pRF parameters. Using publicly available analysis containers, we compared pRF maps generated from the original volumetric with those from upsampled surface data. Our results show substantial increases in pRF coverage in the central visual field of upsampled datasets. These effects were consistent across early visual cortex areas V1‐3. Further analysis indicates that this bias is primarily driven by the nonlinear relationship between cortical distance and visual field eccentricity, known as cortical magnification. Our results underscore the importance of understanding and addressing biases introduced by processing steps to ensure accurate interpretation of pRF mapping data, particularly in cross‐study comparisons.
Characteristics, Needs, and Perspectives of Individuals Living Alone With Dementia: An Integrative Review
Authors: Crance Sara J. , Yu Fang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe number of individuals living alone with dementia is increasing throughout the world, and they have unique needs that are poorly understood. The aim of this integrative review was to understand the characteristics, needs, and perspectives of individuals living alone with dementia as well as the available community resources to guide future research and clinical practice.MethodsElectronic (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) and manual searches were utilized to identify articles using MeSH terms. Among 5693 identified articles, 31 articles met the eligibility criteria. The quality of the articles was determined utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools applicable to the study design.ResultsIndividuals living alone with dementia are more likely to be widows, of older age, and lower income, have a higher risk of severe loneliness despite more social contact, higher functional ability, and higher unmet needs despite the use of services, compared to those living with others. Perspectives of individuals living alone with dementia focus on the uncertainty of diagnosis, cognitive fluctuations, and maintaining independence. Lack of specialized services available after diagnosis and barriers to accessing services may lead to decreased independence and increased uncertainty. Overall, there is a lack of specialized services, person‐centered care, and support to meet their unique needs.ConclusionIndividuals living alone with dementia have unique characteristics, unmet needs, and use of available services, which should be assessed regularly. Future research is needed to develop community‐based, person‐centered services for them and remove barriers to service use.
Frequency of Lower Lung Field Tuberculosis in Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Galib Raihan Kamal , Paul Susanta Kumar , Akter Khujjista , Musa Manzurul Ibrahim , Sarker Dip Jyoti , Choudhury Shah Ashiqur Rahman Ashiq , Paul Shipan Chandra , Chakrabortty Rajashish 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsPeople who have diabetes mellitus (DM) are thought to be more susceptible to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Several published comparative investigations have reported that chest x‐ray images from PTB with DM are considered atypical due to their frequent involvement of the lower lung field (LLF). This study aimed to investigate the frequency of lower lung field tuberculosis (LLF‐TB) in DM and the risk factor of DM for the development of TB.MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional study. PTB was diagnosed by positive sputum acid‐fast bacilli (AFB),/Culture,/Gene Xpert MTB/RIF, and DM, which was proven by taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or receiving insulin at the time of hospital admission. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis and seropositive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were excluded from this study. A chest x‐ray posterior‐anterior (P/A) view was done to assess the frequency and patterns of lung involvement. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factor of DM for the development of TB.ResultsA total of 117 PTB‐DM participants were studied in this study. The mean age and frequency of isolated LLF‐TB were 53.17 ± 14.38 years and 20.5%, respectively. The prevalence of LLF‐TB and other radiological patterns were statistically significantly correlated with smear positivity (83.3% vs. 20.4%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) > 50 mm (95.8% vs. 16.1%), and HbA1c > 7 (79.2% vs. 16.1%). Regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) was 6.81 and 3.93 for DM and age (> 40 years) for the development of LLF‐TB (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe frequency of LLF‐TB among PTB DM patients was around 1/5th. The development of LLF‐TB was substantially associated with DM and age greater than 40 years.
Understanding the Chemical Reaction, Mixed Convection, and Thermo‐Diffusion Features of Non‐Newtonian Fluid (Prandtl Fluid) Driven by Electroosmosis Activity via Wavy Tapered Microfluidic System
Authors: Ravikumar Seelam , Reddappa Bandi , Makinde Oluwole D. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn this research, we investigate how the hall current and electroosmosis effect the rotating Eyring–Prandtl fluid flow in a wavy microchannel when mixed convection and joule heating are present. We employ the sophisticated peristaltic wave approach to construct a model that exhibits nonuniform boundaries characterized by diverse amplitudes and phases. We focus on how the walls adjust to the convective boundary conditions. To simplify the system, we used the lubrication method and the Debye–Huckel linearization technique to linearize the Poisson–Boltzmann equations. The electroosmotic parameter and the Helmholtz–Smoluchowski velocity contribute to the rise in fluid velocity. The fluid's temperature drops and its concentration rises when the joule heating parameter is raised. The temperature and concentration of the fluid showed similar patterns concerning the Biot numbers. When the reaction mechanism parameter values increase, the fluid concentration decreases because the diffusivity of the chemical molecules decreases. The Nusselt number (Nu) increases in the center of the channel as a result of the joule heating parameter. The current research on electrokinetic fluid flow through microchannels and micro‐peristaltic transport has sparked immense interest in biomedical engineering. In particular, electroosmosis shows great potential in enhancing different aspects of cancer treatment, such as targeted drug delivery, improved therapeutic effectiveness, and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Specifically, in physiology, electroosmosis‐based techniques can significantly enhance the precision and efficiency of drug delivery systems. By leveraging the principles of electroosmosis, targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents can be improved, ensuring higher concentrations of drugs reach the tumor site while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects. Additionally, the ability to control fluid flow at a microscale within biological tissues opens up new avenues for minimally invasive procedures, improving patient outcomes and recovery times.
Allergic Rhinitis and Its Associated Co‐Morbidities Among Patients Attending the ENT Department at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Northern Tanzania: Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Mlay Kenneth , Temba Gasper , Matasha Adrian , Mzonge Pendael , Katundu Denis , Chussi Desderius 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionAllergic rhinitis is the specific inflammation against allergen by immune defense cells on the nasal mucosa, which can lead to chronic nasal symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It is associated with high morbidity including sinusitis, asthma, otitis media, hypertrophied inferior turbinate, and nasal polyps. Despite its complications, it remains poorly recognized and tracked.MethodsA cross‐sectional hospital‐based study was done, a total of 221 patients received Ear, Nose And Throat services at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center during the study period all patients with a clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis were captured; Data was collected using a pre‐tested coded questionnaire (Score For Allergic Rhinitis). The data was then analyzed using SPSS version 22.ResultsA total of 221 patients with a clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis were approached in a 6 months study period, 111 (50.2%) were females, and 140 (63.4%) were residing in urban areas. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 23.9%. Factors such as age OR 0.12, 95% CI (0.03; 0.40), education OR 0.13, 95% CI (0.04; 0.44), occupation OR 3.75, 95% CI (1.36; 10.32), adenotonsillar hypertrophy OR 4.66, 95% CI (2.21; 9.80), and OME OR 4.11, 95% CI (1.32; 12.83) (p = 0.009) were found to be significantly associated with allergic rhinitis. 60.4%, Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is the leading co‐morbidity of allergic rhinitis which accounts for 64.7%.ConclusionAllergic rhinitis is among the common health problems affecting Tanzanians. It is a commonly seen disorder in younger age ( < 15 years) which is in correlation with other studies done in Africa and worldwide.
A novel TERT variant associated with a telomere biology disorder and challenges in variant classification
Authors: Pazhakh Vahid , Fox Lucy C. , Elzen Nicole Den , Emerson Matthew R. , Cohen Scott B. , Bryan Tracy M. , Norris Kevin , Baird Duncan M. , Cochrane Tara , Mackintosh John , Scott Ashleigh , Blombery Piers 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTelomere biology disorders (TBDs) are inherited conditions associated with multisystem manifestations. We describe clinical and functional characterisation of a novel TERT variant. Whole‐genome sequencing was performed along with single telomere length analysis (STELA). Telomerase activity and processivity were assessed. A novel TERT variant (K710R) was detected in a patient with classic TBD features showing reduced telomerase activity and processivity. Despite clinical and functional evidence, the variant was classified as a variant of uncertain significance. We have described a novel TERT variant and highlighted the need for further refinement of variant classification specific for TBDs.
Comparative analysis of left atrial size and appendage morphology in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Pongratz J. , Riess L. , Hartl S. , Brueck B. , Tesche C. , Olbrich D. , Wankerl M. , Dorwarth U. , Hoffmann E. , Straube F. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposePulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is effective in treating atrial fibrillation (AF), but outcomes are worse for persistent AF (persAF) patients than paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients. The study aimed to identify differences in left atrial (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomy in different AF types.MethodsIn a single‐center observational study, a blinded retrospective analysis of preprocedural cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images was performed. The study evaluated the dimensions of the LA and pulmonary veins (PV), as well as the size and morphology of the LAA using a 3D electroanatomical mapping system.ResultsBetween 2012 and 2016, a total of 1103 patients underwent second‐generation cryoballoon PVI. Of these, 725 patients (65.7%) had CCTA available, and 473 of these (65.2%) had sufficient quality for measurements. The mean age of the patients was 66.3 ± 9.5 years, and PAF was present in 277 (58.6%) participants. The study found that in persAF patients, LA dimensions such as LA volume [mL] (108; 125; p < .001) or PV ostial dimensions were significantly larger than in those with PAF. LAA volume [mL] (8.3; 9.2; p = .005) and LAA ostial area [mm2] (325; 353; p = .01) were enlarged in persAF. There were no significant differences regarding LAA morphology, with the overall distribution being “windsock” (51%), “chicken‐wing” (20%), “cauliflower” (15%), and “cactus” (13%).ConclusionCompared to PAF, persAF patients had significantly larger LA as well as LAA dimensions. LAA morphological types were distributed equally in both groups suggesting that LAA morphology may not be associated with the underlying AF type.