bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Electrical Heat Carrier Temperature on Bacterial Leakage of Endodontically Treated Teeth Using a Bioceramic Sealer
Authors: Nabavi Mir Ahmad , Kalantar Motamedi Mahmood Reza , Fattahi Pedram , Khazaei Saber 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of electrical heat carrier temperature on bacterial leakage of root canals obturated with the continuous wave of condensation (CWC) technique and a bioceramic sealer.MethodsThis ex vivo experimental study was conducted on 92 extracted single‐rooted teeth. The teeth were subjected to endodontic treatment and obturated with the Endoseal MTA bioceramic sealer by the CWC technique using two different temperature settings of the electrical heat carrier: 120°C (group G120, n = 41) and 200°C (group G200, n = 41). A positive and a negative control group were also considered (n = 5 each). Bacterial leakage was assessed over a 40‐day period using a bacterial leakage model. The incidence of bacterial leakage was compared between the experimental groups using the log‐rank test. The significance level was set at 0.05.ResultsThe median survival rate was 39.0 (25.0) days in the G120 group and 34.0 (25.0) days in the G200 group. Despite a slightly higher survival rate in the G120 group, the difference between the two experimental groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.612).ConclusionThe tested temperatures of the electrical heat carrier (120°C and 200°C) did not have a significant effect on bacterial leakage of root canals obturated by the CWC technique and the Endoseal MTA bioceramic sealer.
Detecting evolutionary stages of karst depressions in Central Brazil with deep learning and Planet NICFI time series
Authors: de Carvalho Osmar Luiz Ferreira , de Carvalho Júnior Osmar Abílio , de Albuquerque Anesmar Olino , Mota Maria Clara Correia Nogueira , de Souza Martins Éder , Guerreiro e Silva Daniel 
Published: February 2025

AbstractKarst depressions represent significant geomorphological features crucial in environmental monitoring and conservation. This research aims to detect and classify karst depressions according to their evolutionary stages in the Bambuí Group, located between the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes in Central Brazil, using Planet time series provided by Norway's International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) Satellite Data Program and deep learning‐based semantic segmentation models. A new deep learning training dataset was developed containing manually labelled reference data and a time series of monthly images from Planet NICFI data over a year. The research classified three evolutionary stages of karst depressions: (1) temporary lakes, (2) depressions with concentric halos and subsidence and (3) vegetated depressions. These stages represent distinct geomorphological processes, from initial water accumulation to more advanced stages involving subsidence and vegetation development in the depression areas. The study compared six state‐of‐the‐art semantic segmentation architectures (U‐Net, U‐Net++, DeepLabV3+, LinkNet, FPN and PSPNet), each combined with three backbones (EfficientNet‐B7, ResNet‐101 and ResNeXt‐101), resulting in 18 model configurations. The best performing model (U‐Net with EfficientNet‐B7) achieved a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 80 and IoU scores of 97.9 for the background, 80.93 for first stage, 79.89 for second stage and 63.35 for third stage, highlighting the challenges of detecting more advanced stages due to increasing vegetation cover and geomorphological complexity. The sliding window approach was employed to classify the entire image mosaic, testing various stride values (8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256), with smaller strides improving segmentation accuracy at the cost of higher computational demands. The results demonstrate the importance of integrating spectro‐spatio‐temporal data to detect multiple evolutionary stages and improve the robustness of semantic segmentation. This research provides a comprehensive dataset and benchmark for future studies on karst depressions, contributing to understanding geomorphological evolution and conservation planning in Central Brazil.
Saikosaponin b1 Attenuates Liver Fibrosis by Blocking STAT3/Gli1 Interaction and Inducing Gli1 Degradation
Authors: Shao Meiyu , Zhang Xiaoqing , Sun Jiamei , Dong Hongyan , Han Xin , Yang Qiao , Chen Roufen , Shen Liteng , Xu Lei , Wang Lu , Zhu Bo , Tang Dongxin , Zhang Shuosheng , Lu Keda , Peng Mengyun , Cao Gang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSaikosaponin b1 (Ssb1), a natural oleanane‐type triterpenoid saponin, exhibits antifibrosis activity by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), but the specific underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here, it is found that Ssb1 could directly bind with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and effectively inhibit the activation of HSCs. Proteomic techniques and molecular simulation revealed that Ssb1 is mainly bound to the S319 residues of STAT3 in the coiled‐coil domain. Further studies indicated that Ssb1 binding with STAT3 inhibited its transcriptional activity, and regulated glioma‐associated oncogene‐1 (Gli1) expression in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Besides, Ssb1 binding blocked interaction between STAT3 and Gli1, which promoted degradation of Gli1 protein by suppressor of fused homolog (SUFU) and the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. The loss function of Gli1 led to decreased expression of Bcl2 and promoted the apoptosis of activated HSCs. Moreover, STAT3 ablation abolished the Ssb1‐mediated antifibrotic effects. These findings show that STAT3 plays a vital role in Ssb1 treatment of liver fibrosis, and Ssb1 as a STAT3 inhibitor might be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Moderate‐To‐Severe Bone Marrow Fibrosis Is an Independent Risk Factor For Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Patients With Increased Blasts
Authors: Xu Gaixiang , Ye Xingnong , Zhang Yudi , Wang Wei , Zhu Shuanghong , Li Kongfei , Zhou Xinping , Ma Liya , Ye Li , Mei Chen , Wang Lu , Ren Yanling , Jiang Lingxu , Huang Jian , Meng Haitao , Mai Wenyuan , Yu Wenjuan , Jin Jie , Tong Hongyan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study, including 412 patients newly diagnosed with myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS), investigated the clinical, molecular, and prognostic features of MDS with moderate‐to‐severe bone marrow fibrosis (MF). Among the patients with MDS, 347 (84%) had MF grade 0–1 (MF0–1), and 65 (16%) had MF grade 2–3 (MF2–3). Patients with MDS with MF2–3 showed similar overall survival (OS) (16.6 vs. 21.3 months; p = 0.34) but demonstrated inferior progression‐free survival (PFS) (6.6 vs. 15.2 months; p = 0.02) and a higher risk of leukemia transformation (35.4 vs. 16.4%; p < 0.001) compared to those with MF0–1. In the MDS with excess blast (MDS‐EB) subtypes, individuals with MF2‐3 exhibited shorter OS (4.8 vs. 11.7 months; p = 0.01) and PFS (3.1 vs. 7.9 months; p = 0.006) than those in patients with MF0‐1. However, individuals with MF0‐1 and MF2‐3 showed similar OS and PFS rates among the patients with the MDS non‐excess blast (MDS‐nonEB) subtypes. Additionally, we reclassified the patients with MDS according to the 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Patients with MDS with fibrosis (MDS‐f) had a shorter OS (5.6 vs. 13.8 months; p = 0.01) and PFS (3.1 vs. 7.9 months; p = 0.006) than MDS with increased blasts (MDS‐IB) subtypes. Our study reveals the unique features of patients with MDS‐MF2‐3 and validates the refinements made in the 5th edition of the WHO proposal.
The Importance of a Glacier Complex for Downstream Runoff in the Semiarid Chilean Andes During Dry Years
Authors: Yáñez San Francisco Eduardo , MacDonell Shelley , Casassa Gino 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHigh mountain catchment systems are inherently complex and include multiple processes that influence runoff generation, making it challenging to assess their current state and project their future solely based on observed data. However, combining observations with hydrological models that can simulate glacio‐hydrological processes robustly offers a solution to this issue. This study focused on analysing and characterising the snow, glacier and runoff processes of the Tapado Glacier sub‐catchment, an upstream source of the La Laguna reservoir in the semiarid Chilean Andes (30° S) for 2019–2021. For this purpose, a semi‐distributed physical model (Cold Regions Hydrological Model [CRHM]) was used to simulate glacio‐hydrological processes. The results indicate that sublimation accounted for 66%–89% of snow ablation, limiting the amount of snow available for melting in summer, and making melt from Tapado Glacier the primary component of mid‐summer (January) discharge (28%–55%). This was reflected in significant mass loss from the Tapado Glacier ablation zone (−0.5 to −2.1 m w.e.). Sensitivity analyses indicated that precipitation and snow roughness generated the greatest variability in simulations related to snow mass balance process. Uncertainty due to errors in precipitation measurement and extrapolation is inherent in hydrological modelling in most mountain settings, whilst the uncertainty related to snow roughness (evaluated range: 0.0001–0.1 m) is largely due to its direct influence on snow sublimation rates and the challenges associated with measuring this variable. For the glaciated areas, results were sensitive to the selection of ice albedo. Whilst the Tapado sub‐catchment includes only 1% of the catchment feeding the La Laguna reservoir (c.a. 27 km downstream), it equates to 6%–26% of monthly inflow into the reservoir over the study period. This indicates the importance of glaciated regions for supporting baseflow during relatively dry periods.
Effect of Earth‐Air Movement on Water Transport in the Rock Surrounding Cave B113 in the Mogao Grottoes
Authors: Wang Shunren , Li Hongshou , Li Fei , Gong Yipu , Wang Xiaowei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe degradation of wall paintings in the Mogao Grottoes, China, is primarily caused by the migration of water and salt in the surrounding rock (SR), with water being the key influencing factor. However, it remains unclear whether the movement of earth‐air, driven by the air pressure difference (APD) between the air inside the SR and the external atmospheric pressure (AP), affects water transport in the rock. This study focuses on Cave B113 to investigate the effect of earth‐air movement on water transport in the cave's SR. Under closed conditions, the APD was monitored at depths of 10, 20, and 30 cm within the SR. The results indicate that when the AP changes, the APD fluctuates in the opposite direction and increases with depth in the SR. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the AP and APD at depths of 20 and 30 cm are −0.31 and −0.32, respectively. The APD reflects the influence of AP on the SR and serves as a driving force that directly governs the movement of earth‐air. The concentration of the water vapour in the SR layers is affected by temperature, while the relative and absolute humidities of these layers are influenced by the ascending and descending movement of earth‐air. The magnitude of the AP fluctuation determines the volume of water that migrates inside the SR. Collectively, these factors determine the amount of evaporation that occurs and the characteristics of the moisture present in the rock surrounding the cave. This study elucidates the pivotal factors contributing to the deterioration of the wall paintings in the cave, providing a scientific basis for developing new ways of protecting these wall paintings. It has extensive reference value for water transport and evaporation in the vadose zone.
The Immunomodulatory Role of Estrogen in Malaria: A Review of Sex Differences and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Wu Ye , Chen Ying‐Chun , Liu Fang‐Fang , Li Ke 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundMalaria remains a significant global health challenge, with substantial mortality rates, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. A notable sexual dimorphism exists in malaria, with males often experiencing higher infection and mortality rates compared to females.ObjectiveThis review explores the role of estrogen in modulating immune responses to malaria, potentially explaining the observed sex differences. Estrogen, through its receptors, influences immune cell activation and cytokine production, which are critical in the immune response to malaria.ResultsUtilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we analyzed sex differences in malaria burden in Central Sub‐Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2021, revealing a significantly lower mortality burden for females compared to males. Epidemiological data and animal model results support the notion that estrogen plays a significant role in modulating immune responses to malaria. Estrogen receptors are widely expressed in immune cells, and estrogen can influence the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of these cells, thereby affecting cytokine production and immune response type. Additionally, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) show potential as therapeutic agents, with some studies demonstrating their efficacy in reducing parasitemia and improving malaria outcomes.ConclusionUnderstanding the sex differences in the pathogenesis of malaria is crucial for its prevention, treatment, and vaccine development. Estrogen's role in immune regulation highlights the need for sex‐specific approaches in disease management.
Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging of Implants Based on Polyester Copolymers in Combination With MRI
Authors: Zherdeva Victoria V. , Likhov Astemir R. , Saidvaliev Ulugbek A. , Fixler Dror , Demin Dmitry , Volodina Veronika N. , Apukhtina Uliana A. , Pawar Shweta , Atuar Bar , Tuchin Valery V. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTNowadays, many biodegradable materials are offered for biomedical applications, but there are only a few in vivo methods for their detection and monitoring. In this work, implants based on biodegradable polyester copolymers were labeled with indocyanine green (ICG) for fluorescence imaging in combination with tissue optical clearing (TOC) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results include in vitro degradation modeling followed by in vivo imaging of copolymer samples that were subcutaneously implanted in BALB/c mice. TOC with 70% glycerol has been demonstrated to significantly improve sample visualization. The TOC efficiency parameter Q demonstrated the variability of effects correlating with the timing of follow‐up in the postimplantation period. It has been shown that nonhealing wounds, peri‐implantation inflammation, or fibrosis, confirmed by MRI, affect the effectiveness of TOC in the range from Q = −30% to 70%.
Large‐Scale FMO‐MP2 Calculations of the Spike Protein Droplet Model
Authors: Doi Hideo , Nakano Tatsuya , Sakakura Kota , Akisawa Kazuki , Okuwaki Koji , Hirano Yoshinori , Yamamoto Eiji , Yasuoka Kenji , Ohshima Satoshi , Katagiri Takahiro , Mochizuki Yuji 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 is a challenging target for theoretical approaches. Here we report a benchmark calculation of the spike protein droplet model by the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) at the second‐order Møller‐Plesset perturbation (MP2) level on the supercomputer Fugaku. One hundred structure samples from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used for both the closed and open forms of this protein (PDB IDs 6XLU and 6XM0 respectively). The number of total fragments is about 20,000, and the job time per structure was about 2 h on 8 racks of Fugaku.
Can Measurements of Whole Wall and Intima‐Media Thickness of Lower Extremity Veins Really Be Used to Diagnose Behcet's Disease?
Authors: Kahveci Abdulvahap , Cevval Zeycan Kübra 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of measuring intima‐media thickness (IMT) and whole wall thickness (WWT) of deep and superficial veins in the lower extremity of Behcet's disease (BD).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 67 Behcet patients and 64 healthy control subjects. IMT and WWT of the common femoral (CFV) and great saphenous veins (GSV) were measured by a blinded radiologist using ultrasound. Behcet patients were classified into two groups, namely the vascular and non‐vascular groups. The diagnostic performance of the measurements of vein wall thickness in BD was assessed using receiver operating analysis.ResultsBilateral IMT and WWT of the CFV and GSV were significantly higher in BD than in controls (p < 0.01). In the vascular Behcet group, all measurements were also significantly increased compared with the non‐vascular Behcet patients (p < 0.01). The area under the curve for all measurements was satisfactory, while CFV WWT indicated the best diagnostic performance [0.82 (0.74–0.89; 95% CI: p < 0.001) for right; 0.81 (0.74–0.88; 95% CI: p < 0.001) for left] for optimal cut‐off value (0.595–0.585 mm; sensitivity = 77.3%–77.6%, specificity = 76.2%–76.6% for right and left, respectively). In the regression analysis, older age, vascular presentation, presence of uveitis, and glucocorticoid use were significantly related to vein wall thickness in BD (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study provide compelling evidence supporting the use of vein wall thickness (primarily in CFV WWT) as a diagnostic method in BD. Furthermore, the study indicates that the optimal cut‐off value of vein wall thickness may vary depending on the characteristics of Behcet cohort.
Biosilica 3D Micromorphology of Geodiidae Sponge Spicules Is Patterned by F‐Actin
Authors: Voronkina Alona , Cárdenas Paco , Adam Jörg , Meissner Heike , Nowacki Krzysztof , Joseph Yvonne , Tabachnick Konstantin R. , Ehrlich Hermann 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDemosponges (phylum Porifera) are among the first multicellular organisms on the planet and represent a unique archive of biosilica‐based skeletal structures with species‐specific microstructures called spicules. With more than 80 morphotypes, this class of sponges is recognized as a unique source of amorphous silica with superficial ornamentation patterned by organic phases. In this study, we investigated spicules of selected representatives of the family Geodiidae (order Tetractinellida), to identify F‐actin‐containing axial filaments within these 3D skeletal microconstructs defined as oxyspherasters and sterrasters. Their desilicification using 10% HF leads to isolation of multifilamentous, radially oriented organic matrices, which resemble the shape and size of the original spicules. Our data show that highly specific indicators of F‐actin such as iFluorTM 594‐Phalloidin, iFluorTM 488‐Phalloidin, as well as iFluorTM 350‐Phalloidin unambiguously confirm its localization within demineralized oxyspherasters and sterrasters of 11 diverse demosponges species belonging to the subfamily Geodiinae (genera Geodia, Rhabdastrella) and the subfamily Erylinae (genera Caminella, Caminus, Erylus, Pachymatisma). Well‐defined periodicity in Geodia cydonium sterrasters actin filaments has been observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the first time. The findings of F‐actin as a possible pattern driver in spicules of geodiids brings additional light to our knowledge of spiculogenesis in this group. However, no specific actin structures were found between the geodiid subfamilies or genera thereby suggesting a common actin process, present already at the emergence of the family (~170 million years ago).
Effect of A1 protein‐free formula versus conventional formula on acute respiratory infections and diarrhea in toddlers: An RCT
Authors: Yu Wen , Wang Weijie , Sheng Xiaoyang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesAcute respiratory infections (ARIs) and diarrhea are common in toddlers. Milk free of A1 β‐casein (A1PF milk) may support the immune system, but few studies have investigated A1PF milk in toddler formula and any potential effects on ARI/diarrhea. This study's objective was to investigate the incidence of ARI and diarrhea with two toddler formulas, A1PF formula (A1PF) or conventional formula (CON), which differed in milk base and nutrient composition.MethodsThis randomized, open‐label, multicenter study (19 December 2022 to 17 May 2023) evaluated the occurrence of ARI and/or diarrhea in toddlers (aged 2–3 years) who consumed A1PF or CON over 90 days.ResultsA total of 200 toddlers were enrolled, and 180 completed the study. The relative risk of ARI or diarrhea in the A1PF group versus the CON group did not differ significantly, but the median (interquartile range) ARI duration was significantly shorter in the A1PF group (3 [2–4] days vs. 5 [3–6] days, p = 0.012). At Day 90, toddlers consuming A1PF had significantly less severe bloating, gassiness, and fewer regurgitation events (all p < 0.05). Both formulas were well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionToddlers who consumed A1PF had a reduced duration of ARI and improved diarrhea outcomes, reducing the burden on their families compared with toddlers who consumed CON. Although this is consistent with other studies, further research is required to determine whether these effects are solely attributable to the A1PF milk base or other differences between the formulas.
Integrated characterization of Greek fennel genotypes through morpho‐agronomical characteristics, yield components and phytochemical compounds
Authors: Kadoglidou Kalliopi I. , Maliachovas Christos , Ralli Parthenopi , Irakli Maria , Tsivelika Nektaria , Mavromatis Athanasios G. , Chatzopoulou Paschalina 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundFennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a widely cultivated vegetable and aromatic‐medicinal plant. In this research, field studies assessed 12 fennel genotypes of diverse origin, comprising 10 Greek accessions and two European commercial varieties, focusing on their morpho‐agronomical traits, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in the aboveground biomass. Emphasis gave on the post‐harvest determination of seed yield and essential oil's (EO's) profile for each genotype.ResultsMultivariate data analysis on both morpho‐agronomical descriptors and EO's components demonstrated clear distinction of Greek fennel accessions (groups I and III) from commercial varieties (group II). Accessions of groups I and III were ranked with intermediate values of height, foliage density, leaf length, green color intensity and primary canopy diameter. In addition, fennel accessions differentiated in their EO's yield (ranged from 2.2% to 7.8%), although they exhibited similar qualitative profile. The main EO's compound of group I was trans‐anethole, estragole and fenchone for group III, while commercial varieties characterized by high concentration in trans‐anethole and fenchone. Variations among genotypes were also demonstrated in the content of total phenolics (7.0–11.6 mg g−1 on dry weight basis, dw) and flavonoids (5.9–12.4 mg g−1 dw), while the antioxidant activity determined by ABTS test, varied from 9.0 to 16.2 mg Trolox equivalents g−1 dw.ConclusionThe observed variability in morpho‐agronomical descriptors and phytochemical profile among fennel genotypes recorded for the first time the potential of Greek native genetic material. The data of this research provides useful information for direct future uses in pharmaceutical industry and for applications in plant breeding programs, aiming to produce new type of fennel varieties.