bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biphasic lipid extraction from microalgae after PEF-treatment reduces the energy demand of the downstream process
Authors: Papachristou Ioannis , Nazarova Natalja , Wüstner Rüdiger , Lina Robin , Frey Wolfgang , Silve Aude 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The gradual extrusion of water-soluble intracellular components (such as proteins) from microalgae after pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment is a well-documented phenomenon. This could be utilized in biorefinery applications with lipid extraction taking place after such an ‘incubation’ period, i.e., a post-PEF-treatment step during which the biomass is left undisturbed before any further processing. The goal of this work was to further explore how this incubation could improve lipid extraction.

Results
Experiments were conducted on wet, freshly harvested Auxenochlorella protothecoides, treated with 0.25 or 1.5 MJ/kgDW and incubated for 24 h. Lipid extraction took place with a monophasic ethanol:hexane:water, 1:0.41:0.04 vol/vol/vol mixture with a 75.6 mL solvent per 1 g of dry biomass ratio. The kinetics of the extraction were studied with samples taken between 10 and 1080 min from fresh and incubated biomass. The yields at 10 min were significantly increased with incubation compared to without (31.2% dry weight compared to 1.81%, respectively). The experimental data were fitted with the Patricelli model where extraction occurs in two steps, a rapid washing of immediate available lipids and a slower diffusion one. During Nile-Red staining of microalgae and microscopy imaging, a shift of emission from both GFP and RFP channels to mostly RFP was observed indicating an increase in the polarity of the environment of Nile-Red. These led to an adaption of a biphasic ethanol:hexane:water 1:6:0.4 vol/vol/vol solvent with 37 mL solvent per 1 g of dry biomass ratio which while ineffective on fresh biomass, achieved a 27% dry weight yield from incubated microalgae. The extraction efficiency in the biphasic route was lower compared to the monophasic (i.e., 69% and 95%, respectively). It was compensated however, by the significant solvent reduction (37 mL to 75.6 mL respectively), in particular the ethanol minimization. For the extraction of 1 L lipids, it was estimated that the energy consumption ratio for the biphasic process was 1.6 compared to 9.9 for monophasic, making clearly the most preferential one.

Conclusions
This biphasic approach significantly reduces solvent consumption and the respective energy requirement for solvent recovery. Incubation thus could majorly improve the commercialization prospects of the process.

Graphical abstract
First clinical cases of leishmaniosis in meerkats (Suricata suricatta) housed in wildlife parks in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Moraleda-Berral Pablo , Gálvez Rosa , Martínez-Nevado Eva , Pérez de Quadros Lino , García Juncal , de la Riva-Fraga Manuel , Barrera Juan Pedro , Estévez-Sánchez Efrén , Cano Lourdes , Checa Rocío , Jiménez-Martínez María Ángeles , Montoya Ana , Miró Guadalupe 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In recent years, cases of leishmaniosis have been described in animals housed in captivity in zoos in Spain [Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus), orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygameus), and European otter (Lutra lutra)]. Some of these zoological parks are in endemic areas for both human and animal leishmaniosis, thus it should be very important to include this zoonosis in the differential diagnosis.

Methods
The study was carried out in two zoological parks in Madrid, Madrid Zoo and Faunia, and analyzed seven meerkats. Serological tests [rK-39 and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] and molecular tests [nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR] were performed to detect Leishmania DNA. Additionally, an entomological study was carried out in both zoological parks, with molecular tests performed on female Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies to determine their blood meal source and detect Leishmania DNA.

Results
Two meerkats were positive for L. infantum. A 9-year-old male from the Madrid Zoo died suddenly, showing pale mucous membranes and bilateral noninflammatory alopecia and hyperpigmentation in the lateral area of the eyes. Positive results were obtained in serology, nested PCR, and real-time PCR (blood, conjunctival and oral swabs, hair, spleen, lymph node, liver, kidney, and skin), as well as numerous amastigotes in the liver and kidney tissue samples. The other meerkat, a 12-year-old male from Faunia that is still alive, presented an alopecic lesion at the base of the tail. Positive results were obtained by nested and real-time PCR from different tissues such as blood, hair, oral, and conjunctival swabs. It was treated with oral allopurinol (25 mg/kg) and miltefosine (2 mg/kg), but the molecular diagnosis remained positive after 8 months, regarding it as a mild stage of the disease. The rest of the tested meerkats were negative. The presence of P. perniciosus phlebotomine sand flies was also detected in both zoos. Although no L. infantum DNA was detected in any of sand flies analyzed, it was determined that their food sources were rabbits and humans.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this study describes, for the first time, the detection and infection by L. infantum in meerkats (Suricata suricatta).

Graphical Abstract
FishPi: a bioinformatic prediction tool to link piRNA and transposable elements
Authors: Godden Alice M. , Rix Benjamin , Immler Simone 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNA)s are non-coding small RNAs that post-transcriptionally affect gene expression and regulation. Through complementary seed region binding with transposable elements (TEs), piRNAs protect the genome from transposition. A tool to link piRNAs with complementary TE targets will improve our understanding of the role of piRNAs in genome maintenance and gene regulation. Existing tools such as TEsmall can process sRNA-seq datasets to produce differentially expressed piRNAs, and piRScan developed for nematodes can link piRNAs and TEs but it requires knowledge about the target region of interest and works backwards.

Results
We developed FishPi to predict the pairings between piRNA and TEs for available genomes from zebrafish, medaka and tilapia, with full user customisation of parameters including orientation of piRNA, mismatches in the piRNA seed binding to TE and scored output lists of piRNA-TE matches. FishPi works with individual piRNAs or a list of piRNA sequences in fasta format. The software focuses on the piRNA-TE seed region and analyses reference TEs for piRNA complementarity. TE type is examined, counted and stored to a dictionary, with genomic loci recorded. Any updates to piRNA-TE binding rules can easily be incorporated by changing the seed-region options in the graphic user-interface. FishPi provides a graphic interface using tkinter for the user to input piRNA sequences to generate comprehensive reports on piRNA-TE interactions. FishPi can easily be adapted to genomes from other species and taxa opening the interpretation of piRNA functionality to a wide community.

Conclusions
Users will gain insight into genome mobility and FishPi will help further our understanding of the biological role of piRNAs and their interaction with TEs in a similar way that public databases have improved the access to and the understanding of the role of small RNAs.
Health-related quality of life associated with fatigue, physical activity and activity pacing in adults with chronic conditions
Authors: Barakou Ioulia , Seves Bregje L. , Abonie Ulric S. , Finch Tracy , Hackett Kate L. , Hettinga Florentina J. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Fatigue and inactivity are linked to decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic conditions. A multidimensional approach to activity pacing may improve HRQoL by promoting physical activity (PA) and alleviating fatigue. Addressing fatigue across chronic conditions is crucial, especially when underlying causes are unknown. This study aimed to (1) examine associations between HRQoL, fatigue, pacing, risk of overactivity, PA, and self-regulation of PA in adults with chronic conditions and (2) examine if these associations differ across HRQoL domains: physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being.

Methods
Sixty-six adults with chronic conditions were recruited from UK fatigue clinics and the community. HRQoL, pacing, risk of overactivity, PA, and self-regulation of PA were assessed with standardised questionnaires and Actigraph monitor. Associations were analysed with linear mixed models, correcting for confounders.

Results
HRQoL was significantly associated with fatigue (B=-7.82), pacing (B=-0.23), and self-regulation of PA (B = 0.11). Interaction effects revealed fatigue’s impact on HRQoL varied significantly in physical (β=-13.49), social (β=-6.81), and emotional (β=-4.10) domains. Pacing showed significant differences in physical (β=-0.49), social (β=-7.12), and emotional (β=-7.45) domains. Perceived overactivity differed in social domain (β=-6.27), while device-based PA differed in physical (β = 0.35) and social (β = 5.73).

Conclusion
The negative association between fatigue and HRQoL underscores the importance of effective fatigue management. Higher pacing engagement and lower HRQoL may indicate higher fatigue. Positive associations between self-regulation and PA with HRQoL emphasise benefits of appropriate PA behaviours. The stronger impact of decreased fatigue, increased pacing, and PA on physical well-being suggests a multidimensional fatigue management approach.
Steatohepatitis-induced vascular niche alterations promote melanoma metastasis
Authors: Hoffmann Johannes , Schüler Julia , Dietsch Bianca , Kürschner-Zacharias Sina Wietje , Sticht Carsten , Trogisch Felix A. , Schreitmüller Maren , Baljkas Tinja , Schledzewski Kai , Reinhart Manuel , Wohlfeil Sebastian A. , Winkler Manuel , Schmid Christian David , Heineke Joerg , Géraud Cyrill , Goerdt Sergij , Reiners-Koch Philipp-Sebastian , Olsavszky Victor 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In malignant melanoma, liver metastases significantly reduce survival, even despite highly effective new therapies. Given the increase in metabolic liver diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), this study investigated the impact of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC)-specific alterations in MASLD/MASH on hepatic melanoma metastasis.

Methods
Mice were fed a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet for ten weeks to induce MASH-associated liver fibrosis, or a CDAA diet or a high fat diet (HFD) for shorter periods of time to induce early steatosis-associated alterations. Liver metastasis formation was assessed using melanoma cell lines B16F10Luc2 and Wt31. LSEC-specific GATA4 knockout mice (Gata4
LSEC−KO/BL) developing MASH-like liver fibrosis without steatosis via a pathogenic angiocrine switch were included to compare the impact of liver fibrosis versus hepatic steatosis on hepatic melanoma metastasis. Bulk RNA-Seq of isolated LSECs from CDAA-fed and control mice was performed. Levels of adhesion molecules (VCAM1, ICAM1, E-selectin) were monitored, and ICAM1 and VCAM1 antibody therapy was employed.

Results
Feeding a CDAA diet, in contrast to a HFD, led to increased metastasis before the development of liver fibrosis. Gata4
LSEC−KO/BL mice characterized by vascular changes ensuing perisinusoidal liver fibrosis without steatosis also exhibited increased metastasis. Early molecular alterations in the hepatic vascular niche, rather than fibrosis or steatosis, correlated with metastasis, as shown by LSEC dedifferentiation and upregulation of endothelial adhesion molecules. The metastatic process in CDAA-fed mice was also dependent on the respective melanoma cell lines used and on the route of their metastatic spread. ICAM1 inhibition, but not VCAM1 inhibition reduced melanoma cell retention.

Conclusion
We discovered that the hepatic vascular niche acts as a delicate sensor to even short-term nutritional alterations during the development of MASLD/MASH. The dynamic adaptations to the metabolic challenges of developing MASLD/MASH caused an early shift from the normal hepatic vascular niche to a pre-metastatic vascular niche that promoted hepatic melanoma metastasis in the context of cell-autonomous and acquired melanoma cell features. Altogether, our findings provide a potential avenue for angiotargeted therapies to prevent hepatic melanoma metastasis.
Efficient surface crack segmentation for industrial and civil applications based on an enhanced YOLOv8 model
Authors: Elsharkawy Zeinab F. , Kasban H. , Abbass Mohammed Y. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Crack segmentation is essential for preventive maintenance in various civil and industrial applications. It makes it possible to identify and divide structural cracks or defects. Complicated sceneries, such as cracks with an irregular form, complicated image environments, and constraints in obtaining global contextual information, affect the performance of crack segmentation. This research proposes an Enhanced-YOLOv8 called YOLOv8-MHSA-TA to reduce the effects of these factors and offer quasi-real-time concurrent identification and segmentation of different crack types. The suggested network uses triplet attention (TA) and multi-head self-attention (MHSA) mechanisms, to enhance YOLOv8’s performance. To evaluate the proposed approach and test its generalization ability, nine public datasets comprising images of civil and industrial structures were collected, including CracK500, Crack3238, Crack Forest Dataset, Deepcrack, Rissbilder, Volker, Sylvie, Magnetic Tile, and Pipeline Gamma Radiography Images. The datasets contain images with cracks of various sizes, shapes, sorts, lighting situations, and orientations. Applying the suggested enhanced YOLOv8 model’s capabilities, cracks are detected and segmented successfully in the examined images. The results demonstrate that, for the Crack500 and Magnetic tile datasets, the suggested model’s segmentation Mean Average Precision (mAP50) is 10.1 and 26.4% higher than that of the original YOLOv8 models. The suggested model was compared with YOLOv8-MHSA, YOLOv8-TA, and the original YOLOv8 models, as well as with other published networks. The outcomes demonstrate that our approach outperforms previously published work and enhances crack segmentation. The outcomes demonstrate that our method outperforms prior published work and enhances crack segmentation when considering the diverse dataset.
Enhancing surveillance for dengue fever in Oyo State, Nigeria – a one health approach
Authors: Animasaun Olawale Sunday , Shaibu Joseph Ojonugwa , Akomolafe Busayo Kayode , Animasaun Olamide Priscilla , Niyang Piring’ar Mercy , Olugbade Olukemi Titilope , Akinyode Akinfemi Oyewumi , Omisakin Ibukun Akinsola , Adeogun Adedapo Olufemi , Audu Rosemary Ajuma 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Dengue fever (DF) poses a growing global threat, necessitating a comprehensive one-health approach to address its complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental factors. In Oyo State, Nigeria, the true burden of DF remains unknown due to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis as malaria, exacerbated by poor health-seeking behavior, weak surveillance systems, and inadequate health infrastructure. Adopting a one-health approach is crucial to understanding the dynamics of DF transmission.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to April 2023 in 10 high-risk LGAs of Oyo State. It involved screening DENV in 289 febrile human blood samples and 1,015 Aedes species mosquitoes. Viral RNA from human and mosquito specimens was extracted and analyzed using RT-qPCR. A one-step lateral flow immunoassay cassette test kit detected DENV-specific IgM and IgG in humans. DENV IgM-positive participants were screened for Lassa Virus (LASV) to rule out coinfection due to an outbreak of Lassa fever. Mosquitoes recovered were morphologically identified and classified using appropriate taxonomical keys. Meteorological data was obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency. Data was abridged as proportions and correlation analysis was performed.

Result
The overall seroprevalence of DENV was 128/289 (44.2%) with 19/289 (6.6%) and 109/289 (37.7%) being IgM and IgG positive respectively. DENV was detected all year round with more cases in the rainy season. LASV and DENV coinfection were detected in a participant. DENV RT-qPCR analysis in febrile patients and mosquitoes was negative. There was a high abundance of Aedes aegypti (79.5%) in all the locations surveyed with Aedes albopictus (12.3%) detected in Ido LGA and Ibadan South-East LGA and Aedes simpsoni (9.1%) in Iwajowa LGA. DF shows moderate to strong positive correlations with Aedes mosquito population, humidity, and rainfall (r = 0.419–0.61, p < 0.05), and a negative correlation with temperature (r =—0.465, p < 0.05).

Conclusion
The study reveals a significant burden of DENV in Oyo State. The presence of both IgM and IgG antibodies suggests past exposure and possible recent circulation of the virus. The co-detection of LASV and DENV in one participant highlights the likely potential for co-infection. Although DENV was not detected in febrile patients and mosquitoes through RT-qPCR, the high abundance of Aedes species underscores the risk of transmission. These findings emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance systems, strengthened laboratory services, targeted vector control, and increased awareness.
Fish-derived hepcidins in cancer treatment: a scoping review
Authors: Azemin Wan-Atirah , Rashid Syarifah Ab , Philip Noraini , Ali Abdul Manaf , Shamsir Mohd Shahir 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The discovery of hepcidin, a peptide hormone primarily known for iron homeostasis regulation, has revealed promising anticancer properties. While extensively studied in mammals, fish-derived hepcidins represent an unexplored area in cancer therapeutics, offering unique structural and functional characteristics that may prove valuable in oncological applications.

Method
A scoping review was conducted using the Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and PubMed databases to comprehensively analyse published literature on fish-derived hepcidins. Publications were identified using Boolean combinations of ‘fish’, ‘hepcidin’, and ‘cancer’. Two independent reviewers screened articles, with a third reviewer resolving disagreements. Research themes were categorised and analysed with focus on species distribution, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential.

Result
Analysis of 881 publications revealed research distribution across four main categories: immune response (60.07%), antimicrobial peptides (17.65%), iron homeostasis (13.69%), and cancer research (2.94%). The review identified 17 fish species with documented hepcidin studies. Tilapia-derived hepcidins demonstrated notable anticancer properties, including concentration-dependent effects, selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and potential enhancement of conventional chemotherapy efficacy through mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways.

Conclusion
Despite promising anticancer properties of fish-derived hepcidins, particularly from tilapia, significant knowledge gaps exist in understanding their cancer-specific mechanisms and clinical applications. Future research should prioritise broader species investigation, safety profiling, and delivery system development to advance their therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.
Neuromuscular monitoring and incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade: a prospective observational study
Authors: Piersanti Alessandra , Garra Rossella , Sbaraglia Fabio , Del Vicario Miryam , Lamacchia Rosa , Rossi Marco 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are routinely used in anesthesia practice. An undetected, incomplete recovery of neuromuscular function at the end of surgery potentially exposes patients to clinical deterioration in the postoperative period.
The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) in a cohort of patients receiving NMBAs.

Methods
We enrolled 90 spontaneously breathing adult patients admitted to the recovery room (RR) after completion of surgeries having received at least 1 dose of NMBA. Anesthesia management, the dosage of NMBA used, and whether monitoring of neuromonitoring function was employed or if a reversal agent was administered were all at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist, who was unaware that neuromuscular function was going to be monitored in the RR.
The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence of RNMB (defined as a train-of-four ratio ≤ 0.9). The secondary objectives were the number of postoperative adverse respiratory events and, for exploratory purposes, the estimation of potential risk factors through logistic regression analysis.

Results
RNMB occurred in 5 (5%) patients who had received only one dose of NMBA at induction of anesthesia.
Two patients with RNMB (40%) required O2 supplementation during monitoring in the RR, compared to 11 patients in the rest of the sample (13%). Additionally, 2 of these patients (2%) required O2 supplementation before hospital discharge due to O2 desaturation < 92%. None of the patients with RNMB had received a reversal of neuromuscular blockade at the end of surgery.
The association between RNMB and potential risk factors, assessed through multivariable logistic regression did not yield significant results for any of the considered variables.

Conclusions
RNMB can occur even when a single dose of NMBAs is administered. Despite decades of extensive literature on the risks of RNMB and recent guidelines, routine monitoring of neuromuscular function and pharmacologic reversal of NMBA is still substandard. Routine monitoring of neuromuscular function is strongly advocated to enhance the level of patient care.

Trial registration
The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06193213, date of registration: 05/01/2024).
Inpp5e is crucial for photoreceptor outer segment maintenance
Authors: Gupta Mohona , Lewis Tylor R. , Stuck Michael W. , Spencer William J. , Klementieva Natalia V. , Arshavsky Vadim Y. , Pazour Gregory J. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
In humans, inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase E (INPP5E) mutations cause retinal degeneration as part of Joubert and MORM syndromes and can also cause non-syndromic blindness. In mice, mutations cause a spectrum of brain, kidney and other anomalies and prevent the formation of photoreceptor outer segments. To further explore the function of Inpp5e in photoreceptors, we generated conditional and inducible knockouts of mouse Inpp5e where the gene was deleted either during outer segment formation or after outer segments were fully formed. In both cases, the loss of Inpp5e led to severe defects in photoreceptor outer segment morphology and ultimately photoreceptor cell loss. The primary morphological defect consisted of outer segment shortening and reduction in the number of newly forming discs at the outer segment base. This was accompanied by structural abnormalities of the Golgi, mislocalized rhodopsin and an accumulation of extracellular vesicles. In addition, knockout cells showed disruption of the actin network. Together, these data demonstrate that Inpp5e plays a crucial role in maintaining the outer segment and the normal process of outer segment renewal depends on the activity of this enzyme.