bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary bisphenol A exposure in relation to liver function abnormalities among U.S. adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2016
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Huang Guang , Wang Tongshuai , Chen Jie , Zhou Xiangyu , Shi Wenming 
Published: October 2023

SummaryBackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been linked with various health outcomes. However, few studies using nationally representative data have assessed the association between BPA exposure with liver function. In addition, whether behavior characteristics of smoking and alcohol use modify such association has been underexplored.MethodsUsing data from seven cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) among 11,750 adults from 2003 to 2016, we investigated the relationship between urinary BPA with liver function indicators. BPA concentration in urine was measured by using high performance liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–mass spectrometry.We estimated BPA concentration after controlling for creatinine and normalized the asymmetrical distribution using natural logarithmic transformation (ln-BPA/Cr). Eight liver function indicators in serum were examined. Multivariate linear regression models were performed to explore the association between urinary BPA with changes in liver indicators. Stratified analyses examined whether these associations varied by sex, age, smoking, or drinking.FindingsOf the 11,750 participants (49.5% men), the mean age was 43.9 years. Per unit increment in ln-BPA/Cr was positively related to alkaline phosphotase (ALP) and total bilirubin (TBIL), while inversely with albumin (ALB). In quartile analysis, the highest BPA exposure was associated with higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALP, and TBIL, while with decreased ALB (all Ptrend< 0.01). These associations for specific liver indicators (i.e., ALT, AST, Gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], and TBIL) were stronger in smokers and alcohol drinkers. Moreover, we found that BPA exposure with higher ALP in older adults (≥ 60 years) but no sex difference.InterpretationThis nationally representative study suggested that urinary BPA was associated with elevated AST, ALP, TBIL, and inversely with ALB among U.S. adults. The associations were more evident in smokers and drinkers but no sex difference. Better understanding of the mechanisms is needed for improving liver and planetary health.FundingNational Natural Science Foundation of China.
FBXO24 modulates mRNA alternative splicing and MIWI degradation and is required for normal sperm formation and piRNA production
Authors: Li Zhiming , Liu Xingping , Zhang Yan , Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Liquan , Yuan Shuiqiao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSpermiogenesis is a critical, post-meiotic phase of male gametogenesis, in which the proper gene expression is essential for sperm maturation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism that controls mRNA expression in the round spermatids remains elusive. Here, we identify that FBXO24, an orphan F-box protein, is highly expressed in the testis of humans and mice and interacts with the splicing factors (SRSF2, SRSF3, and SRSF9) to modulate the gene alternative splicing in the round spermatids. Genetic mutation of FBXO24 in mice causes many abnormal splicing events in round spermatids, thus affecting a large number of critical genes related to sperm formation that were dysregulated. Further molecular and phenotypical analyses revealed that FBXO24 deficiency results in aberrant histone retention, incomplete axonemes, oversized chromatoid body (CB), and abnormal mitochondrial coiling along sperm flagella, ultimately leading to male sterility. In addition, we discovered that FBXO24 interacts with MIWI and SCF subunits and mediates the degradation of MIWI via K48-linked polyubiquitination. Furthermore, we show that FBXO24 depletion could lead to aberrant piRNA production in testes, which suggests FBXO24 is required for normal piRNA counts. Collectively, these data demonstrate that FBXO24 is essential for sperm formation and piRNA production by regulating mRNA alternative splicing and MIWI degradation during spermiogenesis.
Molecular dynamics simulations of HIV-1 matrix-membrane interactions at different stages of viral maturation
Authors: Banerjee Puja , Qu Kun , Briggs John A. G. , Voth Gregory A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlthough the structural rearrangement of the membrane-bound matrix (MA) protein trimers upon HIV-1 maturation has been reported, the consequences of MA maturation on the MA-lipid interactions are not well understood. Long-timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the MA multimeric assemblies of immature and mature virus particles with our realistic asymmetric membrane model have explored MA-lipid interactions and lateral organization of lipids around MA complexes. The number of stable MA-PS and MA-PIP2 interactions at the trimeric interface of the mature MA complex is observed to be greater compared to that of the immature MA complex. Our simulations identified an alternative PIP2 binding site in the immature MA complex where the multivalent headgroup of a PIP2 lipid with a greater negative charge binds to multiple basic amino acid residues such as, ARG3 residues of both the MA monomers at the trimeric interface, and HBR residues (LYS29, LYS31) of one of the MA monomers. Our enhanced sampling simulations have explored the conformational space of phospholipids at different binding sites of the trimeric interface of MA complexes. Unlike the immature MA complex, the 2’ acyl tail of two PIP2 lipids at the trimeric interface of the mature MA complex is observed to sample stable binding pockets of MA consisting of helix4 residues. Together, our results provide molecular-level insights into the interactions of MA trimeric complexes with membrane and different lipid conformations at the specific binding sites of MA protein before and after viral maturation.SignificanceHIV-1 maturation facilitates the conversion of a newly formed immature virus particle to a mature infectious virion and initiates a new round of infection. The contributions of specific protein-lipid interactions in the HIV-1 assembly process are well recognized, however, the interactions of matrix protein lattice with the membrane before and after HIV-1 maturation are yet to be fully understood. Based on our simulated data, supported by prior experimental observations, the present study provides a molecular-level understanding of possible altered binding mode of PIP2 lipids after viral maturation. Identification of protein-lipid specific interactions, and lipid sorting data obtained from our long-time and large-scale atomistic MD simulations advance the understanding of the HIV-1 matrix and membrane maturation.
Epididymal acquired sperm microRNAs modify post-fertilization embryonic gene expression
Authors: Trigg Natalie A. , Conine Colin C. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTSperm small RNAs have emerged as important non-genetic contributors to embryogenesis and offspring health. A subset of sperm small RNAs are thought to be acquired during epididymal transit. However, the transfer of RNAs from the somatic epididymis to sperm has been questioned, and the identity of the specific small RNAs transferred remains unclear. Here, we employCre/Loxgenetics to generate germline- and epididymal-specificDgcr8conditional knockout mice to investigate the dynamics of sperm microRNAs and their function in the early embryo. Testicular sperm from germline specificDgcr8knockout mice have reduced levels of 98 microRNAs. Enthrallingly, following epididymal transit the abundance of 59% of these microRNAs are restored to control levels. Conversely, sperm from epididymalDgcr8knockouts displayed a reduction of > 3.4-fold in 25 miRNAs. This substantial loss of epididymal miRNAs in sperm was accompanied by transcriptomic changes in the embryo which was rescued by microinjection of epididymal miRNAs. These findings ultimately demonstrate the acquisition of miRNAs from the soma by sperm during epididymal transit and their subsequent regulation of post-fertilization embryonic gene expression.
Objects, Faces, and Spaces: Organizational Principles of Visual Object Perception as Evidenced by Individual Differences in Behavior
Authors: Sigurdardottir Heida Maria , Ólafsdóttir Inga María 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWhat are the diagnostic dimensions on which objects differ visually? We constructed a two-dimensional object space based on such attributes captured by a deep convolutional neural network. These attributes can be approximated as stubby/spiky and animate-/inanimate-looking. If object space contributes to human visual cognition, this should have a measurable effect on object discrimination abilities. We administered an object foraging task to a large, diverse sample (N=511). We focused on the stubby animate-looking “face quadrant” of object space given known variations in face discrimination abilities. Stimuli were picked out of tens of thousands of images to either match or not match with the coordinates of faces in object space. Results show that individual differences in face perception can to a large part be explained by variability in general object perception abilities (o-factor). However, additional variability in face processing can be attributed to visual similarity with faces as captured by dimensions of object space; people who struggle with telling apart faces also have difficulties with discriminating other objects with the same object space attributes. This study is consistent with a contribution of object space to human visual cognition.Public Significance StatementThe study emphasizes individual differences in visual cognition, a relatively neglected field of research. Unlike differences in other cognitive traits (e.g., Big Five personality traits, g-factor of general intelligence), we have limited knowledge on how people differ in their object processing capacity, and whether such abilities are fractionated or unitary. In this study, we ask whether visual object perception abilities are organized around an object space as evidenced by individual differences in behavior.
Can a leader's ethical leadership and abusive supervision be a gain? Workplace emotions as mediators
Authors: Huang Danyu , Zhou Hao 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThe main objectives of this study were to examine the congruent/incongruent effects of ethical leadership–abusive supervision (EL-AS) on employees' job performance (JP), mediated by employees' workplace emotions.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, multiphase data were collected from 276 frontline employees at a large automobile manufacturing company in southwest China. The hypotheses were tested performing polynomial regression and response surface analysis.FindingsThe results revealed that employees in “high–high” and “high–low” EL-AS experienced more positive emotions (PE), while “low–high” EL-AS triggered more negative emotions. Furthermore, employees' workplace emotions mediate the effect of EL-AS's congruence/incongruence on employees' JP.Practical implications Leaders should notice the paradoxical effects of EL and AS and adopt ambidextrous thinking to enhance subordinates' PE.Originality/value This study enriches the literature on paradoxical leadership by exploring the complex consequences that may result from the incongruent practice of two leadership behaviors that are often considered paradoxical in nature. Furthermore, it shifts from the previous leader-centered perspective to a subordinate-centered perspective, complementing the theoretical perspectives of EL and AS research. And it deepens the understanding of the relationship between paradoxical leadership and employees' work outcomes by exploring the intrinsic affective mechanism.
An evaluation of behaviour monitoring charts for behaviours that challenge in an older adult inpatients dementia service
Authors: King Nicole , Asquith Ian 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the quality of information recorded in Behaviour Monitoring Charts (BMC) for Behaviours that Challenge (BtC) in dementia in an older adult inpatient dementia service in the North of England (Aim I) and to understand staff perceptions and experiences of completing BMC for BtC in dementia (Aim II).

Design/methodology/approach
Descriptive statistics and graphs were used to analyse and interpret quantitative data gathered from BMC (Aim I) and Likert-scale survey responses (Aim II). Thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006) was used to analyse and interpret qualitative data collected from responses to open-ended survey questions and, separately, focus group discussions (Aim II).

Findings
Analysis of the BMCs revealed that some of the data recorded relating to antecedents, behaviours and consequences lacked richness and used vague language (i.e. gave reassurance), which limited its clinical utility. Overall, participants and respondents found BMC to be problematic. For them, completing BMCs were not viewed as worthwhile, the processes that followed their completion were unclear, and they left staff feeling disempowered in the systemic hierarchy of an inpatient setting.

Originality/value
Functional analysis of BMC helps identify and inform appropriately tailored interventions for BtC in dementia. Understanding how BMCs are used and how staff perceive BMC provides a unique opportunity to improve them. Improving BMC will support better functional analysis of BtC, thus allowing for more tailored interventions to meet the needs of people with dementia.
Alternative direct‐to‐amplification cell lysis techniques for forensically relevant non‐sperm cells
Authors: Arya Rhea , Hudson Brittany C. , Green Tracey Dawson 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWhile efforts have been made to reduce the pervasive backlog of sexual assault evidence collection kits, the actual laboratory process remains very time‐consuming due to the requirement of a differential lysis step before DNA purification, as well as intricate mixture analysis towards the end of the DNA workflow. Recently, an alternative, direct‐to‐amplification sperm lysis method (using 1 M NaOH) was identified. However, a direct cell lysis method for non‐sperm cells has not been identified yet. Thus, the primary objective of this work was to find an alternative method that is quick, inexpensive, and does not require multiple purification steps for the lysis of non‐sperm cells in sexual assault samples. In this study, vaginal swab samples were lysed with the control method, prepGEM™, as well as six alternative reagents: alkaline buffer with 25–200 mM NaOH, high‐salt stain extraction buffer, modified radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) buffer, mammalian protein extraction reagent (M‐PER™), digitonin buffer, and urea/thiourea buffer. Quantification using Quantifiler® Trio of vaginal and semen lysates revealed that the alkaline (25 mM NaOH) and M‐PER™ methods were efficient for the lysis of vaginal epithelial cells without substantial sperm cell lysis. Following quantification, analysis of STR profiles from vaginal lysates revealed that the M‐PER™ method showed promising results across all metrics examined, including the percentage of detected STR alleles, mean peak heights, peak height ratio, and interlocus balance. Thus, this method was recommended as an alternative to the traditional differential lysis method for non‐sperm cells given its ability to produce amplification‐ready lysates without any DNA purification step.
Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma treated with PD‐1 inhibitor: Two case reports
Authors: Jiang Tao , Wang Hao , Xue Fei , Wu Xuanpeng , Ni Ming , Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Nanzheng , Zhang Yong , Zhang Guangjian , Fu Junke , Liu Xi , Wu Qifei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPulmonary polymorphic carcinoma (PPC) is a rare and poorly differentiated form of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for just approximately 0.1% to 0.4% of all NSCLC cases. Historically, the conventional treatments for PPC have been linked to a grim prognosis. However, with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including PD‐1 inhibitors, for the management of NSCLC, our center has witnessed encouraging outcomes in two PPC patients who underwent PD‐1 inhibitor therapy. The first patient was a 70‐year‐old male who initially came to our attention after the discovery of a lung mass during a routine physical examination. A lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PPC, and further complications included brain metastasis. Surgical intervention was conducted for the brain metastases, while PD‐1 inhibitor therapy was employed for the lung tumors. The second patient was a 60‐year‐old male who was admitted with a history of persistent coughing and hemoptysis, which led to the diagnosis of a left lung tumor. Subsequent postoperative pathology revealed pulmonary adenocarcinoma coexisting with PPC. However, 2 months later, distant metastases were detected during a follow‐up examination. The patient encountered difficulty in tolerating the adverse effects of chemotherapy, prompting the initiation of PD‐1 inhibitor treatment. Notably, both patients underwent one cycle of PD‐1 inhibitor therapy without encountering significant adverse reactions, and their responses proved to be promising during re‐examinations. These findings suggest that surgery combined with immunotherapy PD‐1 inhibitor therapy may represent an effective approach for the treatment of PPC.
RALY participates in nerve trauma‐induced nociceptive hypersensitivity through triggering Eif4g2 gene expression in primary sensory neurons
Authors: Huang Lina , Sharma Dilip , Feng Xiaozhou , Pan Zhiqiang , Wu Shaogen , Munoz Daisy , Bekker Alex , Hu Huijuan , Tao Yuan‐Xiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposePeripheral nerve trauma‐induced dysregulation of pain‐associated genes in the primary sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to neuropathic pain genesis. RNA‐binding proteins participate in gene transcription. We hypothesized that RALY, an RNA‐binding protein, participated in nerve trauma‐induced dysregulation of DRG pain‐associated genes and nociceptive hypersensitivity.Methods and ResultsImmunohistochemistry staining showed that RALY was expressed exclusively in the nuclei of DRG neurons. Peripheral nerve trauma caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of unilateral sciatic nerve produced time‐dependent increases in the levels of Raly mRNA and RALY protein in injured DRG. Blocking this increase through DRG microinjection of adeno‐associated virus 5 (AAV5)‐expressing Raly shRNA reduced the CCI‐induced elevation in the amount of eukaryotic initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (Eif4g2) mRNA and Eif4g2 protein in injured DRG and mitigated the development and maintenance of CCI‐induced nociceptive hypersensitivity, without altering basal (acute) response to noxious stimuli and locomotor activity. Mimicking DRG increased RALY through DRG microinjection of AAV5 expressing Raly mRNA up‐regulated the expression of Eif4g2 mRNA and Eif4g2 protein in the DRG and led to hypersensitive responses to noxious stimuli in the absence of nerve trauma. Mechanistically, CCI promoted the binding of RALY to the promoter of Eif4g2 gene and triggered its transcriptional activity.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur findings indicate that RALY participates in nerve trauma‐induced nociceptive hypersensitivity likely through transcriptionally triggering Eif4g2 expression in the DRG. RALY may be a potential target in neuropathic pain management.
Head‐to‐head comparison of three chelates reveals DOTAGA promising for 225Ac labeling of anti‐FZD10 antibody OTSA101
Authors: Sudo Hitomi , Tsuji Atsushi B. , Sugyo Aya , Harada Yosuke , Nagayama Satoshi , Katagiri Toyomasa , Nakamura Yusuke , Higashi Tatsuya 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTo select the most suitable chelate for 225Ac radiolabeling of the anti‐FZD10 antibody OTSA101, we directly compared three chelates: S‐2‐(4‐isothiocyanatobenzyl)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid (p‐SCN‐Bn‐DOTA), 2,2′,2″‐(10‐(1‐carboxy‐4‐((4‐isothiocyanatobenzyl)amino)‐4‐oxobutyl)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7‐triyl) triacetic acid (p‐SCN‐Bn‐DOTAGA), and 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid mono‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester (DO3A‐NHS‐ester). We evaluated the binding affinity of the chelate‐conjugated OTSA101 antibodies, as well as the labeling efficiency and stability in murine serum of 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 as in vitro properties. The biodistribution, intratumoral distribution, absorbed doses, and therapeutic effects of the chelate‐conjugated OTSA101 antibodies were assessed in the synovial sarcoma mouse model SYO‐1. Of the three conjugates, DOTAGA conjugation had the smallest impact on the binding affinity (p < 0.01). The labeling efficiencies of DOTAGA‐OTSA101 and DO3A‐OTSA101 were 1.8‐fold higher than that of DOTA‐OTSA101 (p < 0.01). The stabilities were similar between 225Ac‐labeled DOTA‐OTSA101, DOTAGA‐OTSA101, and DO3A‐OTSA101in serum at 37 and 4°C. The dosimetric analysis based on the biodistribution revealed significantly higher tumor‐absorbed doses by 225Ac‐labeled DOTA‐OTSA101 and DOTAGA‐OTSA101 compared with 225Ac‐DO3A‐OTSA101 (p < 0.05). 225Ac‐DOTAGA‐OTSA101 exhibited the highest tumor‐to‐bone marrow ratio, with bone marrow being the dose‐limiting tissue. The therapeutic and adverse effects were not significantly different between the three conjugates. Our findings indicate that among the three evaluated chelates, DOTAGA appears to be the most promising chelate to produce 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 with high binding affinity and high radiochemical yields while providing high absorbed doses to tumors and limited absorbed doses to bone marrow.
‘I never win’: How children and staff in residential facilities experience meaningful participation
Authors: Slaatto Ane , Baugerud Gunn Astrid , Mellblom Anneli V. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPolicymakers increasingly emphasize the importance of achieving meaningful participation of children living in residential care. To achieve the goal of participation, children must be adequately informed, have opportunities to express themselves freely and to be heard, and be given the opportunity to influence decisions about their lives. This study investigated the views and experiences of both children and staff with respect to children's participation in residential facilities in Norway. We conducted both focus‐group and individual interviews with 6 children and 18 staff members at different facilities. Qualitative interview data were analysed using the dimensions of meaningful participation: informing, hearing and involving. The study offers three main findings. First, children's initiatives determine if staff inform them of their rights, with two exceptions: children are presented with information by staff when they arrive at a facility and/or after staff use coercion that requires protocols. Second, staff members expressed the importance of listening to children's opinions in a standardized way, following bureaucratic guidelines and structures. Third, several children stated that, no matter what they say, they cannot change the minds of staff members. These findings reveal that the dimensions of meaningful participation (informing, hearing and involving) are not all fully present at these facilities. Further research is needed to determine how to achieve in practice the policy goal of participation of children in residential care.
1073. Euonymus chibae Makino
Authors: Mochizuki Ko , Takegami Minako , Yamanaka Masumi 
Published: October 2023

SummaryThe widely‐distributed genus Euonymus, the spindle‐tree, includes over 140 accepted species, many of which are well known in cultivation. Here we describe and illustrate one of the tallest species, Euonymus chibae Makino. The discovery, pollination biology, and conservation of this species is discussed, and a lectotype is proposed in addition to the detailed description.