bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrient and stoichiometry dynamics of decomposing litter in stream ecosystems: A global synthesis
Authors: Robbins Caleb J. , Manning David W. P. , Halvorson Halvor M. , Norman Beth C. , Eckert Rebecca A. , Pastor Ada , Dodd Allyn K. , Jabiol Jérémy , Bastias Elliot , Gossiaux Alice , Mehring Andrew S. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDecomposing organic matter forms a substantial resource base, fueling the biogeochemical function and secondary production of most aquatic ecosystems. However, detrital N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) dynamics remain relatively unexplored in aquatic ecosystems relative to terrestrial ecosystems, despite fundamentally linking microbial processes to ecosystem function across broad spatial scales. We synthesized 217 published time series of detrital carbon (C), N, P, and their stoichiometric ratios (C:N, C:P, N:P) from stream ecosystems to analyze the temporal nutrient dynamics of decomposing litter using generalized additive models. Model results indicated that detritus was a net source of N (irrespective of inorganic or organic form) to the environment, regardless of initial N content. In contrast, P sink/source dynamics were more strongly influenced by the initial P content, in which P‐poor litters were sinks for nutrients until these shifted to net P mineralization after ~40% mass loss. However, large variations surrounded both the N and P predictions, suggesting the importance of nonmicrobial factors such as fragmentation by invertebrates. Detrital C:N ratios converged and became more similar toward the end of the decomposition, suggesting predictable microbial functional effects throughout detrital ontogeny. C:P and N:P ratios also converged to some degree, but these model predictions were less robust than for C:N, due in part to the lower number of published detrital C:P time series. The explorations of environmental covariate effects were frequently limited by a few coincident covariate measurements across studies, but temperature, N availability, and P tended to accelerate the existing ontogenetic patterns in C:N. Our analysis helps to unite organic matter decomposition across aquatic–terrestrial boundaries by describing the basic patterns of elemental flows catalyzed by decomposition in streams, and points to a research agenda with which to continue addressing gaps in our knowledge of detrital nutrient dynamics across ecosystems.
Modeling PCDH19 clustering epilepsy by Neurogenin 2 induction of patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Alaverdian Diana , Corradi Anna Margherita , Sterlini Bruno , Benfenati Fabio , Murru Luca , Passafaro Maria , Brunetti Jlenia , Meloni Ilaria , Mari Francesca , Renieri Alessandra , Frullanti Elisa 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundLoss of function mutations in PCDH19 gene causes an X‐linked, infant‐onset clustering epilepsy, associated with intellectual disability and autistic features. The unique pattern of inheritance includes random X‐chromosome inactivation, which leads to pathological tissue mosaicism. Females carrying PCDH19 mutations are affected, while males have a normal phenotype. No cure is presently available for this disease.MethodsFibroblasts from a female patient carrying frameshift mutation were reprogrammed into human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). To create a cell model of PCDH19‐clustering epilepsy (PCDH19‐CE) where both cell populations co‐exist, we created mosaic neurons by mixing wild‐type (WT) and mutated (mut) hiPSC clones, and differentiated them into mature neurons with overexpression of the transcriptional factor Neurogenin 2.ResultsWe generated functional neurons from patient‐derived iPSC using a rapid and efficient method of differentiation through overexpression of Neurogenin 2. Was revealed an accelerated maturation and higher arborisation in the mutated neurons, while the mosaic neurons showed the highest frequency of action potential firing and hyperexcitability features, compared to mutated and WT neurons.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that PCDH19 c.2133delG mutation affects proper metaphases with increased numbers of centrosomes in stem cells and accelerates neuronal maturation in premature cells. PCDH19 mosaic neurons showed elevated excitability, representing the situation in PCDH19‐CE brain. We suggest Ngn2 hiPSC‐derived PCDH19 neurons as an informative experimental tool for understanding the pathogenesis of PCDH19‐CE and a suitable approach for use in targeted drug screening strategies.
RARS1‐related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Wan Lin , Yu Dan , Li Zhichao , Liu Xinting , Liang Yan , Yan Huimin , Zhu Gang , Zhang Bo , Yang Guang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveBiallelic variants of RARS1, a gene that encodes the cytoplasmic tRNA synthetase for arginine (ArgRS), are associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, such as hypomyelinating leukodystrophy‐9 and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). This study aimed to better understand the RARS1 biallelic mutations and the associated phenotypes, particularly in patients with DEE.MethodsWe identified two patients with RARS1 biallelic mutations and functionally validated these mutations in vitro. Furthermore, we performed a review of the literature.ResultsTwo patients with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy were found to have RARS1 biallelic variants (Patient 1: c.1535G>A (p.Arg512Gln) and c.1382G>A (p.Arg461His); Patient 2: homozygous variants c.5A>T (p.Asp2Val)). Patient 2 had a severe clinical manifestation of DEE. A review of the literature identified 27 patients from five studies. Among the 29 patients, intellectual disability, developmental delay, and hypomyelination were the common symptoms, while 13 of them exhibited DEE and malformations of cortical development. Of the 25 variants identified, c.5A>G (p.Asp2Gly) was identified in 10 patients. ArgRS protein expression and stability were substantially reduced in the two newly identified patients.SignificancePatients with RARS1 biallelic mutations frequently exhibit DEE, a severe phenotype, along with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Besides its effects on the white matter, this mutation also influences cortical development. Moreover, the variants c.5A>T (p.Asp2Val), c.1382G>A (p.Arg461His), and c.1535G>A (p.Arg512Gln) are pathogenic and affect the expression of ArgRS by reducing the protein stability.
Resources for plant‐based food: Estimating resource use to meet the requirements of urban and peri‐urban diets
Authors: Righini Isabella , Stanghellini Cecilia , Hemming Silke , Graamans Luuk , Marcelis Leo F.M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe rapid urban growth seen globally in recent years has not been supported by a simultaneous increase in agricultural land and/or crop productivity. Producing crops in (peri‐)urban areas shows good potential to provide the vegetable products for a healthy and balanced diet for the growing population, but it has to deal with the local availability of resources. Thus, meeting the food requirements of the urban population as efficiently and robustly as possible is a challenge. This study developed a methodology to estimate the use of resources of urban farming systems to produce energy‐ and nutrient‐dense vegetables capable of meeting human dietary needs. The method was applied to two extremely different cultivation systems (an open field farm and a plant factory with artificial lighting) for the production of seven crops. The results on the resource efficiencies to meet the annual per‐capita vegetable requirements are discussed in relation to crop type, local climate and cultivation system. The application of this methodology can support farmers' decisions on the choice of crops and the type of urban farming systems that are most efficient in contributing to a plant‐based diet. The results can also be translated into water, energy, and surface area needed to meet the nutritional requirements at a city‐regional level.
A magnetic nanocomposite combined with cinnamic acid for capture–inhibition–separation of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Song Zihan , Zhang Yanli , Ti Yongrui , Qiao Huitian , Niu Chen , Ban Yuqian , Wang Xiaoxiao , Hou Yuqing , Lu Ruiwen , Song Zihan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo prevent the generation of drug‐resistant fungi from long‐term exposure to microorganisms, cinnamic acid (CA), a natural effective antifungal agent, was successfully coupled with poly‐dopamine magnetic nanoparticles (CA–DMPs). Due to the low solubility of CA, the saturated solution of CA (1.61 mg/mL, 45°C) had no antifungal effect. Contrarily, CA–DMPs showed a good antifungal effect. The resulting heat‐stable and reusable antifungal CA–DMP composite particles were superparamagnetic (49.79 emu g−1) and had an average diameter of 25.01 ± 1.36 nm. The novel composites showed good antifungal activity and excellent recycling performance, the sterilization rate of CA–DMPs remained above 96% after seven consecutive running cycles. CA–DMP composites could damage the fungal cell wall and membrane system, leading to the leakage of cell inclusions. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus treated with composites showed that 466 differentially expressed genes were primarily associated with cell wall membrane, membrane transporters, energy metabolism, genetic expression, and oxidation–reduction. The effect of CA–DMPs in inducing mitochondrial membrane dysfunction might result in the disruption of energy metabolism and REDOX homeostasis. Overall, the results reported herein provide new insight into the potential antifungal nanomaterials. In vitro antifungal experiments performed on cherry tomatoes confirm the application potential of the synthesized material in the field of fruit and vegetable preservation.
Developing mango powders by foam mat drying technology
Authors: Tran Nhi Thi Yen , Le Thanh Thao Thi , Nghia Nguyen Huu , Nhu Dang Be , Huynh Long Bao , Nguyen Tan Xuan Tung , Huynh Phong Xuan , Dao Tan Phat 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUsing mango purée from overripe mangoes to produce powders helped to solve agricultural product stagnation. The research investigates the effect of thickening additives, convection drying, and heat pump drying on bioactive compounds such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), color, and solubility of the final product. The obtained results showed that the mixture (gum arabic and maltodextrin in the ratio 50:50 w/w) at a concentration of 15% gave a good quality powder texture when dried by hot air convection at 55°C with TPC (21.24 ± 1.58 mg GAE/g dry weight [DW]) and TFC (0.34 ± 0.02 mg QE/g DW), respectively. In addition, the product has a high solubility of 64.35%, with the highest pass‐through point of 17.11.
Towards a macroprudential regulatory framework for mutual funds?
Authors: Argyropoulos Christos , Candelon Bertrand , Hasse Jean‐Baptiste , Panopoulou Ekaterini 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper highlights the procyclical and unstable behaviour of mutual funds, characterized by a varying sensitivity on common asset pricing factors. It proposes a novel factor model that allows for regime changes associated with macroeconomic and financial state variables. Estimated on a panel covering 825 US equity mutual funds over a period of 30 years, it appears that the yield curve, the dividend yield, short term interest rates and the industrial production coincide with regimes switches in the Fama–French factors. Furthermore, the estimated regimes coincide with financial crises and economic downturns, thus confirming the procyclical behaviour of mutual funds' returns. These findings, coupled with the emerging systemic role of mutual funds, promote the consideration for a specific macroprudential regulatory framework targeted at the mutual fund industry.
Quantifying the risk of ectopic pregnancy with a transient diagnosis of pregnancy of unknown location
Authors: Thiyagarajan Dhanalakshmi K. , Class Quetzal A. , Stephenson Mary D. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify the risk of ectopic pregnancy among a transient diagnosis of pregnancy of unknown location (PUL).MethodsRetrospective cohort study between August 2016 and November 2020. The final cohort included 244 patients with 255 PULs who presented with vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain, positive serum quantitative β‐human chorionic gonadotropin, and negative transvaginal ultrasound, with a subsequent definitive diagnosis. Two‐way analysis of variance was used with significance set at P < 0.050. Bonferroni‐corrected significance values were used in post hoc analysis. Multinominal logistic regression was used to predict adjusted risk for pregnancy outcome.ResultsDefinitive diagnosis consisted of 101 (39%) intrauterine pregnancies, 33 (13%) ectopic pregnancies, and 121 (48%) resolved PULs or resolved/treated persisting PULs. A total 68% of the PULs subsequently became nonviable. Vaginal bleeding was associated with increased risk of nonuterine pregnancies.ConclusionA total of 13% of PULs were subsequently diagnosed as ectopic pregnancies, which is higher than the 2% to 3% risk of an ectopic pregnancy in the general reproductive population. A total of 68% of PULs were subsequently nonviable, which is higher than the 31% early pregnancy loss rate in the general reproductive population. This study quantitatively confirms that a transient diagnosis of a PUL increases the odds for ectopic pregnancy and early pregnancy loss.
Cone beam computed tomography enhancement using feature‐embedded variational autoencoder with a perceptual loss function
Authors: Joseph Jiffy , Singh Aparajit , P. N. Pournami , P. B. Jayaraj , Puzhakkal Niyas 
Published: April 2023

AbstractImage‐Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is a cancer treatment method. IGRT usually follows a fragmented treatment track. The weight loss of a patient causes the first treatment plan to be flawed. Medical experts can avert retaking Fan Beam Computed Tomography (FBCT) images before each session of the therapy if the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), which is mounted on a Medical Linear Accelerator (LINAC), gives high‐quality images. Rather than improvising the CBCT machine, deep‐learning techniques can be used to enhance the CBCT images. This paper proposes a Feature‐Embedded Variational AutoEncoder (FE‐VAE) for CBCT image enhancement. A feature embedding is incorporated using a MultiResUNet‐based feature extractor to preserve structural information in the input image. A perceptual loss function, which is the product of Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and inverse Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM), is proposed in this work. The model is trained using Head‐and‐Neck (H&N) CBCT‐FBCT pairs of 59 cancer patients. Our proposed architecture successfully generates images much closer to the ground truth FBCT images. The model gives an average peak signal‐to‐noise ratio of 32.89 dB, mean squared error of 297.36, MAE of 32.37 HU, and SSIM of 0.99. The trained model gave the least deviated SSIM and MAE, implying that the model is well‐optimised. The experimentation with different losses proves the prominence of the proposed loss function. The visual quality of the results obtained is also comparable with the ground truth. The results indicate that the model produces enhanced CBCT images. Hence, the proposed FE‐VAE is useful in fractionated radiotherapy to minimise the number of scanning sessions for replanning the dosimetry.
Purinergic signaling and purine base metabolism at the crossroads between immunity, metabolism, and cancer: A review
Authors: Geitgey Delaney K. , Melendez Anja J. , Caldeira‐Botelho Raquel , Kemp Melissa L. , Henry Curtis J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn addition to its universally known role in transferring genetic material, DNA nucleotides and nucleosides are regarded as the most ancient form of extracellular signaling molecules. This unique signaling pathway was first reported by Dr. Albert Szent‐Györgyi in 1937 and established by Dr. Geoffrey Burnstock in 1972, who coined the term “purinergic signaling.” The significance of purinergic signaling is now recognized in various cellular processes, including immune responses. With an increased understanding of how changes in immunity impact cancer progression, the groundbreaking successes of immunotherapies, and emerging challenges facing patients receiving these treatments, in this review we revisit the history of purinergic signaling, provide a comprehensive summary of its impact on immune cells, and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway for cancer treatment.
The role and molecular mechanism of metabolic reprogramming of colorectal cancer by UBR5 through PYK2 regulation of OXPHOS expression study
Authors: Qin Rong , Huang Yun , Yao Ying , Wang Likun , Zhang Zhibo , Huang Weikang , Su Yu , Zhang Yulu , Guan Aoran , Wang Hui 
Published: April 2023

AbstractColorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most malignant tumor in the world, but the key mechanisms of CRC progression have not been confirmed. UBR5 and PYK2 expression levels were detected by RT‐qPCR. The levels of UBR5, PYK2, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes were detected by western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect ROS activity. The CCK‐8 assay was used to assess cell proliferation and viability. The interaction between UBR5 and PYK2 was detected by immunoprecipitation. A clone formation assay was used to determine the cell clone formation rate. The ATP level and lactate production of each group of cells were detected by the kit. EdU staining was performed for cell proliferation.Transwell assay was performed for cell migration ability. For the CRC nude mouse model, we also observed and recorded the volume and mass of tumor‐forming tumors. The expression of UBR5 and PYK2 was elevated in both CRC and human colonic mucosal epithelial cell lines, and knockdown of UBR5 had inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation and cloning and other behaviors in the CRC process by knockdown of UBR5 to downregulate the expression of PYK2, thus inhibiting the OXPHOS process in CRC; rotenone (OXPHOS inhibitor) treatment enhanced all these inhibitory effects. Knockdown of UBR5 can reduce the expression level of PYK2, thus downregulating the OXPHOS process in CRC cell lines and inhibiting the CRC metabolic reprogramming process.
Metal–organic frameworks in diagnostics, therapeutics, and other biomedical applications
Authors: Hung Pei‐Qi , Lin Pei‐Ying , Wang Xin‐Hui , Ho Ja‐an Annie 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging porous coordination polymers constructed by metal ions and organic linkers that have attracted numerous interests in recent years. The large surface area, high porosity, tunable size, and versatile functionality make them promising materials for cargo delivery (i.e., drugs, mRNA, dyes) and sensing (i.e., nucleic acids, small molecules, ions). In addition, the metal ions released from MOFs offer antibacterial and antifungal utility. This review presents a snapshot of current MOF‐related research, highlighting the synthesis approaches, and the various bioapplications of MOFs in terms of biosensing platforms, drug delivery, and antimicrobial agents, exposing potential for future research in the MOF field.
CD14 is not required for carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis with or without lipopolysaccharide challenge
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Wang Jiang , Gandhi Chandrashekhar R. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBinding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to CD14 is required for its cellular effects via TLR4. A role of LPS/TLR4‐mediated signaling in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), the major fibrogenic cells, in liver fibrosis has been reported. We investigated effects of LPS on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced fibrosis in CD14‐knockout (KO) mice in vivo, and culture‐activated HSCs in vitro. CCl4 (biweekly; 4 weeks)‐treated wild type (WT) and CD14‐KO mice were challenged with single LPS administration for 24 h. Liver injury, inflammation and fibrosis were determined. Culture‐activated HSCs from WT or CD14‐KO mice were stimulated with LPS. Parameters of fibrogenic activity (expression of collagen1a1 [Col1a1], α‐smooth muscle actin [αSMA] and TGFβ1) and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were measured. CCl4 treatment caused similar liver injury and fibrosis in WT and CD14‐KO mice. LPS increased liver injury and inflammation similarly in CCl4‐treated WT and CD14‐KO mice, but downregulated Timp1 and upregulated Mmp13. LPS elicited similar NFκB activation and inflammatory response in WT and CD14‐KO aHSCs. LPS similarly downregulated Acta2 (encodes αSMA), Pdgfrb, Col1a1 and Mmp13 expression but did not affect Timp1 expression in WT and CD14‐KO aHSCs. LPS did not alter Tgfb1 but increased expression of decorin (Dcn) (inhibitor of TGFβ1) expression in WT and CD14‐KO aHSCs. The results indicate that the effects of LPS on HSCs are CD14‐independent, and CD14 is not required for hepatic fibrosis. LPS‐induced down‐modulation of fibrogenic markers in aHSCs is also CD14‐independent.
Middle Palaeolithic occupation of the southern North Sea Basin: evidence from the Sandscaping sediments emplaced on the beach between Bacton and Walcott, Norfolk, UK
Authors: Davis Rob , Ashton Nick , Bynoe Rachel , Craven John , Ferguson Rob , Gardner Ian , Grimmer Tim , Harris Claire , Hatch Marcus , Johnson Colin , Leonard Joanne , Lewis Simon , Nicholas Darren , Stevens Matt 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTDuring the summer of 2019, the Bacton to Walcott Coastal Management Scheme involved the emplacement on to the foreshore of 1.8 million cubic metres of sand and gravel dredged from the submerged sediments of the Palaeo‐Yare in the southern North Sea 11 km off Great Yarmouth. During the following 2‐year period, an active group of collectors identified Palaeolithic artefacts eroding from these sediments, including Levallois cores and flakes, and cordiform handaxes. In this paper, we present an analysis of the lithic artefacts, and consider the relationships between the different elements of the assemblage. We discuss its significance in the context of the Middle Palaeolithic record of northwest Europe and the light it shines on the human occupation of the submerged landscape of the southern North Sea during the later Middle Pleistocene. Interrogation of beach survey data shows the reworking of these sediments to the southeast towards Happisburgh where archaeologically significant exposures of the Cromer Forest‐bed Formation are located. The implications of the introduction of a Middle Palaeolithic assemblage to this stretch of the North Norfolk Coast are considered, highlighting the importance of continuing dialogue between researchers, local authorities and local communities for capturing information and monitoring this critical Palaeolithic resource.