bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bisphosphonates attenuate age‐related muscle decline inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Slade Luke , Bollen Shelby E. , Bass Joseph J. , Phillips Bethan E. , Smith Kenneth , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Atherton Philip J. , Etheridge Timothy 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAge‐related muscle decline (sarcopenia) associates with numerous health risk factors and poor quality of life. Drugs that counter sarcopenia without harmful side effects are lacking, and repurposing existing pharmaceuticals could expedite realistic clinical options. Recent studies suggest bisphosphonates promote muscle health; however, the efficacy of bisphosphonates as an anti‐sarcopenic therapy is currently unclear.MethodsUsingCaenorhabditis elegansas a sarcopenia model, we treated animals with 100 nM, 1, 10, 100 and 500 μM zoledronic acid (ZA) and assessed lifespan and healthspan (movement rates) using a microfluidic chip device. The effects of ZA on sarcopenia were examined using GFP‐tagged myofibres or mitochondria at days 0, 4 and 6 post‐adulthood. Mechanisms of ZA‐mediated healthspan extension were determined using combined ZA and targeted RNAi gene knockdown across the life‐course.ResultsWe found 100 nM and 1 μM ZA increased lifespan (P < 0.001) and healthspan [954 ± 53 (100 nM) and 963 ± 48 (1 μM) vs. 834 ± 59% (untreated) population activity AUC,P < 0.05]. 10 μM ZA shortened lifespan (P < 0.0001) but not healthspan (758.9 ± 37 vs. 834 ± 59,P > 0.05), whereas 100 and 500 μM ZA were larval lethal. ZA (1 μM) significantly improved myofibrillar structure on days 4 and 6 post‐adulthood (83 and 71% well‐organized myofibres, respectively, vs. 56 and 34% controls,P < 0.0001) and increased well‐networked mitochondria at day 6 (47 vs. 16% in controls,P < 0.01). Genes required for ZA‐mediated healthspan extension includedfdps‐1/FDPS‐1 (278 ± 9 vs. 894 ± 17% population activity AUC in knockdown + 1 μM ZA vs. untreated controls, respectively,P < 0.0001),daf‐16/FOXO (680 ± 16 vs. 894 ± 17%,P < 0.01) andagxt‐2/BAIBA (531 ± 23 vs. 552 ± 8%,P > 0.05). Life/healthspan was extended through knockdown ofigdb‐1/FNDC5 (635 ± 10 vs. 523 ± 10% population activity AUC in gene knockdown vs. untreated controls,P < 0.01) andsir‐2.3/SIRT‐4 (586 ± 10 vs. 523 ± 10%,P < 0.05), with no synergistic improvements in ZA co‐treatment vs. knockdown alone [651 ± 12 vs. 635 ± 10% (igdb‐1/FNDC5) and 583 ± 9 vs. 586 ± 10% (sir‐2.3/SIRT‐4), bothP > 0.05]. Conversely,let‐756/FGF21 andsir‐2.2/SIRT‐4 were dispensable for ZA‐induced healthspan [630 ± 6 vs. 523 ± 10% population activity AUC in knockdown + 1 μM ZA vs. untreated controls,P < 0.01 (let‐756/FGF21) and 568 ± 9 vs. 523 ± 10%,P < 0.05 (sir‐2.2/SIRT‐4)].ConclusionsDespite lacking an endoskeleton, ZA delaysCaenorhabditis eleganssarcopenia, which translates to improved neuromuscular function across the life course. Bisphosphonates might, therefore, be an immediately exploitable anti‐sarcopenia therapy.
Effect of whitening concepts on surface roughness and optical characteristics of resin‐based composites: An AFM study
Authors: Erturk‐Avunduk Ayse Tugba , Delikan Ebru , Cengiz‐Yanardag Esra , Karakaya Izgen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various whitening agents on the surface roughness and optical characteristics of different types of resin composite restorations. Fifty specimens were prepared for each resin [G‐ænial Posterior (GP), SonicFill‐2 (SF), Solidex (SDX), and Nova Compo HF (NC)]. Following baseline color and surface roughness (Ra) measurements, the specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10/group) according to whitening concepts: control (distilled water), in‐office bleaching [OB‐(Opalescence Boost)], at‐home bleaching [HB‐(Opalescence PF)], whitening toothpaste [WT‐(Signal White Now)], and whitening mouthwash [WM‐(Listerine Advanced White)]. ∆E00, ∆TP00, and ∆WID values were calculated before and after the whitening procedure with a spectrophotometer using the CIEDE2000 formula. Surface roughness measurements were repeated. The surface topography was determined using atomic force microscopy. Two‐ and three‐way analyses of variance and Tukey's post‐hoc test were performed, with p < 0.05 regarded as indicative of significance. No significant differences were detected among the resin composite materials in terms of the ΔE00 values (p > 0.05). Color change of all resin materials was above the AT threshold (>1.8) and the PT threshold (>0.8). All restorative materials presented acceptable (AT<2.62) TP00 values. Solidex specimens demonstrated the lowest WID values compared to the other composites. There were significant differences among the whitening procedures with respect to ΔE00, ΔTP00, and WID values (p < 0.001). SF/WT combination showed the highest and clinically unacceptable ΔE00 values. The highest roughness values were observed in the SDX specimens and the combination of SDX/OB. The effect of whitening agents on the optical characteristics and surface roughness of restorative materials depends on the type of material, agent, and time.Research Highlights
Clinicians should be aware that long‐term use of over‐the‐counter products due to the abrasive effects of their ingredients and repeated bleaching session applications may affect the color stability and surface roughness of resin composites.
Engineering extracellular vesicles to deliver CRISPR ribonucleoprotein for gene editing
Authors: Whitley Joseph Andrew , Cai Houjian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractClustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a gene editing tool with tremendous therapeutic potential. Recently, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex‐based CRISPR systems have gained momentum due to their reduction of off‐target editing. This has coincided with the emergence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a therapeutic delivery vehicle due to its low immunogenicity and high capacity for manipulation. EVs are cell‐derived membranous nanoparticles which mediate the intercellular transfer of molecular components. Current technologies achieve CRISPR RNP encapsulation into EVs through EVs biogenesis, thereby avoiding unnecessary physical, chemical or biological manipulations to the vesicles directly. Herein, we identify sixteen EVs‐based CRISPR RNP encapsulation strategies, each with distinct genetic features to encapsulate CRISPR RNP. According to the molecular mechanism facilitating the encapsulation process, there are six strategies of encapsulating Cas9 RNP into virus‐like particles based on genetic fusion, seven into EVs based on protein tethering, and three based on sgRNA‐coupled encapsulation. Additionally, the incorporation of a targeting moiety to the EVs membrane surface through EVs biogenesis confers tropism and increases delivery efficiency to specific cell types. The targeting moieties include viral envelope proteins, recombinant proteins containing a ligand peptide, single‐chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies, and integrins. However, current strategies still have a number of limitations which prevent their use in clinical trials. Among those, the incorporation of viral proteins for encapsulation of Cas9 RNP have raised issues of biocompatibility due to host immune response. Future studies should focus on genetically engineering the EVs without viral proteins, enhancing EVs delivery specificity, and promoting EVs‐based homology directed repair. Nevertheless, the integration of CRISPR RNP encapsulation and tropism technologies will provide strategies for the EVs‐based delivery of CRISPR RNP in gene therapy and disease treatment.
Embryonic and juvenile snakes (Natrix maura, Linnaeus 1758) compensate for high elevation hypoxia via shifts in cardiovascular physiology and metabolism
Authors: Souchet Jérémie , Josserand Alicia , Darnet Elodie , Le Chevalier Hugo , Trochet Audrey , Bertrand Romain , Calvez Olivier , Martinez‐Silvestre Albert , Guillaume Olivier , Mossoll‐Torres Marc , Pottier Gilles , Philippe Hervé , Aubret Fabien , Gangloff Eric J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe colonization of novel environments requires a favorable response to conditions never, or rarely, encountered in recent evolutionary history. For example, populations colonizing upslope habitats must cope with lower atmospheric pressure at elevation, and thus reduced oxygen availability. The embryo stage in oviparous organisms is particularly susceptible, given its lack of mobility and limited gas exchange via diffusion through the eggshell and membranes. Especially little is known about responses of Lepidosaurian reptiles to reduced oxygen availability. To test the role of physiological plasticity during early development in response to high elevation hypoxia, we performed a transplant experiment with the viperine snake (Natrix maura, Linnaeus 1758). We maintained gravid females originating from low elevation populations (432 m above sea level [ASL]—normoxia) at both the elevation of origin and high elevation (2877 m ASL—extreme high elevation hypoxia; approximately 72% oxygen availability relative to sea level), then incubated egg clutches at both low and high elevation. Regardless of maternal exposure to hypoxia during gestation, embryos incubated at extreme high elevation exhibited altered developmental trajectories of cardiovascular function and metabolism across the incubation period, including a reduction in late‐development egg mass. This physiological response may have contributed to the maintenance of similar incubation duration, hatching success, and hatchling body size compared to embryos incubated at low elevation. Nevertheless, after being maintained in hypoxia, juveniles exhibit reduced carbon dioxide production relative to oxygen consumption, suggesting altered energy pathways compared to juveniles maintained in normoxia. These findings highlight the role of physiological plasticity in maintaining rates of survival and fitness‐relevant phenotypes in novel environments.
Pregnant people's views and knowledge on prenatal screening for fetal trisomy in the absence of a national screening program
Authors: Kelly Kristin , Leitao Sara , Meaney Sarah , O'Donoghue Keelin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMultiple non‐invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) are available to screen for risk of fetal trisomy, however, there is no national prenatal screening program in Republic of Ireland. This study aimed to analyze pregnant people's opinions on availability, cost, and knowledge of NIPT for fetal aneuploidy. An anonymous questionnaire on prenatal screening tests and termination of pregnancy was distributed to patients attending antenatal clinics at a tertiary hospital. Descriptive analyses and chi‐squared tests were completed. Among respondents, 62% (200/321) understood the scope of prenatal screening tests, with 77% (251/326) and 76% (245/323) correctly interpreting low‐ and high‐risk test results, respectively. Only 26% (83/319) of participants had heard of NIPT. Chi‐square tests showed a higher proportion of these people were ≥40 years old (p‐value, <0.001), had post‐graduate education (p‐value, <0.001), or attended private clinics (p‐value <0.001). Over 91% (303/331) of participants said every pregnant person should be offered prenatal screening tests for aneuploidy and 88% (263/299) believed these should be free. While pregnant Irish individuals have reasonable understanding of screening test interpretation, most were unaware of screening options. Additionally, participants' views on availability and associated cost of tests show the need for a national prenatal screening program, including education on fetal aneuploidy. These findings have relevance for countries without screening policies and are pertinent for broader maternity services.
Performance of regional climate model RegCM4 with a hydrostatic or non‐hydrostatic dynamic core at simulating precipitation extremes in China
Authors: Qin Peihua , Xie Zhenghui , Jia Binghao , Di Zhenhua , Wang Longhuan , Li Ruichao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the performance of RegCM4 with a hydrostatic or non‐hydrostatic dynamic core and different land surface models at simulating the mean and extreme precipitation during 1991–1999 in China and the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration (JJJ) in northern China. The resolutions were 12 km with the whole of China included and 3 km nested over the JJJ region. The observed daily precipitation data comprised the CN05.1 data set from China Meteorological Administration. First, RegCM4 with a hydrostatic dynamic core forced by the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI‐ESM1.2‐HR) that participated in CMIP6 was used to simulate the east Asia area at a resolution of 12 km. Next, the RegCM4 results with 12 km resolution forced RegCM4 with a non‐hydrostatic dynamic core (RegCM4‐NH) to run over the JJJ region with a 3 km convection‐permitting scale through one‐way nesting. The results showed that RegCM4 with a hydrostatic and non‐hydrostatic core could obtain more detailed seasonal and annual precipitation in China and the JJJ region relative to MPI‐ESM1.2‐HR although their performance varied over different regions. RegCM4 with the community land surface model 4.5 (CLM4.5) generally performed better at simulating the mean and extreme precipitation over the four subregions of China than that with the Biosphere–Atmosphere Transfer Scheme because of more detailed descriptions of land surface processes of CLM4.5. RegCM4‐NH with convection‐permitting resolution improved the simulations of heavy precipitation extremes over JJJ compared with RegCM4 with a hydrostatic core and resolution of 12 km. In addition, RegCM4‐NH with CLM4.5 performed better at simulating heavy precipitation extremes over JJJ compared with all other simulations, with higher correlation coefficients and larger relative root mean squared errors.
Study of binary mixtures of Tribulus terrestris extract and Quillaja bark saponin as oil‐in‐water nanoemulsion emulsifiers
Authors: Schreiner Tatiana B. , Santamaria‐Echart Arantzazu , Peres António M. , Dias Madalena M. , Pinho Simão P. , Barreiro Maria Filomena 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSeveral industrial fields use emulsifiers in their products, with the ones of natural origin gaining increasing relevance. Identifying and using diversified sources for their extraction is a pertinent topic regarding sustainability principles, biodiversity preservation, or cost rationalization. This is the case of Quillaja bark saponin (QS), for which saponin‐rich extracts, for example, Tribulus terrestris (TT), are being highlighted as viable alternatives, even though constraints like performance are still on the table. In this context, an experimental design using binary emulsifier mixtures of TT with pure QS was carried out by changing their composition (50–90%wt. TT), content (1.5–4.5%wt.), and high‐pressure homogenization conditions (5–15 cycles). The emulsions were characterized by zeta potential, morphology, droplet size, and stability (expressed as the number of days without creaming formation). Moreover, the cream index for 30 days was determined to indicate the destabilization extent. The zeta potential showed stable emulsions (values below −41 mV); even still, creaming formed for samples using a low emulsifier and high TT contents. The emulsions' mean droplet diameter (D [3, 2]) was between 78 and 921 nm, with smaller sizes agreeing with higher stability. The statistical analysis indicated an optimum composition range comprising an emulsifier content between 3.9 and 4.5%wt. and TT content between 50 and 56%wt. to reach stable products. Overall, TT can provide an effective solution when combined with QS, decreasing the dependence on Quillaja bark.
Examining the carbon emission impact of livelihood transitions in pro‐poor tourism
Authors: Yin Jiaojiao , Xiong Lina , Cavaliere Christina T. , Qiao Huafang , Jia Yaoyan , Xie Shuangyu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study examines carbon dioxide (CO2) emission changes from livelihood transitions during tourism development to assess the environmental impact of pro‐poor tourism (PPT) in China. The results indicate that livelihood transitions during PPT increased household income but also produced more CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions vary depending on factors including livelihood types after transition, income and household sizes, etc. The CO2 per unit of income from tourism‐based livelihoods is higher than from non‐tourism‐based livelihoods. Different livelihood strategies post transition also affect emissions. Practical suggestions that may mitigate emissions while not compromising residents’ income levels are provided.
Thermal degradation of virgin and waste plastics: Estimation of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters using model‐free iso‐conversional methods
Authors: Singh Rohit Kumar , Gupta Prithviraj , Ruj Biswajit , Sadhukhan Anup Kumar , Gupta Parthapratim 
Published: September 2023

AbstractKinetic triplets—apparent activation energy (Ea), pre‐exponential factor (A), and the reaction model—were estimated for the thermal degradation of three primary virgin and waste plastics, as well as mixed plastics waste. Model‐free iso‐conversional FWO, KAS, Starink, Kissinger and Vyzovkin and Friedman methods were employed for the kinetic analysis. The apparent activation energy was determined by the integral methods as 206.5‐209.1 kJ mol−1 and 195.6‐198.8 kJ mol−1 for the virgin and waste high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), 211.6‐214.1 kJ mol−1 and 183.1‐186.6 kJ mol−1 for the virgin and waste polypropylene (PP), 144.0‐163.1 kJ mol−1 and 159.7‐167.1 kJ mol−1 for the virgin and waste polystyrene (PS), and 173.6‐178.9 kJ mol−1 for the mixed plastics waste respectively. Ea was found to follow the trend HDPE > PP > PS with higher values for HDPE and PP virgin samples than that for their waste and marginally smaller for the virgin PS than its waste. Degradation of all plastic samples followed Avrami‐Erofeev equation with n varying between 1.0 and 1.8. The effect of conversion on Ea suggested the degradation of both virgin and waste HDPE to consist of multiple parallel reactions while that of others to be more complex. FTIR analysis of the evolved gases was used to explain the possible reaction mechanism. A small difference between the enthalpy change and the apparent activation energy (6‐7 kJ mol−1) for all plastic samples indicated favourable pyrolysis reactions. The estimated kinetic parameters and thermodynamic properties showed the stability of different plastics as HDPE > PP > PS.
Identification of stable chickpeas under dryland conditions by mixed models
Authors: Karimizadeh Rahmatollah , Pezeshkpour Payam , Mirzaee Amir , Barzali Mohammad , Sharifi Peyman , Khoshkhoy Nilash Ehsan Allah , Roshanravan Soheil , Safari Motlagh Mohammad Reza 
Published: September 2023

AbstractChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legume crops, mainly grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Evaluation of yield performance in crops under multienvironments is applied to verify the stability of cultivars. The aim of this study is to apply the analytical and experimental models to identify the high‐yielding and stable genotypes of chickpea under dryland conditions. Sixteen chickpea lines and two control cultivars were cultivated in randomized complete block design with three replications in four regions at three cropping seasons (2016–2019). Third type of biplot showed that G4, G15, G10, G9, and G18 were highly productive and widely stable. A selection index based on different weights of seed yield and WAASB stability indicated genotypes G7, G9, G15, G4, G16, G18, G12, and G5 were high yielding and stable. Data mining showed that high rainfall in winter can lead to high yield. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis indicated that rainfall in autumn and spring and low temperature in all of the three seasons involved in genotype by environment interaction (GEI). Factorial regression (FR) also indicated that temperature during spring and winter plays an important role in GEI. In conclusion, based on all experimental approaches, G15, G16, and G5 were stable and high‐yielding genotypes. The PLSR biplot indicated G15 was the genotype that less affected by high temperature in three seasons and lack of rainfall in spring and autumn, it can be used in cultivar introduction processes for dryland cultivation.
Integrative analysis of TROAP with molecular features, carcinogenesis, and related immune and pharmacogenomic characteristics in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Tu Chao , Liu Binfeng , Li Chenbei , Feng Chengyao , Wang Hua , Zhang Haixia , He Shasha , Li Zhihong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSoft tissue sarcoma (STS) is an uncommon malignancy that often carries a grim prognosis. Trophinin‐associated protein (TROAP) is augmented in a variety of tumors and can affect tumor proliferation. Nevertheless, the prognostic value and specific functions of TROAP in STS are still vague. Herein, we display that TROAP exhibits an augmented trend in STS, and its elevation correlates with a poor prognosis of STS. Furthermore, its reduction is related to increased immune cell infiltration, enhanced stroma, and elevation of immune activation. Meanwhile, the TROAP‐derived genomic signature is validated to predict patient prognosis, immunotherapy, and drug response reliably. A nomogram constructed based on age, metastatic status, and a TROAP‐derived risk score of an STS individual could be used to quantify the survival probability of STS. In addition, in vitro experiments have demonstrated that TROAP is overexpressed in STS, and the downregulation of TROAP could affect the proliferation, migration, metastasis, and cell cycle of STS cells. In summary, the TROAP expression is elevated in STS tissues and cells, which is related to the poor prognosis and malignant biological behaviors of STS. It could act as a potential prognostic biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of STS.
Identification of combinatorial miRNA panels derived from extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yaojie , Li Xiaoya , Wei Xiaojian , Li Lei , Bai Hanyu , Yan Xi , Zhang Hongtao , Zhao Libo , Zhou Wei , Zhao Lianmei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are relatively stable in blood, emerging as one of the most promising biomarkers in tumor liquid biopsy. Both total and extracellular vesicles (EVs) encapsulated miRNA have been studied for prognostic potential in a variety of cancers. Here, we systematically compared and verified the total and vesicle‐derived miRNA expression profiles from plasma samples in healthy controls and patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In the present study, four miRNA species miR‐636, miR‐7641, miR‐28‐3p, and miR‐1246 that were differentially expressed in ESCC patients were chosen for further study. We first elucidated their essential function in ESCC progression and further explored their preliminary mechanism by identifying target proteins and involving signal pathways. Subsequently, the prognostic miRNA panels including miR‐636, miR‐7641, miR‐1246, and miR‐28‐3p for ESCC diagnosis were constructed and validated using different cohort. Our results showed that the panel including the above four miRNAs derived from plasma EVs was most effective in distinguishing tumor patients from normal subjects, while integrated plasma EVs‐derived miR‐1246, miR‐28‐3p and total plasma miRNAs miR‐636, miR‐7641 showed the best capability in predicting lymph node metastasis. In summary, our studies revealed that plasma EVs‐derived miRNAs could be emerged as promising biomarkers for ESCC diagnosis.