bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microsporidia MB in the primary malaria vector Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto is avirulent and undergoes maternal and horizontal transmission
Authors: Nattoh Godfrey , Onyango Brenda , Makhulu Edward Edmond , Omoke Diana , Ang’ang’o Lilian Mbaisi , Kamau Luna , Gesuge Maxwell Machani , Ochomo Eric , Herren Jeremy Keith 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The demonstration that the recently discovered Anopheles symbiont Microsporidia MB blocks malaria transmission in Anophelesarabiensis and undergoes vertical and horizontal transmission suggests that it is a promising candidate for the development of a symbiont-based malaria transmission-blocking strategy. The infection prevalence and characteristics of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.), another primary vector species of malaria in Kenya, were investigated.

Methods
Field-collected females were confirmed to be Microsporidia MB-positive after oviposition. Egg counts of Microsporidia MB-infected and non-infected individuals were used to infer the effects of Microsporidia MB on fecundity. The time to pupation, adult sex ratio and survival were used to determine if Microsporidia MB infection has similar characteristics in the host mosquitoes An. gambiae and An. arabiensis. The intensity of Microsporidia MB infection in tissues of the midgut and gonads, and in carcasses, was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To investigate horizontal transmission, virgin males and females that were either Microsporidia MB-infected or non-infected were placed in standard cages for 48 h and allowed to mate; transmission was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting Microsporidia MB genes.

Results
Microsporidia MB was found to naturally occur at a low prevalence in An. gambiae s.s. collected in western Kenya. Microsporidia MB shortened the development time from larva to pupa, but other fitness parameters such as fecundity, sex ratio, and adult survival did not differ between Microsporidia MB-infected and non-infected hosts. Microsporidia MB intensities were high in the male gonadal tissues. Transmission experiments indicated that Microsporidia MB undergoes both maternal and horizontal transmission in An. gambiae s.s.

Conclusions
The findings that Microsporidia MB naturally infects, undergoes maternal and horizontal transmission, and is avirulent in An. gambiae s.s. indicate that many of the characteristics of its infection in An. arabiensis hold true for the former. The results of the present study indicate that Microsporidia MB could be developed as a tool for the transmission-blocking of malaria across different Anopheles species.

Graphical Abstract
Deep adaptive temporal network (DAT-Net): an effective deep learning model for parameter estimation of radar multipath interference signals
Authors: Yan Kang , Jin Weidong , Huang Yingkun , Song Pucha , Li Zhenhua 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAccurate parameter estimation in radar systems is critically hindered by multipath interference, a challenge that is amplified in complex and dynamic environments. Traditional methods for parameter estimation, which concentrate on single parameters and rely on statistical assumptions, often struggle in such scenarios. To address this, the deep adaptive temporal network (DAT-Net), an innovative deep learning model designed to handle the inherent complexities and non-stationarity of time series data, is proposed. In more detail, DAT-Net integrates both the pruned exact linear time method for effective time series segmentation and the exponential scaling-based importance evaluation algorithm for dynamic learning of importance weights. These methods enable the model to adapt to shifts in data distribution and provide a robust solution for parameter estimation. In addition, DAT-Net demonstrates the capability to comprehend inherent nonlinearities in radar multipath interference signals, thereby facilitating the modeling of intricate patterns within the data. Extensive validation experiments conducted across parameter estimation tasks and demonstrates the robust applicability and efficiency of the proposed DAT-Net model. The architecture yield root mean squared error scores as low as 0.0051 for single-parameter estimation and 0.0152 for multiple-parameter estimation.
Traffic light nutrition labeling preferences among children
Authors: Cabrera Tania , Carpio Carlos E. , Sarasty Oscar , Watson Susan E. , Gonzalez María-Susana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study evaluates the effects of traffic light (TL) nutritional label attributes on children’s food choices. Data were collected from a survey of 1179 Ecuadorian students attending public middle and high school in three major cities in the country’s southern region (Machala, Loja, and Zamora). The survey instrument included two sets of choice experiments: one with yogurt products and the other with soft drinks (sodas and juices). In the choice scenarios, children were presented with two products that differed in price and the TL label colors for sugar, salt, and fat. Children’s product selections in the choice experiments were analyzed using mixed logit models. The results indicate that labels affect food choices. Additionally, children are willing to pay increasing premium levels for products with yellow, green, and “does not contain” labels compared to products with red labels. Overall, the study’s findings offer evidence that TL labels are effective in helping children make food choices consistent with their preferences for food products with TL labels representing healthier alternatives.
A glimpse of the paleome in endolithic microbial communities
Authors: Wegner Carl-Eric , Stahl Raphaela , Velsko Irina , Hübner Alex , Fagernäs Zandra , Warinner Christina , Lehmann Robert , Ritschel Thomas , Totsche Kai U. , Küsel Kirsten 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe terrestrial subsurface is home to a significant proportion of the Earth’s microbial biomass. Our understanding about terrestrial subsurface microbiomes is almost exclusively derived from groundwater and porous sediments mainly by using 16S rRNA gene surveys. To obtain more insights about biomass of consolidated rocks and the metabolic status of endolithic microbiomes, we investigated interbedded limestone and mudstone from the vadose zone, fractured aquifers, and deep aquitards.ResultsBy adapting methods from microbial archaeology and paleogenomics, we could recover sufficient DNA for downstream metagenomic analysis from seven rock specimens independent of porosity, lithology, and depth. Based on the extracted DNA, we estimated between 2.81 and 4.25 × 105cells × g−1rock. Analyzing DNA damage patterns revealed paleome signatures (genetic records of past microbial communities) for three rock specimens, all obtained from the vadose zone. DNA obtained from deep aquitards isolated from surface input was not affected by DNA decay indicating that water saturation and not flow is controlling subsurface microbial survival. Decoding the taxonomy and functional potential of paleome communities revealed increased abundances for sequences affiliated with chemolithoautotrophs and taxa such asCand.Rokubacteria. We also found a broader metabolic potential in terms of aromatic hydrocarbon breakdown, suggesting a preferred utilization of sedimentary organic matter in the past.ConclusionsOur study suggests that limestones function as archives for genetic records of past microbial communities including those sensitive to environmental stress at modern times, due to their specific conditions facilitating long-term DNA preservation.
Resilience and urban form transformation: from San Fulgencio monastery to market in Écija, Spain
Authors: Ostos-Prieto F.-Javier , Aladro-Prieto José-Manuel , Pérez-Cano María-Teresa 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe nineteenth century city in Spain is defined by modernisation, transformation and urban renewal. The production of urban plans played an important role in projects for the realignment of streets and the opening of new roads. In addition, new urban facilities were added, such as the bullring or the food market, which had hitherto been lacking in many cities. In addition, the church confiscations and the decrease of religious orders led to the abandonment and demolition of many monasteries and convents, which were subsequently used in urban developments. If the new urban facilities were located in the city centre, situated on old monastic plots, is it indeed possible to determine the original monastic plot and building through its urban trace? This research focuses on studying the urban morphology and typology transformation derived from the succession of the monastery to a market. The case study is the Jesuit monastery in Écija, which was transformed into a food market in 1844. A methodology based on the analysis and comparison of maps and planimetry of the market and the disappeared monastery has been used. In order to find the original monastic plot, an inverted chronological order has been followed. The inaccuracies of the original plans have led to an initial study of the current market, towards the market project and finally the monastery itself, trying to identify and define the earliest traces. The results include a hypothesis of the original building of the monastery, as well as the identification of monastic areas under residential buildings on plots outside the market.
Inflammasome activation in peritumoral astrocytes is a key player in breast cancer brain metastasis development
Authors: Mészáros Ádám , Molnár Kinga , Fazakas Csilla , Nógrádi Bernát , Lüvi Adél , Dudás Tamás , Tiszlavicz László , Farkas Attila Elek , Krizbai István Adorján , Wilhelm Imola 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInflammasomes, primarily responsible for the activation of IL-1β, have emerged as critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment. By using in vivo and in vitro brain metastasis models, as well as human samples to study the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) brain metastases, we found NLRP3 inflammasome components and IL-1β to be highly and specifically expressed in peritumoral astrocytes. Soluble factors from TNBC cells induced upregulation and activation of NLRP3 and IL-1β in astrocytes, while astrocyte-derived mediators augmented the proliferation of metastatic cells. In addition, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity using MCC950 or dampening the downstream effect of IL-1β prevented the proliferation increase in cancer cells. In vivo, MCC950 reduced IL-1β expression in peritumoral astrocytes, as well as the levels of inflammasome components and active IL-1β. Most importantly, significantly retarded growth of brain metastatic tumors was observed in mice treated with MCC950. Overall, astrocytes contribute to TNBC progression in the brain through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and consequent IL-1β release. We conclude that pharmacological targeting of inflammasomes may become a novel strategy in controlling brain metastatic diseases.
Structural properties and immunomodulatory activity of an α-glucan purified from the fruiting body of Stropharia rugosoannulata
Authors: Zuofa Zhang , Tingting Song , Guoying Lv , Jie Liu , Qunli Jin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA novel polysaccharide PSRa-2 was purified from Stropharia rugosoannulata fruiting bodies using high pressure homogenization-assisted dual enzyme method, ion exchange, and gel chromatography. The PSRa-2 was characterized via FT-IR, HPAEC, SEM, Congo red test, SEC–MALLS-RI, methylation analysis, and NMR analysis. Structural characterization revealed that PSRa-2 was an α-glucan with a Mw 455.6 kDa. The backbone of PSRa-2 was composed of →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→ and →3)-α-d-Glcp-(1→ and branches of α-d-Glcp-(1→ at position O-6 of →4,6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→. PSRa-2 induced splenocyte proliferation and protected splenocytes against 5-Fu-induced immunosuppression by restoring the proliferation and secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-2) secretion levels. Thus, PSRa-2 exhibits obviously immunomodulatory activity and represents a potential natural immunomodulator.
Graphical Abstract
Characterization of cold-active trehalose synthase from Pseudarthrobacter sp. for trehalose bioproduction
Authors: Trakarnpaiboon Srisakul , Bunterngsook Benjarat , Lekakarn Hataikarn , Prongjit Daran , Champreda Verawat 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTrehalose is a functional sugar that has numerous applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. Production of trehalose from maltose via a single-step enzymatic catalysis using trehalose synthase (TreS) is a promising method compared with the conventional two-step process due to its simplicity with lower formation of byproducts. In this study, a cold-active trehalose synthase (PaTreS) from Pseudarthrobacter sp. TBRC 2005 was heterologously expressed and characterized. PaTreS showed the maximum activity at 20 °C and maintained 87% and 59% of its activity at 10 °C and 4 °C, respectively. The enzyme had remarkable stability over a board pH range of 7.0–9.0 with the highest activity at pH 7.0. The activity was enhanced by divalent metal ions (Mg2+, Mn2+ and Ca2+). Conversion of high-concentration maltose syrup (100–300 g/L) using PaTreS yielded 71.7–225.5 g/L trehalose, with 4.5–16.4 g/L glucose as a byproduct within 16 h. The work demonstrated the potential of PaTreS as a promising biocatalyst for the development of low-temperature trehalose production, with the advantages of reduced risk of microbial contamination with low generation of byproduct.
Graphical abstract
A case of a thoracic duct cyst extending from the mediastinum to the cisterna chyli resected using bilateral thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position
Authors: Miyamoto Hironari , Lee Shigeru , Ishidate Takemi , Kuroda Kenji , Kasashima Hiroaki , Miki Yuichiro , Yoshii Mami , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Tamura Tatsuro , Shibutani Masatsune , Toyokawa Takahiro , Maeda Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Thoracic duct cysts are extremely rare mediastinal tumors. We report a case of a thoracic duct cyst extending from the caudal aspect of the left main bronchus to the left renal artery that was safely and completely resected via bilateral thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position.

Case presentation
A 77-year-old male was referred to our hospital for follow-up computed tomography (CT) of prostate cancer, which revealed a mediastinal tumor and fatty low-density along the posterior mediastinum of the para-aortic artery with a slightly high-density component. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T2-weighted image with high intensity. The preoperative radiological diagnosis was lipoma or well-differentiated liposarcoma. CT in the prone position suggested that the tumor could be resected from the thoracic cavity to the caudal side, and bilateral thoracoscopic surgery was performed in the prone position. Based on the surgical findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a thoracic duct cyst rather than a lipoma. Dissection around the thoracic duct cyst was performed using a vessel-sealing system to prevent leakage of the chyle, and reliable clipping was performed to resect the cisterna chyli. Histopathological examination revealed smooth muscle structures around the cyst, suggestive of a thoracic duct cyst. The diagnosis of a thoracic duct cyst was made based on a high triglyceride level of 1310 mg/dL on examination of the milky-white cyst fluid. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged 4 days postoperatively. A CT scan performed 13 months after surgery showed no recurrence.

Conclusions
A rare thoracic duct cyst extending from the mediastinum to the cisterna chyli was safely and completely resected using bilateral thoracoscopic surgery, with the patient in the prone position.
Effects of an educational planetary plate graphic on meat consumption in a Stanford University dining hall: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marcone Alessandra L. , Darmstadt Gary L. , Challamel Ghislaine Amsler , Mathur Maya B. , Gardner Christopher D. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Assess the impact of an educational Planetary Health Plate (PHP) graphic on meat-related dietary choices of Stanford University dining hall patrons using a randomized controlled trial crossover design. All patrons entering the dining hall during study periods were enrolled as participants. Control, n = 631; PHP, n = 547.

Methods
Compare dietary behavior without signage to behavior while exposed to PHP during four equivalent dinner meals. The primary outcome was total meat-dish weight adjusted for the number of people entering the dining hall. Secondary outcomes included the number of meat-dish servings and average meat-dish serving weight. Analysis using T-tests, Poisson generalized linear model.

Results
Differences in total meat-dish weight, (1.54 kg; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = -4.41,1.33; P = .19) and average meat-dish serving weight (0.03 kg; 95% CI = 0.00, 0.06; P = .07) between PHP and control patrons did not reach significance. The rate at which PHP patrons took meat was significantly lower (Incidence Rate Ratio 0.80; 95% CI = 0.71, 0.91; P < .001).

Conclusion
Exposure to an educational plate graphic decreased the proportion of patrons taking meat but had no impact on total meat consumption or meat-dish serving weight. Statistical methods used in this study may inform future investigations on dietary change in the dining hall setting. Further research on the role of educational signage in influencing dietary behavior is warranted, with an aim to improve human health and environmental sustainability.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05565859, registered 4 October 2022
Implementation of a hybrid healthcare model in rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases: 6-months results of the multicenter Digireuma study
Authors: Benavent D. , Fernández-Luque L. , Sanz-Jardón M. , Bilionis I. , Novella-Navarro M. , Navarro-Compán V. , González-Sanz P. L. , Calvo E. , Lojo L. , Balsa A. , Plasencia-Rodríguez Ch 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) require a tailored follow-up that can be enhanced by the implementation of innovative tools. The Digireuma study aimed to test the feasibility of a hybrid follow-up utilizing an electronic patient reported outcomes (ePROs)-based monitoring strategy in patients with RMDs.

Methods
Adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) were recruited for a 6-month bicentric prospective follow-up consisting of face-to-face and digital assessments. Patients were asked to report disease-specific ePROs on a pre-established basis, and could also report flares, medication changes, and recent infections at any time. Four rheumatologists monitored these outcomes and contacted patients for interventions when deemed necessary. Results from face-to-face and digital assessments were described.

Results
Of 56 recruited patients, 47 (84%) submitted any ePROs to the digital platform. Most patients with RA were female (74%, median age of 47 years), while 48% of patients with SpA were female (median age 40.4 years). A total of 3,800 platform visits were completed, with a median of 57 and 29 visits in patients with RA and SpA, respectively. Among 52 reported alerts, 47 (90%) needed contact, of which 36 (77%) were managed remotely. Adherence rates declined throughout the study, with around half of patients dropping out during the 6 months follow-up.

Conclusion
The implementation of a hybrid follow-up in clinical practice is feasible. Digital health solutions can provide granular knowledge of disease evolution and enable more informed clinical decision making, leading to improved patient outcomes. Further research is needed to identify target patient populations and engagement strategies.
Primary cranioplasty for calvarial compound depressed fractures; 2 centers experience
Authors: Elsabaa Ahmed M. , Eldawoody Hany , Abdelwahed Mariam S. K. , Aziz Mohamed M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the leading causes of death and disability in younger age groups. Current guidelines to prevent infection in compound depressed fractures of the skull recommend fragment removal and debridement, and the cranial defect usually is left for a secondary cranioplasty. However, recent studies demonstrated no difference in infection rates between primary and secondary reconstruction. Herein we point out our preliminary experience using a single-staged approach to surgical management of open depressed skull fractures.

Methods
This study included 72 patients between Egypt and Saudi Arabia with compound depressed fractures of the skull that underwent primary cranioplasty either by elevation or by titanium reconstruction within the first 72 h post-traumatic brain injuries. We report surgery-specific characteristics and overall complications over a 12-month follow-up period.

Results
Fifty-nine (82%) immediate primary cranioplasty patients were without complications. Twelve complications were seen in twelve patients. Infection accounted for only 2.8%, while the rest consisted of convulsions (6.9%), CSF rhinorrhea (4.2%), CSF leak, seroma, and re-operation (1.4%) each. One patient died after 20 postoperative days due to pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion
Neurosurgical expertise and readily available medical facilities within the civilian populations have significantly changed the traditional approach in calvarial CDF patients within the first 72 h post-trauma, where primary cranioplasty has proven to be a valid procedure with minimal morbidities compared to the traditional two-stage protocol.
Evaluation of the therapeutic potentials of extract fractions of Vernonia calvoana on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: approach through in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Iwara Iwara Arikpo , Ekam Victor S. , Mboso Eve O. , Odey Michael Oko , Eteng Ofem E. , Eshiet Joe Enobong , Igile Godwin Oju , Uboh Friday Effiong , Ubana Mbeh Eteng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder and many medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine to manage it. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Vernonia calvoana (V. calvoana) extract fractions on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models. In this study, we first investigated the binding affinity of ligands from extracts of V. calvoana crystal structure proteins using a molecular docking approach. Furthermore, the in silico predictions were validated by in vitro and in vivo biochemical evaluations to ascertain the efficacy of these extract fractions. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the fractions was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, SOD, and LPx scavenging. For biological activity, extract fractions of V. calvoana and metformin (400 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively) were administered to diabetic rats for 21 days after induction and confirmation of diabetes.

Results
The radical scavenger activities of the fractions showed a good dose-dependent reaction activity. A significant reduction in hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity was observed in all experimental treated groups. Improved hematological and histopathological changes were also observed.

Conclusion
The In silico analyses revealed that all the compounds from extract fractions of V. calvoana have varying binding affinity for PFK and lipoprotein lipase, with some showing higher affinity than the standard drug, further validating the biological activity of the plant. The results of this study indicated that V. calvoana extracts might have potential value in treating complications arising from diabetes mellitus.