bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcription of MERVL retrotransposons is required for preimplantation embryo development
Authors: Sakashita Akihiko , Kitano Tomohiro , Ishizu Hirotsugu , Guo Youjia , Masuda Harumi , Ariura Masaru , Murano Kensaku , Siomi Haruhiko 
Published: March 2023

AbstractZygotic genome activation (ZGA) is a critical postfertilization step that promotes totipotency and allows different cell fates to emerge in the developing embryo. MERVL (murine endogenous retrovirus-L) is transiently upregulated at the two-cell stage during ZGA. Although MERVL expression is widely used as a marker of totipotency, the role of this retrotransposon in mouse embryogenesis remains elusive. Here, we show that full-length MERVL transcripts, but not encoded retroviral proteins, are essential for accurate regulation of the host transcriptome and chromatin state during preimplantation development. Both knockdown and CRISPRi-based repression of MERVL result in embryonic lethality due to defects in differentiation and genomic stability. Furthermore, transcriptome and epigenome analysis revealed that loss of MERVL transcripts led to retention of an accessible chromatin state at, and aberrant expression of, a subset of two-cell-specific genes. Taken together, our results suggest a model in which an endogenous retrovirus plays a key role in regulating host cell fate potential.
The Three Terms Task - an open benchmark to compare human and artificial semantic representations
Authors: Borghesani V. , Armoza J. , Hebart M. N. , Bellec P. , Brambati S. M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWord processing entails retrieval of a unitary yet multidimensional semantic representation (e.g.,a lemon’s colour, flavour, possible use) and has been investigated in both cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence. To enable the direct comparison of human and artificial semantic representations, and to support the use of natural language processing (NLP) for computational modelling of human understanding, a critical challenge is the development of benchmarks of appropriate size and complexity. Here we present a dataset probing semantic knowledge with a three-terms semantic associative task: which of two target words is more closely associated with a given anchor (e.g.,is lemon closer to squeezer or sour?). The dataset includes both abstract and concrete nouns for a total of 10,107 triplets. For the 2,255 triplets with varying levels of agreement among NLP word embeddings, we additionally collected behavioural similarity judgments from 1,322 human raters. We hope that this openly available, large-scale dataset will be a useful benchmark for both computational and neuroscientific investigations of semantic knowledge.
New machine learning-based automatic high-throughput video tracking system for assessing water toxicity using Daphnia Magna locomotory responses
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Yuk Hyeonseop , Choi Byeongwook , Yang MiSuk , Choi SongBum , Lee Kyoung-Jin , Lee Sungjong , Heo Tae-Young 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDaphnia magna is an important organism in ecotoxicity studies because it is sensitive to toxic substances and easy to culture in laboratory conditions. Its locomotory responses as a biomarker are highlighted in many studies. Over the last several years, multiple high-throughput video tracking systems have been developed to measure the locomotory responses of Daphnia magna. These high-throughput systems, used for high-speed analysis of multiple organisms, are essential for efficiently testing ecotoxicity. However, existing systems are lacking in speed and accuracy. Specifically, speed is affected in the biomarker detection stage. This study aimed to develop a faster and better high-throughput video tracking system using machine learning methods. The video tracking system consisted of a constant temperature module, natural pseudo-light, multi-flow cell, and an imaging camera for recording videos. To measure Daphnia magna movements, we developed a tracking algorithm for automatic background subtraction using k-means clustering, Daphnia classification using machine learning methods (random forest and support vector machine), and tracking each Daphnia magna location using the simple online real-time tracking algorithm. The proposed tracking system with random forest performed the best in terms of identification (ID) precision, ID recall, ID F1 measure, and ID switches, with scores of 79.64%, 80.63%, 78.73%, and 16, respectively. Moreover, it was faster than existing tracking systems such as Lolitrack and Ctrax. We conducted an experiment to observe the impact of toxicants on behavioral responses. Toxicity was measured manually in the laboratory and automatically using the high-throughput video tracking system. The median effective concentration of Potassium dichromate measured in the laboratory and using the device was 1.519 and 1.414, respectively. Both measurements conformed to the guideline provided by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States; therefore, our method can be used for water quality monitoring. Finally, we observed Daphnia magna behavioral responses in different concentrations after 0, 12, 18, and 24 h and found that there was a difference in movement according to the concentration at all hours.
Papaver somniferum in seventeenth century (Italy): archaeotoxicological study on brain and bone samples in patients from a hospital in Milan
Authors: Giordano Gaia , Mattia Mirko , Biehler-Gomez Lucie , Boracchi Michele , Tritella Stefania , Maderna Emanuela , Porro Alessandro , Corsi Romanelli Massimiliano Marco , Franchini Antonia Francesca , Galimberti Paolo Maria , Slavazzi Fabrizio , Sardanelli Francesco , Di Candia Domenico , Cattaneo Cristina 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we present the results of toxicological analyses of preserved brain tissue and bone samples from the remains of the seventeenth century patients of the Ospedale Maggiore, the main hospital in Milan and one of the most innovative hospitals in Europe from the Renaissance period. Beneath it, the crypt functioned as the burial place for the deceased of the hospital. In this multidisciplinary study of the remains, toxicological analyses in particular were performed with HPLC–MS/MS on different biological samples from nine individuals. Anthropological, paleopathological, histological, radiological examinations and radiocarbon dating were also carried out. As a result, archeotoxicological analyses revealed the presence of codeine, morphine, noscapine and papaverine, derived from Papaver somniferum, a plant present in the hospital pharmacopeia used as a narcotic, analgesic, astringent, coagulant, and antitussive agent. Such analyses have shed light on the pharmacological therapies administered to the patients near the time of death and have implemented our knowledge of medical treatment and drug administration in the 1600’s.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia pneumonia in critical COVID-19 patients
Authors: Raad Marc , Abou Haidar Marc , Ibrahim Racha , Rahal Rouba , Abou Jaoude Jocelyne , Harmouche Carine , Habr Bassem , Ayoub Eliane , Saliba Gebrayel , Sleilaty Ghassan , Mounzer Karam , Saliba Rindala , Riachy Moussa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStenotrophomonas maltophilia, an environmental aerobic non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli, has gained attention in many nosocomial outbreaks. COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit have extended hospital stay and are severely immunosuppressed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of S.maltophilia pneumonia in critical COVID-19 patients. A total of 123 COVID-19 patients in ICU admitted between March 2020 and March 2021 were identified from the authors’ institutional database and assessed for nosocomial pneumonia. Demographic data and factors predisposing to S. maltophilia pneumonia were collected and analyzed. The mean age was 66 ± 13 years and 74% were males. Median APACHE and SOFA scores were 13 (IQR = 8–19) and 4 (3–6), respectively. The Median NEWS2 score was 6 (Q1 = 5; Q3 = 8). The Median ICU stay was 12 (Q1 = 7; Q3 = 22) days. S. maltophilia was found in 16.3% of pneumonia patients, leading to a lengthier hospital stay (34 vs. 20 days; p < 0.001). Risk factors for S. maltophilia pneumonia included previous treatment with meropenem (p < 0.01), thrombopenia (p = 0.034), endotracheal intubation (p < 0.001), foley catheter (p = 0.009) and central venous catheter insertion (p = 0.016). S.maltophilia nosocomial pneumonia is frequent in critical COVID-19 patients. Many significant risk factors should be addressed to reduce its prevalence and negative impact on outcomes.
Endoscopic image-guided laser treatment system based on fiber bundle laser steering
Authors: Miyoshi Yuto , Nishimura Takahiro , Shimojo Yu , Okayama Keita , Awazu Kunio 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA miniaturized endoscopic laser system with laser steering has great potential to expand the application of minimally invasive laser treatment for micro-lesions inside narrow organs. The conventional systems require separate optical paths for endoscopic imaging and laser steering, which limits their application inside narrower organs. Herein, we present a novel endoscopic image-guided laser treatment system with a thin tip that can access inside narrow organs. The system uses a single fiber bundle to simultaneously acquire endoscopic images and modulate the laser-irradiated area. The insertion and operation of the system in a narrow space were demonstrated using an artificial vascular model. Repeated laser steering along set targets demonstrated accurate laser irradiation within a root-mean-square error of 28 $$\mu$$
μ
m, and static repeatability such that the laser irradiation position was controlled within a 12 $$\mu$$
μ
m radius of dispersion about the mean trajectory. Unexpected irradiation on the distal irradiated plane due to fiber bundle crosstalk was reduced by selecting the appropriate laser input diameter. The laser steering trajectory spatially controlled the photothermal effects, vaporization, and coagulation of chicken liver tissue. This novel system achieves minimally invasive endoscopic laser treatment with high lesion-selectivity in narrow organs, such as the peripheral lung and coronary arteries.
Bellows stiffness characteristics of cord-reinforced air spring with winding formation under preload conditions
Authors: Cheng Yu-Qiang , Gao Hua , Shuai Chang-Geng 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe bellows structure in an air spring can be constantly reinforced to cope with the complicated work environment, but it exerts a stronger and stronger effect on the stiffness characteristics of the air spring. However, there is not any effective way for the parameterized solution of the bellows stiffness of the air spring. With the precise transfer matrix method, the bellows stiffness characteristics of a cord-reinforced air spring with winding formation under preload conditions were analyzed in this paper. The thin-shell theory was used to solve the bellows pre-stress of the air spring under preload conditions. The pre-stress was introduced into the equilibrium equation for the bellows. Based on the geometrical and physical equations for the bellows with the complex cord winding characteristics, the precise integration method was borrowed to construct a transfer matrix for the bellows of the air spring under preload conditions. The state vector of the bellows in the air spring was solved through boundary conditions. The iteration method was adopted to develop the expression for the bellows stiffness characteristics, and combined with the theoretical model of pneumatic stiffness to solve the stiffness characteristics of the air spring. The comparison with the prototype test results verified the validity and correctness of the theoretical model. On this basis, we explored the influence of preload conditions, geometrical structure, and material characteristics on the stiffness characteristics of the air spring. The research findings will provide significant guidance for the structural design and material selection of cord-reinforced air springs with winding formation.
PAMAM-G4 protect the N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propylpentanamide (HO-AAVPA) and maintain its antiproliferative effects on MCF-7
Authors: Ortiz-Morales Alma Alicia , García-Vázquez Juan Benjamín , Fragoso-Vázquez Manuel Jonathan , Rosales-Hernández Martha Cecilia , Fragoso-Morales Leticia Guadalupe , Estrada-Pérez Alan Rubén , Correa-Basurto José 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOur work group designed and synthesized a promissory compound N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propylpentanamide (HO-AAVPA). The HO-AAVPA is a HDAC1 inhibitor and antiproliferative in cancer cell lines. However, HO-AAVPA is poor water solubility and enzymatically metabolized. In this work, the fourth-generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM-G4) was used as a drug deliver carrier of HO-AAVPA. Moreover, HO-AAVPA and HO-AAVPA-PAMAM complex were submitted to forced degradation studies (heat, acid, base, oxidation and sunlight). Also, the HO-AAVPA-PAMAM-G4 complex was assayed as antiproliferative in a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The HO-AAVPA-PAMAM-G4 complex was obtained by docking and experimentally using three pH conditions: acid (pH = 3.0), neutral (pH = 7.0) and basic (pH = 9.0) showing that PAMAM-G4 captureand protect the HO-AAVPA from forced degradation, it is due to sunlight yielded a by-product from HO-AAVPA. In addition, the PAMAM-G4 favored the HO-AAVPA water solubility under basic and neutral pH conditions with significant difference (F(2,18) = 259.9, p < 0.001) between the slopes of the three conditions being the basic condition which solubilizes the greatest amount of HO-AAVPA. Finally, the HO-AAVPA-PAMAM-G4 complex showed better antiproliferative effects on MCF-7 (IC50 = 75.3 μM) than HO-AAVPA (IC50 = 192 μM). These results evidence that PAMAM-G4 complex improve the biological effects of HO-AAVPA.
Orange peels magnetic activate carbon (MG-OPAC) composite formation for toxic chromium absorption from wastewater
Authors: Khalil Asmaa , Salem Mohamed , Ragab Safaa , Sillanpää Mika , El Nemr Ahmed 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis work prepared a composite of orange peels magnetic activated carbon (MG-OPAC). The prepared composite was categorized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) analyses. The MG-OPAC composite showed the surface area (155.09 m2/g), the total volume of pores (0.1768 cm3/g), and the mean diameter of pores (4.5604 nm). The saturation magnetization (Ms = 17.283 emu/g), remanence (Mr = 0.28999 emu/g) and coercivity (Hc = 13.714 G) were reported for the prepared MG-OPAC. Likewise, at room temperature, the MG-OPAC was in a super-paramagnetic state, which could be collected within 5 S (< 5 S) with an outside magnetic field. Influence of time of contact, absorbent dose, starting concentration of Cr6+ ions, and pH were tested to adjust the absorption process. The absorption behavior of MG-OPAC for hexavalent chromium was investigated by Langmuir (LIM), Freundlich (FIM) and Temkin (TIM) isotherm models (IMs). Applicability of LIM specifies that Cr6+ ions absorption procedure may be monolayer absorption. The maximum monolayer capacity (Qm) premeditated by LIM was 277.8 mg/g. Similarly, the absorption process was tested with different kinetic models like intraparticle diffusion (IPDM), pseudo-first-order (PFOM), Elovich (EM), pseudo-second-order (PSOM), and Film diffusion (FDM). The PSOM was best fitted to the experimental results of Cr6+ ions absorption with R2 ranging between 0.992 and 1.
Rescuing cellular function in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy by healthy exogenous mitochondrial internalization
Authors: Méthot Sébastien , Proulx Stéphanie , Brunette Isabelle , Rochette Patrick J. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is characterized by an accelerated loss of corneal endothelial cells. Since the function of these cells is to maintain the cornea in a state of deturgescence necessary for its transparency, the depletion of corneal endothelial cells ultimately causes corneal edema and irreversible loss of vision. Evidence is accumulating regarding the central involvement of mitochondria in FECD. As we have previously shown, when endothelial cells die and are not replaced, the mitochondria of surviving cells must provide more energy to compensate, leading to a phenomenon we have called mitochondrial burnout. This burnout causes cell death, thus exacerbating an irreversible vicious circle responsible for FECD progression. Corneal transplantation, for which the transplant supply is insufficient, is the only curative alternative for FECD. It thus becomes imperative to find other avenues of treatment. In this article, we tested whether incorporating healthy mitochondria into FECD cells would improve pathological molecular markers of the disease. Using corneal endothelium explants from FECD patients, we demonstrated that incorporation of exogenous mitochondria into FECD cells by co-incubation reduces oxidative stress, increases mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduces mitophagy. In addition, internalization of exogenous mitochondria significantly reduces apoptosis (57% in FECD vs 12% in FECD with internalized mitochondria). Taken together, these results suggest that the internalization of exogenous mitochondria reverses the vicious circle involved in FECD, thus revealing a much-needed novel treatment alternative for FECD.
A novel designed membrane-active peptide for the control of foodborne Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Sengkhui Siriwan , Klubthawee Natthaporn , Aunpad Ratchaneewan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe main cause of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infection in humans is ingestion of contaminated animal-derived foods such as eggs, poultry and dairy products. These infections highlight the need to develop new preservatives to increase food safety. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the potential to be further developed as food preservative agents and join nisin, the only AMP currently approved, for use as a preservative in food. Acidocin J1132β, a bacteriocin produced by probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, displays no toxicity to humans, however it exhibits only low and narrow-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Accordingly, four peptide derivatives (A5, A6, A9, and A11) were modified from acidocin J1132β by truncation and amino acid substitution. Among them, A11 showed the most antimicrobial activity, especially against S. Typhimurium, as well as a favorable safety profile. It tended to form an α-helix structure upon encountering negatively charged-mimicking environments. A11 caused transient membrane permeabilization and killed bacterial cells through membrane depolarization and/or intracellular interactions with bacterial DNA. A11 maintained most of its inhibitory effects when heated, even when exposed to temperatures up to 100 °C. Notably, it inhibited drug-resistant S. Typhimurium and its monophasic variant strains. Furthermore, the combination of A11 and nisin was synergistic against drug-resistant strains in vitro. Taken together, this study indicated that a novel antimicrobial peptide derivative (A11), modified from acidocin J1132β, has the potential to be a bio-preservative to control S. Typhimurium contamination in the food industry.
Diurnal changes in choroidal optical coherence tomography angiography indices over 24 hours in healthy young adults
Authors: Lal Barsha , Alonso-Caneiro David , Read Scott A. , Carkeet Andrew 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis prospective study investigated the magnitude and pattern of variation in choroidal optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) indices every 4 h over 24 h in healthy young myopic (n = 24) and non-myopic (n = 20) adults. Choriocapillaris and deep choroid en-face images from macular OCT-A scans were analysed from each session to extract magnification-corrected vascular indices including choriocapillaris flow deficit number, size and density and deep choroid perfusion density in the sub-foveal, sub-parafoveal, and sub-perifoveal regions. Choroidal thickness was also obtained from structural OCT scans. Significant variations over 24 h (P < 0.05) were observed in most of the choroidal OCT-A indices excluding sub-perifoveal flow deficit number, with peaks observed between 2 to 6 AM. For myopes, peaks occurred significantly earlier (3–5 h), and the diurnal amplitude was significantly greater for sub-foveal flow deficit density (P = 0.02) and deep choroidal perfusion density (P = 0.03) compared with non-myopes. Choroidal thickness also showed significant diurnal changes (P < 0.05) with peaks between 2 to 4 AM. Significant correlations were found between diurnal amplitudes or acrophases of choroidal OCT-A indices and choroidal thickness, intraocular pressure, and systemic blood pressure. This provides the first comprehensive diurnal assessment of choroidal OCT-A indices over 24 h.
Strong effects of food quality on host life history do not scale to impact parasitoid efficacy or life history
Authors: Holmes Leslie A. , Nelson William A. , Lougheed Stephen C. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractParasitoids are small insects, (e.g., small wasps or flies) that reproduce by laying eggs on or within host arthropods. Parasitoids make up a large proportion of the world’s biodiversity and are popular agents of biological control. Idiobiont parasitoids paralyze their hosts upon attack and thus are expected to only target hosts large enough to support offspring development. Host resources generally impact host attributes and life histories including size, development, and life span. Some argue slow host development in response to resource quality increases parasitoid efficacy (i.e., a parasitoid’s ability to successfully reproduce on or within a host) due to longer host exposure to parasitoids. However, this hypothesis is not always supported and does not consider variation in other host traits in response to resources that may be important for parasitoids (e.g., variation in host size is known to impact parasitoid efficacy). In this study we test whether trait variation within host developmental stages in response to host resources is more important for parasitoid efficacy and life histories than trait variation across host developmental stages. We exposed seed beetle hosts raised on a food quality gradient to mated female parasitoids and measured the number of hosts parasitized and parasitoid life history traits at the scale of host stage- and age-structure. Our results suggest host food quality does not cascade to impact idiobiont parasitoid life histories despite large food quality effects on host life history. Instead, variation in host life histories across host developmental stages better predicts parasitoid efficacy and life histories, suggesting finding a host in a specific instar is more important for idiobiont parasitoids than finding hosts on or within higher quality resources.