bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructure optimization of fuel electrodes for high‐efficiency reversible proton ceramic cells
Authors: Bi Susu , Ye Chencheng , Liu Youle , Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Yu , Liu Ze , Wang Mingqing , Zhou Lulu , Lin Xiao , Zhang Linjuan , Wang Jian‐Qiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractReversible protonic ceramic cells (R‐PCCs) are efficient energy storage and conversion devices that can operate in two modes, namely, in the fuel cell mode for the conversion of fuel to electricity, and in the electrolysis (EC) mode for the EC of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel electrode is a critical component of fuel‐electrode‐supported R‐PCCs, and its pore structure directly affects the electrochemical performance of the R‐PCCs, but it has not been fully studied yet. Herein, the pore structure of Ni–BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ (Ni–BZCYYb) fuel electrodes was systematically modulated by varying the weight ratio (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) of the pore‐former added to Ni–BZCYYb, and the electrochemical performance characteristics in the fuel cell and EC modes were investigated. The cell with 10 wt.% pore‐former in the Ni–BZCYYb electrode achieved a remarkable peak power density of 540.7 mW cm−2 and a high current density of –2.28 A cm−2 at 1.3 V at 700°C in the fuel cell and EC modes, respectively, and showing excellent durability for over 100 h. These results further highlight the critical role of the microstructure of fuel electrodes, which can be modified to achieve exceptional performance, particularly in EC operations.
Elevation of neutrophil‐derived factors in patients after multiple trauma
Authors: Lingitz Marie‐Therese , Wollner Gregor , Bauer Jonas , Kuehtreiber Hannes , Mildner Michael , Copic Dragan , Bormann Daniel , Direder Martin , Krenn Claus Georg , Haider Thomas , Negrin Lukas Leopold , Ankersmit Hendrik jan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTrauma represents one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Traumatic injuries elicit a dynamic inflammatory response with systemic release of inflammatory cytokines. Disbalance of this response can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome or compensatory anti‐inflammatory response syndrome. As neutrophils play a major role in innate immune defence and are crucial in the injury‐induced immunological response, we aimed to investigate systemic neutrophil‐derived immunomodulators in trauma patients. Therefore, serum levels of neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) were quantified in patients with injury severity scores above 15. Additionally, leukocyte, platelet, fibrinogen and CRP levels were assessed. Lastly, we analysed the association of neutrophil‐derived factors with clinical severity scoring systems. Although the release of MPO, NE and CitH3 was not predictive of mortality, we found a remarkable increase in MPO and NE in trauma patients as compared with healthy controls. We also found significantly increased levels of MPO and NE on Days 1 and 5 after initial trauma in critically injured patients. Taken together, our data suggest a role for neutrophil activation in trauma. Targeting exacerbated neutrophil activation might represent a new therapeutic option for critically injured patients.
Morphology and functional properties of gelatin‐based films modified by UV radiation and bacterial cellulose nanofibers
Authors: de Vargas Victória Hermes , Marczak Ligia Damasceno Ferreira , Flôres Simone Hickmann , Mercali Giovana Domeneghini 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn the present study, the properties of biodegradable gelatin‐based films were modified by UV treatment and the incorporation of 1% (w/w) of bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers. UVC light was applied at different exposure times (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 h) into the film‐forming solutions. In order to evaluate the synergistic effects of these two treatments, the optimal UV condition was also applied to BC‐reinforced solutions. Films were characterized by their physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, optical, thermal, and morphological properties. Results showed that the UV treatment applied for 2 h significantly reduced the water solubility (WS) but did not affect the water vapor permeability (WVP). On the other hand, the incorporation of BC reduced WS and WVP values by 15% and 43%, respectively. Regarding mechanical properties, both treatments significantly reduced film elongation at break. However, the tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus (YM) were only affected by UV treatment. For the film exposed to the longest treatment time, TS increased from 1.56 MPa (control) to 2.85 MPa, and YM increased from 4.36 MPa (control) to 9.23 MPa. Overall, SEM results showed that all samples had a uniform surface and a cohesive matrix. However, BC‐reinforced films showed some additional clusters, which significantly increased opacity values. Regardless of their composition, all gelatin‐based films lost their integrity after a 12‐day soil burial experiment. Film thickness, moisture content, and color parameters were not affected by any treatment. Furthermore, no synergistic effects were detected.Practical applicationsBiopolymer films and coatings are promising systems to ensure shelf life, quality, and food safety, representing a sustainable alternative to replace traditional petroleum‐based materials. Although these films have advantages, mainly due to their biodegradability, their properties are not competitive at an industrial level and need to be improved. Therefore, several studies have investigated the application of physical treatments and new process methodologies to overcome these limitations. The present study evaluated the potential use of UV radiation and bacterial cellulose nanofibers in the development of gelatin‐based films. Overall, the results showed that these methods are capable of modifying the properties and structure of films, thus offering an alternative to conventional methods of film production. Mastering the use of advanced technologies for film development could be the key to tailoring biopolymer films and coatings for specific industrial applications.
Randomized trial comparing 15 vs 5 actuations per pass during endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy for specimen acquisition of solid pancreatic lesions
Authors: Kataoka Kunio , Ishikawa Takuya , Ohno Eizaburo , Yamao Kentaro , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Iida Tadashi , Kato Katsuyuki , Kinoshita Fumie , Yamamura Takeshi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masanao , Kawashima Hiroki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimThere is currently no established number of actuations (to‐and‐fro movements) per pass during endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB). This study aimed to compare 15 vs 5 actuations in terms of adequate specimen acquisition of solid pancreatic lesions.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, crossover, noninferiority, single‐center study, eligible patients underwent EUS‐FNB using a 22‐G Franseen needle with both 15 and 5 actuations per pass, performed in a randomized order, from October 2020 to December 2021. The acquired specimens from each pass were separately evaluated. The primary outcome was the accuracy of the histological diagnosis per pass. The noninferiority margin was set as 15%.ResultsData from 85 patients were analyzed, revealing pancreatic cancer in 73 patients. The accuracy of the histological diagnosis in the 15 and 5 actuations groups was 83.5% (71/85) and 77.7% (66/85), respectively. The difference was −5.8% (95% confidence interval −15.6–3.4), which does not indicate noninferiority of the five actuations group. Among the secondary outcomes, the 15 actuations group was significantly superior to the five actuations group in terms of the obtained core tissues (1.88 [interquartile range 0.89–3.64] mm2 vs 1.66 [0.83–2.71] mm2 [P = 0.031]) and subjective evaluation of cytology specimens for pancreatic cancer (69.0% vs. 31.0%, P = 0.005).ConclusionsThe noninferiority of five actuations in the accuracy of the histological diagnosis was not confirmed, and 15 actuations are preferred during EUS‐FNB for solid pancreatic lesions.
Filarial hyperinfection in two neotropical primates from eastern Amazon peri‐urban areas
Authors: Conga David F. , Figueiredo Amanda A. , Ribeiro Ana Sílvia S. , Bezerra Andrea M. , Pereira Washington L. A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe report two cases of disseminated hyperinfection by filariae in free‐living primates Saimiri sciureus and Saguinus niger from eastern Amazon. Histopathological examination showed the presence of Dipetalonema gracile microfilariae in blood, liver, lungs, spleen, small intestine, kidney, brain, liver, and adults in peritoneal thoracic cavity.
Modulation of the autophagy‐lysosomal pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress by ketone bodies in experimental models of stroke
Authors: Montiel Teresa , Gómora‐García Juan Carlos , Gerónimo‐Olvera Cristian , Heras‐Romero Yessica , Bernal‐Vicente Berenice N. , Pérez‐Martínez Xochitl , Tovar‐y‐Romo Luis B. , Massieu Lourdes 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIschemic stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. There is no simple treatment to alleviate ischemic brain injury, as thrombolytic therapy is applicable within a narrow time window. During the last years, the ketogenic diet (KD) and the exogenous administration of the ketone body β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) have been proposed as therapeutic tools for acute neurological disorders and both can reduce ischemic brain injury. However, the mechanisms involved are not completely clear. We have previously shown that the D enantiomer of BHB stimulates the autophagic flux in cultured neurons exposed to glucose deprivation (GD) and in the brain of hypoglycemic rats. Here, we have investigated the effect of the systemic administration of D‐BHB, followed by its continuous infusion after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), on the autophagy‐lysosomal pathway and the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Results show for the first time that the protective effect of BHB against MCAO injury is enantiomer selective as only D‐BHB, the physiologic enantiomer of BHB, significantly reduced brain injury. D‐BHB treatment prevented the cleavage of the lysosomal membrane protein LAMP2 and stimulated the autophagic flux in the ischemic core and the penumbra. In addition, D‐BHB notably reduced the activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway of the UPR and inhibited IRE1α phosphorylation. L‐BHB showed no significant effect relative to ischemic animals. In cortical cultures under GD, D‐BHB prevented LAMP2 cleavage and decreased lysosomal number. It also abated the activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway, partially sustained protein synthesis, and reduced pIRE1α. In contrast, L‐BHB showed no significant effects. Results suggest that protection elicited by D‐BHB treatment post‐ischemia prevents lysosomal rupture allowing functional autophagy, preventing the loss of proteostasis and UPR activation.image
Single‐cell RNA‐seq uncovers novel metabolic functions of Schwann cells beyond myelination
Authors: Eid Stéphanie A. , Noureldein Mohamed , Kim Bhumsoo , Hinder Lucy M. , Mendelson Faye E. , Hayes John M. , Hur Junguk , Feldman Eva L. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSchwann cells (SCs) support peripheral nerves under homeostatic conditions, independent of myelination, and contribute to damage in prediabetic peripheral neuropathy (PN). Here, we used single‐cell RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptional profiles and intercellular communication of SCs in the nerve microenvironment using the high‐fat diet‐fed mouse, which mimics human prediabetes and neuropathy. We identified four major SC clusters, myelinating, nonmyelinating, immature, and repair in healthy and neuropathic nerves, in addition to a distinct cluster of nerve macrophages. Myelinating SCs acquired a unique transcriptional profile, beyond myelination, in response to metabolic stress. Mapping SC intercellular communication identified a shift in communication, centered on immune response and trophic support pathways, which primarily impacted nonmyelinating SCs. Validation analyses revealed that neuropathic SCs become pro‐inflammatory and insulin resistant under prediabetic conditions. Overall, our study offers a unique resource for interrogating SC function, communication, and signaling in nerve pathophysiology to help inform SC‐specific therapies.image
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of gene expression profiles in the liver and spleen of American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) in response to Citrobacter freundii infection
Authors: Yang Peikui , Zheng Yuzhong , Zou Xianghui , Sun Yanjie , Liu Yaqun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn recent years, bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) has become one of the most commercially important amphibians for aquaculture in China, and its annual production has grown rapidly. However, bacterial diseases caused by Citrobacter freundii infection have resulted in enormous economic losses. The present study used RNA sequencing technology to analyze the transcriptomic profile and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the bullfrog liver and spleen post C. freundii infection. De novo assembly resulted in the generation of 77,556 L. catesbeianus transcripts, and 49,421 of these genes were successfully annotated to the databases. Overall, 1487 DEGs were identified in the liver group, including 788 upregulated and 709 downregulated DEGs. A total of 799 DEGs, including 311 upregulated and 488 downregulated genes, were detected in the spleen groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed significantly enriched pathways, including pathways involved in metabolism and immune responses. The processes in which the DEGs were enriched were those related to metabolic activities, including the lipid metabolism pathway, amino acid pathway, immune‐related pathway, and inflammatory responses. The results of this study provide insight into the response of bullfrogs against C. freundii at the transcriptome level and reveal the mechanism of the immune response against C. freundii.
Aspects of oral streptococcal metabolic diversity: Imagining the landscape beneath the fog
Authors: Zuber Peter , Kreth Jens 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIt is widely acknowledged that the human‐associated microbial community influences host physiology, systemic health, disease progression, and even behavior. There is currently an increased interest in the oral microbiome, which occupies the entryway to much of what the human initially encounters from the environment. In addition to the dental pathology that results from a dysbiotic microbiome, microbial activity within the oral cavity exerts significant systemic effects. The composition and activity of the oral microbiome is influenced by (1) host–microbial interactions, (2) the emergence of niche‐specific microbial “ecotypes,” and (3) numerous microbe–microbe interactions, shaping the underlying microbial metabolic landscape. The oral streptococci are central players in the microbial activity ongoing in the oral cavity, due to their abundance and prevalence in the oral environment and the many interspecies interactions in which they participate. Streptococci are major determinants of a healthy homeostatic oral environment. The metabolic activities of oral Streptococci, particularly the metabolism involved in energy generation and regeneration of oxidative resources vary among the species and are important factors in niche‐specific adaptations and intra‐microbiome interactions. Here we summarize key differences among streptococcal central metabolic networks and species‐specific differences in how the key glycolytic intermediates are utilized.
Defining the regulatory mechanisms of sigma factor RpoS degradation in Azotobacter vinelandii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martínez Karen , Muriel‐Millán Luis F. , Ortíz‐Vasco Cristian , Moreno Soledad , Soberón‐Chávez Gloria , Espín Guadalupe 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn several Gram‐negative bacteria, the general stress response is mediated by the alternative sigma factor RpoS, a subunit of RNA polymerase that confers promoter specificity. In Escherichia coli, regulation of protein levels of RpoS involves the adaptor protein RssB, which binds RpoS for presenting it to the ClpXP protease for its degradation. However, in species from the Pseudomonadaceae family, RpoS is also degraded by ClpXP, but an adaptor has not been experimentally demonstrated. Here, we investigated the role of an E. coli RssB‐like protein in two representative Pseudomonadaceae species such as Azotobacter vinelandii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In these bacteria, inactivation of the rssB gene increased the levels and stability of RpoS during exponential growth. Downstream of rssB lies a gene that encodes a protein annotated as an anti‐sigma factor antagonist (rssC). However, inactivation of rssC in both A. vinelandii and P. aeruginosa also increased the RpoS protein levels, suggesting that RssB and RssC work together to control RpoS degradation. Furthermore, we identified an in vivo interaction between RssB and RpoS only in the presence of RssC using a bacterial three‐hybrid system. We propose that both RssB and RssC are necessary for the ClpXP‐dependent RpoS degradation during exponential growth in two species of the Pseudomonadaceae family.
Heme catabolism mediated by heme oxygenase in uninfected interstitial cells enables efficient symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Lotus japonicus nodules
Authors: Zhou Yu , Wang Longlong , Rubio Maria Carmen , Pérez‐Rontomé Carmen , Zhou Yumiao , Qi Yongmei , Tian Tao , Zhang Weiqing , Fan Qiuling , Becana Manuel , Duanmu Deqiang 
Published: June 2023

Summary

Legume nodules produce large quantities of heme required for the synthesis of leghemoglobin (Lb) and other hemoproteins. Despite the crucial function of Lb in nitrogen fixation and the toxicity of free heme, the mechanisms of heme homeostasis remain elusive.

Biochemical, cellular, and genetic approaches were used to study the role of heme oxygenases (HOs) in heme degradation in the model legume Lotus japonicus. Heme and biliverdin were quantified and localized, HOs were characterized, and knockout LORE1 and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants for LjHO1 were generated and phenotyped.

We show that LjHO1, but not the LjHO2 isoform, is responsible for heme catabolism in nodules and identify biliverdin as the in vivo product of the enzyme in senescing green nodules. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that LjHO1 expression and biliverdin production are restricted to the plastids of uninfected interstitial cells. The nodules of ho1 mutants showed decreased nitrogen fixation, and the development of brown, rather than green, nodules during senescence. Increased superoxide production was observed in ho1 nodules, underscoring the importance of LjHO1 in antioxidant defense.

We conclude that LjHO1 plays an essential role in degradation of Lb heme, uncovering a novel function of nodule plastids and uninfected interstitial cells in nitrogen fixation.
Trichoderma atroviride suppresses Fusarium graminearum by altering primary and secondary metabolite biosynthesis profiling
Authors: Özkale Evrim , Yörük Emre , Budak Mahir , Korkmaz Ertan Mahir 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe use of Trichoderma spp. offers an ecologically friendly tool for the struggle with mycotoxigenic Fusarium spp. Here, the alterations in transcriptome level were investigated in 6‐day‐old Fusarium graminearum cultures treated with Trichoderma atroviride and nontreated with T. atroviride (FGc), using whole transcriptome sequencing to better understand the associated biological processes. Transcriptome analysis indicated a total of 55 up‐regulated genes and 728 down‐regulated genes with padj < 0.05. Enrichment analysis revealed that the up‐regulated genes were related to fatty acid biosynthesis, AMP‐dependent biosynthesis, amino acid recognition/activation processes and secondary metabolite production, whereas down‐regulated genes were involved in amino acid synthesis, oxidation–reduction processes, metal ion‐binding and metabolic/catalytic activities. Among the down‐regulated genes, the expression of pigmentation‐related genes such as aurO, gip1 and aurR2 was remarkable. Similarly, the expression levels of key enzyme‐coding genes involved in deoxynivalenol mycotoxin production were significantly decreased in the range of −1.77 and −2.94. For up‐regulated genes, nonribosomal peptide synthetase and polyketide synthase genes were notably distinguished from the remaining down‐regulated genes as these genes can be involved in biosynthesis of common secondary metabolites. The results clearly emphasize that T. atroviride repressed the biosynthesis of primary metabolites in F. graminearum while simultaneously up‐regulating the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. This is the first report showing how T. atroviride leads to transcriptome alterations and the findings suggest that T. atroviride could serve as an effective fungus by employing a wide variety of strategies against phytopathogenic fungi.
Synergistic effects of Bacillus velezensisSDTB038 and phenamacril on Fusarium crown and root rot of tomato
Authors: Chen Qiqi , Gao Jingwei , Yang Xiu , Qiu Yue , Wang Yongqiang , Wang Hongyan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFusarium crown and root rot (FCRR) is a damaging ailment that can affect tomato production. It is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici (FORL). The use of biological agents, in conjunction with fungicides, has become a practical strategy for combating fungal diseases in crops. Lipopeptide extracts from a potential biocontrol strain of Bacillus velezensis (SDTB038) exhibited an inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of FORL; the EC50 value was 59.95 mg/L, and at a concentration of 256 mg/L the inhibition rate reached 97.4%. The SDTB038 strain produces metabolites such as protease and siderophores. Additionally, it is capable of forming a biofilm and swimming. Phenamacril, an antifungal agent, also displayed an inhibitory effect on FORL, demonstrating an EC50 value of 1.074 mg/L. The control effects of the combination of Bacillus velezensis SDTB038 and phenamacril against FORL on tomato plants were also studied in the greenhouse. The combination of phenamacril and 108 CFU/mL SDTB038 fermentation broth exhibited a strong synergistic control effect on FORL, of up to 84.0%. The combination also led to a 35.6% increase in tomato yield compared to the control. These results demonstrate that SDTB038 possesses antifungal activity. Moreover, when combined with phenamacril, it exhibits a strong synergistic effect against FORL. This solution proves to be an effective means of controlling FCRR in tomato plants.
A role for GnRH in olfaction and cognition: Implications for veterinary medicine
Authors: Prévot Vincent , Duittoz Anne 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPulsatile secretion of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is essential for the activation and maintenance of the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls the onset of puberty and fertility. Two provocative recent studies suggest that, in addition to control reproduction, the neurons in the brain that produce GnRH are also involved in the control postnatal brain maturation, odour discrimination and adult cognition. Long‐acting GnRH antagonists and agonists are commonly used to control fertility and behaviour in veterinary medicine, primarily in males. This review puts into perspective the potential risks of these androgen deprivation therapies and immunization on olfactory and cognitive performances and well‐aging in domestic animals, including pets. We will also discuss the results reporting beneficial effects of pharmacological interventions restoring physiological GnRH levels on olfactory and cognitive alterations in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease, which shares many pathophysiological and behavioural hallmarks with canine cognitive dysfunction. These novel findings raise the intriguing possibility that pulsatile GnRH therapy holds therapeutic potential for the management of this behavioural syndrome affecting older dogs.