bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A preliminary study of the sponge fauna of Orchid island: denizens of pool-cave-canyon systems
Authors: Cleary Daniel Francis Richard , Huang Yusheng M , Polónia Ana Rita Moura , Plas Martin van der , Gomes Newton Carlos Marcial , de Voogd Nicole Joy 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In the present study, we describe elements of the sponge fauna sampled from unique pool-cave-canyon systems at a remote island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. 22 demosponge species are described of which 10 are new to science, and possibly endemic. Prokaryotic communities were obtained from all species in addition to sediment. What makes the present study unique is that we were able to sample several understudied sponge taxa, e.g., sclerosponges and lithistids, across a relatively small spatial scale. We present the first prokaryotic community analysis of 10 species new to science in addition to Vetulina incrustans, Sollasipelta ornata, Petrosia corticata, Acanthostylotella cornuta, several lithistid species, two phototrophic sponges, and the sclerosponges Acanthochaetetes wellsi, and Astrosclera willeyana. All cave sponges were enriched with SAR202 members, a group of bacteria involved in the degradation of recalcitrant compounds. We suggest that the cave sponges may play a hitherto unexplored role in nutrient dynamics at the land-sea interface. We also encourage surveys of potentially similar systems in Japan and the Philippines. The sponges sampled here also are only a fraction of the total sponge fauna. When surveyed the system appeared to be in good health. Potential threats include large groups of tourists visiting the pools and the presence of a nuclear waste storage facility directly abutting the largest of the pool-cave-canyon systems.
IGF2 prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss and decreases intracellular alpha-synuclein accumulation in Parkinson’s disease models
Authors: vidal Rene , Arcos Javiera , Grunenwald Felipe , Sepulveda Denisse , Jerez Carolina , Urbina Valentina , Troncoso Paulina , Tirado Daniel , Perez Angela , Diaz-Espinoza Rodrigo , Kubitscheck Ulrich , Rodriguez-Gatica Juan Eduardo , Toledo Jorge , Ahumada Pablo , Rojas-Rivera Diego , Martín-Montañez Elisa , Garcia-Fernandez María 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common late-onset neurodegenerative disease and the predominant cause of movement problems. PD is characterized by motor control impairment by extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). This selective dopaminergic neuronal loss is in part triggered by intracellular protein inclusions called Lewy bodies, which are composed mainly of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) protein. We previously reported insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) as a key protein downregulated in PD patients. Here we demonstrated that IGF2 treatment or IGF2 overexpression reduced the α-syn aggregates and their toxicity by IGF2 receptor (IGF2R) activation in cellular PD models. Also, we observed IGF2 and its interaction with IGF2R enhance the α-syn secretion.
To determine the possible IGF2 neuroprotective effect in vivo we used a gene therapy approach in an idiopathic PD model based on α-syn preformed fibrils intracerebral injection. IGF2 gene therapy revealed a significantly preventing of motor impairment in the idiopathic PD model. Moreover, IGF2 expression prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss in the SN together with a decrease in α-syn accumulation (phospho-α-syn levels) in the striatum and SN brain region. Furthermore, the IGF2 neuroprotective effect was associated with the prevention of synaptic spines loss in dopaminergic neurons in vivo. The possible mechanism of IGF2 in cell survival effect could be associated with the decrease of the intracellular accumulation of α-syn and the improvement of dopaminergic synaptic function. Our results identify IGF2 as a relevant factor for the prevention of α-syn toxicity in both in vitro and preclinical PD models.
Short-term results in a population based study indicate advantage for minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery versus open
Authors: Petersson Josefin , Matthiessen Peter , Jadid Kaveh Dehlaghi , Bock David , Angenete Eva 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for rectal cancer is non-inferior to open surgery (OPEN) regarding adequacy of cancer resection in a population based setting. All 9,464 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer 2012-2018 who underwent curative surgery were included from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. Primary outcomes: Positive circumferential resection margin (CRM <1 mm) and positive resection margin (R1). Non-inferiority margins used were 2.4% and 4%. Secondary outcomes: 30-and 90-day mortality, clinical anastomotic leak, re-operation <30 days, 30-and 90-day re-admission, length of stay (LOS), distal resection margin <1mm and <12 resected lymph nodes. Analyses were performed by intention-to-treat using unweighted and weighted multiple regression analyses. There were no difference in CRM <1 mm or R1 in the adjusted unweighted or weighted analyses. CRM: MIS 3.7% and OPEN 5.4%, risk difference-1.8% (95% CI-2.79%,-0.86%). R1: MIS 2.9% and OPEN 4.6%, risk difference-1.7% (95% CI-2.51%,-0.85%). All analyses demonstrated decreased mortality and re-admissions at 30 and 90 days as well as shorter LOS following MIS. In this population based setting MIS for rectal cancer was non-inferior to OPEN regarding adequacy of cancer resection with favourable short-term outcomes.
Unsupervised classification of brain-wide axons reveals neuronal projection blueprint
Authors: Wheeler Diek , Banduri Shaina , Sankararaman Sruthi , Vinay Samhita , Ascoli Giorgio 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Long-range axonal projections are quintessential determinants of network connectivity, linking cellular organization and circuit architecture. Here we introduce a quantitative strategy to identify, from a given source region, all “projection neuron types” with statistically different patterns of anatomical targeting. We first validate the proposed technique with well-characterized data from layer 6 of the mouse primary motor cortex. The results yield two clusters, consistent with previously discovered cortico-thalamic and intra-telencephalic neuron classes. We next analyze neurons from the presubiculum, a less-explored region. Extending sparse knowledge from earlier retrograde tracing studies, we identify five classes of presubicular projecting neurons, revealing unique patterns of divergence, convergence, and specificity. We thus report several findings: (1) individual classes target multiple subregions along defined functions, such as spatial representation vs. sensory integration and visual vs. auditory input; (2) all hypothalamic regions are exclusively targeted by the same class also invading midbrain, a sharp subset of thalamic nuclei, and agranular retrosplenial cortex; (3) Cornu Ammonis, in contrast, receives input from the same presubicular axons projecting to granular retrosplenial cortex, also the purview of a single class; (4) path distances from the presubiculum to the same targets differ significantly between classes, as do the path distances to distinct targets within most classes, suggesting fine temporal coordination in activating distant areas; (5) the identified classes have highly non-uniform abundances, with substantially more neurons projecting to midbrain and hypothalamus than to medial and lateral entorhinal cortex; (6) lastly, presubicular soma locations are segregated among classes, indicating topographic organization of projections. This study thus demonstrates that classifying neurons based on statistically distinct axonal projection patterns sheds light on the functional organizational of their circuit.
Fusarium population dynamics in commercial onion fields in Northeastern Israel
Authors: Degani Ofir , Dimant Elhanan , Margalit Eliyahu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) is a significant limitation to Allium production worldwide. The damage of the disease can be observed throughout the entire crop cycle. The current research aimed to understand better the FBR affecting onion (Allium cepa) in northeast Israel by assessing the disease incidences. It also focuses on studying the Fusarium population structure involved in the disease outburst in two representative fields, one in the Galilee (Hula Valley) and the second in the Golan Heights. Using colony morphology, microscopic taxonomic keys, and molecular methods, a new, unreported Fusarium solani species was discovered as a wildly spread member of the Fusarium pathobiome community. This species appeared to be more generalist in its nature since it was found in all three onion cultivars’ samples. It was also less virulent than the other two species identified. While the Galilee yellow Orlando onion cultivar is colonized by F. solani and two other, less abundant species, F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae, and F. acutatum, the Golan Heights Fusarium community, show host specificity. In the Golan Heights fields, F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae inhabited the red 505 onion cultivar, whereas F. acutatum colonized the yellow 100 cultivar. A better understanding of this disease complexity caused by different Fusarium species with a divergence in host susceptibility and virulence is critical for developing disease management strategies. Since each Fusarium species reacts differently to pest control treatments, the changes in the species composition may require specifically adapted pest control solutions.
Study on the attenuation relationship of acceleration envelope parameters of Wenchuan earthquake aftershocks: Considering the difference of aftershock focal mechanism and seismogenic region
Authors: Yin Deyu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Spatiotemporal distribution of the aftershock sequence of the Wenchuan earthquake shows obvious segmented characteristics, and the aftershock seismogenic region can be divided into two regions, southwest and northeast. Considering that the southwest segment of the Wenchuan earthquake fault plane is dominated by thrust slip, the northeast side is transformed into thrust and strike slip, and strike slip is dominant at the northeast end, aftershock records consistent with the slip type of the Wenchuan earthquake are selected. Thrust type aftershocks are selected in the southwest region and thrust and strike slip and strike slip aftershocks are selected in the northeast region. Attenuation relationships of three acceleration envelope models for the aftershocks (Mw 4.0–6.0) in two regions are established, including the three-segment envelope model, the three-segment envelope model with P and S wave bands, and a single-peak envelope model with P and S wave bands. Results show that there are significant differences in the attenuation characteristics of envelope parameters for different types of aftershocks. (1) For the three-segment envelope model, the durations of the rising stage and stable stage increase as the magnitude and epicentral distance increase. The attenuation coefficient decreases with increasing magnitude and epicentral distance. For the three-segment envelope model with P and S wave bands, the attenuation characteristics of the parameters are consistent with the three-segment envelope model. For the single-peak envelope model with P and S wave bands, the peak times of the P band and S band increase with increasing magnitude and epicentral distance. (2) The envelope parameters related to duration and amplitude in the northeast region of thrust and strike slip and strike slip aftershocks are generally larger than those of the southwest region with thrust type aftershocks. Shallower depths and larger magnitudes of aftershocks in the northeast region may cause this situation.
Low temperature induced quiescence in parasitoids Trichogramma evanescens Westwood and Trichogramma chilonis Ishii reared on Plodia interpunctella (Hübner): Its utilization mass rearing strategies
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahbub , Parvin M. Nishat , Athanassiou Christos G. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma are important potential biological control agents for a wide range of lepidopteran pests. Cold storage of host eggs has been proposed as a valuable technique for ensuring the release of sufficient parasitoid numbers whenever it is needed. In this context, the impact of low temperatures to induce quiescence in Trichogramma evanescens and T. chilonis was studied using eggs of Plodia interpunctella. Prepupae of the parasitoids were stored for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 d at 4°C, following a 7 d period of acclimation at 10°C. Both parasitoid species seem to survive unfavorable temperature conditions by entering a state of quiescence. Parasitism, adult emergence, sex ratio and progeny quality were not affected by cold storage in either parasitoid species for up to 30 d of storage. Parasitized host eggs of P. interpunctella can be stored for up to 60 d at 4°C for both parasitoids, but there was no emergence at 75 d. General productivity values gradually decreased as the duration of storage lengthened for both species. Our results clearly reveal that the eggs parasitized by these species can be stored for up to 30 d at 4°C in a state of quiescence without much loss of their performance compared to the control eggs.
Retinal OCT Biomarkers Associated with Reading Performance in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy and with Persistent vs. Resolved Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Ricardi Federico , Reccalenda Ilaria , Boscia Giacomo , Gelormini Francesco , Cimorosi Francesca , Novarese Cristina , Marolo Paola , Parisi Guglielmo , Bandello Francesco , Borrelli Enrico , Reibaldi Michele 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and a leading cause of visual impairment. Recent advancements in imaging technologies, particularly structural optical coherence tomography (OCT), have improved the understanding of DME pathophysiology and provided valuable biomarkers for disease progression and visual outcomes.
However, the relationship between these retinal biomarkers and reading performance in patients with DME is still unclear.
This prospective study aimed to investigate the association between specific retinal biomarkers identified through OCT imaging and reading performance metrics in patients with previously treated persistent versus resolved DME and good visual acuity. Forty-nine eyes from 35 patients with a history of DME were enrolled. Reading performance was assessed using the Radner reading charts, which include standardized sentences with geometrically progressing print sizes. Structural alterations in the inner and outer retina, as well as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), were graded based on OCT images.
The results showed that reading performance, measured as maximum reading speed and reading acuity score, was associated with specific retinal biomarkers. The disruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) in the parafoveal region and the presence of disorganization of the inner retinal layers (DRIL) in the parafovea were correlated with reduced reading speed. These associations were independent of the presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid. On the other hand, the reading acuity score was mainly associated with distance visual acuity.
These findings highlight the discrepancy between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading performance in patients with DME. The presence of specific retinal biomarkers, such as EZ disruption and DRIL, can significantly impact reading speed in these patients, even with good visual acuity. Understanding the relationship between retinal biomarkers and reading performance could contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of visual function and quality of life in patients with DME, leading to better management strategies and treatment outcomes.
Influence of Calcium Carbonate Sludge on Cement-Stabilized Subgrade Quality as Investigated by means of Electrical Resistivity Measurements
Authors: Wiwattanachang Narongchai , Vichalai Chanarop , Giao Pham Huy 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Calcium carbonate [CaCO3] is a key raw material used in the clarification of sugarcane juice for syrup production. The CaCO3 sludge produced during the clarification process is a waste that needs to be stored, creating a geoenvironmental problem. On the other hand, it has been found that cement-stabilized subgrade is a suitable alternative for improving the quality of a subgrade course. This study aimed to investigate the influence of calcium carbonate sludge on the quality of the subgrade. The subgrade was composed of a mixture of 10–30% CaCO3 sludge, 1–3% of original Portland cement (OPC), and 67–100% of unqualified crushed rocks by weight. Modified proctor method was used to compact soil- cement admixture samples, which were then tested for mechanical properties and electrical resistivity. Electrical resistivity measurement using the Wenner electrode array was compared with unconfined compressive strength for 13 mix designs of soil-cement at a 7-day curing time. Experimental results show that the basic properties of CaCO3 sludge, when mixed and compacted with OPC, can produce the highest quality soil-cement. As a result of this study, electrical resistivity was found to be in good correlation with unconfined compressive strength, thus opening up a time-saving and cost-effective way to check the quality of soil-cement
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of children with methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Yan Haibo , zhang zhen , liu jingwei , Li Yumei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of children with methylmalonic acidemia(MMA), and to improve clinicians' understanding of the disease.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children who were hospitalized and diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia in the First Hospital of Jilin University from March 2015 to March 2021.
Results
Among the 42 children, 19 were male and 23 were female. The disease is more common in infancy. MMA is characterized by frequent vomiting, disturbance of consciousness, and metabolic acidosis, and the combined MMA The combined type is mostly growth retardation and nervous system damage.
Conclusion
Neurological damage is the most common in children with methylmalonic acidemia, and most children suffer from Growth retardation. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to improve the quality of life of children.
Evaluation of pharmaceutical inventory management challenges at public healthcare facilities in King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Mabizela Sibusiso , Nakambale Hilma N. , Bangalee Varsha 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Effective pharmaceutical inventory management is essential for optimizing healthcare outcomes and supply chain performance. However, challenges such as stockouts, overstocking, and wastage can hinder this process. This study examines the interrelationships between overstocking, stockouts, and wastage in eight healthcare facilities in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It also explores the extent of these challenges and investigates the use of medicine redistribution as a strategy to address inventory management issues.
Methods: A retrospective quantitative analysis was conducted using pharmacy inventory records from public healthcare facilities. Nine facilities, including hospitals and a community healthcare center in the King Cetshwayo District, were purposively sampled. Pearson's correlation analysis assessed the associations between stockouts, overstocking, and wastage, while linear regression analysis examined their influence on medicine redistribution. Descriptive statistics reported the extent of overstocking, stockouts, and expiry-related wastage.
Results: The study included nine healthcare facilities with pharmacy warehouses managed by pharmacists. A total of 392 medicines were analyzed (49 per facility). Stockouts affected 85.6% of medicines, while overstocking and expiry-related wastage impacted 50.6% and 15.2% of medicines, respectively. The most common stock-out medicines were salbutamol 200mcg inhalant (4.0%), paracetamol 500mg tablets (3.5%), and azithromycin 500mg tablets (3.3%). Overstocking, stock with short-dated expiry, and expired medicines explained 68% of redistribution transactions to other facilities (R² = 0.68). A moderate, statistically significant correlation was observed between overstocking and expiry-related wastage (r² = 0.47, p-value = 0.020). Stockouts had a weak correlation with redistribution, accounting for only 4.5% (p-value < 0.01). A weak correlation was found between stockouts and overstocking (r = 0.10), as well as between stockouts and expired medicines (r = -0.20).
Conclusion: This study highlights significant challenges in inventory management, particularly regarding stockouts, overstocking, and expiry-related wastage in the evaluated healthcare facilities. Medicine redistribution emerged as a viable strategy to address these challenges. Improving inventory management practices and implementing targeted interventions are crucial for optimizing pharmaceutical supply chain performance and enhancing healthcare delivery outcomes in this setting.
Human Gut Microbiota in Multiple Sclerosis- Can We Change it?
Authors: Paraschiv Andreea-Cristina , Vacaras Vitalie , Nistor Cristina , Vacaras Cristiana , Strilciuc Stefan , Muresanu Dafin F. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Gut microbiota has complex immune functions, related to different pathologies, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
Aim
This study described the microbiota of people with MS (PwMS) and the influence of treatments.
Methods
The research included 60 participants (39 PwMS and 21 healthy controls-HC). 20 PwMS were prescribed a disease modifying therapy (DMT) either interferon beta1a or teriflunomide and 19 received a combination of classical DMT and an immunoglobulin Y (IgY) supplement. Two sets of gut samples were collected for each participant: once at the study onset and once after two months of treatment.
Results
Alpha and beta diversity analysis led to no major differences between groups. Compared to HC, the MS group had increased Prevotella stercorea and decreased Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. After treatment, PwMS had enriched Lachnospiraceae and Streptococcus. Compared to the first one, the second sample provided increased Bifidobacterum angulatum and reduced Oscillospira for PwMS. The cohort treated with complementary IgY supplement had increased Clostridium perfringens.
Conclusion
The diversity of MS microbiota is not majorly different from HC, but various taxonomic alterations arise that characterize a dysbiosis state. DMT and immunoglobulin Y supplements may be involved in changes in microbial composition that possibly tend to restore a healthier microbiome.