bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histone exchange sensors reveal variant specific dynamics in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Dunjić Marko , Jonas Felix , Yaakov Gilad , More Roye , Mayshar Yoav , Rais Yoach , Orenbuch Ayelet-Hashahar , Cheng Saifeng , Barkai Naama , Stelzer Yonatan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEviction of histones from nucleosomes and their exchange with newly synthesized or alternative variants is a central epigenetic determinant. Here, we define the genome-wide occupancy and exchange pattern of canonical and non-canonical histone variants in mouse embryonic stem cells by genetically encoded exchange sensors. While exchange of all measured variants scales with transcription, we describe variant-specific associations with transcription elongation and Polycomb binding. We found considerable exchange of H3.1 and H2B variants in heterochromatin and repeat elements, contrasting the occupancy and little exchange of H3.3 in these regions. This unexpected association between H3.3 occupancy and exchange of canonical variants is also evident in active promoters and enhancers, and further validated by reduced H3.1 dynamics following depletion of H3.3-specific chaperone, HIRA. Finally, analyzing transgenic mice harboring H3.1 or H3.3 sensors demonstrates the vast potential of this system for studying histone exchange and its impact on gene expression regulation in vivo.
NOD1 mediates interleukin-18 processing in epithelial cells responding to Helicobacter pylori infection in mice
Authors: Tran L. S. , Ying L. , D’Costa K. , Wray-McCann G. , Kerr G. , Le L. , Allison C. C. , Ferrand J. , Chaudhry H. , Emery J. , De Paoli A. , Colon N. , Creed S. , Kaparakis-Liaskos M. , Como J. , Dowling J. K. , Johanesen P. A. , Kufer T. A. , Pedersen J. S. , Mansell A. , Philpott D. J. , Elgass K. D. , Abud H. E. , Nachbur U. , Croker B. A. , Masters S. L. , Ferrero R. L. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe interleukin-1 family members, IL-1β and IL-18, are processed into their biologically active forms by multi-protein complexes, known as inflammasomes. Although the inflammasome pathways that mediate IL-1β processing in myeloid cells have been defined, those involved in IL-18 processing, particularly in non-myeloid cells, are still not well understood. Here we report that the host defence molecule NOD1 regulates IL-18 processing in mouse epithelial cells in response to the mucosal pathogen, Helicobacter pylori. Specifically, NOD1 in epithelial cells mediates IL-18 processing and maturation via interactions with caspase-1, instead of the canonical inflammasome pathway involving RIPK2, NF-κB, NLRP3 and ASC. NOD1 activation and IL-18 then help maintain epithelial homoeostasis to mediate protection against pre-neoplastic changes induced by gastric H. pylori infection in vivo. Our findings thus demonstrate a function for NOD1 in epithelial cell production of bioactive IL-18 and protection against H. pylori-induced pathology.
The transcriptional landscape and diagnostic potential of long non-coding RNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Meng , Bao Siqi , Gong Tongyang , Wang Qiang , Sun Jie , Li Jiaqi , Lu Minyi , Sun Wanyuan , Su Jianzhong , Chen Hongyan , Liu Zhihua 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly cancer with no clinically relevant biomarkers for early detection. Here, we comprehensively characterized the transcriptional landscape of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in paired tumor and normal tissue specimens from 93 ESCC patients, and identified six key malignancy-specific lncRNAs that were integrated into a Multi-LncRNA Malignancy Risk Probability model (MLMRPscore). The MLMRPscore performed robustly in distinguishing ESCC from normal controls in multiple in-house and external multicenter validation cohorts, including early-stage I/II cancer. In addition, five candidate lncRNAs were confirmed to have non-invasive diagnostic potential in our institute plasma cohort, showing superior or comparable diagnostic accuracy to current clinical serological markers. Overall, this study highlights the profound and robust dysregulation of lncRNAs in ESCC and demonstrates the potential of lncRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of ESCC.
AAV11 enables efficient retrograde targeting of projection neurons and enhances astrocyte-directed transduction
Authors: Han Zengpeng , Luo Nengsong , Ma Wenyu , Liu Xiaodong , Cai Yuxiang , Kou Jiaxin , Wang Jie , Li Lei , Peng Siqi , Xu Zihong , Zhang Wen , Qiu Yuxiang , Wu Yang , Ye Chaohui , Lin Kunzhang , Xu Fuqiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractViral tracers that enable efficient retrograde labeling of projection neurons are powerful vehicles for structural and functional dissections of the neural circuit and for the treatment of brain diseases. Currently, some recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) based on capsid engineering are widely used for retrograde tracing, but display undesirable brain area selectivity due to inefficient retrograde transduction in certain neural connections. Here we developed an easily editable toolkit to produce high titer AAV11 and demonstrated that it exhibits potent and stringent retrograde labeling of projection neurons in adult male wild-type or Cre transgenic mice. AAV11 can function as a powerful retrograde viral tracer complementary to AAV2-retro in multiple neural connections. In combination with fiber photometry, AAV11 can be used to monitor neuronal activities in the functional network by retrograde delivering calcium-sensitive indicator under the control of a neuron-specific promoter or the Cre-lox system. Furthermore, we showed that GfaABC1D promoter embedding AAV11 is superior to AAV8 and AAV5 in astrocytic tropism in vivo, combined with bidirectional multi-vector axoastrocytic labeling, AAV11 can be used to study neuron-astrocyte connection. Finally, we showed that AAV11 allows for analyzing circuit connectivity difference in the brains of the Alzheimer’s disease and control mice. These properties make AAV11 a promising tool for mapping and manipulating neural circuits and for gene therapy of some neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
Dual-functional metalenses for the polarization-controlled generation of focalized vector beams in the telecom infrared
Authors: Vogliardi Andrea , Ruffato Gianluca , Dal Zilio Simone , Bonaldo Daniele , Romanato Filippo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe availability of static tiny optical devices is mandatory to reduce the complexity of optical paths that typically use dynamic optical components and/or many standard elements for the generation of complex states of light, leading to unprecedented levels of miniaturization and compactness of optical systems. In particular, the design of flat and integrated optical elements capable of multiple vector beams generation with high resolution in the visible and infrared range is very attractive in many fields, from life science to information and communication technology. In this regard, we propose dual-functional transmission dielectric metalenses that act simultaneously on the dynamic and geometric phases in order to manipulate independently right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized states of light and generate focused vector beams in a compact and versatile way. In the specific, starting from the mathematical fundamentals for the compact generation of vector beams using dual-functional optical elements, we provide the numerical algorithms for the computation of metaoptics and apply those techniques to the design and fabrication of silicon metalenses which are able to generate and focus different vector beams in the telecom infrared, depending on the linear polarization state in input. This approach provides new integrated optics for applications in the fields of high-resolution microscopy, optical manipulation, and optical communications, both in the classical and single-photon regimes.
The copper chelator ammonium tetrathiomolybdate inhibits the progression of experimental endometriosis in TNFR1-deficient mice
Authors: Conforti Rocío Ayelem , Delsouc María Belén , Zabala Ana Sofia , Vallcaneras Sandra Silvina , Casais Marilina 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe TNF-α/TNFR system is involved in endometriosis (EDT), a gynecologic estrogen-dependent disease. Elevated copper concentrations have also been associated with EDT, even in TNFR1-deficient mice where disease worsening occurs. We aimed to evaluate whether treatment with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TM, copper chelator) is beneficial in TNFR1-deficient mice presenting with worsened EDT status. Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: KO Sham, KO EDT, and KO EDT+TM. TM was administered from the 15th postoperative day, and samples were collected one month after inducing pathology. In peritoneal fluid, copper and estradiol levels were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and electrochemiluminescence, respectively. Lesions were processed for the analysis of cell proliferation (PCNA immunohistochemistry), expression of angiogenic markers (RT-qPCR), and oxidative stress (spectrophotometric methods). We found that EDT increased copper and estradiol levels compared to the KO Sham group, while the TM administration restored the levels of both factors. TM also reduced the volume and weight of the lesions and cell proliferation rate. Besides, TM treatment decreased the number of blood vessels and the Vegfa, Fgf2, and Pdgfb expression. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity decreased, and lipid peroxidation increased. TM administration inhibits EDT progression in TNFR1-deficient mice where the pathology is exacerbated.
The value of non-contrast chest CT in the prediction of myocardial injury in patients with the COVID-19 Omicron variant
Authors: Zhong Ying , Sun Zhenggang , Xu Ping , Bai Yun , Zhang Zheng , Wang Guan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant associated myocardial injury seriously affected the patient's health. Chest computed tomography (CT) is an essential imaging diagnostic tool for evaluating lung diseases in these patients, but its value in the diagnosis of myocardial injury remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lung lesions in patients with Omicron infection with or without myocardial injury, and to evaluate the predictive value of non-contrast chest CT in such patients with myocardial injury. We enrolled 122 consecutive hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for non-contrast chest CT examination. These patients were divided into two groups according to whether myocardial injury occurred. Myocardial injury was defined as a Troponin I level above the 99th-percentile upper reference limit (0.04 ng/mL). The imaging manifestations of the patients’ lungs were evaluated. Myocardial CT value, left atrium (LA) size, long diameter of left ventricular (LV), and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) were recorded. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to identify the predictive factors associated with myocardial injury. Of 122 patients, 61 patients (50%) had myocardial injury. Compared with patients without myocardial injury, there was worse NYHA class, more critical patients, higher incidence of bronchial meteorology, larger area and percentage of lung lesions, diameters of LA, and lower myocardial CT value in the myocardial injury group (P < 0.05). Troponin I concentration in patients with myocardial injury group showed negative correlation with myocardial CT value (r = − 0.319, P = 0.012). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that disease severity status (OR 2.279; 95% CI 1.247–4.165, P = 0.007), myocardial CT value (OR 0.849; 95% CI 0.752–0.958, P = 0.008), neutrophil count (OR 1.330; 95% CI 1.114–1.587, P = 0.002) were independent predictors of myocardial injury. The discrimination of the model was good (C-statistic = 0.845, 95% CI 0.775–0.914) and well calibrated with a Hosmer–Lemeshow test for goodness of fit (P = 0.476). Patients infected with Omicron with myocardial injury had more severe lung disease than those without myocardial injury. Non-contrast chest CT can be a useful method of detection of myocardial injury in Omicron infection patients.
Utilizing a tablet-based artificial intelligence system to assess movement disorders in a prospective study
Authors: Purk Maximilian , Fujarski Michael , Becker Marlon , Warnecke Tobias , Varghese Julian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSpiral drawings on paper are used as routine measures in hospitals to assess Parkinson’s Disease motor deficiencies. In the age of emerging mobile health tools and Artificial Intelligence a comprehensive digital setup enables granular biomarker analyses and improved differential diagnoses in movement disorders. This study aims to evaluate on discriminatory features among Parkison’s Disease patients, healthy subjects and diverse movement disorders. Overall, 24 Parkinson’s Disease patients, 27 healthy controls and 26 patients with similar differential diagnoses were assessed with a novel tablet-based system. It utilizes an integrative assessment by combining a structured symptoms questionnaire—the Parkinson’s Disease Non-Motor Scale—and 2-handed spiral drawing captured on a tablet device. Three different classification tasks were evaluated: Parkinson’s Disease patients versus healthy control group (Task 1), all Movement disorders versus healthy control group (Task 2) and Parkinson’s Disease patients versus diverse other movement disorder patients (Task 3). To systematically study feature importances of digital biomarkers a Machine Learning classifier is cross-validated and interpreted with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values. The number of non-motor symptoms differed significantly for Tasks 1 and 2 but not for Task 3. The proposed drawing features partially differed significantly for all three tasks. The diagnostic accuracy was on average 94.0% in Task 1, 89.4% in Task 2, and 72% in Task 3. While the accuracy in Task 3 only using the symptom questionnaire was close to the baseline, it greatly improved when including the tablet-based features from 60 to 72%. The accuracies for all three tasks were significantly improved by integrating the two modalities. These results show that tablet-based drawing features can not only be captured by consumer grade devices, but also capture specific features to Parkinson’s Disease that significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy compared to the symptom questionnaire. Therefore, the proposed system provides an objective type of disease characterization of movement disorders, which could be utilized for home-based assessments as well.Clinicaltrials.gov Study-ID: NCT03638479.
Sperm-fluid-cell interplays in the bovine oviduct: glycosaminoglycans modulate sperm binding to the isthmic reservoir
Authors: Mahé Coline , Pranomphon Thanya , Reynaud Karine , Laffont Ludivine , Meylheuc Thierry , Schoen Jennifer , Mermillod Pascal , Saint-Dizier Marie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWhen entering the oviduct for fertilisation, spermatozoa come into contact with the oviduct fluid (OF) and can bind to luminal epithelial cells in the isthmus to form a sperm reservoir. The objective of this study was to examine how the OF modulates sperm adhesion to the oviduct reservoir using an in vitro model of oviduct epithelial spheroids (OES). Bovine oviducts from a local slaughterhouse were used to collect OF and isthmic fragments for the in vitro incubation of OES. Compared to a non-capacitating control medium, the pre-ovulatory OF significantly decreased by 80–90% the density of spermatozoa bound to OES without affecting sperm motility, membrane integrity, or sperm-cilia interactions. This effect on sperm binding was reproduced with (1) OF from different cycle stages and anatomical regions of the oviduct; (2) OF fractions of more than 3 kDa; (3) modified OF in which proteins were denatured or digested and (4) heparan sulphate but not hyaluronic acid, two glycosaminoglycans present in the OF. In conclusion, the OF significantly decreased the number of spermatozoa that bind to oviduct epithelial cells without affecting sperm motility and this effect was due to macromolecules, including heparan sulphate.
Annealing temperature effects on the size and band gap of ZnS quantum dots fabricated by co-precipitation technique without capping agent
Authors: Alwany Abduelwhab. B. , Youssef G. M. , Samir O. M. , Algradee Mohammed A. , A.Yahya Nabil A. , Swillam Mohamed A. , Humaidi Syahrul , Abd‑Shukor R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractZnS quantum dots (QDs) were fabricated using the co-precipitation technique with no capping agent. The effects of different annealing temperatures (non-annealed, 240 °C and 340 °C for 2 h) on the structural and optical characteristics of ZnS QDs are reported. The samples were examined by XRD, TEM, PL, FTIR, and UV–Vis. An increase in annealing temperature led to an increase in the dot size and a lowering of the energy band gap (EG). The average crystallite size, D of ZnS was between 4.4 and 5.6 nm. The ZnS QDs showed a band gap of 3.75, 3.74 and 3.72 eV for non-annealed, 240 °C, and 340 °C annealed samples. The reflection spectra increased in the visible light and decreased in UV region with an increase in annealing temperature. This work showed that the band gap and size of ZnS QDs could be tuned by varying the annealing temperature.
The scale-free theory of stellar convection
Authors: Chiosi C. , Pasetto S. , Chiosi E. , Crnojević D. 
Published: June 2023

Context. A new, self-consistent, scale-free theory of stellar convection was recently developed (SFCT) in which velocities, dimensions, and energy fluxes carried by the convective elements are defined in a rest frame co-moving with the convective element itself. As the dynamics of the problem is formulated in a different framework with respect to the mixing length theory (MLT), the SFCT equations are sufficient to determine all the properties of stellar convection in accordance with the physics of the environment alone, with no need for the mixing length parameter (MLP). Subsequently, the SFCT was improved by introducing suitable boundary conditions at the surface of the external convective zones of the stars, and the first stellar models and evolutionary tracks on the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram were calculated.
Aims. The SFCT received alternatively positive and negative attention that spurred us to reconsider the whole problem. In this work, we aim to re-examine the physical foundations and results of the SFCT, elucidate some misconceptions on its physical foundations, reply to reported criticisms, and present some recent improvements to the SFCT.
Methods. The analysis was done using the same formalism of the previous studies, but novel arguments and demonstrations are added to better justify the controversial points, in particular the relaxation of instantaneous hydrostatic equilibrium between a convective element and the surrounding medium.
Results. The main results include (i) a novel detailed discussion of the boundary conditions to ensure that the temperature gradients in the outermost regions of a star are adequate for analyses of stability or instability in asteroseismology; (ii) a quantitative comparison with the MLT; and, finally, (iii) the recovery of the MLT as a particular case of the SFCT, but also in this case with no need for the MLP.
Conclusions. In conclusion, the SFCT is a step forward with respect to the classical MLT.
Adipositas als Krankheit und Barriere
Authors: Metzler Michael 
Published: June 2023

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGGesellschaftlich ist die Prävention der Adipositas relevant. Wichtig ist die Anerkennung der Adipositas als Krankheit und Barriere. Eine berufliche Neuorientierung zur Förderung der Teilhabe mit dauerhafter beruflicher Perspektive bei Adipositas ist aber nur erschwert über eine Qualifizierung in einem Berufsförderungswerk (BFW) zu erreichen. Wie eine berufliche Neuorientierung für Menschen mit Adipositas gelingend gestaltet werden kann, wurde in einer Literaturanalyse und Stichprobenerhebungen der Adipositas im BFW untersucht. Ergebnisse: Für Menschen mit Adipositas gestaltet es sich schwierig, an Leistungen zur Teilhabe (LTA) beteiligt zu werden. Für die Adipositas Grad 1 (WHO) ICD E 66.00 wurden hier in Stichproben im BFW Oberhausen unter etwa 1000 Teilnehmern 4 % dokumentiert. Für die weitere Dokumentation wurden gelistet: Adipositas Grad 2 (WHO) E 66.01 mit 5 %, Adipositas Grad 3 BMI 40–50 (WHO) ICD E66.06 mit 2,5 %, Adipositas Grad 3 BMI 50–60 (WHO) ICD E66.07 mit 0,4 % und für Adipositas Grad 3 BMI > 60 (WHO) ICD E66.08 mit 0,1 %. Im Profil der Rehabilitationsdiagnosen der LTA spielt die Adipositas mit Krankheitsbezug nur zu einem kleinen Prozentsatz eine Rolle. Die Diagnose Adipositas wird in der Regel nicht als rehabilitationsrelevante Hauptdiagnose geführt. Eine besser abgestimmte Interaktion der Akteure in Gesundheitssektoren könnten die berufliche Rehabilitation im Kontext der Adipositas mehr als bisher einbeziehen. Eine Verhaltens- und Verhältnisprävention hat eine große Bedeutung. Eine nach ICF ausgerichtete Analyse und Förderung von Kompetenzen ist ein wichtiges Instrument. Über einen kontrollierten Zeitraum von 24 Monaten lassen sich sowohl positive Effekte für die berufliche Qualifizierung als auch spätere Berufsausübung erwarten. Ein verbesserter Gesundheitsstatus mit positiven Auswirkungen auf den Stoffwechsel führt zu einer gesteigerten Handlungskompetenz und körperlichen Fitness. Dem Verbleib im Beruf, und nicht alleinig einer guten Qualifizierung, sollte in Anbetracht der demografischen Entwicklung und knappen Arbeitskraftressourcen für Menschen mit Adipositas eine größere Aufmerksamkeit zukommen. Investitionen in die Prävention und nichtmedikamentöse / nichtoperative Behandlung sollten in zukünftigen Gesundheitskonzeptionen überdacht werden (z. B. Personal, Schwimmbäder nicht nur als Kostenfaktor betrachtet).