bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of myocardial computed tomography–derived extracellular volume in severe aortic stenosis requiring aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Faggiano Andrea , Gherbesi Elisa , Carugo Stefano , Brusamolino Matteo , Cozac Dan Alexandru , Cozza Elena , Savo Maria Teresa , Cannata Francesco , Guglielmo Marco , La Mura Lucia , Fazzari Fabio , Carrabba Nazario , Conte Edoardo , Mushtaq Saima , Baggiano Andrea , Guaricci Andrea Igoren , Pedrinelli Roberto , Indolfi Ciro , Sinagra Gianfranco , Perrone Filardi Pasquale , Pergola Valeria , Pontone Gianluca 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Computed tomography (CT)-derived extracellular volume (ECV) fraction is a non-invasive method to quantify myocardial fibrosis. Evaluating CT-ECV during aortic valve replacement (AVR) planning CT in severe aortic stenosis (AS) may aid prognostic stratification. This meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic significance of CT-ECV in severe AS necessitating AVR. Electronic database searches of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were performed. The primary outcome was to compare the occurrence of a composite of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with severe AS undergoing AVR with elevated myocardial CT-ECV values vs. patients with normal values. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF)-related hospitalization. A total of 1223 patients undergoing AVR for severe AS were included in 10 studies: 524 patients with high values of CT-ECV and 699 with normal values of CT-ECV. The pooled CT-ECV cut-off to define elevated values and predict prognosis was 30.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28.5–33.7%]. At a mean follow-up of 17.9 ± 2.3 months after AVR, patients with elevated CT-ECV experienced a significantly higher number of cardiovascular events [43.4 vs. 14.0%; odds ratio (OR): 4.3, 95% CI: 3.192–5.764, P &lt; 0.001]. Regarding secondary outcomes, all-cause mortality occurred in 29.3% of patients with elevated CT-ECV vs. 11.6% with CT-ECV below the cut-off (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.276–5.311, P &lt; 0.001), whereas HF hospitalization was observed in 25.5% vs. 5.9% (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 2.283–10.376, P &lt; 0.001). Patients undergoing AVR for severe AS with elevated CT-ECV values experience a worse post-intervention prognosis. The implementation of CT-ECV evaluation in routine AVR planning protocols should be considered.
Gonadal function and pathology in 17beta-HSD 3 and 5alpha-reductase deficiency
Authors: Boogers Lidewij S , Brüggenwirth Hennie T , Wolffenbuttel Katja P , Hersmus Remko , Bryce Jillian , Ahmed S Faisal , Lucas-Herald Angela K , Baronio Federico , Cools Martine , Ellaithi Mona , Globa Evgenia , Güran Tülay , Hiort Olaf , Holterhus Paul-Martin , MсElreavey Kenneth , Niedziela Marek , Stancampiano Marianna Rita , Tosun Buşra G , van Bever Yolande , Oosterhuis J Wolter , Looijenga Leendert H J , Hannema Sabine E 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 deficiency (17β-HSDD) and 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency (5α-RD) are rare 46,XY differences of sex development (DSD). This study aims to enlarge the limited knowledge on long-term gonadal function and gonadal pathology in these conditions.

Design
Retrospective multicentre cohort study.

Methods
Data on phenotype, laboratory results, and hormone treatment were collected from patients aged ≥16 years at time of data collection with genetically confirmed 17β-HSDD and 5α-RD from 10 centres via the I-DSD Registry. If gonadectomy or gonadal biopsy had been performed, pathology reports and/or gonadal tissue or images were collected.

Results
All 16 patients with 17β-HSDD were raised female; 1 (6%) changed to male gender at age 14. Three females were treated with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) to prevent virilisation. Thirteen underwent gonadectomy at median age 8 (range 0-17). None had germ cell (pre)malignancies. Of 14 patients with 5α-RD, 10 (71%) were raised female. Five changed gender at age 7-23, of whom 4 to male gender. One was treated with GnRHa. Six underwent gonadectomy at median age 10 (range 0-31). None had germ cell (pre)malignancies. With gonads in situ, puberty spontaneously progressed. Three were treated with dihydrotestosterone.

Conclusions
A significant percentage of individuals with 17β-HSDD and 5α-RD changed gender, and some were treated with GnRHa to prevent virilisation before making a definitive decision about gonadectomy. When left in situ, spontaneous puberty occurs and germ cell (pre)malignancies seem uncommon at least until early adulthood. Together, these data support delaying a decision about gonadectomy until late adolescence in these conditions.
Exploring the state-of-the-art in metal-organic frameworks for antibiotic adsorption: a review of performance, mechanisms, and regeneration
Authors: Sutherland Clint 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) towards the adsorption of antibiotics is a new and emerging area of study. The rise in use or misuse of antibiotic products has exacerbated their ongoing presence and persistence in the natural environment. Even at low concentrations, antibiotic residues exert pressure on bacterial populations, eventually leading to the emergence of resistant bacteria. Metal-organic frameworks, known for their high porosity, vast specific surface area, and ease of modification, have emerged to be a promising and sustainable antibiotic adsorbent. In an effort to advance the development of this adsorbent, this study provides a state-of-the-art review of recent research published from 2020 to the present, specifically examining the use of MOFs for removing antibiotics from aqueous solutions. Multiple MOF adsorbents were analyzed, with approximately 59% demonstrating significant adsorption capacity within the pH range of 6.0–8.0. In 75% of the instances, the adsorption system reached equilibrium in under 2 hr. Adsorption capacities compared well to other published works in the literature and exceeded conventional adsorbents in many instances. Notable cases of MOF performance were MIL-53(Al) adsorption of amoxicillin (AMX) and SA-g-P3AP@MOF(Fe)/Ag adsorption of neomycin where adsorption capacities of 758.5 and 625.0 mg/g were attained, respectively. The reusability of MOFs was extensively reported at the laboratory batch scale. Analysis of the reported studies revealed the most effective eluents were acetone, ethanol, and methanol, with mostly 3–5 cycles attainable without appreciable loss in efficiency. The recent literature confirmed that MOFs are highly efficient in the adsorption of antibiotics; however, there are some areas that warrant further development. It is intended that this work will bring recent trends to the forefront, identify knowledge gaps, and help guide future research proposals.
Toxic Effects of Atrazine on Freshwater Mussels (Elliptio complanata)
Authors: Job Manna , Makutonin Miryam , Job Jerome , Niri Vaduod , Nimmagadda Suresh , MacKenzie James A , Geetha-Loganathan Poongodi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Atrazine (ATR) is a commonly found herbicide contaminant in water bodies across the United States. In this study, native freshwater mussels (Elliptio complanata) were investigated to determine histopathological effects and bioaccumulation of ATR under laboratory conditions. Mussels were collected from the Rice Creek Field Station, Oswego, NY, and were exposed to two different concentrations of ATR (15 and 150 μg/L) for four weeks. Histopathological phenotypes induced by ATR include reduced or no ciliary epithelium, ciliary cells merged or completely absent, skeletal rods and connective tissue reduced, causing malformed gill filaments; inhibition of condensation of spermatogenic cells and induced necrosis in spermatocytes in testis; disintegration of acini, oocytes, follicles, and epithelium of the duct, disintegration of the yolk and stalk connecting acini to the follicular wall in ovaries. There were no apparent ATR-mediated histopathological effects in the mantle tissue. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify the levels of bioaccumulation of ATR in the tissues where the teratogenic effects are observed from the histological analysis. Bioaccumulation of ATR was observed in gills (0.11 µg/g in the ATR 15 µg/L group and 0.51 µg/g in the ATR 150 µg/L group) and visceral tissues (0.11 µg/g in the ATR 15 µg/L group and 0.63 µg/g in the ATR 150 µg/L), correlating with the histopathological phenotypes. ATR's action mechanism is identified as induced apoptosis in the cells. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the biochemical response and determine the derivates of ATR in this species.
Relation of income to trends in well-being by age: implications for the future older “forgotten” lower middle class
Authors: Rehkopf David H , Furstenberg Frank F , Jackson Christian , Rowe John W ,   and The Research Network on an Aging Society, Rowe John W , Antonucci Toni C , Berkman Lisa , Börsch-Supan Axel , Carstensen Laura L , Chen Cynthia , Goldman Dana P , Fried Linda P , Furstenberg Frank F , Kohli Martin , Olshansky S Jay , Rehkopf David H , Zissimopoulos Julie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The structure of social welfare policy has neglected a growing and increasingly economically marginalized segment of the American population—the lower middle class, a large group who are ineligible for many need-based social services. We examined 20-year time trends in physical well-being, mental well-being, and functional well-being by levels of household income. Our descriptive study used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and is representative of the population of the United States, ages 40 to 74, from 2003 to 2022 (n = 5 308 256). We found dramatic and consistent differences in trends in well-being by income category. While well-being generally got worse over the 20-year period for all ages, the declines were most pronounced for lower-middle-income households for individuals age 50 to 59. These differential trends by income were similar for all 3 of the measures of well-being we examined, but were most different by income level for physical well-being and functional well-being. No major trends or levels were explained by race, body mass index, or smoking. If the observed trends persist, the current age 50–59-year-old lower-middle-income population will enter retirement ages with substantially worse well-being than previous generations.
Bioeconomics of a regime shift by invasive epibiont species affecting a bivalve small-scale fishery
Authors: Aranceta-Garza Fernando , Ramírez-Luna Silvia , Seijo Juan Carlos 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines the changes in the fishing regime caused by a tunicate epibiont invasion over a small-scale fishery of the pen shell Atrina maura analyzed by a bioeconomic spatial model. The regime shift caused by invasive species decreases the carrying capacity of native species, hindering biomass restoration strategies such as catch quotas, fishing effort reductions, and/or spatial fishing restrictions. The results calculated a tunicate mortality vector that collapsed 80% of A. maura population in 2017. During 2018–2022, biomass remained 60% below 2017 pre-tunicate levels. An exploitation rate of 10% for A. maura fishery enabled low but sustainable exploitation (∼2.5 adductor muscle tons per year) and a positive present value of resource rent (PV = USD 679 000). Dynamic projections for 2023–2035 showed heterogeneous trends for the bioeconomic indicators under possible states of nature of A. maura mortality caused by tunicate invasion (${\theta _n}$). ${\theta _1}$: historical tunicate mortality levels showing negative yearly rates of change [−2%, −4%]. ${\theta _2}$: recent tunicate mortality levels showing no significant changes. ${\theta _3}$: a reduction of tunicate mortality by 30% resulting in a resource recovery trend. This study may contribute to a better understanding of a regime shift by invasive species over sedentary fishing resources.
Antioxidant peptides produced by Pediococcus acidilactici YKP4 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus BD2 in fermented soymilk made from germinated soybeans
Authors: Fadlillah Hendry Noer , Nuraida Lilis , Sitanggang Azis Boing , Palupi Nurheni Sri 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Soybeans contain antioxidants and are a rich source of proteins. Germination of soybeans improves the bioavailability of nutrients and reduces the content of antinutritional compounds. Moreover, lactic acid fermentation of high-protein foods, such as soybeans, can produce bioactive peptides. Therefore, this study aimed to produce bioactive peptides through fermentation of soymilk prepared from germinated soybeans using Pediococcus acidilactici YKP4 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus BD2 and to identify the antioxidative properties of the resulting peptides. Results demonstrated that the &lt;2 kDa fraction of germinated soybean milk, fermented by P. acidilactici YKP4 and L. rhamnosus BD2, had the lowest IC50 values of 471.16 and 556.93 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the resulting peptides of &lt;2 kDa were mainly derived from glycinin and β-conglycinin. Some of the identified peptides exhibiting antioxidant activities were GKHQQEEENEGGSI, VNPESQQGSPR, IGINAENNQRN, and FVDAQPQQKEEG. Moreover, fermentation of germinated soybean milk produced peptides that act as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase-4, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and dipeptidyl peptidase-3.
Dispersal promotes stability and persistence of exploited yeast mutualisms
Authors: Liu Cong , Vidal Mayra C 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Multispecies mutualistic interactions are ubiquitous and essential in nature, yet they face several threats, many of which have been exacerbated in the Anthropocene era. Understanding the factors that drive the stability and persistence of mutualism has become increasingly important in light of global change. Although dispersal is widely recognized as a crucial spatially explicit process in maintaining biodiversity and community structure, knowledge about how the dispersal of mutualists contributes to the persistence of mutualistic systems remains limited. In this study, we used a synthetic mutualism formed by genetically modified budding yeast to investigate the effect of dispersal on the persistence and stability of mutualisms under exploitation. We found that dispersal increased the persistence of exploited mutualisms by 80% compared to the isolated systems. Furthermore, our results showed that dispersal increased local diversity, decreased beta diversity among local communities, and stabilized community structure at the regional scale. Our results indicate that dispersal can allow mutualisms to persist in meta-communities by reintroducing species that are locally competitively excluded by exploiters. With limited dispersal, e.g. due to increased fragmentation of meta-communities, mutualisms might be more prone to breakdown. Taken together, our results highlight the critical role of dispersal in facilitating the persistence of mutualism.
Unconventional approaches for the induction of microbial natural products
Authors: Thissera Bathini , Soldatou Sylvia , Belbahri Lassaad , Ebel Rainer , Jaspars Marcel , Rateb Mostafa E 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Expansion of the microbial drug discovery pipeline has been impeded by a limited and skewed appreciation of the microbial world and its full chemical capabilities and by an inability to induce silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Typically, these silent genes are not expressed under standard laboratory conditions, instead requiring particular interventions to activate them. Genetic, physical, and chemical strategies have been employed to trigger these BGCs, and some have resulted in the induction of novel secondary metabolites. This review encompasses a wide range of literature and emphasizes selected successful induction of microbial secondary metabolites examples through unconventional approaches such as quorum sensing, epigenetic modulation, and ribosome engineering. Whenever applicable, we will also discuss their mechanisms and optimizations to improve the microbial drug discovery process.
Global justice in the reshaping of international tax
Authors: Ozai Ivan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Global digitalization and economic decentralization have reshaped the landscape of international tax policy, prompting substantial reforms led by the OECD, most notably its ‘two-pillar solution’ aimed at addressing the taxation challenges of the digital economy. This article contends that these reforms fall short of incorporating principles of global justice. The analysis critiques both the technical and normative flaws of prevailing international tax policy design approaches, revealing how its intricate, technocratic framework conceals underlying distributional biases and neglects the developmental needs of less advantaged states. It calls for international tax reforms centred on fairness, advocating for explicit consideration of distributional outcomes to ensure a more just and balanced allocation of resources and responsibilities across nations.
International institutions in global tax governance
Authors: Stewart Miranda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Tax law and governance have long been understood as quintessential elements of national sovereignty. Today, there appears to be an expansion of global tax governance through the work of a diverse array of international institutions. This article identifies the ‘who’ of global tax governance, ‘what’ they are engaged in, and ‘how’ they seek to go about it. Mapping the international institutions engaged in taxation is a necessary step in analysing the origins, activities, and future direction of this new field of multilateral activity.
Control of industrially relevant microbial isolates by antimicrobial agents: Implications for sugar factories
Authors: Bruni Gillian O , Terrell Evan , Klasson K Thomas , Qi Yunci 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Microbial isolates from sugar crop processing facilities were tested for sensitivity to several industrial antimicrobial agents to determine optimal dosing. Hydritreat 2216 showed broad-spectrum activity against all bacterial isolates as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sodium hypochlorite showed broad-spectrum activity against all isolates, but at much higher effective concentrations. Hops BetaStab XL was effective against Gram-positive isolates. Magna Cide D minimum inhibitory concentration was lowest for S. cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis but was less effective against Gram-positive bacterial strains. Based on laboratory experiments, factory losses of sucrose from a single microbial species in the absence of antimicrobials could range from 0.13 to 0.52 kg of sucrose per tonne of cane. Additional improvements in sugar yield are anticipated from agents with broad-spectrum activity. A cost analysis was conducted considering sucrose savings due to antimicrobial application to provide estimates for break-even costs, which ranged from approximately $0.50 to $2.00/L for a given antimicrobial agent.

One-Sentence Summary
Application of antimicrobial agents at minimal inhibitory doses for microbes results in optimal inhibition of microbial growth and sucrose consumption.
A rare huge retroperitoneal accessory spleen mimicking right-sided sarcoma in a female patient: case report and review
Authors: Al-Thani Hassan , El-Menyar Ayman , Ata Yaser M , Afifeh Lana Abu , Alatasi Sali , Telfah Hussam , Al-Sulaiti Maryam , Tabeb AbdelHakem 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Detecting retroperitoneal accessory spleen (AS) requires a high index of suspicion for proper and timely diagnosis. The AS can be found near the hilum of the spleen or wholly or partially embedded in the pancreatic tail, stomach, bowel, mesentery walls, or even in the pelvis. Left-sided retroperitoneal AS is common compared to the right-sided retroperitoneal location, which is very rare. The diagnosis of AS is not common preoperatively when investigating a mass in the other abdominal regions, and the surgical resection can thoroughly confirm the diagnosis. The management of AS is surgical excision through open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted techniques, depending on the patient status, the size and location of the mass, and the available treatment modality in the hospital. Here, we described a rare case presentation of a huge right retroperitoneal mass (AS) that was initially suspected as sarcoma and managed by laparotomy resection.
Root system ideotypes: what is the potential for breeding drought-tolerant grapevine rootstocks?
Authors: Bernardo Sara , Marguerit Elisa , Ollat Nathalie , Gambetta Gregory A , Saint Cast Clément , de Miguel Marina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Adaptation to drought is one of the most important challenges for agriculture. The root system, along with its integration with the soil, is fundamental in conferring drought tolerance. At the same time, it is extremely challenging to study. The result is that investigations aimed at increasing crop drought tolerance have mainly focused on above-ground traits, especially for perennial species. In this review, we explore the root trait syndromes that would constitute drought-tolerant ideotypes, taking the example of grapevine as a model perennial grafted plant. We introduce and discuss the complexity of root trait interactions across different spatial and temporal scales considering their diversity, plasticity, and possible trade-offs. Finally, we review future approaches for discovering hidden root trait syndromes conferring drought tolerance, such as state-of-the-art root phenotyping technologies, the use of modeling as a tool to upscale root traits to the field, and new strategies to link genes to phenotypes. Together these integrated approaches can improve the breeding of drought-tolerant grapevine rootstocks.
A new quantitative reverse transcription PCR assay to improve the routine diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Marques de Macedo Priscila , Sturny-Leclère Aude , Hamane Samia , Pautet Thierry , Rodrigues Anderson Messias , Freitas Dayvison Francis Saraiva , Valle Antonio Carlos Francesconi do , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , Alanio Alexandre 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Paracoccidioides are dimorphic fungal pathogens and the etiological agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). This severe systemic mycosis is restricted to Latin America, where it has been historically endemic. Currently, PCM presents the fewest diagnostic tools available when compared to other endemic mycoses. The main PCM diagnostic methods also have limitations. Molecular methods using different protocols have been proposed, but are restricted to a few regions. An analytical transversal study was conducted to evaluate a new molecular tool using specimens from patients diagnosed with PCM at a reference center for endemic mycoses in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After whole nucleic acid (WNA) extraction, RT-qPCR was performed in two independent simplex reactions, targeting the mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal RNA genes of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Additionally, WNAs from all PCM-related Paracoccidioides species and from 114 other fungal strains, as well as from samples obtained from patients diagnosed with other endemic mycoses and tuberculosis, were also tested for specificity. The RT-qPCR targeting P. brasiliensis successfully amplified genetic material from all tested Paracoccidioides species but not P. lutzii, which is why a specific RT-qPCR was designed. The RT-qPCR efficiency was 1.95 (95%) with 100% analytical specificity for both targets. All included PCM clinical samples were positive (100% sensitivity) for P. brasiliensis, and all yielded negative for P. lutzii. Additionally, all samples collected from patients with other diseases were negative, reinforcing the assay’s specificity. In conclusion, this study proposes a new accurate tool to cover gaps, contributing to the molecular diagnosis of this neglected disease.