bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRISPR-assisted test for Schistosoma haematobium
Authors: Cherkaoui Dounia , Mesquita Silvia G. , Huang Da , Lugli Elena B. , Webster Bonnie L. , McKendry Rachel A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSchistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination as a public health issue by 2030, however there is an urgent need for more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests suitable to resource-limited settings. Here we developed CATSH, a CRISPR-assisted diagnostic test for Schistosoma haematobium, utilising recombinase polymerase amplification, Cas12a-targeted cleavage and portable real-time fluorescence detection. CATSH showed high analytical sensitivity, consistent detection of a single parasitic egg and specificity for urogenital Schistosoma species. Thanks to a novel CRISPR-compatible sample preparation developed using simulated urine samples containing parasitic eggs, CATSH had a sample-to-result within 2 h. The components of CATSH can be lyophilised, reducing cold chain dependence and widening access to lower and middle-income countries. This work presents a new application of CRISPR diagnostics for highly sensitive and specific detection of parasitic pathogens in remote areas and could have a significant impact on the elimination of neglected tropical diseases.
Striatal dopamine D2-like receptors availability in obesity and its modulation by bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ribeiro Gabriela , Maia Ana , Cotovio Gonçalo , Oliveira Francisco P. M. , Costa Durval C. , Oliveira-Maia Albino J. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThere is significant evidence linking a ‘reward deficiency syndrome’ (RDS), comprising decreased availability of striatal dopamine D2-like receptors (DD2lR) and addiction-like behaviors underlying substance use disorders and obesity. Regarding obesity, a systematic review of the literature with a meta-analysis of such data is lacking. Following a systematic review of the literature, we performed random-effects meta-analyses to determine group differences in case–control studies comparing DD2lR between individuals with obesity and non-obese controls and prospective studies of pre- to post-bariatric surgery DD2lR changes. Cohen's d was used to measure effect size. Additionally, we explored factors potentially associated with group differences in DD2lR availability, such as obesity severity, using univariate meta-regression. In a meta-analysis including positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies, striatal DD2lR availability did not significantly differ between obesity and controls. However, in studies comprising patients with class III obesity or higher, group differences were significant, favoring lower DD2lR availability in the obesity group. This effect of obesity severity was corroborated by meta-regressions showing inverse associations between the body mass index (BMI) of the obesity group and DD2lR availability. Post-bariatric changes in DD2lR availability were not found, although a limited number of studies were included in this meta-analysis. These results support lower DD2lR in higher classes of obesity which is a more targeted population to explore unanswered questions regarding the RDS.
Transcriptome analysis reveals association of carotenoid metabolism pathway with fruit color in melon
Authors: Diao Qiannan , Tian Shoubo , Cao Yanyan , Yao Dongwei , Fan Hongwei , Zhang Yongping 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFlesh color is an important quality of melon (Cucumis meloL.) and is determined mainly by carotenoid content, awarding them with colors, aromas, and nutrients. enhancing the nutritional and health benefits of fruits and vegetables for humans. In this study, we performed transcriptomic analysis of two melon inbred line “B-14” (orange-flesh) and “B-6” (white-flesh) at three developmental stages. We observed that the β-carotene content of inbred line “B-6” (14.232 μg/g) was significantly lower than that of inbred line “B-14” (0.534 μg/g). RNA-sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analyses were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two inbred lines at different stages; the DEGs were analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases (KEGG). We identified 33 structural DEGs in different developmental periods of the two lines that were related to carotenoid metabolism. Among them,PSY,Z-ISO,ZDS,CRTISO,CCD4,VDE1, andNCED2were highly correlated with carotenoid content. Thus, this study provides a basis for molecular mechanism of carotenoid biosynthesis and flesh color in melon fruit.
Cross over to collective rearrangements near the dry-wet transition in two-dimensional foams
Authors: Yanagisawa Naoya , Kurita Rei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLiquid foams respond plastically to external perturbations over some critical magnitude. This rearrangement process is directly related to the mechanical properties of the foams, playing a significant role in determining foam lifetime, deformability, elasticity, and fluidity. In this paper, we experimentally investigate the rearrangement dynamics of foams near a dry-wet transition. When a foam transforms from a dry state to a wet state, it is found that considering collective events, separated T1 events propagate in dry foams, while T1 events occur simultaneously in wet foams. This cross over to collective rearrangements is closely related to the change in local bubble arrangements and mobility. Furthermore, it is also found that a probability of collective rearrangement events occurring follows a Poisson distribution, suggesting that there is little correlation between discrete collective rearrangement events. These results constitute progress in understanding the dynamical properties of soft jammed systems, relevant for biological and material sciences as well as food science.
The spatial spillover effect of higher SO2 emission tax rates on PM2.5 concentration in China
Authors: Wang Kaifeng , Liu Yu , Wang Shaochen , Li Chengpeng 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the adoption of SO2emission tax rates higher than the legal minimum standard is regarded as a noteworthy policy reform in China (quasi-natural experiment), and a spatial Difference-in-Differences (Spatial-DID) model is constructed to test the direct effects (local effects) and indirect effects (spatial spillover effects) of SO2emission tax policy reform on PM2.5concentrations in the atmosphere of 285 China’s cities. The estimation and calculation results of the Spatial-DID model show that the SO2emission tax policy reform can significantly reduce local PM2.5concentration and significantly promote PM2.5concentration in surrounding areas. The results of heterogeneity analysis show that the SO2emission tax policy reform can produce a relatively more beneficial spatial spillover effect in eastern cities and higher administrative level cities, while the pollutants emission rights trading and the reform of NOxemission tax rates can produce beneficial spatial spillover effects when cooperating with the reform of SO2emission tax rates. The results of the mediation effect analysis show that the higher SO2emission tax rate can aggravate the surrounding PM2.5pollution by promoting the aggregation level of industrial production factors and the industrial SO2emission intensity in the surrounding areas, which can support the existence of the pollution heaven effect.
Endocannabinoid administration affects taste preference and the expression of cannabinoid and opioid receptors in the amygdala of early lactating cows
Authors: Schwerdtfeger Jessica , Krause Annika , Kalbe Claudia , Mazzuoli-Weber Gemma , Eggert Anja , Puppe Birger , Kuhla Björn , Röttgen Volker 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the influence of intraperitoneal N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) on taste preference for feed and water, tongue taste receptor signalling (TAS1R2, GNAT3), and endocannabinoid (CNR1, CNR2, GPR55) and opioid (OPRD1, OPRK1, OPRM1, OPRL1) receptors in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens in periparturient cows. We conducted taste preference tests using unaltered, umami-tasting, and sweet-tasting water and feed, before and after calving. After calving, eight cows received AEA injections (3 µg/(kg bodyweight × day), 25 days), whereas eight control (CON) cows received saline injections. Tissue was sampled 30 days after calving. Before calving, both cow groups preferred sweet-tasting feed and umami-tasting water. After calving, only the AEA-treated group preferred sweet-tasting feed, whereas the CON group showed no clear taste preference. In the amygdala, the mRNA expression of CNR1, OPRD1 (left hemisphere) and OPRK1 (right hemisphere) was lower in AEA animals than in CON animals, whereas no differences were found in the nucleus accumbens and tongue taste receptor expression. In conclusion, AEA administration enhanced existing taste preferences and reduced the expression of specific endocannabinoid and opioid receptors in the amygdala. The results support endocannabinoid-opioid interactions in the control of taste-dependent feed preference in early lactating cows.
Magnetothermal-based non-invasive focused magnetic stimulation for functional recovery in chronic stroke treatment
Authors: Kim Hohyeon , Kim Jihye , Kim Jahae , Oh Seungjun , Choi Kangho , Yoon Jungwon 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMagnetic heat-based brain stimulation of specific lesions could promote the restoration of impaired motor function caused by chronic stroke. We delivered localized stimulation by nanoparticle-mediated heat generation within the targeted brain area via focused magnetic stimulation. The middle cerebral artery occlusion model was prepared, and functional recovery in the chronic-phase stroke rat model was demonstrated by the therapeutic application of focused magnetic stimulation. We observed a transient increase in blood–brain barrier permeability at the target site of < 4 mm and metabolic brain activation at the target lesion. After focused magnetic stimulation, the rotarod score increased by 390 ± 28% (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Standardized uptake value in the focused magnetic stimulation group increased by 2063 ± 748% (p < 0.01) compared to the control group. Moreover, an increase by 24 ± 5% (p < 0.05) was observed in the sham group as well. Our results show that non-invasive focused magnetic stimulation can safely modulate BBB permeability and enhance neural activation for chronic-phase stroke treatment in the targeted deep brain area.
Radial-tangential mode of single-wall carbon nanotubes manifested by Landau regulation: reinterpretation of low- and intermediate-frequency Raman signals
Authors: Hembram K. P. S. S. , Kim Jin-Gyu , Lee Sang-Gil , Park Jeongwon , Lee Jae-Kap 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe low-frequency Raman signals of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), appearing in the range of 100–300 cm−1, have been interpreted as radial-breathing mode (RBM) comprising pure radial Eigenvectors. Here, we report that most of the low-frequency and intermediate-frequency signals of SWNTs are radial-tangential modes (RTMs) coexisting radial and tangential Eigenvectors, while only the first peak at the low-frequency side is the RBM. Density functional theory simulation for SWNTs of ~ 2 nm in diameter shows that dozens of RTMs exhibit following the RBM (~ 150 cm−1) up to G-mode (~ 1592 cm−1) in order with Landau regulation. We specify the RBM and the RTM on Raman spectra obtained from SWNTs, where both appear as prominent peaks between 149 and 170 cm−1 and ripple-like peaks between 166 and 1440 cm−1, respectively. We report that the RTMs have been regarded as RBM (~ 300 cm−1) and ambiguously named as intermediate-frequency mode (300–1300 cm−1) without assignment. The RTMs gradually interlink the RBM and the G-mode resulting in the symmetric Raman spectra in intensity. We reveal high-resolution transmission microscope evidence for a helical structure of SWNTs, informing the typical diameter of commercial SWNTs to be 1.4–2 nm.
Shotgun proteomics of quinoa seeds reveals chitinases enrichment under rainfed conditions
Authors: Poza-Viejo Laura , Redondo-Nieto Miguel , Matías Javier , Granado-Rodríguez Sara , Maestro-Gaitán Isaac , Cruz Verónica , Olmos Enrique , Bolaños Luis , Reguera Maria 
Published: March 2023

AbstractQuinoa is an Andean crop whose cultivation has been extended to many different parts of the world in the last decade. It shows a great capacity for adaptation to diverse climate conditions, including environmental stressors, and, moreover, the seeds are very nutritious in part due to their high protein content, which is rich in essential amino acids. They are gluten-free seeds and contain good amounts of other nutrients such as unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, or minerals. Also, the use of quinoa hydrolysates and peptides has been linked to numerous health benefits. Altogether, these aspects have situated quinoa as a crop able to contribute to food security worldwide. Aiming to deepen our understanding of the protein quality and function of quinoa seeds and how they can vary when this crop is subjected to water-limiting conditions, a shotgun proteomics analysis was performed to obtain the proteomes of quinoa seeds harvested from two different water regimes in the field: rainfed and irrigated conditions. Differentially increased levels of proteins determined in seeds from each field condition were analysed, and the enrichment of chitinase-related proteins in seeds harvested from rainfed conditions was found. These proteins are described as pathogen-related proteins and can be accumulated under abiotic stress. Thus, our findings suggest that chitinase-like proteins in quinoa seeds can be potential biomarkers of drought. Also, this study points to the need for further research to unveil their role in conferring tolerance when coping with water-deficient conditions.
Application of machine learning in predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using anthropometric and body composition indices
Authors: Razmpour Farkhondeh , Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara Reza , Soleimani Davood , Asgharnezhad Hamzeh , Shamsi Afshar , Bajestani Ghasem Sadeghi , Nematy Mohsen , Pour Mahdiyeh Razm , Maddison Ralph , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, which can progress from simple steatosis to advanced cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical diagnosis of NAFLD is crucial in the early stages of the disease. The main aim of this study was to apply machine learning (ML) methods to identify significant classifiers of NAFLD using body composition and anthropometric variables. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 513 individuals aged 13 years old or above in Iran. Anthropometric and body composition measurements were performed manually using body composition analyzer InBody 270. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were determined using a Fibroscan. ML methods including k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Radial Basis Function (RBF) SVM, Gaussian Process (GP), Random Forest (RF), Neural Network (NN), Adaboost and Naïve Bayes were examined for model performance and to identify anthropometric and body composition predictors of fatty liver disease. RF generated the most accurate model for fatty liver (presence of any stage), steatosis stages and fibrosis stages with 82%, 52% and 57% accuracy, respectively. Abdomen circumference, waist circumference, chest circumference, trunk fat and body mass index were among the most important variables contributing to fatty liver disease. ML-based prediction of NAFLD using anthropometric and body composition data can assist clinicians in decision making. ML-based systems provide opportunities for NAFLD screening and early diagnosis, especially in population-level and remote areas.
Importance of ipsilateral residual hearing for spatial hearing by bimodal cochlear implant users
Authors: Thomas Mathew , Galvin John J. , Fu Qian-Jie 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBimodal cochlear implant (CI) listeners have difficulty utilizing spatial cues to segregate competing speech, possibly due to tonotopic mismatch between the acoustic input frequency and electrode place of stimulation. The present study investigated the effects of tonotopic mismatch in the context of residual acoustic hearing in the non-CI ear or residual hearing in both ears. Speech recognition thresholds (SRTs) were measured with two co-located or spatially separated speech maskers in normal-hearing adults listening to acoustic simulations of CIs; low frequency acoustic information was available in the non-CI ear (bimodal listening) or in both ears. Bimodal SRTs were significantly better with tonotopically matched than mismatched electric hearing for both co-located and spatially separated speech maskers. When there was no tonotopic mismatch, residual acoustic hearing in both ears provided a significant benefit when maskers were spatially separated, but not when co-located. The simulation data suggest that hearing preservation in the implanted ear for bimodal CI listeners may significantly benefit utilization of spatial cues to segregate competing speech, especially when the residual acoustic hearing is comparable across two ears. Also, the benefits of bilateral residual acoustic hearing may be best ascertained for spatially separated maskers.
Indicator-based approach for fluvial flood risk assessment at municipal level in Slovakia
Authors: Vojtek Matej 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe article focuses on the mapping and assessment of fluvial flood risk at municipal level of Slovakia. The fluvial floods risk index (FFRI), composed of a hazard component and a vulnerability component, was computed for 2927 municipalities using spatial multicriteria analysis and geographic information systems (GIS). The fluvial flood hazard index (FFHI) was computed based on eight physical-geographical indicators and land cover representing the riverine flood potential and also the frequency of flood events in individual municipalities. The fluvial flood vulnerability index (FFVI) was calculated using seven indicators representing the economic and social vulnerability of municipalities. All of the indicators were normalized and weighted using the rank sum method. By aggregating the weighted indicators, we obtained the FFHI and FFVI in each municipality. The final FFRI is a result of a synthesis of the FFHI and FFVI. The results of this study can be used mainly in the framework of flood risk management at national spatial scale, but also for local governments and periodic update of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment document, which is carried out at the national level under the EU Floods Directive.
Development of a risk prediction score and equation for chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kawasoe Shin , Kubozono Takuro , Salim Anwar Ahmed , Yoshimine Haruhito , Mawatari Seiichi , Ojima Satoko , Kawabata Takeko , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Miyahara Hironori , Tokushige Koichi , Ido Akio , Ohishi Mitsuru 
Published: March 2023

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for end-stage renal disease and contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop a risk prediction score and equation for future CKD using health checkup data. This study included 58,423 Japanese participants aged 30–69 years, who were randomly assigned to derivation and validation cohorts at a ratio of 2:1. The predictors were anthropometric indices, life style, and blood sampling data. In derivation cohort, we performed multivariable logistic regression analysis and obtained the standardized beta coefficient of each factor that was significantly associated with new-onset CKD and assigned scores to each factor. We created a score and an equation to predict CKD after 5 years and applied them to validation cohort to assess their reproducibility. The risk score ranged 0–16, consisting of age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hyperuricemia, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 for the derivation cohort and 0.79 for the validation cohort. The CKD incidence gradually and constantly increased as the score increased from ≤ 6 to ≥ 14. The equation consisted of the seven indices described above, with AUC of 0.88 for the derivation cohort and 0.89 for the validation cohort. We developed a risk score and equation to predict CKD incidence after 5 years in Japanese population under 70 years of age. These models had reasonably high predictivity, and their reproducibility was confirmed through internal validation.
Cloning, characterization, and heterologous expression of a candidate Hirudin gene from the salivary gland transcriptome of Hirudo nipponia
Authors: Shi Ping , Wei Jian , You Huajian , Chen Shijiang , Tan Fayin , Lu Zenghui 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHirudin is a pharmacologically active substance in leeches with potent blood anticoagulation properties. Although recombinant hirudin production isolated from Hirudo medicinalis Linnaeus and Hirudinaria manillensis Lesson is known, to our knowledge, this study is the first to report recombinant hirudin expression and production from Hirudo nipponia Whitman. Thus, the present study aimed to clone and characterize the full-length cDNA of a candidate hirudin gene (c16237_g1), which is localized on the salivary gland transcriptome of H. nipponia, and further evaluate its recombinant production using a eukaryotic expression system. The 489-bp cDNA possessed several properties of the hirudin “core” motifs associated with binding to the thrombin catalytic pocket. A fusion expression vector (pPIC9K-hirudin) was constructed and successfully transformed into Pichia pastoris strain GS115 via electroporation. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis confirmed hirudin expression. The recombinant protein was expressed with a yield of 6.68 mg/L culture. Mass spectrometry analysis further confirmed target protein expression. The concentration and antithrombin activity of purified hirudin were 1.67 mg/mL and 14,000 ATU/mL, respectively. These findings provide a basis for further elucidating the molecular anticoagulation mechanism of hirudin, and address China’s growing market demand for engineered H. nipponia-derived hirudin and hirudin-based drugs.
Genome-wide association study of population-standardised cognitive performance phenotypes in a rural South African community
Authors: Soo Cassandra C. , Brandenburg Jean-Tristan , Nebel Almut , Tollman Stephen , Berkman Lisa , Ramsay Michèle , Choudhury Ananyo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCognitive function is an indicator for global physical and mental health, and cognitive impairment has been associated with poorer life outcomes and earlier mortality. A standard cognition test, adapted to a rural-dwelling African community, and the Oxford Cognition Screen-Plus were used to capture cognitive performance as five continuous traits (total cognition score, verbal episodic memory, executive function, language, and visuospatial ability) for 2,246 adults in this population of South Africans. A novel common variant, rs73485231, reached genome-wide significance for association with episodic memory using data for ~14 million markers imputed from the H3Africa genotyping array data. Window-based replication of previously implicated variants and regions of interest support the discovery of African-specific associated variants despite the small population size and low allele frequency. This African genome-wide association study identifies suggestive associations with general cognition and domain-specific cognitive pathways and lays the groundwork for further genomic studies on cognition in Africa.