bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface water quality in Amazonian Floodplain Lakes, data set of the Lago Grande de Curuai Floodplain Lake, Pará‐Brazil
Authors: Roque Derlayne Dias , Bonnet Marie‐Paule , Garnier Jérémie , Nunes Cleber Kraus , Seyler Patrick , Marques David Motta
Published: June 2023

Between 2013 and 2017, we carried out nine field missions in the Lago Grande de Curuai floodplain, located in Pará state – North of Brazil – to collect samples for monitoring surface water quality. This site separated from the river by a narrow bank is composed of a network of channels and shallow lakes, a morphology shared by the floodplains of the lower Amazon. A multiparameter probe was used in situ to measure electrical conductivity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, turbidity, depth and a Secchi disk to estimate transparency. Water grab samples were analysed for suspended material, alkalinity, humic acid, phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon and chlorophyll. Sampling stations were distributed over the seven larger lakes in the floodplain and sampled at different periods of the hydrological cycle. The number of samples varied with the floodplain water level, with a minimum of 25 samples for each field visit. This data set is a collection of water quality data to assist in the limnological or biogeochemical studies of surface waters in Amazonian floodplain lakes, and the product of successive French‐Brazilian projects: (1) the Clim‐FABIAM ‘Climate changes and Floodplain lake biodiversity in the Amazon Basin: how to cope and help the ecological and economic sustainability’ funded by the French Foundation for biodiversity research (FRB), (2) the project Bloom‐ALERT –‘Environmental sensitivity and population health vulnerability to cyanobacteria in the Amazon: towards shared indicators’ funded by the French‐Brazilian research program GUYAMAZON 2014, and the project (3) ‘Ecossistemas das várzeas e biodiversidade: Impactos das mudanças ambientais e climáticas considerando cenários de desenvolvimento sustentáveis’ (Project number 490634/2013‐3) funded by the Brazilian National scientific Research Council CNPq.
Pattern classification based on the amygdala does not predict an individual's response to emotional stimuli
Authors: Varkevisser Tim , Geuze Elbert , van den Boom Max A. , Kouwer Karlijn , van Honk Jack , van Lutterveld Remko
Published: June 2023

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have often recorded robust univariate group effects in the amygdala of subjects exposed to emotional stimuli. Yet it is unclear to what extent this effect also holds true when multi‐voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) is applied at the level of the individual participant. Here we sought to answer this question. To this end, we combined fMRI data from two prior studies (N = 112). For each participant, a linear support vector machine was trained to decode the valence of emotional pictures (negative, neutral, positive) based on brain activity patterns in either the amygdala (primary region‐of‐interest analysis) or the whole‐brain (secondary exploratory analysis). The accuracy score of the amygdala‐based pattern classifications was statistically significant for only a handful of participants (4.5%) with a mean and standard deviation of 37% ± 5% across all subjects (range: 28–58%; chance‐level: 33%). In contrast, the accuracy score of the whole‐brain pattern classifications was statistically significant in roughly half of the participants (50.9%), and had an across‐subjects mean and standard deviation of 49% ± 6% (range: 33–62%). The current results suggest that the information conveyed by the emotional pictures was encoded by spatially distributed parts of the brain, rather than by the amygdala alone, and may be of particular relevance to studies that seek to target the amygdala in the treatment of emotion regulation problems, for example via real‐time fMRI neurofeedback training.
Uncovering the forgotten story of the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome on economic growth in Ghana: A gender analysis
Authors: Asravor Richard Kofi
Published: June 2023

Aside from being a health issue, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has an economic impact on Africa and Ghana in particular. Despite this, fewer empirical studies have examined the effect of the disease on economic growth from a gender point of view. This study aims to investigate the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on economic growth in Ghana. The paper uses time series data spanning 1990–2018 to estimate the impact of HIV/AIDS from a gender perspective. The Cobb–Douglas aggregate function and the Granger Causality test were used to examine the determinant of growth and the direction of causality, respectively. The study's finding shows a unidirectional feedback causality running from HIV/AIDS to economic growth. Controlling for varieties of factors, the study found that HIV/AIDS has a negative signiﬁcant impact on economic growth in both the short and long‐run periods in Ghana. From the gender perspective, the impact of HIV/AIDS on growth was higher in the case of males when compared to females.
Prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result at different workplaces in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Demeke Dessalegn , Tesfa Endalamaw
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Burdens of occupational exposure like insoluble dust particles and chemicals in the respiratory tract leads to impaired clearance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result in Ethiopia at different workplaces.

Methods

Five electronic databases such as: PubMed, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched in studies conducted from 2010 to 2021. In this study, we used STATA 14 software for data analysis and the quality of included studies were appraised using the New Castle Ottawa quality assessment tool. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric results were estimated using effect size and standardized mean differences (SMD).

Results

A total representative of 3511 participants was included in this study. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in occupational exposure at different workplaces was found 13.04% (95% CI: 7.96, 18.12, I2 = 89.2%). On the other hand, the pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in controls was 4.10% (95% CI: 1.86, 6.34, I2 = 76.8%). SMD of spirometric results was significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls. The SMD of FVC in a litter (L) at 95% of CI: −0.50 (−0.70, −0.30, I2 = 87.7%), SMD of FEV1 in (L) at 95% CI: −0.54 (−0.72, −0.36, I2 = 84.9%), SMD of FEF25%–50% in litter per second (L/s) at 95% of CI: −0.42 (−0.67, −0.17, I2 = 81.9%) and SMD of PEFR in L/s at 95% CI: −0.45 (−0.68, −0.21, I2 = 78.4%) were significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung pattern was higher in people who are working at different workplace that generating dusts and chemicals. The SMD of actual spirometric results were reduced in cases than controls. Therefore, to alleviate this problem appropriate preventive measure would be warranted for those people who are working in different dust and chemical generating environments.
Evaluation of the Farsi‐translated Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and Short Health Scale questionnaires in patients with hemorrhoid disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fallah Tafti Seyedeh Parisa , Foroutani Laleh , Safari Roxana , Hadizadeh Alireza , Behboudi Behnam , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Mohsen , Keramati Mohammad Reza , Fazeli Mohammad Sadegh , Keshvari Amir , Kazemeini Alireza
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

The Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS) is a tool that is scored based on five main symptoms: pain, bleeding, itching, soiling, and prolapse. Furthermore, the Short Health Scale (SHS) is a measurement tool of subjective health and health‐related quality of life. This study was performed to validate the Farsi‐translated Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), and Scale Short Health Scale adapted for hemorrhoidal disease (SHS‐HD) as a measure of symptom severity in patients with hemorrhoid disease.

Methods

In this study, HDSS and SHS‐HD were translated into Farsi. Participants with confirmed hemorrhoid disease completed the questionnaire. Subsequently, the questionnaire's discriminative validity, convergent validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity were evaluated.

Results

Data from 31 patients were analyzed (mean age 39.68; 71% male). The results of the analysis showed good internal consistency as Cronbach's α for HDSS and SHS were 0.994 and 0.995 respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient for the test–retest comparison was 0.986 (p < 0.01). The responses demonstrated good convergent validity. Moreover, the comprehension and suitability of each question were rated as excellent (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.3).

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that the Farsi translation of the HDSS and SHS‐HD can be a valuable tool for evaluating the symptom severity in patients with hemorrhoid disease.
Effect of short‐term dynamic psychotherapy on sexual function and marital satisfaction in women with depression: Clinical trial study
Authors: Ziapour Arash , Hajiazizi Arezou , Ahmadi Maryam , Dehghan Fateme
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

This study aimed to look at the influence of short‐term dynamic psychotherapy on sexual function and marital satisfaction in women with depression.

Methods

Through a clinical trial study using a pretest–posttest design and a control group, this study enlisted the participation of 60 women diagnosed with depression. The patients were interviewed before being randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Data were obtained through the Beck Depression Inventory, the Enrique Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Function Questionnaire. The experimental group received intense short‐term dynamic psychotherapy intervention, while the control group was on a 2‐month waiting list. The SPSS 24 program utilized an analysis of variance to analyze the data.

Results

The pre‐ and posttest study results revealed a significant difference in marital satisfaction, sexual function, and depression between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

During the posttest phase, a short‐term intensive dynamic psychotherapy intervention helped the experimental group feel better about their marriage and improve their sexual function. It also helped them feel less depressed.
Adverse events with quetiapine and clarithromycin coprescription: A population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yau Kevin , McArthur Eric , Jeyakumar Nivethika , Tsobo Muanda Flory , Kim Richard B. , Clemens Kristin K. , Wald Ron , Garg Amit X.
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic predominantly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. We studied the risk of adverse events following coprescription of clarithromycin (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) versus azithromycin (not a CYP3A4 inhibitor) in quetiapine users.

Materials and Methods

This was a population‐based retrospective cohort study from 2004 to 2020 in Ontario, Canada in adult quetiapine users newly co‐prescribed clarithromycin (n = 16,909) or azithromycin (n = 25,267). The primary outcome was the composite of hospital encounters with encephalopathy (defined as a diagnosis of delirium, disorientation, transient alteration of awareness, transient ischemic attack, or unspecified dementia), a fall, or a fracture within 30 days of new coprescription. Secondary outcomes were individual components of the composite outcome, hospital encounter with computed tomography (CT) head scan, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Coprescription of clarithromycin versus azithromycin with quetiapine was associated with a higher risk of the primary composite outcome (365 of 16,909 clarithromycin users [2.2%] vs. 309 of 16,929 azithromycin users [1.8%]; absolute risk increase, 0.34% [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.04–0.63]; relative risk [RR], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.02–1.38]). This was primarily driven by an increase in fragility fractures (78 of 16,909 clarithromycin users [0.5%] vs. 45 of 16,923 azithromycin users [0.3%]; absolute risk increase, 0.20% [95% CI, 0.07–0.32]; RR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.21–2.52]). Hospital encounters with a CT head scan were higher in clarithromycin users (220 of 16,909 [1.3%] vs. 175 of 16,923 azithromycin users [1.0%]; absolute risk increase, 0.27% [95% CI, 0.04–0.50]; RR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.04–1.54]), but there was no difference in hospital encounters with encephalopathy, falls, or all‐cause mortality between macrolide groups.

Conclusion

Among adults taking quetiapine, concurrent use of clarithromycin compared with azithromycin was associated with a small but statistically greater 30‐day risk of a hospital encounter for encephalopathy, falls, or fracture, which was predominantly related to a higher rate of fragility fractures.
Bilateral hearing loss caused by anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis with teratoma: A case report
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Fang , Liang Tao , Lv Yi‐Kun , Luo Zhong , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2023

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an autoimmune disease in the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations include cognitive dysfunction, psychiatric‐behavioral abnormalities, epilepsy, motor disorders, speech disorders, and memory impairment. Some patients do not have the characteristic clinical manifestations of the disease when they see a doctor, so they are easily diagnosed incorrectly. Autoimmune antibodies originate from genetic and acquired factors. Clinical data have found a correlation between ovarian teratoma and autoimmune encephalitis. This case reports a 34‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with teratoma‐associated anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐ aspartate receptor‐mediated autoimmune encephalitis called anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis with bilateral hearing loss in 2021. Through this case report, clinicians will pay attention to autoimmune encephalitis and raise awareness of the specific clinical manifestations of autoimmune encephalitis, and focus on early identification. It means that clinicians should be familiar with the representative clinical manifestations of the disease.
NEAT1 enhances MPP+‐induced pyroptosis in a cell model of Parkinson's disease via targeting miR‐5047/YAF2 signaling
Authors: Shen Hong , Song Hui , Wang Songlin , Su Daojing , Sun Qiang
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease. The aim of our study is to explore the role and the regulatory mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 in MPP+‐induced pyroptosis in a cell model of PD.

Materials and Methods

MPP+‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells were used as an in vitro model of dopaminergic neurons for PD. Expression levels of miR‐5047 and YAF2 mRNA were determined through qRT‐PCR. TUNEL staining was carried out to analyze neuronal apoptosis. Luciferase activity assay was accomplished to analyze the combination of miR‐5047 with NEAT1 or YAF2 3ʹ‐UTR region. Besides, concentrations of IL‐1β and IL‐18 in supernatant samples were analyzed by using ELISA assay. Expression level of proteins were examined through Western blot.

Results

NEAT1 and YAF2 expression were increased, while miR‐5047 expression was declined in the SH‐SY5Y cells treated with MPP+. NEAT1 was a positively regulator to SH‐SY5Y cells pyroptosis induced by MPP+. In addition, YAF2 was a downstream target of miR‐5047. NEAT1 promoted YAF2 expression via inhibiting miR‐5047. Importantly, the promotion of NEAT1 to SH‐SY5Y cells pyroptosis induced by MPP+ was rescued by miR‐5047 mimic transfection or YAF2 downregulation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NEAT1 was increased in MPP+‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells, and it promoted MPP+‐induced pyroptosis through facilitating YAF2 expression by sponging miR‐5047.
Circulating DNA methylation level of CXCR5 correlates with inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shi Yiming , Chang Cen , Xu Lingxia , Jiang Ping , Wei Kai , Zhao Jianan , Xu Linshuai , Jin Yehua , Zhang Runrun , Wang Huijuan , Qian Yi , Qin Yingying , Ding Qin , Jiang Ting , Guo Shicheng , Wang Rongsheng , He Dongyi
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To assess the differences in circulating DNA methylation levels of CXCR5 between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls (HC), and the correlation of methylation changes with clinical characteristics of RA patients.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 239 RA patients, 30 patients with OA, and 29 HC. Target region methylation sequencing to the promoter region of CXCR5 was achieved using MethylTarget. The methylation level of cg04537602 and methylation haplotype were compared among the three groups, and the correlation between methylation levels and clinical characteristics of RA patients was performed by Spearman's rank correlation analysis.

Results

The methylation level of cg04537602 was significantly higher in the peripheral blood of RA patients compared with OA patients (p = 1.3 × 10−3) and in the HC group (p = 5.5 × 10−4). The sensitivity was enhanced when CXCR5 methylation level combined with rheumatoid factor and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide with area under curve (AUC) of 0.982 (95% confidence interval 0.970–0.995). The methylation level of cg04537602 in RA was positively correlated with C‐reactive protein (CRP) (r = .16, p = .01), and in RA patients aged 60 years and above, cg04537602 methylation levels were positively correlated with CRP (r = .31, p = 4.7 × 10−4), tender joint count (r = .21, p = .02), visual analog scales score (r = .21, p = .02), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) using the CRP level DAS28‐CRP (r = .27, p = 2.1 × 10−3), and DAS28‐ESR (r = .22, p = .01). We also observed significant differences of DNA methylation haplotypes in RA patients compared with OA patients and HC, which was consistent with single‐loci‐based CpG methylation measurement.

Conclusion

The methylation level of CXCR5 was significantly higher in RA patients than in OA and HC, and correlated with the level of inflammation in RA patients, our study establishes a link between CXCR5 DNA methylation and clinical features that may help in the diagnosis and disease management of RA patients.
Does directors' and officers' liability insurance improve corporate ESG performance? Evidence from China
Authors: Tang Songlian , He Lingfei , Su Fei , Zhou Xiaoyun
Published: June 2023

We examine the causal effect of directors' and officers' liability insurance (D&O insurance) on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in China's listed firms. Using a unique data set on D&O insurance purchases in China, we document a positive relationship between D&O insurance and ESG performance, which is robust to a comprehensive battery of robustness checks including Heckman two‐step sample selection model, propensity score matching (PSM) model, instrumental variable approach, and fixed effects model. Further analyses suggest that the positive association is more salient for state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). Moreover, the path analysis provides evidence for the mediating effect of non‐financial information disclosure and corporate governance quality on the relationship between D&O insurance and ESG performance. Collectively, this study contributes to the literature on the economic benefit of D&O insurance by providing initial evidence that D&O insurance appears to enhance corporate governance and improve corporate ESG performance.
The efficacy of topical imiquimod in high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van de Sande A. J. M. , Kengsakul M. , Koeneman M. M. , Jozwiak M. , Gerestein C. G. , Kruse A. J. , van Esch E. M. G. , de Vos van Steenwijk P. J. , Muntinga C. L. P. , Bramer W. M. , van Doorn H. C. , van Kemenade F. J. , van Beekhuizen H. J.
Published: June 2023

Objective

A major side effect of cervical excision for high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is premature birth. A non‐invasive treatment for reproductive age women is warranted. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of topical imiquimod in the treatment of high‐grade CIN, defined as a regression to ≤CIN 1, and to determine the clearance rate of high‐risk human papillomavirus (hr‐HPV), compared with surgical treatment and placebo.

Methods

Databases were searched for articles from their inception to February 2023.The study protocol number was INPLASY2022110046. Original studies reporting the efficacy of topical imiquimod in CIN 2, CIN 3 or persistent hr‐HPV infections were included. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses checklist.

Results

Five studies were included (n = 463). Histological regression to ≤CIN 1 was 55% in imiquimod versus 29% in placebo, and 93% in surgical treatment. Imiquimod‐treated women had a greater odds of histological regression to ≤CIN 1 than placebo (odds ratio [OR] 4.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.03–8.54). In comparison to imiquimod, surgical treatment had an OR of 14.81(95% CI 6.59–33.27) for histological regression to ≤CIN 1. The hr‐HPV clearance rate was 53.4% after imiquimod and 66% after surgical treatment (95% CI 0.62–23.77).

Conclusions

The histological regression rate is highest for surgical treatment followed by imiquimod treatment and placebo.
Role of tumor volume in endometrial cancer: An imaging analysis and prognosis significance
Authors: López‐González Elga , Rodriguez‐Jiménez Alberto , Gómez‐Salgado Juan , Daza‐Manzano Cinta , Rojas‐Luna José Antonio , Alvarez Rosa María
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic value of tumor volume on preoperative MRI in endometrial cancer (EC) patients and its association with adverse prognostic factors and survival.

Methods

A retrospective observational study with 127 consecutive patients with endometrioid EC was carried out between 2016 and 2021 at Juan Ramón Jiménez University Hospital, Huelva (Spain). All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local staging. The tumor volume was analyzed on MRI by two different methods: by measuring the three maximum diameters of the tumor according to an ellipse formula and by manual region of interest in different sections; the ratio between tumor volume and uterus volume was also calculated as a third tool. The relationships between volume, prognostic factors, and survival were analyzed.

Results

A total of 127 patients with endometroid EC underwent preoperative MRI and were included in the study. Tumor volume was significantly higher for deep myometrial invasion, cervical stromal involvement, infiltrated serosa, lymph node metastases, high‐grade EC, and lymphovascular space involvement, advanced FIGO stage, and High Recurrence Risk Group (P < 0.001). ROC curves showed that tumor volume greater than 25 cm3 predicts lymph node metastases. Volume index greater than 17 cm3 was associated with reduced disease‐free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that the greatest tumor volume had an independent impact on recurrence (odds ratio [OR]1.019, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005–1.032) and survival (OR 1.027, 95% CI 1.009–1.046).

Conclusions

This study shows an important correlation between tumor volume on MRI and poor prognostic factors. Preoperative tumor volume on MRI is a valuable biomarker to be considered for management of EC.
Fabrication of injectable antibiotic‐loaded apatitic bone cements with prolonged drug delivery for treating post‐surgery infections
Authors: Kumar Dewangan Vimal , Sampath Kumar T. S. , Doble Mukesh , Daniel Varghese Viju
Published: June 2023

Antibiotic‐loaded bioactive bone substitutes are widely used for treating various orthopedic diseases and prophylactically to avoid post implantation infection. Calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (also known as apatitic bone cement) is a potential bioactive bone substitute in orthopedics due to its chemical composition similar to that of natural bone minerals. In this study, fabrication of mannitol (a solid porogen) incorporated injectable synthetic (Syn) and eggshell derived (ESD) apatitic bone cements loaded with antibiotics (gentamicin/meropenem/ rifampicin/vancomycin) was investigated. The release kinetics of the antibiotics were studied by fitting them with different kinetic models. All the antibiotics‐loaded apatitic bone cements set within clinically accepted setting time (20 ± 2 min) and with good injectability (>70%). The antibiotics released from these bone cements were found to be controlled and sustained throughout the study time. Weibull and Gompertz (applies in least initial burst and sustain drug release rate models) were the best models to predict the release behavior. They cements had acceptable compressive strength (6–10 MPa; in the range of trabecular bone) and were biodegradable (21%–27% within 12 weeks of incubation) in vitro in simulated body fluids at physiological conditions. These bone cements showed excellent antibacterial activity from day 1 onwards and no bacterial colony was found from day 3 onwards. The viability of MG63 cells in vitro after 72 h was significantly higher after 24 h (i.e., ~110%). The cells were well attached and spread over the surface of the cements with extended morphology. The ESD antibiotic‐loaded apatitic bone cements showed better injectability, degradation and cytocompatibility compared when compared to Syn antibiotic‐loaded apatitic bone cements. Thus, we believe that the ESD antibiotic‐loaded apatitic bone cements are suitable as potential injectable bone substitutes to avoid post‐operative implant associated and other acute or chronic bone infections.
Gremlin‐1 promotes IL‐1β‐stimulated chondrocyte inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation via activation of the MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Du Xiu‐fan , Huang Kai , Chen Xiao‐yan , Huang Chun‐hang , Cao Hui‐yuan , Wang Guang‐ji , Hu Yong
Published: June 2023

The role and mechanism of Gremlin‐1 in osteoarthritis (OA) were expected to be probed in this study. Firstly, an in vitro OA model was constructed by stimulating human chondrocyte cell line CHON‐001 with IL‐1β. Next, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were utilized for assessing the effect of IL‐1β with different concentrations (5, 10, and 20 ng/mL) on the activity and Gremlin‐1 messenger RNA of CHON‐001 cells, respectively. Besides, the influence of knocking down/over‐expressing Gremlin‐1 on the inflammatory factors (IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐18 and PGE2), oxidative stress‐related substances (malondialdehyde [MDA]; superoxide dismutase [SOD]; lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation‐related proteins, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins in IL‐1β‐stimulated CHON‐001 cells were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, related kits, qRT‐PCR, and western blot, respectively. IL‐1β inhibited CHON‐001 cell proliferation and upregulated Gremlin‐1 expression in a concentration‐dependent manner. Overexpression of Gremlin‐1 increased the IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐18, PGE2, and MDA levels, enhanced the LDH activity, and decreased the SOD activity in IL‐1β‐induced CHON‐001 cells; while the effect of Gremlin‐1 knockdown on the above factors was in contrast with that of the overexpression. Furthermore, overexpression of Gremlin‐1 upregulated protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3, MMP‐13, and ADAMTS4 while downregulated protein expression of collagen III, aggrecan, and SOX‐9 in IL‐1β‐stimulated CHON‐001 cells. Besides, overexpression of Gremlin‐1 increased the p‐p38/p38 value while decreased the p‐JNK/JNK value in L‐1β‐stimulated CHON‐001 cells; however, knockdown of Gremlin‐1 reversed the above results. Gremlin‐1 may promote IL‐1β‐stimulated CHON‐001 cell inflammation and ECM degradation by activating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Bisphenols as promoters of the dysregulation of cellular junction proteins of the blood‐testis barrier in experimental animals: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Peña‐Corona Sheila I. , Vargas‐Estrada Dinorah , Juárez‐Rodríguez Ivan , Retana‐Márquez Socorro , Mendoza‐Rodríguez C. Adriana
Published: June 2023

Daily, people are exposed to chemicals and environmental compounds such as bisphenols (BPs). These substances are present in more than 80% of human fluids. Human exposure to BPs is associated with male reproductive health disorders. Some of the main targets of BPs are intercellular junction proteins of the blood‐testis barrier (BTB) in Sertoli cells because BPs alter the expression or induce aberrant localization of these proteins. In this systematic review, we explore the effects of BP exposure on the expression of BTB junction proteins and the characteristics of in vivo studies to identify potential gaps and priorities for future research. To this end, we conducted a systematic review of articles. Thirteen studies met our inclusion criteria. In most studies, animals treated with bisphenol‐A (BPA) showed decreased occludin expression at all tested doses. However, bisphenol‐AF treatment did not alter occludin expression. Cx43, ZO‐1, β‐catenin, nectin‐3, cortactin, paladin, and claudin‐11 expression also decreased in some tested doses of BP, while N‐cadherin and FAK expression increased. BP treatment did not alter the expression of α and γ catenin, E‐cadherin, JAM‐A, and Arp 3. However, the expression of all these proteins was altered when BPA was administered to neonatal rodents in microgram doses. The results show significant heterogeneity between studies. Thus, it is necessary to perform more research to characterize the changes in BTB protein expression induced by BPs in animals to highlight future research directions that can inform the evaluation of risk of toxicity in humans.
Promising renoprotective effect of gold nanoparticles and dapagliflozin in diabetic nephropathy via targeting miR‐192 and miR‐21
Authors: Al‐Tantawy Samar M. , Eraky Salma M. , Eissa Laila A.
Published: June 2023

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a worldwide issue that eventually leads to end‐stage renal failure, with limited therapeutic options. Prior research has revealed that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have a substantial antidiabetic impact. In addition, sodium‐glucose cotransporter2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, including dapagliflozin (DAPA), had renoprotective impact on DN. Therefore, this research attempted to determine the potential AuNPs and DAPA impacts in ameliorating experimentally DN induction and the underlying mechanisms focusing on miR‐192 and miR‐21, correlating them with autophagy, apoptosis, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Diabetes induction was through a single intraperitoneal streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) injection, and rats with diabetes received AuNPs (2.5 mg/kg/day) as well as DAPA (2 mg/kg/day) for 7 weeks as a treatment. AuNPs and DAPA treatment for 7 weeks substantially alleviated DN. AuNPs and DAPA significantly increased catalase (CAT) activity as well as serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), along with a substantial decline in malondialdehyde (MDA). AuNPs and DAPA treatment alleviated renal fibrosis as they decreased transforming growth factorß1(TGF‐ß1) as well as matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) renal expression, decreased apoptosis through alleviating the proapoptotic gene (caspase‐3) renal expression and increased the antiapoptotic gene (Bcl‐2) renal expression, and increased autophagy as they increased LC‐3 as well as Beclin‐1 renal expression. Autophagy activation, inhibition of apoptosis, and renal fibrosis could be due to their inhibitory impact on miR‐192 and miR‐21 renal expression. AuNPs and DAPA have a protective effect on DN in rats by targeting miR‐192 and miR‐21 and their downstream pathways, including fibrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress.
Exosomes from hepatitis B virus‐infected hepatocytes activate hepatic stellate cells and aggravate liver fibrosis through the miR‐506‐3p/Nur77 pathway
Authors: Yin Ming , Ding Xiurong , Yin Song , Wang Longmei , Zhang Kaiguang , Chen Yuankun , Liu Rui , Zhu Chuanlong , Li Wenting
Published: June 2023

Cumulative evidence indicates the important role of Nur77 in organ fibrogenesis. However, the role of Nur77 in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related liver fibrosis (LF) remains unclear. Cells were transfected with the microRNA mimic miRNA‐506‐3p or inhibitor, and pcDNA3.1‐Nur77 or Nur77 guide RNA. Exosomes were isolated from HBV‐infected HepG2‐sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide cells. The levels of miR‐506‐3p, Nur77, and LF‐related genes and proteins were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. The pathology of the liver from HBV‐infected patients was examined using hematoxylin‐eosin and Masson's staining. The expression of Nur77 in liver tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry, and the LF score was assessed using the METAVIR system. The relationship between miR‐506‐3p/Nur77 and LF score was analyzed by correlation analysis. HBV infection downregulated miR‐506‐3p expression and upregulated Nur77 levels in hepatocytes. Exosomes from HBV‐infected hepatocytes also displayed decreased gene expression of miR‐506‐3p and increased expressions of Nur77‐ and LF‐related genes in stellate cells compared with exosomes from hepatocytes with mock infection. These changes were reversed by Nur77 guide RNA. Nur77 expression in liver tissue was strongly correlated with LF, whereas serum miR‐506‐3p was strongly negatively correlated with LF. Exosomes from HBV‐infected hepatocytes activate stellate cells and aggravate LF through the miR‐506‐3p/Nur77 pathway. These exosomes may be the basis of a promising therapeutic strategy.
Neuroprotective potential of berberine against acetamiprid induced toxicity in rats: Implication of oxidative stress, mitochondrial alterations, and structural changes in brain regions
Authors: Phogat Annu , Singh Jagjeet , Malik Vinay , Kumar Vijay
Published: June 2023

Acetamiprid (ACMP) is an extensively used neonicotinoid pesticide to control sucking and chewing insects and is known to cause nontarget toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of berberine (BBR)—a polyphenolic alkaloid‐ on ACMP‐induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunctioning, and structural changes in different rat brain regions. The male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, that is, control, BBR‐treated (150 mg/kg b.wt), ACMP‐exposed (21.7 mg/kg b.wt) and BBR + ACMP co‐treated; and were dosed intragastrically for 21 consecutive days. Results of the biochemical analysis showed that BBR significantly ameliorated ACMP‐induced oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation along with a marked increase in endogenous antioxidants and lowered AChE activity in rat brain regions. Inside mitochondria, BBR significantly attenuated the toxic effects of ACMP by increasing the activity of mitochondrial complexes. Findings of polymerase chain reaction also demonstrated the modulatory effects of BBR against ACMP‐mediated downregulation of ND1, ND2, COX1, and COX4 subunits of mitochondrial complexes. The histopathological and ultrastructural examination also validated the biochemical and transcriptional alterations following toxicity of ACMP exposure and the protective potential of BBR against ACMP‐induced neurotoxicity. Thus, the present study indicates the promising ameliorative potential of BBR against ACMP‐induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidative and modulatory activities.
Probenecid ameliorates testosterone‐induced benign prostatic hyperplasia: Implications of PGE‐2 on ADAM‐17/EGFR/ERK1/2 signaling cascade
Authors: Abdel‐Fattah Maha M. , Abo‐El Fetoh Mohammed E. , Afify Hassan , Ramadan Laila A. A. , Mohamed Wafaa R.
Published: June 2023

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most prevalent clinical disorders in the elderly. Probenecid (Prob) is a well‐known FDA‐approved therapy for gout owing to its uricosuric effect. The present study evaluated the use of Prob for BPH as a COX‐2 inhibitor. Prob (100 and 200 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into male Wistar rats daily for 3 weeks. In the second week, testosterone (3 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected to induce BPH. Compared with BPH‐induced rats, Prob treatment reduced prostate weight and index and improved histopathological architecture. The protease activity of ADAM‐17/TACE and its ligands (TGF‐α and TNF‐α) were regulated by prob, which in turn abolished EGFR phosphorylation, and several inflammatory mediators (COX‐2, PGE2, NF‐κB (p65), and IL‐6) were suppressed. By reducing the nuclear import of extracellular regulated kinase protein 1/2 (ERK1/2), Prob helped re‐establish the usual equilibrium between antiapoptotic proteins like Bcl‐2 and cyclin D1 and proapoptotic proteins like Bax. All of these data point to Prob as a promising treatment for BPH because of its ability to inhibit COX‐2‐syntheiszed PGE2 and control the ADAM‐17/TGF‐α‐induced EGFR/ERK1/2 signaling cascade. These findings might help to repurpose Prob for the treatment of BPH.
Comparing the influence of explicit and implicit solvation models on site‐specific thermodynamic stability of proteins
Authors: Cho Myung Keun , Chong Song‐Ho , Ham Sihyun , Shin Seokmin
Published: June 2023

Understanding the molecular basis for protein stability requires a thermodynamic analysis of protein folding. Thermodynamic analysis is often performed by sampling many atomistic conformations using molecular simulations that employ either explicit or implicit water models. However, it remains unclear to what extent thermodynamic results from different solvation models are reliable at the molecular level. In this study, we quantify the influence of both solvation models on folding stability at the individual backbone and side chain resolutions. We assess the residue‐specific folding free energy components of a β‐sheet protein and a helical protein using trajectories resulting from TIP3P explicit and generalized Born/surface area implicit solvent simulations of model proteins. We found that the thermodynamic discrepancy due to the implicit solvent mostly originates from charged side chains, followed by the under‐stabilized hydrophobic ones. In contrast, the contributions of backbone residue in both proteins were comparable for explicit and implicit water models. Our study lays out the foundation for detailed thermodynamic assessment of solvation models in the context of protein simulation.
A study of the relationship between brachial artery vasodilation and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in diabetic patients with coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Meiling , Liu Yanjie , Zhang Lei , Chen Li , Zhao Wei , Zhang Hebin , Wu Hao
Published: June 2023

Background

To investigate the correlation between brachial artery flow‐mediated endothelium‐dependent dilation (FMD) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in peripheral blood and coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

Methods

Seventy‐five diabetic patients aged 62 ± 9 years, 68% male and 32% female, who underwent brachial artery endothelial function test and coronary CT scan were collected. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was observed to assess the presence of coronary atherosclerosis, and high‐resolution extravascular ultrasound was used to detect FMD. Platelet count and lymphocyte count were recorded by routine blood tests, and PLR was calculated for each study subject. Statistical methods were used to verify the association of FMD and PLR with CAC assessed by CT, respectively.

Results

Patients with coronary atherosclerosis had decreased FMD and increased PLR compared with patients with normal coronary arteries. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that CAC score was significantly associated with both FMD (odds ratio: 0.167; 95% confidence interval: 0.049–0.565; p = 0.002) and PLR (odds ratio: 0.127; 95% confidence interval: 0.033–0.484; p = 0.001) at FMD < 5.1% or PLR > 130. The area under the ROC curve of FMD and PLR alone was 0.760 and 0.763, respectively. In addition, combined diagnosis of FMD and PLR showed the highest area under the ROC curve (0.830).

Conclusion

FMD combined with PLR is expected to be a precise diagnostic modality for coronary artery calcification in diabetic patients.
Detection of bacteria causing mastitis in cows with immunoelectric tool
Authors: Mohammad Khosravi , Meysam Makki , MohammadNasir Ghoudarzi , Darioush Gharibi
Published: June 2023

Background

This study has investigated designing, producing, and evaluating a newly developed immunoelectric device for the identification of the Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in experimentally or clinically polluted milk samples.

Methods

The design of the immunoelectric tool parts was carried out and produced by using a 3D printer. The animals were immunized against S. aureus and E. coli; purification of the specific IgG from hyperimmune serum was carried out by ion exchange and affinity chromatography methods. Coupling of the specific rabbit antibodies to the polystyrene filters was performed by DTPA linker. The purified rat antibodies were coupled to Fe nanoparticles and used as detector elements. The experimentally polluted milk and PBS samples were prepared. After optimization, the minimum traceable number of the bacteria was determined using immunoelectric tool. Also, the cow's milk samples with clinical mastitis were tested for bacterial detection by bacterial culture and immunoelectric methods.

Results

Coupling of the antibody to the filters and capturing of the target bacteria to the filters were successfully confirmed using enzyme immune assay and electron microscopy. The detection limit of the developed immunoelectric tool was equal to 15 cells/mL in PBS or milk samples for 30 min. Also, in agreement with bacterial cell culture, the clinically infected milk samples by S. aureus and E. coli were successfully detected using the immunoelectric device.

Conclusions

The developed immunoelectric device could be utilized for rapid and cost–benefit detection of the bacterial organism.
Simulator, machine learning, and artificial intelligence: Time has come to assist prenatal ultrasound diagnosis
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Grisolia Gianpaolo
Published: June 2023

In this Commentary authors investigated and extended the role of simulator in assisting obstetric sonographers in training program. The interconnection of different digitalized technologies such as digital data, artificial neuronal and convolutional networks, machine and deep learning, telemedicine, and output are discussed and contribute to the generation of artificial intelligence.
First‐in‐human clinical trial of allogeneic, platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles as a potential therapeutic for delayed wound healing
Authors: Johnson Jancy , Law Sam Q. K. , Shojaee Mozhgan , Hall Alex S. , Bhuiyan Sadman , Lim Melissa B. L. , Silva Anabel , Kong Karmen J. W. , Schoppet Melanie , Blyth Chantelle , Ranasinghe Hansi N. , Sejic Nenad , Chuei Mun Joo , Tatford Owen C. , Cifuentes‐Rius Anna , James Patrick F. , Tester Angus , Dixon Ian , Lichtfuss Gregor
Published: June 2023

The release of growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix modifiers by activated platelets is an important step in the process of healthy wound healing. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by activated platelets carry this bioactive cargo in an enriched form, and may therefore represent a potential therapeutic for the treatment of delayed wound healing, such as chronic wounds. While EVs show great promise in regenerative medicine, their production at clinical scale remains a critical challenge and their tolerability in humans is still to be fully established. In this work, we demonstrate that Ligand‐based Exosome Affinity Purification (LEAP) chromatography can successfully isolate platelet EVs (pEVs) of clinical grade from activated platelets, which retain the regenerative properties of the parent cell. LEAP‐isolated pEVs display the expected biophysical features of EV populations and transport essential proteins in wound healing processes, including insulin growth factor (IGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐ß). In vitro studies show that pEVs induce proliferation and migration of dermal fibroblasts and increase dermal endothelial cells' angiogenic potential, demonstrating their wound healing potential. pEV treatment activates the ERK and Akt signalling pathways within recipient cells. In a first‐in‐human, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase I clinical trial of healthy volunteer adults, designed primarily to assess safety in the context of wound healing, we demonstrate that injections of LEAP‐purified pEVs in formulation buffer are safe and well tolerated (Plexoval II study, ACTRN12620000944932). As a secondary objective, biological activity in the context of wound healing rate was assessed. In this cohort of healthy participants, in which the wound bed would not be expected to be deficient in the bioactive cargo that pEVs carry, all wounds healed rapidly and completely and no difference in time to wound closure of the treated and untreated wounds was observed at the single dose tested. The outcomes of this study evidence that pEVs manufactured through the LEAP process can be injected safely in humans as a potential wound healing treatment, and warrant further study in clinical trials designed expressly to assess therapeutic efficacy in patients with delayed or disrupted wound healing.
Gene therapy in cancer
Authors: Cesur‐Ergün Büşra , Demir‐Dora Devrim
Published: June 2023

Gene therapy, recently frequently investigated, is an alternative treatment method that introduces therapeutic genes into a cancer cell or tissue to cause cell death or slow down the growth of the cancer. This treatment has various strategies such as therapeutic gene activation or silencing of unwanted or defective genes; therefore a wide variety of genes and viral or nonviral vectors are being used in studies. Gene therapy strategies in cancer can be classified as inhibition of oncogene activation, activation of tumor suppressor gene, immunotherapy, suicide gene therapy and antiangiogenic gene therapy. In this review, we explain gene therapy, gene therapy strategies in cancer, approved gene medicines for cancer treatment and future of gene therapy in cancer. Today gene therapy has not yet reached the level of replacing conventional therapies. However, with a better understanding of the mechanism of cancer to determine the right treatment and target, in the future gene therapy, used as monotherapy or in combination with another existing treatment options, is likely to be used as a new medical procedure that will make cancer a controllable disease.
The crime and the place: Robbery in the night‐time economy
Authors: Wüllenweber Sarah , Burrell Amy
Published: June 2023

The night‐time economy (NTE) provides many opportunities for crime as there is an abundance of potential victims who are often intoxicated and clustered in a small geographical area. Previous research on NTE violence has primarily focused on assault. However, other offences are also common, such as robbery. This study focused on NTE‐related robbery using police recorded crime data relating to 1624 personal robberies (including attempts) from West Midlands Police, UK. The data was binary coded to identify and compare offence characteristics. Robbery offences in the NTE showed unique characteristics compared to robberies unrelated to this context. In particular, there were differences in alcohol, use of violence, injuries, approach style and crime locations. The findings of the current research align with theoretical frameworks from environmental criminology (e.g. crime generators and attractors), have implications for crime prevention and investigations and can feed into developing policing strategies that take into account the background context for offending.