bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PlexinA1 (PLXNA1) as a novel scaffold protein for the engineering of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zhao Hang , Li Zhi , Liu Da , Zhang Jiaxun , You Zhicheng , Shao Yuzhang , Li Hongyan , Yang Jun , Liu Xiang , Wang Miaozhu , Wu Chengen , Chen Jing , Wang Jianwu , Kong Guanyi , Zhao Libo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) had been described as a next‐generation drug delivery system, due to the compelling evidence that they can facilitate the transfer of a variety of biomolecules between cells. The most frequently used strategy for loading protein cargoes is the endogenous engineering of EVs through genetic fusion of the protein of interest (POI) and scaffold proteins with high EV‐sorting ability. However, the lack of scaffold proteins had become a major issue hindering the promotion of this technology. Herein, we proposed novel screening criteria that relax the inclusion requirement of candidate scaffold proteins and eventually identified a new scaffold protein, PLXNA1. The truncated PLXNA1 not only inherits the high EV‐sorting ability of its full‐length counterpart but also allows the fusion expression of POI in both outer surface and luminal areas, individually or simultaneously. In conclusion, our screening criteria expanded the range of potential scaffold proteins. The identified scaffold protein PLXNA1 showed great potential in developing therapeutic EVs.
Reusable Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Green System for Synthesis of Pyrrole Scaffolds
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Vaishali  , Pandey Aaysha , Garg Ayushi , Sharma Pooja , Bhatrola Kanchna , Irfan Ali , Devi Nisha , Rubab Laila , Mishra Kaushiki , Dubey Khushali , Mateev Emilio 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTNowadays, environmentally sustainable organic synthesis is demanding. In this context, nanoparticles are particularly interesting owing to their green synthesis aspects. Specifically, magnetic nanoparticles have been continuously utilized in organic synthesis for a decade. Among heterocycles, pyrrole and its analogs have a unique place due to its vast spectrum of applications. Derivatives of pyrrole help to find lead structures for new synthetic pharmaceutical compounds and other valuable compounds. Thus, magnetic nanoparticles accelerate organic chemists to develop pyrrole derivatives through green synthesis. Moreover, magnetic nanoparticles in pyrrole scaffold synthesis improve reaction efficiency and sustainability and create unique functional molecular hybrids for many scientific applications. This paper reviews the utilization of magnetic nanoparticles to afford a variety of valuable pyrrole derivatives, with a focus on their environmental friendliness.
Enhancing medical imaging education: integrating computing technologies, digital image processing and artificial intelligence
Authors: Mdletshe Sibusiso , Wang Alan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe rapid advancement of technology has brought significant changes to various fields, including medical imaging (MI). This discussion paper explores the integration of computing technologies (e.g. Python and MATLAB), digital image processing (e.g. image enhancement, segmentation and three‐dimensional reconstruction) and artificial intelligence (AI) into the undergraduate MI curriculum. By examining current educational practices, gaps and limitations that hinder the development of future‐ready MI professionals are identified. A comprehensive curriculum framework is proposed, incorporating essential computational skills, advanced image processing techniques and state‐of‐the‐art AI tools, such as large language models like ChatGPT. The proposed curriculum framework aims to improve the quality of MI education significantly and better equip students for future professional practice and challenges while enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving workflow efficiency and preparing students for the evolving demands of the MI field.
Research on Metallic Spheres Radius Classification Method Using Machine Learning With Eddy Current Testing
Authors: Zhang Huilin , Li Wenkai , Zhao Qian , Xia Zihan , Shi Yuxin , Yin Wuliang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMetallic spheres play a crucial role in industry and their accurate measurement is essential to ensure the safety of industrial production. Eddy current testing (ECT), which is non‐contact and non‐invasive, provides an efficient and precise approach for the parameter evaluation of metallic spheres. In this paper, we utilize machine learning (ML) methods to invert inductive signals in order to address the inverse problem of ECT, with the aim of reconstructing the radius of a metallic sphere. Datasets containing the radius information of the metallic sphere were constructed based on the simplified analytical solution. The datasets were divided into two parts based on the real part (RP) and imaginary part (IP) features, and the connection between the two features and the radius of the metallic sphere were compared by five classification models. While achieving accurate classification of aluminum and stainless steel spheres with different radius, the models are evaluated to ensure the reliability and validity of the models. The results show that the use of IP data as a classification feature has better accuracy as compared to RP. The K nearest neighbor (KNN) radius classifier has the highest accuracy of 95.5% in aluminum spheres and the random forest (RF) radius classifier has the highest accuracy of 95.9% in stainless steel spheres. In addition, all five classifiers are able to overcome the effect of lift‐off on the classification results.
What lies beneath: A qualitative review of misinformation on vulval lichen sclerosus
Authors: Goh Yixuan , O'Connor Cathal , Murphy Michelle 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundLichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the vulva and can significantly affect quality of life. While websites and social media can offer helpful information, there is little known about the content of misinformation on LS online.ObjectivesThis study aimed to qualitatively assess the content of misinformation surrounding vulval LS.MethodsWe reviewed misinformation related to LS on the internet through a search on PubMed, Google and various social media platforms.ResultsThe key themes of misinformation included incorrect causes of LS such as gut dysbiosis and infections; fake ‘cures’ for LS such as elimination diets, homeopathic remedies, Borax, or unproven ‘ground‐breaking’ procedures like lasers and plasma‐rich protein injections; and criticism of topical corticosteroids and exaggeration of potential side‐effects, despite corticosteroids being the gold‐standard treatment.ConclusionsDermatologists, gynecologists and general practitioners should be aware of these misleading claims, be prepared to refute them, and steer patients to reliable sources of information and evidence based therapies.
Compressive force and valgus torque are the predominant applied loads during the pivot shift exam: An in vitro study
Authors: Marom Niv , Amirtharaj Mark J. , Jahandar Hamidreza , Shamritsky David Z. , Tao Matthew A. , Ouanezar Hervé , Nawabi Danyal H. , Wickiewicz Thomas L. , Imhauser Carl W. , Pearle Andrew D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeDespite the clinical utility of the pivot shift exam, the requisite applied forces and torques to elicit a pivot shift remain unclear. The purposes of this study are (1) to identify the greatest forces and torques applied to the knee during the pivot shift exam and (2) to evaluate if the applied loads differ among experienced surgeons.MethodsThree cadaveric hemipelvis‐to‐toe specimens (ages 53, 36 and 31 years; two males and one female) with no history of knee or hip injury were utilized. The experimental setup consisted of securing the hemipelvis to a mounting frame via an external fixator to simulate patient positioning during the clinical exam. The hemipelvis, femur, and tibia were spatially tracked by motion capture and the applied loads were measured using a 6‐axis force‐torque sensor. After sectioning the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), three board‐certified sports medicine surgeons then performed the pivot shift exam on each specimen utilizing their preferred technique. Forces (compression‐distraction, anterior‐posterior, and medial‐lateral) and torques (varus‐valgus, internal‐external rotation, and flexion‐extension) applied to the knee joint immediately preceding the reduction of the proximal lateral tibia during each pivot shift exam were calculated.ResultsCompression was the largest applied force averaging 95 N ± 15 N for all surgeons and knees, which was at least 4.5 times greater, on average, than the applied anterior and applied medial tibial forces (p < 0.0001). Valgus was the largest of the three applied torques, averaging 8.5 ± 2.1 Nm. Internal rotation torque was 3.7 times less, on average, than the applied valgus torque (p < 0.0001). Each surgeon applied compressive force. However, anterior force was more variable among surgeons, with one of the three surgeons applying minimal anterior force (p ≤ 0.024). The magnitude of applied torques was similar among examiners (n.s).ConclusionCompressive force and valgus torque were the predominant applied loads during the pivot shift exam. A lower magnitude of internal rotation torque was also applied. The anterior force was not consistently applied among examiners. These data can better inform clinical, cadaveric, and computational studies utilizing the pivot shift exam to assess knee biomechanics and can be used to educate trainees in conducting this complex manoeuvre.Level of EvidenceAn in vitro biomechanic study.
How Does the Three‐North Shelterbelt Engineering of China Improve Its Habitat Quality? A Study of 40 Years of Change Tracking and Driving Factors
Authors: Xu Yating , Zhou Guangsheng , Zhou Li , He Xiaohui , Tian Zhihui 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe Three‐North Shelterbelt Engineering of China (TNSEC) is a large‐scale ecological restoration project that was initiated in 1978 to enhance the ecological environment of the Three‐North Shelterbelt Engineering Region (TNSER). However, the macro long‐term data and driving mechanisms behind habitat quality in the TNSER remain inadequately understood. Therefore, multi‐source observational data, the InVEST model, and spatial analysis techniques were employed to quantify the spatiotemporal evolution of habitat quality in the TNSER since 1980. Additionally, the Optimal Parameters‐based Geographical Detector (OPGD) model was utilized to quantitatively elucidate the driving mechanisms behind changes in habitat quality. The habitat quality of TNSER has remained stable from 1980 to 2020, exhibiting significant spatial agglomeration characteristics. Areas with higher habitat quality are demonstrating a trend of expansion, while regions with poor habitat quality are experiencing fragmentation and expansion. It is anticipated that the habitat quality of TNSER will continue to remain stable in the future; however, areas with poor habitat quality and their adjacent zones are showing signs of deterioration. Changes in habitat quality within TNSER are influenced by multiple factors, primarily socio‐economic factors in nature, with GDP accounting for 55% of the variations in habitat quality. This study offers valuable recommendations for policymakers from a sustainable development perspective, highlighting the critical role of large‐scale ecological projects in enhancing environmental quality amidst ongoing ecological challenges.
The Role of Bedrock Topography in the Runoff Process and Soil Erosion on Karst Steep Slopes
Authors: Ao Liman , Wu Yaoqin , Xu Qinxue , Zhou Yangchi , Chen Xiaona , Liang Peining , Fu Zhiyong , Chen Hongsong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe micro‐scale distribution patterns of rocks and soils are crucial to the hydrological processes of karst slopes. However, current research has provided detailed reports only on the aboveground rock–soil patterns, neglecting the role of underground rock–soil patterns. To address this, our study conducted simulated rainfall experiments and runoff supply tests to observe surface runoff, sediment yield and the migration characteristics of subsurface runoff under three types of bedrock topographies: mosaic bedrock topography (MBT), horizontal‐strip bedrock topography (HBT) and smooth bedrock topography (SBT), at rainfall intensities of 30, 60 and 90 mm/h. The results indicated that undulating bedrock topography significantly increases surface runoff and exacerbates surface erosion. The surface runoff yields in HBT and MBT were 184.68% and 131.77% higher, respectively, than in SBT, and their average surface soil losses were 4.56 and 3.35 times greater than those of SBT, respectively. The undulating bedrock topography impeded the movement of subsurface runoff; the average subsurface runoff yield in SBT was 42.36% and 82.86% greater than in MBT and HBT, respectively. The movement of subsurface runoff followed the ‘fill‐and‐spill’ theory, where the undulating bedrock topography controls subsurface runoff transport. Additionally, preferential pathways between bedrock depressions affected the rate of subsurface runoff movement. Similar to rock outcrops, underlying bedrock, influenced by its characteristics and other factors, may play two opposing roles in the erosion process. Therefore, it warrants as much attention as rock outcrops.
Shifts in the Climate Sensitivity of Tree Ring Growth in the Mountainous Regions of Northern China Through the 20th Century
Authors: Guo Hui , Fu Shaomin , Chen Shaoteng , Zhang Qindi , Li Zongshan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTOngoing climate change poses a major threat to forest growth, which in turn accelerates the rate of land degradation. Given the high sensitivity of mountain forests to climate, there is an urgent need for more detailed studies on the dynamics of montane forests affected by climate change. For this study, we selected 20 tree ring width chronologies in the mountainous regions of Northern China, and investigated the responses of tree growth to climate change in the 20th century. The results indicated that the tree growth trends shifted in 1953 in the mountainous regions of Northern China. The tree growth rates exhibited an increasing trend during 1900–1953 (first stage) followed by a significant decreasing trend from 1954 to 2000 (second stage). The temperature exhibited a continuing increasing trend, while precipitation showed an increase and then decrease in two stages, in tandem with the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). Initially, rising temperatures positively influenced tree radial growth. However, after 1953, continued warming inhibited tree growth, with trees being increasingly constrained by the availability of water (precipitation and SPEI), particularly during the annual growing season. Our findings emphasized that climate warming and drought have been the main causes of tree growth declines in recent decades, which underscores the susceptibility of montane forest ecosystems to warming‐induced water deficits. Our findings can facilitate the conservation of forest ecosystems, reduce land degradation, increase forest cover, as well as gradually improve the regional environment.
Prognosis of asymptomatic endolymphatic hydrops in healthy volunteers: A five‐year cohort study
Authors: Kimura Takahiro , Kitahara Tadashi , Okayasu Tadao , Sakagami Masaharu , Shiozaki Tomoyuki , Inui Hiroshi , Koizumi Toshizo , Kakudo Mariko 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to clarify the prognosis of asymptomatic endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in healthy volunteers via five‐year follow‐ups with inner ear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsInner ear MRI was performed on 115 participants recruited as controls in a previous study on Meniere's disease. The endolymphatic space was visualized using Naganawa's method of contrast‐enhanced MRI with intravenous gadolinium injection and evaluated using Nakashima's method of 2D imaging analysis.ResultsCochlear or vestibular EH was present in 7.0% of participants (n = 8), with all cases being unilateral (laterality), moderate (severity), and asymptomatic (onset). Only cochlear‐localized EH, only vestibular‐localized EH, and both EH were present in 1.7% (n = 2) (C group), 4.3% (n = 5) (V group), and 0.9% (n = 1) (CV group) of participants, respectively. Conducting inner ear MRI after 5 years showed that EH had almost disappeared in two participants in the C and V groups (4/8, 50.0%). EH was still present in three participants in the V group and one in the CV group (4/8, 50.0%). One participant in the V group and another in the CV group presented with residual inner ear EH and developed typical symptomatic Meniere's disease (2/8, 25.0%).ConclusionsApproximately 7% of healthy participants showed asymptomatic EH. Therefore, EH is not the definitive marker for making a diagnosis of Meniere's disease or the suitable predictor for the development of Meniere's disease. Among these participants, 25% maintained EH and subsequently developed typical Meniere's disease within the next 5 years. Schellong‐positive participants maintained persistent EH in the inner ear, and participants with higher scores on the self‐rating depression scale developed Meniere's symptoms after 5 years.Level of evidence2a
Effect of betahistine on pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression in autoimmune inner ear disease and Meniere's disease patients
Authors: Yellin Ilana , Pathak Shresh , Vambutas Andrea 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveBetahistine is a partial H1 receptor agonist and a potent H3 receptor antagonist commonly used for the treatment of MD and peripheral vertigo. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of betahistine on the salt induced cytokine expression profiles of AIED and MD patients.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from 24 patients with autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) or Meniere's disease (MD) during an acute exacerbation of hearing loss. These PBMCs were cultured with 80 mM NaCl or a combination of 80 mM NaCl and betahistine and IL‐1β and IL‐6 expression were measured by real time PCR and ELISA.ResultsIn most patients, IL‐1β expression in response to NaCl exceeded the unstimulated condition and this expression was abrogated by the addition of betahistine, which was statistically significant at p = .004. mRNA expression of IL‐1β was not reduced when samples were treated with both salt and betahistine compared to samples treated with salt alone, inferring the mechanism of betahistine‐mediated IL‐1β suppression is post‐translational. Similarly, IL‐6 cellular release was augmented with salt exposure and reduced with co‐culture of betahistine. Unlike IL‐1 however, betahistine appeared to reduce IL‐6 mRNA expression.ConclusionWe observe that betahistine abrogates salt‐induced IL‐1β expression, suggesting an additional treatment option for AIED and MD patients with inflammatory mediated disease.Level of evidenceLevel 4.
Are there subgroup differences in the accuracy of ‘screening’ questions for mood and anxiety disorder diagnostic interviews?
Authors: Sunderland Matthew , Slade Tim 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the impact of potential measurement bias (i.e., differential item functioning [DIF]) across sex, age, employment, location, and substance use disorders on the screening properties of epidemiological surveys that utilise screening questions when estimating prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders.MethodsData comprised of 15,893 respondents who completed the 2020–2022 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Questions from the screening module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and DIF across subgroups of interest. Sensitivity, specificity, and classification rate were derived and compared across models that did and did not adjust for significant levels of DIF.ResultsSources of DIF were identified across the items was due to age and sex at birth with relatively fewer items displaying DIF across employment, location, and substance use disorders. In terms of screening, the absolute differences in sensitivity and specificity between the DIF‐free and DIF models ranged from 0.001 to 0.091.ConclusionsThe current study found some evidence of DIF in the screening questions used to evaluate mental health disorder prevalence. However, the overall influence of DIF on screening into at least one mood and anxiety disorder module was found to be minimal.
Construction of Aligned Polycaprolactone/Poly(Glycerol Sebacate)/Polysulfone Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering of the Ventricularis Layer of Heart Valves
Authors: Gürbüz Betül , Baran Erkan Türker , Tahmasebifar Aydın , Yilmaz Bengi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTHeart valve diseases (HVDs) are a major health issue and are significant causes of mortality worldwide. Despite technological developments, current valve substitutes still face major challenges such as thrombogenicity, limited durability, and lack of growth or remodeling capabilities. To handle the limitations of currently used valve prostheses, heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) has become a viable option for generating biological valve alternatives. However, a major challenge when designing functional HVTE is mimicking the structural and anisotropic mechanical characteristics of the valve leaflets in their natural state. To achieve a biomimetic structure, this study aims to create an anisotropic microenvironment by focusing on the ventricularis layer of the leaflet. Through this approach, we reported the fabrication and characterization of a novel composite nanofibrous radial aligned scaffold consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), and anticoagulant polysulfone (PSf) polymers by combining 3D printing and electrospinning techniques. Radially aligned PCL/PGS/PSf scaffolds enhanced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cell viability and induced alignment as shown from fluorescence microscopy analysis. Meeting the anisotropy requirements, the composite heart valves of PCL/PGS/PSf nanofibrous scaffolds would be a tissue engineering construct.
Adsorption Capacity Prediction and Optimization of Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Estrogenic Hormone Removal Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Haq Hamza Ul , Khan Muhammad Nouman Aslam , Gul Jawad , Zubair Mukarram , Sedlařík Vladimír 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on developing four machine learning (ML) models (Gaussian process regression (GPR), support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), and ensemble learning tree (ELT)) optimized and hyperparameters tuned via genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to analyze and predict the adsorption capacity of four estrogenic hormones. These hormones are a serious cause of fish femininity and various forms of cancer in humans. Their adsorption via electrospun nanofibers offers a sustainable and relatively environmentally friendly solution compared to nanoparticle adsorbents, which require secondary treatment. The intricate task is to find the relationship between input parameters to obtain optimum conditions, which requires an efficient ML model. The GPR integrated GA hybrid model performed the most accurate and precise results with R2 = 0.999 and RMSE = 2.4052e−06, followed by ELT (0.9976 and 4.3458e−17), DT (0.9586 and 2.4673e−16), and SVM (0.7110 and 0.0639). The 2D and 3D partial dependence plots showed temperature, dosage, initial concentration, contact time, and pH as vital adsorption parameters. Additionally, Shapley's analysis further revealed time and dosage as the most sensitive parameters. Finally, a user‐friendly graphical user interface (GUI) was developed as a predictor utilizing the optimum hybrid model (GPR‐GA), and the results were experimentally validated with a maximum error of < 3.3% for all tests. Thus, the GUI can legitimately work for any desired material with given input conditions to efficiently monitor the removal concentration of all four estrogenic hormones simultaneously at wastewater treatment plants.