bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promising cell systems for targeted delivery of nano- and microcarriers loaded with drugs or biomolecules (review)
Authors: Miroshnichenko L. A. , Polyakova T. Yu. , Khlusov I. A. , Avdeeva E. Yu. , Luzhanin V. G. , Khlusova M. Yu. , Belousov M. V. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Cellular systems for targeted delivery of drug and biological molecules (drug delivery systems, DDSs) are currently considered as a promising solution to the problems of nano- and micro-sized drug carriers.Text. The review briefly examines fundamental and applied issues in the development of cellular DDSs, the morphofunctional diversity of which theoretically makes it possible to solve the problems of pharmacotherapy of various diseases. Sources are presented summarizing clinical protocols for the use of cellular DDSs, which are, however, limited to antitumor and anti-inflammatory therapy. The advantages, as well as particular and general disadvantages of using certain cells (blood cells, immunocytes, stem cells) as promising platforms for translation into clinical practice of delivery vehicles for various drugs (antibiotics, cytostatics, monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, etc.) loaded into nano- and micro-sized DDSs.Conclusion. Despite the obvious and impressive successes of fundamental and applied research in this area, a difficult path lies ahead in optimizing the processes of targeted delivery and controlled release of drug and biological molecules using cellular DDSs.
Advances in 3D printing technology for preparing bone tissue engineering scaffolds from biodegradable materials
Authors: Wang Zhen , Sun Yanan , Li Chen 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionBone tissue engineering (BTE) provides an effective repair solution by implanting osteoblasts or stem cells into biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds to promote bone regeneration. In recent years, the rapid development of 3D bioprinting has enabled its extensive application in fabricating BTE scaffolds. Based on three-dimensional computer models and specialized “bio-inks,” this technology offers new pathways for customizing BTE scaffolds. This study reviews the current status and future prospects of scaffold materials for BTE in 3D bioprinting.MethodsThis literature review collected recent studies on BTE and 3D bioprinting, analyzing the advantages and limitations of various scaffold materials for 3D printing, including bioceramics, metals, natural polymers, and synthetic polymers. Key characteristics like biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and degradation rates of these materials were systematically compared.ResultsThe study highlights the diverse performances of materials used in BTE scaffolds. Bioceramics exhibit excellent biocompatibility but suffer from brittleness; metals offer high strength but may induce chronic inflammation; natural polymers are biocompatible yet have poor mechanical properties, while synthetic polymers offer strong tunability but may produce acidic by-products during degradation. Additionally, integrating 3D bioprinting with composite materials could enhance scaffold biocompatibility and mechanical properties, presenting viable solutions to current challenges.DiscussionThis review summarizes recent advances in 3D bioprinting for BTE scaffold applications, exploring the strengths and limitations of various materials and proposing composite material combinations to improve scaffold performance. By optimizing material selection and combinations, 3D bioprinting shows promise for creating customized scaffolds, offering a new technical route for clinical applications of BTE. This research provides a unique perspective and theoretical support for advancing 3D bioprinting technology in bone regeneration, outlining future directions for BTE materials and 3D bioprinting technology development.
Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in hair: facilitating accurate diagnosis of adrenal-related endocrine disorders
Authors: Heyns Bianca , Pieters Rialet , Stander Marietjie Aletta , Atkin Stephen Lawrence , Swart Amanda Cecilia 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundGlucocorticoids and androgens in the hair follicle have been of interest for many years, particularly cortisol and cortisone in retrospective studies associated with chronic stress and Cushing’s syndrome. No studies have reported aldosterone or 18-hydroxycorticosterone in the adrenal mineralocorticoid panel in the hair follicle. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers in endocrine conditions associated with steroid excess or deficiency using a novel extraction protocol in the analysis of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the hair follicle.Methods and findingsHair was collected from 15 healthy male and female volunteers. Segments that were cut along the length of long, medium, and short hair and segments shaved on the scalp and the cheek were prepared for analysis. Hair samples were extracted using an automated accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) system. Steroids were analyzed using high-throughput ultra-performance convergence chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. All mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids were detected above the lower limit of quantification and none of the steroids differed statistically comparing male and female concentrations. Deoxycortisol, deoxycorticosterone, and aldosterone were detected for the first time in men. In both genders, 18-hydroxycortisosterone was detected for the first time. The median concentrations for women and men, respectively, were as follows: deoxycortisol, 14.2 and 19.2 pg/mg; cortisol, 34.7 and 33.9 pg/mg; cortisone, 22.4 and 22.0 pg/mg; deoxycorticosterone, 83.0 and 50.2 pg/mg; corticosterone, 10.9 and 11.5 pg/mg; 18-hydroxycorticosterone, 24.8 and 24.8 pg/mg; and aldosterone, 23.4 and 22.7 pg/mg. Deoxycortisol and deoxycorticosterone showed marked fluctuation along the hair follicle in both genders and showed inter-individual variance. Conversely, cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 18-hydroxycortisosterone, and aldosterone did not fluctuate, with no inter-individual variance. Cortisol was 1.5-fold higher than cortisone in accordance with the circulatory cortisol/cortisone relationship.ConclusionsThe novel extraction method optimized steroid measurement, showing the consistency of measurement for glucocorticoids, cortisol and cortisone, and mineralocorticoids, corticosterone, 18-hydroxycorticosterone, and aldosterone. Data suggest these steroids in the hair follicle to be ideal biomarkers in improving diagnostic testing, investigating conditions of steroid excess or deficiency in hypoaldosteronism, primary hyperaldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome, and the congenital adrenal hyperplasia subtypes.
Global perspectives on the contribution of B cells to multiple sclerosis: an in-depth examination and evaluation
Authors: Jiang Xinzhan , Zhang Hongyu , Liu Yongtao , Sun Bo , Mu Guannan 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease, with increasing attention on the role of B cells in its pathogenesis. Despite this growing interest, a comprehensive analysis of research trends and emerging foci on B cells in MS is currently lacking. In this research, we utilize a bibliometric approach to visualize and analyze research trends and focal points in this field, offering a valuable reference for future mechanistic studies in MS.MethodsWe retrieved bibliometric data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) for articles published between 2014 and 2023. VOSviewer 1.6.18 and CiteSpace 5.7R3 were used for co-authorship, co-occurrence, and citation analyses to identify key researchers, institutions, countries, and emerging themes in B cell research related to MS.ResultsThe analysis examined 5,578 articles published in 1,041 journals by 5,337 institutions globally. The United States leads in publication output, with Amit Bar-Or identified as the most influential author, and Frontiers in Immunology as the top journal in the field. Research has increasingly focused on the complex role of B cells in MS, particularly their involvement in the central nervous system (CNS) and mechanisms of anti-B cell therapy. Recent trends point to a growing focus on meningeal inflammation, kinase inhibitors, and Epstein-Barr virus, signaling a shift in research priorities.ConclusionThis bibliometric analysis highlights pivotal research trends, key contributors, and emerging areas of interest in B cell research in MS from 2013 to 2024. The findings underscore the growing recognition of the multifaceted role of B cells in MS pathogenesis, particularly their involvement in the CNS compartment and the potential of targeted therapies. The study identifies meningeal inflammation, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and kinase inhibitors as promising avenues for future research. The analyses driving the in-depth exploration of B cell mechanisms in MS and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies provide researchers in the MS field with a comprehensive and objective perspective, serving as a valuable reference for accelerating the translation of basic research findings into clinical applications.
A targeted proteomics screen reveals serum and synovial fluid proteomic signature in patients with gout
Authors: Huang Zhengping , Zhong Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuexi , Li Xinjian , Liu Meng , Huang Yukai , Yue Jian , Yi Guanqun , Liu Hongji , Yuan Bingyan , Chen Xu , Zheng Shaoling , Li Tianwang 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveTo characterize the inflammatory proteome in both serum and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with gout, in comparison to healthy controls and individuals with osteoarthritis (OA), by utilizing a high-quality, high-throughput proteomic analysis technique.MethodsUsing the Olink Target 48 Inflammation panel, we measured serum concentrations of 45 inflammatory proteins in gout, OA, and healthy controls. We analyzed protein levels in SF samples from gout and OA, performed ROC curve analyses to identify diagnostic biomarkers, evaluate efficacy, and set cut-off values. Additionally, A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was used to study protein relationships and significance.ResultsWe have delineated the proteomic landscape of gout and identified 20 highly differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the serum of gout patients in comparison to that of healthy controls, which included VEGF-A, MMP-1, TGF-α, and OSM with corresponding area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.95, 0.95, 0.92, and 0.91 respectively. For the analysis of synovial fluid, 6 proteins were found to be elevated in gout in contrast to osteoarthritis (OA), among which IP-10, VEGF-A, IL-8, and MIP-3β had corresponding AUC values of 0.78, 0.78, 0.76, and 0.75 respectively. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified significantly prominent pathways in gout.ConclusionThis research marks a significant advancement in elucidating the inflammatory profile present in the serum and synovial fluid of individuals suffering from gout. Our discoveries have identified several novel proteins in both serum and synovial fluid that are potential biomarkers for diagnostic purposes and are believed to have critical roles as pathogenic factors in the pathophysiology of gout.
Serum mitochondrial-encoded NADH dehydrogenase 6 and Annexin A1 as novel biomarkers for mortality prediction in critically ill patients with sepsis
Authors: Zhou Fan , Chen Meiling , Liu Yilin , Xia Xianzhu , Zhao Pingsen 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesFormyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) is a member of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family that detects potentially danger signals characterized by the appearance of N-formylated peptides which originate from either bacteria or host mitochondria during organ injury, including sepsis. Mitochondrial-encoded NADH dehydrogenase 6 (MT-ND6) and Annexin A1 (ANXA1), as mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs) agonist and endogenous agonist of FPR1 respectively, interact with FPR1 regulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) function and inflammatory response during sepsis. However, there is no direct evidence of MT-ND6 or ANXA1 in the circulation of patients with sepsis and their potential role in clinical significance, including diagnosis and mortality prediction during sepsis.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in ICU within a large academic hospital. We measured serum MT-ND6 or ANXA1 in a cohort of patients with sepsis in ICU (n=180) and patients with non-sepsis in ICU (n=60) by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The ROC curve and Kaplan Meier analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic ability of two biomarkers for patients with sepsis.ResultsThe concentration of MT-ND6 and ANXA1 were significantly elevated in the patients with sepsis, and the diagnostic values of MT-ND6 (0.789) for sepsis patients was second only to SOFA scores (AUC = 0.870). Higher serum concentrations of MT-ND6 (&gt;1.41 ng/ml) and lower concentrations of ANXA1 (&lt; 8.09 ng/mL) were closely related to the higher mortality in patients with sepsis, with the predictive values were 0.705 and 0.694, respectively. When patients with sepsis classified based on four pro-inflammation and two anti-inflammation cytokines, it was shown that combination of MT-ND6 and ANXA1 obviously improved the predictive values in the septic patients with mixed hyperinflammation or immunosuppression phenotypes.ConclusionOur findings provide valuable models testing patient risk prediction and strengthen the evidence for agonists of FPR1, MT-ND6 and ANXA1, as novel biomarker for patient selection for novel therapeutic agents to target mtDAMPs and regulator of GPCRs in sepsis.
Ingestion of ‘whole cell’ or ‘split cell’ Chlorella sp., Arthrospira sp., and milk protein show divergent postprandial plasma amino acid responses with similar postprandial blood glucose control in humans
Authors: Williamson Ellen , Monteyne Alistair J. , Van der Heijden Ino , Abdelrahman Doaa R. , Murton Andrew J. , Hankamer Benjamin , Stephens Francis B. , Wall Benjamin T. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionMicroalgae provide a sustainable basis for protein-rich food production. However, human data concerning microalgae ingestion, subsequent postprandial amino acid (AA) availability and associated metabolic responses are minimal.ObjectivesWe investigated ingesting Arthrospira sp. (spirulina;SPR), and Chlorella sp. (chlorella; in ‘whole cell’ [WCC] and ‘split cell’ [SCC] forms, the latter proposed to improve digestibility), compared with a high-quality animal derived protein source (milk; MLK).Subjects/methodsTen participants (age; 21 ± 1y, BMI; 25 ± 1 kg·m−2) completed a randomised, crossover, double-blind study, partaking in 4 counterbalanced (for order) experimental visits. At each visit participants ingested SPR, WCC, SCC or MLK drinks containing 20 g protein and 75 g carbohydrate. Arterialised venous blood samples, indirect calorimetry and visual analogue scales were assessed postabsorptive, and throughout a 5 h postprandial period to measure AA, glucose, insulin and uric acid concentrations, whole-body energy expenditure and appetite scores, respectively.ResultsProtein ingestion increased plasma AA concentrations (p &lt; 0.001) to differing total postprandial total—and essential—AA availabilities; highest for MLK (86.6 ± 17.8 mmol·L−1) and SPR (84.9 ± 12.5 mmol·L−1), lowest for WCC (−4.1 ± 21.7 mmol·L−1; p &lt; 0.05), with SCC (55.7 ± 11.2 mmol·L−1) marginally greater than WCC (p = 0.09). No differences (p &gt; 0.05) were detected between conditions for postprandial glucose or insulin concentrations, whole-body energy expenditure or appetite scores, but serum uric acid concentrations increased (p &lt; 0.05) following microalgae ingestion only.ConclusionOur data imply that microalgae can present a bioavailable source of protein for human nutrition, however, challenges remain, requiring species selection and/or biomass processing to overcome.
The closure of Wyoming’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): Qualitative analysis of the impact on social isolation and loneliness
Authors: Dabrowski Barbara S. , McKibbin Christine L. , O'Barr Gregory W. , Punke Elizabeth L. , Teply Abby L. , Richardson Kathryn A. , Carrico Catherine P. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionSocial isolation and loneliness are global public health concerns experienced among older adults which are commonly associated with negative physical, psychological, and social outcomes. The healthcare system has an opportunity to identify and address social isolation and loneliness in older adults. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) was developed to serve comprehensive social needs along with medical and behavioral needs of older adults who qualify for long-term care while still living in the community. In 2021, due to state budget reductions, Wyoming’s only PACE program (WY PACE) closed, resulting in the discharge of all participants and loss of social engagement opportunities provided by this program. The objectives of this evaluation were to (1) examine the impact of the WY PACE closure on isolation and loneliness, (2) identify how older adults adapted to the loss of services addressing isolation and loneliness, and (3) identify needs for future interventions to address isolation among clients who experienced loss of supportive programs.MethodsA mixed-methods design was used to facilitate understanding of qualitative findings while also conducting quantitative analyses to provide context for qualitative responses. Participants included 17 individuals who were either former PACE participants or their caregivers. Participants (n = 12; M = 74 years old) were predominantly non-Hispanic White (n = 8, 66%) and cisgender female (n = 7, 58%). Caregivers of participants (n = 5; M = 63 years old) were predominantly Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish origin (n = 3, 60%) and cisgender female (n = 4, 80%).ResultsA mixed-methods design was used to facilitate understanding of qualitative findings while also conducting quantitative analyses to provide context for qualitative responses. Participants included 17 individuals who were either former PACE participants or their caregivers. Participants (n = 12; M = 74 years old) were predominantly non-Hispanic White (n = 8, 66%) and cisgender female (n = 7, 58%). Caregivers of participants (n = 5; M = 63 years old) were predominantly Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish origin (n = 3, 60%) and cisgender female (n = 4, 80%).DiscussionThis evaluation provided preliminary insight into the impacts of the loss of programs like WY PACE on social isolation and loneliness. Creative solutions to maintain social engagement of this vulnerable population are needed.
Gender differences in the incidence, characteristics and hospital admission outcomes of fall-related injuries in older adults in Victoria, Australia, over 5 years from 2018/19 to 2022/23
Authors: Berecki-Gisolf Janneke , Rezaei-Darzi Ehsan , Natora Aleksandra Helena 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundFalls are the leading cause of injury morbidity and mortality in older adults. This study aimed to: (1) Explore gender differences in falls injury incidence and outcomes in Victoria, Australia; and (2) Test if these differences are explained by patient demographics and clinical complexity.MethodFall-related injury admissions records from 1-JULY-2018 to 30-JUNE-2023 were extracted from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset. Admissions for injury (S00-T98) caused by a fall (W00-W19), in males and females aged 60+ years, were selected using ICD-10-AM codes. Incidence was calculated as annual falls admissions per 100,000 population. Gender differences in terms of demographics, falls details, injury types, complexity and admission outcomes were tested using logistic regression models.ResultsThere were 187,878 fall-related injury admissions: 67,635 (36.0%) by males and 120,243 (64.0%) by females. The incidence rate ratio peaked at 1.52 (female: male) at 70–79 years. Compared to males, female fall injuries were more likely due to same-level falls and to occur at home. Female sex was associated with fractures and male sex was associated with head injuries. Although female sex was associated with surgery and longer hospital stay, death-in-hospital was associated with male sex, with and without adjustment for patient demographics, fall details, injury type and clinical complexity.ConclusionThis contemporary gender-stratified study provides important evidence relevant to falls prevention and management. The findings suggest that same-level falls prevention is of particular relevance to females while in males, improved hospital outcomes and fall-related injury survivability, and any underlying frailty, should be prioritized.
Data-driven analysis of the effect of screening and treatment on the spread of HIV in developing and developed countries
Authors: Abbas Wasim , Masud M. A. , Parveen Sajida , Lee Hyojung , Kim Sangil 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionIn this study, we used a mathematical epidemic model to explore the status of the HIV epidemic in the USA and Pakistan. In addition to studying the dynamics of the model, we fitted the model with recent data to estimate the parameters describing the epidemic in both countries.ResultsOur estimation shows that in the USA, the reproduction number is 0.9688 (0.9684, 0.9694); if the reproduction number is maintained at this level, it would take a long time to eradicate HIV entirely. Meanwhile, it is 2.2599 (2.2556, 2.2656) in Pakistan, which is due to a lack of awareness in the confirmed group and a lower rate of maintained treatment. We also estimated the rate of vertical transmission, which plays a significant role in Pakistan but not in the USA.DiscussionWe conclude that improving the screening rate and educating people would be effective for controlling HIV in Pakistan, whereas improved screening rate in the USA can eradicate HIV faster.