bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced visual illusions in Parkinson’s disease with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
Authors: Umehara Tadashi , Mimori Masahiro , Kokubu Tatsushi , Ozawa Masakazu , Shiraishi Tomotaka , Onda Asako , Matsuno Hiromasa , Omoto Shusaku , Murakami Hidetomo , Iguchi Yasuyuki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Accumulating evidence suggests that sympathetic noradrenergic system degeneration is associated with the pathophysiology of minor hallucination in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aimed to elucidate the relationship between visual illusion and the extent and type of cardiovascular sympathetic failure in patients with PD.
Methods: The subjects were 133 patients with PD without well-structured visual hallucinations. Visual illusory responses were evaluated using the noise pareidolia test. Cardiac 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) and supine hypertension (nSH) on head-up tilt-table testing were examined in association with the number of illusory responses.
Results: Fifty-one (38%) patients had illusory responses. nOH (β = 0.220, p = 0.008), cognitive impairment (β = −0.228, p = 0.028), and longer symptom duration (β = 0.273, p = 0.006) were associated with greater numbers of illusory responses independently of age, sex, motor severity, levodopa equivalent dose, and anticholinergic and cholinesterase inhibitor use; nSH and peripheral sympathetic degeneration reflected by low cardiac 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake were not. Although nSH and peripheral sympathetic degeneration had no effects on the association between the number of illusory responses and nOH, patients with severe nOH had significantly more illusory responses than those with mild nOH (p = 0.048).
Conclusion: nOH was associated with the severity of visual illusion in early PD patients without well-structured visual hallucinations, whereas nSH and peripheral sympathetic degeneration were not. These findings deepen our knowledge of the role of sympathetic noradrenergic degeneration in minor hallucinations and may have prognostic implications in patients with early PD.
Satellite remote sensing for the evaluation of the impact of watershed management on surface soil moisture in the Kulfo watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Tilahun Aklilu Assefa , Zewude Wondafrash Atnafu , Ersuncho Bizuayehu Abera 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Although watershed management is a valuable strategy for reducing land degradation and increasing surface soil moisture (SSM), quantitative data do not support its effects on watershed hydrology. One of the obstacles to the lack of quantitative evidence of such impacts has been the availability of data. In this work, we showed how useful a remote sensing-based approach is for assessing how SSM in the Kulfo watershed, Ethiopia, is affected by watershed management activities. This study used remotely sensed data (Landsat images) to construct and apply the soil moisture index (SMI) model. The land surface temperature and vegetation index (LST-VI) spatial pixel distribution are interpreted via the trapezoid approach, which forms the basis of the model. From January 2021 to May 2022, we used 42 sample points worth of ground-based moisture measurements to validate the model's performance. Following validation, the surface soil moisture from 1990–2022, including the times before, during, and after watershed improvements were implemented in Kulfo, was examined. The results revealed strong agreement between the SSM predicted by the model and the SSM observed on the ground. This was demonstrated by the low root mean squared error (0.019 cm3 cm− 3) and high R2 (0.81). The surface soil moisture and vegetation cover of the research area increased following extensive physical interventions. Hence, to assess the effects of interventions, a remote sensing approach can detect and quantify SSM. We urge scholars to assess and implement the model for additional watersheds to demonstrate the value of substantial investments in watershed management.
Analyses of the optical and impedance characteristics of solution-casted Sod-Carboxy Methyl Cellulose Biodegradable Polymers prepared with a NaI/KI Blend
Authors: S Nalina , Kumar Sujeet , Bhat Tejashree , V. Prakruthi , S. Keerthana N. , Pattanshetty Seema S. , D Vinay , Potadar Rajeev R. , Putran Suchitra , Prabhu A. N. , Murari M. S. , Pillegowda Manohar , R. Jahnavi K. , Hegde Ganesh Shridhar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the present work, solid polymer films that conduct K+ and Na+ ions were produced using the sodium salt of carboxy methyl cellulose (Na-CMC), poly-ethylene glycol (PEG 600), potassium iodide (KI), and sodium iodide (NaI), and their optical and ionic conductive characteristics were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that different salt iodides varied in their crystallinity and amorphousness. Various functional groups were verified for visualisation using the Fourier transform infrared spectra technique. Utilising ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, optical analysis was employed to investigate the Urbach energy, direct-band gap, indirect-band gap, dielectric constants, and refractive indices. Ionic conductivity impedance spectroscopy was used to examine the ion dynamics and relaxation processes taking place in the polymer electrolyte.
Targeting TGF-β-Smad2/3-JNK1-mediated SIRT1 activity overcomes the chemoresistance of KRAS mutation lung cancer
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Choi Minyoung , Han Chungyong , Kim Sang Soo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Lung cancer patients with a KRAS oncogenic driver mutation have a very poor prognosis. Recently, we reported that SIRT1 is upregulated by the KRASMut-c-Myc-axis and KRASMut-induced SIRT1 stably deacetylated by lysine 104 and increased KRASMut activity, enhancing chemoresistance. Of note, SIRT1 activity, as well as SIRT1 levels are more increased in KRASMut cells compared with EGFRMut, both negative cells of KRASMut and EGFRMut, and non-tumorigenic cells. This prompted us to investigate the mechanism by which SRIT1 activity was increased and the role of pSIRT1 in the chemoresistance of KRASMut lung cancer cells. The activated MEK-ERK pathway under KRASMut increased AP-1 transcription activity, which in turn enhanced TGF-β1 secretion. The secreted TGF-β1 activated the Smad2/3-JNK1 signaling pathway through an autocrine manner, increasing pSIRT1S27 and pSIRT1S47, ultimately enhancing KRASMut activity through KRAS deacetylation and affecting chemoresistance. We identified a small molecule from the natural compound library, namely SIRT1 activity inhibitor, Kuwanon C (KWN-C), which decreased pSIRT1S27 and pSIRT1S47 via a decrease in the activity of the TGF-β1-Smad2/3-JNK1 signaling pathway. Treatment with the SIRT1 activity inhibitor triggered the anticancer effects of cisplatin and pemetrexed in human lung cancer cells, lung orthotropic tumors, and in a spontaneous in vivo model of KRASMut lung cancer. Our findings reveal a novel pathway critical for the regulation of SIRT1 activity in KRASMut lung cancer and provide important evidence for the potential application of SIRT1 activity inhibitor as an adjuvant chemotherapy, overcoming chemoresistance in KRASMut lung cancer patients.
The proteome of circulating extracellular vesicles and their functional effect on platelets vary with the isolation method
Authors: Fernández-Sáez Eva M , Bravo Susana B. , Pena Carmen , García Ángel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication and serve as a source of biomarkers in several pathologies. In this study, we aimed to characterize plasma-derived EVs isolated by ultracentrifugation (UC) or size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to define the best method for proteomic and functional studies. EVs characterization included nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), detection of biomarkers by western blotting, and quantitative proteomic analysis. SEC-EVs samples had higher particle and protein concentration, particle-to-protein ratio, and smaller size compared to UC-EVs. A total of 171 proteins were identified through Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS) analysis, with 11 increased in SEC-EVs and 5 in UC-EVs. The proteins increased in UC-EVs are complement proteins and immunoglobulins, while proteins increased in SEC-EVs are apolipoproteins and proteins present in the extracellular space. Functional studies with EVs from activated platelets confirmed that EVs isolated by SEC exacerbate platelet aggregation, whereas there was no effect induced by UC-EVs. The latter suggests that EVs obtained by SEC seem more suitable for platelet-related functional studies compared to those obtained by UC. The results presented pave the way for future clinical orientated studies involving plasma-derived EVs.
Alleviating Head-mounted Weight Burden for Neural Imaging in Freely-behaving Rodents Using a Helium-filled Balloon
Authors: Liu Yuehan , Zhang Jing , Li Cheng-Yu , Zhang Haolin , Li Xingde 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The recently developed miniaturized head-mounted two-photon (2P) imaging devices have served as a valuable tool for neuroscientists, enabling real-time functional neural imaging in freely-behaving animals. Although the current 2P fiberscopes and miniscopes are lightweight, the weight of any potential additional accessories inevitably imposes a burden on the animal. Here, we present a buoyancy levitation method to alleviate head-mounted weight burden on mice. By utilizing the buoyance of a helium-filled balloon to counteract the additional weight of up to 7 g, both the motion behavior and neural activities remain unaffected by the added load. This easy-to-implement method provides a platform for studying neural network function in animals, effectively freeing them from the burden of head-mounted weight.
Image Processing Based Color Analysis of Water Transfer Printed and Ultraviolet Printed Wood Composite Panels
Authors: Budakçı Mehmet , KAÇAMER Serdar , Katırcıoğlu Ferzan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to perform color analysis with the Image Processing Based Scrub Tester (IPBST), which was produced to mimic the effect of paint, varnish and various decorative coating layers against household chemicals. For this purpose, 8 mm thick, high-gloss acrylic-coated medium density fiberboard (MDF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated MDF, and MDF laminate ready-made panels, as well as MDF panels coated with polyurethane, cellulose, acrylic, and water-based paints, were prepared. Carbon fiber patterned decorative coating was applied to the prepared sample panels surfaces using water transfer printing (WTP) and ultraviolet (UV) printing methods. Then, the sample surfaces were scrubbed with IPBST using various household chemicals according to Turkish Standards (TS) EN ISO 11998 principles. In the image processing phase of the study, after taking digital images of the samples before and after the scrubbing process, color measurements were evaluated according to L*, a* and b* coordinates according to the Commission International de I’Eclairage (CIE-Lab) system with a newly developed method. As a result of the research, it was determined that the total color change of the WTP samples was 124.63% more than the UV printed samples. In order to test the accuracy of the color measurement method of the IPBST produced within the scope of the study, a comparison was made with the BYK – Gardner Spektro Guide 45/0 color measurement device. The relationship between the total color change values ​​obtained with both devices was examined by Pearson Correlation analysis, and a very strong and significant relationship of 0.97 was found. As a result, with the similar data obtained, it was proven that the color test analysis performed with IPBST and the software created can be used worldwide and can be an alternative to industrial test devices.
Templating of Monomeric Alpha-Synuclein Induces Inflammation and SNpc Dopamine Neuron Death in a Genetic Mouse Model of Synucleinopathy.
Authors: Byrne Matthew D. , Petramfar Peyman , Lee Jae-Kyung , Smeyne Richard Jay 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

While the etiology of most cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are idiopathic, it has been estimated that 5-10% of PD arise from known genetic mutations. The first mutations described that leads to the development of an autosomal dominant form of PD are in the SNCA gene that codes for the protein alpha-synuclein (α-syn). α-syn is an abundant presynaptic protein that is natively disordered and whose function is still unclear. In PD, α-syn misfolds into multimeric b-pleated sheets that aggregate in neurons (Lewy Bodies/neurites) and spread throughout the neuraxis in a pattern that aligns with disease progression. Here, using IHC, HC, HPLC, and cytokine analysis, we examined the sequelae of intraparenchymal brain seeding of pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) and monomeric α-syn in C57BL/6J (WT) and A53T SNCA mutant mice. We found that injection of PFFs, but not monomeric α-syn, into the striatum of C57BL/6J mice induced spread of aggregated α-syn, loss of SNpc DA neurons and increased neuroinflammation. However, in A53T SNCA mice, we found that both PFFs and monomeric α-syn induced this pathology. This suggests that the conformation changes in α-syn seen in the A53T strain can recruit wild-type α-syn to a pathological misfolded conformation which may provide a mechanism for the induction of PD in humans with SNCA duplication/triplication.
Nifuroxazide Improves Inflammation and Septic Shock by Suppressing C/EBPβ Signaling Pathway and Macrophage Migration
Authors: Sun Huifeng , Hu Mingyue , Liu Mei , Wang Min , Guo Jiaying , Xiang Yinhong , Zhang Ning , Liu Jianxin , Jiang Shan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Nifuroxazide (NFX) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent widely used to treat infectious diarrhea since 1966. In recent years, the discovery of the inhibitory effect of NFX on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 has prompted extensive research on it as a potential anticancer drug. However, there are very few studies on its anti-inflammatory effects.
Purpose
We want to investigate the mechanism related to anti-inflammation of NFX both in vitro and in vivo.
Study design:
Murine macrophage cells and mouse models for foot swelling mouse models and septic shock were conducted to evaluate the abilities of NFX in anti-inflammation.
Methods
Cell viabilities were evaluated using MTT assay. NO outcome was checked by Griess reagent test. Inflammatory cytokines were determined via ELISA. The mechanism of NFX in anti-inflammation was investigated by immunoblot in protein level. Transwell cell migration assay to detect the effect of NFX on cell migration ability. γ-carrageenan-induced acute foot swelling and septic shock administrated with NFX were studied by H&E and Small-Animal Imaging System.
Results
NFX not only showed no cytotoxicity, but also protected cells from LPS damage. It significantly decreased LPS-induced NO production, but hardly stimulated the expression of NO itself. NFX inhibits CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) phosphorylation and thereby reduces the production of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory factors such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Finally, NFX alleviated γ-carrageenan-induced acute foot swelling and LPS/poly (I:C)-induced septic shock by inhibiting macrophage migration through the C/EBPβ signaling pathway.
Conclusion
In this study, NFX has proven to act as a potent CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and macrophage migration inhibitor. NFX is a viable candidate for treating inflammatory diseases, especially for C/EBPβ activation and/or macrophage migration-associated inflammatory diseases.
Biodegradable film based on cellulose nanofiber/methylene blue/vitamin C: investigation of physicochemical properties and usability as a kit for identification of oxidants (hydrogen peroxide)
Authors: Sadeghi Sina , Pirsa Sajad , Asefi Narmela , Gharekhani Mehdi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In this study, cellulose nanofiber film was modified with methylene blue pigment and vitamin C (Cel/MB/VC). The physicochemical, structural, thermal resistance, and antibacterial characteristics of the prepared films were investigated using SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, etc. The rate of absorption and release of methylene blue from the prepared film was studied. Films containing methylene blue and vitamin C were used as a kit to detect hydrogen peroxide. The obtained results showed that methylene blue and vitamin C increased the thickness of the film and the elongation of the film. Both methylene blue and vitamin C agents reduced moisture content and water vapor permeability. Both methylene blue and vitamin C significantly increased the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) of the film. SEM images showed that the diameter of cellulose fibers is between 20 and 100 nm, which methylene blue and vitamin C completely cover their surface and the surface porosity of the film. FTIR spectra confirmed the electrostatic interactions between cellulose, methylene blue and vitamin C. According to the XRD results, cellulose has a crystalline structure, which vitamin C improved this crystalline property. According to TGA results, methylene blue and vitamin C caused more thermal stability of cellulose film. The release of methylene blue from the film was reported to be 15%. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, the color of the films containing methylene blue and vitamin C changed from white to blue. Films containing methylene blue and vitamin C at the same time showed good performance as a hydrogen peroxide detection sensor (kit). The highest sensitivity of the sensor for measuring hydrogen peroxide was 0.299 (100 mg/ml) with a detection limit of 1.9 (100 mg/ml). The prepared film has the ability to be used in smart packaging of foods sensitive to oxidation such as oils.
Association of domain-specific physical activity with nocturia: a population- based study
Authors: Jia Yangtao , Shen Rui , Dong Xinke , Yang Fangzheng , Zhou Libin , Long Huimin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Nocturia is the most prevalent lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) and is closely associated with various diseases and social burdens. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between different domains of physical activity (e.g., occupation-related physical activity [OPA], transportation-related physical activity [TPA], and leisure-time physical activity [LTPA]) and nocturia.
Methods
This study included 5516 participants from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2012. We employed survey-weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis to assess the relationship between different domains of physical activity and nocturia.
Results
Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between PA, LTPA, and nocturia. Specifically, PA (OR: 0.7523, 95% CI: 0.6307–0.8974, P = 0.002) and LTPA (OR: 0.7664, 95% CI: 0.6314–0.9304, P = 0.007) were negatively associated with nocturia. The RCS curve demonstrated non-linear relationships between PA, LTPA, and nocturia. Additionally, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses further validated this association.
Conclusion
Based on this cross-sectional study, we hypothesize that PA and LTPA are associated with a reduced risk of nocturia in adults aged 20 years and older in the United States. This underscoring the importance of physical activity in preventing and managing nocturia may provide valuable guidance for clinical practice.
Risk factors for stoma and incision complications of enterostomy in children with very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Zhou Yiwen , Tan Zhixing , Huang Ying , Dong Kuiran , Gu Ying , Chen Jie , Yu Zhuowen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Enterostomy is utilized to mitigate severe clinical symptoms in children with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) and to provide a window for stem cell transplantation. Nevertheless, the incidence of post-operative complications is significant, and there is currently a lack of research exploring the risk factors associated with complications related to the stoma and incision following the procedure.
Objective
To investigate the risk factors for stoma and incision complications after enterostomy in patients with VEO-IBD.
Methods
From January 2015 to December 2023, 49 children with VEO-IBD who underwent enterostomy were enrolled in the study. Demographic characteristics, blood biochemical indices, weighted Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (wPCDAI) and enterostomy-related information were prospectively collected. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify the risk factors for ostomy and incision-related complications.
Results
All 49 included VEO-IBD children had interleukin-10(IL-10) signaling defects, with 27 (55.1%) had stomal-related complications and 10 (20.4%) had incision complications after enterostomy. Univariate analysis revealed that wPCDAI (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07, P = 0.05) showed a tendency towards statistical significance in the occurrence of ostomy complications. Weight-for-age Z-score(WAZ) (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39–0.84, P = 0.004), Height-for-age Z-score(HAZ) (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37–0.88, P = 0.01), type of surgery (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03–0.56, P = 0.007), C-reactive protein(CRP) (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04, P = 0.007), and wPCDAI (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.14, P = 0.009) demonstrated statistical significance in the occurrence of incision complications. However, multivariate binary logistic regression did not reveal any statistically significant factors.
Conclusion
Although emergency surgery is unavoidable, our study suggests that improving nutritional status, reducing CRP levels, and increasing preoperative wPCDAI scores may help reduce post-enterostomy stoma and incision complications in VEO-IBD children with interleukin-10 (IL-10) signaling defects. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.