bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological and structural properties of curcumin-loaded graphene oxide incorporated collagen as composite scaffold for bone regeneration
Authors: Xie Qi , Wang Tianqi , He Lina , Liang Hongbo , Sun Jingxuan , Huang Xiaoxiao , Xie Weili , Niu Yumei 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionTo address the challenges related to bone defects, including osteoinductivity deficiency and post-implantation infection risk, this study developed the collagen composite scaffolds (CUR-GO-COL) with multifunctionality by integrating the curcumin-loaded graphene oxide with collagen through a freeze-drying-cross-linking process.MethodsThe morphological and structural characteristics of the composite scaffolds were analyzed, along with their physicochemical properties, including water absorption capacity, water retention rate, porosity, in vitro degradation, and curcumin release. To evaluate the biocompatibility, cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion capabilities of the composite scaffolds, as well as their osteogenic and antimicrobial properties, in vitro cell and bacterial assays were conducted. These assays were designed to assess the impact of the composite scaffolds on cell behavior and bacterial growth, thereby providing insights into their potential for promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting infection.ResultsThe CUR-GO-COL composite scaffold with a CUR-GO concentration of 0.05% (w/v) exhibits optimal biological compatibility and stable and slow curcumin release rate. Furthermore, in vitro cell and bacterial tests demonstrated that the prepared CUR-GO-COL composite scaffolds enhance cell viability, proliferation and adhesion, and offer superior osteogenic and antimicrobial properties compared with the CUR-GO composite scaffold, confirming the osteogenesis promotion and antimicrobial effects.DiscussionThe introduction of CUR-GO into collagen scaffold creates a bone-friendly microenvironment, and offers a theoretical foundation for the design, investigation and utilization of multifunctional bone tissue biomaterials.
Embryonic piRNAs target horizontally transferred vertebrate transposons in assassin bugs
Authors: Brito Tarcísio Fontenele de , Arruda Cardoso Maira , Atinbayeva Nazerke , Alexandre de Abreu Brito Ingrid , Amaro da Costa Lucas , Iovino Nicola , Pane Attilio 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionPiwi proteins and the associated Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) coordinate a surveillance system that protects the animal genome from DNA damage induced by transposable element (TE) mobilization. While the pathway has been described in detail in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, much less is known in more basal insects. Rhodnius prolixus is an hemipteran insect and one of the major vectors of Chagas disease. Rhodnius acquired specific classes of horizontally transferred transposons (HTTs) by feeding on bats, opossums and squirrel monkeys, thus providing the opportunity to investigate the piRNA-base response against HTTs in this species.MethodsSmallRNA-Seq reads mapping to HTTs and resident transposable elements were quantified and checked for piRNA features like 1U a 10A biases, ping-pong and phasing signatures. Uniquely mapped piRNAs were used to identify piRNA clusters in Rhodnius’ genome. RNA-Seq data was used to quantify transposon and Rp-PIWI genes expression levels and were validated by qRT-PCR.ResultsBy analyzing the temporal dynamics of piRNA cluster expression and piRNA production during critical stages of Rhodnius development, we show that peak levels of ∼28 nt long piRNAs correlate with reduced HTT and resident TE expression primarily during embryogenesis. Strikingly, while resident TEs piRNAs seem to engage in a typical ping-pong amplification mechanism, sense and antisense HTT piRNAs instead overlap by ∼20 nt or do not display ping-pong signatures.DiscussionOur data shed light on the biogenesis and functions of the piRNAs in Rhodnius prolixus and reveal that piRNAs, but not the siRNA pathway, responded to HTTs that were recently transferred from vertebrate tetrapods to a hematophagous insect of medical relevance.
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor’s T2-signal intensity in acromegaly – a call for unification
Authors: Godlewska-Nowak Magdalena , Grochowska Anna , Zieliński Grzegorz , Bogusławska Anna , Adamek Dariusz , Maksymowicz Maria , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja , Gilis-Januszewska Aleksandra 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe T2-signal intensity (SI) of somatotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (sPitNET) is associated with treatment response and granulation pattern. Our aim was to evaluate SI assessment methods and their clinical implications, including responsiveness to preoperative first-generation somatostatin analogs (SSA).MethodsThis single-center, observational study included unselected, consecutive patients with newly diagnosed acromegaly. Out of 109 treatment-naïve patients, 69 were eligible. The qualitative Visual Method involved a visual comparison of the sPitNET with the temporal gray matter. The Three Tissue Method compared the quantified SI of the sPitNET, temporal white matter, and gray matter. The signal intensity ratio of the sPitNET vs. gray matter (GM-SIR) was calculated. Tumors were divided into three groups: hyperintense (HYPER), isointense (ISO), and hypointense (HYPO) according to the Visual Method, Three Tissue Method, and GM-SIR. These groups were compared in terms of demographic, radiological, and biochemical features. The SI assessment methods were investigated for their ability to predict preoperative SSA responsiveness.ResultsSI assessment methods classified SI type correspondingly in 58-75.4% of cases. ISO constituted 39-49% of the analyzed sPitNETs. All methods identified significant differences in tumor volume between the SI groups, with HYPO being more biochemically active per tumor volume unit. According to the Three Tissue Method, patients with ISO had the youngest age at diagnosis and onset. According to the Visual Method, ISO had a lower chance of achieving insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) normalization compared to HYPO (odds ratio (OR) 0.089, confidence interval (CI) 0.015-0.538, p= 0.008)), with no differences between HYPER and HYPO. Only the Visual Method predicted the IGF1 normalization after SSA. HYPER and ISO sPitNETs were classified in electron microscopy as both densely and sparsely granulated. Bihormonal tumors presented only as HYPO and ISO. According to the Three Tissue Method, no HYPO was diagnosed with sparse granulation.DiscussionWe demonstrated discrepancies between the SI assessment methods. The Visual Method predicted the outcome of preoperative treatment with SSA. Clinically, ISO behaved similarly to HYPER. Further studies are needed to unify SI assessment and improve its clinical applicability in acromegaly.
Application of shear wave elastography in the management of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents: our experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Borysewicz-Sańczyk Hanna , Bossowski Filip , Anikiej Katarzyna , Sawicka Beata , Michalak Justyna , Dzięcioł Janusz , Bossowski Artur 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionShear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound diagnostic method used to measure tissue stiffness. Since the mechanical properties of tissue involved in the pathological process change, SWE might indicate regions of the examined tissue covered by the disease. It is well documented that SWE helps to differentiate benign and malignant nodules in thyroid glands in adults, however, there are few studies on the application of SWE in thyroid diagnosis in children. The purpose of the study was to assess the application of SWE based on Young’s modulus expressed in kPa in the management of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents.MethodsIn total, 116 pediatric patients (81 girls and 35 boys) with 168 thyroid nodules were enrolled in the study and qualified for SWE followed by fine needle aspiration biopsy.ResultsAccording to the result of the cytological examination presented in the Bethesda System, nodules were classified as benign (147 nodules classified as category II according to the Bethesda System) or indeterminate or suspicious (21 nodules classified as categories III, IV, and V according to the Bethesda System). Benign cytological diagnoses were nodular goiter, parenchymal goiter, nodular colloid goiter, or lymphocytic inflammation. Among the indeterminate or suspicious nodules, 15 were diagnosed as category III according to the Bethesda System (atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) in cytology), 1 nodule was diagnosed as category IV according to the Bethesda System (suspicious for follicular neoplasm – oxyphilic cell tumor), and 5 as category V according to the Bethesda System (suspicious for malignancy). There were no significant differences in thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations between the benign and suspicious groups. Patients with benign and indeterminate or suspicious thyroid nodules were of comparable age. Mean SWE in benign nodules was statistically significantly lower than in nodules with indeterminate or suspicious cytology (42.22 ± 16.69 vs. 57.4 ± 24.0 kPa, p=0.0004). Six patients from the indeterminate or suspicious group were revealed to be malignant in the final histopathological examination.ConclusionOur results suggest that SWE is a viable diagnostic method, however, it still seems to need some adjustment for pediatric patients.
Long term effects of aromatase inhibitor treatment in patients with aromatase excess syndrome
Authors: Giannopoulou Eleni Z. , Brandt Stephanie , Zorn Stefanie , Denzer Christian , von Schnurbein Julia , Fukami Maki , Kaiser Alexander , Schmidt Martin , Wabitsch Martin 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionAromatase excess syndrome (AEXS) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder, characterized by enhanced aromatization of androgens and estrogen excess. In males it is characterized by pre-/peripubertal gynecomastia, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, advanced bone age and short adult height. Only a few female patients have been described so far.MethodsWe report on a family with four members with AEXS and present the long-term effects of aromatase inhibitor use in three of them. Genetic analysis showed a monoallelic 0.3-Mb deletion in 15q21, involving parts of CYP19A1, GLDN and DMXL2 in all four patients with AEXS.ResultsThe index patient (male, 8 years old) presented with gynecomastia and accelerated growth and bone age. With start of puberty, estradiol levels increased, while testosterone levels remained low. Gynecomastia progressed and a mastectomy was performed twice. Presuming AEXS, a therapy with letrozole was initiated at the age of 19 years. Low-dose letrozole treatment was associated with an increase in testicular volume, increase in virilization and improvement in physical strength and libido. His brother (age 3 years) presented with accelerated growth and bone age. Treatment with letrozole, which was started at the age of 7 years, resulted in achieving an adult height of 179 cm and prevented the appearance of gynecomastia. His sister (age 6 years), who presented with premature thelarche and accelerated growth and bone age, was treated with an estrogen receptor modulator and a GnRH analog followed by letrozole treatment. Menarche occurred at age 13.5 years and adult height was 158 cm. Their father had an early, accelerated growth with an adult height of 171 cm, a delayed puberty and no gynecomastia. In vitro studies provided evidence for involvement of aromatase induction in atypical cells and an increased range of potential mechanisms regulating aromatase activity due to the presence of the mutated allele.DiscussionIn conclusion, we observed a phenotypic variability within family members with AEXS carrying the same CYP19A1 microdeletion. When started early, treatment with letrozole was found to prevent the development of gynecomastia and increase adult height in one patient. In adult life, low-dose letrozole treatment resulted in improved physical strength and libido in the index patient.
Hepatic and pulmonary macrophage activity in a mucosal challenge model of Ebola virus disease
Authors: Wanninger Timothy G. , Saldarriaga Omar A. , Arroyave Esteban , Millian Daniel E. , Comer Jason E. , Paessler Slobodan , Stevenson Heather L. 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe inflammatory macrophage response contributes to severe Ebola virus disease, with liver and lung injury in humans.ObjectiveWe sought to further define the activation status of hepatic and pulmonary macrophage populations in Ebola virus disease.MethodsWe compared liver and lung tissue from terminal Ebola virus (EBOV)-infected and uninfected control cynomolgus macaques challenged via the conjunctival route. Gene and protein expression was quantified using the nCounter and GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling platforms. Macrophage phenotypes were further quantified by digital pathology analysis.ResultsHepatic macrophages in the EBOV-infected group demonstrated a mixed inflammatory/non-inflammatory profile, with upregulation of CD163 protein expression, associated with macrophage activation syndrome. Hepatic macrophages also showed differential expression of gene sets related to monocyte/macrophage differentiation, antigen presentation, and T cell activation, which were associated with decreased MHC-II allele expression. Moreover, hepatic macrophages had enriched expression of genes and proteins targetable with known immunomodulatory therapeutics, including S100A9, IDO1, and CTLA-4. No statistically significant differences in M1/M2 gene expression were observed in hepatic macrophages compared to controls. The significant changes that occurred in both the liver and lung were more pronounced in the liver.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that hepatic macrophages in terminal conjunctivally challenged cynomolgus macaques may express a unique inflammatory profile compared to other macaque models and that macrophage-related pharmacologically druggable targets are expressed in both the liver and the lung in Ebola virus disease.
Comparison of volumetric brain analysis in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis
Authors: Cox Jennifer G. , de Groot Marius , Kempton Matthew J. , Williams Steven C. R. , Cole James H. 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two autoimmune diseases where patients report high levels of fatigue, pain, and depression. The effect of systemic inflammation from these diseases is likely affecting the brain, however, it is unknown whether there are measurable neuroanatomical changes and whether these are a contributing factor to these central symptoms.MethodsWe included 258 RA patients with 774 age and sex matched controls and 249 UC patients with 747 age and sex matched controls in a case control study utilizing the UK Biobank dataset. We used imaging derived phenotypes (IDPs) to determine whether there were differences in (1) hippocampal volume and (2) additional subcortical brain volumes between patients compared to controls and if there were common regions affected between these two diseases.ResultsPatients with UC had moderately smaller hippocampi compared to age and sex matched controls (difference: 134.15 mm3, SD ± 64.76, p = 0.035). This result was not seen in RA patients. RA patients had a significantly smaller amygdala volume than age and sex matched controls (difference: 91.27 mm3, SD ± 30.85, p = 0.0021, adjusted p = 0.012). This result was not seen in UC patients. All other subcortical structures analyzed were comparable between the patients and control groups.ConclusionThese results indicate there are subcortical brain differences between UC, RA and controls but different regions of the limbic system are preferentially affected by UC and RA. This study may provide evidence for different neurodegenerative mechanisms in distinct autoimmune diseases.
Imaging comparative analysis of familial and sporadic gout in Chinese men by multijoint ultrasonography
Authors: Wen Wen , Ma Liwen , Dang Wantai , Lei Ping , Hu Jing , Liu Jian 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the imaging features of bilateral knees, ankles, and the first metatarsophalangeal joint using high-frequency ultrasonography in male patients with familial and sporadic primary gout and sought to elucidate the relationship between the presence of tophi and various clinical indicators.MethodMale patients with primary gouty arthritis (GA) in the acute phase presenting to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College from November 2020 to June 2022 were enrolled and classified into familial and sporadic gout groups. Comparative analyses of their clinical data and ultrasonographic imaging findings of the knees, ankles, and first metatarsophalangeal joints were performed between the groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, were conducted to determine the effectiveness of significant factors in the prediction of tophi.ResultIn comparison to male patients with sporadic gout, those with familial primary gout exhibited lower age, body mass index, disease duration, and serum uric acid (SUA) levels. However, they demonstrated higher incidences of tophi and bone erosion (54.6% in familial gout vs. 35.1% in sporadic gout, p &lt; 0.05; 71.2% in familial gout vs. 48.1% in sporadic gout, p &lt; 0.05, respectively), with a greater prevalence of tophi in the right first metatarsophalangeal joint (44.2% in familial gout vs. 32.3% in sporadic gout, p &lt; 0.05). Independent risk factors for tophi included family history (OR = 6.712), age (OR = 1.049), disease duration (OR = 1.134), and SUA levels (OR = 1.006). ROC analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.883 (p &lt; 0.05) for predicting joint tophi using these factors.ConclusionMale patients with familial primary GA in the acute phase experienced earlier onset, shorter disease duration compared to those with sporadic gout. They also had more affected joints, more frequent and a wider distribution of tophi, especially in the right first metatarsophalangeal joint. Family history, age, disease duration, and SUA levels are predictive of tophi formation.
Enhancing carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa Hoffm.) plant productivity with combined rhizosphere microbial consortium
Authors: Zhu Liping , Zhang Peiqiang , Ma Shunan , Yu Quan , Wang Haibing , Liu Yuexuan , Yang Song , Chen Yanling 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPlant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an integral part of agricultural practices due to their roles in promoting plant growth, improving soil conditions, and suppressing diseases. However, researches on the PGPR in the rhizosphere of carrots, an important vegetable crop, is relative limited. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and characterize PGPR strains from the rhizosphere soil of greenhouse-grown carrots, with a focus on their potential to stimulate carrot growth.MethodsThrough a screening process, 12 high-efficiency phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, one nitrogen-fixing strain, and two potassium-solubilizing strains were screened. Prominent among these were Bacillus firmus MN3 for nitrogen fixation ability, Acinetobacter pittii MP41 for phosphate solubilization, and Bacillus subtilis PK9 for potassium-solubilization. These strains were used to formulate a combined microbial consortium, N3P41K9, for inoculation and further analysis.ResultsThe application of N3P41K9, significantly enhanced carrot growth, with an increase in plant height by 17.1% and root length by 54.5% in a pot experiment, compared to the control group. This treatment also elevated alkaline-hydrolyzable nitrogen levels by 72.4%, available phosphorus by 48.2%, and available potassium by 23.7%. Subsequent field trials confirmed the efficacy of N3P41K9, with a notable 12.5% increase in carrot yields. The N3P41K9 treatment had a minimal disturbance on soil bacterial diversity and abundance, but significantly increased the prevalence of beneficial genera such as Gemmatimonas and Nitrospira. Genus-level redundancy analysis indicated that the pH and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content were pivotal in shaping the bacterial community composition.DiscussionThe findings of this study highlight the feasibility of combined microbial consortium in promoting carrot growth, increasing yield, and enriching the root environment with beneficial microbes. Furthermore, these results suggest the potential of the N3P41K9 consortium for soil amelioration, offering a promising strategy for sustainable agricultural practices.
Low-temperature electron transport in [110] and [100] silicon nanowires: a DFT-Monte Carlo study
Authors: Shiri Daryoush , Nekovei Reza , Verma Amit 
Published: November 2024

The effects of very low temperature on the electron transport in a [110] and [100] axially aligned unstrained silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are investigated. A combination of semi-empirical 10-orbital tight-binding method, density functional theory and Ensemble Monte Carlo (EMC) methods are used. Both acoustic and optical phonons are included in the electron-phonon scattering rate calculations covering both intra-subband and inter-subband events. A comparison with room temperature (300 K) characteristics shows that for both nanowires, the average electron steady-state drift velocity increases at least 2 times at relatively moderate electric fields and lower temperatures. Furthermore, the average drift velocity in [110] nanowires is 50 percent more than that of [100] nanowires, explained by the difference in their conduction subband effective mass. Transient average electron velocity suggests that there is a pronounced streaming electron motion at low temperature which is attributed to the reduced electron-phonon scattering rates.
Development and validation of a nomogram for obesity and related factors to detect gastric precancerous lesions in the Chinese population: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shi Chang’e , Tao Rui , Wang Wensheng , Tang Jinzhi , Dou Zhengli , Yuan Xiaoping , Xu Guodong , Liu Huanzhong , Chen Xi 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to construct a nomogram to identify patients at high risk of gastric precancerous lesions (GPLs). This identification will facilitate early diagnosis and treatment and ultimately reduce the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective cohort study, 563 participants were divided into a gastric precancerous lesion (GPL) group (n=322) and a non-atrophic gastritis (NAG) group (n=241) based on gastroscopy and pathology results. Laboratory data and demographic data were collected. A derivation cohort (n=395) was used to identify the factors associated with GPLs to develop a predictive model. Then, internal validation was performed (n=168). We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to determine the discriminative ability of the predictive model; we constructed a calibration plot to evaluate the accuracy of the predictive model; and we performed decision curve analysis (DCA) to assess the clinical practicability predictive model.ResultsFour –predictors (i.e., age, body mass index, smoking status, and –triglycerides) were included in the predictive model. The AUC values of this predictive model were 0.715 (95% CI: 0.665-0.765) and 0.717 (95% CI: 0.640-0.795) in the derivation and internal validation cohorts, respectively. These values indicated that the predictive model had good discrimination ability. The calibration plots and DCA suggested that the predictive model had good accuracy and clinical net benefit. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test results in the derivation and validation cohorts for this predictive model were 0.774 and 0.468, respectively.ConclusionThe nomogram constructed herein demonstrated good performance in terms of predicting the risk of GPLs. This nomogram can be beneficial for the early detection of patients at high risk of GPLs, thus facilitating early treatment and ultimately reducing the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer.