bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Benefits of Herbal Medicine Composite 5 (HRMC5) for Skin Health Enhancement
Authors: Ha Rira , Cho Won Kyong , Kim Euihyun , Jang Sung Joo , Kim Ju-Duck , Yi Chang-Geun , Moh Sang Hyun 
Published: October 2024

The skin, as the body&#039;s largest organ, is vital for protecting against environmental stressors, regulating temperature, and preventing water loss. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential for overall skin health and function. We examined the potential of a mixture of five traditional Korean herbal extracts—Cimicifuga racemosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Phellodendron amurense, Rheum rhaponticum, and Scutellaria baicalensis— referred to as herbal medicine composite 5 (HRMC5) for enhancing skin health. High-performance liquid chromatography identified 14 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. The extract showed concentration-dependent effects on cell viability and provided UV protection at 6.25 g/L. It also significantly promoted wound healing, similar to the efficacy of epidermal growth factor. Furthermore, the mixture exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by downregulating Cox2 expression and upregulated key skin barrier proteins, including Involucrin, Claudin 1, and Collagen Type 1. These findings highlight the potential of this herbal mixture for addressing skin barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and facial redness, supporting its use in developing natural skincare products. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms behind these effects and assess its clinical applications.
Sepiolite–Chitosan–Acetic Acid Biocomposite Attenuates the Development of Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Niv Dalia , Anavi Eli , Yaval Laris , Abbas Atallah , Rytwo Giora , Gutman Roee 
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) reduce life expectancy; nonoperative interventions show poor results. Individually, chitosan, acetic acid (AA), and sepiolite clay attenuate high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) via reduced energy digestibility and increased energy expenditure. We hypothesized that a chitosan–sepiolite biocomposite suspended in AA would attenuate DIO and NAFLD to a greater extent than AA alone via its more substantial adsorption of nonpolar molecules; Methods: We tested this dietary supplement in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet, compared to supplementation of a bile-acid sequestrant (cholestyramine) and standalone AA; Results: Biocomposite supplementation attenuated DIO rate and NAFLD progression, whereas standalone AA showed mild attenuation of DIO gain and did not prevent HFD-induced hepatic fat accumulation. Biocomposite intake was accompanied by a decreasing digestibility trend counterbalanced by increased intake; hence, it did not affect energy absorption; Conclusions: Therefore, DIO attenuation was suggested to be related to higher energy expenditure, a phenomenon not found with AA alone, as supported by calculated energy expenditure using the energy-balance method. These results support further investigation of the biocomposite’s efficacy in attenuating obesity and NAFLD, specifically when applied with a restricted diet. Future studies are needed to determine this biocomposite&#039;s safety, mechanism of action, and efficacy compared to its components given separately or combined with other ingredients.
Moisture Barrier of Polylactic Acid/Graphene Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Tang Man Chio , Agarwal Sushant , Alsewailem Fares D. , Choi Hyoung J. , Gupta Rakesh K. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Moisture barrier properties of nanocomposite films of polylactic acid (PLA) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were studied. Polylactic acid is a bioderived and biodegradable polymer which can be a substitute for conventional polymers as a packaging material if its barrier properties can be improved. Graphene nanoplatelets were dispersed in the PLA matrix via melt-blending to act as moisture barriers. Moisture permeability was measured as a function of graphene concentration using MOCON® water vapor transmission equipment. It was found that at a loading of only 1.2 vol% GNP, the water vapor permeability was reduced by 35% compared to neat PLA. This result is better than that observed with PLA/clay nanocomposites under identical conditions. Graphene nanoplatelets are severely agglomerated, and TEM pictures show large areas through which diffusion can occur without any hindrance. An explanation is presented to account for the observed behavior.
Access to oral healthcare for children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study in the Aegean Region of Türkiye
Authors: Arabulan Sevgi , Önçağ Rüştü Özant , Öcek Zeliha Aslı 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and individuals with special needs, causing delays and reductions in routine dental services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accessibility of dental services and identify determinants of access to oral health care for children aged 0–13 years during the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period.
Methods
We used a mixed-method research design. This cross-sectional study included 270 children aged 0 to 13 years who visited Ege University Pediatric Dental Clinics between August 2021 and February 2022. Interviewer-administered questionnaires collected information about sociodemographic and economic characteristics, as well as dental service utilization during the pandemic. "Access" to receive oral health care to address existing dental problems is defined separately for each application to the institution. Qualitative data from 16 in-depth interviews were analysed using thematic analysis to explore the barriers to accessing oral healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
During the pandemic, 62.3% of dental institutions' applications failed to access care. Parental education, employment status, and household income significantly affected access (p < 0.005). Multiple logistic regression revealed that applying to university clinics (OR = 4.78; 95% CI 2.24–10.21) and private institutions (OR = 4.33; 95% CI 2.30–8.17) led to higher access rates when compared to public dental centres. The father's regular employment (OR = 3.39; 95% CI 1.37–8.34) and the child's previous dental contacts (OR = 2.37; 95% CI 1.21–4.62) increased the likelihood of accessing oral healthcare. The risk of contracting infections and income loss were pandemic related barriers. The most common barriers were those concerning the availability of services at public dental clinics. Children with disabilities faced further barriers due to the risk of infection, difficulty reaching institutions, and unmet dental needs for treatment under general anaesthesia.
Conclusion
Higher socioeconomic status and past contact with dentists had a positive effect on oral healthcare access. Dental services provided by public institutions had a lower level of access. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted oral healthcare inequalities, particularly for those children with disabilities in Türkiye. Policymakers should strengthen public health crisis plans in order to improve children's oral healthcare access.
Therapeutic efficacy of galectin-1 inhibitor in treating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
Authors: Shih Tsung-Chieh , Wang Hsiao-Chi , Torres Keila , Xia Roger , Malogolowkin Marcio , Hsu Ssu-Wei , Chen Ching-Hsien 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas with limited treatment options. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is crucial in Ras activation, which is crucial in MPNST pathology. We aimed to disrupt the Gal-1/Ras interaction as a therapeutic strategy. Targeting the Ras binding pocket on Gal-1, we designed LLS30, a Gal-1 inhibitor to bind where H-Ras(G12V) interacts with Gal-1. Here, we show that LLS30 disrupts Gal-1–Ras interactions, causing Ras delocalization and subsequent suppression of the Ras/ERK pathway in MPNST cells. In vivo, LLS30 significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in human MPNST xenograft models. RNA-seq analysis revealed LLS30’s impact on key cellular pathways, including p53, interferon gamma, EMT, and proliferation. These findings highlight LLS30 as a potent, rationally designed Gal-1 inhibitor with promising therapeutic implications for MPNST and potentially other malignancies driven by Gal-1 and Ras.
The Influence of Weld Start Reentrant Angle on Fatigue Life Determined Through Analysis and Physical Testing
Authors: Cook David Bradley , Lee Christy , Stickel Donald 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The influence of acute toe reentrant angle on fatigue life at a robotic weld start location was investigated both analytically using Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and through physical testing. 2D LEFM results show no significant change in Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) within a toe reentrant angle range of 60 degrees (acute) to 120 degrees (obtuse). 3D LEFM was used to compare crack growth rates for idealized 60 and 90 degree weld start geometry. Crack propagation was identical for these two cases. Physical fatigue test specimens were created with two distinct toe reentrant angle groups averaging 68 and 103 degrees at the weld start locations. Fatigue failure cycles at three stress ranges for the two groups produced similar stress-life trends. The study concludes that local weld start acute toe reentrant angle change between 60 and 90 degrees does not significantly influence the joint fatigue life under axial loading.
What is the influence on adjacent segment lordosis after single-level PELD? – an observational study of radiological alignment changes
Authors: Shiwen Li , Quan Qi , Wenyu Wang , Yang Liu , Xiaoyan Wang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study.
Purpose
To investigate the change in lumbar lordosis angle after single-level percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) and the difference in lordosis angle between L4/5 and L5/S1.
Methods
All patients were divided into L4/5 and L5/S1 groups according to surgical level. Lateral radiographs before and one year after surgery were collected to assess changes in lordotic angulation at all lumbar segments who underwent PELD at L4/5 and L5/S1.
Results
In total, 92 lumbar disc herniation patients (44 males and 48 females) treated with single-level PELD (52 at L4/5 and 40 at L5/S1) were enrolled. Fifty-two patients received the transforaminal approach (L4/5 21.7%, L5/S1 34.8%), and 40 patients received the interlaminar approach (L4/5 34.8%, L5/S1 8.7%). The L4/5 group had a mean 2° increase in operated segment lordosis (SL) (P < 0.001), the L5/L1 group had a mean − 1° change in the operated SL (P < 0.001), and the segmental lordosis gain was associated with lordosis changes at adjacent segments of -1° at L5/S1 (< 0.001) in the L4/5 group and 1° at L4/5 (< 0.001) in the L4/5 group. Modest gains in global lordosis (LL) angle were 2° (< 0.001) in the L4/5 group and 1° (< 0.001) in the L5/S1 group. The preoperative mean value of PI-LL was 15° in the L4/5 group and 18° in the L5/S1 group, and the postoperative mean value of PI-LL was 14° (P = 0.257) in the L4/5 group and 12° (P = 0.728) in the L5/S1 group.
Conclusion
There are subtle changes in lordosis at the operated segment and adjacent segments after single-level PELD surgery. The impact of surgery on LL is greater at the L4/5 segment than at the L5/S1 segment; additionally, the impact of surgery on lordosis is greater when the interlaminar approach is used than when the transforaminal approach is used.
Cord Blood Neuroglobin: First Discovery Opens New Perspectives in Perinatal Medicine
Authors: Filonzi Laura , Ardenghi Alessia , Ponzi Davide , Bolchi Angelo , Ciummo Ylenia , Paterlini Silvia , Beretta Virginia , Dell'orto Valentina , Bruno Maria Teresa , Palanza Paola , Marzano Francesco Nonnis , Perrone Serafina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

To assess whether Neuroglobin could play a functional role during fetal development and birth, it was analyzed in 83 umbilical cord blood samples where its concentration ranged between 1.65 and 45.18 ng/ml, mean 18.49 ng/ml. Although resembling concentrations previously detected in many pathologic conditions in adults, none of newborns displayed altered Apgar score and were regularly discharged in healthy status. Surprisingly, 83.13% of babies had Ngb concentrations higher than the putative 8.4 ng/ml value, recently hypothesized as a prognostic cut-off between good and bad recovery from cerebral ischemia in adults. Significant Pearson correlations were observed between Ngb and Hb (r = 0.368, p = 0.001), and Htc (r = 0.372, p = 0.001) confirming its physiological role in oxygen-regulated metabolic information within the child-mother dyad. Besides the direct action in regulating blood flow and gas exchange, the first Ngb discovery in cord blood is discussed in relation to new perspectives in perinatal medicine.
Personalized Prediction of Glycemic Responses to Food in Women with Gestational Diabetes: Gut Microbiota Matters
Authors: Popova Polina V. , Isakov Artem O. , Rusanova Anastasia N. , Sitkin Stanislav I. , Anopova Anna D. , Vasukova Elena A. , Tkachuk Alexandra S. , Nemikina Irina S. , Stepanova Elizaveta A. , Eriskovskaya Angelina I. , Stepanova Ekaterina A. , Pustozerov Evgenii A. , Kokina Maria A. , Vasilieva Elena Y. , Vasilyeva Lyudmila B. , Zgairy Soha , Rubin Elad , Even Carmel , Turjeman Sondra , Pervunina Tatiana M. , Grineva Elena N. , Koren Omry , Shlyakhto Evgeny V. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We aimed to develop a prediction model for postprandial glycemic response (PPGR) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to explore the influence of gut microbial data on prediction accuracy. We enrolled 105 pregnant women (70 GDM and 35 healthy). Participants underwent continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for 7 days and provided detailed food diaries. Stool samples were collected at 28.8 ± 3.6 gestational weeks, followed by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. We developed machine learning algorithms for predicting PPGR, incorporating CGM measurements, meal content, lifestyle factors, biochemical parameters, anthropometrics, and gut microbiota data. The accuracy of the models with and without gut microbiota were compared. PPGR prediction models were created based on 2,706 meals with measured PPGRs. The integration of microbiome data in models increased the explained variance in peak glycemic levels (GLUmax) from 34–42% and the explained variance in the incremental area under the glycemic curve 120 minutes after meal start (iAUC120) from 50–52%. The final model performed better than the model based solely on carbohydrate count in terms of correlation between predicted and measured PPGRs (r = 0.72 vs r = 0.51 for iAUC120 and r = 0.66 vs r = 0.35 for GLUmax). After summing the SHAP values of associated features, the microbiome emerged as the fourth most impactful parameter for GLUmax and iAUC120 prediction, following meal composition, CGM measurements, and meal context. Microbiome features rank among the top 5 most impactful parameters in predicting PPGR in women with GDM.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Poor Prognosis in Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection
Authors: Yang Zhicheng , Lu Hongzhang , Yang Lijuan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
To propose a nomogram for individual risk assessment of poor prognosis of spontaneous cervical artery dissection.
Methods
We included 75 patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection from November 2013 to April 2024. The nomogram was formulated and validated by receiver operator charcateristis curve (AUC) and calibration curves.
Results
The Nomogram prediction model consisted of four variables,including male(OR = 2.56, 95% CI 0.85 to 7.70), eCAD-type(OR = 13.41, 95% CI 2.89 to 62.17), hypertension(OR = 2.86, 95% CI 0.97 to 8.50), hyperhomocysteinemia(OR = 3.15, 95% CI 0.93 to 10.70). AUC was 0.788,95%CI was 0.686 to 0.891 in the training set, and 0.763 and 0.662 to 0.863 in the validation set, respectively.
Conclusions
A nomogram and risk evaluation table were created with strong predictive capabilities for identifying poor prognosis in cases of cervical artery dissection, offering a valuable tool for personalized risk assessment.
Beyond the Screen: Quality, Reliability, And Accuracy of YouTube Videos on Physiotherapy in Down Syndrome
Authors: Yıkılmaz Seval Kutlutürk , Öztürk Fatma , Utlu Defne Kaya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

People use social media applications such as YouTube as a source of information because of the opportunities they provide, even though the accuracy of the content has not been verified. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics, quality, reliability, and transparency of YouTube content on physiotherapy interventions for Down's syndrome. In the study, the YouTube application was searched using six keywords. Video quality was determined by the Global Quality Scale (GQS), reliability by the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), and reliability/transparency by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. Of the 362 reviewed videos, 17 were included in the study, with 5 uploaded by patients and their relatives, and 12 by physiotherapists. The videos uploaded by physiotherapists were of higher quality and reliability than those uploaded by patients and their relatives. Statistically significant relationships were found between number of views and likes (p = 0.001), between video duration and mDISCERN score (p = 0.003), and between GQS and mDISCERN score (p = 0.007). The mDISCERN score was found to be effective on the GSQ (p = 0.006). Physiotherapists' YouTube content on Down syndrome was suitable for patients and health professionals but lacked transparency, which needs improvement.
Nanoparticle-mediated mRNA delivery to TNBC PDX tumors
Authors: El-Sahli Sara , Manturthi Shireesha , Durocher Emma , Bo Yuxia , Akman Alexandra , Sannan Christina , Kirkby Melanie , Iroakazi Chiamaka Divine , Deyell Hannah , Kaczmarek Shelby , Lee Seung-Hwan , Iqbal Umar , Cote Marceline , Wang Lisheng , Gadde Suresh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

mRNA-based therapies can overcome several challenges faced by traditional therapies in treating a variety of diseases by selectively modulating genes/proteins without genomic integration. However, due to mRNA’s poor stability and inherent limitations, nanoparticle (NP) platforms have been developed to deliver functional mRNA into cells. In cancer treatment, mRNA technology has multiple applications, such as restoration of tumor suppressors and activating anti-tumor immunity. Most of these applications have been evaluated using simple cell line-based tumor models, which failed to represent the complexity, heterogeneity, and 3D architecture of patient tumors. This discrepancy has led to inconsistencies and failures in clinical translation. Compared to cell line models, Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models more accurately represent patient tumors and are better suitable for modeling. Therefore, for the first time, this study employed two different TNBC PDX tumors to examine the effects of mRNA-NPs. mRNA-NPs are developed using EGFP-mRNA as a model and studied in TNBC cell lines, ex vivo TNBC PDX organotypic slice cultures, and in vivoTNBC PDX tumors. Our findings show that NPs can effectively accumulate in tumors after intravenous administration, protecting and delivering mRNA to PDX tumors with different genetic and chemosensitivity backgrounds. These studies offer more clinically relevant modeling systems for mRNA nanotherapies for cancer applications.
Immunogenomic Landscape of B cells in Patients with Septic Shock
Authors: Wu Xun-Yao , Li Yuan-Yuan , Zhong Qing , Li Shan , Chen Yan , Peng Jin-Min , Hu Xiao-Yun , Jiang Wei , Wang Chun-Yao , Dong Run , Weng Li , Du Bin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background.
B cells play a critical role in protecting against infections. Decreased cell number, altered phenotype and function were found in B cells from patients with sepsis/septic shock, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms were not elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to explore the B cells composition, gene expressions and B cell receptor (BCR) characterization in patients with septic shock.
Methods.
B cells were isolated from peripheral blood of patients with septic shock and healthy controls (HCs). Bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA and BCR sequencing were performed. Subsequent cellular and molecular experiments were conducted to verify the analysis.
Results.
We found expansion of plasmablast population in patients with septic shock. However, both the BCR clonotype diversity and clonality were decreased. The CA8 expression was higher in B cells and promoted plasmablast proliferation through Akt signaling pathway. We further discovered that adrenomedullin (ADM) expression was up-regulated in septic shock-derived B cells compared with HCs. Moreover, B cells from patients displayed abnormal mitochondria structure and stimulation of ADM in vitro promoted B cell apoptosis through ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2)-related cell death.
Conclusion.
Our study provides a comprehensive genomic picture of B cells from patients with septic shock. We explored the underlying molecular mechanism involved in abnormal B cell compartment and function, which would be promising targets for lymphopenia and immunosuppression in sepsis/septic shock patients.
Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of pneumonia in patients with cancer
Authors: Qin Rong , Wang Chao , Cong Minghua , Tian Le , Li Ning 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
With the development of new sequencing technologies, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has become a diagnostic tool for respiratory tract infections. Patients with cancer may develop pneumonia caused by infections or antitumor therapy. Therefore, pneumonia in patients with cancer is more complex than that in healthy individuals. Currently, few reports are available on the use of mNGS for diagnosing pneumonia in patients with cancer.
Methods
In this retrospective study, 14 patients with cancer diagnosed with pneumonia in March 2023 were enrolled from the Emergency Department of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital. Sputum samples from the patients were examined using conventional tests and mNGS to identify pathogens. The mNGS and conventional test results were compared to assess the diagnostic yield and value of mNGS in improving the prognosis of pneumonia in patients with cancer.
Results
mNGS was more sensitive than conventional tests (sputum culture [SC] and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) for detecting pathogens. The results were positive in 12/14 samples (86%) using mNGS compared with 8/14 samples (57%) using conventional testing. Compared with conventional tests, mNGS detected additional pathogens in 8 specimens. In 9/14 samples (64%), mNGS detected more pathogens than conventional testing. In nine patients (64%), the diagnosis was changed, and the antimicrobial regimen was adjusted based on the mNGS results. mNGS detected antibiotic resistance genes in five patients, which provided guidance for antibiotic selection.
Conclusions
mNGS is a promising technology for detecting pneumonia pathogens in patients with cancer and improves the diagnostic yield and prognosis. mNGS can be used to aid in early diagnosis and guide treatment of pneumonia in patients with cancer.