bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging understandings of the role of exosomes in atherosclerosis
Authors: Wehbe Zena , Wehbe Maya , Al Khatib Ali , Dakroub Ali H. , Pintus Gianfranco , Kobeissy Firas , Eid Ali H. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAtherosclerosis remains a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Despite the elucidation of several molecular, biochemical, and cellular aspects that contribute to the etio‐pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, much remains to be understood about the onset and progression of this disease. Emerging evidence supports a role for exosomes in the cellular basis of atherosclerosis. Indeed, exosomes of activated monocytes seem to accentuate a positive feedback loop that promotes recruitment of pro‐inflammatory leukocytes. Moreover, in addition to their role in promoting proliferation and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells, exosomes can also induce neovascularization within lesions and increase endothelial permeability, two important features of fibrous plaques. Depending on their sources and cargo, exosomes can also induce clot formation and contribute to other hallmarks of atherosclerosis. Taken together, it is becoming increasingly evident that a better understanding of exosome biology is integral to elucidating the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and may thus provide insight into a potentially new therapeutic target for this disease.
Compensatory reactions of B cells in response to chronic HIV‐1 Tat exposure
Authors: Valyaeva Anna A. , Tikhomirova Maria A. , Feng Junyi , Zharikova Anastasia A. , Potashnikova Daria M. , Musinova Yana R. , Mironov Andrey A. , Vassetzky Yegor S. , Sheval Eugene V. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPatients infected with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) have an increased incidence of B‐cell lymphoma, even though HIV‐1 does not infect B cells. The development of B‐cell lymphomas appears to be related to the action of the HIV‐1 transactivator protein (Tat), which is released from HIV‐infected cells and penetrates uninfected B cells, affecting host cell gene expression. Upon chronic HIV‐1 infection, Tat acts on the cells for a long time, probably allowing the cells to adapt to the presence of the viral protein. The aim of this work was to identify and study the mechanism of adaptation of cells to prolonged (chronic) exposure to HIV‐1 Tat. We performed a comparative analysis of cells expressing Tat under the action of either an inducible promoter or a constitutive promoter, allowing us to model acute and chronic Tat effects, respectively. We found that the acute action of Tat leads to the suppression of cell proliferation, probably due to the downregulation of genes associated with replication and protein synthesis. In the case of chronic action of Tat, cell proliferation was restored and the expression of genes associated with the implementation of protective (antiviral) functions of the cell was increased. Analysis using proteasome inhibitors showed that in the case of chronic action, intense Tat proteolysis occurred, which could be the main mechanism of B‐cell adaptation. Thus, B cells have a powerful mechanism to adapt to the entry of HIV‐1 Tat, the efficiency of which may determine the frequency of lymphomagenesis in HIV‐1‐infected patients.
Association of computed tomography‐derived body composition and complications after colorectal cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Helsdingen Claire P.M. , van Wijlick Job G.A. , de Vries Ralph , Bouvy Nicole D. , Leeflang Mariska M.G. , Hemke Robert , Derikx Joep P.M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe prediction of the risk of developing complications after colorectal surgery for colorectal carcinoma remains imprecise. Body composition measurements on a computed tomography (CT) scan can potentially contribute to a better preoperative risk assessment. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence for the use of body composition measurements on CT scans to predict short‐term complications after colorectal cancer surgery. A literature search (in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) was performed up to 1 August 2022. Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of complications within 30 days after surgery. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model to synthesize a pooled odds ratio (OR). The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021281010). Forty‐five articles with a total of 16 537 patients were included. In total, 26 body composition measures were investigated: 8 muscle‐related measures, 11 adipose tissue measures, 4 combined muscle and adipose tissue measures, and 3 other measures. These were investigated as potential predictors for more than 50 differently defined postoperative complications. Meta‐analysis was only possible for two measurements and showed that higher amounts of visceral fat increase the risk of developing overall complications (OR: 2.52 [1.58–4.00], P < 0.0001) and anastomotic leakage (OR: 1.76 [1.17–2.65], P = 0.006). A wide variety of body composition measurements on preoperative CT scans have been investigated as a predictive factor for postoperative complications. Visceral fat appeared to be associated with overall complications and anastomotic leakage; however, the association is weak, and its clinical relevance or applicability is questionable. The current evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity and the risk of bias. To improve comparability of results across studies and improve decision‐making, future studies should use standardized methods for measuring body composition on CT scans, outcome definitions and statistical analyses.
The effect of knowledge and person‐related factors on breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2) testing perception in Turkish women
Authors: Nabioglu Mertcan , Kus Tulay , Aktas Gokmen , Ahmet Konca , Arak Hacı 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGenetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2) plays a pivotal role in risk assessment and preventive interventions. However, individuals' awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward genetic testing can vary across different societies. This study focuses on understanding Turkish women's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward BRCA1/2 testing, considering demographic factors and awareness. In this cross‐sectional study, 301 Turkish participants, including breast/ovarian cancer patients and their first‐degree relatives, were surveyed. Information on sociodemographics, cancer history, awareness, knowledge, and perceptions was collected. The study aimed to assess knowledge levels about breast cancer inheritance and BRCA1/2 testing, describe perspectives about testing in women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and determine associations between knowledge, personal factors, anxiety, and genetic testing perspectives. Results showed a wide range in correct responses (31.6%–96.7%) for knowledge items. No significant relationship between knowledge levels and positive perception was observed. However, participants answering a specific question incorrectly showed higher negative perceptions. While most participants recognized the benefits of genetic testing, concerns centered around passing the genes to future generations. Participants who were younger, more educated, had higher income, were employed, at an earlier disease stage, and were social media users demonstrated more positive attitudes. Negative perceptions were higher among younger patients, physicians, and healthcare professionals. Interestingly, anxiety in cancer patients did not correlate with either positive or negative perceptions. In conclusion, this study identifies participant‐related factors influencing perceptions of hereditary genetic tests. Understanding these factors and addressing associated issues can enhance the utilization of genetic testing and promote preventive oncology applications.
Molecular epidemiology and vaccine compatibility analysis of seasonal influenza A viruses in the context of COVID‐19 epidemic in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zeng Zhikun , Jia Lanxin , Zheng Jiahao , Nian Xuanxuan , Zhang Zhegang , Chen Liangjun , Chen Xiaoqi , Li Yirong , Zhang Jiayou 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global influenza vaccination and the epidemics of seasonal influenza. To further explore the molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses and assess vaccine effectiveness, we collected influenza cases in Wuhan during the 2022–2023 influenza season. Among 1312 clinical samples, 312 samples tested positive for influenza viruses using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. These positive samples included 146A/H1N1 subtypes (46.8%), 164A/H3N2 subtypes (52.6%) and 2 influenza B virus types (0.6%). Based on the whole genome sequence information of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) from 27A/H1N1 influenza virus strains and 26A/H3N2 influenza virus strains obtained in this study, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. The analysis revealed that all A/H1N1 strains belonged to the evolutionary branch 6B.1A.5a.2a, and they exhibited specific substitutions at positions K71Q, Q206E, E241A, and R276K. Similarly, all A/H3N2 strains were classified into the 3C.2a1b.2a.1a subclade and displayed amino acid substitutions at positions S172H, N175Y, I176T, K187N, and S214P. Notably, the A/H3N2 strains also acquired a new potential glycosylation site at position N174. Using an epitope model, the predicted vaccine effectiveness was assessed for the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains. The predicted vaccine effectiveness against the Wuhan influenza epidemic strain was over 85% for the A/H1N1 vaccine strain. However, the effectiveness against the A/H3N2 vaccine strain was only 48.7%. To further verify the protection of influenza vaccine against circulating influenza viruses in the region, we conducted in vivo and in vitro animal studies. The results of in vitro neutralization experiment showed that rabbit serum antibodies inoculated with quadrivalent isolated influenza vaccine had neutralization ability against all 24 isolated influenza viruses. In vivo experiments showed that vaccinated mice had fewer lung lesions when infected with the influenza strain circulating in Wuhan, suggesting that vaccination can effectively reduce the occurrence of severe lung damage. These findings emphasize the importance of accurately predicting seasonal influenza strains for effective influenza prevention and control, especially during the co‐circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza viruses. This study provides valuable information on the seasonal influenza virus in Wuhan during the COVID‐19 pandemic and serves as a basis for vaccine prediction and updates.
EIF4A3 is stabilized by the long noncoding RNA BC200 to regulate gene expression during Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Li Jing , Xin Yujie , Zhang Siwei , Li Yanling , Jiang Mingjuan , Zhang Senmiao , Yang Li , Yang Jing , Cao Pengfei , Lu Jianhong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEpstein‒Barr virus (EBV) regulates the expression of host genes involved in functional pathways for viral infection and pathogenicity. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be important regulators of cellular biology. However, how EBV affects host biological processes via lncRNAs remains elusive. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) was recently identified as an essential controller of cell fate with an unknown role in EBV infection. Here, the expression of lncRNA brain cytoplasmic 200 (BC200) was shown to be significantly upregulated in EBV‐infected cell lines. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pulldown assays confirmed that BC200 bound to EIF4A3. Moreover, BC200 promoted EIF4A3 expression at the protein level but not at the mRNA level. Mechanistically, BC200 stabilized the EIF4A3 protein by impeding the K48‐linked polyubiquitination of the K195 and K198 residues of EIF4A3. In addition, RNA‐seq analysis of EBV‐positive cells with knockdown of either BC200 or EIF4A3 revealed that a broad range of cellular genes were differentially regulated, particularly those related to virus infection and immune response pathways. This study is the first to reveal the key residues involved in EIF4A3 polyubiquitination and elucidate the novel regulatory role of EBV in host gene expression via the BC200/EIF4A3 axis. These results have implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of EBV‐related diseases.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of adenovirus‐associated respiratory tract infection in children in Hangzhou, China, 2019−2024
Authors: Zhou Haiyun , Chen Danlei , Ru Xuanwen , Shao Qingyi , Chen Simiao , Liu Ruiying , Gu Rui , Shen Jiayi , Ye Qing , Cheng Dongqing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on the prevalence of adenovirus (AdV) infection in children. This study retrospectively analyzed the changes in the epidemiological and clinical features of AdV‐associated respiratory infections in children in Hangzhou, China, between January 2019 and July 2024. A total of 771 316 samples were included in the study, and the positive rate was 6.10% (47 050/771 316). Among them, the positive rate of AdV infection was highest in 2019, reaching 11.29% (26 929/238 333), while the positive rates in the remaining years were between 2% and 9%. In terms of seasonal epidemic characteristics, the summer of 2019 was the peak of AdV incidence, with the positive rate peaking at around 16.95% (7275/45 268), followed by a gradual decline and a low‐level epidemic in winter, with a positive rate of 8.79% (8094/92 060). However, during the period 2020−2024, the AdV epidemic season did not show any significant regularity. Gender analysis revealed that the positive rate of male patients was generally greater than that of female patients. In different age groups, the population susceptible to AdV changed before and after the epidemic. In the early and middle stages of the COVID‐19 epidemic, the susceptible population was mainly 2−5 years old, whereas in the later stages of the epidemic, the susceptible population was 5−18 years old. In addition, the main clinical symptoms of AdV‐positive children from 2019−2024 were respiratory tract symptoms and fever. In summary, the COVID‐19 epidemic has had a certain impact on the prevalence of AdV. These findings provide an important basis and reference for the prevention and diagnosis of AdV, especially in the context of increasing age‐ and gender‐specific public health strategies.
Horns, hunters, and harvest: re‐examining management paradigms for pronghorn
Authors: Tafelmeyer Lee E. , LaSharr Tayler N. , Binfet Justin , Bredehoft Molly , Hiatt Greg , Lutz Daryl W. , O'Brien Heather , Mitchell Carl D. , Monteith Kevin L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe sustainable use of wildlife is foundational to the success of the North American model of wildlife conservation. Harvest management often is shaped through both species biology and public desires. The long timespan it takes males of most ungulate species to reach peak weapon size has created a situation in harvest management in which harvest strategies cannot prioritize both generous hunter opportunity and opportunities to pursue large‐weaponed males; therefore, current harvest paradigms prioritize one at the expense of the other. In contrast to other species, pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) attain the majority of their peak horn size early in life. The rapid development of horns relative to their age may allow for liberal harvest without sacrificing the opportunity for hunters to harvest males with large horns. We evaluated the influence of sex ratios and average age of harvested males on the average horn size of harvested male pronghorn from 2019 to 2022 in 9 hunt areas in Wyoming, USA. Although mean age of harvested males was negatively affected by rate of harvest, increases in mean age at harvest led to only slight increases in mean horn size (i.e., a 1‐year increase in mean age increased mean horn size by 2.1 cm [~1 inch]). The proportion of the harvest composed of large‐horned males was not influenced by mean age of harvest or sex ratio of the population. Based on simulated populations, increasing harvest led to an increase in the number of large‐weaponed pronghorn in the harvest—a relationship that existed for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and elk (Cervus canadensis) but only at low to moderate rates of harvest. The comparatively young age that pronghorn attain near‐peak horn size alleviates what is otherwise a tradeoff between hunter opportunity and managing for large horn size that is evident in management of other ungulate species. Though rarely a reality in management for large ungulates, for pronghorn, liberal harvest may be possible while still providing opportunity to harvest males with large horns.
Terrestrial support of wetland food webs via a dissolved inorganic carbon pathway
Authors: Wang Junna , Durand John R. , Lawler Sharon P. , Chen Pin‐Yuan , Dong Xiaoli 
Published: October 2024

AbstractStudies of terrestrial support of aquatic food webs have focused primarily on terrestrial organic matter (t‐OM) directly used by animal and microbial consumers. However, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) released from t‐OM might also support aquatic primary producers, a key resource for zooplankton and upper trophic levels. Using 2‐yr 13C measurements of algae, zooplankton, terrestrial detritus, sediments, dissolved and particulate organic matter from six seasonal wetlands, we found that in January when algal concentration was low, zooplankton used t‐OM directly or heterotrophic microbes that decompose t‐OM, but in March and May zooplankton was mainly supported by algae as their basal resources, and the algae used DIC derived from the mineralization and methanogenesis of t‐OM, suggesting the DIC pathway of terrestrial support of aquatic food webs. The decomposition of abundant t‐OM from both bed sediments and water column caused high concentrations of DIC. Despite uptake by algae, about half of DIC produced in January and March ended up as emissions to the atmosphere in the form of CO2. This finding revealed the dual roles of t‐OM in maintaining the productivity and stability of aquatic food webs and in contributing to global carbon emissions. This duality poses challenges for simultaneously mitigating carbon emissions and conserving biological communities in seasonal wetlands. Finally, wide seasonal differences in δ13C in DIC (−12.4‰ to 6.7‰) were observed, mainly driven by air–water CO2 exchange and photosynthesis, suggesting that 13C may be a powerful tool to investigate carbon cycling in shallow, temporary freshwater ecosystems that are widespread but understudied.
Polyoxazolines with Cholesterol Lipid Anchor for Fast Intracellular Delivery
Authors: Simon Laurianne , Reichel Liên Sabrina , Benkhaled Belkacem Tarek , Devoisselle Jean‐Marie , Catrouillet Sylvain , Eberhardt Juliane , Hoeppener Stephanie , Schubert Ulrich S. , Brendel Johannes Christopher , Morille Marie , Lapinte Vincent , Traeger Anja 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDue to the increasing challenges posed by the growing immunity to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), there is growing interest in innovative polymer‐based materials as viable alternatives. In this study, the advantages of lipids and polymers are combined to allow efficient and rapid cytoplasmic drug delivery. Specifically, poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) is modified with a cholesteryl hemisuccinate group as a lipid anchor (CHEMSPOx). The CHEMSPOx is additionally functionalized with a coumarin group (CHEMSPOx‐coumarin). Both polymers self‐assembled in water into vesicles of ≈100 nm and are successfully loaded with a hydrophobic model drug. The loaded vesicles reveal high cellular internalization across variant cell lines within 1 h at 37 °C as well as 4 °C, albeit to a lesser extent. A kinetic study confirms the fast internalization within 5 min after the sample's addition. Therefore, different internalization pathways are involved, e.g., active uptake but also nonenergy dependent mechanisms. CHEMSPOx and CHEMSPOx‐coumarin further demonstrate excellent cyto‐, hemo‐, and membrane compatibility, as well as a membrane‐protecting effect, which underlines their good safety profile for potential biological intravenous application. Overall, CHEMSPOx, as a lipopolyoxazoline, holds great potential for versatile biological applications such as fast and direct intracellular delivery or cellular lysis protection.
Estimations of the Thicknesses of Smectic Layer and Rigid Amorphous Layer in Mesomorphic Isotactic Polypropylene with Synchrotron Small‐Angle and Wide‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Liu Tangguo , Lin Yongxing , Chen Lin , Tian Xingyou 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDespite extensive research, the stabilization mechanism of mesomorphic isotactic polypropylene (iPP) at room temperature has not been elucidated completely. To address this issue, nanoscale structural information is indispensable. In this study, mesomorphic‐α phase transition is studied with synchrotron wide‐angle diffraction and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. It is found that during phase transition, the mobile amorphous content remained unchanged, while rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) decreased constantly, accompanied by an increase in long period. Assuming that the increase in long period is induced by the extension of the rigid amorphous coil (RAC), the thickness of RAF (RRAF) is estimated, which is found to be 2.2 nm. This value is greater than the length of b axis in α crystal cell, which can be the reason that folded‐chain iPP clusters in mesomorphic iPP cannot approach closer to form α crystal at room temperature. Besides, with RRAF, the thickness of smectic layer is estimated, which is found to be 0.9 nm. At this thickness, bulk‐free energy cannot compensate for the folded‐surface free energy, which can be the other reason that mesomorphic iPP chains cannot transit into α crystal at room temperature. The information obtained in this study is favorable for understanding the stabilization mechanism of mesomorphic iPP.
Shadow fading analysis over asymmetric beam channel at 2.1 GHz in outdoor scenarios
Authors: Zhang Jiachi , Liu Liu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this letter, we investigate the radio propagation characteristics in an open outdoor place through a frequency‐domain channel measurement campaign at a frequency band of 2.1 GHz via asymmetric beam patterns. Specifically, we focus on the large‐scale fading characteristics and analyze the transceivers' separation‐dependent and boresight direction‐dependent received power, shadow fading (SF), and SF auto‐correlation properties under the case of perfect beam alignment. Furthermore, the effects of asymmetric beamwidths are also thorough investigated. The measured results reveal that transceivers' beams can reduce the shadow fading variances evidently in contrast to the omnidirectional antennas' case. Besides, it is found that the pattern where mobile receiver (Rx) uses narrow beams and static transmitter (Tx) adopts the omnidirectional antenna yields a high SF auto‐correlation value compared to the other beam patterns. The conclusions help to understand the impacts of variable beamwidths on radio propagation.