bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of early cyclosporine levels on kidney allograft rejection
Authors: Johnson E. M. , Canafax D. M. , Gillingham K. J. , Humar A. , Pandian K. , Kerr S. R. , Najarian J. S. , Matas A. J. 
Published: October 2024

Acute rejection is the greatest risk factor for development of biopsy‐proven chronic rejection and late kidney allograft loss. We previously noted that low cyclosporine (CSA) levels were a risk factor for early acute rejection in pediatric recipients (1). In our current study, we used logistic regression to identify risk factors for acute rejection in 726 adult kidney transplant recipients on triple therapy (prednisone, azathioprine, CSA). Variables considered for logistic regression analysis were donor organ source (cadaver vs. living), degree of HLA mismatch (1 to 6 vs. O antigen mismatch), transplant number (primary vs. retransplant), CsA levels (< 125 vs. ≥ 125 ng/ml, < 150 ng/ml vs. ≥ 150 ng/ml, and < 175 vs. ≥ 175 ng/ml), and acute rejection episodes (0 vs. ≥ 1). Of 726 recipients, 401 (55%) received cadaver kidneys; 325 (45%), living related. Overall, 572 (79%) had a primary transplant; 154 (21%), a retransplant. The vast majority of acute rejection episodes occurred within the first 2 months posttransplant; 68% of recipients had no acute rejection episodes by 2 months and 58% had none by 60 months posttransplant.Logistic regression analysis revealed that a cadaver donor kidney (vs. living) (p = 0.004), a 1 to 6 antigen mismatch (vs. 0 mismatch) (p = 0.001), and CsA levels < 150 ng/ml (vs. ≥ 150 ng/ml) correlated with biopsy‐proven acute rejection. The correlation for CsA levels < 150 ng/ml (vs. ≥ 150 ng/ml) held true for levels at 1 wk (p < 0.05), 1 month (p = 0.0001), 2 months (p = 0.01), and 3 months (p = 0.02) posttransplant. Similar correlation was found for CsA levels < 125 ng/ml (vs. 2 125 ng/ml) and < 175 ng/ ml (vs. 175 ng/ml).Comparative analyses were made (by Chi‐square) of acute and chronic rejection rates when recipients were divided into 3 groups by CsA level (<125 ng/ml, 125 to < 150 ng/ml, and ≥ 150 ng/ml). At each time point (1) wk, 2 wk, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months), CsA levels < 125 ng/ml (vs. ≥ 125 to < 150 ng/ml and ≥ 150 ng/ml) were associated with the greatest increased risk of acute rejection ‐ for both cadaver and living related recipients (all p<0.05). CsA levels < 125 ng/ml at each time point (1 wk, 2 wk, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months) were also associated with a significantly increased risk of chronic rejection (all p<0.001). The incidence of both acute and chronic rejection was reduced in the group with CsA levels ≥ 125 to < 150 ng/ml and further reduced in the ≥ 150 ng/ml group. Our data indicate that maintaining CsA levels ≥150 ng/ml as part of triple therapy reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic rejection. Because chronic rejection is the leading cause of late allograft loss, maintaining adequate CsA levels should improve long‐term graft survival. Based on this analysis, we have modified our own immunosuppressive regimens to achieve higher CsA levels earlier posttransplant.
Prophylactic use of low‐dose urodilatin for prevention of renal impairment following liver transplantation: a randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Langrehr Jan M. , Kahl Andreas , Meyer Markus , Neumann Ulf , Knoop Michael , Jonas Sven , Steinmüller Thomas , Bechstein Wolf Otto , Frei Ulrich , Forssmann Wolf‐Georg , Neuhaus Peter 
Published: October 2024

Many therapeutic measures have been employed to prevent or at least ameliorate postoperative renal impairment following liver transplantation. Recent clinical phase II studies have demonstrated that the new natriuretic peptide urodilatin has beneficial effects on renal function following heart and liver transplantation. The present study reports the first prospective randomized placebo‐controlled trial of prophylactic urodilatin administration following liver transplantation.Seventy consecutive recipients of primary liver transplants were included in the study following randomization, and 33 patients continuously received urodilatin at a dose of 20 ng/kg/min for 7 d. The remaining 37 patients received a placebo infusion for the same time period. The course of serum creatinine and urea did not differ between the two groups nor did the daily urine production. However, the urodilatin group showed a higher preoperative median serum creatinine and a significant reduction on days 1 and 2, whereas this observation was not made in the placebo group. Furthermore, less furosemide was administered to the patients in the urodilatin group during the first 2 d. The incidence of postoperative hemodialysis and the number of treatments did not differ between the groups either (urodilatin group 4, vs. placebo group 6 and 22 for both groups, respectively). Side effects of the urodilatin therapy were not detected.The prophylactic low‐dose urodilatin administration resulted in a trend towards amelioration of the renal function, but did not result in significant differences between the two experimental groups. Further studies, using higher doses, will be required to define the value of urodilatin for prevention of renal impairment after liver transplantation.
Post kidney transplant quality of life prediction models
Authors: Hathaway Donna K , Winsett Rebecca P , Johnson Cheryl , Tolley Elizabeth A , Hartwig Mary , Milstead Jean , Wicks Mona N , Gaber A Osama 
Published: October 2024

Quality of life (QoL) is generally found to improve for renal transplant recipients, although some patients continue to experience health‐related problems. It was within this context that we undertook our investigation which focused on identifying the factors predictive of QoL following kidney transplantation.Methods. The sample included 91 non‐diabetic patients of which 69 provided 6‐month data and 68 provided 12‐month data. Three QoL questionnaires were administered to capture as many QoL dimensions as possible. Repeated measure analyses of variance with multiple post hoc comparisons of LS means was conducted to determine how QOL outcomes differed over time. Correlational analyses were performed on the 12‐month dataset to determine which variables to include in the modeling process. Multiple stepwise regression with forward and backward entry were used in the prediction modeling.Results: Essentially all patients experienced a significant improvement in QoL and the improvement occurred early and appeared to be sustained. Five separate prediction models were constructed, each including number of hospital days in first 6 months, employment, and social support.Conclusions. The similarity of the five models is of note. It is not necessarily these specific variables per se that predict QoL outcomes, but rather what they conceptually represent. These findings provide direction for interventions designed to enhance post‐transplant QoL.
The Rat Subcutaneous Air Sac Model: A New and Simple Method for in vivo Screening of Antiangiogenesis
Authors: Lichtenberg Jens , Hansen Christian Abildgaard , Skak‐Nielsen Tine , Bay Claus , Mortcnsen Jens Thing , Binderup Lise 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAn experimental rat model, the Subcutaneous Air Sac (SAS) model, was developed to provide an animal model in which neo‐vascularization can be easily assessed in situ and quantified using a radiolabelled plasma marker. The SAS model was designed to replace a previous model where neovascularization was induced by chemical injury of rat or rabbit cornea or by implantation of tumour cells intracorneally, a methodology which is believed to cause severe pain to the animals. In the SAS model the air sac replaces the cornea as a transparent avascular substratum in which vascularization can be observed. The air sac is induced by injection of air subcutaneously on the back of the animal. After 8 to 10 days a sufficient air sac has been established. The animal is anaesthesized and by a minor operation the cellulose sponge is implanted upon the air sac under the skin. The vasoproliferativc effect of the cellulose sponge causes formation of new vessels which are macroscopically visible 10 days after implantation. The ability of the in vivo SAS model to show an anti‐angiogenic effect of a systemically applied test compound was investigated using the fumagillin analogue TNP‐470 (ochloro‐acetylcarbamoyl)‐fumagillol) as a positive control at dose levels of 0, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day given subcutaneously for 10 days. The neo‐angiogenesis was scored both in situ using a subjective point system and by measuring the 125I‐activity of the implant and the membrane after an intravenous injection of 125I‐labelled antibodies. The neo‐angiogenesis was reduced by approximately 45‐50% in animals treated with 5 or 10 mg/kg/day of TNP‐470 compared to animals treated with the vehicle. The animals treated with 10 mg/kg/day TNP‐470 showed signs of toxicity. The SAS model is considered highly relevant for in vivo testing of potential antiangiogenic drugs on humane grounds. The high reproducibility, the low cost and the technical simplicity of the method makes it attractive.
Field‐effect modulated water‐splitting by photoinduced charge carriers on BiFeO3 film
Authors: Tan Kah Hui , Liu Heng‐Jui , Yang Jan‐Chi , Karel Julie , Chang Wei Sea 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, the field‐effect generated by illuminated p‐type ferroelectric bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3 or BFO) semiconductor film is utilized to modulate the water‐splitting performance of a system with a macroscopic spatial separation between the anode and cathode. When the BFO film in contact with an electrolyte is illuminated with a light of sufficiently high frequency, an electrolytic conducting channel is formed due to the field effect induced by photoexcited charge carriers in the BFO film, which in turn alters the water‐splitting pathway and the reaction mechanism. The field effect can be modulated by changing the orientation of the ferroelectric polarization in the BFO film. With a BFO film of 4.5 mm channel length and an overall upward ferroelectric polarization direction, a ∼30% increase in water‐splitting performance in a neutral‐pH electrolyte is achieved in the presence of field‐effect induced by a 20 mW 405 nm light source. The mechanism behind the field‐effect modulation is also further verified by monitoring the pH of the electrolyte during the water‐splitting process and conducting thresholding analysis on the recorded data. The field‐effect modulation described in this study can potentially be used to enhance the performance of a photoelectrochemical water‐splitting system by taking advantage of the presence of light illumination in the system or be utilized in electrochemical sensing applications.
Influence of V substitutions on sintering behaviors and microwave dielectric properties of Ba4LiNb3O12 ceramic
Authors: Tian Yulong , Wang Wei , Wang Xin , Li Jie , Zhou Di 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, a series of Ba4Li(Nb1‐xVx)3O12 (x = 0.05∼0.3) ceramics were synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the composite ceramics contain both Ba4LiNb3O12 and Ba3(VO4)2 phases, without any other phases present. The grains consist of Ba4LiNb3O12 and Ba3(VO4)2, as illustrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, with the increase of V content, the grain size decreases, and the (microwave dielectric constant) decreases, the (resonant frequency temperature coefficient) value decreases, and the value increases (where = quality factor = 1 / dielectric loss, and = resonant frequency). The densest Ba4Li(Nb0.7V0.3)3O12, with a of 31.3, of + 70 ppm/°C, and high of 42 850 GHz, was obtained at a sintering temperature of 1350°C. Furthermore, the addition of 5 wt.% BaCu(B2O5) (BCB) into Ba4Li(Nb0.7V0.3)3O12 resulted in obtaining dense ceramics at a sintering temperature of 925°C, with a of 23.5, a high value of 14 370 GHz, and of + 88 ppm/°C. Further investigations have shown that Ba4Li(Nb1‐xVx)3O12 ceramics are chemically compatible with Ag, suggesting its potential use in low‐temperature cofired ceramics technology.
Emodin combined with 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy inhibits condyloma acuminate angiogenesis by targeting SerRS
Authors: Lu Hongyan , Peng Zhangsong , Luo Yingrui , Zheng Zhaohui , Li Changxing , Wang Qi , Han Chao , Wang Youyi , Liang Liuping , Zeng Kang , Chen Yuxiang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause condyloma acuminatum (CA), which is characterized by a high incidence and a propensity for recurrence after treatment. Angiogenesis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of CA. Seryl‐tRNA synthetase (SerRS) is a newly identified, potent anti‐angiogenic factor that directly binds to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) promoter, thereby suppressing its transcription. Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative that can promote SerRS expression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of emodin on CA and explore combined treatment strategies. The HPV‐infected cell line SiHa was treated with either DMSO, emodin, ALA‐PDT or a combination of emodin and ALA‐PDT. We observed the effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis and the SerRS‐VEGFA pathway. Our findings demonstrated that emodin targets angiogenesis through the SerRS‐VEGFA pathway, resulting in the inhibition of SiHa cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis (p < 0.001). To verify the therapeutic effect of emodin combined with ALA‐PDT on HPV‐associated tumours in vivo, we established an animal xenograft model by subcutaneously inoculating mice with SiHa cells (n = 4). The results showed that the combination of emodin and ALA‐PDT significantly inhibited the expression of VEGFA to inhibit angiogenesis (p < 0.001), thus showing an inhibitory effect on tumour (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we determined that the mechanism underlying the decrease in VEGFA expression after emodin combined with ALA‐PDT in CA may be attributed to the promotion of SerRS expression (p < 0.001). The combination of emodin and ALA‐PDT holds promise as a novel therapeutic target for CA by targeting neovascularization in condyloma tissues.
Metformin represses the carcinogenesis potentially induced by 50 Hz magnetic fields in aged mouse fibroblasts via inhibition of NF‐kB
Authors: Soydas Tugba , Yenmis Guven , Tuncdemir Matem , Kalkan Mustafa Tunaya , Sarac Elif Yaprak , Bilir Ayhan , Sultuybek Gonul Kanigur 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAging is a risk factor for various human disorders, including cancer. Current literature advocates that the primary principles of aging depend on the endogenous stress‐induced DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species 50 Hz low‐frequency magnetic field was suggested to induce DNA damage and chromosomal instability. NF‐kB, activated by DNA damage, is upregulated in age‐related cancers and inhibition of NF‐kB results in aging‐related delayed pathologies. Metformin (Met), an NF‐kB inhibitor, significantly reduces both NF‐kB activation and expression in aging and cancer. This in vitro study, therefore, was set out to assess the effects of 5mT MF in 50 Hz frequency and Met treatment on the viability and proliferation of aged mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and expression of RELA/p65, matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9, and E‐cadherin (CDH1) genes. The trypan blue exclusion assay was used to determine cell viability and the BrdU incorporation assay to determine cell proliferation. The MMP‐2/9 protein analysis was carried out by immunocytochemistry, NF‐kB activity by ELISA and the expressions of targeted genes by qRT–PCR methods. Four doses of Met (500 uM, 1 mM, 2 mM and 10 mM) suppressed both the proliferation and viability of fibroblasts exposed to the MF in a dose‐dependent pattern, and the peak inhibition was recorded at the 10 mM dose. Met reduced the expression of NF‐kB, and MMP2/9, elevated CDH1 expression and suppressed NF‐kB activity. These findings suggest that Met treatment suppresses the carcinogenic potential of 50 Hz MFs in aged mouse fibroblasts, possibly through modulation of NF‐kB activation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition modulation.
Combined additive effects of neuronal membrane glycoprotein GPM6a and the intercellular cell adhesion molecule ICAM5 on neuronal morphogenesis
Authors: Gutiérrez Fuster R. , León A. , Aparicio G. I. , Brizuela Sotelo F. , Scorticati C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying neuronal development and synaptic formation in the brain depend on intricate cellular and molecular processes. The neuronal membrane glycoprotein GPM6a promotes neurite elongation, filopodia/spine formation, and synapse development, yet its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Since the extracellular domains of GPM6a (ECs) command its function, we investigated the interaction between ICAM5, the neuronal member of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) family, and GPM6a's ECs. Our study aimed to explore the functional relationship between GPM6a and ICAM5 in hippocampal culture neurons and cell lines. Immunostaining of 15 days in vitro (DIV) neurons revealed significant co‐localization between endogenous GPM6a clusters and ICAM5 clusters in the dendritic shaft. These results were further corroborated by overexpressing GPM6a and ICAM5 in N2a cells and hippocampal neurons at 5 DIV. Moreover, results from the co‐immunoprecipitations and cell aggregation assays prove the cis and trans interaction between both proteins in GPM6a/ICAM5 overexpressing HEK293 cells. Additionally, GPM6a and ICAM5 overexpression additively enhanced neurite length, the number of neurites in N2a cells, and filopodia formation in 5 DIV neurons, indicating their cooperative role. These findings highlight the dynamic association between GPM6a and ICAM5 during neuronal development, offering insights into their contributions to neurite outgrowth, filopodia formation, and cell–cell interactions.
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The role of NMDA receptors in fish stress response: Assessments based on physiology of the caudal neurosecretory system and defensive behavior
Authors: Qin Yeyang , Shi Mengmeng , Wei Yanyan , Lu Weiqun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractStress strongly influences the physiology and behavior of animals, and leads into a pathological condition and disease. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play a crucial role in the modulation of neural activity. To understand the role of NMDARs in fish stress response, we used NMDARs agonist aspartate to test the functional role of its input on the Dahlgren cell population in the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) of the olive flounder. In addition, the effect of the NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 on the expression of genes of the main secretory products of the CNSS after stress was investigated by using qPCR technology and the effect of the NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 on post‐stress behavior was explored by behavioral methods. Ex vivo electrophysiological experiments showed that the NMDARs agonist aspartate enhanced the firing frequency of Dahlgren cells. Additionally, aspartate treatment increased the incidence of cells exhibiting bursting firing pattern, this result is corroborated by the observed upregulation in the expression of ion channels and major hormone genes in the CNSS. Furthermore, the excitatory influence of aspartate was effectively counteracted by NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5. Interestingly, NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 treatment also significantly decreased the plasma cortisol levels and the expression of CRH, UI, and UII in CNSS after acute stress. Treatment with D‐AP5 effectively attenuated the stress response, as evidenced by alterations in respiratory metabolism, sand‐burying behavior, swimming distance, simulated capture, and escape response. In conclusion, modulation of Dahlgren cell excitability in the CNSS by NMDARs contributes to the regulation of the stress response, NMDARs antagonist D‐AP5 can effectively suppress stress response in flounder by regulating the stress hormone expression and secretion.Clinical Trial RegistrationProject code SHOU‐DW‐2022‐032.
Relationship Between Resultant Force Vector Acting on Human Organs From Food Bolus and the Bolus Configuration During Swallowing Using Numerical Swallowing Simulation With Moving Particle Simulation Method
Authors: Kamiya Tetsu , Toyama Yoshio , Hanyu Keigo , Kikuchi Takahiro , Michiwaki Yukihiro 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the forces exerted on organs during swallowing, specifically focusing on identifying forces other than those resulting from direct organ contact. Using a swallowing simulator based on the moving particle method, we simulated the swallowing process of healthy individuals upon the ingestion of thickened foods, which were simulated as shear‐thinning flow without yield stress. We extracted the resultant force vectors acting on the organs and shape of the bolus at each time interval. The simulation results confirmed that the bolus originates from tongue movement and is transferred between the oral cavity and pharynx, with each organ's coordinated movements with the tongue occurring at their respective positions, as indicated by the balance of the resultant force vectors. Utilizing the information about the resultant force vectors obtained through simulations, we calculated the physical parameters of impulse, energy, and power. The variations in these physical parameters were aligned with the behaviors of both the biological system and the food bolus during swallowing. The force values calculated from the simulations closely approximate the theoretical values. Furthermore, the forces calculated from the simulations were relatively smaller than the force values derived from pressure information, such as that from high‐resolution manometry and tongue pressure sensors. This difference can be attributed to the simulations extracting only the forces exerted on the organ by the food bolus. Force information on organs has the potential to provide a new interpretation of conventional mechanical indicators such as manometry and tongue pressure sensors.
Autophagy plays an antiviral defence role against tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus and is counteracted by viral effector NSs
Authors: Zhang Xingwang , Hong Hao , Yan Jiaoling , Yuan Yulong , Feng Mingfeng , Liu Qinhai , Zhao Yanxiao , Yang Tongqing , Huang Shen , Wang Chunli , Zhao Ruizhen , Zuo Wenyu , Liu Suyu , Ding Zixuan , Huang Changjun , Zhang Zhongkai , Kundu Jiban Kumar , Tao Xiaorong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAutophagy, an intracellular degradation process, has emerged as a crucial innate immune response against various plant pathogens, including viruses. Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) is a highly destructive plant pathogen that infects over 1000 plant species and poses a significant threat to global food security. However, the role of autophagy in defence against the TSWV pathogen, and whether the virus counteracts this defence, remains unknown. In this study, we report that autophagy plays an important role in antiviral defence against TSWV infection; however, this autophagy‐mediated defence is counteracted by the viral effector NSs. Transcriptome profiling revealed the up‐regulation of autophagy‐related genes (ATGs) upon TSWV infection. Blocking autophagy induction by chemical treatment or knockout/down of ATG5/ATG7 significantly enhanced TSWV accumulation. Notably, the TSWV nucleocapsid (N) protein, a major component of the viral replication unit, strongly induced autophagy. However, the TSWV nonstructural protein NSs was able to effectively suppress N‐induced autophagy in a dose‐dependent manner. Further investigation revealed that NSs inhibited ATG6‐mediated autophagy induction. These findings provide new insights into the defence role of autophagy against TSWV, a representative segmented negative‐strand RNA virus, as well as the tospoviral pathogen counterdefence mechanism.