bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyethylene Glycol‐Based Hydrogel as a 3D Extracellular Matrix Mimic for Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
Authors: Tolentino M. A. Kristine , Seyedzadeh Mir Hadi , Peres Newton Gil , Du Eric Yiwei , Zhu Lin , Gaus Katharina , Goyette Jesse , Gooding J. Justin 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThree‐dimensional (3D) in vitro models enable us to understand cell behavior that is a better reflection of what occurs in vivo than 2D in vitro models. As a result, developing 3D models for extracellular matrix (ECM) has been growing exponentially. Most of the efforts for these 3D models are geared toward understanding cancer cells. An intricate network of cells that engages with cancer cells and can kill them are the immune cells, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). However, limited reports are available for 3D ECM mimics to understand CTL dynamics. Currently, we lack ECM mimetic hydrogels for immune cells, with sufficient control over variables, such as stiffness, to fully understand CTL dynamics in vitro. Here, we developed PEG‐based hydrogels as ECM mimics for CTLs. The ECM mimics are targeted to mimic the stiffness of soft tissues where CTLs reside, migrate, and deliver their function. To understand cell‐material interaction, we determined the porosity, biocompatibility, and stiffness of the ECM mimics. The ECM mimics have median pore sizes of 10.7 and 13.3 μm, close to the average nucleus size of CTLs (~8.6 μm), and good biocompatibility to facilitate cell migration. The stiffness of the ECM mimics corresponds to biologically relevant microenvironments such as lungs and kidneys. Using time‐lapse fluorescence microscopy, 3D cell migration was imaged and measured. CTLs migrated faster in softer ECM mimic with larger pores, consistent with previous studies in collagen (the gold standard ECM mimic for CTLs). The work herein demonstrates that the PEG‐based ECM mimic can serve as an in vitro tool to elucidate the cell dynamics of CTLs. Thus, this study opens possibilities to study the mechanics of CTLs in well‐defined ECM mimic conditions in vitro.
Viscoelastic Hydrogel Modulates Phenotype of Macrophage‐Derived Multinucleated Cells and Macrophage Differentiation in Foreign Body Reactions
Authors: Fang Josephine Y. , Yang Zhi , Hu Wei , Hoang Ba Xuan , Han Bo 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBiomaterial‐induced macrophage‐derived multinucleated cells (MNCs) are often observed at or near material implantation sites, yet their subtypes and roles in tissue repair and wound healing remain unclear. This study compares material‐induced MNCs to cytokine‐induced MNCs using both in vitro and in vivo models. 3D‐embedded Raw264.7 cells and rat bone marrow‐derived monocytes (BMDMs), with or without cytokines such as IL‐4 and RANKL, were characterized for their MNC morphologies and subtypes via in situ immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. Macrophage polarization and osteoclastic differentiation were assessed through NO production, arginase activity, and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase levels. 3D matrix‐induced MNCs expressed the same phenotypic heterogeneity as the IL‐4 and RANK‐treated ones. 3D matrix‐induced MNCs displayed the same phenotypic heterogeneity as those treated with IL‐4 and RANKL. A high viscoelastic matrix (1006.48 ± 92.29 Pa) induced larger populations of proinflammatory and osteoclast‐like MNCs, whereas a low viscoelastic matrix (38.61 ± 7.56 Pa) supported active differentiation and gene expression across pro‐, anti‐inflammatory, and osteoclast‐like macrophages. Matrix viscoelasticity also influenced the effects of IL‐4 and RANKL on macrophage‐derived MNC polarization. In an in vivo subcutaneous implantation model, medium to high viscoelastic matrices exhibited higher populations of CD86+ and RANK+ MNCs, while low viscoelastic matrices showed higher populations of CD206+ MNCs. These findings suggest that matrix viscoelasticity modulates macrophage differentiation and MNC phenotype, with low viscoelastic matrices potentially favoring anti‐inflammatory MNCs and macrophage differentiation suitable for subcutaneous implantation.
Accelerated In Vitro Oxidative Degradation Testing of Ultra‐High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Authors: Jain Tanmay , Danesi Hunter , Lucas Anne , Dair Benita , Vorvolakos Katherine 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTNonabsorbable polymers used in biomedical applications are assumed to be permanently stable based on short‐term testing, but some may be susceptible to oxidative degradation over several years of implantation. Traditional in vitro oxidative degradation screenings employ hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solutions. However, the inherent instability of H2O2 can compromise the consistency of oxidative conditions, especially over extended periods and at elevated temperatures used for accelerated testing. In this study, an automated reactive accelerated aging (aRAA) system, which integrates an electrochemical detection method and a feedback loop, was utilized to ensure precise control of H2O2 concentrations during polymer oxidative degradation testing. The reproducibility of the aRAA system was evaluated by comparing four identical setups. Its efficacy as an oxidation challenge was demonstrated on (i) medical‐grade vitamin E (VE) blended ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and (ii) highly crosslinked (HXL) UHMWPE as model materials. The aRAA‐aged VE‐UHMWPE and HXL‐UHMWPE samples were also compared against samples aged via an existing accelerated aging standard, ASTM F2003‐02(2022). Samples were analyzed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy to calculate their oxidation index per ASTM F2102‐17. We observed that the aRAA system was more effective in oxidizing VE‐UHMWPE and HXL‐UHMWPE than the traditional ASTM F2003‐02(2022) method. By providing a standardized and reliable approach to assess polymer oxidative degradation, the aRAA system could enhance the accuracy of long‐term stability predictions for nonresorbable polymers in medical devices.
WNT1/ROR2 pathway enhances the Triple‐Negative breast cancer invasion, migration, and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal transition
Authors: Jin Xin , Fu Chunlan , Chen Yusa , Jin Canguang , Jin Gaopei , Yan Junfeng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIt has been evidenced that ROR2 influences the growth of many tumors, including non‐small cell lung cancer, osteosarcoma, and breast cancer. This research examined the effect of the WNT1/ROR2 signaling pathway on the progression of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Bioinformatics analysis results demonstrated that ROR2 had a higher messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level in TNBC tissues and was positively correlated with poor patient prognosis. Western blot analysis (WB) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that TNBC cells had relatively higher ROR2 mRNA and protein levels than normal cell lines. Transwell and Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay further proved that downregulating ROR2 expression dramatically slowed the MDA‐MB‐231 cell progression. WB detection of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins suggested that knocking down ROR2 could alleviate the EMT tendency of cancer cells. The WNT1/ROR2 signaling pathway could be inhibited by the WNT inhibitor pyrvinium pamoate (PP). Experiments on in vitro cell functional recovery have demonstrated that PP could restore malignant phenotypes caused by ROR2 overexpression. Finally, the mouse model experiments further validated the anticancer effect of PP on TNBC. Generally speaking, the malignant progression of TNBC could be stimulated by the WNT1/ROR2 signaling pathway which can be inhibited by PP, suggesting the potential value of PP in controlling TNBC.
Fish collagen sponge with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for diabetic wound repair in rats
Authors: Haijie Che , Lei Wang , Kai Wang , Guodong Lin , Guolong Liu , Zhongzhen Yang , Junru Wang , Ying Liu , Xiaorui Jiang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractStem cell therapy offers a novel approach to treating difbetic foot ulcers. Fish skin decellularized matrix, a type I collagen, provides a promising carrier for stem cells, creating a supportive microenvironment that enhances cell survival and therapeutic potential. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) loaded onto a fish collagen sponge for wound healing in diabetic rats. The study evaluates stem cell‐loading efficiency with fish collagen sponge in vitro, assesses material distribution on diabetic rat wounds, and establishes a wound model. Rats are divided into the Self‐healing group, Fish collagen sponge group, and Sponge loaded with HUCMSCs group. Therapeutic effects are evaluated through various analyses, including histopathology and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for collagen‐related gene expression levels. Compared to the self‐healing group, both the fish collagen group and the composite group show faster wound repair and improved healing outcomes. The composite group exhibits superior wound healing quality, with fish collagen contributing to enhanced tissue regeneration through collagen regulation at the wound site. Loading HUCMSCs onto a fish collagen sponge shows promise for treating diabetic wounds by addressing nutrient deficiency and cell supply issues, offering potential benefits for patients undergoing treatment.
High‐Accuracy and Lightweight Image Classification Network for Optimizing Lymphoblastic Leukemia Diagnosisy
Authors: Mei Liye , Lian Chentao , Han Suyang , Jin Shuangtong , He Jing , Dong Lan , Wang Hongzhu , Shen Hui , Lei Cheng , Xiong Bei 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTLeukemia is a hematological malignancy that significantly impacts the human immune system. Early detection helps to effectively manage and treat cancer. Although deep learning techniques hold promise for early detection of blood disorders, their effectiveness is often limited by the physical constraints of available datasets and deployed devices. For this investigation, we collect an excellent‐quality dataset of 17,826 morphological bone marrow cell images from 85 patients with lymphoproliferative neoplasms. We employ a progressive shrinking approach, which integrates a comprehensive pruning technique across multiple dimensions, including width, depth, resolution, and kernel size, to train our lightweight model. The proposed model achieves rapid identification of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and other bone marrow cell types with an accuracy of 92.51% and a throughput of 111 slides per second, while comprising only 6.4 million parameters. This model significantly contributes to leukemia diagnosis, particularly in the rapid and accurate identification of lymphatic system diseases, and provides potential opportunities to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of medical experts in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphocytic leukemia
Resorption characteristics of an open architecture biocomposite interference screw after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Lind Martin , Nielsen Torsten Grønbech , Nielsen Flemming K. , Sørensen Ole G. , Mygind‐Klavsen Bjarne , Faunø Peter 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeAbsorbable interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can lead to tunnel widening and cyst formation. The Biosure Regenesorb interference screw (Smith & Nephew). has been developed with an optimised calcium phosphate/polymer composition to promote bone formation during resorption. The present study aims to investigate screw resorption, new bone formation, and tunnel geometry following ACLR with Biosure Regenesorb screw tibial fixation.MethodsThe study is a prospective single‐centre case series of 12 patients with ACL lesions and treated with ACLR using hamstring tendon autograft with Biosure Regenesorb interference screw tibial fixation with a two‐year follow‐up period. The Biosure Regenesorb consists of 65% polylactide‐glycolic acid poly. 20% calcium sulphate and 15% tricalcium phosphate. Primary endpoint: Tunnel volume. implant volume and new bone formation in the tibial tunnel is evaluated by quantitative computed tomography (CT) scanning. Secondary endpoints: Arthrometric knee laxity, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Knee Osteoarthritis and Injury Outcome Scores (KOOS) and Tegner activity scale.ResultsScrew volume decreased to 44% within the two‐year follow‐up period while tunnel volume remained unchanged. Only a minor amount (<1% of tunnel volume) of new bone formation in the screw remnants was observed. Sagittal knee laxity at one year was 0.9 mm. The IKDC score increased by 15 points and the KOOS sport and KOOS quality of life scores increased by 25 and 26 points. respectively.ConclusionACLR using Biosure Regenesorb interference screw does not result in tunnel widening. showing a screw resorption of 44% after two years and minor new bone formation. Knee stability and subjective outcome improvements are as expected after other ACLR methods.Level of evidenceIV.
Mid‐term patient‐reported outcomes are inferior in opening‐wedge high tibial osteotomy patients with untreated medial meniscus posterior root tear
Authors: Sasaki Eiji , Maeda Shugo , Tsushima Takahiro , Kimura Yuka , Sakamoto Yukiko , Tsuda Eiichi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeThe impact of untreated medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) tear (MMPRT) during opening‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) remains poorly understood. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of MMPRT and post‐operative PROs in patients who underwent OWHTO.MethodsA total of 83 knees that underwent OWHTO that were followed up for 6.6 years were included. Post‐operative PROs were assessed using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) subscales. Medial meniscus extrusion (MME) was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MMPRT was diagnosed based on preoperative MRI and intraoperative arthroscopy findings. The participants were categorized into the MMPRT and MMPR intact (MMPRI) groups, and their KOOS subscales were compared. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between KOOS and MMPRT presence.ResultsIn total, 29 out of 80 (36.3%) knees were classified into the MMPRT group, while three knees underwent total knee arthroplasty. Preoperative MME was 3.5 ± 1.9 (range 0–8.9) mm, showing correlation with the presence of MMPRT (p = 0.004) by regression analysis. The post‐operative KOOS subscales of the MMPRT group were lower than the MMPRI group for pain (p = 0.017), activities of daily living (ADLs) (p = 0.001), sports (p < 0.001) and quality of life (QOL) (p < 0.001). Additionally, regression analysis showed the presence of MMPRT was correlated with lower KOOS subscale scores for pain (p = 0.041), ADLs (p = 0.011), sports (p < 0.001) and QOL (p = 0.002).ConclusionPreoperative MMPRT correlated with a reduction in mid‐term post‐operative PROs, as assessed using the KOOS, among patients who underwent OWHTO. Surgeons should consider addressing an MMPRT at the time of OWHTO.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Visible Light Triggered, Catalyst‐Free Approach for the Click Synthesis of Imidazole‐Fused Nitrogen‐Bridgehead Nucleus in EtOH:H2O Medium
Authors: Jaiswal Anjali , Sharma Amit Kumar , Jaiswal Shweta , Mishra Anu , Singh Jaya , Singh Jagdamba , Siddiqui I. R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHere, we have succeeded in developing an eco‐efficient, mild, and metal‐free synthetic protocol for biologically significant scaffolds: imidazopyridines and their derivatives via radical cyclization from a wide variety of simple 2‐aminopyridines and phenacyl bromides as reactants and utilizing visible light as a reaction promoter in the ethanol/water solvent. To the best of our knowledge, the present strategy is the first example of visible light promoted synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine via the formation of C‐N bonds. The proposed methodology has various advantages namely quick reaction time, low cost, simple setup, high atom efficiency, easy‐availability of reactants and non‐involvement of specific glasswares and photo reactor system.
Diagnostic performance of dried blood spot hepatitis C virus core antigen testing for hepatitis C screening: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Treviño‐Nakoura Ana , Sepúlveda‐Crespo Daniel , Bellon José M. , Codina Helena , Amigot‐Sánchez Rafael , Quero‐Delgado Marta , Ryan Pablo , Martínez Isidoro , Resino Salvador 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDried blood spot (DBS) sampling is increasingly used for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening. HCVcAg testing offers a faster and more streamlined approach to diagnosing HCV infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the diagnostic performance of the Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag assay for screening active HCV infection using DBS samples. Eight studies (n = 1229) were selected among all published studies available up to October 4, 2024, in different databases with a search strategy registered (PROSPERO: CRD42022363975). The gold standard method was the HCV PCR test. Data were analyzed using the MIDAS module in STATA with a random effects model. Combined diagnostic accuracy measures were as follows: sensitivity 85%, specificity 100%, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 233.1, negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.15, and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) 0.99. Likelihood ratios and Fagan's nomogram suggested that the HCVcAg assay with DBS samples can confirm or rule out active HCV infection with over 92% accuracy in high‐prevalence settings (≥5%). However, in low‐prevalence settings (≤1%), a confirmatory test must be required for positive results. The ability of the test to identify people without HCV infection was high regardless of HCV prevalence, with an error rate of less than 3%. This meta‐analysis is subject to limitations, particularly due to the number of included studies and significant heterogeneity among them. HCV screening using the Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag assay with DBS samples showed excellent diagnostic performance, but its external validity may be limited when HCV prevalence is low (≤1%).
Hypothalamus Connectivity in Adolescent Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Byrne Hollie , Knight Sarah J. , Josev Elisha K. , Scheinberg Adam , Beare Richard , Yang Joseph Y. M. , Oldham Stuart , Rowe Katherine , Seal Marc L. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAdolescent Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling illness of unknown etiology. Increasing evidence suggests hypothalamic involvement in ME/CFS pathophysiology, which has rarely been explored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the condition. This work aimed to use MRI to examine hypothalamus connectivity in adolescents with ME/CFS and explore how this relates to fatigue severity and illness duration. 25 adolescents with ME/CFS and 23 healthy controls completed a neuroimaging protocol consisting of structural and multishell diffusion‐weighted imaging sequences, in addition to the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale to assess fatigue severity. Information about illness duration was acquired at diagnosis. Preprocessing and streamlines tractography was performed using QSIPrep combined with a custom parcellation scheme to create structural networks. The number (degree) and weight (strength) of connections between lateralized hypothalamus regions and cortical and subcortical nodes were extracted, and relationships between connectivity measures, fatigue severity, and illness duration were performed using Bayesian regression models. We observed weak‐to‐moderate evidence of increased degree, but not strength, of connections from the bilateral anterior‐inferior (left: pd [%] = 99.18, median [95% CI] = −22.68[−40.96 to 4.45]; right: pd [%] = 99.86, median [95% CI] = −23.35[−38.47 to 8.20]), left anterior‐superior (pd [%] = 99.33, median [95% CI] = −18.83[−33.45 to 4.07]) and total left hypothalamus (pd [%] = 99.44, median [95% CI] = −47.18[−83.74 to 11.03]) in the ME/CFS group compared with controls. Conversely, bilateral posterior hypothalamus degree decreased with increasing ME/CFS illness duration (left: pd [%] = 98.13, median [95% CI]: −0.47[−0.89 to 0.03]; right: pd [%] = 98.50, median [95% CI]:‐0.43[−0.82 to 0.05]). Finally, a weak relationship between right intermediate hypothalamus connectivity strength and fatigue severity was identified in the ME/CFS group (pd [%] = 99.35, median [95% CI] = −0.28[−0.51 to 0.06]), which was absent in controls. These findings suggest changes in hypothalamus connectivity may occur in adolescents with ME/CFS, warranting further investigation.
Workflow of the zero‐fluoro pulsed field ablation
Authors: Hirata Shu , Nagashima Koichi , Watanabe Ryuta , Wakamatsu Yuji , Hirata Moyuru , Kurokawa Sayaka , Otsuka Naoto , Sawada Masanaru , Okumura Yasuo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundZero‐fluoroscopic pulsed field ablation (PFA) is the next step in advancing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsA workflow incorporating a variable‐loop circular PFA catheter, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), and a visualized sheath was applied to 15 paroxysmal AF patients.ResultsIt consisted of three steps: (1) positioning a non‐magnetic mapping catheter in the coronary sinus after creating a right atrial matrix, (2) transseptal puncture with the sheath advancement to the left atrium under ICE guidance, and (3) PFA confirming catheter‐tissue contact with tissue proximity indication.ConclusionsThis zero‐fluoro PFA workflow is feasible without advanced technique.
Exploring the Diversity, Root Colonization, and Morphology of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Lamiaceae
Authors: Sharma Kalpana , Singh Meenakshi , Srivastava Devendra Kumar , Singh Pradeep Kumar 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to explore the diversity, root morphology, and colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with eight medicinal plants of the Lamiaceae family. Rhizospheric soil and root samples were collected from eight species of Lamiaceae plants for AMF analysis. The results indicate that root colonization was not directly related to the number of AMF spores in the rhizosphere. However, a significant correlation was found between the percentage of root colonization and the number of AMF species present in the individual plants. The highest percentage of colonization (86.67 ± 1.92%) and the greatest number of AMF species were observed in Micromeria fructicosa, while the lowest colonization (27.67 ± 6.22%) was recorded in Mentha arvensis. The highest spore count was recorded in Thymus vulgaris (120 ± 27.01), whereas the lowest was found in Melissa officinalis (84 ± 17.20). Among the identified AMF species, Glomus was the most dominant, representing 35.7% of all AMF species across the eight medicinal plants. The maximum AMF spore density was observed in M. fructicosa and lowest in M. arvensis. The study suggests that AMF can significantly enhance medicinal plant growth by ensuring a consistent supply of nutrients and water, thereby supporting the sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants to meet the growing demand.