bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro modulation of T cells in myasthenia gravis by low‐dose IL‐2
Authors: Çebi Merve , Çakar Arman , Durmuş Hacer , Akan Onur , Aysal Fikret , Parman Yeşim , Saruhan‐Direskeneli Güher 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFollicular helper (Tfh), peripheral helper (Tph), and regulatory (Treg) T cells are involved in myasthenia gravis (MG) pathogenesis, an autoimmune disorder arising from autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins. This study explores the impact of low‐dose IL‐2 on Tfh, Tph, and Treg cells in vitro in MG. Acetylcholine‐receptor antibody‐positive MG (AChR‐MG), muscle‐specific kinase antibody‐positive MG (MuSK‐MG) patients, and healthy controls (HC) were studied. Blood cells were cultured with/without IL‐2 and compared by the ratios of IL‐2 stimulated/unstimulated cultures. In both AChR‐MG and MuSK‐MG patients, CD25+FoxP3+Tregs were lower, while CXCR5+PD‐1+ or ICOS+Tfh and CXCR5−PD‐1+ or ICOS+Tph cells were higher compared with HC. Among the MG group, the FoxP3+ Treg cells in AChR‐MG patients were even lower compared with MuSK‐MG patients. In vitro IL‐2 stimulation increased Tregs in all groups while decreasing PD‐1+/ICOS+Tfh and PD‐1+/ICOS+Tph populations. The fold‐increase ratio of Tregs and the fold‐decrease ratio of PD‐1+ or ICOS+Tfh and ICOS+Tph cells in AChR‐MG and MuSK‐MG patients were greater than in HCs. Low‐dose IL‐2 treatment may balance Tfh, Tph, and Treg cells in MG patients, offering a potential opportunity for disease modulation.
Synthesis of Functionalized 2‐Hydrazono‐3‐Thiazolines from 2‐Substituted Oxazoles through a One‐Pot Multicomponent/Rearrangement Process
Authors: Ramos Giovana S. , Rossa Thaís A. , Balaguez Renata A. , Beche Ricardo I. M. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J. , Sá Marcus M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe serendipitous rearrangement of an oxazole nucleus to a thiazoline ring under mild conditions is described. This transformation was achieved by a multicomponent reaction (MCR) featuring 2‐(bromomethyl)oxazoles, thiosemicarbazide, and a carbonyl compound to provide oxazole‐derived isothiosemicarbazones, which undergo oxazole ring‐opening and recyclization to 2‐hydrazono‐3‐thiazolines in a one‐pot procedure. This straightforward route produced highly functionalized thiazolines (34–98 % yield) in a chemo‐ and stereoselective manner.
Identification of Plant Peroxidases Catalyzing the Degradation of Fluorinated Aromatics Using a Peroxidase Library Approach
Authors: Ware Ashton , Hess Sally , Gligor David , Numer Sierra , Gregory Jack , Farmer Carson , Raner Gregory M. , Medina Hector E. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn this work, the degradation of mono‐ and polyfluorinated phenolic compounds was demonstrated by a series of crude plant peroxidases, including horseradish root (HRP) and six members of the Cucurbita genus. Highly active samples were identified using a library screening approach in which more than 50 crude plant samples were initially evaluated for defluorination activity toward 4‐fluorophenol. The highest concentrations were observed in the HRP, pumpkin skin (PKS), and butternut squash skin (BNS), which consistently gave the highest intrinsic rates of decomposition for all the substrates tested. Although HRP exhibited a significant decrease in activity with increased fluorination of the phenolic substrate, PKS showed only minor reductions. Furthermore, in silico studies indicated that the active site of HRP poorly accommodates the steric bulk of additional fluorines, causing the substrate to dock farther from the catalytic heme and thus slowing the catalysis rate. We propose that the PKS active site might be larger, allowing closer access to the perfluorinated substrate, and therefore maintaining higher activity compared to the HRP enzyme. However, detailed kinetic characterization studies of the peroxidases are recommended. Conclusively, the high catalytic activity of PKS and its high yield per gram of tissue make it an excellent candidate for developing environmentally friendly biocatalytic methods for degrading fluorinated aromatics. Finally, the success of the library approach in identifying highly active samples for polyfluorinated aromatic compound (PFAC) degradation suggests the method may find utility in the quest for other advanced catalysts for PFAS degradation.
Recommended practice for measurement and evaluation of oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysis
Authors: An Hongmin , Park Wonchul , Shin Heejong , Chung Dong Young 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal technology driving next‐generation sustainable energy conversion and storage devices. Establishing a robust analytical methodology is paramount to fostering innovation in this field. This review offers a comprehensive discussion on measurement and interpretation, advocating for standardized protocols and best practices to mitigate the myriad factors that complicate analysis. The initial focus is directed toward substrate electrodes and gas bubbles, both significant contributors to reduced reliability and reproducibility. Subsequently, the review focuses on intrinsic activity assessment, identification of electrochemical active sites, and the disentanglement of competing process contributions. These careful methodologies ensure the systematic delivery of insights crucial for assessing OER performance. In conclusion, the review highlights the critical role played by precise measurement techniques and unbiased activity comparison methodologies in propelling advancements in OER catalyst development.image
Evaluation of geomorphological classification uncertainty using rough set theory: A case study of Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Li Jilong , He Shan , Wu Han , Na Jiaming , Ding Hu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGeomorphological classification is affected by classification principles, indicators, methods, and data resolution, which can lead to uncertainty in the results. Such uncertainty directly affects the quality and subsequent applications of geomorphological classification. To quantify and control the uncertainty, it is important to select an appropriate and effective method for evaluating the uncertainty of geomorphological classification. This study evaluated the uncertainty of geomorphological classification of Shaanxi Province at the ground‐feature class and image scales, which derived from rough set theory: rough entropy, approximate classification quality, and approximate classification accuracy. The three indicators helped effectively assess the uncertainty of geomorphological classification at multi‐scale and measured the degree to which different factors affected the uncertainty of geomorphological classification. The relative impacts of three factors on the uncertainty of classification decreased in the order of classification methods, data resolution, and classification indicators. This finding is helpful to objectively evaluate and control the uncertainty generated in the process and results of geomorphological classification, and can provide targeted reference and guidance for future geomorphological classification work, which is more conducive to decision‐making and application. At the same time, this study is also a beneficial supplement to the geomorphological research based on digital terrain analysis.
Is hyponatremia caused by Chinese herbal medicine a myth? A scoping review and a review of local data in Hong Kong
Authors: Ping Wu , Chi Keung Chan , Oi Fung Wong , Man Li Tse 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionHyponatremia is one of the commonly inquired adverse effects related to Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) received by the Hong Kong Poison Information Center. However, it has never been investigated or reviewed systemically. The purpose of this review is to look into the relationship between CHM and hyponatremia.MethodDatabases, including PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, and the traditional Chinese medicine database system, were searched for cases reporting hyponatremia after the use of herbs. Inquiries received by the Hong Kong Poison Information Center about CHM‐related hyponatremia from 2008 to 2022 July were reviewed retrospectively by two independent doctors (one physician and one clinical toxicologist) using the Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale (Naranjo algorithm). Quadratic weighted Kappa was used to test interrater reliability.ResultsThree case reports or series about herb‐related hyponatremia were identified in the scoping review. Seventy‐two patients with hyponatremia and CHM intake were evaluated to determine the possibility of CHM causing hyponatremia. Around 90% of the patients had biochemical profiles compatible with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormones. Most of the patients had a probability likelihood of “possible” as ranked by the Naranjo algorithm. In 19.5% of the hyponatremic patients taking CHM, no other apparent cause was found.ConclusionThe scarcity of literature in scoping review indicates a potential research gap. CHM might be associated with hyponatremia, for which no alternative cause was found. However, meticulous measures must still be made to determine that no other alternative causes are present in a patient with hyponatremia receiving CHM.
Road injuries, labor productivity, and economic growth in Africa: A panel study
Authors: Immurana Mustapha , Azuug Muniru , Abdullahi Ibrahim , Kisseih Kwame Godsway , Mohammed Ayisha , Boachie Micheal Kofi , Kizhakkekara Toby Joseph Mathew 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsGlobally, millions of people suffer from road injuries, with Africa having the highest burden of road injury deaths. This public health problem has the potential to reduce labor productivity and hence hamper economic growth, especially on the African continent. This study, to the best of the authors' knowledge, therefore seeks to provide the first empirical evidence of the interaction or combined effect of road injuries and labor productivity on economic growth in African countries.MethodsThe study uses annual data on 45 African countries over the period, 2002 to 2019. The dynamic panel system generalized method of moments regression is used as the estimation technique.ResultsThe findings show that the interaction of road injuries with labor productivity has a negative significant effect on economic growth in both the short‐run (coefficient: −1.96, p < 0.01) and long‐run (coefficient: −1.93, p < 0.01) periods.ConclusionThere is a need to increase investment in road safety to reduce the prevalence of road injuries on the African continent.
Essential nutritional ions show enrichment (K+, Mg2+) and depletion (NO3−) in runoff water generated by biocrusts covering arid sand dunes under natural rain conditions
Authors: Kidron Giora J. , Xiao Bo , Starinsky Abraham 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe role of runoff in providing nutrients to runon loci in deserts was not extensively explored. Here we report 2 years of measurements of the chemical composition of rain and runoff (three events for each year, which correspond to the long‐term runoff events) in plots that were constructed over four biocrust types in the Negev Desert, Israel. The enrichment ratios showed high variability, being high for K+ (3.7), moderately high for NH4+ (1.6) and slightly high for Mg2+ and SO42− (1.2). It was low for Cl− and NO3− (0.5), moderately lower for Ca2+ (0.7) and slightly lower for Na+ and HCO3− (0.8). When examined per rain event, significant higher concentrations were found for K+ and Mg2+ while NO3− exhibited significantly lower concentration. The high enrichment of K+ and the enrichment of Mg2+ may point to a biogenic origin. While K+ enrichment is suggested to result from K+ excretion by the cyanobacteria, bacteria, and possibly by the mosses following cell wetting and the K+ role in cell osmoregulation, decomposition and erosion of the chlorophyll pigment may result in Mg2+ release. On the other hand, the data point out that despite the crust capability to fix nitrogen and thus to provide its own needs for nitrogen, NO3− was depleted from the runoff water, a phenomena that may be explained by the crust preference to utilise available low‐cost nitrogen provided by rain. Due to runoff accumulation at small depressions within the interdune and at the dune‐interdune interface, runoff may contribute additional amount of nutrients to these habitats. For the dune‐interdune interface it may account for an addition of 273.8% and 35.3% of the total potassium and nitrogen, respectively. The addition of water and nutrients may have important contribution to the growth of the moss‐dominated biocrusts and the shrubs at the dune‐interdune interface, being responsible for the formation of ‘mantles and islands of fertility’ at the dune‐interdune interface. It also points to the possible role that biocrusts may play in agroforestry practices.
Elevated serum cholesterol levels during pregnancy as predictors for postpartum hypercholesterolemia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Yandi , Zhu Haiyan , Dang Qinyu , Yang Qian , Zhao Xiaoyan , Zhang Yadi , Cai Xiaxia , Hu Zhuo , Wei Yuchen , Chen Zhaoyang , Yu Huanling 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the associations between gestational cholesterol levels and the risk of postpartum hypercholesterolemia, and to establish trimester‐specific reference values.MethodsSerum lipids at gestational weeks 6–8, 16, 24, and 36, and 42 days postpartum were derived from 905 pregnant women of a prospective cohort. The major outcome was postpartum hypercholesterolemia. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were conducted to estimate the associations between cholesterol levels at specific gestational ages and postpartum hypercholesterolemia. Associations of the trend of changes in cholesterol levels during pregnancy with postpartum hypercholesterolemia were evaluated by linear mixed‐effect model and linear or logistic regression. Reference values were computed by the receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsSerum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and the ratios of TC/HDL‐C and LDL‐C/HDL‐C all increased during pregnancy and decreased at 42 days postpartum. The elevated levels of TC and LDL‐C, decreased levels of HDL‐C in pregnancy, and their rapid change rates were positively associated with higher risks of postpartum hypercholesterolemia. The established reference values from the first to the third trimester were below 5.47, 6.35, and 7.22 mmol/L for TC; below 2.83, 3.82, and 4.21 mmol/L for LDL‐C; and more than 1.50, 1.55, and 1.50 mmol/L for HDL‐C, respectively.ConclusionMaternal cholesterol levels and their trend of change during pregnancy were predictors of postpartum hypercholesterolemia. Trimester‐specific reference values were established in a Chinese population.
Unique model for pharmacist cross‐coverage in the ambulatory care setting
Authors: Abrahamson Anna , Lopez Shelby Tungate , Deyo Zack 
Published: September 2024

AbstractClinical cross‐coverage in ambulatory care pharmacy practice is currently lacking and can lead to gaps in patient care, lost revenue generation, and pharmacist burnout due to a lack of time and support for indirect patient care and non‐clinical activities. To address this need, a cross‐coverage model for a team of ambulatory care pharmacists practicing in diverse clinical settings was developed and is primarily supported by a single broadly‐trained pharmacist known as an ambulatory care generalist. Cross‐coverage from the ambulatory care generalist includes in‐person and virtual patient care as well as in‐basket management and is available to all clinic‐based pharmacists on the specialty and primary care team with a few select clinics involving a designated collaborative practice agreement. The cross‐covering pharmacist has been shown to positively impact productivity measures and components of pharmacist burnout. Widespread implementation of this cross‐coverage model has the potential to greatly impact pharmacy practice and patient care in the ambulatory care setting and increase sources of revenue.
Flame retardant, hexabromocyclododecane, increases production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1‐beta and interleukin 6, in human immune cells
Authors: Falconer‐Turner April , Brooks Kameron , Ogaga Eseoghene , Whalen Margaret M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is an environmental contaminant due to its use as a flame retardant in a variety of applications ranging from building insulation, furniture upholstery, and housing for appliances and electronics. HBCD is found in wildlife, human breastmilk, and serum. Interleukin 1‐beta (IL‐1β) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) are pro‐inflammatory cytokines, whose dysregulation is associated with chronic inflammation and the pathologies that result, such as tumor growth, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis. HBCD has been shown to increase the secretion of both IL‐1β and IL‐6 from human immune cells. However, it is not clear if these increases are due solely to HBCD effects on the secretory process or whether it is stimulating cellular production of IL‐1β and IL‐6. This study examines if HBCD can increase the production of IL‐1β and IL‐6 by immune cells by simultaneously assessing secreted levels and cellular levels of these cytokines. Additionally, the mechanisms for any observed changes in production are investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to HBCD over a range of concentrations and lengths of exposure. HBCD was found to stimulate IL‐1β and IL‐6 production after 6 hrs. of exposure and production was sustained and intensified at 24 hrs. This increase in IL‐1β and IL‐6 production appears to, in part, be a result of increased mRNA expression. Additionally, the MAPK pathways, specifically the p38 and p44/42 pathways, appear to be required for HBCD‐induced increases in IL‐1β and IL‐6 production.
Malate dehydrogenase‐2 inhibition shields renal tubular epithelial cells from anoxia‐reoxygenation injury by reducing reactive oxygen species
Authors: Pissas Georgios , Tziastoudi Maria , Divani Maria , Poulianiti Christina , Konsta Maria Anna Polyzou , Lykotsetas Evangelos , Liakopoulos Vasilios , Stefanidis Ioannis , Eleftheriadis Theodoros 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIschemia‐reperfusion (I‐R) injury is the most common cause of acute kidney injury. In experiments involving primary human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs) exposed to anoxia‐reoxygenation, we explored the hypothesis that mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase‐2 (MDH‐2) inhibition redirects malate metabolism from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, towards the malate‐pyruvate cycle and reversed malate‐aspartate shuttle. Colorimetry, fluorometry, and western blotting showed that MDH2 inhibition accelerates the malate‐pyruvate cycle enhancing cytoplasmic NADPH, thereby regenerating the potent antioxidant reduced glutathione. It also reversed the malate‐aspartate shuttle and potentially diminished mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by transferring electrons, in the form of NADH, from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. The excessive ROS production induced by anoxia‐reoxygenation led to DNA damage and protein modification, triggering DNA damage and unfolded protein response, ultimately resulting in apoptosis and senescence. Additionally, ROS induced lipid peroxidation, which may contribute to the process of ferroptosis. Inhibiting MDH‐2 proved effective in mitigating ROS overproduction during anoxia‐reoxygenation, thereby rescuing RPTECs from death or senescence. Thus, targeting MDH‐2 holds promise as a pharmaceutical strategy against I‐R injury.
Targeting TRIM26: Unveiling an Oncogene and Identification of Plant Metabolites as a Potential Therapeutics for Breast Cancer
Authors: Makwana Sweta H. , Sharma Tannavi , Mahapatra Manas K. , Kumari Monika , Jain Akshat , Shrivastava Sandeep K. , Mandal Chandi C. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBreast cancer is the major cause of cancer‐related mortality and frequent malignancies among women worldwide. The TRIM (Tripartite Motif) protein family is a broad and diverse set of proteins that contain a conserved structural motif known as the tripartite motif, which comprises of three different domains, B‐box domain, Coiled‐coil domain and RBR (Ring‐finger, B‐box, and coiled‐coil) domain. TRIM proteins are involved in regulating cancer growth and metastasis. However, TRIM proteins are still unexplored in cancer cell regulation. In this study, by using a cancer database expression of all TRIM proteins was determined in breast cancer. Out of 77 TRIM genes, 16 genes were upregulated in breast cancer. Here, the upregulated TRIM26 gene's role is not yet explored in breast cancer. Indeed, TRIM26 is upregulated in 21 cancer types out of 33 cancer types. To investigate the role of TRIM26 in breast cancer, siRNA‐mediated gene silencing was carried out in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB 231 breast cancer cells. Reduced expression of TRIM 26 decreased cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion with simultaneous reduction of various proliferative, cell cycle and mesenchymal markers and upregulation of epithelial markers. Further, docking studies found potential novel plant metabolites. Thus, targeting TRIM26 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer treatment.
Sleep medicine education in the United States advanced dental education programs
Authors: Sangalli Linda , Alessandri‐Bonetti Anna , Sawicki Caroline , Rao Jahnavi , Yanez‐Regonesi Fernanda , Moreno‐Hay Isabel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionDental sleep medicine is an emerging field within dentistry. While limited education in sleep medicine has been reported among US predoctoral dental schools, no study has been conducted among postgraduate dental programs. This study compared the extent and exposure to sleep medicine education among US postgraduate programs in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, orofacial pain (OFP), general practice residency (GPR), and advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD).MethodsA REDCap survey was distributed among N = 391 US postgraduate programs investigating the nature, content, and modality of sleep education during the 2023–24 academic year.ResultsAmong 68 responding programs (43.1% GPR, 18.5% AEGD, 18.5% orthodontics, 12.3% pediatric dentistry, and 7.7% OFP), faculty with sleep training constituted 7.5%, with 2.6% being board certified in sleep medicine. Approximately 41.8% of programs offered sleep medicine courses, with differences among specialties (100% OFP, 42.9% GPR, 37.5% pediatric dentistry, 33.3% orthodontics, 16.7% AEGD; p = 0.032). Didactic teaching comprised 7.8 ± 14.6 h/year (range 0 h/year in 21.5% to 80 h/year in 1.5%), with differences across programs (OFP = 44.0 ± 17.7, orthodontics = 8.7 ± 11.0, GPR = 5.0 ± 8.0, pediatric dentistry = 2.1 ± 1.9, and AEGD = 2.9 ± 5.4; p < 0.001), and constituted the primary modality of instruction (mainly obstructive sleep apnea, bruxism, sleep physiology). Screening and treatment for sleep‐related disorders were provided by 35.9% and 37.9% of programs, respectively, with variations among specialties (p = 0.004).ConclusionOur findings revealed an average of 7.8 h/year of didactic sleep medicine instruction, which differed across specialties. OFP offered the highest level of didactic and clinical training. These findings emphasize the need for increased dental sleep medicine education to address the increasing involvement of dental professionals in managing sleep‐related disorders.