bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality control and validation of extracellular vesicles isolated from cultured human breast cancer cells
Authors: Patel Urvi , Susman David , Allan Alison L. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to play a critical role in promoting tumorigenesis. As EV research grows, it is of importance to have standardization of isolation, quality control, characterization and validation methods across studies along with reliable references to explore troubleshooting solutions. Therefore, our objective with this Research Note was to isolate EVs from multiple breast cancer cell lines and to describe and perform protocols for validation as outlined by the list of minimal information for studies of EVs (MISEV) from the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles.

Results
To isolate EVs, two techniques were employed: ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography. Ultracentrifugation yielded better recovery of EVs in our hands and was therefore used for further validation. In order to satisfy the MISEV requirements, protein quantification, immunoblotting of positive (CD9, CD63, TSG101) and negative (TGFβ1, β-tubulin) markers, nanoflow cytometry and electron microscopy was performed. With these experiments, we demonstrate that yield of validated EVs varied between different breast cancer cell lines. Protocols were optimized to accommodate for low levels of EVs, and various technical and troubleshooting suggestions are included for potential application to other cell types that may provide benefit to investigators interested in future EV studies.
The effects of TGF-β-induced activation and starvation of vitamin A and palmitic acid on human stem cell-derived hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Wilhelmsen Ingrid , Combriat Thomas , Dalmao-Fernandez Andrea , Stokowiec Justyna , Wang Chencheng , Olsen Petter Angell , Wik Jonas Aakre , Boichuk Yuliia , Aizenshtadt Aleksandra , Krauss Stefan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) have numerous critical roles in liver function and homeostasis, while they are also known for their importance during liver injury and fibrosis. There is therefore a need for relevant in vitro human HSC models to fill current knowledge gaps. In particular, the roles of vitamin A (VA), lipid droplets (LDs), and energy metabolism in human HSC activation are poorly understood.

Methods
In this study, human pluripotent stem cell-derived HSCs (scHSCs), benchmarked to human primary HSC, were exposed to 48-hour starvation of retinol (ROL) and palmitic acid (PA) in the presence or absence of the potent HSC activator TGF-β. The interventions were studied by an extensive set of phenotypic and functional analyses, including transcriptomic analysis, measurement of activation-related proteins and cytokines, VA- and LD storage, and cell energy metabolism.

Results
The results show that though the starvation of ROL and PA alone did not induce scHSC activation, the starvation amplified the TGF-β-induced activation-related transcriptome. However, TGF-β-induced activation alone did not lead to a reduction in VA or LD stores. Additionally, reduced glycolysis and increased mitochondrial fission were observed in response to TGF-β.

Conclusions
scHSCs are robust models for activation studies. The loss of VA and LDs is not sufficient for scHSC activation in vitro, but may amplify the TGF-β-induced activation response. Collectively, our work provides an extensive framework for studying human HSCs in healthy and diseased conditions.
Mathematical modelling of decision making: the case of motor insurance choices
Authors: Ansah Richard Kwame , Opoku Alex Akwasi , Tawiah Kassim , Boadi Richard Kena , Gana Bridget Nana-Ama , Tackie Sampson , Ayornu Maud Avevor , Ampofo Mills Stephen Manu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper employs a statistical mechanical model as a framework to investigate how socioeconomic factors of individuals such as gender and place of residence influence their decision when deciding between comprehensive and third-party motor insurance policies in Ghana. Data from a general insurance firm was used for this investigation taking five years’ worth of transactions into account. The methods of partial least squares and the ordinary least squares are, respectively, used to estimate the parameters of the interacting and the non-interacting models in the Multipopulation Currie-Weiss model in a discrete choice framework. The findings showed that both location and gender have discernible influences on how people choose their motor insurance. We encourage insurance companies to intensify their campaign on the importance of motor insurance to all vehicle/car owners, especially those in rural areas in order to reduce the risk and associated losses in vehicular accidents on Ghanaian roads.
Elemental evolution characteristics and influencing factors of green infrastructure network in karst mountain cities: a case study of Qianzhong urban agglomeration in Southwest China
Authors: Song Shuang , Wang Shaohan , Xu Dawei , Gong Yue 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The urban green infrastructure (GI) network is an important conduit for ecological flows and plays a crucial role in improving regional habitats, especially in karst areas that are highly ecologically fragile and sensitive. However, the existing research only focuses on the construction of GI network in karst mountain cities, and the evolution characteristics of its elements and driving mechanism are not clear, which is of great significance for guiding urban land use planning and comprehensively improving the quality of the ecological environment. In view of this, this study took Qianzhong urban agglomeration as the study area, based on multi-source data, and identified ecological sources through ecological resilience analysis. Considering the special geographic environment, the rock exposure rate factor was added to correct the resistance surface, and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) and gravity model were coupled to extract the GI network. The complex network topology characterization parameter was introduced to assess the spatial and temporal variations of ecological sources and corridors. Finally, the geographical detector was used to identify the dominant influencing factors and interactions of the spatial distribution of the GI network.

Results
The results showed that from 2000 to 2020, the condition of GI network elements in the study area presented a decreasing and then an increasing trend. The ecological sources or corridors in highly urbanized areas were critical for ecological flow transport and the overall structural stability of the GI network. The influence of natural factors on the spatial distribution of the GI network gradually weakened, and the influence of human factors continuously increased. The spatial distribution of the GI network was influenced by multiple factors, and the interaction between all the factors was enhanced, which gradually changed from the interaction of natural factors to the interaction of human factors during the study period.

Conclusions
The research results will provide scientific references for the construction of an ecologically safe environment and sustainable development of karst mountain cities.
Facing death: a multidisciplinary analysis of a Romano-Egyptian mummy mask at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen
Authors: Kasso Tuuli , Stenger Jens , Zaggia Caterina , Pastorelli Gianluca , Ramsøe Max , Ravnsborg Tina , Jensen Ole N. , Yvanez Elsa , Spinazzi-Lucchesi Chiara , Collins Matthew J. , Brøns Cecilie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Funerary masks played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian burial practices, as part of the rituals to ensure a successful afterlife. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of a gilded mummy mask from the Roman period in Egypt from the collections of The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen. Portraying a young female, the mask belongs to a distinctive group of mummy masks, whose origins can be identified to be coming from the Dakhlah and Kharga oases. The construction of the mask (plaster, textiles) and the constituents of its polychromy (pigments, binding media) was analysed using various non- and micro-destructive methods: imaging, cross-section analysis, optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Additionally, samples were taken for palaeoproteomic analysis with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A wide range of pigments such as yellow and red ochre, carbon-based black, and Egyptian blue were identified, reflecting common materials in polychromy in Egypt during the Roman period. Notably, indigo was detected, suggesting its usage in mixtures to render purple hues. Analysis of adhesives and media identified plant gum and collagen-based animal glue. Proteomic analysis identified Equus asinus (donkey) as the predominant protein source for the collagen-based glue. The results shed light on the materials and techniques employed in ancient polychromy in Egypt in the Roman period, further enriching our understanding of artistic practices at the time.
Predictive modelling of MapReduce job performance in cloud environments using machine learning techniques
Authors: Bergui Mohammed , Hourri Soufiane , Najah Said , Nikolov Nikola S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWithin the Hadoop ecosystem, MapReduce stands as a cornerstone for managing, processing, and mining large-scale datasets. Yet, the absence of efficient solutions for precise estimation of job execution times poses a persistent challenge, impacting task allocation and distribution within Hadoop clusters. In this study, we present a comprehensive machine learning approach for predicting the execution time of MapReduce jobs, encompassing data collection, preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation. Leveraging a rich dataset derived from comprehensive Hadoop MapReduce job traces, we explore the intricate relationship between cluster parameters and job performance. Through a comparative analysis of machine learning models, including linear regression, decision tree, random forest, and gradient-boosted regression trees, we identify the random forest model as the most effective, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy and robustness. Our findings underscore the critical role of features such as data size and resource allocation in determining job performance. With this work, we aim to enhance resource management efficiency and enable more effective utilisation of cloud-based Hadoop clusters for large-scale data processing tasks.
ANN-based evaluation system for erosion resistant highway shoulder rocks
Authors: Tariq Aiman , Abualshar Basil , Deliktas Babur , Song Chung R. , Al-Nimri Bashar , Barret Bruce , Silvey Alex , Glennie Nikolas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHighway shoulder rocks are exposed to continuous erosion force due to extreme rainfall that could be caused by global warming to some extent. However, the logical design method for erosion-resistant highway shoulder is not well-researched yet. This study utilized a large-scale UNLETB (University of Nebraska Lincoln–Erosion Testing Bed) with a 7.6 cm nozzle width and a 4000 cm3/sec flow rate to study the erosion characteristics of highway shoulder rocks. Test results showed that different shoulder materials currently used had vastly diverse erosion resistance. However, the clear criteria between the erosion-resistant gradation and other gradation could not be determined easily. Then, this study trained ANN (Artificial Neural Network) with test results to conveniently distinguish the erosion resistance of rocks from other rocks. The ANN predicted the acceptable/non-acceptable erosion characteristics of shoulder rocks with close to 99% accuracy based on the three gradation parameters (D10, D30, and D60).
Solving the High-Intensity Multimodal Training Prescription Puzzle: A Systematic Mapping Review
Authors: Sharp Tijana , Slattery Katie , Coutts Aaron J. , van Gogh Mikah , Ralph Lara , Wallace Lee 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundHigh-Intensity Multimodal Training (HIMT) refers to all styles of high-intensity combined aerobic, resistance and/or bodyweight exercise. Previous heterogeneity in exercise prescription and reporting in HIMT reduces the understanding of which factors should be considered when prescribing HIMT (e.g., exercise volume, intensity, duration). Previous studies have demonstrated positive effects of HIMT on health and performance outcomes. However, methodological disparities limit comparisons between findings. The objective of this systematic mapping review was to examine which prescriptive considerations and health and performance outcomes have been reported on in HIMT. This review also examined the quantity and trends of research conducted on HIMT.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Library databases and additional sources to identify studies up until February 2023. A total of 37,090 records were retrieved, of which 220 were included for review. 246 individual HIMT protocols were included for categorical analysis against the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) and Applied Research Model for the Sport Sciences (ARMSS).ResultsA total of 85 unique terms were used to describe HIMT. Included studies most commonly prescribed HIMT using a consistent exercise selection and circuit format. Exercise intensity was inconsistently reported on and a large proportion of studies prescribed ‘high-intensity’ exercise at a level lower than the American College of Sports Medicine criteria for high-intensity (i.e., < 77% heart rate maximum). Participation location, supervision and participation format were the most commonly reported non-training variables. The most frequently reported outcomes were cardiovascular health, perceptual outcomes, body composition and biochemical outcomes. A large proportion of previous HIMT research was experimental in design.ConclusionsPrevious HIMT research demonstrates a lack of standardisation in reporting. Future studies should seek to follow guidelines (i.e., CERT) to improve reporting rigour. Additionally, forthcoming research should attempt to actively involve practitioners in implementation studies to improve ecological validity among interventions. Finally, future outcome measures should be accessible in practice and reflect common training goals of participants.RegistrationThis review adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Preregistration: osf.io/yknq4.
Is early inclusion of neratinib with HER blockers possible in the treatment of stage 4 HER2 positive cancer?
Authors: Olimova Zilola Avazovna 
Published: July 2024

e13019 Background: The management of the patients with breast cancer and choosing the most effective therapy still remains a challenge, but an achievable goal. 30-50% of the patients with stage IV HER2-positive breast cancer have an increased risk of developing brain metastases. In most patients, effective therapy for Her2+ BC does not reach the CNS due to the blood-brain barrier, which, in turn, can lead to cancer metastasis to the brain. Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab poorly penetrates the BBB, however the treatment regimens with the inclusion of trastuzumab increase life expectancy in patients with HER2+ BC with CNS metastases, mainly due to controlling of extracranial lesions. In contrast, neratinib penetrates the BBB well, and its combination with capecitabine produces responses in intensively pretreated patients, especially in cases where the only site of disease progression is the CNS. Our study was to directly compare the efficacy and safety of Neratinib plus Trastuzumab and Docetaxel(N+TDtx) and Pertuzumab plus Trastuzumab. Methods: This study involved 43 patients, among which 28 received (N+TDtx) -1st group and 15 received (N+TDtx) - 2nd group. A median number of 6 cycles were delivered in the two treatment arms, followed by Trastuzumab. Results: The primary endpoint was RFS and EFS. The median RFS was not reached in 2nd group at a median follow-up of 18.7 months, because of brain metastasis, disease progression and death of 23 (82%) patients. However, the 12-month RFS rate was significantly higher in the 1st group than in the 2nd 98% and 65%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56-0.93; P =.012). With median follow up of 36.4 months, neoadjuvant N+TDtx reduced the risk of disease recurrence, brain metastasis, progression or death by 98%, demonstrating a landmark three-year event-free survival (EFS) rate of 57% with N+TDtx, followed by trastuzumab compared to 17% with TDtx, followed by trastuzumab (Hazard Ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.49 to 0.93). The most frequent adverse event in the Neratinib arm was diarrhea, which was manageable with prophylactic treatment with loperamide. Conclusions: Neratinib, has shown that it was able to prevent brain metastases and demonstrated benefit in recurrence - free survival and event-survival in combination with Trastuzumab and Docetaxel over (PT+Dtx) for patients without brain metastases.
Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab/nab-paclitaxel/cisplatin in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A single-arm phase II study.
Authors: Zhang Siyi , Ma Haiqing , Zhan Jiandong , Zhu Lijun , Zhang Hong-Dan , Du Shasha , Dong Qiumei , Wang Guangyi 
Published: July 2024

e18043 Background: Despite multimodality standard therapy, patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are at high risk of recurrence and distant metastasis. The safety and efficacy of immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) has been reported in patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. We hypothesized that neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy has a positive effect on decreasing distant metastasis, preserving organ function and extending survival time. Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized, single-arm phase II clinical trial, patients meeting the inclusion criteria were treated neoadjuvant therapy with 200 mg pembrolizumab combined with 75 mg/m2 cisplatin and 260 mg/m2 Nab-paclitaxel per 3 weeks for 2 cycles.Patients will undergo the first radiologic imaging assessment after neoadjuvant therapy. After multi-disciplinary team discussion, patients with Partial Response (PR) but the maximum diameter of tumor > 3cm or stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD) receive surgery and standard adjuvant therapy. On the other hand, patients with PR and maximum tumor diameter ≤ 3cm or Complete Response (CR) receive definitive CRT. Evaluation was performed 3 months after definitive CRT and patients with high-risk factors need maintenance treatment. Primary outcomes are objective response rate (ORR), safety, rate of organ preservation. Results: A total of 31 patients were enrolled with a median follow-up of 6.6 months (1.4-20.2m). The baseline characteristics were shown in the table. Among 31 LA HNSCC patients with 2 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy, ORR was 64.52% (20/31) and DCR was 100%. 10patients underwent surgery with R0 resection, and 17 patients received definitive CRT,4 patients refuse surgery or CRT and out of trial. There was 20/31 (64.5%) organ function preservation. Among those with definitive CRT, no recurrence or distant metastasis occurred. In this trial, there's no Grade≥3 treatment-related adverse events. One patient died due to cardiacarrest and the correlation with study cannot be evaluated. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy contributed to good ORR and organ function preservation, and generally tolerated in LA HNSCC. This study is ongoing. And we look forward to demonstrating that neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy is expected to improve long-term survival of LA-HNSCC. Clinical trial information: NCT05272696 . [Table: see text]
The Id protein Extramacrochaetae restrains the E protein Daughterless to regulate Notch, Rap1, and Sevenless within the R7 equivalence group of the Drosophila eye
Authors: Reddy Onteddu Venkateswara , Bhattacharya Abhishek , Baker Nicholas E. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
The Drosophila Id gene extramacrochaetae (emc) is required during Drosophila eye development for proper cell fate specification within the R7 equivalence group. Without emc, R7 cells develop like R1/6 cells, and there are delays and deficits in differentiation of non-neuronal cone cells. Although emc encodes an Inhibitor of DNA-binding (Id) protein that is known to antagonize proneural bHLH protein function, no proneural gene is known for R7 or cone cell fates. These fates are also independent of daughterless (da), which encodes the ubiquitous E protein heterodimer partner of proneural bHLH proteins. We report here that the effects of emc mutations disappear in the absence of da, and are partially mimicked by forced expression of Da dimers, indicating that emc normally restrains da from interfering with R7 and cone cell specification, as occurs in emc mutants. emc, and da, regulate three known contributors to R7 fate, which are Notch signaling, Rap1, and Sevenless. R7 specification is partially restored to emc mutant cells by mutation of RapGap1, confirming that Rap1 activity, in addition to Notch activity, is a critical target of emc. These findings exemplify how mutations of an Id protein gene can affect processes that do not require any bHLH protein, by restraining Da activity within physiological bounds.
Factors influencing a child's development in the early years of life and their impact on adulthood
Authors: Czeczotka Magdalena Joanna , Skorupska Marta , Martka Martyna Magdalena , Popławska Natalia Aleksandra , Śliz Justyna , Woźniak Krzysztof 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

This article reviews a number of studies that have sought to determine how factors that occur in prenatal life and early childhood may lead to psychiatric disorders in adulthood. It focuses on the relationships between the physiology and pathophysiology of the autonomic nervous system and their impact on the child's development, on previously experienced traumas, on living in unfavorable conditions, on factors that have a negative impact on the fetus during pregnancy, and on the existence of two psychopathological dimensions and their connections with specific psychiatric disorders.

Aim of study:

The aim of the study is to present a comprehensive review of some of the most common forms of childhood maltreatment and show how powerful the impact they have on children’s development and their later adult life.

Materials and methods:

Materials used in this study were found in the PubMed database, using the following keywords: childhood maltreatment, sexual abuse, physical abuse, mental abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, and psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion:

The work clearly shows that neglect, abuse, and abnormal behavior have a direct impact on psychiatric disorders occurring in children and on the consequences that children have to bear as a result of their adult lives.
An overview of the resin-infiltration technique
Authors: Moeinian Malihe 
Published: July 2024

Resin infiltration is a minimally invasive technique to treat mild hypomineralized lesions. It seals the porosity of the affected enamel, strengthens the enamel defect and improves the aesthetics of the lesion. However, there are disadvantages such as lack of evidence on its long-term durability and microleakage. This article provides an overview on the resin infiltration concept and the procedure for its application. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Resin infiltration is a minimally invasive procedure that occludes the pores and inhibits further demineralization. within the lesion body.