bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendritic polylysine co-delivery of paclitaxel and siAXL enhances the sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Wan Xiaofeng , Chen Chuanrong , Zhan Jianmin , Ye Shuke , Li Runsheng , Shen Ming 
Published: August 2024

Background: Drug resistance is common in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) therapy. To identify a method to overcome chemotherapy resistance in TNBC cells, an siRNA targeting the AXL gene (siAXL), which can overcome drug resistance, was used in this study. A nanodelivery system was constructed to co-deliver siAXL and paclitaxel (PTX).Methods: A biodegradable and tumor microenvironment (TME)-sensitive mPEG-coated dendritic polylysine material (PDPLL) was synthesized. This material was used to construct single-molecule nanoparticles to co-deliver PTX and siAXL. The drug encapsulation and morphological properties of the nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized. The sensitivity of the NPs to the TME was evaluated in vitro with a dialysis method. The tumor-targeting effect of the PDPLL NPs was evaluated by fluorescence imaging and drug distribution evaluation in vivo. The ability to overcome drug resistance was evaluated using PTX-resistant 4T1 cells (4T1/PTX cells) in both in vitro and in vivo models.Results: PDPLL NPs had a particle size of 49.6 ± 5.9 nm and a zeta potential of 7.87 ± 0.68 mV. The PTX drug loading (DL)% was 2.59%. The siAXL DL was 2.5 mg PDPLL: 10 nmol siAXL. The release of PTX showed sustained release performance. The release of siAXL showed sensitivity for the TME. The NPs were stable in the plasma. The NPs promoted cell uptake by PTX-resistant 4T1 cells (4T1/PTX) and promoted tumor targeting and permeability in vivo. siAXL enhanced the toxicity and apoptosis efficiency of PTX in 4T1/PTX cells, as well as the cycle arrest efficiency caused by PTX. The NPs improved the above effects. In mouse 4T1/PTX orthotopic tumors, the NPs enhanced the sensitization of PTX to siAXL.Conclusion: The PDPLL NP co-delivery system possesses good encapsulating potential not only for PTX but also for siRNA. It can enhance the tumor-targeting effect and overcome the drug resistance of 4T1/PTX both in vitro and in vivo. This system is a potential delivery system for RNAs.
A dedicated preventive protocol sustainably avoids spinal cord ischemia after endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Rosvall Lina , Karelis Angelos , Sonesson Björn , Dias Nuno V. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after complex endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) after the introduction of a dedicated SCI preventive protocol.MethodsRetrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing complex EVAR with branched (BEVAR) and/or fenestrated grafts (FEVAR) during a 6-year period starting January 1st, 2015. The preventive protocol consisted of staging extensive aortic repairs, maintaining a mean arterial pressure (MAP) &gt;80 mm Hg, Hb level &gt;110 g/L, early lower limb reperfusion and neurological control per hour during the post-operative stay in the intensive care unit (36–72 h). Prophylactic cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) was used selectively. Pre- intra-, and 30-day postoperative clinical data and imaging were collected. Primary end point was the development of perioperative SCI. Secondary outcome included technical and clinical success.ResultsComplex EVAR was performed in 205 patients (167 males, 72 (67–75) years, 182 (88.8%) elective) with juxtarenal aneurysms (JRA, 155 patients) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). SCI occurred after JRA repair in two patients (1.3%, both ruptures) and after TAAA repair in three (6.0%, one rupture) (p = 0.06), all within 9 h postoperatively. There was symptom regression in three cases (one partial, two complete), resulting in a persistent SCI level of 0.6% and 4.0% for JRA and TAAA, respectively. Only one patient with persistent SCI could be discharged from the hospital alive. Patients developing SCI were more commonly female (n = 3, p = .016), presented with rupture (n = 3, p &lt; .001), had preoperative renal insufficiency (n = 5, p &lt; .001) and had lower minimal MAP (p = .015). No regression analysis was done due to the limited number of SCI events in relation to the study population size. Primary technical success was achieved in 162 patients (83.5%) and clinical success in 153 patients (75.4%), without any differences between the groups.ConclusionsThe incidence of persistent SCI after complex EVAR is low with the use of a dedicated SCI preventive protocol allowing the early diagnosis. Females, patients with ruptured aneurysms and preoperative renal insufficiency are at higher risk. Further studies are needed to customize the protocols particularly in those high-risk patients.
Association between arteriosclerosis index and lumbar bone mineral density in U.S adults: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES 2011–2018
Authors: Xie Chengxin , Ren Yu , He Qiang , Wang Chenglong , Luo Hua 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe arteriosclerosis index, defined as the ratio of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR), has emerged as a novel biomarker for various diseases. The relationship between NHHR and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) has not been previously examined.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. NHHR was calculated as (total cholesterol—high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lumbar BMD was calculated to Z scores. Weighted multivariate linear regression, subgroup analysis, interaction analysis, generalized additive model, and two-piecewise linear regression were used.ResultsA total of 8,602 participants were included. The negative association between NHHR and lumbar BMD was consistent and significant (Model 1: β = −0.039, 95% CI: −0.055, −0.023, p &lt; 0.001; Model 2: β = −0.045, 95% CI: −0.062, −0.027, p &lt; 0.001; Model 3: β = −0.042, 95% CI: −0.061, −0.023, p &lt; 0.001). The linear relationship between NHHR and lumbar BMD was significantly influenced by body mass index (p for interaction = 0.012) and hypertension (p for interaction = 0.047). Non-linear associations between NHHR and lumbar BMD Z scores were observed in specific populations, including U-shaped, reverse U-shaped, L-shaped, reverse L-shaped, and U-shaped relationships among menopausal females, underweight participants, those with impaired glucose tolerance, those with diabetes mellitus and those taking anti-hyperlipidemic drugs, respectively.ConclusionsNHHR exhibited a negative association with lumbar BMD, but varying across specific populations. These findings suggest that NHHR should be tailored to individual levels to mitigate bone loss through a personalized approach. Individuals at heightened risk of cardiovascular disease should focus on their bone health.
Sciatica-like pain caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy: four case reports and systematic review
Authors: Han Changsheng , Wang Jingming , Wang Lei , Gong Qinglei , Huang Weimin 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to demonstrate and characterize a rare cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with sciatica-like pain as the main clinical manifestation through case presentation and systematic review.MethodsFour cases of CSM with sciatica-like pain as the main clinical manifestation were retrospectively studied. A systematic review of electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted to explore the clinical characteristics of CSM with sciatica.ResultsAll four cases of CSM symptomatic of sciatica-like pain were initially diagnosed with lumbar degenerative conditions. However, due to the presence of neurological signs such as hyperactive tendon reflexes, a positive Babinski sign, or a Hoffmann sign, they underwent further cervical MRI scans. Eventually, all four cases were diagnosed with CSM and experienced relief from sciatica after cervical decompression surgery. The systematic review analyzed a total of four studies with a combined sample size of 10 cases, all of whom experienced a reduction in sciatica-like pain following cervical decompression surgery.ConclusionCSM symptomized by sciatica-like pain can often be misdiagnosed as lumbar degenerative disease. Preoperative abnormal neurological signs associated with CSM may aid in diagnosing this condition. In addition, the clinical presentation of hyperextension of the cervical spine resulting in worsening lower limb pain may serve as diagnostic indicators for this disease.
Peptain-1 blocks ischemia/reperfusion-induced retinal capillary degeneration in mice
Authors: Nam Mi-Hyun , Dhillon Armaan , Nahomi Rooban B. , Carrillo Noelle L. , Hougen Clarinda S. , Nagaraj Ram H. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionNeurovascular degeneration results in vascular dysfunction, leakage, ischemia, and structural changes that can lead to significant visual impairment. We previously showed the protective effects of peptain-1, a 20 amino acid peptide derived from the αB-crystallin core domain, on retinal ganglion cells in two animal models of glaucoma. Here, we evaluated the ability of peptain-1 to block apoptosis of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) in vitro and retinal capillary degeneration in mice subjected to retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.MethodsHRECs were treated with either peptain-1 or scrambled peptides (200 μg/mL) for 3 h and a combination of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ 20 ng/mL + TNF-α 20 ng/mL+ IL-1β 20 ng/mL) for additional 48 h. Apoptosis was measured with cleaved caspase-3 formation via western blot, and by TUNEL assay. C57BL/6J mice (12 weeks old) were subjected to I/R injury by elevating the intraocular pressure to 120 mmHg for 60 min, followed by reperfusion. Peptain-1 or scrambled peptide (0.5 μg) was intravitreally injected immediately after I/R injury and 7 days later. One microliter of PBS was injected as vehicle control, and animals were euthanized on day 14 post-I/R injury. Retinal capillary degeneration was assessed after enzyme digestion followed by periodic acid–Schiff staining.ResultsOur data showed that peptain-1 entered HRECs and blocked proinflammatory cytokine-mediated apoptosis. Intravitreally administered peptain-1 was distributed throughout the retinal vessels after 4 h. I/R injury caused retinal capillary degeneration. Unlike scrambled peptide, peptain-1 protected capillaries against I/R injury. Additionally, peptain-1 inhibited microglial activation and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels in the retina following I/R injury.DiscussionOur study suggests that peptain-1 could be used as a therapeutic agent to prevent capillary degeneration and neuroinflammation in retinal ischemia.
The relevance of BDNF for neuroprotection and neuroplasticity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Maiworm Michelle 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundNeuroplasticity as a mechanism to overcome central nervous system injury resulting from different neurological diseases has gained increasing attention in recent years. However, deficiency of these repair mechanisms leads to the accumulation of neuronal damage and therefore long-term disability. To date, the mechanisms by which remyelination occurs and why the extent of remyelination differs interindividually between multiple sclerosis patients regardless of the disease course are unclear. A member of the neurotrophins family, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has received particular attention in this context as it is thought to play a central role in remyelination and thus neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, and memory.ObjectiveTo analyse the current literature regarding BDNF in different areas of multiple sclerosis and to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge in this field.ConclusionTo date, studies assessing the role of BDNF in patients with multiple sclerosis remain inconclusive. However, there is emerging evidence for a beneficial effect of BDNF in multiple sclerosis, as studies reporting positive effects on clinical as well as MRI characteristics outweighed studies assuming detrimental effects of BDNF. Furthermore, studies regarding the Val66Met polymorphism have not conclusively determined whether this is a protective or harmful factor in multiple sclerosis, but again most studies hypothesized a protective effect through modulation of BDNF secretion and anti-inflammatory effects with different effects in healthy controls and patients with multiple sclerosis, possibly due to the pro-inflammatory milieu in patients with multiple sclerosis. Further studies with larger cohorts and longitudinal follow-ups are needed to improve our understanding of the effects of BDNF in the central nervous system, especially in the context of multiple sclerosis.
Association between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and severe headache or migraine: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Zhang Zhiru , Chen Xushan , Fang Haotao , Ye Jiechao , Tang Xiaona , Huang Rucheng 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundSevere headache or migraine is a neurological disease that seriously affects the quality of human life. Oxidative stress is considered a main factor in the pathogenesis of severe headache or migraine. The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) is a score calculated using six dietary antioxidant components (including vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc, and carotenoid), which represents a person’s level of dietary antioxidant ingredients. Based on the theory of oxidative stress, we speculated that CDAIs may be relevant to the risk of severe headache or migraine, as the relationship between the CDAI and severe headache or migraine is unclear. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the CDAI and severe headache or migraine in participants.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that were collected from 2001 to 2004. A total of 4,943 participants were included, of whom 1,232 experienced severe headaches or migraines. Participants’ CDAIs were calculated based on their intake of six dietary antioxidants. We used logistic regression models, limited cubic spline analysis, and subgroup analysis to assess the association of CDAI with severe headache or migraine.ResultsThe multivariate logistic regression model (correcting for all potential covariates) revealed that the odds ratio (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) for the association between CDAI and severe headache or migraine was 0.97 (95% CI = 0.95–1.00, p = 0.048). Compared with individuals with low CDAIs in Quartile (Q)1, the adjusted Odds Ratio between the CDAI and severe headache or migraine in Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 0.84 (95% CI = 0.69–1.01, p = 0.07), 0.77 (95% CI = 0.63–0.96, p = 0.017), and 0.73 (95% CI = 0.56–0.95, p = 0.02), respectively. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis showed an L-shaped relationship between the CDAI and severe headache or migraine.ConclusionOur findings indicate that higher CDAI was associated with a lower risk of severe headache or migraine.
Assessment of preschool preparedness intervention package on adoption of nutrition friendly school initiative in rural Sindh, Pakistan: a pre-and post-intervention design
Authors: Samnani Amir Ali , Nuruddin Rozina , Petrucka Pammla , Soofi Sajid B. , Karmaliani Rozina 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundIn 1995, the World Health Organization launched its Global School Health Initiative intending to expand this health promotion approach throughout schools globally. In this study, we aim to assess the preparedness of preschools in the adoption of intervention packages under the Nutrition Friendly School Initiative (NFSI) checklist.MethodsFrom three campuses of the Aga Khan School located in the Thatta and Sujawal districts of the Sindh province, Pakistan, all eligible preschool children were selected for this study. Using a pre-and post-intervention design, we assessed preschool preparedness using the NFSI checklist, knowledge of parents/caregivers regarding health and nutrition promoting behaviors, and anthropometric measurements (i.e., mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight, and height) for preschool children. The NFSI checklist was analyzed with differential scores, while descriptive statistics were used for anthropometric and knowledge data. Continuous variables (i.e., height, weight, MUAC) were presented as means, while categorical variables (knowledge) were expressed as numbers and percentages. Paired t-tests for dependent samples were used to statistically assess mean differences in MUAC, height, weight, height-for-age Z-score, weight-for-age Z-score, weight-for-height Z-score, and changes in parental knowledge of preschool children.ResultsData from 164 preschool children (ages 24–84 months, mean age 56.7 months) were analyzed over 3 months. School preparedness scores improved from 10 to 22 points (out of 26). Parental knowledge on nutrition and health increased by 7.2 points (out of 25). Children showed mean increases in MUAC (0.27 cm), weight (0.36 kg), and height (0.62 cm) (p &lt; 0.001). Stunting and overweight/obesity rates remained the same (7.3 and 4.3%), while underweight and wasting rates dropped from 10.4 to 7.3% and 7.9 to 6.1%, respectively. The initiative effectively reduced underweight and wasting but did not impact stunting and overweight.ConclusionThe NFSI has greatly enhanced preschool readiness for nutrition-friendly schools. Engaging the private sector in addressing nutritional challenges has paved the way for future public-private partnerships to tackle malnutrition. The nutrition policy formulated through this initiative could serve as a blueprint for a National School Nutrition Policy.
In-vivo and in-vitro environments affect the storage and release of energy in tendons
Authors: Bossuyt Fransiska M. , Leonard Timothy R. , Scott W. Michael , Taylor William R. , Herzog Walter 
Published: August 2024

Understanding tendon mechanical properties, such as stiffness and hysteresis, can provide insights into injury mechanisms. This research addresses the inconsistency of previously reported in-vivo and in-vitro tendon hysteresis properties. Although limited, our preliminary findings suggest that in-vivo hystereses (Mean ± SD; 55% ± 9%) are greater than in-vitro hystereses (14% ± 1%) when directly comparing the same tendon for the same loading conditions in a sheep model in-vivo versus within 24 h post-mortem. Overall, it therefore appears that the tendon mechanical properties are affected by the testing environment, possibly related to differences in muscle-tendon interactions and fluid flow experienced in-vivo versus in-vitro. This communication advocates for more detailed investigations into the mechanisms resulting in the reported differences in tendon behaviour. Overall, such knowledge contributes to our understanding of tendon function towards improving modelling and clinical interventions, bridging the gap between in-vivo and in-vitro observations and enhancing the translational relevance of biomechanical studies.
Cotton morphological traits tracking through spatiotemporal registration of terrestrial laser scanning time-series data
Authors: Rodriguez-Sanchez Javier , Snider John L. , Johnsen Kyle , Li Changying 
Published: August 2024

Understanding the complex interactions between genotype-environment dynamics is fundamental for optimizing crop improvement. However, traditional phenotyping methods limit assessments to the end of the growing season, restricting continuous crop monitoring. To address this limitation, we developed a methodology for spatiotemporal registration of time-series 3D point cloud data, enabling field phenotyping over time for accurate crop growth tracking. Leveraging multi-scan terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), we captured high-resolution 3D LiDAR data in a cotton breeding field across various stages of the growing season to generate four-dimensional (4D) crop models, seamlessly integrating spatial and temporal dimensions. Our registration procedure involved an initial pairwise terrain-based matching for rough alignment, followed by a bird’s-eye view adjustment for fine registration. Point clouds collected throughout nine sessions across the growing season were successfully registered both spatially and temporally, with average registration errors of approximately 3 cm. We used the generated 4D models to monitor canopy height (CH) and volume (CV) for eleven cotton genotypes over two months. The consistent height reference established via our spatiotemporal registration process enabled precise estimations of CH (R2 = 0.95, RMSE = 7.6 cm). Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between CV and the interception of photosynthetically active radiation (IPARf), finding that it followed a curve with exponential saturation, consistent with theoretical models, with a standard error of regression (SER) of 11%. In addition, we compared mathematical models from the Richards family of sigmoid curves for crop growth modeling, finding that the logistic model effectively captured CH and CV evolution, aiding in identifying significant genotype differences. Our novel TLS-based digital phenotyping methodology enhances precision and efficiency in field phenotyping over time, advancing plant phenomics and empowering efficient decision-making for crop improvement efforts.