bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The 30th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat Report
Authors: Miyahira Andrea K. , Soule Howard R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe 30th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Scientific Retreat was held at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA, from October 26 to 28, 2023. A hybrid component was included for virtual attendees.MethodsThe Annual PCF Scientific Retreat is a leading international scientific conference focused on pioneering, unpublished, and impactful studies across the spectrum of basic through clinical prostate cancer research, as well as research from related fields with significant potential for improving prostate cancer research and patient outcomes.ResultsThe 2023 PCF Retreat concentrated on key areas of research, including: (i) the biology of cancer stem cells and prostate cancer lineage plasticity; (ii) mechanisms of treatment resistance; (iii) emerging AI applications in diagnostic medicine; (iv) analytical and computational biology approaches in cancer research; (v) the role of nerves in prostate cancer; (vi) the biology of prostate cancer bone metastases; (vii) the contribution of ancestry and genomics to prostate cancer disparities; (viii) prostate cancer 3D genomics; (ix) progress in new targets and treatments for prostate cancer; (x) the biology and translational applications of tumor extracellular vesicles; (xi) updates from PCF TACTICAL Award teams; (xii) novel platforms for small molecule molecular glues and binding inhibitors; and (xiii) diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for advancing cancer care equity.ConclusionsThis meeting report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the 2023 PCF Scientific Retreat. We hope that sharing this information will deepen our understanding of current and emerging research and drive future advancements in prostate cancer patient care.
Conformational Dynamics and Molecular Characterization of Alsin MORN Monomer and Dimeric Assemblies
Authors: Miceli Marcello , Cannariato Marco , Tortarolo Riccardo , Pallante Lorenzo , Zizzi Eric A. , Deriu Marco A. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTDespite the ubiquity of membrane occupation recognition nexus (MORN) motifs across diverse species in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, these protein domains remain poorly characterized. Their significance is underscored in the context of the Alsin protein, implicated in the debilitating condition known as infantile‐onset ascending hereditary spastic paralysis (IAHSP). Recent investigations have proposed that mutations within the Alsin MORN domain disrupt proper protein assembly, precluding the formation of the requisite tetrameric configuration essential for the protein's inherent biological activity. However, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the biological functions of Alsin and its three‐dimensional molecular structure is hindered by the lack of available experimental structures. In this study, we employed and compared several protein structure prediction algorithms to identify a three‐dimensional structure for the putative MORN of Alsin. Furthermore, inspired by experimental pieces of evidence from previous studies, we employed the developed models to predict and investigate two homo‐dimeric assemblies, characterizing their stability. This study's insights into the three‐dimensional structure of the Alsin MORN domain and the stability dynamics of its homo‐dimeric assemblies suggest an antiparallel linear configuration stabilized by a noncovalent interaction network.
Upregulation of key factors of viral entry of corona‐ and influenza viruses upon TLR3‐signaling in cells from the respiratory tract and clinical treatment options by 1,8‐Cineol
Authors: Hose Leonie , Schürmann Matthias , Sudhoff Holger 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAt the end of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID‐19), highly contagious variants of coronaviruses had emerged. Together with influenza viruses, different variants of the coronavirus currently cause most colds and require appropriate drug treatment. We have investigated the expression of important factors for the replication of these viruses, namely transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), neuropilin1 (NRP1), and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) or tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) after toll like receptor‐3 (TLR‐3) stimulation using RT‐qPCR and flow cytometry (FC) analysis. As model served primary fibroblasts derived from the lung and nasal cavity, as well as epidermal stem cells and fully matured respiratory epithelium. The stimulated cell cultures were treated with pharmaceuticals (Dexamethasone and Enzalutamide) and the outcome was compared with the phytomedicine 1,8‐Cineol. The stimulation of TLR3 is sufficient to induce the expression of exactly those targets that were highly expressed in the corresponding culture type, specifically ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in respiratory epithelial stem cells and NRP1 in fibroblast cells. It seems this self‐perpetuating cycle of infection‐driven upregulation of key viral replication factors by the innate immune system represents an evolutionary advantage for viruses using these transcripts as viral replication factors. Likewise, to the standard pharmaceuticals with proven clinical efficiency, 1,8‐Cineol was able to disrupt this self‐perpetuating cycle. Considering the minor side effects and negligible pharmacological interactions with other drugs, it is conceivable that an adjuvant or combinatorial therapy with 1,8‐Cineol for respiratory diseases caused by corona‐ or influenza viruses would be beneficial.
A DFT study to explore structural, elastic, mechanical, phonon, electronic and optical properties of halide perovskites AgXF3(X=Be,Ca)$$ {\mathrm{AgXF}}_3\left(\mathrm{X}=\mathrm{Be},\mathrm{Ca}\right) $$ with PBEsol, TB‐mBJ and SCAN functionals
Authors: Munir H. Bushra , Afaq A. , Gassoumi Abdelaziz , Ahmed Muhammad , Bakar Abu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFirst principles calculations have been performed using full potential linearized augmented plane wave, FP‐LAPW, within Wien2k to elucidate structural, elastic, mechanical, phonon, electronic and optical properties of lead free halide perovskites . The energy volume curve fitting is used to examine structural stability. For structural optimization and mechanical properties, we employed Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation and PBEsol, revised for solids, exchange and correlation functional. The optimized lattice constant of and is 3.631 and 4.349Å. The elastic constant , and are computed to extract different mechanical parameters like Poisson's ratio, Pugh's ratio, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, anisotropic ratio, Cauchy pressure and shear constant. The mechanical parameters exhibit greater structural, mechanical and dynamical stability of than . The electronic and optical properties are calculated by using TB‐mBJ and SCAN potentials in addition to PBEsol. The electronic band gap of and is 4.71 and 6.01 eV with TB‐mBJ and both perovskites are indirect band gap materials. The optical response of these perovskites against wide range of incident electromagnetic radiation is assessed by calculating absorption, reflection, optical conductivity, dielectric constant, energy loss function and refraction. Strong absorption, high optical conductivity and low reflectivity indicates that and are promising materials for photovoltaic applications.
How Anne Frank Became a Writer: Revelations from the “Tales and Events” Notebook
Authors: Fleming David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWhen he returned to Amsterdam in spring 1945, Otto Frank discovered that not one but two versions of his daughter's diary had survived the Holocaust: the three notebooks of so‐called version A and the revision of that diary on loose sheets of paper, called version B. Other texts also survived, including a notebook Anne titled “Tales and Events from the Secret Annex,” where she collected more than three dozen short pieces of prose. Best known for its “tales,” the book is, in fact, mostly nonfiction, including numerous sketches of annex life. More self‐contained and literary than her diary entries, they show Anne experimenting as a writer. They also show her writing vigorously in the summer of 1943, a period unrepresented in version A since none of that year's diary notebooks survived. Yet, as Anne later wrote, it was “the second half of 1943” when her life changed: when she began “to think, to write.” My goal here is to better fit the “Tales” notebook into the story of Anne's life and work, a project made easier by the recent publication of Anne Frank: The Collected Works, which includes, for the first time in English, all of the author's writing, in one volume, in separate, continuous texts. To read those texts in the order in which she wrote them is to see Anne Frank not just growing as a writer but becoming a writer. The results are of interest not only to scholars of Anne's life and work but to teachers of young readers and writers, for whom Anne Frank has long been a model, if an imperfectly understood one.
Halloysite‐Based Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes With Enhanced Water Permeation and Antifouling Efficiency for Saline Water Purification
Authors: Sangadi Poosalayya , Kuppan Chandrasekar , Chavali Murthy 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTPolyelectrolytes with strong acidic functionality are among the prime sources for water desalination techniques. Poly 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (PAMPS) is one such polymer showing polyelectrolyte characteristics because of highly acidic SO3H group (pKa < 2) and film‐forming characteristics of flexible polymeric chains. Halloysite nanotubes functionalized with polyelectrolytes can be considered for water purification, as halloysite was reported to be efficient in removing dissolved metal salts. These polyelectrolytes can be introduced as a blend with other components, or they can be synthesized via in situ to form flexible membranes. Polymer nano‐filtration membranes with controlled crosslinking were designed as a function of halloysite and AMPS composition using in situ free radical polymerization with other polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylpyrrolidone to strengthen the polymer matrix. The synthesized membranes were characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDS, TGA, and DTG techniques. Equilibrium water content, contact angle, water flux, salt rejection efficiency, and antifouling studies are also carried out for these membranes in water purification.
Deep learning‐enhanced microwell array biochip for rapid and precise quantification of Cryptococcus subtypes
Authors: Tong Yihang , Zeng Yu , Lu Yinuo , Huang Yemei , Jin Zhiyuan , Wang Zhiying , Wang Yusen , Zang Xuelei , Chang Lingqian , Mu Wei , Xue Xinying , Dong Zaizai 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCryptococcus is a family of strongly infectious pathogens that results in a wide variety of symptoms, particularly threatening the patients undergoing the immune‐deficiency or medical treatment. Rapidly identifying Cryptococcus subtypes and accurately quantifying their contents remain urgent needs for infection control and timely therapy. However, traditional detection techniques heavily rely on expensive, specialized instruments, significantly compromising their applicability for large‐scale population screening. In this work, we report a portable microwell array chip platform integrated with a deep learning‐based image recognition program, which enables rapid, precise quantification of the specific subtypes of Cryptococcus. The platform features four zones of microwell arrays preloaded with the subtype‐targeted CRISPR–Cas12a system that avoid dependence on slow, instrumental‐mediated target amplification, achieving rapid (10 min), high specificity for identifying the sequence of Cryptococcus. The deep learning‐based image recognition program utilizing segment anything model (SAM) significantly enhances automation and accuracy in identifying target concentrations, which eventually achieves ultra‐low limit of detection (0.5 pM) by personal smartphones. This platform can be further customized to adapt to various scenarios in clinical settings.
Hydrogeochemical characteristics, driving factors, and health risk assessment of karst groundwater in Southwest Hubei Province, China
Authors: Shan Qiang , Tian Xizhao , Xie Hao , Gong Zhiqiang , Lin Yongsheng , Dang Zhiwen , Li Jun , Zou Shengzhang , Zhu Tianlong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn South China, karst groundwater is an important water resource for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes. However, karst aquifers are highly vulnerable to pollution, leading to deteriorating karst groundwater quality and posing potential health risks to local residents. In this study, 22 groundwater samples were collected from a karst aquifer in the southwestern part of Hubei Province. The hydrogeochemical characteristics and their controlling factors were examined, and the potential health risks associated with groundwater pollutant concentrations in karst groundwater were assessed. The results showed that the groundwater is slightly alkaline with low chemical oxygen demand values, indicating good water quality. The groundwater facies type was identified as HCO3‐Ca at most sample spots, showing low total dissolved solids concentrations. Substantial spatial variations in Na+, CO32−, and NO2− concentrations were found, whereas spatial variations in the K+, Ca2+, Cl−, HCO3−, and F− concentrations were small. In addition, the dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks at sampling sites resulted in groundwater facies types of HCO3•SO4‐Ca and HCO3‐Ca•Mg, with low total dissolved solids concentrations. The karst groundwater chemistry in the study area was mainly controlled by water–rock interactions, as well as by the dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks at specific groundwater sampling sites. The groundwater Cl− concentrations were mainly affected by atmospheric precipitation. NO3− was mainly derived from atmospheric precipitation, domestic sewage, septic tanks, and industrial activities, whereas SO42− was derived from atmospheric precipitation, sulfate rock dissolution, and sulfide mineral oxidation. These results highlight the absence of potential human health risks of NO3− and F− to infants, children, and adults, as their concentrations are below the corresponding regional background values. In contrast, the potential health risks of Cl− cannot be ignored, particularly for infants. This study offers scientific guidelines for protecting and allocating local groundwater resources.
Indocyanine green fluorescence‐guided sentinel lymph node biopsy: A systematic review
Authors: Venkatesh Sanjena , De Ravin Emma , Rajasekaran Karthik 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesAccurate staging of cervical lymph nodes is crucial in the management of head and neck cancers (HNCs). Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) offers a minimally invasive alternative to neck dissection for identifying occult metastases. This review aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence‐guided SLNB for HNCs.MethodsSystematic searches of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were conducted to identify all clinical articles on ICG‐guided SLNB in HNC from database inception through May 1, 2022. Numerous variables were extracted across papers, including patient and study characteristics, imaging parameters, and SLN detection rates. Risk of bias was evaluated via the Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria.ResultsA final six studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 86 distinct head and neck tumors. The mean number of SLNs identified was 2.46 for fluorescence imaging and 2.83 for gamma tracing. Fluorescence imaging exhibited a higher pooled SLN detection rate (98.0%) compared to gamma tracing (87.6%). Pooled sensitivity for fluorescence imaging (71.0%) was also determined to be higher than that for gamma tracing (66.7%). Pooled specificity was 100% across both modalities. Studies were assessed to be of moderate quality by the MINORS criteria, with an average score of 11.25 for noncomparative studies and 20.5 for comparative studies.ConclusionsICG‐guided SLNB procedures are feasible and effective in the context of HNCs. The technique offers potentially higher SLN detection rates and shows promise in enhancing clinical and oncologic outcomes when compared to standard lymphoscintigraphy. Further studies with standardized metrics are, however, needed to validate these findings and identify optimal imaging techniques and parameters.
Diagnostic value of fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration test for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease
Authors: Liu Chao‐Feng , Hou Chen‐Jie , Chen Ting , Chen Liu‐Qing , Zheng Jing‐Yi , Zheng Yu‐Jin , Zheng Xiao‐Wei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic value of the fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration test for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).MethodsVolunteers were grouped by reflux symptom index scale, reflux finding score scale, and 24‐h hypopharyngeal‐esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH monitoring results. The study comprised 56, 27, and 20 individuals in the LPRD, asymptomatic laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and asymptomatic non‐LPR groups, respectively. All underwent a fasting hypopharyngeal saliva pepsin testing via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis determined the optimal diagnostic cutoff value, sensitivity, and specificity of hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin for LPRD. Correlation analysis was performed with reflux scale scores and LPR parameters.ResultsFasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration in the LPRD group was significantly higher than in the asymptomatic control group (Z = −4.724, p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis identified an optimal cutoff value of 29.62 ng/mL for salivary pepsin concentration (AUC, 0.767; sensitivity, 51.8%; and specificity, 93.6%). There was no statistically significant difference in salivary pepsin concentration between the asymptomatic LPR and non‐LPR groups. The concentration was higher in the LPRD group than in the asymptomatic LPR and non‐LPR groups (p < 0.05). Fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration exhibited a weakly positive correlation with vocal cord edema, intralaryngeal mucus adherence, excess throat mucus or postnasal drip, coughing during meals/lying down, troublesome or annoying cough, and liquid and weakly acidic reflux episodes.ConclusionsThe fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration test is a highly specific, simple, and noninvasive method with significant clinical diagnostic value for LPRD.
Unveiling perceptions regarding post mastectomy breast reconstruction: A questionnaire‐based survey of patients from central India
Authors: Shrivastava Rohit , Gupta Ashish , Bharath S. , Yadav Sanjay Kumar , Agarwal Pawan , Sharma Dhananjaya , Shekhar Saket 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionPost mastectomy breast reconstruction uptake remains low in the developing countries. We examined patient perspectives about it in a cohort of Indian breast cancer patients.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in central India. All post mastectomy patients for breast cancer were interviewed via a survey questionnaire to assess their perspective regarding post mastectomy breast reconstruction.ResultsNone of the 192 patients underwent immediate or delayed reconstruction by the end of 24 months follow‐up. Age, education level, occupation and marital status did not affect the uptake of post mastectomy breast reconstruction. The most common patient‐reported reasons for not having reconstruction were the desire to avoid additional surgery and the belief that it was not important (80% for each). System related factors such as additional cost of surgery and additional length of stay were reported to be important by 55% and 65% patients respectively.ConclusionOur survey of 192 post mastectomy breast cancer patients showed that none opted for post mastectomy reconstruction, suggesting significant barriers to it. Understanding and addressing these barriers are crucial to ensuring comprehensive care for these breast cancer patients.
Prophylactic muscle flaps in high‐risk‐for‐poor‐healing patients with prosthetic bypasses increases deep wound complications
Authors: Ravikumar Samyuktha , Li Renxi , Thompson Jamie , Peshel Emanuela C. , Recarey Melina , Amdur Richard , Lala Salim , Ricotta John , Sidawy Anton , Nguyen Bao‐Ngoc 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundIncisional complications of groin after inflow or infrainguinal bypasses with prosthetic conduits can result in major morbidities that require reoperation, infected graft removal, and limb loss. Muscle flaps are typically performed to treat groin wound complications, but they are also done prophylactically at the time of index procedures in certain high‐risk‐for‐poor‐healing patients to mitigate anticipated groin wound complications. We used a nationwide multi‐institutional database to investigate outcomes of prophylactic muscle flaps in high‐risk patients who underwent prosthetic bypasses involving femoral anastomosis.MethodsWe utilized ACS‐NSQIP database 2005–2021 to identify all elective inflow and infrainguinal bypasses that involve femoral anastomoses. Only high‐risk patients for poor incisional healing who underwent prosthetic conduit bypasses were selected. A 1:3 propensity‐matching was performed to obtain two comparable studied groups between those with (FLAP) and without prophylactic muscle flaps (NOFLAP) based on demographics and comorbidities. 30‐day postoperative outcomes were compared.ResultsAmong 35,011 NOFLAP, 990 of them were propensity‐matched to 330 FLAP. There was no significant difference in 30‐day mortality, MACE, pulmonary, or renal complications. FLAP was associated with higher bleeding requiring transfusion, longer operative time, and longer hospital stay. FLAP also had higher overall wound complications (15.2% vs. 10.6%; p = 0.03), especially deep incisional infection (4.9% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.04).ConclusionProphylactic muscle flap for prosthetic bypasses involving femoral anastomosis in high‐risk‐for‐poor‐healing patients does not appear to mitigate 30‐day wound complications. Caution should be exercised with this practice and more long‐term data should be obtained to determine whether prophylactic flaps decrease the incidence of graft infection.
Passive Ambitions, Active Limitations: Defence AI in India
Authors: Mohan Shimona 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIndia has been known by its ‘IT hub’ moniker for a while now and has sought to replicate this success in AI as well. However, while India has seen numerous knee-jerk developments and concentrated efforts around AI, it still has a hazy conception of how to establish a well-oiled AI ecosystem. Moreover, while civilian AI is still promoted through a whole-of-government approach, military AI is still comparatively much less prioritized despite India’s uniquely hostile neighbourhood and technologically advanced adversaries. In the last 5 years or so, India has established a few dedicated military AI bodies and unveiled several AI products for defence, either at the level of the tri-services or military R&D centrally – these include LAWS, robots, drones, radars, identification and recognition systems, translators, and monitoring and predictive systems. Despite these strides, the lack of institutionalization, incentivization, funding, upgradation and coordinated activity around military AI poses specific limitations to how efficiently India’s military AI ambitions are being realized. These restrictions are interestingly juxtaposed against India’s current focus on the indigenization of its defence technology production as it partners more vociferously with a diverse set of allies. If it intends to constructively work towards the grand ambitions it must become a military AI power, India needs to ensure that it looks at AI as the highly diversified technology it is, instead of the siloed approach it has adopted with respect to AI development, deployment and governance so far.