bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finite element analysis of feeding in red and gray squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris and Sciurus carolinensis)
Authors: Cox Philip G. , Watson Peter J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInvasive gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) have replaced the native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) across much of Great Britain over the last century. Several factors have been proposed to underlie this replacement, but here we investigated the potential for dietary competition in which gray squirrels have better feeding performance than reds and are thus able to extract nutrition from food more efficiently. In this scenario, we hypothesized that red squirrels would show higher stress, strain, and deformation across the skull than gray squirrels. To test our hypotheses, we created finite element models of the skull of a red and a gray squirrel and loaded them to simulate biting at the incisor, at two different gapes, and at the molar. The results showed similar distributions of strains and von Mises stresses in the two species, but higher stress and strain magnitudes in the red squirrel, especially during molar biting. Few differences were seen in stress and strain distributions or magnitudes between the two incisor gapes. A geometric morphometric analysis showed greater deformations in the red squirrel skull at all bites and gapes. These results are consistent with our hypothesis and indicate increased biomechanical performance of the skull in gray squirrels, allowing them to access and process food items more efficiently than red squirrels.
From beaks to brains—Challenges in translating woodpecker biology into traumatic brain injury innovation
Authors: Smoliga James M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe biomechanics of woodpeckers have captivated researchers for decades. These birds' unique ability to withstand repeated impacts, seemingly without apparent harm, has piqued the interests of scientists and clinicians across multiple disciplines. Historical and recent studies have dissected the anatomical and physiological underpinnings of woodpeckers' protective mechanisms and sparked interest in the development of woodpecker‐inspired safety equipment. Despite the intuitive appeal of translating woodpecker adaptations into strategies for human traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevention, significant challenges hinder such innovation. Critical examinations reveal a lack of direct applicability of these findings to human TBI prevention, attributed to fundamental biological and mechanical dissimilarities between humans and woodpeckers. Additionally, some commercial endeavors attempting to capitalize on our fascination with woodpeckers are rooted in unsubstantiated claims about these birds. This paper explores the narrative surrounding woodpecker biomimicry, including its origins and history, and highlights the challenges of translating findings from unconventional animal models of TBI into effective human medical interventions.
Systematic mutational analysis reveals an essential role of N275 in IgE stability
Authors: Kumari Shikha , Ghosh Sanjay , Joshi Saurabh , Guenther Ralf , Siegmund Vanessa , Doerner Achim 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTherapeutic antibodies have predominantly been IgG‐based. However, the ongoing clinical trial of MOv18 IgE has highlighted the potential of using IgE antibodies in cancer therapy. While extensive studies targeting IgG glycosylation resulted in a rational basis for the development of enhanced biotherapeutics, IgE glycosylation remains an area with limited analyses. Previous studies on the role of IgE glycosylation present conflicting data with one study emphasizing the importance of N275 and T277 residues for FcεRI binding whereas another asserts the nonsignificance of IgE glycosylation in receptor interaction. While existing literature underscores the significance of glycans at the N275 position for binding to FcεR1 receptor and initiation of anaphylaxis, the role of other IgE glycosylation sites in folding or receptor binding remains elusive. This study systematically investigates the functional significance of N‐linked glycosylation sites in the heavy chain of IgE which validates the pivotal role of N275 residue in IgE secretion and stability. Replacement of this asparagine to non‐amine group moieties does not affect IgE function in vitro, yet substitution with aspartic acid compromises antibody yield. The deglycosylated IgE variant exhibits superior efficacy, challenging the conventional importance of glycosylation for effector function. In summary, our study unveils an intricate relationship between N‐glycosylation sites and the structural–functional dynamics of IgE antibodies. Furthermore, it offers novel insights into the IgE scaffold, paving the way for the development of more effective and stable IgE‐based therapeutics.
The prevalence and prognostic value of systemic inflammation in good performance status patients with advanced, inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer receiving palliative radiotherapy: Comparison of composite ratios and cumulative scores
Authors: McGovern Josh , O'Rourke Fraser , Will Sarah , Nguyen Hanh Thi Ngoc , Cranfield Elise , Maseland Charlotte , MacLeod Nicholas , Maclay John D. , Laird Barry J. , Dolan Ross D. , McMillan Donald C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe present study sought to examine the relationships between systemic inflammatory composite ratios/cumulative scores, magnitude of systemic inflammatory response (SIR) and survival in good performance status patients (ECOG‐PS 0/1) with advanced NSCLC receiving palliative radiotherapy.MethodsSystemic inflammatory composite ratios/cumulative scores included the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte‐monocyte ratio (LMR), C‐reactive protein, (CRP)‐albumin ratio (CAR), neutrophil‐ lymphocyte score (NLS), platelet‐lymphocyte score (PLS), lymphocyte‐monocyte score (LMS), neutrophil‐platelet score (NPS), modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS). The magnitude of SIR was determined by serum CRP concentration, with a median CRP concentration of >10 m mg/L considered to be systemically inflamed. Relationships between systemic inflammatory composite ratios/ cumulative scores and clinicopathological characteristics were examined using chi‐square analysis. Relationships between overall survival (OS) and systemic inflammatory composite ratios/ cumulative scores were examined using cox regression analysis.Results479 patients were included. 48% (n = 231) of patients were male and 70% (n = 338) were ≥65 years of age. 29% (n = 140) patients were ECOG‐PS 0 and 71% (n = 339) were ECOG‐PS 1. 98% (n = 469) of patients died during follow‐up. The median survival was 5 months (2–11). A similar prevalence of systemic inflammation was noted across the various ratios/scores (NLR >3 68%; LMR <2.4 65%; PLR >150 70%; CAR >0.20 83%; NLS ≥1 66%; LMS ≥1 71%; NPS≥1 50%; PLS≥1 60% and mGPS≥1 75%). Despite not considered to be systemically inflamed, an NLR <3, LMR ≥2.4, PLR ≤150, NLS 0, LMS 0, NPS 0 and PLS 0 all had a median CRP concentration of >10 mg/L. When adjusted for ECOG‐PS, CAR>0.40 (p < 0.001) and mGPS 2 (p < 0.05) remained significantly associated with OS.ConclusionLiver‐based measures of systemic inflammation (CAR and mGPS) appear more reliable for the quantification of the magnitude of SIR and have prognostic value in patients with advanced NSCLC.
A case of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct suspected to be of peribiliary glands origin
Authors: Ogiso Takuya , Suzuki Hirotaka , Matsubara Hiroshi , Naito Takehito , Yamada Masahiro , Yamamoto Hideko , Hattori Shun , Aoba Taro , Arai Yoshifumi , Urano Fumihiro 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPeribiliary glands are complex lobular structures containing mucus and serous glands, distributed along the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts. In this report, we describe a case of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct suspected to be of peribiliary glands origin. The patient was an 80‐year‐old man who was referred to our hospital for a hepatic mass. On further examination, a 38 × 34 mm cystic lesion with papillary growth was found in S1/4. Because the lesion was extensively bordered by both hepatic ducts and the connection was unclear, it was difficult to determine the extent of hepatic resection. To confirm the location, a peroral cholangioscopy was performed. The connection with the cyst was detected in the right hepatic duct and a villous tumor mucosa protruded through the conduit lumen. Since we found that the lesion communicated with the right hepatic duct, a right hepatectomy was subsequently performed. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the blie duct with associated invasive carcinoma. The postoperative course was good, and the patient experienced no recurrence.
Circulating levels of endogenous complement inhibitors correlate inversely with complement consumption in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: van der Meulen Stef , Monahan Rory C. , Gelderman Kyra A. , van Kooten Cees , Teng Y.K. Onno , Huizinga Tom W.J. , Steup‐Beekman Gerda M. , Trouw Leendert A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is marked by excessive complement activation, contributing to tissue damage. Complement activation can be detected in many organs including the skin, kidney, and brain. The involvement of the central nervous system is particularly relevant to understanding neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), one of the poorest understood manifestations of SLE for which no biomarkers are available. We studied the levels of complement inhibitors in SLE in relation to disease activity and as possible biomarkers to identify NPSLE. Serum levels of complement inhibitors C1‐inhibitor (C1‐INH), C4b‐binding protein (C4BP), Factor I, and Factor H were measured in 345 SLE patients (including 102 with NPSLE) and 108 healthy controls. Compared with controls, SLE patients had higher C1‐INH and C4BP but lower Factor I and H levels. All inhibitors positively correlated with total C3 and C4 levels. While correlating with the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), no distinction in inhibitor levels was found between SLE and NPSLE patients. Over time, C1‐INH and Factor H levels normalized, but no significant changes were observed for C4BP and Factor I. In SLE the levels of circulating complement inhibitors are inversely correlated to complement consumption but do not serve as biomarkers for NPSLE.
Altered functional connectivity of primary olfactory cortex‐hippocampus‐frontal cortex in subjective cognitive decline during odor stimulation
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhu Yajing , Lu Jiaming , Chen Qian , Chen Futao , Long Cong , Xu Xinru , Ge Danni , Bai Yijun , Liu Dongming , Du Shunshun , Zhu Zhengyang , Mai Xiaoli , Yang Qing X. , Zhang Bing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a high‐risk population in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and olfactory dysfunction is a risk factor for dementia progression. The present study aimed to explore the patterns of functional connectivity (FC) changes in the olfactory neural circuits during olfactory stimulation in SCD subjects. A total of 56 SCD subjects and 56 normal controls (NCs) were included. All subjects were assessed with a cognitive scale, an olfactory behavior test, and olfactory task‐based functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. The FC differences in olfactory neural circuits between the two groups were analyzed by the generalized psychophysiological interaction. Additionally, we calculated and compared the activation of brain regions within the olfactory neural circuits during odor stimulation, the volumetric differences in brain regions showing FC differences between groups, and the correlations between neuroimaging indicators and olfactory behavioral and cognitive scale scores. During odor stimulation, the FC between the bilateral primary olfactory cortex (bPOC) and the right hippocampus in the SCD group was significantly reduced; while the FC between the right hippocampus and the right frontal cortex was significantly increased in the SCD group. The bPOC of all subjects showed significant activation, but no significant difference in activation between groups was found. No significant differences were observed in the volume of the brain regions within the olfactory neural circuits or in olfactory behavior between groups. The volume of the bPOC and right frontal cortex was significantly positively correlated with olfactory identification, and the volume of the right frontal cortex and right hippocampus was significantly correlated with cognitive functions. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the activation of bPOC and the olfactory threshold was found in the whole cohort. These results suggested that while the structure of the olfactory neural circuits and olfactory behavior in SCD subjects remained stable, there were significant changes observed in the FC of the olfactory neural circuits (specifically, the POC‐hippocampus‐frontal cortex neural circuits) during odor stimulation. These findings highlight the potential of FC alterations as sensitive imaging markers for identifying high‐risk individuals in the early stage of AD.
A systematic review of the economic burden of colorectal cancer
Authors: Jafari Abdosaleh , Hosseini Fatemeh A. , Jalali Faride S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the Western Hemisphere. It is the third most common cancer in men after prostate and lung cancers and the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer. According to some studies, the incidence and prevalence of colorectal cancer is increasing rapidly.Main BodyIn the present study, a systematic review of the articles related to the economic burden of colorectal cancer was carried out. The articles were taken from the following databases: SID, Medline/Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, NHS Economic Evaluation Database (EED), Econlit, and Google Scholar. Furthermore, the PICOTS model was used to select the inclusion criteria. The quality of the articles' methodologies was evaluated using Drummond's checklist. Then, some data were extracted from relevant articles, in terms of year, place of research, sample size, costing approach, type of measured costs, average direct medical costs, average direct nonmedical costs, and average indirect costs. The data from 37 studies dealing with the costs of patients with colorectal cancer were extracted. Most of the studies were conducted in the United States, and the social perspective was the most common perspective to measure the costs. According to the majority of the studies, direct medical costs were considered the greatest driver in causing the economic burden of colorectal cancer. The costs of hospitalization, medicine, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy accounted for the largest share of direct medical costs, and the costs of transportation, accommodation, and home care were the greatest share of direct nonmedical costs. Furthermore, the costs associated with disability, absenteeism, and premature death were identified as the main drivers of indirect costs.ConclusionThe findings of this study showed that colorectal cancer imposes great direct and indirect costs on families, the health system, and society. The best way to deal with this disease and, hence, to reduce its economic burden is to take comprehensive preventive measures and modify the lifestyle. In addition, health policymakers can limit the costs of this disease by expanding the screening program.
Toxicity of soil leaching liquor from coking plant in developmental zebrafish embryos/larvae model
Authors: Yang Guangchao , Liu Jining , Yang Qian , Gu Wen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe coking industry in China is the largest coke supplier in the world. Contaminated soil in industrial areas poses a serious threat to human and ecosystems. Most of the studies investigated the toxicity of soil from coking plant on soil microorganisms, while the toxic effects of soil leaching liquor on aquatics are limited. In this study, the composition of soil leaching liquor from a coking plant in Taiyuan (TY) was analyzed, and the developmental toxicity on zebrafish was evaluated. The results showed that a total of 91 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in the leaching liquor, followed by phenols and benzene series. The leaching liquor induced developmental impairment in zebrafish larvae, including delayed incubation, deficits in locomotor behavior, vascular and cardiac dysplasia, and impaired neurodevelopment. The results of metabolomics analysis showed that TY soil leaching liquor induced significant metabolic profile disturbances in zebrafish embryos/larvae. The developmental toxicity of the leaching liquor metabolic disorders may be associated with the leaching liquor‐induced abnormalities in zebrafish embryonic development. Metabolic pathways were identified by arginine and proline metabolism, phosphotransferase system, starch and sucrose metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, beta‐alanine metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism pathways.
Placental and umbilical cord anomalies detected by ultrasound as clinical risk factors of adverse perinatal outcome: Case series review of selected conditions. Part 1: Placental abnormalities
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Lituania Mario , Cecchi Alessandro , Carboni Elisa , Grisolia Gianpaolo , Bonasoni Maria Paola , Rizzo Giuseppe , Ruano Rodrigo , Araujo Júnior Edward , Werner Heron , Sepulveda Waldo ,   the: International Perinatology Research Group (IPRG)
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this extended review of multicenter case series is to describe the prenatal ultrasound features and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying placental and umbilical cord anomalies and their relationship with adverse perinatal outcome. From an educational point of view, the case series has been divided in three parts; Part 1 is dedicated to placental abnormalities.MethodsMulticenter case series of women undergoing routine and extended prenatal ultrasound and perinatal obstetric care.ResultsPrenatal ultrasound findings, perinatal care, and pathology documentation in cases of placental pathology are presented.ConclusionsOur case series review and that of the medical literature confirms the ethiopathogenetic role and involvement of placenta abnormalities in a wide variety of obstetrics diseases that may jeopardize the fetal well‐being. Some of these specific pathologies are strongly associated with a high risk of poor perinatal outcome.
Roseburia intestinalis‐derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate colitis by modulating intestinal barrier, microbiome, and inflammatory responses
Authors: Han Hwa Seung , Hwang Soonjae , Choi Seung Young , Hitayezu Emmanuel , Humphrey Mabwi A. , Enkhbayar Altai , Song Dae‐Geun , Kim Myungsuk , Park Jong‐Sung , Park Young‐Tae , Park Jin‐Soo , Cha Kwang Hyun , Choi Ki Young 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent gastrointestinal inflammation, lacking a precise aetiology and definitive cure. The gut microbiome is vital in preventing and treating IBD due to its various physiological functions. In the interplay between the gut microbiome and human health, extracellular vesicles secreted by gut bacteria (BEVs) are key mediators. Herein, we explore the role of Roseburia intestinalis (R)‐derived EVs (R‐EVs) as potent anti‐inflammatory mediators in treating dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis. R was selected as an optimal BEV producer for IBD treatment through ANCOM analysis. R‐EVs with a 76 nm diameter were isolated from R using a tangential flow filtration system. Orally administered R‐EVs effectively accumulated in inflamed colonic tissues and increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium on microbial changes, inhibiting colonic inflammation and prompting intestinal recovery. Due to the presence of Ile‐Pro‐Ile in the vesicular structure, R‐EVs reduced the DPP4 activity in inflamed colonic tissue and increased the active GLP‐1, thereby downregulating the NFκB and STAT3 via the PI3K pathway. Our results shed light on the impact of BEVs on intestinal recovery and gut microbiome alteration in treating IBD.
“Protection for the public, better use of resources and clearer lines”: Interviews with genetic counselors and their colleagues on the need for regulation in Quebec
Authors: Knoppers Terese , Haley Cassandra E. , Patrinos Dimitri , Zawati Ma'n H. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn Canada, the field of genetic counseling is rapidly evolving alongside the increasing integration of and demand for genetics in healthcare practice. In tandem, there is a growing body of literature advocating for the regulation of genetic counseling, as legal recognition can protect patients from potential risk of harm and provide counselors with support by legally defining their roles and duties. However, there is a need for empirical qualitative research regarding the risks and challenges associated with the current lack of regulation to help inform these discussions. This article presents findings from 23 interviews with genetic counselors and their professional healthcare colleagues in Quebec. Themes were identified via interdisciplinary social scientific and legal content analysis. Notably, all participants were in favor of regulation, for varied reasons. Participant responses highlighted legal, organizational, and structural risks and challenges associated with the lack of legal recognition. First, the lack of role clarity creates issues with genetic counselors' working relationships and public recognition. Second, the autonomy of practitioners varies significantly, raising risks of liability and clinical preparedness when counselors have high autonomy or perform controlled acts. Third, the lack of recognition ultimately exacerbates structural strains on delivery and access to care. Results indicate that legal recognition stands to foster safer and more efficient provision of genetics services by increasing public awareness, instituting title protection and accountability mechanisms, clarifying professional scope, and mitigating liability risks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to bring practicing stakeholders from across genetics services to the discussion on the lack of regulation of genetic counseling. Findings support the continued pursuit of legal recognition in Quebec and can inform similar initiatives in other jurisdictions.