bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
KeratoEL: Detection of keratoconus using corneal parameters with ensemble learning
Authors: Paul Prodeep Kumar , Hossan Arif , Ullah Shah Muhammad A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsKeratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and bulges outwards into a cone shape. This irregular shape causes light to scatter in multiple directions as it enters the eye, leading to distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light and frequent changes in the prescription of glasses or contact lenses. Detecting keratoconus at an early stage is not only difficult but also challenging.MethodsThe study has proposed an ensemble‐based machine learning (ML) technique named KeratoEL to detect keratoconus at an early stage. The proposed KeratoEL model combines the basic machine learning algorithms, namely support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF) and artificial neural network (ANN). Before employing the ML model for keratoconus detection, the data set is first preprocessed manually by eliminating some features that don't contribute any significant value to predict the exact class. Moreover, the output features are labelled into three different classes and Extra Trees Classifier is used to find out the important features. Then, the features are sorted in descending order and top 45, 30, and 15 features are taken as input datasets against the output. Finally, different machine learning models are tested using the input datasets and performance metrics are measuredResultsThe proposed model obtains 98.0%, 98.9% and 99.8% accuracy for top 45, 30, and 15 number of features respectively. Overall experimental results show that the proposed ensemble model outperforms the existing machine learning models.ConclusionThe proposed KeratoEL model effectively detects keratoconus at an early stage by combining SVM, DT, RF, and ANN algorithms, demonstrating superior performance over existing models. These results underscore the potential of the KeratoEL ensemble approach in enhancing early detection and treatment of keratoconus.
Cultivating nonviolent relationships within global literacy education partnerships
Authors: Wilder Phillip , Cohen James , Deogracias Moses , Trudeau Andrea 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGlobal literacy partnerships between the Global North and Global South inevitably reside in the expansive waters of neoliberal reforms and coloniality. Global North and Global South literacy educators within global literacy partnerships must decolonize life through a liberatory praxis whereby they are convinced of the right and the duty to fight, to denounce and to announce. Nonviolent Communication, with its focus on speaking honestly and listening empathetically, provides a framework for cultivating the criticality, awareness, and connection needed to disrupt neoliberal reforms and coloniality within partnerships. Through NVC, the everyday dialogic experiences of Global North and Global South educators can generate a “power with” relationship instead of a “power over” relationship of oppression and coloniality.
TiO2 nanotubes with customized diameters for local drug delivery systems
Authors: Miyabe Sayaka , Fujinaga Yushi , Tsuchiya Hiroaki , Fujimoto Shinji 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, we evaluated the drug release behavior of diameter customized TiO2 nanotube layers fabricated by anodization with various applied voltage sequences: conventional constant applied potentials of 20 V (45 nm) and 60 V (80 nm), a 20/60 V stepped potential (50 nm [two‐diameter]), and a 20–60 V swept potential (49 nm [full‐tapered]) (values in parentheses indicate the inner tube diameter at the top part of nanotube layers). The structures of the 50 nm (two‐diameter) and 49 nm (full‐tapered) samples had smaller inner diameters at the top part of nanotube layers than that of the 80 nm sample, while the outer diameters at the bottom part of nanotube layers were almost the same size as the 80 nm sample. The 80 nm sample, which had the largest nanotube diameter and length, exhibited the greatest burst release, followed by the 50 nm (two‐diameter), 49 nm (full‐tapered), and 45 nm samples. The initial burst released drug amounts and release rates from the 50 nm (two‐diameter) and 49 nm (full‐tapered) samples were significantly suppressed by the smaller tube top. On the other hand, the largest proportion of the slow released drug amount to the total released drug amount was observed for the 50 nm (two‐diameter) sample. Thus, 50 nm (two‐diameter) achieved suppressed initial burst release and large storage capacity. Therefore, this study has, for the first time, applied TiO2 nanotube layers with modulated diameters (two‐diameter and full‐tapered) to the realization of a localized drug delivery system (LDDS) with customized drug release properties.
RhoB plays a central role in hyperosmolarity‐induced cell shrinkage in renal cells
Authors: Centrone Mariangela , Saltarella Ilaria , D'Agostino Mariagrazia , Ranieri Marianna , Venneri Maria , Di Mise Annarita , Simone Laura , Pisani Francesco , Valenti Giovanna , Frassanito Maria A. , Tamma Grazia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe small Rho GTP‐binding proteins are important cell morphology, function, and apoptosis regulators. Unlike other Rho proteins, RhoB can be subjected to either geranylgeranylation (RhoB‐GG) or farnesylation (RhoB‐F), making that the only target of the farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments revealed that RhoB is activated by hyperosmolarity. By contrast, hyposmolarity did not affect RhoB activity. Interestingly, treatment with farnesyltransferase inhibitor‐277 (FTI‐277) decreased the cell size. To evaluate whether RhoB plays a role in volume reduction, renal collecting duct MCD4 cells and Human Kidney, HK‐2 were transiently transfected with RhoB‐wildtype‐Enhance Green Fluorescence Protein (RhoB‐wt‐EGFP) and RhoB‐CLLL‐EGFP which cannot undergo farnesylation. A calcein‐based fluorescent assay revealed that hyperosmolarity caused a significant reduction of cell volume in mock and RhoB‐wt‐EGFP‐expressing cells. By contrast, cells treated with FTI‐277 or expressing the RhoB‐CLLL‐EGFP mutant did not properly respond to hyperosmolarity with respect to mock and RhoB‐wt‐EGFP expressing cells. These findings were further confirmed by 3D‐LSCM showing that RhoB‐CLLL‐EGFP cells displayed a significant reduction in cell size compared to cells expressing RhoB‐wt‐EGFP. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis revealed that RhoB‐CLLL‐EGFP expressing cells as well as FTI‐277‐treated cells showed a significant increase in cell apoptosis. Together, these data suggested that: (i) RhoB is sensitive to hyperosmolarity and not to hyposmolarity; (ii) inhibition of RhoB farnesylation associates with an increase in cell apoptosis, likely suggesting that RhoB might be a paramount player controlling apoptosis by interfering with responses to cell volume change.
USP18 promotes colon adenocarcinoma progression via targeting the ERK‐MNK signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Nan , Liu Xiaojian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide and is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related mortality. Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 18 (USP18) protein has been reported to exert different tumor‐related effects in distinct tumor types. Here, we initially investigated the expression and signaling pathways of USP18 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).MethodsA quantitative real‐time PCR was conducted to evaluate the mRNA level of USP18 in cultured cells. Immunohistochemical staining was used to explore the protein expression of USP18 in clinical COAD samples. Specific knockdown was achieved by transient transfection of small interfering RNAs into SW480 and HT29 cells using Lipo3000. Cell conting kit‐8 assay, transwell assay and matrigel‐transwell assays were conducted to evaluate proliferation, migration and invasion capacities, respectively. Western blotting was performed to analyze downstream signaling pathways. A chi‐squared test and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the clinical data. Xenografts from mice model were assessed to validate the in vitro findings.ResultsHigher USP18 level was identified in COAD tissues and was positively correlated with advanced tumor stage. High USP18 protein expression indicated poorer prognosis of COAD patients. Silencing USP18 suppressed COAD cell proliferation and invasion via destabilizing extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) protein and suppressing ERK downstream pathways. Simultaneously silencing interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) with USP18 can partially rescue the tumor cell viability, indicating its involvement in USP18 signaling. The oncogenic effects of USP18 were also confirmed in mice models.ConclusionsUSP18 plays oncogenic effects in colon adenocarcinoma via ISG15‐ERK pathways. High USP18 expression indicates poor clinical outcomes for colon adenocarcinoma patients.
Single‐cell sequencing reveals the correlation of aggrephagy signaling and multiple myeloma immune microenvironment composition
Authors: Wang Xin , Feng Yu , Wang Fangfang , Lin Zhimei , Huang Jingcao , Li Qian , Luo Hongmei , Liu Xiang , Zhai Xinyu , Gao Qianwen , Li Linfeng , Zhang Yue , Wen Jingjing , Zhang Li , Niu Ting , Zheng Yuhuan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAggrephagy, a type of autophagy, degrades the aggregation of misfolded protein in cells. However, the role of aggrephagy in multiple myeloma (MM) has not been fully demonstrated. In this study, we first investigated the correlation between aggrephagy signaling, MM immune microenvironment composition and disease prognosis. Single‐cell RNA‐seq data, including the expression profiles of 12,187 single cells from seven MM bone marrow (BM) and seven healthy BM samples, were analyzed by non‐negative matrix factorization for 44 aggrephagy‐related genes. Bulk RNA‐seq cohorts from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to evaluate the prognostic value of aggrephagy‐related immune cell subtypes and predict immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapeutic response in MM. Compared with healthy BM, MM BM exhibited different patterns of aggrephagy‐related gene expression. In MM BM, macrophages, CD8+ T cells, B cells and natural killer cells could be grouped into four to nine aggrephagy‐related subclusters. The signature of aggrephagy signaling molecule expression in the immune cells correlates with the patient's prognosis. Our investigation provides a novel view of aggrephagy signaling in MM tumor microenvironment cells, which might be a prognostic indicator and potential target for MM treatment.
Decoding dysregulated genes, molecular pathways and microRNAs involved in cervical cancer
Authors: Khokhar Manoj , Kartha Purnima , Hassan Sana , Pandey Rajan Kumar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to identify dysregulated genes, molecular pathways, and regulatory mechanisms in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated cervical cancers. We have investigated the disease‐associated genes along with the Gene Ontology, survival prognosis, transcription factors and the microRNA (miRNA) that are involved in cervical carcinogenesis, enabling a deeper comprehension of cervical cancer linked to HPV.MethodsWe used 10 publicly accessible Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to examine the patterns of gene expression in cervical cancer. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which showed a clear distinction between cervical cancer and healthy tissue samples, were analyzed using the GEO2R tool. Additional bioinformatic techniques were used to carry out pathway analysis and functional enrichment, as well as to analyze the connection between altered gene expression and HPV infection.ResultsIn total, 48 DEGs were identified to be differentially expressed in cervical cancer tissues in comparison to healthy tissues. Among DEGs, CCND1, CCNA2 and SPP1 were the key dysregulated genes involved in HPV‐associated cervical cancer. The five common miRNAs that were identified against these genes are miR‐7‐5p, miR‐16‐5p, miR‐124‐3p, miR‐10b‐5p and miR‐27a‐3p. The hub‐DEGs targeted by miRNA hsa‐miR‐27a‐3p are controlled by the common transcription factor SP1.ConclusionsThe present study has identified DEGs involved in HPV‐associated cervical cancer progression and the various molecular pathways and transcription factors regulating them. These findings have led to a better understanding of cervical cancer resulting in the development and identification of possible therapeutic and intervention targets, respectively.
Leveraging human–mouse studies to advance the genetics of hearing impairment in Africa
Authors: James Kili , Oluwole Oluwafemi G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMouse models are used extensively to understand human pathobiology and mechanistic functions of disease‐associated loci. However, in this review, we investigate the potential of using genetic mouse models to identify genetic markers that can disrupt hearing thresholds in mice and then target the hearing‐enriched orthologues and loci in humans. Currently, little is known about the real prevalence of genes that cause hearing impairment (HI) in Africa. Pre‐screening mouse cell lines to identify orthologues of interest has the potential to improve the genetic diagnosis for HI in Africa to a significant percentage, for example, 10–20%. Furthermore, the functionality of a candidate gene derived from mouse screening with heterogeneous genetic backgrounds and multi‐omic approaches can shed light on the molecular, genetic heterogeneity and plausible mode of inheritance of a gene in hearing‐impaired individuals especially in the absence of large families to investigate.
SIMPLE procedures: Survey of Internal Medicine Providers' Limitations and Experiences with procedures and medical procedure services
Authors: Cool Joséphine A. , Lai Andrew R. , Kramer Henry , Baduashvili Amiran 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn response to a decline in bedside procedures performed by hospitalists, some hospital medicine groups have created medical procedure services (MPSs) concentrating procedures under the expertise of trained hospitalist‐proceduralists.ObjectivesTo characterize the structure, breadth, and heterogeneity of academic medical center MPSs, as well as compare the procedural landscape for groups with and without an MPS.MethodsThe Survey of Internal Medicine Providers' Limitations and Experiences with Procedures and MPSs, is a cross‐sectional study, conducted in the United States and Canada through a web‐based survey administered from October 2022 to March 2023. We used convenience and snowball sampling to identify eligible study participants. The survey explored presence of MPS, procedure volumes, patient safety, and educational practices. For MPSs, we explored onboarding, staffing, skill maintenancy, funding, and barriers to growth.ResultsForty institutions (response rate 97.5%), represented by members of the Procedural Research and Innovation for Medical Educators (PRIME) consortium participated in the survey. MPSs were found in 75% of the surveyed institutions. Most MPSs (97%) involved trainees and were staffed by internists (100%) who often had additional clinical duties (70%). The majority (83%) of MPSs used checklists and procedural safety guidelines, but only 53% had a standardized process for tracking complications. There was significant variability in determining procedural competency and supervising trainees. Groups with an MPS reported higher procedure volume compared to those without.ConclusionsMPSs were highly prevalent among the participating institutions, offered a broad array of bedside procedures, and often included trainees. There was a high variability in funding models, procedure volumes, patient safety practices, and skill maintenance requirements.
Different species of Chiroptera: Immune cells and molecules
Authors: Liu Qinlu , Liu Zegang , Wang Huifang , Yao Xinsheng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe distinct composition and immune response characteristics of bats’ innate and adaptive immune systems, which enable them to serve as host of numerous serious zoonotic viruses without falling ill, differ substantially from those of other mammals, it have garnered significant attention. In this article, we offer a systematic review of the names, attributes, and functions of innate and adaptive immune cells & molecules across different bat species. This includes descriptions of the differences shown by research between 71 bat species in 10 families, as well as comparisons between bats and other mammals. Studies of the immune cells & molecules of different bat species are necessary to understand the unique antiviral immunity of bats. By providing comprehensive information on these unique immune responses, it is hoped that new insights will be provided for the study of co‐evolutionary dynamics between viruses and the bat immune system, as well as human antiviral immunity.
Relation between the internal anal sphincter and defecation disorders in patients with anorectal malformations
Authors: den Hollander Venla E. C. , Trzpis Monika , Broens Paul M. A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate associations between the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), type of congenital anorectal malformations (ARMs), type of operation that patients with ARM had undergone, and objectively measured fecal incontinence and defecation problems.MethodsWe retrospectively included 69 pediatric patients with ARM. All underwent anorectal function tests at the University Medical Center of Groningen during the last 10 years. We assessed anorectal physiology using the Rome IV criteria and anorectal function tests.ResultsWe found the reflex in 67% of patients and all types of ARMs. All patients who had not been operated on, and those who had undergone less extensive surgery possessed the reflex. In contrast, patients who underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, 44% possessed it. We found no difference between mean rectal volumes in patients with and without the reflex (251  vs. 325 mL, respectively, p = 0.266). We found that over time, patients without the reflex seemed to develop significantly higher rectal volumes than patients who had it. We did not find a significant difference between the reflex and fecal incontinence; however, it seems that the absence of the reflex, resting anal sphincter pressure, and fecal incontinence are related.ConclusionThe RAIR seems present in patients with ARM irrespective of their malformation type. Corrective surgery, however, may impair this reflex. Seemingly, its absence results in constipation with enlarged rectal volumes and fecal incontinence. Every effort should be made to preserve this reflex during surgery and to use extensive surgical procedures as sparingly as possible.
One‐step enrichment and stepwise elution of glycoproteins and phosphoproteins by hydrophilic Ti4+‐immobilized dendrimer poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microparticles functionalized with polyethylenimine and phytic acid
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Simin , Wang Xinyan , Li Xinyue , Jiang Minzhi , Chen Shiying , Hu Zaiqi , Li Haitian , Xu Yuzhen , Jin Lei 
Published: July 2024

Glycosylation and phosphorylation rank as paramount post‐translational modifications, and their analysis heavily relies on enrichment techniques. In this work, a facile approach was developed for the one‐step simultaneous enrichment and stepwise elution of glycoproteins and phosphoproteins. The core of this approach was the application of the novel titanium (IV) ion immobilized poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microparticles functionalized with dendrimer polyethylenimine and phytic acid. The microparticles possessed dual enrichment capabilities due to their abundant titanium ions and hydroxyl groups on the surface. They demonstrate rapid adsorption equilibrium (within 30 min) and exceptional adsorption capacity for β‐casein (1107.7 mg/g) and horseradish peroxidase (438.6 mg/g), surpassing that of bovine serum albumin (91.7 mg/g). Furthermore, sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was conducted to validate the enrichment capability. Experimental results across various biological samples, including standard protein mixtures, non‐fat milk, and human serum, demonstrated the remarkable ability of these microparticles to enrich low‐abundance glycoproteins and phosphoproteins from biological samples.
Adverse childhood experiences, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and compulsive behaviors among adults in substance use treatment: A latent class analysis
Authors: Basting Evan J. , Medenblik Alyssa M. , Eberwein Julie D. , Garner Alisa R. , Shorey Ryan C. , Stuart Gregory L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent and associated with common problems among adults with substance use disorders (SUDs), including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and compulsive behaviors. Most studies consider cumulative ACEs when examining their associations with health and behavioral outcomes. We tested whether patterns of ACEs related to SUD symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and compulsive behaviors among adults receiving treatment for substance use. We identified latent classes of ACEs using medical record data from 721 patients in residential SUD treatment and conducted Wald chi‐square tests to assess whether these latent classes differed in alcohol and drug use disorder symptoms, PTSD symptoms, compulsive sexual behavior, and compulsive gambling. We identified four latent classes: high ACEs (15.1%), maltreatment (12.4%), household problems (22.3%), and low ACEs (49.1%). There were significant differences across latent classes in drug use disorder symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and compulsive sexual behavior, χ2(1, N = 721) = 37.42–107.07, ps < .001. Participants in the high ACEs and household problems classes had more drug use disorder symptoms than those in the low ACEs class. Relative to all other classes, individuals in the low ACEs class had the lowest PTSD symptoms and those in the high ACEs class had the highest PTSD symptoms. Findings indicate that adults with SUDs who have more ACEs have the highest risk for PTSD symptoms and compulsive sexual behavior. Screening for ACEs while considering ACE patterns and frequency may benefit treatment planning for SUD patients with comorbid concerns such as PTSD symptoms and compulsive sexual behavior.