bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum protein profiling reveals mechanism of activated thrombus formation in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mun Sora , Kim Jae Guk , Lee Soo Joo , Kim Doojin , Lee Jiyeong , Kang Hee-Gyoo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractStroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease in which blood flow to the brain is suddenly disrupted, causing damage to nerve cells. It involves complex and diverse pathophysiological processes and the treatment strategies are also diverse. The treatment for patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) is aimed at suppressing thrombus formation and migration. However, information regarding the protein networking involved in different thrombus formation pathways in patients with AF and stroke is insufficient. We performed protein profiling of patients with ischemic stroke with and without AF to investigate the mechanisms of thrombus formation and its pathophysiological association while providing helpful information for treating and managing patients with AF. These two groups were compared to identify the protein networks related to thrombus formation in AF. We observed that patients with ischemic stroke and AF had activated inflammatory responses induced by C-reactive protein, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1. In contrast, thyroid hormones were increased due to a decrease in transthyretin and retinol-binding protein 4 levels. The mechanism underlying enhanced cardiac activity, vasodilation, and the resulting thrombosis pathway were confirmed in AF. These findings will play an essential role in improving the prevention and treatment of AF-related stroke.
Folic acid-modified nanocrystalline cellulose for enhanced delivery and anti-cancer effects of crocin
Authors: Soltani Mozhgan , Farhadi Amin , Rajabi Sarah , Homayouni‐Tabrizi Masoud , Hussein Fatimah Sameer , Mohammadian Navid 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCrocin is a carotenoid compound in saffron with anti-cancer properties. However, its therapeutic application is limited by its low absorption, bioavailability, and stability, which can be overcome through nanocarrier delivery systems. This study used surface-modified Nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC) to deliver crocin to cancer cells. NCC modified with CTAB were loaded with crocin and then conjugated with folic acid (NCF-CR-NPs). The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using FTIR, XRD, DLS, and FESEM. The crystallinity index of NCC was 66.64%, higher than microcrystalline cellulose (61.4%). The crocin loading and encapsulation efficiency in NCF-CR-NPs were evaluated. Toxicity testing by MTT assay showed that NCF-CR-NPs had higher toxicity against various cancer cell lines, including colon cancer HT-29 cells (IC50 ~ 11.6 μg/ml), compared to free crocin. Fluorescent staining, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis confirmed that NCF-CR-NPs induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells by increasing p53 and caspase 8 expression. The antioxidant capacity of NCF-CR-NPs was also evaluated using ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. NCF-CR-NPs exhibited high free radical scavenging ability, with an IC50 of ~ 46.5 μg/ml for ABTS. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of NCF-CR-NPs to deliver crocin to cancer cells effectively. The NPs exhibited enhanced anti-cancer and antioxidant activities compared to free crocin, making them a promising nanocarrier system for crocin-based cancer therapy.
Albiflorenes A–L, polyoxygenated cyclohex(a/e)ne diterpene esters from Kaempferia albiflora
Authors: Booranaseensuntorn Pornpuk , Boonsombat Jutatip , Thongnest Sanit , Batsomboon Paratchata , Reuk-Ngam Nanthawan , Khlaychan Panita , Ruchisansakun Saroj , Kittakoop Prasat , Techasakul Supanna , Mahidol Chulabhorn , Ruchirawat Somsak 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTwelve polyoxygenated cyclohex(a/e)ne diterpene esters, named albiflorenes A–L (1–12), were isolated from the whole plants of Kaempferia albiflora, known as “Prao Mang Mum.” Their structures and relative stereochemistry were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, the comparison of experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) curves with the curves predicted by TDDFT was used to determine the absolute configurations. Albiflorenes contain polyoxygenated cyclohexane (or cyclohexene) derivatives, which are linked to either isopimarane or abietane diterpene acid units. The discovery marks the first occurrence of a conjugate between polyoxygenated cyclohexane (or cyclohexene) rings and diterpenoids. Among the isolates, albiflorene C specifically exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus with MIC and MBC values of 3.13 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively.
Pioneering advanced security solutions for reinforcement learning-based adaptive key rotation in Zigbee networks
Authors: Fang Xiaofen , Zheng Lihui , Fang Xiaohua , Chen Weidong , Fang Kunli , Yin Lingpeng , Zhu Han 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the rapidly evolving landscape of Internet of Things (IoT), Zigbee networks have emerged as a critical component for enabling wireless communication in a variety of applications. Despite their widespread adoption, Zigbee networks face significant security challenges, particularly in key management and network resilience against cyber attacks like distributed denial of service (DDoS). Traditional key rotation strategies often fall short in dynamically adapting to the ever-changing network conditions, leading to vulnerabilities in network security and efficiency. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel approach by implementing a reinforcement learning (RL) model for adaptive key rotation in Zigbee networks. We developed and tested this model against traditional periodic, anomaly detection-based, heuristic-based, and static key rotation methods in a simulated Zigbee network environment. Our comprehensive evaluation over a 30-day period focused on key performance metrics such as network efficiency, response to DDoS attacks, network resilience under various simulated attacks, latency, and packet loss in fluctuating traffic conditions. The results indicate that the RL model significantly outperforms traditional methods, demonstrating improved network efficiency, higher intrusion detection rates, faster response times, and superior resource management. The study underscores the potential of using artificial intelligence (AI)-driven, adaptive strategies for enhancing network security in IoT environments, paving the way for more robust and intelligent Zigbee network security solutions.
The chloroplast genomes of two medicinal species (Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. and Veronica undulata Wall.) and its comparative analysis with related Veronica species
Authors: Hai Yonglin , Qian Yan , Yang Meihua , Zhang Yue , Xu Huimei , Yang Yongcheng , Xia Conglong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractVeronica anagallis-aquatica L. and Veronica undulata Wall. are widely used ethnomedicinal plants in China. The two species have different clinical efficacies, while their extremely similar morphology and unclear interspecific relationship make it difficult to accurately identify them, leading to increased instances of mixed usage. This article reports on the complete chloroplast genomes sequence of these two species and their related Veronica species to conduct a comparative genomics analysis and phylogenetic construction. The results showed that the chloroplast (cp) genomes of Veronica exhibited typical circular quadripartite structures, with total lengths of 149,386 to 152,319 base pairs (bp), and GC content of 37.9 to 38.1%, and the number of genes was between 129–134. The total number of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in V. anagallis-aquatica and V. undulata is 37 and 36, while V. arvensis had the highest total number of 56, predominantly characterized by A/T single bases. The vast majority of long repeat sequence types are forward repeats and palindromic repeats. Selective Ka/Ks values showed that three genes were under positive selection. Sequence differences often occur in the non-coding regions of the large single-copy region (LSC) and small single-copy region (SSC), with the lowest sequence variation in the inverted repeat regions (IR). Seven highly variable regions (trnT-GGU-psbD, rps8-rpl16, trnQ-UUG, trnN-GUU-ndhF, petL, ycf3, and ycf1) were detected, which may be potential molecular markers for identifying V. anagallis-aquatica and V. undulata. The phylogenetic tree indicates that there is a close genetic relationship between the genera Veronica and Neopicrorhiza, and V. anagallis-aquatica and V. undulata are sister groups. The molecular clock analysis results indicate that the divergence time of Veronica may occur at ∼ 9.09 Ma, and the divergence time of these two species occurs at ∼ 0.48 Ma. It is speculated that climate change may be the cause of Veronica species diversity and promote the radiation of the genus. The chloroplast genome data of nine Veronica specie provides important insights into the characteristics and evolution of the chloroplast genome of this genus, as well as the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Veronica.
Pre-conceptional paternal diet impacts on offspring testosterone homoeostasis via epigenetic modulation of cyp19a1/aromatase activity
Authors: Pastore Arianna , Badolati Nadia , Manfrevola Francesco , Sagliocchi Serena , Laurenzi Valentina , Musto Giorgia , Porreca Veronica , Murolo Melania , Chioccarelli Teresa , Ciampaglia Roberto , Vellecco Valentina , Bucci Mariarosaria , Dentice Monica , Cobellis Gilda , Stornaiuolo Mariano 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPaternal eating habits, before and at conception, have a strong impact on offspring future metabolism. By sending specific epigenetic signals through spermatozoa, paternal nutrition influences developing embryos and increases offspring risk of developing dysmetabolism and cardiovascular diseases. Among the intergenerational consequences, paternal epigenetic messages affect embryo DNA methylation altering programmed gene expression. The identification of offspring genetic loci that are epigenetically altered by paternal stimuli is of pivotal interest for timely post-natal treatment of offspring metabolic defects. We here use a murine model to show that, cyp19a1/aromatase, a gene coding for the cytochrome converting testosterone into 17-β estradiol (both potent hormonal mediators of embryo development and metabolism), is an epigenetic transducer of paternal intergenerational inheritance. By affecting cyp19a1 methylation status and alternative splicing, paternal diet coordinates androgens’ metabolism in the progeny affecting it in a sexually dimorphic way and promoting hypoandrogenism, growth retardation and diabetes in male pups.
(006) GENITAL VASCULAR RESISTANCE AS A PREDICTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ACCORDING TO THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROGETTO CUORE IN PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: Maseroli E , Cipriani S , Cirillo M , Vignozzi L 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Gender disparity persists in the relationship between sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular risk (CV). It is well- known that erectile dysfunction (ED) represents a sign of subclinical CV pathology and that alterations in color Doppler penile ultrasound parameters serve as predictive markers of major CV events. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a complex condition that involves psychological and organic components, including the cardiovascular system, and affects the quality of life of over a third of women. However, despite its high prevalence, little attention has been paid to the vascular system responsible for blood supply to the female genital apparatus. In men, the hypothesis of penile artery size is a proposed pathophysiological mechanism to address the relationship between the onset of ED symptoms and cardiovascular disease. In recent years, it has also been highlighted that compromised genital vascularization may be a precursor to cardiovascular diseases in women.

Objective
Our ami gas to investigate the association between clitoral pulsatility index (PI), evaluated through Clitoral color Doppler ultrasound (CDU), and cardiometabolic risk factors in women referred to the Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.

Methods
In an observational study, a total of 361 women with a mean age of 45.1 (±13.3) years were evaluated. All patients underwent a thorough medical history assessment, an evaluation of anthropometric parameters, blood sampling for measurement of metabolic and hormonal parameters and a Doppler ultrasound of the clitoral cavernous artery to measure the PI.

Results
23.5% of the patients were overweight and 11.6% were obese, 16.3% had hypertension, and 18.6% had metabolic syndrome. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, the PI was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (ß=0.160, p=0.003) and waist circumference (ß=0.186, p=0.002). Furthermore, all women underwent cardiovascular risk assessment, as indicated by Progetto CUORE, assigning a score based on the presence of risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, age, gender) to estimate the absolute global cardiovascular risk over the next 10 years. We observed that, particularly in women of reproductive age, the clitoral PI was positively correlated with the Progetto CUORE score (r=0.136, p=0.035).

Conclusions
Clitoral PI increases in relation to several cardiometabolic risk factors. It is therefore relevant to understand how common cardiometabolic alterations may influence vascular function in the female genital tract and whether treating these alterations leads to an improvement in clitoral ultrasound indices, especially in young premenopausal women.

Disclosure
No.
(008) VAGINAL TESTOSTERONE ABSORBANCE AFTER SEXUAL AROUSAL
Authors: Clephane K , Lorenz T 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
While topical (exogenous) estrogens have been a focus of treatment for vaginal pain, recent work has shown testosterone may also revitalize weakened vaginal tissue. This research has documented that vaginal tissue responds well to exogenous testosterone treatment, supporting the hypothesis that endogenous testosterone may play a significant role in vaginal health. However, is it not known how the dynamics of vaginal arousal may contribute to activity of endogenous testosterone within the vaginal environment. Specifically, there is reason to expect that vaginal sexual arousal may activate mechanisms within the vaginal tissue that increase absorption of testosterone from the mucosal layer into the tissue beneath.

Objective
This project aims to characterize the influence of vaginal arousal on the presence of testosterone in the vaginal mucosa both pre- and post-arousal, and the within-person stability of these effects over time (3 weeks).

Methods
Analyses are drawn from an ongoing clinical trial in which participants complete 3 in-lab sessions spaced 3 weeks apart, in which they provided samples of cervicovaginal fluid before and after watching an erotic video (~7 minutes). For each fluid sample, participants insert a disposable menstrual cup, which sits loosely around the cervix, for about 10 minutes. After the post-arousal menstrual cup is removed, participants complete a survey battery that includes demographics and measures of sexual function and sexual desire.

Results
For the present analysis, data were drawn from 68 participants that had pre- and post-arousal samples for at least one study session. Preliminary tests revealed that, controlling for changes in fluid volume, testosterone in the vaginal mucosa decreased significantly between pre- and post-vaginal sexual arousal (F(1, 197.26) = 67.29, p &lt; .0001). Additional data regarding the association between absorption of testosterone during arousal and self-reported sexual functioning will also be presented.

Conclusions
Though further work is needed to confirm testosterone is absorbed into the surrounding vaginal tissue, our findings suggest a significant movement of testosterone out of cervicovaginal fluid during sexual arousal. Likely, the increased blood flow that accompanies vaginal sexual arousal allows for greater absorption of testosterone originally present in the mucosa into the vaginal tissue. If vaginal sexual arousal allows for greater testosterone absorption, it may provide a unique window of time during which application of exogenous testosterone may be most advantageous. Further, if endogenous testosterone absorption happens during masturbation or sexual activity, this may function over the longer term as a protective factor for tissue integrity.

Disclosure
No.
(010) ERECTION FUNCTION AND BOTHER IN TRANSGENDER WOMEN TAKING GENDER AFFIRMING HORMONE THERAPY AND AFTER PRE-VAGINOPLASTY BILATERAL ORCHIECTOMY
Authors: Sandhu S , Dadashian E , Mallavarapu S , Smith S , Garcia M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Gender-affirming (GA) hormone therapy (GAHT) and bilateral orchiectomy (GABO) significantly reduce gender dysphoria in transgender women (TW). A key source of dysphoria is penile erection. To date, no studies have described erectile function (EF) among TW taking GAHT and after GABO.

Objective
We aimed to: 1) Evaluate EF among two cohorts of TW before vaginoplasty: One taking only GAHT &gt;6mo., and the other taking GAHT & &gt;6 months post-GABO). 2) Determine the incidence of erections among these cohorts based on whether they do or do not use their penis for sexual activity 3) Query subjects’ interest for any treatment that could eliminate penile erections before vaginoplasty.

Methods
Pre-vaginoplasty TW on GAHT were surveyed anonymously. Participants were grouped based on GABO status. We queried EF using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire at three points (pre-GAHT, &gt;6 months after starting GAHT, and &gt;6 months post-GABO). We also queried the incidence of any erections in these three states, and, whether patients would undergo a procedure that promised to reduce or eliminate erections.

Results
31 participants participated (16 GAHT-only; 15 GAHT+GABO). Median age was 37 years (IQR 25.3 Y) and median years on GAHT was 5.5 years (IQR 7.3 Y). 21/31 (68%) reported they do not use their penis for sexual activity. TW on GAHT and GAHT+GABO showed reduced SHIM score, with lowest scores in TW who did not use their penis during sex (Figure 1a). Spontaneous erections were reduced for women who did not use their penis during sex in the GAHT+GABO group, vs. the GAHT-only group, but both groups reported high incidence of erections with arousal and during sex (b). Most TW showed a high interest in any procedure that promised to completely eliminate their erections (c).

Conclusions
Our study is the first to show that GAHT reduces SHIM scores, but the greatest reduction is in TW who do not use their penis for sexual activity. While GABO significantly reduces spontaneous erections vs. GAHT alone, neither appears to have much effect on erections with sexual arousal or sexual activity. The majority of women reported significant dislike & dysphoria from their erections, and would choose to undergo any reasonable procedure that completely eliminated, or at least reduced, their erections. Further study with larger numbers is warranted.

Disclosure
No.
(013) THE SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND SEXUAL FUNCTION AMONG HORMONE-NAIVE TRANSMASCULINE IN THAILAND
Authors: Suwan A , Chavaengkiat S , Vichuladda V , Panyakhamlerd K 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The field of transgender medicine has become rapidly recognized and evolving within the healthcare system. Consequences of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is one of the most interesting health issues among transmasculine individuals. Improving in quality of life among transgender is one of the most expected GAHT effects. Due to differences in biopsychosocial aspects in particular areas, data retrieved from specific population are valuable and need to be evaluated.

Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term effects of GAHT with intramuscular testosterone on the quality of life and sexual functions among hormone-naïve transmasculine individuals in Thailand. Recognizing testosterone therapy as a standard intervention for enhancing both physical and mental health in transmasculine individuals, this research provides valuable insights into its specific impacts on well-being and sexual health within the context of Thailand.

Methods
This prospective study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Thirty transmasculine participants who met the inclusion criteria were invited to complete two questionnaires: World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF THAI (WHO-QOL-BREF-THAI) and FSFI (female sexual function index). GAHT was given with testosterone enanthate 250 milligrams intramuscularly every four weeks. Both questionnaires were re-evaluated at 12 weeks after treatment. Comparison of WHO-QOL-BREF-THAI score and FSFI score before and after testosterone administration were analyzed using paired T-test.

Results
The baseline assessment revealed that only 50.0% of participants reported favorable quality of life, as per the WHO-QOL-BREF-THAI score. However, after 12 weeks of testosterone treatment, the participants’ quality of life significantly increased to 86.7%. The mean total score rose from 95.6 to 106.1 (P&lt;0.01), with improvement across all domains of the WHO-QOL-BREF-THAI scores. The most significant improvement occurred in the social relationship domain (P&lt;0.01). Among sexually active participants (56.7%), testosterone treatment demonstrated notable changes only in the desire domain of FSFI scores (P&lt;0.01). Overall, these results underscore the positive impact of testosterone treatment on both general quality of life and specific aspects of sexual function among transmasculine individuals within the short-term timeframe of this study.

Conclusions
rmone-naïve transmasculine individuals exhibited increased scores in overall domains of quality of life and the desire domain of sexual function after 12 weeks of testosterone treatment compared to baseline. A more extensive, longer-term investigation is warranted to elucidate these aspects among Thai transmasculine individuals.

Disclosure
No.