bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TASL mediates keratinocyte differentiation by regulating intracellular calcium levels and lysosomal function
Authors: Park Ji Yeong , Kim Hyeng-Soo , Hyung Hyejin , Jang Soyeon , Ko Jiwon , Lee Jin Hong , Kim Si-Yong , Park Song , Yi Junkoo , Park Sijun , Lim Su-Geun , Kim Seonggon , Lee Sanggyu , Kim Myoung Ok , Jang Soyoung , Ryoo Zae Young 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMaintaining epidermal homeostasis relies on a tightly organized process of proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. While past studies have primarily focused on calcium regulation in keratinocyte differentiation, recent research has shed light on the crucial role of lysosome dysfunction in this process. TLR adaptor interacting with SLC15A4 on the lysosome (TASL) plays a role in regulating pH within the endo-lysosome. However, the specific role of TASL in keratinocyte differentiation and its potential impact on proliferation remains elusive. In our study, we discovered that TASL deficiency hinders the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest. Also, TASL deficiency disrupts proper differentiation process in TASL knockout human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) by affecting lysosomal function. Additionally, our research into calcium-induced differentiation showed that TASL deficiency affects calcium modulation, which is essential for keratinocyte regulation. These findings unveil a novel role of TASL in the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, providing new insights into the intricate regulatory mechanisms of keratinocyte biology.
Transcriptomic analysis-guided assessment of precision-cut tumor slices (PCTS) as an ex-vivo tool in cancer research
Authors: Trivedi Sumita , Tilsed Caitlin , Liousia Maria , Brody Robert M. , Rajasekaran Karthik , Singhal Sunil , Albelda Steven M. , Klampatsa Astero 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine dynamically evolving, there is greater need for pre-clinical models that can better replicate the intact tumor and its complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Precision-cut tumor slices (PCTS) have recently emerged as an ex vivo human tumor model, offering the opportunity to study individual patient responses to targeted therapies, including immunotherapies. However, little is known about the physiologic status of PCTS and how culture conditions alter gene expression. In this study, we generated PCTS from head and neck cancers (HNC) and mesothelioma tumors (Meso) and undertook transcriptomic analyses to understand the changes that occur in the timeframe between PCTS generation and up to 72 h (hrs) in culture. Our findings showed major changes occurring during the first 24 h culture period of PCTS, involving genes related to wound healing, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, and IFNγ-dependent pathways in both tumor types, as well as tumor-specific changes. Collectively, our data provides an insight into PCTS physiology, which should be taken into consideration when designing PCTS studies, especially in the context of immunology and immunotherapy.
Introducing the glycyrrhizic acid and glabridin rich genotypes from the cultivated Iranian licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) populations to exploit in production systems
Authors: Esmaeili Hassan , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein , Karami Akbar , Nejad Ebrahimi Samad 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCurrently, the stable, uniform, and highly efficient production of raw materials for pharmaceutical companies has received special attention. To meet these criteria and reduce harvesting pressure on the natural habitats of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), cultivation of this valuable plant is inevitable. In the present study, to introduce the glycyrrhizic acid (GA)- and glabridin-rich genotypes from cultivated Iranian licorice, forty genotypes from eight high-potential wild populations were cultivated and evaluated under the same environmental conditions. The GA content varied from 5.00 ± 0.04 mg/g DW (TF2 genotype) to 23.13 ± 0.02 mg/g DW (I5 genotype). The highest and lowest glabridin content were found in the K2 (0.72 ± 0.021 mg/g DW) and M5 (0.02 ± 0.002 mg/g DW) genotypes, respectively. The rutin content in the leaves of the studied genotypes varied from 1.27 ± 0.02 mg/g DW in E4 to 3.24 ± 0.02 mg/g DW in BO5 genotypes. The genotypes from the Ilam population were characterized by higher vegetative growth and yield traits in the aerial parts and roots. The average root dry yield was 2.44 tons per hectare (t/ha) among the studied genotypes and a genotype from Ilam (I5) yielded the maximum value (3.08 ± 0.034 t/ha). The highest coefficient of variation among the genotypes was observed for leaf width (CV = 34.9%). The GA and glabridin-rich genotypes introduced in this study can be used in the future breeding programs to release new bred licorice cultivars.
Distinct cytokine profiles in late pregnancy in Ugandan people with HIV
Authors: Bebell Lisa M. , Ngonzi Joseph , Butler Audrey , Kumbakumba Elias , Adong Julian , Loos Carolin , Boatin Adeline A. , Bassett Ingrid V. , Siedner Mark J. , Williams Paige L. , Mattie Heather , Hedt-Gauthier Bethany , Correia Katharine F. B. , Lake Erin , Alter Galit 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDuring pregnancy, multiple immune regulatory mechanisms establish an immune-tolerant environment for the allogeneic fetus, including cellular signals called cytokines that modify immune responses. However, the impact of maternal HIV infection on these responses is incompletely characterized. We analyzed paired maternal and umbilical cord plasma collected during labor from 147 people with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy and 142 HIV-uninfected comparators. Though cytokine concentrations were overall similar between groups, using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis we identified distinct cytokine profiles in each group, driven by higher IL-5 and lower IL-8 and MIP-1α levels in pregnant people with HIV and higher RANTES and E-selectin in HIV-unexposed umbilical cord plasma (P-value < 0.01). Furthermore, maternal RANTES, SDF-α, gro $$\mathrm{\alpha }$$
α
-KC, IL-6, and IP-10 levels differed significantly by HIV serostatus (P < 0.01). Although global maternal and umbilical cord cytokine profiles differed significantly (P < 0.01), umbilical cord plasma profiles were similar by maternal HIV serostatus. We demonstrate that HIV infection is associated with a distinct maternal plasma cytokine profile which is not transferred across the placenta, indicating a placental role in coordinating local inflammatory response. Furthermore, maternal cytokine profiles in people with HIV suggest an incomplete shift from Th2 to Th1 immune phenotype at the end of pregnancy.
Serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in patients with CHB and the occurrence of HBV related cirrhosis and HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cai Xin , Peng Shi , Xiao Xuan , Huang Zhaoyang , Zhang Pingan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractClinical research has suggested that chronic HBV infection exerts a certain effect on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease by regulating cholesterol metabolism in liver cells. High serum apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/ApoA1) ratio plays a certain role in the above regulation, and it serves as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, whether the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is correlated with chronic HBV infection and its disease progression remains unclear. In accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all 378 participants administrated at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from March 2021 to March 2022, fell into Healthy Control (HC) group (50 participants), Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group (107 patients), liver cirrhosis (LC) group (64 patients), chronic hepatitis B (CHB) group (62 patients), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) group (46 patients) and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) group (49 patients). Serum ApoA1 and ApoB concentrations were measured at admission, and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was determined. The levels of laboratory parameters in the respective group were compared and ApoB/ApoA1 ratios in HCC patients and LC patients with different severity were further analyzed. ROC curves were plotted to analyze the early diagnostic ability of ApoB/ApoA1 ratio for HBV-associated HCC. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to explore the correlation between ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and LC and HCC risk. A comparison was drawn in terms of ApoB/ApoA1 ratio between the groups, and the result was expressed in descending sequence: HEV group > CHB group > LC group > HCC group > CHC group > HC group, early-stage HCC < middle-stage HCC < advanced-stage HCC, Class A LC < Class B LC < Class C LC. Serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio combined diagnosis with AFP exhibited the capability of increasing the detection efficacy and specificity of AFP for HCC and AFP-negative HCC. The incidence of LC and HCC in the respective logistic regression model showed a negative correlation with the serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in CHB patients (P < 0.05). After all confounding factors covered in this study were regulated, the result of the restricted cubic spline analysis suggested that in a certain range, serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio showed an inverse correlation with the prevalence of LC or HCC in CHB patients. Serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in CHB patients may be conducive to identifying high-risk patients for HCC or LC, such that LC and HCC can be early diagnosed and treated.
Experimental study on mechanical and hydraulic properties of xanthan gum improved low liquid limit silty soil
Authors: Zhang Xutao , Cao Wenyue , Zhang Xiao 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe low liquid limit silty soil in the North China plain area is generally unsuitable for direct use as roadbed and slope soil. In order to improve the performance of low liquid limit silty soil, xanthan gum was used as an improver. Through a series of tests, the improvement effect of xanthan gum on low liquid limit silty soil was studied. The test results showed that Xanthan gum as an improver could significantly improve the unconfined compressive strength of silty soil. With the increase in dosage and curing age, the unconfined compressive strength of improved silty soil continued to improve and eventually tended to stabilize. The optimal dosage and curing period were 2% and 7 days, respectively. In addition, Xanthan gum could greatly improve the permeability and disintegration of low liquid limit silty soil. The permeability coefficient of improved silty soil with a content of 0.75% Xanthan gum and a 7-day curing period was 4.73 × 10−4 m·s−1, which was only 1.10% of that of plain silty soil at the same curing period. After immersion in water for 12 h, the soil only experienced slight disintegration. The scanning electron microscope image showed that the gel generated by the hydration reaction of Xanthan gum could improve the compactness and integrity of the soil by filling the voids, thus significantly improving the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the low liquid limit silty soil.
Clinical usefulness of NT-proBNP as a prognostic factor for septic shock patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Choi Yunhyung , Lee Jae Hee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPlasma N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level is primarily used as a biomarker for left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. It is influenced by various conditions, such as myocardial strain and situations affecting the clearance of NT-proBNP, including sepsis and shock. In this study, we investigated the appropriateness of NT-proBNP as a prognostic factor for septic shock. Patients with septic shock who visited the emergency department of the Ewha Womans’ University Mokdong Hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, were classified into the survival group (those who survived in the hospital and were discharged) and the death group (those who died in the hospital). The effectiveness of NT-proBNP, lactate, and blood urea nitrogen as predictive factors of in-hospital mortality was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. The AUROC curve was 0.678 and 0.648 for lactate and NT-proBNP, respectively, with lactate showing the highest value. However, there was no significant difference between lactate and NT-proBNP levels in the comparison of their AUROC curve (p = 0.6278). NT-proBNP could be a useful predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock who present to the emergency department.
Hydraulic property variations with depth in a loess mudstone landslide
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Gaochao , Liu Qingpeng , Su Xing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn areas where loess is distributed, landslides represent a significant geohazard with severe implications. Among these events, loess-mudstone landslides are particularly prevalent, posing substantial risks to the safety and property of local residents, and moisture plays a pivotal role as a key factor in causing these disasters. In this study, the hydraulic properties of the soils along the longitudinal section of an ongoing loess-mudstone landslide are investigated through the variation of soil water characteristic curves, which are subsequently fitted by utilizing van Genuchten model. Moreover, a comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted on the loess, mudstone, and loess-mudstone mixtures to facilitate analysis, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, particle size distribution (PSD) analysis, along with fundamental geotechnical tests for parameter determination. It is found that mudstone and loess have distinct SWCC distribution. The SWCC of loess at various depths exhibits a similar distribution pattern due to the occurrence of landslide. The SWCC distribution of loess-mudstone mixture displays a transitional trend between the SWCC of mudstone and that of loess, and the water retention capacity increases as the mudstone content increases. The experimental findings have demonstrated notable agreement between each other and exhibited a satisfactory level of concurrence with the observed phenomena in geological surveys.
Unveiling the potential of A. fabrum and γ-aminobutyric acid for mitigation of nickel toxicity in fenugreek
Authors: Danish Subhan , Hussain Ghulam Sabir , Hussain Muhammad Baqir , Elgorban Abdallah M. , Datta Rahul 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNickel (Ni) is a heavy metal that adversely affects the growth of different crops by inducing oxidative stress and nutrient imbalance. The role of rhizobacteria (RB) is vital to resolve this issue. They can promote root growth and facilitate the uptake of water and nutrients, resulting in better crop growth. On the other hand, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can maintain the osmotic balance and scavenge the reactive oxygen species under stress conditions. However, the combined effect of GABA and RB has not been thoroughly explored to alleviate Ni toxicity, especially in fenugreek plants. Therefore, in the current pot study, four treatments, i.e., control, A. fabrum (RB), 0.40 mM GABA, and 0.40 mM GABA + RB, were applied under 0Ni and 80 mg Ni/kg soil (80Ni) stress. Results showed that RB + 0.40 mM GABA caused significant improvements in shoot length (~ 13%), shoot fresh weight (~ 47%), shoot dry weight (~ 47%), root length (~ 13%), root fresh weight (~ 60%), and root dry weight (~ 15%) over control under 80 Ni toxicity. A significant enhancement in total chlorophyll (~ 14%), photosynthetic rate (~ 17%), stomatal CO2 concentration (~ 19%), leaves and roots N (~ 10 and ~ 37%), P (~ 18 and ~ 7%) and K (~ 11 and ~ 30%) concentrations, while a decrease in Ni (~ 83 and ~ 49%) concentration also confirmed the effectiveness of RB + 0.40 mM GABA than control under 80Ni. In conclusion, fabrum + 0.40 mM GABA can potentially alleviate the Ni toxicity in fenugreek plants. The implications of these findings extend to agricultural practices, environmental remediation efforts, nutritional security, and ecological impact. Further research is recommended to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, assess long-term effects, and determine the practical feasibility of using A. fabrum + 0.40GABA to improve growth in different crops under Ni toxicity.
Spatial health risk assessments of nickel in the groundwater sources of a mining-impacted area
Authors: Salehi Fatemeh , Esmaeilbeigi Milad , Kazemi Ali , Sharafi Saeed , Sahebi Zahra , Asl Ali Ghanavati 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMining activities have increased the potential risks of metal pollution to the groundwater resources in arid areas across the globe. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the health risk associated with nickel (Ni) in the groundwater sources of a mining-impacted area, South Khorasan, Eastern Iran. A total of 110 stations were included in the study, comprising 62 wells, 40 qanats, and 8 springs in summer, 2020. Initially, the collected samples were tested for temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC). Subsequently, the samples were filtered and treated with nitric acid (HNO3) to measure the concentration of Ni using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hazard quotient (HQ) and non-carcinogenic risk assessments were employed to evaluate the potential risks of Ni to the inhabitants. The findings revealed that the concentration of Ni ranged from 0.02 to 132.39 μg l−1, and only two stations exhibited Ni concentrations above the WHO standards (20 μg l−1). The results demonstrated that 98.21% of the sampled locations had HQ values below one, indicating negligible risk, while 1.78% of the stations exhibited HQ values of one or higher, representing a high non-carcinogenic risk for water consumers. Overall, the concentration of nickel in the groundwater of South Khorasan exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) limit solely in the Halvan station, posing a non-carcinogenic risk for the residents in that area, and therefore, additional efforts should be made to provide healthier groundwater to consumers in this region.
Redox balance and immunity of piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge after treatment with hemp or fish oil, and vitamin E
Authors: Madsen Pernille A. , Jensen Søren K. , Lauridsen Charlotte 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acid composition and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative status and immune responses in weanling piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge. Suckling piglets (n = 24) were randomly selected from two litters for an oral supplementation (1 mL/day) with fish oil or hemp oil and vitamin E supplementation (60 mg natural vitamin E/mL oil) from day 10 to 28 of age. At day 29 and 30 of age, each piglet was orally inoculated with 6.7 × 108 and 3.96 × 108 CFU of F4 and F18 E. coli, respectively. Blood was sampled from all piglets on day 28 before E. coli challenge and on day 35 of age to investigate immunological and oxidative stress markers in plasma. One week after weaning and exposure to E. coli, a general reduction in the α-tocopherol concentration and activity of GPX1 was obtained. Vitamin E supplementation lowered the extent of lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidative status and immune responses after E. coli challenge. Hemp oil had the greatest effect on antioxidant enzyme activity. Provision of hemp oil and vitamin E to suckling piglets may reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea.
Alternative 3′UTR expression induced by T cell activation is regulated in a temporal and signal dependent manner
Authors: Blake Davia , Gazzara Matthew R. , Breuer Isabel , Ferretti Max , Lynch Kristen W. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe length of 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTR) is highly regulated during many transitions in cell state, including T cell activation, through the process of alternative polyadenylation (APA). However, the regulatory mechanisms and functional consequences of APA remain largely unexplored. Here we present a detailed analysis of the temporal and condition-specific regulation of APA following activation of primary human CD4+ T cells. We find that global APA changes are regulated temporally and CD28 costimulatory signals enhance a subset of these changes. Most APA changes upon T cell activation involve 3′UTR shortening, although a set of genes enriched for function in the mTOR pathway exhibit 3′UTR lengthening. While upregulation of the core polyadenylation machinery likely induces 3′UTR shortening following prolonged T cell stimulation; a significant program of APA changes occur prior to cellular proliferation or upregulation of the APA machinery. Motif analysis suggests that at least a subset of these early changes in APA are driven by upregulation of RBM3, an RNA-binding protein which competes with the APA machinery for binding. Together this work expands our understanding of the impact and mechanisms of APA in response to T cell activation and suggests new mechanisms by which APA may be regulated.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of artificial intelligence versus clinicians for skin cancer diagnosis
Authors: Salinas Maria Paz , Sepúlveda Javiera , Hidalgo Leonel , Peirano Dominga , Morel Macarena , Uribe Pablo , Rotemberg Veronica , Briones Juan , Mery Domingo , Navarrete-Dechent Cristian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractScientific research of artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology has increased exponentially. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the performance of AI algorithms for skin cancer classification in comparison to clinicians with different levels of expertise. Based on PRISMA guidelines, 3 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were screened for relevant articles up to August 2022. The quality of the studies was assessed using QUADAS-2. A meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity was performed for the accuracy of AI and clinicians. Fifty-three studies were included in the systematic review, and 19 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Considering all studies and all subgroups of clinicians, we found a sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) of 87.0% and 77.1% for AI algorithms, respectively, and a Sn of 79.78% and Sp of 73.6% for all clinicians (overall); differences were statistically significant for both Sn and Sp. The difference between AI performance (Sn 92.5%, Sp 66.5%) vs. generalists (Sn 64.6%, Sp 72.8%), was greater, when compared with expert clinicians. Performance between AI algorithms (Sn 86.3%, Sp 78.4%) vs expert dermatologists (Sn 84.2%, Sp 74.4%) was clinically comparable. Limitations of AI algorithms in clinical practice should be considered, and future studies should focus on real-world settings, and towards AI-assistance.
Shortcut learning in medical AI hinders generalization: method for estimating AI model generalization without external data
Authors: Ong Ly Cathy , Unnikrishnan Balagopal , Tadic Tony , Patel Tirth , Duhamel Joe , Kandel Sonja , Moayedi Yasbanoo , Brudno Michael , Hope Andrew , Ross Heather , McIntosh Chris 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHealthcare datasets are becoming larger and more complex, necessitating the development of accurate and generalizable AI models for medical applications. Unstructured datasets, including medical imaging, electrocardiograms, and natural language data, are gaining attention with advancements in deep convolutional neural networks and large language models. However, estimating the generalizability of these models to new healthcare settings without extensive validation on external data remains challenging. In experiments across 13 datasets including X-rays, CTs, ECGs, clinical discharge summaries, and lung auscultation data, our results demonstrate that model performance is frequently overestimated by up to 20% on average due to shortcut learning of hidden data acquisition biases (DAB). Shortcut learning refers to a phenomenon in which an AI model learns to solve a task based on spurious correlations present in the data as opposed to features directly related to the task itself. We propose an open source, bias-corrected external accuracy estimate, PEst, that better estimates external accuracy to within 4% on average by measuring and calibrating for DAB-induced shortcut learning.