bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B cell depletion for autoimmune liver diseases: A retrospective review of indications and outcomes
Authors: Costaguta Guillermo A. , Álvarez Fernando 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesPediatric autoimmune hepatitis has an incidence of 0.23/100.000 children in North America, with a bleak prognosis if left untreated. Steroids are the therapy of choice but are not always effective. B cell depletion is a safe and effective therapy that allows for a steroid‐sparing protocol, especially in patients who do not tolerate side effects.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed rituximab‐treated patients between 2017 and 2022. Demographics, previous treatments, reasons for B cell depletion, response, and adverse effects were noted.ResultsSix patients with a mean age of 10.2 years were included. All patients had comorbidities that rendered treatment with steroids unsuccessful or undesirable. Rituximab was started at a mean follow‐up of 8 months. After 6 months, the mean alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels decreased from 575 IU/L and 342 IU/L, respectively, to 28 IU/L (p = 0.02) and 36 IU/L (p = 0.008), respectively. Mean γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase decreased from 105 to 25 IU/L (p = 0.01). Immunoglobulin G levels were normalized in all patients (p = 0.01). No severe adverse events were observed. One patient had persistent hypogammaglobulinemia, and another had lymphopenia.ConclusionB‐cell depletion is an effective and safe treatment for autoimmune liver diseases and should be included as an option, particularly for relapsing patients in whom steroids are undesirable or have shown nonadherence.
Hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of l‐theanine and epigallocatechin gallate combined intervention in alcoholic fatty liver rats
Authors: Xu Kai‐Hang , Yang Di‐Fei , Liu Meng‐Yuan , Xu Wei , Li Yin‐Hua , Xiao Wen‐Jun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDChronic excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic fatty liver, posing substantial health risks. l‐Theanine (LTA) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in tea exert antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. However, the combined effects of LTA and EGCG on rats with alcoholic fatty liver, and the underlying mechanisms of such effects, remain unclear. In this study, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were fed with alcohol for 6 weeks to induce alcoholic fatty liver. Subsequently, for another 6 weeks, the rats were administered LTA (200 mg kg−1 day−1), EGCG (200 mg kg−1 day−1), or a combination of LTA with EGCG (40 mg kg−1 day−1 l‐Thea +160 mg kg−1 day−1 EGCG), respectively.RESULTSThe combined use of LTA and EGCG for alcoholic fatty liver disease had more significant effects than their individual administration. This combination reduced the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as the levels of hepatic triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rats. The combined intervention also increased hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activity. Reductions in hepatic fat accumulation and inflammatory responses were observed. The mechanism underlying these effects primarily involved the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis and the alleviation of lipid peroxidation through the downregulation of the mRNA and protein expression of TNF‐α, SREBP1c, and CYP2E1 and the upregulation of the mRNA and protein expression of ADH1, ALDH2, Lipin‐1, PPARαPPARα, AMPK, and PGC‐1α, thereby promoting the oxidative decomposition of fatty acids and reducing the synthesis of cholesterol and glucose.CONCLUSIONl‐Theanine and EGCG appear to be able to alleviate alcoholic fatty liver by modulating lipid metabolism and ameliorating oxidative stress, indicating their potential as natural active ingredients in anti‐alcoholic fatty liver food products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Validating a novel measure for assessing patient openness and concerns about using artificial intelligence in healthcare
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Antes Alison L. , Lin Sunny C. , Nong Paige , DuBois James M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesPatient engagement is critical for the effective development and use of artificial intelligence (AI)‐enabled tools in learning health systems (LHSs). We adapted a previously validated measure from pediatrics to assess adults' openness and concerns about the use of AI in their healthcare.Study DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodsWe adapted the 33‐item “Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for Parents” measure for administration to adults in the general US population (AAIH‐A), recruiting participants through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) crowdsourcing platform. AAIH‐A assesses openness to AI‐driven technologies and includes 7 subscales assessing participants' openness and concerns about these technologies. The openness scale includes examples of AI‐driven tools for diagnosis, prediction, treatment selection, and medical guidance. Concern subscales assessed privacy, social justice, quality, human element of care, cost, shared decision‐making, and convenience. We co‐administered previously validated measures hypothesized to correlate with openness. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis and assessed reliability and construct validity. We performed exploratory multivariable regression models to identify predictors of openness.ResultsA total of 379 participants completed the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the seven dimensions of the concerns, and the scales had internal consistency reliability, and correlated as hypothesized with existing measures of trust and faith in technology. Multivariable models indicated that trust in technology and concerns about quality and convenience were significantly associated with openness.ConclusionsThe AAIH‐A is a brief measure that can be used to assess adults' perspectives about AI‐driven technologies in healthcare and LHSs. The use of AAIH‐A can inform future development and implementation of AI‐enabled tools for patient care in the LHS context that engage patients as key stakeholders.
A New Polycyclic Naphthoxazine Resin: Facile Synthesis, Characterization, Polymerization, and Thermal Properties of Its Corresponding Thermosets
Authors: Chen Qian , Yang Rui , Sheng Weichen , Zhang Kan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA novel polycyclic naphthoxazine resin (NSA‐thiq) is synthesized via N, O‐acetal forming reaction between o‐hydroxyl naphthaldehyde and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline. The chemical structure of the monomer is investigated and confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Besides, the ring‐opening polymerization behavior similar to ordinary benzoxazine resins is observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in situ FT‐IR analyses, leading to the formation of the phenolic cross‐linked network. Notably, DSC thermograms indicate that the newly obtained polycyclic naphthoxazine resin exhibits much lower polymerization temperatures compared to many other reported benzoxazine or naphthoxazine resins. Moreover, the corresponding polybenzoxazine (poly(NSA‐thiq)) shows comparable thermal stability in comparison with thermosets derived from monobenzoxazine resins. As a consequence of these unique performances, NSA‐thiq is applied as a property modifier for a commercialized benzoxazine resin (BA‐a). The glass transition temperature of copolymeric thermosets is enhanced without sacrificing too much thermal stability and heat resistance. Here, another series of naphthoxazine thermosetting resin is explored, which can provide more examples for constructing composites based on thermoset polymers.
Autologous versus synthetic midurethral transobturator sling: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of outcomes
Authors: Vasudeva Pawan , Yadav Siddharth , Sinha Sanjay , Raheja Ankit , Kumar Niraj , Patel Anita 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionThere have been concerns around the use of synthetic mesh for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery with a renewed interest in the use of autologous tissues. Recently, an autologous transobturator sling (aTOT) has been described, but the comparative data with synthetic transobturator sling (sTOT) is limited. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the outcome of aTOT and compare it with sTOT.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed and all articles available up to December 31, 2023 were screened. Studies reporting on the outcomes of aTOT and those comparing aTOT with sTOT were included. This review was performed as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines.ResultsEleven studies evaluating 323 patients that met the criteria were included in the final analysis, of which 6 were single arm (155 patients) and 5 were comparative. In single‐arm studies, the pooled success rate, defined as negative cough stress test at 12 months follow‐up was 96.8%, 3.8% had postoperative urinary retention, 6.1% had graft site‐related complications and 7.6% required additional intervention for persistent SUI. The overall complication rate was 20.6% and there were no Clavien III–V complications. aTOT had similar success and complication rates when compared with sTOT but had a significantly longer operative time (weighted mean difference: 22.35 min, p < 0.00001) and superior sexual function outcomes.ConclusionsaTOT, at short‐term follow‐up (12 months), has similar efficacy and complication rates when compared to sTOT. However, given that the data is limited and not of very good quality, and the fact that long‐term follow‐up is not available, further studies are required to better define the role of aTOT in the management of female patients with SUI
Weathering the storm when the end of the road is near: A qualitative analysis of supportive care needs during CAR T‐cell therapy in pediatrics
Authors: Steineck Angela , Silbert Sara K. , Palm Kallie , Nepper Jordyn , Vaughn Dagny , Shipman Kelly , Shalabi Haneen , Wiener Lori , Comiskey Liam , Knight Jennifer M. , Levine Deena 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy provides promising outcomes in relapsed/refractory B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet still carries high toxicity rates and relatively poor long‐term survival. Efficacy has yet to be demonstrated in other diagnoses while toxicity and risk profiles remain formidable. To date, treatment‐related symptom burden is gleaned from clinical trial toxicity reports; the patient perspective remains understudied.MethodsEnglish‐ or Spanish‐speaking patients (ages 8–25 years) undergoing CAR T‐cell therapy for any malignancy and their primary caregivers were recruited from Seattle Children's Hospital (SCH), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH), and the Pediatric Oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Both patient and caregiver completed semi‐structured dyadic interviews 3 months post treatment. We used directed content analysis for codebook development and thematic network analysis for inductive qualitative analysis.ResultsTwenty families completed interviews (13 patients, 15 parents). Patients were a median age 16.5 years, predominantly female (65%), White (75%), and diagnosed with ALL (75%). Global themes included “A clear decision,” “Coping with symptoms,” and “Unforeseen psychosocial challenges.” When families were asked to describe the “most challenging part of treatment,” most described “the unknown.” Most reported “the symptoms really weren't that bad,” even among patients hospitalized for severe toxicity events. Fatigue, pain, and nausea were the most prevalent symptoms. Importantly, only one family would have chosen a different therapy, if given another opportunity.ConclusionsAlthough physical symptoms were largely tolerable, recognizing supportive care opportunities remains imperative, particularly psychosocial concerns.
Association between work environment changes due to the COVID‐19 pandemic and post‐traumatic stress disorder in Japanese workers during the emergency declaration
Authors: Noda Tetsuro , Hirokawa Kumi , Tokunaga Kyoko 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimThis study investigated the association between COVID‐19 pandemic‐related work environment changes and suspected post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Japanese workers.MethodsA web survey of 1104 workers was conducted in Japan between February 24 and March 2, 2021. The Japanese version of the Impact of Event Scale–Revised and questions regarding work environments and COVID‐19 pandemic‐related lifestyle changes were used.ResultsPTSD was suspected in 19.7% of respondents and was significantly higher in men (22.2%) than in women (17.2%). Being older and having an independent business were associated with decreased suspected PTSD risk. Longer online work hours, decreased sleep duration, and alcoholism were associated with increased suspected PTSD risk. When stratified by sex, long online work hours and fewer years of service were associated with increased suspected PTSD risk in men. An association between alcoholism and suspected PTSD was also observed in men. Younger age and decreased sleep duration were significantly associated with suspected PTSD in women.ConclusionYounger men with shorter work service duration were particularly vulnerable to pandemic‐related PTSD, emphasizing the risks associated with long online work hours and alcoholism in men. Decreased sleep duration was a PTSD predictor in both sexes, suggesting its importance in PTSD prevention strategies for workers.
A chemical genetic screen with the EXO70 inhibitor Endosidin2 uncovers potential modulators of exocytosis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Wang Diwen , Yin Xianglin , Dai Mingji , Staiger Christopher J. , Zhang Chunhua 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExocytosis plays an essential role in delivering proteins, lipids, and cell wall polysaccharides to the plasma membrane and extracellular spaces. Accurate secretion through exocytosis is key to normal plant development as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. During exocytosis, an octameric protein complex named the exocyst facilitates the tethering of secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane. Despite some understanding of molecular and cellular aspects of exocyst function obtained through reverse genetics and direct interaction assays, knowledge about upstream modulators and genetic interactors remains limited. Traditional genetic screens encounter practical issues in exocyst subunit mutant backgrounds, such as lethality of certain knockout mutants and/or potential redundancy of EXO70 homologs. To address these challenges, this study leverages the tunable and reversible nature of chemical genetics, employing Endosidin2 (ES2)—a synthetic inhibitor of EXO70—for a large‐scale chemical genetic mutant screen in Arabidopsis. This approach led to the identification of 70 ES2‐hypersensitive mutants, named es2s. Through a whole‐genome sequencing‐based mapping strategy, 14 nonallelic es2s mutants were mapped and the candidate mutations reported here. In addition, T‐DNA insertion lines were tested as alternative alleles to identify causal mutations. We found that T‐DNA insertion alleles for DCP5, VAS1/ISS1, ArgJ, and MEF11 were hypersensitive to ES2 for root growth inhibition. This research not only offers new genetic resources for systematically identifying molecular players interacting with the exocyst in Arabidopsis but also enhances understanding of the regulation of exocytosis.
Long‐lasting, biochemically modified mRNA, and its frameshifted recombinant spike proteins in human tissues and circulation after COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Boros László G. , Kyriakopoulos Anthony M. , Brogna Carlo , Piscopo Marina , McCullough Peter A. , Seneff Stephanie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAccording to the CDC, both Pfizer and Moderna COVID‐19 vaccines contain nucleoside‐modified messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the viral spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by corona virus (SARS‐CoV‐2), administered via intramuscular injections. Despite their worldwide use, very little is known about how nucleoside modifications in mRNA sequences affect their breakdown, transcription and protein synthesis. It was hoped that resident and circulating immune cells attracted to the injection site make copies of the spike protein while the injected mRNA degrades within a few days. It was also originally estimated that recombinant spike proteins generated by mRNA vaccines would persist in the body for a few weeks. In reality, clinical studies now report that modified SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA routinely persist up to a month from injection and can be detected in cardiac and skeletal muscle at sites of inflammation and fibrosis, while the recombinant spike protein may persist a little over half a year in blood. Vaccination with 1‐methylΨ (pseudouridine enriched) mRNA can elicit cellular immunity to peptide antigens produced by +1 ribosomal frameshifting in major histocompatibility complex‐diverse people. The translation of 1‐methylΨ mRNA using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry identified nine peptides derived from the mRNA +1 frame. These products impact on off‐target host T cell immunity that include increased production of new B cell antigens with far reaching clinical consequences. As an example, a highly significant increase in heart muscle 18‐flourodeoxyglucose uptake was detected in vaccinated patients up to half a year (180 days). This review article focuses on medical biochemistry, proteomics and deutenomics principles that explain the persisting spike phenomenon in circulation with organ‐related functional damage even in asymptomatic individuals. Proline and hydroxyproline residues emerge as prominent deuterium (heavy hydrogen) binding sites in structural proteins with robust isotopic stability that resists not only enzymatic breakdown, but virtually all (non)‐enzymatic cleavage mechanisms known in chemistry.
Development of a high‐throughput dual‐stream liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method to screen for inhibitors of glutamate carboxypeptidase II
Authors: Hoxie Nate , Qiu Yixuan , Kales Stephen C. , Schneider Rick , Hu Xin , Dalal Anu , Ford‐Scheimer Stephanie L. , Wiseman Robyn , Tsukamoto Takashi , Wei Huijun , Slusher Barbara S. , Janiszewski John S. , Hall Matthew D. 
Published: June 2024

RationaleGlutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) catalyzes the hydrolysis of N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) to yield glutamate (Glu) and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA). Inhibition of GCPII has been shown to remediate the neurotoxicity of excess Glu in a variety of cell and animal disease models. A robust high‐throughput liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was needed to quantify GCPII enzymatic activity in a biochemical high‐throughput screening assay.MethodsA dual‐stream LC/MS/MS method was developed. Two parallel eluent streams ran identical HILIC gradient methods on BEH‐Amide (2 × 30 mm) columns. Each LC channel was run independently, and the cycle time was 2 min per channel. Overall throughput was 1 min per sample for the dual‐channel integrated system. Multiply injected acquisition files were split during data review, and batch metadata were automatically paired with raw data during the review process.ResultsTwo LC sorbents, BEH‐Amide and Penta‐HILIC, were tested to separate the NAAG cleavage product Glu from isobaric interference and ion suppressants in the bioassay matrix. Early elution of NAAG and NAA on BEH‐Amide allowed interfering species to be diverted to waste. The limit of quantification was 0.1 pmol for Glu. The Z‐factor of this assay averaged 0.85. Over 36 000 compounds were screened using this method.ConclusionsA fast gradient dual‐stream LC/MS/MS method for Glu quantification in GCPII biochemical screening assay samples was developed and validated. HILIC separation chemistry offers robust performance and unique selectivity for targeted positive mode quantification of Glu, NAA, and NAAG.
A review of potassium significance and management approaches in potato production under sandy soils
Authors: Sidhu Simranpreet K. , Zotarelli Lincoln , Sharma Lakesh K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis review focuses on the critical role of potassium (K) in potato cultivation, addressing its essential functions in plant metabolism and the challenges in managing soil K levels, specifically under sandy soils. The K use efficiency is higher in potatoes, with the maximum potential up to 55%, compared to cereals at 19%. Potatoes require high quantities of K, especially in well‐drained sandy soils, to maximise growth and yield. Because K is a highly leaching‐prone nutrient in these soils, its deficiencies could affect plant health, metabolism (K is required to activate more than 60 enzymes) and productivity. Optimal potato growth necessitates maintaining 1.8% K in the tubers, corresponding to a need of 0.22 kg K2O ac−1 for a substantial yield. The review article highlights the significant use of potash fertilisers in the United States, with an average consumption of 4.43 million metric tons between 2010 and 2021, underscoring the importance of K in agricultural practices. The paper also highlights the difference in K requirement and removal among different potato varieties that require the maximum amount in processing types. This manuscript discusses K's management schemes through soil testing, plant tissue analysis and artificial intelligence. The integration of various machine‐learning methods could offer promising prospects for predicting K response in potatoes, aiming to improve nutrient management and sustainable crop production. By synthesising current knowledge and advancements in K fertilisation techniques, this paper provides insights into overcoming the challenges of K management in potato cultivation, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and improved crop quality.
Electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors with high operational stability and lifetime in practical electrolytes
Authors: Simatos Dimitrios , Nikolka Mark , Charmet Jérôme , Spalek Leszek J. , Toprakcioglu Zenon , Jacobs Ian E. , Dimov Ivan B. , Schweicher Guillaume , Lee Mi Jung , Fernández‐Posada Carmen M. , Howe Duncan J. , Hakala Tuuli A. , Roode Lianne W. Y. , Pecunia Vincenzo , Sharp Thomas P. , Zhang Weimin , Alsufyani Maryam , McCulloch Iain , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Sirringhaus Henning 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA key component of organic bioelectronics is electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors (EG‐OFETs), which have recently been used as sensors to demonstrate label‐free, single‐molecule detection. However, these devices exhibit limited stability when operated in direct contact with aqueous electrolytes. Ultrahigh stability is demonstrated to be achievable through the utilization of a systematic multifactorial approach in this study. EG‐OFETs with operational stability and lifetime several orders of magnitude higher than the state of the art have been fabricated by carefully controlling a set of intricate stability‐limiting factors, including contamination and corrosion. The indacenodithiophene‐co‐benzothiadiazole (IDTBT) EG‐OFETs exhibit operational stability that exceeds 900 min in a variety of widely used electrolytes, with an overall lifetime exceeding 2 months in ultrapure water and 1 month in various electrolytes. The devices were not affected by electrical stress‐induced trap states and can remain stable even in voltage ranges where electrochemical doping occurs. To validate the applicability of our stabilized device for biosensing applications, the reliable detection of the protein lysozyme in ultrapure water and in a physiological sodium phosphate buffer solution for 1500 min was demonstrated. The results show that polymer‐based EG‐OFETs are a viable architecture not only for short‐term but also for long‐term biosensing applications.