bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune-pineal-ocular Axis in Amphibians: Unveiling A Novel Connection
Authors: Titon Stefanny C M , Neto Patrício G Garcia , Titon Braz , de Figueiredo Aymam C , Markus Regina P , Gomes Fernando R , Assis Vania R 
Published: April 2024

Synopsis
Melatonin is a hormone known as an endogenous temporal marker signaling the dark phase of the day. Although the eyes seem to be the main site of melatonin production in amphibians, little information is available about the natural variation in ocular melatonin levels and its modulation following immune stimulation. We investigated the daily variation of plasma and ocular melatonin levels in bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) and their modulation following an immune stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in yellow cururu toads (Rhinella icterica). For the daily variation, bullfrogs were bled and then euthanized for eye collection every 3 h over 24 h to determine plasma and ocular melatonin levels. We found a positive correlation between ocular and plasma melatonin levels, with maximum values at night (22 h) for both plasma and the eyes. For immune stimulation, yellow cururu toads received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS or saline solution during the day (10 h) or at night (22 h). Two hours after injection, toads were bled and euthanized for eye collection to obtain plasma and ocular melatonin levels. In addition, the liver and bone marrow were collected to investigate local melatonin modulation. Our results demonstrate that retinal light-controlled rhythmic melatonin production is suppressed while liver and bone marrow melatonin levels increase during the inflammatory assemblage in anurans. Interestingly, the LPS injection decreased only ocular melatonin levels, reinforcing the central role of the eyes (i.e., retina) as an essential organ of melatonin production, and a similar role to the pineal gland during the inflammatory response in amphibians. Together, these results point to a possible immune-pineal-ocular axis in amphibians, yet to be fully described in this group.
Contestation and Resilience in the Liberal International Order: The Case of Climate Change
Authors: Thompson Alexander 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article examines contestation and change in the global climate change regime, considered as a suborder of the broader Liberal International Order (LIO). The extensive literature on the LIO has overlooked the important case of climate institutions. The article begins by establishing that the climate regime is indeed part of the LIO, considering both its institutional and ideational features. I then outline the most important episodes of contestation against the regime, led at different times by the United States and emerging powers in the developing world, and note that the sources of contestation were partly endogenous to the regime itself. Despite persistent political challenges and the slow progress of global climate cooperation, the climate regime has remained largely intact and resilient. I explain this outcome by pointing to institutional design features and strategies that allowed the suborder to absorb and accommodate contestation before it escalated, including the nonbinding approach to commitments reflected in the Paris Agreement. The article concludes with a discussion of broader lessons for the LIO and for the design and effectiveness of climate institutions.
An efficiency-improved GPU algorithm for the 2 + 2 + 1 method in nonlinear beamforming
Authors: Sun Yimin , Silvestrov Ilya , Bakulin Andrey 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Nonlinear beamforming (NLBF) has emerged as a highly effective technology for enhancing seismic data quality. The crux of NLBF's success lies in its ability to robustly estimate local traveltime operators directly from input data, a process that entails solving millions or even billions of nonlinear optimization problems per input gather. Among the solvers used for estimating these operators is the 2 + 2 + 1 method, for which we have previously introduced algorithmic implementations on both the CPU and GPU platforms. In this paper, we present an efficiency-improved GPU algorithm for the 2 + 2 + 1 method, particularly beneficial when dealing with small data apertures in NLBF. Our enhanced GPU algorithm brings significant improvements in computation efficiency through several strategic measures, which include leveraging Horner's method to minimize the mathematical overhead of traveltime calculation, implementing a GPU-friendly data reduction algorithm to exploit GPU computational power, and optimizing shared GPU memory usage as the primary workspace whenever feasible. To demonstrate the tangible efficiency enhancement achieved by our new GPU algorithm, via two illustrative examples, we compare its performance with that of our previous implementation.
Comprehensive analysis of immune signatures in primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Yang Xiaoxue , Li Jiawei , Ren Meiling , Pan Xuemei , Liu Huiling , Jiang Jie , Li Man , Yang Zhe , Han Bingyu , Ma Lina , Hao Jianlei , Duan Yuanyuan , Yin Zhinan , Xu Yan , Xiang Zheng , Wu Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are autoimmune diseases that target hepatocytes and bile duct cells, respectively. Despite their shared autoimmune nature, the differences in immunologic characteristics between them remain largely unexplored. This study seeks to elucidate the unique immunological profiles of PBC and AIH and to identify key differences. We comprehensively analyzed various T cell subsets and their receptor expression in a cohort of 45 patients, including 27 PBC and 18 AIH cases. Both diseases exhibited T cell exhaustion and senescence along with a surge in inflammatory cytokines. Significantly increased CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+ T cell populations were observed in both diseases. AIH was characterized by an upregulation of CD8+ terminally differentiated T, CD4+ effector memory T, and CD4+ terminally differentiated T cells, and a concurrent reduction in regulatory T cells. In contrast, PBC displayed a pronounced presence of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and a contraction of CD4−CD8− T cell populations. Correlation analysis revealed that NKP46+ natural killer frequency was closely tied to alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and TIGIT expression on T cells was associated with globulin level in AIH. In PBC, there is a significant correlation between Tfh cells and ALP levels. Moreover, the identified immune landscapes in both diseases strongly related to disease severity. Through logistic regression analysis, γδ T, TIGIT+Vδ2 T, and Tfh1 cell frequencies emerged as distinct markers capable of differentiating PBC from AIH. In conclusion, our analyses reveal that PBC and AIH share similarities and differences regarding to immune profiles. γδ T, TIGIT+Vδ2 T, and Tfh1 cell frequencies are potential noninvasive immunological markers that can differentiate PBC from AIH.
Shikonin in breast cancer treatment: a comprehensive review of molecular pathways and innovative strategies
Authors: Iranzadeh Saeid , Dalil Davood , Kohansal Soroush , Isakhani Mahdi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Breast cancer is a prevalent disease that has a substantial impact on women’s mortality rates. Shikonin, a naphthoquinone derived from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has demonstrated substantial anticancer effects. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the latest research findings regarding the therapeutic efficacy of shikonin in the context of breast cancer treatment, with a specific emphasis on elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods
A comprehensive literature review was conducted on shikonin and breast cancer by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases.

Key findings
Shikonin significantly reduces tumor cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in both in vivo and in vitro across all breast cancer subtypes. Additionally, when combined with other pharmaceutical agents, it exhibits synergistic effects. Shikonin stimulates immunogenic cell death, resulting in apoptosis and necroptosis. The induction of immunogenic cell death by shikonin enhances the immunogenicity of breast cancer cells, leading to its involvement in the development of dendritic cell-based tumor vaccines against breast cancer.

Conclusion
Shikonin exhibits potent anti-breast cancer properties and shows significant potential for the advancement of immunotherapeutic approaches against breast cancer, as well as enhancing the efficacy of conventional treatment strategies.
Fulminant Heterotopic Ossification of the Lower Extremity After Gunshot Injury and Blunt Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Estel Katharina , Back David Alexander , Scheuermann-Poley Catharina , Willy Christian 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) of the lower extremity is relatively rare but is of major importance in clinical practice. They are defined as posttraumatic abnormal formations of bone within soft tissue outside of the skeletal system. This article describes the clinical case of a 31-year-old male patient who suffered 2 traumatic events within 12 months—a gunshot wound in the lumbar spine/gluteal region followed by a severe traumatic brain injury with intracranial hemorrhage in a traffic accident as a pedestrian. Clinically, the patient was bedridden because of complete stiffening of the lumbar spine, both hip joints, and the left knee joint. After preoperative diagnosis, 3 surgical ablations of the HO were performed on both the hip joints and the left knee joint. In addition, physiotherapeutic exercise, postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration (25 mg of indomethazine for 6 weeks, 3 times a day), and perioperative radiation with 7 Gy for each operation were advised. After 4 years of follow-up, the patient showed significant improvement. In HO treatment, prophylactic local radiotherapy (pre- and postoperative radiation with a local single dose of 7 Gy) and postoperative administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often recommended. For therapeutic purposes, surgical resection is still indicated for pronounced cases.
SDSS J222428.53+261423.2: unique emission lines properties unveil a sub-kiloparsec dual AGN candidate
Authors: Zheng Qi , Zhang XueGuang , Yuan QiRong , Severgnini Paola , Vignali Cristian 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
In this paper, we presented a detailed analysis of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey optical spectrum of a new sub-kpc scale dual AGN candidate SDSS J222428.53+261423.2 (=SDSS J2224). The target is one of the few AGNs with all the optical narrow emission lines characterized by double-peaked profiles and with peak separations in velocity units of about 930 km s−1. If the double-peaked narrow emission lines (DPNELs) are due to a dual AGN in SDSS J2224, the estimated physical separation between the two cores is about 500 pc. Meanwhile, three alternative explanations are also discussed in this paper, however, we can not find solid evidence to completely rule them out. Our results support the presence of a sub-kpc dual AGN with DPNELs in all lines, indicating a key episode of galaxy merging evolution at sub-kpc scale.
A Comprehensive Study of the Phase Transitions of the Frustrated J1-J2 Ising Model on the Square Lattice
Authors: Li Shang-Wei , Jiang Fu-Jiun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We study the phase transitions of the two-dimensional (2D) frustrated J1-J2 Ising model on the square lattice with Monte Carlo simulations. Here J1 &lt; 0 and J2 &gt; 0 are the couplings for the nearest and next nearest neighbor Ising spins, respectively. In addition, we consider J1 = −1 and J2/|J1| ≡ g = 0.56, 0.58, 0.60, 0.62, 0.64, and 0.7 in our investigation. Several physical quantities including the Binder ratio U, the specific heat Cv, and the energy density E are obtained. The analyses of these calculated observables indicate that the considered phase transitions for g ≥ 0.58 are likely second order, and the nature of the phase transition associated with g = 0.56 needs further investigation. A comparison between the histograms of E for the phase transitions considered here and the one associated with the five-state ferromagnetic Potts model on the square lattice is conducted. The outcomes imply that if the studied phase transitions are weakly first order, then they have much larger correlation lengths than that of the five-state Potts model.
Universities in less developed regions: analyzing their local research impact
Authors: Papazoglou Michalis E , Daglis Theodoros , Constantelou Anastasia , Drivaliaris Dimosthenis , Vassiliou Evangelos E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
It is not uncommon to encounter overoptimistic views among policy-makers concerning the extent to which the research outcome of a university can have an impact on the innovation and economic performance of a local economy. Policies and expectations are usually influenced by optimal cases of top-ranked universities in highly innovative geographies. However, most universities do not function in such contexts, but in regions of weak innovation and economic development, often characterized as less developed regions (LDRs). To enrich our understanding about universities within LDRs, this study attempts to provide insights into the local research impact of a young university located within an LDR by analyzing bibliometric data. Findings show that although the university’s research output grows, there is hardly any evidence of an impact on local organizations, suggesting that the expected universities’ roles and related innovation policies should always consider the characteristics of the place within which they function.
Acquisition of 2C-like totipotency through defined maternal-effect factors
Authors: Gui Liming , Zhong Qin , Yang Jue , Sun Jiajia , Lu Jianping , Picton Helen M , Li Changzhong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Fully grown oocytes have the natural ability to transform 2 terminally differentiated gametes into a totipotent zygote representing the acquisition of totipotency. This process wholly depends on maternal-effect factors (MFs). MFs stored in the eggs are therefore likely to be able to induce cellular reprogramming to a totipotency state. Here we report the generation of totipotent-like stem cells from mESCs using 4MFs Hsf1, Zar1, Padi6, and Npm2, designated as MFiTLSCs. MFiTLSCs exhibited a unique and inherent capability to differentiate into embryonic and extraembryonic derivatives. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that MFiTLSCs are enriched with 2-cell-specific genes that appear to synergistically induce a transcriptional repressive state, in that parental genomes are remodeled to a poised transcriptional repression state while totipotency is established following fertilization. This method to derive MFiTLSCs could help advance the understanding of fate determinations of totipotent stem cells in a physiological context and establish a foundation for the development of oocyte biology-based reprogramming technology.
Non-Operative Versus Operative Treatment of Z-Type Comminuted Clavicle Fractures in Adolescents: A Prospective Sub-Stratified Cohort Analysis
Authors: Sabatini Coleen S. , Edmonds Eric W. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Liotta Elizabeth S. , Hergott Katelyn , Perkins Crystal A. , Wilson Philip L. , Li Ying , Ellis Henry B. , Pandya Nirav K. , Pennock Andrew T. , Spence David D. , Willimon Samuel C. , Bae Donald S. , Kocher Mininder S. , Busch Michael T. , Williams David N. , Heyworth Benton E. 
Published: April 2024

Objectives:
To compare the clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes of non-operative and operative treatment of adolescents with comminuted ‘Z-type’ mid-shaft clavicle fractures.

Methods:
Design: Prospective observational cohort

Setting:
Eight tertiary-care pediatric centers

Patient Selection Criteria:
Patients 10 to 18 years-old who were treated either operatively or non-operatively for a diaphyseal clavicle fracture between 2013 and 2017 were screened/enrolled at the time of injury. The current sub-cohort analysis was derived from a larger adolescent clavicle study population of 907 patients.

Outcome Measurements and Comparisons:
Complications and validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROs):(ASES, QuickDASH, Marx Shoulder Activity Score, EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, and patient satisfaction score) were compared between operative and non-operative cohorts.

Results:
Eighty-one patients (69 male (85.2%), 12 female; average age 15 years (11.1-18.7); 78 with sports participation (96.2%)), were followed through bony healing and return to sports, while 59 patients (73%) completed two-year follow-up with patient-reported outcomes (PROs), 26 of whom were treated non-operatively and 33 treated operatively. All demographic and fracture characteristics were similar (p>0.05) between the two-year follow-up cohorts except for fracture shortening, which was greater in the operative cohort (23 mm vs 29 mm, p=0.01). After controlling for this potential confounder through both regression and propensity matched sub-group analysis, non-operative versus operative cohorts showed no difference in rates of nonunion (0%), delayed union (0% vs. 2.3%, p=1.0), symptomatic malunion (2.7% vs 0%, p=0.4), refracture (2.7% vs 2.2%, p=1.0), unexpected subsequent surgery (5.4% vs. 11.4%, p=0.45), or clinically significant complications (5.4% vs. 16%, p=0.17). There were no differences in any PROs between cohorts, both before and after controlling for the difference in fracture shortening (all p-values >0.05).

Conclusions:
In this prospective comparison of complications and two-year PROs in adolescents with comminuted Z-type clavicle fractures, non-operative and operative treatment yielded similar outcomes.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Primary Closure of External Fixator Pin Sites Is Safe After Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery
Authors: Brodell James D. , Haws Brittany , Shroff Jeffrey B. , Karnyski Steven T. , Hoffman Samantha , Soin Sandeep P. , Humphrey Catherine A. , Gorczyca John T. , Ketz John P. 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES:
To determine if rates of pin site infection and surgical site infection among patients managed with primary closure after external fixator removal were similar to those allowed to heal secondarily.

METHODS:

Design:
Retrospective cohort.

Setting:
Urban/Suburban Academic Level I Trauma Center.

Patient Selection Criteria:
Patients who had received a lower extremity external fixator for provisional management before definitive fixation of lower extremity fractures were included with pin site wounds closed primarily or allowed to heal by secondary intention.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:
The rate of pin tract infection and surgical site infection following primary closure of external fixator pin sites relative to patients whose pin sites were allowed to heal through secondary intention.

RESULTS:
In total, 256 patients were evaluated: 143 patients (406 pin sites) in the primary closure group and 113 patients (340 in sites) in the secondary closure group. The average age was 49 ± 16 years. Sixty-five percent of included patients were male. There was no difference in pin tract infections between cohorts (primary = 0.5%, secondary = 1.5%, P = 0.26). External fixator duration in the primary closure group was 11.5 ± 8.4 days and 13.0 ± 8.1 days in the secondary closure group (P = 0.15). There was a greater rate of surgical site infections in the secondary intention cohort (15.9% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS:
There was no difference in pin site infection rate after primary pin site closure relative to patients who were allowed to heal through secondary intention. Furthermore, there was a lower rate of surgical site infection after primary closure. These results challenge the dogma of secondary closure for ex fix pin sites, suggesting that debridement and primary closure is a safe option for management of external fixator pin sites and may impart benefit in decreasing infection risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Biomechanical Comparison of Anterior Cervical Plate Fixation Versus Integrated Fixation Cage for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Murphy Timothy P. , Tran Jeremy D. , Colantonio Donald F. , Le Anthony H. , Fredericks Donald R. , Roach William B. , Chung Joon , Pisano Alfred J. , Wagner Scott C. , Helgeson Melvin D. 
Published: April 2024

Study Design:
Cadaveric, biomechanic study.

Objective:
To compare the range of motion profiles of the cervical spine following one-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) constructs instrumented with either an interbody cage and anterior plate or integrated fixation cage in a cadaveric model.

Summary of Background Data:
While anterior plates with interbody cages are the most common construct of fixation in ACDF, newer integrated cage-plate devices seek to provide similar stability with a decreased implant profile. However, differences in postoperative cervical range of motion between the 2 constructs remain unclear.

Methods:
Six cadaveric spines were segmented into 2 functional spine units (FSUs): C2-C5 and C6-T2. Each FSU was nondestructively bent in flexion-extension (FE), right-left lateral bending (LB), and right-left axial rotation (AR) at a rate of 0.5°/s under a constant axial load until a limit of 2-Nm was reached to evaluate baseline range of motion (ROM). Matched pairs were then randomly assigned to undergo instrumentation with either the standard anterior cage and plate (CP) or the integrated fixation cage (IF). Following instrumentation, ROM was then remeasured as previously described.

Results:
For CP fixation, ROM increased by 61.2±31.7% for FE, 36.3±20.4% for LB, and 31.7±19.1% for AR. For IF fixation, ROM increased by 64.2±15.5% for FE, 56.7±39.8% for LB, and 94.5±65.1% for AR. There was no significant difference in motion between each group across FE, LB, and AR.

Conclusion:
This biomechanical study demonstrated increased motion in both the CP and IF groups relative to the intact, un-instrumented state. However, our model showed no differences in ROM between CP and IF constructs in any direction of motion. These results suggest that either method of instrumentation is a suitable option for ACDF with respect to constructing stiffness at time zero.