bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ferroelectric catalytic BaTiO3‐based composite insoles to promote healing of infected wounds: Analysis of antibacterial efficacy and angiogenesis
Authors: Liu Qiong , Liu Xudan , Fan Linfeng , Bai Xinna , Pan Hao , Luo Hang , Zhang Dou , Huang Haitao , Bowen Chris R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOur feet are often subjected to moist and warm environments, which can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and the development of severe infection in wounds located in the foot. As a result, there is a need for new and innovative strategies to safely sterilize feet, when shoes are worn, to prevent any potential foot‐related diseases. In this paper, we have produced a non‐destructive, biocompatible and convenient‐to‐use insole by embedding a BaTiO3 (BT) ferroelectric material into a conventional polydimethylsilane (PDMS) insole material to exploit a ferroelectric catalytic effect to promote the antibacterial and healing of infected wounds via the ferroelectric charges generated during walking. The formation of reactive oxygen species generated through a ferroelectric catalytic effect in the PDMS‐BT composite is shown to increase the oxidative stress on bacteria and decrease both the activity of bacteria and the rate of formation of bacterial biofilms. In addition, the ferroelectric field generated by the PDMS‐BT insole can enhance the level of transforming growth factor‐beta and CD31 by influencing the endogenous electric field of a wound, thereby promoting the proliferation, differentiation of fibroblasts and angiogenesis. This work therefore provides a new route for antimicrobial and tissue reconstruction by integrating a ferroelectric biomaterial into a shoe insole, with significant potential for health‐related applications.
Research and scholarly methods: Appraising the available literature to inform a research project
Authors: MacDonald Blair J. , Wang Erica H. Z. , Turgeon Ricky D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA literature review with an evaluation of existing evidence is often the first step in designing a research project. This article provides a systematic framework and guide for clinicians, researchers, and clinician‐scientists to appraise the available literature to inform a clinical research project. The three‐step approach outlined in this article starts with defining your research question using the Population Intervention Comparator Outcome‐Design framework, followed by evaluation of the existing evidence and identification of gaps that could be addressed by a research project, and ends with guidance to refine the research question and start preparing a protocol.
Naringin protects against paclitaxel‐induced toxicity in rat testicular tissues by regulating genes in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and JNK/MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Kankılıç Nazım Abdülkadir , Küçükler Sefa , Gür Cihan , Akarsu Serkan Ali , Akaras Nurhan , Şimşek Hasan , İleritürk Mustafa , Kandemir Fatih Mehmet 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPaclitaxel (PTX), which is actively used in the treatment of many types of cancer, has a toxic effect by causing increased oxidative stress in testicular tissues. Naringin (NRG) is a natural flavonoid found in plants, and its antioxidant properties are at the forefront. This study aims to investigate the protective feature of NRG in PTX‐induced testicular toxicity.Thirty‐five male Sprague rats were divided into five groups: control, NRG, PTX, PTX + NRG50, and PTX + NRG100. Rats were administered PTX (2 mg/kg, BW) intraperitoneally once daily for the first 5 days. Then, between the 6th and 14th days, NRG (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day.NRG reduced PTX‐induced lipid peroxidation and increased testicular tissue antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione). While NRG reduces the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐1 beta, cyclooxygenase‐2, interleukin‐6, inducible‐nitric oxide synthase, mitogen‐activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK)14, MAPK15, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, P53, Apaf1, Caspase3, Caspase6, Caspase9, and Bax in testicular tissues; it caused an increase in Nrf2, HO‐1, NQO1 and Bcl‐2 levels. NRG also improved the structural and functional integrity of testicular tissue disrupted by PTX. PTX‐induced sperm damage was alleviated by NRG.NRG showed a protective effect by alleviating the PTX‐induced testicular toxicity by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
Aplastic anemia triggered by the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor acalabrutinib in two patients with mantle cell lymphoma – A case report
Authors: Nikkarinen Anna , Glimelius Ingrid 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe use of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) is rapidly increasing for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Side effects reported so far are usually manageable. However, here we present two cases of life‐threatening aplastic anemia (AA) upon treatment with the BTKi acalabrutinib for MCL. The first patient died of neutropenic infection secondary to AA. The second patient was successfully treated with immunosuppressive treatment but the MCL relapsed shortly thereafter. AA is a potentially fatal complication that should be considered when patients present with pancytopenia during treatment with BTKi.
Use of IV immunoglobulin to treat steroid resistant, immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced pure red cell aplasia: A case report
Authors: Sherratt‐Mayhew Sam , Nicolson Phillip L. R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is characterised by normocytic normochromic anaemia, reticulocytopenia and reduced erythroid precursors in bone marrow. PRCA as an immune‐related adverse event secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is rare. Steroids are usually used first line to treat ICI‐induced PRCA. Here, we report a case of ICI‐induced PRCA with no response to steroids but where intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin was successfully used second line. ICI therapy was reinitiated following PRCA resolution. PRCA recurrence did not occur.
Variation in immunoglobulin use and impact on survival in myeloma
Authors: Chai Khai Li , Wellard Cameron , Thao LTP , Aoki Naomi , Moore Elizabeth M , Augustson Bradley M , Bapat Akshay , Blacklock Hilary , Chng Wee J , Cooke Rachel , Forsyth Cecily J , Goh Yeow‐Tee , Hamad Nada , Harrison Simon J , Ho P Joy , Hocking Jay , Kerridge Ian , Kim Jin Seok , Kim Kihyun , King Tracy , McCaughan Georgia J , Mollee Peter , Morrissey C Orla , Murphy Nick , Quach Hang , Tan Xuan Ni , Tso Allison CY , Wong Kimberly SQ , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Spencer Andrew , Wood Erica M , McQuilten Zoe K 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSerious infection is common in patients with multiple myeloma due to immune deficiency from the underlying disease and/or its treatment. Immunoglobulin replacement is one approach to reduce infection risk in these patients. However, few real‐world data exist on its use in patients with myeloma. We investigated immunoglobulin use in Australia, New Zealand and Asia‐Pacific using registry data and explored its association with survival outcomes. A total of 2374 patients with a median follow‐up time of 29.5 months (interquartile range 13.3–54.3 months) were included in the analysis – 1673 from Australia, 313 Korea, 281 New Zealand and 107 Singapore. Overall, 7.1% of participants received immunoglobulin replacement within 24 months of diagnosis. Patients who received immunoglobulin replacement were likely to be younger, had lower baseline IgG levels (excluding paraprotein), were more likely to have baseline hypogammaglobulinaemia, baseline severe hypogammaglobulinaemia and abnormal baseline fluorescent in‐situ hybridisation status, receive first‐line myeloma treatment with immunomodulatory drugs or anti‐CD38 therapy and undergo upfront autologous stem cell transplant. In our patient cohort, the use of immunoglobulin was not associated with overall survival benefit at the time of last follow‐up (adjusted hazard ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.46–1.14, p = 0.16). Understanding treatment approaches in clinical practice can help support future planning and provision of immunoglobulin resources.
Hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 in the absence of succinylacetone: 4‐oxo 6‐hydroxyhepanoate (4OHHA), a putative diagnostic biomarker
Authors: Rehsi Preeya , Witek Karolina , Emmett Erin , Carling Rachel , Turner Charles , Dalton Neil , Hutchin Tim , Hadzic Nedim , Dhawan Anil , Vara Roshni 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is a rare metabolic disease resulting in acute liver failure in early infancy, hypophosphataemic rickets, neurological crises, liver cirrhosis and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma later on in life. It is caused by the deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase which is involved in the terminal step of the catabolic pathway of tyrosine. Diagnosis is made through clinical suspicion supported by biochemical abnormalities that result from accumulation of upstream metabolites. Detection of succinylacetone (SA) in dried blood spot or urine remains pathognomonic, however it is not always detectable. Here we describe three cases of HT1 presenting with atypical biochemistry, where SA was not always detectable, highlighting the importance of an additional disease biomarker, 4‐oxo‐6‐hydroxyheptanoate.
Pitch conversion by photoresist expansion transfer for micro LED
Authors: Min Jae Sik , Lee Jae Yeop , Park Jae Suk , Cho Byoung Gu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMicro LED is an extremely small‐sized LED where each individual LED operates independently, providing high brightness, excellent contrast ratio, wide color gamut, and other outstanding visual characteristics. We have developed the transfer technology for micro LED chips using our proprietary PR (photoresist) expansion technique. This exclusive PR expansion technology, leveraging semiconductor photo processes, enables pitch conversion between micro LED chips and maintains a high level of accuracy in chip transfer at a sub‐micron scale. This innovative transfer technology allows for high‐density integration of micro LED chips, effectively reducing the cost per chip, and serving as a key driver for rapid growth in the micro LED market.
Hot corrosion Type I of novel Co‐based γ/γ′ superalloys with and without Al‐ and Cr‐diffusion coatings
Authors: König Till , Hagen Sebastian P. , Virtanen Sannakaisa , Galetz Mathias C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCo‐based γ/γ′ superalloys are in development as candidates to replace Ni‐based superalloys in turbine engines, where they will be exposed to hot corrosion. The present study investigates the resistance to high temperature Type I hot corrosion of four alloys of the Co–Ni–Al–W system, which differed in their Co to Ni ratio and their W content. In addition, the alloys are tested not only uncoated but also with an Al and a Cr diffusion coating. The exposures were performed at 950°C with a Na2SO4 deposit of 2.5 mg/cm2 in air containing 0.1% SO2 for 100 and 300 h. The degradation was investigated by material loss measurements. Both coatings proved mostly protective for 100 h, while the uncoated samples were severely degraded. After the longer exposure time, only the Cr‐coating remained partially protective and outmatched the Al‐coating. Further, a positive influence was attributed to a higher Co to Ni ratio (1.4 vs. 0.7) and a higher W content (5 vs. 3 at%).
Structural basis of neuropeptide Y signaling through Y1 and Y2 receptors
Authors: Shen Siyuan , Deng Yue , Shen Chenglong , Chen Haidi , Cheng Lin , Wu Chao , Zhao Chang , Yang Zhiqian , Hou Hanlin , Wang Kexin , Shao Zhenhua , Deng Cheng , Ye Feng , Yan Wei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNeuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36‐amino‐acid peptide, functions as a neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems by activating the NPY receptor subfamily. Notably, NPY analogs display varying selectivity and exert diverse physiological effects through their interactions with this receptor family. [Pro34]–NPY and [Leu31, Pro34]–NPY, mainly acting on Y1R, reportedly increases blood pressure and postsynaptically potentiates the effect of other vasoactive substances above all, while N‐terminal cleaved NPY variants in human body primary mediates angiogenesis and neurotransmitter release inhibition through Y2R. However, the recognition mechanisms of Y1R and Y2R with specific agonists remain elusive, thereby hindering subtype receptor‐selective drug development. In this study, we report three cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) structures of Gi2‐coupled Y1R and Y2R in complexes with NPY, as well as Y1R bound to a selective agonist [Leu31, Pro34]–NPY. Combined with cell‐based assays, our study not only reveals the conserved peptide‐binding mode of NPY receptors but also identifies an additional sub‐pocket that confers ligand selectivity. Moreover, our analysis of Y1R evolutionary dynamics suggests that this sub‐pocket has undergone functional adaptive evolution across different species. Collectively, our findings shed light on the molecular underpinnings of neuropeptide recognition and receptor activation, and they present a promising avenue for the design of selective drugs targeting the NPY receptor family.
A 7.2‐mW 0.5–7.5‐GHz ultra‐wideband low‐noise amplifier with 4 dB noise figure and 20 dB gain using 40 nm CMOS technology
Authors: Luo Xianhu , Xia Xinlin , Cheng Xu , Han Jiangan , Cheng Binbin , Deng Xianjin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe technology, design procedure, and measurements of an ultra‐wideband (UWB) push–pull high‐performance complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) low‐noise amplifier (LNA) are presented in this letter. While the push–pull LNA exhibits commendable direct current (DC) power consumption, its operational bandwidth is often limited by the inherent parasitic parameters of the transistors. To exploit the parasitic parameters of the transistors, a multipole‐tuning circuit that utilizes pole‐tuning inductors and parasitic capacitors of the MOS to extend the operational bandwidth is proposed. A UWB LNA is implemented using a commercial 40‐nm CMOS process, and the measurement results demonstrate a peak gain of 20.2 dB, an exceptionally wide bandwidth of 0.5–7.5 GHz, a noise figure of 4 dB, and an output power of 3.5 dBm at OP1 dB with 7.2 mW DC power consumption. The chip area of the LNA is a compact 0.26 mm2. Experimental results closely align with simulations, confirming the validity of the concept and showcasing its competitive performance.
Miniaturized wide‐band microstrip grid array antenna loaded with slow‐wave transmission line
Authors: Ren Yuhui , Wang Meng , Peng Jun , Li Ke , Wang Fuwei , Wu Handong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA miniaturized microstrip grid array antenna (MGAA) in X‐band is proposed in the paper. The antenna consists of a radiation grid array, a feed network and a metal back cavity. The 2 × 2 planar grid array is constructed by using four MGAAs as subarrays. MGAA does not require complex feeders in contrast to microstrip patch arrays. Furthermore, a curved slow‐wave transmission line (SWTL) is adopted as the long side of grid. The SWTL not only reduces the physical size of the grid while keeping its electrical size unchanged, but also improves the impedance matching and greatly broaden the bandwidth of the antenna. A fabricated prototype was measured in the microwave chamber. The results indicate that the impedance matching band of |S11| < −10 dB is from 9 to 10.5 GHz (15.4%), and the maximum gain is 19.2 dBi. Meanwhile, the projected area of the antenna is reduced by about 40% by loading the SWTL.
Evolution of fungal tuberculosis necrotizing toxin (TNT) domain‐containing enzymes reveals divergent adaptations to enhance NAD cleavage
Authors: Ferrario Eugenio , Kallio Juha Pekka , Emdadi Mahdi , Strømland Øyvind , Rack Johannes G. M. , Ziegler Mathias 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTuberculosis necrotizing toxin (TNT) is a protein domain discovered on the outer membrane of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. TNT domains have pure NAD(P) hydrolytic activity, setting them apart from other NAD‐cleaving domains such as ADP‐ribosyl cyclase and Toll/interleukin‐1 receptor homology (TIR) domains which form a wider set of products. Importantly, the Mtb TNT domain has been shown to be involved in immune evasion via depletion of the intracellular NAD pool of macrophages. Therefore, an intriguing hypothesis is that TNT domains act as “NAD killers” in host cells facilitating pathogenesis. Here, we explore the phylogenetic distribution of TNT domains and detect their presence solely in bacteria and fungi. Within fungi, we discerned six TNT clades. In addition, X‐ray crystallography and AlphaFold2 modeling unveiled clade‐specific strategies to promote homodimer stabilization of the fungal enzymes, namely, Ca2+ binding, disulfide bonds, or hydrogen bonds. We show that dimer stabilization is a requirement for NADase activity and that the group‐specific strategies affect the active site conformation, thereby modulating enzyme activity. Together, these findings reveal the evolutionary lineage of fungal TNT enzymes, corroborating the hypothesis of them being pure extracellular NAD (eNAD) cleavers, with possible involvement in microbial warfare and host immune evasion.
Interplay between protease and reverse transcriptase dimerization in a model HIV‐1 polyprotein
Authors: Chagas Brisa Caroline Alves , Zhou Xiaohong , Guerrero Michel , Ilina Tatiana V. , Ishima Rieko 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Gag‐Pol polyprotein in human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV‐1) encodes enzymes that are essential for virus replication: protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase (IN). The mature forms of PR, RT and IN are homodimer, heterodimer and tetramer, respectively. The precise mechanism underlying the formation of dimer or tetramer is not yet understood. Here, to gain insight into the dimerization of PR and RT in the precursor, we prepared a model precursor, PR‐RT, incorporating an inactivating mutation at the PR active site, D25A, and including two residues in the p6* region, fused to a SUMO‐tag, at the N‐terminus of the PR region. We also prepared two mutants of PR‐RT containing a dimer dissociation mutation either in the PR region, PR(T26A)‐RT, or in the RT region, PR‐RT(W401A). Size exclusion chromatography showed both monomer and dimer fractions in PR‐RT and PR(T26A)‐RT, but only monomer in PR‐RT(W401A). SEC experiments of PR‐RT in the presence of protease inhibitor, darunavir, significantly enhanced the dimerization. Additionally, SEC results suggest an estimated PR‐RT dimer dissociation constant that is higher than that of the mature RT heterodimer, p66/p51, but slightly lower than the premature RT homodimer, p66/p66. Reverse transcriptase assays and RT maturation assays were performed as tools to assess the effects of the PR dimer‐interface on these functions. Our results consistently indicate that the RT dimer‐interface plays a crucial role in the dimerization in PR‐RT, whereas the PR dimer‐interface has a lesser role.
Factors associated with contraceptive use among women with epilepsy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Asrat Shiferaw Matiyas , Grentzer Jaclyn M. , Wondafrash Mekitie , Demissie Hanna , Berhe Tesfaye , Teshome Abel , Nigatu Balkachew , Tolu Lemi Belay , Sium Abraham Fessehaye 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundEpilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder globally. Women with epilepsy (WWE) have a special need for contraception and careful pregnancy planning. This study aimed to determine the utilization of modern contraceptive methods and associated factors among WWE at neurology clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on women of reproductive age attending neurology clinics for an epilepsy diagnosis at three referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from June to December 2020. Data was collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire administered by a trained interviewer. Simple descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were performed as appropriate.ResultsOnly 29.7% of the women were using a modern contraceptive method. Contraceptive implants were the most popular method used (29.9% of contracepting women). Being married was associated with higher utilization of modern contraceptive methods [adjusted odds ratio [OR] (95%, confidence interval [CI]) 3.91 (1.80, 8.50)]. Women who were from an urban area [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.29 (0.11, 0.78)], who had never been pregnant [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.34 (0.17, 0.68)], and who had never been counseled on contraception [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.47 (0.28, 0.78)] had lower odds of modern contraceptive method utilization compared to the respective counterparts.ConclusionIn this study, only a third of WWE were using a modern contraceptive method. Marital status, place of residence, previous history of pregnancy, and history of family planning counseling were independent predictors of modern contraceptive utilization.
Integrating eye care into primary healthcare in Nigeria: Challenges of the primary healthcare workforce
Authors: Christian Bet‐ini Nsikak , Shomuyiwa Deborah Oluwaseun , Christian Nsikak Godwin , Umoette Ntiense Raphael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractVisual impairment and blindness pose a significant and growing public health threat in Nigeria. Over 1.6 million Nigerians are visually impaired or blind, with more than 80% of these cases being preventable and treatable. The risk for ocular morbidities is expected to increase due to rapid population growth, an aging population, and the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases. Despite efforts to improve eye health services, universal eye health remains elusive, with 35% of Nigerians unable to access eye care in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Many Nigerians instead turn to traditional and alternative medicine for primary eye care (PEC), which can worsen their outcomes. This article highlights the potential of the country's PHC system to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of PEC as an integral part of PHC. The article discusses the various challenges faced by PHC workers in delivering eye care services in Nigeria, focusing on financing, training, leadership, and policies for eye care. It also provides a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at overcoming these challenges, including improved leadership and policy implementation, optimized financing, strengthened collaborations and partnerships, enhanced education and training, and effective human resource management systems. We emphasize the importance of holistic and strategic efforts to bolster the PHC workforce's capacity to provide universal eye healthcare in Nigeria, ultimately improving access to high‐quality eye care services for all.