bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic large strain formulation for nematic liquid crystal elastomers
Authors: Concas Francesca , Groß Michael 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLiquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of materials which exhibit an anisotropic behavior in their nematic state due to the main orientation of their rod-like molecules called mesogens. The reorientation of mesogens leads to the well-known actuation properties of LCEs, i.e. exceptionally large deformations as a consequence of particular external stimuli, such as temperature increase. Another key feature of nematic LCEs is the capability to undergo deformation by constant stresses while being stretched in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of mesogens. During this plateau stage, the mesogens rotate towards the stretching direction. Such characteristic is defined as semisoft elastic response of nematic LCEs. We aim at modeling the semisoft behavior in a dynamic finite element method based on a variational-based mixed finite element formulation. The reorientation process of the rigid mesogens relative to the continuum rotation is introduced by micropolar drilling degrees of freedom. Responsible for the above-mentioned characteristics is an appropriate free energy function. Starting from an isothermal free energy function based on the small strain theory, we aim to widen it into the framework of large strains by identifying tensor invariants. In this work, we analyze the isothermal influence of the tensor invariants on the mechanical response of the finite element formulation and show that its space-time discretization preserves mechanical balance laws in the discrete setting.
Two novel in vitro assays to screen chemicals for their capacity to inhibit thyroid hormone transmembrane transporter proteins OATP1C1 and OAT4
Authors: Wagenaars Fabian , Cenijn Peter , Chen Zhongli , Meima Marcel , Scholze Martin , Hamers Timo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEarly brain development depends on adequate transport of thyroid hormones (THs) from the maternal circulation to the fetus. To reach the fetal brain, THs have to cross several physiological barriers, including the placenta, blood–brain-barrier and blood–cerebrospinal fluid-barrier. Transport across these barriers is facilitated by thyroid hormone transmembrane transporters (THTMTs). Some endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with the transport of THs by THTMTs. To screen chemicals for their capacity to disrupt THTMT facilitated TH transport, in vitro screening assays are required. In this study, we developed assays for two THTMTs, organic anion transporter polypeptide 1C1 (OATP1C1) and organic anion transporter 4 (OAT4), both known to play a role in the transport of THs across barriers. We used overexpressing cell models for both OATP1C1 and OAT4, which showed an increased uptake of radiolabeled T4 compared to control cell lines. Using these models, we screened various reference and environmental chemicals for their ability to inhibit T4 uptake by OATP1C1 and OAT4. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) was identified as an OATP1C1 inhibitor, more potent than any of the reference chemicals tested. Additionally perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluoroctanic acid (PFOA), pentachlorophenol and quercetin were identified as OATP1C1 inhibitors in a similar range of potency to the reference chemicals tested. Bromosulfophthalein, TBBPA, PFOA and PFOS were identified as potent OAT4 inhibitors. These results demonstrate that EDCs commonly found in our environment can disrupt TH transport by THTMTs, and contribute to the identification of molecular mechanisms underlying TH system disruption chemicals.
Vincamine alleviates intrahepatic cholestasis in rats through modulation of NF-kB/PDGF/klf6/PPARγ and PI3K/Akt pathways
Authors: Alaaeldin Rania , Eisa Yusra A. , El-Rehany Mahmoud A. , Fathy Moustafa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe defect in the hepatobiliary transport system results in an impairment of bile flow, leading to accumulation of toxic compounds with subsequent liver disorders. Vincamine, a plant indole alkaloid that is utilized as a dietary supplement, has been known for its promising pharmacological activities. For the first time, the present study was planned to estimate, at the molecular level, the potentiality of vincamine against alfa-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced hepatic cholestasis. Liver function tests were analyzed. Hepatic activity of SOD and levels of GSH and MDA were assessed. Hepatic contents of bax, bcl2, NF-kB, PPARγ, catalase, heme-oxygenase-1, NTCP, and BSEP were evaluated using ELISA. mRNA levels of NF-kB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, PDGF, klf6, PPARγ, and P53 were examined using qRT-PCR. PI3K, Akt and cleaved caspase-3 proteins were assessed using western blotting. Histopathological analyses were performed using hematoxylin & eosin staining. ANIT-induced hepatic cholestasis elevated liver function tests, including AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, and total bilirubin. ANIT reduced the protein expression of NTCP and BSEP hepatic transporters. It induced the expression of the inflammatory genes, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, and PDGF, and the expression of NF-kB at the genetic and protein level and suppressed the anti-inflammatory genes, klf6 and PPARγ. Also, antioxidant markers were reduced during ANIT induction such as GSH, SOD, catalase, heme-oxygenase-1 and PI3K/Akt pathway, while MDA levels were elevated. Furthermore, the expression of P53 gene, bax and cleaved caspase 3 proteins were activated, while bcl2 was inhibited. Also, the histopathological analysis showed degeneration of hepatocytes and inflammatory cellular infiltrates. However, vincamine treatment modulated all these markers. It improved liver function tests. It inhibited the expression of NF-kB, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β and PDGF and activated the expression of klf6 and PPARγ. Furthermore, vincamine reduced MDA levels and induced GSH, SOD, catalase, heme-oxygenase-1 and PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, it inhibited expression of P53 gene, bax and cleaved caspase 3 proteins. More interestingly, vincamine showed better outcomes on the hepatic histopathological analysis and improved the alterations induced by ANIT. Vincamine alleviated hepatic dysfunction during ANIT-induced intrahepatic cholestasis through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacies by the modulation of NF-kB/PDGF/klf6/PPARγ and PI3K/Akt pathways.
Standard or Fin SIGN® nail? which option is better for the treatment of femoral fractures in low and middle-income countries?
Authors: Perdomo-Lizarraga Juan Carlos , Andrade-Arellano Dennys J. , Necchi Marco , Zavatta Marcello , Ryan-Coker Marcella , Dixon-Cole Richmond , Muñoz-Mahamud Ernesto , Combalia Andrés 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Femoral fractures are common in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), predominantly caused by high-energy trauma. The surgical implant generation network (SIGN®) program offers two different intramedullary nails in LMIC which are designed to be used without image intensifier free of charge for the patients: the SIGN standard nail (SSN®) and the SIGN Fin nail (SFN®). This study aimed to compare the results of the SSN® and the SFN® for the treatment of middle and distal shaft femoral fractures through a retrograde approach.

Material and Methods
This was a retrospective, descriptive, and non-experimental study including all consecutive patients who underwent surgical management of middle or distal shaft femoral fracture between January 2017 and May 2022 in an NGO hospital located in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The duration of surgery, type of reduction, complications like screw loosening, implant migration, anterior knee pain and non-union rate at six months of follow up were evaluated.

Results
A total of 122 patients were included in the study. Group A: 60 patients were managed with SSN® and Group B: 62 patients with SFN®. The mean operative time was 104 min with SSN® and 78 with SFN® (p < 0.001). Open reduction of the fracture was necessary in ten (16.7%) patients with SSN® and 12 (19.4%) patients treated with SFN® (p = 0.69). Non-union was observed in one (1.7%) patient with SSN® and two (3.2%) patients with SFN® (p = 0.57).

Conclusions
Both options seem equally effective in treating midshaft and distal femoral shaft fractures. The SFN® reduces the surgical time, due to this fact, in polytraumatized patients, patients with bilateral femur fracture or patients with ipsilateral tibia fracture, it can be considered as the best option to be used. There was no statistical difference in the complications presented by the two groups.
Mid-Holocene West African monsoon rainfall enhanced in EC-Earth simulation with dynamic vegetation feedback
Authors: Berntell Ellen , Zhang Qiong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractProxy records have shown that the Mid-Holocene was a period of humid conditions across West Africa, with an enhanced West African Monsoon (WAM) and vegetated conditions in areas currently characterized by desert, often referred to as the Green Sahara. However, General Circulation Models regularly struggle with recreating this strengthened Mid-Holocene monsoon in West Africa. Vegetation feedbacks has long been viewed as an essential process modulating the monsoon variability in West Africa, and simulations using prescribed vegetation to recreate a Green Sahara have shown a strengthened WAM and increased rainfall. However, simulations with prescribed vegetation in Sahara represent an idealized vegetation cover and do not take any environmental heterogeneity into account. Furthermore, this only represents a one-directional forcing by the vegetation on the climate rather than the full vegetation feedback. To address this, we have simulated the Mid-Holocene (~ 6 ka) climate using the Earth System Model EC-Earth3-Veg. The results show that coupled dynamic vegetation reproduces an apparent enhancement of the WAM, with the summer rainfall in the Sahel region increasing by 15% compared to simulations with a prescribed modern vegetation cover. Vegetation feedbacks enhance the warming of the Sahara region, deepens the Sahara Heat Low, results in increased rainfall and strengthens monsoonal flow across West Africa. However, the enhancement is still below what can be viewed in proxy reconstructions, highlighting the role of model limitation and biases and the importance of investigating other processes, such as the interactive aerosol-albedo feedback.
The role of the early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in children with pleural empyema
Authors: Di Mitri Marco , Thomas Eduje , Capano Eleonora , Bisanti Cristian , D’Antonio Simone , Libri Michele , Gargano Tommaso , Lima Mario 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Pleural empyema (PE) is a collection of purulent material in the pleural space. PE’s management in children is a challenge and an inappropriate diagnostic-therapeutic work up can lead to serious short and long-term complications. The aim of this study is to define the correct timing to approach a pediatric PE by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted including pediatric patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy for pleural empyema between May 2005 and September 2022.

Results
62 patients were subjected to VATS for PE (32 in Group Early VATS, 30 in Group Late VATS). It emerged that the elapsed period between the onset of symptoms and surgery correlates in a statistically significant way with the post-operative stay in intensive care (z score 4.3 and p value < 0.0001) and the analysis between early VATS, late VATS and postoperative hospitalization showed a statistically significant reduction of the post-operative hospitalization in the early VATS groups (p value < 0.02).

Conclusions
VATS resulted to be safe and effective for the treatment of PE in children, and an early minimally invasive thoracoscopic intervention (early VATS) correlates with better outcomes, specifically in terms of intensive care hospitalization and overall hospitalization.
Higher plant-derived nitrate intake is associated with lower odds of frailty in a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older women
Authors: Hayes Eleanor , Dent Elsa , Shannon Oliver M. , Zhong Lie Zhou , Bozanich Trent , Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Zhu Kun , Bondonno Catherine P. , Siervo Mario , Hoogendijk Emiel O. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Prince Richard L. , Lewis Joshua R. , Sim Marc 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Dietary nitrate intake is inversely related to numerous contributors towards frailty, including cardiovascular disease and poor physical function. Whether these findings extend to frailty remain unknown. We investigated if habitual nitrate intake, derived from plants or animal-based foods, was cross-sectionally associated with frailty in women.

Methods
Community-dwelling older Australian women (n = 1390, mean age 75.1 ± 2.7 years) completed a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nitrate concentrations in food were obtained from international nitrate databases. We adopted the Rockwood frailty index (FI) of cumulative deficits comprising 33 variables across multiple health domains (scored 0 to 1), which predicts increased hospitalisation and mortality risk. A FI ≥ 0.25 indicated frailty. Cross-sectional associations between nitrate intake (total plant and animal nitrate, separately) and frailty were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models (including lifestyle factors), as part of restricted cubic splines.

Results
A non-linear inverse relationship was observed between total plant nitrate intake and frailty. Compared to women with the lowest plant nitrate intake (Quartile [Q]1), women with greater intakes in Q2 (OR 0.69 95%CI 0.56–0.84), Q3 (OR 0.67 95%CI 0.50–0.90) and Q4 (OR 0.66 95%CI 0.45–0.98) had lower odds for frailty. A nadir in the inverse association was observed once intakes reached ~ 64 mg/d (median Q2). No relationship was observed between total animal nitrate and frailty.

Conclusion
Community-dwelling older women consuming low amounts of plant-derived nitrate were more likely to present with frailty. Consuming at least one daily serving (~ 75 g) of nitrate-rich green leafy vegetables may be beneficial in preventing frailty.
Identification of high-performing antibodies for the reliable detection of Tau proteoforms by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ellis Michael J. , Lekka Christiana , Holden Katie L. , Tulmin Hanna , Seedat Faheem , O’Brien Darragh P. , Dhayal Shalinee , Zeissler Marie-Louise , Knudsen Jakob G. , Kessler Benedikt M. , Morgan Noel G. , Todd John A. , Richardson Sarah J. , Stefana M. Irina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAntibodies are essential research tools whose performance directly impacts research conclusions and reproducibility. Owing to its central role in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, hundreds of distinct antibody clones have been developed against the microtubule-associated protein Tau and its multiple proteoforms. Despite this breadth of offer, limited understanding of their performance and poor antibody selectivity have hindered research progress. Here, we validate a large panel of Tau antibodies by Western blot (79 reagents) and immunohistochemistry (35 reagents). We address the reagents’ ability to detect the target proteoform, selectivity, the impact of protein phosphorylation on antibody binding and performance in human brain samples. While most antibodies detected Tau at high levels, many failed to detect it at lower, endogenous levels. By WB, non-selective binding to other proteins affected over half of the antibodies tested, with several cross-reacting with the related MAP2 protein, whereas the “oligomeric Tau” T22 antibody reacted with monomeric Tau by WB, thus calling into question its specificity to Tau oligomers. Despite the presumption that “total” Tau antibodies are agnostic to post-translational modifications, we found that phosphorylation partially inhibits binding for many such antibodies, including the popular Tau-5 clone. We further combine high-sensitivity reagents, mass-spectrometry proteomics and cDNA sequencing to demonstrate that presumptive Tau “knockout” human cells continue to express residual protein arising through exon skipping, providing evidence of previously unappreciated gene plasticity. Finally, probing of human brain samples with a large panel of antibodies revealed the presence of C-term-truncated versions of all main Tau brain isoforms in both control and tauopathy donors. Ultimately, we identify a validated panel of Tau antibodies that can be employed in Western blotting and/or immunohistochemistry to reliably detect even low levels of Tau expression with high selectivity. This work represents an extensive resource that will enable the re-interpretation of published data, improve reproducibility in Tau research, and overall accelerate scientific progress.
Acetabular fractures in geriatric patients: epidemiology, pathomechanism, classification and treatment options
Authors: Krappinger Dietmar , Freude Thomas , Stuby Fabian , Lindtner Richard A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe incidence of geriatric acetabular fractures has shown a sharp increase in the last decades. The majority of patients are male, which is different to other osteoporotic fractures. The typical pathomechanism generally differs from acetabular fractures in young patients regarding both the direction and the amount of force transmission to the acetabulum via the femoral head. Geriatric fractures very frequently involve anterior structures of the acetabulum, while the posterior wall is less frequently involved. The anterior column and posterior hemitransverse (ACPHT) fracture is the most common fracture type. Superomedial dome impactions (gull sign) are a frequent feature in geriatric acetabular fractures as well. Treatment options include nonoperative treatment, internal fixation and arthoplasty. Nonoperative treatment includes rapid mobilisation and full weighbearing under analgesia and is advisable in non- or minimally displaced fractures without subluxation of the hip joint and without positive gull sign. Open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric acetabular fractures leads to good or excellent results, if anatomic reduction is achieved intraoperatively and loss of reduction does not occur postoperatively. Primary arthroplasty of geriatric acetabular fractures is a treatment option, which does not require anatomic reduction, allows for immediate postoperative full weightbearing and obviates several complications, which are associated with internal fixation. The major issue is the fixation of the acetabular cup in the fractured bone. Primary cups, reinforcement rings or a combination of arthroplasty and internal fixation may be applied depending on the acetabular fracture type.
Beyond histology: A tissue algorithm predictive of post-surgical recurrence in hepatocellular carcinomas, including TERT promoter mutation
Authors: Vasuri Francesco , Chillotti Stefano , Maloberti Thais , Albertini Elisa , Germinario Giuliana , Cescon Matteo , Ravaioli Matteo , de Biase Dario , D’Errico Antonia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSurgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is burdened with a high recurrence rate and a lack of reliable prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to integrate the HCC pathological features with gene mutations to improve the prognostic role of pathological analysis. This is a monocentric prospective study, including 67 patients resected for HCC. All clinical data and histological features were collected, including tumor grade, architecture, margins, microvascular invasion, and microscopic portal vascular invasion (MPVI). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed using a laboratory-developed multi-gene panel, allowing to amplify 330 amplicons (21.77 kb), covering the relevant targets for solid tumor analysis. The most represented mutations were TERT promoter (n = 41, 61.2%), TP53 (n = 18, 26.9%) and CTNNB1 (n = 17, 25.4%). At follow-up, 13 (19.4%) patients experienced HCC recurrence: at multivariate analysis, tumor dimensions (p = 0.040), MPVI (p = 0.010), and TERT mutation (p = 0.034) correlated with recurrence. Dimensions ≥ 4.5 cm (very close to AJCC stage pT3; 9 recurrences, p = 0.041, odd-ratio = 3.7), MPVI (9 recurrences, p = 0.062, OR = 3.3), and TERT (11 recurrences, p = 0.049, OR = 4.4) correlated with disease-free survival also at univariate analysis. The concomitant occurrence of these three variables was present in 7 cases, among which 5 recurred (p = 0.002, OR = 15.94). In conclusion, NGS analysis in resected HCC could not only be used for future therapies but should be integrated with histopathology to predict the risk of tumor recurrence after surgical resection: TERT mutation is among the strongest predictors of tumor recurrence, together with tumor stage (dimensions) and the occurrence of MPVI, which should always be reported separately from the classic MVI.
One-dose intradermal rabies booster enhances rabies antibody production and avidity maturation
Authors: Kewcharoenwong Chidchamai , Freeouf Saranta , Nithichanon Arnone , Petsophonsakul Wilaiwan , Pornprasert Sakorn , Khamduang Woottichai , Suzuki Tadaki , Onodera Taishi , Takahashi Yoshimasa , Lertmemongkolchai Ganjana 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe incidence of rabies in Thailand reached its peak in 2018 with 18 human deaths. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) vaccination is thus recommended for high-risk populations. WHO has recently recommended that patients who are exposed to a suspected rabid animal and have already been immunized against rabies should receive a 1-site intradermal (ID) injection of 0.1 mL on days 0 and 3 as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). In Thailand, village health and livestock volunteers tasked with annual dog vaccination typically receive only a single lifetime PrEP dose and subsequent boosters solely upon confirmed animal bites. However, the adequacy of a single PrEP dose for priming and maintaining immunity in this high-risk group has not been evaluated. Therefore, our study was designed to address two key questions: (1) sufficiency of single-dose PrEP—to determine whether a single ID PrEP dose provides adequate long-term immune protection for high-risk individuals exposed to numerous dogs during their vaccination duties. (2) Booster efficacy for immune maturation—to investigate whether one or two additional ID booster doses effectively stimulate a mature and sustained antibody response in this population. The level and persistence of the rabies antibody were determined by comparing the immunogenicity and booster efficacy among the vaccination groups. Our study demonstrated that rabies antibodies persisted for more than 180 days after cost-effective ID PrEP or the 1st or the 2nd single ID booster dose, and adequate antibody levels were detected in more than 95% of participants by CEE-cELISA and 100% by indirect ELISA. Moreover, the avidity maturation of rabies-specific antibodies occurred after the 1st single ID booster dose. This smaller ID booster regimen was sufficient for producing a sufficient immune response and enhancing the maturation of anti-rabies antibodies. This safe and effective PrEP regimen and a single visit involving a one-dose ID booster are recommended, and at least one one-dose ID booster regimen could be equitably implemented in at-risk people in Thailand and other developing countries. However, an adequate antibody level should be monitored before the booster is administered.