bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring human exposure to four parabens and triclosan: comparing silicone wristbands with spot urine samples as predictors of internal dose
Authors: Levasseur Jessica L. , Hoffman Kate , Zhang Sharon , Cooper Ellen M. , Stapleton Heather M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
People are exposed to a variety of chemicals each day as a result of their personal care product (PCP) use.

Objective
This study was designed to determine if silicone wristbands provide a quantitative estimate of internal dose for phenols commonly associated with PCPs, with a focus on triclosan and four parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben. Uptake of these compounds into wristbands and correlations with internal dose were assessed.

Methods
Ten adults from central North Carolina wore five silicone wristbands, with one wristband removed each day for 5 days. Each participant provided a 24 h urine sample and a random spot urine sample each day, in which paraben and triclosan metabolites were evaluated.

Results
All parabens and triclosan were detected frequently in wristbands and, except for butylparaben, in urine samples. Wristband and spot urine concentrations of parabens and triclosan were both compared to a measurement of internal dose (i.e., the total metabolite mass excreted over 5 days as a measurement of internal dose).

Impact statement
The two most hydrophobic compounds investigated, butylparaben and triclosan, displayed significant linear uptake in wristbands over 5 days, whereas concentrations of methyl- and ethylparaben displayed a steady state concentration. In general, wristbands and spot urine samples were similarly correlated to internal dose for frequently detected parabens and triclosan. However, wristbands have additional advantages including higher detection rates and reduced participant burden that may make them more suitable tools for assessing exposure to PCPs.
Intrauterine volvulus: systemic review of the literature with pooled analysis
Authors: Acer-Demir Tuğba , Şahin-Uysal Nihal 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOur objective is to analyse the observations related to intrauterine volvulus and assess how clinical manifestations and treatment strategies impact prognosis. We conducted a comprehensive search on Pubmed and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to July 2022, using search terms like “intrauterine volvulus” or “foetal volvulus,” supplemented by manual scrutiny of reference lists in relevant texts and articles. Our review encompassed 57 case reports/case series, involving 88 cases. The presence of foetal bradycardia during prenatal visits (p = 0.002) and the existence of meconium cyst or pseudocyst (p = 0.038) significantly influence survival rates. Preterm labour occurred more frequently among cases resulting in mortality (54% vs 21%; p = 0.055). Our study’s limitations include the inability to access all reported cases and reliance solely on available data. We advocate for vigilant monitoring of foetuses exhibiting signs of intestinal obstruction, and consideration of an emergent caesarean section as a pre-emptive measure before foetal biophysical profile deterioration worsens.
Monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia differ in maturation and synaptic transmission
Authors: Stern Shani , Zhang Lei , Wang Meiyan , Wright Rebecca , Rosh Idan , Hussein Yara , Stern Tchelet , Choudhary Ashwani , Tripathi Utkarsh , Reed Patrick , Sadis Hagit , Nayak Ritu , Shemen Aviram , Agarwal Karishma , Cordeiro Diogo , Peles David , Hang Yuqing , Mendes Ana P. D. , Baul Tithi D. , Roth Julien G. , Coorapati Shashank , Boks Marco P. , McCombie W. Richard , Hulshoff Pol Hilleke , Brennand Kristen J. , Réthelyi János M. , Kahn René S. , Marchetto Maria C. , Gage Fred H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSchizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world population. Genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors are known to play a role in this psychiatric disorder. While there is a high concordance in monozygotic twins, about half of twin pairs are discordant for schizophrenia. To address the question of how and when concordance in monozygotic twins occur, we have obtained fibroblasts from two pairs of schizophrenia discordant twins (one sibling with schizophrenia while the second one is unaffected by schizophrenia) and three pairs of healthy twins (both of the siblings are healthy). We have prepared iPSC models for these 3 groups of patients with schizophrenia, unaffected co-twins, and the healthy twins. When the study started the co-twins were considered healthy and unaffected but both the co-twins were later diagnosed with a depressive disorder. The reprogrammed iPSCs were differentiated into hippocampal neurons to measure the neurophysiological abnormalities in the patients. We found that the neurons derived from the schizophrenia patients were less arborized, were hypoexcitable with immature spike features, and exhibited a significant reduction in synaptic activity with dysregulation in synapse-related genes. Interestingly, the neurons derived from the co-twin siblings who did not have schizophrenia formed another distinct group that was different from the neurons in the group of the affected twin siblings but also different from the neurons in the group of the control twins. Importantly, their synaptic activity was not affected. Our measurements that were obtained from schizophrenia patients and their monozygotic twin and compared also to control healthy twins point to hippocampal synaptic deficits as a central mechanism in schizophrenia.
NAC1 transcriptional activation of LDHA induces hepatitis B virus immune evasion leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development
Authors: Chen Wenbiao , Guo Liliangzi , Xu Huixuan , Dai Yong , Yao Jun , Wang Lisheng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOur study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NAC1 (nucleus accumbens associated 1) transcriptional regulation of LDHA and its role in HBV immune evasion, thus contributing to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Utilizing public datasets, we performed differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on HBV-induced cirrhosis/HCC data. We identified candidate genes by intersecting differentially expressed genes with co-expression modules. We validated these genes using the TCGA database, conducting survival analysis to pinpoint key genes affecting HBV-HCC prognosis. We also employed the TIMER database for immune cell infiltration data and analyzed correlations with identified key genes to uncover potential immune escape pathways. In vitro, we investigated the impact of NAC1 and LDHA on immune cell apoptosis and HBV immune evasion. In vivo, we confirmed these findings using an HBV-induced cirrhosis model. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 676 genes influenced by HBV infection, with 475 genes showing differential expression in HBV-HCC. NAC1 emerged as a key gene, potentially mediating HBV immune escape through LDHA transcriptional regulation. Experimental data demonstrated that NAC1 transcriptionally activates LDHA, promoting immune cell apoptosis and HBV immune evasion. Animal studies confirmed these findings, linking NAC1-mediated LDHA activation to cirrhosis and HCC development. NAC1, highly expressed in HBV-infected liver cells, likely drives HBV immune escape by activating LDHA expression, inhibiting CD8 + T cells, and promoting cirrhosis and HCC development.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer patient pathways and outcomes in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland – a scoping review
Authors: Lohfeld Lynne , Sharma Meenakshi , Bennett Damien , Gavin Anna , Hawkins Sinéad T. , Irwin Gareth , Mitchell Helen , O’Neill Siobhan , McShane Charlene M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic brought unplanned service disruption for breast cancer diagnostic, treatment and support services. This scoping review describes these changes and their impact in the UK and the Republic of Ireland based on studies published between January 2020 and August 2023. Thirty-four of 569 papers were included. Data were extracted and results thematically organized. Findings include fewer new cases; stage shift (fewer early- and more late-stage disease); and changes to healthcare organization, breast screening and treatment. Examples are accepting fewer referrals, applying stricter referral criteria and relying more on virtual consultations and multi-disciplinary meetings. Screening service programs paused during the pandemic before enacting risk-based phased restarts with longer appointment times to accommodate reduced staffing numbers and enhanced infection-control regimes. Treatments shifted from predominantly conventional to hypofractionated radiotherapy, fewer surgical procedures and increased use of bridging endocrine therapy. The long-term impact of such changes are unknown so definitive guidelines for future emergencies are not yet available. Cancer registries, with their large sample sizes and population coverage, are well placed to monitor changes to stage and survival despite difficulties obtaining definitive staging during diagnosis because surgery and pathological assessments are delayed. Multisite longitudinal studies can also provide guidance for future disaster preparedness.
Targeting senescent cells with NKG2D-CAR T cells
Authors: Deng Yushuang , Kumar Avadh , Xie Kan , Schaaf Kristina , Scifo Enzo , Morsy Sarah , Li Tao , Ehninger Armin , Bano Daniele , Ehninger Dan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the efficacy of NKG2D chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells in targeting and eliminating stress-induced senescent cells in vitro. Cellular senescence contributes to age-related tissue decline and is characterized by permanent cell cycle arrest and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Immunotherapy, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, emerges as a promising approach to selectively eliminate senescent cells. Our focus is on the NKG2D receptor, which binds to ligands (NKG2DLs) upregulated in senescent cells, offering a target for CAR-T cells. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and astrocytes (AST) as senescence models, we demonstrate the elevated expression of NKG2DLs in response to genotoxic and oxidative stress. NKG2D-CAR T cells displayed potent cytotoxicity against these senescent cells, with minimal effects on non-senescent cells, suggesting their potential as targeted senolytics. In conclusion, our research presents the first evidence of NKG2D-CAR T cells’ ability to target senescent brain cells, offering a novel approach to manage senescence-associated diseases. The findings pave the way for future investigations into the therapeutic applicability of NKG2D-targeting CAR-T cells in naturally aged organisms and models of aging-associated brain diseases in vivo.
The emerging role of regulated cell death in ischemia and reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury: current evidence and future perspectives
Authors: Li Chenning , Yu Ying , Zhu Shuainan , Hu Yan , Ling Xiaomin , Xu Liying , Zhang Hao , Guo Kefang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRenal ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the main causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a potentially life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. IRI is a complex process involving multiple underlying mechanisms and pathways of cell injury and dysfunction. Additionally, various types of cell death have been linked to IRI, including necroptosis, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. These processes operate differently and to varying degrees in different patients, but each plays a role in the various pathological conditions of AKI. Advances in understanding the underlying pathophysiology will lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches that hold promise for improving outcomes for patients with AKI. This review provides an overview of the recent research on the molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying IRI-AKI, with a focus on regulated cell death (RCD) forms such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Overall, targeting RCD shows promise as a potential approach to treating IRI-AKI.
CPT-11 mitigates autoimmune diseases by suppressing effector T cells without affecting long-term anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Liang Hantian , Fan Xinzou , Cheng Hao , Ma Xiao , Sun Yutong , Nan Fang , Zhou Jingyang , Shu Panyin , Zhang Wei , Zuo Fengqiong , Nakatsukasa Hiroko , Zhang Dunfang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe incidence of autoimmune diseases has significantly increased over the past 20 years. Excessive host immunoreactions and disordered immunoregulation are at the core of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The traditional anti-tumor chemotherapy drug CPT-11 is associated with leukopenia. Considering that CPT-11 induces leukopenia, we believe that it is a promising drug for the control of autoimmune diseases. Here, we show that CPT-11 suppresses T cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in healthy C57BL/6 mice and in complete Freund’s adjuvant-challenged mice. We found that CPT-11 effectively inhibited T cell proliferation and Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation by inhibiting glycolysis in T cells. We also assessed CPT-11 efficacy in treating autoimmune diseases in models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and psoriasis. Finally, we proved that treatment of autoimmune diseases with CPT-11 did not suppress long-term immune surveillance for cancer. Taken together, these results show that CPT-11 is a promising immunosuppressive drug for autoimmune disease treatment.
Sex-specific circulating unconventional neutrophils determine immunological outcome of auto-inflammatory Behçet’s uveitis
Authors: Wang Qingfeng , Ma Junfeng , Gong Yuxing , Zhu Lifu , Tang Huanyu , Ye Xingsheng , Su Guannan , Huang Fanfan , Tan Shiyao , Zuo Xianbo , Gao Yuan , Yang Peizeng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNeutrophils are the most abundant immune cells that first respond to insults in circulation. Although associative evidence suggests that differences in neutrophils may be linked to the sex-specific vulnerability of inflammatory diseases, mechanistic links remain elusive. Here, we identified extensive sex-specific heterogeneity in neutrophil composition under normal and auto-inflammatory conditions at single-cell resolution. Using a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, neutrophil-specific genetic knockouts and transfer experiments, we discovered dysregulation of two unconventional (interferon-α responsive and T cell regulatory) neutrophil subsets leading to male-biased incidence, severity and poor prognosis of auto-inflammatory Behçet’s uveitis. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and exosome study revealed that male-specific negative effects of both genetic factors and circulating exosomes on unconventional neutrophil subsets contributed to male-specific vulnerability to disease. Collectively, our findings identify sex-specifically distinct neutrophil subsets and highlight unconventional neutrophil subsets as sex-specific therapeutic targets to limit inflammatory diseases.
Racial-ethnic disparities in concurrent rates of peripapillary & macular OCT parameters among a large glaucomatous clinical population
Authors: Gallo Afflitto Gabriele , Swaminathan Swarup S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To compare rates of change in peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) parameters among different race-ethnicities from a large electronic health record database of subjects with or suspected of glaucoma.

Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, rates of change were obtained using joint longitudinal linear mixed models for eyes with ≥3 visits and ≥1 year of follow-up, adjusting for age, sex, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and baseline pRNFL and mGCIPL thickness. Best linear unbiased predictor estimates of various parameters were stratified by baseline glaucoma severity and analysed by racial-ethnic group.

Results
A total of 21,472 spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) pRNFL scans and 14,431 mGCIPL scans from 2002 eyes were evaluated. A total of 200 (15.6%) and 601 (46.8%) subjects identified as non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic, respectively. NHB eyes exhibited faster rates of change in pRNFL among glaucoma suspect (global pRNFL −0.57 ± 0.55 µm/year vs. −0.37 ± 0.62 µm/year among Hispanics, p < 0.001), mild glaucoma (superior pRNFL quadrant −1.20 ± 1.06 µm/year vs. −0.75 ± 1.51 µm/year among non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), p = 0.043), and moderate glaucoma eyes (superior pRNFL quadrant −1.31 ± 1.49 µm/year vs. −0.52 ± 1.26 µm/year among Hispanics, p = 0.003). NHB eyes exhibited faster rates of mGCIPL loss corresponding to pRNFL rates. Global pRNFL and mGCIPL rates were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.70).

Conclusions
Adjusted rates of pRNFL and mGCIPL loss significantly differed between racial-ethnic groups when stratified by glaucoma severity, with faster rates among NHB patients. These differences highlight key racial-ethnic disparities in adjusted rates of glaucoma OCT parameters.
High-density, highly sensitive sensor array of spiky carbon nanospheres for strain field mapping
Authors: Mei Shuxing , Yi Haokun , Zhao Jun , Xu Yanting , Shi Lan , Qin Yajie , Jiang Yizhou , Guo Jiajie , Li Zhuo , Wu Limin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhile accurate mapping of strain distribution is crucial for assessing stress concentration and estimating fatigue life in engineering applications, conventional strain sensor arrays face a great challenge in balancing sensitivity and sensing density for effective strain mapping. In this study, we present a Fowler-Nordheim tunneling effect of monodispersed spiky carbon nanosphere array on polydimethylsiloxane as strain sensor arrays to achieve a sensitivity up to 70,000, a sensing density of 100 pixel cm−2, and logarithmic linearity over 99% within a wide strain range of 0% to 60%. The highly ordered assembly of spiky carbon nanospheres in each unit also ensures high inter-unit consistency (standard deviation ≤3.82%). Furthermore, this sensor array can conformally cover diverse surfaces, enabling accurate acquisition of strain distributions. The sensing array offers a convenient approach for mapping strain fields in various applications such as flexible electronics, soft robotics, biomechanics, and structure health monitoring.
Magnetic steering continuum robot for transluminal procedures with programmable shape and functionalities
Authors: Mao Liyang , Yang Peng , Tian Chenyao , Shen Xingjian , Wang Feihao , Zhang Hao , Meng Xianghe , Xie Hui 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMillimeter-scale soft continuum robots offer safety and adaptability in transluminal procedures due to their passive compliance, but this feature necessitates interactions with surrounding lumina, leading to potential medical risks and restricted mobility. Here, we introduce a millimeter-scale continuum robot, enabling apical extension while maintaining structural stability. Utilizing phase transition components, the robot executes cycles of tip-based elongation, steered accurately through programmable magnetic fields. Each motion cycle features a solid-like backbone for stability, and a liquid-like component for advancement, thereby enabling autonomous shaping without reliance on environmental interactions. Together with clinical imaging technologies, we demonstrate the capability of navigating through tortuous and fragile lumina to transport microsurgical tools. Once it reaches larger anatomical spaces such as stomach, it can morph into functional 3D structures that serve as surgical tools or sensing units, overcoming the constraints of initially narrow pathways. By leveraging this design paradigm, we anticipate enhanced safety, multi-functionality, and cooperative capabilities among millimeter-scale continuum robots, opening new avenues for transluminal robotic surgery.
Giant organelle vesicles to uncover intracellular membrane mechanics and plasticity
Authors: Santinho Alexandre , Carpentier Maxime , Lopes Sampaio Julio , Omrane Mohyeddine , Thiam Abdou Rachid 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTools for accessing and studying organelles remain underdeveloped. Here, we present a method by which giant organelle vesicles (GOVs) are generated by submitting cells to a hypotonic medium followed by plasma membrane breakage. By this means, GOVs ranging from 3 to over 10 µm become available for micromanipulation. GOVs are made from organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, endosomes, lysosomes and mitochondria, or in contact with one another such as giant mitochondria-associated ER membrane vesicles. We measure the mechanical properties of each organelle-derived GOV and find that they have distinct properties. In GOVs procured from Cos7 cells, for example, bending rigidities tend to increase from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane. We also found that the mechanical properties of giant endoplasmic reticulum vesicles (GERVs) vary depending on their interactions with other organelles or the metabolic state of the cell. Lastly, we demonstrate GERVs’ biochemical activity through their capacity to synthesize triglycerides and assemble lipid droplets. These findings underscore the potential of GOVs as valuable tools for studying the biophysics and biology of organelles.
Coordination cages integrated into swelling poly(ionic liquid)s for guest encapsulation and separation
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhang Dawei , Wei Chenyang , Wang Dehua , Lavendomme Roy , Qi Shuo , Zhu Yu , Zhang Jingshun , Zhang Yongya , Wang Jiachen , Xu Lin , Gao En-Qing , Yu Wei , Yang Hai-Bo , He Mingyuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCoordination cages have been widely reported to bind a variety of guests, which are useful for chemical separation. Although the use of cages in the solid state benefits the recycling, the flexibility, dynamicity, and metal-ligand bond reversibility of solid-state cages are poor, preventing efficient guest encapsulation. Here we report a type of coordination cage-integrated solid materials that can be swelled into gel in water. The material is prepared through incorporation of an anionic FeII4L6 cage as the counterion of a cationic poly(ionic liquid) (MOC@PIL). The immobilized cages within MOC@PILs have been found to greatly affect the swelling ability of MOC@PILs and thus the mechanical properties. Importantly, upon swelling, the uptake of water provides an ideal microenvironment within the gels for the immobilized cages to dynamically move and flex that leads to excellent solution-level guest binding performances. This concept has enabled the use of MOC@PILs as efficient adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from water and for the purification of toluene and cyclohexane. Importantly, MOC@PILs can be regenerated through a deswelling strategy along with the recycling of the extracted guests.
A statistical resolution measure of fluorescence microscopy with finite photons
Authors: Li Yilun , Huang Fang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFirst discovered by Ernest Abbe in 1873, the resolution limit of a far-field microscope is considered determined by the numerical aperture and wavelength of light, approximately $$\frac{\lambda }{2{NA}}$$

λ

2
N
A

. With the advent of modern fluorescence microscopy and nanoscopy methods over the last century, this definition is insufficient to fully describe a microscope’s resolving power. To determine the practical resolution limit of a fluorescence microscope, photon noise remains one essential factor yet to be incorporated in a statistics-based theoretical framework. We proposed an information density measure quantifying the theoretical resolving power of a fluorescence microscope in the condition of finite photons. The developed approach not only allows us to quantify the practical resolution limit of various fluorescence and super-resolution microscopy modalities but also offers the potential to predict the achievable resolution of a microscopy design under different photon levels.