bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intelligent visually lossless compression of dental images
Authors: Kryvenko Liudmyla , Krylova Olha , Lukin Vladimir , Kryvenko Sergii 
Published: February 2024

Background: Tendencies to increase the mean size of dental images and the number of images acquired daily makes necessary their compression for efficient storage and transferring via communication lines in telemedicine and other applications. To be a proper solution, lossy compression techniques have to provide a visually lossless option (mode) where a desired quality (invisibility of introduced distortions for preserving diagnostically valuable information) is ensured quickly and reliably simultaneously with a rather large compression ratio.Objective: Within such an approach, our goal is to give answers to several practical questions such as what encoder to use, how to set its parameter that controls compression, how to verify that we have reached our ultimate goal, what are additional advantages and drawbacks of a given coder, and so on.Methods: We analyze the performance characteristics of several encoders mainly based on discrete cosine transform for a set of 512 × 512 pixel fragments of larger size dental images produced by Morita and Dentsply Sirona imaging systems. To control the visual quality of compressed images and the invisibility of introduced distortions, we have used modern visual quality metrics and distortion invisibility thresholds established for them in previous experiments. Besides, we have also studied the so-called just noticeable distortions (JND) concept, namely, the approach based on the first JND point when the difference between an image subject to compression and its compressed version starts to appear.Results: The rate-distortion dependences and coder setting parameters obtained for the considered approaches are compared. The values of the parameters that control compression (PCC) have been determined. The ranges of the provided values of compression ratio have been estimated and compared. It is shown that the provided CR values vary from about 20 to almost 70 for modern coders and almost noise-free images that is significantly better than for JPEG. For images with visible noise, the minimal and maximal values of produced CR are smaller than for the almost noise-free images. We also present the results of the verification of compressed image quality by specialists (professional dentists).Conclusion: It is shown that it is possible and easy to carry out visually lossless compression of dental images using the proposed approaches with providing quite high compression ratios without loss of data diagnostic value.
Data sources and applied methods for paclitaxel safety signal discernment
Authors: Gressler Laura Elisabeth , Avila-Tang Erika , Mao Jialin , Avalos-Pacheco Alejandra , Shaya Fadia T. , Torosyan Yelizaveta , Liebeskind Alexander , Kinard Madris , Mack Christina D. , Normand Sharon-Lise , Ritchey Mary E. , Marinac-Dabic Danica 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundFollowing the identification of a late mortality signal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened an advisory panel that concluded that additional clinical study data are needed to comprehensively evaluate the late mortality signal observed with the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB) and drug-eluting stent (DES). The objective of this review is to (1) identify and summarize the existing clinical and cohort studies assessing paclitaxel-coated DCBs and DESs, (2) describe and determine the quality of the available data sources for the evaluation of these devices, and (3) present methodologies that can be leveraged for proper signal discernment within available data sources.MethodsStudies and data sources were identified through comprehensive searches. original research studies, clinical trials, comparative studies, multicenter studies, and observational cohort studies written in the English language and published from January 2007 to November 2021, with a follow-up longer than 36 months, were included in the review. Data quality of available data sources identified was assessed in three groupings. Moreover, accepted data-driven methodologies that may help circumvent the limitations of the extracted studies and data sources were extracted and described.ResultsThere were 39 studies and data sources identified. This included 19 randomized clinical trials, nine single-arm studies, eight registries, three administrative claims, and electronic health records. Methodologies focusing on the use of existing premarket clinical data, the incorporation of all contributed patient time, the use of aggregated data, approaches for individual-level data, machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches, Bayesian approaches, and the combination of various datasets were summarized.ConclusionDespite the multitude of available studies over the course of eleven years following the first clinical trial, the FDA-convened advisory panel found them insufficient for comprehensively assessing the late-mortality signal. High-quality data sources with the capabilities of employing advanced statistical methodologies are needed to detect potential safety signals in a timely manner and allow regulatory bodies to act quickly when a safety signal is detected.
Non-coronary atherosclerosis: a marker of poor prognosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: González-Lorenzo Óscar , Franco Pelaez Juan A. , Kallmeyer Andrea , Nieto Luis , Esteban Laura , Pello Ana , Aceña Álvaro , Aldamiz Gonzalo , Tuñón José 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe presence of non-coronary atherosclerosis (NCA) in patients with coronary artery disease is associated with a poor prognosis. We have studied whether NCA is also a predictor of poorer outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Materials and methodsThis is an observational study involving 567 consecutive patients who underwent CABG. Variables and prognosis were analysed based on the presence or absence of NCA, defined as previous stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or peripheral artery disease (PAD) [lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), carotid disease, previous lower limb vascular surgery, or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)]. The primary outcome was a combination of TIA/stroke, acute myocardial infarction, new revascularization procedure, or death. The secondary outcome added the need for LEAD revascularization or AAA surgery.ResultsOne-hundred thirty-eight patients (24%) had NCA. Among them, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and older age were more frequently present. At multivariate analysis, NCA [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–2.69], age (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.67, p = 0.004), and diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.05–2.15, p = 0.025), were positively associated with the development of the primary outcome, while estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.93, p = 0.001) and use of left internal mammary artery (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.15–0.82, p = 0.035), were inversely associated with this outcome. NCA was also an independent predictor of the secondary outcome. Mortality was also higher in NCA patients (27.5% vs. 9%, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing CABG, the presence of NCA doubled the risk of developing cardiovascular events, and it was associated with higher mortality.
Identification and validation of NAD+ metabolism-related biomarkers in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Ye Chenhao , Fu Yuedong , Zhou Xijie , Zhou Feiya , Zhu Xuwei , Chen Yiheng 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe mechanism of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism-related genes (NMRGs) in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is unclear. This study aimed to find new NMRGs biomarkers in DPN.MethodsDPN related datasets GSE95849 and GSE185011 were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. 51 NMRGs were collected from a previous article. To explore NMRGs expression in DPN and control samples, differential expression analysis was completed in GSE95849 to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and the intersection of DEGs and NMRGs was regarded as DE-NMRGs. Next, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on DE-NMRGs was constructed and biomarkers were screened by eight algorithms. Additionally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) enrichment analysis was completed, biomarker-based column line graphs were constructed, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and competing endogenouse (ce) RNA networks were constructed, and drug prediction was completed. Finally, biomarkers expression validation was completed in GSE95849 and GSE185011.Results5217 DEGs were obtained from GSE95849 and 21 overlapping genes of DEGs and NMRGs were DE-NMRGs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DE-NMRGs were associated with glycosyl compound metabolic process. The PPI network contained 93 protein-interaction pairs and 21 nodes, with strong interactions between NMNAT1 and NAMPT, NADK and NMNAT3, ENPP3 and NUDT12 as biomarkers based on 8 algorithms. Expression validation suggested that ENPP3 and NUDT12 were upregulated in DPN samples (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, an alignment diagram with good diagnostic efficacy based on ENPP3 and NUDT12 were identified was constructed. GSEA suggested that ENPP3 was enriched in Toll like receptor (TLR) pathway, NUDT12 was enriched in maturity onset diabetes of the young and insulin pathway. Furthermore, 18 potential miRNAs and 36 Transcription factors (TFs) were predicted and the miRNA-mRNA-TF networks were constructed, suggesting that ENPP3 might regulate hsa-miR-34a-5p by affecting MYNN. The ceRNA network suggested that XLOC_013024 might regulate hsa-let-7b-5p by affecting NUDT12. 15 drugs were predicted, with 8 drugs affecting NUDT12 such as resveratrol, and 13 drugs affecting ENPP3 such as troglitazone.ConclusionENPP3 and NUDT12 might play key roles in DPN, which provides reference for further research on DPN.
A maternally derived complex small supernumerary marker chromosome involving chromosomes 8 and 14: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ouboukss Fatima , El Amrani Zhour , Bouchahta Hicham , Ratbi Ilham , Sbiti Aziza , Liehr Thomas , Sefiani Abdelaziz , Natiq Abdelhafid 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The majority of small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) are derived from one single chromosome. Complex sSMCs, on the other hand, consist of genetic material derived from more than one, normally two chromosomes. Complex sSMCs involving chromosomes 8 and 14 are rarely encountered.Case presentation: We present here a 14-month-old boy born from an unrelated couple. At birth, the baby was hypotonic and had a cleft lip and palate, as well as ocular involvement. Throughout the course of development, the baby experienced feeding difficulties, stunted growth, and delayed psychomotor development. Banding together with molecular cytogenetics revealed a balanced maternal translocation t(8;14)(p22.3;q21)mat, leading due to meiotic 3:1 segregation to a partial trisomy of chromosomes 8 and 14 in the affected boy.Discussion/Conclusion: This report highlights the importance of cytogenetics in diagnosis of rare genetic disorders, with impact on genetic counselling of patients and their families. There are three comparable cases in the literature involving both chromosomes 8 and 14, but with different breakpoints; the complex sSMC derived from chromosomes 8 and 14 in this case, characterized as der(14)t(8;14) (p22.3;q21)mat.
Genotype-by-environment interactions govern fitness changes associated with adaptive mutations in two-component response systems
Authors: Sanders Brittany R. , Miller Jordan E. , Ahmidouch Noor , Graves Joseph L. , Thomas Misty D. 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Two-component response systems (TCRS) are the main mechanism by which prokaryotes acclimate to changing environments. These systems are composed of a membrane bound histidine kinase (HK) that senses external signals and a response regulator (RR) that activates transcription of response genes. Despite their known role in acclimation, little is known about the role TCRS play in environmental adaptation. Several experimental evolution studies have shown the acquisition of mutations in TCRS during adaptation, therefore here we set out to characterize the adaptive mechanism resulting from these mutations and evaluate whether single nucleotide changes in one gene could induce variable genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions.Methods: To do this, we assessed fitness changes and differential gene expression for four adaptive mutations in cusS, the gene that encodes the HK CusS, acquired by Escherichia coli during silver adaptation.Results: Fitness assays showed that as the environment changed, each mutant displayed a unique fitness profile with greatest fitness in the original selection environment. RNAseq then indicated that, in ± silver nitrate, each mutant induces a primary response that upregulates cusS, its RR cusR, and constitutively expresses the target response genes cusCFBA. This then induces a secondary response via differential expression of genes regulated by the CusR through TCRS crosstalk. Finally, each mutant undergoes fitness tuning through unique tertiary responses that result in gene expression patterns specific for the genotype, the environment and optimized for the original selection conditions.Discussion: This three-step response shows that different mutations in a single gene leads to individualized phenotypes governed by unique GxE interactions that not only contribute to transcriptional divergence but also to phenotypic plasticity.
A retrotransposon-derived DNA zip code internalizes myeloma cells through Clathrin-Rab5a-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Puvvula Pavan Kumar , Martinez-Medina Lourdes , Cinar Munevver , Feng Lei , Pisarev Andrey , Johnson Anthony , Bernal-Mizrachi Leon 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionWe have demonstrated that transposons derived from ctDNA can be transferred between cancer cells. The present research aimed to investigate the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of Multiple Myeloma-zip code (MM-ZC), a cell-specific zip code, in myeloma cell lines. We demonstrated that MM-ZC uptake by myeloma cells was concentration-, time- and cell-type-dependent.MethodsFlow cytometry and confocal microscopy methods were used to identify the level of internalization of the zip codes in MM cells. To screen for the mechanism of internalization, we used multiple inhibitors of endocytosis. These experiments were followed by biotin pulldown and confocal microscopy for validation. Single interference RNA (siRNA) targeting some of the proteins involved in endocytosis was used to validate the role of this pathway in ZC cell internalization.ResultsEndocytosis inhibitors identified that Monensin and Chlorpromazine hydrochloride significantly reduced MM-ZC internalization. These findings suggested that Clathrin-mediated endocytosis and endosomal maturation play a crucial role in the cellular uptake of MM-ZC. Biotin pulldown and confocal microscopic studies revealed the involvement of proteins such as Clathrin, Rab5a, Syntaxin-6, and RCAS1 in facilitating the internalization of MM-ZC. Knockdown of Rab5a and Clathrin proteins reduced cellular uptake of MM-ZC and conclusively demonstrated the involvement of Clathrin-Rab5a pathways in MM-ZC endocytosis. Furthermore, both Rab5a and Clathrin reciprocally affected their association with MM-ZC when we depleted their proteins by siRNAs. Additionally, the loss of Rab5a decreased the Syntaxin-6 association with MMZC but not vice versa. Conversely, MM-ZC treatment enhanced the association between Clathrin and Rab5a.ConclusionOverall, the current study provides valuable insights into the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of MM-ZC in myeloma cells. Identifying these mechanisms and molecular players involved in MM-ZC uptake contributes to a better understanding of the delivery and potential applications of cell-specific Zip-Codes in gene delivery and drug targeting in cancer research.
Taliglucerase alfa in the longterm treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 Gaucher disease: the Albanian experience
Authors: Cullufi Paskal , Tomori Sonila , Velmishi Virtut , Gjikopulli Agim , Akshija Ilir , Tako Aferdita , Dervishi Ermira , Hoxha Gladiola , Tanka Marjeta , Troja Erjon , Tabaku Mirela 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionEnzyme replacement therapy is already recognized as the gold standard of care for patients with Gaucher disease. Taliglucerase alfa is one of the three alternatives recommended for treatment of Gaucher disease in children and adults.AimThis study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of Taliglucerase alfa in children and adolescents with Type 1 Gaucher disease.Patients and methodsOver a six-year period, we monitored the efficacy of continuous treatment in 10 patients by assessing various parameters, including hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, liver and spleen volume, bone mineral density, glucosylsphingosine level, chitotriosidase activity, and growth parameters. Safety was evaluated by immunogenicity and adverse event monitoring.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 13.4 ± 3.6 years and the treatment duration was 60.24 ± 13.4 months. From baseline to end line the parameters change as follows: hemoglobin concentration improved from 12.7 (±1.3) to 14.6 (±1.5) and platelet count from 180 (±74) to 198 (±79). The spleen volume, was reduced by 46% (p = 0,007). The chitotriosidase activity decreased from 4,019.7 (±3,542.0) nmoles/ml/hr to 2,039.5 (±1,372.2) nmoles/ml/hr (46% reduction). Glucoylsphingosine level dropped from 119.2 (±70.4) ng/ml to 86.2 (±38.1) ng/ml, indicating a reduction of 28%. Bone mineral density Z-score, improved from −1.47 (±1.76) to −0.46 (±0.99) (69.7% reduction). Out of the 1,301 total administrations, our patients reported only 37 (2.8%) infusion-related adverse events which were mild and transitory.ConclusionTaliglucerase alfa exhibits good efficacy and a safe profile in the treatment of children and adolescents with Type 1 Gaucher disease.
Prediction of anticancer peptides derived from the true lectins of Phoenix dactylifera and their synergetic effect with mitotane
Authors: Baothman Othman , Ali Ehab M. M. , Hosawi Salman , Hassan E. Konozy Emadeldin , Abu Zeid Isam M. , Ahmad Abrar , Altayb Hisham N. 
Published: February 2024

Background and aims: Cancer continues to be a significant source of both illness and death on a global scale, traditional medicinal plants continue to serve as a fundamental resource of natural bioactive compounds as an alternative source of remedies. Although there have been numerous studies on the therapeutic role of Phoenix dactylifera, the study of the role of peptides has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer activity of lectin peptides from P. dactylifera using in silico and in vivo analysis.Methods: Different computational tools were used to extract and predict anticancer peptides from the true lectins of P. dactylifera. Nine peptides that are bioactive substances have been investigated for their anticancer activity against MCF-7 and T47D (two forms of breast cancer). To counteract the unfavorable effects of mitotane, the most potent peptides (U3 and U7) were combined with it and assessed for anticancer activity against MCF-7 and HepG2.Results:In silico analysis revealed that nine peptides were predicted with anticancer activity. In cell lines, the lowest IC50 values were measured in U3 and U7 against MCF-7 and T47D cells. U3 or U7 in combination with mitotane demonstrated the lowest IC50 against MCF-7 and HepG2. The maximum level of cell proliferation inhibition was 22% when U3 (500 µg/mL) and 25 µg/mL mitotane were combined, compared to 41% when 25 µg/mL mitotane was used alone. When mitotane and U3 or U7 were combined, it was shown that these bioactive substances worked synergistically with mitotane to lessen its negative effects. The combination of peptides and mitotane could be regarded as an efficient chemotherapeutic medication having these bioactive properties for treating a variety of tumors while enhancing the reduction of side effects.
In vitro and in silico studies reveal antidiabetic properties of arylbenzofurans from the root bark of Morus mesozygia Stapf
Authors: Olufolabo Katherine Olabanjo , Lüersen Kai , Oguntimehin Samuel Ayoolu , Nchiozem-Ngnitedem Vaderament-A. , Agbebi Emmanuel Ayodeji , Faloye Kolade Olatubosun , Nyamboki Divinah Kwamboka , Rimbach Gerald , Matasyoh Josphat Clement , Schmidt Bernd , Moody Jones Olanrewaju 
Published: February 2024

Diabetes remains an important disease worldwide with about 500 million patients globally. In tropical Africa, Morus mesozygia is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes. Biological and phytochemical investigation of the root bark extracts of the plant led to the isolation of a new prenylated arylbenzofuran named 7-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)moracin M (1) and two congeners, moracins P (2) and M (3). When compared to acarbose (IC50 = 486 µM), all the isolated compounds are better inhibitors of α-glucosidase with in vitro IC50 values of 16.9, 16.6, and 40.9 µM, respectively. However, they were not active against α-amylase. The compounds also demonstrated moderate inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4). Based on in silico docking studies, all isolates (1, 2, and 3) exhibit binding affinities of −8.7, −9.5, and −8.5 kcal/mol, respectively against α-glucosidase enzyme (PDB: 3AJ7). They are stabilized within the α-glucosidase active site through hydrogen bonds, pi interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. This study provides scientific support for the traditional use of Morus mesozygia in the treatment of diabetes as well as adding to the repository of α-glucosidase inhibitory agents.
The additive effect of herbal medicines on lifestyle modification in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Myung-Ho , Ahn Subin , Hur Nayeon , Oh Seung-Yun , Son Chang-Gue 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is difficult to manage because of its complex pathophysiological mechanism. There is still no effective treatment other than lifestyle modification (LM) such as dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and gradual weight loss. Herbal medicines from traditional Chinese Medicine and Korean Medicine have been shown to be effective in the treatment of NAFLD based on many randomized controlled trials. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the additive effects of herbal medicines on LM in the treatment of NAFLD.Methods: Two databases (PubMed and Cochrane library) were searched using keywords related to NAFLD and herbal medicines. Then the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the therapeutic effects of herbal medicines combined with LM were selected. The pooled results were analyzed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous data, and risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI for dichotomous data.Results and Discussion: Eight RCTs with a total of 603 participants were included for this review study. Participants were administered with multi-herbal formulas (Yiqi Sanju Formula, Tiaogan Lipi Recipe, and Lingguizhugan Decoction) or single-herbal extracts (Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Magnoliae offcinalis, Trigonella Foenum-graecum L. semen, Portulaca oleracea L., and Rhus Coriaria L. fructus) along with LM for 12 weeks. The meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in ultrasoundbased liver steatosis measured by odds ratio (OR) in the herbal medicine group than those with LM alone (OR = 7.9, 95% CI 0.7 to 95.2, p &lt; 0.1). In addition, herbal medicines decreased the levels of aspartate transferase (MD -7.5, 95% CI -13.4 to −1.7, p = 0.01) and total cholesterol (MD -16.0, 95% CI -32.7 to 0.7, p = 0.06) more than LM alone. The meta-analysis partially showed clinical evidence supporting the additive benefits of herbal medicines for NAFLD in combination with LM. Whereas, it is necessary to provide a solid basis through higher-quality studies using a specific herbal medicine.