bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and characterization of liposomal formulations containing sesquiterpene lactones for the treatment of chronic gout
Authors: Cunha Matosinhos Rafaela , Frézard Frédéric , Mendes Silva Araújo Sabrina , Magalhães Barbosa Andressa , de Souza Isabela Fernanda , de Souza Filho José Dias , de Souza Jacqueline , Corrêa Oliveira Bahia Ana Paula , Ietta Francesca , Magnani Agnese , Saúde-Guimarães Dênia Antunes 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGout and hyperuricemia are characterized by high uric acid levels, and their treatment involves medications that have adverse effects. In this study, we evaluated oral liposomal formulations with eremantholide C and goyazensolide as a novel approach to reduce the toxicity associated with these substances while maintaining their anti-hyperuricemic activity. We characterized the formulations and evaluated them based on encapsulation efficiency and stability over 12 months and under simulated physiological environments. We determined the toxicity of the liposomal formulations in Caco-2 cells and the anti-hyperuricemic activity in rats. The formulations exhibited nanometric size, a narrow size distribution, and a negative zeta potential, indicating their stability and uniformity. The efficient encapsulation of the sesquiterpene lactones within the liposomes emphasizes their potential for sustained release and therapeutic efficacy. Stability evaluation revealed a small decrease in the eremantholide C concentration and a remarkable stability in the goyazensolide concentration. In Caco-2 cells, the liposomes did not exert toxicity, but did exhibit an antiproliferative effect. In vivo assays demonstrated that the liposomes reduced serum uric acid levels. Our study represents an advancement in gout and hyperuricemia treatment. The liposomal formulations effectively reduced the toxicity associated with the sesquiterpene lactones while maintaining their therapeutic effects.
The efficacy and safety of soluble guanylate cyclase modulation in patients with heart failure: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Arayici Mehmet Emin , Gunes Hakan , Ellidokuz Hulya , Yilmaz Mehmet Birhan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSoluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulation has been scrutinized in several disease states including heart failure (HF). Recently, it was shown that an sGC modulator improved HF-related hospitalization significantly, though, there was no benefit related to mortality. Herein, a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for sGC modulation in HF patients was provided in agreement with the PRISMA statement. A total of 10 RCTs yielding 12 papers were included. There were 7526 patients with heart failure of each phenotype, 4253 in the sGC modulator group and 3273 in the placebo group. Use of sGC modulators in HF patients yielded no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality compared to placebo (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.88–1.08, p = 0.62). The use of sGC modulators was associated with a trend toward a considerable but non-significant increase in the incidence of SAEs (RR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.99–1.22, p = 0.07), as well as an increased incidence of hypotension and anemia. There was an overall neutral effect of sGC modulation on NT-proBNP levels, 6MWD and mortality, at a cost of slight increase in hypotension and anemia. Of note, the improvement in EQ-5D-based quality of life was significant. Hence, the benefit seems to be driven by distinctive domains of quality of life.
NNT-AS1 in CAFs-derived exosomes promotes progression and glucose metabolism through miR-889-3p/HIF-1α in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Wang Qun , Lu Weijun , Zhang Feng , Wu Dongde , Sun Junwei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIt is metabolic and signaling crosstalk between stromal cells and tumors in the tumor microenvironment, which influences several aspects of tumor formation and drug resistance, including metabolic reprogramming. Despite considerable findings linking lncRNAs in HIF-1-related regulatory networks to cancer cell, little emphasis has been given to the role in communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells. Previously, we observed that NNT-AS1 was substantially expressed in CAFs cells and CAFs exosomes, and subsequently investigated the influence of CAFs exosomal NNT-AS1 on glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine exosomes secreted by PDAC patient-derived CAFs. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. The role of CAFs-derived exosomal NNT-AS1 in PDAC cell progression and metabolism have been identified. Dual luciferase reporter assays examined the binding between NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. After PDAC cells co-culture exosomes secreted by CAFs, we found that they alter glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis. In PDAC cells, CAF-derived exosomal lncRNA NNT-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-889-3p. Furthermore, HIF-1 could be targeted by miR-889-3p and was controlled by NNT-AS1. This study explores the mechanism by which NNT-AS1 influences the interaction of CAFs on glycolytic remodeling, proliferation, and metastasis of tumor cells through regulating miR-889-3p/HIF-1α, which also helps discover new clinical treatment targets for PDAC.
Electrochemical synthesis of 2D-silver nanodendrites functionalized with cyclodextrin for SERS-based detection of herbicide MCPA
Authors: Daly Robert , Narayan Tarun , Diaz Fernando , Shao Han , Gutierrez Moreno Jose Julio , Nolan Michael , O’Riordan Alan , Lovera Pierre 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique that has found application in the trace detection of a wide range of contaminants. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of 2D silver nanodendrites, on silicon chips, synthesized by electrochemical reduction of AgNO3 at microelectrodes. The formation of nanodendrites is tentatively explained in terms of electromigration and diffusion of silver ions. Electrochemical characterization suggests that the nanodendrites do not stay electrically connected to the microelectrode. The substrates show SERS activity with an enhancement factor on the order of 106. Density functional theory simulations were carried out to investigate the suitability of the fabricated substrate for pesticide monitoring. These substrates can be functionalized with cyclodextrin macro molecules to help with the detection of molecules with low affinity with silver surfaces. A proof of concept is demonstrated with the detection of the herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA).
General relativistic bubble growth in cosmological phase transitions
Authors: Giombi L. , Hindmarsh Mark 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We use a full general relativistic framework to study the self-similar expansion of bubbles of the stable phase into a flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker Universe in a first order phase transition in the early Universe. With a simple linear barotropic equation of state in both phases, and in the limit of a phase boundary of negligible width, we find that self-similar solutions exist, which are qualitatively similar to the analogous solutions in Minkowski space, but with distinguishing features. Rarefaction waves extend to the centre of the bubble, while spatial sections near the centre of the bubble have negative curvature.
Gravitational effects redistribute the kinetic energy of the fluid around the bubble, and can change the kinetic energy fraction significantly. The kinetic energy fraction of the gravitating solution can be enhanced over the analogous Minkowski solution by as much as 𝒪(1), and suppressed by a factor as larger as 𝒪(10) in case of fast detonations.
The amount of negative spatial curvature at the centre of the bubble is of the same order of magnitude of the naive expectation based on considerations of the energy density perturbation in Minkowski solutions, with gravitating deflagrations less negatively curved, and detonations more.
We infer that general relativistic effects might have a significant impact on
accurate calculations of the gravitational wave power spectrum when the bubble size becomes comparable to the cosmological Hubble radius,
affecting the primary generation from the fluid shear stress, and inducing secondary generation by scalar perturbations.
Erratum: Gravitational echoes of lepton number symmetry breaking with light and ultralight Majorons
Authors: Addazi Andrea , Marcianò Antonino , Morais António P. , Pasechnik Roman , Viana João , Yang Hao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We rectify a typographical error in equation (3.14) from the original version of this article, pertaining to the effective Higgs-Majoron coupling, λ(0)

JJh
1
, expressed in the mass eigenbasis. Notably, the same error persisted in the computational routines used in our work. This oversight resulted in a discrepancy in the numerical calculation of the invisible Higgs decay branching fraction, Br(h
1 → JJ), affecting a subset of the sampled points. While the main conclusions remain unaltered, we provide an updated version of our results.
Silicon carbide detectors for dosimetry and monitoring of ultra-high dose rate beams
Authors: Okpuwe C. , Amato A. , D'Amico I. , De Liso V. , De Napoli M. , Di Martino F. , Felici G. , Galluzzo L. , Medina E. , Vignati A. , Camarda M. , Romano F. , Milluzzo G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy, which employs ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) beams with a mean dose rate > 40 Gy/s and a total irradiation time < 200 ms to treat tumors, exhibits remarkable ability to spare healthy tissue while maintaining the same efficiency in treating tumors. However, UHDR presents challenges in dosimetry and beam monitoring, as the dosimeters recommended for conventional radiotherapy, i.e. the ionization chambers, show saturation at such high dose rates and dose delivered per pulse and hence cannot be employed for accurate dosimetry in the future clinical transition of FLASH radiotherapy. This implies the need to develop alternative techniques and dosimeters able to sustain the peculiar conditions of the UHDR beams. This study investigates the feasibility of using a new generation of Silicon Carbide (SiC) detectors for the measurement of the instantaneous dose rate of UHDR electron beams. An experimental investigation was conducted with the ElectronFLASH linac developed by the SIT Sordina company and able to accelerate 7 and 9 MeV electron pulsed beams at FLASH regimes. The signals
produced in the SiC detectors were acquired and compared with the signals detected by the monitoring system currently mounted along the LINAC, i.e. two AC current transformers supplied by the Bergoz company. The main purpose of the experiment was to demonstrate the capability of the developed SiC detector to measure the single pulse duration and waveform with high time resolution and accuracy. The test was performed by using both 7 and 9 MeV electron beams and has shown promising results.
Impact of beam-coupling impedance on the Schottky spectrum of bunched beam
Authors: Lannoy C. , Lasocha K. , Pieloni T. , Alves D. , Mounet N. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Schottky monitors of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) can
be used for non-invasive beam diagnostics to estimate various bunch
characteristics, such as tune, chromaticity, bunch profile or
synchrotron frequency distribution. However, collective effects, in
particular beam-coupling impedance, can significantly affect
Schottky spectra when large bunch charges are involved. In such
conditions, the available interpretation methods are difficult to
apply directly to the measured spectra, thus preventing the
extraction of beam and machine parameters, which is possible for
lower bunch charges. To study the impact of impedance on such
spectra, we introduce a method for building Schottky spectra from
macro-particle simulations performed with the PyHEADTAIL code,
applied to LHC beam conditions. In this case, the use of a standard
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm to recover the spectral
content of the beam becomes computationally intractable memory-wise,
because of the relatively short bunch length compared to the large
revolution period. To circumvent this difficulty, a semi-analytical
method was developed to efficiently compute the Fourier
transform. The simulated Schottky spectrum is then compared against
theoretical formulas and measurements of Schottky signals previously
obtained with lead ion beams in the LHC where impedance effects are
expected to be limited. Furthermore, this study provides
preliminary interpretations of the impact of beam-coupling impedance
on proton Schottky spectra by incorporating longitudinal and
transverse resonator-like impedance models into the simulations. A
theoretical framework is also introduced for the case of the
longitudinal impedance, allowing the extension of the existing
theoretical formalism.
The nonlinear Schrödinger equation in cylindrical geometries
Authors: Krechetnikov R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The nonlinear Schrödinger equation was originally derived in nonlinear optics as a model for beam propagation, which naturally requires its application in cylindrical coordinates. However, that derivation was performed in Cartesian coordinates for linearly polarized fields with the Laplacian

Δ

⊥

=

∂

x

2

+

∂

y

2

transverse to the beam z-direction, and then, tacitly assuming covariance, extended to axisymmetric cylindrical setting. As we show, first with a simple example and next with a systematic derivation in cylindrical coordinates for axisymmetric and hence radially polarized fields,

Δ

⊥

=

∂

r

2

+

1
r

∂

r

must be amended with a potential

V
(
r
)
=

1

r

2

, which leads to a Gross–Pitaevskii equation instead. Hence, results for beam dynamics and collapse must be revisited in this setting.
Improving performance of quantum heat engines using modified Otto cycle
Authors: S Revathy B , Sharma Harsh , Divakaran Uma 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The efficiency of a quantum heat engine is maximum when the unitary strokes of the quantum Otto cycle are adiabatic. On the other hand, this may not be always possible due to small energy gaps in the system, especially at the critical point (CP) where the gap between the ground state and the first excited state vanishes and the system gets excited. With the aim to regain this lost adiabaticity, we modify one of the unitary strokes of the Otto cycle by allowing the system to first evolve with a time dependent Hamiltonian as in the case of a usual Otto cycle, followed by an additional evolution with a different time independent Hamiltonian so that the system reaches a less excited state. This will help in increasing the magnitude of the heat absorbed from the hot bath so that the work output and efficiency of the engine can be increased. We demonstrate this method using an integrable model and a non-integrable model as the working medium and discuss the generality and limitations of this method. In the case of a two spin system, the optimal value for the time till which the system needs to be freely evolved is calculated analytically in the adiabatic limit. The results show that implementing this modified unitary stroke significantly improves the work output and efficiency of the engine, especially when it crosses the CP.
Breast masses with rim enhancement on contrast-enhanced mammography: morphological and enhancement features for diagnosis and differentiation of benign and malignant
Authors: Wen Chanjuan , Wang Sina , Ma Mengwei , Xu Zeyuan , Zeng Fengxia , Zeng Hui , Liao Xin , He Zilong , Xu Weimin , Chen Weiguo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the imaging characteristics and clinicopathological features of rim enhancement of breast masses demonstrated on contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM).

Methods
67 cases of breast lesions confirmed by pathology and showing rim enhancement on CEM examinations were analyzed. The lesions were divided into benign and malignant groups, and the morphological and enhanced features were described. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated separately for each morphology descriptor to evaluate the diagnostic ability of each indicator.

Results
There were 35 (52.2%) malignant and 32 (47.8%) benign lesions. There are significant differences in the morphological and enhanced features between benign and malignant lesions. 29/35 (82.9%) malignant lesions exhibited irregular shapes, and 31/35 (88.6%) showed indistinct margins. 28/35 (80%) malignant lesions displayed strong enhancement on CEM, while 12/32 (37.5%) benign lesions exhibited weak enhancement (P = 0.001). Malignant lesions showed a higher incidence of unsmooth inner walls than benign lesions (28/35 vs 7/32; P &lt;.001). Lesion margins showed high sensitivity of 88.57% and NPV of 81.8%. The presence of suspicious calcifications had the highest specificity of 100% and PPV of 100%. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the combined parameters were 97.14%, 93.15%, 94.44%, and 96.77%, respectively.

Conclusions
The assessment of morphological and enhanced features of breast lesions exhibiting rim enhancement on CEM can improve the differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions.

Advances in knowledge
This article provides a reference for the differential diagnosis of ring enhanced lesions on CEM.
Migration and making of non-heteronormative households and families: lived experiences of cisgender women partners of trans men in Bengaluru
Authors: Puthan Purayil Agaja 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The lived experiences of cisgender women partners of trans men are rarely a subject of concern, even for sexuality studies in India. This article looks into the lived experiences of cisgender-identified female partners of trans men who migrated to Bengaluru city from different parts of south India to live with their trans men partners. Despite constant opposition and threats from their natal families, these women decided to relocate to Bengaluru along with their trans men partners. Bengaluru-based Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working on gender and sexual minorities helped them migrate and settle in Bengaluru. The queer and trans community in Bengaluru also helped them deal with the challenges post-migration. Post-migration, these women formed households and families along with their trans men partners. This study uses Pfeffer’s conceptualization of ‘normative resistance’ and ‘inventive pragmatism’ to elucidate how, post- migration, the women and their trans men partners strategically resisted and accessed social structure/institutions to receive social recognition and escape public stigma and violence. The study also shows that inegalitarian emotional and household division of labour exists between the women and their trans men partners. Even as the women try to naturalize them, they were not passive receptors and have learned to strategize their roles in the household realm. Simultaneously, the article also shows that the space created by the NGOs and trans-civic networks in the city has helped these women form a strong community consciousness and forge support system that gives them the confidence to live with their trans men partners.
Human cytomegalovirus seropositivity and its influence on oral rotavirus vaccine immunogenicity: a specific concern for HIV-exposed-uninfected infants
Authors: Laban Natasha , Bosomprah Samuel , Chilengi Roma , Simuyandi Michelo , Chisenga Caroline , Ng’ombe Harriet , Musukuma-Chifulo Kalo , Goodier Martin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Oral rotavirus vaccines demonstrate diminished immunogenicity in low-income settings where human cytomegalovirus infection is acquired early in childhood and modulates immunity. We hypothesized that human cytomegalovirus infection around the time of vaccination may influence immunogenicity. We measured plasma human cytomegalovirus-specific immunoglobulin M antibodies in rotavirus vaccinated infants from 6 weeks to 12 months old and compared rotavirus immunoglobulin A antibody titers between human cytomegalovirus seropositive and seronegative infants. There was no evidence of an association between human cytomegalovirus serostatus at 9 months and rotavirus-specific antibody titers at 12 months (geometric mean ratio 1.01, 95% CI: 0.70, 1.45; P = 0.976) or fold-increase in RV-IgA titer between 9 and 12 months (risk ratio 0.999, 95%CI: 0.66, 1.52; P = 0.995) overall. However, HIV-exposed-uninfected infants who were seropositive for human cytomegalovirus at 9 months old had a 63% reduction in rotavirus antibody geometric mean titers at 12 months compared to HIV-exposed-uninfected infants who were seronegative for human cytomegalovirus (geometric mean ratio 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.77; P = 0.008). While the broader implications of human cytomegalovirus infections on oral rotavirus vaccine response might be limited in the general infant population, the potential impact in the HIV-exposed-uninfected infants cannot be overlooked. This study highlights the complexity of immunological responses and the need for targeted interventions to ensure oral rotavirus vaccine efficacy, especially in vulnerable subpopulations.
Non-image-forming vision as measured through ipRGC-mediated pupil constriction is not modulated by covert visual attention
Authors: Vilotijević Ana , Mathôt Sebastiaan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In brightness, the pupil constricts, while in darkness, the pupil dilates; this is known as the pupillary light response (PLR). The PLR is driven by all photoreceptors: rods and cones, which contribute to image-forming vision, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which mainly contribute to non-image-forming vision. Rods and cones cause immediate pupil constriction upon light exposure, whereas ipRGCs cause sustained constriction throughout light exposure. Recent studies have shown that covert attention modulated the initial PLR; however, it remains unclear whether the same holds for the sustained PLR. We tested this by leveraging ipRGCs’ responsiveness to blue light, causing the most prominent sustained constriction. While replicating previous studies by showing that pupils constricted more when either directly looking at, or covertly attending to, bright as compared to dim stimuli (with the same color), we also found that the pupil constricted more when directly looking at blue as compared to red stimuli (with the same luminosity). Crucially, however, in two high-powered studies (n = 60), we did not find any pupil-size difference when covertly attending to blue as compared to red stimuli. This suggests that ipRGC-mediated pupil constriction, and possibly non-image-forming vision more generally, is not modulated by covert attention.