bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exosome PAICS promotes radioresistance of non-small cell lung cancer through reducing radition-induced DNA damage and promoting immune escape via STING signaling pathway
Authors: Meng Lu , Li Peng , Zhang Anqi , Huang Litang , Luo Shilan , Wu Xiaoting , Gong Xiaomei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The development of radiotherapy resistance is a process involving complicated mechanisms, in which tumor-derived exosomes play an important role.
Methods
Colony formation assay, wound healing assay and immunofluorescence assay were adopted to examine the the effects of radioresistant cell-derived exosomes on the radiosensitivity of receptor NSCLC cells. RNA sequencing was performed to identify the functional gene of radioresistant NSCLC cells. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, such as the subcutaneous transplantation tumor model and the flow cytometry, were adopted to study the effect of the functional protein transported by exosomes on NSCLC and the mechanisms invloved.
Results
We found that radioresistant A549 cell-derived exosomes could attenuate the lethal DNA damage and enhance the radio-resistance of co-cultured NSCLC cells. Phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase, phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) was significantly up-regulated in A549/X and A549/X-derived exosomes, suggesting that exosome PAICS may be involved in the development of radio-resistance in NSCLC. The killing effects of irradiation in NSCLC cells were partially restored when reducing PAICS of exosome. The STING signalling pathway was influenced by PAICS. Moreover, The irradiation-mediated tumor regression was weakened when giving A549/X cell-derived exosomes intravenously before radiotherapy. The animal experiments also indicated that exosome PAICS could restrain the tumor regression effect of irradiation through inducing immunosuppressive macroenvironment and promote tumor immune escape.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that PAICS, a key enzyme in the purine de novo synthesis pathway, could be transported to the receptor NSCLC cells through exosomes, which might be an important way to cause NSCLC radiotherapy resistance.
Association between preoperative cutaneous conditions and incidence of postoperative skin disorders in patients undergoing lateral decubitus surgery under general anesthesia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hara Kentaro , Takami Sotaro , Uemura Takahiro , Tachibana Reika , Kumashiro Ryosuke , Yuge Ayaka , Shimoyama Koichiro , Tomoshige Koichi , Yamaguchi Michiko , Fujioka Masaki , Tagawa Tsutomu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Pressure ulcers pose significant risks during surgical procedures, particularly in patients undergoing procedures in the lateral decubitus position. This study aimed to explore the relationship between preoperative transepidermal water loss and occurrence of postoperative skin disorders in patients undergoing lateral decubitus surgery under general anesthesia.
Methods
This single-center prospective observational study included participants aged ≥ 20 years who underwent thoracoscopic pneumonectomy between November 2022 and December 2023. The initial sample size was calculated to be 85 but increased to 106 to accommodate potential discontinuations and exclusions. The primary endpoint was transepidermal water loss, with secondary endpoints including keratin moisture content and skin pH. Measurements were conducted in high-risk areas (i.e., the chest side), immediately after sedation. Statistical analysis included Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and multiple regression analysis.
Results
A significant correlation was observed between elevated preoperative transepidermal water loss and postoperative skin disorders, suggesting transepidermal water loss as a predictive biomarker for such complications, especially in surgeries requiring prolonged immobilization or specific positioning (R2 = 0.545, adjusted R2 = 0.545) (B=-0.094; 95% confidence interval, -0.161 to -0.037). This suggests that integrating transepidermal water loss measurements into routine preoperative evaluations could effectively identify patients at higher risk, enabling targeted preventive strategies. A transepidermal water loss cut-off value of 19.5 g/m2/h was identified, with higher values indicating increased risk of postoperative skin disorders.
Conclusion
Preoperative transepidermal water loss measurement holds promise as a predictive tool for identifying patients at risk of postoperative skin impairment and pressure ulcers. Early interventions (e.g., enhanced skin care, hydration management, and nutritional supplementation) are necessary for patients with elevated transepidermal water loss. Integrating transepidermal water loss assessment into preoperative evaluations and implementing targeted preventive strategies may mitigate the incidence of postoperative skin disorders in surgical patients.
Trial registration:
The study and protocol registry for this study is UMIN000053356.
Social Wasp Venom: a Treasure of Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: BN Ganavi , Ramesh Balenahalli Narasingappa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are versatile molecules that are vital for combating pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Insects thrive well in microbe-rich environments and rely on their cellular and humoral immune systems for defense. The humoral system, among other constituents, chiefly comprises antimicrobial peptides. Interestingly, the venom of hymenopteran insects has been identified as a rich repository of these peptides.
Results
This study aimed to explore the potential of social wasp venom as a source of antimicrobial peptides, focusing on two species viz. Ropalidia marginata and Vespa tropica. Venom gland extracts from both species were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160) and Escherichia coli (MTCC 2692), which are gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria respectively. Vespa tropica venom showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria, while Ropalidia marginata venom was effective only against Staphylococcus aureus. Reverse phase- High performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was carried out with a peptide-specific protocol to separate fractions of peptides from the venom. Seven fractions were obtained from each species. Two fractions from Vespa tropica exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while two fractions from Ropalidia marginata were effective only against Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, two fractions from each species showed antibacterial activity against the plant pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, while no antifungal activity was observed against Sclerotium rolfsii. Further analysis of the active fractions using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) revealed the presence of six peptides in each species with m/z 932.280 to m/z 1729.650 for Ropalidia marginata and m/z 1386.182 to m/z 1695.805 for Vespa tropica.
Conclusion
This study elucidates the antimicrobial potential of social wasp venom against a range of bacterial pathogens, suggesting its potential in both therapeutic and agricultural contexts.
Linear optimal transport subspaces for point set classification
Authors: Shifat-E-Rabbi Mohammad , Pathan Naqib Sad , Li Shiying , Zhuang Yan , Rubaiyat Abu Hasnat Mohammad , Rohde Gustavo K 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Learning from point sets is an essential component in many computer vision and machine learning applications. Native, unordered, and permutation invariant set structure space is challenging to model, particularly for point set classification under spatial deformations. Here we propose a framework for classifying point sets experiencing certain types of spatial deformations, with a particular emphasis on datasets featuring affine deformations. Our approach employs the Linear Optimal Transport (LOT) transform to obtain a linear embedding of set-structured data. Utilizing the mathematical properties of the LOT transform, we demonstrate its capacity to accommodate variations in point sets by constructing a convex data space, effectively simplifying point set classification problems. Our method, which employs a nearest-subspace algorithm in the LOT space, demonstrates label efficiency, non-iterative behavior, and requires no hyper-parameter tuning. It achieves competitive accuracies compared to state-of-the-art methods across various point set classification tasks. Furthermore, our approach exhibits robustness in out-of-distribution scenarios where training and test distributions vary in terms of deformation magnitudes.
A triggering structure of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 spike upon ACE2 binding for receptor-binding domain up
Authors: Hashiguchi Takao , Yajima Hisano , Anraku Yuki , Kaku Yu , Kimura Kanako , Plianchaisuk Arnon , Okumura Kaho , Nakada-Nakura Yoshiko , Kita Shunsuke , Sasaki Jiei , Sumita Hiromi , Ito Jumpei , Maenaka Katsumi , Sato Kei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Since 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has undergone mutations, resulting in pandemic and epidemic waves. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, crucial for cellular entry, is believed to bind to the ACE2 receptor exclusively when its receptor-binding domain (RBD) adopts the “up” conformation. However, whether ACE2 exclusively binds to the “up” RBD or also interacts with the “down” RBD to facilitate the conformational shift to RBD-up remains unclear. Here, we present the structures of the BA.2.86 spike alone and bound to ACE2. The N354-linked glycan contributes to the neutralizing antibody evasion in BA.2.86. Notably, we successfully observed the ACE2-bound “down” RBD, indicating a trigger structure before the RBD-up conformation. The wider and mobile angle of RBDs in the “up” state provides space for ACE2 to interact with the “down” RBD, facilitating the transition to the RBD-up state. These structural insights into the spike-protein dynamics would help understand the mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and its neutralization.
Individualized Support for Breastfeeding in a Case of Elevated Maternal Blood Lead: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Ashley Wallace , Mercedes Joann , Markowitz Morri 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Lead is a known toxicant that affects all tissues in the body, most notably the brains of developing children. However, there are limited data on the dynamics of lead transfer via breastmilk and its short-term and long-term consequences. Much of the available data come from areas of the world where numerous sources of lead complicate our understanding of the effects of lead exposure via breast milk.
Case Presentation
We present trends in blood lead levels (BLLs) in a breastfeeding dyad, where the only source of lead exposure identified was prior to pregnancy, without other known ongoing lead exposures for mother or infant.
Outcomes and Implications
In this case, all lead exposure in the infant was presumed to come from in utero transmission and breastfeeding; and infant BLLs varied significantly with initiation and interruption of breastfeeding. This case is discussed in the context of current models for predicting transfer of lead in breastmilk and demonstrates the use of strategic pauses in breastfeeding to alleviate the burden of lead transfer and support the ongoing breastfeeding relationship.
Antioxidant mechanism of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil ameliorating pulmonary oxidative stress by activating NRF2 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Huang Lei , Xu Yongfang , Cheng Biao , Zhao Mingqin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Oxidative stress is a major transduction intermediator of air pollution-related pulmonary disorders, thus the antioxidants defensed with pulmonary oxidative stress need to be further pursued. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is widely recognized as a potent natural antioxidant due to its excellent essential oil. However, the application of rosemary essential oil (REO) against oxidative stress has not yet been reported. This study aimed to explore REO’s antioxidant action under pulmonary oxidative stress, and reveal its underlying molecular mechanisms in hydrogen peroxide induced human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. In this paper, REO mainly composed of 1.8-cinelone (54.05%) and α-Pinene (20.67%), showed radical scavenging activity nearly equivalent to that of ascorbic acid, but significantly higher than BTH and BHA in DPPH, ABTS, OH− and O2− assays. At the cellular level, REO (12.5–50 µg/mL) evaluated the levels of cell viability, antioxidant metabolic enzymes CAT, SOD, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant GSH significantly, while reduced the contents of ROS, MDA and GSSG prominently, when compared to H2O2 exposure only. Mechanically, REO relieved oxidative stress via activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and enhancing the protein expression of Nrf2 and its target genes NQO-1, HO-1, which was verified by molecular docking between 1.8-cineole and Kelch domain of KEAP1 further. Therefore, REO could be considered as a potent natural antioxidant with potential strategy in food and pharmaceutical industries.
The Measurement of Occupational Segregation in a Multigroup Context: A System Based Approach
Authors: Watts Martin John 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Over the last three decades many multigroup indexes have been developed and applied to occupational and school segregation in both time series and cross-sectional studies.
In this paper, by reference to the properties of two well-known segregation indexes, we contrast the features of a systems based methodology to analyse time series changes in occupational segregation by gender/race with an approach based on the disaggregation of gender/race groups through the derivation of local indexes.
We conclude that the systems based approach is superior and illustrate our claim via an empirical study of US employment data defined across Gender, Race and Occupation for the years 2010 and 2018.
The effect of Nrf2 on bone resorption in chronic apical periodontitis
Authors: Song QiYi , Wu Saixuan , Dong Ming , Liu Shuo , Wang Lina , Niu Weidong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is responsible for regulating and maintaining the transcription of cytoprotective genes under conditions of stress and the destruction of redox homeostasis. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Nrf2 in the bone resorption of chronic apical periodontitis (CAP). We used immunohistochemical staining, western blotting and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) to clarify the expression of Nrf2 in the normal human periodontal ligament and in CAP. A mouse model of apical periodontitis was established by root canal exposure to the oral cavity, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the progress of apical periodontitis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of Nrf2 in different stages of apical periodontitis. An Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated inflammatory environment was also established at the osteoclast and osteoblast levels, and the role of Nrf2 in proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts was examined by downregulating Nrf2 expression. The expression of Nrf2 in CAP was higher in the apical periodontitis group than that in healthy periodontal ligament tissue. The expression of Nrf2 increased with the progression of inflammation in mouse apical periodontitis model. In the inflammatory environment mediated by LPS, downregulation of Nrf2 promoted the proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Nrf2 is involved in the disease process of CAP and may participate in the occurrence and development of bone destruction in CAP by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
A case report of caesarean section scar pregnancy: novel approach to acute management
Authors: rodrigo nilan , danarathne dhanuka , gunasekera eranda 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
This case report presents the clinical journey of a 41-year-old woman who was diagnosed with caesarean section ectopic pregnancy, which is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy, but who presented as an emergency because of default to planned management.
Case presentation:
A 41-year-old woman who had two previous caesarean sections at a 10-week period of amenorrhea presented to our hospital gynaecology clinic with mild abdominal pain without bleeding per vagina for five days.
A transvaginal scan was performed, and a caesarean scar pregnancy was diagnosed.
The diagnosis was explained to the patient, and scar ectopic removal either by hysteroscopy or laparoscopy was scheduled in two days.
The patient did not undergo the procedure as scheduled but experienced severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding after four days.
On examination, she was haemodynamically stable with a soft abdomen. The vaginal speculum showed period-like bleeding with an opened cervical os.
A transvaginal scan revealed a caesarean section ectopic with a foetal pole and heartbeat.
Since the cervical os was opened, successful suction curettage was performed. Beta hCG became undetectable 11 days after curettage.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the current knowledge of the application of transvaginal scanning for managing the acute presentation of caesarean scar pregnancy, and the correct application of minimally invasive appropriate tailor-made surgical procedures will provide cost -effective and safer outcomes for individual patients.
Classification System for Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis using Machine Learning
Authors: Aziz Miran Hakim , Abdulla Alan Anwer 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Morbidity and even mortality are common outcomes of breast cancer, which is one of the most common diseases affecting women worldwide. Breast cancer is challenging, expensive, and takes a long time to diagnose manually by radiologist. Since it gets beyond all of the drawbacks of manual diagnosis, an automatic/computer-based diagnosis of breast cancer might be thought of as an alternative to manual diagnosis. Utilizing image processing techniques, computer-based diagnostic systems process breast images from mammograms. This study aims to suggest a computer-based diagnostic system for breast cancer by using machine learning to classify the input mammography image into three classes: normal, benign, and malignant. The suggested system comprises of a certain of steps. The input image is initially pre-processed to remove labels and enhance image quality using median filter and adaptive histogram equalization. The next step entails applying the threshold segmentation technique to segment the cancer cells in order to isolate the region of interest (ROI). The Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) feature extraction technique is then implemented to extract texture features from the segmented ROI. Consequently, on the basis of the extracted features, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) classifier techniques are employed to classify the segmented region as normal, benign, and malignant. The performance of the proposed system was examined via extensive experiments conducted on the well-known Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) dataset of mammography images. The experimental findings reveal that the proposed system outperforms existing systems, which attained a 98.6% accuracy rate.
Regulation of trophic factors in the choroid plexus of aged mice
Authors: Sadanandan Jayanarayanan , Sathyanesan Monica , Newton Samuel S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The choroid plexus (CP) is an understudied tissue in the central nervous system (CNS), primarily implicated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. Additionally, CP produces numerous neurotrophic factors (NTF), which circulate to different regions of the brain. Regulation of NTF in the CP during natural aging has yet to be discovered. Here, we investigated the age and gender-specific transcription of NTFs along with the changes in the tight junctional proteins (TJPs) and water channel protein Aquaporin (AQP1).
Methods
We used male and female mice for our study. We analyzed neurotrophic factor gene expression patterns using quantitative and digital droplet PCR at three different time points: mature adult, middle-aged, and aged. Additionally, we used immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) to evaluate in vivo protein expression. We further investigated the cellular phenotype of these NTFS, TJP, and water channel proteins in the mouse CP by co-labeling them with the classical vascular marker, Isolectin B4, and epithelial cell marker, plectin.
Results
Aging significantly altered the NTF's gene expression in the CP. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Midkine, VGF, Insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), IGF2, klotho, Erythropoietin, and its receptor were reduced in the aged CP of males and females. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcription was gender-specific; in males, gene expression is unchanged in the aged CP, while females showed an age-dependent reduction. Age-dependent changes in VEGF localization were evident, from vasculature to epithelial cells. IGF2 and klotho localized in the basolateral membrane of the CP and showed an age-dependent reduction in epithelial cells. Water channel protein AQP1 localized in the tip of epithelial cells and showed an age-related reduction in mRNA and protein levels. TJP’s JAM, CLAUDIN1, CLAUDIN2, and CLAUDIN5 were reduced in aged mice.
Conclusions
Our study highlights transcriptional level changes in the CP during aging. The age-related transcriptional changes exhibit similarities as well as gene-specific differences in the CP of males and females. Altered transcription of the water channel protein AQP1 and TJPs could be involved in reduced CSF production during aging. Importantly, reduction in the neurotrophic factors and longevity factor Klotho can play a role in regulating brain aging.
Structured second-order linear ODEs: Eigenvalues, singular values and the DMD
Authors: Schwarz Diana Estevez 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

For certain classes of structured matrices, the eigenvalues can be estimated or even calculated explicitly by means of well-known formulas. Starting from these formulas, in this article we derive further formulas for the eigenvalues and singular values of structured matrices that result from second-order linear ODEs by order reduction. This insight leads to a better understanding of these relationships and permits the construction of large-scaled examples (or counterexamples) with specific characteristics that can be used for testing and teaching purposes. As applications, we discuss two well-known example classes, namely a simple discretized wave equation and simple spring-damper systems in series. On the one hand, we can recognize when complex eigenvalues appear and compute the stiffness index and stiffness ratio explicitly. On the other hand, if the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is applied to data generated with such ODEs, then the formulas allow to estimate the eigenvalues and singular values that are relevant in this context. For some of the mentioned examples we visualize and discuss the approximations obtained with the DMD with very low-dimensional dynamics.