bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mixture of extracts from natural ingredients reduces the neurotoxic polarization of microglia via modulating NF‐κB/NF‐E2‐related factor 2 activation
Authors: Gui Shuge , Ni Junjun , Mizutani Shinsuke , Shigematsu Norihiro , Nakanishi Hiroshi , Kashiwazaki Haruhiko , Wu Zhou 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNeurotoxic microglia‐provoked neuroinflammation is implicated in cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Supplementation with Ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, Curcuma longa, and propolis is reported to improve the cognitive functions of elderly people; however, the underlying mechanisms of this combination of natural ingredients are unknown. We investigated the effects of a mixture of extracts from propolis, Coffea arabica, Gotu kola, phosphatidylserine, Ginkgo biloba, and Curcuma longa (mixture) on microglia polarization after exposure to amyloid β1‐42 (Aβ1‐42, 1 μM) and lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS, 1 μg/mL), using MG6 and BV2 microglial cells. Exposure to Aβ1‐42 and PgLPS (AL) raised the mRNA expression of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, nuclear translocation of p65 NF‐κB in MG6 cells and BV2 cells, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in MG6 cells. The mixture dramatically suppressed the mRNA expression of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, but significantly promoted that of IL‐10, TGFβ1, and BDNF in AL‐exposed MG6 and BV2 cells. Furthermore, the mixture significantly suppressed the nuclear translocation of p65 NF‐κB but significantly promoted that of NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) in AL‐exposed MG6 and BV2 cells. Furthermore, the mixture significantly ameliorated mitochondrial ROS production but increased mitochondrial membrane potential in MG6 cells. These observations strongly suggest that the mixture demotes the neuropathic polarization of microglia by modulating NF‐κB/Nrf2 activation and improving mitochondrial functions. This study supplies the potential mechanisms of the efficacy of a combination of natural ingredients that can be applied in the prevention of cognitive decline in AD and aging by targeting microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation.
The medieval croft plužina field system in a mountain region of central Europe: The interdisciplinary record of the earthen field boundaries in Debrné, Czechia
Authors: Poledník Mohammadi Sahar , Šitnerová Ivana , Lisá Lenka , Bumerl Jiří , Komárková Veronika , Fanta Václav , Majerovičová Tereza , Marko Ján , Moska Piotr , Beneš Jaromír 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe integration of archaeological, historical and geoarchaeological records represents a significant contribution to research into the medieval landscape. This study focuses on the medieval field system in the deserted village of Debrné, located in northeastern Bohemia, Czechia. The village features a well‐preserved croft plužina field system, a typical historical landscape of central Europe. The main and most visible elements of the field system are the earthen field boundaries, which were the focus of the geoarchaeological investigations. Archaeological excavations in trench S1 revealed a collection of larger stones at a depth of 1 m, potentially serving a drainage function akin to the observed plužina. Additionally, a boulder paving, identified as a remnant of a path between fields, provided insights into the historical use of the area. In trench S2, positioned closer to the village's core, layers with increasing stone content were recorded at a depth of 130 cm. However, the drainage structure observed in trench S1 was not replicated. The dating of earthen field boundaries indicated the creation of the terrace in the second half of the 16th century in trench S1. In trench S2, radiocarbon dating at a depth of 70 to 80 cm ranged from 1025 to 1175 A.D., predating the first written source about Debrné. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating in trench S2 suggested exposure to sunlight during the third century A.D. Archaeobotanical analysis of charred macroremains from trench S1 revealed 236 plant macroremains belonging to approximately 20 taxa, showcasing wild‐growing, collected useful species such as raspberry, blackberry and elderberry. Trench S2 yielded 23 plant macroremains belonging to 11 taxa, with similar species as trench S1. Pedological and micromorphological examinations displayed distinct layering in both trenches, showing up to six layers. Micromorphological analysis unveiled vuggy microstructures, varying grain sizes and elemental patterns, shedding light on different periods of occupation. Multidisciplinary investigations of the buried soils forming the earthen field boundaries discovered that the original soil cover comprised automorphic lixisols and cambisols, which also form under present conditions. These results underscore the importance of integrating pedological, geoarchaeological, archaeobotanical and physical data to comprehend the intricate nature of anthropogenic landscape changes.
Choice in the Context of Dementia: Emerging Issues for Health Care Practice in Aging Societies
Authors: Berlinger Nancy , Largent Emily A. , Buchbinder Mara , Solomon Mildred Z. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis introduction to the special report “Facing Dementia: Clarifying End‐of‐Life Choices, Supporting Better Lives” explains why focused attention to dementia is needed in bioethics and in health care practice in a range of settings. It explains how this strongly age‐associated condition shapes individual lives over years, revealing inequities in how dementia care is financed. The introduction explains the structure of the report, which consists of five essays, a consolidated set of recommendations from these essays, bibliographies, and other resources. The first essay is a landscape review written for health care professionals to support discussion, debate, and deliberation within professional societies and networks concerning a patient's voluntary choice to hasten their own death in the context of a dementia diagnosis. The landscape review is followed by three essays that suggest how several familiar concepts within care for persons with serious illness should be rethought to better support advance care planning, physician‐patient conversations, and access to community‐based palliative care and hospice when a person is facing dementia. The final essay presents a bold, practical argument for supporting better lives for people facing dementia, and for dementia caregivers, through primary care, the usual source of care for people with dementia.
When People Facing Dementia Choose to Hasten Death: The Landscape of Current Ethical, Legal, Medical, and Social Considerations in the United States
Authors: Largent Emily A. , Lowers Jane , Pope Thaddeus Mason , Quill Timothy E. , Wynia Matthew K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSome individuals facing dementia contemplate hastening their own death: weighing the possibility of living longer with dementia against the alternative of dying sooner but avoiding the later stages of cognitive and functional impairment. This weighing resonates with an ethical and legal consensus in the United States that individuals can voluntarily choose to forgo life‐sustaining interventions and also that medical professionals can support these choices even when they will result in an earlier death. For these reasons, whether and how a terminally ill individual can choose to control the timing of their death is a topic that cannot be avoided when considering the dementia trajectory. With a focus on the U.S. context, this landscape review considers the status of provisions that would legally permit people facing dementia to hasten death with appropriate support from medical professionals. This review can be used to plan and guide clinical and legal practitioner discussion and policy development concerning evolving questions not fully covered by existing medical decision‐making provisions.
Serum MYCN as a predictive biomarker of prognosis and therapeutic response in the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
Authors: Qin Xian‐Yang , Shirakami Yohei , Honda Masao , Yeh Shiou‐Hwei , Numata Kazushi , Lai Ya‐Yun , Li Chiao‐Ling , Wei Feifei , Xu Yali , Imai Kenji , Takai Koji , Chuma Makoto , Komatsu Nagisa , Furutani Yutaka , Gailhouste Luc , Aikata Hiroshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Enomoto Masaru , Tateishi Ryosuke , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Yamashita Tatsuya , Kaneko Shuichi , Nagaoka Katsuya , Tanaka Motohiko , Sasaki Yutaka , Tanaka Yasuhito , Baba Hideo , Miura Kouichi , Ochi Sae , Masaki Takahiro , Kojima Soichi , Matsuura Tomokazu , Shimizu Masahito , Chen Pei‐Jer , Moriwaki Hisataka , Suzuki Harukazu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe proto‐oncogene MYCN expression marked a cancer stem‐like cell population in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and served as a therapeutic target of acyclic retinoid (ACR), an orally administered vitamin A derivative that has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety in reducing HCC recurrence. This study investigated the role of MYCN as a predictive biomarker for therapeutic response to ACR and prognosis of HCC. MYCN gene expression in HCC was analyzed in the Cancer Genome Atlas and a Taiwanese cohort (N = 118). Serum MYCN protein levels were assessed in healthy controls (N = 15), patients with HCC (N = 116), pre‐ and post‐surgical patients with HCC (N = 20), and a subset of patients from a phase 3 clinical trial of ACR (N = 68, NCT01640808). The results showed increased MYCN gene expression in HCC tumors, which positively correlated with HCC recurrence in non‐cirrhotic or single‐tumor patients. Serum MYCN protein levels were higher in patients with HCC, decreased after surgical resection of HCC, and were associated with liver functional reserve and fibrosis markers, as well as long‐term HCC prognosis (>4 years). Subgroup analysis of a phase 3 clinical trial of ACR identified serum MYCN as the risk factor most strongly associated with HCC recurrence. Patients with HCC with higher serum MYCN levels after a 4‐week treatment of ACR exhibited a significantly higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 3.27; p = .022). In conclusion, serum MYCN holds promise for biomarker‐based precision medicine for the prevention of HCC, long‐term prognosis of early‐stage HCC, and identification of high‐response subgroups for ACR‐based treatment.
Primary fallopian tube carcinoma diagnosed 29 years after bilateral partial salpingectomy: A case report
Authors: Nguyen Bao T. , Lundeberg Kathleen R. , Lo Nancy W. , Findley Austin , Riggs McKayla J. , Nagy Kelly E. 
Published: February 2024

SynopsisSalpingectomy has a reported theoretical decreased risk of tubal and ovarian cancers. Here we describe a case 29 years after partial salpingectomy.
Preoperative rapid growth of inferior vena cava tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Katsu Akifumi , Yanagi Masato , Yoshioka Masato , Motoda Norio , Takata Hideyuki , Kono Hiroyoshi , Kimata Ryoji , Hamasaki Tsutomu , Kondo Yukihiro 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionWe present the case of a rapidly growing inferior vena cava tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma.Case presentationWe present a case of a 66‐year‐old woman with right renal cell carcinoma with a tumor thrombus extending 2 cm into the inferior vena cava on an initial Imaging. Radical surgery was performed 6 weeks after the first visit. Intraoperatively, the tumor thrombus was confirmed to have grown near the diaphragm. The tumor was resected using an inferior vena cava clamping just below the diaphragm. The tumor thrombus and renal cell carcinoma were completely removed. There was no recurrence 6 months postoperatively.ConclusionInferior vena cava tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma can grow in a short period, suggesting that preoperative imaging evaluation at the appropriate time is important. Once inferior vena cava tumor thrombus of renal cell carcinoma occurs, surgery should not be delayed unless there is an urgent reason.
Assessment of the change in the pH of water in a flow electric activator
Authors: Storchevoy Vladimir , Belov Mikhail , Gurov Dmitry , Sudnik Yuri , Kabdin Nikolai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSoil pH is important for favourable plant growth. The water used for irrigation must have an optimal pH value. Such water can be prepared by passing it through a flow electric activator. An experimental setup with a flow electric activator was created to control the pH value of the activated water. A mathematical model was developed to establish the relationship between the activated water pH value and the power supply voltage and the performance of the anode and cathode chambers. The pH value of activated water varies in direct proportion to the power supply voltage and is inversely proportional to the performance of the set chambers. The pH value of activated water can be adjusted by two parameters: the voltage of the power source and the water supply.
Sperm morphology of Tingidae Laporte, 1833 (Miroidea: Cimicomorpha)
Authors: Rezende Paulo Henrique , Costa Dayvson Ayala , da Silva Paulo Mauricio , Dias Glenda , Lupetti Pietro , Lino‐Neto José , Dallai Romano 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHere, we describe for the first time the sperm morphology of Tingidae (Heteroptera). They are small insects presenting lacy patterns on their pronotum and hemielytra and are exclusively phytophagous, with many economically important species. We studied five species of the tribe Tingini (Tinginae): Teleonemia scrupulosa, Vatiga illudens, Gargaphia lunulata, Leptopharsa sp., and Corythucha arcuata. Their spermiogenesis process is similar to other Heteroptera, with some differences in the formation of the centriole adjunct. This structure extends in the anteroposterior spermatid axis, flanking the nucleus, possibly contributing to nucleus remodeling and sperm elongation. The mature sperm of Tingidae is also similar to that of other Heteroptera, with features that corroborate the group's monophyly. Our data support previous results for their sister family, Miridae, which exhibits some characteristics exclusive to this taxon, not present in Tingidae or other Heteroptera. They also support the sister relationship of the genera Gargaphia and Leptopharsa and suggest closer relationship between Vatiga and Corythucha. Overall, this study sheds light on the sperm ultrastructure of Tingidae and provides information for understanding the evolution and diversity of Heteroptera.Research Highlights
The spermiogenesis process and mature sperm are similar to other Heteroptera
The centriole adjunct is derived from a strip of a pericentriolar material extending from the centriole
Tingidae and Miridae are distinguishable using sperm morphology.
Trends in the synthetic polymer delivery of RNA
Authors: Friesen Josh J. , Blakney Anna K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRibonucleic acid (RNA) has emerged as one of the most promising therapeutic payloads in the field of gene therapy. There are many unique types of RNA that allow for a range of applications including vaccination, protein replacement therapy, autoimmune disease treatment, gene knockdown and gene editing. However, RNA triggers the host immune system, is vulnerable to degradation and has a low proclivity to enter cells spontaneously. Therefore, a delivery vehicle is required to facilitate the protection and uptake of RNA therapeutics into the desired host cells. Lipid nanoparticles have emerged as one of the only clinically approved vehicles for genetic payloads, including in the COVID‐19 messenger RNA vaccines. While lipid nanoparticles have distinct advantages, they also have drawbacks, including strong immune stimulation, complex manufacturing and formulation heterogeneity. In contrast, synthetic polymers are a widely studied group of gene delivery vehicles and boast distinct advantages, including biocompatibility, tunability, inexpensiveness, simple formulation and ease of modification. Some classes of polymers enhance efficient transfection efficiency, and lead to lower stimulation of the host immune system, making them more viable candidates for non‐vaccine‐related applications of RNA medicines. This review aims to identify the most promising classes of synthetic polymers, summarize recent research aimed at moving them into the clinic and postulate the future steps required for unlocking their full potential.
Integrating methadone into primary care settings in Ukraine: effects on provider stigma and knowledge
Authors: Bromberg Daniel J. , Machavariani Eteri , Madden Lynn M. , Dumchev Konstantin , LaMonaca Katherine , Earnshaw Valerie A. , Pykalo Iryna , Filippovych Myroslava , Haddad Marwan S. , Dvoriak Sergii , Altice Frederick L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionStigma has undermined the scale‐up of evidence‐based HIV prevention and treatment. Negative beliefs influence clinicians’ discriminatory behaviour and ultimately have wide‐ranging effects across the HIV prevention and treatment continuum. Stigma among clinicians can be mitigated in several ways, including through interpersonal contact. In this study, we test whether interactions with people who inject drugs (PWID) influence attitudes of both direct and indirect providers of opioid agonist therapies (OATs) within the same primary care clinics (PCCs) where OAT is newly introduced.MethodsIn a cluster randomized controlled trial integrating OAT and HIV care into PCCs in Ukraine, clinicians at 24 integrated care sites (two sites in 12 regions) from January 2018 to August 2022 completed a structured survey at baseline, 12 and 24 months. The survey included feeling thermometers and standardized scales related to clinician attitudes towards patients and evidence‐based care. Nested linear mixed‐effects models were used to examine changes in mean scores over three timepoints for both direct and indirect clinicians.ResultsThere were fewer significant changes in any of the scales for direct providers (n = 87) than for indirect providers (n = 155). Direct providers became less tough‐minded about substance use disorders (p = 0.002), had less negative opinions about PWID (p = 0.006) and improved their beliefs regarding OAT maintenance (p<0.001) and medical information (p = 0.004). Indirect providers reported improvements in most stigma constructs, including a significant decrease in prejudice (p<0.001), discrimination (p = 0.001), shame (p = 0.007) and fear (p = 0.001) towards PWID.ConclusionsIntegrating OAT services within primary settings was associated with significantly reduced stigma constructs and improved attitudes towards PWID, possibly through increased intergroup contact between PWID and general clinical staff. Unlike most stigma reduction interventions, re‐engineering clinical processes so that PWID receive their care in PCCs emerges as a multilevel stigma reduction intervention through the integration of specialized services in PCCs. Integration influences different types of stigma, and has positive effects not only on health outcomes, but also improves clinician attitudes and efficiently reduces clinician stigma.
Effect of inactivated vaccine boosters against severe and critical COVID‐19 during the Omicron BA.5 wave: A retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients in China
Authors: Gan Jiadi , Zhang Huohuo , Wu Jiaxuan , Liu Yi , Liu Pingping , Cheng Ruixin , Tang Xiumei , Yang Linhui , Luo Wenxin , Li Weimin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFew real‐world analyses of the ability of vaccines to protect against severe COVID‐19 have been published. In this real‐world study, we compared the prevalence of severe or critical COVID‐19 between patients at our hospital who were not vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) or who had been vaccinated partial, full, or booster course with the CoronaVac, containing inactivated virus propagated in Vero cells. Data from electronic health records were retrospectively analyzed for 4090 inpatients with COVID‐19 who were treated at West China Hospital, Chengdu between December 6, 2022 and February 14, 2023. Clinicodemographic characteristics and COVID‐19 severity were compared among patients who had been vaccinated 0, 1, 2 or more times with inactivated vaccine CoronaVac. To evaluate vaccine effectiveness over time, we plotted Kaplan−Meier curves with the percentage of patients with the outcome of severe or critical COVID‐19 from the time of their last vaccine dose according to vaccination status. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations between vaccination status and COVID‐19 severity. Cox regression was used to identify risk factors for severe or critical COVID‐19. Among the 4090 patients, 171 had been vaccinated partial and 423 twice with the full CoronaVac regimens, while 905 had been vaccinated three times (boosted). The prevalence of severe or critical COVID‐19 among patients was 11 percentage points lower among those vaccinated (40%) at least twice than among those unvaccinated (51%) (p＜0.001), while it was 10% points lower among those who had received a booster (41%) than among those unvaccinated (51%) (p＜0.001). Protection against severe or critical COVID‐19 due to vaccination was significantly weakened by being older than 65 years, being male, or having diabetes, chronic heart disease, autoimmune disease, or chronic lung disease. Completing a full course of immunization with inactivated vaccine CoronaVac against SARS‐CoV‐2 can reduce the risk of severe or critical COVID‐19 due to the Omicron BA.5 subvariant.
The effect of job stress on the quality of life of commercial pilots: Testing the mediating effects of mindfulness and job satisfaction
Authors: Kim Jinok Susanna , Jo WooMi , Oh Hyunghwa , Feng Yan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe commercial pilots responsible for aircraft and passenger safety are exposed to various environmental job stresses. This study investigates the relationship between job stress and the quality of life of commercial pilots, and examines the mediating effects of mindfulness and job satisfaction in the relationship between job stress and quality of life. The results show that the job stress aced by commercial pilots has a negative impact on quality of life, and that mindfulness and job satisfaction partially mediates this stress. However, despite the mediating effects of mindfulness and job satisfaction, there is a need for a way to reduce job stress more directly. These results indicate the need for various strategies, including direct and indirect methods, to reduce job stress among commercial pilots, as this is directly related to safety.