bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current status of innate immune responses in Malpighian tubules of insects: A review focusing on the Toll signaling pathway
Authors: Khan Shahidul Ahmed , Han Yeon Soo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInnate immunity is the immediate and exclusive defense mechanism in invertebrates. It acts against foreign agents and pathogens. In insects, this defense mechanism involves a combination of humoral and cellular responses, orchestrated by specific recognition receptors and the activation of various signaling pathways. Remarkably, Toll and Toll‐related proteins play a pivotal role in insect immunity by inducing the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in response to pathogen attacks. Toll receptors, which are type I transmembrane proteins, significantly affect insect development and the innate immune response, primarily via the nuclear factor kappa‐B signaling pathway. The Malpighian tubules of insects play a crucial role in waste elimination, hemostasis maintenance, and immune defense. The Toll signaling pathway in Malpighian tubules is mainly involved in the production of AMPs. This review provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of the Toll signaling pathway and the morphological and physiological attributes of Malpighian tubules. Moreover, it discusses the classification and functionalities of AMPs synthesized in Malpighian tubules in response to pathogens, thereby contributing to our understanding of innate immunity in insects.
Construction of a versatile in vitro cultivation screening platform using human oral microbiota
Authors: Sasaki Kengo , Takeshima Yasunobu , Fujino Ayami , Yamashita Junya , Kimoto Akira , Sasaki Daisuke , Kondo Akihiko , Akashi Masaya , Okumura Ryo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe developed a simulation model of human oral microbiota using Bio Palette oral medium (BPOM) containing 0.02% glucose and lower bacterial nitrogen sources, derived from saliva and dental plaque. By decreasing the concentration of Gifu anaerobic medium (GAM) from 30 to 10 g L−1, we observed increased ratios of target pathogenic genera, Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium from 0.5% and 1.7% to 1.2% and 3.5%, respectively, in the biofilm on hydroxyapatite (HA) discs. BPOM exhibited the higher ratios of Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium, and amplicon sequence variant number on HA, compared with GAM, modified GAM and basal medium mucin. Mixing glycerol stocks of BPOM culture solutions from four human subjects resulted in comparable ratios of these bacteria to the original saliva. In this simulation model, sitafloxacin showed higher inhibitory effects on P. gingivalis than minocycline hydrochloride at a low dosage of 0.1 μg mL−1. Probiotics such as Streptococcus salivarius and Limosilactobacillus fermentum also showed significant decreases in Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium ratios on HA, respectively. Overall, the study suggests that BPOM with low carbon and nutrients could be a versatile platform for assessing the efficacy of antibiotics and live biotherapeutics in treating oral diseases caused by Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium.
The United States–China ‘tech war’: Decoupling and the case of Huawei
Authors: Ryan Maria , Burman Stephen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper offers an analysis of US strategy in the unfolding United States–China ‘tech war’ and its consequences. We argue that a tech war is now underway, and that Washington is the driving force behind it. Here, we focus on the most impactful policy so far: the placement of Huawei and over 150 of its affiliates on the sanctioned Entity List. As a result, a decoupling between high‐end US tech and Huawei Technologies is well underway, if not already complete. However, the consequences of the sanctions have not been what Washington intended or expected. The company appears to have maintained its position as one of the world's leading innovators in 5G technology and remains a leading supplier of 5G base stations. The United States risks undermining co‐operation with China in other critical policy areas because the tech war is viewed as aggressive in Beijing. It has also exposed the limits of US influence over allies and third countries, many of whom are opting for Huawei's cheaper 5G infrastructure. Nevertheless, the expansion of this approach by the Biden administration suggests that, in future, Washington may prioritise security interests over commercial ones as it seeks to preserve as much US primacy as possible.
Transcriptomic and intervention evidence reveals domestic dogs as a promising model for anti‐inflammatory investigation
Authors: Zeng Min , Zhou Tong , Li Zhiyu , Li Guimei , Zhang Shurun , Wang Lu , Huang Qing‐Guo , Li Ju‐Dong , Samarawickrama P. Nadeeshika , He Yonghan , Wang Guo‐Dong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDomestic dogs have great potential to expand our understanding of the determinants of aging. To understand the aging pattern of domestic dogs and evaluate whether they can be used as an aging model, we performed RNA sequencing on white blood cells from domestic dogs aged 1–9 years and treated aged dogs with classical antiaging approaches. We obtained 30 RNA sequencing libraries and identified 61 age‐associated genes with dynamic changes, the majority of which were related to metabolism and immune function, which may be predominant biomarkers for aging in dogs. We next treated aged dogs with canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs), nicotinamide mononucleotide, and rapamycin to determine whether and how they responded to the antiaging interventions. The results showed that these treatments can significantly reduce the level of inflammatory factors (IL‐6 and TNF‐α). MSCs effectively improved the heart functions of aged dogs. Three key potential age‐related genes (PYCR1, CCRL2, and TOX) were reversed by MSC treatment, two of which (CCRL2 and TOX) are implicated in immunity. Overall, we profiled the transcriptomic pattern of domestic dogs and revealed that they may be a good model of aging, especially in anti‐inflammatory investigations.
Effects from medications on functional biomarkers of aging in three longitudinal studies of aging in Sweden
Authors: Lopes De Oliveira Thaís , Tang Bowen , Bai Ge , Sjölander Arvid , Jylhävä Juulia , Finkel Deborah , Pedersen Nancy L. , Hassing Linda B. , Reynolds Chandra A. , Karlsson Ida K. , Hägg Sara 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAntihypertensive, lipid‐lowering, and blood glucose‐lowering drugs have slowed down the aging process in animal models. In humans, studies are limited, have short follow‐up times, and show mixed results. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the effects of commonly used medications on functional aging, cognitive function, and frailty. We included information on individuals from three Swedish longitudinal population‐based studies collected between 1986 and 2014. Our exposures were the 21 most used groups of medications among individuals aged 65 years and older in the Swedish population in 2022. Functional aging index (n = 1191), cognitive function (n = 1094), and frailty index (n = 1361) were the outcomes of interest. To estimate the medication effects, we used a self‐controlled analysis, where each individual is his/her own control, thereby adjusting for all time‐stable confounders. The analysis was additionally adjusted for time‐varying confounders (chronological age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking, body mass index, and the number of drugs). The participants were 65.5–82.8 years at the first in‐person assessment. Adrenergics/inhalants (effect size = 0.089) and lipid‐modifying agents/plain (effect size = 0.082) were associated with higher values of cognitive function (improvement), and selective calcium channel blockers with mainly vascular effects (effect size = −0.129) were associated with lower values of the functional aging index (improvement). No beneficial effects were found on the frailty index. Adrenergics/inhalants, lipid‐modifying agents/plain, and selective calcium channel blockers with mainly vascular effects may benefit functional biomarkers of aging. More research is needed to investigate their clinical value in preventing adverse aging outcomes.
Efficacy and feasibility of the RADA16 self‐assembling peptide, PuraStat® for haemostasis in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Hall Philip 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBleeding after laparoscopic gynaecological surgery remains a potential complication. We assessed RADA16 (PuraStat®), a topical self‐assembling peptide haemostatic agent, in a pilot study of 46 women undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. The primary outcome was intraoperative haemostatic efficacy for resection site bleeding. Haemostasis was achieved in all intraoperative bleeding situations (40/40 participants: 100%) with no clinically significant surgical bed bleeding or complications. Mean volume and time required to achieve haemostasis were 6 mL and 14 sec, respectively. This study suggests that PuraStat® is a safe, effective haemostatic agent in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. Randomised controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
Colposcopy performance in the new primary HPV screening in Australia: How to determine colposcopy competency?
Authors: Tan Jeffrey H.J. , Neesham Deborah , Szabo Rebecca A. , Khomko Natalia , Yap Desiree , Wrede C. David H. 
Published: March 2024

AimsTo assess colposcopic performance and determine indicators for competency within the new Australian primary human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening program.Materials and methodsA retrospective observational study of 4542 women seen at The Royal Women's Hospital Colposcopy Clinic in Melbourne, from 1 December 2017 to 31 July 2020 after a higher‐risk cervical screening test (CST) result.ResultsHistological CIN2+ was detected in 25.1% up to two years from first colposcopy visit (FCV). The majority (86.7%) of CIN2+ was detected early within the first six months of presentation. Biopsy rate overall was 96.1% with abnormal colposcopic impression. Of four colposcopists with a lower biopsy rate, only one was able to achieve this early detection rate. Biopsy was also taken in over 30% of cases with negative reflex cytology and normal colposcopy, with CIN2+ detected in 5.0% among positive HPV16/18 and 3.8% with non‐16/18 HPV. Positive predictive value of high‐grade colposcopic impression at FCV averaged 66.4% (range: 54.9–81.6% among our colposcopists) and is poorly correlated with early detection rate of CIN2+. Overall accuracy of colposcopy is 84.5% (range: 78.7–90.3%), buoyed by high true negative colposcopic predictions secondary to high rates of negative reflex cytology referral with the new screening algorithm and is also unlikely to be a useful colposcopy indicator.ConclusionsEarly detection rate of CIN2+ within the first six months of presentation is a useful measure of colposcopy competency and we would encourage our National Cancer Screening Register to explore this with the participating colposcopists.
Value of the surgical pancreatic duct anatomy and associated outcomes in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Harris Mark Conor , Atanasov Georgi , Neo Eu Nice , Goldfinch Andrew , Ng Andrew Jin‐Hean , Tew Khimseng , Kuan Lilian , Trochsler Markus , Kanhere Harsh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionPancreatic cancer recurrence following surgery is a significant challenge, and personalized surgical care is crucial. Topographical variations in pancreatic duct anatomy are frequent but often underestimated. This study aimed to investigate the potential importance of these variations in outcomes and patient survival after Whipple's procedures.MethodsData were collected from 105 patients with confirmed pancreatic head neoplasms who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2020. Radiological measurements of pancreatic duct location were performed, and statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS.ResultsInferior pancreatic duct topography was associated with an increased rate of metastatic spread and tumour recurrence. Additionally, inferior duct topography was associated with reduced overall and recurrence‐free survival. Posterior pancreatic duct topography was associated with decreased incidence of perineural sheet infiltration and improved overall survival.DiscussionThese findings suggest that topographical diversity of pancreatic duct location can impact outcomes in Whipple's procedures. Intraoperative review of pancreatic duct location could help surgeons define areas of risk or safety and deliver a personalized surgical approach for patients with beneficial or deleterious anatomical profiles. This study provides valuable information to improve surgical management by identifying high‐risk patients and delivering a personalized surgical approach with prognosis stratification.
CAMP‐B score predicts the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B after HBsAg seroclearance
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Lim Young‐Suk , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Ahn Sang Hoon , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Choi Jonggi 
Published: March 2024

SummaryBackgroundRisk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) persists after hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).AimsTo identify risk factors and construct a predictive model for HCC development.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed patients with CHB with HBsAg seroclearance. Primary outcome was HCC development. Factors identified from a multivariate Cox model in the training cohort, consisting of 3476 patients from two Korean hospitals, were used to construct the prediction model. External validation was performed using data from 5255 patients in Hong Kong.ResultsIn the training cohort, HCC occurred in 102 patients during 24,019 person‐years of observation (0.43%/year). Risk scores were assigned to cirrhosis (C:3), age ≥50 years (A:2), male sex (M:3) and platelet count <150,000/mm3 (P:1); all were independently associated with an increased risk of HCC in multivariate analysis The time‐dependent area under receiver operating characteristic curves for 5, 10 and 15 years in the training and validation cohorts were 0.782, 0.817 and 0.825 and 0.785, 0.771 and 0.796, respectively. In the validation cohort, 85 patients developed HCC (0.24%/year). The corresponding incidence of HCC in the low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups were 0.07%, 0.37% and 0.90%, respectively.ConclusionsThe CAMP‐B score (cirrhosis, age ≥50 years, male sex and platelet count <150,000/mm3/L) was significantly associated with HCC development after HBsAg seroclearance. CAMP‐B score can be easily implemented in real‐world clinical practice and helps stratify HCC risk in patients with CHB following HBsAg seroclearance.
New frontiers in delivering public infrastructure
Authors: Brunet Maude , Jobidon Gabriel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDelivering infrastructure in a timely and efficient manner to provide public value remains challenging despite the theoretical developments that have been made. What do we know that could help to deliver quality and energy‐efficient infrastructure, what are current challenges and how could we overcome them? This State‐of‐the‐Art Review article attempts to uncover underlying themes, including the governance of large infrastructure projects, the importance of innovation and contractual arrangements, and social and environmental acceptability. A current review of major Canadian contributions is offered, and promising research avenues are proposed.
Optimising the management of peanut allergy by targeting immune plasticity
Authors: Nguyen Alan , du Toit George , Lack Gideon , Marrs Tom 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRandomised controlled trials investigating the efficacy of oral tolerance induction to peanut have enabled detailed comparison of their clinical and immunological success. They have demonstrated that the regular consumption of peanut for at least 2 years by babies who are not allergic enables protection from developing peanut allergy. The LEAP study intervention tested the impact of regular peanut consumption for 4 years and demonstrated a sustained protection against the development of peanut allergy even after 12 months of peanut avoidance from 5 to 6 years of age. The PreventADALL trial introduced multiple allergens into babies' diets from early infancy and reduced the prevalence of food allergy at 3 years, especially by protecting against peanut allergy. Immunological studies from the LEAP cohort demonstrated that regular peanut consumption was associated with a prompt induction of peanut‐specific IgG4 and reduced manufacture of peanut and Ara h 2‐specific IgE. Even after stopping peanut consumption for 5 years, there continued to be a significant fall in peanut‐specific Ara h 2 IgE in the consumption group from 5 to 6 years of age (p < .01). Children who developed peanut allergy by 5 years started to develop increasing sensitisation to linear sequential peanut epitopes from 2.5 years of age, suggesting that putative disease‐modifying interventions should commence before 3 years. Data comparing clinical outcomes between children undergoing peanut immunotherapy from infancy suggest that younger children can consume higher portions of peanut without reaction on challenge whilst taking immunotherapy, have fewer side effects and are more likely to enjoy remission of PA. Peanut oral immunotherapy modulates T‐cell populations in order to bring about hypo‐responsiveness of allergy effector cells. Studies are now needed to characterise and compare different states of immunological tolerance. This will accelerate the design of interventions which can promote primary, secondary and tertiary levels of PA prevention across a range of age groups.
Cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas in patients with PTEN‐related hamartoma tumor syndrome
Authors: Gerasimenko Anna , Mignot Cyril , Naggara Olivier , Coulet Florence , Ekram Samar , Heide Solveig , Sorato Clarisse , Mazowiecki Maxime , Perrin Laurence , Colas Chrystelle , Cusin Veronica , Caux Frédéric , Dardenne Antoine , El Chehadeh Salima , Verloes Alain , Maurey Hélène , Afenjar Alexandra , Petit Florence , Barete Stéphane , Boespflug‐Tanguy Odile , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Capri Yline , Ciorna Viorica , Deb Wallid , Doummar Diane , Perrier Alexandre , Guédon Alexis , Houdart Emmanuel , Isidor Bertrand , Jacquemont Marie‐Line , Buffet Camille , Mercier Sandra , Passemard Sandrine , Riquet Audrey , Ruaud Lyse , Schaefer Elise , Heron Delphine , Bisdorff Annouk , Benusiglio Patrick R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) have been reported in PTEN‐related hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS). However, PHTS‐associated DAVF remain an underexplored field of the PHTS clinical landscape. Here, we studied cases with a PTEN pathogenic variant identified between 2007 and 2020 in our laboratory (n = 58), and for whom brain imaging was available. Two patients had DAVF (2/58, 3.4%), both presenting at advanced stages: a 34‐year‐old man with a left lateral sinus DAVF at immediate risk of hemorrhage, and a 21‐year‐old woman with acute intracranial hypertension due to a torcular DAVF. Interestingly, not all patients had 3D TOF/MRA, the optimal sequences to detect DAVF. Early diagnosis of DAVF can be lifesaving, and is easier to treat compared to developed, proliferative, or complex lesions. As a result, one should consider brain MRI with 3D TOF/MRA in PHTS patients at genetic diagnosis, with subsequent surveillance on a case‐by‐case basis.
The need for standardized perioperative care for patients undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lee Shiela , Courtney Michael 
Published: March 2024

SummaryEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce length of hospital stay. However, there is currently limited consensus on the perioperative management of patients undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) in the United Kingdom. This study aims to survey the level of consistency in patient care undergoing BMS. Bariatric nurse specialists from 30 bariatric units completed an anonymised, online survey from 21 December 2022 to 21 February 2023. Most units (77%) have implemented a premade postoperative care bundle protocol including predetermined timing of oral intake (77%) and postoperative day 1 bloods (60%). 63% of units have also established pre‐set analgesia and anti‐emetic bundles. Date of discharge is variable, ranging from 1 day after surgery (50%) to a ‘two night stay’ protocol (33%) to within 4 days after surgery (17%). Most follow‐up clinics are either led by dietitians (33%) or both bariatric nurse specialists and dietitians collaboratively (57%). Patients are usually established on solid food 6 weeks after surgery in 53% (16/30) units. Chemical venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis was either given on day of surgery postoperatively (60%), day before (20%) or after (17%) surgery. Our study shows significant variability of care throughout the surgical pathway, in the study population. The results suggest a need for consensus guidelines outlining the best‐practice approach to managing patients undergoing BMS; due to the heterogeneity of the patient group, these guidelines should contain overarching generalisable recommendations that can then be tailored to individual patients.
S2k guideline: Diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma
Authors: Kreuter Alexander , Moinzadeh Pia , Kinberger Maria , Horneff Gerd , Worm Margitta , Werner Ricardo N. , Hammacher Andreas , Krieg Thomas , Wenzel Jörg , Oeschger Michael , Weibel Lisa , Müllegger Robert , Hunzelmann Nicolas 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe updated S2k guideline deals with the diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma (LoS). LoS represents a spectrum of sclerotic skin diseases in which, depending on the subtype and localisation, structures such as adipose tissue, muscles, joints, and bones may also be affected. Involvement of internal organs or progression to systemic sclerosis does not occur. LoS can be classified into four main forms: limited, generalized, linear, and mixed forms, with some additional subtypes. For cases of limited skin involvement, the guideline primarily recommends therapy with topical corticosteroids. UV therapy can also be recommended. In subtypes with severe skin or musculoskeletal involvement, systemic therapy with methotrexate is recommended. During the active phase of the disease, systemic glucocorticosteroids can be used additionally. In cases of methotrexate and steroid refractory courses, contraindications, or intolerance, mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, or abatacept can be considered as second‐line systemic therapies. In the case of linear LoS, autologous adipose‐derived stem cell transplantation can also be performed for correcting soft tissue defects.
Perception, Reason, and Intuition in the Development Of Expertise: Reflections on Zhuangzi and Contemporary Western Theory
Authors: Waks Leonard 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this paper, Leonard Waks investigates connections between listening and expertise or mastery, contrasting approaches from Eastern and Western philosophy. The first section accounts for listening in the Daoist classic Zhuangzi, a work addressing themes in Chinese philosophy through metaphor and story narratives. In one story a character named “Confucius” advises a student to fast the mind and listen recklessly. The affinity between reckless and what has been called “apophatic” listening is demonstrated by the shared feature of mental emptiness — listening without the imposition of conceptual categories. The second section demonstrates close affinities between the account of listening and expertise or mastery in the Zhuangzi and in the account of expert perception in contemporary Western philosophy and psychology, as exemplified by phenomenologist Hubert Dreyfus.