bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of three-dimensional cell culture techniques of dedifferentiated liposarcoma and their integration with future research
Authors: Tahara Sayumi , Sharma Soumya , de Faria Fernanda Costas Casal , Sarchet Patricia , Tomasello Luisa , Rentsch Sydney , Karna Roma , Calore Federica , Pollock Raphael E. 
Published: March 2024

Background: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is a formidable sarcoma subtype due to its high local recurrence rate and resistance to medical treatment. While 2D cell cultures are still commonly used, 3D cell culture systems have emerged as a promising alternative, particularly scaffold-based techniques that enable the creation of 3D models with more accurate cell-stroma interactions.Objective: To investigate how 3D structures with or without the scaffold existence would affect liposarcoma cell lines growth morphologically and biologically.Methods: Lipo246 and Lipo863 cell lines were cultured in 3D using four different methods; Matrigel® ECM scaffold method, Collagen ECM scaffold method, ULA plate method and Hanging drop method, in addition to conventional 2D cell culture methods. All samples were processed for histopathological analysis (HE, IHC and DNAscope™), Western blot, and qPCR; moreover, 3D collagen-based models were treated with different doses of SAR405838, a well-known inhibitor of MDM2, and cell viability was assessed in comparison to 2D model drug response.Results: Regarding morphology, cell lines behaved differently comparing the scaffold-based and scaffold-free methods. Lipo863 formed spheroids in Matrigel® but not in collagen, while Lipo246 did not form spheroids in either collagen or Matrigel®. On the other hand, both cell lines formed spheroids using scaffold-free methods. All samples retained liposarcoma characteristic, such as high level of MDM2 protein expression and MDM2 DNA amplification after being cultivated in 3D. 3D collagen samples showed higher cell viability after SAR40538 treatment than 2D models, while cells sensitive to the drug died by apoptosis or necrosis.Conclusion: Our results prompt us to extend our investigation by applying our 3D models to further oncological relevant applications, which may help address unresolved questions about dedifferentiated liposarcoma biology.
Ionic liquid electrolyte selection for high voltage supercapacitors in high-temperature applications
Authors: Bahaa Ahmed , Alhammadi Ayoob , Lethesh Kallidanthiyil Chellappan , Susantyoko Rahmat Agung , Bamgbopa Musbaudeen O. 
Published: March 2024

Systematic analyses of electrolyte physicochemical properties are important to screen ionic liquids (ILs) and understand the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor electrolytes. This study harmonizes the evaluation of electrochemical performance and transport properties of eight shortlisted ILs from 22 commercially available hydrophobic ILs toward achieving a ≥ 5 V supercapacitor capable of high-temperature operation (up to 353.15 K). The eight ILs are N-Propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Pyr 1, 3] [TFSI], N-Pentyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Pyr 1, 5] [TFSI]), N-Propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ([Pyr 1, 3] [FSI]), 1-Methyl-1-(2-methoxyethyl)pyrrolidinium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Pyr 1, 102] [TFSI]), 1-Methyl-1-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Pip 1, 3] [TFSI]), 1-Methyl-1-propylpiperidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ([Pip 1, 3] [FSI]), N-Trimethyl-N-propylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([N 111, 3] [TFSI]), N-Trimethyl-N-hexylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([N 111, 6] [TFSI]). The density, viscosity, and ionic conductivity of the eight ILs were measured between 278.15 and 373.15 K to confirm the effects of temperature and ion structure before electrochemical characterization. The [FSI]-based ILs ([Pip 1, 3] [FSI] and [Pyr 1, 3] [FSI]) showed lower densities and viscosities compared to other ILs among the eight based on [TFSI]. Consequently, the highest conductivity was obtained for [Pyr 1, 3] [FSI]. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy was performed on supercapacitors assembled with the eight ILs as electrolytes between 298.15–353.15 K. Conclusion from the two-electrode supercapacitors using multi-walled carbon nanotubes showed the 6 most-applicable ILs towards the targeted ≥ 5 V SC at high temperature are [Pip 1, 3] [TFSI] (5.4 V), [Pip 1, 3] [FSI] (5 V), [N 111, 3] [TFSI] (5.1 V), [N 111, 6] [TFSI] (5.2 V), [Pyr 1, 102] [TFSI] (5.2 V), and [Pyr 1, 5] [TFSI] (5.2 V).
Development and validation a nomogram prediction model for early diagnosis of bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit
Authors: Qi Zhili , Dong Lei , Lin Jin , Duan Meili 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study aims to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the risk of bloodstream infections (BSI) in critically ill patients based on their admission status to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Patients and methodsPatients’ data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care−IV (MIMIC−IV) database (training set), the Beijing Friendship Hospital (BFH) database (validation set) and the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU−CRD) (validation set). Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the influencing factors, and lasso regression was used to select the predictive factors. Model performance was assessed using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Presented as a Nomogram. Various aspects of the established predictive nomogram were evaluated, including discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.ResultsThe model dataset consisted of 14930 patients (1444 BSI patients) from the MIMIC-IV database, divided into the training and internal validation datasets in a 7:3 ratio. The eICU dataset included 2100 patients (100 with BSI) as the eICU validation dataset, and the BFH dataset included 419 patients (21 with BSI) as the BFH validation dataset. The nomogram was constructed based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), sepsis related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, white blood cell (WBC), red width of distribution (RDW), renal replacement therapy and presence of liver disease on their admission status to the ICU. The AUROCs were 0.83 (CI 95%:0.81-0.84) in the training dataset, 0.88 (CI 95%:0.88-0.96) in the BFH validation dataset, and 0.75 (95%CI 0.70-0.79) in the eICU validation dataset. The clinical effect curve and decision curve showed that most areas of the decision curve of this model were greater than 0, indicating that this model has a certain clinical effectiveness.ConclusionThe nomogram developed in this study provides a valuable tool for clinicians and nurses to assess individual risk, enabling them to identify patients at a high risk of bloodstream infections in the ICU.
Effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors on lipid profiles in patients with psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Su Liang , Xu Chunyan , Huang Hong , Zhang Peilian , Wang Jinrong , Ouyang Xiaoyong , Yang Xuesong , Ye Jianzhou 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors on lipid profiles in patients with psoriasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TNF-alpha inhibitors on lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or high-density lipoprotein) in patients with psoriasis. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published before October 17, 2023. Four TNF-alpha inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and certolizumab) were included in our study. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023469703).ResultsA total of twenty trials were included. Overall results revealed that TNF-alpha inhibitors elevated high-density lipoprotein levels in patients with psoriasis (WMD = 2.31; 95% CI: 0.96, 3.67; P = 0.001), which was supported by the results of sensitivity analyses excluding the effect of lipid-lowering drugs. Subgroup analyses indicated that high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in the less than or equal to 3 months group (WMD = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.4; P &lt; 0.001), the etanercept group (WMD = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.71, 5.09, P &lt; 0.001), and the psoriasis group (WMD = 2.52; 95% CI = 0.57, 4.48, P = 0.011). Triglyceride levels were significantly increased in the 3 to 6-month group (WMD = 4.98; 95% CI = 1.97, 7.99, P = 0.001) and significantly decreased in the 6-month and older group (WMD = -19.84; 95% CI = -23.97, -15.7, P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, Triglyceride levels were significantly increased in the psoriasis group (WMD = 5.22; 95% CI = 2.23, 8.21, P = 0.001). ConclusionOur results revealed that TNF-alpha inhibitors might temporarily increase high-density lipoprotein levels in patients with psoriasis. However, changes in triglycerides were not consistent among the different durations of treatment, with significant increases after 3 to 6 months of treatment. Future prospective trials with long-term follow-up contribute to confirming and extending our findings.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023469703.
Health-related quality of life among celiacs in Portugal: a comparison between general and specific questionnaires
Authors: Chaves Cláudia , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Raposo António , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio , Ramos Fernando , Farage Priscila , Teixeira-Lemos Edite 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument version 2 (SF-36-v2) (generic) and Celiac Disease Questionnaire (CDQ) (specific) questionnaires used to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in celiac Portuguese adult individuals.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used non-probabilistic sampling based on Portuguese celiac patients who accessed the online survey in 2022. The online data collection used a self-reported instrument composed of three parts: (i) socioeconomic, health, and gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence questions; (ii) SF-36 v2 – Portuguese version (generic questionnaire) and (iii) Celiac Disease Questionnaire (CDQ) (specific questionnaire).ResultsA total of 234 individuals who accessed the survey completed the questionnaire. Seven of the eight SF-36 domains positively correlated to the specific questionnaire CDQ. The “General Health” domain (domain 4) showed a negative correlation with the CDQ. Differences in content between the two instruments might be able to explain this finding since the CDQ explores issues regarding the specificities of celiac disease (CD) and the lifelong GFD burden. About half of the sample from this study displayed poor diet adherence, it is possible that the SF-36 could not reflect the impact of CD treatment - the complete elimination of gluten from the diet - on patients’ health. Therefore, this issue should be carefully evaluated in future research.ConclusionSpecific validated questionnaires for CD individuals, such as the CDQ, contemplate social, economic, and clinical variables that permeate the patient’s life context. Therefore, these instruments may be more suitable for evaluating QoL in this public. However, using a general questionnaire such as the SF-36 would be indicated for comparing QOL between celiac patients and the general population or even between CD and other disease individuals. In this case, we recommend assessing GFD compliance for control parallelly.
Effect of PCI on ophthalmic artery hemodynamics in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Liu Wen-long , Wu Lan-ting , Wang Jia-lin , Sun Jiao , Cheng Xue-ru , Zhou Zhuo-hua , Guan Jia-xin , Wang Yan-ling , Meng Zhao-yang 
Published: March 2024

PurposeWe aimed to explore the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the ophthalmic artery (OA) hemodynamics in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodsA total of 73 participants (Group0: healthy controls, Group1: Patients with ACS underwent PCI &lt; 3 months, Group2: Patients with ACS underwent PCI ≥ 3 months) were enrolled. Computed tomographic angiography images were used to construct three-dimensional models of participants' OAs. Numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics were used to acquire hemodynamic parameters.ResultsThe angle between the OA and internal carotid artery in Group2 was significantly larger compared with Group0 and Group1 (P = 0.003 and P = 0.044). Hemodynamic simulation showed a significantly slower OA blood velocity in Group1 than in the control (P &lt; 0.001) and Group2 (P = 0.033). Lower wall shear stress was found in Group1 than that in control (P = 0.040). Patients after PCI had a higher wall pressure than healthy controls (P = 0.012 and P = 0.004). Mass flow ratios were decreased in Group1 and Group2 (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002). The hemodynamic parameters of OA were correlated with several clinical indicators.ConclusionsThe OA blood flow velocity of patients with ACS after PCI initially slowed down, which increased the risk of plaque formation, and then showed an increasing trend. There was a correlation between OA hemodynamic parameters and clinical indexes related to cardiac stress. Ischemia-reperfusion injury and changes in blood flow status after PCI may affect OA morphology and hemodynamics, leading to ocular lesions.Trial registrationChiCTR2100050428.
Dysfunction of cecal microbiota and CutC activity in mice mediating diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome
Authors: Guo Mingmin , Fang Leyao , Chen Meili , Shen Junxi , Tan Zhoujin , He Wenzhi 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivePrevious studies have indicated that diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome leads to a disorder of small intestine contents and mucosal microbiota. However, the relationship of TMA-lyase (CutC) activity and TMAO with diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome remains unexplored. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between cecal microbiota and choline TMA-lyase (CutC) activity, as well as the correlation between trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), inflammatory index, and CutC activity.MethodTwenty SPF-grade male KM mice were randomly divided into the normal group (CN) and the diarrhea model group (CD). Diarrhea mouse models were established by adenine combined with Folium sennae administration. CutC activity, TMAO, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were detected, and the cecal content microbiota was sequenced.ResultAfter 14 days, diarrhea occurred in the CD group. Compared with the CN group, there was no significant change in the activity of CutC in the small intestine of the CD group, while the activity of CutC in the cecum was significantly increased, and the levels of TMAO, IL-6, and TNF-α showed a significant increase. The Chao1 index, Observed_species index, Shannon index, and Simpson index all exhibited a decreasing trend. The main changes at the bacterial genus level were Alistipes, Enterorhabdus, Desulfovibrio, Bacteroides, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and [Ruminococcus]_torques_group. The results of LEfSe analysis, random forest analysis and ROC curve analysis revealed Paludicola, Blautia, Negativibacillus, Paraprevotella, Harryflintia, Candidatus_Soleaferrea, Anaerotruncus, Oscillibacter, Colidextribacter, [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, and Bacteroides as characteristic bacteria in the CD group. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between cecal CutC activity and Ligilactobacillus, and a significant positive correlation with Negativibacillus and Paludicola. The level of TMAO was significantly positively correlated with CutC activity and IL-6.ConclusionDiarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome significantly affects the physiological status, digestive enzyme activity, CutC activity, TMAO levels, and inflammatory response in mice. Additionally, there are changes in the composition and function of cecal microbiota, indicating an important impact of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome on the host intestinal microbiota balance. The occurrence of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome may be associated with dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota, increased CutC activity, elevated TMAO levels, and heightened inflammatory factor levels.
Upper extremity training followed by lower extremity training with a brain-computer interface rehabilitation system
Authors: Sieghartsleitner Sebastian , Sebastián-Romagosa Marc , Cho Woosang , Grünwald Johannes , Ortner Rupert , Scharinger Josef , Kamada Kyousuke , Guger Christoph 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionBrain-computer interfaces (BCIs) based on functional electrical stimulation have been used for upper extremity motor rehabilitation after stroke. However, little is known about their efficacy for multiple BCI treatments. In this study, 19 stroke patients participated in 25 upper extremity followed by 25 lower extremity BCI training sessions.MethodsPatients’ functional state was assessed using two sets of clinical scales for the two BCI treatments. The Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) were the primary outcome measures for the upper and lower extremity BCI treatments, respectively.ResultsPatients’ motor function as assessed by the FMA-UE improved by an average of 4.2 points (p &lt; 0.001) following upper extremity BCI treatment. In addition, improvements in activities of daily living and clinically relevant improvements in hand and finger spasticity were observed. Patients showed further improvements after the lower extremity BCI treatment, with walking speed as measured by the 10MWT increasing by 0.15 m/s (p = 0.001), reflecting a substantial meaningful change. Furthermore, a clinically relevant improvement in ankle spasticity and balance and mobility were observed.DiscussionThe results of the current study provide evidence that both upper and lower extremity BCI treatments, as well as their combination, are effective in facilitating functional improvements after stroke. In addition, and most importantly improvements did not stop after the first 25 upper extremity BCI sessions.
Caucasian and African American racial disparity in neonatal hospital mortality
Authors: Burdjalov Maria , Qattea Ibrahim , Nandakumar Vanishree , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Aly Hany 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo examine disparity in hospital mortality among Caucasian (C) and African American (AA) neonates born at different gestational ages (GA).MethodsDe-identified national inpatient data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for the years 2011–2018. We compared the odds ratio for mortality among C and AA infants by sex and GA category. Analyses were repeated after controlling for multiple maternal and neonatal confounding variables in a logistic regression model.ResultsThe study included 18,758,233 infants; 78.3% of them were C and 21.7% were AA. Compared to C population, AA population has a significantly higher mortality in term infants born at GA ≥ 36 weeks. The racial/ethnic disparity in preterm infants was inconsistent without any difference at 35–36 weeks in male and female infants. The overall aOR for mortality in AA in all male preterm infants ≤36 weeks was 1.44 (1.39–1.49), &lt;0.01; and the overall aOR for mortality in AA in all preterm female infants ≤36 weeks was 1.38 (1.33–1.44).ConclusionRacial/Ethnic disparity in hospital mortality exists with higher AA mortality in infants born with GA &gt; 36 weeks and less AA mortality in infants born with GA 24–26 weeks.
Effect of aromatic substituents on thermoresponsive functional polycaprolactone micellar carriers for doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Wang Hanghang , Polara Himanshu , Bhadran Abhi , Shah Tejas , Babanyinah Godwin Kweku , Ma Ziyuan , Calubaquib Erika L. , Miller Justin T. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C. 
Published: March 2024

Amphiphilic functional polycaprolactone (PCL) diblock copolymers are excellent candidates for micellar drug delivery. The functional groups on the backbone significantly affect the properties of PCL. A systematic investigation of the effect of aromatic substituents on the self-assembly of γ-functionalized PCLs and the delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) is presented in this work. Three thermoresponsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers with poly(γ-benzyloxy-ε-caprolactone) (PBnCL), poly(γ-phenyl- ε-caprolactone) (PPhCL), poly(γ-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-ε-caprolactone) (PEtOPhCL), respectively, as hydrophobic block and γ-tri(ethylene glycol) functionalized PCL (PME3CL) as hydrophilic block were prepared through ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The thermoresponsivity, thermodynamic stability, micelle size, morphology, DOX-loading, and release profile were determined. The LCST values of amphiphilic diblock copolymers PME3CL-b-PBnCL, PME3CL-b-PPhCL, and PME3CL-b-PEtOPhCL are 74.2°C, 43.3°C, and 37.3°C, respectively. All three copolymers formed spherical micelles in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, 1×, pH = 7.4) at low concentrations ranging from 8.7 × 10−4 g/L to 8.9 × 10−4 g/L. PME3CL-b-PBnCL micelles showed the highest DOX loading capacity of 3.01 ± 0.18 (wt%) and the lowest drug release, while PME3CL-b-PEtOPhCL micelles exhibited the lowest DOX loading capacity of 1.95 ± 0.05 (wt%) and the highest drug release. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of all three micelles were assessed in vitro using MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. All three empty micelles did not show significant toxicity to the cells at concentrations high up to 0.5 mg/mL. All three DOX-loaded micelles were uptaken into the cells, and DOX was internalized into the nucleus of the cells.
In vitro biological control of Pyrrhoderma noxium using volatile compounds produced by termite gut-associated streptomycetes
Authors: Adra Cherrihan , Panchalingam Harrchun , Foster Keith , Tomlin Russell , Hayes R. Andrew , Kurtböke D. İpek 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPyrrhoderma noxium is a plant pathogen that causes economic losses in agricultural and forestry industries, including significant destruction to amenity trees within the city of Brisbane in Australia. Use of chemical control agents are restricted in public areas, there is therefore an urgent need to investigate biological control approaches. Members of the phylum Actinomycetota, commonly known as actinomycetes, are known for their industrially important secondary metabolites including antifungal agents. They have proven to be ideal candidates to produce environmentally friendly compounds including the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be used as biofumigants.MethodsDifferent Streptomyces species (n=15) previously isolated from the guts of termites and stored in the University of the Sunshine Coast’sMicrobial Library were tested for their antifungal VOCs against Pyrrhoderma noxium.ResultsFourteen of them were found to display inhibition (39.39-100%) to the mycelial development of the pathogen. Strongest antifungal activity displaying isolates USC-592, USC-595, USC-6910 and USC-6928 against the pathogen were selected for further investigations. Their VOCs were also found to have plant growth promotional activity observed for Arabidopsis thaliana with an increase of root length (22-36%) and shoot length (26-57%). The chlorophyll content of the test plant had a slight increase of 11.8% as well. Identified VOCs included geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol, 2-methylbutyrate, methylene cyclopentane, β-pinene, dimethyl disulfide, ethyl isovalerate, methoxyphenyl-oxime and α-pinene. Additionally, all 15 Streptomyces isolates were found to produce siderophores and indole acetic acid as well as the enzyme chitinase which is known to break down the fungal cell wall.DiscussionFindings indicate that termite gut-associated streptomycetes might be used to control Pyrrhoderma noxium by utilizing their wide range of inhibitory mechanisms.