bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Pseudostellaria heterophyllapolysaccharide‐gold nanocomposites and their antitumor effect through immunomodulation
Authors: Liu Zijing , Bao Yixi , Lan Haiyan , Pu Youwei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPolysaccharides from natural sources have an excellent immune function and low toxicity; however, their limitations such as short half‐life and instability limit their sustained pharmacological activity. In this context, the combination of polysaccharides and nanotechnology have been developed to promote the stability and prolong the immune activities of polysaccharides. To synthesize and explore the antitumor effect and immunomodulatory activity of PHP‐AuNPs. Polysaccharides extracted from Pseudostellaria heterophylla were used to synthesize gold nanocomposites (PHP‐AuNPs), and their physicochemical properties and immunoregulatory effect in vitro and in vivo were analyzed. The PHP‐AuNPs were green synthesized with high biosafety. PHP‐AuNPs can activate macrophages in vitro and decrease the tumor weight and volume, whereas they increase the immune organ index in vivo. Besides, PHP‐AuNPs showed a beneficial effect for maintaining the immune balance of CD4+/CD8+ T cells and modulating the release of cytokines such as TNF‐α increase and IL‐10 decrease in mice. All these results suggested that PHP‐AuNPs exhibit a remarkable antitumor effect and stronger immunomodulatory activity than that of free PHP‐1.Research Highlights
The P. heterophylla polysaccharide‐gold nanocomposites (PHP‐AuNPs) were synthesized and physicochemical properties were characterized.
The cytotoxicity in vitro and immunomodulatory effects of PHP‐AuNPs on macrophages were analyzed.
The immune‐antitumor effects in vivo of PHP‐AuNPs have also been confirmed.
Proteomic analysis of ascitic extracellular vesicles describes tumour microenvironment and predicts patient survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: Vyhlídalová Kotrbová Anna , Gömöryová Kristína , Mikulová Antónia , Plešingerová Hana , Sladeček Stanislava , Kravec Marek , Hrachovinová Šárka , Potěšil David , Dunsmore Garett , Blériot Camille , Bied Mathilde , Kotouček Jan , Bednaříková Markéta , Hausnerová Jitka , Minář Luboš , Crha Igor , Felsinger Michal , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Ginhoux Florent , Weinberger Vít , Bryja Vitězslav , Pospíchalová Vendula 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHigh‐grade serous carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum (HGSC), the most common type of ovarian cancer, ranks among the deadliest malignancies. Many HGSC patients have excess fluid in the peritoneum called ascites. Ascites is a tumour microenvironment (TME) containing various cells, proteins and extracellular vesicles (EVs). We isolated EVs from patients’ ascites by orthogonal methods and analyzed them by mass spectrometry. We identified not only a set of ‘core ascitic EV‐associated proteins’ but also defined their subset unique to HGSC ascites. Using single‐cell RNA sequencing data, we mapped the origin of HGSC‐specific EVs to different types of cells present in ascites. Surprisingly, EVs did not come predominantly from tumour cells but from non‐malignant cell types such as macrophages and fibroblasts. Flow cytometry of ascitic cells in combination with analysis of EV protein composition in matched samples showed that analysis of cell type‐specific EV markers in HGSC has more substantial prognostic potential than analysis of ascitic cells. To conclude, we provide evidence that proteomic analysis of EVs can define the cellular composition of HGSC TME. This finding opens numerous avenues both for a better understanding of EV's role in tumour promotion/prevention and for improved HGSC diagnostics.
Altered Dynamics of Brain Spontaneous Activity and Functional Networks Associated With Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fu Linqing , Zhang Wen , Bi Yan , Li Xin , Zhang Xin , Shen Xinyi , Li Qian , Zhang Zhou , Yang Sijue , Yu Congcong , Zhu Zhengyang , Zhang Bing 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundCognitive impairment is increasingly recognized as an important comorbidity and complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D), affecting patients' quality of life and diabetes management. Dynamic brain activity indicators can reflect changes in key neural activity patterns of cognition and behavior.PurposeTo investigate dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) changes and spontaneous brain activity based on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) in patients with T2D, exploring their correlations with clinical features.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsForty‐five healthy controls (HCs) (22 males and 23 females) and 102 patients with T2D (57 males and 45 females).Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T/T1‐weighted imaging and rs‐fMRI with gradient‐echo planar imaging sequence.AssessmentFunctional networks were created using independent component analysis. DFC states were determined using sliding window approach and k‐means clustering. Spontaneous brain activity was assessed using dynamic regional homogeneity (dReHo) variability.Statistical TestsOne‐way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis were used to compare the essential information including demographics, clinical data, and features of DFC and dReHo among groups. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. P‐values <0.05 were taken to indicate statistical significance.ResultsT2D group had significantly decreased mean dwell time and fractional windows in state 4 compared to HC. T2D with mild cognitive impairment showed significantly increased dReHo variability in left superior occipital gyrus compared to T2D with normal cognition. Mean dwell time and number of fractional windows of state 4 both showed significant positive correlations with the Montreal cognitive assessment scores (r = 0.309; r = 0.308, respectively) and the coefficient of variation of dReHo was significantly positively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.266). The integrated index had an area under the curve of 0.693 (95% confidence interval = 0.592–0.794).Data ConclusionDifferences in DFC and dynamic characteristic of spontaneous brain activity associated with T2D‐related functional impairment may serve as indicators for predicting symptom progression and assessing cognitive dysfunction.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 2
MRI Investigation of the Association of Left Atrial and Left Atrial Appendage Hemodynamics with Silent Brain Infarction
Authors: Pradella Maurice , Baraboo Justin J. , Prabhakaran Shyam , Zhao Lihui , Hijaz Tarek , McComb Erin N. , Naidich Michelle J. , Heckbert Susan R. , Nasrallah Ilya M. , Bryan R. Nick , Passman Rod S. , Markl Michael , Greenland Philip 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundLeft atrial (LA) myopathy is thought to be associated with silent brain infarctions (SBI) through changes in blood flow hemodynamics leading to thrombogenesis. 4D‐flow MRI enables in‐vivo hemodynamic quantification in the left atrium (LA) and LA appendage (LAA).PurposeTo determine whether LA and LAA hemodynamic and volumetric parameters are associated with SBI.Study TypeProspective observational study.PopulationA single‐site cohort of 125 Participants of the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA), mean age: 72.3 ± 7.2 years, 56 men.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T. Cardiac MRI: Cine balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) and 4D‐flow sequences. Brain MRI: T1‐ and T2‐weighted SE and FLAIR.AssessmentPresence of SBI was determined from brain MRI by neuroradiologists according to routine diagnostic criteria in all participants without a history of stroke based on the MESA database. Minimum and maximum LA volumes and ejection fraction were calculated from bSSFP data. Blood stasis (% of voxels <10 cm/sec) and peak velocity (cm/sec) in the LA and LAA were assessed by a radiologist using an established 4D‐flow workflow.Statistical TestsStudent's t test, Mann–Whitney U test, one‐way ANOVA, chi‐square test. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression with automatic forward and backward selection. Significance level P < 0.05.Results26 (20.8%) had at least one SBI. After Bonferroni correction, participants with SBI were significantly older and had significantly lower peak velocities in the LAA. In multivariable analyses, age (per 10‐years) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–3.04)) and LAA peak velocity (per cm/sec) (OR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81–0.93)) were significantly associated with SBI.ConclusionOlder age and lower LAA peak velocity were associated with SBI in multivariable analyses whereas volumetric‐based measures from cardiac MRI or cardiovascular risk factors were not. Cardiac 4D‐flow MRI showed potential to serve as a novel imaging marker for SBI.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Quantitative mass spectrometry imaging (qMSI): A tutorial
Authors: Kibbe Russell R. , Muddiman David C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an analytical technique that enables the simultaneous detection of hundreds to thousands of chemical species while retaining their spatial information; usually, MSI is applied to biological tissues. Combining these elements can create ion images, which allows for the identification and localization of multiple chemical species within the sample. Being able to produce molecular images of biological tissues has already impacted the study of health and disease; however, the next logical step is being able to combine MSI with quantitative mass spectrometry methods to both quantify and determine the localization of disease progression or drug action. In this tutorial, we will detail the main factors to consider when designing a qMSI experiment and highlight the methods that have been developed to overcome these added complexities, specifically for those newer to the field of MSI.
Estimation of thermodynamic and physicochemical properties of the alkali astatides: On the bond strength of molecular astatine (At2) and the hydration enthalpy of astatide (At−)
Authors: Burgers Peter C. , Zeneyedpour Lona , Luider Theo M. , Holmes John L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe recent accurate and precise determination of the electron affinity (EA) of the astatine atom At0 warrants a re‐investigation of the estimated thermodynamic properties of At0 and astatine containing molecules as this EA was found to be much lower (by 0.4 eV) than previous estimated values. In this contribution we estimate, from available data sources, the following thermodynamic and physicochemical properties of the alkali astatides (MAt, M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs): their solid and gaseous heats of formation, lattice and gas‐phase binding enthalpies, sublimation energies and melting temperatures. Gas‐phase charge‐transfer dissociation energies for the alkali astatides (the energy requirement for M+At− ➔ M0 + At0) have been obtained and are compared with those for the other alkali halides. Use of Born‐Haber cycles together with the new AE (At0) value allows the re‐evaluation of ΔHf (At0)g (=56 ± 5 kJ/mol); it is concluded that (At2)g is a weakly bonded species (bond strength <50 kJ/mol), significantly weaker bonded than previously estimated (116 kJ/mol) and much weaker bonded than I2 (148 kJ/mol), but in agreement with the finding from theory that spin‐orbit coupling considerably reduces the bond strength in At2. The hydration enthalpy (ΔHaq) of At− is estimated to be −230 ± 2 kJ/mol (using ΔHaq[H+] = −1150.1 kJ/mol), in good agreement with molecular dynamics calculations. Arguments are presented that the largest alkali halide, CsAt, like the smallest, LiF, will be only sparingly soluble in water, following the generalization from hard/soft acid/base principles that “small likes small” and “large likes large.”
Diversity of enteroviruses in cerebrospinal fluid specimens collected from hospitalised patients in the private and public sector in South Africa
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Megan , Mans Janet , Mafuyeka Rendani T. , Strydom Kathy‐Anne , Myburgh Marcelle , van Zyl Walda B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnteroviruses cause a wide range of neurological illnesses such as encephalitis, meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. Two types of enteroviruses, echovirus E4 and E9, have recently been detected in South Africa and are known to be associated with meningitis and encephalitis. The objective of this study was to characterize enterovirus strains detected in cerebrospinal fluid specimens of hospitalized patients in the private and public sector to identify genotypes associated with meningitis and encephalitis. From January 2019 to June 2021 enterovirus positive nucleic acid samples were obtained from a private (n = 116) and a public sector (n = 101) laboratory. These enteroviruses were typed using a nested set of primers targeting the VP1 region of the enterovirus genome, followed by Sanger sequencing and BLASTn analysis. Forty‐two percent (91/217) of the strains could be genotyped. Enterovirus B species was the major species detected in 95% (86/91) of the specimens, followed by species C in 3% (3/91) and species A in 2% (2/91) of the specimens. Echovirus E4 and E9 were the two major types identified in this study and were detected in 70% (64/91) and in 10% (9/91) of specimens, respectively. Echovirus E11 has previously been identified in sewage samples from South Africa, but this study is the first to report Echovirus E11 in cerebrospinal fluid specimens from South African patients. The genotypes identified during this study are known to be associated with encephalitis and meningitis. The predominant detection of echovirus E4 followed by E9 corresponds with other studies conducted in South Africa.
Leukemia inhibitory factor protects against experimental periodontitis through immuno‐modulations of both macrophages and periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Ou Yanjing , Fan Le , Wang Xiaoqi , Xia Haibin , Cheng Mengwen , Huang Jing , Liang Youde , Wang Yining , Zhou Yi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo explore the role of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in periodontitis via in vivo and in vitro experiments.MethodsThe second upper molar of LIF knockout mice and their wild‐type littermates were ligated for 8 days. Micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), histological analysis, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were performed. The expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines were examined in mouse bone marrow derived macrophages and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment.ResultsLIF deficiency promoted alveolar bone loss, inflammatory cells infiltration, osteoclasts formation and collagen fiber degradation in ligature‐induced mouse, along with higher expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‐6 (IL6), IL‐1β (IL1B), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFA), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), and RANKL/OPG ratio. Additionally, LIF deletion led to higher expression levels of these proinflammatory cytokines in mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages from both femur and alveolar bone and HPDLFs when treated with LPS. Administration of recombined LIF attenuated TNFA, IL1B, and RANKL/OPG ratio in HPDLFs.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that LIF deficiency promotes the progress of periodontitis via modulating immuno‐inflammatory responses of macrophages and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, and the application of LIF may be an adjunctive treatment for periodontitis to resolute inflammation.
Molecular interaction of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory prodrug nepafenac with ionic surfactants
Authors: Abbas Arshi , Shafqat Syed Salman , Nazar Muhammad Faizan , Khan Hafeez Ullah , Mukhtar Asma , Tayyab Muhammad , Syed Asad , Zafar Muhammad Nadeem , Masood Syeda Amna , Kamran Kashif 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDrug‐surfactant interaction increases the solubility of poorly water‐soluble drugs and design better pharmaceutical formulations. The degree of interaction of nepafenac (NP), a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory prodrug was studied with ionic surfactant molecules such as cationic surfactant cetrytrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in an aqueous medium at room temperature. NP made mixed micelles with CTAB and SDS. To investigate the influence of interactions, conductivity measurements, UV–visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence measurements were recorded. The quantification of NP–surfactant interactions was investigated using various mathematical models. The CMC values determined from conductivity measurements of pure surfactants were 0.96 mM for CTAB and 8.14 mM for SDS near to their literature values. At different mole fractions of NP in UV measurements, binding constants from lnKb were found 0.025 and 0.123 and number of NP molecules per micelles (n) 67, 46 for CTAB and SDS, respectively. The mixed micelles of NP–CTAB and NP–SDS revealed that CTAB has a strong interaction with NP than SDS. The Benesi–Hildebrand relationship, Stern–Volmer and Kawamura replica for the partition coefficient were used to confirm the findings. We are confident that the host–guest interaction mechanism can contribute to a better understanding of molecular recognition in the phospholipid membrane model.
Platelet‐rich plasma augmentation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Evidence is still too scattered. A scoping review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Delcogliano Marco , Sangiorgio Alessandro , Bensa Alessandro , Andriolo Luca , Boffa Angelo , Filardo Giuseppe 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposePlatelet‐rich plasma (PRP) augmentation has been proposed to improve the results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The present study aims to quantify the available evidence to support the use of PRP as biological augmentation in ACLR surgery.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Embase databases on 10 March 2023. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), written in English, addressing PRP augmentation in ACLR surgery, with no time limitation. A scoping review was performed to map the body of literature by examining the evidence related to specific aspects of patients' treatment and evaluation. Risk of bias evaluation was performed with the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomised trials Version 2 (RoB 2), while the quality assessment was performed with the use of the Coleman Score.ResultsOut of 983 articles retrieved, 23 RCTs on 943 knees were included in this scoping review. PRP was administered in a liquid form in nine studies and clotted in 11 studies, while in three studies both liquid and clotted PRP were used. Hamstring auto/allografts were used in 14 studies, patellar tendon auto/allografts were used in eight studies and one study described ACLR with peroneus longus allografts. The map of the evidence documented high heterogeneity also in terms of surgical technique, objective and subjective outcome measures and radiological assessment, as well as follow‐up times ranging from 1 day to 2 years, with virtually no overlapping data among studies neither in terms of treatments nor evaluations. Risk of bias evaluation showed an overall low quality of the included studies.ConclusionsThe available literature addressing PRP augmentation in ACLR is largely scattered. PRP was produced and applied following different procedures, and high variability was detected across the included studies for every aspect of ACLR surgery and evaluation. Currently, a meaningful comparison of the available studies is not possible as the quantification of the literature results is biased by their heterogeneity. Future studies should provide more standardisation to investigate the benefits of biological augmentation in ACL surgery and confirm the promising yet weak evidence of PRP potential as well as the most suitable application modality, before routine use in clinical practice.Level of EvidenceLevels I and II, scoping review.
Functional knee phenotypes appear to be more suitable for the Chinese OA population compared with CPAK classification: A study based on 3D CT reconstruction models
Authors: Liu LiMing , Lei Kai , Du Dekai , Lin Yong , Pan Zhaoxun , Guo Lin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification and functional knee phenotypes in a Chinese osteoarthritis (OA) population and to compare different lower limb alignment targets according to the distribution characteristics to find suitable total knee arthroplasty (TKA) bone cut strategies for the Chinese OA patients.MethodsThe computed tomography (CT) images were retrospectively collected and the three‐dimensional (3D) models were reconstructed from 434 Chinese OA patients, including 93 males and 341 females, with a mean age of 66.4 ± 9.3 years. Femoral mechanical angle (FMA), tibial mechanical angle (TMA) and mechanical hip–knee–ankle angle (mHKA) were measured on the 3D models. Arithmetic hip–knee–ankle angle (aHKA) was calculated using FMA plus TMA, and joint line obliquity was calculated as 180 + TMA–FMA. The CPAK according to MacDessi and the functional knee phenotypes according to Hirschmann were performed. In addition, the suitable TKA bone cut strategies were explored according to the phenotypes and based on the characteristics of different alignment targets, such as mechanical alignment, anatomic alignment (AA), kinematic alignment, restricted KA (rKA) and adjusted MA (aMA). Statistical differences were determined using the independent‐samples t‐test or the two independent‐samples Wilcoxon test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsThe Chinese OA population showed a varus alignment tendency (mHKA = 172.1° ± 7.2°), to which the TMA was a major contributor (TMA = 84.7° ± 4.4° vs. FMA = 91.3° ± 3.2°). The mHKA was on average 3.9° more varus than the aHKA. A total of 140 functional knee phenotypes were found and 45.6% were concentrated in VARFMA3°–NEUFMA0° to VARTMA3°–NEUTMA0°. More than 70% of patients had different FMA and TMA phenotypes. There were 92.9% of CPAK distributed in types I to IV, with type I accounting for 53.9%. The FMA phenotypes were less changed if the aMA and rKA were chosen, and the TMA phenotypes were less changed if the AA and rKA were chosen.ConclusionCompared with the CPAK, the functional knee phenotypes were more suitable for the Chinese OA population with a wide distribution and a varus tendency, and it seemed more appropriate to choose aMA and rKA as TKA alignment targets for resection.Level of EvidenceLevel Ⅲ.