bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted internalization and activation of glycosidic switch liposomes by an EphA2 PEG engager increases therapeutic efficacy against lung cancer
Authors: Ho Kai-Wen , Liu Yen-Ling , Huang Bo-Cheng , Hong Shih-Ting , Yang Shih-Hung , Liao Tzu-Yi , Liu En-Shuo , Chen Yu-Tung , Huang Yi-Zhong , Leu Yu-Lin , Chen Chiao-Yun , Chen Bing-Mae , Roffler Steve R. , Cheng Tian-Lu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Glycosidic switch liposome (GSL) technology uses a reversible glucuronide ester to efficiently encapsulate and stably retain potent anticancer drugs in liposomes. Parental drug is generated by enzymatic hydrolysis of the glucuronide switch in the lysosomes of target cells. Here we investigated if bispecific molecules simultaneously targeting polyethylene glycol (PEG) on GSL and an internalizing tumor antigen could increase uptake of GSL into cancer cells and enhance anticancer activity. A bispecific PEG engager (mPEG×EphA2) was generated by fusing a humanized anti-methoxy PEG (mPEG) Fab with an anti-EphA2 single-chain antibody. Mixing GSL with the PEG engager formed αEphA2/GSL, which can target EphA2 on cancer cells to trigger cellular internalization and enzymatic generation of topoisomerase I poison 9-aminocamptothecin (9AC) to kill cancer cells. Mixing mPEG×EphA2 with GSL created αEphA2/GSL targeted liposomes that specifically bind CL1-5 human lung adenocarcinoma cells and increase GSL internalization from 0–62.4% in 60 min. αEphA2/GSL displayed modestly enhanced cellular cytotoxicity in vitro as compared to GSL but targeted GSL increased intratumoral concentrations of 9AC by 8.4 fold at 24 h and the tumor/blood ratios of 9AC for αEphA2/GSL (medium of 9ACtumor/9ACblood ratio = 25.4%) was nearly 6-fold higher than αDNS/GSL (medium of 9ACtumor/9ACblood ratio = 4.4%) at 24 h. Five of seven mice bearing solid CL1-5 tumors were cured by treatment with targeted GSL. The PEG×EphA2 engager increases the uptake and generation of active drug from GSL, resulting in greatly increased therapeutic efficacy against lung cancer. αEphA2/GSL is a promising approach to treat tumors that overexpress EphA2.
Unlocking the Full Spectrum: A Paradigm Shift in Electrochromic Devices with High-Performance Black Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Chen Dinghui , Tong Zizheng , Rao Qiushi , Meng Hong , Huang Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The black-to-transparent electrochromism is hailed as the "Holy Grail" of organic optoelectronics. However, designing black electrochromic (EC) materials that fully absorb in the visible light region remains challenging. Electroactive materials that simultaneously possess excellent cyclic stability, fast switching times, and high coloration efficiency are extremely rare. In this work, copolymers capable of fully absorbing across the entire visible spectrum have been successfully designed through judicious selection of four types of monomers. We introduce two types of polar side chains, which synergistically improve the ionic conductivity of copolymer, thereby enhancing the performance of electrochromic devices(ECDs). ECDs exhibit unprecedentedlong-term cyclic stability, surpassing all previously reported high cyclic stability devices with over 126,786 cycles. Additionally, they achieve a coloration efficiency of 1273 cm²/C, which exceeds that of every high coloration efficiency ECDs present so far, along with fast coloring/bleaching times of 0.82 s/0.86 s. This study presents a new strategy for the design and synthesis of high-performance black electrochromic copolymers.
The Role of Saving Parameter on Chaotic Dynamics of Distribution of Money, Wealth, and Income
Authors: Rahmati Venus , Abolhassani Mohammadreza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In closed economic systems, there exist dual behaviors in the distribution of money, wealth, and income that lack economic justification. Analyzing the fundamental dynamics of these distributions proves useful when studying economic crises. The main purpose was to identify economic distributions exhibiting chaotic gas-like dynamics while incorporating the saving parameter. Computer simulation was employed to reproduce the data representing economic transactions between the participating agents in each transaction. The saving parameter was introduced into the conservation equations of money within the kinetic theory of gases, and chaotic dynamics were utilized to determine the selection of agents and the amounts of money exchange between them. In the simulated distributions, specifically in scenario II, where agent selection was chaotic, and the money exchange was random, a transition from an exponential distribution to a power-law distribution was observed across various saving propensities. Our findings demonstrate that incorporating chaotic dynamics alongside the saving parameter is a suitable approach for modeling economic systems, akin to stochastic dynamics.
A novel pyridoindole improves the recovery of residual hearing following cochlear implantation after a single preoperative application
Authors: Arnoldner Christoph , Nieratschker Michael , Yildiz Erdem , Gerlitz Matthias , Bera Sujoy , Gadenstaetter Anselm , Kramer Anne-Margarethe , Kwiatkowska Monika , Mistrik Pavel , Landegger Lukas , Braun Susanne , Schlingensiepen Reimar , Honeder Clemens , Rommelspacher Hans 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common sensory deficit worldwide. Due to the heterogeneity of causes for SNHL, effective treatment options remain scarce, creating an unmet need for novel drugs in the field of otology. Cochlear implantation (CI) currently is the only established method to restore hearing function in profound SNHL and deaf patients. The cochlear implant bypasses the non-functioning sensory hair cells (HCs) and electrically stimulates the neurons of the cochlear nerve. CI also benefits patients with residual hearing by combined electrical and auditory stimulation. However, the insertion of an electrode array into the cochlea induces an inflammatory response, characterized by the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, upregulation of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis and necrosis of HCs, putting residual hearing at risk. Here, we characterize the effects of the small molecule AC102, a pyridoindole, for its protective effects on residual hearing in CI. We show that AC102 significantly preserves hearing thresholds across the whole cochlea and confines the cochlear trauma to the directly mechanically injured area. In addition, AC102 significantly preserves auditory nerve fibers and inner HC synapses throughout the whole cochlea. AC102s effects are likely elicited during the inflammatory phase of electrode insertion trauma (EIT) and mediated by anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, as uncovered by anin vitroassay of ethanol induced apoptosis and evaluation of mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in an organotypicex vivomodel of EIT. The results in this study highlight AC102 as a promising compound for the attenuation of EIT during CI. Moreover, as the inflammatory response in cochlear implantation shares similarities to other etiologies of SNHL, a beneficial effect of AC102 can be inferred for other inner ear conditions as well.
Safety and feasibility of pain management using high-dose oral acetaminophen for enhanced recovery after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Urakawa Shinya , Shingai Tatsushi , Kato Junichiro , Kidogami Shinya , Fukata Tadafumi , Nishida Hisashi , Takemoto Hiroyoshi , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Fukuzaki Takayuki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Postoperative pain management is one of the important components for enhanced recovery. High-dose oral acetaminophen is effective; however, the safety of long-course usage has not been established in gastrointestinal surgeries. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer using high-dose acetaminophen. One hundred sixty-five consecutive colorectal cancer patients using high-dose oral acetaminophen (3600 mg/day between POD1 and POD7) were enrolled. One hundred forty-six patients (88.5%) completed the administration of high-dose oral acetaminophen. Drug-induced liver injury occurred in 55 patients (33.3%), and the cumulative incidence rates were 18.9% and 36.8% on POD6 and POD7, respectively. The severity of liver injury was grade 1 in all cases, which returned to normal without treatment. Patients with drug-induced liver injury had a higher frequency of dyslipidemia (47.3% versus 23.6%, P = 0.0021) and M1 staging (10.9% versus 1.0%, P = 0.0027). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of dyslipidemia (OR 2.91, P = 0.0030) and M1 staging (OR 13.5, P = 0.019) were independent risk factors for drug-induced liver injury. Long-course usage of high-dose oral acetaminophen in colorectal cancer patients enrolled in enhanced recovery protocols is feasible. Moreover, the presence of dyslipidemia and the M status are risk factors for drug-induced liver injury.
Evidence for genetic correlation between appendix and inflammatory bowel disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Dan , Dan Wanyue , Yan Bin , Peng Lihua , Pan Fei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Observational studies highlighted an association between the appendix and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it's unclear whether the identified association is causal because of difficulties in establishing a clear temporal sequence. We investigated the association between acute appendicitis, appendectomy, and IBD by using two-sample bidirectional univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR), multivariable MR (MVMR) and linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) analyses. Eligible instrumental variables were screened from previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of European ancestry for analysis. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was used for the primary analysis. Sensitivity analyses were used to detect and correct pleiotropy. LDSC analysis determined SNP-based heritability (h2) for acute appendicitis, IBD, Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC). Following that, cross-trait LDSC analysis assessed genetic correlations (rg) between these traits using GWAS summary data. Genetically predicted UC was associated with a significantly lower risk of acute appendicitis (OR = 0.933, P < 0.001) and appendectomy (OR = 0.954, P < 0.001), but conversely, acute appendicitis or appendectomy had no causal effect on IBD, UC or CD (all P > 0.05). CD had a suggestive association with appendectomy (OR = 0.981, P = 0.018) but was not significant after excluding the effect of UC by MVMR (OR = 0.999, P = 0.889). Furthermore, LDSC suggested a negative genetic correlation between UC and acute appendicitis (rg = -0.205, P = 0.005). In conclusion, our study confirms UC casually leads to a decreased risk of acute appendicitis and appendectomy, but neither acute appendicitis nor appendectomy reduces the risk of IBD, UC, and CD.
Change of mechanical properties of e-PTFE support by electrochemical degradation in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Authors: Yoo Donggeun , Oh Sohyeong , Han Yuhan , Jeong Jihong , Jung Sunggi , Park Kwonpil 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the cost and durability are main challenges to commercialization. To achieve the long-term durability target, the durability of PEMFC materials should be further improved. In this paper, we investigated the chemical and electrochemical degradation of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) support and examined how it influences the mechanical properties of the e-PTFE support. We conducted the Fenton test and open circuit voltage (OCV) holding and analyzed the chemical and physical structural changes of the e-PTFE support by utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and tensile test. After the chemical and electrochemical degradations, the molecular bonds of e-PTFE were broken, and the microstructures of e-PTFE were deformed. As the result the mechanical properties of e-PTFE showed significant decrease. Consequently, our results show that the e-PTFE support is deteriorated chemically during PEMFC operation, and this chemical degradation lead reduction of mechanical strength.
Analysis of infection status and infection risk factors of caregivers of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Li Yanchun , Wang Yonghong , Zhou Xuebing , Zhong Huaying , You Hailong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Omicron infection often occurs in a family cluster, therefore, infection among caregivers of patients with COVID-19 is an important health concern. To explore the spread and risk factors of infection among caregivers of patients with COVID-19 and provide a theoretical basis for the scientific prevention and control of susceptible infections.
Methods: We recruited 66 caregivers of patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the medicine department of Jilin Provincial Hospital of Hepatobiliary Diseases supported by the First Hospital of Jilin University, between April 9, 2022 and April 30, 2022. We analyzed the impact of age, sex, vaccination history, positive conversion time, and some basic disease on the occurrence of infection among caregivers.
Results: At one week after discharge of the admitted COVID-19 patients, 54 of the enrolled caregivers (including 22 males and 32 females) turned positive, while the remaining 12 did not. Among the patients with positive conversion, 79.63% had underlying diseases, 83.33% had positive conversion within 3 days after admission, and 46.30% had received the last vaccination more than 200 days. The positive conversion time, was significantly longer in women than in men. Additionally, the positive conversion time in those with underlying disease was longer than in those without.
Conclusion: An understanding of the prevalence and risk factors for secondary infection among caregivers of COVID-19 patients would be useful in developing strategies for the prevention of infection in the of COVID-19-susceptible population and help improve the monitoring of various susceptible factors.
Role of Xpert PCR kit in estimating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in teaching tertiary level hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Arsalan , Baig Ammarah , Irfan Seema , Khan Hira , Ahmed Israr , Virani Nazleen , Roshan Rozina , Zeeshan Syed Mohammad Zeeshan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: The colonization of MRSA increases therisk of MRSA infection, making it crucial to identify colonized patients accurately and rapidly. The conventional culture-based method for detecting MRSA colonization has limitations in terms of sensitivity and turnaround time, leading to delayed implementation of infection control measures. A rapid PCR-based method can provide accurate results within a few hours and may help in identifying colonized patients promptly.
Materials and Methods: Nasal and skin swab specimens were collected from all patients admitted to medical/surgical units of the Aga Khan University Hospital from 1st April 2022 to 31st December 2022 for culture-based and PCR-based MRSA detection (MRSA Xpert).
Results: Culture identified 10.9% MRSA positive specimens whereas Xpert MRSA assay showed 100% sensitivity and 95.4% specificity.
Conclusion: Our set of specimens showed a high correlation between culture-based and molecular-based methods for detecting MRSA.
Statistical Analysis of Connectivity Enhancement for Cell-Edge Users in Wireless Cellular Networks Using Cooperative Non- Orthogonal Multiple Access (CNOMA)
Authors: Bagheri Asma 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper explores the potential of Cooperative Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (CNOMA) to address the connectivity of cell-edge users in wireless cellular networks by leveraging intra-cell users as relays. These relays retransmit data to cell-edge users, thereby enhancing signal strength through selection diversity. The statistical analysis of connectivity is a critical aspect of understanding the Quality of Service (QoS) and overall performance in CNOMA-based networks. However, analyzing the connectivity of cell-edge users within such networks introduces specific challenges. These challenges include the effects of channel fading and the impact of successive interference cancellation (SIC) in relay users. To address these challenges, this paper provides a closed-form expression for the connectivity of a cell-edge user in a CNOMA-based cellular network, assuming Rayleigh fading channels and the probability of successive interference cancellation (SIC) in relay users. The provided closed-form expression for the connectivity probability of the cell-edge user is then evaluated through simulation results, offering insights to extend its effectiveness.
Performance of Risk Scores in Predicting Mortality at 3, 6, and 12 Months in Patients Diagnosed with Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Tuta-Quintero Eduardo , Bastidas Alirio R. , Guerrón-Gómez Gabriela , Perna-Reyes Isabella , Torres Daniela , Garcia Laura , Villanueva Javier , Acuña Camilo , Mikler Eathan , Arcila Juan , Chavez Nicolas , Riviera Allison , Maldonado Valentina , Galindo María , Fernández María , Schloss Carolina , Reyes Luis Felipe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Risk scores play a crucial role in assessing mortality risk among patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Despite their practicality, there remains a dearth of comparative evidence regarding various risk scoring systems.
Methods
This multicenter retrospective study was conducted across two high-complexity medical institutions, focusing on individuals diagnosed with CAP. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to assess the predictive performance of each analyzed risk score questionnaire in predicting survival or death at 3, 6, and 12 months post-diagnosis.
Results
Out of a total of 7454 potentially eligible patients, 3688 were included in the final analysis. Survival at 3, 6, and 12 months was 94.8%, 91.7% and 83.7%, respectively. At 3 months, PSI, CHARLSON, and CRB-65 scores showed ROC curves of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.71–0.77), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67–0.74), and 0.7 (95% CI: 0.66–0.74). At 6 months, PSI and CHARLSON scores showed performances of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.72–0.77) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.69–0.74), respectively. At 12 months, all evaluated scores showed poor discriminatory capacity, including PSI, which decreased its capacity to poor with an ROC curve of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.61–0.66).
Conclusion
In predicting mortality in patients with CAP, it was observed that at 3 months, PSI, CHARLSON, and CRB-65 showed acceptable predictive performances. At 6 months, only PSI and CHARLSON maintained acceptable levels of accuracy. For the 12-month period, all evaluated scores exhibited very limited discriminatory ability, ranging from poor to almost negligible.
Radiomics approach for identifying radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity in the lung
Authors: Drayson Olivia GG , Gruel Pierre-Montay , Limoli Charles L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Radiomic features were used in efforts to characterize radiation-induced normal tissue injury as well as identify if human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived Extracellular Vesicle (EV) treatment could resolve certain adverse complications. A cohort of mice (n=12/group) were given whole lung irradiation (3x8Gy), local irradiation to the right lung apex (3x12Gy), or no irradiation. The hESC-derived EVs were systemically administered three times via retro-orbital injection immediately after each irradiation. Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images were acquired at baseline and 2 weeks after the final radiation/EV treatment. Whole lung image segmentation was performed and radiomic features were extracted with wavelet filtering applied. A total of 851 features were extracted per image and recursive feature elimination was used to refine, train and validate a series of random forest classification models. Classification models trained to identify irradiated from unirradiated animals or EV treated from vehicle-injected animals achieved high prediction accuracies (94% and 85%). In addition, radiomic features from the locally irradiated dataset showed significant radiation impact and EV sparing effects that were absent in the unirradiated left lung. Our data demonstrates that radiomics has the potential to characterize radiation-induced lung injury and identify therapeutic efficacy at early timepoints.
Geographical Variations and Predictors of Coronary Artery Disease Mortality in Turkiye: An Environmental and Behavioral Analysis Running Title: CAD Mortality Patterns in Turkiye
Authors: Tutar Mehmet , Kocak Hilal Gulendam , Kocak Mehmet 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective:This study aims to analyze the geographical variations and identify key environmental and behavioral predictors of coronary artery disease (CAD) mortality in Turkiye.Methods:A 10-year longitudinal province-level data was used to identify change trajectories of CAD mortality. . Environmental determinants (such as air quality and climatic conditions) and behavioral factors of alcohol consumption and smoking were examined for their association with CAD mortality change trajectories using Ordinal Logistic Regression models.Results:The study revealed significantly different trajectoriesof CAD mortality across Turkiye. Environmental factors, particularly air quality (Particulate Matter-10 variation) and climatic conditions (humidity and temperature variations), were heavily associated with the level of CAD mortality. Behavioral factors, notably alcohol consumption and smoking, also exhibited a significantly positive association.Conclusion:The study underscores the importance of addressing environmental and lifestyle factors in CAD management and prevention strategies. The findings suggest the necessity for region-specific interventions and public health policies tailored to the unique characteristics of each province in Turkiye. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the multifactorial nature of CAD mortality, providing valuable insights for healthcare planning and policy-making.