bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chestnut ‘castanea sativa mill.’ honey potential in preventing memory decline on alzheimer’s disease model mice: in vitro enzyme activities, behavioural, memorial and histopathological studies
Authors: djebli noureddine , YAGOUB Amani , OSKAY Gizem SÖNMEZ , ARDA Nazli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The primary purpose of this research is to investigate, both in vitro and in vivo studies, whether Chestnut 'Castanea sativa Mill.' Honey consumption, can counteract the neurodegeneration occurring in Alzheimer's model mice brains caused by aluminium chloride combined with D-galactose. Within the scope of in vitro studies. The antioxidant activity of chestnut honey at a non-toxic concentration was then evaluated by DPPH and CUPRAC methods, indicating its radical scavenging and copper (II) ion reduction abilities, respectively. Finally, the modified Ellman method was used to measure its anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. For the in vivo studies, two chestnut honey doses were used, 150 mg/kg and 300mg/kg. As for the neurodegeneration, it was induced by Aluminium chloride at 100 mg/kg combined with D-galactose at 120 mg/kg. Following the neurological tests, the brain were subjected to histopathological study. The dose of chestnut honey, which has no effect on fibroblast cell growth following the 24-hour treatment was detected as 0.25% -w/v-, this dose was used for further in vitro assays. DPPH scavenging activity of the honey was 10.98 ± 1.20 g/mL -IC50-, while CUPRAC value was 0.57 ± 0.27 mM TEAC/g. The neurological tests, reported significant positive improvement in learning ability, these results were confirmed by the histopathological findings, in which the tissues section taken from the brain showed that, the honey markedly reduced hippocampal atrophy and neuronal loss. The results suggests that Chestnut honey acceptable daily-inake can reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease, by preventingmemory impairment and brain alteration.
Survivin Mediates Mitotic Onset in HeLa Cells Through Activation of the Cdk1-Cdc25B Axis
Authors: Cánovas Pedro M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The Survivin protein has roles in repairing incorrect microtubule-kinetochore attachments at prometaphase, and the faithful execution of cytokinesis, both as part of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) (1). In this context, errors frequently lead to aneuploidy, polyploidy and cancer (1). Adding to these well-known roles of this protein, this paper now shows for the first time that Survivin is required for cancer cells to enter mitosis, and that, in its absence, HeLa cells accumulate at early prophase, or prior to reported before (2, 3). This early prophase blockage is demonstrated by the presence of an intact nuclear lamina and low Cdk1 activity (4). Importantly, escaping the arrest induced by Survivin abrogation leads to multiple mitotic defects, or mitotic catastrophe, and eventually cell death. Mechanistically, Cdk1 does not localize at the centrosome in the absence of Survivin. Also, the recombinant Survivin protein can induce the activation of the Cdk1 kinase via the Cdc25 phosphatase in vitro. Moreover, Survivin directly interacts with the Cdc25B isoform, both in vitro and in vivo, and in its absence, an inactive cytosolic Cdc25B-Cdk1-Cyclin B1 complex accumulates. Finally, in agreement with a role for Survivin in the early activation of Cdk1, the early prophase accumulation induced in HeLa cells by Survivin abrogation could be bypassed by a gain-of-function Cdc25B mutant, which drove cells back into mitosis.
Prediction of early clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Triple-negative breast cancer: Incorporating Radiomics through breast MRI
Authors: Lee Hyo-jae , Lee Jeong Hoon , Lee Jong Eun , Na Yong Min , Park Min Ho , Lee Ji Shin , Lim Hyo Soon 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study assessed pretreatment breast MRI coupled with machine learning for predicting early clinical responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), focusing on identifying non-responders. A retrospective analysis of 135 TNBC patients (107 responders, 28 non-responders) treated with NAC from January 2015 to October 2022 was conducted. Non-responders were defined according to RECIST guidelines. Data included clinicopathologic factors and clinical MRI findings, with radiomics features from contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, to train a stacking ensemble of 13 machine learning models. For subgroup analysis, propensity score matching was conducted to adjust for clinical disparities in NAC response. The efficacy of the models was evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) before and after matching. The model combining clinicopathologic factors and clinical MRI findings achieved an AUROC of 0.752 (95% CI:0.644–0.860) for predicting non-responders, while radiomics-based models showed 0.749 (95% CI:0.614–0.884). An integrated model of radiomics, clinicopathologic factors, and clinical MRI findings reached an AUROC of 0.802 (95% CI: 0.699–0.905). After propensity score matching, the hierarchical order of key radiomics features remained consistent. Our study demonstrated the potential of using machine learning models based on pretreatment MRI to non-invasively predict TNBC non-responders to NAC.
Investigating the impact of 2-OHOA-embedded liposomes on biophysical properties of cancer cell membranes via Laurdan two-photon microscopy imaging
Authors: Rui Xuehui , Okamoto Yukihiro , Fukushima Shuichiro , Watanabe Nozomi Morishita , Umakoshi Hiroshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
2-Hydroxyoleic acid (2-OHOA) has gained attention as a membrane lipid therapy (MLT) anti-cancer drug. However, in the viewpoint of anti-cancer drug, 2-OHOA shows poor water solubility and its effectiveness still has space for improvement. Thus, this study aimed to overcome the problems by formulating 2-OHOA into liposome dosage form. Furthermore, in the context of MLT reagents, the influence of 2-OHOA on the biophysical properties of the cytoplasmic membrane remains largely unexplored. To bridge this gap, our study specifically focused the alterations in cancer cell membrane fluidity and lipid packing characteristics before and after treatment. By using a two-photon microscope and the Laurdan fluorescence probe, we noted that liposomes incorporating 2-OHOA induced a more significant reduction in cancer cell membrane fluidity, accompanied by a heightened rate of cellular apoptosis when compared to the non-formulated 2-OHOA. Importantly, the enhanced efficacy of 2-OHOA within the liposomal formulation demonstrated a correlation with its endocytic uptake mechanism. In conclusion, our findings underscore the significant influence of 2-OHOA on the biophysical properties of cancer plasma membranes, emphasizing the potential of liposomes as an optimized delivery system for 2-OHOA in anti-cancer therapy.
Fibrin clot permeability (Ks) in patients on left ventricular assist device
Authors: Kuczaj Agnieszka , Skrzypek Michał , Hudzik Bartosz , Kaczmarski Jacek , Pawlak Szymon , Hrapkowicz Tomasz , Przybyłowski Piotr 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients on left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are prone to excessive hemostasis disturbances due to permanent contact of artificial pump surfaces with blood components.
Aims
We aimed to investigate if fibrin clot permeability is altered in patients on long-term continuous flow LVAD therapy and if the clot permeability is associated with clinical characteristics and adverse events.
Methods
We investigated 85 end-stage heart failure patients (90.6% men, age 48.6–63.8 years) scheduled for continuous flow long-term LVAD support according to current clinical indications. The patients were assessed periodically: prior to LVAD implantation (T1), 3–6 months (T2) after LVAD implantation, 6–12 months after (T3) and then every 6 months. We tested the first three blood samples (T1-T3) and the last available blood sample (T4), but no longer than 5 years after LVAD implantation. We assessed hemostasis parameters changes during the study period.
Results
MACCE occurred in 36.5% patients, bleeding events in 25.9%, NACE in 62.4%; 31.7% patients died, and 17.6% underwent transplantation. We observed a decrease in fibrin clot permeability (Ks) between T1, T2, T3 and T4 time periods; P < 0.01 for each comparison. Fibrin clot permeability was negatively correlated with fibrinogen concentration: r = 0.51, P < 0.001, factor VIII activity r=-0.42, P < 0.001. Discrepancies in Ks were observed between patients with MACCE, bleeding, and NACE, and patients without adverse events. Ks showed a constant trend towards normalization (P < 0.01) only in patients without adverse events.
Conclusions
Adverse events such as MACCE, NACE, and bleeding may be associated with inappropriate fibrin clot structure.
Urine-derived podocytes from steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome patients as a model for renal-progenitor derived extracellular vesicles effect and drug screening
Authors: Tanzi Adele , Buono Lola , Grange Cristina , Iampietro Corinne , Brossa Alessia , Arcolino Fanny Oliveira , Arigoni Maddalena , Calogero Raffaele , Perin Laura , Deaglio Silvia , Levtchenko Elena , Peruzzi Licia , Bussolati Benedetta 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Personalized disease models are crucial for assessing the specific response of diseased cells to drugs, particularly novel biological therapeutics. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanosized vesicles released by cells for intercellular communication, have gained therapeutic interest due to their ability to reprogram target cells. We here utilized urinary podocytes obtained from children affected by steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome with characterized genetic mutations as a model to test the therapeutic potential of EVs derived from kidney progenitor cells.
Methods
EVs were isolated from kidney progenitor cells (nKPCs) derived from the urine of a preterm neonate. Three lines of urinary podocytes obtained from nephrotic patients' urine and a line of Alport patient podocytes were characterized and used to assess albumin permeability in response to various drugs or to nKPC-EVs. RNA sequencing was conducted to identify commonly modulated pathways.
Results
Podocytes appeared unresponsive to pharmacological treatments, except for a podocyte line demonstrating responsiveness, in alignment with the patient's clinical response at 48 months. At variance, treatment with the nKPC-EVs was able to significantly reduce permeability in all the steroid-resistant patients-derived podocytes as well as in the line of Alport-derived podocytes. RNA sequencing of nKPC-EV-treated podocytes revealed the common upregulation of two genes (small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO1) and Sentrin-specific protease 2 (SENP2)) involved in the SUMOylation pathway, a process recently demonstrated to play a role in slit diaphragm stabilization. Gene ontology analysis on podocyte expression profile highlighted cell-to-cell adhesion as the primary upregulated biological activity in treated podocytes.
Conclusions
nKPCs emerge as a promising non-invasive source of EVs with potential therapeutic effects on podocyte dysfunction. Furthermore, our findings suggest the possibility of establishing a non-invasive in vitro model for screening regenerative compounds on patient-derived podocytes.
Investigating the chemo-preventive role of noscapine in lung carcinoma via therapeutic targeting of human aurora kinase B
Authors: Noor Saba , Islam Khursheed Ul , Choudhury Arunabh , Yousuf Mohd. , Raza Ali , Ansari Mohammad Ahmad , Ashraf Anam , Hussain Afzal , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Lung carcinoma is the major contributor to global cancer incidence and one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Irregularities in signal transduction events, driver genetic alterations, and mutated regulatory genes trigger cancer development and progression. Selective targeting of molecular modulators has substantially revolutionized cancer treatment strategies with improvised efficacy. The aurora kinase B (AURKB) is a key component of the chromosomal passenger complex and is primarily involved in lung cancer pathogenesis. Since AURKB is an attractive therapeutic target, the design and development of its potential inhibitors is an attractive strategy. In this study, noscapine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, was selected and validated as a potential inhibitor of AURKB using integrated computational, spectroscopic, and cell-based assays. Molecular docking analysis showed noscapine occupies the substrate-binding pocket of AURKB with strong binding affinity. Subsequently, MD simulation studies confirmed the formation of a stable AURKB-noscapine complex with non-significant alteration in various trajectories, including RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA. These findings were further experimentally validated through fluorescence binding studies. In addition, dose-dependent noscapine treatment significantly attenuated recombinant AURKB activity with an IC50 value of 26.6 µM. Cell viability studies conducted on A549 cells and HEK293 cells revealed significant cytotoxic features of noscapine on A549 cells. Furthermore, Annexin-PI staining validated that noscapine triggered apoptosis in lung cancer cells, possibly via an intrinsic pathway. Our findings indicate that noscapine-based tandem AURKB inhibition can be implicated as a potential therapeutic strategy in lung cancer treatment and can also provide a novel scaffold for developing next-generation AURKB-specific inhibitors.
Associations between pinch strength, cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Yang Yaqi , Liu Lin , Li Yuzhuo , Tan Rongshao , Zhong Xiaoshi , Liu Yun , Liu Yan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) experience increased mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks; however, the potential connection between pinch strength (PS) and the prognosis of these patients remains unknown. Consequently, this study aimed to comprehensively assess the influence of PS and handgrip strength (HGS) on both survival and cardiovascular events (CVE) in patients undergoing MHD, providing valuable insights for clinical decision-making.
Methods:
Data were gathered from patients undergoing MHD at the Hemodialysis Center of Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital in March 2021. We performed a retrospective follow-up spanning 24 months, utilizing death or CVE as the primary observation endpoints. Multifactorial Cox regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival curves, trend tests, and restricted cubic spline were applied to explore the association.
Results:
During a 24-month follow-up, data were collected from 140 patients undergoing MHD with an average age of 66.71±12.61 years. Among them, 52 (37.14%) experienced mortality, whereas 36 (40.00%) had CVE without baseline CVD at a mean age at onset of 63.87±12.74 years. Using the restricted cubic spline method, a linear connection was observed between PS and all-cause mortality. Adjusted analyses in different models revealed higher PS levels were independently associated with all-cause mortality but not with CVE risk (unadjusted HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77–1.05). Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated better survival rates and reduced CVE risk for patients in the second, third, and fourth quartiles compared with those in the first quartile for PS.
Conclusions:
PS was independently associated with all-cause mortality but not with CVE in patients undergoing MHD.
Fecundity without nectar is insufficient for persistence of a blue butterfly
Authors: King Kelsey C , Schultz Cheryl 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Organisms with complex life cycles undergo ecological transitions between life stages, often resulting in stage-specific resource use. The relative contribution of each stage-specific resource to vital rates influences population dynamics and subsequently whether habitats can support viable populations. In Lepidopterans, survival to reproduction requires sufficient resources for immature life stages, but the extent to which resources for adults are critical to population persistence is variable. We studied Boisduval's blue butterflies (Icaricia icarioides), in a greenhouse experiment, to quantify the effect of the adult diet, nectar, on vital rates. Butterflies fed ad libitum produced 3.4 times more eggs, on average, over their lifetime and lived 6 more days relative to those which only had access to water. We used these experimental data to parameterize a population model to test if vital rates with and without nectar result in viable population growth rates. We found that Boisduval’s blue butterfly populations will not persist without nectar resources (λ < 1). In this species, although host plant resources contributed to reproduction and allowed the butterfly to produce ~50 eggs without nectar, these resources consumed as larva did not compensate for adult malnutrition beyond a critical threshold. The relative abundance and quality of each stage-specific resource can therefore determine at what threshold other resource(s) are limiting the population. This study highlights the value of incorporating effects on vital rates across the life cycle to evaluate the effect on populations.
Analysis of population structure and selection signatures for artificial domestication of Rock Bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) in coastal China
Authors: Huang Peihong , Gong Jie , Ke Qiaozhen , Li Bijun , Zhao Ji , Chen Baohua , Zhou Zhixiong , Bai Yulin , Xu Peng , Zhou Tao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Studying domestication is crucial to understanding the genetic diversity and adaptive evolution of species. Thus, the purpose of this study is to screen the selection signatures on the whole genome of rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) in the history of evolution and domestication. Whole genome resequencing was performed on 75 individuals from six wild rock bream populations and one domesticated farmed group. Genetic differentiation coefficient (FST), nucleotide diversity (Pi) and the Minimum Allele Frequency (Maf) difference were applied to detect the selection signatures. Principal component analysis, population structure analysis and linkage disequilibrium decay analysis were conducted to understand the genetic differences between wild and cultured populations. The results of genetic diversity and population structure analyses indicated significant differences in genetic structure between the wild and domesticated populations, while no such differences were observed among the six wild populations. Selective signature analysis screened 80 target genes, including genes associated with behavioral traits (RCAN1,MEIS2), skeletal development and growth (CasR), immunity (CaMK4), and energy metabolism (PDK2). These findings unveil the underlying molecular genetic mechanisms responsible for domestication in rock bream and offer a vast array of genetic variation across the genome to aid in future selective breeding.
Experimental and Numerical Diagnostics of Flow Properties in the HEK-X Expansion Tube
Authors: Shimamura Kohei , Shigeru Hara , Tanno Hideyuki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study proposes a scheme for understanding the flow conditions in a super-orbital expansion tube. Visualization experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis were combined to analyze the flow dynamics of the JAXA HEK-X superorbital expansion tube. Experiments were performed at shock wave velocities of 6–8 km/s using a wedge and hemisphere probe setup, with oblique and bow shock waves visualized using a dual camera system. Atomic O-777 nm emission was also measured at the stagnation point of the hemispherical probe using the band-pass filter to compare the CFD with radiation analysis results. The CFD results, validated with visualization and 777 nm radiation measurement results, mean that the temperature, density, and velocity of the test flow can be identified, and the degree of oxygen atom dissociation in the test flow can be accurately predicted, including the degree of accuracy.
Navigating the Genetic Frontier for the Integration of Genetic Services into African Healthcare Systems: A scoping review
Authors: Kamga Karen Kengne , Fonkam Marlyse Pallissa , Nguefack Séraphin , Wonkam Ambroise 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: The integration of genetic services into African healthcare systems is a multifaceted endeavor marked by both obstacles and prospects. This study aims to furnish evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and healthcare entities to facilitate the effective assimilation of genetic services within African healthcare systems.
Methods: Employing a scoping review methodology, we scrutinized peer-reviewed studies spanning from 2003 to 2023, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Africa-wide databases. Our analysis drew upon eight pertinent research studies conducted between 2016 and 2023, encompassing diverse genetic topics across six African nations, namely Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Results: The reviewed studies underscored numerous challenges hindering the implementation of genetic services in African healthcare systems. These obstacles encompassed deficiencies in disease awareness and education, impediments to genetic testing, resource scarcities, ethical quandaries, and issues related to follow-up and retention. Nevertheless, the authors also identified opportunities and strategies conducive to successful integration, emphasizing proactive measures such as community engagement, advocacy, and the fostering of supportive networks.
Conclusion: The integration of genetic services in Africa holds promise for enhancing healthcare outcomes but also poses challenges and opportunities for healthcare and biotechnology enterprises. To address gaps in disease awareness, we advocate for healthcare providers to invest in educational initiatives, forge partnerships with local institutions, and leverage digital platforms. Furthermore, we urge businesses to innovate and devise cost-effective genetic testing models while establishing online forums to promote dialogue and contribute positively to African healthcare.
A possible origin of the inverted vertebrate retina revealed by physical modeling
Authors: Oomens Jan M. M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The evolutionary origin of the inverted retina in the vertebrate eye is unknown. This paper explores a hypothetical evolutionary scenario that explains the illogical orientation of the photoreceptors in the vertebrate retina. The proposed scenario follows the scientific accepted scenario for eye evolution and gradually builds up toward a proto-eye by considering light direction detection and increase in achievable spatial resolution as the driving forces. It suggests that eye retinas developed along two different morphological processes. An evagination process that results in the inverted retina in vertebrate eyes. An invagination process that results in a verted retina in mollusc eyes. The development of the inverted vertebrate retina and proto-eye morphology is strongly substantiated by physics of vision. The proposed evolutionary sequence for vertebrate eye development is simple and has the full potential to explain the origin of the inverted retina and leads to a proto-eye enabling visual detection and orientation. It allows the emergence of eye structures like, extraocular muscles, cornea, lens, and pupil. This study supports the suggestion that a primitive inverted retina in the predecessor of vertebrates is of ectodermal origin and available before neurulation occurred.