bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential contributions of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 subfield to mnemonic discrimination
Authors: Mitchnick Krista A. , Marlatte Hannah , Belchev Zorry , Gao Fuqiang , Rosenbaum R. Shayna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEvidence suggests that individual hippocampal subfields are preferentially involved in various memory‐related processes. Here, we demonstrated dissociations in these memory processes in two unique individuals with near‐selective bilateral damage within the hippocampus, affecting the dentate gyrus (DG) in case BL and the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) subfield in case BR. BL was impaired in discriminating highly similar objects in memory (i.e., mnemonic discrimination) but exhibited preserved overall recognition of studied objects, regardless of similarity. Conversely, BR demonstrated impaired general recognition. These results provide evidence for the DG in discrimination processes, likely related to underlying pattern separation computations, and the CA1 in retention/retrieval.
Households catastrophic health expenditure among older people with noncommunicable diseases: A cross‐sectional study from Iran
Authors: Meshkat Sayed Amir Masoud , Kassaeian Sayed Saeed , Danaei Navid , Gharibi Farid 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsNoncommunicable diseases are one of the main difficulties faced by older adults in many countries. The study aimed to investigate the households' catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) among older people with noncommunicable diseases.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted between October and December 2022 in Semnan, Iran, with the participation of 400 older individuals suffering from diabetes and hypertension. The Content Validity Ratio (which is calculated based on necessity criterion) and Content Validity Index (which calculated based on relevance, transparency, and simplicity criteria) values of 0.94 and 0.89, respectively, confirmed the content validity of the researcher‐made questionnaire. The occurrence of CHE was estimated using the World Health Organization's rule of “allocating at least 40% of non‐food household costs to healthcare.” Due to the qualitative nature of the data, the χ2 test was utilized to assess the statistical association between demographic and background variables and occurrence of CHE.ResultsOlder people with diabetes and hypertension had an annual direct medical costs of $821 averagely, which includes 9.7% for diagnosis, 23.9% for doctor visits, and 66.4% for treatment. Direct medical costs account for around 0.26 of nonfood costs, with 12.5% of seniors facing high medical charges. Age, marital status, type of basic health insurance, diabetes, the time elapsed since initial diabetes diagnosis, the severity of diabetes complications, and the development of diabetes‐related visual impairments, are associated with CHE (p < 0.05).ConclusionWhile the prevalence of CHE among elderly individuals with diabetes and hypertension is reasonably manageable, targeted promotional efforts are still necessary to protect those at high risk.
Fortunellin ameliorates LPS‐induced acute lung injury, inflammation, and collagen deposition by restraining the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Liu Danjuan , Guo Rongjie , Shi Bingbing , Chen Min , Weng Shuoyun , Weng Junting 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveAcute lung injury (ALI) is the prevalent respiratory disease of acute inflammation with high morbidity and mortality. Fortunellin has anti‐inflammation property, but its role in ALI remains elusive. Thus, this study clarified the function of fortunellin on ALI pathogenesis.MethodsThe ALI mouse model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction, and lung tissue damage was evaluated utilizing hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. The edema of lung tissue was measured by the lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio. The lung capillary permeability was reflected by the protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Inflammatory cell infiltration was measured by the evaluation of the content of myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophils, and leukocytes in BALF. Cell apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The secretions of inflammatory cytokines were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. Lung tissue collagen deposition was evaluated by Masson staining.ResultsFortunellin attenuated LPS‐induced lung tissue damage and reduced the W/D ratio, the content of MPO in lung tissue, the total protein contents in BALF, and the neutrophils and leukocytes number. Besides, fortunellin alleviated LPS‐stimulated lung tissue apoptosis, inflammatory response, and collagen deposition. Furthermore, Fortunellin repressed the activity of the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB)/NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway in the LPS‐stimulated ALI model and LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, fortunellin attenuated LPS‐stimulated tissue injury, apoptosis, inflammation, and collagen deposition of the lung via restraining the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway.ConclusionFortunellin attenuated LPS‐stimulated ALI through repressing the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway. Fortunellin may be a valuable drug for ALI therapy.
Pyroptosis and polarization of macrophages in septic acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice
Authors: Zhou Sijiang , Yang Xia , Mo Kanglin , Ning Zong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPyroptosis and polarization are significant contributors to the onset and development of many diseases. At present, the relationship between pyroptosis and polarization in acute lung injury (ALI) caused by sepsis remains unclear.MethodsThe ALI model for sepsis was created in mice and categorized into the blank control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, LPS + low‐dose Belnacasan group, LPS + high‐dose Belnacasan group, LPS + low‐dose Wedelolactone group, LPS + high‐dose Wedelolactone group, and positive control group. The wet‐dry specific gravity was evaluated to compare pulmonary edema. Hematoxylin–eosin, Masson, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining techniques were conducted to observe and contrast the pathological changes in lung tissue. ELISA was utilized to identify M1 and M2 macrophages and correlated inflammatory factors. Immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry were employed to identify markers of M1 and M2 macrophages in lung tissue. Propidium iodide staining, together with flow cytometry, was utilized to observe the degree and positive rate of pyroptosis of alveolar macrophages. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of Caspase 1, Caspase 11, GSDMD, and IL‐18 in the lung tissues of each group. The real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to ascertain relative expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase 1, Caspase 11, GSDMD, IL‐18, iNOS, and Arg‐1 in lung tissues of all groups.ResultsIn mice with sepsis‐induced ALI, both classical and nonclassical pathways of pyroptosis are observed. Inhibiting pyroptosis has been found to ameliorate lung injury, pulmonary edema, and inflammation induced by LPS. Notably, the expression of NLRP3, Caspase 1, Caspase 11, GSDMD, IL‐1β, IL‐18, TGF‐β, CD86, CD206, iNOS, and Arg‐1 were all altered in this process. Additionally, alveolar macrophages were polarized along with pyroptosis in mice with ALI caused by sepsis.ConclusionPyroptosis of alveolar macrophages in the context of ALI in mice infected with sepsis has been linked to the polarization of alveolar macrophages toward type M1.
COVID‐19 in patients with Down syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Pitchan Velammal Praveen N. K. , Balasubramanian Suryakumar , Ayoobkhan Fathima Shehnaz , Mohan Gautham V. K. , Aggarwal Pearl , Rabaan Ali A. , Khan Syed A. , Yasmin Farah , Koritala Thoyaja , Surani Salim R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionDown syndrome (DS) is associated with multiple comorbid conditions and chronic immune dysfunction. Persons with DS who contract COVID‐19 are at high risk for complications and have a poor prognosis. We aimed to study the clinical symptoms, laboratory and biochemical profiles, radiologic findings, treatment, and outcomes of patients with DS and COVID‐19.MethodWe systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using the keywords COVID‐19 or coronavirus or SARS‐CoV‐2 and DS or trisomy 21. Seventeen articles were identified: eight case reports and nine case series published from December 2019 through March 2022, with a total of 55 cases.ResultsPatients averaged 24.8 years (26 days to 60 years); 29 of the patients were male. The most common symptoms were fever, dyspnea, and cough. Gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract symptoms were commonly reported for pediatric patients. The most common comorbidities present in patients with DS were obesity (49.0%), hypothyroidism (21.6%) and obstructive sleep apnea (15.6%). The patients were hospitalized for a mean of 14.8 days. When the patients were compared with the general COVID‐19 population, the mean number of hospitalized days was higher. Most patients had leukopenia, lymphopenia, and elevated inflammatory markers (d‐dimer and C‐reactive protein). Bilateral infiltrations and bilateral ground‐glass opacifications were frequently seen in chest radiographs and chest computed tomographic imaging. Most of the patients were treated with methylprednisolone, macrolides, and hydroxychloroquine. Of the 55 patients, 22 died. The mean age of the patients who died was 42.8 years. Mortality rate was higher in individuals with DS over 40 years of age.ConclusionMore studies are needed to better understand COVID‐19 infections among persons with DS. In addition, the study was limited by a lack of statistical analyses and a specific comparison group.
Pathways and technologies for modern irrigation services: Iran country paper
Authors: Ehsani Mehrzad , Khaledi Houman 
Published: March 2024

AbstractI.R. Iran, with 8.8 million ha of irrigated area, is fifth in the world with respect to irrigated land. Scarcity of water resources and great difficulty with water accessibility have brought about initiatives of technology building, as well as approaches to agricultural water management by local communities. During recent decades a huge public budget has been invested in order to improve irrigation services. Improving performance of irrigation systems needs proper diagnosis of the problems and a systematic approach towards modernization. Also having been recently developed and modernized, adjustment of the laws and regulations of the water sector has caused management frameworks of irrigation networks to be gradually improved. In general, in addition to the management framework, equipping with modern tools for measuring water flow and applying tools such as geographic information systems and databases have led to the improvement of water distribution and management. Technical, managerial and policies programmes, as well as investment in water resources and irrigation infrastructures in addition to training and education of farmers and field engineers in water saving in agriculture and enhancing water productivity, resulted in positive impacts on better management of limited fresh water in irrigation.
Mechanical properties of human kidney cells and their effects on the atomic force microscope beam vibrations
Authors: Jafari Ali , Sadeghi Ali , Lafouti Mansoureh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the present investigation, the mechanical properties of normal and carcinomatous cells of kidney tissue (HEK‐293, ACHN, respectively) were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Initially, the elastic modulus of ACHN cells was measured following chemotherapy with the anti‐cancer drug Cisplatin and plasma treatment. The MTT assay was employed to ascertain the most effective dosages for incubation periods of 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, guided by the IC50 concentration for cell viability during chemotherapy treatment. Analysis at these specified time points revealed a progressive increase in the elastic modulus of ACHN cells when subjected to Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Specifically, the elastic modulus increased by 1.847, 4.416, 6.035, 8.029, and 9.727 times in comparison to untreated cells at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. ACHN cells were subsequently treated with plasma for 30 and 60 s for 24 and 48‐h incubation periods. The plasma treatment increased the ACHN cell's elastic modulus. In the subsequent phase of the research, a combination of theoretical (finite element method [FEM]) and experimental methodologies was employed to investigate the resonant frequencies and magnitude of the frequency response function (FRF) concerning the movement of the AFM cantilever. This examination was conducted using ACHN cells as specimens, both before and after exposure to chemotherapy and plasma treatments. The results showed that higher sample elastic modulus increased the resonant frequency, indicating that treated cells had a higher resonant frequency than untreated cells. In conclusion, the FEM and experimental results were compared and found to be in good agreement.Highlights
Using Cisplatin anti‐cancer drug increases the elastic modulus of ACHN cell.
Applying plasma treatment increases the elastic modulus of ACHN cell.
For both of the chemo and plasma therapies, increasing the incubation time increases the influence of therapies oh the cell mechanics.
Using finite element modeling (FEM) the real dynamic behavior of atomic force microscope cantilever by considering human kidney cells as the soft samples is possible.
Investigating the relationship between residual stress and micromechanical properties of blood vessels using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Han Yibo , Zhang Liyuan , Kong Lingwen , Wang Guixue , Ye Zhiyi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe magnitude of vascular residual stress, an inherent characteristic exclusive to the vasculature, exhibits a strong correlation with vascular compliance, tensile resistance, vascular rigidity, and vascular remodeling subsequent to vascular transplantation. Vascular residual stress can be quantified by evaluating the magnitude of the opening angle within the vascular ring. For decellularized vessels, the vascular ring's opening angle diminishes, consequently reducing residual stress. The decellularization process induces a laxity in the vascular fiber structure within decellularized vessels. To investigate the interrelation between the magnitude of residual stress and the microstructure as well as mechanical properties of elastin and collagen within blood vessels, this study employed fresh blood vessels, stress‐relieved vessels, and sections of decellularized blood vessels. Structural scanning and force map experiments on the surface of the sections were conducted using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The findings revealed well‐organized arrangements of elastin and collagen within fresh vessels, wherein the regularity of collagen and elastin exhibited variability as residual stress declined. Furthermore, both stress‐relieved and decellularized vessel sections exhibited a reduction in the mean Young's modulus to varying extents in comparison to fresh vessels. The validity of our experimental results was further corroborated through finite element simulations. Hence, residual stress assumes a crucial role in upholding the structural stability of blood vessels, and the intricate association between residual stress and the microstructural and micromechanical properties of blood vessels holds significant implications for comprehending the impact of vascular diseases on vascular structure and advancing the development of biomimetic artificial blood vessels that replicate residual stress.Research HighlightsIn this inquiry, we scrutinized the interconnection amid vascular residual stress and the microscale and nanoscale aspects of vascular structure and mechanical function, employing AFM. We ascertained that residual stress assumes a pivotal role in upholding vascular microstructure and mechanical attributes. The experimental outcomes were subsequently validated through finite element simulation.
T cell activation contributes to purifying selection against the MELAS‐associated m.3243A>G pathogenic variant in blood
Authors: Walker Melissa A. , Li Shuqiang , Livak Kenneth J. , Karaa Amel , Wu Catherine J. , Mootha Vamsi K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractT cells have been shown to maintain a lower percentage (heteroplasmy) of the pathogenic m.3243A>G variant (MT‐TL1, associated with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness [MIDD] and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes [MELAS]). The mechanism(s) underlying this purifying selection, however, remain unknown. Here we report that purified patient memory CD4+ T cells have lower bulk m.3243A>G heteroplasmy compared to naïve CD4+ T cells. In vitro activation of naïve CD4+ m.3243A>G patient T cells results in lower bulk m.3243A>G heteroplasmy after proliferation. Finally, m.3243A>G patient T cell receptor repertoire sequencing reveals relative oligoclonality compared to controls. These data support a role for T cell activation in peripheral, purifying selection against high m.3243A>G heteroplasmy T cells at the level of the cell, in a likely cell‐autonomous fashion.
Proton beam therapy for clival chordoma: Optimising rare cancer treatments in Australia
Authors: Mathew Ashwathy , Gorayski Peter , Candy Nicholas , Saran Frank , Le Hien 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the anticipated launch of the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research (ABCPTR) in Adelaide, Australia, proton therapy will become a significant addition to existing cancer treatment options for Australians. The anticipated benefits will be particularly evident in rare cancers such as clival chordomas, a challenging tumour entity due to the anatomical relationship with critical structures, and proven radio‐resistance to conventional radiation therapy. The article synthesises key findings from major studies and evaluates the current evidence supporting various management strategies for clival chordomas. It also considers the influence of institutional volume and multidisciplinary team management on patient outcomes and outlines how high‐quality care can be effectively delivered within the Australian healthcare system, emphasising the potential impact of proton therapy on the treatment paradigm of clival chordomas in Australia.
Simplified processing and rapid quantification of buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, and their conjugated metabolites in human plasma using UPLC–MS/MS: Assessment of buprenorphine exposure during opioid use disorder treatment
Authors: Zhao Wenchen , Alshogran Osama Y. , Zhang Hongfei , Joshi Anand , Krans Elizabeth E. , Caritis Steve , Shaik Imam H. , Venkataramanan Raman 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOpioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic neurobehavioral ailment and is prevalent in pregnancy. OUD is commonly treated with methadone or buprenorphine (BUP). Pregnancy is known to alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs and may lead to changes in drug exposure and response. A simple, specific, and sensitive analytical method for measuring the parent drug and its metabolites is valuable for assessing the impact of pregnancy on drug exposure. A new liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method that utilized a simple protein precipitation procedure for sample preparation and four deuterated internal standards for quantification was developed and validated for BUP and its major metabolites (norbuprenorphine [NBUP], buprenorphine‐glucuronide [BUP‐G], and norbuprenorphine‐glucuronide [NBUP‐G]) in human plasma. The standard curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.05–100 ng/mL for BUP and NBUP, and 0.1–200 ng/mL for BUP‐G and NBUP‐G. Intra‐ and inter‐day bias and precision were within ±15% of nominal values for all the analytes. Quality controls assessed at four levels showed high recovery consistently for all the analytes with minimal matrix effect. Adequate analyte stability was observed at various laboratory conditions tested. Overall, the developed method is simple, sensitive, accurate and reproducible, and was successfully applied for the quantification of BUP and its metabolites in plasma samples collected from pregnant women in a clinical study assessing BUP exposure during OUD treatment.
Unique sequelae of portal vein thrombosis in a pediatric patient with cystic echinococcosis: A case report
Authors: Lin Steven , Dixon Terry C. , Khan Hamza Hassan , Munden Martha M. , Anderson Janaina N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis case report presents a rare complication of hepatic cystic echinococcosis in a 12‐year‐old Latino male, residing in a nonendemic region, who developed long‐term sequelae of portal vein thrombosis accompanied by the emergence of a hyper‐vascular sigmoid colon mass. Portal vein involvement in hepatic cystic echinococcosis is exceedingly uncommon, with limited documented cases. The presentation of the patient included intermittent hematochezia, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Imaging revealed liver cysts and chronic portal vein thrombosis with cavernous transformation, resulting in portal hypertension. Notably, the patient also exhibited mesenteric venous thrombosis, further complicating the clinical picture. The diagnosis was confirmed through echinococcus serology testing. Treatment involved a six month course of Albendazole, puncture‐aspiration‐injection‐reaspiration procedure, splenectomy, and splenorenal shunt to alleviate portal hypertension. This case underscores the significance of considering portal hypertension secondary to hepatic cystic echinococcosis, even in nonendemic regions, particularly in pediatric patients with unique clinical presentations.
Gluten‐free lentil cakes with optimal technological and nutritional characteristics
Authors: Carboni Angela D , Puppo María C , Ferrero Cristina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe celiac population usually struggle finding nutritive gluten‐free (GF) baked goods. GF foods can be improved using legume flours. Eleven GF cake formulations were elaborated according to different percentages of lentil flour (LF), corn flour (CF) and rice flour (RF) using a simplex lattice design. Water holding capacity and particle size of flours were evaluated. Moisture, aw, pH, specific volume, texture profile, relaxation, color and alveolar characteristics were determined for crumbs of all formulations. An optimization process was used to enhance the technological and nutritional attributes, selecting the three best formulations containing LF: 46% LF + 54% RF (CLF+RF); 49% LF + 51% CF (CLF+CF); and 100% LF (CLF), evaluated in their proximal composition and sensory characteristics. Linear and quadratic models for predicting the behavior of GF lentil cakes were obtained.RESULTSLF and CF could favor water incorporation and show more resistance to enzymatic digestion than RF. Formulations with LF showed an improvement in specific volume and alveolar parameters, while use of RF led to better cohesiveness, elasticity and resilience but with a deterioration in chewiness and firmness. CLF can be labeled as high in protein and fiber and presented the lowest amounts of lipids, carbohydrates and energy content. Consumer preference leaned towards CLF+RF.CONCLUSIONIt was possible to elaborate GF cakes using LF, obtaining nutritive products that can be offered to people intolerant to gluten ingestion. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.