bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The HMGB1–RAGE axis in nucleus accumbens facilitates cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference via modulating microglial activation
Authors: Ye Jian , Gao Shuang‐Qi , Liu Zi‐Cun , Chen Xi , He Jin‐Gang , Hu Zhuang‐Li 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionRepeated exposure to cocaine induces microglial activation. Cocaine exposure also induces a release of high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) from neurons into the extracellular space in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). HMGB1 is an important late inflammatory mediator of microglial activation. However, whether the secretion of HMGB1 acts on microglia or contributes to cocaine addiction is largely unknown.MethodsRats were trained by intraperitoneal cocaine administration and cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Expression of HMGB1 was regulated by viral vectors. Activation of microglia was inhibited by minocycline. Interaction of HMGB1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) was disrupted by peptide.ResultsCocaine injection facilitated HMGB1 signaling, together with the delayed activation of microglia concurrently in the NAc. Furthermore, the inhibition of HMGB1 or microglia activation attenuated cocaine‐induced CPP. Box A, a specific antagonist to interrupt the interaction of HMGB1 and RAGE, abolished the expression of cocaine reward memory. Meanwhile, the inhibition of HMGB1–RAGE interaction suppressed cocaine‐induced microglial activation, as well as the consolidation of cocaine‐induced memory.ConclusionAll above results suggest that the neural HMGB1 induces activation of microglia through RAGE, which contributes to the consolidation of cocaine reward memory. These findings offer HMGB1–RAGE axis as a new target for the treatment of drug addiction.
The effects of standard and modified LSVT BIG therapy protocols on balance and gait in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eldemir Sefa , Eldemir Kader , Saygili Fettah , Ozkul Cagla , Yilmaz Rezzak , Akbostancı Muhittin Cenk , Guclu‐Gunduz Arzu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundLee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT) BIG is an exercise program developed for patients with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), consisting of sets of exercises performed for 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. However, the standard protocol suggests a treatment frequency difficult to follow for most patients who have difficulties reaching rehabilitation clinics. Our aim was to compare the standard LSVT BIG protocol with a modified LSVT (m‐LSVT) BIG protocol (twice a week in the clinic for 4 weeks and twice a week at home for 4 weeks).MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 16 PwPD (aged 18–80 years, Hoehn and Yahr stages I–III) were recruited into two groups. The LSVT group received standard LSVT BIG training (four times per week for 4 weeks at the clinic). The other group was given m‐LSVT BIG exercises, but unlike the LSVT group, the m‐LSVT group exercised twice a week at the clinic and twice a week at home for 4 weeks. The Berg Balance Scale was used to assess functional balance. Biodex Balance System was used to assess laboratory balance measures. Timed Up and Go test and G‐Walk sensor system were used to assess functional mobility and spatiotemporal gait analysis.ResultsSignificant group‐by‐time interactions on the eyes open‐firm surface score of the modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (F = 10.138, p = .007) and gait cycle symmetry index (F = 10.470, p = .010) were found to be in favor of the LSVT group. Additionally, post hoc analyses revealed that both groups significantly improved postural stability, gait speed, motor symptoms, and functional mobility (p < .05).ConclusionThe results revealed the beneficial effects of the modified protocol on balance and gait in PwPD, as well as the superiority of the standard LSVT BIG protocol. The m‐LSVT BIG protocol may be an effective intervention method, especially for PwPD who have difficulty adapting to the treatment frequency of the standard protocol.
Medically unexplained symptoms are common in women in tertiary neurological healthcare center: A survey cohort study of persons investigated for suspected multiple sclerosis
Authors: Novakova Lenka , Hedström Anna Karin , Axelsson Markus , Brandt Anne Frandsen , Alfredsson Lars , Olsson Tomas , Lycke Jan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundA significant proportion of individuals with suspicious onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) does not fulfill the diagnostic criteria. Although some receive other diagnoses, many remain undiagnosed and lack healthcare follow‐up. This study aimed to characterize persons with undetermined diagnosis (PwUD) through a questionnaire.MethodsIncident cases with suspected MS were consecutively admitted to a tertiary neurological healthcare center in a prospective cohort study. Those who remained undiagnosed after 40 months (mean, range 31–52) were considered PwUD. They completed a modified questionnaire, previously used in a population‐based case‐control study of incident MS cases. Their responses were compared with two control cohorts, persons with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls, randomly selected from national registries, matched by age, gender, and area of residence.ResultsOut of 271 patients with suspected MS onset, 72 (20.3%) were PwUD with a female majority (79%). The response rate was 83% and 39% reported persisting MS‐like symptoms. Compared to controls (n = 548) and PwMS (n = 277), fewer PwUD were currently smoking (p = .4 and p = .03), consumed less alcohol (p = .04 and p = .01), and had children (p = .02 and p = .002). PwUD reported occurrence of other autoimmune disease in 29%, higher compared to PwMS and controls (p < .001 and p < .001).ConclusionsUD is common among persons investigated for suspected MS, in particular among female parents. Our data suggest that PwUD can be characterized as nonsmokers with low alcohol consumption and a higher prevalence of autoimmune disease, in particular thyroid disease.
Genetic causal association between physical activities and epilepsy: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Peihong , Li Jiaxin , Xiao Zheng , Sheng Dandan , Liu Weiping , Xiao Bo , Zhou Luo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite numerous investigations into the relationship between physical activities (PA) and epilepsy, the causal effects remain contentious. Thus, we conducted a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess the potential causality.MethodsSingle‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) predisposed to self‐reported moderate and vigorous physical activities (MPA and VPA) and overall acceleration average (OAA) calculated through wrist‐worn accelerometers were selected as exposure instrumental variables. Five subtypes of epilepsy, including all epilepsy, focal epilepsy and generalized epilepsy (with or without each other), focal epilepsy‐strict definition and generalized epilepsy‐strict definition (without overlap), were chosen as the outcomes. The MR study utilized the inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analytical tool, supplemented by MR‐Egger, simple mode, weighted mode, and weighted median methods. Cochran's Q and MR‐Egger intercept tests were employed to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy, while MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier and leave‐one‐out analyses were conducted to identify potential SNP outliers.ResultsThe study indicated that OAA was genetically linked to a decreased risk of both focal epilepsy (OR = 0.812, 95% CI: 0.687–0.960, p = .015, IVW) and focal epilepsy‐strict definition (OR = 0.732, 95% CI: 0.596–0.900, p = .003, IVW; OR = 0.749, 95% CI: 0.573−0.979, p = .035, Weighted median). Genetically predicted MPA and VPA did not exhibit a causal association with all epilepsy or its subtypes (p>.05). No evidence of heterogeneity, pleiotropy, or SNP outlier was observed.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that PA with accelerometer monitoring may potentially reduce the risk of focal epilepsy, while there is no evidence supporting causal association between self‐reported MPA or VPA and either focal or generalized epilepsy.
Management of a pure uterine corpus rhabdomyosarcoma in a postmenopausal patient: A rare case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lugata John , Smith Caleigh , Mrosso Onesmo , Rwenyagila Doris , Shao Baraka , Mremi Alex 
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical MessageRhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract often involves the vagina and cervix. It usually occurs in infants and children. Such tumors are uncommon in the uterus, especially in adults. Treatment options are based on studies of younger individuals.AbstractRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm with a tendency to differentiate into skeletal muscle cells. RMS is an aggressive tumor that tends to develop in children and younger patients. A vast majority of genital tract RMSs occur in the vagina and cervix. Such tumors rarely occur in adults. Usually, these tumors either occur as a component of a biphasic uterine tumor (carcinosarcoma or adenosarcoma) or can be a pure heterologous tumor. Pure uterine RMSs are extremely rare in adult patients and difficult to diagnose. Accurate diagnosis of these tumors depends on precise histopathological evaluation. The present report describes a rare case of embryonal RMS of the uterus in a postmenopausal female and explores the most recent literature. The aim is to strengthen the existing literature and aid clinicians in the management of similar cases. A 64‐year‐old postmenopausal female presented with a history of abdominal pain associated with abdominal distension, per vaginal bleeding, and foul‐smelling discharge for 6 months. A transabdominal ultrasound revealed a bulky uterus with a well‐circumscribed heterogeneous lesion. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of high‐grade embryonal RMS within the corpus region of the uterus. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent relapse of the disease. Six months after oncological care has passed, the patient remains symptoms‐free without evidence of recurrence or metastasis.
The skin as a window to the gut: A case of carcinoid syndrome
Authors: Costa Catarina Alves , Lopes Tânia , Rodrigues Ana Patrícia , Lamas Nuno Jorge , Cruz Célia 
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical MessageNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of uncommon neoplasms derived from enterochromaffin or Kulchitsky cells (that secrete serotonin or other molecules into the bloodstream), which can manifest with symptoms of hormonal overproduction, namely carcinoid syndrome (CS). This can be the presenting feature in patients with advanced disease. We report the case of a 66‐year‐old woman presenting with chronic diarrhea, facial venous telangiectasia and elevated urinary 5‐hydrocyindoleacetic acid levels. A 68‐Ga DOTATOC PET/CT scan revealed an ileal mass and lesions consistent with liver, ovary and bone metastasis. A liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of well‐differentiated NET G1. Therapy with somatostatin analogs achieved symptom control, but the liver disease progressed and the patient passed away after 2 years of follow‐up. The challenge of diagnosing CS resides in its heterogeneous manifestations, which may range from mild to life‐threatening conditions. In this case, the cutaneous findings of venous telangiectasia strongly pointed to the correct diagnosis. Treatment can also be difficult due to refractory symptoms and inevitable progression of disease, highlighting the importance of early detection and thorough disease staging.
Organometallic Mn(I) Complexes in Asymmetric Catalytic (Transfer) Hydrogenation and Related Transformations
Authors: Fu Dexin , Wang Zheng , Liu Qingbin , Prettyman Samuel J. , Solan Gregory A. , Sun Wen‐Hua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDirect asymmetric hydrogenation (AH) and asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) are among the most efficient approaches to produce chiral building blocks. Recently, these types of transformations have witnessed a shift towards the use of molecular catalysts based on earth‐abundant transition metals due to their ready availability, economic advantage, and novel properties. With particular regard to manganese, catalyst development has seen both the efficiency and substrate scope in AH and ATH greatly improved, with the emergence of a large number of well‐defined Mn‐complexes employed in this field. The reaction scope includes the AH and ATH of C=O bonds, asymmetric reduction of C=N bonds and the asymmetric reductive transformations of C=C bonds. Herein, our survey of the area focuses on the catalytic activity of such complexes, their versatility towards asymmetric transformations and the routes employed to convert substrates to their target molecules. We consider the collected findings of this article will be helpful to the reader by providing an insight into ligand design, thereby aiding future catalyst development. Moreover, this review is aimed at highlighting the remarkable progress made in the last seven years in the development of manganese complexes for enantioselective reduction.
Vicinal Diones and α‐Keto Esters as Electrophiles of Aldolases for Stereoselective Construction of Tertiary Alcohols
Authors: Luo Zhenzhen , Li Qiaoqiao , Yang Huijun , Li Yulian , Liu Yanqiong , Tang Chunping , Liu Jia , Ke Changqiang , Ye Yang , Zhang Rui , Liao Cangsong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAldolases are powerful C−C bond‐forming enzymes with high stereoselectivity and broad substrate scope in biocatalysis, but their ability to stereoselectively construct tertiary alcohols has not been fully explored. Herein, we demonstrate that vicinal diones and α‐keto esters are electrophiles that can be accepted by both natural and computationally designed aldolases via various catalytic mechanisms. This method allows for the efficient asymmetric synthesis of small molecules with tertiary alcohols, including noncanonical amino acids. This study presents the first types of generic nonnatural substrates of aldolases and reveals new opportunities for the use of aldolases in the synthesis of versatile chiral synthons.
Molecular Structure Effects on Ionic Diode Performance in Desalination: Ultrahigh Rectification in Butylated Intrinsically Microporous Polyamine (PIM‐EA‐TB)
Authors: Li Zhongkai , Carta Mariolino , McKeown Neil B. , Agbenyeke Raphael E. , Eloi Jean‐Charles , Fermin David J. , Arotiba Omotayo A. , Marken Frank 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIonic diodes are components in ionic circuits for AC‐electricity driven desalination and ion extraction processes. Independent of the ionic diode type/mechanism, achieving ionic current rectification at high ionic strengths is challenging but important, for example in seawater desalination and treatment of brine. Here, the butylation of a molecularly rigid (glassy) polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐EA‐TB) is shown to give anionic diodes with ultrahigh rectification effects (associated with interfacial resistivity) even in high ionic strength aqueous 2 M NaCl solution. The effect is rationalised based on polymer structure affecting ion transport.
Ultrahigh thermoelectric properties of p‐type BixSb2−xTe3 thin films with exceptional flexibility for wearable energy harvesting
Authors: Zheng Zhuang‐Hao , Zhong Yi‐Ming , Li Yi‐Liu , Nisar Mohammad , Mansoor Adil , Li Fu , Chen Shuo , Liang Guang‐Xing , Fan Ping , Xu Dongyan , Wei Meng , Chen Yue‐Xing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUse of a flexible thermoelectric source is a feasible approach to realizing self‐powered wearable electronics and the Internet of Things. Inorganic thin films are promising candidates for fabricating flexible power supply, but obtaining high‐thermoelectric‐performance thin films remains a big challenge. In the present work, a p‐type BixSb2−xTe3 thin film is designed with a high figure of merit of 1.11 at 393 K and exceptional flexibility (less than 5% increase in resistance after 1000 cycles of bending at a radius of ∼5 mm). The favorable comprehensive performance of the BixSb2−xTe3 flexible thin film is due to its excellent crystallinity, optimized carrier concentration, and low elastic modulus, which have been verified by experiments and theoretical calculations. Further, a flexible device is fabricated using the prepared p‐type BixSb2−xTe3 and n‐type Ag2Se thin films. Consequently, an outstanding power density of ∼1028 μW cm−2 is achieved at a temperature difference of 25 K. This work extends a novel concept to the fabrication of high‐performance flexible thin films and devices for wearable energy harvesting.
Cellular Applications of DNP Solid‐State NMR – State of the Art and a Look to the Future
Authors: Beriashvili David , Zhou Jiaxin , Liu Yangping , Folkers Gert E. , Baldus Marc 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSensitivity enhanced dynamic nuclear polarization solid‐state NMR is emerging as a powerful technique for probing the structural properties of conformationally homogenous and heterogenous biomolecular species irrespective of size at atomic resolution within their native environments. Herein we detail advancements that have made acquiring such data, specifically within the confines of intact bacterial and eukaryotic cell a reality and further discuss the type of structural information that can presently be garnered by the technique's exploitation. Subsequently, we discuss bottlenecks that have thus far curbed cellular DNP‐ssNMR's broader adoption namely due a lack of sensitivity and spectral resolution. We also explore possible solutions ranging from utilization of new pulse sequences, design of better performing polarizing agents, and application of additional biochemical/ cell biological methodologies.
Production of Fructo‐Oligosaccharides in Membrane Bioreactor Using Rotating Ceramic Membrane Disc
Authors: Fan Rong , Tissen Dennis , Su Xinwei , Schmitz Oliver , Ebrahimi Mehrdad , Maguire Nicolas A. P. , Czermak Peter 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS) are often produced via enzymatic conversion in industry. Enzyme membrane bioreactor (EMBR) can enhance the catalytic efficiency by in‐situ product removal. Its major bottleneck is the fouling caused by the deposition of enzyme on membrane surface. An EMBR system with a compact rotating disc device was established for continuous FOS production. This study further investigated the influences of the membrane rotation on the flux control and enzyme activity. The speed of 600 rpm was a good compromise between flux and fouling control, which stabilized the flux at ∼80 L m−2h−1 during the process. Moreover, the rotation led to an increase in the rejection of enzymes by 20 %, compensating the loss of enzyme due to the inhomogeneous distribution of membrane pore size.
Microtubule length correlates with spindle length in C. elegans meiosis
Authors: Zimyanin Vitaly , Redemann Stefanie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe accurate segregation of chromosomes during female meiosis relies on the precise assembly and function of the meiotic spindle, a dynamic structure primarily composed of microtubules. Despite the crucial role of microtubule dynamics in this process, the relationship between microtubule length and spindle size remains elusive. Leveraging Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, we combined electron tomography and live imaging to investigate this correlation. Our analysis revealed significant changes in spindle length throughout meiosis, coupled with alterations in microtubule length. Surprisingly, while spindle size decreases during the initial stages of anaphase, the size of antiparallel microtubule overlap decreased as well. Detailed electron tomography shows a positive correlation between microtubule length and spindle size, indicating a role of microtubule length in determining spindle dimensions. Notably, microtubule numbers displayed no significant association with spindle length, highlighting the dominance of microtubule length regulation in spindle size determination. Depletion of the microtubule depolymerase KLP‐7 led to elongated metaphase spindles with increased microtubule length, supporting the link between microtubule length and spindle size. These findings underscore the pivotal role of regulating microtubule dynamics, and thus microtubule length, in governing spindle rearrangements during meiotic division, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms dictating spindle architecture.
Improving diagnostic yield of pancreatic serous cystadenoma with cyst fluid ancillary testing, adjunct immunohistochemistry, and additional fine‐needle biopsy sampling
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhang Xuchen , Hui Pei , Cai Guoping 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFine‐needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of pancreatic serous cystadenoma (SCA) remains challenging. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the roles of cyst fluid ancillary testing and combined fine‐needle biopsy (FNB) in improving the diagnostic yield.MethodsThe authors retrospectively reviewed cytology cases that were histologically confirmed SCAs. Clinical features and FNA cyst fluid biochemical and molecular analysis results along FNB findings were reviewed.ResultsThe study cohort included 31 cases from 13 male and 18 female patients with a mean age of 65. The original cytologic diagnoses were nondiagnostic (n = 6, 19%), negative for malignant cells/cyst contents (n = 7, 23%), atypical cells (n = 3, 10%), nonmucinous cyst (n = 11, 35%), and serous cystadenoma (n = 4, 13%). Cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) analysis was performed in 17 cases, all of which showed a low CEA level (<192 ng/mL). All 14 cases with molecular testing showed a wild‐type KRAS. Inhibin immunohistochemistry was retrospectively performed on the FNA cell blocks, inhibin was positive in six of seven cases tested. In 15 cases with concurrent FNA and FNB biopsies, the diagnosis of SCA was seen in only one FNA case (7%) but 13 FNB cases (87%).ConclusionsThis study suggests that FNA diagnosis of SCA remains challenging even with ancillary testing including cyst fluid CEA level and KRAS mutation analysis. Adjunct inhibin immunostaining may help improve the cytologic diagnosis of selective SCA cases. FNB appears superior to FNA for a definite diagnosis of SCA.
Fluorescent carbon quantum dots with controllable physicochemical properties fantastic for emerging applications: A review
Authors: You Wenbo , Zou Wentao , Jiang Siyi , Zhang Jiahao , Ge Yunchen , Lu Gui , Bahnemann Detlef W. , Pan Jia Hong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCarbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as prominent contenders in the realm of luminescent nanomaterials over the past decade owing to their tunable optical properties, robust photostability, versatile surface functionalization and doping potential, low toxicity, and straightforward synthesis utilizing environmentally friendly precursors. In this review, we commence with a concise introduction, presenting both top‐down and bottom‐up strategies for the eco‐friendly synthesis of CQDs. Subsequently, we delve into a comprehensive examination of CQDs' structure and optical characteristics, encompassing their ultraviolet–visible absorption properties, surface confinement effects, and surface state emissions contributing to room‐temperature photoluminescence (PL). This review proceeds to elucidate recent advancements in modification strategies for CQDs, specifically focusing on surface oxidation, passivation, and the incorporation of heteroatoms. These strategies serve to afford control over the physicochemical properties, facilitating the enhancement of PL through the decoration of highly visible‐responsive CQDs. This enhancement is achieved by suppressing the nonradiative recombination of electron‐hole pairs, enabling red/blue shifts in CQDs for the generation of a full‐color emission spectrum, and regulating the band‐gap and surface states to broaden the photoabsorption range. Finally, we offer an overview of the most recent developments in the applications of fluorescent CQDs, emphasizing their utility in biomedicine, fluorescent sensors, lighting, and displays, as well as photocatalysis.