bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory role of miR‐125a expression with respect to its target genes LIFR, ERBB2 and STAT3 in the pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy losses
Authors: Manzoor Usma , Pandith Arshad A. , Amin Ina , Wani Saima , Baba Shahid M. , Wani Umer M. , Mansoor Sheikh , Aein Qurat Ul , Anwar Iqra , Bahar Barjista , Koul Aabid M. , Sanadhya Dheera , Ahmad Abida 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesStudies have investigated miR‐125a for its predictable role in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) cases to regulate many biological events required for the maintenance of pregnancy by regulating its confirmed target genes LIFR, ERBB2 and STAT3.MethodsThe present study included 40 cases of women with at least two RPLs in ≤20 weeks of gestation against 40 healthy multiparous women without a previous history of abortion. Expression analysis of ERBB2, LIFR, STAT3 and miR‐125a was conducted by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR).ResultsThe expression of miR‐125a was significantly lower in the plasma of RPL cases (P = 0.0001) and showed a significantly increased mean expression level in product of conception (2.56‐fold, P < 0.0001). Among the target gene of miR‐125a, ERBB2 and STAT3 gene expression level was significantly increased (2.58‐fold, P = 0.04; 1.87‐fold, P = 0.025), respectively in RPL cases while the LIFR gene revealed comparable expression (P = 0.64). Furthermore, expression analysis of ERBB2 gene with respect to its regulatory miR‐125a cases depicted a significant association (P = 0.0005). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed cases with low miR‐125a expression had significantly shorter time to miscarriages, (log‐rank P = 0.02). Also, decreased expression of miR‐125a significantly conferred >2‐fold increased risk for RPL (HR = 2.34: P < 0.05).ConclusionThe overall conclusion of the study was that altered miR‐125a expression may cause deregulation in target genes LIFR, ERBB2 and STAT3 resulting in adverse consequence in the outcome of pregnancy.
Nanothermometry for cellular temperature monitoring and disease diagnostics
Authors: Liu Meilin , Sun Yaru , Teh Daniel Boon Loong , Zhang Yi , Cao Donglin , Mei Qingsong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBody temperature variations, including the generation, transfer, and dissipation of heat, play an important role throughout life and participate in all biological events. Cellular temperature information is an indispensable link in the comprehensive understanding of life science processes, but traditional testing strategies cannot provide sufficient information due to their low precision and inefficient cellular‐entrance. In recent years, with the help of luminescent nanomaterials, a variety of new thermometers have been developed to achieve real‐time temperature measurement at the micro/nano scale. In this review, we summarized the latest advances in several nanoparticles for cellular temperature detection and their related applications in revealing cell metabolism and disease diagnosis. Furthermore, this review proposed a few challenges for the nano‐thermometry, expecting to spark novel thought to push forward its preclinical and translational uses.
Small molecule probes for the specific imaging of monoamine oxidase A and monoamine oxidase B
Authors: Fang Yi , Chen Zhengping , Yang Min 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMonoamine oxidases (MAOs) are a class of flavin enzymes that are mainly present in the outer membrane of mitochondria and play a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of monoamine neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Furthermore, expression of MAOs is associated with the functions of peripheral organs. Dysfunction of MAOs is relevant in a variety of diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure, metabolic disorders, and cancers. Monoamine oxidases have two isoenzymes, namely, monoamine oxidase A (MAO‐A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B). Therefore, the development of reliable and specific methods to detect these two isoenzymes is of great significance for the in‐depth understanding of their functions in biological systems, and for further promoting the clinical diagnosis and treatment of MAO‐related diseases. This review mainly focuses on the advances in small molecular probes for the specific imaging of MAO‐A and MAO‐B, including radiolabeled probes, fluorescent probes, and a 19F magnetic resonance imaging probe. In addition, applications of these probes for detecting MAO expression levels in cells, tissues, animal models, and patients are described. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of developing novel MAO imaging probes are also highlighted.
Profiles of Latinx cultural orientation among adolescents: Associations with internalizing symptoms and moderation by ethnic–racial discrimination
Authors: Ortiz Miriam , Lozada Fantasy T. , Moreno Oswaldo , Williams Chelsea D. , Tynes Brendesha M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe objectives of the current study were the following: (1) to explore multidimensional profiles of Latinx cultural orientation using Spanish language use, familismo, and ethnic–racial identity (ERI) affirmation among Latinx adolescents, (2) to test how Latinx cultural orientation profiles were associated with adolescents' internalizing symptoms (i.e., depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms), and (3) to test whether associations between profiles and internalizing symptoms were moderated by adolescents' ethnic–racial discrimination experiences.MethodsThe study was conducted among a sample of 204 Latinx adolescents (52.4% female; Mage = 14.35, SDage = 1.75).ResultsLatent profile analysis indicated four profiles of Latinx cultural orientation: higher affirmation and lower Spanish (HALS), higher Spanish (HS), lower familismo and affirmation (LFA), and higher familismo/lower Spanish and affirmation (HFLSA). Latinx adolescents who reported lower levels on more than one Latinx cultural orientation dimension (e.g. LFA or HFSLA) also reported worse health when compared to adolescents who reported higher levels of more than one Latinx cultural orientation dimension (e.g., HSA). The associations between Latinx cultural orientation profiles and internalizing symptoms were not moderated by adolescents' ethnic–racial discrimination.ConclusionFindings provide researchers and practitioners with an understanding of the various ways in which Latinx adolescents remain connected to their Latinx culture and implications for their outcomes.
ZIP transporters‐regulated Zn2+ homeostasis: A novel determinant of human diseases
Authors: Liu Huimei , Li Lanfang , Lu Ruirui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs an essential trace element for organisms, zinc participates in various physiological processes, such as RNA transcription, DNA replication, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. The destruction of zinc homeostasis is associated with various diseases. Zinc homeostasis is controlled by the cooperative action of zinc transporter proteins that are responsible for the influx and efflux of zinc. Zinc transporter proteins are mainly categorized into two families: Zrt/Irt‐like protein (SLC39A/ZIP) family and zinc transporter (SLC30A/ZNT) family. ZIP transporters contain 14 members, namely ZIP1‐14, which can be further divided into four subfamilies. Currently, ZIP transporters‐regulated zinc homeostasis is one of the research hotspots. Cumulative evidence suggests that ZIP transporters‐regulated zinc homeostasis may cause physiological dysfunction and contribute to the onset and progression of diverse diseases, such as cancers, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we initially discuss the structure and distribution of ZIP transporters. Furthermore, we comprehensively review the latest research progress of ZIP transporters‐regulated zinc homeostasis in diseases, providing a new perspective into new therapeutic targets for treating related diseases.
Maternal Ezh1/2 deficiency impairs the function of mitochondria in mouse oocytes and early embryos
Authors: Zhang Dan , Deng Wenbo , Jiang Ting , Zhao Yinan , Bai Dandan , Tian Yingpu , Kong Shuangbo , Zhang Leilei , Wang Haibin , Gao Shaorong , Lu Zhongxian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMaternal histone methyltransferase is critical for epigenetic regulation and development of mammalian embryos by regulating histone and DNA modifications. Here, we reported a novel mechanism by revealing the critical effects of maternal Ezh1/2 deletion on mitochondria in MII oocytes and early embryos in mice. We found that Ezh1/2 knockout in mouse MII oocytes impaired the structure of mitochondria and decreased its number, but membrane potential and respiratory function of mitochondrion were increased. The similar effects of Ezh1/2 deletion have been observed in 2‐cell and morula embryos, indicating that the effects of maternal Ezh1/2 deficiency on mitochondrion extend to early embryos. However, the loss of maternal Ezh1/2 resulted in a severe defect of morula: the number, membrane potential, respiratory function, and ATP production of mitochondrion dropped significantly. Content of reactive oxygen species was raised in both MII oocytes and early embryos, suggesting maternal Ezh1/2 knockout induced oxidative stress. In addition, maternal Ezh1/2 ablation interfered the autophagy in morula and blastocyst embryos. Finally, maternal Ezh1/2 deletion led to cell apoptosis in blastocyst embryos in mice. By analyzing the gene expression profile, we revealed that maternal Ezh1/2 knockout affected the expression of mitochondrial related genes in MII oocytes and early embryos. The chromatin immunoprecipitation‐polymerase chain reaction assay demonstrated that Ezh1/2 directly regulated the expression of genes Fxyd6, Adpgk, Aurkb, Zfp521, Ehd3, Sgms2, Pygl, Slc1a1, and Chst12 by H3K27me3 modification. In conclusion, our study revealed the critical effect of maternal Ezh1/2 on the structure and function of mitochondria in oocytes and early embryos, and suggested a novel mechanism underlying maternal epigenetic regulation on early embryonic development through the modulation of mitochondrial status.
Eurocentric epistemologies in engineering: Manifestations in first‐year student design teams and consequences for student learning
Authors: Henderson Trevion S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundExisting research points to the role of Eurocentric epistemic values—scientific objectivity, value‐neutrality, depoliticization, and technical rationality—as a cornerstone of engineering ways of thinking, knowing, and doing. However, less is known about the role of Eurocentric epistemologies in team communication and decision making.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine how dominant Eurocentric epistemologies shape individual‐ and team‐level design thinking and, by extension, students' learning in engineering design education.MethodThis work draws on a critical ethnography in which I observed three focal design teams during a semester‐long design project in a cornerstone design course. Following the conclusion of the design project, I conducted semi‐structured interviews with each member of the focal teams, asking students to reflect on incidents, their thinking, and team dynamics during the individual and team design processes.FindingsAt the individual level, students' concerns about adhering to Eurocentric epistemic values made them hesitant to pursue design ideas. These concerns also shaped their design thinking, communication, and decision making at the team level, leading students to withhold or not advocate for ideas. Finally, students appeared to leverage the normative supremacy of Eurocentric epistemologies in engineering rhetorically to exert influence over their team's design decisions.ConclusionsIf engineering education is to create a more just and inclusive learning environment for engineering students, we must construct learning environments that allow students to draw on all their epistemic resources during the learning process. This study suggests the dominance of Eurocentric epistemologies is a barrier to that end.
Optical coherence tomography and gray scale digital analysis as noninvasive techniques for evaluating molar‐incisor hypomineralization severity: A comparative study with microcomputed tomography
Authors: de Oliveira Maria Livia Rodrigues , Ferezin Ayla Natalia , Gomes Bianca Caroline , Mattos Vicente Silva , Mazzi‐Chaves Jardel Francisco , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião , de Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino , de Paula‐Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia , de Carvalho Fabrício Kitazono 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMolar‐incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative defect of dental enamel characterized by demarcated opacities present in permanent first molars and other teeth. It is considered a major clinical challenge in dentistry because it makes affected teeth more susceptible to fractures and dental caries. Its diagnosis is mainly clinical and there are few technological resources that allow for a more accurate diagnosis, especially with respect to the depth of the defect in the dental enamel. In this context, optical coherence tomography (OCT), which is routinely used in ophthalmology, can produce images of the depth of the dental enamel, making it a promising method. In this study, 33 teeth with different MIH severities were evaluated using OCT and microcomputed tomography (microCT). Semi‐quantitative methods of grayscale pattern analysis were used to compare images obtained from different severities of MIH with the mineral density obtained through microCT. MicroCT evaluation revealed that hypomineralized enamel had a significantly lower mineral density than intact enamel. However, this difference was not observed between the mild and severe MIH lesions. In the OCT evaluation, significant differences were observed between the intact and hypomineralized enamel, and the gray value comparison provided a method for quantitative differentiation between the two. This study suggests that OCT could be a useful adjunct to traditional diagnostic methods for MIH, offering a noninvasive approach to evaluate enamel defects.Research HighlightsCombining optical coherence tomography with grayscale digital analysis shows potential as a promising method for diagnosing molar‐incisor hypomineralization and assessing its level of severity.
A study on the aerodynamic behaviors learned from microscopy imaging of beetle corrugated hindwing
Authors: Liu Chao , Chen Guodong , Wang Qian , Sun Lining , Wang Kejun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBeetle hindwings have the unique advantages of lightweight and high strength, which play a key role in flight. In this study, the beetle hindwings were cut along the chordal direction, then the first groove microstructure of different vein cross sections was investigated using the 3D microscope system and the laser scanning confocal microscope. It was found that the position of the first groove relative to the entire chordal cross section of the wing gradually moves backward, which has an effect on the flying aerodynamic behaviors of the beetle. Next, three corrugated airfoils learned from the microscopy imaging of the ladybird beetle hindwing were designed. Then, aerodynamic behaviors were calculated by the ANSYS Fluent software, and it was confirmed that the position of the first groove microstructure affects the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil. For further study, the influence of corrugated structural and motion parameters on the aerodynamic, 2D ‘simplified’ airfoil models with triangular wave airfoil models (TWA models) was developed and studied.Research Highlights
The position of the first groove microstructure affects the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil.
The pressure difference of different corrugation patterns shows significantly asymmetric during the upstroke and downstroke.
The aerodynamic is optimal of 2D‐TWA models, when the number of corrugations is five, the corrugation is right angle, and the flapping frequency is 75 Hz.
Anti‐spike protein IgG antibody responses up to 3 months after the third dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in medical care workers
Authors: Hirano Harukazu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to assess the changes in anti‐spike protein IgG antibody titer over time following mRNA vaccination (BNT162b2) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.MethodsWe monitored IgG levels in 23 medical care workers (MCWs) for up to 3 months after administering the third dose of BNT162b2. Blood samples were periodically collected from all participants.ResultsFollowing the third dose, the median antibody titer increased to 252 and 327% compared with antibody levels at 1 and 3 months after the second dose, respectively. Additionally, compared with 1 month after the second dose, the median antibody titer decreased to 30.2 and 9.8% at 3 and 6 months, respectively, and to 39.1% at 3 months, compared with 1 month after the third dose.ConclusionAntibody levels declined quickly after the second dose but declined more slowly after the third dose, showing a booster effect. This study provides insights into the immunogenicity of booster doses and time intervals for booster vaccination strategies.
A clinical antiracism curriculum for third‐year medical students to bring antiracist principles to the bedside
Authors: Hayes Katharina , Szymusiak John , McCormick Andrew 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs medical educators, we have a responsibility to ensure our trainees are exposed to curricula dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), as illustrated by the Association of American Medical Colleges' recently released DEI Competencies Across the Curriculum. We designed and implemented a curriculum, Social Justice Rounds (SJR), that incorporates teaching on these topics directly into inpatient clinical work. SJR are brief team‐based discussions facilitated by Pediatric Hospital Medicine faculty that focus on racism in medicine and other forms of discrimination experienced by patients and the effect it has on their interaction with the healthcare system. Medical students rotating through the Pediatrics Clerkship completed optional pre‐ and postclerkship surveys, which revealed statistically significant increases in students' frequency and comfort with conversations regarding DEI topics, both with the medical team and with patients. We believe that SJR provides a framework by which educators across specialties and institutions can provide trainees with foundational DEI skills.
Factors associated with vertical transmission of HIV in the Western Cape, South Africa: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Anderson Kim , Kalk Emma , Heekes Alexa , Phelanyane Florence , Jacob Nisha , Boulle Andrew , Mehta Ushma , Kassanjee Reshma , Sridhar Gayathri , Ragone Leigh , Vannappagari Vani , Davies Mary‐Ann 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionMonitoring mother‐infant pairs with HIV exposure is needed to assess the effectiveness of vertical transmission (VT) prevention programmes and progress towards VT elimination.MethodsWe used routinely collected data on infants with HIV exposure, born May 2018–April 2021 in the Western Cape, South Africa, with follow‐up through mid‐2022. We assessed the proportion of infants diagnosed with HIV at birth (≤7 days), 10 weeks (>1 to 14 weeks) and >14 weeks as proxies for intrauterine, intrapartum/early breastfeeding and late breastfeeding transmission, respectively. We used mixed‐effects Poisson regression to assess factors associated with VT in mothers known with HIV by delivery.ResultsWe included 50,461 infants born to mothers known with HIV by delivery. HIV was diagnosed in 894 (1.8%) infants. Among mothers, 51% started antiretroviral treatment (ART) before and 27% during pregnancy; 17% restarted during pregnancy after ≥6 months interruption; and 6% had no recorded ART during pregnancy. Most pregnancy ART regimens included non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (83%). Of mothers with available results (90% with viral load [VL]; 70% with CD4), VL nearest delivery was <100 copies/ml in 78% and CD4 count ≥350 cells/μl in 62%. HIV‐PCR results were available for 86%, 67% and 48% of eligible infants at birth, 10 weeks and >14 weeks. Among these infants, 0.9%, 0.4% and 1.5% were diagnosed positive at birth, 10 weeks and >14 weeks, respectively. Among infants diagnosed with HIV, 43%, 16% and 41% were diagnosed at these respective time periods. Among mothers with VL<100, 100–999, 1000–99,000 and ≥100,000 copies/ml nearest delivery, infant HIV diagnosis incidence was 0.4%, 2.3%, 6.6% and 18.4%, respectively. Increased VT was strongly associated with recent elevated maternal VL with a seven‐fold increased rate with even modestly elevated VL (100–999 vs. <100 copies/ml). VT was also associated with unknown/low maternal CD4, maternal age <20 years, no antenatal ART, later maternal ART start/restart in pregnancy and ART gaps.ConclusionsDespite high maternal ART coverage and routine postnatal prophylaxis, ongoing VT remains a concern. Timing of infant HIV diagnoses suggests intrapartum and/or breastfeeding transmission in nearly 60%. Interventions to ensure retention on ART and sustained maternal viral suppression are needed to reduce VT.
Neutralizing antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 bivalent mRNA vaccine in SIV‐infected rhesus macaques: Enhanced immunity to XBB subvariants by two‐dose vaccination
Authors: Faraone Julia N. , Wang Xiaolwei , Qu Panke , Zheng Yi‐Min , Vincent Eunice , Xu Huanbin , Liu Shan‐Lu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 paired with immune imprinting by prototype messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine has challenged the current vaccination efficacy against newly emerged Omicron subvariants. In our study, we investigated a cohort of macaques infected by SIV and vaccinated with two doses of bivalent Pfizer mRNA vaccine containing wildtype and BA.5 spikes. Using a pseudotyped lentivirus neutralization assay, we determined neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers against new XBB variants, i.e., XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and XBB.2.3, alongside D614G and BA.4/5. We found that compared to humans vaccinated with three doses of monovalent mRNA vaccine plus a bivalent booster, the monkeys vaccinated with two doses of bivalent mRNA vaccines exhibited relatively increased titers against XBB subvariants. Of note, SIV‐positive dam macaques had reduced nAb titers relative to SIV‐negative dams. Additionally, SIV positive dams that received antiretroviral therapy had lower nAb titers than untreated dams. Our study underscores the importance of reformulating the COVID‐19 vaccine to better protect against newly emerged XBB subvariants as well as the need for further investigation of vaccine efficacy in individuals living with HIV‐1.