bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of neuronal pentraxin 2 relieved epileptic seizure via reducing GluA1 phosphorylation
Authors: Xing Mengnan , Yang Xinlei , Jin Sinan , Xu Xiangping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeuronal pentraxin 2 (Nptx2), a member of the synaptic protein family linked to excitatory synaptic formation, is found to be upregulated in epileptic mice, yet its role in epilepsy has been unclear. In vivo, we constructed a mouse model of epilepsy by using kainic acid induction. In vitro experiments, a Mg2+‐free medium was used to induce epileptiform discharges in neurons. The results showed that the Nptx2 was upregulated in epileptic mice. Moreover, Nptx2 knockdown reduced the number of seizures and seizure duration. Knocking down Nptx2 not only reduced the number and duration of seizures but also showed a decrease in electroencephalogram amplitude. Behavioral tests indicated improvements in learning and memory abilities after Nptx2 knockdown. The Nissl staining and Timms staining revealed that Nptx2 silencing mitigated epilepsy‐induced brain damage. The immunofluorescence staining revealed that Nptx2 absence resulted in a reduction of apoptosis. Nptx2 knockdown reduced Bax, cleaved caspase3, and cleaved caspase9 expression, while increased Bcl‐2 expression. Notably, Nptx2 knockdown inhibited GluA1 phosphorylation at the S831 site and reduced the GluA1 membrane expression. The PSD95 expression declined in the epilepsy model, while the Nptx2 knockdown reversed it. Collectively, our study indicated that Nptx2 silencing not only alleviated brain damage and neuron apoptosis but also improved learning and memory ability in epileptic mice, suggesting Nptx2 as a promising target for epilepsy treatment.
Finite element modeling with patient‐specific geometry to assess clinical risks of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation
Authors: Donahue Carly L. , Westman Claire L. , Faanes Brittany L. , Qureshi Athar M. , Barocas Victor H. , Aggarwal Varun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPercutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) is a non‐surgical treatment for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. During PPVI, a stented valve, delivered via catheter, replaces the dysfunctional pulmonary valve. Stent oversizing allows valve anchoring within the RVOT, but overexpansion can intrude on the surrounding structures. Potentially dangerous outcomes include aortic valve insufficiency (AVI) from aortic root (AR) distortion and myocardial ischemia from coronary artery (CA) compression. Currently, risks are evaluated via balloon angioplasty/sizing before stent deployment. Patient‐specific finite element (FE) analysis frameworks can improve pre‐procedural risk assessment, but current methods require hundreds of hours of high‐performance computation.MethodsWe created a simplified method to simulate the procedure using patient‐specific FE models for accurate, efficient pre‐procedural PPVI (using balloon expandable valves) risk assessment. The methodology was tested by retrospectively evaluating the clinical outcome of 12 PPVI candidates.ResultsOf 12 patients (median age 14.5 years) with dysfunctional RVOT, 7 had native RVOT and 5 had RV‐PA conduits. Seven patients had undergone successful RVOT stent/valve placement, three had significant AVI on balloon testing, one had left CA compression, and one had both AVI and left CA compression. A model‐calculated change of more than 20% in lumen diameter of the AR or coronary arteries correctly predicted aortic valve sufficiency and/or CA compression in all the patients.ConclusionAgreement between FE results and clinical outcomes is excellent. Additionally, these models run in 2–6 min on a desktop computer, demonstrating potential use of FE analysis for pre‐procedural risk assessment of PPVI in a clinically relevant timeframe.
Effect of Ag Addition to Au Catalysts for the Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid
Authors: de Boed Ewoud J. J. , Nolten Hidde L. , Masoud Nazila , Vogel Robin , Wang Fei , Xu Zhuoran , Doskocil Eric J. , Donoeva Baira , de Jongh Petra E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe addition of Ag to Au nanocatalysts is known to improve several catalytic reduction and oxidation reactions. Until now, bimetallic AuAg catalysts have not been studied in detail in liquid phase oxidation reactions. We investigated the activity, selectivity, and stability of silica supported Au, Ag and AuAg catalysts in the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), an important reaction to produce bio‐based polymers. We demonstrate that addition of an optimum amount of inactive Ag to the active Au catalyst substantially increases the overall selectivity and yield of the desired FDCA. Interestingly, Ag addition decreased the conversion rate of the reactant HMF to the intermediate HMFCA, but improved (up to 10–20 % Ag addition) much the conversion of the intermediate product to the desired final product. This is probably due to tuning the electronic properties of the nanoparticles to achieve an optimum adsorption strength of the intermediate on the surface of AuAg catalysts. Moreover, particle growth was suppressed by the bimetallic AuAg catalyst, ultimately leading to superior stability compared to its monometallic counterparts.
Atypia of undetermined significance and ThyroSeq v3–positive call rates as quality control metrics for cytology laboratory performance
Authors: Mejia‐Mejia Odille , Bravo‐Gonzalez Andres , Sanchez‐Avila Monica , Tjendra Youley , Santoscoy Rodrigo , Drews‐Elger Katherine , Zuo Yiqin , Arias‐Abad Camilo , Gomez Carmen , Garcia‐Buitrago Monica , Nadji Mehrdad , Jorda Merce , Velez‐Torres Jaylou M. , Ruiz‐Cordero Roberto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) recommends an upper limit of 10% for atypia of undetermined significance (AUS). Recent data suggest that this category might be overused when the rate of cases with molecular positive results is low. As a quality metric, the AUS and positive call rates for this facility’s cytology laboratory and each cytopathologist (CP) were calculated.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all thyroid cytology cases in a 4.5‐year period was performed. Cases were stratified by TBSRTC, and molecular testing results were collected for indeterminate categories. The AUS rate was calculated for each CP and the laboratory. The molecular positive call rate (PCR) was calculated with and without the addition of currently negative to the positive results obtained from the ThyroSeq report.ResultsA total of 7535 cases were classified as nondiagnostic, 7.6%; benign, 69%; AUS, 17.5%; follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm, 1.4%; suspicious for malignancy, 0.7%; and malignant, 3.8%. The AUS rate for each CP ranged from 9.9% to 36.8%. The overall PCR was 24% (range, 13%–35.6% per CP). When including cases with currently negative results, the PCR increased to 35.5% for the cytology laboratory (range, 13%–42.6% per CP). Comparison analysis indicates a combination of overcalling benign cases and, less frequently, undercalling of higher TBSRTC category cases.ConclusionsThe AUS rate in the context of PCR is a useful metric to assess cytology laboratory and cytopathologists’ performance. Continuous feedback on this metric could help improve the overall quality of reporting thyroid cytology.
Temperature‐driven homogenization of an ant community over 60 years in a montane ecosystem
Authors: Paraskevopoulos Anna W. , Sanders Nathan J. , Resasco Julian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIdentifying the mechanisms underlying the changes in the distribution of species is critical to accurately predict how species have responded and will respond to climate change. Here, we take advantage of a late‐1950s study on ant assemblages in a canyon near Boulder, Colorado, USA, to understand how and why species distributions have changed over a 60‐year period. Community composition changed over 60 years with increasing compositional similarity among ant assemblages. Community composition differed significantly between the periods, with aspect and tree cover influencing composition. Species that foraged in broader temperature ranges became more widespread over the 60‐year period. Our work highlights that shifts in community composition and biotic homogenization can occur even in undisturbed areas without strong habitat degradation. We also show the power of pairing historical and contemporary data and encourage more mechanistic studies to predict species changes under climate change.
Modulation of S‐Centered Reactivity: Impact of Terminal Ligands on Alkynyl Addition in [Fe2(μ‐S2)(CO)4L2] Complexes
Authors: Bennour Ines , Chatelain Lucile , Schollhammer Philippe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe reactivity of complexes [Fe2(μ‐S2)(CO)4L2] (L=CO (1), PPh3 (2)), with lithium alkynylide reagents generated in situ, was investigated. The behavior of the S2‐bridge in these compounds depends on the substitution at the diiron core. The reaction with the hexacarbonyl derivative 1 leads to the formation of the 1,2‐dithiolene bridged complex [Fe2(μ‐SCH=C(R)S)(CO)6] (3R) while the molecule [Fe2(μ‐SH)(μ‐SC≡CR)(CO)4(PPh3)2] (5R), with an open butterfly structure, is isolated when reacting the disubstituted derivative 2. The disubstituted dithiolene complex [Fe2(μ‐SCH=C(Ph)S)(CO)4(PPh3)2] (4Ph) can only be obtained by substitution of carbonyls with PPh3 in 3R. In the presence of piperidine, 5R isomerizes into the 1,1’‐dithiolene bridged derivative 6Ph. The novel compounds 4–6 were synthesized and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies. X‐ray crystallographic studies of the dithiolene complexes 3Ph–4Ph allowed their structural analysis.
Development and characterization of stable proanthocyanidin‐loaded PLAROsomes as a potential drug carrier system for augmenting anticancer activity
Authors: Bhinge Somnath D. , Kamalakar Smita P. , Randive Dheeraj S. , Bhutkar Mangesh A. , Patil Kiran S. , Merekar Abhijit N. , Patil Abhinandan R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to develop potential drug carrier system formulations, namely PLAROsomes for the delivery of Proanthocyanidin (PACY), isolated from the extract of dried grape seeds. The PLAROsomes loaded with PACY were prepared using the thin film hydration method. The influence of various process parameters and material attributes was investigated using the design of experiments (DoE). The PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes were characterized using hyphenated tools. The in‐vitro anticancer activities of PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes were confirmed using the Trypan blue method, MTT method, and flow cytometric analysis on MCF‐7 cells. The polymer‐to‐lipid ratio, among various process parameters and material attributes, significantly influenced the average particle size. Additionally, it played a crucial role in determining the percentage of PACY released from PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes. The size of the PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes ranged from 40 to 300 nm, and the optimized batch demonstrated a drug entrapment efficiency of 86.38±0.22%. PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes exhibited improved in vitro anticancer activities against MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines compared to PACY. PACY‐loaded PLAROsomes showed greater activity at lower concentrations in cytotoxicity studies, as supported by apoptosis analysis. Therefore, PLAROsomes could present a promising drug carrier system for delivering PACY in breast cancer treatment, offering a sustained release effect.
Active quasi circulator: Comprehensive review and performance comparison
Authors: Hasan Mehedi , Chowdhury Sujan , Zaman Hasan U. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDesigning circulator as an antenna interface device becomes a daunting task, particularly active‐quasi circulator. This article focuses on demonstrating the basic operation principle, design methods, technical parameters, and performance metrics of active quasi‐circulator. In addition, the study provides an analogy of the circuits and structures proposed by the researchers to enhance certain performance metrics. Active signal cancellation and passive signal cancellation are identified as the major design approaches. Tunable, wideband, and wideband‐tunable are the major types of circulators found in existing literature. Moreover, this article provides a performance comparison of the active‐quasi circulators available in existing literature. Several active quasi‐circulators were able to operate in high frequencies such as 60 GHz with acceptable isolation levels. On the other hand, several designs have over 30 dB isolation, which is a highly desired parameter. At last, the future design challenges associated with active‐quasi circulators have been discussed to provide insight into future research.
Bayesian Markov switching model for BRICS currencies' exchange rates
Authors: Kumar Utkarsh , Ahmad Wasim , Uddin Gazi Salah 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExchange rate modeling has always fascinated researchers because of its complex macroeconomic dynamics. This study documents the exchange rate dynamics of major emerging economies after accounting for their macroeconomic cycles and explores the Bayesian Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) Markov Regime switching model, which uses time‐varying transition probabilities. The main objective is to study the exchange rate dynamics of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) vis‐à‐vis the US dollar. The Bayesian setup uses two hierarchal shrinkage priors, the normal‐gamma (NG) prior and the Litterman prior, for parameters' estimation. These shrinkage priors allow for a more comprehensive assessment of the regime‐specific coefficients. The model performed well in differentiating between the two regimes for all currencies. The Russian ruble was identified to be the most depreciated currency, whereas the African Rand was the most appreciated. The evaluation of model features revealed that many regime‐specific coefficients differed significantly from their common mean. A forecasting exercise was then performed for the out‐of‐sample period to assess the model's performance. A significant improvement was observed over the basic random walk (RW) model and the linear Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR) model.
Commodity premia and risk management
Authors: Fan John Hua , Zhang Tingxi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe examine the role of risk management in the context of commodity factor premia. Stopping losses in individual commodities effectively improves the average returns of long‐short commodity premia through persistent reduction in the frequency and severity of drawdowns. The magnitude of improvement is related to the quality of the signal, commodity return volatility, and autocorrelations, as well as transaction costs. The efficacy of a stop‐loss strategy can be enhanced by dynamically calibrating loss thresholds in accordance with realized volatility, and it performs best in high conviction weighting schemes. Overall, we highlight the pivotal role of risk management beyond volatility targeting and risk‐parity in harnessing commodity risk premia.
Controlled Release of Volatile Enones from Monomeric and Dimeric Thioether, Sulfoxide and Sulfone Profragrances
Authors: Trachsel Alain , Leocata Sabine , de Saint Laumer Jean‐Yves , Herrmann Andreas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThioether (sulfide) profragrances are readily prepared by 1,4‐addition of alkanethiols to enones (thia‐Michael reaction). Under ambient conditions, they slowly release the parent enones, thus generating a long‐lasting perfumery effect. The fragrance release of profragrances obtained by 1,4‐addition of S, O and N nucleophiles to enones was compared on cotton and on a hard surface for monomeric and dimeric structures. To avoid the uncontrolled generation of volatile sulfur compounds from thioethers, we investigated the extent to which different side reactions occurred next to the expected formation of enones and alkanethiols. Headspace analyses on cotton showed that enones and aldehydes were the major reaction products, whereas none or only traces of β‐mercaptoketones, diketones or alkanethiols were detected. The absence of alkanethiols indicated that 1,4‐elimination of thioethers was not a major pathway for fragrance release. Extraction of the cotton sheets after analysis showed that thioethers were oxidised to sulfoxides, which then can generate enones by 1,4‐elimination. Thioethers, sulfoxides and sulfones were shown to efficiently release enones in practical applications.
Analyzing the risk factors for disease progression within 2 years and histological transformation in patients treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone as first‐line treatment: A 15‐year follow‐up of patients with advanced follicular lymphoma in JCOG0203
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Wakabayashi Masashi , Maruyama Dai , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Kubota Nobuko , Shimada Kazuyuki , Asagoe Kohsuke , Yamaguchi Motoko , Ando Kiyoshi , Ogura Michinori , Kuroda Junya , Suehiro Youko , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Tobinai Kensei , Nagai Hirokazu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFollicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent lymphoma that becomes aggressive due to histological transformation (HT), leading to reduced survival. Patients with FL have different clinical courses and various treatment options. Some patients exhibit shorter survival and experience disease progression within 24 months of diagnosis/treatment (POD24); the optimal treatment remains an unmet needs. Thus, identifying factors that predict shorter survival is essential to stratify treatment and prolong the survival of patients with FL. To analyze risk factors for POD24 and HT in patients treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP) as first‐line treatment, we performed this post‐hoc analysis of patients with advanced indolent B‐cell lymphoma in a randomized clinical trial wherein six cycles of R‐CHOP were administered every 2–3 weeks. The primary analysis showed no differences in outcomes, which enabled the analysis of 248 patients with FL, assigned to two arms. All histopathological specimens from the 300 enrolled patients were reviewed by three expert hematopathologists. Multivariable analysis implicated Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) intermediate (odds ratio [OR] 2.531, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.676–9.466) and high‐ (OR 2.236, 95% CI 0.160–31.226) risks, B symptoms (OR 2.091, 95% CI 0.747–5.851), and grade 3A (G3A) (OR 1.833, 95% CI 0.634–5.299) as risk factors for POD24. Furthermore, multivariable analysis through a median follow‐up of 15.9 years implicated G3A (OR 2.628, 95% CI 0.806–8.575) and high‐risk FLIPI (OR 4.401, 95% CI 0.186–104.377) as risk factors for HT. However, an analysis limited to the first 10 years revealed that the prognostic factors elucidated from the longer‐term analysis had a greater impact on HT. G3A and high‐risk FLIPI may independently predict POD24 and HT, thereby informing treatment stratification of patients with untreated advanced‐stage FL in future trials, particularly to address the unmet needs of patients with POD24.
Effects of ambient temperature, relative humidity and absolute humidity on risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China
Authors: Di Wenyi , Yu Jiamin , Zong Dan , Ge Yizhi , Zhang Yujie , Chen Xin , He Xia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a unique geographic distribution. It is unknown whether meteorological factors are related to the incidence of NPC. To investigate the effect of ambient temperature, relative humidity (RH), and absolute humidity (AH) on the incidence of NPC, we collected the incidence rate of NPC in 2016 and meteorological data from 2006 to 2016 from 484 cities and counties across 31 provinces in China. Generalized additive models with quasi‐Poisson regression and generalized linear models with natural cubic splines were employed respectively to elucidate the nonlinear relationships and specify the partial linear relationships. Subgroup and interactive analysis were also conducted. Temperature (R2 = 0.68, p < .001), RH (R2 = 0.47, p < .001), and AH (R2 = 0.70, p < .001) exhibited nonlinear correlations with NPC incidence rate. The risk of NPC incidence increased by 20.3% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: [18.9%, 21.7%]) per 1°C increase in temperature, by 6.3% (95% CI: [5.3%, 7.2%]) per 1% increase in RH, and by 32.2% (95% CI: [30.7%, 33.7%]) per 1 g/m3 increase in AH, between their the 25th and the 99th percentiles. In addition, the combination of low temperature and low RH was also related to increased risk (relative risk: 1.60, 95% CI: [1.18, 2.17]). Males and eastern or rural populations tended to be more vulnerable. In summary, this study suggests that ambient temperature, RH, and particularly AH are associated with the risk of NPC incidence.
Optimal decisions of retailer's loans from bank
Authors: Yan Bo , Liang Mengru , Liu Lifeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study employs the Stackelberg game model to explore an innovative financing model where the retailer directly borrows from the bank under conditions of symmetric information. Diverging from traditional research, this study uniquely incorporates the concept of the margin rate into the decentralised decision analysis among retailer, supplier, and bank. The finding indicates that the capital of the retailer and margin rate significantly influence financing decisions within the supply chain, thereby impacting profitability for all stakeholders. Specifically, we find that the margin rate plays a crucial role in optimising retailer financing decisions, supplier pricing strategies, and bank risk management. These insights offer a fresh perspective for banks to establish appropriate margin rates and loan interest rates, effectively managing loan risks and maximising supply chain profitability.
Toxicology and safety study of L‐tryptophan and its impurities for use in swine
Authors: Park Ji‐Eun , Ko Soo Min , Han Hyo‐Jeong , Lee Ji‐Young , Jeong Da Som , Lee Dong Hyun , Heo In Kyung , Shin Yong Uk , Kim Yang Hee , Son Woo‐Chan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractL‐tryptophan, an essential amino acid for physiological processes, metabolism, development, and growth of organisms, is widely utilized in animal nutrition and human health as a feed additive and nutritional supplement, respectively. Despite its known benefits, safety concerns have arisen due to an eosinophilia–myalgia syndrome (EMS) outbreak linked to L‐tryptophan consumed by humans. Extensive research has established that the EMS outbreak was caused by an L‐tryptophan product that contained certain impurities. Therefore, safety validations are imperative to endorse the use of L‐tryptophan as a supplement or a feed additive. This study was conducted in tertiary hybrid [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] pigs to assess general toxicity and potential risks for EMS‐related symptoms associated with L‐tryptophan used as a feed additive. Our investigation elucidated the relationship between L‐tryptophan and EMS in swine. No mortalities or clinical signs were observed in any animals during the administration period, and the test substance did not induce toxic effects. Hematological analysis and histopathological examination revealed no changes in EMS‐related parameters, such as eosinophil counts, lung lesions, skin lesions, or muscle atrophy. Furthermore, no test substance‐related changes occurred in other general toxicological parameters. Through analyzing the tissues and organs of swine, most of the L‐tryptophan impurities that may cause EMS were not retained. Based on these findings, we concluded that incorporating L‐tryptophan and its impurities into the diet does not induce EMS in swine. Consequently, L‐tryptophan may be used as a feed additive throughout all growth stages of swine without safety concerns.