bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimer acid used as CO2‐responsive surfactant for reducing viscosity of heavy crude oil
Authors: He Xiran , Luan Huoxin , Guan Dan , Zhang Mingmin , Li Zhengyang , Su Xin , Wu Yuanpeng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe efficacy of CO2‐switchable surfactants in reducing viscosity of heavy crude oil has received widespread attention due to its switchable surface activity for constructing reversible emulsion. However, the intricate synthesis processes of these surfactants pose a significant challenge in their practical application. The present investigation involved the preparation of surfactants that are responsive to CO2, specifically dimer acid (DA)/tetramethylpropylenediamine (TMPDA), through a facile mixing approach. These surfactants were subsequently employed to mitigate the high viscosity of heavy crude oil. The study employed a surface tension meter to examine the surface behavior of DA/TMPDA, which demonstrated the potential for reducing viscosity. The study examined the CO2 responsiveness of DA/TMPDA through the application of alternating CO2 and N2. It confirmed the reversible CO2 responsiveness of the surface activator. The results from the emulsification and viscosity reduction assessments suggest that the amalgamation of DA and TMPDA in a 1:1 molar ratio yielded a surfactant. This surfactant demonstrated favorable stability in water and heavy crude oil emulsions, as well as low viscosity and rapid emulsion breaking upon exposure to CO2. This investigation demonstrates that it is feasible to produce surfactants that are responsive to CO2 and possess the ability to reduce viscosity through a straightforward mixing process. This presents a viable approach to utilizing oligomeric surfactants that are CO2‐responsive for the purposes of emulsifying and breaking down heavy crude oil.
The Value of Percutaneous Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Sentinel Lymph Node Identification, Metastatic Status and Burden Diagnosis in Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Pang Wenjing , Zhou Fei , Zhu Yangyang , Jia Yingying , Nie Fang 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the value of percutaneous contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (PCEUS) in the identification and characterization of sentinel lymph node (SLN).MethodsA total of 102 breast cancer patients were collected and underwent preoperative PCEUS, which was used to identify SLN and lymphatic drainage. SLNs were classified into 4 enhancement patterns, including 6 subtypes: homogeneous (I), featured inhomogeneous (II) including inhomogeneous hypoenhancement (IIa) and annular or semi‐annular enhancement (IIb), focal filling defect (III) including filling defect area < 50% (IIIa) and filling defect area ≥ 50% (IIIb), and no enhancement (IV). The enhancement patterns of SLNs were compared with the final pathological diagnosis.ResultsThe identification rate of SLNs using PCEUS was 100% (102/102); the rate of identification of LCs was 100% (102/102), and the coincidence rate was 98.0% (100/102). Four lymphatic drainage patterns (LDPs) including 5 subtypes were found: single LC/single SLN(74.5%), multiple LCs/ single SLN (13.7%) including 2 subtypes:2 LCs/1 SLN and 3 LCs/1 SLN, single LC/multiple SLNs (7.8%), and multiple LCs/multiple SLNs (3.9%). A total of 86.3% (44/51) of patients without axillary metastasis could be safely selected for types I, IIa, and IIb, while the axillary metastasis rates of types III and IV were 74.4% and 87.5%, respectively (P < .001). Compared with grayscale US, the PCEUS significant improvement in diagnosing metastatic SLNs (.794 versus .579, P < .001). For the SLN metastatic burden, Types I, IIa, IIb, and IIIa had ≤2 SLNs metastases, with a pathological coincidence rate of (64/67, 95.5%), and types IIIb and IV had >2 SLNs metastases, with a pathological coincidence rate of (25/35, 71.4%) (P < .001). The AUC of PCEUS for the diagnosis of SLN metastatic status and burden was .794 and .879, respectively (P < .001).ConclusionPCEUS has a high identification rate for SLN and has good potential for diagnosing SLN metastatic status and burden by enhancement patterns.
ANXA1sp attenuates sepsis‐induced myocardial injury by promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis and inhibiting oxidative stress and autophagy via SIRT3 upregulation
Authors: Qin Song , Ren Ying‐Cong , Liu Jun‐Ya , Chen Wen‐Bo , Fu Bao , Zheng Jie , Fu Xiao‐Yun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSepsis‐induced myocardial injury is one of the most difficult complications of sepsis in intensive care units. Annexin A1 (ANXA1) short peptide (ANXA1sp) protects organs during the perioperative period. However, the protective effect of ANXA1sp against sepsis‐induced myocardial injury remains unclear. We aimed to explore the protective effects and mechanisms of ANXA1sp against sepsis‐induced myocardial injury both in vitro and in vivo. Cellular and animal models of myocardial injury in sepsis were established with lipopolysaccharide. The cardiac function of mice was assessed by high‐frequency echocardiography. Elisa assay detected changes in inflammatory mediators and markers of myocardial injury. Western blotting detected autophagy and mitochondrial biosynthesis‐related proteins. Autophagic flux changes were observed by confocal microscopy, and autophagosomes were evaluated by TEM. ATP, SOD, ROS, and MDA levels were also detected.ANXA1sp pretreatment enhanced the 7‐day survival rate, improved cardiac function, and reduced TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, CK‐MB, cTnI, and LDH levels. ANXA1sp significantly increased the expression of sirtuin‐3 (SIRT3), mitochondrial biosynthesis‐related proteins peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ co‐activator 1α (PGC‐1α), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). ANXA1sp increased mitochondrial membrane potential (△Ψm), ATP, and SOD, and decreased ROS, autophagy flux, the production of autophagosomes per unit area, and MDA levels. The protective effect of ANXA1sp decreased significantly after SIRT3 silencing in vitro and in vivo, indicating that the key factor in ANXA1sp's protective role is the upregulation of SIRT3. In summary, ANXA1sp attenuated sepsis‐induced myocardial injury by upregulating SIRT3 to promote mitochondrial biosynthesis and inhibit oxidative stress and autophagy.
Fabrication of Gentamicin Sulfate‐Loaded 3D‐Printed Polyvinyl Alcohol/Sodium Alginate/Gelatin‐Methacryloyl Hybrid Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Replacement
Authors: Izgordu Muhammet Sefa , Ayran Musa , Ulag Songul , Yildirim Ridvan , Bulut Berrak , Sahin Ali , Guncu Mehmet Mucahit , Aksu Burak , Gunduz Oguzhan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract3D‐printed scaffolds can better mimic the function of human skin, both biologically and mechanically. Within the scope of this study, the effect of the addition of different amounts (10, 15, 20 mg) of gentamicin sulfate (GS) to a 10 mL solution of natural and synthetic polymers is investigated. Sodium alginate (SA), gelatin‐methacryloyl (GelMA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are chosen as bioactive materials. The surface morphology and pore structures are visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). According to the results, it is observed that the pore sizes of all scaffolds are smaller than 270 µm, the lowest value (130 µm) is obtained in the scaffold loaded with 15 mg GS, and it also has the highest tensile strength value (12.5 ± 7.6 MPa). Similarly, it is observed that the tensile strength (9.7 ± 4.5 MPa) is high in scaffold loaded with 20 mg GS. The biocompatibility test is performed with fibroblast cells, and the results show that the scaffolds are biocompatible with cells. The antibacterial test is carried out against the S.aureous and E. coli and the results indicate that all GS‐loaded scaffolds demonstrate antibacterial activity.
Prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetics testing of 3M syndrome in a Chinese family with novel biallelic variants of CUL7
Authors: Wang Xueqian , He Yaqiong , Wang Xiaorong , Kong Xiangtian , Lin Yunying , Yao Yejie , Huang Yi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackground3M syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive developmental disorder characterized by pre and postnatal growth deficiency, dysmorphic facial features, and normal intelligence. 3M syndrome should be suspected in a proband with a combination of characteristic or recognizable dysmorphic features. The diagnosis of 3M syndrome could be confirmed by identifying biallelic variants in CUL7, OBSL1, or CCDC8.MethodsWhole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify genetic causes. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to detect aberrant splicing events. Haplotypes were constructed using multiplex PCR and sequencing. Variants of the parental haplotype and target likely pathogenic variants were detected by PCR and Sanger sequencing from the embryos. Copy number variant (CNV) detection was performed by next‐generation sequencing.ResultsWe present the case of a nonconsanguineous Chinese couple with one abnormal pregnancy, where the fetus showed 3M phenotypes of shortened long bones. WES identified two novel heterozygous mutations in CUL7: NM_014780.5:c.354del (p.Gln119ArgfsTer52) and NM_014780.5:c.1373‐15G>A. RT‐PCR from RNA of the mother's peripheral blood leucocytes showed that c.1373‐15G>A caused the insertion of a 13‐bp extra intron sequence and encoded the mutant p.Leu459ProfsTer25. Both variants were classified as likely pathogenic according to ACMG/AMP guidelines and Clinical Genome Resource specifications. During genetic counseling, the options of prenatal diagnosis through chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, adoption, sperm donation, and electing not to reproduce, as well as preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT‐M), were discussed. The couple hopes to conceive a child of their own and refused to accept the 25% risk during the next pregnancy and opted for PGT‐M. They finally successfully delivered a healthy baby through PGT‐M.ConclusionThis study expanded the mutation spectrum of CUL7, detected the aberrant splicing event of CUL7 via RT‐PCR, constructed the haplotype for PGT‐M, and demonstrated the successful delivery of a healthy baby using PGT‐M.
A novel de novo frameshift variant in the CHD2 gene related to intellectual and developmental disability, seizures and speech problems
Authors: Mir Atefeh , Song Yongjun , Lee Hane , Nadeali Zakiye , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding protein 2 (CHD2) is a member of the ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelling family of proteins, which are critical for the assembly and regulation of chromatin. De novo variants and deletions in the CHD2 gene have been associated with childhood‐onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathies type 94 (DEE 94). This study reports a novel deleterious de novo heterozygous frameshift insertion variant in the CHD2 gene.MethodsThe causative variant was diagnosed using whole‐exome sequencing. Sanger sequencing and cosegregation analysis were applied to confirm the candidate variant. Multiple in silico analysis tools were employed to interpret the variant using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines.ResultsA de novo deleterious variant, NM_001271.4:c.1570dup (NP_001262.3:p.Ser524PhefsTer30), in the CHD2 gene, was identified in a 16‐year‐old boy with an intellectual and developmental disability, seizures and speech problems. The de novo occurrence of the variant was confirmed by segregation analysis in the family.ConclusionThe findings of this study expand the existing knowledge of variants of the CHD2 gene and provide a detailed phenotype associated with this gene. These data could have implications for genetic diagnosis and counselling in similar conditions. Moreover, this information could be useful for therapeutic purposes, including the proper administration of medication to control epilepsy.
3′‐Hydroxypterostilbene Potently Suppresses Tumor Growth via Inhibiting the Activation of the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Koh Yen‐Chun , Huang Wei‐Zhe , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung 
Published: October 2023

ScopeOvarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) that is associated with higher interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels, and suppression of the Janus kinase 2/Signal transducer and activator of transription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway may contribute to the suppression of this cancer. This study aims to compare the anti‐cancer effect of pterostilbene (PSB) and 2’‐ and 3’‐hydroxypterostilbene (2HPSB and 3HPSB, respectively) on the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.Methods and resultsIn vitro experiments with the OCCC cell line TOV21G and a xenograft nude mouse model are used to achieve the study aims. The results showed that 3HPSB has the greatest anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects of the three compounds studied. Activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and the nuclear translocation of STAT3 are effectively inhibited by 3HPSB and PSB. Both 3HPSB and PSB can effectively suppress tumor growth, which is mediated by the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation.ConclusionThis is the first study to compare the efficacy of PSB, 3HPSB, and the newly identified compound 2HPSB regarding ovarian cancer. Moreover, targeting JAK2/STAT3 is shown to be a potentially effective strategy for OCCC treatment. This study is expected to provide new insights into the potential of the abovementioned phytochemicals for development as adjuvants for cancer treatment in the future.
Does Flavonoid Supplementation Alleviate Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Lu , Ji Kexin , Du Fengqi , Jin Nini , Boesch Christine , Farag Mohamed A. , Li He , Liu Xinqi , Xiao Jianbo 
Published: October 2023

ScopeHigher flavonoid intake is associated with reduced risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there is a large discrepancy in the effects of flavonoid supplementation on NAFLD. To fill such knowledge gap, we systematically reviewed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to critically assess flavonoid supplementation effect on liver function, lipid profile, inflammation, and insulin resistance in adults with NAFLD.Methods and resultsA systematic search was conducted from 4 databases from inception until May 2023. Twelve RCTs were included in the final analysis demonstrating beneficial effects of flavonoids on ALT (SMD = −3.59, p = 0.034), AST (SMD = −4.47, p = 0.001), GGT (SMD = −8.70, p = 0.000), CK‐18M30 (SMD = −0.35, p = 0.042), TG (SMD = −0.37, p = 0.001), LDL‐C (SMD = −0.38, p = 0.039), TC (MD = −0.25 mmol/l, p = 0.017), steatosis score (MD = −18.97, p = 0.30), TNF‐α (MD = −0.88, p = 0.000), and NF‐κB (MD = −1.62, p = 0.001).ConclusionThis meta‐analysis suggests that flavonoid alleviates NAFLD through exerting favourable effects on liver function, lipid profile, and inflammation, indicating flavonoid supplementation presents a promising drug regimen for the management of NAFLD and its associated complications.
High Plant Protein Diet Ameliorated Hepatic Lipid Accumulation Through the Modulation of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Zhao Yawen , Liu Ludi , Xu Yingxi , Zhu Jiangyuan , Li Wenkang , Liu Yan , Xia Min 
Published: October 2023

ScopeSubstituting plant protein for animal protein has emerged as a promising strategy for managing atherogenic lipids. However, the impact of long‐term intake of a high plant protein diet (HPD) on hepatic lipid disorder remains unclear.Methods and resultsEight‐week‐old apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE−/−) mice are fed with either a normal protein diet (NCD) or HPD for 12 weeks. HPD intervention results in decreased body weight accompanied by increased energy expenditure, with no significant effect on glycemic control. Long‐term intake of HPD improves the serum and hepatic lipid and cholesterol accumulation by suppressing hepatic squalene epoxidase (SQLE) expression, a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Integrated analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics profiling reveals that HPD intervention increases the abundance of the Lachnospiraece family and serum levels of 12,13‐DiHOME. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrate that 12,13‐DiHOME significantly inhibits lipid accumulation, as well as SQLE expression induced by oleic acid in HepG2 cells.ConclusionDiet rich in plant protein diet alleviates hyperlipidemia via increased microbial production of 12,13‐DiHOME.
The dirty and clean dose concept: Towards creating proton therapy treatment plans with a photon‐like dose response
Authors: Heuchel Lena , Hahn Christian , Ödén Jakob , Traneus Erik , Wulff Jörg , Timmermann Beate , Bäumer Christian , Lühr Armin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundApplying tolerance doses for organs at risk (OAR) from photon therapy introduces uncertainties in proton therapy when assuming a constant relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1.PurposeThis work introduces the novel dirty and clean dose concept, which allows for creating treatment plans with a more photon‐like dose response for OAR and, thus, less uncertainties when applying photon‐based tolerance doses.MethodsThe concept divides the 1.1‐weighted dose distribution into two parts: the clean and the dirty dose. The clean and dirty dose are deposited by protons with a linear energy transfer (LET) below and above a set LET threshold, respectively. For the former, a photon‐like dose response is assumed, while for the latter, the RBE might exceed 1.1. To reduce the dirty dose in OAR, a MaxDirtyDose objective was added in treatment plan optimization. It requires setting two parameters: LET threshold and max dirty dose level. A simple geometry consisting of one target volume and one OAR in water was used to study the reduction in dirty dose in the OAR depending on the choice of the two MaxDirtyDose objective parameters during plan optimization. The best performing parameter combinations were used to create multiple dirty dose optimized (DDopt) treatment plans for two cranial patient cases. For each DDopt plan, 1.1‐weighted dose, variable RBE‐weighted dose using the Wedenberg RBE model and dose‐average LETd distributions as well as resulting normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) values were calculated and compared to the reference plan (RefPlan) without MaxDirtyDose objectives.ResultsIn the water phantom studies, LET thresholds between 1.5 and 2.5 keV/µm yielded the best plans and were subsequently used. For the patient cases, nearly all DDopt plans led to a reduced Wedenberg dose in critical OAR. This reduction resulted from an LET reduction and translated into an NTCP reduction of up to 19 percentage points compared to the RefPlan. The 1.1‐weighted dose in the OARs was slightly increased (patient 1: 0.45 Gy(RBE), patient 2: 0.08 Gy(RBE)), but never exceeded clinical tolerance doses. Additionally, slightly increased 1.1‐weighted dose in healthy brain tissue was observed (patient 1: 0.81 Gy(RBE), patient 2: 0.53 Gy(RBE)). The variation of NTCP values due to variation of α/β from 2 to 3 Gy was much smaller for DDopt (2 percentage points (pp)) than for RefPlans (5 pp).ConclusionsThe novel dirty and clean dose concept allows for creating biologically more robust proton treatment plans with a more photon‐like dose response. The reduced uncertainties in RBE can, therefore, mitigate uncertainties introduced by using photon‐based tolerance doses for OAR.
sLASER and PRESS perform similarly at revealing metabolite‐age correlations at 3 T
Authors: Hui Steve C. N. , Zöllner Helge J. , Gong Tao , Hupfeld Kathleen E. , Gudmundson Aaron T. , Murali‐Manohar Saipavitra , Davies‐Jenkins Christopher W. , Song Yulu , Chen Yufan , Oeltzschner Georg , Wang Guangbin , Edden Richard A. E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeTo compare the respective ability of PRESS and sLASER to reveal biological relationships, using age as a validation covariate at 3 T.MethodsMRS data were acquired from 102 healthy volunteers using PRESS and sLASER in centrum semiovale and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Acquisition parameters included TR/TE = 2000/30 ms, 96 transients, and 2048 datapoints sampled at 2 kHz.Spectra were analyzed using Osprey. SNR, FWHM linewidth of total creatine, and metabolite concentrations were extracted. A linear model was used to compare SNR and linewidth. Paired t‐tests were used to assess differences in metabolite measurements between PRESS and sLASER. Correlations were used to evaluate the relationship between PRESS and sLASER metabolite estimates, as well as the strength of each metabolite‐age relationship. Coefficients of variation were calculated to assess inter‐subject variability in each metabolite measurement.ResultsSNR and linewidth were significantly higher (p < 0.01) for sLASER than PRESS in PCC. Paired t‐tests showed significant differences between PRESS and sLASER in most metabolite measurements. PRESS‐sLASER measurements were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) for most metabolites. Metabolite‐age relationships were consistently identified using both methods. Similar coefficients of variation were observed for most metabolites.ConclusionThe study results suggest strong agreement between PRESS and sLASER in identifying relationships between brain metabolites and age in centrum semiovale and PCC data acquired at 3 T. sLASER is technically desirable due to the reduced chemical shift displacement artifact; however, PRESS performed similarly in homogeneous brain regions at clinical field strength.
Comparison of muscle ultrasound and needle electromyography findings in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Wijntjes Juerd , Gerritsen Jimmy , Doorduin Jonne , van Alfen Nens 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsNeedle electromyography (EMG) and muscle ultrasound can be used to evaluate patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders. The relation between muscle ultrasound pathology and the corresponding needle EMG findings is unknown. In this study we compared the results of concurrent ultrasound and needle EMG examinations in patients suspected of a neuromuscular disorder.MethodsRetrospective data from 218 patients with pairwise ultrasound and EMG results of 796 muscles were analyzed. We compared overall quantitative and visual muscle ultrasound results to EMGs with neurogenic and myopathic abnormalities and assessed the congruency of both methods in the different clinical diagnosis categories.ResultsIn muscles of patients with a neuromuscular disorder, abnormalities were found with EMG in 71.8%, and quantitative and visual muscle ultrasound results were abnormal in 19.3% and 35.4% respectively. In muscles with neurogenic EMG abnormalities, quantitative and visual muscle ultrasound results were abnormal in 18.9% versus 35.6%, increasing up to 43.7% versus 87.5% in muscles with the most pronounced signs of denervation. Congruency of EMG and ultrasound was better for more proximal and cranial muscles than for muscles in the hand and lower limb.DiscussionNeedle EMG and muscle ultrasound typically produce disparate results and identify different aspects of muscle pathology. Muscle ultrasound seems less suited for detecting mild neurogenic abnormalities. As the severity of neurogenic needle EMG abnormalities increased, muscle ultrasound abnormalities were also increasingly found. Visual analysis seems better suited than grayscale quantification for detecting neurogenic abnormalities.