bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Determination of Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity Induced by Stainless Steel Brackets with and without Surface Coating in Cultures of Oral Mucosal Cells
Authors: Ahuja Dhruv , Jose Nidhin Philip , Kamal Rozy , Panduranga Vinaya , Nambiar Supriya , Isloor Arun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE: Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that uses a plethora of devices made from myriad materials to manage various malocclusions. As these orthodontic appliances are present in the oral cavity for a specific period of time they come in contact with oral tissues and hence induce cytotoxic or genotoxic reactions. The oral environment during orthodontic treatment plays a pivotal role in causing biodegradation and corrosion due to changes in the properties of metal alloys this warrants special consideration regarding the biocompatibility of different metals used for orthodontic treatment. To analyze the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity produced by metal brackets and coated metallic brackets with polymeric and nanoparticle coatings in oral mucosal cells.
MATERIALS & METHODS: The current study was a case-control prospective in-vitro study wherein toxicity of 3 different types of orthodontic brackets was compared with control groups of oral mucosal cells. Each of the three treatment groups consisted of 10 samples exposed to corrosion eluates from Stainless steel metallic brackets, polymeric coated Polydopamine brackets, and nanoparticle coated Titanium dioxide brackets. Two types of oral mucosal cells- Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Buccal Epithelial Cells were used to study cellular alterations through cytotoxic and/or genotoxic effects of the elutes.
RESULTS: The interaction between metal ions and oral mucosal cells showed no statistically significant difference for toxicity assays between the groups. The polymeric and nanoparticle-coated groups showed reduced cellular alteration when compared with conventional stainless-steel brackets.
CONCLUSION: This in-vitro study shows polymeric or nanoparticle coating of conventional metal brackets offers an alternativefor maintaining healthy oral flora within the oral cavity during orthodontic therapy.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nanoparticle coatings for orthodontic brackets suggest possible improvements in corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties in oral cavity during orthodontic therapy.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Brain Function, and Psychiatric Diagnoses in a Large Adult Clinical Cohort
Authors: Keator David , Salgado Frank , Madigan Caroline , Murray Sydnyy , Norris Stephanie , Amen Daniel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with higher rates of psychiatric illness in adults. Neuroimaging studies have previously identified regional volume, functional connectivity, and altered blood flow as a function of increasing ACEs in relatively small samples. Thus far, no study has evaluated a large adult clinical population to identify which brain functional associations may be mediators between ACEs and an adult psychiatric diagnosis. This study aims to understand the relationship between ACEs and adult brain function in a large clinical cohort (N=7275) using HMPAO SPECT scans at rest and during a concentration task, to gain insight into the common brain functional patterns associated with increasing ACEs in adults with varying degrees of mental health illnesses. We evaluate how patient-reported ACEs are associated with brain function in adults, across diagnoses. We then evaluate the risk of being diagnosed with specific classes of mental health conditions as a function of increasing ACEs, along with understanding which specific ACE questions were statistically related to each diagnosis in this cohort. To evaluate how brain function, in association with ACEs might influence an adult psychiatric diagnosis, we performed mediation analyses where brain functional regions of interest act as mediators between patient-reported ACEs and each diagnosis. Broadly, we found increased function in cognitive control and default mode networks and decreased function in areas of the dorsal striatum and cerebellum. We found that having more ACEs increases the risk of being diagnosed with a variety of mental health conditions that generally fall into anxiety-related disorders, substance abuse-related disorders, and depression. Further, we found many of the regions implicated in the neuroimaging analyses are potential mediators between ACEs and an adult psychiatric diagnosis.
Thermoreversibly Assembled Polymersomes for Highly Efficient Loading, Processing, and Delivery of Protein and siRNA Biologics
Authors: Hubbell Jeffrey , Hossainy Samir , Kang Seounghun , Medellín Jorge Gómez , Alpar Aaron , Refvik Kirsten , Ma Yvonne , Vuong Ivan , Chang Kevin , Wang Thomas , Solanki Ani , Rowan Stuart 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Although great advances in siRNA and mRNA delivery have been made (e.g. with lipid nanoparticles), there remains a pressing need for a versatile platform that can deliver both RNA and protein payloads with convenient processing and storage. Here, we demonstrate a highly efficient approach to forming ca. 100 nm vesicular polymer nanoparticles (polymersomes) that requires no organic solvents by utilizing thermoresponsive block copolymers capable of self-assembling in aqueous medium as the solution is raised to room temperature. This is achieved using block copolymers with a domain that has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) such that they are soluble in aqueous medium under standard refrigeration (4-7°C) temperature but assemble upon warming to room temperature, resulting in large batches of nanoparticles with predictable size and morphology as dictated by polymer structure. The nanomaterials are designed with charged and biofunctional moieties to drive payload affinity as well as in-vivo targeting, respectively. Both siRNA and protein payloads can be incorporated during warming at higher than 75% loading efficiencies. Payload-polymer suspensions can also be lyophilized into a dry state, allowing for greater hydrolytic stability under mild (4-7°C) refrigeration conditions. This greatly reduces processing and storage requirements, as the powder can simply be reconstituted in cold aqueous medium, then used as described. Here, we selected biomedical applications that did not require removal of unencapsulated payload, bypassing further purification processes and demonstrating a highly scalable approach for formulating nanoparticle-based treatments. Finally, we demonstrate that our system is capable of in-vivo delivery in the contexts of protein subunit vaccination, prophylactic immune tolerance induction, and siRNA interference therapy in cancer. We believe this polymersome platform addresses several challenges to broad translation of nanoparticle delivery of biologics to the clinic, such as scalability, loading efficiency, quality control, and dry storage.
Suppression of MT5-MMP reveals early modulation of Alzheimer’s pathogenic events in primary neuronal cultures of 5xFAD mice
Authors: Pilat Dominika , Paumier Jean-Michel , Louis Laurence , Manrique Christine , García-González Laura , Stephan Delphine , Bernard Anne , Pardossi-Piquard Raphaëlle , Checler Frédéric , Khrestchatisky Michel , Pasquale Eric Di , Baranger Kévin , Rivera Santiago 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
We previously reported that membrane-type 5-matrix metalloproteinase (MT5-MMP) deficiency not only reduces pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in 5xFAD (Tg) mice in vivo, but also impairs interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-mediated neuroinflammation and Ab production in primary Tg immature neural cell cultures after 11 days in vitro. We now investigated the effect of MT5-MMP on incipient pathogenic pathways that are activated in cortical primary cultures at 21-24 days in vitro (DIV), during which neurons are organized into a functional mature network.
Methods
Using wild-type (WT), MT5-MMP-/- (MT5-/-), 5xFAD (Tg) and 5xFADxMT5-MMP-/- (TgMT5-/-) mice, we generated primary neuronal cultures that were exposed to IL-1b and/or different proteolytic system inhibitors. We assessed neuroinflammation, APP metabolism, synaptic integrity and electrophysiological properties using biochemical, imaging and whole- cell patch-clamp approaches.
Results
The absence of MT5-MMP impaired the IL-1b-mediated induction of inflammatory genes in TgMT5-/- cells compared to Tg cells. Furthermore, the reduced density of dendritic spines in Tg neurons was also prevented in TgMT5-/- neurons. IL-1b caused a strong decrease in the dendritic spine density of WT neurons, which was prevented in MT5-/- neurons. However, the latter exhibited fewer spines than the WT under untreated conditions.
The spontaneous rhythmic firing frequency of the network was increased in MT5-/- neurons, but not in TgMT5-/- neurons and IL-1b increased this parameter only in Tg neurons. In terms of induced somatic excitability, Tg and TgMT5-/- neurons exhibited lower excitability than WT and MT5-/-, while IL-1b impaired excitability only on non-AD backgrounds. The synaptic strength of miniature global synaptic currents was equivalent in all genotypes, but increased dramatically in WT and MT5-/- neurons after IL-1b.
MT5-MMP deficiency decreased endogenous and overexpressed C83 and C89 levels but did not affect Ab levels. C99 appears to be cleared by several pathways, including g-secretase, the autophagolysosomal system and also a-secretase, via its conversion to C83.
Conclusion
In summary, this study confirms that MT5-MMP is a pivotal factor affecting not only neuroinflammation and APP metabolism but also synaptogenesis and synaptic activity at early stages of the pathology, and reinforces the relevance of targeting MT5-MMP to fight AD.
Dietary change is not a prerequisite for effective biodiversity conservation but reduces socioeconomic obstacles
Authors: von Jeetze Patrick , Weindl Isabelle , Johnson Justin , Borrelli Pasquale , Panagos Panos , Meyer Tobias , Humpenöder Florian , Sauer Pascal , Dietrich Jan , Lotze-Campen Hermann , Popp Alexander 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The food production system has become the largest driver of biodiversity loss today. Here we apply a quantitative and spatially explicit framework to provide an integrated perspective on how a partial or complete transition to healthier diets would affect different dimensions of biodiversity change and compare the effects to a bundle of alternative conservation measures. Our results show that a decoupling of biodiversity loss from underlying drivers such as population and income growth depends more on conservation measures that address structural trends in land-use dynamics and allocation than on a convergence towards healthier diets. Particularly, as in many countries in tropical Africa and Asia, converging towards healthier diets would mainly involve reducing the intake of staple foods in favour of more nutritious plant-based foods, instead of replacing resource-intensive livestock products. However, even a partial dietary shift would significantly reduce important barriers to conservation, such as higher food prices and imports.
Directional Lyapunov Exponents – the first universal method designed for extended studies, experiments and control of dynamics of complex networks and coupled nonlinear systems investigatoins
Authors: Dabrowski Artur 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
What is most fundamental in oscillations of Complex Networks of nonlinear coupled systems (CN) are phenomena connected with different types of their collective behavior. Patterns discernible in the dynamics of such systems, for instance different types of synchronization, chimera states and others, have attracted researchers since their discovery. However, they have remained invariably challenging in terms of designing methods with which to monitor and control them. In this article, the author presents the results obtained from applying a novel method—Directional Lyapunov Exponents (DLEs) for the purpose of addressing these challenges. Additionally, the application of DLEs in a wide range of contexts allows the demonstration of features of CNs that were previously unobservable using other methods. Thus far, for instance, the state of complete synchronization of CNs has been recognized as entirely unrelated to a chimera state. The use of DLEs has demonstrated that in the neighborhood of a synchronization manifold, the symmetry of the system dynamics is broken and there can be observed new symmetrical patterns that are shadowing the complete synchronization by chimera type dynamics. Moreover, within the range of chimera existence, DLEs have also revealed another symmetry with a symmetrical flow between desynchronized chimera parts. It has also been proved that in the case of two-node systems, the largest DLE is equivalent to the largest Lyapunov exponent – a metric which has been commonly applied in stability analyses in many branches of science and engineering. Consequently, DLEs have proved to be the most effective tool in investigating CNs, as they expose tendencies of oscillators to synchronize, or split their dynamics, long before the system stabilizes. As such, they have the potential to become the fastest method of scanning a system’s parameters or its initial conditions while looking for chimeras’ existence, as well as other interesting dynamical behaviors. Notably, DLEs represent a very universal approach and can be applied in any type of coupled systems, identical or not, complex or simple ones, as well as in monitoring relative behavior of complex subsystems. Another significant benefit of their application is connected with the way DLEs are arrived at. Since they are derived from the real-time state of a dynamical system and the values of the system variables, they can readily be applied in experiments and CN control.
LFHP-1c improves cognitive function after TBI in mice by reducing oxidative stress through the PGAM5-NRF2-KEAP1 ternary complex
Authors: Shao Wei , Wang Shuai , Wang Yuhao , Tang Yuhang , Wang ChengCheng , Zhou DongRui , Zhao XingYuan , Hou Shiqiang , Lin Ning 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is recognised as a leading cause of disability and death. As such, timely and effective secondary brain injury intervention is crucial, given its potential to enhance the prognosis of TBI. Oxidative stress represents one of the factors that contribute to post-traumatic secondary cognitive impairment. Reducing post-traumatic oxidative stress can effectively enhance cognitive function. PGAM5, a member of the phosphoglycerate transporter enzyme family, is upregulated in TBI and induces mitochondrial autophagy. This exacerbates the damage further after TBI. Our focus is on the recently discovered small molecule drug, LFHP-1c, a novel PGAM5 inhibitor. The investigation utilized an in vivo model incorporating a controlled cortical impact-induced traumatic brain injury in mice to examine the impact of LFHP-1c on oxidative stress and cognitive function. The primary aim was to discern the influence of LFHP-1c on the PGAM5-KEAP1-NRF2 ternary complex within the TBI context. Our data indicates that LFHP-1c suppresses PGAM5 expression and diminishes the development of the PGAM5-KEAP1-NRF2 ternary complex, prompting the discharge of NRF2 and KEAP1. The occurrence subsequently allowed NRF2 to enter the nucleus following a traumatic brain injury, thereby resulting in amplified expression of HO-1, GPX1 and SOD1. Furthermore, LFHP-1c diminishes the accumulation of external mitochondria in the nucleus, which limits oxidative stress and improves cognitive capability after TBI.
Exploring community perceptions of gender roles as a predisposing factor in schistosomiasis infection in Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Mugabi Faith , Anyolitho Maxson Kenneth , Huyse Tine , Kemigisha Elizabeth , Nyakato Viola Nilah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease impacts people of all genders and ages. Studies done on gender as a risk factor in schistosomiasis infection and control have not considered what the men and women in schistosomiasis endemic communities think about gender roles as a contributing factor to infection and control. We explored the perceptions of endemic farming (Kyaterekera) and fishing (Ndaiga) communities along Lake Albert in Kagadi District of Uganda regarding gender roles as a predisposing factor to schistosomiasis infection. Methods: We employed ethnographic design and conducted 10 key informant interviews, held 18 focus group discussion sessions (150 individuals), and made observations of the risky practices in the two community settings. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. Results: Gender roles are perceived by both male and female participants from both settings to predispose the different genders to infection differently. Societal expectations and gender stereotypes are perceived by participants from both sites to predispose both genders to the risk of infection. Farming men, think that bilharzia is a lake-side problem. Finally, drug side effects are perceived to be a concern by both genders from both sites, although the women in the fishing setting would prefer to use herbs and prayers while the men think going to the hospital is ideal. Conclusions: Perceptions of gender roles as a predisposing factor to schistosomiasis infection and control differ according to gender and geographical location. Shared gendered aspects involve societal expectations, stereotypes, and side effects. Developing gender-specific interventions to control the disease, like providing separate toilets, gender-sensitive treatment campaigns, and gender inclusion in decision-making could go a long way in curbing the disease.
Occurrence characteristics and controlling factors of transitional shale gas: a case study from Shanxi Formation, Eastern Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Gu Yifan , Cai Guangyin , Jiang Yuqiang , Liu Ying , Wang Zhanlei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Accurate evaluation of gas content is significant for evaluation of unconventional reservoirs and determination of unconventional hydrocarbon reserves. Based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment on plug samples saturated methane and methane isothermal adsorption experiment of crushed samples, the free gas content and adsorbed gas content of Shanxi Formation transitional shale under high-temperature and high-pressure were determined. The experimental results show that the maximum theoretical gas content of the Shanxi Formation transitional shale in the study area is 2.58 cm3 /g-5.44 cm3 /g, mainly composed of adsorbed gas, and the proportion of free gas is generally lower than 50%. The adsorption capacity of the transitional shale is mainly controlled by organic matter, followed by kaolinite and I/S mixed layer. The free gas content of the transitional shale is mainly controlled by pore structure and is less affected by mineral composition. The specific surface area controls the adsorption capacity of transitional shale gas, and the effect of specific surface area on total gas content is more significant than that of pore volume. Adsorbed gas mainly exists in micropores (< 2nm), while free gas mainly exists in macropores (> 50nm). This study proposes an experimental method for the simultaneous measurement of shale free gas adsorption gas using nuclear magnetic resonance of plug sample saturated methane and methane isothermal adsorption of crushed sample, clarifying the gas-bearing characteristics of transitional shale, and providing theoretical support for the optimization and efficient development of sweet spots in transitional shale gas in the next step.
The potential for in-patient mortality reductions to drive cost savings through decreases in hospital length of stay and intensive care unit utilization: a propensity matched cohort analysis
Authors: IV Joseph Beals , McInnis Samantha , Belk Kathy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The economics of healthcare increasingly compels hospitals to accompany quality initiatives with a financial business case. Quality programs are frequently implemented with the aim of identifying clinical deterioration and reducing avoidable mortality. However, low rates of inpatient mortality with a diverse etiology make quantifying cost savings from avoidable mortality reduction challenging. To establish a relationship between mortality and length of stay, a commonly accepted indicator of hospital cost, we evaluated total hospital and intensive care unit length of stay for inpatients who expired compared to similar patients who did not expire during their hospital stay.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective propensity-matched cohort analysis of hospital inpatients who did and did not expire using de-identified data from 24 hospitals representing six health systems across the United States. In addition to demographic measures, the Rothman Index patient condition score was used to ensure cohorts were matched in physiologic acuity. Multivariable regression models were used to estimate the impact of mortality on the primary outcomes of total and ICU length of stay.
Results
Matched cohorts of patients who did and did not expire each comprised 6,129 patients. Patients who expired had longer mean overall hospital length of stay (LOS) compared to those who did not (13.3 vs 8.3 days, p < 0.0001) as well as longer mean ICU LOS (7.2 vs 5.7 days, p < 0.0265). Multivariable general linear models identified a 51% increase in predicted LOS and 33% increase in ICU LOS for patients who expired in the hospital.
Conclusion
As length of stay measures are routinely quantified in financial terms by hospitals, this work suggests it may be possible to translate mortality reductions into length of stay reductions as an inferential step in deriving a financial return on investment for mortality-focused quality of care initiatives.
Navigating Urban Gridlock: Traffic Congestion and Sustainable Mobility Solutions in Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunkan David Victor , Olaleye Eyitayo Olaniyan , Akinpelu Olusegun Peter , Oyeleye Idowu Oyewale 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Traffic congestion, a prevalent global issue, has entrenched itself as a persistent problem, posing substantial challenges for both residents and commuters, especially in developing nations. This study addresses this concern by delving into the intensity, patterns, and characteristics of traffic within selected road corridors in the Abeokuta metropolis, Nigeria. Data on road types and land use were meticulously collected through structured observations using a pre-designed checklist. Traffic censuses were executed to extract characteristics during morning and evening peak periods. Quantifying traffic volume and capacity in "vehicles per hour" (vph) and Passengers Car Unit per hour (PCU/hr), the study utilized the chi-square test to scrutinize differences in traffic volume during distinct peak hours. Furthermore, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess variations in traffic composition among the studied road corridors. The study's findings spotlight Sapo-Ijaye-Iyana Mortuary, recording the highest daily peak traffic volume at 2315 vph, with cars dominating at 4444 vph. Buses emerged as the most impactful vehicle class, exerting influence at 4872 PCU/hr. The Chi-square test indicates no significant differences in vph between morning and evening peaks (x = 0.822604; p = 0.84405). Correspondingly, ANOVA results (f = 3.3106; p = 1.0000) suggest that traffic composition did not significantly differ across the surveyed roads. Recommendations from the study emphasize the enhancement of road capacities through upgrades to meet current and future transportation demands. Additionally, alternative traffic routes, such as rail lines, are proposed to facilitate the movement of heavy-duty trucks.