bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell‐Cell Interactions in the Testis of Adjuvant‐Induced Arthritic Rat
Authors: ASIRVATHAM ANGELA L. , BRUOT BRENT C. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTRats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AA) have low levels of serum testosterone, and production of testosterone reportedly is influenced by macrophage secretory products. This study was undertaken to understand the mechanism mediating this hypoandrogenism. Testicular macrophages from AA and nonarthritic (NA)rats were cultured, and conditioned media was added to testicular interstitial cells and Percoll‐purified cells from NA rats. Testosterone production by interstitial cells stimulated with luteinizing hormone (LH) and incubated with adjuvant‐induced arthritic macrophage conditioned medium (AAMCM) was significantly lower than in cells incubated with nonarthritic macrophage conditioned medium (NAMCM). However, there was no difference in testosterone production by Percoll‐purified Leydig cells and those stimulated with LH when incubated with AAMCM or NAMCM. To determine whether an intermediary cell type was involved in mediating inhibition of testosterone production, AAMCM and NAMCM were added to a reconstituted preparation of testicular interstitial cells. Addition of AAMCM restored the inhibitory effect, suggesting that arthritic hypoandrogenism is mediated by cell‐cell interaction. These results suggest that a factor produced by macrophages from AA rats appears to mediate testosterone production by acting in conjunction with other cells in the testicular interstitium.
Contraceptive Steroids Influence the Hemostatic Activation State in Healthy Men
Authors: ZITZMANN MICHAEL , JUNKER RALF , KAMISCHKE AXEL , NIESCHLAG EBERHARD 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTHormonal contraception for men requires administration of testosterone and gestagens. The effects of a long‐acting testosterone ester and 2 different progestins on hemostatic activation parameters were studied in relation to cardiovascular risk. In phase 1, 7 healthy men aged 28–38 years received a single intramuscular injection of 200 mg norethisterone‐enanthate (NET‐EN) on Day 0. Plasma samples were obtained on Days 0, 14, 41, and 84. In phase 2, 3 groups of 14 healthy men aged 18–45 years received four injections (every 6 weeks) of 1000 mg testosterone undecanoate (TU), plus daily oral placebo or daily oral levonorgestrel (LNG, 250 μg); or four injections (every 6 weeks) of NET‐EN. Treatment lasted 24 weeks. Plasma samples were obtained at weeks 0, 16, 24, and 52. All samples were assayed for levels of coagulation factors VIIc, VIIa, XIIc, and XIIa; prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2); antithrombin; plasmin‐α2‐anti‐plasmin‐complex (PAP); and fibrinogen. NET‐EN alone led to a depletion of sexual hormones and a marked shift in hemostatic parameters with increasing levels of FXIIc, fibrinogen, antithrombin, and F1+2, whereas FVIIc and FVIIa levels decreased. PAP levels increased significantly. Opposite effects were seen in the TU/placebo group, with a significant down‐regulation of fibrinolysis and the hemostatic turnover rate. Testosterone effects were attenuated by additional administration of gestagens. The effect of hormonal male contraception using long‐acting testosterone esters with or without gestagens was significantly measurable within the hemostatic system. Down‐regulation of the hemostatic system with testosterone alone may indicate an antithrombotic effect, whereas clinical consequences of an additional gestagen compound cannot be derived.
Bicarbonate Stimulation of Boar Sperm Motility via a Protein Kinase A—Dependent Pathway: Between‐Cell and Between‐Ejaculate Differences Are Not Due to Deficiencies in Protein Kinase A Activation
Authors: HOLT WILLIAM V. , HARRISON ROBIN A. P. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTBecause poorly motile sperm samples can often be stimulated by treatments that increase intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), it has been supposed that such samples are unable to maintain an adequate supply of the cyclic nucleotide with which to activate protein kinase A (PKA). To investigate this hypothesis, we incubated boar sperm samples with bicarbonate (a stimulator of adenylyl cyclase) and compared its effect with that of 5,6‐dichloro‐1‐beta‐D‐ribofuranosyl‐benzimidazole 3‘,5’‐cyclic monophosphothioate (cBIMPS, a highly permeable and stable cAMP analog). Videomicroscopy assessment of motility was followed by computer analysis of the sperm tracks to produce motility descriptor values for many individual cells in each sample, whence “cluster” analysis of these data identified groups of spermatozoa that differed in motility characteristics. Bicarbonate stimulation of motility was characterized by an increase in the linearity (LIN) and progressive velocity of part of the sperm population only. The size of this “fast linear” subpopulation varied considerably between ejaculates. However, treatment with cBIMPS did not induce significantly more “fast linear” sperm than treatment with bicarbonate. In further experiments investigating the role of protein kinases in motility control, bicarbonate stimulation was greatly inhibited by H89 (a specific inhibitor of PKA), whereas GF109203X and lavendustin A (inhibitors of protein kinase C [PKC] and protein tyrosine kinase [PTK], respectively) had essentially no effect. While inclusion of the protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin stimulated motility, it failed to increase the overall percentage of “fast linear sperm” induced by bicarbonate. We conclude that intersperm and interejaculate differences in boar sperm motility are not due to inadequacy in cAMP supply or to ineffective PKA activity.
Intrinsic factors behind long‐COVID: II. SARS‐CoV‐2, extracellular vesicles, and neurological disorders
Authors: El‐Maradny Yousra A. , Rubio‐Casillas Alberto , Mohamed Kareem I. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Redwan Elrashdy M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWith the decline in the number of new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections, the World Health Organization announced the end of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. However, the repercussions of this viral pandemic may remain with us for a longer period of time, as it has remodeled the lives of humankind in many ways, including social and economic. Of course, its most important repercussions remain on the human health level. Long‐coronavirus disease (COVID) or post‐COVID is a state for which we do not have a concrete definition, a specific international classification of diseases Code, clear diagnostic tools, or well‐known effective cures as of yet. In this second article from the Intrinsic Factors behind long‐COVID Series, we try to link long‐COVID symptoms with their causes, starting from the nervous system. Extracellular vesicles (ECVs) play very complex and ramified roles in the bodies of both healthy and not‐healthy individuals. ECVs may facilitate the entry of many bioactive molecules and pathogens into the tissues and cells of the nervous system across the blood–brain barrier. Based on the size, quantity, and quality of their cargo, ECVs are directly proportional to the pathological condition and its severity through intertwined mechanisms that evoke inflammatory immune responses typically accompanied by pathological symptoms over variable time periods according to the type of these symptoms.
High throughput selection of organic cathode materials
Authors: López‐Carballeira Diego , Polcar Tomáš 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEfficient and affordable batteries require the design of novel organic electrode materials to overcome the drawbacks of the traditionally used inorganic materials, and the computational screening of potential candidates is a very efficient way to identify prospective solutions and minimize experimental testing. Here we present a DFT high‐throughput computational screening where 86 million molecules contained in the PUBCHEM database have been analyzed and classified according to their estimated electrochemical features. The 5445 top‐performing candidates were identified, and among them, 2306 are expected to have a one‐electron reduction potential higher than 4 V versus (Li/Li+). Analogously, one‐electron energy densities higher than 800 Whkg−1 have been predicted for 626 molecules. Explicit calculations performed for certain materials show that at least 69 candidates with a two‐electron energy density higher than 1300 Whkg−1. Successful molecules were sorted into several families, some of them already commonly used electrode materials, and others still experimentally untested. Most of them are small systems containing conjugated CO, NN, or NC functional groups. Our selected molecules form a valuable starting point for experimentalists exploring new materials for organic electrodes.
Evaluation and comparison of immune responses induced by two Mpox mRNA vaccine candidates in mice
Authors: Yang Xidan , Hu Congxia , Yang Xuetao , Yang Xiu , Hu Xing , Wang Xingyun , Liu Cong , Yuan Yuan , Du Shouwen , Wang Peng George , Lin Jihui 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe epidemic of Mpox virus (MPXV) from May 2022 was once declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. Vaccines play an important role in prevention of infectious diseases, and mRNA vaccine technology was proved to be a safe and effective platform with successful application in defense of coronavirus disease 2019. In this study, based on A29L, M1R, A35R, and B6R of MPXV, we developed two MPXV mRNA vaccine candidates, designated as MPXfus and MPXmix. The MPXfus was one‐component, in which these four antigen proteins were linked in tandem by flexible linker and encoded by an individual mRNA as a fusion protein. The MPXmix was multicomponent containing four mRNA, and each mRNA encoded one antigen protein respectively. Mice were immunized with equal quality of MPXfus or MPXmix, delivered by lipid nanoparticles for evaluation and comparison of the immune responses induced by these two MPXV vaccine candidates. Results of immune response analyses indicated that both MPXfus and MPXmix could elicit high‐level of antigen‐specific antibodies and robust cellular immune response in mice. Moreover, results of virus neutralization assays suggested that sera from MPXfus‐ or MPXmix‐immunized mice possessed high neutralizing activities against vaccinia virus. In addition, titers of antigen‐specific antibody, levels of cellular immune response, and activities of neutralizing antibody against vaccinia virus induced by MPXfus and MPXmix presented no significant difference. In summary, this study provides valuable insights for further clinical development of one‐component and multicomponent mRNA vaccine candidates for the prevention of MPXV and other orthomyxoviruses.
Percutaneous transphyseal screw induces varus proximal femoral growth modulation in a growing pig model—A three‐dimensional analysis
Authors: Kutschke Michael J. , Kim Harry K. W. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBone and joint angular deformities are common pediatric orthopedic problems that are often corrected surgically. Previous studies successfully demonstrated proximal femoral growth modulation in animal models, however outcome measurements were limited by two‐dimensional analysis. In this study, six Yorkshire cross male piglets were treated with unilateral percutaneous transphyseal screw placement across the medial aspect of the proximal femoral physis and analyzed using three‐dimensional (3D) techniques. Three primary outcome measures were considered—physis angle, version, and femoral length. Compared to paired controls, all treated femurs displayed varus correction and shortening after an average treatment period of 10 weeks. The amount of varus change was 11.6 ± 2.8° (mean ± SD) (p = 0.0002, 95% confidence interval [CI] [8.659, 14.589]) and shortening was 4.3 ± 1.6 mm (p = 0.0011, 95% CI [2.672, 5.942]). Four animals demonstrated retroversion and two demonstrated anteversion compared to controls (4.1 ± 5.4° retroversion, p = 0.1169, 95% CI [−1.483, 9.765]). The amount of varus correction was strongly correlated with the orientation of the screw relative to the medial/lateral axis of the physis (r = −0.887, p = 0.0183, 95% CI [−0.988, −0.271]). The amount and direction of version was strongly correlated with how eccentrically anterior or posterior the screw was placed relative to the center of the physis (r = −0.850, p = 0.0322, 95% CI [−0.983, −0.123]) as well as the angle of the screw relative to the posterior condylar axis of the femur (r = −0.980, p = 0.0006, 95% CI [−0.998, −0.822]). This study is the first to use 3D analysis to quantify proximal femur growth modulation and identify associations between the growth modulation outcomes and screw placement parameters.
Gait and strength assessment following surgical repair by intramedullary nailing of isolated tibial shaft fracture
Authors: Canseco Karl , Becker Brittany M. , Muscott Rachel K. , Schmeling Gregory J. , Fritz Jessica M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate the long‐term strength and gait outcomes after intramedullary nailing of isolated tibial diaphyseal fractures. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at an academic Level I trauma center. Fifteen participants with isolated tibial diaphyseal fractures (OTA/AO 42) at least 2 years postoperative from intramedullary nailing (IMN) provided informed consent. The average age was 40 ± 14 (range, 24–69); there were nine men and six women. Knee flexion‐extension strength data were collected. Temporal‐spatial, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters were measured and compared to historic control data. Participants completed the SF‐36 and shortened musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaires. The mean length of follow‐up between surgery and gait analysis was 6 ± 2 years. The fractured limb demonstrated deficits in quadriceps strength between 9.8% and 23.4% compared to the unaffected limb. Temporal‐spatial parameters revealed slower walking speed, shorter stride length, decreased cadence, and shorter single‐limb support time in the fractured limb. Altered kinematic and kinetic findings included a knee extension shift during stance, with an increased knee flexor moment demand and decreased total knee power during loading and midstance. These findings represent deficits in concentric and eccentric knee extensor activity. Additionally, the fractured limb demonstrated decreased ankle dorsiflexion during stance and diminished ankle push‐off power. Long‐term outcomes after IMN of tibial diaphyseal fractures demonstrate decreased quadriceps strength and altered gait parameters that may have implications to the high incidence of knee and ankle pain in the fractured limb.
The role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in chondrocyte mechanotransduction
Authors: Momin Aisha , Perrotti Simona , Waldman Stephen D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractChondrocytes are mechanosensitive cells able to sense and respond to external mechanical stimuli through the process of mechanotransduction. Previous studies have demonstrated that mechanical stimulation causes mitochondrial deformation leading to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) release in a dose‐dependent manner. For this reason, we focused on elucidating the role of mitochondrial ROS as anabolic signaling molecules in chondrocyte mechanotransduction. Chondrocyte‐seeded agarose gels were subjected to mechanical stimuli and the effect on matrix synthesis, ROS production, and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling was evaluated. Through the use of ROS‐specific staining, superoxide anion was the primary ROS released in response to mechanical stimuli. The anabolic effect of mechanical stimulation was abolished in the presence of electron transport chain inhibitors (complexes I, III, and V) and superoxide anion scavengers. Subsequent studies were centered on the involvement of MAPK pathways (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK) in the mechanotransduction cascade. While disruption of the ERK1/2 pathway had no apparent effect, the anabolic effect of mechanical stimulation was abolished in the presence of p38 and JNK pathway inhibitors. This suggest the involvement of apoptosis stimulating kinase 1 (ASK1), an upstream redox‐sensitive MAP3K shared by both the JNK and p38 pathways. Future experiments will focus on the involvement of the thioredoxin‐ASK1 complex which disassociates in the presence of oxidative stress, allowing ASK1 to phosphorylate several MAP2Ks. Overall, these findings indicate superoxide anion as the primary ROS released in response to mechanical stimuli and that the resulting anabolic effect on chondrogenic matrix biosynthesis arises from the ROS‐dependent activation of the p38 and JNK MAPKs.
Nonionic and anionic surfactants as flowback aids in hydraulic fracturing methods of crude oil production
Authors: Clements John 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSurfactants find utility in hydraulic fracturing operations for their ability to modify rock wettability and increase the flowback of fracturing fluid following proppant delivery. The performance of a series of nonionic and anionic surfactants was evaluated by gravity drainage displacement testing. Alkylbenzenesulfonates having alkyl chains possessing at least 16 carbons were among the best performers, yet a similar surfactant having an alkyl chain possessing only ~12 carbons performed quite poorly. These data illustrate that a critical chain length exists for this series. Lauryldimethylamine oxide also performed well. In general, those surfactants possessing the greatest ionic character outperformed nonionic surfactants. Critical micelle concentration, surface tension, contact angle, relative solubility number, and hydrophilic–lipophilic balance were determined for each surfactant studied. Unexpectedly however, few correlations between any of these physical and surface properties and performance in gravity drainage displacement tests were identified, underscoring the complexity of selecting surfactants suitable in the application. These data suggest that more real‐world test methods, employing stationary phases, temperatures and pressures that better mimic the fields and individual wells being considered, are needed to better guide surfactant selection.
Foaming properties of milk samples collected at various processing stages in a dairy processing factory across two seasons
Authors: Ho Thao M , Bhandari Bhesh R , Bansal Nidhi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDA foam layer makes an essential contribution to the quality of cappuccino‐style drinks. Poor foaming of milk occurs quite often, however, especially in summer. The reasons for this are still unknown. Although a substantial number of studies on the foaming process of milk have been reported, these studies have been laboratory based and have used laboratory or pilot‐scale equipment to simulate the processing conditions of a dairy processing factory. This study collected about 40 different samples across different processing stages in a dairy factory over two seasons (two batches per season) and investigated their composition and physical and foaming properties by mechanical mixing and steam injection.RESULTSThe results showed that milk samples collected in summer had a significantly higher content of fat, free fatty acids, and Ca2+ ions, and larger particle sizes but a markedly lower concentration of protein and solid non‐fat, and surface tension than the samples collected in spring. These differences provided spring milk with a higher steam injection foamability than summer milk. However, steam injection foam stability, and mechanical mixing foamability and foam stability were not affected by seasonal factors. Milk samples collected in different batches within a season were almost identical with regard to the properties that were investigated.CONCLUSIONThe variations in composition and physical properties of milk collected between two seasons could be the reasons for their difference in foamability but not for foam stability. Processes such as standardization, homogenization, and pasteurization improved markedly the foaming properties of milk. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Carriers based on dairy by‐products and dehumidified‐air spray drying as a novel multiple approach towards improved retention of phenolics in powders: sour cherry juice concentrate case study
Authors: Barańska Alicja , Michalska‐Ciechanowska Anna , Wojdyło Aneta , Mykhailyk Viacheslav A. , Korinchevska Tetiana V. , Samborska Katarzyna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDSour cherry juice concentrate powder can serve as a modern, easy‐to‐handle, phenolics‐rich merchandise; however, its transformation into powdered form requires the addition of carriers. In line with the latest trends in food technology, this study valorizes the use of dairy by‐products (whey protein concentrate, whey, buttermilk, and mixes with maltodextrin) as carriers. A new multiple approach for higher drying yield, phenolics retention (phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins) and antioxidant capacity of powders were tested as an effect of simultaneous decrease of drying temperature due to the drying air dehumidification and lower carrier content.RESULTSDairy‐based carriers were effective for spray drying of sour cherry‐juice concentrate. The drying yield was increased and retention of phenolics was higher when compared with maltodextrin. The application of dehumidified air, which enabled the drying temperature to be reduced, affected drying yield positively, and also affected particle morphology and retention of phenolics (the phenolic content was approximately 30% higher than with spray drying).CONCLUSIONSThe study proved that it is possible to apply dairy‐based by‐products to produce sour cherry juice concentrate powders profitably, lowering the spray‐drying temperature and changing the carrier content. Dehumidified air spray drying can be recommended for the production of fruit juice concentrate powders with improved physicochemical properties. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
“Progressive myoclonic ataxia and developmental/epileptic encephalopathy associated with a novel homozygous mutation in TCN2 gene”
Authors: Oshi Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed , Alfaifi Jaber , Alqahtani Youssef Ali M. , Aljabri Mohammed Fahad , Kamal Naglaa M. , Althopaity Jwaher , Althobaiti Khalid A. , Almalki Abdullah M. , Abosabie Salma A. S. , Abosabie Sara A. , Sherbiny Hanan Sakr , Almanjoomi Saif K. , Abdallah Enas A. A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundTranscobalamin II (TCN2) defect is a rare metabolic disorder associated with a range of neurological manifestations, including mild developmental delay, severe intellectual disability, ataxia, and, in some cases, seizures. Cobalamin, an essential nutrient, plays a crucial role in central nervous system myelination.Clinical PresentationWe present a family with an index patient who exhibited progressive neurodevelopmental regression starting at 9 months of age, accompanied by myoclonic seizures, ataxia, and tremor. No significant hematological abnormalities were observed. Exome sequencing analysis identified a novel homozygous mutation, c.3G>A – P(Met1I), affecting the acceptor site of intron 4 of the TCN2 gene (chromosome 22: 31003321, NM_000355.4), leading to likely pathogenic variant potentially affecting translation. Following treatment with hydroxocobalamin, the patient demonstrated partial clinical improvement. He has a sibling with overt hematological abnormalities and subtle neurological abnormalities who is homozygous to the same mutation. Both parents are heterozygous for the same mutation.ConclusionsIn infants presenting with unexplained non‐specific neurological symptoms, irrespective of classical signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, evaluation for TCN2 defect should be considered. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can lead to favorable outcomes.