bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inclusion of dietary Quillaja saponin and seaweed on growth efficiency, noxious gas emissions, and fecal score in weaning pigs
Authors: Khan Sharif Uddin , Song Jun ho , Kim In Ho 
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the dietary effects of Quillaja saponin (QS) and seaweed (SW) on growth performance, fecal score, and gas emissions in weaning pigs. A total of 120, 21-day old crossbred ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) weaning pigs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. These dietary treatments consisted of (1) TRT1: CON (basal diet), (2) TRT2: CON + 200 mg/kg QS, and (3) TRT3: CON + 500 mg/kg SW. Pigs were raised in 10 replicate pens per treatment (two males per pen and two females per pen) for 5 weeks based on body weight and sex. The inclusion of QS significantly ( p < 0.05) increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the overall period compared to the control diet. Moreover, the tendency to increase ADG was found at weeks 1 and 5, whereas ADFI showed a tendency to increase at week 1 with the supplementation of QS compared to the CON diet. However, the feed conversion ratio, fecal score, and gas emission failed to show significant effects throughout the experiment. In summary, QS has a beneficial effect on the growth performance of weaning pigs without any negative effect on gas emission and fecal score.
Verschlimmbesserung: Craniospinal Radiotherapy Is Essential in WNT Medulloblastoma Patients
Authors: Gottardo Nicholas G. , Gajjar Amar 
Published: October 2023

SummaryStandard-risk WNT medulloblastoma patients have an excellent prognosis (&gt;90% progression-free survival) using the combination of standard dose craniospinal radiotherapy (CSI) (23.4 Gy) followed by platinum and alkylator based chemotherapy. A recent pilot study that attempted to completely omit radiotherapy was terminated early as all patients (n = 3) relapsed rapidly (on treatment or within 6 months of completing treatment). The study highlights that therapy is the most important prognostic factor, with CSI still required to cure even the most favorable subgroup of medulloblastoma patients.See related article by Cohen et al., p. 5031
Receptor-interacting Protein Kinase 2 Is an Immunotherapy Target in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Sang Wenhua , Zhou Yiduo , Chen Haiyan , Yu Chengxuan , Dai Lisi , Liu Zhongkun , Chen Lang , Fang Yimin , Ma Panpan , Wu Xiangji , Kong Hao , Liao Wenting , Jiang Hong , Qian Junbin , Wang Da , Liu Yun-Hua 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a highly lethal malignancy because of its aggressive nature and the paucity of effective treatment options. Almost all registered drugs have proven ineffective in addressing the needs of patients with PDAC. This is the result of a poor understanding of the unique tumor–immune microenvironment (TME) in PDAC. To identify druggable regulators of immunosuppressive TME, we performed a kinome- and membranome-focused CRISPR screening using orthotopic PDAC models. Our data showed that receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) is a crucial driver of immune evasion of cytotoxic T-cell killing and that genetic or pharmacologic targeting of RIPK2 sensitizes PDAC to anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (anti–PD-1) immunotherapy, leading to prolonged survival or complete regression. Mechanistic studies revealed that tumor-intrinsic RIPK2 ablation disrupts desmoplastic TME and restores MHC class I (MHC-I) surface levels through eliminating NBR1-mediated autophagy-lysosomal degradation. Our results provide a rationale for a novel combination therapy consisting of RIPK2 inhibition and anti–PD-1 immunotherapy for PDAC.

Significance:
PDAC is resistant to almost all available therapies, including immune checkpoint blockade. Through in vivo CRISPR screen, we identified that RIPK2 plays a crucial role in facilitating immune evasion by impeding antigen presentation and cytotoxic T-cell killing. Targeting tumor-intrinsic RIPK2 either genetically or pharmacologically improves PDAC to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy.
See related commentary by Liu et al., p. 208 .
This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201
Single-Molecule Spatial Transcriptomics of Human Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Uncovers Calcification-Related
CARTPT
-Expressing Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Mizrak Dogukan , Zhao Yang , Feng Hao , Macaulay Jane , Tang Ying , Sultan Zain , Zhao Guizhen , Guo Yanhong , Zhang Jifeng , Yang Bo , Chen Y. Eugene 
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:
Although single-cell RNA-sequencing is commonly applied to dissect the heterogeneity in human tissues, it involves the preparation of single-cell suspensions via cell dissociation, causing loss of spatial information. In this study, we employed high-resolution single-cell transcriptome imaging to reveal rare smooth muscle cell (SMC) types in human thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) tissue samples.

METHODS:

Single-molecule spatial distribution of transcripts from 140 genes was analyzed in fresh-frozen human TAA samples with region and sex-matched controls. In vitro studies and tissue staining were performed to examine human CART prepropeptide (
CARTPT
) regulation and function.

RESULTS:

We captured thousands of cells per sample including a spatially distinct
CARTPT
-expressing SMC subtype enriched in male TAA samples. Immunoassays confirmed human CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) protein enrichment in male TAA tissue and truncated CARTPT secretion into cell culture medium. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, a cardiovascular risk factor, induced
CARTPT
expression, whereas
CARTPT
overexpression in human aortic SMCs increased the expression of key osteochondrogenic transcription factors and reduced contractile gene expression. Recombinant human CART treatment of human SMCs further confirmed this phenotype. Alizarin red staining revealed calcium deposition in male TAA samples showing similar localization with human CART staining.

CONCLUSIONS:

Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of single-molecule imaging in uncovering rare SMC subtypes in the diseased human aorta, a difficult tissue to dissociate. We identified a spatially distinct
CARTPT
-expressing SMC subtype enriched in male human TAA samples. Our functional studies suggest that human CART promotes osteochondrogenic switch of aortic SMCs, potentially leading to medial calcification of the thoracic aorta.
Supersession and Superseded Causes in Aristotle
Authors: Lewis Frank A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aristotle’s theory of causes requires a first, unmoved mover outside the sublunary world, along with soul as first and unmoved mover in the natural world below. Aristotle separates the charmed group of causes headed by soul that are jointly sufficient for typical animal behaviour from external causes. The border between external and charmed is permeable: crops growing in the field are co-opted to become an instrument of soul that nourishes the animal. (Instruments of soul like the sumphuton pneuma are internal to the animal from the start.) But no causes, not even the Unmoved Mover, may supersede soul as unmoved mover.
Current Scholarship and Future Directions in Hobbes Studies
Authors: Lloyd S.A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Today the study of Hobbes is both reputable and flourishing, to judge by the numbers in recent years of publications, submissions, conferences, workshops, and sessions at professional meetings devoted to Hobbes, along with growing interest from scholars in China and Latin America. I recently conducted a survey of colleagues working on Hobbes; a non-scientific survey, it included scholars working in a variety of departments. This research note reports the views of more than three dozen respondents, who answered three questions: (1) what has been at stake in Hobbes debates?; (2) have any conclusions been decisively established?; and (3) what are the open questions for the future? The answers evidence a lack of consensus but also demonstrate that we have increasingly refined and sophisticated theoretical arguments for and against contending positions.
The Commodification of Cold War Ideologies: the Reception of Casals in Japan and the Sinophone World in the Post-Cold War Era
Authors: Wang Min-Erh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This article examines the reception of Pablo Casals, the Spanish cellist and humanitarian, in Japan, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong in the post-Cold War era from the perspective of consumer capitalism. It argues that although the Cold War ended in 1991, instead of being criticised, the Cold War ideologies, including communism, anti-communism, socialism, and humanitarianism, were intertwined with and consolidated by capitalism in the post-Cold War era. This article reveals how the legacies of Casals were interpreted differently in these places within the context of domestic and regional politics and discusses how the Cold War ideologies were commodified in the post-Cold War era. By conducting a multilateral dialogue between Japan and the Sinophone world, this article attempts to gain a clearer understanding of the geopolitical history of East Asia in the post-Cold War era from a musical perspective.
Evaluating Skeletal Maturity at Time of Surgical Correction of Pectus Excavatum Based on Medial Clavicle Epiphyseal Ossification
Authors: Carter Michela , Prendergast Francis , Krauss Jillian , Zeineddin Suhail , Pitt J. Benjamin , Sullivan Gwyneth A. , Abdullah Fizan , Gulack Brian C. , Goldstein Seth D. 
Published: October 2023

Background Surgical correction of pectus excavatum (SCOPE) is dependent upon chest wall pliability with optimal timing prior to complete skeletal maturation. Measures of skeletal maturity are not readily available for operative planning; therefore, surgeons use age as proxy despite patient-specific rates of skeletal maturation. We aimed to determine whether preoperative skeletal maturity is associated with postoperative pain as surrogate for chest wall pliability. Methods Children ≤18 years who underwent SCOPE from 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively identified. Preoperative CT within 3 months of procedure was reviewed by 2 radiologists and 1 surgeon. Skeletal maturity was determined by Schmeling-Kellinghaus classification which stages secondary epiphyseal ossification of the medial clavicle. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated. Schmeling-Kellinghaus stage and postoperative pain were compared. Results Of twenty-eight records reviewed, 57% were Schmeling-Kellinghaus stage 1. High inter-rater reliability was identified (inter-radiologist: kappa = .95, P < .001, all raters: kappa = .78, P < .001). Median age at operation was 15.5 years (interquartile range: 14.8-16.0) and increased with skeletal maturity ( P < .001). When comparing stage 1 (n = 16) to >1 (n = 12), stage 1 had lower maximum pain scores ( P < .001), total morphine equivalents ( P < .001), and benzodiazepine use ( P < .001) after surgery. Conclusions The Schmeling-Kellinghaus classification system is a valid proxy of skeletal maturity that can be applied with high inter-rater reliability. SCOPE during stage 1 was found to have less postoperative pain and narcotic use than more mature stages. This is proof of concept that skeletal maturity should be considered when determining optimal timing of surgical correction. Future research will evaluate the impact of skeletal maturity on postoperative outcomes.
Obstructive jaundice treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care center in Serbia
Authors: Toskovic Borislav , Vukcevic Batric , Zdravkovic Darko , Crnokrak Bogdan , Nadj Igor , Sekulic Ana , Mrda Davor , Todorovic Slobodan , Lazovic Ranko , Milosavljevic Vladimir 
Published: October 2023

Objective We aimed to compare mortality and complication rates in patients treated for obstructive jaundice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care center in Serbia. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among a first group of patients treated between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2019. The second group was treated between 1 March 2020 and 1 March 2022. Results The first group comprised 35 patients, and the second group (in which all patients were SARS-CoV-2 positive) included 18 patients; 37 and 16 patients were treated for malignant and benign diseases, respectively. The groups did not differ significantly regarding the diagnoses and treatment received. The second group showed significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase levels and lower white blood cell, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 levels. Mortality and complication rates did not differ significantly between groups. All deceased patients in the second group had significant radiologic findings associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusions COVID-19 infection is a risk factor in treating obstructive jaundice. This study illustrates the potential influence of COVID-19 on mortality after obstructive jaundice treatment. COVID-19 pneumonia may be a significant risk factor for mortality in patients treated for obstructive jaundice.
Network Pharmacology to Explore the Mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L. Against Prolactinoma
Authors: Meng Jun-Hua , Ni Ping , Cao Yu-Ling , Zhang Yu , Wang Xiong , Zhang Hong , Chen Yong-Gang 
Published: October 2023

Objectives Prolactinoma is a common intracranial tumor with a high incidence and serious harm to human health. At present, there is only one therapeutic drug in China, bromocriptine, and the Chinese herb Prunella vulgaris L. ( P. vulgaris)(PV) has shown certain anti-prolactinoma effects in the early stage. We expect to develop a candidate drug against prolactinoma. Materials and Methods First, the extracts of P. vulgaris L.(PVE)were extracted with water, and the cell proliferation test of rat pituitary tumor cells MMQ was checked by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Then, core targets and correlative pathways were selected by the “protein–protein interaction” (PPI) network and the “PV–Target–Prolactinoma” network. The core targets and main components simulate the binding by molecular docking. Finally, the PVE and MMQ cells were used to verify the results. Results Through the CCK-8 assay, the PVE inhibited the proliferation of MMQ cells. From the network pharmacology, the 21 targets, 9 signaling pathways, and 20 gene ontology (GO) projects were attained ( p < 0.05). As a result the estrogen receptor α (ESR1), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase(AKT1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3)were the core targets of protein against prolactinomas, which was in line with western blotting analysis. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that the PVE was verified against prolactinomas through the ESR1, MAPK3 targets, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway.
Systematic Characterization of the Chemical Components and Absorbed Prototypes in Sanqi Xueshangning Capsules Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS with SCIEX OS Software
Authors: Zhao Hongling , Li Na , Cui Xiaoyan , Yu Yongzhou , Liu Zi , Chen Jianhui , Tian Yuxuan , Zhao Chunying , Xiong Hui 
Published: October 2023

Background Sanqi Xueshangning Capsules (SXC) is a famous Chinese patent medicine with a good curative effect on various gynecological pain diseases in China. However, its chemical composition and potential active ingredients were clearly unrevealed, which hindered the elaboration of its material basis functional mechanism and clinical application. Materials and Methods In the study, we developed an integrative ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) method coupled with SCIEX OS software for characterizing the chemical composition in SXC. The data collection was conducted using a Waters UPLCTM HSS T3 (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 µm) in a binary elution system. The SCIEX OS software coupled with multivariable processing techniques was used to screen absorbed prototypes in serum after oral administration of SXC. The structural identification of the components was performed by MS/MS fragmentation mechanism. Results A total of 113 components from SXC were tentatively characterized, including 38 saponins, 13 flavonoids, 10 phenylpropanoids, 9 alkaloids, 20 organic acids, and 23 others. Based on the in vitro composition results, 21 absorbed prototypes in rat serum were identified, mainly including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and saponins. Conclusion It was concluded that an integrative UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method coupled with SCIEX OS software could be successfully applied for the components’ characterization of SXC in vitro and in vivo, which laid a reliable scientific basis for promoting the discovery of material basis and the improvement of quality control of SXC.
Functional and radiological outcome of non-operative treated clavicle fractures and its association with acromioclavicular joint arthrosis
Authors: Ajit Singh Vivek , Ho Shu Chien , Abdul Rashid Muhammad Lutfi , Santharalinggam Rupini Devi 
Published: October 2023

Background Clavicle fractures are traditionally treated non-operatively. This study determines the functional outcome of midshaft clavicle fractures treated non-operatively, the factors influencing it, and the incidence of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) arthrosis. Methods Patients with midshaft clavicular fractures treated non-operatively between 16 and 50 years old with no prior AC joint problems were assessed. Demographics, hand dominance, type of occupation, and smoking status were documented. Functional scoring using DASH score, CM score, and radiological evaluation was done with special tests to diagnose AC joint arthrosis. Two or more positive special tests were considered significant for this study. Results 101 patients were recruited, 83 male and 18 female patients. The average age of 34.7 ± 13.93 years. The average follow-up was 32.7 months (range: 24–75; SD ± 9.9 months). 48.5% were blue-collar workers, and 60.4% involved the dominant upper limb. 44.6% were cigarette smokers. There was 20 mm and more shortening in 21.8% of subjects. 40.6% had a significant special test, and 36.6% had radiological changes of AC joint osteoarthritis. Positive two or more special tests were significantly associated with radiological evidence of arthrosis ( p = .00). The mean DASH score was 28.28 ± 17.4, and the mean CM score was 27.58 ± 14.34. Most have satisfactory to excellent scores. Hand dominance, smoking, and blue-collar work were significantly associated with poorer CM scores, and hand dominance was significant for Dash scores. Conclusion There is an equal distribution poor, satisfactory and excellent functional outcomes in patients with midshaft clavicle fractures treated non-operatively. The poor outcomes may be attributed to ACJ arthrosis. Hand dominance, smoking and blue-collar work affected the functional outcome. Shortening of the clavicle had no bearing on the clinical and radiological findings of osteoarthritis and functional scores. The presence of two or more positive special tests is an accurate predictor of AC joint arthritis.
The effect of off-pump coronary bypass graft surgery on subfoveal choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness
Authors: Tıskaoğlu Nesime Setge , Yazıcı Alper , Ercan Abdulkadir , Tınç Kübra 
Published: October 2023

Background: Cardiac surgery has been associated with adverse ocular events. Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery evades the systemic inflammatory response seen in extracorporeal circulation and is superior to on-pump surgery with regard to end-organ dysfunction and neurological outcomes. Objectives: To determine the effects of off-pump (without extracorporeal circulation) coronary artery bypass graft surgery on choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and the retinal nerve fiber layer. Design: Prospective, longitudinal study. Methods: Patients who underwent off-pump surgery were examined preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week and 6 weeks after surgery. Choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and the retinal nerve fiber layer measurements were recorded, and the effects of off-pump coronary artery bypass on these parameters were assessed. Results: A total of 44 eyes of 44 patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness from 252.84 ± 56.24 µm preoperatively to 273.82 ± 39.76 µm at 1 week and 301.97 ± 44.83 µm at 6 weeks after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery ( p = 0.044; p ⩽ 0.001). Ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber measurements showed no significant difference compared to preoperative values. Conclusion: Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery showed no negative effects on ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber measurements. A significant increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness was seen after off-pump surgery, which might be advantageous in patients who are at high risk or have preexisting ocular diseases that are affected by the choroid.
Proteomics identifies apoptotic markers as predictors of histological transformation in patients with follicular lymphoma
Authors: Enemark Marie Beck Hairing , Wolter Katharina , Campbell Amanda Jessica , Andersen Maja Dam , Sørensen Emma Frasez , Hybel Trine Engelbrecht , Madsen Charlotte , Lauridsen Kristina Lystlund , Plesner Trine Lindhardt , Hamilton-Dutoit Stephen Jacques , Honoré Bent , Ludvigsen Maja 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent lymphoma with a generally favorable prognosis. However, histological transformation (HT) to a more aggressive disease leads to markedly inferior outcomes. This study aims to identify biological differences predictive of HT at the time of initial FL diagnosis. We show differential protein expression between diagnostic lymphoma samples from patients with subsequent HT (subsequently-transforming FL [st-FL]; n = 20) and patients without HT (nontransforming FL [nt-FL]; n = 34) by label-free quantification nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Protein profiles identified patients with high risk of HT. This was accompanied by disturbances in cellular pathways influencing apoptosis, the cytoskeleton, cell cycle, and immune processes. Comparisons between diagnostic st-FL samples and paired transformed FL (n = 20) samples demonstrated differential protein profiles and disrupted cellular pathways, indicating striking biological differences from the time of diagnosis up to HT. Immunohistochemical analysis of apoptotic proteins, CASP3, MCL1, BAX, BCL-xL, and BCL-rambo, confirmed higher expression levels in st-FL than in nt-FL samples (P &lt; .001, P = .015, P = .003, P = .025, and P = .057, respectively). Moreover, all 5 markers were associated with shorter transformation-free survival (TFS; P &lt; .001, P = .002, P &lt; .001, P = .069, and P = .010, respectively). Notably, combining the expression of these proteins in a risk score revealed increasingly inferior TFS with an increasing number of positive markers. In conclusion, proteomics identified altered protein expression profiles (particularly apoptotic proteins) at the time of FL diagnosis, which predicted later transformation.