bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the 2011 Tohoku‐oki tsunami and human activities on long‐term coastal geomorphic development in northeastern Tohoku, Japan
Authors: Imura Haruki , Goto Kazuhisa , Minamidate Kenta , Koiwa Naoto 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe 2011 Tohoku‐oki tsunami caused large‐scale topographic changes along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan. More than 10 years have passed since the tsunami waves struck the area. Today, because of reconstruction work, very few places exist where natural post‐tsunami topographic changes can be monitored continuously. For this study, the authors investigated topographic changes caused not only by the 2011 tsunami but also by natural and artificial activities during the 50 years before and after the tsunami based on aerial photographs, excavations and subsurface explorations using ground‐penetrating radar at the Osuka coast in Aomori prefecture, Japan. The site is rare because it is a protected area with few and superficial engineering activities, making it suitable for continuous observation of pre‐tsunami, syn‐tsunami and post‐tsunami topographic changes. The findings indicate that the 2011 tsunami waves generated large topographic changes: depositional and erosional features produced by the tsunami can be recognized, respectively, as tsunami deposits and erosional channels across the sand dunes. During the post‐tsunami phase, the sand volume at the coast quickly recovered naturally. Tsunami deposits and the erosional channels were well preserved underground even at 10 years after the event. However, dynamic movement of the dunes started after the tsunami. The shifting was attributable to the artificial clearing of coastal forests rather than the tsunami effects on the coast. Our results first indicate not only that the sedimentary features of paleo‐tsunamis but also the erosional features have some probability of being preserved in the subsurface of the beach and sand dunes at tsunami‐affected areas. Also, artificial activities such as deforestation are much more crucially undermining of the stability of the coastal geomorphology than the tsunami effects: the coast is now reaching a different status from its pre‐tsunami situation.
Lactate plasma level as a potential biomarker in early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: A case‐control survey
Authors: Abbasi Ranjbar Zahra , Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Fakor Fereshteh , Milani Forozan , Kabodmehri Roya , Haghparast Zahra , Dalil Heirati Seyedeh Fatemeh 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionA novel metabolomics survey proposed lactic acid as a diagnostic biomarker to detect ectopic pregnancy (EP). Here we investigate the plasma level of lactate for early diagnosis of EP as a potential biomarker.MethodsIn a case‐control study, the reproductive aged women with definite tubal EP (6–10 weeks' gestation), referred to our department during 2021–2022, considered as case group, and women with normal singleton pregnancy in the same gestational age as control group. After informed concept, demographic data (maternal and gestational age and parity) recorded and 5 mL venous blood samples were taken to detect the lactate plasma level. The data analyzed using SPSS software ver22.ResultsFinally, 95 participations (50 in case and 45 in control group) enrolled. The clinical results showed that the most of case group were aged more than 35 years old with had higher parity and body mass index, but, no statistically significant difference showed up. On the other hand, although the lactate level was slightly higher in women with EP, but, the plasma lactate level did not statistically differ between the two study groups. Also, the logistic regression showed no relationship between the demographic variables and the lactate plasma level.ConclusionIt seems that the plasma level of lactate cannot be a diagnostic biomarker for EP.
The association between MMP−13 rs478927 gene polymorphism and dental caries susceptibility in children with mixed dentition from Birjand, Iran: A case‐control study
Authors: Miri‐Moghaddam Ebrahim , Mousavi Fatemeh Sadat , Salehiniya Hamid , Vafaeie Farzaneh , Abbaszadeh Hamid 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsGene polymorphisms are responsible for at least part of the variation in caries susceptibility despite similar environmental factors. Genes involved in enamel formation like matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) may participate in caries process. The aim was to investigate the association between MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism and caries susceptibility in 6‐years‐old children from Birjand, Iran.MethodsSix‐years old children from Birjand, Iran, participated in this study. The total decayed, missing, and filled teeth were calculated and defined as caries index (CI). Based on this CI, two groups of high‐caries (case) and low‐caries (control) were taken into account. Saliva samples were collected and DNA was extracted. The allele and genotypes of MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism were determined by tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (T‐ARMS‐PCR) method. p Value was significant if p < 0.05.ResultsThree hundred sixty‐seven children consisted of 186 low‐caries children and 181 high‐caries children were included in this study. The mean CI was 6.02 ± 0.81. There was no significant association between high and low‐caries groups based on socioeconomic status, eating sweet snacks, parents' susceptibility to dental caries, duration of breastfeeding, and the brushing habit (p > 0.05). There wasn't any significant association between genotype distribution of MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism and CI groups (p = 0.924). This polymorphism was associated with increased caries susceptibility under all genetic models but this effect was not significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe MMP‐13 rs478927 gene polymorphism was not significantly associated with dental caries susceptibility in Birjandi children with mixed dentition. It is recommended to conduct studies on children of different dentitions to better understand the role of this polymorphism on caries susceptibility in primary and permanent teeth of children.
Antisperm Autoantibody Response After Unilateral Vas Deferens Ligation in Rats: When Does it Develop?
Authors: CHEHVAL MICHEAL J. , DOSHI RAJEN , KIDD CHARLES F. , WINKELMANN THOMAS , CHEHVAL VINCENT 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTUnilateral obstruction or injury to the vas deferens can result in significant injury to the contralateral testicle. Antisperm autoantibodies are thought to play a significant role in this phenomenon. It has been reported that early surgical repair of the vas, before the development of antisperm autoantibodies, will prevent any potential damage to the contralateral testicle. This led us to investigate the timing of the antisperm antibody production and to attempt to determine whether antibody production precedes histologic testicular damage in the Lewis rat model. In a controlled study, mature rats were divided into temporal groups, with the experimental animals all receiving a unilateral vasectomy. At postoperative endpoints of 1, 7, 15, or 30 days, blood samples were collected for immunologic assay, and the testicles were harvested for histologic examination. Antibody levels were measured by an immunobead test using goat anti‐rat immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐coated Sepharose beads; tissue sections were fixed in Bouin solution, embedded in paraffin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. There was no statistically significant histologic difference between any of the groups. However, immunologic evaluation revealed a statistically significant increase in immunobead antibody binding in the 30‐day group compared to the control groups (P = .02). These data seem to indicate that in this model, antisperm antibody production is not evident until 15–30 days after unilateral injury to the vas deferens occurs, and the development of these antibodies precedes any demonstrable histologic damage to the testicle. If it is correct to infer that human antisperm antibody production will also precede histologic testicular damage, and further, that the onset of the human autoantibody response may vary from several days to weeks, then in cases of suspected or known ductal injury, the clinical monitoring of antisperm antibody levels could enable testicular damage to be predicted prior to its development and thus be avoided.
Ultrastructural Features of the Vas Deferens From Patients Undergoing Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal
Authors: ANDONIAN SERO , JARVI KEITH , ZINI ARMAND , HERMO LOUIS 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTDespite more than 30 million vasectomies, the ultrastructural features of the epithelium of the vas deferens (VD) of healthy fertile men, as well as the effects of vasectomy at both proximal (testicular) and distal (abdominal) regions of the VD relative to the initial site of incision, have yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the VD from 22 fertile men undergoing vasectomy and 7 vasectomized men undergoing vasectomy reversal were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. In fertile men, aside from cellular organelles involved in endocytosis and merocrine secretion, the epithelial principal cells showed protrusions of their apical cytoplasm between adjacent microvilli, referred to as “apical blebs.” The latter contained solely numerous ribosomes/polysomes and few endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae, unlike the presence of lysosomes, lipofuscin granules, mitochondria, and the Golgi apparatus in the apical principal cell cytoplasm, suggesting the segregation of organelles within blebs. Many apical blebs presented a bulbous extremity with a thin stalklike attachment connecting them to the apical principal cell surface, while others appeared to be isolated and well removed from it, suggesting that blebs are capable of detaching and being liberated into the lumen. We hypothesize that apical blebs represent a type of secretion, referred to as “apocrine secretion.” In men undergoing vasectomy reversal, the VD proximal (testicular) to the vasectomy site showed a reduction in the size of principal cells and their microvilli and in the number of apical blebs. In contrast, the lumen of the VD distal (abdominal) to the vasectomy site was virtually abolished, with the epithelium reduced to a flattened layer of cells showing a paucity of organelles and no apical blebs, suggesting that these cells become undifferentiated in the absence of seminal fluids. Taken together, these data may explain, in part, the decreased pregnancy rate noted after vasectomy reversal despite a patent anastomosis.
Effects of low‐level Er:YAG laser irradiation on proliferation and gene expression in primary gingival fibroblasts isolated from mouse maxilla
Authors: Lin Peiya , Niimi Hiromi , Hirota Tomomitsu , Ohsugi Yujin , Shimohira Tsuyoshi , Toyoshima Keita , Katagiri Sayaka , Iwata Takanori , Aoki Akira 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe investigated the effects of low‐level Er:YAG laser irradiation on proliferation and alternations in early gene expression of gingival fibroblasts. Mice primary gingival fibroblasts were irradiated with an Er:YAG laser (1.8, 3.9, and 5.8 J/cm2). Irradiation at 3.9 J/cm2 promoted cell proliferation without significant changes in lactate dehydrogenase or Hspa1a expression. Three hours after irradiation at 3.9 J/cm2, the Fn1 expression level was significantly increased. RNA‐seq identified 15 differentially expressed genes between irradiated and non‐irradiated cells, some of which belonged to immediate early genes (IEGs). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated MAPK pathway enhancement, and gene set enrichment analysis showed enrichment in the TGF‐β signaling gene set. Enhanced proliferation via laser irradiation disappeared upon inhibition of Dusp4, Dusp5, and Tgfr1 expression. Low‐level Er:YAG laser irradiation, especially at 3.9 J/cm2 without a major temperature elevation, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, via TGF‐β and the MAPK signaling pathway following IEG expression.
Circulating extracellular vesicles in healthy and pathological pregnancies: A scoping review of methodology, rigour and results
Authors: Barnes Megan V. C. , Pantazi Paschalia , Holder Beth 
Published: November 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in pregnancy, revealed by the presence of placental‐derived EVs in maternal blood, their in vitro functionality, and their altered cargo in pregnancy pathologies. These EVs are thought to be involved in the development of pregnancy pathologies, such as pre‐eclampsia, pre‐term birth, and fetal growth restriction, and have been suggested as a source of biomarkers for gestational diseases. However, to accurately interpret their function and biomarker potential, it is necessary to critically evaluate the EV isolation and characterization methodologies used in pregnant cohorts. In this systematic scoping review, we collated the results from 152 studies that have investigated EVs in the blood of pregnant women, and provide a detailed analysis of the EV isolation and characterization methodologies used. Our findings indicate an overall increase in EV concentrations in pregnant compared to non‐pregnant individuals, an increased EV count as gestation progresses, and an increased EV count in some pregnancy pathologies. We highlight the need for improved standardization of methodology, greater focus on gestational changes in EV concentrations, and further investigations into the functionality of EVs. Our review suggests that EVs hold great promise as diagnostic and translational tools for gestational diseases. However, to fully realize their potential, it is crucial to improve the standardization and reliability of EV isolation and characterization methodologies, and to gain a better understanding of their functional roles in pregnancy pathologies.
Engineering high‐affinity dual targeting cellular nanovesicles for optimised cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Luyao , Zhao Xu , Niu Yanan , Ma Xiaoya , Yuan Wei , Ma Jie 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDual targeting to immune checkpoints has achieved a better therapeutic efficacy than single targeting due to synergistic extrication of tumour immunity. However, most dual targeting strategies are usually antibody dependent which facing drawbacks of antibodies, such as poor solid tumour penetration and unsatisfied affinity. To meet the challenges, we engineered a cell membrane displaying a fusion protein composed of SIRPα and PD‐1 variants, the high‐affinity consensus (HAC) of wild‐type molecules, and with which prepared nanovesicles (NVs). Through disabling both SIRPα/CD47 and PD‐1/PD‐L1 signalling, HAC NVs significantly preserved the phagocytosis and antitumour effect of macrophages and T cells, respectively. In vivo study revealed that HAC NVs had better tumour penetration than monoclonal antibodies and higher binding affinity to CD47 and PD‐L1 on tumour cells compared with the NVs expressing wild‐type fusion protein. Exhilaratingly, dual‐blockade of CD47 and PD‐L1 with HAC NVs exhibited excellent therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. This study provided a novel biomaterial against tumoural immune escape and more importantly an attractive biomimetic technology of protein delivery for multi‐targeting therapies.
The importance of human development in combating energy poverty
Authors: Opoku Eric Evans Osei , Dogah Kingsley E. , Kufuor Nana Kwabena , Acheampong Alex O. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTheoretically, the impact of human development on energy poverty could occur through a number of channels, for instance, through improved social mobility and employability. In this study, we elaborate on these channels and examine how human development affects energy poverty in Africa, where access to electricity is a challenge for many. We proxy human development with scores on the human development index (HDI), human capital and education levels and analyse panel data on 40 African countries from 2000 to 2018. Employing a battery of estimation methods, the results suggest that an increase in human development generally improves energy poverty.
Altered gray matter volume and functional connectivity in lung cancer patients with bone metastasis pain
Authors: Tang Yu , Shi Yumei , Xu Zhen , Hu Junlin , Zhou Xueying , Tan Yong , Lan Xiaosong , Zhou Xiaoyu , Yang Jing , Zhang Jiuquan , Deng Benmin , Liu Daihong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBone metastasis pain (BMP) is a severe chronic pain condition. Our previous studies on BMP revealed functional brain abnormalities. However, the potential effect of BMP on brain structure and function, especially gray matter volume (GMV) and related functional networks, have not yet been clearly illustrated. Voxel‐based morphometry and functional connectivity (FC) analysis methods were used to investigate GMV and intrinsic FC differences in 45 right‐handed lung cancer patients with BMP(+), 37 lung cancer patients without BMP(−), and 45 healthy controls (HCs). Correlation analysis was performed thereafter with all clinical variables by Pearson correlation. Compared to HCs, BMP(+) group exhibited decreased GMV in medial frontal gyrus (MFG) and right middle temporal gyrus (MTG). Compared with BMP(−) group, BMP(+) group exhibited reduced GMV in cerebelum_6_L and left lingual gyrus. However, no regions with significant GMV differences were found between BMP(−) and HCs groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated the potential classification power of these aberrant regions. Correlation analysis revealed that GMV in the right MTG was positively associated with anxiety in BMP(+) group. Further FC analysis demonstrated enhanced interactions between MFG/right MTG and cerebellum in BMP(+) patients compared with HCs. These results showed that BMP was closely associated with cerebral alterations, which may induce the impairment of pain moderation circuit, deficits in cognitive function, dysfunction of emotional control, and sensorimotor processing. These findings may provide a fresh perspective and further neuroimaging evidence for the possible mechanisms of BMP. Furthermore, the role of the cerebellum in pain processing needs to be further investigated.
MRI phenotypes of herniated discs associated with adjacent disc degeneration
Authors: Zehra Uruj , Ilyas Muhammad Saad , Latif Rabia , Imran Sumera , Ahmad Ijaz , Aziz Amer 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAdjacent segment degeneration is commonly observed in patients after fusion surgery. Among the associated risk factors is the preoperative presence of adjacent disc degeneration (ADD). The risk factors and other spine phenotypes associated with preoperative ADD is critical to understand the pathological process and better prognosis postsurgery. Current study aims to assess and compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spinal phenotype of herniated level with and without ADD. Preoperative T2W sagittal lumbar MRI images of 155 lumbar disc herniated patients were analyzed for the presence of ADD (Pfirrmann grade III and above). The herniated disc level was assessed for the presence and absence of vertebral endplate (VEP) defects, Modic changes, and high intensity zone (HIZ). Mean age of patients was 38 ± 2 years, almost 62% were males. ADD was found in 57%, VEP defects were seen in 62% of the herniated level, 24.5% showed Modic changes, 3.8% showed spondylolishthesis, and 15.5% revealed HIZ. Age and other demographic factors did not have any significant effect on the presence of ADD, the patients with extruded and sequestered discs had more ADD (p = 0.02). VEP defects were significantly higher in levels with ADD (p = 0.02). Patients with ADD had significantly VEP defect scores (p = 0.01), Modic score (p = 0.002), HIZ score (0.02), and posterior bulge score (p < 0.001). Findings suggest that affected levels with VEP defects and severe grade of disc herniation have the greater likelihood of having ADD. Once developed this ADD may also affect the other spinal levels, and also can affect postoperative prognosis.
The structural and functional properties of hemp protein isolate‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate biopolymer covalent complex during heating
Authors: Zhang Fu‐shun , Yang Yang , Bian Xin , Ma Chun‐min , Ren Li‐kun , Zhang Can , Pang Xin‐hui , Zhang Na 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDIt is well known that hemp proteins have the disadvantages of poor solubility and poor emulsification. To improve these shortcomings, an alkali covalent cross‐linking method was used to prepare hemp protein isolate‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate biopolymer (HPI‐EGCG) and the effects of different heat treatment conditions on the structure and emulsifying properties of the HPI‐EGCG covalent complex were studied.RESULTSThe secondary and tertiary structures, solubility, and emulsification ability of the HPI‐EGCG complexes were evaluated using particle size, zeta potential, circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopy indices. The results showed that the absolute value of zeta potential of HPI‐EGCG covalent complex was the largest, 18.6 mV, and the maximum binding amount of HPI to EGCG was 29.18 μmol g−1. Under heat treatment at 25–35 °C, the α‐helix content was reduced from 1.87% to 0%, and the β‐helix content was reduced from 82.79% to 0% after the covalent binding of HPI and EGCG. The solubility and emulsification properties of the HPI‐EGCG covalent complexes were improved significantly, and the emulsification activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI) were increased by 2.77‐fold and 1.21‐fold, respectively.CONCLUSIONA new HPI‐EGCG covalent complex was developed in this study to provide a theoretical basis for the application of HPI‐EGCG in food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optical Angle Barcodes Enabled by a Pixelated Metasurface for Absolute Micro‐Angle Measurement
Authors: Gu Wanghang , Zhang Xianfeng , Liu Junchen , Zheng Jihui , Huang Haozhen , Jia Linhua , Qu Xinghua , Zhang Fumin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEfficient and ultra‐sensitive measurements of micro‐angle are critical technological requirements in various fields. Traditional measurement approaches have disadvantages in terms of accuracy and system complexity. Here, a micro‐angle measurement scheme based on the pixelated metasurface is reported. By utilizing the interaction between a C‐band optical frequency comb (OFC) laser source and the plasmonic metasurface, precise angle encoding is achieved, enabling each meta‐pixel within the pixelated metasurface to exhibit ultra‐sensitive responses to angular changes. Experimental results demonstrate a resolution as low as 2.8 μrad for angle sensing. Furthermore, by controlling the dimensions of the meta‐atom structural dimensions and designing specific combinations of meta‐pixels, the unique angle response of individual pixels is manipulated, effectively creating an angle barcode. This technique allows for highly efficient acquisition of angle information, and based on this, it demonstrates absolute angle measurement with an average error at 7 μrad. The robustness and stability of the proposed scheme is also evaluated.