bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of a Parenteral Testosterone Microsphere Formulation in the Male Rat
Authors: PEACOCK N. R. , SWERDLOFF R. S. , BERMAN N. , GILLEY R. M. , TICE T. R. , BHASIN S. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study examined the pharmacokinetics (the time course and pattern of testosterone release) and pharmacodynamics (effects on accessory sex organ weights, and serum LH and FSH levels) of a biodegradable testosterone microsphere formulation in the male rat. Two hundred seventy‐five 55‐day‐old, sexually mature male rats underwent surgical orchiectomy or sham surgery and were divided into five groups as follows, to receive placebo or testosterone microsphere systems designed to release 25, 75, or 225 μg/day testosterone: group I: intact age‐matched controls, sham operated, placebo microspheres; group II: surgically orchiectomized, placebo microspheres; group III: surgically orchiectomized, 25 μg/day testosterone microspheres; group IV: surgically orchiectomized, 75 μg/day testosterone microspheres; and group V: surgically orchiectomized, 225 μg/day testosterone microspheres.Serum testosterone levels were fairly uniform from day 2 to 85 without any significant trend. After day 100, serum testosterone levels gradually fell into the castrate range by day 196. There was a dose‐dependent increase in serum testosterone levels in groups III, IV, and V over those seen in group II (castrated rats, placebo treated). Prostate and seminal vesicle weights were significantly lower in castrated animals treated with placebo or the 25‐μg/day testosterone microsphere system (group III). Mean prostate and seminal vesicle weights in groups IV and V were not significantly different from those in intact controls (group I) in the first 85 days. After day 85–100, seminal vesicle and prostate weights declined gradually in groups III, IV, and V, approaching castrate range by day 196. Serum LH and FSH levels were higher in castrated rats treated with placebo (group II) or 25 μg/day testosterone (group III). The 75‐μg dose maintained serum LH and FSH levels in the normal male range, and the highest dose (225 μg/d) lowered serum LH levels below those seen in intact rats. After day 100, serum testosterone levels in groups III, IV, and V gradually fell into the castrate range. We conclude that this biodegradable testosterone microsphere formulation provides uniform and dose‐dependent release of testosterone for 10–14 weeks and is worthy of further evaluation as a method of testosterone replacement.
Increased Proliferation of Leydig Cells Induced by Neonatal Hypothyroidism in the Rat
Authors: HARDY MATTHEW P. , SHARMA RADHEY S. , ARAMBEPOLA NIROMI K. , SOTTAS CHANTAL M. , RUSSELL LONNIE D. , BUNICK DAVID , HESS REX A. , COOKE PAUL S. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Treatment of male rat pups with the reversible goitrogen 6‐n‐propyl‐2‐thiouracil (PTU), administered by adding 0.1% PTU to the mother's drinking water from birth through weaning, increases adult testis size, number of Sertoli cells, and daily sperm production. Adult Leydig cell numbers are also increased by 70%, despite permanent suppression of serum luteinizing hormone (LH). The present study was designed to test whether this effect results from an increase in proliferation of Leydig cells or the mesenchymal precursors. The labeling indices (LI) of six interstitial cell types were measured by tritiated thymidine autoradiography. With the exception of Leydig cells, LI declined after birth for all interstitial cell types in both control and PTU‐treated rats, but mesenchymal cell proliferation was not significantly different in control and treated rats. In contrast, the LI of Leydig cells from PTU‐treated rats rose by day 10, remained elevated through day 45 (highest on day 35 at 3.6‐fold higher than control, P < 0.05), and declined to control values by day 50. The LI of Leydig cells in control rats was unchanged during the experiment.Proliferating Leydig cells were immature, as shown by their cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Adult Leydig cells, which lack lipid droplets, did not proliferate. Mesenchymal and immature Leydig cells contained thyroid hormone receptor mRNA; levels in adult Leydig cells were reduced but detectable. In conclusion, proliferation of Leydig cells, rather than increased proliferation of their mesenchymal precursors, is the principal mechanism responsible for the increase in Leydig cell number after neonatal hypothyroidism. Increased Leydig cell proliferation could result from direct effects of hypothyroidism on these cells. Alternatively, the increased Sertoli cell population that results from PTU treatment could also stimulate increased Leydig cell proliferation, or both of these mechanisms could contribute to the Leydig cell increase.
Fabrication of alginate‐based hydrogel microparticle via ruthenium‐catalyzed photocrosslinking
Authors: Noori Fariba , Jafarbeigloo Hamid Reza Ghaderi , Jirehnezhadyan Mozhgan , Mohajer Maryam , Khanmohammadi Mehdi , Goodarzi Arash 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, we developed an alginate‐based microparticle production process via sodium ruthenium(II) tris‐bipyridyl dication (Ru)/ammonium persulfate (SPS)‐mediated visible light crosslinking system using a microfluidic device. Microparticles were prepared by crosslinking phenolic‐substituted alginate (AlgPh) and incorporated gelatin (GelPh) in an aqueous solution containing SPS, which flowed into an ambient immiscible liquid paraffin‐containing Ru using coaxial double orifice microfluidic device. The hydrogel microparticles appeared with the desired geometries and dimensions under optimal conditions. The concentration of AlgPh and light intensity were the most critical parameters for harvesting spherical microparticles with homogeneous size distribution. The physical properties of the prepared AlgPh microparticles were characterized and compared with Alg‐Ca microparticles. Cell viability and proliferation preserved on AlgPh/GelPh hydrogel surfaces. Also, encapsulated cells in microparticles were also viable and proliferated well over 13 days after encapsulation. In brief, the results proved the feasibility of fabricating AlgPh vehicles via Ru/SPS‐mediated system and visible light irradiation as a simple and efficient three‐dimensional platform, which are applicable for various tissue engineering and cell delivery purposes.
Associations of Quantitative and Qualitative Muscle Parameters With Second Hip Fracture Risk in Older Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Wenshuang , Ge Yufeng , Liu Yandong , Yuan Yi , Geng Jian , Zhou Fengyun , Huang Pengju , Shi Jia , Ma Kangkang , Cheng Zitong , Blake Glen M. , Yang Minghui , Wu Xinbao , Cheng Xiaoguang , Wang Ling 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTOlder women with a first hip fracture exhibit heightened susceptibility and incidence of second fracture and potentially severe consequences. This prospective study was to compare the predictive power of qualitative and quantitative muscle parameters for a second hip fracture in older women with a first hip fracture. A total of 206 subjects were recruited from the longitudinal Chinese Second Hip Fracture Evaluation study. Hip computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained immediately after the first fracture. Muscle fat infiltration was assessed according to the Goutallier classification qualitatively. Quantitative parameters included cross‐sectional area and density of gluteus maximus (G.MaxM) and gluteus medius and minimus (G.Med/MinM) muscles. CT X‐ray absorptiometry was used to measure the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of the contralateral femur. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute hazard ratios (HR) of second hip fracture risk. The mean age of subjects was 74.9 (±9.5) years at baseline. After 4.5 years, 35 had a second hip fracture, 153 without a second hip fracture, and 18 died. Except for the combined G.MinM Goutallier grade 3 and 4 groups before adjustment for covariates (HR = 5.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49–22.83), there were no significant HRs for qualitative classification to predict a second hip fracture. Among quantitative metrics, after adjustment for covariates, G.Med/MinM density was significant in the original (HR = 1.44; CI 1.02–2.04) and competing risk analyses (HR = 1.46; CI 1.02–2.07). After additional adjustment for femoral neck (FN) aBMD, G.Med/MinM density remained borderline significant for predicting a second hip fracture in competing risk analysis (HR = 1.43; CI 0.99–2.06; p = 0.057). Our study revealed that Goutallier classification was less effective than quantitative muscle metrics for predicting hip second fracture in this elderly female cohort. After adjustment for FN aBMD, G.Med/MinM density is a borderline independent predictor of second hip fracture risk. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Speckle tracking tissue motion mitral annulus displacement to assess early changes in the left ventricle and its association with lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Zijing , Hu Yunhua , Ou Huajing , Feng Jia , Dong Shanshan , Ren Shan , Lu Guilin , Li Jun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the early changes in left ventricular (LV) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by measuring tissue motion mitral annulus displacement (TMAD) and three‐dimensional (3D) parameters using speckle tracking imaging (STI), and to explore its correlation with lung function.MethodsForty two COPD patients (GOLD I, GOLD II, GOLD III) and 30 healthy individuals (control group) were included. STI was used to assess the changes in LV structure and systolic function. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn, and correlations among TMAD parameters, LV systolic function, structural, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and lung function were analyzed.ResultsCompared to the control group, COPD patients were able to undergo LV remodeling, with a decrease in the absolute value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and TMAD, but no significant modification of LVEF. Correlation analysis showed that TMAD was positively related to the absolute value of GLS (r > 0.51, P < 0.01) and predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) (r > 0.56, P < 0.01), and negatively to PASP (r < −0.52, P < 0.01). The LV posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), relative wall thickness (RWT), end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) and PASP negatively correlated with FEV1%.ConclusionThe LV geometric changes and systolic function impairment in COPD patients were found to correlate with airflow restriction (FEV1%). TMAD aided in detection of early changes in LV systolic function in COPD patients. It negatively correlated with PASP and positively with FEV1%. Moreover, it was more convenient than GLS.
Shear wave elastography‐based deep learning model for prognosis of patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Huang Xingzhi , Li Yaohui , Yuan Songsong , Wu Xiaoping , Xu Pan , Zhou Aiyun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to develop and validate a deep learning model based on two‐dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) for predicting prognosis in patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 288 acutely decompensated cirrhosis patients with a minimum 1‐year follow‐up, divided into a training cohort (202 patients, 1010 2D SWE images) and a test cohort (86 patients, 430 2D SWE images). Using transfer learning by Resnet‐50 to analyze 2D SWE images, a SWE‐based deep learning signature (DLswe) was developed for 1‐year mortality prediction. A combined nomogram was established by incorporating deep learning SWE information and laboratory data through a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated with respect to predictive discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness in the training and test cohorts.ResultsThe C‐index for DLswe was 0.748 (95% CI 0.666–0.829) and 0.744 (95% CI 0.623–0.864) in the training and test cohorts, respectively. The combined nomogram significantly improved the C‐index, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of DLswe to 0.823 (95% CI 0.763–0.883), 86%, 75%, and 89% in the training cohort, and 0.808 (95% CI 0.707–0.909), 83%, 74%, and 85% in the test cohort (both p < 0.05). Calibration curves demonstrated good calibration of the combined nomogram. Decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram was clinically valuable.ConclusionsThe 2D SWE‐based deep learning model holds promise as a noninvasive tool to capture valuable prognostic information, thereby improving outcome prediction in patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis.
Diagnostic utility of anteroposterior measurements of the median nerve on sagittal ultrasonographic images and their correlation with clinical findings in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Okura Toshiyuki , Tajima Takuya , Fukuda Hajime , Matsuoka Tomomi , Chosa Etsuo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the efficacy of sagittal ultrasonography of the median nerve in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).MethodsSeventy‐six hands with idiopathic CTS and 80 hands of asymptomatic subjects were included. All patients with CTS underwent ultrasonographic examination, electrodiagnostic testing, and CTS‐6 assessment. In the sagittal ultrasonographic examination, the maximum and minimum median nerve diameters (MNDs) were measured at the proximal and distal ends of the carpal tunnel, respectively. The median nerve stenosis rate (MNSR) was computed as (1 – minimum MND/maximum MND) × 100 (%). The cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at the level of the pisiform was measured.ResultsIn the sagittal ultrasonographic examination, the mean maximum MNDs were 0.252 cm and 0.202 cm, mean minimum MNDs were 0.145 cm and 0.165 cm, and mean MNSRs were 41.83% and 17.35% in the CTS and control groups, respectively; the mean maximum MND and MNSR were considerably larger in the CTS group. The maximum MND and MNSR were correlated with the electrodiagnostic testing results and CTS‐6 score. The MNSR with a cut‐off value of 34.0% had a higher sensitivity and specificity than the CSA in diagnosing CTS.ConclusionsSagittal ultrasonographic examination is useful in diagnosing CTS.
LncRNA–mRNA coexpression analysis reveals distinct pathogenic mechanisms for subtypes of congenital biliary dilatation
Authors: Ai Chengbo , Xie Xiaolong , Lv Yong , Zheng Qianwen , Yang Jiayin , Xiang Bo , Chen Jing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackground/PurposeCongenital biliary dilatation (CBD) is a bile duct malformation often associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Different subtypes of CBD have been noted for clinical differences, but their pathogenic mechanisms are unclear.MethodsTo elucidate the genetic basis of CBD, we performed lncRNA and mRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis on 18 cystic and 18 fusiform CBD samples.ResultsWe identified differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs between the two types of CBD, and constructed coexpression modules that correlated with clinical characteristics of CBD using weighted gene coexpression network analysis. We found that the brown module was the highest positive correlation with fusiform CBD (R = 0.67, p = 7.9e–6) and contained the most genes. We then built a lncRNA–mRNA coexpression network to identify potential target genes of lncRNAs in CBD, and a protein–protein interaction network to investigate the hub genes from the target genes and the brown module. Finally, we performed enrichment analyses and found differences between cystic and fusiform CBD in hepatobiliary system development, liver and pancreas development involving hub genes ONECUT1 and HNF1B that could be regulated by corresponding lncRNAs.ConclusionOur study suggests that lncRNAs may modulate pancreaticobiliary duct development differently in cystic and fusiform CBD, providing new insights for etiology studies and clinical treatment.
Recent advance: Sulfur ylides in organic synthesis
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Sadaf Ifrah , Pamidighantam Jyotsna , Anamika  , Kumar Sonu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSulfur ylides are versatile structures that display various characteristics and participate in a myriad of reactions to produce simple, effective, and sometimes stereoselective reactions toward synthesizing sulfur‐containing compounds. Nonetheless, their fulfillment tremendous developments have been made in this field in the past few decades. In this comprehensive review, luminosity is illuminated on the application of sulfur ylides involved in various domino, cascade annulation reactions, and carbene trapping reagents with chameleonic reactivity. In the past numerous decennary, chemists have used sulfur ylides in solvent‐dependent, rhodium catalyzed, dealkylative intercepted, photochemical reaction, halotrifluoromethylation, benzannulation, amidation various name reactions such as Mizoroki–Heck, Suzuki–Miyaura, and Sommelet–Hauser rearrangements. Moreover, other prime applications include metal catalysis, epoxidation of carbonyl compounds, acylmethylation, cyclomerization, oxidation, and insertion reactions. Additionally, some sulfur ylides are extremely useful structures that play a major role in the synthesis of various medicinally active heterocycles structural motifs. This review article discusses all these reactions, their proposed mechanisms, and their application in the current scenario, at length. This tutorial review concludes by providing a future outlook on the investigation into sulfur ylides and various other compounds synthesized using it have great potential to be used in industries, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, drug production, clinical use, medicinal chemistry, and agrochemical purposes.
“They test my blood to know how much blood is in my body”: the untapped potential of promoting viral load literacy to support adherence and viral suppression among adolescents living with HIV
Authors: Bernays Sarah , Lariat Joni , Cowan Frances , Senzanje Beula , Willis Nicola , Nenguke Zivai Mupambireyi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionAchieving sustained HIV viral suppression is a key strategy to optimize the health and wellbeing of those living with HIV. Sub‐optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) in Southern Africa, due to a range of social and contextual factors, including poor mental health, has presented a substantial challenge to meeting targets aimed towards improving treatment outcomes and reducing transmission. With the increasing availability of viral load (VL) testing in Southern Africa, there is an opportunity to better understand the relationship between VL literacy, wellbeing and adherence among adolescents.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with 45 AYPLHIV aged 10–24 years in three districts (urban, peri‐urban and rural) in Zimbabwe between March and August 2021. The sample was purposively selected to represent a range of experiences related to HIV status disclosure, gender, marital status and treatment experience. Separate workshops were conducted with 18 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 20 caregivers to better understand existing support mechanisms to AYPLHIV accessing ART. We used thematic analysis to examine adolescent VL literacy, treatment support networks, experiences of clinic interactions, VL testing procedures and barriers to adherence.ResultsVL literacy was consistently under‐developed among participants. Comprehension of phrases commonly heard during clinic visits, such as TND (target not detected) and “high” and “low” VL, were better understood by older participants. VL testing was predominantly understood as a clinical procedure that enables HCWs to monitor treatment adherence. Absent throughout the interviews were descriptions of how viral suppression improves health and quality of life, likely fosters wellbeing and enhances self‐esteem, enables participation in education and social activities, and eliminates the risk of onward transmission.ConclusionsIt is imperative that we reconsider how routine VL monitoring is communicated to and understood by AYPLHIV. Reframing ART, including VL test results, in terms of the psychosocial benefits that viral suppression can generate is likely to be crucial to motivating AYPLHIV to maintain optimal treatment engagement and develop self‐management approaches as they move into adulthood. Access to accurate information tailored to individual concerns and circumstances can support AYPLHIV to achieve wellbeing.
Neuroimmunology of rabies: New insights into an ancient disease
Authors: Bastos Victor , Pacheco Vinicius , Rodrigues Érika D. L. , Moraes Cássia N. S. , Nóbile Adriel L. , Fonseca Dennyson Leandro M. , Souza Kamilla B. S. , do Vale Fernando Y. N. , Filgueiras Igor S. , Schimke Lena F. , Giil Lasse M. , Moll Guido , Cabral‐Miranda Gustavo , Ochs Hans D. , Vasconcelos Pedro F. da Costa , de Melo Guilherme D. , Bourhy Hervé , Casseb Livia M. N. , Cabral‐Marques Otavio 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRabies is an ancient neuroinvasive viral (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) disease affecting approximately 59,000 people worldwide. The central nervous system (CNS) is targeted, and rabies has a case fatality rate of almost 100% in humans and animals. Rabies is entirely preventable through proper vaccination, and thus, the highest incidence is typically observed in developing countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. However, there are still cases in European countries and the United States. Recently, demographic, increasing income levels, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic have caused a massive raising in the animal population, enhancing the need for preventive measures (e.g., vaccination, surveillance, and animal control programs), postexposure prophylaxis, and a better understanding of rabies pathophysiology to identify therapeutic targets, since there is no effective treatment after the onset of clinical manifestations. Here, we review the neuroimmune biology and mechanisms of rabies. Its pathogenesis involves a complex and poorly understood modulation of immune and brain functions associated with metabolic, synaptic, and neuronal impairments, resulting in fatal outcomes without significant histopathological lesions in the CNS. In this context, the neuroimmunological and neurochemical aspects of excitatory/inhibitory signaling (e.g., GABA/glutamate crosstalk) are likely related to the clinical manifestations of rabies infection. Uncovering new links between immunopathological mechanisms and neurochemical imbalance will be essential to identify novel potential therapeutic targets to reduce rabies morbidity and mortality.
Dual‐view integral imaging display with adjustable optimal viewing distance
Authors: Zhao Bai‐Chuan , Zhou Yan , Yang Fan , Chen Liang‐Wei , Fu Yang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe propose a dual‐view integral imaging display that provides two three‐dimensional scenes at the same time. An adjustable pinhole array is generated by using a liquid crystal panel. The horizontal pitch of pinhole is adjustable, while the vertical one is unadjustable. The center of each elemental image is deviation from that of the corresponding pinhole. The light rays emitted from two kinds of elemental images are propagated into the left and right viewing directions. The horizontal viewing ranges are unrelated to the horizontal pitch of pinhole and the optimal viewing distance. By changing the horizontal pitch of pinhole, the optimal viewing distance is easily adjusted without loss of viewing angle. We developed an experimental apparatus and verified the proposed hypothesis.