bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sclerotic Bone Adversely Affects Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Distribution in Patients with Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Jiang Guanyin , Tang Yuchen , Xiang Shanlin , Wang Qiufu , Zhao Dezhang , Du Xing , Hao Jie , Hu Zhenming 
Published: February 2025

Background:
The effects of sclerotic bone on anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drug distribution in the blood and in spinal tuberculosis (STB) lesions were investigated.

Methods:
Fifty-six patients with STB were prospectively enrolled from January 2020 to March 2023 and were divided into 2 groups: a group with sclerotic bone and a group without sclerotic bone, as identified on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Individuals in the sclerotic bone group were further divided into fragmentary and non-fragmentary sclerotic bone groups. The patients underwent surgery, and blood was collected along with normal vertebral and STB-lesion-containing bone tissue samples. Following treatment, the samples were processed by a pharmacological laboratory in order to detect the concentrations of anti-TB drugs, including pyrazinamide, rifampicin, isoniazid, and ethambutol.

Results:
Twenty-seven East Asian female and 29 East Asian male patients with STB were included in this study. The levels of anti-TB drugs showed a progressive decrease with increased circulatory distance, from blood to normal vertebral tissue to TB lesions, across all patient groups. Drug concentrations in TB lesions in the sclerotic bone group were significantly lower than those in the non-sclerotic bone group, as were concentrations in TB lesions in the non-fragmentary sclerotic bone group relative to those in the fragmentary sclerotic bone group. Drug levels in the blood and in normal vertebral bone tissue did not significantly differ between the sclerotic and non-sclerotic groups, nor between the fragmentary and non-fragmentary groups. Drug levels in the blood were linearly correlated with those in TB lesions in both the non-sclerotic bone group and the fragmentary sclerotic bone group.

Conclusions:
These results indicate that sclerotic bone negatively affects the dissemination of anti-TB drugs, with non-fragmentary sclerotic bone posing a greater obstacle than fragmentary sclerotic bone. In patients with STB without sclerotic bone or with fragmentary sclerotic bone, anti-TB drug levels in the blood were linearly correlated with drug levels in STB lesions.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
What influences vocational college students’ actual use of mobile learning? An empirical study using the PLS-SEM method
Authors: Tan QI , Lin Xuefei , Li Wei , Xiong Bin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The vulnerable group of students in vocational institutions seems to have received insufficient attention in today's world of digital change. Thus, this study aimed to explore the factors influencing vocational college students’ actual use of mobile learning, and examine the moderating effect of gender. For this purpose, the technology acceptance model was adopted. There were 319 vocational college students from Liaoning (China), and these data were analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results showed that vocational college students’ behavioral intention positively and significantly affected their actual use of mobile learning. Based on the multi-group analysis, it was indicated that gender had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness and attitude and behavioral intention. This study provides empirical evidence revisiting the rationality of the classic technology acceptance model. Additionally, the findings are also beneficial for the leaders and teachers in vocational college to promote students’ actual use of mobile learning in an era of global technological change.
Mass spectrometry-based thermostability profiling of virus-derived MHC peptide complexes serves as an effective predictor of immunogenicity
Authors: Purcell Anthony , Shahbazy Mohammad , Ramarathinam Sri , Tscharke David , Li Chen , Faridi Pouya , Croft Nathan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encodes molecules that present peptides on the surface of cells to stimulate T-cell-mediated immune responses. The stability of peptide-MHC class I complexes (pMHCI) has been postulated to influence the immunogenicity of virus-derived epitopes and cancer neoepitopes. Here, we sought to investigate this further by conducting thermostability profiling of thousands of individual pMHCI, including a panel of 110 vaccinia virus (VACV) derived peptides with known CD8+ T cell response profiles. The denaturation profiles of these peptides spanned thermostability (Tm) ranges of 41.2°C to 65.1°C, and we found that thermostability correlated with immunogenicity in VACV-infected mice. We developed two machine learning-based models from these thermostability data to predict peptide immunogenicity and demonstrate the ability of this model to distinguish immunogenic epitopes derived from an unrelated infectious pathogen, influenza A virus in mice. Using such models, we provide evidence that the thermostability of pMHCI allows for improved prediction of immunogenic CD8+ T cell epitopes and conclude that this information is a valuable measurement for selecting optimal targets for T cell-mediated therapies and vaccine design.
Evaluation of the effect of biochanin b and Sorafenib on cell survival, growth, migration, colony formation and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Abdolkarimi Hamed , Jafarinia Mojtaba , Sadeghi Hossein , Forouzanfar Mohsen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Formononetin is a phytoestrogen isolated from several medicinal plants, and it is extensively investigated for its anti-cancer effects in several cells. However, the impact of formononetin on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been unclear. In this study, the influence of formononetin on cell growth, metabolism, and signaling molecules is examined in the HepG2 cells, singly and in combination with sorafenib. This study investigates the individual and combined effects of formononetin and sorafenib on growth, metabolism, and signaling in HepG2 cells, focusing on miR-21 regulation and theirdownstream effects for the first time. This study underscored the dependent effects of the two drugs on the expression of miR-21. The drugs, either alone or together, indirectly affect the expression of other genes via miR-21 as well as directly. this study aiming to explore its molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic values.
Materials and Methods: Materials and Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with formononetin, sorafenib, or a combination of both. cell growth, colony formation, migration, apoptosis, gene expression, and protein contents were investigated. Formononetin (1-640 µM) and sorafenib (0.01-64µM) or itscombination (0.01µM sorafenib+1µM formononetin) were tested.
Results: After 48 h, treatments reduced the cell viability and colony formation and induced apoptosis. miR-21 expression was significantly lowered by combination therapy which demonstrated the most potent inhibitory effect on EGFR, VEGF-A, MMP-9 expression, increasing BAD expression with the highest levels in the combination group, then sorafenib and followed by formononetin. Isolated compounds or their combination caused a reduction in survivin expression levels, with the least effect for formononetin and the most notable effect for combination treatment. Formononetin produced a more considerable reduction in the expression of EGFR and VEGF-A thansorafenib, but their combination caused the most prominent reductions.
Conclusion Formononetin is a promising compound as an adjuvant therapy for HCC, especially when used in combination with sorafenib. The combination therapy not only enhances the inhibition of key oncogenic pathways involved, such as EGFR, VEGF-A, and MMP-9, but also induces pro-apoptotic machinery by downregulating miR-21 and upregulating BAD expression. All these data suggest that formononetin, in combination with sorafenib, may present a more effective therapeutic approach againstHCC. More in-depth preclinical and clinical studies are needed to support the findings and establish its clinical applicability.
Clinical Outcomes of Pterygium Surgery Over a Ten-Year Period: A Review of Recurrence and Complication Rates
Authors: Noguera Sharlene I. , Nicanor Aniana Katherine S. , Ang Robert Edward T. , Cruz Emerson M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This study described the clinical profile and post-operative outcomes of patients who underwent pterygium surgery at an ambulatory eye center in the Philippines over a ten-year period.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed medical records of 462 eyes from 408 patients who underwent pterygium surgery by a single surgeon between February 2013 and August 2023. The study examined the clinical characteristics of patients with pterygium and evaluated the recurrence rates of three treatment methods: pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft (CAG), pterygium excision with dehydrated amniotic membrane graft (DAG), and primary excision with mitomycin C application. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of patient demographics, clinical profile, and postoperative outcomes.
Results
The mean patient age was 48 years (range 17–81), with a slight male predominance (57%). Nasal pterygium was the most common type (72%), followed by bipolar (8%) and temporal (3%) pterygium. Most cases were primary (81%), with T2G1 being the most common grading. Conjunctival autograft was the predominant surgical technique (94%), followed by dehydrated amniotic membrane graft (5%) and primary excision with mitomycin C application (1%). The overall recurrence rate was 1%, with conjunctival autograft showing the lowest rate, compared to dehydrated amniotic membrane graft and primary excision with mitomycin C. The complication rate was 4.5%, primarily minor findings such as conjunctival granuloma, wound dehiscence, and residual pterygium.
Conclusion
Most pterygium cases presented as primary and in the nasal area with T2G1 grading. This study supports conjunctival autograft as the preferred surgical technique for pterygium because of the low recurrence and complication rates.
Repression of Connexin26 Hemichannel activity protects the Barrier Function of Respiratory Airway Epithelial Cells against LPS-induced Alteration
Authors: Lehrich Tina , Dierks Anne , Plenge Masina , Obernolte Helena , Grieger Klaudia , Sewald Katherina , Rodriguez Frederic , Malet Lucie , Braubach Peter , Bedos-Belval Florence , Ngezahayo Anaclet 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In respiratory airway epithelial cells lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment induced an enhancement of connexin 26 (Cx26) hemichannel activity shown by dye uptake experiments combined with siRNA knock-down of Cx26. This effect was already observed at infection relevant concentrations (≤ 10 ng/mL LPS) and involved tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α- and Ca2+-dependent signaling. High concentrations (1 µg/mL LPS) reduced the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of Calu-3 cells by 35 % within an application time of 3 h followed by a recovery. Parallel to barrier alteration, a reduced tight junction organization rate (TiJOR) of claudin-4 (CLDN4) by 75 % was observed within an application time of 3 h. After TEER recovery, CLDN4 TiJOR stayed reduced. Low concentrations (10 ng/mL LPS) required three times repeated application for barrier and CLDN4 TiJOR reduction by 30 %. The small molecule CVB4-57, newly published as a potential inhibitor of Cx26 hemichannels, mitigated the effects of LPS on the epithelial barrier function. Molecular docking studies revealed a potential interaction between CVB4-57 and Cx26 thereby reducing its hemichannel activity. We conclude that LPS-related enhancement of Cx26 hemichannel activity acts like a “molecular scar” that weakens the lung epithelium, which could be attenuated by agent targeting the Cx26 hemichannels.
Complicated silicosis due to engineered stone: High metabolic activity in positron emission tomography and systemic inflammation years after exposure cessation
Authors: Antonio León-Jiménez , Julio Rodríguez-Rubio Corona , Gema Jiménez-Gómez , Luisa Piñero Fernández-Reyes María , Antonio Hidalgo-Molina , Magdalena Pajares-Vinardel , Ángel Conde-Sánchez Miguel , Antonio Campos-Caro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Engineered stone silicosis is an interstitial lung disease that progresses rapidly causing, in many cases, respiratory insufficiency and death. Metabolic activity in lungs and adenopathies and its relationships with systemic inflammation are unknown. Patients with complicated silicosis were enrolled. All had worked for at least 5 years in finishing and installing engineered stone and had ceased exposure for at least 7 years. Clinical data, positron emission tomography/computed tomography using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG PET/CT), respiratory function tests and blood samples were collected. Patients’ mean age was 44 ± 5.4 years. The average exposure duration was 10.94 ± 3.2. Years from cessation of exposure was 11.6 ± 1.6. The average maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of large opacities was 6.32 ± 3. All patients presented hypermetabolic mediastinal lymphadenopathies and 88.2% also extrathoracic lymphadenopathies. SUV max of large opacities was correlated with Fibrinogen (ρ = 0.717, P = 0.001), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (ρ = -0.506, P = 0.038), systemic inflammatory response index (ρ = 0.559, P = 0.02) and CD4 + NKT cells. Large lung opacities and lymphadenopathies showed high metabolic activity even years after silica exposure ended. The relationships between metabolic activity and some inflammatory factors open a pathway for exploring new therapeutic targets.
Thoracic paravertebral teratoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Tao Benzhang , Gao Gan , Chen Cheng , Zang Jinfeng , Li Teng , Qiao Guangyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Teratomas are among the most common germ cell tumors found in children. They predominantly occur in the sacrococcygeal region and often in the spinal canal, whereas paravertebral teratomas are very rare. Herein, we present a case of a paravertebral teratoma incidentally discovered in an 11-year-old boy. The tumor was located between the diaphragm, parietal pleura, ribs, and intercostal muscles. Complete resection was achieved using the paramedian approach. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no tumor residue or recurrence was observed at the 3-month follow-up. This case underscores the importance of considering teratomas in the differential diagnosis of paravertebral masses.
Revolutionizing UTI Treatment: Harnessing Ant Colony Optimization for Effective E. coli Combat in the Urinary Tract
Authors: Raikar Gokuldas (Vedant) S. , Raikar Amisha S. , Gururaj H.L. , Kumar Pramod , Somnache Sandesh N. , Sajanikar Atharva Y. , Hu Yu-Chen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This research presents a bio-inspired nanorobot swarming algorithm based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) for combating Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). UTIs caused by E. coli are a major global health concern. An approach that mimics the collective behavior of ant colonies in foraging tasks, utilizing ACO principles to guide the navigation and targeting of nanobots within the urinary tract, was proposed. Using NetLogo, an agent-based modeling platform, simulation and evaluation of the nanorobot swarm's performance was carried out. The swarm consists of autonomous agents that mimic ant behavior, with E. coli bacteria as the target. The efficacy of the ACO-based algorithm in eradicating E. coli in UTIs was demonstrated through extensive experimentation. Experimental results show that the algorithm successfully guides nanobots to locate and neutralize E. coli bacteria, reducing infection levels. The investigation also investigated the impact of parameters like pheromone evaporation rates and agent communication strategies on swarm performance. This research contributes to nanorobot technology advancement and highlights the potential of bio-inspired algorithms for medical challenges. The proposed ACO-based algorithm offers a targeted and efficient approach to combat E. coli infections in UTIs. Insights gained from this study can guide further research and development of nanorobot-based therapies for urinary tract infections and other infectious diseases.
Late time to treatment initiation and its determinants among patients with colorectal cancer in Amhara region oncology centers a multicentered cohort study a multicentered cohort study, Ethiopia, 2024
Authors: Walle Getachew Tesfaw , Meshesha Seteamlak Adane , kitaw Tegene Atamenta , Dagnew Betelihem Walelgn 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction: - Colorectal cancer is a significant cause of mortality globally. Timely initiation of treatment colorectal cancer is crucial, as delays have consistently shown to worsen outcomes and decrease overall survival rates. Despite this, the specific factors affecting late time to treatment initiation among colorectal cancer patients in the Amhara region have not been thoroughly investigated.
Objective: - To assess the late time to treatment initiation and its determinants among patients with colorectal cancer in Amhara region oncology centers a multicentered cohort study, Ethiopia, 2024.
Method and Material: - A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 484 study participants who started follow-up from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023 in Amhara Region Oncology Centers. Data were entered into Epi-data V4.2 and exported to STATA V14 statistical software for analysis. Cox regression model was used to identify factors associated with the incidence of mortality. All variables with P-value < 0.25 and ≤ 0.05 bi-variable and multivariable Cox regression model were considered statistical significance respectively.
Results: - The mean age of the participants was 48 years (SD± 7). The median waiting times was 117 days [95% CI: 95, 150]. The result of the multivariable analysis showed that rural residence [AHR= 1.34, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.79], Baseline body surface area £1.78m2 [AHR= 2.48, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.96], Distance of treatment center >80km ([AHR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.88] and start non chemotherapy regimens [AHR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.00,1.82] were significantly associated with delays time to treatment initiation.
Conclusion and recommendation: - The median waiting times was very high than previous study. Address rural residence, Baseline body surface area £1.78m2, Distance of treatment center >80km and start non chemotherapy regimens were imperative for optimizing survival outcomes. Government level managers enhancing health care facilities are crucial. Researchers, focus on factors like lifestyle, genetics and treatment quality.
A novel blood-free analytical framework for the quantification of neuroinflammatory load from TSPO PET Imaging
Authors: Maccioni Lucia , Brusaferri Ludovica , Barzon Leonardo , Schubert Julia J. , Nettis Maria A. , Cousins Oliver , Rosenzweig Ivana , Mizuno Yuya , Vicente-Rodríguez Marta , Singh Nisha , Marques Tiago R. , Harrison Neil A. , Fryer Tim , Bullmore Edward T. , Cash Diana , Mondelli Valeria , Pariante Carmine , Howes Oliver , Turkheimer Federico E. , Loggia Marco L. , Veronese Mattia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is critical for neuroinflammation studies but faces substantial methodological challenges. These include issues with arterial blood sampling for kinetic modeling, the absence of suitable reference regions, genetic polymorphisms affecting tracer affinity, altered blood-to-brain tracer delivery in inflammatory conditions, and high signal variability. This study presents a novel blood-free reference-free method for TSPO PET quantification, leveraging a logistic regression model to estimate the probability of TSPO overexpression across brain regions. Validation was performed on 323 human brain scans from five datasets and three radiotracers. The quantified TSPO topology in healthy controls showed strong concordance with the constitutive TSPO gene expression for all tracers. When using [11C]PBR28 PET data, the method replicated previous findings in schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic pain, and XBD173 blocking. However, model extension to [18F]DPA-714 and [11C]-(R)-PK11195 revealed small effect sizes and high variability, suggesting the need for tracer-specific model optimization. Finally, validation in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation confirmed previous evidence of increased brain TSPO uptake after a systemic challenge.
This novel non-invasive method provides individualized TSPO PET quantification, demonstrating broad applicability across TSPO PET tracers and imaging sites, assuming sufficient training data for model development.
Investigation of Microwave Towers Dynamic Response to Downburst Winds Using Cfd and Nonlinear Analysis
Authors: M Jaisheelan , KRP Satheesh Kumar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the structural response of microwave towers under downburst wind loads intense, localized downdrafts caused by thunderstorms that often exceed standard design pressures, threatening the stability of telecommunication infrastructure. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations, wind pressure profiles were analyzed. In Case 1, with the tower 95 meters from the downburst center, the average wind pressure was 1298 Pa, 28.5% lower than IS 875 standards, affecting primarily the lower sections (Zone I). In Case 2, at 35 meters from the center, pressure increased to 6425 Pa, exceeding IS 875 standards by 2.54 times and causing significant lateral stresses. Structural analysis revealed a base shear increase of 9.1%, from 1856.3 N in Case 1 to 2025.5 N in Case 2, with maximum deformation in Case 2 at 146.35 mm, below the IS 800 limit of 166 mm. Despite these extreme conditions, the structure remained within the elastic limit. Modal analysis confirmed that the first mode of vibration exceeded IS 1893 requirements, while the tower's spectral acceleration capacity of 3g allowed it to withstand accelerations up to three times gravity without permanent deformation. These findings emphasize the need for robust design strategies to enhance microwave tower resilience to extreme wind events.