bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased blood immune regulatory cells in severe COVID-19 with autoantibodies to type I interferons
Authors: Saheb Sharif-Askari Fatemeh , Saheb Sharif-Askari Narjes , Hafezi Shirin , Alsayed Hawra Ali Hussain , Selvakumar Balachandar , Eladham Mariam Wed Abdelaziz , Mdkhana Bushra , Bayram Ola Salam , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Halwani Rabih 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe hallmark of severe COVID-19 is an uncontrolled inflammatory response, resulting from poorly understood immunological dysfunction. While regulatory T (Treg) and B (Breg) cells, as the main elements of immune homeostasis, contribute to the control of hyperinflammation during COVID-19 infection, we hypothesized change in their levels in relation to disease severity and the presence of autoantibodies (auto-Abs) to type I IFNs. Cytometric analysis of blood of 62 COVID-19 patients with different severities revealed an increased proportion of conventional (cTreg; CD25+FoxP3+) and unconventional (uTreg; CD25-FoxP3+) Tregs, as well as the LAG3+ immune suppressive form of cTreg/uTreg, in the blood of severe COVID-19 cases compared to the milder, non-hospitalized cases. The increase in blood levels of cTreg/uTreg, but not LAG3+ cTreg/uTreg subtypes, was even higher among patients with severe COVID-19 and auto-Abs to type I IFNs. Regarding Bregs, compared to the milder, non-hospitalized cases, the proportion of IL-35+ and IL-10+ Bregs was elevated in the blood of severe COVID-19 patients, and to a higher extent in those with auto-Abs to type I IFNs. Moreover, blood levels of cTreg, LAG3+ cTreg/uTreg, and IL-35+ and IL-10+ Breg subtypes were associated with lower blood levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-17, TNFα, and IL-1β. Interestingly, patients who were treated with either tocilizumab and/or a high dose of Vitamin D had higher blood levels of these regulatory cells and better control of the proinflammatory cytokines. These observations suggest that perturbations in the levels of immunomodulatory Tregs and Bregs occur in COVID-19, especially in the presence of auto-Abs to type I IFNs.
HokUS-10 scoring system predicts the treatment outcome for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Shiratori Souichi , Okada Kohei , Sugita Junichi , Nishida Mutsumi , Iwai Takahito , Ota Shuichi , Hashimoto Daigo , Teshima Takanori 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a severe and life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We conducted a multi-center retrospective study to evaluate the utility of our ultrasonographic scoring system for the diagnosis of SOS (HokUS-10) in predicting SOS-related mortality (SOS-RM). We analyzed a total of 42 patients who developed SOS after HSCT. The cumulative incidences of SOS-RM, non-relapse mortality (NRM), and overall survival at day 180 after the diagnosis of SOS were 26.4%, 28.8% and 54.5%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of HokUS-10 total score to predict SOS-RM was 8 points after the treatment of SOS. In the individual HokUS-10 score, ascites and portal vein flow-related scores (PV mean velocity and PV flow direction) after the treatment of SOS were shown as significant risk factors for SOS-RM. Our study suggested that US findings after the treatment can predict the treatment outcomes for SOS.
PFKP is a prospective prognostic, diagnostic, immunological and drug sensitivity predictor across pan-cancer
Authors: Peng Jian , Li Pingping , Li Yuan , Quan Jichuan , Yao Yanwei , Duan Junfang , Liu Xuemei , Li Hao , Yuan Dajiang , Wang Xiaoru 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhosphofructokinase, platelet (PFKP) is a rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis that plays a decisive role in various human physio-pathological processes. PFKP has been reported to have multiple functions in different cancer types, including lung cancer and breast cancer. However, no systematic pancancer analysis of PFKP has been performed; this type of analysis could elucidate the clinical value of PFKP in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, drug sensitivity, and immunological correlation. Systematic bioinformation analysis of PFKP was performed based on several public datasets, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA). Prospective carcinogenesis of PFKP across cancers was estimated by expression analysis, effect on patient prognosis, diagnosis significance evaluation, and immunity regulation estimation. Then, pancancer functional enrichment of PFKP was also assessed through its effect on the signaling score and gene expression profile. Finally, upstream expression regulation of PFKP was explored by promoter DNA methylation and transcription factor (TF) prediction. Our analysis revealed that high expression of PFKP was found in most cancer types. Additionally, a high level of PFKP displayed a significant correlation with poor prognosis in patients across cancers. The diagnostic value of PFKP was performed based on its positive correlation with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). We also found an obvious immune-regulating effect of PFKP in most cancer types. PFKP also had a strong negative correlation with several cancer drugs. Finally, ectopic expression of PFKP may depend on DNA methylation and several predicated transcription factors, including the KLF (KLF transcription factor) and Sp (Sp transcription factor) families. This pancancer analysis revealed that a high expression level of PFKP might be a useful biomarker and predictor in most cancer types. Additionally, the performance of PFKP across cancers also suggested its meaningful role in cancer immunity regulation, even in immunotherapy and drug resistance. Overall, PFKP might be explored as an auxiliary monitor for pancancer early prognosis and diagnosis.
Localization of composite prosthetic feet: manufacturing processes and production guidelines
Authors: Elgamsy Ramadan , Awad Mohammed Ibrahim , Ramadan Noha , Amer Ayman , Osama Yomna , El-hilaly Rana , Elsabbagh Ahmed 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAmputation levels in Egypt and the surrounding neighborhood require a state intervention to localize the manufacturing of prosthetic feet. Amputations are mainly due to chronic diseases, accidents, and hostilities’ casualties. The prosthetic foot type is traditionally classified according to the number of axial rotational movements, and is recently classified according to the energy activeness of the foot. The localization of this industry needs a preliminary survey of the domestic technological levels with respect to the foot type. Upon the results of this survey, the energy storage response foot has appealing metrics to proceed with its manufacturing. A prototype manufacturing chain is designed and a set of these feet with a certain commercial size of 27 is manufactured. Resin impregnation technology for carbon fiber composites is followed in this work. The feet are tested according to ISO 22,675. Based on the dimensional and mechanical results, a manufacturing value chain is proposed with the prospective resin transfer molding technology. This value chain will guarantee the required localization as well as the natural growth of this value chain with all related activities like accreditation of practices as well as manpower certification.
Subcellular distribution of the rAAV genome depends on genome structure
Authors: Oh Nuri , Tarte Naresh H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMany studies have been conducted on the transduction efficiency of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) depending on the serotype and genome structure, such as single-stranded (ss) and self-complementary (sc). To understand the variation in therapeutic efficacy, we focused on investigating subcellular distribution of viral genome depending on rAAV genome structure. It is critical to ascertain the location of the virus within the host cell after the entry because a larger amount of the viral genome placed in the nucleus facilitates viral genome replication by utilizing the host cell's system, thereby enhancing the therapeutic outcome. In this sense, tracking the location of the virus within the host cell's organelles can inform a new strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we attempted to stain only the viral genome with APEX2 and DAB chemicals specifically, and the distribution of the viral genome was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Consequently, when the two types of rAAV were transduced for 6 h, scAAV2 tended to be more located in the lysosome and nucleus compared to ssAAV2.
Ganoderma lucidum methanolic extract as a potent phytoconstituent: characterization, in-vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Gholami Ahmad , Omidifar Navid , Chiang Wei-Hung , Neralla Vijayakameswara Rao , Yousefi Khadije , Shokripour Mansoureh 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGanoderma lucidum methanolic extract (GLME) has attracted tremendous attention due to its exceptional antimicrobial and anticancer properties that can be delicately tuned by controlling the initial extraction's content and concentration. Herein, we detailed the characterization, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic performance of GLME as a potential multi-functional therapeutic agent. Accordingly, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, and HPLC analyses were employed to assess the samples, followed by disc diffusion and microdilution broth methods to test its antibacterial effects against four Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, viz., Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MTT assay was applied to determine the cytotoxic activity of GLME against PDL and Hek-293 normal cell lines and MCF-7 and K-562 cancer cell lines. The IC50 values of 598 µg mL-1 and 291 µg mL-1 were obtained for MCF-7 and K-562 cancer cell lines, which confirmed the stronger anticancer activity of the GLME against blood cancer cells than breast cancer cells. This is while the IC50 of normal Hek-293 cells is 751 µg mL-1, and the lowest toxicity was observed for normal PDL cells with more than 57% survival at a concentration of 3000 µg mL-1. The results showed that the antibacterial property of this product against E.coli bacteria was higher than streptomycin, so the zone of inhibition was observed as 44 ± 0.09 mm and 30 ± 0.11 mm, respectively. These data provide valuable insights into the therapeutic usage of GLME for treating breast and blood cancers. This work is motivated by research studies looking for pharmacological products to address chronic and acute diseases, where further resources and studies are required to explore such products' adverse effects and toxicity.
Bioinformatic analysis of m6A “reader” YTH family in pan-cancer as a clinical prognosis biomarker
Authors: Li Lin , Tang Chao , Ye Jianqing , Xu Da , Chu Chuanmin , Wang Lei , Zhou Qiwei , Gan Sishun , Liu Bing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe m6A methylation of mRNA has been demonstrated to interact with the “Reader”. YTH domain family is one of the readers containing five members involved in the progression of multiple tumors. The present study aimed to explore the YTH family's role in seventeen cancer types. Data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and analyzed by Software R 3.6.3. Using different bioinformatics methods, including analyses of the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) enrichment. Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), CIBERSORT algorithm, multivariate and lasso cox regression analysis our results reveal that, while the expression of the YTH domain family varies distinctively in different cancer types the expression of YTH family is upregulated in most cancer types, especially in liver cancer, and the liver cancer prediction model established herein includes YTHDF1 and YTHDF2. Therefore, the results of the present study have demonstrated that the YTH domain family has the potential to predict the prognosis of cancer and the sensitivity to immunotherapy.
Mercaptonicotinic acid activated thiolated chitosan (MNA-TG-chitosan) to enable peptide oral delivery by opening cell tight junctions and enhancing transepithelial transport
Authors: Pratap-Singh Anubhav , Guo Yigong , Baldelli Alberto , Singh Anika 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRecent advances in peptide delivery and nanotechnology has resulted in emergence of several non-parenteral administration routes that replace subcutaneous injections associated with patient discomfort. Thiolated biopolymers are relatively new materials being explored to enhance mucoadhesivity and permeability in these efforts, yet their pH dependent reactivity remains an obstacle. This work focussed on improving the mucoadhesivity of thiolated chitosans by activating them with mercaptonicotinic acid, in a bid to create a novel thiomerized chitosan that can open cell tight junctions for application in oral delivery. The synthesized mercaptonicotinic acid activated thiolated chistoan (MNA-TG-chitosan), along with thiolated chitosan (TG-chitosan) and unmodified chitosan were then used to create insulin nanoparticles (insNPs) using spray drying encapsulation process. Use of MNA-TG-chitosan in place of chitosan resulted in reduction of particle size of insNPs from 318 to 277 nm with no significant changes in polydispersity index (~ 0.2), encapsulation efficiency (~ 99%), insulin loading content (~ 25%) and morphology. Results from in-vitro cytotoxicity on TR146, CaCo2 and HepG2 cell lines revealed no significant effects on cell viability at 50–1000 μg/mL concentration. insNPs encapsulated with the new material, MNA-TG-chitosan, resulted in a 1.5-fold and 4.4-fold higher cellular uptake by HepG2 liver cells where insulin is metabolized, approximately 40% and 600% greater insulin transport through TR146 buccal cell monolayers, and 40% and 150% greater apparent permeability than insNPs encapsulated with unmodified chitosan and TG-chitosan respectively. The higher permeation achieved on using MNA-TG chitosan was attributed to the greater opening of the cell tight junction evidenced by reduction of transepithelial electrical resistance of TR146 buccal cell monolayers. This study demonstrates MNA-TG-chitosan as a promising material for improved peptide oral delivery.
Neural mechanisms underlying interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainable behavior
Authors: Baumgartner Thomas , Guizar Rosales Emmanuel , Knoch Daria 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntergenerational sustainability is a pressing challenge, which is exacerbated by the fact that the current generation must make sacrifices today to ensure the well-being of future generations. There are large interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainable behavior. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these interindividual differences have remained unexplored. Here, we combined fMRI with a consequential intergenerational sustainability paradigm in a sample of 72 healthy students. Specifically, we analyzed task-dependent functional activity and connectivity during intergenerational sustainable decision-making, focusing on the state-like neurophysiological processes giving rise to behavioral heterogeneity in sustainability. We found that differences in neural communication within and between the mentalizing (TPJ/DMPFC) and cognitive control (ACC/DLPFC) network are related to interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainable behavior. Specifically, the stronger the functional connectivity within and between these networks during decision-making, the more individuals behaved intergenerationally sustainably. Corroborated by mediation analyses, these findings suggest that differences in the engagement of perspective-taking and self-control processes underly interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainable behavior. By answering recent calls for leveraging behavioral and neuroscience for sustainability research, we hope to contribute to interdisciplinary efforts to advance the understanding of interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainability.
Functional characterization of a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase from Schizophyllum commune that degrades non-crystalline substrates
Authors: Østby Heidi , Christensen Idd A. , Hennum Karen , Várnai Anikó , Buchinger Edith , Grandal Siri , Courtade Gaston , Hegnar Olav A. , Aachmann Finn L. , Eijsink Vincent G. H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are mono-copper enzymes that use O2 or H2O2 to oxidatively cleave glycosidic bonds. LPMOs are prevalent in nature, and the functional variation among these enzymes is a topic of great interest. We present the functional characterization of one of the 22 putative AA9-type LPMOs from the fungus Schizophyllum commune, ScLPMO9A. The enzyme, expressed in Escherichia coli, showed C4-oxidative cleavage of amorphous cellulose and soluble cello-oligosaccharides. Activity on xyloglucan, mixed-linkage β-glucan, and glucomannan was also observed, and product profiles differed compared to the well-studied C4-oxidizing NcLPMO9C from Neurospora crassa. While NcLPMO9C is also active on more crystalline forms of cellulose, ScLPMO9A is not. Differences between the two enzymes were also revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) titration studies showing that, in contrast to NcLPMO9C, ScLPMO9A has higher affinity for linear substrates compared to branched substrates. Studies of H2O2-fueled degradation of amorphous cellulose showed that ScLPMO9A catalyzes a fast and specific peroxygenase reaction that is at least two orders of magnitude faster than the apparent monooxygenase reaction. Together, these results show that ScLPMO9A is an efficient LPMO with a broad substrate range, which, rather than acting on cellulose, has evolved to act on amorphous and soluble glucans.
Feasibility of articulating laparoscopic instruments in laparoscopic gastrectomy using propensity score matching
Authors: Kang So Hyun , Hwang Duyeong , Yoo Mira , Lee Eunju , Park Young Suk , Ahn Sang-Hoon , Suh Yun-Suhk , Kim Hyung-Ho 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAdvancements in minimally invasive surgery has led to the development of several surgical instruments, including the ArtiSential®. This new instrument provides a greater range of motion and improved dexterity to laparoscopic procedures, making it an alternative option to traditional straight instruments, and the Da Vinci robot system. The purpose of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes of a prospective cohort of patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy using articulating instruments with those of a historical cohort of patients who underwent the same procedure using straight instruments. The study was designed as a prospective observational cohort study matched to a retrospective historical cohort using propensity score matching. The primary outcome was the rate of early complications within 90 days of surgery. Other outcomes included the operation time, estimated blood loss, time to first flatus, time to first soft fluid diet, hospital stay, and mortality. After propensity score matching, 41 patients were enrolled in both groups. The mean age was 62.4 ± 12.3 years in the conventional group and 63.5 ± 9.6 years in the artisential group (p = 0.647). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the artisential group compared to the conventional group (136.1 min vs. 163.9 min, p = 0.032). The time to first soft fluid diet was also significantly shorter in the artisential group (2.2 days vs. 2.8 days, p = 0.030), but there was no significant difference in the time to first flatus and overall hospital stay. The incidence of early complications was lower in the artisential group, but the difference was not significant (24.4% vs 7.3%, p = 0.070). There was no mortality in either group. The use of articulating instruments for laparoscopic gastrectomy did not increase postoperative morbidity compared to straight laparoscopic instruments. The use of articulating instruments may be associated with faster bowel recovery and less early complications.
Predictive modelling of heating and cooling degree hour indexes for residential buildings based on outdoor air temperature variability
Authors: Kajewska-Szkudlarek Joanna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHeating and cooling degree hours (HDH and CDH) are weather-based technical indexes designed to describe the need for energy requirements of buildings. Their calculation is the simplest method to estimate energy demand, providing the pattern of internal temperature variations in a building in response to weather conditions. The aim of the study is HDH and CDH prediction for Wrocław, Poland, based on outdoor air temperature using machine learning methods: artificial neural networks and support vector regression (ANN and SVR). The key issues raise in the study are: a detailed analysis of the most significant temperature lags (from 1 to 24 past hours) serving as predictors for modelling and an assessment of the impact of the database clustering on its accuracy. The best results are obtained with the clustering approach. The best predictor is the outdoor temperature observed 1 and 24 h before forecast demand (R2 = 0.981 and 0.904 for heating degree and cooling degree hours indices, respectively). Models with the highest quality are created using ANN, and the lowest with SVR. Prediction of heating/cooling degree hour indices provides building demand in advance, does not require knowledge about its characteristics, and expresses the possible impact of regional climate modifications.
Human mobility networks manifest dissimilar resilience characteristics at macroscopic, substructure, and microscopic scales
Authors: Hsu Chia-Wei , Ho Matthew Alexander , Mostafavi Ali 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHuman mobility networks can reveal insights into resilience phenomena, such as population response to, impacts on, and recovery from crises. The majority of human mobility network resilience characterizations, however, focus mainly on macroscopic network properties; little is known about variation in measured resilience characteristics (i.e., the extent of impact and recovery duration) across macroscopic, substructure (motif), and microscopic mobility scales. To address this gap, in this study, we examine the human mobility network in eight parishes in Louisiana (USA) impacted by the 2021 Hurricane Ida. We constructed human mobility networks using location-based data and examined three sets of measures: (1) macroscopic measures, such as network density, giant component size, and modularity; (2) substructure measures, such as motif distribution; and (3) microscopic mobility measures, such as the radius of gyration and average travel distance. To determine the extent of impact and duration of recovery, for each measure, we established the baseline values and examined the fluctuation of measures during the perturbation caused by Hurricane Ida. The results reveal the variation of impact extent and recovery duration obtained from different sets of measures at different scales. Macroscopic measures, such as giant components, tend to recover more quickly than substructure and microscopic measures. In fact, microscopic measures tend to recover more slowly than measures in other scales. These findings suggest that resilience characteristics in human mobility networks are scale-variant, and thus, a single measure at a particular scale may not be representative of the perturbation impacts and recovery duration in the network as a whole. These results spotlight the need to use measures at different scales to properly characterize resilience in human mobility networks.