bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Scalp Vascular Topography by Laser Doppler Flowmetry and Comparison of Vascular Damage by Different Blades in Hair Transplantation
Authors: Balik Ozan 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Although necrosis is a rare complication in hair transplantation, it is extremely traumatic for both the patient and surgeon and also has potential medicolegal consequence. Studies have shown that ischemia in the recipient bed is related to tissue damage caused by the instruments used and the number of grafts per cm².

Objective:
We aimed to measure the effects of different instruments on circulation by dividing the recipient area of hair grafts of the same person into 2 sides as right and left.

Methods and Materials:
Sapphire percutaneous blade was used on the right side, and a handmade razor slit was used on the left side in 12 male patients with consent. Subsequently, vascularity was evaluated with laser Doppler flowmetry.

Results:
Scalp vascularity has so far only been evaluated with macroanatomic studies in the literature. First, the authors evaluated the effect of local anesthesia and adrenaline-containing swelling fluids on vascularity with a Laser Doppler Flowmeter. Afterward, the tissue damage caused by sapphire percutaneous blades and handmade blades (obtained from razor blades) were quantitatively analyzed and compared with each other.

Conclusions:
Our results showed that handmade razor blades caused significantly less tissue damage.
Introducing a new methodology to improve the predictive value of ancient woodland indicator species for landscape history
Authors: Baxter Alistair , Forbes-Laird Julian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCertain species of vascular plants have been proposed as indicators of very long established woodland. In the England and Wales, woodland present continuously since at least 1600AD is known as ‘ancient woodland’, with the plants concerned being referred to as ‘ancient woodland indicator species’. A number of authors have considered this topic from differing angles, and the concept has been validated, though with problems identified. The authors introduce a new method, WISDOM, for recording and analysing indicator assemblages, and test this tool with a comparative assessment of their distribution and occurrence in a known ancient woodland and a known secondary woodland. This paper reports the results of this assessment, discussing also the evidential weight that can be attached to different species of indicator plants. A literature review is included, with the authors concluding that their findings are consistent with several strands of previous research.
An Injectable Subcutaneous Colon-Specific Immune Niche For The Treatment Of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Au Kin Man , Wilson Justin E. , Ting Jenny P.-Y. , Wang Andrew Z. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAs a chronic autoinflammatory condition, ulcerative colitis is often managed via systemic immunosuppressants. Here we show, in three mouse models of established ulcerative colitis, that a subcutaneously injected colon-specific immunosuppressive niche consisting of colon epithelial cells, decellularized colon extracellular matrix, and nanofibers functionalized with programmed death-ligand 1, CD86, a peptide mimic of transforming growth-factor-beta 1, and the immunosuppressive small molecule leflunomide, induced intestinal immunotolerance and reduced inflammation in the animals’ lower gastrointestinal tract. The bioengineered colon-specific niche triggered autoreactive-T-cell anergy and polarized pro-inflammatory macrophages via multiple immunosuppressive pathways, and prevented the infiltration of immune cells into the colon’s lamina propria, promoting the recovery of epithelial damage. The bioengineered niche also prevented colitis-associated colorectal cancer, and eliminated immune-related colitis triggered by kinase inhibitors and immune-checkpoint blockade.
Study protocol for a multi-centre stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial to explore the usability and outcomes among young people living with HIV in Kiambu and Kirinyaga counties of Kenya, using an online health portal
Authors: Nturibi Eric , Mecha Jared , Kubo Elizabeth , Orwa Albert , Kaara Florence , Musau Faith , Wamuyu Christine , Kilonzi Justus , Gill Randeep , Roels Sanne 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTIntroductionWhile the incidence of HIV declines in most age groups globally, it continues to rise among adolescents and young adults who also experience a higher rate of HIV-related deaths. These tech-savvy individuals might benefit from an online patient portal aimed at increasing awareness, building skills, and promoting patient activation – the willingness and capacity to independently manage their health. However, the impact of such portals on young HIV patients in Kenya remains uncertain.Methods and analysisHIV patients aged 15-24 with smartphone access will participate in a 12-month stepped wedge cluster randomized trial. The main focus will be the portal’s effect on patient activation, with secondary outcomes being self-reported adherence, viral suppression, and social involvement. The study also aims to understand the portal’s development, implementation, functionality, usability, and cost. From 47 antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites with electronic medical recording systems, 16 clusters of 30 participants each will be formed. These clusters, over 12 months, will be randomized into 3 intervention sequences every 3 months. Baseline measurements, covering patient activation, adherence, viral load, and social engagement, will be recorded over two weeks, with subsequent checks at 3, 6, and 12 months. Data will be analyzed using generalised linear mixed models.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol has received approval from the AMREF Health Africa Ethics & Scientific Review Committee (ESRC) and local governments. Findings will be shared through stakeholder forums, conferences, publications, and media.Author SummaryWhat is the issue?HIV infections among teenagers and young adults are increasing, particularly in Kenya. Given their technological inclination, an online portal might help them manage their health. The effectiveness of this approach remains uncertain.What are our actions?We are running a year-long study in Kenya with HIV-positive individuals aged 15 to 24 who have smartphones. The goal is to see if the portal aids their health management. We’re assessing health readiness, medication adherence, HIV control, and social connection. The study involves groups from 47 HIV treatment centers, with new groups engaging with the portal every three months.What are our assessment methods?We will use statistical methods to gauge the portal’s impact on health management.Is the study approved?Yes. It has endorsements from AMREF Health Africa and local governments. Results will be shared with the community, at conferences, in scientific journals, and in the media.
Anchoring of parasitic plasmids to inactive regions of eukaryotic chromosomes through nucleosome signal
Authors: Girard Fabien , Even Antoine , Thierry Agnès , Ruault Myriam , Meneu Léa , Adiba Sandrine , Taddei Angela , Koszul Romain , Cournac Axel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNatural plasmids are common in prokaryotes but few have been documented in eukaryotes. The natural 2µ plasmid present in budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis one of the most well characterized. This highly stable genetic element coexists with its host for millions of years, efficiently segregating at each cell division through a mechanism that remains poorly understood. Using proximity ligation (Hi-C, Micro-C) to map the contacts between the 2µ and yeast chromosomes under dozens of different biological conditions, we found that the plasmid tether preferentially on regions with low transcriptional activity, often corresponding to long inactive genes. Common players in chromosome structure such as members of the structural maintenance of chromosome complexes (SMC) are not involved in these contacts which depend instead on a nucleosomal signal associated with a depletion of RNA Pol II. These contacts are stable throughout the cell cycle, and can be established within minutes. This strategy may involve other types of DNA molecules and species other thanS. cerevisiae, as suggested by the binding pattern of the natural plasmid along the silent regions of the chromosomes ofDictyostelium discoideum.
Architecture and rearrangements of a sperm-specific Na+/H+exchanger
Authors: Pal Kamalendu , Chowdhury Sandipan 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTThe sperm-specific sodium hydrogen exchanger, SLC9C1, underlies hyperpolarization and cyclic nucleotide stimulated proton fluxes across sperm membranes and regulates their hyperactivated motility. SLC9C1 is the first known instance of an ion transporter that uses a canonical voltage-sensing domain (VSD) and an evolutionarily conserved cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) to influence the dynamics of its ion-exchange domain (ED). The structural organization of this ‘tripartite transporter’ and the mechanisms whereby it integrates physical (membrane voltage) and chemical (cyclic nucleotide) cues are unknown. In this study, we use single particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of a metazoan SLC9C1 in different conformational states. We find that the three structural domains are uniquely organized around a distinct ring-shaped scaffold that we call the ‘allosteric ring domain’ or ARD. The ARD undergoes coupled proton-dependent rearrangements with the ED and acts as a ‘signaling hub’ enabling allosteric communication between the key functional modules of sp9C1. We demonstrate that binding of cAMP causes large conformational changes in the cytoplasmic domains and disrupts key ARD-linked interfaces. We propose that these structural changes rescue the transmembrane domains from an auto-inhibited state and facilitate their functional dynamics. Our study provides a structural framework to understand and further probe electrochemical linkage in SLC9C1.
Study-Phase Reinstatement
Authors: Halpern David J. , Lega Bradley C. , Gross Robert E. , Wu Chengyuan , Sperling Michael R. , Aronson Joshua P. , Jobst Barbara C. , Kahana Michael J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCan the brain improve the retrievability of an experience after it has occurred? Systems consolidation theory proposes that item-specific cortical reactivation during post-encoding rest periods facilitates the formation of stable memory representations, a prediction supported by neural evidence in humans and animals. Such reactivation may also occur on shorter time scales, offering a potential account of classic list memory phenomena but lacking in support from neural data. Leveraging the high-temporal specificity of intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG), we investigate spontaneous reactivation of previously experienced items during brief intervals between individual encoding events. Across two large-scale free recall experiments, we show that reactivation during these periods, measured by spectral iEEG similarity, predicts subsequent recall. In a third experiment, we show that the same methodology can identify post-encoding reactivation that correlates with subsequent memory, consistent with previous results. Thus, spontaneous study-phase reinstatement reliably predicts memory behavior, linking psychological accounts to neural mechanisms and providing evidence for rapid consolidation processes during encoding.
Targeting LC3/GABARAP for degrader development and autophagy modulation
Authors: Schwalm Martin P. , Dopfer Johannes , Kumar Adarsh , Greco Francesco A. , Bauer Nicolas , Löhr Frank , Heering Jan , Cano Sara , Lechner Severin , Hanke Thomas , Bekic Ivana , Morasch Viktoria , Fearon Daren , Marples Peter G. , Tomlinson Charles W. E. , Brunello Lorene , Saxena Krishna , Adams Nathan , von-Delft Frank , Müller Susanne , Stolz Alexandra , Proschak Ewgenij , Kuster Bernhard , Knapp Stefan , Rogov Vladimir V. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRecent successes in developing small-molecule degraders that act through the ubiquitin system have spurred efforts to extend this technology to other mechanisms, including the autophagosomal-lysosomal pathway. Therefore, reports of autophagosome tethering compounds (ATTECs) have received considerable attention from the drug development community. ATTECs are based on the target recruitment to LC3/GABARAP, a family of membrane-bound proteins that tether autophagy receptors to the autophagosome. In order to validate the existing ligands, we rigorously tested target engagement of reported ATTEC ligands and handles. Surprisingly, using various biophysical methods, most available ligands did not interact with their designated target LC3. Intrigued by the idea of developing ATTECs, we evaluated the druggability of LC3/GABARAP byin silicodocking and large scale crystallographic fragment screening. The data revealed that most fragments bound to the HP2, but not the HP1 pocket of the LC3-interacting region (LIR) docking site, suggesting favorable druggability of this binding pocket. Here, we present diverse comprehensively validated ligands for future ATTEC development.
Heparan-6-O-endosulfatase 2 promotes invasiveness of head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines in co-cultures with cancer associated fibroblasts
Authors: Mukherjee Pritha , Zhou Xin , Benicky Julius , Panigrahi Aswini , Aljuhani Reem , Liu Jian , Ailles Laurie , Pomin Vitor H. , Wang Zhangjie , Goldman Radoslav 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLocal invasiveness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a complex phenomenon supported by interaction of the cancer cells with the TME. We and others have shown that CAFs are a component of the TME that can promote local invasion in HNSCC and other cancers. Here we report that the secretory enzyme Sulf-2 directly affects the CAF-supported invasion of HNSCC cell lines SCC35 and Cal33 into Matrigel. The Sulf-2 knockout (KO) cells differ from their wild type counterparts in their spheroid growths and formation, and the Sulf-2-KO leads to decreased invasion in a spheroid co-culture model with the CAF. Next, we investigated whether a fucosylated chondroitin sulfate isolated from the sea cucumberHolothuria Floridana(HfFucCS), affects activity of the Sulf-2 enzyme. Our results show that HfFucCS not only inhibits efficiently the Sulf-2 enzymatic activity but, like the Sulf-2 knockout, inhibits Matrigel invasion of the SCC35 and Cal33 cells co-cultured with the primary HNSCC CAF. These findings suggest that the heparan 6-O-endosulfatases regulate local invasion and could be therapeutically targeted with the inhibitory activity of a marine glycosaminoglycan.Simple SummaryLocal invasion of cancer cells is an early step in the cascade of metastasis that requires cooperation of multiple factors and cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME). One important factor is the crosstalk of cancer cells with cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF). Here we explore the impact of a secretory enzyme heparan-6-O-endosulfatase 2 (Sulf-2) on the CAF-assisted invasion of head and neck squamous carcinoma cells into matrigel. We show that Sulf-2 knock out inhibits cancer cell invasion in a spheroid co-culture model and we identified a novel Sulf-2 inhibitor that, in the same model, limits cancer cell invasion.
Potential use of Sodium Butyrate (SB) as an anti-virulence agent againstVibrio choleraetargeting ToxT virulence protein
Authors: Kundu Sushmita , Das Suman , Maitra Priyanka , Halder Prolay , Koley Hemanta , Mukhopadhyay Asish K. , Miyoshi Shin-ichi , Dutta Shanta , Chatterjee Nabendu Sekhar , Bhattacharya Sushmita 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTCholera, a diarrhoeal disease caused by gram-negative bacteriumVibrio choleraeremains a global health threat in developing countries owing to its high transmissibility and increase in antibiotic resistance. The current issue is to overcome the problem of resistance by antimicrobial therapy. There is a need for alternative strategies with an emphasis on anti-virulent approaches to alter the outcome of bacterial infections.Vibrio choleraecauses cholera by secreting virulence factors in the intestinal epithelial cells. Virulence factors help in cholera toxin production and colonisation during infection. Here, we show that sodium butyrate (SB), a small molecule, had no effect on bacterial viability but was effective in suppressing the virulence attributes ofV. cholerae. The production of cholera toxin (CT) was downregulated in a standardV. choleraeEl Tor strain and two clinical isolates when grown in presence of sodium butyrate. Analysis of mRNA and protein levels further demonstrated that sodium butyrate reduced the expression of the ToxT-dependent virulence genes liketcpAandctxAB. DNA-protein interaction assays conducted at cellular (ChIP) and inin vitroconditions (EMSA) indicated that sodium butyrate weakens the binding between ToxT and its downstream promoter DNA, likely by blocking DNA binding. Furthermore, the efficacy of sodium butyrate was confirmed by showing its anti-virulence activity and tissue damage recovery in animal models. Collectively, these findings suggest that sodium butyrate (SB) has the potential to be developed as an anti-virulence agent againstV. choleraein place of conventional antibiotics or as an adjunctive therapy to combat cholera.IMPORTANCEThe world has been facing an upsurge in cholera cases since 2021 with a similar trend continuing into 2022 with over 29 countries reporting cholera outbreaks (World Health Organization 16 December 2022 Disease Outbreak News; Cholera – Global situation). Treatment of cholera involves oral rehydration therapy coupled with antibiotics to reduce the duration of the illness. However, over the last few years, there has been indiscriminate use of antibiotics that contributed largely to the reservoir of antibiotic-resistant strains. In this study, we have addressed the problem of antibiotic resistance by targeting virulence factors. The screening of several compounds led to the identification of a small molecule, sodium butyrate that inhibits the virulence cascade inV. cholerae. We demonstrated that (i) sodium butyrate intervened with ToxT protein-DNA binding and subsequently affected the expression of ToxT-regulated virulence genes (ctxABandtcpA) (ii) Sodium Butyrate is a potential therapeutic candidate for development of novel antimicrobial agents.
Aquaporin 1 confers apoptosis resistance in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells from the SU5416 hypoxia rat model
Authors: Yun Xin , Niedermeyer Shannon , Andrade Manuella Ribas , Jiang Haiyang , Suresh Karthik , Kolb Todd , Damarla Mahendra , Shimoda Larissa A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a deadly condition that arises from increased pulmonary vascular resistance due to contraction and remodeling of the pulmonary arteries. The structural changes that occur in the pulmonary arteries include thickening of the medial (smooth muscle) layer resulting from increased proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. The mechanisms underlying apoptosis resistance in PAH are not fully understood. In cancer cells, high expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1), a water channel, is associated with apoptosis resistance. We previously showed functional AQP1 protein was expressed in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and was upregulated in pre-clinical models of pulmonary hypertension. Whether AQP1 controls susceptibility of PASMCs to apoptosis in pre-clinical models of PAH is unknown. In this study, we used PASMCs isolated from control rats and rats exposed to SU5416 plus hypoxia (SuHx) to test the role of AQP1 in modulating apoptosis in PASMCs. We found that elevated levels of AQP1 in PASMCs from pulmonary hypertensive rats were necessary for resistance to apoptosis, and that apoptosis resistance could be conferred by increasing expression of AQP1 in PASMCs from control rats. Moreover, in exploring the downstream pathways involved, we found AQP1 levels influence the expression of Bcl-2, with enhanced AQP1 levels corresponding to increased Bcl-2 expression, resulting in reductions in the ratio of BAX to Bcl-2 as are typically associated with apoptosis resistance. These early results provide a mechanism by which AQP1 can regulate PASMC fate and suggest further investigation could provide additional clues regarding whether AQP1-mediated apoptosis resistance contributes to PAH development or progression and whether AQP1 might be a suitable target for therapy.
Chromosomal copy number variations in miscarriages and the geneic counseling of recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Hu Hui , Li Jin , Duan Jie , Yu Li , Ye Guangming , Gao Na , Yang Na , Qiu Xueping , Jin Xin , Sheng Shuyang , Cheng Yating , Zhang Yuanzhen , Ma Jianhong , Zheng Fang 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to explore the copy number variations (CNVs) associated with miscarriage. A total of 662 specimens of aborted embryonic tissue and 54 samples from peripheral blood were collected. Next generation sequencing for CNV analysis was performed to determine the type and clinical significance of possible CNVs, and relevant medical records were collected. Autosomal trisomy, both single and multiple, was the most common abnormality (207 cases, 63.5% of abnormalities). Trisomy 16 was the most frequent single trisomy, followed by trisomy 22, trisomy 15 and trisomy 21. The rate of chromosomal abnormalities of fetuses in early pregnancy (65.4%) was higher than that of fetuses in middle pregnancy (16.4%). There were 82 pregnant women with recurrent abortion, and the embryo with pathogenic CNVs was conceived in 62 (76%) cases, while the embryo with variants of unknown significance (VUS) in 12 (15%) cases. Among the 27 couples with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), there were 4 (14.8%) couples with CNV abnormal in both partners, 16 (59.3%) couples with CNV abnormal only in the women, and 7 (25.9%) couples with CNV abnormal only in the men. These retrospective analyses of CNV-seq results provided a reference for genetic counseling of the relationship between VUS and RPL.