bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin‐9 alleviates acute graft‐versus‐host disease after haplo‐hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by regulating regulatory T cell/effector T cell imbalance
Authors: Pang Nannan , Tudahong Shabaaiti , Zhu Yuejie , He Jiang , Han Chunxia , Chen Gang , Wang Weiguo , Wang Jing , Ding Jianbing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) arises from the imbalance of host T cells. Galectin‐9 negatively regulates CD4 effector T cell (Th1 and Th17) function by binding to Tim‐3. However, the relationship between Galectin‐9/Tim‐3 and CD4+ T subsets in patients with aGVHD after Haplo‐HSCT (haploidentical peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of Galectin‐9 and CD4+T subsets in aGVHD after haplo‐HSCT.MethodsForty‐two patients underwent Haplo‐HSCT (26 without aGVHD and 16 with aGVHD), and 20 healthy controls were included. The concentrations of Galectin‐9, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐4, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, and IL‐17 in the serum and culture supernatant were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or cytometric bead array. The expression levels of Galectin‐9, PI3K, p‐PI3K, and p‐mTOR protein were detected by western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportions of CD4+ T cell subsets. Bioinformatics analysis was performed.ResultsIn patients with aGVHD, regulatory T (Treg) cells and Galectin‐9 decreased, and the Th1, Th17, and Treg cells were significantly imbalanced. Moreover, Treg and Galectin‐9 were rapidly reconstituted in the early stage of patients without aGVHD after Haplo‐HSCT, but Th17 cells were reconstituted slowly. Furthermore, Tim‐3 upregulation on Th17 and Th1 cells was associated with excessive activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in patients with aGVHD. Specifically, in vitro treatment with Galectin‐9 reduced IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production while augmenting TGF‐β secretion. Bioinformatics analysis suggested the potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in aGVHD. Mechanistically, exogenous Galectin‐9 was found to mitigate aGVHD by restoring the Treg/Teffs (effector T cells) balance and suppressing PI3K.ConclusionGalectin‐9 may ameliorate aGVHD after haplo‐HSCT by modulating Treg/Teffs balance and regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Targeting Galectin‐9 may hold potential value for the treatment of aGVHD.
Real‐world evidence of heparin and citrate use in extracorporeal photopheresis: A hypothesis‐generating data review of device settings and performance
Authors: Connelly‐Smith Laura S. , Griffin James , Leung Albert T. , Gennari Francesca 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExtracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is widely used for the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, graft‐vs‐host disease, and other immune‐related conditions. To avoid clotting during treatment, the ECP system used must be effectively primed with an anticoagulant. Heparin is the recommended anticoagulant for the THERAKOS CELLEX System, but acid citrate dextrose‐A (ACDA) is often used. We compared system performance between these two anticoagulants for this ECP system. Deidentified data for ECP device performance were obtained at each treatment session, from automatically logged Smart Cards or labels completed by device operators. We compared the effects of ACDA or heparin on overall treatment duration, buffy coat (leukocyte) collection time, photoactivation time and the number of alarms and warnings. The variability in these parameters was also assessed. Data from 23 334 treat sessions were analyzed; ACDA was used in 34.4% and heparin in 65.6%. Overall, the ECP procedure duration, buffy coat collection time and photoactivation time were numerically similar regardless of whether ACDA or heparin was used, and regardless of needle mode. Photoactivation time variability was lower with ACDA compared with heparin in all needle modes. Among treatments that were completed automatically without any operator intervention, total treatment duration and photoactivation time were significantly reduced with ACDA use in both the double‐ and single‐needle modes. The data presented indicate that, in both double‐ and single‐needle modes, the THERAKOS® CELLEX® integrated ECP system performed similarly with ACDA compared to heparin, although ACDA demonstrated potential benefits in reducing variability in photoactivation time.
Quantum cluster equilibrium theory applied to liquid ammonia
Authors: Maya Josué , Malloum Alhadji , Fifen Jean Jules , Dhaouadi Zoubeida , Fouda Henri Paul Ekobena , Conradie Jeanet 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThrough this paper, the authors propose using the quantum cluster equilibrium (QCE) theory to reinvestigate ammonia clusters in the liquid phase. The ammonia clusters from size monomer to hexadecamer were considered to simulate the liquid ammonia in this approach. The clusterset used to model the liquid ammonia is an ensemble of different structures of ammonia clusters. After studious research of the representative configurations of ammonia clusters through the cluster research program ABCluster, the configurations have been optimized at the MN15/6‐31++G(d,p) level of theory. These optimizations lead to geometries and frequencies as inputs for the Peacemaker code. The QCE study of this molecular system permits us to get the liquid phase populations in a temperature range of 190–260 K, covering the temperatures from the melting point to the boiling point. The results show that the population of liquid ammonia comprises mainly the ammonia hexadecamer followed by pentadecamer, tetradecamer, and tridecamer. We noted that the small‐sized ammonia clusters do not contribute to the population of liquid ammonia. In addition, the thermodynamic properties, such as heat of vaporization, heat capacity, entropy, enthalpy, and free energies, obtained by the QCE theory have been compared to the experiment given some relatively good agreements in the gas phase and show considerable discrepancies in liquid phase except the density. Finally, based on the predicted population, we calculated the infrared spectrum of liquid ammonia at 215 K temperature. It comes out that the calculated infrared spectrum qualitatively agrees with the experiment.
Taxonomic significance of morphological and elemental characteristics of achenes of Artemisia genus from Turkey
Authors: Karaismailoğlu Mehmet Cengiz , Polat Alkan Nagihan , Kürşat Murat , Civelek Şemsettin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the study, the achene macromorphological and micromorphological characters of the genus Artemisia distributed in Turkey have been researched with the target of knowing systematically important carpological structures for the examined species. Macro‐morphological structures of the achenes including color, shape, dimension, and carpopodium diameter were studied with 100 achenes of 10 specimens per taxa with a Light Microscope. Micro‐morphological features of the achenes containing surface ornamentation, anticlinal and periclinal cell walls, epidermal cells, and the presence of secondary structures were examined with a Scanning Electron Microscope. EDS analyses were performed with a SEM. EDS analyses were carried out by selecting the same spot on the sample surface at 80 sec under 30 μm aperture size, with 20 kV acceleration voltage, 8 mm operating distance, high current, and processing time conditions. The color, shape, and dimension of achene have macro‐morphologically shown variations. The examined achenes are separated into four shapes; fusiform‐oblong, oblong, oblong‐ovate, and ovate. Oblong‐ovate is the most common type. Achene dimensions range from 0.62 to 2.48 mm in length, and from 0.30 to 1.21 mm in width. Also, carpopodium diameter varies between 0.10 and 0.19 mm. Achene surfaces of the examined taxa are micro‐morphologically assessed, and substantial differences are noticeably detected on behalf of the surface structures for instance, surface ornamentation, anticlinal and periclinal cell walls, epidermal cells, and the presence of secondary structures of the achenes. Surface ornamentation is separated into 10 types: irregularly sulcate, regularly sulcate, ruminate, sulcate‐scalariform, rugose, favulariate, slightly sulcate, alveolate, tuberculate, and reticulate. A percentage comparison of the elements in the achene pericarp of the studied taxa has been performed with SEM‐EDS. Accordingly, pericarps in taxa include C, Ca, K, Mg, Cl, Si, Na, and S elements. In the taxonomy of the genus Artemisia, the achene morphological characters are very significant characteristics that disclose inter‐specific relations among the examined taxa. Moreover, a dichotomous key is offered for the identification of the studied taxa based on achene characters.Research Highlights
The achenes of Turkish Artemisia taxa have been examined in depth.
The morphological characteristics of achenes of Turkish Artemisia taxa have been studied using SEM and LM for the first time and debated the systematic practice of these characters.
The elemental content of the achene pericarp has been systematically evaluated for the first time.
Association of Pulmonary Transit Time and Pulmonary Blood Volume From First‐Pass Perfusion Cardiac MRI With Diastolic Dysfunction and Left Ventricle Deformation in Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gao Yue , Min Chen‐Yan , Jiang Yi‐Ning , Shi Rui , Guo Ying‐Kun , Xu Hua‐Yan , Yang Zhi‐Gang , Li Yuan 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundPatients with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) have impaired diastolic filling and hemodynamic congestion. Pulmonary transit time (PTT) and pulmonary blood volume index (PBVi) reflect the hemodynamic status, but the relationship with left ventricle (LV) dysfunction remains unclear.PurposeTo evaluate the PTT and PBVi in RCM patients, the association with diastolic dysfunction and LV deformation, and the effects on the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in RCM patients.Study TypeRetrospective.Population137 RCM patients (88 men, age 58.80 ± 10.83 years) and 68 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (46 men, age 57.00 ± 8.59 years).Field Strength/Sequence3.0T/Balanced steady‐state free precession sequence, recovery prepared echo‐planar imaging sequence, and phase‐sensitive inversion recovery sequence.AssessmentThe LV function and peak strain (PS) parameters were measured. The PTT was calculated and corrected by heart rate (PTTc). The PBVi was calculated as the product of PTTc and RV stroke volume index.Statistical TestsChi‐squared test, student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson's or Spearman's correlation, multivariate linear regression, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and Cox regression models analysis. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe PTTc showed a significant correlation with the E/A ratio (r = 0.282), and PBVi showed a significant correlation with the E/e′ ratio, E/A ratio, and diastolic dysfunction stage (r = 0.222, 0.320, and 0.270). PTTc showed an independent association with LVEF, LV circumferential PS, and LV longitudinal PS (β = 0.472, 0.299, and 0.328). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, higher PTTc and PBVi were significantly associated with MACE. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, PTTc was a significantly independent predictor of the MACE in combination with both cardiac MRI functional and tissue parameters (hazard ratio: 1.23/1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.42/1.20–1.46).Data ConclusionPTTc and PBVi are associated with diastolic dysfunction and deteriorated LV deformation, and PTTc independently predicts MACE in patients with RCM.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Mottled ducks, feral mallards, and their hybrids in Florida
Authors: Bielefeld Ronald R. , Sylvia Andrea L. , Bankovich Brittany A. , McBride K. Mark , Orange Jeremy P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe nonmigratory and endemic Florida mottled duck (Anas fulvigula fulvigula) is facing conservation threats from the combined effects of urbanization and introgressive hybridization with feral mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and mallard x mottled duck hybrids. In the past, the status of the Florida mottled duck population was assessed during annual aerial surveys and most brown ducks (mottled ducks, mallards, and hybrids of them) detected during the survey would have been mottled ducks. But the release of domesticated mallards for aesthetic purposes has led to increases in the prevalence of mallards‐hybrids (mallards or mallard x mottled duck hybrids) throughout peninsular Florida, USA, and because it is impossible to differentiate among mottled ducks, female mallards, and hybrids during aerial surveys, helicopter surveys were halted in 2009 until state researchers could conduct a range‐wide study to determine what proportion of brown ducks are mottled ducks versus mallards‐hybrids. We used plumage keys and high‐resolution photography to categorize brown ducks from 557 wetland grid points as either mottled ducks or mallards‐hybrids. Of the 5,179 brown ducks categorized, 40.1% were mottled ducks and 59.9% were mallards‐hybrids. We used logistic regression analysis to model the interactive effect of a site's latitude and level of urbanization (urban gradient value within a 2‐km buffer) to generate a predictive raster surface (1‐km resolution) of the study area with values corresponding to the probability that a brown duck observed within a cell is a pure mottled duck. Predicted values will be used as correction factors when estimating final mottled duck population abundance from brown‐duck survey data. Additionally, the predictive raster surface will be used to identify wetlands where mottled ducks remain predominant so that these sites can be targeted for preservation. Overall, mallards‐hybrids outnumbered mottled ducks throughout most of peninsular Florida, especially in more urbanized regions, and their current prevalence rate presents a serious conservation threat, via hybridization, to extant mottled duck populations.
Full‐face and neck resurfacing with a novel ablative fractional 2910 nm erbium‐doped fluoride glass fiber laser for advanced photoaging
Authors: Murray Taryn N. , Hu Jamie K. , Friedman Paul M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesAblative fractional lasers have long been considered the gold standard for facial resurfacing for advanced photoaging. These lasers offer an improved safety profile compared to traditional ablative lasers but typically require more treatment sessions given their fractional approach. In this study, we evaluate a new novel 2910 nm erbium‐doped fluoride glass fiber laser (2910 nm fiber laser) (UltraClear; Acclaro Medical) for full‐face and neck resurfacing for the treatment of advanced photoaging.MethodsTwenty‐two healthy subjects aged 44–80 years presenting for advanced facial photoaging and rhytides were enrolled in the study. All subjects received three full‐face and neck, multipass treatments utilizing the 2910 nm fiber laser spaced 6–8 weeks apart. Subjects were asked to rate the average level of pain during the treatment. At 90 days following subjects' third treatment subjects evaluated their improvement using a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and rated their satisfaction with the treatment. Evaluation of pretreatment and posttreatment photos was completed by two blinded physician reviewers. Reviewers were asked to identify the pretreatment and posttreatment photographs and to rate the degree of improvement utilizing a GAIS.ResultsFifteen participants completed the study; six were exited from the study (withdrew or lost to follow‐up). The average subject GAIS score for overall appearance was 3.8. The average subject satisfaction level at follow‐up was 4.8. The average subject pain score was 4.9. One blinded physician reviewer correctly identified 100% of subjects' posttreatment photographs, while the second blinded reviewer correctly identified 93%. Blinded evaluation of digital photographs revealed an average GAIS score of 3.2. Posttreatment skin responses included pin‐point hemorrhage, erythema, edema, and soft tissue crusting lasting 5–7 days. There were no instances of infection, scarring or hypopigmentation. There were two instances of temporary hyperpigmentation.ConclusionsTreatment with the novel 2910 nm fiber laser is safe and effective in treating advanced photoaging and rhytides. Three treatments produced moderate to marked improvement with high patient satisfaction and treatment was associated with less discomfort and downtime compared to conventional fractional ablative lasers.
Neuronal CFL1 upregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma enhances tumor‐nerve crosstalk and promotes tumor growth
Authors: Liu Ruoyan , Wang Chunli , Sun Zhonghao , Shi Xiaotian , Zhang Ze , Luo Jingtao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer type, marked by a pronounced nerve density within the tumor microenvironment and a high rate of perineural invasion (PNI). Growing evidence suggests that the nervous system plays a vital role in HNSCC progression. Yet, the mechanisms governing cancer‐nerve interactions remain largely elusive. Our research revealed that cofilin‐1 (CFL1) is significantly overexpressed in HNSCC and correlates with both PNI and unfavorable prognosis. Utilizing multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry, we have localized CFL1 chiefly to the nerves adjacent to tumor sites. Significantly, it is the elevated expression of CFL1 in neuronal structures, rather than in the tumor cells, that aligns with diminished patient survival rates. We observed that HNSCC cells induced the expression of neuronal CFL1 and that the conditional knockout of neuronal CFL1 impedes tumor‐nerve interactions. Both Gene Ontology functional enrichment analyses and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrate that CFL1 expression in HNSCC is associated with specific biological processes, including “RIBOSOME,” “PROTEASOME,” and “cadherin binding.” In summary, HNSCC promotes the expression of CFL1 in nerves, which is essential for cancer‐nerve interactions. The neuronal CFL1 is associated with PNI and may be a potential molecular prognostic marker of poor survival in HNSCC.
Glutaminase potentiates the glycolysis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by interacting with PDK1
Authors: Zhu Guangzhao , Guan Fangxia , Li Shenglei , Zhang Qing , Zhang Xueying , Qin Yue , Sun Zhangzhan , Peng Shaohua , Cheng Jiexing , Li Yiyang , Ren Ruili , Fan Tianli , Liu Hongtao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIncreasing evidence has demonstrated that glutaminase (GLS) as a key mitochondrial enzyme plays a pivotal role in glutaminolysis, which widely participates in glutamine metabolism serving as main energy sources and building blocks for tumor growth. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of GLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. Here, we found that GLS was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells. GLS inhibitor CB‐839 significantly suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells, whereas GLS overexpression displayed the opposite effects. In addition, CB‐839 markedly suppressed glucose consumption and lactate production, coupled with the downregulation of glycolysis‐related proteins HK2, PFKM, PKM2 and LDHA, whereas GLS overexpression exhibited the adverse results. In vivo animal experiment revealed that CB‐839 dramatically suppressed tumor growth, whereas GLS overexpression promoted tumor growth in ESCC cells xenografted nude mice. Mechanistically, GLS was localized in mitochondria of ESCC cells, which interacted with PDK1 protein. CB‐839 attenuated the interaction of GLS and PDK1 in ESCC cells by suppressing PDK1 expression, which further evoked the downregulation of p‐PDHA1 (s293), however, GLS overexpression markedly enhanced the level of p‐PDHA1 (s293). These findings suggest that interaction of GLS with PDK1 accelerates the glycolysis of ESCC cells by inactivating PDH enzyme, and thus targeting GLS may be a novel therapeutic approach for ESCC patients.
Design a wideband high‐efficiency continuous class‐GF power amplifier based on a source second harmonic manipulation architecture
Authors: Xuan Xuefei , Cheng Zhiqun , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Ruizhe , Gong Tingwei , Le Chao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a novel source second harmonic manipulation architecture achieving second harmonic control at device input is proposed to solve the issue of reduced operating efficiency of power amplifiers (PAs) caused by the input nonlinearity in continuous Class‐GF mode. The key to the proposed architecture lies in the use of a compact multibranch network to match the source second harmonics of the three design frequency points to the short‐circuit state, which can expand bandwidth while avoiding unexpected efficiency degradation. Considering the necessity of theoretical verification, a broadband continuous Class‐GF PA is designed, implemented, and assembled employing a commercially available 10‐W gallium nitride device. The measured results show that a fractional bandwidth of 100% across 1.1–3.3 GHz with a drain efficiency of 62.4%–72.5%, an output power of 40.1–42.2 dBm, and a gain of 10.1–12.2 dBm are achieved under saturated output power.