bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the role of inflammation in sensorineural hearing loss: Current goals and future prospects
Authors: Li Liling , Chen Dan , Lin Xuexin , Luo Jia , Tan Jingqian , Li Peng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a common otologic condition caused by damage to hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons that affects transmission pathways. Most of these cells cannot be regenerated, and there has been no breakthrough in regeneration techniques for inner ear cells. SNHL has a high incidence rate and can cause a variety of clinical symptoms, greatly impacting people's daily lives. With limited clinical treatments, the search for critical targets is urgent. Studies have shown that inflammation is prevalent in the pathogenesis of SNHL and plays a significant role in it. Inflammation is a normal body defense response, and a systemic anti‐inflammatory approach is undesirable. It is crucial for us to identify potential targets of inflammation in SNHL and take measures specifically targeting those targets with minimal systemic impact. This paper firstly describes the role of inflammation in various types of SNHL and then provides an overview of the interactions between inflammation and cochlear immunity, cochlear microcirculation, vascular spasm, and glutamate metabolism and finally comprehensively examines the feasibility of targets in these interactions. This paper is expected to facilitate the development of targeted anti‐inflammation for SNHL and provide strategies and approaches for treating clinical SNHL.
Molecular Insights into the Macrophage Immunomodulatory Effects of Scrophulariae Radix Polysaccharides
Authors: Zhao Ming , Zheng Sichun , Wang Mengyu , Wu Jiahui , Ma Xiaodan , Xu Wei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractScrophulariae Radix (SR) has been widely used in Chinese herbal compound prescriptions, health care products and functional foods. The present study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from SR (SRPs) in macrophages and explore the potential mechanisms. The results showed that four SRPs fractions (SRPs40, SRPs60, SRPs80 and SRPs100) had similar absorption peaks and monosaccharide compositions, but the intensities of absorption peaks and monosaccharide contents were distinguished. All SRPs fractions significantly enhanced the pinocytic activity, promoted the production of NO and TNF‐α, increased the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and PTGS2) and TLR2, and elevated the phosphorylation levels of p38, ERK, JNK, p65 and IκB. Moreover, the production of NO and TNF‐α stimulated by SRPs was dramatically suppressed by anti‐TLR2 antibody. These results indicated that SRPs activated macrophages through MAPK and NF‐κB signaling pathways via recognition of TLR2.
Dioxygen Activation and Reduction by a Soluble Iron Phthalocyanine
Authors: Iwanov Christian , Hopp Moritz Philipp , Lorenz Domenik , Ballmann Joachim , Enders Markus 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIron ions in a square‐planar coordination can bind molecules at the vacant axial positions and are able to transform them in stoichiometric and catalytic reactions. Nature takes advantage of these properties by incorporating iron into porphyrin systems, which play a key role not only in the binding and transport of oxygen, but also in catalytic oxidation and reduction reactions involving cytochrome P450. Although these systems have been studied extensively, there are still unresolved questions regarding the interplay between the iron ions and the surrounding ligands. Phthalocyanines (Pc) create a similar environment for metal atoms and FePc is known for a long time. However, without axial ligands FePc aggregates leading to solids of low solubility. In this work we used a known six‐coordinate iron phthalocyanine derivative with bulky substituents and removed the stabilizing axial ligands. The resulting paramagnetic, four‐coordinate compound does not aggregate and dissolves well so that NMR spectroscopy can be employed for studying the molecular structure and the reactivity. Solvent molecules bind weakly to the iron centers and oxygen is reduced in the presence of H‐atom donors. The stoichiometric and catalytic reactivity with oxygen was studied in more detail.
Trajectories of health‐related quality of life and symptom burden in patients with advanced cancer towards the end of life: Longitudinal results from the eQuiPe study
Authors: Versluis Moyke A. J. , Raijmakers Natasja J. H. , Baars Arnold , van den Beuken‐van Everdingen Marieke H. J. , de Graeff Alexander , Hendriks Mathijs P. , de Jong Wouter K. , Kloover Jeroen S. , Kuip Evelien J. M. , Mandigers Caroline M. P. W. , Sommeijer Dirkje W. , van der Linden Yvette M. , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke V. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundSupport for health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is an essential part of cancer care in the final stages of life, yet empirical guidance regarding HRQOL and symptom trajectories is lacking.AimTo assess the change in HRQOL and symptom burden in the last year of life in patients with advanced cancer and its association with health care–related factors, cancer‐specific treatment, and comorbidity.MethodsA prospective, multicenter, observational study in patients with advanced cancer (eQuiPe). Three monthly questionnaires included European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life‐C30 and reported continuity of care. Multivariable mixed‐effects analysis was used to assess the association between HRQOL and health care–related factors.ResultsA total of 762 deceased patients were included with a mean age of 66 (SD, 10) years and 52% were male. The most common primary tumors were lung (29%), colorectal (20%), and breast cancer (13%). Mean overall HRQOL decreased in the last 9 months of life, with the greatest decrease in the last 3 months (β –16.2). Fatigue, pain, appetite loss, dyspnea, constipation, and nausea worsened significantly in the last year of life. Multimorbidity (β –7.5) and a better reported continuity of care (β 0.7) were both significantly associated with the trajectory of HRQOL.ConclusionMean overall HRQOL begins to decline 9 months before death, highlighting the need for early identification and (re)assessment of different symptoms as aspects of HRQOL follow different trajectories. Multimorbidity and reported continuity of care may be associated with the trajectory of HRQOL.
Single‐Molecule Localization Microscopy Using Time‐Lapse Imaging of Single‐Antibody Labeling
Authors: Perera Thilini , Gunasekara Hirushi , Hu Ying S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), immunofluorescence (IF) staining affects the quality of the reconstructed superresolution images. However, optimizing IF staining remains challenging because IF staining is a one‐step, irreversible process. Sample labeling through reversible binding presents an alternative strategy, but such techniques require significant technological advancements to enhance the dissociation of labels without sacrificing their binding specificity. In this article, we introduce time‐lapse imaging of single‐antibody labeling. Our versatile technique utilizes commercially available dye‐conjugated antibodies. The method controls the antibody concentrations to capture single‐antibody labeling of subcellular targets, thereby achieving SMLM through the labeling process. We further demonstrate dual‐color single‐antibody labeling to enhance the sample labeling density. The new approach allows the evaluation of antibody binding at the single‐antibody level and within the cellular environment. This comprehensive guide offers step‐by‐step instructions for time‐lapse imaging of single‐antibody labeling experiments and enables the application of the single‐antibody labeling technique to a wide range of targets. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Sample preparation for single‐antibody labelingBasic Protocol 2: Data acquisition for single‐molecule localization microscopyAlternate Protocol: Dual‐color single‐antibody labeling using OptoSplit II equationBasic Protocol 3: Image analysis
Exploring the Genomic Landscape: An In‐depth ChIP‐seq Analysis Protocol for Uncovering Protein‐DNA Interactions
Authors: Zeng Liping , Zhang Bailong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractChromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP‐seq) is a widely employed technique for investigating protein‐DNA interactions. However, the absence of a standardized and clear workflow necessitates researchers to independently assemble methodologies from diverse resources. This lack of uniformity hampers reproducibility and makes version control a complex endeavor, thereby limiting the accessibility of ChIP‐seq analyses to individuals with extensive training in bioinformatics. In light of these challenges, we have developed an executable protocol that addresses these limitations. Our protocol encompasses all aspects of ChIP‐seq analysis, ranging from quality control of raw reads to peak calling and downstream functional analyses. We have implemented two distinct approaches for peak calling, providing researchers with flexibility to choose the most suitable method for their specific experimental needs. This protocol will contribute to the scientific community by providing a standardized and clear resource that will enhance the reproducibility and accessibility of ChIP‐seq analyses. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol: ChIP‐seq analysis workflowAlternative Protocol: Call differentially enriched peaks by using MACS3
Lp(a) and inflammation: a new insight into atherosclerosis
Authors: Pan Hangyu , Hu Kexin , Wu Qiao , Tu Yan , Guo Zhigang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundLipid‐lowering therapy is of utmost importance in both primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardio vascular disease (ASCVD). However, the presence of residual risk allows cardiovascular events to occur even when low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels are very low. A large number of clinical studies have provided evidence confirming the association between elevated plasma Lp(a) and the development of ASCVD. Clinical studies have also suggested that reducing Lp(a) may help decrease the occurrence of cardiovascular events.MainLp(a) consists of LDL‐like particles, apo(a) and OxPL. The level of Lp(a) in thehuman body is predominantly determined by genetics, with external factorshaving minimal impact. Additionally, Lp(a) levels have been found to vary among different ethnicities. There is a notable correlation between elevated levels of Lp(a) and coronary artery disease (CAD), which is independent of other lipoproteins. Furthermore, there exists a linear relationship between Lp(a) levels and the risk of developing ASCVD. It is now wildly believed that Lp(a) primarily contributes to the development of cardiovascular events through pro‐inflammation, pro‐thrombosis and pro‐atherosclerosis. From the perspective of Lp(a) influencing inflammation, it primarily promotes the release of inflammatoryfactors. This, in turn, increases levels of vascular inflammation and facilitates the recruitment of monocytes‐macrophages. Moreover, it also affects the function of endothelial cells during the development process of atherosclerosis. All these aspects complement each other and contribute to the progression of at herosclerosis. Currently, the lipid‐lowering treatment used inclinical practice can partially reduce the levels of Lp(a), but its impact on inflammation is not significant.ConclusionLp(a) is an independent risk factor for CAD, as it promotes inflammation in the body and accelerates theprogression of atherosclerosis. Further research on effective methods to reduce Lp(a) levels can provide new insights for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Haematopoietic cell‐derived exosomes in cancer development and therapeutics: From basic science to clinical practice
Authors: Lin Wen‐Chun , Lin You‐Tong , Chao Hui‐Ching , Lin Yen‐Yu , Hwang Wei‐Lun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe tumour microenvironment (TME) is a specialised niche involving intercellular communication among cancer cells and various host cells. Among the host cells, the quantity and quality of immune cells within the TME play essential roles in cancer development and management. The immunologically suppressive, so‐called ‘cold’ TME established by a series of tumour–host interactions, including generating immunosuppressive cytokines and recruiting regulatory host immune cells, is associated with resistance to therapies and worse clinical outcomes.Main bodyVarious therapeutic approaches have been used to target the cold TME, including immune checkpoint blockade therapy and adoptive T‐cell transfer. A promising, less explored therapeutic strategy involves targeting TME‐associated exosomes. Exosomes are nanometer‐sized, extracellular vesicles that transfer material from donor to recipient cells. These particles can reprogram the recipient cells and modulate the TME. In particular, exosomes from haematopoietic cells are known to promote or suppress cancer progression under specific conditions. Understanding the effects of haematopoietic cell‐secreted exosomes may foster the development of therapeutic exosomes (tExos) for personalised cancer treatment. However, the development of exosome‐based therapies has unique challenges, including scalable production, purification, storage and delivery of exosomes and controlling batch variations. Clinical trials are being conducted to verify the safety, feasibility, availability and efficacy of tExos.ConclusionThis review summarises our understanding of how haematopoietic cell‐secreted exosomes regulate the TME and antitumour immunity and highlights present challenges and solutions for haematopoietic cell‐derived exosome‐based therapies.
Granulomatous mastitis: A diagnostic challenge—3 year single institutional experience
Authors: Khan Adil Aziz , Ahuja Sana , Zaheer Sufian , Ahluwalia Charanjeet , Singh Mukul , Kolte Sachin , Ranga Sunil 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundGranulomatous mastitis (GM) is often clinico‐radiologically misdiagnosed as breast malignancy. Tuberculosis, foreign body reactions, fungal and parastic infections, and autoimmune diseases can cause GM. The present study aimed to assess the spectrum of GM on fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) smears along with its histopathological and clinico‐radiological findings.Materials and MethodsIt was a retrospective study which included all cases of GM diagnosed on FNAB over a period of 3 years. The histopathological diagnosis was retrieved, wherever possible. All the FNA smears and histopathological sections were reviewed for the presence of epithelioid granulomas, necrosis, epithelioid histiocytes, inflammatory cells including plasma cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, multinucleated giant cells, and epithelial component and associated atypia, if any. The inflammatory cells and multinucleated giant cells were graded on a scale of 0 to 3+ in every case.ResultsAmong the 22 cases evaluated, the most common inflammatory infiltrate was lymphocyte followed by neutrophils and eosinophils. Caseous necrosis was appreciated in 7 (31.8%) cases, out of which 5 (22.7%) were diagnosed as tubercular mastitis on FNA smears. Ziehl Neelson stain was done in all FNAB smears and AFB was positive in 7 (31.8%) cases.Histopathological correlation was available for 14 cases (63.6%). The most common diagnosis on histopathology was idiopathic GM having lobulo‐centric granulomatous inflammation, epithelioid histiocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes.ConclusionFNAB is a reliable and minimally invasive tool to diagnose tubercular mastitis, idiopathic GM and also ruling out clinicoradiological suspicion of malignancy. Careful examination of cytological smears can prevent an unnecessary biopsy in granulomatous lesions of breast.
Evaluating new cosmeceuticals
Authors: Draelos Zoe D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEvaluating cosmeceuticals can be challenging, as this category of functional cosmetics is rapidly changing and complex. The following nine steps can be followed to logically evaluate a new cosmeceutical and determine its value for a given patient: (1) Examine the packaging. (2) Note what claims are being made. (3) Read the ingredient disclosure to obtain a basic understanding of what skin benefit the product delivers. (4) Identify those active ingredients designed to improve skin appearance. These ingredients should provide longer‐lasting cumulative improvement with continued use. (5) Identify those inactive ingredients that are part of the vehicle providing improvement in skin texture and feel. These are more temporary in nature. (6) Perform an Internet search on those ingredients with which you are unfamiliar. (7) Evaluate the research supporting the product benefits to include white papers or published papers. (8) Determine the mechanisms of action for the ingredients and what the product actually accomplishes on the skin surface. (9) Put some product on the back of your hand and assess dry‐down characteristics, smell, viscosity, and so forth.
Chrononutrition in the context of Ramadan: Potential implications
Authors: Ali Tomader , Lessan Nader 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEvery year, healthy adult Muslims practice dawn to sunset fasting for a whole lunar month. No food or fluid is allowed for the fasting time window. After sunset, eating is allowed. The dramatic change in the timing of meals is accompanied by changes in sleeping hours and thus alterations in circadian rhythms. Hormonal mechanisms mainly determined by the latter also change. These include shifts in cortisol and melatonin. Food‐dependent hormones such as Ghrelin and leptin also show changes. A well‐established principle of chrononutrition is that the timing of eating may be as or more important than the content of food. Ramadan fasting (RF) is distinct from other forms of intermittent fasting, although there are also some similarities with time restricted eating (TRE). Both have been shown to have health benefits. Here, we examine existing literature to understand and learn from this very commonly practiced form of fasting and its relationships to circadian rhythms and homoeostatic mechanisms.
Engrailed: Pathological and physiological effects of a multifunctional developmental gene
Authors: Ma Xiang , Zhao Liang‐Liang , Yu Yi‐Chun , Cheng Yan 
Published: October 2023

SummaryEngrailed‐1 (EN1) is a developmental gene that encodes En1, a highly conserved transcription factor involved in regionalization during early embryogenesis and in the later maintenance of normal neurons. After birth, EN1 still plays a role in the development and physiology of the body; for example, it exerts a protective effect on midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons, and loss of EN1 causes mDA neurons in the ventral midbrain to gradually die approximately 6 weeks after birth, resulting in motor and nonmotor symptoms similar to those observed in Parkinson's disease. Notably, EN1 has been identified as a possible susceptibility gene for idiopathic Parkinson's disease in humans. EN1 is involved in the processes of wound‐healing scar production and tissue and organ fibrosis. Additionally, EN1 can lead to tumorigenesis and thus provides a target for the treatment of some tumors. In this review, we summarize the effects of EN1 on embryonic organ development, describe the consequences of the deletion or overexpression of the EN1 gene, and discuss the pathways in which EN1 is involved. We hope to clarify the role of EN1 as a developmental gene and present potential therapeutic targets for diseases involving the EN1 gene.
Geophysics reveals forest vulnerability to drought
Authors: McGrath Gavan S. , Fontaine Joe B. , Van Dongen Ricky , Hyde Josephine , Leopold Matthias , Matusick George , Ruthrof Katinka X. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDrought and heat‐induced forest die‐off are being increasingly reported across the planet. As vulnerable areas tend to have thin soils and poor water holding capacities, quantification of soil depth thresholds, relative to drought intensity, has global implications for identifying forest areas at risk. Measuring soil depth at forest stand or regional scales is, however, difficult. Our aim was to quantify soil thickness across drought impacted forest stands using geophysics. We asked whether impacted sites had shallow soils and whether soil thickness was associated with drought effects and forest structure. Electrical resistivity measurements were conducted at three sites in the Northern Jarrah Forest, Western Australia, which experienced die‐off during a 2010 drought and subsequent 2011 heatwave. Multispectral imaging quantified stand structure and vegetation cover. Geophysics identified shallow bedrock in the centre of all drought sites. Soil thicknesses correlated well with stand structure and cover, consistent with increasing water limitation in thinner soils. Smaller cover by trees and shrubs, more ground cover and shorter canopies were observed in soils <20 m thick and were more likely in soils <12 m thick, while treeless areas had thin soils, <2 m thick. The apparent resilience of this forest to long‐term drying looks to be due to the region's deep soils. With predicted future drying it is expected die‐off patches will expand outwards and new die‐off patches will emerge over thin soils. Geophysics can identify areas of forest vulnerable to future drought events, suggesting the potential for landscape‐scale mapping of drought vulnerability via airborne methods.
Accounting for heterogeneous density and detectability in spatially explicit capture–recapture studies of carnivores
Authors: McLellan Brynn A. , Howe Eric , Marrotte Robby R. , Northrup Joseph M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractReliable estimates of population density are fundamental for managing and conserving wildlife. Spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models in combination with information‐theoretic model selection criteria are frequently used to estimate population density. Variation in density and detectability is inevitable and, when unmodeled, can lead to erroneous estimates. Despite this knowledge, the performance of SECR models and information‐theoretic criteria remain relatively untested for populations with realistic levels of variation in density and detectability. We addressed this issue using simulations of American black bear (Ursus americanus) populations with variable density and detectability between sexes and across study areas. We first assessed the reliability of Akaike information criterion adjusted for small sample sizes (AICc) to correctly identify the true data generating model or a good approximating model. We then assessed the bias, accuracy, and precision of density estimates when such a model was selected or not. We demonstrated that unmodeled heterogeneity in detection and, more importantly, density can lead to pronounced bias. However, when a good approximating model is included in the candidate set, models with lower AICcincluded important forms of variation and yielded accurate estimates. We encourage researchers and practitioners to consider the impact of unmodeled variation in SECR models when making inferences and to strive to include covariates likely to be the most influential based on the species biology and ecology in candidate model sets. Doing so can improve the robustness of wildlife density estimation methods that can be leveraged to make more sound conservation and management decisions.