bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of MTAP and BAP1 staining loss and P16/CDKN2A deletion in pleural cytology specimens and its role in the diagnosis of mesothelioma
Authors: Şeker Nazli Sena , Tekin Emel , Ak Güntülü , Metintaş Muzaffer , Metintaş Selma , Dündar Emine 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundMesothelioma is a malignant neoplasm with a poor survival rate. We aimed to investigate the importance of BAP1, MTAP (IHC), and p16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion (FISH) in cytologic material obtained from pleural effusion sampling, which is a less invasive procedure in the diagnosis of mesothelioma.MethodsOur study discussed pleural cytology samples of cases with histopathologically proven mesothelioma diagnoses between 2017 and 2022. As the control group, materials that had pleural effusion sampling for other reasons and reactive mesothelial hyperplasia were included in the study. Cell blocks prepared from these materials were subjected to fluorescent in situ hybridization for p16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion and immunohistochemistry for BAP1 and MTAP.ResultsThe specificity of the P16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion in diagnosing mesothelioma is 100%. Its sensitivity is 68.75%. The specificity of BAP1 immunohistochemical nuclear expression loss is 95%, while the sensitivity is 60%. Loss of nuclear expression of MTAP alone has the lowest specificity and sensitivity, with a specificity of 86% and a sensitivity of 43%. The highest sensitivity is reached when BAP1 loss and p16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion are evaluated together, increasing to 81%. The specificity is 95%.ConclusionIt has been determined that any marker alone cannot be used for a definitive mesothelioma diagnosis in pleural effusion cytological specimens; however, sensitivity increases in some combinations. The combination of BAP1 immunohistochemistry and p16/CDKN2A homozygous deletion detected by FISH, which has a higher specificity and sensitivity, can be routinely used in the diagnosis of mesothelioma under the guidance of clinical and radiologic information.
Hair analysis in postmortem investigations: Case of a skeletonized body
Authors: Pelissier‐Alicot Anne‐Laure , Ameline Alice , Kintz Pascal , Adalian Pascal , Leonetti Georges 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAnalysis of hair collected from putrefied or skeletal bodies is always complex and must take into account several pitfalls, such as external contamination and contamination by biological fluids. This work presents a case of particular complexity. A skeletonized body was discovered on a country road. A tuft of brown hair, detached from the scalp, irregular in length, non‐oriented, in contact with soil and vegetation, was removed. An anthropological examination was carried out and genetic samples were taken from the right femoral shaft. After about 10 washes with warm water and dichloromethane, the tuft of hair was analyzed without segmentation. General unknown screening was performed by liquid chromatography system coupled to a high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS) after incubation in pH 9.5 borate buffer and liquid–liquid extraction. Specific Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) methods for date rape drugs were carried out by liquid chromatography system coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The anthropological examination allowed to determine that the victim was a female individual, over 60 years old, the death dating from 3 months to 1 year. Comparison of the DNA results with the Missing Persons Index led to the identification, a 60‐year‐old woman who disappeared 5 months earlier. Hair analysis showed the presence of oxazepam (361 pg/mg), nordiazepam (54 pg/mg), and alimemazine (5 pg/mg). The interpretation of these concentrations is extremely difficult due to the risk of degradation of the hair cuticle during prolonged stay in the soil, as well as of contamination by putrefactive fluids. The authors discuss the value of using multiple biological and non‐biological matrices in this context to improve the interpretation of the results.
Institutional Review Boards' Assessment of Local Context: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Guetterman Timothy C. , Haggins Adrianne , Montas Sacha , Black Joy , Harney Deneil , Fetters Michael D. , Silbergleit Robert , Dickert Neal W. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTThe nature of the review of local context by institutional review boards (IRBs) is vague. Requirements for single IRB review of multicenter trials create a need to better understand interpretation and implementation of local‐context review and how to best implement such reviews centrally. We sought a pragmatic understanding of IRB local‐context review by exploring stakeholders' attitudes and perceptions. Semistructured interviews with 26 IRB members and staff members, institutional officials, and investigators were integrated with 80 surveys of similar stakeholders and analyzed with qualitative theme‐based text analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. Stakeholders described what they considered to be local context, the value of local‐context review, and key processes used to implement review of local context in general and for emergency research conducted with an exception from informed consent. Concerns and potential advantages of centralized review of local context were expressed. Variability in perspectives suggests that local‐context review is not a discrete process, which presents opportunities for defining pathways for single IRB review.
Hypothalamic subregion alterations in anorexia nervosa and obesity: Association with appetite‐regulating hormone levels
Authors: Alzaid Haidar , Simon Joe J. , Brugnara Gianluca , Vollmuth Philipp , Bendszus Martin , Friederich Hans‐Christoph 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveAnorexia nervosa (AN) and obesity are weight‐related disorders with imbalances in energy homeostasis that may be due to hormonal dysregulation. Given the importance of the hypothalamus in hormonal regulation, we aimed to identify morphometric alterations to hypothalamic subregions linked to these conditions and their connection to appetite‐regulating hormones.MethodsStructural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained from 78 patients with AN, 27 individuals with obesity and 100 normal‐weight healthy controls. Leptin, ghrelin, and insulin blood levels were measured in a subsample of each group. An automated segmentation method was used to segment the hypothalamus and its subregions. Volumes of the hypothalamus and its subregions were compared between groups, and correlational analysis was employed to assess the relationship between morphometric measurements and appetite‐regulating hormone levels.ResultsWhile accounting for total brain volume, patients with AN displayed a smaller volume in the inferior‐tubular subregion (ITS). Conversely, obesity was associated with a larger volume in the anterior‐superior, ITS, posterior subregions (PS), and entire hypothalamus. There were no significant volumetric differences between AN subtypes. Leptin correlated positively with PS volume, whereas ghrelin correlated negatively with the whole hypothalamus volume in the entire cohort. However, appetite‐regulating hormone levels did not mediate the effects of body mass index on volumetric measures.ConclusionOur results indicate the importance of regional structural hypothalamic alterations in AN and obesity, extending beyond global changes to brain volume. Furthermore, these alterations may be linked to changes in hormonal appetite regulation. However, given the small sample size in our correlation analysis, further analyses in a larger sample size are warranted.Public SignificanceUsing an automated segmentation method to investigate morphometric alterations of hypothalamic subregions in AN and obesity, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between hypothalamic alterations, hormonal appetite regulation, and body weight, highlighting the need for further research to uncover underlying mechanisms.
Association between haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets and mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Liu Ling , Gong Benbingdi , Wang Wei , Xu Kai , Wang Kaoshan , Song Guixian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsThe combination of haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets (HALP) is a new metric used to assess patient prognosis in many diseases. This study aimed to assess the relationship between HALP and short‐ and long‐term mortality in patients with heart failure.Methods and resultsThis retrospective cohort study included adult patients with heart failure who were hospitalized between 2019 and 2021. The primary outcomes were 1‐month mortality and 1‐year mortality. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between HALP and the risk of mortality. Stratified analyses were conducted based on New York Heart Association functional classification (NYHA) stage (II/III, IV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, <50%, ≥50%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the ability of HALP, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC‐HF) risk score in predicting mortality in patients with heart failure. A total of 730 patients with heart failure were included, of whom 61 (8.36%) died within 1 month and 77 (10.55%) died within 1 year. High HALP scores were associated with a reduced risk of 1‐month mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 0.978, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.963–0.992, P = 0.003) and 1‐year mortality (OR = 0.987, 95% CI: 0.977–0.997, P = 0.009) in patients with heart failure. In patients with different NYHA stages or LVEF levels, high HALP scores were correlated with a reduced risk of 1‐year mortality in patients with NYHA stage II/III (OR = 0.978, 95% CI: 0.957–1.000, P = 0.045) or LVEF ≥50% (OR = 0.970, 95% CI: 0.945–0.996, P = 0.024). The AUC for HALP, PNI, CRP, and MAGGIC‐HF to predict 1‐year mortality in patients with heart failure were 0.677 (95% CI: 0.619–0.735), 0.666 (95% CI: 0.608–0.723), 0.638 (95% CI: 0.572–0.704), and 0.654 (95% CI: 0.591–0.717), respectively.ConclusionsHALP may be a potential marker for predicting mortality in patients with heart failure. Further exploration based on HALP may yield better clinical predictors of prognosis in patients with heart failure.
Synthesis of Diverse 4‐Pyrrolin‐2‐ones by Electrochemically Induced Dehydrogenative Regioselective Cyclization of 3‐Aza‐1,5‐dienes and 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Ji Xing , He Run , Shi Lou , Sun Shaoguang , Liang Deqiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA practical and mild electrochemical dehydrogenative regioselective cyclization method has been established for the synthesis of 4‐pyrrolin‐2‐ones using 3‐aza‐1,5‐dienes and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds as substrates. This protocol is catalyst‐free, metal‐free, and does not require oxidizing agents. It exhibits wide substrate compatibility and can be easily scaled up to the gram scale.
Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala berry extract and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside inhibit hepatotoxicity and apoptosis
Authors: Panritdum Pasitta , Muangnoi Chawanphat , Tuntipopipat Siriporn , Charoenkiatkul Somsri , Sukprasansap Monruedee 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExcessive oxidative toxicity in liver cells is a significant risk factor that can cause cellular injury, leading to the development of chronic liver disease (CLD). Natural anthocyanins have been shown to prevent the harmful effects of oxidative toxicity in mammalian cells. Ripe Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala berry fruits are rich in anthocyanins, which have been reported to possess many health benefits. Therefore, this study examined the protective effect of ethanolic fruit extract of C. nervosum var. paniala (CNPE) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative damage and cell death in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Results showed that CNPE had strong antioxidant capabilities and high amounts of total phenolics and anthocyanins. HPLC analysis showed that CNPE consists of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G). Our investigations found that HepG2 cells pretreated with CNPE or anthocyanin C3G inhibited H2O2‐induced cellular damage and apoptosis by increasing the viability of cells, the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 protein, and the activities of cellular antioxidant enzymes, namely SOD, CAT, and GPx. Moreover, both CNPE and C3G significantly suppressed expression of apoptotic proteins (Bax and cytochrome c) and the activities of cleaved caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 caused by H2O2. Our results indicate that CNPE and C3G can suppress H2O2‐induced hepatotoxicity and cell death through stimulation of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and inhibition of apoptosis pathway in HepG2 cells. These findings might support development of CNPE as an alternative natural product for preventing CLD.
Bioinspired reflective display based on photonic crystals
Authors: Liu Yifan , Hou Xiaoyu , Song Yanlin , Li Mingzhu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractReflective displays have the advantages of energy efficiency, high brightness, eye protection, and good readability, making them an attractive display technology. Photonic crystal (PhC) structural color is highly regarded as an ideal choice for reflective displays for its ecofriendliness, colorfastness, and adjustability. In this review, we introduce the fundamental classification and manufacturing methods of PhC reflective displays. We systematically summarize the display principles of PhC‐based displays driven by various stimuli. Furthermore, we present the latest research advancements in PhC displays based on smart actuators. Additionally, we offer a detailed overview of the current research status and application prospects of liquid crystal structural color displays and three‐dimensional PhC displays. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by PhC displays and provide insights into their prospects.
Exchange rate misalignment and financial development in Africa
Authors: Nchofoung Tii N. , Ojong Nathanael , Gachili Ladifatou Ndi Gbambie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe examine the effect of misaligned exchange rates on financial development in Africa. Results from quantile regression techniques and the IV Lewbel estimator reveal that exchange rate misalignment significantly hampers financial development on that continent. This result is robust across financial institutions and financial markets. We also show that while the effects of misaligned exchange rates are negative on financial institutions and positive on financial markets in African franc‐zone countries, the effects are consistently negative across all financial sectors in the non‐franc‐zone countries there. When robustness assessment is done using quantile regression, the results show that the negative effect of misalignment on financial development is only feasible from the 75th percentile and higher in Africa in general and for the non‐franc‐zone countries in particular.
Copper levels in cervical mucus of copper intrauterine device users versus non‐users
Authors: Han Leo L. , Edelman Alison B. , Sosanya Oluwadamilola , Garg Bharti , Chi Vivia , Ralle Martina 
Published: January 2024

SynopsisWe found higher copper levels in the cervical mucus of Cu‐IUD users compared with non‐users.
The effect of Xylocaine spray on suture material degradation
Authors: Jannati Pantea , Sørensen Charlotte Arp , Gommesen Ditte , Glavind‐Kristensen Marianne , Seehafer Peggy , Kindberg Sara Fevre , Hjorth Sarah 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the tensile strength of fast absorbable Polyglactin 910 suture material when impregnated with various agents for local anesthesia and to investigate whether the presence of ethanol in Xylocaine spray could explain a potential reduction in tensile strength after use of Xylocaine spray.MethodsIn all, 120 suture samples of Polyglactin 910 were divided into four groups of 30. These four groups were randomly impregnated with isotonic sodium chloride, isotonic sodium chloride plus Xylocaine spray, isotonic sodium chloride plus Xylocaine gel, or isotonic sodium chloride plus ethanol. After impregnation, the sutures were stored in sealed glass tubes in a heating cabinet at 37°C for 72 h. Thereafter, the tensile strength of these 120 samples was assessed by a universal tensile testing machine. The maximal force needed to break the suture material was recorded in newtons (N).ResultsFast absorbable Polyglactin 910 suture material impregnated with Xylocaine spray or ethanol showed weakened tensile strength (mean values 11.40 and 11.86 N, respectively), whereas the specimens impregnated with Xylocaine gel or sodium chloride retained their tensile strength better (mean values 13.81 and 13.28 N, respectively; mean difference between Xylocaine gel and Xylocaine spray −2.41 N, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn this in vitro experiment, ethanol and Xylocaine spray weakened the tensile strength of fast absorbable Polyglactin 910 sutures. Use of Xylocaine spray, which contains ethanol, for local anesthesia might lead to early breakdown of the suture material and wound rupture. The authors suggest caution when using Xylocaine spray in combination with fast absorbable Polyglactin 910 suture.
Activation of autophagy promotes the inhibitory effect of curcumin analog EF‐24 against MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells
Authors: Zhao Yin‐Yin , Li Jun , Wang Hao‐Qi , Zheng Hao‐Bo , Ma Shi‐Wei , Zhou Guang‐Zhou 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBreast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. EF‐24, an analog of curcumin, has been shown to possess promising anticancer effects. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of EF‐24 against one breast cancer cell line, MDA‐MB‐231, and its anti‐migration ability were assessed by MTT, wound healing, and Transwell assay. Furthermore, we found that EF‐24 could induce initiation of autophagy as evidenced by fluorescence and electron microscope observation. EF‐24 also induced mitochondrial apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells as detected by Hoechst 33342 staining, flow cytometry analysis, and western blot analysis. In addition, the early autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA could reduce the cleavage of PARP protein and protect cells from EF‐24‐induced apoptosis, while the autophagy inducer (rapamycin) could enhance the anticancer effect of EF‐24 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, which suggest that EF‐24 induces crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis, which herein participate in the antiproliferative effect of EF‐24 in breast cancer cells. Moreover, removal of EF‐24‐activated ROS with NAC significantly reversed migration ability of MDA‐MB‐231 cells, indicating that EF‐24 exerted an inhibitory effect through a ROS‐mediating pathway. These results will help to elucidate the antitumor mechanism of curcumin analogs and to explore future potential clinical applications.
Aromatic and magnetic properties in a series of heavy rare earth‐doped Ge6 cluster anions
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Ming , Wang Huai‐Qian , Li Hui‐Fang , Mei Xun‐Jie , Zeng Jin‐Kun , Qin Lan‐Xin , Zheng Hao , Zhang Yong‐Hang , Jiang Kai‐Le , Zhang Bo , Wu Wen‐Hai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA series of pentagonal bipyramidal anionic germanium clusters doped with heavy rare earth elements, (RE = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu), have been identified at the PBE0/def2‐TZVP level using density functional theory (DFT). Our findings reveal that the centrally doped pentagonal ring structure demonstrates enhanced stability and heightened aromaticity due to its uniform bonding characteristics and a larger charge transfer region. Through natural population analysis and spin density diagrams, we observed a monotonic decrease in the magnetic moment from Gd to Yb. This is attributed to the decreasing number of unpaired electrons in the 4f orbitals of the heavy rare earth atoms. Interestingly, the system doped with Er atoms showed lower stability and anti‐aromaticity, likely due to the involvement of the 4f orbitals in bonding. Conversely, the systems doped with Gd and Tb atoms stood out for their high magnetism and stability, making them potential building blocks for rare earth‐doped semiconductor materials.
Neurobiology of cognitive abilities in early childhood autism
Authors: Denisova Kristina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis perspective considers complexities in the relationship between impaired cognitive abilities and autism from a maturational, developmental perspective, and aims to serve as a helpful guide for the complex and growing investigation of cognitive abilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Low Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and ASD are frequently co‐occurring. About 37% of 8‐year old children and 48% of 4‐year old children diagnosed with ASD also have Intellectual Disability, with IQ below 70. And, low IQ in early infancy, including below 1 year of age, carries a 40% greater chance of receiving ASD diagnosis in early childhood. We consider the evidence that may explain this co‐occurrence, including the possibility that high IQ may “rescue” the social communication issues, as well as the possible role of critical periods during growth and development. We consider how early low IQ may subsume a part of a subgroup of individuals with ASD, in particular, those diagnosed with autism in very early childhood, and we provide neurobiological evidence in support of this subtype. Moreover, we distinguish the concept of early low IQ from the delay in speech onset in preschool and school‐aged children, based on (i) age and (ii) impairments in both verbal and non‐verbal domains. The etiology of these early‐diagnosed, early low IQ ASD cases is different from later‐diagnosed, average or higher‐IQ cases, and from children with speech delay onset. Given recent interest in formulating new subtypes of autism, rather than continuing to conceive of ASD as a spectrum, as well as new subtypes that vary in the degree of severity along the spectrum, we identify gaps in knowledge and directions for future work in this complex and growing area.
Phosphorus removal from agricultural tile drainage effluent with activated alumina in novel adsorption reactors
Authors: Husk Barry , Balch Gordon , Sanchez Juan Sebastian , Ejack Leanne , Whalen Joann K. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSubsurface tile drains under agricultural field crops are a major source of phosphorus (P) discharge to aquatic ecosystems, contributing to the eutrophication of surface waters. Adsorption reactors for P removal from drainage water (P‐reactors) could reduce P outflow from agricultural land but were rarely studied in cold, temperate climates. In our study, four low‐cost P‐reactors were installed in agricultural fields in south‐central Québec, Canada. Activated alumina (AA) beads were used as P‐adsorptive material, and the reactors were connected to tile drain outlets. Paired water samples (39 events) from reactor inlets and outlets were analyzed for P species and other physicochemical parameters during one calendar year to assess the P removal from tile drain effluent in the P‐reactors. Collectively, the P‐reactors retained approximately half (48%) of the total mass of P flowing through the tile drains, mostly (92%) as particulate P. The mass of AA beads adsorbed 11% of the dissolved‐P fractions. Results are interpreted in the context of the field drainage area and will require adjustments to the P‐reactor design to accommodate larger fields. The P‐reactors remained structurally intact throughout all four seasons in a cold temperate climate, showing the potential of simple, inexpensive P‐reactors to reduce P concentration in tile drain effluent.