bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of pH Responsive Fluorescent Composite Nano- drug Carriers Based on Silicon Nanoparticles and Their Application in Tumor Cells
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Lu Jiahui , Zhang Yihao , Xi Bingyao , Gao Chang , Dou Yakun , Liu Zhanjun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) prepared by one-pot hydrothermal synthesis method was used as the fluorescence basis and mesoporous silica (MSNs) as the carrier to prepare pH responsive fluorescent composite nano-drug carriers (Si NPs-MSNs). A series of characterization methods were used to analyze their optical properties and characterize their structure. Using doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) as the drug model, the drug adsorbability and release of the prepared fluorescent composite nanocarriers were investigated. The biosafety and imaging effect of Si NPs-MSNs was investigated by MTT and cell imaging experiments. The drug absorption test showed that the drug loading rate of Si NPs-MSNs was 23.08% and the encapsulation rate was 76.94%. Drug release experiments indicated that Si NPs-MSNs were sensitive to pH. The results of MTT made known that Si NPs-MSNs had less cytotoxicity and were suitable for biological applications, and also proved that Si NPs-MSNs loaded with DOX had the effect of killing tumor cells. Tumor cell imaging experiments showed that Si NPs-MSNs can present good fluorescence imaging effect in tumor cells. In this study, the successful preparation of Si NPs-MSNs provided theoretical basis and research ideas for the further application of Si NPs and MSNs in the biological field.
Effect of 3-hydrazinylquinoxaline-2-thiol hydrogel on skin wound healing process in diabetic rats
Authors: Alamre Jehan Barakat , Alkreathy Huda , Ali Ahmed S. , Alfadil Abdelbagi , Alghamdi Sahar S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Impaired wound healing in diabetic individuals creates huge social and financial burdens for both diabetic patients and the health system. Unfortunately, the current treatment has not resulted in consistently lower amputation rates. Quinoxalines are heterocyclic compounds with multiple important pharmacological properties. Their effect on wound healing has not been closely studied. In the current work, the wound healing effect of 3-hydrazinylquinoxaline-2-thiol hydrogel is tested topically in a full-thickness excision wound in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. We examined the wound closure rate, expression of inflammatory factors, growth factors in addition to the histological analysis. The result revealed a significant acceleration in wound closure in the treated group compared with the control experimental animals. Histological data demonstrated enhanced re-epithelialization and collagen disposition. The healing effect was additionally evaluated by the inhibition of the inflammatory response of interleukin (IL) - 1β interleukin (IL) - 6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) with a marked improvement of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ-1), antioxidant markers and collagen-1. In silico study indicated a favorable drug-like properties and toxicity profile. The present work showed that 3-hydrazinylquinoxaline-2-thiol holds great potential for the treatment of diabetic wounds.
Influence of thermal conductivity and emissivity of heat shield surface material on the thermal field of Czochralski silicon crystal growth
Authors: Lv Xuekang , Hu Rongrong , Li Jiacheng , Ali Salamat , Li Gengjin , Qi Jing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Silicon crystal for solar cells are mainly produced by the Czochralski (CZ) method, in which the quality and production cost of silicon crystal are mainly affected by the thermal field of the crystal growth furnace. While the thermal field is significantly influenced by the heat shield material, in this study, the effect of thermal conductivity and emissivity of the heat shield material on the global thermal field was investigated by numerical simulation in Ansys Fluent software. The heat shield surface is divided into two parts, the high-temperature side part (close to the crucible and melt) and the low-temperature side part (close to the crystal), which are named as Hot-Side-Material and Cold-Side-Material, respectively. The results show that the same material can be chosen for both parts and the smaller the thermal conductivity and the emissivity of the material, the better the thermal field. As the thermal conductivity and emissivity of the heat shield surface material decrease, the melt-crystal (m-c) interface deflection decreases; the maximum thermal stress of the crystal and the required heater power are also reduced, while the crystal axial temperature gradient increases. Therefore, it is recommended to select material with low emissivity and low thermal conductivity as heat shield surface material.
Screen and evaluate the prognostic capacity and clinical value of Necroptosis-related Genes in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wen Dake , Yan Ru , Zhang Lin , Zhang Haoyang , Chen Xuyang , Zhou Jian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background：Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological neoplasm. Little improvement in survival rates has been achieved over the past few decades. Necroptosis has relationship with certain types of malignancies outcomes. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic ability and prognostic value of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) in AML through bioinformatics analysis.
Methods：Necroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (NRDEGs) were acquired after intersecting Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database with NRGs from GeneCards, Molecular Signatures Database (MsigDB) and literatures. Diagnosis models were constructed and hub-NRDEGs were obtained. Immune infiltration was analyzed. Kaplan–Meier(K-M) survival analyses was utilized to evaluate the prognostic values along with COX model.
Results：6 hub-NRDEGs were obtained. Gene RAPR1 showed inversely related with CD56dim natural killer cell (CD56dim NK cell) and CTSS positive with MDSCs. Gene ZNF217 showed significant difference in duration of survival in AML patients. Cox regression models revealed the 6 hub-NRDEGs had better predictive power at year 1 and year 5.
Conclusion：The screened NRDEGs might provide potential diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets for AML patients.
Label free tracking to quantify nanoparticle diffusion through biological media
Authors: Schleyer Genevieve , Patterson Eann A. , Curran Judith M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a rapidly evolving field and has been extensively studied in biological applications. An understanding of the factors that influence nanoparticle diffusion in biofluids can aid in the development of diverse technologies. The development of real-time, label-free tracking technologies would allow the expansion of current knowledge of the diffusion and activity of nanoparticles. Fluorescence based microscopy is one of the most widespread tools to monitor and track nanoparticle dynamics however, the influence of fluorescent tags on diffusion and biological activity is still unclear. In this study, we experimentally determined the diffusion coefficient of gold nanoparticles using a label free, optical tracking technique and evaluated the influence of protein concentration, charge and diameter on nanoparticle diffusion through biological media. We dispersed positively- and negatively-charged nanoparticles with diameters 10nm – 100nm in a common cell culture media with different concentrations of serum proteins. Our results show that dynamic protein interactions influence nanoparticle diffusion in the range of serum concentrations tested. Experimental regimes to obtain quantitative information on the factors that influence the dynamics of nanoparticles in biological media have been developed.
Targeting Cellular Plasticity: Esculetin-Driven Reversion of Stemness and EMT Phenotype in Transforming Cells with Sequential p53/p73 Knockdowns
Authors: Mathur Ankit , Bareja Chanchal , Mittal Milky , Singh Anjali , Saluja Daman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The intricate interplay of cancer stem cell plasticity, along with the bidirectional transformation between epithelial-mesenchymal states, introduces further intricacy to offer insights into newer therapeutic approaches. Differentiation therapy, while successful in targeting leukemic stem cells, has shown limited overall success, with only a few promising instances. Using colon carcinoma cell strains with sequential p53/p73 knockdowns, our study underscores the association between p53/p73 and the maintenance of cellular plasticity. Morphological alterations corresponding with cell surface marker expressions, transcriptome analysis and functional assays were performed to access stemness and EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) characteristics in the spectrum of cells exhibiting sequential p53 and p73 knockdowns. Notably, our investigation explores the effectiveness of esculetin in reversing the shift from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype, characterized by stemness traits. Esculetin significantly induces enterocyte differentiation and promotes epithelial cell polarity by altering Wnt axes in Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) characterized by high mesenchymal features. These results align with our previous findings in leukemic blast cells, establishing esculetin as an effective differentiating agent in both Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and solid tumor cells.
Enhancing Public Mental Health for Youths in Post-Civil War Settings: Exploring Depression, Anxiety, Sleeping Disturbances, and Related Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Igreja Victor , Axelsen Taryn , Brekelmans Alana 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Mental health research in post-conflict societies has predominantly concentrated on war-related traumas and post-traumatic stress disorder among those who lived through the conflict. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety disorders, sleeping disturbances among the younger generation in post-civil war societies, as well as their associations with age, gender, and risk and protective factors. This study aims to bridge this gap by focusing on young people in Mozambique, a resource-poor nation, two decades after the cessation of the civil war.
Methods: The study used mixed methods comprising qualitative and quantitative instruments that included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) and Nocturnal Intrusions after Traumatic Experiences Questionnaire (NITE). The sample involved n = 794 young people in homesteads and schools. To examine the results, univariate analysis, chi-square tests, binary logistic regression analyses and odds ratio were used.
Results: Risk factors were pervasive in households, communities, and schools. Mental health problems were commonly linked to severe depression (14.2%), anxiety-related disorders (39.3%), sleep disturbances (37.3%), and anxiety dreams (27.5%). Gender, age, and protective factors were associated with the incidence and severity of mental health outcomes, while living with both parents protected against the severity of anxiety-related disorders.
Conclusions: Understanding the contextual mental health needs of young people in post-civil war Mozambique is crucial for developing insights to craft and implement targeted public mental health policies and interventions in resource-limited settings. Addressing mental health issues among young people necessitates a concentrated effort on understanding and managing the interplay of risks and protective factors within families, communities, and schools.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation enhances short-latency afferent inhibition via cholinergic system activation
Authors: Kirimoto Hikari , Nezu Tomohisa , Horinouchi Takayuki , Saita Kazuya , Date Shota , Kurumadani Hiroshi , Maruyama Hirofumi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The present study examined the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI), as indirect biomarker of cholinergic system activation. 24 healthy adults underwent intermittent taVNS (30 sec on/30 sec off, 30 min) or continuous taVNS at a frequency of 25 Hz (30 sec on/30 sec off, 30 min) along with earlobe temporary stimulation (15 min or 30 min) in a 15 min) were performed in random order. The efficiency with which the motor evoked potential amplitudes evoked from the abductor pollicis brevismuscle by transcranial magnetic stimulation was attenuated by the preceding median nerve conditioning stimulus was compared before taVNS, immediately after taVNS, and 15 minutes after taVNS. Continuous taVNS significantly increased SAI at 15 min post-stimulation compared to baseline. A positive correlation (Pearson coefficient = 0.563, p = 0.004) was observed between baseline SAI and changes after continuous taVNS. These results suggest that 15 minutes of continuous taVNS increases the activity of the cholinergic nervous system, as evidenced by the increase in SAI. In particular, the increase after taVNS was more pronounced in those with lower initial SAI. This study provides fundamental insight into the clinical potential of taVNS for cholinergic dysfunction.
Bryozoan fauna from the Ferques Formation (Upper Devonian, Frasnian) of France
Authors: Ernst Andrej , Buttler Caroline 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Bryozoan material from the Ferques Formation (Upper Devonian, Frasnian), Boulonnais, France contains two cystoporates Cystiramus cf. kondomensis Morozova, 1959 and Canutrypa francqana Bassler, 1952, a new trepostome species Dyoidophragma bigeye n. sp., as well as two fenestrates Hemitrypa sp. and Anastomopora inflata (Bigey, 1988b). The revised diagnosis of the genus Dyoidophragma Duncan, 1939 is suggested. The species composition reveals palaeobiogeographic relations to the Middle and Upper Devonian of Belgium, Germany and Poland, as well as possible relation to the Upper Devonian of Kuznetsk Basin in Russia.
Impact of Orthognathic Surgery on Stress Distribution in the Jaw of Class ll Women: An Integrated Analysis of Finite Element and DC/TMD.
Authors: Sommerfeld Ricardo , Olsson Bernardo , Feltrin Juliana , Signorini Luciana , Sebastiani Aline Monise , Scariot Rafaela , Costa Delson João da 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Orthognathic surgery aims to correct dentofacial deformities to improve both function and aesthetics. However, it can affect the position of the jaw head in the mandibular fossa, impacting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and leading to temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Computational simulations using the finite element method (FEM) help measure changes that may occur in the TMJ, simulating in vivo situations. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of orthognathic surgery on TMJ and TMD symptoms, using computational simulations and clinical analysis methods to assess changes in stress distribution in the jaw head.
Materials and Methods
Five women with Class II malocclusion undergoing orthognathic surgery were analyzed, with clinical and computed tomography assessments performed one week before and six months after the procedure.
Results
Statistical analysis showed a mean reduction in preoperative stress (723.82 ± 306.70 MPa) to postoperative stress (465.53 ± 268.27 MPa) without significance (p = 0.115). Four out of five patients did not present TMD after surgery (p = 0.250), while three out of four patients with previous articular TMD no longer had it after surgery (p = 0.500).
Conclusions
In conclusion, there was a trend of reduced stress in the jaw head and TMD symptoms six months after orthognathic surgery.
Clinical Relevance: This study can contribute to the improvement of surgical techniques, development of postoperative follow-up protocols, and enhancement of clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.
The role of long-term trends and internal variability in altering fire weather conditions in the western United States
Authors: Lou Jiale , Joh Youngji , Delworth Thomas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is closely related to fire activity in the western United States (US). Here, we demonstrate that the western US experiences an escalating VPD trend driven by increased atmospheric capacity to hold water vapor due to global warming, intensifying aridity and fire risk, especially in summertime. Atop these drying trends, the leading VPD mode, with a pronounced decadal component, displays a center-of-action in the southwest US. In its dry phase, this mode is characterized by reduced soil moisture, high-pressure systems, and La Niña-like conditions, and connected to decadal sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the Pacific and Atlantic basins. Leveraging large climate simulations, a backward model-analog technique reveals persistent SST signals a few seasons preceding the dry VPD mode. While state-of-the-art models can reasonably capture the spatial patterns of VPD, challenges emerge in representing the decadal component of the leading VPD mode, which predominantly arises from misrepresentations of the actual rather than saturation vapor pressure.
Dual activity of Minnelide chemosensitize basal/triple negative breast cancer stem cells and reprograms immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment
Authors: Korkaya Hasan , Alkan Fulya Koksalar , Caglayan Ahmet , Alkan Hilmi , Benson Elayne , Gunduz Yunus , Sensoy Ozge , Durdagi Serdar , Zarbaliyev Elbrus , Dyson Gregory , Assad Hadeel , Shull Austin , Chadli Ahmed , Shi Huidong , Ozturk Gurkan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype is characterized with higher EMT/stemness properties and immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Women with advanced TNBC exhibit aggressive disease and have limited treatment options. Although immune suppressive TME is implicated in driving aggressive properties of basal/TNBC subtype and therapy resistance, effectively targeting it remains a challenge. Minnelide, a prodrug of triptolide currently being tested in clinical trials, has shown anti-tumorigenic activity in multiple malignancies via targeting super enhancers, Myc and anti-apoptotic pathways such as HSP70. Distinct super-enhancer landscape drives cancer stem cells (CSC) in TNBC subtype while inducing immune suppressive TME. We show that Minnelide selectively targets CSCs in human and murine TNBC cell lines compared to cell lines of luminal subtype by targeting Myc and HSP70. Minnelide in combination with cyclophosphamide significantly reduces the tumor growth and eliminates metastasis by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment and enhancing cytotoxic T cell infiltration in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Resection of residual tumors following the combination treatment leads to complete eradication of disseminated tumor cells as all mice are free of local and distant recurrences. All control mice showed recurrences within 3 weeks of post-resection while single Minnelide treatment delayed recurrence and one mouse was free of tumor. We provide evidence that Minnelide targets tumor intrinsic pathways and reprograms the immune suppressive microenvironment. Our studies also suggest that Minnelide in combination with cyclophosphamide may lead to durable responses in patients with basal/TNBC subtype warranting its clinical investigation.
Differential outcomes of lymph node dissection in treating lymph node basins of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)
Authors: Ramasenderan Nandinii , Halim Ahmad Sukari , Koh Khai Luen , Basiron Normala , Zain Mohammad Ali Mat 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 20% of all non-melanoma skin cancer cases and is primarily observed in the head and neck region. In specific scenarios, a minority of cases may exhibit metastasis to the primary regional basin drainage. Our objective was to review our 7-year experience with lymph node dissection cases in cutaneous malignancies and assess the trend over time at a tertiary referral centre.
Method
The Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Department of Hospital Kuala Lumpur conducted a retrospective analysis on patients who were diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and underwent lymph node dissection over a span of seven years. Fifty six of 124 cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients had their data recovered. Twelve participants had lymph node dissection surgery. This study documented subject prognoses and lymph node surgery performed.
Results
Nine men and 3 women comprised the 12-person cohort. The median age of diagnosis was 56.9 years, and the minimum follow-up was 5 years. Two of twelve patients had positive nodes, indicating cancer. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the first patient had two high-risk indicators, while the second had four. The initial patient manifested cutaneous metastasis, whereas the subsequent patient demonstrated nodal metastasis and ultimately succumbed to the ailment. A total of six patients received radiotherapy treatment. Our patient group exhibited a higher negative rate for complete lymph node dissection in cases of occult regional metastases.
Conclusion
The identified high-risk factors included the presence of a palpable lymph node, moderate degree of differentiation, and perineural involvement. The utilisation of sentinel lymph node biopsy and PET/CT imaging as supplementary measures in instances of occult lymph nodes may prove advantageous, however, further investigation is warranted.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating immunity: a study based on artificial neural networks and single-cell sequencing
Authors: Cheng Zhaorui , Wang Tong , Li Shuangmei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by the complex pathogenesis, limited therapeutic methods, and poor prognosis. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) plays an important role in the development of HCC, therefore, we still need further study of molecular mechanism of HCC and ERS for early diagnosis and promising treatment targets.
Methods: In this study, differential analysis was used to find differential ERS-related genes (ERSRGs) associated with HCC. An artificial neural network (ANN) prediction model was constructed based on Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The ESTIMATE algorithm was used to analyze the correlation between ERSRGs and the immune micro-environment. Single-cell sequencing was used to evaluate the role of ERSRGs in the tumor micro-environment. The effect of ERS-related core gene, the protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 16A (PPP1R16A) on hepatoma cells was verified through cytological experiments.
Results: An ANN related to the ERS model was constructed based on SRPX, THBS4, CTH, PPP1R16A, CLGN, and THBS1. The area under the curve (AUC) value of this model in the training set was 0.979, and the AUC values in the three validation sets were 0.958, 0.936, and 0.970 respectively. Among the six ERSRGs, the mutation rate of PPP1R16A was the highest, characterized by gene copy amplification. The expression levels of the six ERSRGs were highly correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune-related pathways. The intercellular interactions showed that PPP1R16A could remodel the tumor micro-environment through signals pathway such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)/CD74+CXCR4. Functional experiments showed that the expression of PPP1R16A was down-regulated after siRNA knockdown, which suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of HCCLM3 and Hep3B cells in vitro.
Conclusion: This manuscript explored function and main molecular mechanism of ERS in HCC, and found that PPP1R16A probably paly an important role in the development of HCC. These findings may provide a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.