bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RTP801 mediates transneuronal toxicity in culture via extracellular vesicles
Authors: Solana‐Balaguer Júlia , Martín‐Flores Núria , Garcia‐Segura Pol , Campoy‐Campos Genís , Pérez‐Sisqués Leticia , Chicote‐González Almudena , Fernández‐Irigoyen Joaquín , Santamaría Enrique , Pérez‐Navarro Esther , Alberch Jordi , Malagelada Cristina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in intercellular communication, participating in the paracrine trophic support or in the propagation of toxic molecules, including proteins. RTP801 is a stress‐regulated protein, whose levels are elevated during neurodegeneration and induce neuron death. However, whether RTP801 toxicity is transferred trans‐neuronally via EVs remains unknown. Hence, we overexpressed or silenced RTP801 protein in cultured cortical neurons, isolated their derived EVs (RTP801‐EVs or shRTP801‐EVs, respectively), and characterized EVs protein content by mass spectrometry (MS). RTP801‐EVs toxicity was assessed by treating cultured neurons with these EVs and quantifying apoptotic neuron death and branching. We also tested shRTP801‐EVs functionality in the pathologic in vitro model of 6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). Expression of RTP801 increased the number of EVs released by neurons. Moreover, RTP801 led to a distinct proteomic signature of neuron‐derived EVs, containing more pro‐apoptotic markers. Hence, we observed that RTP801‐induced toxicity was transferred to neurons via EVs, activating apoptosis and impairing neuron morphology complexity. In contrast, shRTP801‐EVs were able to increase the arborization in recipient neurons. The 6‐OHDA neurotoxin elevated levels of RTP801 in EVs, and 6‐OHDA‐derived EVs lost the mTOR/Akt signalling activation via Akt and RPS6 downstream effectors. Interestingly, EVs derived from neurons where RTP801 was silenced prior to exposing them to 6‐OHDA maintained Akt and RPS6 transactivation in recipient neurons. Taken together, these results suggest that RTP801‐induced toxicity is transferred via EVs, and therefore, it could contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in which RTP801 is involved.
A Machine Learning‐Based Unenhanced Radiomics Approach to Distinguishing Between Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions Using T2‐Weighted and Diffusion‐Weighted MRI
Authors: Liu Yulu , Jia Xiaoxuan , Zhao Jiaqi , Peng Yuan , Yao Xun , Hu Xuege , Cui Jingjing , Chen Haoquan , Chen Xiufeng , Wu Jing , Hong Nan , Wang Shu , Wang Yi 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundBreast MRI has been recommended as supplemental screening tool to mammography and breast ultrasound of breast cancer by international guidelines, but its long examination time and use of contrast material remains concerning.PurposeTo develop an unenhanced radiomics model with using non‐gadolinium based sequences for detecting breast cancer based on T2‐weighted (T2W) and diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI.Study TypeRetrospective analysis followed by retrospective and prospective cohorts study.Population1760 patients: Of these, 1293 for model construction (n = 775 for training and 518 for validation). The remaining patients for model testing in internal retrospective (n = 167), internal prospective (n = 188), and external retrospective (n = 112) cohorts.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T MR scanners from two institution. T2WI, DWI, and first contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted sequence.AssessmentAUCs in distinguishing breast cancer were compared between combined model with gadolinium agent sequence and unenhanced model. Subsequently, the AUCs in testing cohorts of unenhanced model was compared with two radiologists' diagnosis for this research. Finally, patient subgroup analysis in testing cohorts was performed based on clinical subgroups and different types of malignancies.Statistical TestsMann–Whitney U test, Kruskal‐Wallis H test, chi‐square test, weighted kappa test, and DeLong's test.ResultsThe unenhanced radiomics model performed best under Gaussian process (GP) classifiers (AUC: training, 0.893; validation, 0.848) compared to support vector machine (SVM) and logistic, showing favorable prediction in testing cohorts (AUCs, 0.818–0.840). The AUCs for the unenhanced radiomics model were not statistically different in five cohorts from those of the combined radiomics model (P, 0.317–0.816), as well as the two radiologists (P, 0.181–0.918). The unenhanced radiomics model was least successful in identifying ductal carcinoma in situ, whereas did not show statistical significance in other subgroups.Data ConclusionAn unenhanced radiomics model based on T2WI and DWI has comparable diagnostic accuracy to the combined model using the gadolinium agent.Level of Evidence4Technical EfficacyStage 2
Development of a rapid, sensitive detection method for SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza virus based on recombinase polymerase amplification combined with CRISPR‐Cas12a assay
Authors: Wang Yuning , Wu Liqiang , Yu Xiaomei , Wang Gang , Pan Ting , Huang Zhao , Cui Ting , Huang Tianxun , Huang Zhentao , Nie Libo , Qian Chungen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRespiratory tract infections are associated with the most common diseases transmitted among people and remain a huge threat to global public health. Rapid and sensitive diagnosis of causative agents is critical for timely treatment and disease control. Here, we developed a novel method based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with CRISPR‐Cas12a to detect three viral pathogens, including SARS‐CoV‐2, influenza A, and influenza B, which cause similar symptom complexes of flu cold in the respiratory tract. The detection method can be completed within 1 h, which is faster than other standard detection methods, and the limit of detection is approximately 102 copies/μL. Additionally, this detection system is highly specific and there is no cross‐reactivity with other common respiratory tract pathogens. Based on this assay, we further developed a more simplified RPA/CRISPR‐Cas12a system combined with lateral flow assay on a manual microfluidic chip, which can simultaneously detect these three viruses. This low‐cost detection system is rapid and sensitive, which could be applied in the field and resource‐limited areas without bulky and expensive instruments, providing powerful tools for the point‐of‐care diagnostic.
Binding and occupancy properties of gabapentin in mixed surfactant systems
Authors: Kumar Mukul , Khushi Kavya , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Deb Debojit Kumar , Khan Javed Masood , Ahmad Anis , Singh Oinam Gobin , Singh Nandini , Srivastava Anirudh 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis research highlights the efficacy of mixed micellar systems as an innovative chemical formulation for improving the binding properties of active pharmaceutical drugs. The formulations based on the mole fraction were utilized for preparing mixed micelles with anionic sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (AOT) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). DLS measurements demonstrated the formation of small micelles and mixed micelles in SDS‐AOT combinations. A UV absorbance investigation demonstrated the effectiveness of the SDS‐AOT mixed micelles for determining the binding constant (Kb) and mean ion occupancy (i0) of the anticonvulsant gabapentin (GBP) drug. Kb values increased, but the occupancy (i) of GBP per micelle decreased by decreasing the mole fraction (α) of SDS from αSDS 0.9 to 0.1, predicting a shift in occupancy of drugs from the Palisade to the Stern layer. To get a better comprehension of micellization behavior and preferential interaction of the drugs under study, molecular docking studies were performed. According to the docking studies, the GBP displayed significant binding in the presence of SDS‐AOT when compared to pure SDS and AOT molecules. Ultimately, in pharmaceutical applications, mixed micelle played an important role in enhancing the binding and encapsulation efficiency of drugs.
No long‐term effect of black bear removal on elk calf recruitment in the southern Appalachians
Authors: Yarkovich Joseph , Braunstein Jessica L. , Mullinax Jennifer M. , Clark Joseph D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn 2001 and 2002, 52 elk (Cervus canadensis; 21 males, 31 females), originally obtained from Elk Island National Park, Alberta, Canada, were transported and released into Cataloochee Valley in the northeastern portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM, Park), North Carolina, USA. The annual population growth rate (λ) was negative (0.996, 95% CI = 0.945–1.047) and predation by black bears (Ursus americanus) on elk calves was identified as an important determinant of population growth. From 2006 to 2008, 49 bears from the primary elk calving area (i.e., Cataloochee Valley) were trapped and translocated about 70 km to the southwestern portion of the Park just prior to elk calving. Per capita recruitment (i.e., the number of calves produced per adult female that survive to 1 year of age) increased from 0.306 prior to bear translocation (2001–2005) to 0.544 during years when bears were translocated (2006–2008) and λ increased to 1.118 (95% CI = 1.096–1.140). Our objective was to determine whether per capita calf recruitment rates after bear removal (2009–2019) at Cataloochee were similar to the higher rates estimated during bear removal (i.e., long‐term response) or if they returned to rates before bear removal (i.e., short‐term response), and how those rates compared with recruitment from portions of our study area where bears were not relocated. We documented 419 potential elk calving events and monitored 129 yearling and adult elk from 2001 to 2019. Known‐fate models based on radio‐telemetry and observational data supported calf recruitment returning to pre‐2006 levels at Cataloochee (short‐term response); recruitment of Cataloochee elk before and after bear relocation was lower (0.184) than during bear relocation (0.492). Recruitment rates of elk outside the removal area during the bear relocation period (0.478) were similar to before and after rates (0.420). In the Cataloochee Valley, cause‐specific annual calf mortality rates due to predation by bears were 0.319 before, 0.120 during, and 0.306 after bear relocation. In contrast, the cause‐specific annual mortality rate of calves in areas where bears were not relocated was 0.033 after the bear relocation period, with no bear predation on calves before or during bear relocation. The mean annual population growth rate for all monitored elk was 1.062 (95% CI = 0.979–1.140) after bear relocation based on the recruitment and survival data. Even though the effects of bear removal were temporary, the relocations were effective in achieving a short‐term increase in elk recruitment, which was important for the reintroduction program given that the elk population was small and vulnerable to extirpation.
Kefir Ameliorates Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury Through Modulating Gut Microbiota and Fecal Bile Acid Profile in Mice
Authors: Cui Yuanyuan , Jing Chun , Yue Yuan , Ning Mengge , Chen Hong , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli 
Published: November 2023

ScopeAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the leading cause of liver‐related deaths worldwide. Kefir has been studied for its properties of anti‐obesity, rebuilding intestinal homeostasis, and alleviating non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the possible role of kefir in the prevention or treatment of ALD has not been carefully considered. Here, it evaluated the protective effects of kefir supplementation on alcohol‐induced liver injury.Methods and resultsC57BL/6J mice are fed to Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diet containing alcohol to build ALD mouse model, followed by oral administration with kefir. Results indicate that kefir treatment improves liver pathological changes, decreases the expression levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and inflammatory markers, and increases antioxidant levels. Kefir supplementation also restores the intestinal barrier and altered microbial composition, indicates as increases of Blautia, Bacteroides, and Parasutterella and decreases in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and populations of Psychrobacter, Bacillus, and Monoglobus. Moreover, kefir supplementation decreases the levels of total bile acids (BAs) and primary BAs and increases the secondary/primary BA ratio. Gut microbes play a key role in the conversion of primary to secondary fecal BAs.ConclusionKefir can ameliorate ALD through regulating the composition of the gut microbiota.
Calf circumference predicts sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Özcan Berşan , Güner Merve , Ceylan Serdar , Öztürk Yelda , Girgin Sinem , Okyar Baş Arzu , Koca Meltem , Balcı Cafer , Doğu Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Yıldırım Tolga , Halil Meltem Gülhan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundEarly recognition of sarcopenia in hemodialysis (HD) patients will be of great importance in preventing adverse outcomes and improving the quality of life in these patients. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of calf circumference (CC) measurement in detecting sarcopenia among CKD patients undergoing maintenance HD.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 52 patients (53 ± 17 years) who were currently in a maintenance HD. Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength, and smooth muscle mass index (SMI) was assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and CC was measured at the widest part of the calf with the foot pressed against a hard surface.ResultsOut of the total patient population, sarcopenia was identified in 32.7% (n = 17). The two groups were comparable in terms of age, weight, and height, but the median body mass index of sarcopenic group was statistically lower than nonsarcopenic group (21.6 kg/m2 [18.9–24.6] vs 24.7 kg/m2 [21.4–27.3]. The sarcopenic group had a substantially smaller CC than the nonsarcopenic group (30.0 cm [26.5–32.0] vs 31.5 cm [30.3–34.8], P = 0.013; respectively). In the regression analysis, CC was found to be independently associated with post‐HD SMI (P < 0.001; odds ratio, 1.938; and 95% CI, 1.020–2.856). CC was positively but weakly correlated with handgrip strength, however strong and significant correlation was found between CC and SMI (r = 0.277, P = 0.047 and r = 0.733, P < 0.001; respectively). A CC of 31 cm or less predicted confirmed sarcopenia in HD patients (area under the curve = 0.709, P = 0.006, specificity = 0.556, sensitivity = 0.765).ConclusionsLow muscle mass and potentially low muscle strength in HD patients can be accurately identified through the use of CC measurements. Specifically, a CC measurement below 31 cm has found to be a useful indicator to identify individuals on maintenance HD.
Tuning the fraction free volume of hyperbranched 6FDA/TAPA polyimide membrane via DAM for enhanced gas separation performance
Authors: Liu Xiangyun , Wang Yilei , Liu Shan , Luo Jiangzhou , Zong Xueping , Xue Song 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAn effective strategy to optimize the gas separation performance of hyperbranched polyimide (hyper‐PI) membranes by tuning their average cavity sizes is reported. Triphenylamine (TAPA) and 4,4′‐(Hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) were used to prepare the hyper‐PI membrane, and the transformation in free fraction volume (FFV) was realized by the addition of an extra B2‐type monomer, 2,4,6‐Trimethylbenzene‐1,3‐diamine (DAM). In hyperbranched networks, DAM, in conjunction with 6FDA, generates longer linear parts and reduces the density of dendritic architectures formed by TAPA. The conformational freedom of hyperbranched TAPA‐6FDA is restricted, and chain packing is hindered. The ratio of DAM:TAPA predominantly influences both the average cavity sizes and the FFVs of the membranes, leading to the variation in gas permeabilities. DAM5:TAPA1‐6FDA shows the best performance in both O2/N2 and CO2/N2 separations.
Infectious complications of vascular anomalies treated with sirolimus: A systematic review
Authors: Kalbfell Rachel , Cohen‐Cutler Sally , Grisham Eric , Bereitschaft Christine , Borst Alexandra J. , Green Abby M. , Willis Daniel N. , Yaeger Lauren , Blatt Julie , Sisk Bryan A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and objectivesInitially developed as immunosuppressive agents, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are currently used widely in the management of vascular malformations and tumors. The incidence of infectious complications in the vascular anomalies (VA) population is not well defined. The goal of this systematic review was to better define the types and severity of reported infectious complications in patients with VAs treated with mTOR inhibition.MethodsThis was a systematic review conducted following PRISMA guidelines evaluating all research articles focused on infectious complications in patients with VAs treated with sirolimus or everolimus. Thirty articles including 1182 total patients and 316 infections (in 291 unique patients) were ultimately included.ResultsThe majority of infections were viral upper respiratory (n = 137, 54%), followed by pneumonia (n = 53, 20%), and cutaneous infections (n = 20, 8%). There were six total infection‐related fatalities, which all occurred in patients younger than 2 years. Two cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) were reported. These were infants with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) who were also treated with steroids and did not receive PJP prophylaxis. Almost one‐third (n = 96, 32%) of infectious complications were graded 3–4 according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) criteria. Details of patient age, subtype of VA, and timing of infection were lacking from many reports.ConclusionsMost infectious complications reported in patients with VA on mTOR inhibitors were viral respiratory infections and non‐severe. Bacteremia, infectious fatalities, and PJP are exceedingly rare. Future studies are needed to clarify the spectrum of infectious risks in VA patients and to provide guidance for infection prevention.
Effect of fiber volume fraction on hybrid effects of tensile properties of unidirectional aramid/carbon fiber hybrid composites
Authors: Wang Anni , Yang Yan , Zhang Puxuan , Liu Xiaogang , Xu Guowen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAramid/carbon fiber hybrid reinforced polymer (A/CHFRP) composites were prepared via compression molding to obtain carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with better toughness. Based on the existing theoretical model, the effects of the carbon fiber volume fraction on the properties of the A/CHFRP were studied using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. According to the TGA results, the hybrid fiber improved the thermal stability of the CFRP. With increasing carbon fiber content, the thermal stability of the A/CHFRP composites also increased. The tensile results showed that the A/CHFRP composite with a carbon fiber volume fraction of 22.7% exhibited “pseudo‐ductility,” with the failure strain 54.09% higher than that of the CFRP composite. With increasing carbon fiber content, the ductility of the A/CHFRP composites decreased. The elastic modulus of the A/CHFRP composites conformed to the prediction model of the rule of mixtures (ROM). The strength was found to fall in the triangular area surrounded by the ROM and the bilinear ROM and exhibited a positive hybrid effect. The SEM results showed that the tensile failure modes of the A/CHFRP composites were mainly fiber and resin matrix debonding and fiber fracture. Brittle fracture of the carbon fibers was observed in the A/CHFRP composites, while aramid fibers appeared to peel off and silk crimp for ductile failure. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for toughening CFRPs.Highlights
The volume ratio of the two fibers affects the hybrid effect of A/CHFRP.
The thermal stability of A/CHFRP increases with increasing carbon fiber content.
The carbon fiber volume ratio of 22.7% in A/CHFRP exhibited pseudo‐ductility.
A/CHFRP exhibiting a failure strain 54.09% higher than that of the CFRP.
The strength prediction of A/CHFRP depends on the failure mode.
Excellent dielectric and actuated strain properties in CCTOx@BT(1−x)@KH560/NR system via a tunable BaTiO3 interfacial buffer layer
Authors: Guo Dandan , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Aolin , Ruan Mengnan , Liu Zhifeng , Wang Zhe 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDielectric elastomers (DEs) require high drive voltages to obtain large actuated strain, which limits their application in the biological field. In this work, we enhanced the dielectric properties of natural rubber (NR) composites by using core–shell structured (CaCu3Ti4O12)x@(BaTiO3)(1−x) (CCTOx@BT(1−x)) high‐dielectric particles with an buffer layer, and adjusted the thickness of the BT buffer layer by adjusting the addition of titanate during the preparation process, and then observed the relationship between the dielectric properties of NR composites and the thickness of the BT buffer layer. In addition, we modified the CCTO0.75@BT0.25 fillers surface with silane coupling agent KH560 to enhance the interfacial interaction between the inorganic fillers and polymeric matrix to obtain better dispersion and greater dielectric properties. As a result of the optimization of the CCTO0.75@BT0.25@KH560 structure, the actuated strain performance is greatly improved. The actuated strain of 5 per hundred rubber (phr) CCTO0.75@BT0.25@KH560/NR is 16.3% at 74.03 kV/mm, which is 6.52 times higher than the actuated strain obtained by NR (2.5%) at 50.28 kV/mm. This work presents a method to optimize the structure of core–shell fillers by modulating the buffer layer, and provides a new idea for further preparation of dielectric elastomer materials with large actuated strain at low voltage.