bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency and Factors Associated With Flare-ups in Lupus Patients With Lupus Nephritis in French Guiana
Authors: BUNKETE Arriel MAKEMBI , FERMIGIER Florence , SIDIBE Modi , SIDIBE Mohamed , BELGRINE Malika , DAVODOUN Timoté , GBAGUIDI Tanguy , DJICONKPODE Irénée , FANTCHO Franklin SAMOU 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
French Guiana ranks third in terms of the prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SL) in overseas French departments; however, data are insufficient. Lupus flares (LF) are multifactorial and have adverse consequences, particularly in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). This study aimed to determine the factors associated with LF in patients with LN compared with those in patients without LN.
METHODS
This cross-sectional case-control study of the West Guyanese historical lupus cohort investigated factors associated with lupus flares by comparing two subgroups of lupus patients, namely, those with LN and those without LN, from January 2018 to December 2022. A logistic model helps establish the association between LN and FL. The significance threshold was set at P < 0.05.
RESULTS
Sixty-two total with 62 patients were included in the study of wich:72.6% with LN and 27.4% with no LNs) were included in the study. The two groups were comparable in terms of size. LF was present in 53% of the patients in both subgroups. LF was found in 62% of the patients in the LN group. High levels of anti-Dna and anti-Smith antibodies, fever, pleurisy, discoid rash, verspetillo, oral ulceration, and a high Sledai score were found more frequently and significantly in patients with relapse. Logistic regression analysis revealed that LN and anti-DNA antibody levels were significantly associated with LF. A higher frequency of infection and CKD progression was observed.
Conclusions
LF is more frequent and multifactorial in patients with LN and is associated with poor renal prognosis and an increased risk of infection.
The transcription factors TCF1 and LEF1 drive B-1a cell development, self-renewal, and regulatory function.
Authors: Vinuesa Carola , Shen Qian , Wang Hao , Meng Xiangpeng , Roco Jonathan , Battaglia Michael , Feng Zhi-Ping , Chakravarty Probir , Canete Pablo , Gonzalez-Figueroa Paula , Zhang Yaoyuan , Xue Hai-Hui , Garrett-Sinha Lee 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
B-1 cells are abundant in peritoneal and pleural cavities and produce natural and microbial-induced IgM and IgA1–4.CD5+ B-1 cells known as “B-1a” represent the largest source of B cell-derived IL-105,6, an important regulator of inflammation and autoimmunity7. Unlike conventional B cells that are produced daily in the bone marrow, B-1a cells are predominantly generated from foetal precursors and maintained by self-renewal8 but the molecular mechanisms that underpin this stem cell-like property and their regulatory potential are poorly understood. Here we show that both mouse and human B-1a cells express high amounts of TCF1 and LEF1 and these transcription factors drive their formation and self-renewal promoting oxidative and fatty acid metabolism. Deficiency of TCF1/LEF1 in B-1a cells leads to downregulation of Ets1 and Myc targets, and severely compromises their maintenance over time. TCF1 and LEF1 are also essential for IL-10 and PD-L1 expression upon B-1 cell activation and repression of CNS inflammation. TCF1/LEF1 mediate the emergence of a mixed cell progeny at the third B-1 cell division including a stem-cell-like population. B-1 cells lacking TCF1/LEF1 continue proliferating and acquire an exhausted phenotype reminiscent of age-associated B cells. These findings identify a transcriptional program that links stemness with regulatory potential in B-1a cells.
Facile Preparation of Chitosan-Alginate Crosslinked with Calcium Chloride Hydrogel as Sustained Release Fertilizers
Authors: Kimi Melody , Chong Chee Jiun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The utilization of urea in the agricultural sector as a fertilizer is susceptible to losses through volatilization and leaching. A strategy to mitigate this environmental impact involves employing a sustained-release approach for urea, thereby diminishing both the quantity and frequency of its application. These agrochemicals utilize a physical barrier to curtail the dissolution of urea, and their efficacy in fertilizer release is dictated by their physical characteristics. In the current investigation, hydrogel beads comprising urea were developed by blending biodegradable polysaccharides, specifically chitosan and alginate, in the presence of calcium chloride as a crosslinker through ionotropic gelation. The Box-Behnken design was employed to analyze the impacts of independent variables (low, medium, and high molecular weight chitosan; 2.5 to 4.5 wt% alginate; and 0.10 M to 1.00 M calcium chloride crosslinker) on encapsulation efficiency and urea release. After model evaluation, the optimal conditions for encapsulation efficiency and urea release were determined as the use of the lowest molecular weight chitosan, a medium amount of alginate, and the maximum amount of crosslinker, resulting in a loading efficiency of up to 98.5% and a urea release of only 2.2% within 2 hours. The composition of the polymeric hydrogel was found to govern encapsulation efficiency and urea release, while the swelling behaviour in water remained unaffected. The hydrogel beads exhibited a spherical morphology, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of urea within the beads.
Triiodothyronine Supplementation for Children Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Radman Monique , Slee April , Marwali Eva , Portman Michael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Specific pediatric populations have exhibited disparate responses to triiodothyronine (T3) repletion during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Objective: To determine if T3 supplementation improves outcomes in children undergoing CPB.
Methods and Materials:
We searched randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating T3 supplementation in children ages 0–3 years undergoing CPB between 1/1/2000 and 1/31/2022. We calculated Hazard ratios (HR) for time to extubation (TTE), ICU length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS.
Results
5 RCTs met inclusion criteria with available patient-level data. Three were performed in United States (US) and 2 in Indonesia with 767 total subjects (range 29–220). Median (IQR) age 4.1 (1.6, 8.0) months; female 43%; RACHS-1 scores: 1–1%; 2–55%; 3–27%; 4–13%; 5-0.1%; 6-3.9%; 54% of subjects in US vs 46% in Indonesia. Baseline TSH and T3 were lower in Indonesia (p < 0.001). No significant difference occurred in TTE between treatment groups overall [HR 1.09 (CI, 0.94–1.26)]. TTE numerically favored T3-treated patients ages 1–5 months [HR 1.24 (CI, 0.97–1.60)]. TTE HR for the Indonesian T3 group was 1.31 (CI, 1.04–1.65) vs. 0.95 (CI, 0.78–1.15) in US. The ICU LOS HR for the Indonesian T3 group was 1.19 vs. 0.89 in US (p = 0.046). There was a significant T3 effect on hospital LOS [HR 1.30 (CI, 1.01–1.67)] in Indonesia but not in US [HR 0.99 (CI, 0.78–1.23)].
Conclusions
T3 supplementation in children undergoing CPB is simple, inexpensive and safe, showing benefit in resource-limited settings. Differences in effects between settings likely relate to depression in baseline thyroid function often associated with malnutrition.
Chebulagic Acid Alleviates Inflammation Via Regulation of Skeletal Muscle IR/IRS-1/AKT/GLUT4 Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Vasu Ganesh , Ramalingam Sundaram , Muthu Karuppiah , Tutor Sundaram Ramalingam , J Prabhakaran 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Examining the contribution of chebulagic acid in high fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy was the main goal of this investigation. Wistar male rats were fed HFD for two weeks before receiving a 35 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneal dosage. During 30 days, diabetic rats were fed metformin and chebulagic acid (50 mg/kg b.w./day each). Blood and kidney samples were also taken following the study for biochemical and histological analysis. Chebulagic acid was administered orally to diabetic rats, considerably lowering blood sugar, serum creatinine, urea, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels while simultaneously increasing plasma insulin. In addition, diabetic rats had elevated levels of renal pro-inflammatory cytokines with concurrently increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. They also had lower lipid peroxidation product and increased renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzyme status. Moreover, chebulagic acid therapy increased the amounts of mRNA for the insulin signaling components GLUT4 and Akt in the gastrocnemius muscles of diabetic rats as well as insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptorsubstrate-1 (IRS-1), and Akt. According to these findings, chebulagic acid has anti-diabetic nephropathy actions that are attenuated.
Hybrid Pattern Search-Quantum Optimization Method for Engineering Optimization Problems
Authors: Alfares Fawzan S. , Alabdaly Athoob A. , Alfares Mohamed S. , Khorshid Emad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The Quantum-Based Optimisation Method (QBOM) is a novel optimization approach based on quantum computing concepts. The novel optimization method's durability is studied using its capacity to conjoin with existing optimization techniques. This study uses The QBOM with the Pattern Search (PS) technique to solve engineering optimization problems. The first strategy, Hybrid I, uses QBOM for global search optimization, followed by PS searching in the nearby region for the optimum solution. The second strategy, Hybrid II, uses QBOM as a local search optimization within Pattern Search. In each iteration, QBOM starts searching inside PS for a better solution than the one detected at that stage, which is labelled as PS's new search point. These two hybrid techniques attempt to expand the possibilities of QBOM's local search mechanism while demonstrating its resilience. The hybridised methodologies are used to solve benchmark optimization problems and six real-world engineering optimization problems. The study revealed that the two hybrid techniques worked brilliantly, producing solutions that exceeded previous methods described in the literature for certain benchmark optimization problems. Not only did the hybridised methods produce better results in less computational time, but they also demonstrated that QBOM could be used to improve the search mechanism and accelerate the performance of the evolutionary algorithm in the local search to match its execution in the global search.
Self-support thin film nanofibrous composites ultrafiltration membrane based on PET waste flake for oil/water separation
Authors: Moslehi Mohsen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Commercial ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are typically produced with the phase inversion method. Higher density and torturous pore channels of these membranes, result declined water flux rate. This research looks to develop a new class of thin film composite (TFC) UF membranes with high flux, based on nanofibrous support with a thin film top layer. For this, in the first step, the PET electrospun nanofibrous sub-layer with thicker fiber diameter was prepared from PET waste flake, and in the next step, the PET nanofibrous mid-layer with thinner fiber diameter (compared to first sub-layer fiber diameter) was prepared with electrospinning on the first sub-layer. Finally, a hydrophilic top layer based on chitosan/multi-walled carbon nanotube was applied on the self-support PET/PET nanofibrous support with the dip-coating method. The result showed that prepared membranes had high pure water flux (240 l/m2 h bar), oil/water emulsion steady flux (60 l/m2 h bar), and oil emulsion retention (~ 99.9%). Finally, the filtration performance of PET/PET UF and other nanofibrous and commercial UF membranes was evaluated.
Neuromuscular Polytrauma Pain is Resolved by Macrophage COX-2 Nanoimmunomodulation
Authors: Cortez Ibdanelo , Gaffney Caitlyn M. , Vichare Riddhi , Crelli Caitlin V. , Liu Lu , Lee Eric , Edralin Jules , Nichols James M. , Pham Hoang Vu , Mehdi Syed , Janjic Jelena M. , Shepherd Andrew J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Soft tissue injuries often involve muscle and peripheral nerves and are qualitatively distinct from single-tissue injuries. Prior research suggests that damaged innervation compromises wound healing. To test this in a traumatic injury context, we developed a novel mouse model of nerve and lower limb polytrauma, which features greater pain hypersensitivity and more sustained macrophage infiltration than either injury in isolation. We also show that macrophages are crucial mediators of pain hypersensitivity in this model by delivering macrophage-targeted nanoemulsions laden with the cyclooxygenease-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib. This treatment was more effective in males than females, and more effective when delivered 3 days post-injury than 7 days post-injury. The COX-2 inhibiting nanoemulsion drove widespread anti-inflammatory changes in cytokine expression in polytrauma-affected peripheral nerves. Our data shed new light on the modulation of inflammation by injured nerve input and demonstrate macrophage-targeted nanoimmunomodulation can produce rapid and sustained pain relief following complex injuries.
Fractal Modeling of Moisture Diffusion in Wood Cell Wall
Authors: Tibebu Dessie T. , Avramidis Stavros 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The mechanisms of moisture diffusion in wood are not yet fully understood, due to the complex and hierarchical structure of the wood cell wall constituents. To investigate this mechanism in this hierarchical structure, fractal geometry analysis was used as proper tool. The objective of this study is to develop a theoretical fractal moisture diffusion model for wood cell wall by taking into consideration its structural geometry and to upscale that model to gross wood by employing electrical resistance modeling and validation. The proposed fractal diffusion model is a function of fractal dimensions, porosity, and pore size distribution of the wood cell wall as well as ambient conditions such as moisture content, temperature, and inverse slope of the sorption isotherm. The water vapor sorption data that was used to drive the experimental diffusion coefficient of various wood types were studied using the dynamic sorption method. Mercury intrusion porosimetry was used to explore the detailed structural parameters of wood cell wall pore size distributions and calculate the pore fractal dimension. The derived fractal diffusion model was validated using experimental and data calculated by a past published model. The trends for diffusion coefficients predicted by the fractal model were similar to the experimental and calculated data and successfully predicted the diffusion coefficients at low moisture contents. Pore size ratio, pore, and tortuous fractal dimensions were negatively correlated to fractal diffusivity, while the porosity was positively correlated. The findings of this study contribute to the creation of a decision support system that would allow predicting wood geometric properties and moisture diffusivity properties based on wood structural and ultrastructural attributes.
Suppression of the TGF-β signaling exacerbates degeneration of auditory neurons in kanamycin-induced ototoxicity in mice
Authors: Nitta Yoshihiro , Kurioka Takaomi , Mogi Sachiyo , Sano Hajime , Yamashita Taku 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a significant role in multiple biological processes, including inflammation, immunity, and cell death. However, its specific impact in the cochlea remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of TGF-β signaling suppression on auditory function and cochlear pathology in mice with kanamycin-induced ototoxicity. Kanamycin and furosemide (KM-FS) were systemically administered to 8-week-old C57/BL6 mice, followed by immediate topical application of a TGF-β receptor inhibitor (TGF-βRI) on the round window membrane. Results showed significant TGF-β receptor upregulation in spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) after KM-FS ototoxicity, whereas significant downregulation was observed following TGF-βRI treatment. Interestingly, despite no significant change in cochlear TGF-β expression after KM-FS ototoxicity, TGF-βRI treatment resulted in a significant decrease in signaling. Regarding auditory function, TGF-βRI treatment offered no therapeutic effects on hearing thresholds and hair cell survival following KM-FS ototoxicity. However, SGN loss and macrophage infiltration were significantly increased with TGF-βRI treatment. These results imply that TGF-β signaling inhibition after KM-FS ototoxicity promotes cochlear inflammation and SGN degeneration.
Ploidy level affects the growth and yield attributes of Musa progenies
Authors: Sankar C. , Kavino M. , Auxcilia J. , Premalakshmi v. , Kumar C. Subesh Ranjith , Naveen R. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Polyploidy has an immense role in varietal development of agricultural crops particularly fruit crops which has significant impact on plant morphological and yield contributing traits. To study the effect of ploidy levels on growth and yield parameters between diploid, triploid and tetraploid progeny of banana hybrids, 46 banana hybrids were evaluated under field conditions. Stomatal size, pollen size, growth and bunch traits were measured in flowering phase. Significant difference between ploidy levels were observed for different traits. The “gigas” effect was seen in tetraploid plants. Ploidy levels were negatively linked with stomatal frequency and positively linked with guard cell length, number of chloroplasts per guard cell. Among the progenies, maximum pollen diameter was observed in tetraploids. However, triploids registered higher bunch and finger characters whereas diploids exhibits higher stomata frequency, pollen viability, germination, more suckers per plant, shorter time to phyllochron production, earlier flowering and harvest.
To analyze the clinical efficacy of percutaneous screw fixation technique in the treatment of special acetabular fractures based on ERAS concept
Authors: Shen Shi , Li Yujie , Xu Xuepeng , Xiang Feifang , Zhuo Naiqiang , Ye Junwu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
[Objective]:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ERAS concept guided percutaneous screw fixation technique in the treatment of special acetabular fractures, Special acetabular fractures refer to young adults with no or small displacement (displacement <5mm).
[Methods]:Clinical data of 30 patients with special acetabular fractures treated by percutaneous channel screw technique in our hospital from October 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. 12 male and 18 female, average age of 44.2 ± 5.16 years, all patients implemented the ERAS concept, combined with percutaneous screw channel minimally invasive fixation technology. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, X-ray exposure times, preoperative and postoperative NRS (numerical rating scale) scores, painless rehabilitation exercise time, non-weight-bearing ambulation time, length of hospital stay, and full weight-bearing time were statistically analyzed. The Merle d 'Aubigne & Postel scoring system was used to evaluate the function of the affected hip at 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up.
[Results]: The follow-up time of patients is 25.10 ± 5.02 months. The operation time was 108.33 ± 17.09 minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was 56.13 ± 11.62ml, and the intraoperative X-ray exposure times were 38.10 ± 4.44 times/min. The mean NRS score decreased by 6.37 ± 1.35 points. The painless recovery time was 3.13 ± 1.48 days, the non-weight-bearing activity time was 3.63 ± 0.89d and the length of hospital stay was 6.20 ± 1.37d. The mean time of full weight bearing was 10.47 ± 1.31 weeks. At the last follow-up, Merle d 'Aubigne & Postel scores were excellent in 13 cases and good in 17 cases.
[conclusion]: Percutaneous screw fixation technique for the treatment of special acetabular fractures has the advantages of short operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, fast painless recovery time, early non weight-bearing ambulation time and so on. It allows patients to recover quickly, conforms to the concept of eras, reduces social burden, and is worthy of clinical application.
JAML overexpression in tumour vascular endothelial cells promotes cancer proliferation via angiogenesis through VEGF signalling pathway activation
Authors: yanan liu , Zhang Mingyan , Fang Yuying , Zheng Yawen , Wang Yufeng , Wang Zewen , Liu Ning , Yan Peng , Ma Yuan , Yang Fei , Zheng Yan , Zhang Wencheng , sun meili 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial process in tumour growth and metastasis.Junctional adhesion molecule-like protein (JAML) plays a role in various tumours; however, its role in tumour angiogenesis remains unexplored. We collected colorectal cancer samples from Jinan Central Hospital, using immunofluorescence staining and cell lines for analysis. JAML effects were examined in mice, including vascular leakage and tumour characteristics. A range of assays, such as Western blot analysis, were utilised to obtain comprehensive data. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism version 8.0. Our findings indicate a significant upregulation of JAML in colorectal cancer tissues. Endothelial-specific knockout of JAML minimally impacted organ development, but effectively inhibited tumour growth through antiangiogenesis in multiple mouse tumour models. The deletion of JAML was observed to enhance T-lymphocyte infiltration within tumour tissues and facilitate vascular normalisation, evident from increased pericyte coverage and vessel perfusion. Conversely, the overexpression of JAML in endothelial cells during in vitro experiments was observed to enhance migration, invasion, proliferation, and tube formation in HUVECs. Mechanistically, endothelial JAML bounded to FAK/SRC to upregulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) in vitro and in vivo. Our ﬁndings underscore the pivotal role of endothelial JAML/FAK/SRC/VEGFA signalling in tumour angiogenesis, positioning JAML as an ideal target for antiangiogenesis in cancer therapy. This study has the potential to provide valuable insights into the development of new therapeutic approaches, increase the effectiveness of existing treatments, and improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
Luminescence phenomena from various materials in ultra-high dose rate proton beam irradiation: preliminary dose distribution measurement study
Authors: Yamada Ryosaku , Nishio Teiji , Kinkawa Daiki , Tanaka Taketo , Omura Mizuki , Tabata Yoji , Yoshimura Hitoshi , Kataoka Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This research aimed to identify materials capable of emitting visible light useful for dose management at ultra-high dose rate (uHDR). Various materials were irradiated with proton beams at a normal dose rate (NDR) and uHDR, and the resulting surface luminescence was captured using a high-sensitivity camera. The luminescence images were compared with the corresponding dose distributions. The luminescence of Tough Water Phantoms (Kyoto Kagaku Co. Ltd.) with various thicknesses was also observed to evaluate the depth distributions. Dose distributions were measured using two-dimensional ionization chamber detector arrays. The Tough Bone Phantom (Kyoto Kagaku Co. Ltd.) exhibited the strongest luminescence among the materials, followed by the Tough Water Phantom. The metals exhibited relatively weak luminescence. The luminescence profiles of the Tough Water Phantom, water, the Tough Lung Phantom (Kyoto Kagaku Co. Ltd.), and an acrylic were similar to the dose profiles. The luminescence distribution of the Tough Water Phantom in the depth direction was similar to that of the dose distributions. The luminescence at uHDR and NDR were approximately equivalent. The Tough Water Phantom was found to be a suitable material for dosimetry, even at uHDR. More detailed measurement data, such as wavelength data, must be collected to elucidate the luminescence mechanism.