bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of automated and manual quantification methods for neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Shaff Nicholas , Erhardt Erik , Nitschke Stephanie , Julio Kayla , Wertz Christopher , Vakhtin Andrei , Caprihan Arvind , Suarez‐Cedeno Gerson , Deligtisch Amanda , Richardson Sarah Pirio , Mayer Andrew R. , Ryman Sephira G. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeuromelanin‐sensitive magnetic resonance imaging quantitative analysis methods have provided promising biomarkers that can noninvasively quantify degeneration of the substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson's disease. However, there is a need to systematically evaluate the performance of manual and automated quantification approaches. We evaluate whether spatial, signal‐intensity, or subject specific abnormality measures using either atlas based or manually traced identification of the substantia nigra better differentiate patients with Parkinson's disease from healthy controls using logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristics. Inference was performed using bootstrap analyses to calculate 95% confidence interval bounds. Pairwise comparisons were performed by generating 10,000 permutations, refitting the models, and calculating a paired difference between metrics. Thirty‐one patients with Parkinson's disease and 22 healthy controls were included in the analyses. Signal intensity measures significantly outperformed spatial and subject specific abnormality measures, with the top performers exhibiting excellent ability to differentiate patients with Parkinson's disease and healthy controls (balanced accuracy = 0.89; area under the curve = 0.81; sensitivity =0.86; and specificity = 0.83). Atlas identified substantia nigra metrics performed significantly better than manual tracing metrics. These results provide clear support for the use of automated signal intensity metrics and additional recommendations. Future work is necessary to evaluate whether the same metrics can best differentiate atypical parkinsonism, perform similarly in de novo and mid‐stage cohorts, and serve as longitudinal monitoring biomarkers.
Long‐term vinasse application enhanced the initial dissipation of atrazine and ametryn in a sugarcane field in Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: Portocarrero Rocio de los Ángeles , Chalco Vera Jorge , Vallejo Juan Inocencio , De Gerónimo Eduardo , Costa José Luis , Aparicio Virginia Carolina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe production of sugarcane bioethanol generates large volumes of vinasse, an effluent whose final disposal can produce an environmental impact that is of concern. The long‐term disposal of vinasse in sugarcane fields could challenge crop management, such as the performance of traditional herbicides, by changing soil properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of long‐term vinasse application on the field and the dissipation of atrazine and ametryn herbicides in a subtropical sugarcane agroecosystem, and to discuss the potential processes involved in it. Vinasse affected soil properties by increasing pH (12%), electrical conductivity (160%), and soil organic carbon (25%) at 0–10 cm depth of soil. Differences in the herbicide calculated sorption coefficient (Kd) varied according to the pedotransfer function applied and the herbicide type (atrazine or ametryn). During the first seven days after herbicide application, the soil underwent long‐term vinasse application and increased atrazine and ametryn dissipation 45% and 33%, respectively, compared with the conventional fertilization scheme (control). The Pesticide Root Zone Model revealed that dissipation was mediated mainly by the degradation process rather than transport or other processes. The long‐term application of vinasse in a typical sugarcane field of Tucumán, Argentina decreased the potential groundwater pollution of triazines and, adversely, reduced their bioavailability for weed control. For this, the present study presents original information about how long‐term treatment with vinasse may require an adaptation of conventional management practices such as the application of herbicides in Argentina and other sugarcane‐producing regions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1075–1086. © 2023 SETAC
1064nm Nd:YAG laser promotes chondrocytes regeneration and cartilage reshaping by upregulating local estrogen levels
Authors: Zhu Yingjie , Zhou Xueqing , Peng Xieling , Li Hantao , Wang Hongshun , Guo Ziwei , Xiong Yang , Xu Jiaqi , Ni Xiangrong , Qi Xiangdong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCartilage is frequently used as a scaffolds for repairing and reconstructing body surface organs. However, after successful plastic surgery, transplanted cartilage scaffolds often exhibit deformation and absorption over time. To enhance the shaping stability of cartilage scaffolds and improve patients' satisfaction after reconstructions, we employed the ear folding models in New Zealand rabbits to confirm whether the 1064nm neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser could promote cartilage reshaping. There was an increase in collagen and aromatase (Cyp19) expression within the ear cartilage after laser treatment. Moreover, we have found that the Cyp19 inhibitor can inhibit the laser's effect on cartilage shaping and reduce collagen and Cyp19 expression. The overall findings suggest that treatment with 1064nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation can enhance estrogen levels in local cartilage tissues by upregulating Cyp19 expression in chondrocytes through photobiomodulation, thereby promoting the proliferation and collagen secretion of chondrocytes to improve cartilage reshaping and stability.
When Cortical Bone Matrix Properties Are Indiscernible between Elderly Men with and without Type 2 Diabetes, Fracture Resistance Follows Suit
Authors: Wölfel Eva M. , Bartsch Benjamin , Koldehoff Jasmin , Fiedler Imke A. K. , Dragoun‐Kolibova Sofie , Schmidt Felix N. , Krug Johannes , Lin Mei‐Chun , Püschel Klaus , Ondruschka Benjamin , Zimmermann Elizabeth A. , Jelitto Hans , Schneider Gerold , Gludovatz Bernd , Busse Björn 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease affecting bone tissue and leading to increased fracture risk in men and women, independent of bone mineral density (BMD). Thus, bone material quality (i.e., properties that contribute to bone toughness but are not attributed to bone mass or quantity) is suggested to contribute to higher fracture risk in diabetic patients and has been shown to be altered. Fracture toughness properties are assumed to decline with aging and age‐related disease, while toughness of human T2DM bone is mostly determined from compression testing of trabecular bone. In this case‐control study, we determined fracture resistance in T2DM cortical bone tissue from male individuals in combination with a multiscale approach to assess bone material quality indices. All cortical bone samples stem from male nonosteoporotic individuals and show no significant differences in microstructure in both groups, control and T2DM. Bone material quality analyses reveal that both control and T2DM groups exhibit no significant differences in bone matrix composition assessed with Raman spectroscopy, in BMD distribution determined with quantitative back‐scattered electron imaging, and in nanoscale local biomechanical properties assessed via nanoindentation. Finally, notched three‐point bending tests revealed that the fracture resistance (measured from the total, elastic, and plastic J‐integral) does not significantly differ in T2DM and control group, when both groups exhibit no significant differences in bone microstructure and material quality. This supports recent studies suggesting that not all T2DM patients are affected by a higher fracture risk but that individual risk profiles contribute to fracture susceptibility, which should spur further research on improving bone material quality assessment in vivo and identifying risk factors that increase bone fragility in T2DM. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Medical emergencies in a dental school clinic – A 12‐year review and lessons learned
Authors: D'Innocenzo Richard , Sethi Amit , Uribe‐Rivera Armando , Dang Rushil R. , Cook Abigail , Joshi Prajakta , Lakis Sally , Bhagania Manish K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe aims of this study were to estimate the type and frequency of different medical emergencies that occurred over the study period (twelve years) and discuss the lessons learned and the modifications made in the curriculum to better equip dental students and faculty in their management.Materials and methodsA retrospective study was conducted to evaluate all medical emergencies that needed activation of the response team at our school from 2008 to 2020.ResultsThe emergency response system was activated 250 times during the 12‐year period. There were 132 medical emergencies in the pre‐doctoral clinic and 105 events in the post‐doctoral clinic (p 0.0680). Most of the emergencies occurred in patients between 45 and 64 years of age. Syncope occurs most often followed by adverse cardiovascular, respiratory, anxiety, and hypoglycemic events.ConclusionsMedical emergencies occurring in a dental school provide a unique opportunity for students to gain experience in their management. The key lies in preparing the students and faculty to prevent them from occurring, but should these occur, then they should be able to promptly recognize symptoms and institute prompt intervention.
Assessment of copper nanoparticles treatment on male accessory reproductive organs and epididymis in a mouse model: A morphological and biochemical study
Authors: Nicy Vanrohlu , Gurusubramanian Guruswami , Roy Vikas K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAlthough the usage of nanoparticles has expanded substantially in recent years, and it causes the detrimental effect on the various organs. CuNPs are widely used in commercial applications. There has been minimal investigation into the possibly harmful effects of CuNPs on the accessory reproductive organs. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of CuNPs on the male reproductive organs like epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate of mice. The mice were exposed orally to CuNPs at three doses 10, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 70 days. Our results showed that the organs index of only vas deferens and prostate reduced at 200 mg/kg group compared to the control. However, the histological study showed degenerative changes in the epididymis at higher doses like distortion in the tubules. The sperm parameters were also decreased in the 200 mg/kg CuNPs group. The vas deferens in 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups exhibited detachment of luminal epithelium and with a few or no spermatozoa in the higher dose group. The seminal vesicle and prostate also showed degenerative changes like atrophy, hyperplasia, and scant secretary materials. Furthermore, CuNPs also increased the oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzymes in vas deferens and seminal vesicles at higher dose. Caput epididymis showed decreased GPx enzymes in all the groups. However, MDA and GPx in corpus, cauda, and prostate did not show any significant variations among all the groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that CuNPs can manifest the detrimental effect of the male accessory organs and epididymis in a dose and tissue dependent manner. Since, detrimental effects were observed only at higher dose, thus, uses of CuNPs would be safe for reproductive organs at lower dose, even for the prolonged duration.
Surface modification of lipid nanoparticles for gene therapy
Authors: Tafech Belal , Mohabatpour Fatemeh , Hedtrich Sarah 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGene therapies have the potential to target and effectively treat a variety of diseases including cancer as well as genetic, neurological, and autoimmune disorders. Although we have made significant advances in identifying non‐viral strategies to deliver genetic cargo, certain limitations remain. In general, gene delivery is challenging for several reasons including the instabilities of nucleic acids to enzymatic and chemical degradation and the presence of restrictive biological barriers such as cell, endosomal and nuclear membranes. The emergence of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) helped overcome many of these challenges. Despite its success, further optimization is required for LNPs to yield efficient gene delivery to extrahepatic tissues, as LNPs favor accumulation in the liver after systemic administration. In this mini‐review, we provide an overview of current preclinical approaches in that LNP surface modification was leveraged for cell and tissue targeting by conjugating aptamers, antibodies, and peptides among others. In addition to their cell uptake and efficiency‐enhancing effects, we outline the (dis‐)advantages of the different targeting moieties and commonly used conjugation strategies.
Femicide in Northern Ireland during the COVID‐19 lockdown: A model for differentiating male offender characteristics
Authors: Johnston Rea , Synnott John , Ioannou Maria , Ashton Sally‐Ann 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFemicide, the lethal form of gender‐based violence against women, is a global health crisis that transcends class and ethnicity. To date, there is no working model for differentiating male femicide offenders within Northern Ireland (NI); therefore, the current study aimed to do this, focusing on the timeframe of the COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020. The research has drawn on newspaper articles reporting on the 11 NI femicides perpetrated over a period of 20 months. These crimes were content analysed for the presence or absence of 16 pre‐identified offender variables. The data was analysed using a multi‐dimensional scaling procedure called Smallest Space Analysis (SSA). Two distinct themes emerged: Chronic Criminal Abuser and Mentally Disturbed. The qualitative data obtained on offender characteristics aligned with the preliminary model for differentiation. Forensic implications pertinent to risk assessment and management are considered. It is argued that NI adopt an active violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy to effectively tackle the issue of Femicide. Future research may consider a retrospective study of NI Femicide offenders to firmly establish the types of offenders committing femicide for targeted resource allocation.
Intraoral Microscopic Versus Robot‐Assisted Sialolithotomy and Sialendoscopy for Submandibular Stones
Authors: Seif‐Elnasr Mahmoud , Magdy Emad A. , Fung Ethan , Deot Neal S. , Marzouk Mark F. 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveSialendoscopy has remained the standard of treatment for sialolithiasis; however, large stones impacted in the submandibular gland hilum often require an intra‐oral combined approach.MethodsPatients treated for submandibular hilar sialolithiasis from 2015 to 2021 at two tertiary centers were stratified into two groups based on the surgical technique: Intraoral Microscopic‐Assisted Sialolithotomy (IMAS) versus Robot‐Assisted Sialolithotomy and Sialendoscopy (RASS). We compared the characteristics of retrieved stones, surgical success rate, operative time, and post‐operative complications in both techniques. True surgical success was defined as successful stone extraction without reoccurrence within 12 months.ResultsThe RASS technique was attempted in 60 patients and successful in 56 (93.3%) cases whereas the IMAS technique was performed in 52 patients and successful in 48 (92.3%) cases. The longest dimension of the predominant retrieved calculi was 9.6 ± 3.1 mm (range, 5–18 mm) for the robotic technique and 10 ± 4.8 mm (range, 5–30 mm) for the microscopic technique. The operative time for the robotic technique excluding robot setup time was 70.6 ± 24.8 min compared to 61.9 ± 42.4 min for microscopic technique (p = 0.018). No major adverse outcomes were reported; however, temporary lingual paresthesia was found in ten robotic (16.7%) and five microscopic (9.6%) cases.ConclusionThe two techniques were comparable in terms of efficacy and safety for large stones. The robot has the advantage of intraoral high dynamic maneuverability and improved surgeon posture while the microscopic technique has the advantage of intraoral tactile feedback. The procedure was significantly shorter in duration with the microscope.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:2170–2176, 2024
Effects of Para‐ or Meta‐Aromatic Amide Units on the Microstructure, Thermal, Mechanical, Rheological, and Dielectric Properties of Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Poly(ester amide)s
Authors: Song Young‐Gi , Park Jin‐Hyeok , Tang Feng , Kim Seok‐ju , Eomm Tae‐Gyeong , Seo Minyoung , Jeong Young Gyu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe impact of para‐ and meta‐aromatic amide repeat units on the microstructure, thermal behavior, mechanical properties, rheological characteristics, and dielectric properties of thermotropic liquid crystalline poly(ester amide)s (TPEAs) is reported. For this purpose, two distinct series of TPEAs are synthesized using 75.0 mol% of 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and 25.0–17.5 mol% of 6‐hydroxy‐2‐naphtoic acid (HNA) with 0.0–7.5 mol% terephthalic acid/para‐acetylaminophenol (TPA/PAP) or isophthalic acid/para‐acetylaminophenol (IPA/PAP) are synthesized via bulk polycondensation reaction. Infrared and electron microscopic data reveal the existence of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and associated fibrillar structures of TPEAs with TPA/PAP‐ or IPA/PAP‐based aromatic amide units. Accordingly, the glass transition temperatures, dynamic storage moduli, and melt viscosities of TPEAs increased with the increment of the aromatic amide units, although they are higher for TPEAs with IPA/PAP‐derived units, compared to TPEAs with TPA/PAP‐derived units. The melting temperatures of TPEAs increase with the para‐aromatic amide unit owing to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding and the rigid linearity, whereas the melting points decrease with the meta‐aromatic amide unit due to the structural nonlinearity. Interestingly, the dielectric constants and losses of TPEAs decrease with the aromatic amide unit content, which is even dominant for TPEAs with IPA/PAP‐based repeat units. TPEAs can be thus utilized as super‐engineering plastics, industrial fibers, printed circuit board materials, etc., requiring enhanced mechanical and thermal transition properties but lower dielectric constants and losses.
Biomarkers and experimental models for cancer immunology investigation
Authors: Xu Hengyi , Jia Ziqi , Liu Fengshuo , Li Jiayi , Huang Yansong , Jiang Yiwen , Pu Pengming , Shang Tongxuan , Tang Pengrui , Zhou Yongxin , Yang Yufan , Su Jianzhong , Liu Jiaqi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe rapid advancement of tumor immunotherapies poses challenges for the tools used in cancer immunology research, highlighting the need for highly effective biomarkers and reproducible experimental models. Current immunotherapy biomarkers encompass surface protein markers such as PD‐L1, genetic features such as microsatellite instability, tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, and biomarkers in liquid biopsy such as circulating tumor DNAs. Experimental models, ranging from 3D in vitro cultures (spheroids, submerged models, air–liquid interface models, organ‐on‐a‐chips) to advanced 3D bioprinting techniques, have emerged as valuable platforms for cancer immunology investigations and immunotherapy biomarker research. By preserving native immune components or coculturing with exogenous immune cells, these models replicate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. Animal models like syngeneic models, genetically engineered models, and patient‐derived xenografts provide opportunities to study in vivo tumor‐immune interactions. Humanized animal models further enable the simulation of the human‐specific tumor microenvironment. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages, limitations, and prospects of different biomarkers and experimental models, specifically focusing on the role of biomarkers in predicting immunotherapy outcomes and the ability of experimental models to replicate the tumor microenvironment. By integrating cutting‐edge biomarkers and experimental models, this review serves as a valuable resource for accessing the forefront of cancer immunology investigation.
Purine Metabolic Pathway Alterations and Serum Urate Changes after Oral Inosine Loading in Male Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Liang Nan , Wu Mian , Gao Yining , Yang Shaoling , Lin Xiaojing , Sun Hang , Liang Ningning , Yin Huiyong , Qu Shen , Chen Haibing 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundOral inosine loading is a new method to evaluate the effects of purine on urate metabolism. However, individuals respond differently to acute purine intake, and the effects on the metabolism of other purines remain to be explored.Methods35 male participants are recruited. Participants received 500 mg of inosine orally after an overnight fast, and blood and urine samples are collected before and at various time points over 180 min after inosine administration.ResultsThe serum urate concentration is significantly different between the hyperuricemia (n = 14) and non‐hyperuricemia (n = 16) groups before inosine intake, but there is no in urate change after inosine intake. When grouped according to the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the increase in urate level in the high‐eGFR group is significantly higher than that in the low‐eGFR group (p  =  0.047). The high‐eGFR group showed higher levels of serum xanthine and xanthine oxidase (XOD), the key enzyme in urate synthesis, after inosine loading (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe increase in urate level is positively related to eGFR after oral acute inosine administration, which may have been due to a higher level of XOD.
Glutamate measurements using edited MRS
Authors: Saleh Muhammad G. , Prescot Andrew , Chang Linda , Cloak Christine , Cunningham Eric , Subramaniam Punitha , Renshaw Perry F. , Yurgelun‐Todd Deborah , Zöllner Helge J. , Roberts Timothy P. L. , Edden Richard A. E. , Ernst Thomas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate J‐difference coediting of glutamate using Hadamard encoding and reconstruction of Mescher‐Garwood‐edited spectroscopy (HERMES).MethodsDensity‐matrix simulations of HERMES (TE 80 ms) and 1D J‐resolved (TE 31–229 ms) of glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutathione (GSH) were performed. HERMES comprised four sub‐experiments with editing pulses applied as follows: (A) 1.9/4.56 ppm simultaneously (ONGABA/ONGSH); (B) 1.9 ppm only (ONGABA/OFFGSH); (C) 4.56 ppm only (OFFGABA/ONGSH); and (D) 7.5 ppm (OFFGABA/OFFGSH). Phantom HERMES and 1D J‐resolved experiments of Glu were performed. Finally, in vivo HERMES (20‐ms editing pulses) and 1D J‐resolved (TE 31–229 ms) experiments were performed on 137 participants using 3 T MRI scanners. LCModel was used for quantification.ResultsHERMES simulation and phantom experiments show a Glu‐edited signal at 2.34 ppm in the Hadamard sum combination A+B+C+D with no overlapping Gln signal. The J‐resolved simulations and phantom experiments show substantial TE modulation of the Glu and Gln signals across the TEs, whose average yields a well‐resolved Glu signal closely matching the Glu‐edited signal from the HERMES sum spectrum. In vivo quantification of Glu show that the two methods are highly correlated (p < 0.001) with a bias of ∼10%, along with similar between‐subject coefficients of variation (HERMES/TE‐averaged: ∼7.3%/∼6.9%). Other Hadamard combinations produce the expected GABA‐edited (A+B–C–D) or GSH‐edited (A–B+C–D) signal.ConclusionHERMES simulation and phantom experiments show the separation of Glu from Gln. In vivo HERMES experiments yield Glu (without Gln), GABA, and GSH in a single MRS scan.