bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polarized desmosome and hemidesmosome shedding via small extracellular vesicles is an early indicator of outer blood‐retina barrier dysfunction
Authors: Hernandez Belinda J. , Skiba Nikolai P. , Plössl Karolina , Strain Madison , Liu Yutao , Grigsby Daniel , Kelly Una , Cady Martha A. , Manocha Vikram , Maminishkis Arvydas , Watkins TeddiJo , Miller Sheldon S. , Ashley‐Koch Allison , Stamer W. Daniel , Weber Bernhard H. F. , Bowes Rickman Catherine , Klingeborn Mikael 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) constitutes the outer blood‐retinal barrier, enables photoreceptor function of the eye, and is constantly exposed to oxidative stress. As such, dysfunction of the RPE underlies pathology leading to development of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss among the elderly in industrialized nations. A major responsibility of the RPE is to process photoreceptor outer segments, which relies on the proper functioning of its endocytic pathways and endosomal trafficking. Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) from RPE are an essential part of these pathways and may be early indicators of cellular stress. To test the role of small EVs (sEVs) including exosomes, that may underlie the early stages of AMD, we used a polarized primary RPE cell culture model under chronic subtoxic oxidative stress. Unbiased proteomic analyses of highly purified basolateral sEVs from oxidatively stressed RPE cultures revealed changes in proteins involved in epithelial barrier integrity. There were also significant changes in proteins accumulating in the basal‐side sub‐RPE extracellular matrix during oxidative stress, that could be prevented with an inhibitor of sEV release. Thus, chronic subtoxic oxidative stress in primary RPE cultures induces changes in sEV content, including basal‐side specific desmosome and hemidesmosome shedding via sEVs. These findings provide novel biomarkers of early cellular dysfunction and opportunity for therapeutic intervention in age‐related retinal diseases (e.g., AMD).
On the list color function threshold
Authors: Kaul Hemanshu , Kumar Akash , Mudrock Jeffrey A. , Rewers Patrick , Shin Paul , To Khue 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe chromatic polynomial of a graph , denoted , is equal to the number of proper ‐colorings of . The list color function of graph , denoted , is a list analogue of the chromatic polynomial that has been studied since the early 1990s, primarily through comparisons with the corresponding chromatic polynomial. It is known that for any graph there is a such that whenever . The list color function threshold of , denoted , is the smallest such that whenever . In 2009, Thomassen asked whether there is a universal constant such that for any graph , , where is the list chromatic number of . We show that the answer to this question is no by proving that there exists a positive constant such that for .
One‐pot sequential regioselective intramolecular synthesis of furo[3,2‐c]chromen and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine via catalyst‐free and basic conditions
Authors: Yadav Maruti B. , Yeon Tae Jeong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe developed a sequential intramolecular ring‐closure‐opening‐closure pathway using a catalyst‐free and organo‐base catalyzed system for the synthesis of fused regioselective tricyclic furo[3,2‐c]chromen and bicyclic imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine via a one‐pot three‐component reaction. The protocol involved a Knoevenagel and Michael adduct via intramolecular cyclization with 4‐hydroxycoumarin, aromatic glyoxal, and 2‐aminopyridine under heating and ambient conditions with very good yields. The merits of this methodology were studied, and new practical ways were developed to access furo[3,2‐c]chromen and imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine moieties.
Synthesis and DFT calculations of mono‐ and di‐methylated cucurbit[7]uril based on imidazole derivatives
Authors: Ahmed Mostafa , Assaf Khaleel I. , Hussein Hussein A. D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNowadays, functionalized cucurbit[n]urils are considered one of the most important examples of macromolecules and have attracted a lot of attention due to their potential applications in several sectors. In the present work monomethyl‐cucurbit[7]uril (3) was synthesized for the first time through facile synthetic route with high purity form by the reaction of monomethylglycoluril (3a‐methyltetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐d]imidazole‐2,5(1H,3H)‐dione) with glycoluril (tetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐d]imidazole‐2,5(1H,3H)‐dione) in the ratio of 1:6, respectively, and formaldehyde in the presence of hydrochloric acid as a catalyst for 24 h at 95°C through Mannich reaction. Moreover, dimethyl‐cucurbit[7]uril (5) was successfully synthesized through the reaction of dimethylglycoluril (3a,6a‐dimethyltetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐d]imidazole‐2,5(1H,3H)‐dione) with glycoluril (tetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐d]imidazole‐2,5(1H,3H)‐dione), following the same procedure as for the monomethyl‐cucurbit[7]uril. The chemical structures of the obtained compounds were established by mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and quantum‐chemical calculations.
Exploring the associations between dark triad personality and psychopathology in convicted offenders: Identifying their role in reincarceration
Authors: Brugués Català Glòria , Caparrós Beatriz Caparrós 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDysfunctional personality and psychopathological characteristics are increasingly studied in offenders separately, but only a few studies have analysed their relationship in this specific population. In this research, we focus on the so‐called Dark Triad personality, consisting of the Machiavellian, the narcissistic and the psychopathic personalities. The main objective of this study was to examine the association between Dark Triad personality and psychopathology and also to know the role of these mental health variables in recidivism. Participants were 63 offenders (44 men and 19 women) from two different penitentiary institutions. Sociodemographic data as well as clinical and personality characteristics were recorded. Psychopathology was assessed with the third version of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory and dark personality with the Short Dark Triad. Results of descriptive statistical analyses revealed a high prevalence of psychopathology in convicted participants and reincarcerated offenders. Correlational analyses showed a strong relation between the Dark Triad personality and psychopathology, being the psychopathic personality the one with the highest association. Finally, we found that the psychopathological variables contributing most to the discrimination of reincarcerated participants were substance and alcohol abuse disorders and in relation to dysfunctional personality were psychopathy and narcissism, the latter in negative direction. These data highlight the relevance of a necessity for research exploring long‐term patterns of re‐incarceration for both men and women, including mental health disorders and personality models. The importance of taking into account the relationship between variables in preventive and treatment interventions inside and outside penitentiary institutions is discussed.
Deep Learning‐Based T2‐Weighted MR Image Quality Assessment and Its Impact on Prostate Cancer Detection Rates
Authors: Lin Yue , Belue Mason J. , Yilmaz Enis C. , Harmon Stephanie A. , An Julie , Law Yan Mee , Hazen Lindsey , Garcia Charisse , Merriman Katie M. , Phelps Tim E. , Lay Nathan S. , Toubaji Antoun , Merino Maria J. , Wood Bradford J. , Gurram Sandeep , Choyke Peter L. , Pinto Peter A. , Turkbey Baris 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundImage quality evaluation of prostate MRI is important for successful implementation of MRI into localized prostate cancer diagnosis.PurposeTo examine the impact of image quality on prostate cancer detection using an in‐house previously developed artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm.Study TypeRetrospective.Subjects615 consecutive patients (median age 67 [interquartile range [IQR]: 61–71] years) with elevated serum PSA (median PSA 6.6 [IQR: 4.6–9.8] ng/mL) prior to prostate biopsy.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T/T2‐weighted turbo‐spin‐echo MRI, high b‐value echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted imaging, and gradient recalled echo dynamic contrast‐enhanced.AssessmentsScans were prospectively evaluated during clinical readout using PI‐RADSv2.1 by one genitourinary radiologist with 17 years of experience. For each patient, T2‐weighted images (T2WIs) were classified as high‐quality or low‐quality based on evaluation of both general distortions (eg, motion, distortion, noise, and aliasing) and perceptual distortions (eg, obscured delineation of prostatic capsule, prostatic zones, and excess rectal gas) by a previously developed in‐house AI algorithm. Patients with PI‐RADS category 1 underwent 12‐core ultrasound‐guided systematic biopsy while those with PI‐RADS category 2–5 underwent combined systematic and targeted biopsies. Patient‐level cancer detection rates (CDRs) were calculated for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa, International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group ≥2) by each biopsy method and compared between high‐ and low‐quality images in each PI‐RADS category.Statistical TestsFisher's exact test. Bootstrap 95% confidence intervals (CI). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results385 (63%) T2WIs were classified as high‐quality and 230 (37%) as low‐quality by AI. Targeted biopsy with high‐quality T2WIs resulted in significantly higher clinically significant CDR than low‐quality images for PI‐RADS category 4 lesions (52% [95% CI: 43–61] vs. 32% [95% CI: 22–42]). For combined biopsy, there was no significant difference in patient‐level CDRs for PI‐RADS 4 between high‐ and low‐quality T2WIs (56% [95% CI: 47–64] vs. 44% [95% CI: 34–55]; P = 0.09).Data ConclusionHigher quality T2WIs were associated with better targeted biopsy clinically significant cancer detection performance for PI‐RADS 4 lesions. Combined biopsy might be needed when T2WI is lower quality.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 1
Imaging Interstitial Fluid With MRI: A Narrative Review on the Associations of Altered Interstitial Fluid With Vascular and Neurodegenerative Abnormalities
Authors: Drenthen Gerhard S. , Elschot Elles P. , van der Knaap Noa , Uher Daniel , Voorter Paulien H. M. , Backes Walter H. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , van der Thiel Merel M. 
Published: October 2023

Interstitial fluid (ISF) refers to the fluid between the parenchymal cells and along the perivascular spaces (PVS). ISF plays a crucial role in delivering nutrients and clearing waste products from the brain. This narrative review focuses on the use of MRI techniques to measure various ISF characteristics in humans. The complementary value of contrast‐enhanced and noncontrast‐enhanced techniques is highlighted. While contrast‐enhanced MRI methods allow measurement of ISF transport and flow, they lack quantitative assessment of ISF properties. Noninvasive MRI techniques, including multi‐b‐value diffusion imaging, free‐water‐imaging, T2‐decay imaging, and DTI along the PVS, offer promising alternatives to derive ISF measures, such as ISF volume and diffusivity. The emerging role of these MRI techniques in investigating ISF alterations in neurodegenerative diseases (eg, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease) and cerebrovascular diseases (eg, cerebral small vessel disease and stroke) is discussed. This review also emphasizes current challenges of ISF imaging, such as the microscopic scale at which ISF has to be measured, and discusses potential focus points for future research to overcome these challenges, for example, the use of high‐resolution imaging techniques. Noninvasive MRI methods for measuring ISF characteristics hold significant potential and may have a high clinical impact in understanding the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular disorders, as well as in evaluating the efficacy of ISF‐targeted therapies in clinical trials.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Emergence of a second SARS‐CoV‐2 variant with a tremendous genetic leap from its ancestors
Authors: Colson Philippe , La Scola Bernard , Beye Mamadou , Delerce Jérémy , Raoult Didier , Fantini Jacques 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe on‐going emergence of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant is one of the major events in SARS‐CoV‐2 genetic evolution that remain enigmatic regarding the overall virus mutation rate, together with the emergence of the initial Omicron variant, BA.1. Indeed, the genomes of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage, an offspring of the second major Omicron subvariant, BA.2, harbor 39 additional mutations in the spike compared to this ancestor. Here we comment on the phylogeny of BA.2.86, on the positions, and frequencies in other SARS‐CoV‐2, of mutations in its spike, and on the structural model of this protein that concentrates most of BA.2.86 additional mutations.
IL‐21 collaborates with anti‐TIGIT to restore NK cell function in chronic HBV infection
Authors: Tang Libo , Li Quanrun , Chen Liang , Li Xiaowei , Gu Shuqin , He Weiying , Pan Qingqing , Wang Liping , Sun Jianru , Yi Xuan , Li Yongyin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAvailable therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are not satisfying, and interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) and checkpoint inhibitors are potential therapeutic options. However, the mechanism underlying IL‐21 and checkpoint inhibitors in treating chronic HBV infection is unclear. To explore whether IL‐21 and checkpoint inhibitors promote HBV clearance by modulating the function of natural killer (NK) cells, we measured the phenotypes and functions of NK cells in chronic HBV‐infected patients and healthy controls on mRNA and protein levels. We found that chronic HBV infection disturbed the transcriptome of NK cells, including decreased expression of KLRK1, TIGIT, GZMA, PRF1, and increased expression of CD69. We also observed altered phenotypes and functions of NK cells in chronic HBV‐infected patients, characterized by decreased NKG2D expression, increased TIGIT expression and impaired interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) production. Furthermore, these alterations cannot be restored by telbivudine treatment but can be partially restored by IL‐21 and anti‐TIGIT stimulation. IL‐21 upregulated the expression of activating receptor CD16, CD69, and NKG2D on NK cells, enhanced IFN‐γ production, cytolysis, and proliferation of NK cells, while anti‐TIGIT promoted IFN‐γ production in CD56dim subset exclusively in chronic HBV infected patients. Additionally, IL‐21 was indispensable for anti‐TIGIT in HBsAg clearance in mice bearing HBV. It enhanced IFN‐γ production in splenic NK cells rather than intrahepatic NK cells, indicating a brand‐new mechanism of IL‐21 in HBV clearance when combined with anti‐TIGIT. Overall, our findings contribute to the design of immunotherapy through enhancing the antiviral efficacy of NK cells in chronic HBV infection.
Its all about IFN‐λ4: Protective role of IFNL4 polymorphism against COVID‐19‐related pneumonia in females
Authors: Matic Sanja , Milovanovic Dragan , Mijailovic Zeljko , Djurdjevic Predrag , Sazdanovic Predrag , Stefanovic Srdjan , Todorovic Danijela , Popovic Suzana , Vitosevic Katarina , Vukicevic Vladimir , Vukic Milena , Vukovic Nenad , Milivojevic Nevena , Zivanovic Marko , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Filipovic Nenad , Djordjevic Natasa , Baskic Dejan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDespite the pivotal role of IFN‐λs in the innate immune response, the data on its genetic polymorphism in relation to COVID‐19 severity are scarce and contradictory. In the present study, we aimed to determine if the presence of the most frequent functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the two most important IFN‐λs coding genes, namely IFNL3 and IFNL4, alters the likelihood of SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected patients to develop more severe form of the disease. This observational cohort study involved 178 COVID‐19 patients hospitalized at the University Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. Patients' demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory parameters were collected at admission. COVID‐19 signs and symptoms were assessed during the hospital stay, with the worst condition determining the disease severity. Genotyping for IFNL3 (rs12980275 and rs8099917) and IFNL4 (rs12979860 and rs368234815) SNPs was conducted using TaqMan assays. Our study revealed carriers of IFNL3 and IFNL4 minor alleles to be less likely to progress from mild to moderate COVID‐19, that is, to develop COVID‐19‐related pneumonia. After adjustment for other factors of influence, such as age, sex, and comorbidities, the likelihood of pneumonia development remained significantly associated with IFNL4 polymorphism (odds ratios [ORs] [95% confidence interval (95% CI)]: 0.233 [0.071; 0.761]). When the patients were stratified according to sex, the protective role of IFNL4 minor alleles, controlled for the effect of comorbidities, remained significant only in females (OR [95% CI]: 0.035 [0.003; 0.408]). Our results strongly suggest that IFNL4 rs12979860 and rs368234815 polymorphisms independently predict the risk of COVID‐19‐related pneumonia development in females.
Serum ribonucleotide reductase M2 is a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Zhan Yating , Tao Qiqi , Lang Zhichao , Lin Lifan , Li Xinmiao , Yu Suhui , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Guangyao , Wu Kaifeng , Zhou Zhenxu , Yu Zhixian , Zheng Jianjian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIt is known that ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) could be induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) via DNA damage response. However, whether RRM2 is a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is still unclear. In this study, CHB patients from GSE84044 (a transcriptome data from GEO data set) were downloaded and RRM2 was selected as a hub gene. Interestingly, a positive correlation was found between serum RRM2 and liver fibrosis stage. The similar results were found in CHB patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Notably, RRM2 could effectively differentiate preliminary fibrosis from advanced fibrosis in CHB patients with/without normal ALT. In addition, RRM2 had a better performance in diagnosing liver fibrosis than two commonly used noninvasive methods (aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index and fibrosis index based on the four factors), two classic fibrotic biomarkers (hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen) as well as Mac‐2 binding protein glycosylation isomer, a known serum fibrosis marker. Moreover, CHB patients with high RRM2, who were associated with advanced fibrosis, had higher expressions of immune checkpoints. Overall, serum RRM2 may be a promising biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis in CHB patients.
Early humoral and cellular responses after bivalent SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA‐1273.214 vaccination in long‐term care and retirement home residents in Ontario, Canada: An observational cohort study
Authors: Breznik Jessica A. , Rahim Ahmad , Bhakta Hina , Clare Rumi , Zhang Ali , Ang Jann , Stacey Hannah D. , Liu Li‐Min , Kennedy Allison , Bilaver Lucas , Hagerman Megan , Kajaks Tara , Bramson Jonathan L. , Nazy Ishac , Miller Matthew S. , Costa Andrew P. , Bowdish Dawn M. E. ,   the COVID in LTC Investigator Group
Published: October 2023

AbstractImmunogenicity of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) bivalent mRNA‐1273.214 vaccine (Original/Omicron B.1.1.529 [BA.1]) is underreported in vulnerable older adults in congregate care settings. In residents of 26 long‐term care and retirement homes in Ontario, Canada, humoral (i.e., serum anti‐spike and anti‐receptor binding domain [anti‐RBD]) IgG and IgA antibodies and live SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralization) and cellular (i.e., CD4+ and CD8+ activation‐induced marker spike‐specific T cell memory) responses were assessed 7–120 days postvaccination with four monovalent mRNA vaccines (n = 494) or subsequent bivalent mRNA‐1273.214 vaccination (fifth vaccine) (n = 557). Within 4 months, anti‐spike and anti‐RBD antibody levels were similar after monovalent and bivalent vaccination in infection‐naïve individuals. Hybrid immunity (i.e., vaccination and natural infection) generally increased humoral responses. After bivalent vaccination, compared to monovalent vaccination, residents with hybrid immunity had elevated anti‐spike and anti‐RBD IgG and IgA antibodies. Omicron BA.1 antibody‐mediated neutralization, and CD8+ T cell memory responses to the Omicron BA.1 spike protein, were also higher after bivalent vaccination. Humoral and cellular responses were, therefore, noninferior within 4 months of bivalent mRNA‐1273.214 vaccination compared to monovalent mRNA vaccination. Waning of humoral but not cellular immunity was particularly evident in individuals without hybrid immunity. Continued monitoring of vaccine‐associated and hybrid immunity against emerging Omicron variants of concern is necessary to assess longevity of protection.
Century‐long variations of growing‐season compound dry–hot extremes and their links with large‐scale climate patterns in China
Authors: Guo Shuyao , Liu Wenbin , Wang Tingting , Wang Hong , Feng Yao , Zhu Yuntao , Lan Zhiyang , Bai Xinli , Sun Fubao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the context of global warming, the increasing frequency of compound dry–hot extremes pose varying degrees of threats to the natural environment and human society. However, due to the lack of long‐term and high‐accuracy meteorological observations, the characteristics and drivers of compound dry–hot extremes over a century‐long period is still poorly investigated in China. Here we characterize the spatiotemporal variations of growing‐season (May–September) compound dry–hot events (CDHEs) over China using Standardized Dry and Hot Index (SDHI) calculated by monthly temperature and precipitation during 1901–2017. The influences of precipitation and temperature extremes, as well as large‐scale climate indices (i.e., El Niño–Southern Oscillation Index [ENSO], Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation [AMO], North Atlantic Oscillation [NAO], Pacific Decadal Oscillation [PDO] and North Pacific [NP]) on CDHEs were then explored using the relative contribution analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and cross‐wavelet spectrum analysis. Our findings reveal a significant increase in the occurrence of different severity levels of CDHEs in China with their spatial extent gradually increase, practically since the end of the 20th century. Due to the exacerbation of drought conditions in China since the mid‐20th century, the regions where the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) has a more prominent contribution to the SDHI have gradually expanded, predominantly in the eastern, northern and northwestern parts of China. The significant influence of large‐scale climate indices, particularly ENSO and AMO, on the occurrence of compound dry–hot extremes in China is noteworthy, as these indices control the variability of precipitation and temperature, respectively. The study findings demonstrate that AMO exhibits a more significant correlation with SDHI in all subregions of China, while ENSO exhibits marginally stronger periodic coherence with SDHI than the other indices. This study offers valuable insights and references for unravelling long‐term development process of and the underlying influence mechanisms of significant climate patterns on the growing‐season CDHEs in China.