bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effect of hippocampal sclerosis on parietal memory network
Authors: Ethofer Silke , Milian Monika , Erb Michael , Rona Sabine , Honegger Jürgen , Ethofer Thomas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to investigate differences in episodic memory networks between patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis and healthy controls, especially with regards to the parietal memory network (PMN), as well as their relation to neuropsychological memory performance after mesial temporal resection.Methods28 healthy subjects as well as 21 patients with TLE (12 left, 9 right) were investigated using a spatial memory fMRI paradigm, which has been shown to activate the PMN. Regions of interest (ROI) were defined based on the results of the second‐level analyses and activations within the predefined ROIs were compared across groups and correlated with postoperative verbal and nonverbal memory scores.ResultsHealthy subjects showed activations within regions belonging to the dorsal visual stream and the PMN as well as the bilateral parahippocampal place area, the bilateral frontal eye field, and the bilateral middle frontal gyrus. Comparison between groups revealed that TLE patients activated significantly less in the left middle occipital gyrus and the right precuneus. The activation pattern in left TLE patients showed further reductions, mainly in areas belonging to the dorsal visual stream and the PMN within the left hemisphere. Activations within the left superior parietal lobulus, bilateral inferior parietal lobulus, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, left precuneus, left frontal eye field, and left middle frontal gyrus correlated significantly with postoperative verbal memory scores, and activations within the left superior parietal lobulus, left inferior parietal lobulus, left middle temporal gyrus, and left precuneus correlated significantly with higher performance in postoperative nonverbal memory scores.SignificanceThe PMN is involved in episodic memory encoding. Higher activations in areas belonging to the PMN and the dorsal visual stream, especially within the left hemisphere, before amygdalohippocampectomy may result in higher postoperative memory scores.Plain language summaryThis study aims to investigate the effects of epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis, i.e. scarring in the temporal lobe, on memory networks in the brain. We discovered that especially patients with left‐sided hippocampal sclerosis show reduced brain activations in visual areas and memory networks within the left hemisphere of the brain during orientation in space. Importantly, higher activations within these areas may result in better memory after epilepsy surgery.
No Effect of Realistic Concentrations of Polyester Microplastic Fibers on Freshwater Zooplankton Communities
Authors: Klasios Natasha , Kim Jihyun O. , Tseng Michelle 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Zooplankton are a conduit of energy from autotrophic phytoplankton to higher trophic levels, and they can be a primary point of entry of microplastics into the aquatic food chain. Investigating how zooplankton communities are affected by microplastic pollution is thus a key step toward understanding ecosystem-level effects of these global and ubiquitous contaminants. Although the number of studies investigating the biological effects of microplastics has grown exponentially in the last decade, the majority have used controlled laboratory experiments to quantify the impacts of microplastics on individual species. Given that all organisms live in multispecies communities in nature, we used an outdoor 1130-L mesocosm experiment to investigate the effects of microplastic exposure on natural assemblages of zooplankton. We endeavored to simulate an environmentally relevant exposure scenario by manually creating approximately 270 000 0.015 × 1– to 1.5–mm polyester fibers and inoculating mesocosms with zero, low (10 particles/L), and high (50 particles/L) concentrations. We recorded zooplankton abundance and community composition three times throughout the 12-week study. We found no effect of microplastics on zooplankton abundance, Shannon diversity, or Pielou's evenness. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling plots also revealed no effects of microplastics on zooplankton community composition. Our study provides a necessary and realistic baseline on which future studies can build. Because numerous other stressors faced by zooplankton (e.g., food limitation, eutrophication, warming temperatures, pesticides) are likely to exacerbate the effects of microplastics, we caution against concluding that polyester microfibers will always have no effect on zooplankton communities. Instead, we encourage future studies to investigate the triple threats of habitat degradation, climate warming, and microplastic pollution on zooplankton community health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:418–428. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Is insolvency stigmatised?
Authors: Ghio Emilie , Thomson Donald 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIt is a commonly held belief that there exists a sense of stigma around insolvency, which explains the low uptake of rescue procedures in the United Kingdom and around the world. We assess the accuracy of this claim through two qualitative studies. The first is conducted through interviews with corporate directors in the United Kingdom. The second study is a comparative literature review in selected jurisdictions. The literature review reveals a prominent stigma narrative in policy and legal texts, whereas the interview data reveal only moderate levels of stigma. Rather, they indicate that a lack of knowledge and understanding of insolvency (concept, law and procedures) may be a more powerful factor in explaining why corporate directors do not file for rescue procedures.
Review of optical methods for noninvasive imaging of skin fibroblasts—From in vitro to ex vivo and in vivo visualization
Authors: Nikolaev Viktor V. , Kistenev Yury V. , Kröger Marius , Zuhayri Hala , Darvin Maxim E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFibroblasts are among the most common cell types in the stroma responsible for creating and maintaining the structural organization of the extracellular matrix in the dermis, skin regeneration, and a range of immune responses. Until now, the processes of fibroblast adaptation and functioning in a varying environment have not been fully understood. Modern laser microscopes are capable of studying fibroblasts in vitro and ex vivo. One‐photon‐ and two‐photon‐excited fluorescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy/microspectroscopy are well‐suited noninvasive optical methods for fibroblast imaging in vitro and ex vivo. In vivo staining‐free fibroblast imaging is not still implemented. The exception is fibroblast imaging in tattooed skin. Although in vivo noninvasive staining‐free imaging of fibroblasts in the skin has not yet been implemented, it is expected in the future. This review summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art in fibroblast visualization using optical methods and discusses the advantages, limitations, and prospects for future noninvasive imaging.
Shikonin potentiates skin wound healing in Sprague–Dawley rats by stimulating fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis
Authors: Xue Chenhong , Dou Jinfa , Zhang Shuzhen , Yu Huiqian , Zhang Shoumin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundShikonin, a major component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exerts anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial effects and expedites wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities of shikonin in a Sprague–Dawley rat model and cell models using fibroblast and endothelial cells.MethodsThe impact of shikonin on the activity of endothelial cells and fibroblasts was examined by cell counting kit 8 and wound‐healing assays. A diabetic rat model was constructed, followed by wound creation for treatment with shikonin. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes, and Masson’s trichrome method to detect collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD31 was conducted to detect proliferation and vascular density. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry were carried out to assess pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory factor concentrations. Western blot and immunofluorescence were implemented to analyze oxidative stress‐related protein expression.ResultsShikonin induced the activity of both fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Shikonin treatment contributed to facilitated wound healing and higher healing rates in rats. It also resulted in faster lesion debulking in tissues, reduced inflammatory infiltration, increased collagen deposition, and enhanced angiogenesis. Detection of markers at the wounds showed that shikonin accelerated cell proliferation, enhanced tissue remodeling, and inhibited oxidative stress.ConclusionShikonin stimulates the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, resulting in faster wound healing.
The trabecular architecture of the popliteal sesamoid bone (cyamella) from a New Zealand white rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Barak Meir M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSesamoid bones are ossified structures that are embedded in tendons near articulation. They consist of an inner trabecular bone architecture surrounded by a thin cortical shell. While the formation of sesamoid bones is probably mainly controlled by genetic factors, the proper development and mineralization of a sesamoid bone depends also on mechanical stimulation. While most sesamoid bones are not loaded directly by other bones during locomotion, they still experience forces directed from the tendon in which they are embedded. In cases when the sesamoid bone is experiencing forces only from a single tendon, such as the cyamella in the rabbit, this may give us a tool to study bone functional adaptation in a relatively simple loading setting. This study investigates the internal trabecular architecture of the popliteal sesamoid bone (cyamellae) in New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Five hind limbs of NZW rabbits were micro‐computed tomography scanned and the cortical and trabecular architectures of the cyamellae were evaluated. The results revealed that similar to the patella, the cyamella has a thin cortex and a high trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), which is derived mostly from the high trabecular thickness (Tb.Th). Trabecular BV/TV and Tb.Th were not distributed homogeneously, but they were lower at the periphery and higher closer to the proximal and middle of the cyamella, near the musculotendinous junction. The results also demonstrated that trabeculae tend to align along two recognizable orientations, one with the direction of tensile stresses, in line with the popliteal tendon, and the second bridging the narrow space between the cranial and caudal cortical faces of the bone.
SPOP inhibits HBV transcription and replication by ubiquitination and degradation of HNF1α
Authors: Pi Yubo , Li Yang , Yan Qi , Luo Huimin , Zhou Peng , Chang Wenyi , Gong Deao , Hu Yuan , Wang Kai , Tang Ni , Huang Ailong , Chen Yanmeng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant public health burden worldwide. The persistence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) within the nucleus of infected hepatocytes is responsible for the failure of antiviral treatments. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has emerged as a promising antiviral target, as it can regulate HBV replication by promoting critical protein degradation in steps of viral life cycle. Speckle‐type POZ protein (SPOP) is a critical adaptor for Cul3‐RBX1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, but the effect of SPOP on HBV replication is less known. Here, we identified SPOP as a novel host antiviral factor against HBV infection. SPOP overexpression significantly inhibited the transcriptional activity of HBV cccDNA without affecting cccDNA level in HBV‐infected HepG2‐NTCP and primary human hepatocyte cells. Mechanism studies showed that SPOP interacted with hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1α), and induced HNF1α degradation through host UPS pathway. Moreover, the antiviral role of SPOP was also confirmed in vivo. Together, our findings reveal that SPOP is a novel host factor which inhibits HBV transcription and replication by ubiquitination and degradation of HNF1α, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HBV infection.
Temporal and spatial variations of multivariate hot, dry and windy climate extremes in Northwest China
Authors: Feng Yao , Sun Fubao , Liu Fa 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe simultaneous occurrence of extreme weather events such as high temperature, low humidity and strong wind speed can cause devastating impacts on the fragile environment and vulnerable ecosystem in arid Northwest China (NW). However, few studies investigate the multivariate compound hot, dry and windy extremes in NW. In this study, we investigate the temporal and spatial variations of the warm‐season trivariate hot, dry and windy (HDW) and bivariate hot and dry (HD), dry and windy (DW), hot and windy (HW) extremes in NW. From 1960 to 2019, we observed more compound HD, DW, HW and HDW days in the hyper‐arid Xinjiang and west Gansu in NW. Simultaneously, DW days, HW days and HDW days consistently declined at rates of −0.48, −0.88 and −0.42 day·10a−1, except for a discernible increasing rate of 0.56 day·10a−1 in HD days. Notably, trends in four multivariate compound extremes all experienced pronounced reversals from a declining to increasing trend in the 1990s. The higher probability of compound HD, DW and HW extremes contributed to a higher probability of HDW in Xinjiang province. Ultimately driven by the significantly rising temperature (0.21°C·10a−1, p < 0.01), four compound extremes suggested increased probability with the largest increase in compound HW probability from 1960–1989 to 1990–2019. Both the rising trends in the occurrence and the increased probability of four compound extremes highlight intense risks of compound extreme weather over NW in recent decades.
Rapid terrace incision and Quaternary landscape evolution in central Patagonia
Authors: Thorndycraft Varyl Robert 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe debate over isostatic uplift versus discharge as drivers of Quaternary river incision is explored here through geospatial analysis of a ~250‐m‐relief terrace sequence from the Río Pinturas (Argentine Patagonia). The geomorphic setting of the Cañadon Caracoles reach allows evaluation of discharge as a driver of terrace incision because advancing ice during Pleistocene glaciations blocked Pacific drainage and routed meltwater from an expanded ~104‐km2 catchment to the Atlantic through the dryland steppe of the study area. Twenty‐two terrace levels, some assigned to previously dated ice margins [Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 32–36, MIS 16, MIS 8 and MIS 2], were identified. Average net incision since 800 ka (~0.34 m ka−1) exceeded regional uplift rates. The MIS 2 terraces, with ante quem and post quem age constraint on the timing of terrace formation, show that terrace incision was episodic and faster still during a transitional warming climate. Glacier recession and proglacial lake formation at ~18 ka led to rapid incision of ~11.7 m ka−1 over a few millennia. River capture and negligible flow from ~15.0 ka caused fan‐dammed lake formation on the valley floor and vertical stability during MIS 1. The Pinturas terraces demonstrate rapid incision can be driven by discharge and sediment dynamics.
Maternal folic acid and vitaminB12supplementation during medium to late gestation promotes fetal development via improving placental antioxidant capacity, angiogenesis and amino acid transport
Authors: Zhou Rui , Zhe Li , Chen Fangyuan , Gao Tianle , Zhang Xiaoling , Huang Lingjie , Zhuo Yong , Xu Shengyu , Lin Yan , Feng Bin , Che Lianqiang , Wu De , Fang Zhengfeng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDFolic acid and vitamin B12(FV), being B vitamins, not only facilitate the remethylation of homocysteine (Hcy) but also contribute to embryonic development. This study aimed to assess the impact of FV supplementation during late pregnancy on sows' reproductive performance, amino acid metabolism, placental angiogenesis, and related parameters. Twenty primiparous sows at day 60 of gestation were randomly allocated to two groups: a basal diet (CON) group and a group receiving a basal diet supplemented with folic acid at 20 ppm and vitamin B12at 125 ppb.RESULTSThe findings revealed that dietary FV supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of intrauterine growth retardation compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it led to a decrease in the Hcy levels in umbilical cord serum (P < 0.05) and activation of the placental mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway (P < 0.05). Additionally, FV supplementation lowered placental malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of placental thioredoxin (P = 0.05). Moreover, maternal FV supplementation notably elevated placental vascular density (P < 0.05) and the expression of sodium‐coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) (P < 0.05), as well as amino acid concentrations in umbilical cord blood (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONMaternal FV supplementation during medium to late gestation reduced Hcy levels in umbilical cord blood and positively impacted fetal development. This improvement was closely associated with increased placental antioxidant capacity and vascular density, as well as activation of the placental mTORC1‐SNAT2 signaling pathway. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Safety and efficacy of intracranial vascularized submental lymph node transfer for treating hydrocephalus
Authors: Wu Robin , Lu Yu‐Jen , Ro Long‐Sun , Hsu Jung‐Lung , Cheng Ming‐Huei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHydrocephalus is routinely treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a procedure plagued by high morbidity and frequent revisions. Vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) transplants act as lymphatic pumps to drain interstitial fluid (ISF) from lymphedematous extremities. As the field of neuro‐lymphatics comes to fruition, we hypothesize the efficacy of VSLN in the drainage of intracranial CSF‐ISF. We report novel placement of VSLN in the temporal subdural space in two patients diagnosed with symptomatic communicating hydrocephalus. At a minimum follow‐up of 1 month postoperatively, both experienced radiological and clinical improvements.
Is sentinel lymph node biopsy needed for lentigo maligna melanoma?
Authors: Kakish Hanna , Lal Trisha , Thuener Jason E. , Bordeaux Jeremy S. , Mangla Ankit , Rothermel Luke D. , Hoehn Richard S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an area of debate in the management of lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM). The utility of SLNB and its prognostic value in LMM have not yet been studied with large databases.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of the National Cancer Database (2012−2020) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (2010−2019) database for patients with cutaneous nonmetastatic LMM with Breslow thickness >1.0 mm. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with SLNB performance and sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity. Univariable and multivariable analyses assessed overall survival (OS) and melanoma‐specific survival (MSS) based on SLNB performance and SLN status.ResultsCompared to other melanoma subtypes, LMM had lower rates of SLNB (66.6% vs. 80.0%−84.0%) and SLN positivity (11.3% vs. 18.6%−34.2%). Compared to patients who did not undergo SLNB, SLN status was significantly associated with improved OS in patients with SLN positive (HR = 0.64 [0.55−0.76]) and SLN negative (HR = 0.68 [0.49−0.94]), and worse MSS only in patients with positive SLN (HR = 3.93, p < 0.05).ConclusionThe improved OS associated with SLNB likely implies surgical selection bias. Analysis of MSS confirms appropriate patient selection and suggests important prognostic value associated with SLN status. These results support continued SLNB for LMM patients according to standard guidelines.
Role and mechanism of esketamine in improving postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice through the TLR4/MyD88/p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Xu Hu‐Jun , Li Xian‐Peng , Han Li‐Ye 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPostoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a significant concern for the elderly population worldwide. This study explored the effects of esketamine on aged mice with POCD and investigate its mechanism of action involving the TLR4/MyD88/MAPK pathway. We administrated esketamine, along with lipopolysaccharide or anisomycin, to the aged POCD mouse models. We assessed their cognitive function using the Morris water maze test. Additionally, we evaluated histopathological changes/neuronal apoptosis in the mouse hippocampal CA1 area through HE/TUNEL stainings. Furthermore, we measured IL‐1β/IL‐6/TNF‐α/TLR4/MyD88/MAPK (p‐p38/p38) levels in mouse hippocampal tissues using ELISA/RT‐qPCR/Western blotting. Lastly, we analyzed the interaction between TLR4 and MyD88 using a co‐immunoprecipitation assay. Our findings showed that esketamine effectively mitigated POCD in aged mice. This was evident from the improved cognitive performance observed in the Morris water maze test, characterized by reduced escape latency/increased number of platform crossing/a higher percentage of time spent in the target quadrant. Furthermore, esketamine exhibited a protective effect against neuronal apoptosis and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors. These findings suggest that esketamine exerts an anti‐inflammatory effect by downregulating TLR4/MyD88, thereby attenuating the inflammatory response associated with POCD. Additionally, esketamine suppressed the p38 MAPK pathway by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88 signaling cascade. Esketamine demonstrated its efficacy in improving postoperative inflammation and cognitive impairment in aged mice by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88 pathway. The activation of p38 MAPK signaling diminished the beneficial effects of esketamine in aged POCD mice. Collectively, the underlying mechanism of esketamine in mitigating POCD in aged mice involves the suppression of the TLR4/MyD88/p38 MAPK pathway.
Insulin Extended Release from PLA‐PEG Stereocomplex Nanoparticles
Authors: Shapira‐Furman Tovi , Domb Abraham J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis report addresses the challenges of controlled drug delivery for peptide and protein therapeutics by introducing a novel approach of nano formulation fabricated in aqueous media applying stereo‐interaction mechanism with poly(D‐lactide)‐polyethylene glycol (D‐PLA‐PEG). To overcome the inherent poor stability of peptide and protein therapeutics, stereocomplexation of the peptide, insulin, is applied, onto D‐PLA‐PEG in aqueous media. Nanoparticles of ≈400 nm are spontaneously formed when water‐soluble D configured PLA‐PEG diblock copolymer and L‐ configured insulin interlock into a stereocomplex, owing to their concave convex fitness. In vitro release of insulin from stereocomplex in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) pH 7.4 solution shows sustained release for 14 weeks. The therapeutic efficacy of the PLA‐insulin stereocomplex nanoparticles are evaluated in diabetic Akita mice. Blood glucose levels and body weight are closely monitored for a period of 17 weeks, revealing a significant reduction in glucose levels of the Akita mice treated with insulin stereocomplex, as well as normal body weight gain. These findings suggest that the stereocomplex nanoparticles of insulin‐D‐PLA‐PEG present a promising and effective sustained and extended release platform for insulin. Notably, the use of water‐soluble D‐PLA‐PEG for stereocomplexation in water expands the applicability of this approach to fabricate controlled delivery systems for peptide and protein therapeutics.