bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Impairs Macrophage Efferocytosis via TRIB3-Rab27a Signaling and Exacerbates Atherosclerotic Plaque Necrosis
Authors: Subramanian Manikandan , Singhal Aarushi , Dhawan Umesh , Bhutia Kunzangla , Hayat Hedayatullah , nightingale Thomas , de Gaetano Monica , Belton Orina , Brennan Eoin , Godson Catherine , Barry Mary , Shoulders Carol , Wilson Heather , Velasco Guillermo , Kiss-Toth Endre 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Defective clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) by macrophages is a key driver of atherosclerotic plaque necrosis which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The mechanistic basis of defective efferocytosis in atherosclerotic plaque macrophages is not well understood. We show that hyperlipidemia and the consequent accumulation of lipids in macrophages triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress which directly impairs efferocytosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that lipid accumulation-induced activation of the ATF4 branch of the unfolded protein response pathway and the consequent upregulation of Tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) triggers the downregulation of Rab27a resulting in impaired focal exocytosis of intracellular membrane pools towards the apoptotic cell-containing nascent phagosome. The resultant impairment in phagosome closure stalls the efferocytic process. Humans with the gain-of-function Q84R TRIB3 variant contain more TRIB3 in macrophages and display decreased efferocytosis efficiency. We confirm higher TRIB3 expression in vulnerable plaques of humans and show that hematopoietic cell-specific deletion of TRIB3 in high-fat diet fed atherosclerosis-prone mice improves lesional macrophage efferocytosis efficiency and decreases plaque necrosis. Overall, our findings highlight a novel role for the ATF4-TRIB3-Rab27a signaling axis in mediating defective efferocytosis in atherosclerosis and opens new avenues for targeting this pathway for atherosclerotic plaque stabilization.
Coastal Inorganic Mercury Time Series Reveals Interannual and Seasonal Variability Driven by Regional Climate Factors
Authors: Adams Hannah , Wu Peipei , Kübler-Dudgeon Iris , Lamborg Carl , Bowman Jeff , Schartup Amina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Inorganic mercury (iHg) is an anthropogenic pollutant that forms monomethylmercury, a neurotoxicant affecting human health through seafood consumption. Despite iHg emission reduction policies, the impact on oceanic concentrations remains unclear due to limited long-term data. Here, we present a four-year weekly time series of iHg concentrations at Scripps Pier in La Jolla, California, capturing seasonal and interannual variability. Interannual variability is driven by wet season precipitation, with wet conditions exhibiting sevenfold higher iHg variance than dry conditions, potentially linking to climate modes, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Seasonally, precipitation and wave dynamics influence iHg inputs, with wet seasons driven by precipitation and runoff and dry seasons by upwelling. Using a model informed by these parameters, we reconstructed a 20-year record of iHg, suggesting a long-term decline of 0.005 pM yr− 1. Our findings highlight the challenges in detecting long-term trends and emphasize the need for sustained monitoring of oceanic iHg concentrations.
Photobiomodulation on postural control and gait speed in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Santamarina Laura , de Souza Mariane Oliveira , Sassaron Larissa Ansani , Ezequiel Talita dos Santos , Carvalho Regiane Luz , Boas Vanessa Fonseca Vilas , Franco Laura Ferreira de Rezende 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation (PBM) on postural control and gait speed in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Methods: Prospective clinical study with 47 cancer patients undergoing treatment with platinum or taxane chemotherapy drugs and diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy of the lower limbs (LL). Patients received PBM with LED, 630 nm / 850 nm, in the lumbosacral nerve pathway for four sessions. Postural stability was assessed with the BIOMEC400 force platform, to record the amplitude and speed of displacement of the center of pressure. Power and ground reaction force were assessed using the following variables with the participant during the vertical jump: mass, jump duration, flight duration, jump speed, maximum jump force, and maximum jump power. To assess the impact of the changes studied on gait, the 10-meter walk test was performed.
Results: There was a significant improvement in the mediolateral amplitude (P=0.0250), jump duration (P=0.0001), flight duration (P=0.0064), jump speed (P=0.0443), and maximum force during the jump (P=0.0002). There was no significant improvement in maximum jump power (P=0.7637), anteroposterior amplitude (P=0.4636), anteroposterior velocity (P=0.2769), mediolateral velocity (P=0.1764), and area (P=0.1215). However, the changes found with the use of PBM were sufficient to have a clinical impact on ambulation, with a significant improvement in gait speed (p=0.0315).
Conclusion: PBM proved to be a promising and low-cost resource for improving postural control and gait speed in patients with CIPN.
One-year results and the change of vascular morphology of retinal-retinal anastomosis in patients with type 3 macular neovascularization after intravitreal administration of faricimab in the “treat and extend, then fix” regimen
Authors: Saito Masaaki , Imaizum Kimihiro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We evaluated the efficacy of intravitreal injections of faricimab and the change of vascular morphology of retinal-retinal anastomosis (RRA) after treatment for patients with type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV). We retrospectively reviewed 12 consecutive eyes of 10 Japanese patients (mean age, 80.7 years) with different stages of treatment-naïve type 3 MNV with original method of “treat and extend then fixed” regimen over 12 months follow-up. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) levels improved significantly (P < 0.01) from 0.99 at baseline to 0.63 at 12 months. All eleven eyes detected RRA by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings at baseline showed the improvement of discontinuation on RRA by OCTA findings after treatment. Progression of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy or newly developing RPE atrophy was seen three eyes (25%) with a mean of 1.0 line improvement of BCVA due to being RPE atrophy without involving the fovea. All 12 eyes achieved dry macula and showed no complications at month 12. These results indicate that intravitreal faricimab injections significantly improved the VA, achieved dry macula and nearly normalization of vessels on the RRA in patients with type 3 MNV during the 12 months of the study.
BACH2 regulates T cell lineage states to overcome dysfunction driven by tonic CAR signaling
Authors: Singh Nathan , Chang Tien-Ching , Heard Amanda , Lattin John , Barrett Amanda , Landmann Jack , Warrington John , Tenzin Yangdon , Afrin Sadia , Gupta Deepesh , Chang Ju-Fang , Ritchey Julie , Selli Mehmet , Hsu Yu-Sung , Song Haorui , Horn Avery , Weber Evan , Wandless Thomas , DiPersio John , Crawford Jeremy , Thomas Paul , Gottschalk Stephen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Nearly all chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) initiate intracellular signaling in the absence of antigen, referred to as “tonic signaling”. Tonic signaling of CARs containing the CD28 costimulatory domain has been shown to drive T cell exhaustion; in contrast, we previously found that tonic signaling of 41BB-containing CARs enhances T cell function. Using a panel of CARs targeting the B cell antigen CD22, we identified that tonic 41BB signaling activates BACH2, a transcriptional regulator that directs stem and memory programs. Overexpression of BACH2 prevented exhaustion but locked CAR T cells in less functional memory states. To overcome this, we linked transgenic BACH2 to a degradation domain, enabling dynamic control of BACH2, and found that tuning BACH2 expression enhanced long-term efficacy of exhaustion-prone CAR T cells targeting liquid and solid tumors. Through interrogation of manufactured CAR products, we also found an association between BACH2 activity and clinical outcomes in patients with leukemia.
Anatomical Variants of Nasal Cavities and Nasal Septum in Nepalese Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Dahal Prajwal , Poudel Sagar , Pradhan Prajina , Ghimire Samjhana , Parajuli Sabina , Dhakal Natasha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
This study examines the prevalence of nasal septum and cavity variants in the Nepali population at our hospital.
Method
A retrospective cross-sectional study of 342 adults (aged > 13) at a private hospital in Nepal assessed CT scans for nasal septum variants, deviation angles, and nasal turbinate and pneumatized uncinate process variants. Deviations were graded I-IV, with gender-specific prevalence and mean deviation angle calculated. Statistical significance was tested using chi-squared, t-tests, and ANOVA.
Results
The prevalences were as follows: nasal septum deviation (76.68%), septal spur (41.98%), septal pneumatization (40.23%), hypertrophied inferior turbinate (38.48%), lamellar concha (34.11%), concha bullosa (19.83%), supreme turbinate (9.33%), paradoxical middle turbinates (9.33%), and pneumatized uncinate process (8.45%). Nasal septum deviation was right-sided in 34.11%, left-sided in 34.40%, and S-shaped in 8.16%. The prevalences of nasal septum types were: type I (30.9%), type II (48.1%), type III (16.91%), and type IV (4.08%). The mean septal deviation angle was 6.77° (SD 4.52°), and considering cases with a deviated septum only, the mean was 8.64° (SD 3.2°). Significant associations were found between deviated septum and septal spur, concha bullosa, hypertrophied inferior turbinate, and paradoxical middle turbinate (p < 0.001, 0.012, 0.001, 0.016). Additionally, there were significant associations between types of nasal septal deviation and the sides of concha bullosa, hypertrophied inferior turbinate, and septal spur (p = 0.006, < 0.001, < 0.001). The prevalence of concha bullosa was significantly higher in females (p = 0.001), and a significant association was found between nasal septum types and concha bullosa (p = 0.003). There was a significant difference in the deviation angle among the variants of deviated nasal septum (p = 0.048), particularly between left-sided deviation and S-shaped nasal septum (p = 0.024).
Conclusion
Recognizing variants of nasal septum and nasal cavities is crucial to prevent surgical complications.
Leonardo: A Toolset to Remove Sample-Induced Aberrations in Light Sheet Microscopy Images
Authors: Peng Tingying , Liu Yu , Müller Gesine , Kowitz Lennart , Chobola Tomas , Weiss Kurt , Maier Paul , Luo Jie , Roeßing Malte , Stenzel Martin , Grüneboom Anika , Paetzold Johannes , Ertürk Ali , Navab Nassir , Marr Carsten , Chen Jianxu , Huisken Jan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM, also known as light sheet fluorescence microscopy) is the method of choice for studying organ morphogenesis and function, as it permits gentle and rapid volumetric imaging of biological specimens over days. In inhomogeneous samples, however, sample-induced aberrations, including light absorption, scattering, and refraction, can degrade the image, particularly as the focal plane gets deeper into the sample. Here, we present Leonardo, the first toolbox capable of resolving all sample-induced aberrations by using two modules: (1) DeStripe removes stripe artifacts in SPIM caused by light absorption; (2) Fuse reconstructs a single high-quality image from dual-sided illumination and/or dual-sided detection, while eliminating blur and optical distortions caused by light scattering and refraction. The efficacy of Leonardo is validated on a wide range of biological systems, from minimally invasive experiments on sensitive specimens (relatively translucent embryonic and optically opaque larval zebrafish) to immunolabeled mice up to 2 centimeters in size. We provide model code and a Napari-based graphical user interface, enabling the SPIM community to easily apply Leonardo to advance light sheet imaging of inhomogeneous and complex specimens.
Identifying Hotspots and Classifying the spatial Distribution Pattern of KarstCollapse Pillars with Moran's Index in Coal Mine
Authors: Yan Junsheng , Liu Zaibin , Yang Hui , Li Wei , Wang Tiantian , Xie Qian , Liu Chenguang , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Huahui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Studying the identification of hazardous karst collapse pillars(KCPs) is vital for ensuring the safe mining of coal resources. However, current study on identifying KCPs primarily emphasizes physical detection, overlooking the spatial aggregation patterns. In this study, we proposed a hotspot identification method for KCPs using Moran's index. and carry out experiments in Wangpo Coal Mine of Shanxi, China. The method involves evaluating the KCPs by considering their morphological characteristics and using a combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Entropy Weighting Method (EWM) for quantitative assessment. Then the spatial distribution index of the KCPs(SDI) is determined through Geographic Information System(GIS) overlay analysis and coordinate calibration. The hotspots analysis resulted in a global Moran's index value of 0.1110, indicating a positive spatial correlation of the SDI in the study area. Local Moran's index is further used to identify hotspots of KCPs. A total of 11 special KCPs were identified within the study area, including 5 high-high cluster KCPs. Finally, we analysed the geological impact of fault and fold distributions on KCPs development in these high-risk areas. The results reveal that the development patterns of KCPs at these specific points are analyzed in relation to the distribution of geological structures, especially at the intersections of faults and folds, where high-risk KCPs are most likely to develop.
Antibacterial-resistant Genes (Abrg) Associated With Bloodstream Infections in Patients Receiving Treatment at Nigeria Airforce Medical Center Onikan, Lagos State
Authors: Ekeleme Uzochukwu Godswill 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction: The antibacterial-resistant genes (ABRG) associated with bloodstream infections in patients (BSI-PAP) receiving treatment at the Nigerian Air Force Medical Centre, Onikan, Lagos State, were studied from October 2023 to June 2024. BSI-PAP was defined as bloodstream infections diagnosed within 48 hours of hospitalization.
Methods: Blood samples were analyzed for bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance, adhering to standard microbiological protocols.
Results: The prevalence of BSI-PAP was found to be 30 out of 315 discharges (9.5%). The likelihood of being admitted with BSI-PAP was highest among patients with diabetes mellitus, previous hospitalization, renal failure, and chronic dermatitis. The odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were as follows: Diabetes mellitus: OR = 4.96 (95% CI = 1.37–7.32), previous hospitalization: OR = 2.59 (95% CI = 0.29–4.9), renal failure: OR = 2.39 (95% CI = −0.17–4.89), chronic dermatitis: OR = 1.32 (95% CI = 0.37–4.29). Among the patients admitted with BSI-PAP (n = 30), the following bacterial species were identified: S. scuri ssp. lentus: 6 cases (35.3%), S. gallinarum: 3 cases (17.6%), S. eqourum: 3 cases (17.6%), E. cloacae ssp.: 5 cases (11.8%), B. capacia complex: 7 cases (5.9%), S. xylulosus: 1 case (5.9%), C. freundi: 5 cases (5.9%). Gram-negative bacteria accounted for a greater proportion of BSI cases (56.7%) compared to gram-positive bacteria (43.3%). Approximately 76% of BSI-PAP cases with these organisms exhibited antibiotic resistance. Resistance to erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin was most prevalent in patients aged 30 years. A high prevalence of resistant genes was observed, including TEM, CTX-M, SHV, and VEB types. Clinical bacterial isolates (e.g., S. scuri ssp. lentus, S. gallinarum, S. eqourum, and S. xylulosus) demonstrated high antimicrobial resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics, particularly gentamicin, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline.
Prognostic implications of thrombocytopenia in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Xu Xiaoxi , Lai Xiaohui , Wang Xiaolin , Liu Qiang , Liu Xin , Wang Luqun , Sheng Zi , Peng Jun , Chen Ping , Zhou Hai 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Thrombocytopenia is less common but shows high risk of early mortality in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. In the era of novel agents-based induction therapy (NAIT), it is unclear whether NAIT can overcome the poor prognosis associated with thrombocytopenia.
Objectives
To evaluate the prognostic implications of thrombocytopenia in NDMM patients.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 1363 NDMM patients baseline characteristics, treatment response and survival, further performed regression analysis, constructed a nomogram model to predict progression free survival (PFS), and further internally validated this model.
Results
Overall, 211 (15.48%) NDMM patients were harboring thrombocytopenia, with advanced disease stages and worse outcomes. Their PFS (15 months vs 21.5 months, P < 0.001)and overall survival (47 months vs 77 months, P < 0.001) were significantly inferior compared with patients without thrombocytopenia. In NDMM receiving NAIT, the overall response (87.8% vs 92.4%, P = 0.33) but not deep response or survival could be improved between patients with and without thrombocytopenia. Five important variables (thrombocytopenia, R-ISS stage III, NAIT, deep response and autologous stem-cell transplantation) in multivariate Cox analysis were incorporated in the nomogram, which was further validated by internal datasets. The Calibration curve and time-dependent Receiver operating characteristic showed that the model accurately predicted the 12- and 24- months PFS of NDMM patients.
Conclusions
Thrombocytopenia has an indispensable prognostic effect in decreasing responses to induction therapy and survival in NDMM patients. Thrombocytopenia might need to be regarded as an independent prognostic factor in risk stratification of Chinese NDMM patients.
Comparison of Open and Percutaneous Treatment in Trigger Finger: Functional Results and Cost-effectiveness
Authors: GÖKALP OĞUZHAN , İLYAS GÖKHAN , İPÇİ FİKRİ BURAK 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Trigger finger, a common condition caused by flexor tendon compression in adults, often requires surgical release when conservative treatment fails. This study retrospectively compared the outcomes and costs of percutaneous needle release and traditional open release to treat trigger fingers.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients over 18 undergoing trigger finger surgery was conducted (n=92). The patients were divided into two groups: open surgery (n=43) and percutaneous release (n=49). Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Gilbert questionnaire (failure, complications, and satisfaction), and functional outcomes were measured using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. The cost analysis was based on social security billing.
Results: The mean Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores in the percutaneous group and 10.4±5.7 in the open surgery group (p=0.69). Finger stiffness was reported in 2 % of the percutaneous group and 30% of the open surgery group (p=0.03), whereas scarring was observed in 0% of the percutaneous group and 23% of the open surgery group (p<0.01). Returning to daily work was faster in the percutaneous group, with 67% resuming within a week compared to 0% in the open group (p<0.01). The procedure costs averaged 156.3±6.6 United States dollars for the percutaneous group and 182.9±24.2 USD (United States dollars) for the open surgery group (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Percutaneous needle release appears to be a more cost-effective alternative to traditional open surgery for the trigger finger, with similar functional outcomes, faster recovery, fewer complications, and lower costs.
Microplastic Pollution in Libyan Port Sediments: Today's Findings and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Amhimmid Mohammed , Yetik Mehmet Kazım 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The presence of microplastics in the environment and the coastal regions is of growing concern. This has led to increased testing for the presence of microplastics in a variety of samples, including regions located next to seawater that has brought importance to limiting the amount of plastic entering the ecosystem. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used for the analysis of polymers as a technique to identify microplastics. This study was conducted in the west Libya zone to identify microplastics at three different locations near the Mediterranean Sea port of Tripoli using the FTIR technique. During the period between May 2022 and May 2023, a total of 10 microplastic samples (ten samples/site/15points) were collected from a selected site (A) adjacent to the coastline area of the Tripoli port in Western Libya province. The highest average "MP (polymer)/area" was recorded. According to FTIR analysis, the majority of polymers found in the ten samples from region A were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. This study validated for the first time the presence of these polymers of plastic in the coastal region of Tripoli port, West Libya. Results from region A showed these bases were highly efficient in obtaining optimal identification of the microplastic contamination.
Binding of Hg(I) and Hg(II) to amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide variants: effects on structure and aggregation
Authors: Berntsson Elina , Noormägi Andra , Padari Kärt , Jarvet Jüri , Gräslund Astrid , Palumaa Peep , Wärmländer Sebastian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) exposure is a possible risk factor for Alzheimer´s disease (AD), and some studies have found higher Hg levels in AD patients. Yet, the evidence is inconclusive, and a mechanism linking Hg exposure to AD neuropathology remains to be found. The hallmark of AD brains is deposits of insoluble amyloid plaques consisting mainly of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides.
Here, we use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and biophysical spectroscopy techniques to study in vitro interactions between inorganic Hg and the pathologically relevant Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(4-40) variants and the Aβ(1-40)(H6A, H13A, H14A) mutant. For the first time, the effect on Aβ aggregation of both Hg(I) and Hg(II) is compared.
Hg(II) binds to Aβ(1-40) with an apparent binding affinity of 28±8 µM. The N-terminal His6, His13 and His14 residues are involved in binding coordination. Hg(II) binding induces structural alterations (coil-coil interactions) in Aβ monomers positioned in membrane-mimicking SDS micelles. Equimolar amounts of either Hg(I) or Hg(II) inhibit normal Aβ fibrillation by directing the aggregation process towards formation of large amorphous aggregates. All these structural rearrangements may be relevant for the harmful Aβ aggregation processes involved in AD brain pathology. Inducing protein misfolding and aggregation might be a general toxic mechanism of mercury.