bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heat Transfer and Hydrodynamic in Internal Jacket Airlift Bioreactor with Microbubble Technology
Authors: Al-Mashhadani Mahmood K. H. 
Published: July 2023

Integration of laminar bubbling flow with heat transfer equations in a novel internal jacket airlift bioreactor using microbubbles technology was examined in the present study. The investigation was accomplished via Multiphysics modelling to calculate the gas holdup, velocity of liquid recirculation, mixing time and volume dead zone for hydrodynamic aspect. The temperature and internal energy were determined for heat transfer aspect.
The results showed that the concentration of microbubbles in the unsparged area is greater than the chance of large bubbles with no dead zones being observed in the proposed design. In addition the pressure, due to the recirculation velocity of liquid around the draft tube, increased the retention time of microbubbles in the same area.
Thus it was expected that their effect on mass and heat transfer phenomena would be positive for biological applications. For example the gas fraction volume of microbubble in the downcomer region is 0.0063, while with fine bubble diameter of 1 mm, this region was free from any bubble. Furthermore, the velocity of liquid in the center of ring diffuser would be 0.175 m/s, if the sparging system operated with bubble diameter of 100 micrometer, whilst would be 0.035 m/s with fine bubble diameter of 1 mm.
The study also proved the importance of bubble diameter on the heat transfer in gas and liquid phases in the proposed design. Microbubbles gave greater responsiveness to stability and homogeneity in all parts of the bioreactor. Finally, this study concluded the efficiency of the proposed design with the microbubbles technology thermally and hydrodynamically.
When amiodarone-induced thyroiditis meets cardiomyopathy with excessive trabeculation: a case report
Authors: Gašparini Dora , Raljević Damir , Pehar-Pejčinović Vesna , Klarica Gembić Tihana , Peršić Viktor , Turk Wensveen Tamara 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionAmiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic medication used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias; however, its well-established adverse effect is a thyroid disorder. Amiodarone-induced thyroiditis (AIT), a clinical entity involving two types with different etiopathology and treatment approaches, may occur at the beginning or even several years after amiodarone treatment discontinuation. The toxicity profile of amiodarone becomes especially important in young patients with lifelong cardiac disorders, which are often refractory to other antiarrhythmic drugs. Herein, we report the first case of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), an unusual presentation of type II AIT, in a young male patient who was previously diagnosed with left ventricular cardiomyopathy with excessive trabeculation.Case reportA 36-year-old male non-athlete presented with tiredness during regular follow-up. Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring (cECG) revealed NSVT, whereas echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging detected discrete structural and functional changes that could not fully explain the observed cECG report. Conversely, an unmeasurably low thyrotropin level on admission and previous exposure to amiodarone pointed the diagnostic pathway in the direction of the thyroid gland. Elevated free thyroxine and undetectable autoantibody titers with unremarkable sonographic findings raised clinical suspicion of type II AIT. Scintigraphic imaging with 99mTc-2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (sestamibi) revealed decreased thyroid uptake; hence, prednisone was introduced for treatment. Clear improvements in both biochemical and electrocardiographic parameters were observed after immunomodulatory treatment of type II AIT in this young patient with cardiomyopathy and excessive trabeculation.ConclusionTreatment of reversible causes of cardiac rhythm abnormalities such as type II AIT should be considered before choosing other treatment modalities, particularly in patients with structural cardiac disorders. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in complex cases such as the one reported, thus, cannot be emphasized enough.
Down-staging of obesity one year after bariatric surgery: a new proposal of Edmonton obesity staging system
Authors: Quinto Giulia , Bettini Silvia , Neunhaeuserer Daniel , Battista Francesca , Milan Gabriella , Gasperetti Andrea , Vecchiato Marco , Vettor Roberto , Ermolao Andrea , Busetto Luca 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundDifferent approaches are used to classify obesity severity. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) considers medical, physical and psychological parameters. A new modified EOSS with a different functional evaluation method, measuring Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF), has been recently proposed, EOSS-CRF. Bariatric surgery (BS) is one of the most efficient treatments of obesity and all aspect of related disorders. No studies have yet applied EOSS-CRF after BS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate modifications in EOSS and EOSS-CRF before and after BS.MethodsThis observational study finally enrolled 72 patients affected by obesity. A multi-disciplinary assessment in order to evaluate eligibility to surgical treatment has been performed, including anamnesis, physical evaluation, anthropometric data measurement, biochemical blood exams and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. One year after BS the same protocol was applied. Patients have been classified according to EOSS and EOSS-CRF before and one year after BS.ResultsAfter BS, patients categorized in classes associated to severe obesity (EOSS ≥ 2 or EOSS-CRF ≥ 2) reduced significantly. Using EOSS, patients without functional impairment were 61% before surgery and 69% after BS (p=0.383). Using EOSS-CRF, patients considered without functional impairment were only 9.7% before BS; this percentage significantly raised to 50% after BS (p&lt;0.001). The impact of functional domains before and after BS is different in grading patients in EOSS and EOSS-CRF, respectively.ConclusionsImprovements obtained after BS are adequately summarized by EOSS and EOSS-CRF. The EOSS-CRF grading method for functional impairment seems to better reflect the known amelioration obtained after BS. Objective measurements of CRF may provide additional value to classify severity of obesity, also in the follow-up after BS.
Prostaglandin F2α requires activation of calcium-dependent signalling to trigger inflammation in human myometrium
Authors: Riaposova Lucia , Kim Sung Hye , Hanyaloglu Aylin C. , Sykes Lynne , MacIntyre David A. , Bennett Phillip R. , Terzidou Vasso 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionPreterm birth is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality across the world. Both term and preterm labour are preceded by inflammatory activation in uterine tissues. This includes increased leukocyte infiltration, and subsequent increase in chemokine and cytokine levels, activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors as NF-κB and increased prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is one of the myometrial activators and stimulators.MethodsHere we investigated the role of PGF2α in pro-inflammatory signalling pathways in human myometrial cells isolated from term non-labouring uterine tissue. Primary myometrial cells were treated with G protein inhibitors, calcium chelators and/or PGF2α. Nuclear extracts were analysed by TranSignal cAMP/Calcium Protein/DNA Array. Whole cell protein lysates were analysed by Western blotting. mRNA levels of target genes were analysed by RT-PCR.ResultsThe results show that PGF2α increases inflammation in myometrial cells through increased activation of NF-κB and MAP kinases and increased expression of COX-2. PGF2α was found to activate several calcium/cAMP-dependent transcription factors, such as CREB and C/EBP-β. mRNA levels of NF-κB-regulated cytokines and chemokines were also elevated with PGF2α stimulation. We have shown that the increase in PGF2α-mediated COX-2 expression in myometrial cells requires coupling of the FP receptor to both Gαq and Gαi proteins. Additionally, PGF2α-induced calcium response was also mediated through Gαq and Gαi coupling.DiscussionIn summary, our findings suggest that PGF2α-induced inflammation in myometrial cells involves activation of several transcription factors – NF-κB, MAP kinases, CREB and C/EBP-β. Our results indicate that the FP receptor signals via Gαq and Gαi coupling in myometrium. This work provides insight into PGF2α pro-inflammatory signalling in term myometrium prior to the onset of labour and suggests that PGF2α signalling pathways could be a potential target for management of preterm labour.
A novel 3D spheroid model of rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue incorporating fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages
Authors: Philippon Eva M. L. , van Rooijen Lisanne J. E. , Khodadust Fatemeh , van Hamburg Jan Piet , van der Laken Conny J. , Tas Sander W. 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveRheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a progressive and systemic autoimmune disorder associated with chronic and destructive joint inflammation. The hallmarks of joint synovial inflammation are cellular proliferation, extensive neoangiogenesis and infiltration of immune cells, including macrophages. In vitro approaches simulating RA synovial tissue are crucial in preclinical and translational research to evaluate novel diagnostic and/or therapeutic markers. Two-dimensional (2D) settings present very limited in vivo physiological proximity as they cannot recapitulate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions occurring in the three-dimensional (3D) tissue compartment. Here, we present the engineering of a spheroid-based model of RA synovial tissue which mimics 3D interactions between cells and pro-inflammatory mediators present in the inflamed synovium.MethodsSpheroids were generated by culturing RA fibroblast-like-synoviocytes (RAFLS), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs) and monocyte-derived macrophages in a collagen-based 3D scaffold. The spheroids were cultured in the presence or absence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (bFGF) or RA synovial fluid (SF). Spheroid expansion and cell migration were quantified for all conditions using confocal microscopy and digital image analysis.ResultsA novel approach using machine learning was developed to quantify spheroid outgrowth and used to reexamine the existing spheroid-based model of RA synovial angiogenesis consisting of ECs and RAFLS. A 2-fold increase in the spheroid outgrowth ratio was demonstrated upon VEGF/bFGF stimulation (p&lt;0.05). The addition of macrophages within the spheroid structure (3.75x104 RAFLS, 7.5x104 ECs and 3.0x104 macrophages) resulted in good incorporation of the new cell type. The addition of VEGF/bFGF significantly induced spheroid outgrowth (p&lt;0.05) in the new system. SF stimulation enhanced containment of macrophages within the spheroids.ConclusionWe present a novel spheroid based model consisting of RAFLS, ECs and macrophages that reflects the RA synovial tissue microenvironment. This model may be used to dissect the role of specific cell types in inflammatory responses in RA, to study specific signaling pathways involved in the disease pathogenesis and examine the effects of novel diagnostic (molecular imaging) and therapeutic compounds, including small molecule inhibitors and biologics.
Trophic structure and fishing impacts on an oligotrophic ecosystem in the Western Mediterranean: the Balearic Islands
Authors: Sánchez-Zulueta Paula , Valls María , Guijarro Beatriz , Ángeles Torres María , Ángeles Zapata María , Coll Marta , Corrales Xavier , Andonegi Eider , Díaz-Valdés Marta , Massutí Enric , Ordines Francesc 
Published: July 2023

Within the context of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management, an ecosystem model was developed for the Balearic Islands in the early 2000s, covering from 0 to 800 m of depth. The aim of the study was to describe the structure and functioning of the ecosystem together with the fishing impacts. The results show that the biomass of the primary producers (PP), mainly dominated by Posidonia oceanica meadows and red algae beds, represented a high percentage of the biomass (39.20%) in the ecosystem. Most of the trophic flows occurred between PP (mostly benthic) and trophic level II. The mixed trophic impact analysis also highlighted a positive impact of the functional groups (FGs) at the base of the food web. Besides, there were important trophic flows between several demersal FGs, and many groups of the pelagic compartment, confirming the importance of the benthopelagic coupling previously reported. The mean trophic level of the catch (mTLc=2.76) was lower than those reported in adjacent areas due to the discard of benthic producers. By excluding benthic PP, the Balearic Islands showed the highest mTLc (3.44) among all the Mediterranean areas modelled, probably due to differences in the trophic structure, lower fisheries exploitation levels and lower development of the purse seine fleet targeting small pelagic fishes. The mean transfer efficiency (21.80%) was double than the global average (10%), which highlights the oligotrophy of the system, the importance of demersal production which has lower rates of transfer through the food web, and a more efficient use of nutrients in the ecosystem. Sponges, one of the most important groups of benthic invertebrates in the Balearic Archipelago, are known to recycle dissolved organic matter, which is reintroduced into the food web similar to the microbial loop, but the magnitude of this and other processes remains still unknown in this area. The present study is a first step to develop spatio-temporal simulations under different exploitation scenarios and to calculate ecological indicators to assess the state of the marine environment in this region.
Unlocking the enigma: unraveling multiple cognitive dysfunction linked to glymphatic impairment in early Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhong Jiayi , Zhang Xiaochen , Xu Huanyu , Zheng Xiaoran , Wang Luyao , Jiang Jiehui , Li Yunxia 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the world’s well-known neurodegenerative diseases, which is related to the balance mechanism of production and clearance of two proteins (amyloid-β and tau) regulated by the glymphatic system. Latest studies have found that AD patients exhibit impairments to their glymphatic system. However, the alterations in the AD disease continuum, especially in the early stages, remain unclear. Moreover, the relationship between the glymphatic system and cognitive dysfunction is still worth exploring.MethodsA novel diffusion tensor image analysis method was applied to evaluate the activity of the glymphatic system by an index for diffusivity along the perivascular space (ALPS-index). Based on this method, the activity of the glymphatic system was noninvasively evaluated in 300 subjects, including 111 normal controls (NC), 120 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 69 subjects with AD. Partial correlation analysis was applied to explore the association between glymphatic system and cognitive impairment based on three domain-general scales and several domain-specific cognitive scales. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the classification performance of ALPS-index along the AD continuum.ResultsALPS-index was significantly different among NC, MCI and AD groups, and ALPS-index decreased with cognitive decline. In addition, ALPS-index was significantly correlated with the scores of the clinical scales (p&lt;0.05, FDR corrected), especially in left hemisphere. Furthermore, combination of ALPS and fractional anisotropy (FA) values achieved better classification results (NC vs. MCI: AUC = 0.6610, NC vs. AD: AUC = 0.8214).ConclusionHere, we show that the glymphatic system is closely associated with multiple cognitive dysfunctions, and ALPS-index can be used as a biomarker for alterations along the AD continuum. This may provide new targets and strategies for the treatment of AD, and has the potential to assist clinical diagnosis.
Amino acid intake with protein food source and incident dyslipidemia in Korean adults from the Ansan and Ansung Study and the Health Examinee Study
Authors: Chung Sangwon , Park Jae Ho , Joung Hyojee , Ha Kyungho , Shin Sangah 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundDyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and appropriate intake of amino acids may be helpful for the management of dyslipidemia. However, evidence of an association between amino acid intake and dyslipidemia in Korean adults is limited.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate how the incidence of dyslipidemia in Korean adults is associated with the consumption of amino acids, essential and nonessential types, as well as the sources of these amino acids from food.MethodsData from 35,478 study participants without dyslipidemia at baseline from the Ansan and Ansung Study and the Health Examinee Study were used for the analysis. Dyslipidemia and its components such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyper-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolemia and hypo-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolemia were the main outcome in this study. The participants were categorized into quartiles, based on the intake of amino acids and plant−/animal-based proteins.ResultsOn average, the follow-up period lasted for 5.7 years. The two major food groups that contributed to one-half of the intake for each type of amino acid were whole grain mixed rice and white rice. Compared to the lowest quartile group, the highest quartile groups of essential amino acid intake [men: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63–0.97; P for trend = 0.0088; women: HR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76–0.99; P for trend = 0.0201] and nonessential amino acid intake (men: HR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60–0.94; P for trend = 0.0069; women: HR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71–0.93; P for trend = 0.0024) had a decreased risk of dyslipidemia. Plant-based protein intake had a negative association and animal-based protein intake had a nonsignificant association with dyslipidemia after adjustment for energy-adjusted fat intake. Furthermore, the essential and nonessential amino acid intake showed stronger negative associations with dyslipidemia after further adjustment for energy-adjusted fat intake.ConclusionTo conclude, the intake of amino acids may have a protective effect against dyslipidemia in Korean adults who are aged 40 years or older, regardless of their protein food sources.
Identification and comprehensive analysis of epithelial–mesenchymal transition related target genes of miR-222-3p in breast cancer
Authors: Fang Yutong , Zhang Qunchen , Chen Chunfa , Chen Zexiao , Zheng Rongji , She Chuanghong , Zhang Rendong , Wu Jundong 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial mechanism that microRNA-222-3p (miR-222-3p) promotes breast cancer (BC) progression. Our study aimed to identify EMT-associated target genes (ETGs) of miR-222-3p for further analysis of their roles in BC based on bioinformatics tools.MethodsBased on bioinformatics analysis, we identified 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p. Then, we performed a comprehensive analysis of 10 ETGs and miR-222-3p, including pathway enrichment analysis of ETGs, differential expression, clinical significance, correlation with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), stemness, drug sensitivity, and genetic alteration.ResultsThe expression of miR222-3p in basal-like BC was significantly higher than in other subtypes of BC and the normal adjacent tissue. Pathway analysis suggested that the ETGs might regulate the EMT process via the PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Six of the 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p identified were down-expressed in BC, which were EGFR, IL6, NRP1, NTRK2, LAMC2, and PIK3R1, and SERPINE1, MUC1, MMP11, and BIRC5 were up-expressed in BC, which also showed potential diagnostic values in BC. Prognosis analysis revealed that higher NTRK2 and PIK3R1 expressions were related to a better prognosis, and higher BIRC5 and miR-222-3p expressions were related to a worse prognosis. Most ETGs and miR-222-3p were positively correlated with various infiltration of various immune cells and ICGs expression. Lower TMB scores were correlated with higher expression of MUC1 and NTRK2, and higher BIRC5 was related to a higher TMB score. Lower expression of MUC1, NTRK2, and PIK3R1 were associated with higher MSI scores. Higher expression of ETGs was associated with lower mRNAsi scores, except BIRC5 and miR-222-3p conversely. Most ETGs and miR-222-3p expression were negatively correlated with the drug IC50 values. The analysis of the genetic alteration of the ETGs suggested that amplification was the main genetic alteration of eight ETGs except for NTRK2 and PIK3R1.ConclusionMiR-222-3p might be a specific biomarker of basal-like BC. We successfully identify 10 core ETGs of miR-222-3p, some might be useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The comprehensive analysis of 10 ETGs and miR-222-3p indicated that they might be involved in the development of BC, which might be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of BC.
Adding physical activity to intensive trauma-focused treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Voorendonk Eline M. , Sanches Sarita A. , Tollenaar Marieke S. , Hoogendoorn Elisabeth A. , de Jongh Ad , van Minnen Agnes 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThis randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of physical activity added to an intensive trauma-focused treatment (TFT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in comparison to adding non-physical control activities.MethodsA total of 119 patients with PTSD were randomly assigned to a physical activity condition (PA; n = 59) or a non-physical activity control condition (nPA; n = 60). The 8-day intensive TFT programme consisted of daily prolonged exposure, EMDR therapy, and psychoeducation, which was complemented with physical activities versus controlled mixtures of guided (creative) tasks. As a primary outcome, the change in clinician and self-reported PTSD symptoms from pre-to post-treatment and at 6 months follow-up were measured.ResultsIntent-to-treat linear mixed-effects models showed no significant differences between the PA and nPA conditions on change in PTSD severity. Clinician and self-reported PTSD symptoms significantly decreased for both conditions, with large effect sizes (e.g., CAPS-5 dpre-post = 2.28). At post-treatment, 80.0% in the PA, and 82.7% in the nPA condition no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Regarding the loss of Complex PTSD diagnoses this was 92.5% and 95.0%, respectively.ConclusionEither with additional physical or non-physical activities, intensive TFT is very effective for the treatment of (Complex) PTSD, as reflected by large effect sizes and loss of diagnostic status in both groups.Clinical trial registrationTrialregister.nl Identifier: Trial NL9120.