bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daratumumab monotherapy for refractory lupus nephritis
Authors: Roccatello Dario , Fenoglio Roberta , Caniggia Ilaria , Kamgaing Joelle , Naretto Carla , Cecchi Irene , Rubini Elena , Rossi Daniela , De Simone Emanuele , Del Vecchio Giulio , Cozzi Martina , Sciascia Savino 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTreatment-refractory lupus nephritis (LN) has a high risk of a poor outcome and is often life-threatening. Here we report a case series of six patients (one male and five females) with a median age of 41.3 years (range, 20–61 years) with refractory LN who received renal biopsies and were subsequently treated with intravenous daratumumab, an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (weekly for 8 weeks, followed by eight biweekly infusions and up to eight monthly infusions). One patient did not show any improvement after 6 months of therapy, and daratumumab was discontinued. In five patients, the mean disease activity, as assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity 2000 index, decreased from 10.8 before treatment to 3.6 at 12 months after treatment. Mean proteinuria (5.6 g per 24 h to 0.8 g per 24 h) and mean serum creatinine (2.3 mg dl−1 to 1.5 mg dl−1) also decreased after 12 months. Improvement of clinical symptoms was accompanied by seroconversion of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies; decreases in median interferon-gamma levels, B cell maturation antigen and soluble CD163 levels; and increases in C4 and interleukin-10 levels. These data suggest that daratumumab monotherapy warrants further exploration as a potential treatment for refractory LN.
Photosensitization of TiO2 microspheres by novel Quinazoline-derivative as visible-light-harvesting antenna for enhanced Rhodamine B photodegradation
Authors: Hamza Mahmoud Adel , Rizk Sameh A. , Ezz-Elregal Ezz-Elregal M. , El-Rahman Shaimaa A. Abd , Ramadan Sayed K. , Abou‑Gamra Zeinab M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWater pollution is one of the global threats severely affecting our planet and human health. Organic textile dyes are one of the common organic water pollutants that are presentient to degradation by traditional physical methods. Semiconductor-assisted photocatalysis is considered a green, efficient, and sustainable technology for wastewater treatment. To maximize the efficient utilization of solar radiation, it is of pivotal significance to explore novel organic molecules to be employed as efficient dye sensitizers for wide-bandgap semiconductors to extend their performance to the Visible-light region. Hence, in this work, we are proposing the design and synthesis of novel structures of QAD molecule as a dye photosensitizer with extended visible light absorptivity due to the extended π–π/n–π conjugations, to promote the performance of TiO2 nanoparticles to the visible-light region and enhance the charge separation. The physicochemical characterizations confirmed the successful synthesis of QAD, TiO2, and QAD/TiO2 samples with the proposed structures. The anchoring of QAD molecules on the surface of TiO2 caused a substantial improvement in the optical characteristics of TiO2 as well as overcoming its common drawbacks by decreasing its bandgap energy to 2.6 eV, a remarkable reduction of PL intensity indicating reducing the e–h recombination and enhancing the charge separation, and creation of efficient visible light-harvesting antenna in the range of 400–600 nm. Besides, the QAD/TiO2 sample achieved a 3-fold enhancement in the observed rate constant of the photodegradation of Rhodamine B dye compared to the bare TiO2. The parameters affecting the photodegradation process were optimized and the sample displayed outstanding stability after 4 consecutive cycles. Finally, the effect of the scavengers was investigated and $${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\cdot -}$$

O

2

·
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was proposed to be the most reactive species and the mechanism of the enhancement was suggested based on the electron injection from the QAD’s HOMO level to the TiO2’s CB. Finally, this work opens the door for various studies for the investigation of the proposed structures or similar structures in various photocatalytic/biomedical applications.
Assessment of nutritional status using anthropometric index among older adult and elderly population in India
Authors: Khan Junaid , Chattopadhyay Aparajita , Shaw Subhojit 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMalnutrition poses a significant risk to the older population globally, highlighting the critical role of nutrition in healthy aging. In this study, the aim is to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition among older adults aged 45–59 years and the elderly population aged 60 years and above based on their socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Furthermore, the study examines the risk factors within a multivariate framework. A sample of 59,073 individuals aged 45 years and above from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), Wave 1 survey constitutes the study population. This study adopts a cross-sectional design. Bivariate cross-tabulation analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis are employed to understand the prevalence and determinants of nutritional status. About 25% of males and 37% of females below the age of 60 years are overweight (including obese), while among those aged 60 years and above, 28% of males and 25% of females are underweight. The elderly male population carries a comparatively higher burden of underweight (28%) prevalence than the females (25%) in the same age group. Overall, the urban population is less likely to be underweight [AOR: 0.41, C.I 0.38–0.43] and more likely to be overweight [AOR: 2.41, C.I 2.32–2.52]. Older adults from low economic and social strata are more likely to be underweight. In terms of bio-physical factors, individuals aged 60 years and above with infections to endemic diseases [AOR: 1.24; p-value < 0.01] and those with edentulism [AOR: 1.29; p-value < 0.01] are more likely to be underweight. As evident from the study, nutritional status among older adults is a complicated manifestation of multiple risk factors and requires potential nutritional intervention. Initiating a routine screening program at the grassroots level can effectively identify older adults and the elderly in India, facilitating the provision of nutritional care.
Alpha cell receptor for advanced glycation end products associate with glucagon expression in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Leung Sherman S. , Lenchik Nataliya , Mathews Clayton , Pugliese Alberto , McCarthy Domenica A. , Le Bagge Selena , Ewing Adam , Harris Mark , Radford Kristen J. , Borg Danielle J. , Gerling Ivan , Forbes Josephine M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes associates with changes in the pancreatic islet α cells, where the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is highly expressed. This study compared islet RAGE expression in donors without diabetes, those at risk of, and those with type 1 diabetes. Laser-dissected islets were subject to RNA bioinformatics and adjacent pancreatic tissue were assessed by confocal microscopy. We found that islets from type 1 diabetes donors had differential expression of the RAGE gene (AGER) and its correlated genes, based on glucagon expression. Random forest machine learning revealed that AGER was the most important predictor for islet glucagon levels. Conversely, a generalized linear model identified that glucagon expression could be predicted by expression of RAGE signaling molecules, its ligands and enzymes that create or clear RAGE ligands. Confocal imaging co-localized RAGE, its ligands and signaling molecules to the α cells. Half of the type 1 diabetes cohort comprised of adolescents and a patient with history of hypoglycemia—all showed an inverse relationship between glucagon and RAGE. These data confirm an association between glucagon and islet RAGE, its ligands and signaling pathways in type 1 diabetes, which warrants functional investigation into a role for RAGE in hypoglycemia.
YWHAZ and TBP are potential reference gene candidates for qPCR analysis of response to radiation therapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Shin , Park Jee Young , Lee Hye Won , Bae Sung Uk , Kim Kyeong Eui , Byun Sang Jun , Seo Incheol 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe expression profiles of conventional reference genes (RGs), including ACTB and GAPDH, used in quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), vary depending on tissue types and environmental conditions. We searched for suitable RGs for qPCR to determine the response to radiotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived tissues. Ten CRC cell lines (Caco-2, COLO 205, DLD-1, HCT116, HCT-15, HT-29, RKO, SW1116, SW480, and SW620) and organoids were selected and irradiated with 2, 10 or 21 grays (Gy) based on the previous related studies conducted over the last decade. The expression stability of 14 housekeeping genes (HKGs; ACTB, B2M, G6PD, GAPDH, GUSB, HMBS, HPRT1, IPO8, PGK1, PPIA, TBP, TFRC, UBC, and YWHAZ) after irradiation was evaluated using RefFinder using raw quantification cycle (Cq) values obtained from samples before and after irradiation. The expression stability of HKGs were also evaluated for paired fresh frozen tissues or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples obtained from CRC patients before and after chemoradiotherapy. The expression of YWHAZ and TBP encoding 14-3-3-zeta protein and TATA-binding protein were more stable than the other 12 HKGs in CRC cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived tissues after irradiation. The findings suggest that YWHAZ and TBP are potential RG candidates for normalizing qPCR results in CRC radiotherapy experiments.
Encryption in phase space for classical coherent optical communications
Authors: Chan Adrian , Khalil Mostafa , Shahriar Kh Arif , Plant David V. , Chen Lawrence R. , Kuang Randy 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOptical layer attacks on optical fiber communication networks are one of the weakest reinforced areas of the network, allowing attackers to overcome security software or firewalls when proper safeguards are not put into place. Encrypting data using a random phase mask is a simple yet effective way to bolster the data security at the physical layer. Since the interactions of the random phases used for such encryption heavily depend on system properties like data rate, modulation format, distance, degree of phase randomness, laser properties, etc., it is important to determine the optimum operating conditions for different scenarios. In this work, assuming that the transmitter and the receiver have a secret pre-shared key, we present a theoretical study of security in such a system through mutual information analysis. Next, we determine operating conditions which ensure security for 4-PSK, 16-PSK, and 128-QAM formats through numerical simulation. Moreover, we provide an experimental demonstration of the system using 16-QAM modulation. We then use numerical simulation to verify the efficacy of the encryption and study two preventative measures for different modulation formats which will prevent an eavesdropper from obtaining any data. The results demonstrate that the system is secure against a tapping attack if an attacker has no information of the phase modulator and pre-shared key.
Characterizing the role of Phlda3 in the development of acute toxicity and malignant transformation of hematopoietic cells induced by total-body irradiation in mice
Authors: Hasapis Stephanie , Caraballo Isibel , Sears Timothy J. , Brock Kennedy D. , Cart John B. , Moding Everett J. , Lee Chang-Lung 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe tumor suppressor p53 is a transcriptional factor that plays a crucial role in controlling acute toxicity and long-term malignant transformation of hematopoietic cells induced by genotoxic stress such as ionizing radiation. Among all transcriptional targets of p53, one gene that is robustly induced by radiation is the pleckstrin homology domain-only protein Phlda3. However, the role that Phlda3 plays in regulating the response of hematopoietic cells to radiation is unknown. Here, using isogenic cell lines and genetically engineered mouse models, we showed that radiation induces Phlda3 in human leukemia cells and mouse normal hematopoietic cells in a p53-dependent manner. However, deletion of the Phlda3 gene did not ameliorate radiation-induced acute hematologic toxicity. In addition, distinct from mice that lose p53, loss of Phlda3 did not alter the latency and incidence of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma in mice. Remarkably, whole-exome sequencing data showed that lymphomas in irradiated Phlda3+/+ mice harbor a significantly higher number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels compared to lymphomas in irradiated Phlda3+/− and Phlda3−/− littermates. Together, our results indicate that although deletion of Phlda3 does not accelerate the development of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma, fewer SNVs and indels are necessary to initiate lymphomagenesis after radiation exposure when Phlda3 is silenced.
Development of prediction model for alanine transaminase elevations during the first 6 months of conventional synthetic DMARD treatment
Authors: Kuusalo Laura , Venäläinen Mikko S. , Kirjala Heidi , Saranpää Sofia , Elo Laura L. , Pirilä Laura 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFrequent laboratory monitoring is recommended for early identification of toxicity when initiating conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). We aimed at developing a risk prediction model to individualize laboratory testing at csDMARD initiation. We identified inflammatory joint disease patients (N = 1196) initiating a csDMARD in Turku University Hospital 2013–2019. Baseline and follow-up safety monitoring results were drawn from electronic health records. For rheumatoid arthritis patients, diagnoses and csDMARD initiation/cessation dates were manually confirmed. Primary endpoint was alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation of more than twice the upper limit of normal (ULN) within 6 months after treatment initiation. Computational models for predicting incident ALT elevations were developed using Lasso Cox proportional hazards regression with stable iterative variable selection (SIVS) and were internally validated against a randomly selected test cohort (1/3 of the data) that was not used for training the models. Primary endpoint was reached in 82 patients (6.9%). Among baseline variables, Lasso model with SIVS predicted subsequent ALT elevations of > 2 × ULN using higher ALT, csDMARD other than methotrexate or sulfasalazine and psoriatic arthritis diagnosis as important predictors, with a concordance index of 0.71 in the test cohort. Respectively, at first follow-up, in addition to baseline ALT and psoriatic arthritis diagnosis, also ALT change from baseline was identified as an important predictor resulting in a test concordance index of 0.72. Our computational model predicts ALT elevations after the first follow-up test with good accuracy and can help in optimizing individual testing frequency.
Tau tubulin kinase 1 and 2 regulate ciliogenesis and human pluripotent stem cells–derived neural rosettes
Authors: Binó Lucia , Čajánek Lukáš 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPrimary cilia are key regulators of embryo development and tissue homeostasis. However, their mechanisms and functions, particularly in the context of human cells, are still unclear. Here, we analyzed the consequences of primary cilia modulation for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) proliferation and differentiation. We report that neither activation of the cilia-associated Hedgehog signaling pathway nor ablation of primary cilia by CRISPR gene editing to knockout Tau Tubulin Kinase 2 (TTBK2), a crucial ciliogenesis regulator, affects the self-renewal of hPSCs. Further, we show that TTBK1, a related kinase without previous links to ciliogenesis, is upregulated during hPSCs-derived neural rosette differentiation. Importantly, we demonstrate that while TTBK1 fails to localize to the mother centriole, it regulates primary cilia formation in the differentiated, but not the undifferentiated hPSCs. Finally, we show that TTBK1/2 and primary cilia are implicated in the regulation of the size of hPSCs-derived neural rosettes.
Semi-supervised segmentation of retinoblastoma tumors in fundus images
Authors: Rahdar Amir , Ahmadi Mohamad Javad , Naseripour Masood , Akhtari Abtin , Sedaghat Ahad , Hosseinabadi Vahid Zare , Yarmohamadi Parsa , Hajihasani Samin , Mirshahi Reza 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRetinoblastoma is a rare form of cancer that predominantly affects young children as the primary intraocular malignancy. Studies conducted in developed and some developing countries have revealed that early detection can successfully cure over 90% of children with retinoblastoma. An unusual white reflection in the pupil is the most common presenting symptom. Depending on the tumor size, shape, and location, medical experts may opt for different approaches and treatments, with the results varying significantly due to the high reliance on prior knowledge and experience. This study aims to present a model based on semi-supervised machine learning that will yield segmentation results comparable to those achieved by medical experts. First, the Gaussian mixture model is utilized to detect abnormalities in approximately 4200 fundus images. Due to the high computational cost of this process, the results of this approach are then used to train a cost-effective model for the same purpose. The proposed model demonstrated promising results in extracting highly detailed boundaries in fundus images. Using the Sørensen–Dice coefficient as the comparison metric for segmentation tasks, an average accuracy of 93% on evaluation data was achieved.
Accuracy assessment of land cover products in China from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Chen Xingyu , Qi Jie , Xu Chong , An Jiafu , Chen Jiandong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe accuracy assessment of land cover data is of significant value to accurately monitor and objectively reproduce spatio-temporal dynamic changes to land surface landscapes. In this study, the interpretation and applicability of CCI, MCD, and CGLS long time-series land cover data products for China were evaluated via consistency analysis and a confusion matrix system using NLUD-C periodic products as reference data. The results showed that CGLS had the highest overall accuracy, Kappa coefficient, and area consistency in the continuous time-series evaluation, followed by MCD, whereas CCI had the worst performance. For the accuracy assessment of subdivided land cover types, the three products could accurately describe the distribution of forest land in China with a high recognition level, but their recognition ability for water body and construction land was poor. Among the other types, CCI could better identify cropland, MCD for grassland, and CGLS for unused land. Based on these evaluation results and characteristics of the data products, we developed suitable selection schemes for users with different requirements.
Validation of EuroSCORE II in atrial fibrillation heart surgery patients from the KROK Registry
Authors: Kuźma Łukasz , Kowalewski Mariusz , Wańha Wojciech , Dąbrowski Emil Julian , Jasiński Marek , Widenka Kazimierz , Deja Marek , Bartuś Krzysztof , Hirnle Tomasz , Wojakowski Wojciech , Lorusso Roberto , Tobota Zdzisław , Maruszewski Bohdan J. , Suwalski Piotr ,   KROK Investigators, Anisimowicz Lech , Biederman Andrzej , Borkowski Dariusz , Brykczyński Mirosław , Bugajski Paweł , Burysz Marian , Cholewiński Paweł , Cichoń Romuald , Cisowski Marek , Dziatkowiak Antoni , Gburek Tadeusz , Gerber Witold , Gryszko Leszek , Haponiuk Ireneusz , Hendzel Piotr , Jabłonka Stanisław , Jarmoszewicz Krzysztof , Jaszewski Ryszard , Jemielity Marek , Kalawski Ryszard , Kapelak Bogusław , Karolczak Maciej A. , Kaperczak Jacek , Knapik Piotr , Krejca Michał , Kustrzycki Wojciech , Kuśmierczyk Mariusz , Kwinecki Paweł , Markuszewski Leszek , Missima Maurycy , Moll Jacek J. , Ogorzeja Wojciech , Pająk Jacek , Pasierski Michał , Pawliszak Wojciech , Pietrzyk Edward , Religa Grzegorz , Rogowski Jan , Różański Jacek , Sadowski Jerzy , Sharma Girish , Skalski Janusz , MD Jacek Skiba , Stanisławski Ryszard , Stążka Janusz , Stec Sebastian , Stępiński Piotr , Suwalski Grzegorz , Suwalski Kazimierz , Tułecki Łukasz , Wierzba Waldemar , Wojtalik Michał , Woś Stanisław , Zembala Michał Oskar , Żelazny Piotr 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe study aimed to validate the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score (EuroSCORE II) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). All data were retrieved from the National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures (KROK). EuroSCORE II calibration and discrimination performance was evaluated. The final cohort consisted of 44,172 patients (median age 67, 30.8% female, 13.4% with AF). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.14% (N = 1830), and 5.21% (N = 2303) for 30-day mortality. EuroSCORE II significantly underestimated mortality in mild- and moderate-risk populations [Observed (O):Expected (E)—1.1, 1.16). In the AF subgroup, it performed well [O:E—0.99), whereas in the very high-risk population overestimated mortality (O:E—0.9). EuroSCORE II showed better discrimination in AF (−) [area under curve (AUC) 0.805, 95% CI 0.793–0.817)] than in AF (+) population (AUC 0.791, 95%CI 0.767–0.816), P < 0.001. The worst discriminative performance for the AF (+) group was for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (AUC 0.746, 95% CI 0.676–0.817) as compared with AF (−) population (AUC 0.798, 95% CI 0.774–0.822), P < 0.001. EuroSCORE II is more accurate for patients with AF. However, it underestimated mortality rates for low-to-moderate-risk patients and had a lower ability to distinguish between high- and low-risk patients with AF, particularly in those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
Contribution of an Asian-prevalent HLA haplotype to the risk of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kawamura Atsushi , Matsuda Koichi , Murakami Yoshinori , Saruta Masayuki , Kohno Takashi , Shiraishi Kouya 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLiver cancer, particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is more common in Asians than in Caucasians. This is due, at least in part, to regional differences in the prevalence of exogenous factors such as HBV; however, endogenous factors specific to Asia might also play a role. Such endogenous factors include HLA (human leukocyte antigen) genes, which are considered candidates due to their high racial diversity. Here, we performed a pancancer association analysis of 147 alleles of HLA-class I/II genes (HLA-A, B, and C/DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, and DPB1) in 31,727 cases of 12 cancer types, including 1684 liver cancer cases and 107,103 controls. HLA alleles comprising a haplotype prevalent in Asia were significantly associated with pancancer risk (e.g., odds ratio [OR] for a DRB1*15:02 allele = 1.12, P = 2.7 × 10–15), and the associations were particularly strong in HBV-related HCC (OR 1.95, P = 2.8 × 10–5). In silico prediction suggested that the DRB1*15:02 molecule encoded by the haplotype does not bind efficiently to HBV-derived peptides. RNA sequencing indicated that HBV-related HCC in carriers of the haplotype shows low infiltration by NK cells. These results indicate that the Asian-prevalent HLA haplotype increases the risk of HBV-related liver cancer risk by attenuating immune activity against HBV infection, and by reducing NK cell infiltration into the tumor.