bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular‐ and nerve‐sparing bowel resection for deep endometriosis: A retrospective single‐center study
Authors: Ianieri Manuel Maria , De Cicco Nardone Alessandra , Benvenga Greta , Greco Pierfrancesco , Pafundi Pia Clara , Alesi Maria Vittoria , Campolo Federica , Lodoli Claudio , Abatini Carlo , Attalla El Halabieh Miriam , Pacelli Fabio , Scambia Giovanni , Santullo Francesco 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveSurgical management of bowel endometriosis is still controversial. Recently, many authors have pointed out the potential benefits of preserving the superior rectal artery, thus ensuring better perfusion of the anastomosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rate and functional outcomes of a bowel resection technique for deep endometriosis (DE) involving a nerve‐ and vascular‐sparing approach.MethodsA single‐center retrospective study was conducted by enrolling patients who underwent segmental resection of the rectus sigmoid for DE in our department between September 2019 and April 2022. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded for each woman, and functional outcomes relating to the pelvic organs were assessed using validated questionnaires (Knowles‐Eccersley‐Scott‐Symptom [KESS] questionnaire and Gastro‐Intestinal Quality of Life Index [GIQLI] for bowel function, Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms [BFLUTS] for urinary function, and Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] for sexual function). These were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 months from surgery.ResultsSixty‐one patients were enrolled. No patients had Clavien‐Dindo grade 3 or 4 complications, there were no rectovaginal fistulas or ureteral lesions, and in no cases was it necessary to reoperate. Temporary bladder voiding deficits were reported in 8.2% of patients, which were treated with self‐catheterizations, always resolving within 45 days of surgery. Gastrointestinal function evaluated by KESS and GIQLI improved significantly after surgery, whereas sexual function appeared to worsen, although without reaching the level of statistically significant validity.ConclusionOur vascular‐ and nerve‐sparing segmental bowel resection technique for DE had a low intraoperative and postoperative complication rate and produced an improvement in gastrointestinal function after surgery.
Quantification of skin penetration of caffeine and propylene glycol applied topically in a mixture by tailored multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares of depth‐resolved Raman spectra
Authors: Choe ChunSik , Pak Gyong Jin , Ascencio Saul Mujica , Darvin Maxim E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe quantitative determination of topically applied substances in the skin is severely limited and represents a challenging task. The porcine skin ex vivo was topically treated with a gel containing caffeine (CF) and propylene glycol (PG), and depth‐resolved Raman spectra were recorded with two confocal Raman microscopes. We applied a novel tailored multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares method to the selected spectral regions (512–604 and 778–1148 cm−1) of gel‐treated skin and quantitatively determined the concentrations of CF and PG in the stratum corneum (SC). The highest concentration of CF (181 mg/cm3) was found at the surface, while PG (384 mg/cm3) was found at 10% SC depth, indicating the formation of a reservoir at the superficial SC. The concentrations of CF and PG decreased monotonically and reached the detection limit at ≈60% and ≈80% SC depth, respectively, indicating that neither permeate the SC.
Optimal frequency determination for terahertz technology‐based detection of colitis‐related cancer in mice
Authors: Chen Yong , Li Dan , Liu Yaling , Hu Liwen , Qi Yuanlin , Huang Yi , Zhang Zhenghao , Chen Tingyan , Wang ChengDang , Zhong Shuncong , Ding Jian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractColorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy globally, often linked to chronic colitis. Terahertz technology, with its noninvasive and fingerprint spectroscopic properties, holds promise in disease diagnosis. This study aimed to explore terahertz technology's application in colitis‐associated cancer using a mouse model. Mouse colorectal tissues were transformed into paraffin‐embedded blocks for histopathological analysis using HE staining. Terahertz transmission spectroscopy was performed on the tissue blocks. By comparing terahertz absorption differences, specific frequency bands were identified as optimal for distinguishing cancerous and normal tissues. The study revealed that terahertz spectroscopy effectively differentiates colitis‐related cancers from normal tissues. Remarkably, 1.8 THz emerged as a potential optimal frequency for diagnosing colorectal cancer in mice. This suggests the potential for rapid histopathological diagnosis of colorectal cancer using terahertz technology.
In vivo monitoring of hemodynamic changes in ischemic stroke using photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Li Heren , Zhu Yunhao , Luo Nianwu , Tian Chao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIschemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked, leading to decreased blood flow. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. However, existing clinical imaging methods have limitations, such as safety issues and low time resolution. To address these challenges, we propose using photoacoustic tomography (PAT) with a contrast agent, known for its high resolution and contrast capabilities. Our study involved imaging brain vasculature in three groups: normal, unilateral common carotid artery ligation (UCAL), and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). On the ischemic stroke side, we observed reduced blood vessel density and hemodynamic changes were evident after injecting indocyanine green for PAT. The photoacoustic intensity was notably lower in the ligated sides of the UCAL and MCAO groups, with statistically significant differences between the three groups. This work highlights PAT's potential as a powerful tool for early diagnosis and guidance in ischemic stroke cases.
Mechanical characterization and design of biomaterials for nucleus pulposus replacement and regeneration
Authors: Li Zhuoqi Lucas , Lu Qiuji , Honiball John Robert , Wan Sandra Hiu‐Tung , Yeung Kelvin Wai‐Kwok , Cheung Kenneth Man‐Chee 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBiomaterials for nucleus pulposus (NP) replacement and regeneration have great potential to restore normal biomechanics in degenerated intervertebral discs following nucleotomy. Mechanical characterizations are essential for assessing the efficacy of biomaterial implants for clinical applications. While traditional compression tests are crucial to quantify various modulus values, relaxation behaviors and fatigue resistance, rheological measurements should also be conducted to investigate the viscoelastic properties, injectability, and overall stability upon deformation. To recapitulate the physiological in vivo environment, the use of spinal models is necessary to evaluate the risk of implant extrusion and the restoration of biomechanics under different loading conditions. When designing devices for NP replacement, injectable materials are ideal to fully fill the nucleus cavity and prevent implant migration. In addition to achieving biocompatibility and desirable mechanical characteristics, biomaterial implants should be optimized to avoid implant extrusion or re‐herniation post‐operatively. This review discusses the most commonly used testing protocols for assessing mechanical properties of biomaterial implants and serves as reference material for enabling researchers to characterize NP implants through a unified approach whereby newly developed biomaterials may be compared and contrasted to existing devices.
Imatinib prevents dexamethasone‐induced pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis via decreased TRAIL and DR5
Authors: Kutpruek Suchanoot , Suksri Kanchana , Maneethorn Petcharee , Semprasert Namoiy , Yenchitsomanus Pa‐thai , Kooptiwut Suwattanee 
Published: August 2023

AbstractProlonged administration of dexamethasone, a potent anti‐inflammatory drug, can lead to steroid‐induced diabetes. Imatinib, a medication commonly prescribed for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), has been shown to improve diabetes in CML patients. Our recent study demonstrated that dexamethasone induces pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis by upregulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptor, death receptor 5 (DR5). We hypothesized that imatinib may protect against dexamethasone‐induced pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis by reducing the expression of TRAIL and DR5, thereby favorably modulating downstream effectors in apoptotic pathways. We test this hypothesis by assessing the effects of imatinib on dexamethasone‐induced apoptosis in rat insulinoma cell line cells. As anticipated, dexamethasone treatment led to increased TRAIL and DR5 expression, as well as an elevation in superoxide production. Conversely, expression of the TRAIL decoy receptor (DcR1) was decreased. Moreover, key effectors in the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, such as B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2) associated X (BAX), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κb), P73, caspase 8, and caspase 9, were upregulated, while the antiapoptotic protein BCL‐2 was downregulated. Interestingly and importantly, imatinib at a concentration of 10 µM reversed the effect of dexamethasone on TRAIL, DR5, DcR1, superoxide production, BAX, BCL‐2, NF‐κB, P73, caspase 3, caspase 8, and caspase 9. Similar effects of imatinib on dexamethasone‐induced TRAIL and DR5 expression were also observed in isolated mouse islets. Taken together, our findings suggest that imatinib protects against dexamethasone‐induced pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis by reducing TRAIL and DR5 expression and modulating downstream effectors in the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways.
Hyperechogenic fetal bowel: Current evidence‐based prenatal diagnosis and management
Authors: Vena Flaminia , Mazza Alessandra , Bartolone Martina , Vasta Adele , D'Alberti Elena , Di Mascio Daniele , D'Ambrosio Valentina , Volpe Gregorio , Signore Fabrizio , Pizzuti Antonio , Giancotti Antonella 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEchogenic fetal bowel (EB) is a prenatal ultrasound finding (0.2%–1.4% of all pregnancies) defined as bowel of similar or greater echogenicity than surrounding bone. In fact, the ultrasound assessment is strongly subjective with inter‐observer variability. The pathophysiology depends on the underlying condition, apparently related with meconium stasis and hypercellularity. It is often an isolated finding, with possible association with other structural anomalies. About the origin, it was observed in fetuses with cystic fibrosis, congenital infections, thalassemia, intraamniotic bleeding, fetal growth restriction. Fetuses with EB are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome, such as intrauterine growth restriction, placental dysfunction and perinatal death, highlighting the need for a thorough antenatal management and post‐natal follow‐up. It seems to be associated with a plenty of conditions, such as a poor fetal outcome, fetal growth restriction and placental dysfunction. Therefore management requires a multidisciplinary approach with different specialties' involvement and the prognosis is influenced by the underlying pathophysiology. In this complex scenario, the present review aims to define the clinical pathway which should be offered to pregnant women in case of finding of fetal EB ultrasound marker, to rule out any suspected pathological cause.
Endocytosis of red blood cell extracellular vesicles by macrophages leads to cytoplasmic heme release and prevents foam cell formation in atherosclerosis
Authors: Pham Thach Tuan , Le Anh Hong , Dang Cong Phi , Chong Suet Yen , Do Dang Vinh , Peng Boya , Jayasinghe Migara Kavishka , Ong Hong Boon , Hoang Dong Van , Louise Roma Anne , Loh Yuin‐Han , Hou Han Wei , Wang Jiong‐Wei , Le Minh TN 
Published: August 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) can be produced from red blood cells (RBCs) on a large scale and used to deliver therapeutic payloads efficiently. However, not much is known about the native biological properties of RBCEVs. Here, we demonstrate that RBCEVs are primarily taken up by macrophages and monocytes. This uptake is an active process, mediated mainly by endocytosis. Incubation of CD14+ monocytes with RBCEVs induces their differentiation into macrophages with an Mheme‐like phenotype, characterized by upregulation of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and the ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCG1. Moreover, macrophages that take up RBCEVs exhibit a reduction in surface CD86 and decreased secretion of TNF‐α under inflammatory stimulation. The upregulation of HO‐1 is attributed to heme derived from haemoglobin in RBCEVs. Heme is released from internalized RBCEVs in late endosomes and lysosomes via the heme transporter, HRG1. Consequently, RBCEVs exhibit the ability to attenuate foam cell formation from oxidized low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDL)‐treated macrophages in vitro and reduce atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE knockout mice on a high‐fat diet. In summary, our study reveals the uptake mechanism of RBCEVs and their delivery of heme to macrophages, suggesting the potential application of RBCEVs in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Genetic tools for the study of the mangrove killifish, Kryptolebias marmoratus, an emerging vertebrate model for phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Li Cheng‐Yu , Boldt Helena , Parent Emily , Ficklin Jax , James Althea , Anlage Troy J. , Boyer Lena M. , Pierce Brianna R. , Siegfried Kellee R. , Harris Matthew P. , Haag Eric S. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractKryptolebias marmoratus (Kmar), a teleost fish of the order Cyprinodontiformes, has a suite of unique phenotypes and behaviors not observed in other fishes. Many of these phenotypes are discrete and highly plastic—varying over time within an individual, and in some cases reversible. Kmar and its interfertile sister species, K. hermaphroditus, are the only known self‐fertile vertebrates. This unusual sexual mode has the potential to provide unique insights into the regulation of vertebrate sexual development, and also lends itself to genetics. Kmar is easily adapted to the lab and requires little maintenance. However, its internal fertilization and small clutch size limits its experimental use. To support Kmar as a genetic model, we compared alternative husbandry techniques to maximize recovery of early cleavage‐stage embryos. We find that frequent egg collection enhances yield, and that protease treatment promotes the greatest hatching success. We completed a forward mutagenesis screen and recovered several mutant lines that serve as important tools for genetics in this model. Several will serve as useful viable recessive markers for marking crosses. Importantly, the mutant kissylips lays embryos at twice the rate of wild‐type. Combining frequent egg collection with the kissylips mutant background allows for a substantial enhancement of early embryo yield. These improvements were sufficient to allow experimental analysis of early development and the successful mono‐ and bi‐allelic targeted knockout of an endogenous tyrosinase gene with CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases. Collectively, these tools will facilitate modern developmental genetics in this fascinating fish, leading to future insights into the regulation of plasticity.
Mechanistic insights into the inhibition of human placental glutathione S‐transferase P1‐1 by abscisic and gibberellic acids: An integrated experimental and computational study
Authors: Zaid Mohammad Abu , Dalmizrak Ozlem , Teralı Kerem , Ozer Nazmi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe interactions of the classic phytohormones gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3, GA3) and abscisic acid (dormin, ABA), which antagonistically regulate several developmental processes and stress responses in higher plants, with human placental glutathione S‐transferase P1‐1 (hpGSTP1‐1), an enzyme that plays a role in endo‐ or xenobiotic detoxification and regulation of cell survival and apoptosis, were investigated. The inhibitory potencies of ABA and GA3 against hpGSTP1, as well as the types of inhibition and the kinetic parameters, were determined by making use of both enzyme kinetic graphs and SPSS nonlinear regression models. The structural basis for the interaction between hpGSTP1‐1 and phytohormones was predicted with the aid of molecular docking simulations. The IC50 values of ABA and GA3 were 5.3 and 5.0 mM, respectively. Both phytohormones inhibited hpGSTP1‐1 in competitive manner with respect to the cosubstrates GSH and CDNB. When ABA was the inhibitor at [CDNB]f–[GSH]v and at [GSH]f–[CDNB]v, Vm, Km, and Ki values were statistically estimated to be 205 ± 16 μmol/min‐mg protein, 1.32 ± 0.18 mM, 1.95 ± 0.25 mM and 175 ± 6 μmol/min‐mg protein, 0.85 ± 0.06 mM, 1.85 ± 0.16 mM, respectively. On the other hand, the kinetic parameters Vm, Km, and Ki obtained with GA3 at [CDNB]f–[GSH]v and at [GSH]f–[CDNB]v were found to be 303 ± 14 μmol/min‐mg protein, 1.77 ± 0.13 mM, 3.38 ± 0.26 mM and 249 ± 7 μmol/min‐mg protein, 1.43 ± 0.07 mM, 2.89 ± 0.19 mM, respectively. Both phytohormones had the potential to engage in hydrogen‐bonding and electrostatic interactions with the key residues that line the G‐ and H‐sites of the enzyme's catalytic center. Inhibitory actions of ABA/GA3 on hpGSTP1‐1 may guide medicinal chemists through the structure‐based design of novel antineoplastic agents. It should be noted, however, that the same interactions may also render fetuses vulnerable to the potentially toxic effects of xenobiotics and noxious endobiotics.
Diurnal cycle of precipitation and its possible causes: A case study in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Qiu Can , Dong Xu‐guang , Shen Liu‐cheng , Wen Jia‐hong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAccurate information on diurnal precipitation variations is essential for understanding the mechanism of precipitation formation, assessing the regional climate characteristics, and improving the simulation performance of climate models. Taking Shandong Province, East China, as a case study, 123 stations with hourly observational precipitation data were divided into three categories by the harmonic analysis on diurnal variation of precipitation, and the diurnal variations in precipitation amount, frequency and intensity were further analysed to derive the precipitation partition. The results showed that: (1) the peak precipitation frequency at different types of stations occurred steadily around 0400–0600 LST, whereas the peak precipitation intensity existed at different moments such as 0200 and 1700, and precipitation amount mostly showed a double‐peak pattern in the early morning (0400–0600 LST) and late afternoon (1600–1800 LST); (2) early morning precipitation was mainly driven by persistent precipitation, which contributed between 65.2% and 84.3%, while precipitation peaks in the late afternoon with a significant increase in the contribution of short duration precipitation; and (3) the influence of mountain–plain circulation and the increasing effect of topographic uplift on precipitation may be the main reasons for the formation of early morning precipitation peaks. The strength of sea–land winds and local convection was also key factors affecting the diurnal variation of precipitation.
Properties and applications of α‐galactosidase in agricultural waste processing and secondary agricultural process industries
Authors: Menon Anindita , Pandurangan Maragatham Vetriselvi , Samuel Marcus , Arunraj Rex 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAgriculture products form the foundation building blocks of our daily lives. Although they have been claimed to be renewable resources with a low carbon footprint, the agricultural community is constantly challenged to overcome two post‐harvest bottlenecks: first, farm bio‐waste, a substantial economic and environmental burden to the farming sector, and second, an inefficient agricultural processing sector, plagued by the need for significant energy input to generate the products. Both these sectors require extensive processing technologies that are demanding in their energy requirements and expensive. To address these issues, an enzyme(s)‐based green chemistry is available to break down complex structures into bio‐degradable compounds that source alternate energy with valuable by‐products and co‐products. α‐Galactosidase is a widespread class of glycoside hydroxylases that hydrolyzes α‐galactosyl moieties in simple and complex oligo and polysaccharides, glycolipids, and glycoproteins. As a result of its growing importance, in this review we discuss the source of the enzyme, production and purification systems, and enzyme properties. We also elaborate on the enzyme's potential in agricultural bio‐waste management, secondary agricultural industries like sugar refining, soymilk derivatives, food and confectionery, and animal feed processing. Insight into this vital enzyme will provide new avenues for less expensive green chemistry‐based secondary agricultural processing and agricultural sustainability. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sequential Wendler Glottoplasty and Laser Reduction Glottoplasty for Voice Feminization
Authors: Yılmaz Taner 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveVoice feminizing surgery is frequently needed for transgender female patients. Among several surgical options, Wendler glottoplasty (WG) and laser reduction glottoplasty (LRG) are two endoscopic procedures. However, because a single procedure may not produce sufficient benefit, the two surgeries may sometimes be sequentially performed. This study was carried out to present the voice results of such sequential surgeries.MethodsThis is an individual retrospective cohort study, performed at a tertiary referral center, that is a university hospital. 18 transgender patients were treated with WG initially and then underwent LRG; 17 had LRG first then WG. All 35 cases were performed during a 15‐year period and followed for at least 1 year postoperatively. Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐30), transsexual voice questionnaire (TVQ), and acoustic analysis with /a/ and running speech were obtained pre‐ and postoperatively.ResultsVHI and TVQ improved significantly postoperatively (p < 0.05). Their preoperative, first, and second postoperative mean sF0 were 146, 175, and 215 Hz, respectively; these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Their postoperative mean jitter percent, shimmer percent, noise to harmonic ratio (NHR), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and cepstral spectral index of dysphonia (CSID) worsened significantly compared to preop values (p < 0.05); however, mean postoperative acoustic results were still within normal limits. Patients' self‐ratings of their postsurgery voices revealed all feminine, leading to a patient gratification score of 100%.ConclusionIf transgender female patients are unsatisfied with their voice after WG or LRG, the addition of the alternative procedure may significantly feminize their voice. Sequential WG and LRG is a successful surgical option for voice feminization.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:1133–1138, 2024