bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxymatrine ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by regulation of Tfr/Tfh cell balance viatheTLR9‐MyD88‐STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Cao Gan , Mao Zhuhan , Niu Tengyao , Wang Peipei , Yue Xiaoqi , Wang Xuemei , Ma Ailing , Zhang Yanli 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundOxymatrine (OMT) is one of the authentic Chinese herbal medicines which has rich and complex active ingredients. however,the relevant potential targets of oxymatrine on rheumatoid arthritis and the mechanism remains unreported. The aim of this study was to determine the regulation of oxymatrine on rheumatoid arthritis using a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mice models and blood samples from RA patients.ResultsOur results indicated that Tfr cells in RA patients express low levels of Blimp‐1 and CTLA‐4. Oxymatrine treatment of CIA mice alleviated joint swelling, reduced the arthritis score, and improved joint damage. While flow cytometry results showed that oxymatrine treatment reduced Tfh cells and B cells, and increased Tfr cells in the spleen of CIA mice. In addition, oxymatrine treatment significantly down‐regulated the expression of TLR9（Toll‐like Receptors 9), IL‐21, MyD88, STAT3, p‐STAT3, and CXCR5 in the synovial tissues of CIA mice, and up‐regulated the expression of Foxp3, Blimp‐1, and CTLA‐4.ConclusionOxymatrine can alleviate rheumatoid arthritis by regulating the TLR9‐MyD88‐STAT3 signaling pathway to maintain immune balance between Tfr‐Tfh cells. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Astragaloside IV promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration through upregulating lncRNA H19 recruited ILF3 to enhance the stability of CDK4 mRNA
Authors: Wang Dan‐Dan , Zhang Li‐Ze , Pang Cheng‐Jian , Ye Jian‐Zhou 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSkin is the first line of the body to resist pathogen invasion. A potentially fatal infection may result from problems with wound healing. Small molecule drugs like astragaloside IV (AS‐IV) show pro‐healing activities, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Using real‐time quantitative PCR and a western blot assay, the amount of gene expression was evaluated. The proliferation and migration of keratinocytes were determined by MTS and wound healing assay, respectively. The binding of lncRNA H19 to RBP protein ILF3 and the binding of ILF3 protein to CDK4 mRNA were confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation. Treatment with AS‐IV enhanced the expression of lncRNA H19, ILF3, and CDK4 and improved the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes HaCaT. Additionally, apoptosis of keratinocytes was attenuated by AS‐IV. Further studies showed that both lncRNA H19 and ILF3 were important for AS‐IV‐mediated keratinocyte growth and migration. In addition, lncRNA H19 recruited ILF3 to increase CDK4 mRNA level and enhanced cell proliferation. We discovered a lncRNA H19/ILF3/CDK4 axis that is activated by AS‐IV to promote keratinocyte migration and proliferation. These results elucidate the mechanism of action of AS‐IV and justify its application in further application in wound healing treatment.
The Transverse Turbinate Line: A Reliable Landmark for the Maxillary Sinus Natural Ostium
Authors: Comer Julia C. , Hess Andrew O. , Rarey Kyle E. , Justice Jeb M. , Collins William O. , Lobo Brian C. 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesApproximating the maxillary sinus natural ostium's (MSNO) natural position during anterograde surgery is challenging, as only a single visual “landmark,” the maxillary line, is routinely offered to guide the identification of the MSNO in three‐dimensional space. Despite almost 40 years of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) experience in North America, maxillary recirculation and discontinuity between the natural and surgical ostia are commonly encountered during revision ESS. Consequently, we feel an additional visual landmark would assist in localizing the MSNO with or without image guidance. In this study, we aim to provide a second reliable landmark in the sinonasal cavity.MethodsWe present a cadaveric anatomical landmark series that provides a second visual landmark for the MSNO, which we have labeled the transverse turbinate line (TTL): a 2‐millimeter zone of confidence for the craniocaudal positioning of the MSNO that can be combined with the anteroposterior (AP) landmark of the maxillary line.ResultsIn our study, 40 cadaveric sinuses were dissected, and the TTL was found to correspond consistently with the zone between the superior and inferior aspects of the MSNO.ConclusionWe anticipate that this second relational landmark may decrease the time required for anterograde access to the MSNO in trainees, increase the accuracy of identification, and translate to lower long‐term recirculation and maxillary surgery failure rates.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 133:3285–3291, 2023
Formulation for wave propagation in dissipative media and its application to absorbing layers in elastoplastic analysis using mathematical programming
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Xue , Tinti Stefano 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this article, we propose a new solution scheme for modeling elastoplastic problems with stress wave propagation in dissipative media. The scheme is founded on a generalized Hellinger–Reissner (HR) variational principle. The principle renders the discretized boundary‐value problem into an equivalent second‐order cone programming (SOCP) problem that can be resolved in mathematical programming using the advanced optimization algorithm—the interior point method. In such a way, the developed method not only inherits admirable features of the SOCP‐based finite element method in solving elastoplastic problems but also enables the enforcement of absorbing layers (i.e., Caughey absorbing layer), which is essential in modeling stress wave propagation problems, to absorb wave energy. The proposed scheme is validated via the comparison between analytical and numerical results for seismic wave propagation in dissipative media. Its application to elastoplastic dynamic problems with stress wave propagation is also illustrated to demonstrate its efficiency.
The Role of Nasal Endoscopy in the Preoperative Evaluation of Nasal Airway Obstruction
Authors: Gardiner Lauren A. , Goyal Lindsey K. , McCoy Jennifer L. , Gillman Grant S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the prevalence and nature of nasal endoscopic findings in patients referred for structural nasal obstruction, and analyze how such findings influence the preoperative evaluation or operative plan.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingUniversity‐based academic otolaryngology practice.MethodsNasal endoscopy was performed by a single surgeon and the exam findings were documented. Patient demographics, variables in the patient history, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores, and an Ease‐of‐Breathing Likert Scale were tested for associations with findings on endoscopy.ResultsA total of 82 of 346 patients (23.7%) had findings on rigid nasal endoscopy not appreciable on anterior rhinoscopy. Prior nasal surgery (p = .001) and positive allergy testing (p = .013) were significantly associated with findings on nasal endoscopy. Endoscopic findings prompted additional preoperative studies in 50 (14.5%) patients, and a change in the operative plan in 26 (7.5%) patients.ConclusionIn patients referred for surgical management of nasal obstruction, findings on nasal endoscopy otherwise undetected with anterior rhinoscopy are most common in but certainly not limited to those with prior nasal surgery or allergic rhinitis. Routine nasal endoscopy should be considered for all patients being evaluated for nasal airway surgery. These results may benefit future updates of the clinical consensus statements regarding the role of nasal endoscopy in the evaluation of nasal valve compromise and septoplasty.
Current therapies and challenges for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm‐related infections
Authors: Tran Nikki N. , Morrisette Taylor , Jorgensen Sarah C. J. , Orench‐Benvenutti José M. , Kebriaei Razieh 
Published: May 2023

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is a major cause of nosocomial and community‐acquired infections and contributes to significant increase in morbidity and mortality especially when associated with medical devices and in biofilm form. Biofilm structure provides a pathway for the enrichment of resistant and persistent phenotypes of S. aureus leading to relapse and recurrence of infection. Minimal diffusion of antibiotics inside biofilm structure leads to heterogeneity and distinct physiological activity. Additionally, horizontal gene transfer between cells in proximity adds to the challenges associated with eradication of biofilms. This narrative review focuses on biofilm‐associated infections caused by S. aureus, the impact of environmental conditions on biofilm formation, interactions inside biofilm communities, and the clinical challenges that they present. Conclusively, potential solutions, novel treatment strategies, combination therapies, and reported alternatives are discussed.
The influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on expression of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and transporters in a hACE2 murine model
Authors: Deshpande Kiran , Lange Keith R. , Stone William B. , Yohn Christine , Schlesinger Naomi , Kagan Leonid , Auguste Albert J. , Firestein Bonnie L. , Brunetti Luigi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and the resulting Coronavirus disease 2019 emerged in late 2019 and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. A hallmark of severe COVID‐19 is exaggerated systemic inflammation, regarded as a “cytokine storm,” which contributes to the damage of various organs, primarily the lungs. The inflammation associated with some viral illnesses is known to alter the expression of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and transporters. These alterations can lead to modifications in drug exposure and the processing of various endogenous compounds. Here, we provide evidence to support changes in the mitochondrial ribonucleic acid expression of a subset of drug transporters (84 transporters) in the liver, kidneys, and lungs and metabolizing enzymes (84 enzymes) in the liver in a humanized angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptor mouse model. Specifically, three drug transporters (Abca3, Slc7a8, Tap1) and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6 were upregulated in the lungs of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected mice. We also found significant downregulation of drug transporters responsible for the movement of xenobiotics in the liver and kidney. Additionally, expression of cytochrome P‐450 2f2 which is known to metabolize some pulmonary toxicants, was significantly decreased in the liver of infected mice. The significance of these findings requires further exploration. Our results suggest that further research should emphasize altered drug disposition when investigating therapeutic compounds, whether re‐purposed or new chemical entities, in other animal models and ultimately in individuals infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. Moreover, the influence and impact of these changes on the processing of endogenous compounds also require further investigation.
Statistical concepts and data requirements for valid failure rate estimation
Authors: Bukowski Julia V. , Summers Angela E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe distinction between point estimation and confidence interval estimation for failure rates is described. Why the upper bounds of failure rate confidence intervals are prescribed by safety standards for use in safety metric computations is explained. Statistical formulas for the failure rate upper bounds are provided. The requirements that the field failure data (FFD) must meet to ensure the validity of the failure rate estimations are discussed from both mathematical and engineering perspectives. The need to understand the underlying causes of failure in determining when FFD can be aggregated is explained. Examples illustrating the impacts on failure rate estimation when the data requirements are and are not met are presented.
Wheat doubled haploids have a marked prevalence of chromosomal aberrations
Authors: Shrestha Sandesh , Koo Dal‐Hoe , Evers Byron , Wu Shuangye , Walkowiak Sean , Hucl Pierre , Pozniak Curtis , Fritz Allan , Poland Jesse 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDouble haploid (DH) population development is widely used in many crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), to rapidly produce fixed germplasm for breeding and genetic studies. The genome shock that takes place during DH induction could induce chromosomal aberrations that can impact genome integrity and subsequently plant fitness and agronomic performance. To evaluate the extent of chromosomal aberrations that exist as a result of the DH process, we studied two wheat DH populations: CDC Stanley×CDC Landmark and KS13H9×SYMonument. We utilized high‐throughput skim sequencing to construct digital karyotypes of these populations to quantify deletions and aneuploidy with high resolution and accuracy, which was confirmed in selected plants by cytological analysis. The two populations studied showed high proportion of abnormal primary DH lines, 55 and 45%, respectively, based on at least one abnormality per progeny. The chromosomal abnormalities are genetically unstable and were observed segregating in the subsequent generations. These observations have important implications for the use of DH lines in genetics and breeding.
Translation machinery captured in motion
Authors: Zafar Hassan , Hassan Ahmed H. , Demo Gabriel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTranslation accuracy is one of the most critical factors for protein synthesis. It is regulated by the ribosome and its dynamic behavior, along with translation factors that direct ribosome rearrangements to make translation a uniform process. Earlier structural studies of the ribosome complex with arrested translation factors laid the foundation for an understanding of ribosome dynamics and the translation process as such. Recent technological advances in time‐resolved and ensemble cryo‐EM have made it possible to study translation in real time at high resolution. These methods provided a detailed view of translation in bacteria for all three phases: initiation, elongation, and termination. In this review, we focus on translation factors (in some cases GTP activation) and their ability to monitor and respond to ribosome organization to enable efficient and accurate translation.This article is categorized under:
Translation > Ribosome Structure/Function
Translation > Mechanisms
Reliability and correlation of weight-bearing cone beam CT and Foot Posture Index (FPI) for measurements of foot posture: a test-retest study
Authors: Hansen Philip , Brinch Signe , Radev Dimitar Ivanov , Nybing Janus Uhd , Toftgaard Sanne , Johannsen Finn Elkjær 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective
To assess test-retest reliability and correlation of weight-bearing (WB) and non-weight-bearing (NWB) cone beam CT (CBCT) foot measurements and Foot Posture Index (FPI)

Materials and methods
Twenty healthy participants (age 43.11±11.36, 15 males, 5 females) were CBCT-scanned in February 2019 on two separate days on one foot in both WB and NWB positions. Three radiology observers measured the navicular bone position. Plantar (ΔNAVplantar) and medial navicular displacements (ΔNAVmedial) were calculated as a measure of foot posture changes under loading. FPI was assessed by two rheumatologists on the same two days. FPI is a clinical measurement of foot posture with 3 rearfoot and 3 midfoot/forefoot scores. Test-retest reproducibility was determined for all measurements. CBCT was correlated to FPI total and subscores.

Results
Intra- and interobserver reliabilities for navicular position and FPI were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) .875–.997). In particular, intraobserver (ICC .0.967–1.000) and interobserver reliabilities (ICC .946–.997) were found for CBCT navicular height and medial position.
Interobserver reliability of ΔNAVplantar was excellent (ICC .926 (.812; .971); MDC 2.22), whereas the ΔNAVmedial was fair-good (ICC .452 (.385; .783); MDC 2.42 mm). Using all observers’ measurements, we could calculate mean ΔNAVplantar (4.25±2.08 mm) and ΔNAVmedial (1.55±0.83 mm). We demonstrated a small day-day difference in ΔNAVplantar (0.64 ±1.13mm; p<.05), but not for ΔNAVmedial (0.04 ±1.13mm; p=n.s.).
Correlation of WBCT (WB navicular height - ΔNAVmedial) with total clinical FPI scores and FPI subscores, respectively, showed high correlation (ρ: −.706; ρ: −.721).

Conclusion
CBCT and FPI are reliable measurements of foot posture, with a high correlation between the two measurements.
Improved visualization of hepatic tumors in magnetic resonance–guided thermoablation using T1-inversion-recovery imaging with variable inversion time
Authors: Kübler J. , Krumm P. , Martirosian P. , Winkelmann M. T. , Gohla G. , Nikolaou K. , Hoffmann R. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives
In magnetic resonance (MR)–guided interventions, visualization of hepatic lesions may be difficult using standard unenhanced T1-weighted gradient-echo volume-interpolated breath-hold (VIBE) sequence due to low contrast. Inversion recovery (IR) imaging may have the potential to improve visualization without the necessity to apply contrast agent.

Methods
Forty-four patients (mean age 64 years, female 33%) scheduled for MR-guided thermoablation due to liver malignancies (hepatocellular carcinoma or metastases) were prospectively included in this study between March 2020 and April 2022. Fifty-one liver lesions were intra-procedurally characterized before treatment. Unenhanced T1-VIBE was acquired as part of the standard imaging protocol. Additionally, T1-modified look-locker images were acquired with eight different inversion times (TI) between 148 and 1743 ms. Lesion-to-liver contrast (LLC) was compared between T1-VIBE and IR images for each TI. T1 relaxation times for liver lesions and liver parenchyma were calculated.

Results
Mean LLC in T1-VIBE sequence was 0.3 ± 0.1. In IR images, LLC was highest at TI 228 ms (1.04 ± 1.1) and significantly higher compared to T1-VIBE (p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, lesions of colorectal carcinoma showed the highest LLC at 228 ms (1.14 ± 1.4), and hepatocellular carcinoma showed the highest LLC at 548 ms (1.06 ± 1.16). T1-relaxation times in liver lesions were higher compared to the adjacent liver parenchyma (1184 ± 456 vs. 654 ± 96 ms, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
IR imaging is promising to provide improved visualization during unenhanced MR-guided liver interventions compared to standard T1-VIBE sequence when using specific TI. Low TI between 150 and 230 ms yields the highest contrast between liver parenchyma and malignant liver lesions.

Clinical relevance statement
Improved visualization of hepatic lesions during MR-guided percutaneous interventions using inversion recovery imaging without the necessity to apply contrast agent.

Key points
• Inversion recovery imaging is promising to provide improved visualization of liver lesions in unenhanced MRI.
• Planning and guidance during MR-guided interventions in the liver can be performed with greater confidence without necessity to apply contrast agent.
• Low TI between 150 and 230 ms yields the highest contrast between liver parenchyma and malignant liver lesions.
Protein intake and risk of urolithiasis and kidney diseases: an umbrella review of systematic reviews for the evidence-based guideline of the German Nutrition Society
Authors: Remer Thomas , Kalotai Nicole , Amini Anna M. , Lehmann Andreas , Schmidt Annemarie , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A. , Egert Sarah , Ellinger Sabine , Kroke Anja , Kühn Tilman , Lorkowski Stefan , Nimptsch Katharina , Schwingshackl Lukas , Zittermann Armin , Watzl Bernhard , Siener Roswitha ,   the German Nutrition Society
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Changes in dietary protein intake metabolically affect kidney functions. However, knowledge on potential adverse consequences of long-term higher protein intake (HPI) for kidney health is lacking. To summarise and evaluate the available evidence for a relation between HPI and kidney diseases, an umbrella review of systematic reviews (SR) was conducted.

Methods
PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Database of SRs published until 12/2022 were searched for the respective SRs with and without meta-analyses (MA) of randomised controlled trials or cohort studies. For assessments of methodological quality and of outcome-specific certainty of evidence, a modified version of AMSTAR 2 and the NutriGrade scoring tool were used, respectively. The overall certainty of evidence was assessed according to predefined criteria.

Results
Six SRs with MA and three SRs without MA on various kidney-related outcomes were identified. Outcomes were chronic kidney disease, kidney stones and kidney function-related parameters: albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate, serum urea, urinary pH and urinary calcium excretion. Overall certainty of evidence was graded as ‘possible’ for stone risk not to be associated with HPI and albuminuria not to be elevated through HPI (above recommendations (> 0.8 g/kg body weight/day)) and graded as ‘probable’ or ‘possible’ for most other kidney function-related parameters to be physiologically increased with HPI.

Conclusion
Changes of the assessed outcomes may have reflected mostly physiological (regulatory), but not pathometabolic responses to higher protein loads. For none of the outcomes, evidence was found that HPI does specifically trigger kidney stones or diseases. However, for potential recommendations long-term data, also over decades, are required.
Changes in brain rhythms and connectivity tracking fear acquisition and reversal
Authors: Pirazzini Gabriele , Starita Francesca , Ricci Giulia , Garofalo Sara , di Pellegrino Giuseppe , Magosso Elisa , Ursino Mauro 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFear conditioning is used to investigate the neural bases of threat and anxiety, and to understand their flexible modifications when the environment changes. This study aims to examine the temporal evolution of brain rhythms using electroencephalographic signals recorded in healthy volunteers during a protocol of Pavlovian fear conditioning and reversal. Power changes and Granger connectivity in theta, alpha, and gamma bands are investigated from neuroelectrical activity reconstructed on the cortex. Results show a significant increase in theta power in the left (contralateral to electrical shock) portion of the midcingulate cortex during fear acquisition, and a significant decrease in alpha power in a broad network over the left posterior-frontal and parietal cortex. These changes occur since the initial trials for theta power, but require more trials (3/4) to develop for alpha, and are also present during reversal, despite being less pronounced. In both bands, relevant changes in connectivity are mainly evident in the last block of reversal, just when power differences attenuate. No significant changes in the gamma band were detected. We conclude that the increased theta rhythm in the cingulate cortex subserves fear acquisition and is transmitted to other cortical regions via increased functional connectivity allowing a fast theta synchronization, whereas the decrease in alpha power can represent a partial activation of motor and somatosensory areas contralateral to the shock side in the presence of a dangerous stimulus. In addition, connectivity changes at the end of reversal may reflect long-term alterations in synapses necessary to reverse the previously acquired contingencies.