bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic exploration of the Coleopteran wings reveals insight into the evolution of novel structures associated with the beetle elytron
Authors: Linz David M. , Hara Yuichiro , Deem Kevin D. , Kuraku Shigehiro , Hayashi Shigeo , Tomoyasu Yoshinori 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe acquisition of novel traits is central to organismal evolution, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are elusive. The beetle forewings (elytra) are evolutionarily modified to serve as a protective shield, providing a unique opportunity to study these mechanisms. In the past, the orthologs of genes within the wing gene network from Drosophila studies served as the starting point when studying the evolution of elytra (candidate genes). Although effective, candidate gene lists are finite and only explore genes conserved across species. To go beyond candidate genes, we used RNA sequencing and explored the wing transcriptomes of two Coleopteran species, the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and the Japanese stag beetle (Dorcus hopei). Our analysis revealed sets of genes enriched in Tribolium elytra (57 genes) and genes unique to the hindwings, which possess more “typical” insect wing morphologies (29 genes). Over a third of the hindwing‐enriched genes were “candidate genes” whose functions were previously analyzed in Tribolium, demonstrating the robustness of our sequencing. Although the overlap was limited, transcriptomic comparison between the beetle species found a common set of genes, including key wing genes, enriched in either elytra or hindwings. Our RNA interference analysis for elytron‐enriched genes in Tribolium uncovered novel genes with roles in forming various aspects of morphology that are unique to elytra, such as pigmentation, hardening, sensory development, and vein formation. Our analyses deepen our understanding of how gene network evolution facilitated the emergence of the elytron, a unique structure critical to the evolutionary success of beetles.
An exploration of knowledge, risk perceptions, and communication in a family with multiple genetic risks for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Daykin Emily C. , Poffenberger Chelsie N. , Do Jenny , Ryan Emory , Tayebi Nahid , Sidransky Ellen , Lopez Grisel , Hadley Donald W. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractGenomic testing increasingly challenges health care providers and patients to understand, share, and use information. The provision of polygenic risks is anticipated to complicate comprehension, communication, and risk perception further. This manuscript aims to illuminate the challenges confronting families with multiple genetic risks for Parkinson's disease. Identifying and planning for such issues may prove valuable to family members now and in the future, should neuroprotective or genotype‐specific therapies become available. We present qualitative data from interviews with a multi‐generational family carrying pathogenic variants in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) and leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) genes which are associated with an increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease (PD). The family includes two brothers (heterozygous for LRRK2 p.G2019S and homozygous for GBA1 p.N409S) and their four descendants. The brothers were concordant for GD and discordant for PD. Genetic counseling and testing were provided to four of the six participants. Two years later, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the initial participants (n = 4) and two additional first‐degree relatives. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed, providing the basis for this report. Illuminated topics include the perceived risk of developing PD, recall of genetic information, and family communication. With the expanding use of exome and genome sequencing, we anticipate that genetic counselors will increasingly face the challenges demonstrated by this case involving multiple genetic risks for PD, limited data to clarify risk, and the inherent variability of family communication, genetic knowledge, and risk perception. This clinical case report provides a compelling narrative demonstrating the need for additional research exploring these multifaceted topics relevant to both families facing these challenges and providers striving to assist, support and guide their journey.
Justice in time: A theory of constraints approach
Authors: Azaria Shany , Ronen Boaz , Shamir Noam 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIf there is some truth to the adage that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done, then surely it must be seen to be done in a timely manner. Yet court congestion and delays – which threaten to undermine the justice system – have become global phenomena with significant adverse implications for social welfare, economic development, and civil rights. This work describes an application of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to the judicial system for the purpose of designing an intervention to alleviate court congestion – an intervention that won the 2012 Goldratt Foundation New Knowledge Award. In cooperation with the Jerusalem District Court in Israel, the judicial process was reviewed through the lens of TOC, and a set of operational changes was implemented to reduce case processing time. Data collected before and after this intervention indicate the potential of achieving lead‐time reduction by applying TOC to judicial environments.
Outcomes of the same‐day discharge following mastectomy before, during and after COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Olimpiadi Yuliya , Goldenberg Alison R. , Postlewait Lauren , Gillespie Theresa , Arciero Cletus , Styblo Toncred , Cao Yicun , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Rizzo Monica 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe majority of patients undergoing mastectomy before the COVID‐19 pandemic were admitted for 23‐h observation to the hospital. Indications for observation included drain care education, pain control and observation for possible early surgical complications. This study compared the rates of outpatient mastectomy before, during, and after the COVID‐19 pandemic and indirectly evaluated the safety of same‐day discharge.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing mastectomy using Current Procedural Terminology code 19303.ResultsA total of 357 patients were included: 113 were treated pre‐COVID‐19, 82 patients during COVID‐19 and 162 post‐COVID‐19. The rate of outpatient mastectomies tripled during the pandemic from 17% to 51% (p < 0.001); after the pandemic remain high at 48%. The rate of bilateral mastectomies decreased during the pandemic to 30% from 48% prepandemic (p = 0.015). Pectoralis muscle block utilization increased during the COVID‐19 period from 36% to 59% (p = 0.002). No difference in complication rates, including surgical site infections, hematomas, and readmissions, pre and during COVID.ConclusionsThe rate of outpatient mastectomy increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. During this timeframe, perioperative complications did not increase, suggesting the safety of this practice.After the pandemic, the rate of outpatient mastectomy continued to be significantly higher than pre‐COVID.
Biomimetic Mineralized Fiber Bundle‐Inspired Scaffolding Surface on Polyetheretherketone Implants Promotes Osseointegration
Authors: Xin He , Shi Qianwen , Ning Xiaona , Chen Yicheng , Jia Xuelian , Zhang Zhouyang , Zhu Simin , Li Yunpeng , Liu Fuwei , Kong Liang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe stress shielding effect caused by traditional metal implants is circumvented by using polyetheretherketone (PEEK), due to its excellent mechanical properties; however, the biologically inert nature of PEEK limits its application. Endowing PEEK with biological activity to promote osseointegration would increase its applicability for bone replacement implants. A biomimetic study is performed, inspired by mineralized collagen fiber bundles that contact bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on the native trabecular bone surface. The PEEK surface (P) is first sulfonated with sulfuric acid to form a porous network structure (sP). The surface is then encapsulated with amorphous hydroxyapatite (HA) by magnetron sputtering to form a biomimetic scaffold that resembles mineralized collagen fiber bundles (sPHA). Amorphous HA simulates the composition of osteogenic regions in vivo and exhibits strong biological activity. In vitro results show that more favorable cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation can be attained with the novelsurface of sPHA than with SP. The results of in vivo experiments show that sPHA exhibits osteoinductive and osteoconductive activity and facilitates bone formation and osseointegration. Therefore, the surface modification strategy can significantly improve the biological activity of PEEK, facilitate effective osseointegration, and inspire further bionic modification of other inert polymers similar to PEEK.
Bilayer Actuator with Overload Protection on the Basis of Semicrystalline Polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Mao Sheng , Zheng Xinjia , Ma Yingchao , He Yonglin , Zhang Xiaogang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractResponse to external stimuli plays a significant role in the environmental adaptation of living matters and intelligent devices. Most stimulus–response systems in nature can respond to appropriate stimuli, and inhibit the response under excessive stimuli, such as excessive heat or water, which can be called overload protection. However, even though various responsive materials have been developed for different stimuli, most of them are not protective against the overload stimuli. In this work, a bilayer actuator based on semicrystalline polyurethane is designed, which can respond differently to proper stimuli and excessive stimuli, i.e., water. This actuator can bend gradually under the proper stimulation of water, but will straighten and even bend reversely with excessive stimulation. The mechanism behind the reversible and adjustable actuator with overload protection is investigated both experimentally and theoretically, and the competition between dynamic factors and thermodynamic stability in the swelling process is considered the main cause.
Combining an adenovirus encoding human endostatin and PD‐1 blockade enhanced antitumor immune activity
Authors: Tian Yaomei , Hu Qieyue , Zhang Rui , Zhou Bailing , Xie Daoyuan , Wang Yuanda , Yang Li 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTreatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has recently achieved unprecedented clinical benefits, becoming a critical treatment for patients with cancer. However, a set of patients are resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, likely due to the limited presence or lack of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in their tumors. Increasing data indicate that antiangiogenic therapy substantially reduces cancer‐induced immunosuppression and is an effective way to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies by combination with ICIs. Endostatin, an angiogenesis inhibitor, has been widely used as an antiangiogenic therapy for cancer. We showed that combined therapy with an adenovirus encoding human endostatin, named Ad‐E, and programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) blockade dramatically abrogated tumor growth, inhibited microvessel density, and promoted tumor apoptosis, compared to treatment with the single agents. Further investigation using flow cytometry showed that combined therapy significantly increased CD8+ T‐cell infiltration into tumors and promoted the level of CD8+ IFN‐γ+ T cells. Moreover, combined therapy effectively reduced the frequencies of CD11b+ F4/80+ tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and slightly increased M1/M2 ratio in the tumors. RNA‐seq analysis of tumor tissue following combined therapy also demonstrated upregulated expression of genes associated with the antitumor immune response. These data support the rationale for combining antiangiogenic and ICIs for cancer therapy.
Proton minibeam radiation therapy for treating metastases: A treatment plan study
Authors: Ortiz Ramon , Belshi Rezart , De Marzi Ludovic , Prezado Yolanda 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundProton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is a new radiotherapy approach that has shown a significant increase in the therapeutic window in glioma‐bearing rats compared to conventional proton therapy. Such preclinical results encourage the preparation of clinical trials.PurposeIn this study, the potential of pMBRT for treating clinical indications candidates for the first clinical trials (i.e., brain, lung, and liver metastases) was evaluated.MethodsFour clinical cases, initially treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), were selected for this study. pMBRT, SRT, and conventional proton therapy (PT) dose distributions were compared by using three main criteria: (i) the tumor coverage, (ii) the mean dose to organs‐at‐risk, and (iii) the possible adverse effects in normal tissues by considering valley doses as the responsible for tissue sparing. pMBRT plans consisted of one fraction and one–two fields. Dose calculations were computed by means of Monte Carlo simulations.ResultspMBRT treatments provide a similar or superior target coverage than SRT, even using fewer fields. pMBRT also significantly reduces the biologically effective dose (BED) to organs‐at‐risk. In addition, valley and mean doses to normal tissues remain below tolerance limits when treatments are delivered in a single fraction, contrary to PT treatments.ConclusionsThis work provides a first insight into the possibility of treating metastases with pMBRT. More favorable dose distributions and treatment delivery regimes may be expected from this new approach than SRT. The advantages of pMBRT would need to be confirmed by means of Phase I clinical trials.
Quantitative model for assessment of lower‐extremity perfusion in patients with diabetes
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Xiaoxiao , Li Qiang , Liu Yushuang , He Hongbo , Wang Kaifa , Yan Zhencheng 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough diabetic and atherosclerotic vascular diseases have different pathophysiological mechanisms, the screening methods currently used for diabetic lower‐extremity vascular diseases are mainly based on the evaluation methods used for atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Thus, assessment of microvascular perfusion is of great importance in early detection of lower‐extremity ischemia in diabetes.PurposeThis cross‐sectional study aimed to develop a quantitative model for evaluating lower‐extremity perfusion.MethodsWe recruited 57 participants (14 healthy participants and 43 diabetes patients, of which 16 had lower‐extremity arterial disease [LEAD]). All participants underwent technetium‐99 m sestamibi (99mTc‐MIBI) scintigraphy and ankle‐brachial index (ABI) examination. We derived two key perfusion kinetics indices named activity perfusion index (API) and basal perfusion index (BPI). This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (URL: https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02752100).ResultsThe estimated limb perfusion values in our lower‐extremity perfusion assessment (LEPA) model showed excellent consistency with the actual measured data. Diabetes patients showed reduced lower‐extremity perfusion in comparison with the control group (BPI: 106.21 ± 11.99 vs. 141.56 ± 17.38, p < 0.05; API: 12.34 ± 3.27 vs. 14.56 ± 3.12, p < 0.05). Using our model, the reductions in lower‐extremity perfusion could be detected early in approximately 96.30% of diabetes patients. Patients with LEAD showed more severe reductions in lower‐extremity perfusion than diabetes patients without LEAD (BPI: 47.85 ± 20.30 vs. 106.21 ± 11.99, p < 0.05; API: 7.06 ± 1.70 vs. 12.34 ± 3.27, p < 0.05). Discriminant analysis using API and BPI could successfully screen all diabetes patients with LEAD with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 80.77%.ConclusionsWe established a LEPA model that could successfully assess lower‐extremity microvascular perfusion in diabetes patients. This model has important application value for the recognition of early‐stage LEAD in patients with diabetes.
Circular RNA SESN2 aggravates gestational trophoblast cell damage induced by high glucose by binding to IGF2BP2
Authors: Huang Xin , Guo Linlin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease in pregnant women that threatens maternal and fetal health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been considered potential diagnostic markers for GDM and affect trophoblast cell phenotypes. This study aimed to explore the effect of circSESN2 on high glucose (HG)‐treated trophoblast cells. Peripheral blood and placental tissues were taken from patients with GDM, in which circSESN2 and IGF2BP2 levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or western blot. HTR‐8/SVneo cells were treated with 25 mM glucose and transduced with circSESN2 or IGF2BP2 knockdown vectors. HTR‐8/SVneo cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, cell migration by scratch test, and cell invasion by transwell assay, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels by ELISA or kits, and reactive oxygen species levels by DCFH‐DA probes. The binding between circSESN2 and IGF2BP2 was verified by RNA pulldown and RIP assays. CircSESN2 and IGF2BP2 were overexpressed in GDM patients. Suppressing circSESN2 or IGF2BP2 increased HTR‐8/SVneo cell invasion and migration, decreased cell apoptosis, and reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine release and oxidative stress injury. CircSESN2 bound IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP2 overexpression accelerated HG‐induced HTR‐8/SVneo cell damage despite circSESN2 knockdown. Collectively, circSESN2 exacerbated HG‐induced trophoblast cell damage by binding IGF2BP2 and upregulating its protein expression.
Proposed Standard Weight (W
s) Equations and Standard Length Categories for Redbreast Sunfish and Spotted Sunfish
Authors: Bonvechio Timothy F. , Bonvechio Kimberly I. , Moran Jennifer , Crawford Steve 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
We developed standard weight (Ws ) equations for Redbreast Sunfish Lepomis auritus and Spotted Sunfish L. punctatus using the traditional regression-line-percentile (RLP) technique and the empirical-percentile-linear (EmP-L), and the empirical-percentile quadratic (EmP-Q) method. Individual length and weight data for 175,541 Redbreast Sunfish from 8 to 31 cm TL across 315 populations and 66,851 Spotted Sunfish from 7 to 21 cm TL across 130 populations were used in the final analysis. These fish were collected from 1975 to 2021 by various agency and university personnel from most known populations across the species' native and introduced ranges in North America. We present the EmP-L-derived Ws equations for the Redbreast Sunfish as log10W = 3.1218 × log10L − 5.0018 and the Spotted Sunfish as log10W = 3.3343 × log10L − 5.3739, where W is weight (g) and L is total length (TL, mm). Equations from all methods exhibited length-related bias, but the EmP-L equations had a median bias of 0–0.6 for the length range that comprised 99.7% (for 8–24 cm TL) of Redbreast Sunfish and 99.0% (for 7–18 cm TL) of Spotted Sunfish in our data set. Regardless of the equation, the most bias was found at the upper end of the length spectrum, so we do not recommend these equations for Redbreast Sunfish ≥30 cm TL or Spotted Sunfish ≥20 cm TL. We also developed standard length categories for Redbreast Sunfish with minimum lengths for five standard length categories of 8, 13, 18, 20, and 25 cm TL for stock, quality, preferred, memorable, and trophy sizes and for Spotted sunfish 5, 10, 13, 15, and 18 cm TL, respectively. Development of a Ws equation and standard length categories will aid biologists in assessing condition and size structure of wild Redbreast Sunfish and Spotted Sunfish populations and those being propagated for supplemental stocking into areas with depressed native populations.
The potential beneficial effect of sleep deprivation following traumatic events to preventing PTSD: Review of current insight regarding sleep, memory, and trauma resonating with ancient rituals—Àìsùn Oku (African) and Tsuya (Japanese)
Authors: Cohen Hagit , Ephraim‐Oluwanuga Olusola T. , Akintunde Orunmuyi T. , Gureje Oye , Matar Michael A. , Todder Doron , Zohar Joseph 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSleep figures in numerous ancient texts, for example, Epic of Gilgamesh, and has been a focus for countless mystical and philosophical texts. Even in the present century, sleep remains one of the most complex behaviors whose function still remains to be further explored. Current hypotheses suggest that among other functions, sleep contributes to memory processes. Memory is a core topic of study in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress‐related phenomena. It is widely accepted that sleep plays a major role in the consolidation of newly encoded hippocampus‐dependent memories to pre‐existing knowledge networks. Conversely, sleep deprivation disrupts consolidation and impairs memory retrieval. Along this line, sleep deprivation following a potentially traumatic event may interfere with the consolidation of event‐related memories and, thereby, may reduce long‐term post‐traumatic stress‐related symptoms. This review consolidates clinical and animal studies on the relationships between sleep, sleep deprivation, memory processes, and trauma exposure while introducing new contemporary insights into an ancient African tribal ritual (Àìsùn Oku) and Japanese ceremony ritual (Tsuya). We propose that these findings, focusing specifically on the effects of sleep deprivation in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events, may be explored as a possible therapeutic measure. Along with a summary of the field questions on whether sleep is performed “to remember” or “to forget” we lay the rationale for using sleep deprivation as a clinical tool. A tool that may partially prevent the long‐term persistence of these traumatic events' memory and thereby, at least partly, attenuating the development of PTSD.
Assessing barriers and facilitators to transition in sickle cell disease care prior to implementation of a formalized program
Authors: Sheppard Sydney , Hellemann Gerhard , Lebensburger Jeffrey , Kanter Julie 
Published: January 2023

AbstractOver 95% of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) survive into adulthood in the United States. However, early mortality remains a problem, especially in persons between the ages of 18 and 35. One possible explanation for the increased mortality rate in young adults is difficulties in engaging in care during the transition from a heavily contiguous pediatric healthcare model to a more self‐reliant adult healthcare model. The goal of this study was to identify potential facilitators and barriers to a successful transfer in care from the pediatric to adult SCD program before the formation of a formal transition program. This is a retrospective cohort study of transition outcomes for 472 individuals with SCD (all genotypes) treated at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) sickle cell clinic (aged 18–24). The primary outcome was whether the patient continued care in (any) adult SCD program (defined as being seen at least once in an adult hematology/SCD clinic). One hundred eighty‐eight (45%) transition age patients successfully transferred to adult care. Facilitators to successful transfer in care included being treated at the same hospital for both pediatric and adult programs, having the genotype HbSS, and/or receiving an SCD‐modifying therapy at the time of transition (hydroxyurea and/or red cell transfusion therapy). Of primary interest, many of the patients who failed to transition to an adult clinic were lost to follow‐up prior to 15 years of age. Importantly, these patients who had previously been labeled as “transition failures,” were lost to follow‐up long before the transition age. Early engagement is needed for this population.