bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of altered Orai1 channels in Müller cells protects photoreceptors in retinal degeneration
Authors: Sukkar Basma , Oktay Lalehan , Sahaboglu Ayse , Moayedi Aylin , Zenouri Shima , Al‐Maghout Tamer , Cantó Antolin , Miranda María , Durdagi Serdar , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe expressions of ion channels by Müller glial cells (MGCs) may change in response to various retinal pathophysiological conditions. There remains a gap in our understanding of MGCs' responses to photoreceptor degeneration towards finding therapies. The study explores how an inhibition of store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and its major component, Orai1 channel, in MGCs protects photoreceptors from degeneration. The study revealed increased Orai1 expression in the MGCs of retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice. Enhanced expression of oxidative stress markers was confirmed as a crucial pathological mechanism in rd10 retina. Inducing oxidative stress in rat MGCs resulted in increasing SOCE and Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) currents. SOCE inhibition by 2‐Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) protected photoreceptors in degenerated retinas. Finally, molecular simulations proved the structural and dynamical features of 2‐APB to the target structure Orai1. Our results provide new insights into the physiology of MGCs regarding retinal degeneration and shed a light on SOCE and Orai1 as new therapeutic targets.
The association between HIV infection and precancerous cervical lesion. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of case–control studies
Authors: Geremew Habtamu , Tesfa Hiwot , Mengstie Misganaw A. , Gashu Chalachew , Kassa Yoseph , Negash Abraham , Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Geremew Demeke 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on precancerous cervical lesion is not consistent across studies. Besides to the variability in the presence of a significant association between HIV and precancerous cervical lesion, the reported strengths are inconsistent among studies that report a significant association. Therefore, we sought to determine the impact of HIV on women's risk of precancerous cervical lesion by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis of case–control studies in Ethiopia.MethodsRelevant articles were systematically searched on African Journals Online, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed from January 1, 2023, to February 20, 2023. After critical appraisal, pertinent data were extracted into an Excel spreadsheet and then exported to STATA 14 for further statistical analysis. The pooled effect size was estimated using the random‐effect model. The Egger's regression test and I2 statistics were employed to assess publication bias and heterogeneity among included studies, respectively.ResultsTen case–control studies with a total of 3035 participants (992 cases and 2043 controls) were involved in this meta‐analysis. According to our analysis, HIV‐infected women were 2.86 times more likely to develop precancerous cervical lesion as compared with their counterparts (odds ratio: 2.86, 95% confidence interval: 1.79, 4.58).ConclusionWe found that HIV‐infected women have a higher risk of precancerous cervical lesion. Thus, targeted screening programs should be considered to reduce the burden of cervical cancer among HIV‐infected women in Ethiopia.
How can cancer research be illuminated by brain research (and vice versa)?
Authors: Mentis Alexios‐Fotios A. , Papavassiliou Kostas A. , Piperi Christina , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCancer and brain research have historically followed concrete pathways and converged mostly to studying brain cancer. Nowadays, the fields of neuro‐oncology and neuroendocrine regulation of tumorigenesis are both emerging fields of intense research and promising applications. An increasing body of evidence suggests that somatic mutations in cancer‐related genes are prevalent in several noncancerous brain disorders. These findings highlighting that certain aspects of cancer development/progression and pathologies of the nervous system share molecular alterations, could assist in elucidating the unique hallmarks of cancer and in cancer drugs repurposing for brain disorders. In so doing, identifying the commonalities in these conditions could be crucial not only for better understanding the basis of these pathologies but also for considering the previously underappreciated and/or neglected possibility of using drugs known to be effective in one type of pathology for the other type.
Late versus early response and depth of response are associated with improved outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma enrolled in the TOURMALINE‐MM2 trial
Authors: Richardson Paul G. , Facon Thierry , Venner Christopher P. , Bahlis Nizar J. , Offner Fritz , White Darrell , Karlin Lionel , Benboubker Lotfi , Voog Eric , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Suzuki Kenshi , Shibayama Hirohiko , Zhang Xiaoquan , Villarreal Miguel , Twumasi‐Ankrah Philip , Labotka Richard , Rifkin Robert M. , Lonial Sagar , Kumar Shaji K. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Moreau Philippe 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDeeper responses are associated with longer survival in multiple myeloma (MM); however, limited data exist on the impact of response kinetics on outcomes. We investigated progression‐free survival (PFS) and duration of response (DOR) by response depth and in early (best confirmed response 0–4 months; n = 424) versus late responders (best confirmed response >4 months; n = 281). Newly diagnosed patients enrolled in TOURMALINE‐MM2 receiving ixazomib‐lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (IRd) (n = 351) or placebo‐Rd (n = 354) were evaluated post hoc. Deeper responses were associated with longer PFS (complete response [CR] not reached [NR], very good partial response [VGPR] 37.2 months, partial response [PR] 16.4 months) and DOR (CR NR, VGPR 42.6 months, PR 15.4 months). Among patients with a PFS (n = 511) or DOR (n = 484) of ≥6 months who achieved ≥PR, median PFS was prolonged among late versus early responders receiving IRd (59.7 vs. 17.9 months) or placebo‐Rd (56.6 vs. 12.4 months), as was median DOR (IRd, NR vs. 20.9 months; placebo‐Rd, 58.2 vs. 11.7 months). While the treatment paradigm for newly diagnosed MM is treatment to progression, our findings suggest slowness of response to a proteasome inhibitor‐immunomodulatory drug‐steroid combination is not a negative predictor of outcome.
Discriminative Factors of Malignancy of Ipsilateral Nonmass Enhancement in Women With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer on Initial Staging Breast MRI
Authors: Jirarayapong Jirarat , Chikarmane Sona A. , Portnow Leah H. , Farah Subrina , Gombos Eva C. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundNonmass enhancement (NME) on breast MRI impacts surgical planning.PurposeTo evaluate positive predictive values (PPVs) and identify malignancy discriminators of NME ipsilateral to breast cancer on initial staging MRI.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsEighty‐six women (median age, 48 years; range, 26–75 years) with 101 NME lesions (BI‐RADS 4 and 5) ipsilateral to known cancers and confirmed histopathology.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T and 3.0 T dynamic contrast‐enhanced fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted fast spoiled gradient‐echo.AssessmentThree radiologists blinded to pathology independently reviewed MRI features (distribution, internal enhancement pattern, and enhancement kinetics) of NME, locations relative to index cancers (contiguous, non‐contiguous, and different quadrants), associated mammographic calcifications, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), axillary node metastasis, and radiology‐pathology correlations. Clinical factors, NME features, and cancer characteristics were analyzed for associations with NME malignancy.Statistical TestsFisher's exact, Chi‐square, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and mixed‐effect multivariable logistic regression were used. Significance threshold was set at P < 0.05.ResultsOverall NME malignancy rate was 48.5% (49/101). Contiguous NME had a significantly higher malignancy rate (86.7%) than non‐contiguous NME (25.0%) and NME in different quadrants (10.7%), but no significant difference was observed by distance from cancer for non‐contiguous NME, P = 0.68. All calcified NME lesions contiguous to the calcified index cancer were malignant. NME was significantly more likely malignant when index cancers were masses compared to NME (52.9% vs. 21.4%), had mammographic calcifications (63.2% vs. 39.7%), LVI (81.8% vs. 44.4%), and axillary node metastasis (70.8% vs. 41.6%). NME features with highest PPVs were segmental distribution (85.7%), clumped enhancement (66.7%), and nonpersistent kinetics (77.1%). On multivariable analysis, contiguous NME, segmental distribution, and nonpersistent kinetics were associated with malignancy.Data ConclusionMalignancy discriminators of ipsilateral NME on staging MRI included contiguous location to index cancers, segmental distribution, and nonpersistent kinetics.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Substrate quality overrides soil salinity in mediating microbial respiration in coastal wetlands
Authors: Li Qiang , Song Zhaoliang , Xia Shaopan , Guo Laodong , Singh Bhupinder Pal , Shi Yu , Wang Weiqi , Luo Yu , Li Yongchun , Chen Junhui , Zhang Jianchao , Sun Shaobo , Wang Hailong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAs productive and essential ecosystems, coastal wetlands have experienced increased environmental impacts such as saltwater intrusion and eutrophication, resulting in significant shifts in microbially mediated ecosystem functions, such as carbon sequestration and nutrient transformations. The soil microbial respiration, a primary process in the transfer of carbon from soil to the atmosphere, is susceptible to environmental changes. However, studies on how salinity affects soil microbial respiration in coastal wetlands have not been fully explored. Soil samples were systematically collected from divergent sampling sites covering medium‐ and extremely‐saline wetlands along a river‐estuary‐coast continuum to investigate mechanisms controlling soil microbial respiration in coastal wetlands. According to the results, the microbial biomass and carbon‐related extracellular enzyme activities were significantly lower in extremely saline (ECe >15 ds m−1, ES) than medium and highly saline soils (ECe <15 ds m−1, MHS) (p < 0.05), indicating a suppressive effect of salinity on soil microbiota. Meanwhile, high‐salinity soils had lower vector length and soil microbial respiration rates, suggesting that soils with low carbon limitation might cause less carbon loss under higher salinity environments. Moreover, it was showed that increased available phosphorus could alleviate microbial carbon limitations. Changes in the microbial functional community demonstrated that the microbial community in favor of metabolic mediates and secondary metabolites substrates (regarded as labile substrates) were more sensitive to salinity. The partial least square path modeling further confirmed that microbial nutrient limitation and microbial biomass contribute more directly to promoting soil microbial respiration. These results have substantial implications for elucidating carbon dynamics in coastal wetlands ecosystems under increased nutrient discharge and sea‐level rise.
Effects of organic amendments on soil hydraulic characteristics in the Mollisols of Northeast China
Authors: Ma Rui , Tian Zhiyuan , Wang Meiyan , Zhu Xuchao , He Yanzi , Shi Xuezheng , Liang Yin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSoil degradation in the Mollisol region of Northeast China is ubiquitous partly due to poor soil hydraulic characteristics. Improving soil hydraulic characteristics thus delivers benefits to soil sustainability. In this study, the effects of organic amendments on soil hydraulic characteristics were explored at the laboratory scale. Soil samples were subjected to three low‐cost and eco‐friendly organic amendments, including corn straw juice (CSJ), fulvic acid (FA), and humic acid (HA). The soil infiltration capacity, soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) and soil water retention capacity were determined by using a steel‐ring method and a centrifuge method. The parameters of the SWCC were fitted by a van Genuchten (VG) model, and the specific water capacity [C(h)] was calculated. In addition, bulk density (BD), macroporosity, and soil organic matter (SOM) were measured, and the relationships between the variables and processes were evaluated. The results indicated that the soil infiltration capacity (i.e., initial infiltration rate, cumulative infiltration, and steady infiltration rate) was significantly increased in the CSJ and FA treatments (p < 0.05) but decreased in the HA treatment compared to the control (CK) treatment. All the selected organic amendments improved the soil water release and supply capacity, and the CSJ2 treatment showed the best effect. The incorporation of CSJ, FA, and HA significantly improved the soil water retention capacity by increasing the saturated soil water content, field capacity, and plant available water capacity (p < 0.05). Such changes were significantly associated with macroporosity and SOM (p < 0.05). In this sense, our results showed that the CSJ treatment with 4 L m−2 and 50% volumetric concentration could be an effective soil amendment to improve the soil hydraulic characteristics in Mollisols and deserves further research.
Moduli of Mussel‐Inspired, Metal‐Coordinated Hydrogels Comprising Four‐, Six‐, and Eight‐Arm Polymers
Authors: Darby Daniel R. , Stephens Lauren F. , Chwatko Malgorzata , Pham Jonathan T. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMetal‐coordinated hydrogels can form a percolated network with transient bonds due to metal ions‐functional group coordination. Each metal ion can link with more than one ligand, leading to intricate speciation of bonding modes. While the mechanics of transient gels made with four‐arm polymers are often studied, less is known about how increasing the number of arms affects the modulus. Using shear rheology, the modulus of hydrogels prepared from four‐, six‐, and eight‐armed poly(ethylene glycols), functionalized with histidine ligands that complex with nickel (II) ions is measured. These gels have matched polymer wt.% and varied pH to compare their moduli. It is considered whether the modulus can be described by established polymer network models by calculating the speciation of metal‐coordinated cross‐links and then incorporating it into a phantom network prediction. This study finds that 1) increasing the number of polymer arms increases the modulus, 2) the phantom network allows reasonable modulus approximation for four‐arm and six‐arm gels, and 3) the modulus of eight‐arm gels exceeds the phantom network prediction. Since polymer cores act as chemical cross‐links and metal‐coordinated cross‐links form network strands, it is possible that increasing the number of metal‐coordinated linkages per molecule reinforces the chemical cross‐link at the polymer core.
The recent progress of myeloid‐derived suppressor cell and its targeted therapies in cancers
Authors: Ren Ruiyang , Xiong Chenyi , Ma Runyu , Wang Yixuan , Yue Tianyang , Yu Jiayun , Shao Bin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are an immature group of myeloid‐derived cells generated from myeloid cell precursors in the bone marrow. MDSCs appear almost exclusively in pathological conditions, such as tumor progression and various inflammatory diseases. The leading function of MDSCs is their immunosuppressive ability, which plays a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis through their immunosuppressive effects. Since MDSCs have specific molecular features, and only a tiny amount exists in physiological conditions, MDSC‐targeted therapy has become a promising research direction for tumor treatment with minimal side effects. In this review, we briefly introduce the classification, generation and maturation process, and features of MDSCs, and detail their functions under various circumstances. The present review specifically demonstrates the environmental specificity of MDSCs, highlighting the differences between MDSCs from cancer and healthy individuals, as well as tumor‐infiltrating MDSCs and circulating MDSCs. Then, we further describe recent advances in MDSC‐targeted therapies. The existing and potential targeted drugs are divided into three categories, monoclonal antibodies, small‐molecular inhibitors, and peptides. Their targeting mechanisms and characteristics have been summarized respectively. We believe that a comprehensive in‐depth understanding of MDSC‐targeted therapy could provide more possibilities for the treatment of cancer.
Epigenetic reprogramming during the maternal‐to‐zygotic transition
Authors: Chen Yurong , Wang Luyao , Guo Fucheng , Dai Xiangpeng , Zhang Xiaoling 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAfter fertilization, sperm and oocyte fused and gave rise to a zygote which is the beginning of a new life. Then the embryonic development is monitored and regulated precisely from the transition of oocyte to the embryo at the early stage of embryogenesis, and this process is termed maternal‐to‐zygotic transition (MZT). MZT involves two major events that are maternal components degradation and zygotic genome activation. The epigenetic reprogramming plays crucial roles in regulating the process of MZT and supervising the normal development of early development of embryos. In recent years, benefited from the rapid development of low‐input epigenome profiling technologies, new epigenetic modifications are found to be reprogrammed dramatically and may play different roles during MZT whose dysregulation will cause an abnormal development of embryos even abortion at various stages. In this review, we summarized and discussed the important novel findings on epigenetic reprogramming and the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating MZT in mammalian embryos. Our work provided comprehensive and detailed references for the in deep understanding of epigenetic regulatory network in this key biological process and also shed light on the critical roles for epigenetic reprogramming on embryonic failure during artificial reproductive technology and nature fertilization.
Potential use of biodegradable polymers for facemask filter inserts produced using electrospinning methods
Authors: Khan Junaid , Jaafar Mariatti , Osman Baderin , Mahmud Haalah 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe elevated use of petroleum‐based polymers to manufacture single‐use disposable face masks is a serious environmental concern that has detrimental effects on the ecosystem. The research on using biodegradable facemasks is promising to reduce the environmental impacts of the single‐use non‐degradable facemask. A reusable cloth‐based facemask with effective filtration could benefit society. Many studies suggest polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polylactic acid (PLA) as viable biopolymers for facemask filter layer fabrication. In this work, an electrospun filter layer inserts with PVA, PBAT, and PLA polymers were produced by depositing electrospun nanofibers on non‐woven cotton layers followed by conventional sealing. The fabricated filter inserts were used in cloth‐based facemasks and were tested for filtration efficiencies and breathability. PVA facemask insert showed the best performance with 66.7% filtration efficiency and breathability of 0.66 m bar, whereas the lowest filtration efficiency was found for PBAT electrospun filter medium. The relation between filter membrane morphology and facemask performance indicates that a smaller diameter and uniform morphology results in better filtration and breathability of the facemask filter inserts.Highlights
Petroleum‐based facemasks harm ecosystems.
Biodegradable facemasks reduce environmental impact.
Electrospun nanofibers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and polylactic acid on cotton.
PVA insert showed 66.7% filtration and 0.66 m bar breathability.
Smaller, uniform fibers enhance filtration and breathability.
Does Leptinotarsa decemlineata larval survival after pesticide treatment depend on microbiome composition?
Authors: Stara Jitka , Hubert Jan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe microbiomes of some arthropods are believed to eliminate pesticides by chemical degradation or stimulation of the host immune system. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is an important agricultural pest with known resistance to used pesticides. We sought to analyze microbiome composition in CPB larvae from different sites and to identify the effect of pesticides on the microbiome of surviving and dead larvae after chlorpyrifos treatment in laboratory. Changes in the Lactococcus lactis community in larvae treated with chlorpyrifos and fed by potato leaves with L. lactis cover were studied by manipulative experiment. The microbiome was characterized by sequencing the 16S RNA gene.RESULTSThe microbiome of L. decemlineata larvae is composed of a few operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudocitrobacter, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, L. lactis, Enterococcus, Burkholderia and Spiroplasma leptinotarsae). The microbiome varied among the samples from eight sites and showed differences in profiles between surviving and dead larvae. The survival of larvae after chlorpyrifos treatment was correlated with a higher proportion of L. lactis sequences in the microbiome. The S. leptinotarsa profile also increased in the surviving larvae, but this OTU was not present in all sampling sites. In manipulative experiments, larvae treated with L. lactis had five‐fold lower mortality rates than untreated larvae.CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that the microbiome of larvae is formed from a few bacterial taxa depending on the sampling site. A member of the gut microbiome, L. lactis, is believed to help overcome the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos in the larval gut. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multivariate modeling of magnetic resonance biomarkers and clinical outcome measures for Duchenne muscular dystrophy clinical trials
Authors: Kim Sarah , Willcocks Rebecca J. , Daniels Michael J. , Morales Juan Francisco , Yoon Deok Yong , Triplett William T. , Barnard Alison M. , Conrado Daniela J. , Aggarwal Varun , Belfiore‐Oshan Ramona , Martinez Terina N. , Walter Glenn A. , Rooney William D. , Vandenborne Krista 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlthough regulatory agencies encourage inclusion of imaging biomarkers in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), industry receives minimal guidance on how to use these biomarkers most beneficially in trials. This study aims to identify the optimal use of muscle fat fraction biomarkers in DMD clinical trials through a quantitative disease‐drug‐trial modeling and simulation approach. We simultaneously developed two multivariate models quantifying the longitudinal associations between 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD) and fat fraction measures from vastus lateralis and soleus muscles. We leveraged the longitudinal individual‐level data collected for 10 years through the ImagingDMD study. Age of the individuals at assessment was chosen as the time metric. After the longitudinal dynamic of each measure was modeled separately, the selected univariate models were combined using correlation parameters. Covariates, including baseline scores of the measures and steroid use, were assessed using the full model approach. The nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling was performed in Monolix. The final models showed reasonable precision of the parameter estimates. Simulation‐based diagnostics and fivefold cross‐validation further showed the model's adequacy. The multivariate models will guide drug developers on using fat fraction assessment most efficiently using available data, including the widely used 6MWD. The models will provide valuable information about how individual characteristics alter disease trajectories. We will extend the multivariate models to incorporate trial design parameters and hypothetical drug effects to inform better clinical trial designs through simulation, which will facilitate the design of clinical trials that are both more inclusive and more conclusive using fat fraction biomarkers.