bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural autoimmunity in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Tsitsami Elena , Sarrigeorgiou Ioannis , Tsinti Maria , Rouka Erasmia C. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Lymberi Peggy 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oligo-JIA) is classically thought of as an antigen-driven lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disease. Considering the major immunoregulatory role of natural antibodies (NAbs) in homeostasis and autoimmune pathogenesis, we designed this study to further elucidate their role in oligo-JIA pathogenesis. To this end, 70 children with oligo-JIA and 20 healthy matched controls were enrolled in the study. Serum IgM and IgA antibodies against human G-actin, human IgG F(ab΄)2 fragments and the hapten TriNitroPhenol (TNP) were measured by in-house enzyme-immunoassays. In addition, total concentration for serum IgM and IgA was also measured by ELISA and in cases where significant differences were observed between groups, the ratio of NAbs levels to the total IgM and IgA concentrations was used for comparisons. The ratios of IgA anti-TNP, anti-actin and anti-F(ab΄)2 levels to total serum IgA concentration were found to be significantly increased in patients with oligo-JIA compared to healthy subjects. Significantly elevated levels of IgM anti-TNP antibodies were also found in children with inactive oligo-JIA compared to those of children with active disease and healthy controls. In the presence of anterior uveitis, IgM anti-TNP levels were significantly higher than in patients without uveitis or in healthy controls. Backward regression analysis revealed than the disease activity and the presence of anterior uveitis independently affect IgM anti-TNP levels. Our findings are in accordance with the hypothesis that NAbs contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and provide additional evidence that disturbances in natural autoimmunity may contribute to the as yet unclarified pathogenesis of oligo-JIA.
Thiol catalyzed formation of NO-ferroheme regulates canonical intravascular NO signaling
Authors: DeMartino Anthony , Poudel Laxman , Dent Matthew , Chen Xiukai , Xu Qinzi , Gladwin Brendan , Tejero Jesus , Basu Swati , Alipour Elmira , Jiang Yiyang , Rose Jason , Gladwin Mark , Kim-Shapiro Daniel 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenously produced physiological signaling molecule that regulates blood flow and platelet activation. However, both the intracellular and intravascular diffusion of NO is severely limited by scavenging reactions with hemoglobin, myoglobin, and other hemoproteins, raising unanswered questions as to how free NO can signal in hemoprotein-rich environments, like blood and cardiomyocytes. We explored the hypothesis that NO could be stabilized as a ferrous heme-nitrosyl complex (Fe2+-NO, NO-ferroheme) either in solution within membranes or bound to albumin. Unexpectedly, we observed a rapid reaction of NO with free ferric heme (Fe3+) and a reduced thiol under physiological conditions to yield NO-ferroheme and a thiyl radical. This thiol-catalyzed reductive nitrosylation reaction occurs readily when the hemin is solubilized in lipophilic environments, such as red blood cell membranes, or bound to serum albumin. NO-ferroheme albumin is stable, even in the presence of excess oxyhemoglobin, and potently inhibits platelet activation. NO-ferroheme-albumin administered intravenously to mice dose-dependently vasodilates at low- to mid-nanomolar concentrations. In conclusion, we report the fastest rate of reductive nitrosylation observed to date to generate a NO-ferroheme molecule that resists oxidative inactivation, is soluble in cell membranes, and is transported intravascularly by albumin to promote potent vasodilation.
Chemical compositions, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mosquito larvicidal activity of Ocimum americanum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. leaf essential oils
Authors: Mahendran Ganesan , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground:Ocimum americanum L.andOcimum basilicumL. are highly valued aromatic medicinal plants. The leaves ofO. basilicumandO. americanumare widely used as spices in traditional cuisine. Its essential oil is extensively used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the main chemical profile ofO. americanumandO. basilicumleaf essential oils and to assess their effects on antibacterial, antioxidant, and larvicidal properties.Methods:Essential oils were extracted from the leaves ofO. basilicumandO. americanumusing steam distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical constituents of the essential oils (EO) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). DPPH, FRAP, and metal chelating techniques were used to assess the free radical scavenging ability of the oils. The extracted oil was also tested for its antibacterial activities by a disc-diffusion test and the broth microdilution method. Furthermore, the mosquito larvicidal activity was tested using standard protocols.Results:Camphor (33.869%), limonene (7.215%), longifolene (6.727%), caryophyllene (5.500%), and isoledene (5.472%) were identified as the five major compounds inO. americanumleaf essential oil. The essential oil yield was 0.4%, and citral (19.557%), estragole (18.582%), linalool (17.605%), and camphor (9.224%) were the major compounds found among the 37 chemical constituents identified inO. basilicumoil.O. basilicumexhibited more potent antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS tests thanO. americanum. The zones of inhibition and MIC of the oils in the microdilution and disc diffusion methods were 8.00±0.19 to 26.43±2.19 mm and 3.12 – 100 μg/mL, respectively. At 400 ppm,O. basilicumandO. americanumdemonstrated larvicidal activity with mortality ratios of 73.60±0.89 and 78.00±1.00%, respectively. Furthermore, after 30 min of exposure, the larval death rate was 73.60±0.89 and 78.00±1.00% forO. americanumandO. basilicumrespectively.Conclusions:These findings revealed that essential oils extracted from the leaves ofO. basilicumandO. americanumexhibited reasonable antioxidant, antibacterial, and mosquito larvicidal potentials that can be used as alternative medicine in treating human health and larvicidal mosquito control.
A DARPin Increases the Catalytic Activity of Botulinum Neurotoxin A1
Authors: Leka Oneda , Wu Yufan , Zanetti Giulia , Furler Sven , Reinberg Thomas , Marinho Joana , Schaefer Jonas , Plückthun Andreas , Li Xiaodan , Pirazzini Marco , Kammerer Richard 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this study, we characterized Designed Ankyrin Repat Proteins (DARPins) as investigative tools to probe botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) function and as potential antidotes for botulism. We selected DARPins against the catalytic domain of BoNT/A1 and characterized them by biochemical, biophysical and structural studies in combination with functional assays in cultured neurons and muscle tissue. We identified DARPin-F5 that completely blocks SNAP25 substrate cleavage by BoNT/A1 in vitro. X-ray crystallography revealed that DARPin-F5 inhibits BoNT/A1 activity by interacting with a substrate-binding region between the α- and β-exosite. This DARPin blocked substrate cleavage of BoNT/A1 but not of BoNT/A3, indicating that DARPin-F5 is a subtype-specific inhibitor. We found that BoNT/A1 Glu-171 plays a critical role in the interaction with DARPin-F5 and its mutation to Asp, the residue found in BoNT/A3, resulted in a loss of inhibition of substrate cleavage by reducing DARPin affinity from pM to µM. In contrast to the in vitro results, DARPin-F5 increased BoNT/A1 activity in primary neurons. This result was confirmed by the mouse phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm assay, demonstrating faster paralysis in the presence of the DARPin. We show by functional studies in neuronal cells that DARPin-F5 increases translocation of the toxin. Our findings could have important implications for the identification of BoNTs in clinical samples as well as the development of excipients that allow BoNT treatment at a lower dosage and thereby prevent the generation of antibodies against the toxin.
S-Boxes Design Based On the Lu-Chen System And Their Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Tootkaboni Mohammad Akbari , Savadkouhi Meisam Bavand 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The substitution box (S-Box) plays a fundamental role in cryptographic algorithms. In this article, the Lu-Chen system is used to design a chaotic S-Box. We design two S-Boxes, one based on the rotation algorithm relative to the rows (or columns) and the other based on the Zigzag transformation. The performance of the new S-Boxes is evaluated with the bijective, nonlinearity, strict avalanche criterion (SAC), output bit independence criterion (BIC), differential approximation probability, linear approximation probability, algebraic degree and not having a fixed point and opposite fixed point. The analysis results show that the proposed S-Boxes have suitable cryptographic properties. In addition, an image encryption algorithm based on two generated S-Boxed, and a generalized Lai-Massey structure is presented. Experimental results show that the proposed method has achieved acceptable security.
Intramedullary lipoma mimicking syringomyelia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Jialu , Liu Penghao , Chen Zan , Duan Wanru 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background

Intramedullary lipomas can be misdiagnosed as syringomyelia. We reported a case of intramedullary lipoma similar to syringomyelia and review the literature.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old woman was admitted due to hypoesthesia in the right limb, especially the lower extremity. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed L2-3 and C5-T7 lesions, with hyperintensity in T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, and hypointensity in T1 fat suppression-weighted images. The cervicothoracic lesion was considered to be a lipoma and was observed without surgery, while the lumbosacral lesion was removed, and the pathological results indicated cholesteatoma. The neurological function of the patient's lower limbs improved one month after surgery.

Conclusion

The pre-operative differentiation between intramedullary lipoma and syringomyelia requires special caution.
Social vulnerability and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents
Authors: de Farias Viviane Freire , Soares Larissa Almenara , Aranha Luciana Nicolau , Luiz Ronir Raggio , de Oliveira Gláucia Maria Moraes , Rosa Glorimar 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Social vulnerability can influence in the development of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents (CRF). For this reason, the objective of our study was to evaluate the presence of CRF in adolescents, according to social vulnerability.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 517 adolescents of both sexes, from 10 to 19 years of age, classified into 2 groups by social vulnerability, according to socioeconomic characteristics collected by means of questionnaires, where adolescents who did not have access to drinking water, sewage network, and adequate per capita income were classified as vulnerable. Anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure data were evaluated. Level of physical activity was assessed by an adapted questionnaire, and food intake was assessed by a 3-day food record. Paired t, Mann-Whitney, and χ2 tests were used, according to the scale of measurement of the variables, on the statistical program SPSS, version 25, at a significance level of 5%.
Results: Adolescents had median age of 14 (11 to 15) years; 58.4% were female; 32.4% were overweight, and 52.4% were inactive in leisure. Mean consumption of ultra-processed food was observed to account for 45.0% of calorie intake. Adolescents classified as vulnerable had lower weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference when compared to non-vulnerable adolescents. Both groups had cholesterol concentrations above the normal level. Non-vulnerable adolescents had higher triglyceride concentrations, higher alcohol consumption, and lower fiber intake compared to vulnerable adolescents.
Conclusions: Adolescents with social vulnerability are less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors.
3D Modelling and Simulation of the Impact of Wearing a Mask on the Dispersion of Particles Carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Virus in a Railway Transport Coach
Authors: Armand Patrick , Tâche Jérémie 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Even though the Covid-19 pandemic seems to be stagnating or decreasing across the world, a resurgence of the disease or the occurrence of other epidemics caused by the aerial dissemination of pathogenic biological agents cannot be ruled out. These agents, in particular the virions of the Covid-19 disease, are found in the particles originating from the sputum of infected symptomatic or asymptomatic people. In previous research, we made use of a three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to simulate particle transport and dispersion in ventilated semi-confined spaces. By way of illustration, we considered a suburban train coach in which an infected passenger emitted droplets (1 and 10 µm) and drops (100 and 1,000 µm) while breathing and coughing. Using an Eulerian approach and a Lagrangian approach, we modelled the dispersion of the particles in the turbulent flow generated by the ventilation of the coach. The simulations returned similar results from both approaches and clearly demonstrated the very distinct aerodynamics of the aerosol of airborne droplets and, at the other end of the spectrum, of drops falling or behaving like projectiles depending on their initial velocity. That numerical study considered passengers without protective masks. In this new phase of research, we first used literature data to develop a model of a typical surgical mask for use on a digital manikin representing a human. Next, we resumed the twin experiment of the railway coach, but this time, the passengers (including the infected one) were provided with masks. We compared the spatial and temporal distributions of the particles depending on whether the spreader passenger wore a mask at all, and whether the mask was perfectly fitted (without leaks) or worn loosely (with leaks). Beyond demonstrating the obvious value of wearing a mask in limiting the dissemination of particles, our model and our simulations allow an initial quantification of the beneficial effect of the surgical mask. Moreover, the calculations carried out constitute only one illustrative application among many others, not only in public transport, but in any other public or private ventilated space on the basis of the same physical models and digital twins of the places considered. CFD therefore makes it possible to estimate the criticality of the occupation of places by people with or without a mask and to recommend measures in order to limit aerial contamination by any kind of airborne pathogen, such as the virions of Covid-19.
Metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma with no thyroid nodules: a rare, unorthodox presentation: case report.
Authors: Rizkou FatimaEzzahra , Oulghoul Omar , Moufannane Malak , BENHOUMMAD OTHMANE , ROCHDI YOUSSEF , RAJI ADBELAZIZ 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Uncommon thyroid and neuendocrine tumor; medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is uncommon, aggressive malignancy, with a 10-year survival rate of roughly 50%. Clinical presentation of MTC differs from sporadic to familial variety, but frequently it is showcased as painless thyroid nodule. Metastatic medullar carcinoma without nodules is scanty, adding to the unpredictable behaviors of this entity,
Case Presentation: Thus the report of this rare presentation in 57 years-old patient with cervical metastatic lymphadenopathy and a normal sized thyroid and no distant metastases to which the patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy because the encompassment of the vascular axis.
Conclusion: Metastasis medullary thyroid carcinoma with normal seize thyroid is somehow unheard of in the literature as this rare aggressive tumor is usually diagnostic at a stage where the thyroid nodule is accompanied with lymph node metastases.
Prediction of habitat complexity using a trait-based approach on coral reefs in Guam
Authors: Ferreira Sofia B. , Burns John H.R. , Pascoe Kailey H. , Kapono Clifford A. , Reyes Andres J. , Fukunaga Atsuko 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Scleractinian corals are primary contributors to the structural complexity of coral reef ecosystems. The structure derived from their carbonate skeletons underpins the biodiversity and myriad of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs. This study used a trait-based approach to provide new insights into the relationships between habitat complexity and coral morphology. Three-Dimensional (3D) photogrammetry techniques were used to survey 208 study plots on the island of Guam, from which structural complexity metrics were derived and physical traits of corals were quantified. Three traits at the individual colony level (e.g., morphology, size, and genera) and two site-level environmental characteristics (e.g., wave exposure and substratum-habitat type) were examined. Standard taxonomy-based metrics were also included at the reef-plot level (e.g., coral abundance, richness, and diversity). Different traits disproportionately contributed to 3D metrics of habitat complexity. Larger colonies with a laminar columnar morphology have the highest contribution to surface complexity, slope, and vector ruggedness measure, whereas branching and encrusting columnar colonies have the highest contribution to planform and profile curvature. These results highlight the importance of considering colony morphology and size in addition to conventional taxonomic metrics for the understanding and monitoring reef structural complexity. The approach presented here provides a framework for studies in other locations to predict the trajectory of reefs under changing environmental conditions.
Efficacy and safety comparison of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and upfront surgery for treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Zijiao , Jiang Xia 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background and Aims

Currently, surgical resection is the most commonly performed and effective treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) worldwide. However, the prognosis of ICC is unsatisfactory. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and upfront surgery in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The study also intends to explore whether chemotherapy should be introduced before surgery and which populations should be considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Method

Four databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched from their inception dates to January 2022 for relevant articles. The statistical analysis was performed using the Review Manager Software (version5.3). The non-randomized interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies and the overall quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Moreover, the primary outcomes included 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS), while the secondary outcomes were R0 resection, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and mortality in 90 days.

Results

Five studies involving 2412 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in 1-year OS, 3-year OS, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year RFS between the two groups. However, the meta-analysis showed that the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group had a better 5-year OS benefit in ICC patients than the upfront surgery group (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02–1.58), while the R0 resection rate was lower in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group than that in the upfront surgery group (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26–0.91).

Conclusion

Compared with the upfront surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery could prolong the 5-year OS in ICC patients. Considering that the patients in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery group had more advanced ICC cases, the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be more significant in patients with locally advanced (stage II-III) ICC.
The co-benefit of emission reduction efficiency of energy, CO2, and atmospheric pollutants in China under the carbon neutrality target
Authors: Cui Zhe , Ren Fangrong , Zhang Xuerong , Ding Xue , Li Ruihan , Yao Qin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) and the Yellow River Ecological Economic Belt (YREB) surround the two biggest inland rivers and emit the greatest amount of carbon emissions in China. In order to implement China’s dual carbon goal, this research applies a Meta-frontier DN-DEA model, including the carbon reduction factor (CRF), to assess the emission efficiency of energy, CO2, and atmospheric pollutants for a total of 19 regions in YEB and YREB from 2011 to 2017. The synergistic climate risk control efficiency of atmospheric pollutants in the two economic belts are verified by tests for CO2 and three atmospheric pollutants emission elasticity coefficient and Kendall’s coordination coefficient. The results are as follows: First, the overall efficiencies of the two economic belts are both improved by over 30% when subject to CRF. YREB has great potential for carbon emission reduction, and the growth rate of its overall efficiency is higher than that of YEB. Second, YEB’s input term efficiency performs better affected by CRF, while YREB’s environmental pollution control input is insufficient. Third, CO2 and atmospheric pollutants emission efficiencies are significantly improved in YEB, while the environmental regulation of YREB is not obvious for the climate co-benefit of CO2 and atmospheric pollutants. Lastly, high level of climate co-benefit has revealed in YEB during 2011 to 2016, while in 2017 it plummets sharply. Conversely, YREB maintains a stable climate co-benefit.
Diurnal fluctuations of local field potentials follow sleep-wake behavior in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baumgartner Alexander , Hirt Lisa , Kern Drew , Thompson John 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Sleep disturbances are among the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) reduces local field potential (LFP) activity in the STN, particularly in the beta frequency range (13 – 30 Hz). Although well-characterized in the short term, little is known about how beta frequency oscillations change chronically, across the sleep-wake cycle. Better understanding of these pathological signals in sleep may permit optimization of stimulation to improve sleep in PD.
Objectives: Here, we sought to characterize LFPs over several days and nights while patients remained in the home setting.
Methods: LFPs were recorded from the subthalamic nucleus in 13 PD subjects (18 hemispheres) over an average of 14.7 ± 4.2 days. Fluctuations in LFP activity were characterized by arousal state, as determined by actigraphy.
Results: Beta frequency LFPs showed a clear and consistent diurnal pattern. In all subjects, beta power was higher during wakefulness than during sleep, with little overlap in the magnitude of beta power between these two activity states. LFP snapshots obtained across a broad frequency range at subject-indicated going-to-bed and waking-up times showed significant differences in power across multiple canonical frequency bands, though these differences were not significant at the group level.
Conclusions: Beta frequency LFPs fluctuate in a clear and consistent manner that is closely linked to time of day and to activity state. These fluctuations can be detected in the home setting using commercially available devices, including in patients who have been treated with deep brain stimulation for several years.