bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LEPTIN RECEPTORS EXPRESSION IN MAMMARY TUMORS AND MAMMARY FAT PAD OF TRANSGENIC MAMMARY CANCER MOUSE MODEL
Authors: Yilmaz Elif , Thomas Pinar B. , Tuna Bilge Guvenc , Cleary Margot P. , Dogan Soner 
Published: February 2023

Background: Leptin is an adipokine encoded by the Ob (obese) gene and predominantly produced by adipocytes. The roles of both leptin and leptin receptor (ObR) in numerous pathophysiological conditions including mammary tumor (MT) development have been reported. Aim: To examine protein expression levels of leptin and its receptors (ObR) including the long form, ObRb, in MT tissue and mammary fat pad of a transgenic mammary cancer mouse model. Further, we investigated whether the effects of leptin on MT development are systemic or local. Materials and Methods: MMTV-TGF-α transgenic female mice were fed ad libitum from week 10 up to week 74. Protein expression levels of leptin, ObR, and ObRb were measured in the mammary tissue samples of 74-week old MMTV-TGF-α mice with and without MT (MT-positive/MT-negative) by Western blot analysis. Serum leptin levels were measured by using the mouse adipokine LINCOplex kit 96-well plate assay. Results: Protein expression levels of ObRb were significantly lower in MT as compared to control tissue of mammary gland. In addition, protein expression levels of leptin were significantly higher in the MT tissue of MT-positive mice compared to control tissue of MT-negative mice. However, ObR protein expression levels in tissues of mice with and without MT were similar. Serum leptin levels at different ages were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Leptin and ObRb in the mammary tissue may play a critical role in the mammary cancer development, while contribution of short ObR isoform may be less important.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID AND IPIDACRINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN PREVENTION OF PACLITAXEL-INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY ASSESSED BY ELECTRONEUROMYOGRAPHY OF SUPERFICIAL PERONEAL AND SURAL NERVES
Authors: Holotiuk I.S. , Kryzhanivska A.Ye. , Holotiuk S.I. , Holotiuk V.V. , Maliborska S.V. 
Published: February 2023

Aim: To investigate the neurofunctional parameters in breast cancer (BC) patients with paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) and to clarify the feasibility of using alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in combination with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor ipidacrine hydrochloride (IPD) for its prevention. Materials and Methods: 100 BC patients (T1-4N0-3M0-1) prescribed for polychemotherapy (PCT) by the AT (paclitaxel, doxorubicin) or ET (paclitaxel, epirubicin) regimens in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant or palliative modes, were enrolled. The patients were randomized into two groups (n = 50 per group): group I treated by PCT only; group II treated with PCT plus the studied PIPN prevention scheme (ALA in combination with IPD). An electroneuromyography (ENMG) of the sensory (superficial peroneal and sural) nerves was performed before PCT, and after the 3 and 6 PCT cycles. Results: According to ENMG data, the electrophysiological disturbances in the sensory nerves were manifested in the form of axonal sensory peripheral neuropathy of a symmetrical nature, which was reflected in a decrease in the amplitude of the action potential (AP) of the studied nerves. The AP reduction in sensory nerves was dominant, in contrast to the nerve conduction velocity, which in most patients remained within the reference values, thus evidencing on axonal degeneration rather than demyelination as an underlying cause of PIPN. The ENMG testing of the sensory nerve in the groups of BC patients treated by PCT with paclitaxel with or without PIPN prevention treatment established that the use of ALA in combination with IPD significantly improved AP amplitude, duration and area of ​​the response to the stimulation of the superficial peroneal and sural nerves after 3 and 6 PCT cycles. Conclusion: The use of ALA in combination with IPD significantly reduced the severity of damage to the superficial peroneal and sural nerves caused by PCT with paclitaxel and could be recommended for PIPN prevention.
BIOMAGNETISM OF DRUG-SENSITIVE AND DRUG-RESISTANT MALIGNANT TUMORS AFTER INJECTION OF FERROMAGNETIC NANOCOMPOSITE
Authors: Todor I.N. , Lukianova N.Yu. , Primin M.A. , Nedayvoda I.V. , Chekhun V.F. 
Published: February 2023

Magnetic signals emitted by living organisms, regardless of a biological species, are important biophysical indicators. The study of these indicators is very relevant and promising for the visualization of the tumor process and the development of technologies using artificial intelligence when it comes to malignant neoplasms, particularly resistant to chemotherapy. Aim: To measure magnetic signals from transplantable rat tumors and their counterparts resistant to cytostatics for evaluating the features of the accumulation of iron-containing nanocomposite Ferroplat. Materials and Methods: Doxorubicin (Dox)-sensitive and Dox-resistant Walker-256 carcinosarcoma and cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant Guerin’s carcinoma transplanted in female Wistar rats were studied. The magnetism of tumors, liver and heart was determined using Superconductive Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) — magnetometry in a non-contact (13 mm over the tumor) way using specially designed computer programs. In a group of the experimental animals, a ferromagnetic nanocomposite (Ferroplat) was administered as a single intravenous injection and biomagnetism was assessed in 1 h. Results: The magnetic signals coming from Dox-resistant Walker-256 carcinosarcoma in the exponential growth phase were significantly higher in comparison with sensitive tumor. Intravenous administration of Ferroplat increased biomagnetism by at least an order of magnitude, especially in resistant tumors. At the same time, the magnetic signals of the liver and heart were within the magnetic noise. Conclusion: The use of SQUID-magnetometry with ferromagnetic nanoparticles as a contrast agent is a promising approach for visualization of malignant neoplasms with varying sensitivity to chemotherapy.
Students’ improvement in writing skill using column comment on Facebook group
Authors: Novarita Novarita , Afifah Nurul , Awalludin Awalludin , Miranda Miranda 
Published: February 2023

The objective of this case study is to investigate the effect of using the comment section on a Facebook group on increasing the writing ability of students at MA Pondok Pesantren Nurul Islam Seri Bandung. The study aims to determine whether utilizing the comment section can improve students' performance in writing and specifically, the material used is recount text. The participants of this study were all pupils in grade 10, with a total of 49 students. A sample of 15 students was selected through purposive sampling for the treatment class. Data was collected through a writing test consisting of 1 item and analyzed using the paired sample t-test in SPSS 22. The average pre-test score was 51.313, and the average post-test score was 85.167. The results of the data analysis showed that using the comment section on a Facebook group was significantly successful in enhancing the writing skills of students at MA Pondok Pesantren Nurul Islam Seri Bandung. Therefore, the writerss accept the alternative hypothesis (Ha) and reject the null hypothesis (Ho) as the sig. (2-tailed) = 0.000 is less than the significance level (=0.05), indicating that the use of the comment column on a Facebook group was significantly beneficial in enhancing students' ability to write recount texts at MA Pondok Pesantren Nurul Islam Seri Bandung.
Keywords: Facebook; writing skill
Counseling Research as Caring
Authors: Bellin Zvi , Sappio Erin , Castillo Yuleinys , Flinn Ryan , Srisuppak Dalad , Miller Kari , Ross Anthony 
Published: February 2023

This study models counseling research as a social action process highlighting multicultural counselor identity. Seven co-researcher/participants engaged in a community-based reflexive contemplative practice group which aimed at dismantling the power imbalance that normally exists between researchers and participants, and to remain cognizant of the insidious nature of white supremacy. The data collected represents the content and process reflections on participating in this group which invited contemplation about identity on many different levels. Several themes emerged from data as implications for counseling research. Considering research as caring on clinical practice and future research is also discussed.
Protein domains provide a new layer of information for classifying human variations in rare diseases
Authors: Corcuff Mélanie , Garibal Marc , Desvignes Jean-Pierre , Guien Céline , Grattepanche Coralie , Collod-Béroud Gwenaëlle , Ménoret Estelle , Salgado David , Béroud Christophe 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Using the ACMG-AMP guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants, it remains difficult to meet the criterion associated with the protein domain, PM1, which is assigned in only about 10% of cases, whereas the criteria related to variant frequency, PM2/BA1/BS1, is reported in 50% of cases. To improve the classification of human missense variants using protein domains information, we developed the DOLPHIN system (https://dolphin.mmg-gbit.eu).Methods: We used Pfam alignments of eukaryotes to define DOLPHIN scores to identify protein domain residues and variants that have a significant impact. In parallel, we enriched gnomAD variants frequencies for each domains’ residue. These were validated using ClinVar data.Results: We applied this method to all potential human transcripts’ variants, resulting in 30.0% being assigned a PM1 label, whereas 33.2% were eligible for a new benign support criterion, BP8. We also showed that DOLPHIN provides an extrapolated frequency for 31.8% of the variants, compared to the original frequency available in gnomAD for 7.6% of them.Discussion: Overall, DOLPHIN allows a simplified use of the PM1 criterion, an expanded application of the PM2/BS1 criteria and the creation of a new BP8 criterion. DOLPHIN could facilitate the classification of amino acid substitutions in protein domains that cover nearly 40% of proteins and represent the sites of most pathogenic variants.
Identification and validation of ferroptosis-related genes and immune infiltration in ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Huang Kai , Mei Kun , Duan Jiahao , Wang Ruting , Yang Chun , Wang Bin , Gu Renjun , Yang Ling 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundCardiomyocyte death is an important pathophysiological basis for ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Many studies have suggested that ferroptosis is a key link in the development of ICM. We performed bioinformatics analysis and experiment validation to explore the potential ferroptosis-related genes and immune infiltration of ICM.MethodsWe downloaded the datasets of ICM from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and analyzed the ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, and protein–protein interaction network were performed to analyze ferroptosis-related DEGs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was used to evaluate the gene enrichment signaling pathway of ferroptosis-related genes in ICM. Then, we explored the immune landscape of patients with ICM. Finally, the RNA expression of the top five ferroptosis-related DEGs was validated in blood samples from patients with ICM and healthy controls using qRT-PCR.ResultsOverall, 42 ferroptosis-related DEGs (17 upregulated and 25 downregulated genes) were identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated several enriched terms related to ferroptosis and the immune pathway. Immunological analysis suggested that the immune microenvironment in patients with ICM is altered. The immune checkpoint-related genes (PDCD1LG2, LAG3, and TIGIT) were overexpressed in ICM. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of IL6, JUN, STAT3, and ATM in patients with ICM and healthy controls were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis results from the mRNA microarray.ConclusionOur study showed significant differences in ferroptosis-related genes and functional pathway between ICM patients and healthy controls. We also provided insight into the landscape of immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoints in patients with ICM. This study provides a new road for future investigation of the pathogenesis and treatment of ICM.
Association of arterial stiffness with a prothrombotic state in uncomplicated nondiabetic hypertensive patients
Authors: Brosolo Gabriele , Da Porto Andrea , Bulfone Luca , Vacca Antonio , Bertin Nicole , Vivarelli Cinzia , Sechi Leonardo A. , Catena Cristiana 
Published: February 2023

Background and aimsPast studies reported a significant contribution of a prothrombotic state to the development and progression of target organ damage in hypertensive patients. Stiffening of arterial vessels is associated with aging and hypertension, and additional factors could contribute to this process. This study was designed to examine the relationships between arterial stiffening and the hemostatic and fibrinolytic system.MethodsIn 128 middle-aged, nondiabetic, essential hypertensive patients without major cardiovascular and renal complications, we measured coagulation markers that express the spontaneous activation of the hemostatic and fibrinolytic system and assessed stiffness of the arterial tree by measurement of the carotid/femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and pulse wave analysis with calculation of the brachial augmentation index (AIx).ResultsLevels of fibrinogen (FBG), D-dimer (D-d), and plasminogen activator-inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) were significantly higher in patients with PWV and AIx above the median of the distribution. FBG, D-d, and PAI-1 were significantly and directly related with both cfPWV and AIx, and multivariate regression analysis indicated that the relationships of D-d and PAI-1 with both cfPWV and AIx and of FBG with AIx, were independent of age, body mass index, severity and duration of hypertension, use of antihypertensive drugs, blood glucose, and plasma lipids.ConclusionIn middle-aged, uncomplicated, nondiabetic patients with essential hypertension, spontaneous activation of plasma hemostatic cascade and impaired fibrinolysis is significantly and independently associated with stiffening of the arterial tree.
Petrology and phase equilibria of HP/LT eclogite at Gaoqiao, western Dabie and implications for lawsonite development in continental subduction zones
Authors: Lu Xianbin , Xia Bin , Yang Qin , Wu Yuanbao 
Published: February 2023

Lawsonite is of great significance for understanding fluid activity, element migration and crust–mantle interactions in subduction zones. Though studies have predicted lawsonite to be present under theP–Tregime during continental subduction, no lawsonite has been documented from natural (U) HP rocks in continental orogenic belt. In this study, we work on HP–LT eclogite (GQ–1 and GQ–2) at Gaoqiao, western Dabie to explore lawsonite formation and preservation during continental subduction and exhumation. Both samples have ubiquitous polymineralic aggregates of epidote/clinozoisite + paragonite/albite ± other minerals showing distinct rectangular or rhombic shapes developed as inclusions in garnet or in the matrix. Combined with recalculated bulk compositions similar to that of ideal lawsonite, we interpret these polymineralic aggregates to be pseudomorphs after lawsonite. Phase equilibrium modelling combined with compositional isopleth thermobarometry have constrained a segment of the prograde to peak stages to evolve from 19.0 to 19.5 kbar, ∼470°C to ∼20.0 kbar, 500C–505°C, then to ∼25 kbar, 530C–555°C in lawsonite stability fields. The progradeP–Tpath shows a two-stageP–Tevolution, with the first stage following a geothermal gradient of ∼7°C/km and the second stage decreasing to ∼6°C/km. Initial exhumation was inferred to follow an isothermal decompression process leading to lawsonite breakdown to form epidote/clinozosite ± paragoniteviathe reaction lawsonite + omphacite→ epidote + glaucophane ± paragonite + H2O at ∼19 kbar, 550°C. ModeledP/T–Xpseudosections calculated atT= 550°C andp= 25 kbar show that, when H2O content in bulk composition is more than 1.1 wt%, a certain amount of lawsonite (&gt;13 mode%) should be present in eclogite. On the other hand, in the compositional range of natural intracontinental plate basalts, variations on O (Fe3+),XMgO[MgO/(MgO+FeO)],XCaO[CaO/(CaO+MgO+FeO+MnO+Na2O)],XNa2O[(Na2O/(CaO+Na2O)] andXAl2O3[Al2O3/(Al2O3+CaO+Na2O)] in bulk compositions have little influence on lawsonite development. In combination with previous studies, we conclude that during continent subduction along low geothermal gradient (&lt;8°C/km), lawsonite could be formed under H2O present conditions. The absence of lawsonite in natural eclogite might be ascribed to retrograde overprint during exhumation.
Thyroid hormones and carnitine in the second trimester negatively affect neonate birth weight: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Sun Man , Jiang Chenyu , Wu Qianqian , Jiang Ying , Xu Jian , Luo Qiong 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundMaternal thyroid hormones and carnitine are reported to affect neonate birth weight during the second trimester, which is one of the most important markers for fetal growth and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Nevertheless, the effect of thyroid hormone and carnitine in the second trimester on birth weight has yet to be understood.MethodThis was a prospective cohort study with 844 subjects enrolled during the first trimester. Thyroid hormones, free carnitine (C0), neonate birth weight, as well as other related clinical and metabolic data were collected and assessed.ResultsPre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI) as well as neonate birth weight were significantly different among different free thyroxine (FT4) level groups. Maternal weight gain and neonate birth weight varied significantly when grouped by different thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. There was a significantly positive correlation between C0 and TSH (r = 0.31), free triiodothyronine (FT3) (r = 0.37), and FT4 (r = 0.59) (all P &lt; 0.001). In addition, a significantly negative influence was found between birth weight and TSH (r = −0.48, P = 0.028), so as C0 (r = −0.55, P &lt; 0.001) and FT4 (r = −0.64, P &lt; 0.001). Further assessment detected a stronger combined effect of C0 and FT4 (P &lt; 0.001) and of C0 and FT3 (P = 0.022) on birth weight.ConclusionMaternal C0 and thyroid hormones are of great importance in neonate birth weight, and routine examination of C0 and thyroid hormones during the second trimester has a positive effect on the intervention of birth weight.
Embryo development and live birth resulted from artificial oocyte activation after microdissection testicular sperm extraction with ICSI in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Zhang Xi , Li Li , Zhang Wenhong , Luo Yang , Mao Yuling , Du Hongzi , Li Lei 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionThe application of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) to retrieve the sperm of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) has greatly increased. Patients with NOA often have poor quality sperm. Unfortunately, there are few studies on artificial oocyte activation (AOA) performed on patients who successfully retrieved motile and immotile sperm by micro-TESE after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Therefore, this study sought to obtain more comprehensive evidence-based data and embryo development outcomes to aid consultation of patients with NOA who opted to receive assisted reproductive techniques and to determine whether AOA needs to be performed in different motile sperm after ICSI.MethodsThis retrospective study involved 235 patients with NOA who underwent micro-TESE to retrieve adequate sperm for ICSI between January 2018 and December 2020. A total of 331 ICSI cycles were performed in the 235 couples. Embryological, clinical, and neonatal outcomes were demonstrated comprehensively between motile sperm and immotile sperm using AOA and non-AOA treatment.ResultsMotile sperm injection with AOA (group 1) showed significantly higher fertility rate (72.77% vs. 67.59%, p=0.005), 2 pronucleus (2PN) fertility rate (64.33% vs. 60.22%, p=0.036), and miscarriage rate (17.65% vs. 2.44%, p=0.018) compared with motile sperm injection with non-AOA (group 2). Group 1 had comparable available embryo rate (41.29% vs. 40.74%, p=0.817), good embryo rate (13.44% vs. 15.44%, p=0.265), and without an embryo for transfer rate (10.85% vs. 9.90%, p=0.815) compared with group 2. Immotile sperm injection with AOA (group 3) displayed significantly higher fertility rate (78.56% vs. 67.59%, p=0.000), 2PN fertility rate (67.36% vs. 60.22%, p=0.001), without an embryo for transfer rate (23.76% vs. 9.90%, p=0.008), and miscarriage rate (20.00% vs. 2.44%, p=0.014), but significantly lower available embryo rate (26.63% vs.40.74%, p=0.000) and good embryo rate (15.44% vs. 6.99%, p=0.000) compared with group 2. In groups 1, 2, and 3, the rates of implantation (34.87%, 31.85% and 28.00%, respectively; p=0.408), clinical pregnancy (43.87%, 41.00%, and 34.48%, respectively; p=0.360) and live birth (36.13%, 40.00%, and 27.59%, respectively; p=0.194) were similar.DiscussionFor those patients with NOA from whom adequate sperm were retrieved for ICSI, AOA could improve fertilization rate, but not embryo quality and live birth outcomes. For patients with NOA and only immotile sperm, AOA can help achieve acceptable fertilization rate and live birth outcomes. AOA is recommended for patients with NOA only when immotile sperm are injected.
An integrated nomogram combining deep learning, clinical characteristics and ultrasound features for predicting central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer: A multicenter study
Authors: Chang Luchen , Zhang Yanqiu , Zhu Jialin , Hu Linfei , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhang Haozhi , Gu Qing , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Sheng , Gao Ming , Wei Xi 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveCentral lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is a predictor of poor prognosis for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. The options for surgeon operation or follow-up depend on the state of CLNM while accurate prediction is a challenge for radiologists. The present study aimed to develop and validate an effective preoperative nomogram combining deep learning, clinical characteristics and ultrasound features for predicting CLNM.Materials and methodsIn this study, 3359 PTC patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy from two medical centers were enrolled. The patients were divided into three datasets for training, internal validation and external validation. We constructed an integrated nomogram combining deep learning, clinical characteristics and ultrasound features using multivariable logistic regression to predict CLNM in PTC patients.ResultsMultivariate analysis indicated that the AI model-predicted value, multiple, position, microcalcification, abutment/perimeter ratio and US-reported LN status were independent risk factors predicting CLNM. The area under the curve (AUC) for the nomogram to predict CLNM was 0.812 (95% CI, 0.794-0.830) in the training cohort, 0.809 (95% CI, 0.780-0.837) in the internal validation cohort and 0.829(95%CI, 0.785-0.872) in the external validation cohort. Based on the analysis of the decision curve, our integrated nomogram was superior to other models in terms of clinical predictive ability.ConclusionOur proposed thyroid cancer lymph node metastasis nomogram shows favorable predictive value to assist surgeons in making appropriate surgical decisions in PTC treatment.