bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiretroviral postnatal prophylaxis to prevent HIV vertical transmission: present and future strategies
Authors: Penazzato Martina , Kasirye Ivy , Ruel Theodore , Mukui Irene , Bekker Adrie , Archary Mohendran , Musoke Philippa , Essajee Shaffiq , Siberry George K. , Mahy Mary , Simnoue Daniele , Simione Beatriz , Zech Jennifer M. , Mushavi Angela , Abrams Elaine J. ,   PNP meeting participants
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionMaternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) with viral suppression prior to conception, during pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding period accompanied by infant postnatal prophylaxis (PNP) forms the foundation of current approaches to preventing vertical HIV transmission. Unfortunately, infants continue to acquire HIV infections, with half of these infections occurring during breastfeeding. A consultative meeting of stakeholders was held to review the current state of PNP globally, including the implementation of WHO PNP guidelines in different settings and identifying the key factors affecting PNP uptake and impact, with an aim to optimize future innovative strategies.DiscussionWHO PNP guidelines have been widely implemented with adaptations to the programme context. Some programmes with low rates of antenatal care attendance, maternal HIV testing, maternal ART coverage and viral load testing capacity have opted against risk‐stratification and provide an enhanced PNP regimen for all infants exposed to HIV, while other programmes provide infant daily nevirapine antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis for an extended duration to cover transmission risk throughout the breastfeeding period. A simplified risk stratification approach may be more relevant for high‐performing vertical transmission prevention programmes, while a simplified non‐risk stratified approach may be more appropriate for sub‐optimally performing programmes given implementation challenges. In settings with concentrated epidemics, where the epidemic is often driven by key populations, infants who are found to be exposed to HIV should be considered at high risk for HIV acquisition. All settings could benefit from newer technologies that promote retention during pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding period. There are several challenges in enhanced and extended PNP implementation, including ARV stockouts, lack of appropriate formulations, lack of guidance on alternative ARV options for prophylaxis, poor adherence, poor documentation, inconsistent infant feeding practices and in inadequate retention throughout the duration of breastfeeding.ConclusionsTailoring PNP strategies to a programmatic context may improve access, adherence, retention and HIV‐free outcomes of infants exposed to HIV. Newer ARV options and technologies that enable simplification of regimens, non‐toxic potent agents and convenient administration, including longer‐acting formulations, should be prioritized to optimize the effect of PNP in the prevention of vertical HIV transmission.
GluCEST Imaging and Structural Alterations of the Bilateral Hippocampus in First‐Episode and Early‐Onset Major Depression Disorder
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Dong Yingying , Zou Linxuan , Xu Donghao , Luo Xunrong , Chu Tongpeng , Wang Jing , Ren Qingfa , Liu Quanyuan , Li Xianglin 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundGlutamate dysregulation is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of major depressive disorder (MDD), and glutamate chemical exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) has been used for glutamate measurement in some brain diseases but rarely in depression.PurposeTo investigate the GluCEST changes in hippocampus in MDD and the relationship between glutamate and hippocampal subregional volumes.Study TypeCross‐sectional.SubjectsThirty‐two MDD patients (34% males; 22.03 ± 7.21 years) and 47 healthy controls (HCs) (43% males; 22.00 ± 3.28 years).Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T; magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) for three‐dimensional T1‐weighted images, two‐dimensional turbo spin echo GluCEST, and multivoxel chemical shift imaging (CSI) for proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS).AssessmentGluCEST data were quantified by magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) analysis and assessed by the relative concentration of 1H MRS‐measured glutamate. FreeSurfer was used for hippocampus segmentation.Statistical TestsThe independent sample t test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation, and partial correlation analysis were used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn the left hippocampus, GluCEST values were significantly decreased in MDD (2.00 ± 1.08 [MDD] vs. 2.62 ± 1.41 [HCs]) and showed a significantly positive correlation with Glx/Cr (r = 0.37). GluCEST values were significantly positively correlated with the volumes of CA1 (r = 0.40), subiculum (r = 0.40) in the left hippocampus and CA1 (r = 0.51), molecular_layer_HP (r = 0.50), GC‐ML‐DG (r = 0.42), CA3 (r = 0.44), CA4 (r = 0.44), hippocampus‐amygdala‐transition‐area (r = 0.46), and the whole hippocampus (r = 0.47) in the right hippocampus. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores showed significantly negative correlations with the volumes of the left presubiculum (r = −0.40), left parasubiculum (r = −0.47), and right presubiculum (r = −0.41).Data ConclusionGluCEST can be used to measure glutamate changes and help to understand the mechanism of hippocampal volume loss in MDD. Hippocampal volume changes are associated with disease severity.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 1
Structural and metabolic brain correlates of arithmetic word‐problem solving in Huntington's disease
Authors: Horta‐Barba Andrea , Martinez‐Horta Saul , Sampedro Frederic , Pérez‐Pérez Jesús , Camacho Valle , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIndividuals with pre‐manifest and early symptomatic Huntington's disease (HD) have shown deficits in solving arithmetic word‐problems. However, the neural correlates of these deficits in HD are poorly understood. We explored the structural (gray‐matter volume; GMV) and metabolic (18F‐FDG PET; SUVr) brain correlates of arithmetic performance using the recently developed HD‐word problem arithmetic task (HD‐WPA) in seventeen preHD and sixteen HD individuals. Symptomatic participants showed significantly lower scores in the HD‐WPA than preHD participants. Lower performance in the HD‐WPA was associated with reduced GMV in subcortical, medial frontal, and several posterior‐cortical clusters in HD participants. No significant GMV loss was found in preHD participants. 18F‐FDG data revealed a widespread pattern of hypometabolism in association with lower arithmetic performance in all participants. In preHD participants, this pattern was restricted to the ventrolateral and orbital prefrontal cortex, the insula, and the precentral gyrus. In HD participants, the pattern extended to several parietal–temporal regions. Word‐problem solving arithmetic deficits in HD is subserved by a pattern of asynchronous metabolic and structural compromise across the cerebral cortex as a function of disease stage. In preHD individuals, arithmetic deficits were associated with prefrontal alterations, whereas in symptomatic HD patients, more severe arithmetic deficits are associated with the compromise of several frontal‐subcortical and temporo‐parietal regions. Our results support the hypothesis that cognitive deficits in HD are not exclusively dominated by frontal‐striatal dysfunctions but also involve fronto‐temporal and parieto‐occipital damage.
A new surfactant wettability alteration model for reservoir simulators
Authors: Chang Leonard Yujya , Pope Gary Arnold 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSurfactants enhance oil recovery in naturally‐fractured oil‐wet rocks by wettability alteration and interfacial tension reduction. The oil‐wet state is ascribed to the adsorption of soap on the rock surface. Soaps are the dissociated forms of carboxylic acids in the crude oil, that is, carboxylate surfactants. This paper describes a new mechanistic surfactant wettability alteration model that was developed for and implemented in a reservoir simulator. The model captures the geochemical reactions of acid/soap, the formation of mixed micelles, Henry's law adsorption, and the formation of cationic surfactant‐anionic soap ion‐pairs. A new wettability scaling factor is used to interpolate between the oil‐wet and water‐wet relative permeability and capillary pressure curves. The new model also accounts for the effect of salinity and pH, so it should also be useful for modeling low‐salinity flooding without surfactant. Previous surfactant wettability alteration models ignored the underlying mechanisms and were not predictive. Simulations of both static and dynamic imbibition were performed to better understand the key surfactant parameters and the dynamics of wettability alteration, microemulsion phase behavior, and interfacial tension reduction on oil recovery. Optimizing surfactant formulations for wettability alteration is discussed.
Heterologous expression and characterization of Bacillus velezensisSW5 serine protease involved in the hydrolysis of anchovy protein
Authors: Li Na , Shen Biao , Liu Yang , Weng Peifang , Wu Zufang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundBacillus velezensis SW5, with good enzyme production ability, was isolated and identified in our laboratory from fermented fish sauce. Its galactosidase has been expressed in Escherichia coli, which could hydrolyze lactose in milk. The present study aims to express a novel serine protease gene (SPr‐SW5) of this strain by Bacillus subtilis WB800N, and applies the expressed enzyme in hydrolysis of anchovy to prepare antioxidant substances, aiming to alleviate the waste of low‐value fish resources.ResultsSPr‐SW5 with the open reading frame of 1353 bp encodes a serine protease (SPr‐SW5) with 450 amino acids. The theoretical molecular weight and isoelectric point are 47.2 kDa and 5.22, respectively. The successful expression of SPr‐SW5 in B. subtilis WB800N was confirmed by a skim milk plate test. Its optimal temperature and pH were 50 °C and 8.0, respectively. SPr‐SW5 activity was increased by Ca2+ and Zn2+, but inhibited by Fe3+. Furthermore, SPr‐SW5 was tolerant to 1% Tween‐40 and Tween‐80; however, its activity was strongly inhibited by 10 mm phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Additionally, SPr‐SW5 could be capable of hydrolyzing anchovy, the hydrolysate (AHP) at 10 g L−1, with 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl (·OH) scavenging rates of 73.21% and 79.71%, displaying good antioxidant activity.ConclusionThe novel SPr‐SW5 was successfully expressed in B. subtilis WB800N. It exhibited excellent temperature stability and good tolerance to several metal ions. In addition, the anchovy hydrolyzed by expressed SPr‐SW5 has good antioxidant ability. Overall, this research lays a good foundation for SPr‐SW5 with respect to exploration and application in the food industry as enzyme preparation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Neuroprotective effects of hydroponic ginseng fermented by Lactococcus lactisKC24 in oxidatively stressed SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Park Ji‐Young , Kim Kee‐Tae , Paik Hyun‐Dong 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDPanax ginseng Meyer, a traditional herb in Asia, contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and ginsenosides. Furthermore, fermentation with probiotics can promote the biofunctional activities of ginseng. This study's object was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of hydroponic ginseng against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced cytotoxicity and its effect on the fermentation time.RESULTSNonfermented hydroponic ginseng (HNF) was fermented with Lactococcus lactis KC24 at 37 °C for 12 h (H12F) or 24 h (H24F). As fermentation progressed, the content of ginsenosides Rd and F2 increased slightly. The viability of cells pretreated with H2O2‐exposed nonfermented soil‐cultivated ginseng (SNF), HNF, H12F, and H24F gradually improved. In addition, a similar cytotoxicity trend was observed for the level of lactate dehydrogenase released. Fermentation with L. lactis KC24 also enhanced the protective effect of HNF in all assays related to the neuroprotective pathway. In other words, superoxide dismutase and catalase messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were upregulated in H24F‐treated cells. Similarly, H24F also upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor to the highest observed concentration. Moreover, the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio was the lowest after H24F pretreatment in H2O2‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells. Attenuating the cytotoxicity in H2O2‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells, H24F markedly reduced caspase‐3 and ‑9 mRNA expression and caspase‐3 activity.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that HNF exhibited higher neuroprotection than SNF, which was enhanced after fermentation. This study demonstrates that H12F and H24F can be potential ingredients for developing healthy functional foods and pharmaceutical materials. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nodules Identified on Surveillance Ultrasound for HCC
Authors: Hu Jinghui , Burrowes David P. , Caine Benjamin A. , Gibson Nicolas , Bhayana Deepak , Medellin Alexandra , Burak Kelly W. , Wilson Stephanie R. 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesFollowing positive surveillance ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for further characterization. We propose contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) shows equivalent efficacy.MethodsThis prospective institutional review board approved study recruited 195 consecutive at‐risk patients with a positive surveillance US. All had CEUS and MRI. Biopsy (n = 44) and follow‐up are gold standard. MRI and CEUS results are classified according to liver imaging reporting and data system (LI‐RADS) and patient outcome.ResultsAs an US‐based modality, CEUS is superior in confirming findings from surveillance US, correlation in 189/195 (97%) on CEUS compared to 153/195 (79%) on MRI. Within these negative MRI examinations, there are 2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 1 cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) diagnosed on CEUS and proven by biopsy. From 195 patients, there are 71 malignant diagnoses from all sources, including 58 LR‐5 (45 on MRI and 54 on CEUS) and 13 others, including HCC outside of LR‐5 category, and LR‐M with biopsy proven iCCA (3 on MRI and 6 on CEUS). CEUS and MRI show concordant results in the majority of patients (146/195, 75%), including 57/146 malignant and 89/146 benign diagnoses. There are 41/57 concordant LR‐5 and 6/57 concordant LR‐M. When CEUS and MRI are discordant, CEUS upgraded 20 (10 biopsy‐proven) from MRI LR‐3/4 to CEUS LR‐5 or LR‐M by showing washout (WO) that MRI failed to show. Additionally, CEUS characterized time and intensity of WO and diagnosed 13/20 LR‐5 by showing late and weak WO and 7 LR‐M by showing fast and marked WO. CEUS is 81% sensitive and 92% specific in diagnosing malignancy. MRI is 64% sensitive and 93% specific.ConclusionsCEUS performance is at least equivalent if not superior to MRI for initial evaluation of lesions from surveillance US.
Optical and Mechanical Properties of Thin PTFE Films, Deposited from a Gas Phase
Authors: Grytsenko Kostyantyn , Kolomzarov Yurii , Lytvyn Peter , Kondratenko Olga , Sopinskyy Mykola , Lebedyeva Iryna , Niemczyk Agata , Baranovska Jolanta , Moszyński Dariusz , Villringer Claus , Schrader Sigurd 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThin polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films are produced by deposition from a gas phase by two methods: electron‐enhanced vacuum deposition (EVD) and EVD + low‐temperature plasma (LTP). Structure, morphology, and composition of the films are studied by IR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. They are close to the structure of bulk PTFE. The roughness of the films’ surface is changed with gas pressure and LTP power variations. Films are transparent from UV to near‐infrared regions. Refractive and extinction indices and their anisotropy are measured by spectral ellipsometry. They are tuned by variations of deposition conditions. Hardness and Young modulus of the films are increased if EVD + low power LTP is used for film deposition. Use of EVD + LTP also increases thermal stability of the films. Contact angle of the films corresponds to the bulk PTFE. The PTFE molecules oriented are preferentially in perpendicular direction to the substrate surface.
Antimicrobial Brushes on Titanium via “Grafting to” Using Phosphonic Acid/Pyridinium Containing Block Copolymers
Authors: Methling Rafael , Dückmann Oliver , Simon Frank , Wolf‐Brandstetter Cornelia , Kuckling Dirk 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCoating medical implants with antibacterial polymers may prevent postoperative infections which are a common issue for conventional titanium implants and can even lead to implant failure. Easily applicable diblock copolymers are presented that form polymer brushes via “grafting to” mechanism on titanium and equip the modified material with antibacterial properties. The polymers carry quaternized pyridinium units to combat bacteria and phosphonic acid groups which allow the linear chains to be anchored to metal surfaces in a convenient coating process. The polymers are synthesized via reversible‐addition‐fragmentation‐chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization and postmodifications and are characterized using NMR spectroscopy and SEC. Low grafting densities are a major drawback of the “grafting to” approach compared to “grafting from”. Thus, the number of phosphonic acid groups in the anchor block are varied to investigate and optimize the surface binding. Modified titanium surfaces are examined regarding their composition, wetting behavior, streaming potential, and coating stability. Evaluation of the antimicrobial properties revealed reduced bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation for certain polymers, albeit the cell biocompatibility against human gingival fibroblasts is also impaired. The presented findings show the potential of easy‐to‐apply polymer coatings and aid in designing next‐generation implant surface modifications.
Positive solutions for singular p(z)$p(z)$‐equations
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe consider a Dirichlet problem driven by the anisotropic p‐Laplacian, with a reaction having the competing effects of a singular term and a parametric superlinear perturbation. We prove a bifurcation‐type theorem describing the changes of the set of positive solutions as the parameter varies. We also prove the existence of minimal positive solutions.
Targeted therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Mechanisms and clinical study
Authors: Kung Heng‐Chung , Yu Jun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy with a high rate of recurrence and a dismal 5‐year survival rate. Contributing to the poor prognosis of PDAC is the lack of early detection, a complex network of signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms, a dense and desmoplastic stroma, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. A recent shift toward a neoadjuvant approach to treating PDAC has been sparked by the numerous benefits neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has to offer compared with upfront surgery. However, certain aspects of NAT against PDAC, including the optimal regimen, the use of radiotherapy, and the selection of patients that would benefit from NAT, have yet to be fully elucidated. This review describes the major signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC initiation and progression in addition to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of PDAC. We then review current guidelines, ongoing research, and future research directions on the use of NAT based on randomized clinical trials and other studies. Finally, the current use of and research regarding targeted therapy for PDAC are examined. This review bridges the molecular understanding of PDAC with its clinical significance, development of novel therapies, and shifting directions in treatment paradigm.
Pallidal Beta Activity Is Linked to Stimulation‐Induced Slowness in Dystonia
Authors: Lofredi Roxanne , Scheller Ute , Mindermann Aurika , Feldmann Lucia K. , Krauss Joachim K. , Saryyeva Assel , Schneider Gerd‐Helge , Kühn Andrea A. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundPallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) effectively alleviates symptoms in dystonia patients, but may induce movement slowness as a side‐effect. In Parkinson's disease, hypokinetic symptoms have been associated with increased beta oscillations (13–30 Hz). We hypothesize that this pattern is symptom‐specific, thus accompanying DBS‐induced slowness in dystonia.MethodsIn 6 dystonia patients, pallidal rest recordings with a sensing‐enabled DBS device were performed and tapping speed was assessed using marker‐less pose estimation over 5 time points following cessation of DBS.ResultsAfter cessation of pallidal stimulation, movement speed increased over time (P < 0.01). A linear mixed‐effects model revealed that pallidal beta activity explained 77% of the variance in movement speed across patients (P = 0.01).ConclusionsThe association between beta oscillations and slowness across disease entities provides further evidence for symptom‐specific oscillatory patterns in the motor circuit. Our findings might help DBS therapy improvements, as DBS‐devices able to adapt to beta oscillations are already commercially available. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Effect of Protein Fermentation Products on Gut Health Assessed in an In Vitro Model of Human Colon (TIM‐2)
Authors: Wang Shan , van Geffen Myrte , Venema Koen , Mommers Alex , Jonkers Daisy , van Schooten Frederik‐Jan , Godschalk Roger 
Published: February 2023

ScopeWestern type of diets are characterized by high animal protein intake and are associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases. With a higher protein consumption, excess undigested protein will reach the colon and be subsequently metabolized by gut microbiota. Depending on the type of protein, fermentation in the colon generates different metabolites with varying biological effects. This study aims to compare the impact of protein fermentation products from different sources on gut health.Methods and resultsThree high protein diets (vital wheat gluten [VWG], lentil, or casein) are submitted to the in vitro model of colon. Fermentation of excess lentil protein for 72 h results in highest production of short‐chain fatty acids and lowest production of branched‐chain fatty acids. Exposure of Caco‐2 monolayers or Caco‐2 monolayers co‐cultured with THP‐1 macrophages to luminal extracts of fermented lentil protein results in less cytotoxicity of Caco‐2 monolayers and less damage to barrier integrity, when compared to VWG and casein. Lowest induction of interleukin‐6 is observed in THP‐1 macrophages after treatment with lentil luminal extracts, which is identified to be regulated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling.ConclusionThe findings indicate that protein sources affect the health effects of high protein diet in the gut.