bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of genes showing altered DNA methylation and gene expression in the renal proximal tubular cells of rats treated with ochratoxin A for 13 weeks
Authors: Ozawa Shunsuke , Ojiro Ryota , Tang Qian , Zou Xinyu , Woo Gye‐Hyeong , Yoshida Toshinori , Shibutani Makoto 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOchratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that causes renal carcinogenicity following the induction of karyomegaly in proximal tubular cells after repeated administration to rats. Here, we performed gene profiling regarding altered DNA methylation and gene expression in the renal tubules focusing on the mechanism of OTA‐induced carcinogenesis. For this purpose, OTA or 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol (3‐MCPD), a renal carcinogen not inducing karyomegaly, was administered to rats for 13 weeks, and DNA methylation array and RNA sequencing analyses were performed on proximal tubular cells. Genes for which OTA altered the methylation status and gene expression level, after excluding genes showing similar expression changes by 3‐MCPD, were subjected to confirmation analysis of the transcript level by real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR. Gene Ontology (GO)‐based functional annotation analysis of validated genes revealed a cluster of hypermethylated and downregulated genes enriched under the GO term “mitochondrion,” such as those associated with metabolic reprogramming in carcinogenic process (Clpx, Mrpl54, Mrps34, and Slc25a23). GO terms enriched for hypomethylated and upregulated genes included “response to arsenic‐containing substance,” represented by Cdkn1a involved in cell cycle arrest, and “positive regulation of IL‐17 production,” represented by Osm potentiating cell proliferation promotion. Other genes that did not cluster under any GO term included Lrrc14 involved in NF‐κB‐mediated inflammation, Gen1 linked to DNA repair, Has1 related to chromosomal aberration, and Anxa3 involved in tumor development and progression. In conclusion, a variety of genes engaged in carcinogenic processes were obtained by epigenetic gene profiling in rat renal tubular cells specific to OTA treatment for 13 weeks.
Application of two systems to classify the root and canal morphology in the human dentition: A national survey in India
Authors: Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Ahmed Hany Mohamed Aly , Khamis Mohd Fadhli Bin , Ibrahim Norliza , Noorani Tahir Yusuf 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeTo assess the application and accuracy of two systems (Vertucci et al. 1974 and Ahmed et al. 2017) in classifying the root and canal morphology of human dentition among final‐year undergraduates, interns, and postgraduate dental students in India.MethodsThe survey was conducted using physical and online presentation modes in two phases. Phase 1; PowerPoint presentation (PPT), describing the most used classification system (Vertucci et al. 1974) and its supplementary types and Ahmed et al. (2017) classification. A single presenter delivered the PPT to participants, using either a projector in an auditorium/seminar hall (face‐to‐face) or an online platform (zoom meeting software). Phase 2 involved determining the students’ responses. A questionnaire was distributed amongst the participants after the lecture and collected for analysis. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the data statistically, and the significance level was set at 0.05 (p < 0.05).ResultsA total of 1082 participants were involved in this survey. Overall, 93% of study participants found that Ahmed et al. classification system was more practical and accurate than Vertucci et al. system and its supplemental configurations (p < 0.001). About 97% agreed that Ahmed et al. classification system aided in understanding root and canal morphology better than Vertucci's and its additional configurations, and they recommended to include in their curriculum (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn comparison to Vertucci's classification system and supplementary types, the undergraduate and postgraduate dental students, and interns in India agreed that Ahmed et al. classification system is more practical and accurate for classifying the root and canal morphology.
Cost‐effective dye‐sensitized solar cells based on rutile‐phase three‐dimensional TiO2 hierarchical nanostructures
Authors: G. Arthi , Selvam Rajiv , Y. Hayakawa , J. Archana , M. Navaneethan , S. Ponnusamy , C. Muthamizhchelvan , Ramaraj Sankar Ganesh 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSpecifically engineered three‐dimensional (3D) and 1D morphologies are expected to play significant roles in the development of next‐generation dye‐sensitized solar cells. In this study, using a hydrothermal approach without a surfactant or template, we attempted to synthesize a 3D hierarchical rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) architecture by varying the growth temperature and time. X‐ray diffraction patterns of the synthesized TiO2 correlated well with rutile TiO2. Scanning electron microscopy images exhibited different nanostructures, such as nanorods, aggregated nanorods, and 3D TiO2 microflowers comprised of nanorods at 100°C, 130°C, and 160°C, respectively, after growth for 6 h. A significantly improved efficiency was observed for the TiO2 microflowers. The TiO2 microflowers exhibited an efficiency of 1.16%, short‐circuit current density of 12.8 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltage of 0.692 V, and fill factor of 0.67.
Computed Diffusion‐Weighted Images of Rectal Cancer: Image Quality, Restaging, and Treatment Response after Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Xia Yihan , Zhu Lan , Cai Gang , Du Lianjun , Wang Lingyun , Feng Weiming , Fu Caixia , Ma Qianchen , Dong Yihan , Pan Zilai , Yan Fuhua , Shen Hailin , Li Weiguang , Zhang Huan 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundComputed diffusion‐weighted images (cDWI) of random b value could be derived from acquired DWI (aDWI) with at least two different b values. However, its comparison between aDWI and cDWI images in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients after neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is needed.PurposeTo compare the cDWI and aDWI in image quality, restaging, and treatment response of LARC after NT.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationEighty‐seven consecutive patients.Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T/DWI.AssessmentAll patients underwent two DWI sequences, including conventional acquisition with b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2 (aDWIb1000) and another with b = 0 and 700 s/mm2 on a 3.0‐T MR scanner. The images of the latter were used to compute the diffusion images with b = 1000 s/mm2 (cDWIb1000). Four radiologists with 3, 4, 14, and 25 years of experience evaluated the images to compare the image quality, TN restaging performance, and treatment response between aDWIb1000 and cDWIb1000.Statistical TestsInterclass correlation coefficients, weighted κ coefficient, paired Wilcoxon, and McNemar or Fisher test were used. A significance level of 0.05 was used.ResultsThe cDWIb1000 images were superior to the aDWIb1000 ones in both subjective and objective image quality. In T restaging, the overall diagnostic accuracy of cDWIb1000 images was higher than that of aDWIb1000 images (57.47% vs. 49.43%, P = 0.289 for the inexperienced radiologist; 77.01% vs. 63.22%, significant for the experienced radiologist), with better sensitivity in determining ypT0‐Tis tumors. Additionally, it increased the sensitivity in detecting ypT2 tumors for the inexperienced radiologist and ypT3 tumors for the experienced radiologist. N restaging and treatment response were found to be similar between two sequences for both radiologists.Data ConclusionCompared to aDWIb1000 images, the computed ones might serve as a wise approach, providing comparable or better image quality, restaging performance, and treatment response assessment for LARC after NT.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage2
Piezoelectric ultrasonic debridement as new tool for biofilm removal from orthopedic implants: A study in vitro
Authors: Russo Alessandro , Gatti Alessandro , Felici Silvia , Gambardella Alessandro , Fini Milena , Neri Maria Pia , Zaffagnini Stefano , Lazzarotto Tiziana 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPulse lavage (PL) debridement is the standard treatment used in Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) for bacterial biofilm removal during acute and early postoperative cases of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The failure rate of DAIR is still high due to the inadequacy of PL in removing the biofilm. Ultrasound‐based techniques are a well‐established tool for PJI diagnosis due to their ability to completely eradicate the biofilm from implant surfaces. Hence, this study investigates the efficiency of a piezoelectric ultrasonic scalpel (PUS) in removing bacterial biofilm from different orthopedic implant materials in vitro and compares the results with PL. Biofilms of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains were grown on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V ELI), stainless steel (AISI 316L), and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) disks for 24 h. The disks of each material were divided into three groups: (i) a control group (no lavage/debridement), (ii) a group treated with PL, (iii) a group treated with PUS. The disks were then sonicated for viable cell count to measure the residual biofilm content. Compared to the initial cell count (105 CFU/mL for each material), PL showed a two‐log reduction of CFU/mL (p < 0.001 for each material), while for PUS a four‐log reduction was found (p < 0.001 for each material). The comparison between the two lavage/debridement displayed a two‐log reduction of CFU/mL (p < 0.001 for each material) of PUS compared with PL. Its increased efficiency compared with PL promotes the use of PUS in removing bacterial biofilm from orthopedic implants, suggesting its implementation to improve the success rate of DAIR.
Scaling group consultations – the fourth healthcare revolution: A call to action to save primary care
Authors: Birrell Fraser , Collen Denis , Gray Muir 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCompelling arguments support scaling of group consultations across the National Health Service (NHS) and globally. We need to recognise self‐care is the most important type of care for people with long‐term health problems. Healthcare systems like the NHS are essential for diagnosis, acute care and initiating optimal therapy but people are on their own over 99.95% of waking hours. We must accept and encourage the contribution that other people with the same long‐term health problems can make and enable both types of care through face‐to‐face and virtual group consultations. Patients and communities need agency and choice to implement and access these patient‐centred and codesigned care models. This can bring system benefits, mapped to healthcare's quintuple aim, to those electing to use group consultations and even those who do not. The process of both training and delivering group consultation models can create and sustain compassionate communities and this ‘Fourth Healthcare Revolution’ may be exactly what is needed to save primary care.
(Nano)platforms in breast cancer therapy: Drug/gene delivery, advanced nanocarriers and immunotherapy
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Zarrabi Ali , Bigham Ashkan , Taheriazam Afshin , Saghari Yalda , Mirzaei Sepideh , Hashemi Mehrdad , Hushmandi Kiavash , Karimi‐Maleh Hassan , Nazarzadeh Zare Ehsan , Sharifi Esmaeel , Ertas Yavuz Nuri , Rabiee Navid , Sethi Gautam , Shen Mingzhi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBreast cancer is the most malignant tumor in women, and there is no absolute cure for it. Although treatment modalities including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are utilized for breast cancer, it is still a life‐threatening disease for humans. Nanomedicine has provided a new opportunity in breast cancer treatment, which is the focus of the current study. The nanocarriers deliver chemotherapeutic agents and natural products, both of which increase cytotoxicity against breast tumor cells and prevent the development of drug resistance. The efficacy of gene therapy is boosted by nanoparticles and the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9, Noncoding RNAs, and RNAi, promoting their potential for gene expression regulation. The drug and gene codelivery by nanoparticles can exert a synergistic impact on breast tumors and enhance cellular uptake via endocytosis. Nanostructures are able to induce photothermal and photodynamic therapy for breast tumor ablation via cell death induction. The nanoparticles can provide tumor microenvironment remodeling and repolarization of macrophages for antitumor immunity. The stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers, including pH‐, redox‐, and light‐sensitive, can mediate targeted suppression of breast tumors. Besides, nanoparticles can provide a diagnosis of breast cancer and detect biomarkers. Various kinds of nanoparticles have been employed for breast cancer therapy, including carbon‐, lipid‐, polymeric‐ and metal‐based nanostructures, which are different in terms of biocompatibility and delivery efficiency.
Application of the microtomography technique in density studies of prehistoric and historical human skeletal materials
Authors: Tarasiuk Jacek , Mnich Barbara , Wroński Sebastian , Lisowska‐Gaczorek Aleksandra , Szostek Krzysztof 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBone density is not a standard parameter examined during anthropological analysis, although researchers increasingly attempt to assess bone mineral density (BMD) in prehistoric populations. Computed tomography (CT) has great potential in this type of research. Micro CT is a precise and universal tool for bone density measurement based on CT value (attenuation factor of the X‐rays at a given point in space). Thirty‐four archaeological human radial bone samples from four chronologically and geographically different sites from southern Poland were examined here. Real BMD was measured (mass/volume) and compared with BMD obtained with the use of CT value results to verify correlation between those two parameters. The micro CT density values were estimated with an uncertainty of less than 0.03 g/cm3 in more than 75% of samples. This method does not require any special sample preparation and any substitute of soft tissues. This technique enables measurement of the cortical and cancellous bone separately in even partial or damaged bones.
Composite component incremental consolidation for fiber waviness inhibition and its effect on damage progression of curved beams
Authors: He Yongxi , Zhang Yiqun , Zhang Jiacheng , Hu Naigang , Zhou Jinzhu , Bao Hong , Zhao Wenzhong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSevere fiber waviness defect often occurs during the consolidation process of fiber reinforced polymer composite component, which arises from that multiple interactional plies start to slide simultaneously and out‐of‐control under sufficient pressure. In this study, based on the significant in‐plane tension gradient along thickness of viscoelastic composite, a concept of incremental consolidation was proposed to actively inhibit fiber waviness in prepreg‐based composite component. Via applying a series of tiny step pressures continuously, plies were triggered to slide and consolidate layer by layer from top to bottom with a just‐right in‐plane tension and concurrent stresses relaxation. Incremental consolidation avoided the complex interaction among plies and allowed in‐plane tension to be significantly reduced by 165 times compared with autoclave processing with a constant pressure. The fiber waviness defects in a typical wing spar were successfully inhibited by the proposed method. The failure load of the component increased by 1.5 times and curved beam strength increased by 1.1 times while elastic displacement increased by 75%. The inhibition method was highly effective, easy to implement and affordable, which showed considerable promise to improve the manufacturability of the primary structural composite components.
Association of auditory Charles Bonnet syndrome with increased blood flow in the nondominant Brodmann area 22
Authors: Sakimoto Hitoshi , Urata Yuka , Ishizuka Takanori , Kimotsuki Hiroshi , Kasugai Motofumi , Fukuhara Ryuji , Sano Akira , Nakamura Masayuki 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimAuditory Charles Bonnet syndrome (aCBS) is characterized by musical hallucinations (MHs) that accompany acquired hearing impairments. This hallucination is the acoustic perception of music, sounds, or songs in the absence of an outside stimulus, and it may be associated with hyperactivity of the superior temporal lobes. Some studies have reported the possibility of improving MH with antiepileptics. To elucidate in detail the brain regions responsible for aCBS, we analyzed the regions that changed functionally after treatment.MethodsBefore and after treatment with carbamazepine (four cases), clonazepam (one case), and a hearing aid (one case), cerebral perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) were applied to six patients with hearing‐loss–associated MHs.ResultsCerebral blood flow analysis using SPECT revealed hyperperfusion in Brodmann area (BA) 22—the posterior region of the superior temporal gyrus—in the nondominant hemisphere in all six patients in the pretreatment phase. After treatment, the hyperperfusion region improved in all patients. The area percentages with hyperperfusion in the nondominant BA22 were strongly positively correlated with the AHRS score.ConclusionThe results suggest that aCBS, which was treatable with antiepileptics or hearing aids, was involved in hyperexcitement in BA22, and that MH strength was correlated with degree of excitement.
Comparison of characteristics of patients with lung cancer in U.K. primary care databases: Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum and GOLD
Authors: Gulikers J. L. , van Veelen A. J. , Driessen J. H. M. , Souverein P. C. , Tjan‐Heijnen V. C. G. , Hendriks L. E. L. , van Geel R. M. J. M. , Croes S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionIn recent years, the number of general practices contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) database GOLD is decreasing. Therefore, for research questions addressing for instance novel treatments requiring up‐to‐date data, sample size will become an important consideration in study feasibility. In recent years, CPRD Aurum, containing information of practices that use EMIS software, has become an additional data source that is being used for CPRD studies. In order to establish whether Aurum is suited to act as data source for future studies in the field of lung cancer research, we aimed to compare characteristics between patients with lung cancer in Aurum and GOLD.MethodsA retrospective study was performed comparing characteristics and overall survival (OS) of patients with lung cancer in Aurum and GOLD. To further evaluate similarity, hypothetical eligibility of these patients in Aurum and GOLD was compared for 11 randomized clinical trials (RCTs).ResultsBaseline characteristics registered in Aurum and GOLD were largely similar, with some clinically irrelevant differences for previous malignancies, deviant laboratory values and drug use. Median OS was 9.8 and 9.0 months for patients in Aurum and GOLD, respectively. Potential RCT eligibility varied between 49.4% and 79.5% and 49.1% and 78.1% for patients in Aurum and GOLD, respectively. Mortality rates and the comparison of the obtained HRs per hypothetical eligibility cohort per RCT were similar in Aurum and GOLD.ConclusionThis study showed that data of patients with lung cancer in Aurum and GOLD are largely comparable, suggesting that Aurum is suitable for future epidemiological lung cancer research.
Glypicans, 35 years later
Authors: Filmus Jorge 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGlypicans are a family of proteoglycans that are bound to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. These proteoglycans are highly conserved during evolution, and the mammalian genome contains six members of the family. Glypicans carry two to four heparan sulfate chains that are inserted near the carboxy terminus. The crystal structure reveals a densely packed cylindrical shape that is parallel to the cell surface. The functions of glypicans are mediated by the heparan sulfate chains and/or the core protein. One of the main functions of these proteoglycans is the regulation of the signaling pathways triggered by hedgehogs, Wnts, fibroblast growth factors, and bone morphogenetic proteins. Glypicans can either stimulate or inhibit the interaction of these growth factors with their signaling receptors. Studies in Drosophila have also shown that glypicans can regulate hedgehog, Wnt, and bone morphogenetic factor gradient formation. In addition, glypicans play important roles in the establishment of synapses and in neuron guidance and migration. Glypican mutations cause several developmental syndromes, and overexpression of these proteins contribute to the progression of various cancer types. In particular, glypican‐3 is currently being used as a marker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinomas, and it is being targeted by several immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of this malignancy.
An unexpected isomerisation of Isoquinuclidines
Authors: Moura Rebeca G. , Batista Patrick R. , Ducati Lucas C. , Yamaguchi Lydia F. , Marzorati Liliana 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe Diels–Alder reaction of three chiral dihydro‐2H‐[2,3‐a]oxazolopyridines with N‐methylmaleimide afforded the corresponding chiral cycloadducts as diastereomeric mixtures. In the presence of a solvent, some of the originally formed adducts underwent isomerisation to new isoquinuclidines.
Biochemical and structural characterization of meningococcal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase
Authors: Pantong Wanita , Pederick Jordan L. , Maenpuen Somchart , Tinikul Ruchanok , Jayapalan Jaime J. , Jovcevski Blagojce , Wegener Kate L. , Bruning John B. , Salaemae Wanisa 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMethylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key metabolic enzyme in colonization and virulence of Neisseria meningitidis, a causative agent of meningococcal diseases. Here, the biochemical and structural properties of MTHFR from a virulent strain of N. meningitidis serogroup B (NmMTHFR) were characterized. Unlike other orthologs, NmMTHFR functions as a unique homohexamer, composed of three homo‐dimerization partners, as shown in our 2.7 Å resolution crystal structure. Six active sites were formed solely within monomers and located away from the oligomerization interfaces. Flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor formed hydrogen bonds with conserved sidechains, positioning its isoalloxazine ring adjacent to the overlapping binding sites of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) coenzyme and CH2‐H4folate substrate. NmMTHFR utilized NADH (Km = 44 μM) as an electron donor in the NAD(P)H‐CH2‐H4folate oxidoreductase assay, but not nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) which is the donor required in human MTHFR. In silico analysis and mutagenesis studies highlighted the significant difference in orientation of helix α7A (Phe215–Thr225) with that in the human enzyme. The extended sidechain of Met221 on helix α7A plays a role in stabilizing the folded structure of NADH in the hydrophobic box. This supports the NADH specificity by restricting the phosphate group of NADPH that causes steric clashes with Glu26. The movement of Met221 sidechain allows the CH2‐H4folate substrate to bind. The unique topology of its NADH and CH2‐H4folate binding pockets makes NmMTHFR a promising drug target for the development of new antimicrobial agents that may possess reduced off‐target side effects.