bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The addition of arginine deiminase potentiates Mithramycin A-induced cell death in patient-derived glioblastoma cells via ATF4 and cytochrome C
Authors: Linke Charlotte , Freitag Thomas , Riess Christin , Scheffler Jana Vanessa , del Moral Katharina , Schoenwaelder Nina , Fiedler Tomas , Fiebig Adina , Kaps Philipp , Dubinski Daniel , Schneider Björn , Bergmann Wendy , Classen Carl Friedrich , Maletzki Claudia 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Arginine auxotrophy constitutes a shortcoming for ~ 30% of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Indeed, arginine-depleting therapy using arginine deiminase from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpyADI) has proven activity against GBM in preclinical studies. The good safety profile of SpyADI renders this agent an ideal combination partner for cytostatic therapy.

Methods
In this study, we combined the antineoplastic antibiotic Mithramycin A (MitA) with SpyADI to boost single-agent activity and analyzed underlying response mechanisms in-depth.

Results
MitA monotherapy induced a time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in eight patient-derived GBM cell lines and had a radiosensitizing effect in all but one cell line. Combination treatment boosted the effects of the monotherapy in 2D- and 3D models. The simultaneous approach was superior to the sequential application and significantly impaired colony formation after repetitive treatment. MitA monotherapy significantly inhibited GBM invasiveness. However, this effect was not enhanced in the combination. Functional analysis identified SpyADI-triggered senescence induction accompanied by increased mitochondrial membrane polarization upon mono- and combination therapy. In HROG63, induction of lysosomes was seen after both monotherapies, indicative of autophagy. These cells seemed swollen and had a more pronounced cortically formed cytoskeleton. Also, cytochrome C and endoplasmatic reticulum-stress-associated proteins ATF4 and Calnexin were enhanced in the combination, contributing to apoptosis. Notably, no significant increases in glioma-stemness marker were seen.

Conclusions
Therapeutic utilization of a metabolic defect in GBM along with cytostatic therapy provides a novel combination approach. Whether this SpyADI/MitA regimen will provide a safe alternative to combat GBM, will have to be addressed in subsequent (pre-)clinical trials.

Graphical Abstract
The needs and opportunities for housing improvement for malaria control in southern Tanzania
Authors: Bofu Ramadhani M. , Santos Ellen M. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Kahamba Najat F. , Swilla Joseph D. , Njalambaha Rukiyah , Kelly Ann H. , Lezaun Javier , Christofides Nicola , Okumu Fredros O. , Finda Marceline F. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Malaria disproportionately affects low-income households in rural communities where poor housing is common. Despite evidence that well-constructed and mosquito-proofed houses can reduce malaria risk, housing improvement is rarely included in malaria control toolboxes. This study assessed the need, magnitude, and opportunities for housing improvement to control malaria in rural Tanzania.

Methods
A mixed-methods study was conducted in 19 villages across four district councils in southern Tanzania. A structured survey was administered to 1292 community members to assess need, perceptions, and opportunities for housing improvement for malaria control. Direct observations of 802 houses and surrounding environments were done to identify the actual needs and opportunities, and to validate the survey findings. A market survey was done to assess availability and cost of resources and services necessary for mosquito-proofing homes. Focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders to explore insights on the potential and challenges of housing improvement as a malaria intervention.

Results
Compared to other methods for malaria control, housing improvement was among the best understood and most preferred by community members. Of the 735 survey respondents who needed housing improvements, a majority needed window screening (91.1%), repairs of holes in walls (79.4%), door covers (41.6%), closing of eave spaces (31.2%) and better roofs (19.0%). Community members invested significant efforts to improve their own homes against malaria and other dangers, but these efforts were often slow and delayed due to high costs and limited household incomes. Study participants suggested several mechanisms of support to improve their homes, including government loans and subsidies.

Conclusion
Addressing the need for housing improvement is a critical component of malaria control efforts in southern Tanzania. In this study, a majority of the community members surveyed needed modest modifications and had plans to work on those modifications. Without additional support, their efforts were however generally slow; households would take years to sufficiently mosquito-proof their houses. It is, therefore, crucial to bring together the key players across sectors to reduce barriers in malaria-proofing housing in endemic settings. These may include government subsidies or partnerships with businesses to make housing improvement more accessible and affordable to residents.
ATP2B4 regulatory genetic variants are associated with mild malaria
Authors: Thiam Alassane , Nisar Samia , Adjemout Mathieu , Gallardo Frederic , Ka Oumar , Mbengue Babacar , Diop Gora , Dieye Alioune , Marquet Sandrine , Rihet Pascal 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundGenome-wide association studies have identifiedATP2B4as a severe malaria resistance gene. Recently, 8 potential causal regulatory variants have been shown to be associated with severe malaria.MethodsGenotyping of rs10900585, rs11240734, rs1541252, rs1541253, rs1541254, rs1541255, rs10751450, rs10751451 and rs10751452 was performed in 154 unrelated individuals (79 controls and 75 mild malaria patients). rs10751450, rs10751451 and rs10751452 were genotyped by Taqman assays, whereas the fragment of theATP2B4gene containing the remaining SNPs was sequenced. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the SNPs and mild malaria.ResultsThe results showed that mild malaria was associated with rs10900585, rs11240734, rs1541252, rs1541253, rs1541254, rs1541255, rs10751450, rs10751451 and rs10751452. The homozygous genotypes for the major alleles were associated with an increased risk of mild malaria. Furthermore, the haplotype containing the major alleles and that containing the minor alleles were the most frequent haplotypes. Individuals with the major haplotypes had a significantly higher risk of mild malaria compared to the carriers of the minor allele haplotype.ConclusionsATP2B4polymorphisms that have been associated with severe malaria are also associated with mild malaria.
The effect of exposure to traffic related air pollutants in pregnancy on birth anthropometry: a cohort study in a heavily polluted low-middle income country
Authors: Soesanti Frida , Uiterwaal Cuno S. P. M. , Meliefste Kees , Chen Jie , Brunekreef Bert , Idris Nikmah S. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Hoek Gerard 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Ambient air pollution has been recognized as one of the most important environmental health threats. Exposure in early life may affect pregnancy outcomes and the health of the offspring. The main objective of our study was to assess the association between prenatal exposure to traffic related air pollutants during pregnancy on birth weight and length. Second, to evaluate the association between prenatal exposure to traffic related air pollutants and the risk of low birth weight (LBW).

Methods
Three hundred forty mother-infant pairs were included in this prospective cohort study performed in Jakarta, March 2016–September 2020. Exposure to outdoor PM2.5, soot, NOx, and NO2 was assessed by land use regression (LUR) models at individual level. Multiple linear regression models were built to evaluate the association between air pollutants with birth weight (BW) and birth length (BL). Logistic regression was used to assess the risk of low birth weight (LBW) associated with all air pollutants.

Results
The average PM2.5 concentration was almost eight times higher than the current WHO guideline and the NO2 level was three times higher. Soot and NOx were significantly associated with reduced birth length. Birth length was reduced by − 3.83 mm (95% CI -6.91; − 0.75) for every IQR (0.74 × 10− 5 per m) increase of soot, and reduced by − 2.82 mm (95% CI -5.33;-0.30) for every IQR (4.68 μg/m3) increase of NOx. Outdoor air pollutants were not significantly associated with reduced birth weight nor the risk of LBW.

Conclusion
Exposure to soot and NOx during pregnancy was associated with reduced birth length. Associations between exposure to all air pollutants with birth weight and the risk of LBW were less convincing.
Multifunctional nanoplatforms application in the transcatheter chemoembolization against hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Gang , Liu Zhiyin , Wang Weiming , Liu Mengnan , Xu Yanneng , Hu Wei , Fan Yao , Zhang Xun , Liu Yong , Si Guangyan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the sixth-highest new incidence and fourth-highest mortality worldwide. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the primary treatment strategies for unresectable HCC. However, the therapeutic effect is still unsatisfactory due to the insufficient distribution of antineoplastic drugs in tumor tissues and the worsened post-embolization tumor microenvironment (TME, e.g., hypoxia and reduced pH). Recently, using nanomaterials as a drug delivery platform for TACE therapy of HCC has been a research hotspot. With the development of nanotechnology, multifunctional nanoplatforms have been developed to embolize the tumor vasculature, creating conditions for improving the distribution and bioavailability of drugs in tumor tissues. Currently, the researchers are focusing on functionalizing nanomaterials to achieve high drug loading efficacy, thorough vascular embolization, tumor targeting, controlled sustained release of drugs, and real-time imaging in the TACE process to facilitate precise embolization and enable therapeutic procedures follow-up imaging of tumor lesions. Herein, we summarized the recent advances and applications of functionalized nanomaterials based on TACE against HCC, believing that developing these functionalized nanoplatforms may be a promising approach for improving the TACE therapeutic effect of HCC.
Reconsideration of the safety and effectiveness of human oocyte cryopreservation
Authors: Kwan Helen C. K. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMature oocyte cryopreservation (OC) has become increasingly common since the American Society for Reproductive Medicine declared OC to no longer be experimental. Utilization of the open vitrification protocol has led to a marked improvement in the efficacy of oocyte cryopreservation. However, the safety and effectiveness of this cryopreservation method remain controversial. A previous report stated that among all initiated recipient cycles, the live-birth rate among recipients of all ages was significantly higher when using fresh donor oocytes (FDOs) rather than cryopreserved donor oocytes (CDOs). Confounding patient characteristics were noted as possible causes. OC stands as an acceptable elective medical intervention for preserving fertility in women. To further understand the effects of OC on the live birth rate resulting from fresh versus cryopreserved donor oocytes, reported data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology from 2013 to 2020 were analyzed. The mean of the mean live-birth rate in all ages resulting from FDOs was 49.0% (44.6–53.3%) versus 41.0% (39.1–43.2%) for CDOs (difference, 8.0% [95% confidence interval, 5.35–10.57%], p value < 0.001). The lower live-birth rate observed for CDOs versus FDOs has been consistent throughout past decades. While there has been no reported increase in the aneuploidy rate for CDOs compared to FDOs, differences in the nondisjunction separation rate among different chromosomes were described in a recent report. Open vitrification culture medium usually contains high concentrations of cryoprotectants, such as 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 15% ethylene glycol (EG). Recent studies showed that tissue culture with 0.1% DMSO or 10% EG resulted in deregulation of gene expression, disruption of epigenetic imprints, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The addition of melatonin, which can remove reactive oxygen species from vitrification medium, was shown to improve CDOs qualities and functions to conditions similar to those of FDOs; however, there were insufficient data to conclude that melatonin could improve the lower live-birth rate. These factors that affect live birth rates, birth defects, birth weights and developmental health cannot be ignored and perhaps need to be studied again and followed when evaluating the true effectiveness of human oocyte cryopreservation.
A deep learning approach to track Arabidopsis seedlings’ circumnutation from time-lapse videos
Authors: Mao Yixiang , Liu Hejian , Wang Yao , Brenner Eric D. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Circumnutation (Darwin et al., Sci Rep 10(1):1–13, 2000) is the side-to-side movement common among growing plant appendages but the purpose of circumnutation is not always clear. Accurately tracking and quantifying circumnutation can help researchers to better study its underlying purpose.

Results
In this paper, a deep learning-based model is proposed to track the circumnutating flowering apices in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana from time-lapse videos. By utilizing U-Net to segment the apex, and combining it with the model update mechanism, pre- and post- processing steps, the proposed model significantly improves the tracking time and accuracy over other baseline tracking methods. Additionally, we evaluate the computational complexity of the proposed model and further develop a method to accelerate the inference speed of the model. The fast algorithm can track the apices in real-time on a computer without a dedicated GPU.

Conclusion
We demonstrate that the accuracy of tracking the flowering apices in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana can be improved with our proposed deep learning-based model in terms of both the racking success rate and the tracking error. We also show that the improvement in the tracking accuracy is statistically significant. The time-lapse video dataset of Arabidopsis is also provided which can be used for future studies on Arabidopsis in various takes.
Fast reconstruction method of three-dimension model based on dual RGB-D cameras for peanut plant
Authors: Liu Yadong , Yuan Hongbo , Zhao Xin , Fan Caihu , Cheng Man 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Plant shape and structure are important factors in peanut breeding research. Constructing a three-dimension (3D) model can provide an effective digital tool for comprehensive and quantitative analysis of peanut plant structure. Fast and accurate are always the goals of the plant 3D model reconstruction research.

Results
We proposed a 3D reconstruction method based on dual RGB-D cameras for the peanut plant 3D model quickly and accurately. The two Kinect v2 were mirror symmetry placed on both sides of the peanut plant, and the point cloud data obtained were filtered twice to remove noise interference. After rotation and translation based on the corresponding geometric relationship, the point cloud acquired by the two Kinect v2 was converted to the same coordinate system and spliced into the 3D structure of the peanut plant. The experiment was conducted at various growth stages based on twenty potted peanuts. The plant traits’ height, width, length, and volume were calculated through the reconstructed 3D models, and manual measurement was also carried out during the experiment processing. The accuracy of the 3D model was evaluated through a synthetic coefficient, which was generated by calculating the average accuracy of the four traits. The test result showed that the average accuracy of the reconstructed peanut plant 3D model by this method is 93.42%. A comparative experiment with the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, a widely used 3D modeling algorithm, was additionally implemented to test the rapidity of this method. The test result shows that the proposed method is 2.54 times faster with approximated accuracy compared to the ICP method.

Conclusions
The reconstruction method for the 3D model of the peanut plant described in this paper is capable of rapidly and accurately establishing a 3D model of the peanut plant while also meeting the modeling requirements for other species' breeding processes. This study offers a potential tool to further explore the 3D model for improving traits and agronomic qualities of plants.
Inadequate proximal screw fixation increases risk of failure following plate fixation of diaphyseal humerus fractures
Authors: Mistry Manisha R. , Tat Jimmy , Husain Rafi , Sheth Ujash , Richards Robin R. , Nam Diane 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures (AO/OTA 12) is being performed more frequently. Accordingly, it is important to understand the complications associated with plate fixation. This study analyzes risk factors associated with mechanical failure following plate fixation of humeral shaft fractures in order to further elucidate the mode and location of failure.

Methods
A retrospective review of 351 humeral shaft fractures was completed at a single level I trauma center. Eleven of eighty-five humeral shaft fractures had aseptic mechanical failure requiring revision (12.9%), following initial plate fixation. Fracture characteristics (AO type, comminution, location) and fracture fixation (plate type, multiplanar, number of screws proximal and distal to the fracture) were compared between aseptic mechanical failure and those without failure. A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to determine any significant predictors of aseptic mechanical failure.

Results
There was significant differences in fixation between the aseptic mechanical failure group and those without failure, specifically in the number of screws for proximal fixation (p = 0.008) and distal fixation (p = 0.040). In the aseptic mechanical failure group, patients tended to have less than < 8 cortices of proximal fixation (82%) and less than < 8 cortices of distal fixation (64%). Conversely, in patients without mechanical failure there was a tendency to have greater than > 8 cortices in both the proximal (62%) and distal fixation (70%). A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis found that less than < 8 cortices of proximal fixation was a significant predictor of aseptic failure, OR 7.96 (p = 0.011). We think this can be accounted for due to the variable bone quality, thinner cortices and multiple torsional forces in the proximal shaft that may warrant special consideration for fixation.

Conclusion
The current dogma of humeral shaft fracture stabilization is to use a minimum of 3 screws proximal and distal to the fracture, however the current study demonstrates this is associated with higher rates of mechanical failure. In contrast, 4 bicortical screws or more of fixation on either side of the fracture had lower failure rates and may help to reduce the risk of mechanical failure.
Level of Evidence Level III.
Learning curve for biportal endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy determined using the cumulative summation test
Authors: Kang Min-Seok , Park Hyun-Jin , Park Sang-Min , You Ki-Han , Ju Won-Jik 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Learning curves describe the rate of performance improvements corresponding to the surgeon’s caseload, followed by a plateau where limited further improvements are observed. This study aimed to determine the learning curve for biportal full-endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy (BE-PCF) for the unilateral cervical foraminal disc.

Methods
The learning curve was evaluated using a learning curve cumulative summation test (LC-CUSUM). The goal for the operation time was set to 78 min, which is the mean operation time (mOT) of percutaneous full-endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy (PE-PCF) performed by a senior surgeon. Moreover, clinical outcomes and post-operative complications were compared between the early and late learning periods 1 year post-operatively.

Results
This study enrolled the first 50 patients who underwent single-level BE-PCF, performed by a single surgeon. The LC-CUSUM signalled competency for surgery at the 20th operation, indicating that sufficient evidence was obtained to prove that the surgeon was competent. The mOT was 71.29 ± 11.69 min in BE-PCF, 71.84 ± 12.61 min in the early learning period, and 67.83 ± 10.31 min in the late learning period (p = 0.254). There was no statistical difference in clinical outcomes, visual analogue scale scores, and neck disability index between both periods (p > 0.05). Four complications were recorded throughout the whole period, with three in the early period and one in the late period (p = 0.285).

Conclusion
Our study shows that BE-PCF has a learning curve of 20 caseloads to achieve 90% proficiency, and it significantly reduces the operation time based on the performance of a senior surgeon proficient in PE-PCF.
The patient with patellar instability has a stenotic intercondylar notch and a thin anterior cruciate ligament: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Hao Kuo , Niu Yingzhen , Kong Lingce , Wang Fei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Patellar instability (PI) usually combines with morphological abnormalities of femoral condyles that may affect the morphology of the intercondylar notch and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which are important in individualized ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the intercondylar notch and ACL in patients with PI.

Methods
80 patients with PI and 160 age- and gender-matched controls from January 2014 to June 2022 were studied. Morphological measurements of the femoral condyles included intercondylar notch height, notch width, medial condylar width, lateral condylar width, bicondylar width, notch width index, notch angle, lateral femoral condyle ratio (LFCR), condyle flexion angle, and posterior tibial slope. Morphological measurements of the ACL included ACL length, inclination angle, and ACL size. The measurements were compared between PI and control groups, and between males and females in PI group. The independent samples t-test was performed to examine differences in continuous variables. The chi-square test was used for comparing categorical variables.

Results
The intercondylar notch width, bicondylar width, notch width index, and notch angle were significantly smaller, while the LFCR was significantly larger in PI group than those of control group (p < 0.05). The ACL thickness (0.70 ± 0.16 cm vs 0.80 ± 0.21 cm, p = 0.023) and width (0.54 ± 0.14 cm vs 0.60 ± 0.13 cm, p = 0.029) were significantly smaller in PI group. The notch width was significantly smaller in female patients than males in PI group, but no significant difference was observed in the notch width index and notch angle (p > 0.05). No sex difference related to the morphology of the ACL was found.

Conclusions
The patient with PI had a stenotic intercondylar notch and a thin ACL. No significant sex difference in the intercondylar notch stenosis and ACL size was observed. The morphology of the intercondylar notch and ACL should be taken into consideration when planning individualized ACL reconstruction in the presence of PI.