bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of serum midkine levels between pregnant women with and without pre‐eclampsia: A case–control study from a tertiary hospital
Authors: Sakcak Bedri , Turgut Ezgi , Denizli Ramazan , Farisogullari Nihat , Tanacan Atakan , Yazihan Nuray , Sahin Dilek 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate changes in maternal serum midkine levels in pre‐eclampsia.MethodsThis study included 40 pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia and 66 healthy pregnant women in the control group. Demographic data, laboratory results, and midkine levels were compared between the groups.ResultsThe pre‐eclampsia and control groups were similar in terms of demographics. The midkine level of pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia was significantly higher than that of the controls (0.54 ± 0.23 and 0.31 ± 0.19 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cut‐off value of midkine was determined as 0.37 ng/mL, at which it had 75% sensitivity and 74% specificity (area under the curve: 0.815, 95% confidence interval 0.73–0.89, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe serum midkine level was significantly higher in pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia. Midkine seems to be associated with complicated inflammatory processes leading to pre‐eclampsia. Further study protocols can be planned to investigate the role of midkine in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia as a novel marker.
Comparative study of in‐vitro autofluorescence of normal versus non‐melanoma‐skin‐cancer cells at different excitation wavelengths
Authors: Garbarino Federico , Scelfo Daniel , Paulone Gabriele , Paganelli Alessia , Ulrici Alessandro , Magnoni Cristina , Pasquali Luca 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this experimental study the autofluorescence of squamous carcinoma cells, stimulated by 6 different excitation wavelengths in the range 280–533 nm, has been compared with the autofluorescence of normal control keratinocytes. Skin cells were cultivated in vitro, to isolate their characteristic autofluorescence form the more complex one that would be originated by the complete skin tissue. Autofluorescence spectra in the visible range were complemented by absorption measurements. It was observed that the control cells showed characteristic emission (and absorption) structures due to typical endogenous chromophores [FAD and NAD(P)H, lipo‐pigments, porphyrins], that were severely dumped in pathological cells. The autofluorescence spectra were then elaborated by multivariate analysis: after a first exploratory data analysis by means of Principal Component Analysis, the whole dataset was used to develop classification models using partial least squares‐discriminant analysis, to differentiate between normal and pathological cells. This permitted us to identify the most suitable fluorescence spectral interval, in the 550–670 nm range, to discriminate between normal and pathological behavior, independently on the excitation wavelength.
The effect of silica exposure on the risk of lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Yunxia , Zhang Wensheng , Wu Dean , Fan Yindi 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLung cancer is an incurable disease with an increased mortality rate caused by the inhalation of dust‐containing crystalline silica particles. Silica exposure is one of the most important occupational hazards in the world. Whether the association between silica exposure and lung cancer is because of the fibrotic process or to the effect of respirable silica itself is unclear. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified silica as a human lung carcinogen. The opinion of lung cancer is a question that has been addressed in this review. Three electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, were used to search for relevant literature from 2000 to 2022. To evaluate the relationship between exposure to silica and developing lung cancer, we performed a meta‐analysis using the random‐effects model. For each study, the overall odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p values were calculated. An extensive database search resulted in the selection of 20 (case‒control and nested case‒control studies were selected) out of 527 studies. Among the 20 selected studies, 7 studies showed a significant association between silica exposure and an increased risk of lung cancer. Further analysis showed that among the selected studies, six studies showed a significant correlation between combined exposure to silica and smoking with an increased risk of lung cancer. The data from the present study showed that smoking habits increased the impact of silica exposure on the initiation of lung carcinogenesis in exposed workers.
Ergothioneine attenuates varicocele‐induced testicular damage by upregulating HSP90AA1 in rats
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhou Ranran , Yang Cheng , Jiang Qijun , Yuan Haoyu , Qiu Xin , Tian Hu , Zhou Junhao , Liu Cundong 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study investigates the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanisms of ergothioneine (EGT) on the testicular damage caused by varicocele (VC) in vivo, in vitro, and in silico. This preclinical study combines a series of biological experiments and network pharmacology analyses. A total of 18 Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly and averagely divided into three groups: the sham‐operated, VC model, and VC model with EGT treatment (VC + EGT) groups. The left renal vein of the VC model and the VC + EGT groups were half‐ligated for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, the VC + EGT group was intragastrically administrated with EGT (10 mg/kg). GC1 and GC2 cells were exposed to H2O2 with or without EGT treatment to re‐verify the conclusion. The structure disorder of seminiferous tubules ameliorated the apoptosis decrease in the VC rats receiving EGT. EGT can also increase the sperm quality of the VC model rats (p < 0.05). The exposure to H2O2 decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of GC1 and GC2 cells, which was revisable by adding EGT to the plates (p < 0.05). The network pharmacology and molecular docking were conducted to explore the potential targets of EGT in VC, and HSP90AA1 was identified as the pivotal gene, which was validated by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and RT‐qPCR both in vivo and in vitro (p < 0.05). Overall, EGT attenuates the testicular injury in the VC model both in vivo and in vitro by potentially potentiating the expression of HSP90AA1.
Exploring the cardioprotective effects of canagliflozin against cisplatin‐induced cardiotoxicity: Role of iNOS/NF‐κB, Nrf2, and Bax/cytochrome C/Bcl‐2 signals
Authors: Ali Fares E. M. , Hassanein Emad H. M. , Abd El‐Ghafar Omnia A. M. , Rashwan Eman K. , Saleh Fayez M. , Atwa Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCardiotoxicity is a severe considerable side effect of cisplatin (CDDP) that requires much medical attention. The current study investigates the cardioprotective effects of canagliflozin (CA) against CDDP‐induced heart toxicity. Rats were allocated to the control group; the CA group was administered CA 10 mg/kg/day orally for 10 days; the CDDP group was injected with 7 mg/kg, intraperitoneal as a single dose on the 5th day, and the CDDP + CA group. Compared to the CDDP‐treated group, CA effectively attenuated CDDP‐induced heart injury as evidenced by a decrease of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase‐MB, and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes and supported by the alleviation of histopathological changes in cardiac tissues. Biochemically, CA attenuated cardiac oxidative injury through upregulation of the nuclear factor‐erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal. CA suppressed inflammation by decreasing cardiac NO2−, MPO, iNOS, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and interleukin 1‐beta levels. Besides, CA significantly upregulated cardiac levels of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and p‐AKT proteins. Moreover, CA remarkably mitigated CDDP‐induced apoptosis via modulation of Bax, cytochrome C, and Bcl‐2 protein levels. Together, the present study revealed that CA could be a good candidate for preventing CDDP‐induced cardiac injury by modulating iNOS/NF‐κB, Nrf2, PI3K/AKT, and Bax/cytochrome C/Bcl‐2 signals.
Alternative splicing of FKBP5 gene exerts control over T lymphocyte expansion
Authors: Marrone Laura , D'Agostino Massimo , Cesaro Elena , di Giacomo Valeria , Urzini Simona , Romano Maria Fiammetta , Romano Simona 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFKBP51 is constitutively expressed by immune cells. As other FKBP family members, FKBP51 acts as a coreceptor for the natural products FK506 and rapamycin, which exhibit immunosuppressive effects. However, little is known about the intrinsic role of this large FKBP in the primary function of lymphocytes, that is, the adaptive immune response against foreign antigens, for example, pathogens. This paper aimed to investigate whether FKBP51 expression was modulated during lymphocyte activation. Moreover, as we recently identified a splicing isoform of FKBP51, namely FKBP51s, we also measured this splice protein, along with the canonical one, at different times of a peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture stimulated via T cell receptor. Our results show that the two FKBP51 isoforms were alternatively induced during the proliferative burst. Canonical FKBP51 increased in the time window between 48 and 96 h and its expression levels correlated with cyclin D levels. FKBP51s transiently increased earlier, at 24−36 h to reappearing later, at 120 h, when cyclin D expression returned at resting levels and proliferation ceased. Interestingly, within these two specific timeframes, FKBP51s accumulated in the nucleus. Here FKBP51s colocalized with the Foxp3 transcription factor at 36 h. Regulatory T cell (Treg) counts significantly decreased when FKBP51s was downmodulated. The coculture suppression assay suggested that FKBP51s supports the suppressive capability of Tregs. At 120 h, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments found FKBP51s linked to CCND1 gene, suggesting a possible effect on gene transcription regulation, as previously demonstrated in melanoma. In conclusion, our study shows that FKBP5 isoforms are upregulated during lymphocyte activation, albeit on different timeframes. The activation of canonical FKBP51 coincides with proliferation hallmarks; FKBP5 splicing occurs early to sustain Treg development and late when proliferation ceases.
Modeling coarse‐grained van der Waals interactions using dipole‐coupled anisotropic quantum Drude oscillators
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Prasanta , Sadhukhan Mainak 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe Quantum Drude Oscillator (QDO) model is a promising candidate for accurately calculating the van der Waals (vdW) interaction. Anisotropic QDO models have recently been used to represent quantum fluctuations of molecular fragments rather than that of single atoms. While this model promises accurate calculation of vdW energy, there is significant room for improvements, such as incorporating a proper fragmentation method, higher‐order dispersion corrections, and so forth. The present work attempts to gauge dipole–dipole interactions' ability without fragmentation. A suitable anisotropic damping function is also introduced to work with anisotropic QDO. This revised model accurately predicts the binding energies of vdW complexes for most of the systems considered. This work indicates the limit of dipole approximation for an anisotropic QDO‐based model.
Circular RNA SPI1 expression before and after induction therapy and its correlation with clinical features, treatment response, and survival of acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Xiong Ting , Xia Liqun , Song Qiaoqiao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNA spi‐1 proto‐oncogene (circ‐SPI1) regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and bone marrow differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aimed to assess the relationship of circ‐SPI1 expression with the clinical features, induction therapy response, and survival of AML patients.MethodsIn total, 80 AML patients were included with bone marrow (BM) samples collected at baseline and after induction therapy. Additionally, 20 healthy donors (HDs) and 20 disease controls (DCs) were enrolled with BM samples collected after enrollment. BM circ‐SPI1 expression was detected by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay.ResultsCirc‐SPI1 expression was highest in AML patients, moderate in DCs, and lowest in HDs (median (interquartile range): 3.01 [2.02–4.14] versus 1.71 [1.01–2.85] versus 0.98 [0.74–1.71]) (p < 0.001). Moreover, lower circ‐SPI1 expression was related to its decreased located gene SPI1 expression (p = 0.029), white blood cells (WBC) < 18.8 × 109/L (p = 0.010), trisomy 8 (p = 0.025), and more favorable risk stratification (p = 0.014) in AML patients. Additionally, circ‐SPI1 expression was reduced in AML patients after induction therapy (p < 0.001), and its low expression after induction therapy was correlated with the achievement of complete remission (p < 0.001). Furthermore, circ‐SPI1 decline ≥30% during therapy (versus <30%) was independently related to longer event‐free survival (EFS) (hazard ratio (HR): 0.445, p = 0.028) and overall survival (OS) (HR: 0.319, p = 0.025) in AML patients.ConclusionDecreased circ‐SPI1 expression is related to lower WBC, favorable risk stratification, and better therapy response; moreover, its decline during therapy is an independent factor to predict longer EFS and OS in AML patients.
Efficacy of a smartphone application as an aid to enhance the instruction of radiographic differential diagnosis of maxillofacial bony lesions
Authors: Nikkerdar Nafiseh , Sepidar Kish Sahar , Golshah Amin , Khavid Atefeh 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a smartphone application for instruction of radiographic differential diagnosis of maxillofacial bony lesions as an aid to enhance to traditional learning (lecture‐based learning) for dental students.MethodsThis quasi‐experimental study evaluated 50 fifth‐year dental students who were randomly divided into two groups. The two groups were matched in terms of grade point average to ensure their equal baseline knowledge level. The experimental group (n = 25) received instructions regarding differential diagnosis of maxillofacial bony lesions via a self‐designed smartphone application, while the control group (n = 25) received lecture‐based instruction of the same topic. The students participated in a written exam (10 questions) immediately and 2 months after the interventions. Each question had 3 differential diagnosis choices. The best answer choice was allocated a score of 0.5, while other answer choices were allocated a score of 0.25. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, and Mann‐Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests.ResultsThe mean score of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group immediately after the intervention (p < 0.001) and also at 2 months (p < 0.001). The mixed effect linear model revealed that after controlling for the effect of age and sex, the mean score of the experimental group was still significantly higher than that of the control group immediately and at 2 months after the intervention (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSmartphone‐based mobile learning can effectively enhance the knowledge and practical skills of dental students in differential diagnosis of maxillofacial bony lesions as an aid to enhance to traditional learning.
No longer “non‐traditional”: Genetic counselors' perceptions towards laboratory and industry roles
Authors: Strohmeyer Joe , Arjunan Aishwarya , Ryan Lauren , Pan Vivian , Wicklund Catherine , Witherington Sarah 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA growing percentage of genetic counselors are employed in roles that do not involve direct patient care, commonly in commercial diagnostic laboratories. This study aimed to assess characteristics of laboratory and industry (LI) roles and perceptions of the genetic counseling community's views towards such roles. Members of NSGC and ABGC were invited to participate in this study. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics and select participant quotes are included to highlight key points identified by statistical analyses. Three hundred twenty‐six genetic counselors who self‐identified as currently or previously working within an LI role responded to the survey. Over 40% of participants reported feeling that they were not perceived positively by colleagues outside of LI settings, and 54% felt that GC colleagues in non‐LI roles provided mostly negative commentary about LI GC roles. Over 90% of individuals felt that their employer was a factor in the way they were perceived by others and that this factor carried a bigger weight than job title, work setting, or even professional responsibilities. Qualitative responses from open‐ended text questions suggest that while perceptions toward LI roles have improved over time, commentary regarding the “dark side” of genetic counseling persists. To promote the continued, unified growth of the genetic counseling profession and other healthcare professions, it is necessary to address this source of intra‐professional conflict.
One‐pot synthesis of quinazolinones and quinazolines under visible light via decarboxylation of α‐hydroxy acids
Authors: Xie Zongbo , Yang Jiangnan , Hu Jiayu , Fan Qiangwen , Zhu Haibo , Le Zhanggao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA novel method for the synthesis of quinazolinones was developed via the decarboxylation of α‐hydroxyl acids induced by visible light. Under blue LED irradiation, mandelic acid was decarboxylated in the presence of [Acr‐Mes]+(ClO4)−. Using α‐hydroxyl acids as an acyl source, a condensation reaction was followed by cyclization and oxidization to obtain the target product quinazolinone. In addition, this synthetic route can be applied to the preparation of quinazolines from 2‐aminobenzylamine. The conversion can occur at room temperature under air conditions without additives.
Avoiding the lockdown: Morphological facilitation of transversal chewing movements in mammals
Authors: Avedik Annika , Duque‐Correa Maria J. , Clauss Marcus 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe evolution of mammals is characterized, amongst other developments, by an increasing relevance of effective food processing in form of an increasingly durable dentition, complex occlusal surfaces, and transverse chewing movements. Some factors have received increasing attention for the facilitation of the latter, such as the configuration of the jaw joint, the chewing muscle arrangement and lever arms, or the reduction of interlocking cusps on the cheek teeth occlusal surface. By contrast, the constraining effect of the anterior dentition (incisors and canines) on transverse chewing motions, though known, has received less comprehensive attention. Here, we give examples of this constraint in extant mammals and outline a variety of morphological solutions to this constraint, including a reduction of the anterior dentition, special arrangements of canines and incisors, the nesting of the mandibular cheek teeth within the maxillary ones, and the use of different jaw positions for different dental functions (cropping vs. grinding). We suggest that hypselodont anterior canines or incisors in some taxa might represent a compensatory mechanism for self‐induced wear during a grinding chewing motion. We propose that the diversity in anterior dentition among mammalian herbivores, and the evolutionary trend towards a reduction of the anterior dentition in many taxa, indicates that the constraining effect of the anterior dentition, which is rigidly linked to the cheek teeth by the osseous jaws, represents a relevant selective pressure in mammalian evolution.
Predictive validity of GLIM malnutrition diagnosis in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: da Silva Couto Andresa , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Martucci Renata Brum , Feijó Patrícia Moreira , Rodrigues Viviane Dias , de Pinho Nivaldo Barroso , Souza Nilian Carla 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundConsidering that the validation of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) remains unclear in patients with colorectal cancer, the present study aimed to assess the agreement, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and prognostic effect of the GLIM on survival when compared with the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA).MethodsPatients with colorectal cancer who were scheduled to undergo a routine abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan were recruited. Using the GLIM two‐step approach, the patients were first screened for malnutrition by using the PG‐SGA Short Form (score ≥3). The malnutrition diagnosis was based on the etiologic (disease burden [cancer] or reduced food intake) and phenotypic GLIM criteria, including weight loss, body mass index, and skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra when using the CT scans. The food intake was assessed by the PG‐SGA.ResultsThis study included 191 patients (age, 60.5 ± 11.3 years; 57% men), and 23% and 32% were malnourished according to the GLIM and the PG‐SGA, respectively. The GLIM revealed fair sensitivity (64%), good agreement (kappa = 0.65), specificity (96%), and diagnostic accuracy for detecting malnutrition (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72–0.88) when compared with the PG‐SGA. The malnutrition value according to the GLIM and the PG‐SGA was associated with short‐term survival. However, only the PG‐SGA was associated with long‐term survival.ConclusionsAlthough showing fair sensitivity, the GLIM had good agreement, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for malnutrition detection and was an independent predictor of short‐term survival in patients with colorectal cancer.
Role of nutrients and temperature in shaping distinct summer phytoplankton and microzooplankton population dynamics in the western North Pacific and Bering Sea
Authors: Liu Kailin , Nishioka Jun , Chen Bingzhang , Suzuki Koji , Cheung Shunyan , Lu Yanhong , Wu Huijun , Liu Hongbin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPhytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing are two critical processes in marine food webs, but they remain understudied in the vast area of the subarctic western Pacific and the Bering Sea. In this study, we measured phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing rates in these less‐explored regions to demonstrate their spatial patterns and investigate underlying mechanisms driving the planktonic food web dynamics. Our results showed that the phytoplankton growth in these regions was determined by nutrient availability and temperature. In the high‐nutrient, low‐chlorophyll regions (HNLC), iron availability was the primary factor limiting phytoplankton growth. In contrast, phytoplankton growth in the Gulf of Anadyr and Kamchatka Strait was mainly limited by inorganic nitrogen exhausted by the summer blooms. We found that microzooplankton grazing rate was affected by temperature and prey availability, highlighting the positive effect of temperature. Strong top‐down control on phytoplankton by microzooplankton in the Gulf of Anadyr and Kamchatka Strait indicated an active microbial food web with high turnover rates. In contrast, the decoupling of phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing in the HNLC regions illustrates a weak role of microzooplankton in the marine food web. These results indicated different food web structures in the areas with and without riverine iron input. By revealing the roles of temperature and nutrient or prey availability in regulating the spatial variability of plankton rates, we expect that the plankton will respond differently to ocean warming between the HNLC and coastal regions of the subarctic Pacific due to different nutrient conditions. Our study helps understand how marine plankton will respond to environmental changes at high latitudes.