bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a potential biomarker in stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mojtabavi Helia , Shaka Zoha , Momtazmanesh Sara , Ajdari Atra , Rezaei Nima 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundStroke, an acute cerebrovascular event, is a leading cause of disability, placing a significant psycho-socioeconomic burden worldwide. The adaptation and reorganization process following any neuronal damage is regarded as neuroplasticity. Among many factors believed to attribute to this process, Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin coordinating neuroplasticity after various neurological disorders such as stroke.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search in the main electronic medical databases in January 2021. Primarily we want to compare BDNF levels between patients with stroke and healthy controls (HC). Additional aims included investigation of (1) longitudinal changes in the BDNF levels post-stroke, (2) effects of physical training, (3) repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and presence of depression on BDNF levels in patients with stroke.ResultsAmong 6243 reviewed records from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, 62 studies were eligible for inclusion in our systematic review. Subjects with stroke, n = 1856, showed lower BDNF levels compared to HC, n = 1191 (SMD [95%CI] = − 1.04 [− 1.49 to − 0.58]). No significant difference was detected in the level of BDNF through time points past stroke. BDNF levels were lower in the patients with depression compared to non-depressed subjects (SMD [95%CI] = − 0.60 [− 1.10 to − 0.10]). Physical training had an immediate positive effect on the BDNF levels and not statistically significant effect in the long term; SMD [95%CI] = 0.49 [0.09 to 0.88]) and SMD [95%CI] = 0.02 [− 0.43 to 0.47]). Lastly, rTMS showed no effect on the level of BDNF with 0.00 SMD.ConclusionsOur study confirms that stroke significantly decreases the level of BDNF in various domains such as cognition, affect, and motor function. As BDNF is the major representative of neuroplasticity within nervous system, it is believed that stroke has a significant impact on the CNS regeneration, which is permanent if left untreated. This effect is intensified with coexisting conditions such as depression which further decrease the BDNF level but the net impact yet needs to be discovered. We also conclude that exercise and some interventions such as different medications could effectively reverse the damage but further studies are crucial to reach the exact modality and dosage for their optimal effect.
Two for one: targeting BCMA and CD19 in B-cell malignancies with off-the-shelf dual-CAR NK-92 cells
Authors: Roex Gils , Campillo-Davo Diana , Flumens Donovan , Shaw Philip Anthony Gilbert , Krekelbergh Laurens , De Reu Hans , Berneman Zwi N. , Lion Eva , Anguille Sébastien 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has proven to be a valuable new treatment option for patients with B-cell malignancies. However, by applying selective pressure, outgrowth of antigen-negative tumor cells can occur, eventually resulting in relapse. Subsequent rescue by administration of CAR-T cells with different antigen-specificity indicates that those tumor cells are still sensitive to CAR-T treatment and points towards a multi-target strategy. Due to their natural tumor sensitivity and highly cytotoxic nature, natural killer (NK) cells are a compelling alternative to T cells, especially considering the availability of an off-the-shelf unlimited supply in the form of the clinically validated NK-92 cell line.

Methods
Given our goal to develop a flexible system whereby the CAR expression repertoire of the effector cells can be rapidly adapted to the changing antigen expression profile of the target cells, electrotransfection with CD19-/BCMA-CAR mRNA was chosen as CAR loading method in this study. We evaluated the functionality of mRNA-engineered dual-CAR NK-92 against tumor B-cell lines and primary patient samples. In order to test the clinical applicability of the proposed cell therapy product, the effect of irradiation on the proliferative rate and functionality of dual-CAR NK-92 cells was investigated.

Results
Co-electroporation of CD19 and BMCA CAR mRNA was highly efficient, resulting in 88.1% dual-CAR NK-92 cells. In terms of CD107a degranulation, and secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and granzyme B, dual-CAR NK-92 significantly outperformed single-CAR NK-92. More importantly, the killing capacity of dual-CAR NK-92 exceeded 60% of single and dual antigen-expressing cell lines, as well as primary tumor cells, in a 4h co-culture assay at low effector to target ratios, matching that of single-CAR counterparts. Furthermore, our results confirm that dual-CAR NK-92 irradiated with 10 Gy cease to proliferate and are gradually cleared while maintaining their killing capacity.

Conclusions
Here, using the clinically validated NK-92 cell line as a therapeutic cell source, we established a readily accessible and flexible platform for the generation of highly functional dual-targeted CAR-NK cells.
Differences in addiction and recovery gains according to gender – gender barriers and specific differences in overall strengths growth
Authors: Abreu Minero Valeria , Best David , Brown Lorna , Patton David , Vanderplasschen Wouter 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
There is growing evidence on the importance of a gendered understanding of recovery. Gender differences have been reported in relation to the nature and extent of substance use, pathways to and through substance use disorder and recovery capital acquisition and maintenance. There is little existing research on factors associated with recovery capital growth by gender.

Methods
The current paper uses the European Life in Recovery database to assess specific domains of the Strengths and Barriers Recovery Scale (SABRS) that best predict growth of recovery capital amongst people in recovery from drug addiction. The 1313 participants were drawn from the REC-PATH study and recruited by the Recovery Users Network (RUN) from across Europe. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify relationships between specific SABRS items and gender, as well as differences in the dimensions of the SABRS scale most likely to predict recovery capital growth by gender.

Results
Between their time in active addiction and in recovery, females show greater growth in strengths, despite females reporting fewer recovery strengths during active addiction than males, and males have greater reductions in barriers to recovery compared to females. Multivariate analyses show that strengths specifically related to prosocial meaningful activities are found to be highly significant for growth of recovery capital amongst males, whereas strengths related to both prosocial meaningful activities and general health management seem particularly relevant for growth of recovery capital amongst females.

Conclusions
We conclude that this further demonstration of gender differences in recovery pathways should suggest gender-specific approaches adopted in recovery community organisations to address these different needs.
Macropinocytosis is an alternative pathway of cysteine acquisition and mitigates sorafenib-induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Byun Jun-Kyu , Lee Seunghyeong , Kang Gil Won , Lee Yu Rim , Park Soo Young , Song Im-Sook , Yun Jae Won , Lee Jaebon , Choi Yeon-Kyung , Park Keun-Gyu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Macropinocytosis, an important nutrient-scavenging pathway in certain cancer cells, allows cells to compensate for intracellular amino acid deficiency under nutrient-poor conditions. Ferroptosis caused by cysteine depletion plays a pivotal role in sorafenib responses during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, it is not known whether macropinocytosis functions as an alternative pathway to acquire cysteine in sorafenib-treated HCC, and whether it subsequently mitigates sorafenib-induced ferroptosis. This study aimed to investigate whether sorafenib drives macropinocytosis induction, and how macropinocytosis confers ferroptosis resistance on HCC cells.

Methods
Macropinocytosis, both in HCC cells and HCC tissues, was evaluated by measuring TMR-dextran uptake or lysosomal degradation of DQ-BSA, and ferroptosis was evaluated via C11-BODIPY fluorescence and 4-HNE staining. Sorafenib-induced ferroptosis and macropinocytosis were validated in tumor tissues taken from HCC patients who underwent ultrasound-guided needle biopsy.

Results
Sorafenib increased macropinocytosis in human HCC specimens and xenografted HCC tissues. Sorafenib-induced mitochondrial dysfunction was responsible for activation of PI3K-RAC1-PAK1 signaling, and amplified macropinocytosis in HCC. Importantly, macropinocytosis prevented sorafenib-induced ferroptosis by replenishing intracellular cysteine that was depleted by sorafenib treatment; this rendered HCC cells resistant to sorafenib. Finally, inhibition of macropinocytosis by amiloride markedly enhanced the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib, and sensitized resistant tumors to sorafenib.

Conclusion
In summary, sorafenib induced macropinocytosis, which conferred drug resistance by mitigating sorafenib-induced ferroptosis. Thus, targeting macropinocytosis is a promising therapeutic strategy to facilitate ferroptosis-based therapy for HCC.

Graphic Abstract
O-Acetyl-L-homoserine production enhanced by pathway strengthening and acetate supplementation in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Li Ning , Zeng Weizhu , Zhou Jingwen , Xu Sha 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
O-Acetyl-L-homoserine (OAH) is an important potential platform chemical. However, low levels of production of OAH are greatly limiting its industrial application. Furthermore, as a common and safe amino acid-producing strain, Corynebacterium glutamicum has not yet achieved efficient production of OAH.

Results
First, exogenous L-homoserine acetyltransferase was introduced into an L-homoserine-producing strain, resulting in the accumulation of 0.98 g/L of OAH. Second, by comparing different acetyl-CoA biosynthesis pathways and adding several feedstocks (acetate, citrate, and pantothenate), the OAH titer increased 2.3-fold to 3.2 g/L. Then, the OAH titer further increased by 62.5% when the expression of L-homoserine dehydrogenase and L-homoserine acetyltransferase was strengthened via strong promoters. Finally, the engineered strain produced 17.4 g/L of OAH in 96 h with acetate as the supplementary feedstock in a 5-L bioreactor.

Conclusions
This is the first report on the efficient production of OAH with C. glutamicum as the chassis, which would provide a good foundation for industrial production of OAH.
A deep learning pipeline to simulate fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in head and neck cancers using non-contrast CT images without the administration of radioactive tracer
Authors: Chandrashekar Anirudh , Handa Ashok , Ward Joel , Grau Vicente , Lee Regent 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a costly tracer-based imaging modality used to visualise abnormal metabolic activity for the management of malignancies. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that non-contrast CTs alone can be used to differentiate regions with different Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and simulate PET images to guide clinical management.

Methods
Paired FDG-PET and CT images (n = 298 patients) with diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were obtained from The cancer imaging archive. Random forest (RF) classification of CT-derived radiomic features was used to differentiate metabolically active (tumour) and inactive tissues (ex. thyroid tissue). Subsequently, a deep learning generative adversarial network (GAN) was trained for this CT to PET transformation task without tracer injection. The simulated PET images were evaluated for technical accuracy (PERCIST v.1 criteria) and their ability to predict clinical outcome [(1) locoregional recurrence, (2) distant metastasis and (3) patient survival].

Results
From 298 patients, 683 hot spots of elevated FDG uptake (elevated SUV, 6.03 ± 1.71) were identified. RF models of intensity-based CT-derived radiomic features were able to differentiate regions of negligible, low and elevated FDG uptake within and surrounding the tumour. Using the GAN-simulated PET image alone, we were able to predict clinical outcome to the same accuracy as that achieved using FDG-PET images.

Conclusion
This pipeline demonstrates a deep learning methodology to simulate PET images from CT images in HNSCC without the use of radioactive tracer. The same pipeline can be applied to other pathologies that require PET imaging.
Validation of Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (AcroQoL) for the Iranian population
Authors: Danaei Mina , Bahadorizadeh Leyla , Dehnad Afsaneh , Mohamadzadeh Shirin , Hashemi-Madani Nahid , Khamseh Mohammad E. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Acromegaly is a chronic disease significantly affects the physical, emotional, and health-related aspects of patients' life. This study aimed to validate the Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (AcroQoL) for the Persian-speaking population.

Methods
This cross-sectional study recruited 73 Iranian patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acromegaly. The content validity of the scales was evaluated by an expert panel of eight endocrinologists applying content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR). Construct validity was assessed by using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency was assessed on the basis of Cronbach’s alpha, and a goodness-of-fit (GoF) index was calculated to display whether the model fitted the data.

Results
CVI and CVR yielded values of 0.85 and 0.80, respectively (Acceptable CVI: > 0.78 and CVR: > 0.75). The average variances extracted (AVE) from physical and psychological dimensions were 0.520 and 0.462, respectively, exceeding the minimum criterion of 0.40. Cronbach’s alpha for physical and psychological dimensions equaled 0.868 and 0.866, respectively, indicating the adequate internal consistency of multiple items for each construct. The subscales’ R square and path coefficient were greater than the recommended threshold as 0.75 (physical dimension: 0.778, psychological dimension: 0.873), demonstrating the suitability of this criterion. Finally, the GoF value of 0.29 indicated the model's moderate fit.

Conclusions
The findings revealed that the Persian version of AcroQoL is of adequate validity and reliability for evaluating the quality of life of Iranian people with acromegaly.
The magnitude of the partial volume effect in SPECT imaging of the kidneys: a phantom study
Authors: Grings Andreas , Jobic Camille , Kuwert Torsten , Ritt Philipp 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can cause an over- or underestimation of tissue activity concentration due to limitations in spatial resolution compared to the structures under study. This is commonly referred to as partial volume effect (PVE). Ideally, the PVE should be controlled for and corrected. One such correction method involves determining recovery coefficients (RC) from phantom measurements. In the literature, several studies applying simplified geometries are available. In this study, we aimed to determine kidney PVE for realistic kidney geometries. Furthermore, we proposed a new surrogate metric for predicting the extent of PVE in kidneys.

Material and methods
Based on patients’ CT data, we manufactured fillable phantoms using a 3D-printer. Nine cortex-only and ten whole-parenchyma phantoms were obtained, and one ellipsoidal phantom for comparison. To measure PVE, we placed the phantoms in a torso phantom and filled them with a specified activity concentration. The phantoms’ RCs were determined from fully quantitative SPECT/CT acquisitions at three different target-to-background ratios (TBRs). Additionally, the surface area-to-volume (SA:V) ratio was determined for all phantoms and correlated with RCs.

Results
For SPECT reconstructions with 36 iterations, average RC ± one standard deviation at a 10-to-1 TBR was 76.3 ± 1.5% and 48.4 ± 8.3% for whole-parenchyma and cortex-only phantoms, respectively. The RC for the ellipsoidal phantom was 85.4%. The RC for whole-parenchyma was significantly higher than for cortex-only phantoms (p < 0.01). The RC variance was significantly higher for cortex-only phantoms (p < 0.01). A highly significant correlation of the SA:V ratio and RC was found for all phantoms. (R2 of linear regression was between 0.96 and 0.98.)

Conclusion
Changes in the specific shape of the kidneys cause large changes in PVE magnitude. Therefore, RCs derived from more simple phantoms are most likely insufficient to correct the PVE in patient images. Furthermore, one should account for the fact that intra-renal activity distribution significantly influences the extent of PVE. Additionally, we found that the SA:V ratio excellently models kidney RCs; potentially, this approach could also be applied to other geometries and represents an alternative to full imaging process simulations to determine the extent of PVE.
Emotional competence, attachment, and parenting styles in children and parents
Authors: Mortazavizadeh Zeinab , Göllner Lars , Forstmeier Simon 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe goal of this study was to examine whether a subject’s emotional competence correlates to attachment styles and parenting styles in children and their parents. The study was conducted with fifty children (9–11 years old) and their parents, both of whose emotional competence (EKF) and parenting style (PAQ) were measured. The attachment styles of parents and children were measured with the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) and the Bochumer Bindungstest (BoBiTe), respectively. The findings provide initial support to the assumption that attachment is related to emotional competence in parents. This relationship, however, was not significantly correlated in children. In addition, authoritative parenting and permissive parenting were significantly associated with emotional competence in parents. Emotional competence in children showed to be associated with an authoritative parenting style.
Pericapsular nervegroup (PENG) block—a scoping review
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Saikia Priyam , Dey Samarjit , Kashyap Nayana 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe obturator nerve and its accessory branch supplying the hip region, unlike the femoral nerve, are not adequately anaesthetized by conventional regional anaesthetic techniques targeting the hip region. With advancements in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthetic techniques, interests are revived in the field and efforts are being made to block them together. One such successful attempt is the novel peri-capsular nerve group (PENG) block. Consequently, further research on the PENG block began to explore its versatilities. The present study undertakes a scoping review of research on the PENG block in humans for any indication to determine the extent of the research done, the methodologies used, and other practical issues addressed in the research. This will help to identify potential research gaps that should be addressed in the future. PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, KoreaMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature, and the directory of open access journals were searched with the keyword “PENG block” and “pericapsular nerve group”. Manual search of electronically retrieved papers was also carried out. Among the 67 articles selected in our review, eighteen are case series; twenty-nine are case reports; two are randomized studies; one each of prospective cohort study, review, and cadaveric study; and 15 are editorials. However, only 64 articles were included later due to the retraction of three case reports. Data is insufficient to provide firm recommendations for or against different aspects of the block. The review encourages future work addressing different aspects of the PENG block.
Carbon composites from iron-chelating pyridine nitrogen-rich coordinated nanosheets for oxygen reduction
Authors: Zhang Bing , Guo Hele , Zhang Longsheng , Zhang Xu , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe exploration of a noble-metal-free and nitrogen-doped carbon (M–N/C) composite electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) remains a great challenge. The activities of the M–N/C composite electrocatalysts are mainly affected by the metal active sites, pyridinic nitrogen, and graphitic nitrogen. In the present work, the iron-coordinated self-assembly is proposed for the preparation of iron-chelating pyridine nitrogen-rich coordinated nanosheet (IPNCN) composites as electrocatalysts. Due to the highly conjugated structure of the IPNCN precursor, the pyridine nitrogen elements at both ends of the tetrapyrido [3,2-a:2',3'-c:3'',2''-h:2''',3'''-j] phenazine (TP) provide the multiple ligands, and the coordination interactions between the irons and the pyridine nitrogen further improve the thermodynamic stability, where the metal active sites and nitrogen elements are uniformly distributed in the whole structure. The resultant IPNCN composites exhibit excellent ORR performance with an onset potential of 0.93 V and a half potential of 0.84 V. Furthermore, the IPNCN composite electrocatalysts show the higher methanol resistance and electrochemical durability than the commercial Pt/C catalysts. It could be convinced that the as-designed IPNCN composite catalysts would be a promising alternative to the noble metal Pt-based catalysts in the practical applications.
Hydrogen and formate production and utilisation in the rumen and the human colon
Authors: Kelly William J. , Mackie Roderick I. , Attwood Graeme T. , Janssen Peter H. , McAllister Tim A. , Leahy Sinead C. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMolecular hydrogen (H2) and formate (HCOO−) are metabolic end products of many primary fermenters in the mammalian gut. Both play a vital role in fermentation where they are electron sinks for individual microbes in an anaerobic environment that lacks external electron acceptors. If H2 and/or formate accumulate within the gut ecosystem, the ability of primary fermenters to regenerate electron carriers may be inhibited and microbial metabolism and growth disrupted. Consequently, H2- and/or formate-consuming microbes such as methanogens and homoacetogens play a key role in maintaining the metabolic efficiency of primary fermenters. There is increasing interest in identifying approaches to manipulate mammalian gut environments for the benefit of the host and the environment. As H2 and formate are important mediators of interspecies interactions, an understanding of their production and utilisation could be a significant entry point for the development of successful interventions. Ruminant methane mitigation approaches are discussed as a model to help understand the fate of H2 and formate in gut systems.