bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploration of the threshold SUV for diagnosis of malignancy using 18F-FBPA PET/CT
Authors: Isohashi Kayako , Kanai Yasukazu , Aihara Teruhito , Hu Naonori , Fukushima Kentaro , Baba Ichiro , Hirokawa Fumitoshi , Kakino Ryo , Komori Tsuyoshi , Nihei Keiji , Hatazawa Jun , Ono Koji 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background

The goal of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of 18F-FBPA PET/CT for malignant tumors. Findings from 18F-FBPA and 18F-FDG PET/CT were compared with pathological diagnoses in patients with malignant tumors or benign lesions.

Methods

A total of 82 patients (45 males, 37 females; median age, 63 years; age range, 20–89 years) with various types of malignant tumors or benign lesions such as inflammation and granulomas were examined by 18F-FDG and 18F-FBPA PET/CT. Tumor uptake of FDG or FBPA was quantified using the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). The final diagnosis was confirmed by cytopathology or histopathological findings of the specimen after biopsy or surgery. A ROC curve was constructed from the SUVmax values of each PET image, and the area under the curve (AUC) and cutoff values were calculated.

Results

The SUVmax for 18F-FDG PET/CT did not differ significantly for malignant tumors and benign lesions (10.9 ± 6.3 vs. 9.1 ± 2.7 P = 0.62), whereas SUVmax for 18F-FBPA PET/CT was significantly higher for malignant tumors (5.1 ± 3.0 vs. 2.9 ± 0.6, P < 0.001). The best SUVmax cutoffs for distinguishing malignant tumors from benign lesions were 11.16 for 18F-FDG PET/CT (sensitivity 0.909, specificity 0.390) and 3.24 for 18F-FBPA PET/CT (sensitivity 0.818, specificity 0.753). ROC analysis showed significantly different AUC values for 18F-FDG and 18F-FBPA PET/CT (0.547 vs. 0.834, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

18F-FBPA PET/CT showed superior diagnostic ability over 18F-FDG PET/CT in differential diagnosis of malignant tumors and benign lesions. The results of this study suggest that 18F-FBPA PET/CT diagnosis may reduce the need for invasive biopsy and surgery to determine the benign or malignant nature of a lesion.
E3 ligase MAEA-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of PHD3 promotes glioblastoma progression
Authors: Yang Lifang , Zhou Peijun , Tang Siyuan , Peng Xingzhi , zhang Kun , Tan Zhikai , Li Dan , Shen Liangfang , Peng Jinwu 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant glioma with high recurrence rate and a poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism of malignant progression of GBM is still unclear. In present study, through proteomic analysis of clinical primary and recurrent glioma samples, we identified that aberrant E3 ligase MAEA expressed in recurrent samples. The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that the high expression of MAEA was related to the recurrence and poor prognosis of glioma and GBM. Functional studies showed that MAEA could promote the proliferation, invasion, stemness and the temozolomide (TMZ) resistance. Mechanistically, the data indicated that MAEA targeted prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 (PHD3) K159 to promote its K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation, thus enhancing the stability of HIF-1α, thereby promoting the stemness and TMZ resistance of GBM cells through up-regulating CD133. The in vivo experiments further confirmed that knocking down MAEA could inhibit the growth of GBM xenograft tumors. In summary, MAEA enhances the expression of HIF-1α/CD133 through degradation of PHD3 and promotes the malignant progression of GBM.
Role of washing process in the improvement of surface properties of porous geopolymers
Authors: Bouna Lahcen , Ettahiri Youssef , Elimbi Antoine , Benlhachemi Abdeljalil , Cyr Martin 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This study investigates the importance of washing process in the quantitative improvement of both porosity and specific surface area of geopolymer. To this end, geopolymer was synthesized using natural kaolinite clay via alkaline activation. Depending on both unwashed and washed geopolymers, the following characterization techniques were achieved: X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), specific surface area, pore distribution, pore volume and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). After the washing process, both specific surface area (SBET) and pore volume (Vp) of geopolymers have increased considerably: SBET = 0.59 m2/g and Vp = 0.001 cm3/g (unwashed) versus SBET = 78.80 m2/g and Vp = 0.104 cm3/g (washed) respectively. Hence, the washing process allows increasing of the surface reactivity of geopolymers through the elimination among others of excess of unreacted alkaline solution which is responsible of the efflorescence.
Oxymatrine ameliorates white matter injury by modulating gut microbiota after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Li Jing , Liang Jianhao , Zeng Meiqin , Sun Kaijian , Luo Yunhao , Zheng Huaping , Li Feng , Yuan Wen , Zhou Hongwei , Liu Junshan , Sun Haitao 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
White matter injury (WMI) significantly affects neurobehavioral recovery in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Gut dysbiosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Oxymatrine (OMT) has therapeutic effects on inflammation-mediated diseases. Whether OMT exerts therapeutic effects on WMI after ICH and the role of gut microbiota in this process is largely unknown.
Methods
ICH model was established by collagenase IV injection. OMT was daily administrated via oral gavage after ICH. Neurological deficits, WMI, the severity of corticospinal tract (CST) injury, intestinal barrier function and systemic inflammation were investigate after ICH. Microbial 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to reveal the dynamic microbial profiles. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed to elucidate the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of ICH.
Results
OMT promoted a better long-term neurological function recovery and ameliorated axonal demyelination, microgliosis and glial scar formation in the peri-hematoma region and distal CST in the chronic phase after ICH. The significant and persistent alterations of gut microbial composition induced by ICH, which lasted more than two weeks, were obviously regulated by OMT via increasing the species richness and diversity. Additionally, treatment with OMT alleviated intestinal barrier dysfunction, accompanied by a significant down-regulation of the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Correlation analysis revealed that gut microbiota alteration was correlated with inflammation, intestinal barrier permeability, and neurological deficits after ICH. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of OMT on ICH-induced WMI and intestinal barrier disruption were transferrable by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
Conclusion
Our study showed that OMT ameliorates ICH-induced WMI, neurological deficits and intestinal barrier disruption, and OMT-modulated gut microbiota plays an important role in the underlying mechanism.
LncRNA H19 facilitates polarization of M1 phenotype macrophages via miR-145-5p/PAI-1 axis in mediating systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhao Chenglei , Zhang Yong , Guo Junkai , Wang Juan , Wang Chunyou , Song Zhiqiang , You Yi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
LncRNAs take extensive effects in immune cells to mediate various autoimmune diseases. However, its potential role in development of SLE remains uncertain. We screened out candidate lncRNA in exosomes from SLE patients and the healthy, and was further validated in mouse model by histological examinations in vivo. Additional morphological verification was exploited to validate its biological functions by construction of plasmids in vitro. H19 in serum exosomes of patients was escalated, and could also promote the proliferation and migration of macrophages. Additionally, H19 mainly recruited miR-145-5p and promotes the expression of downstream targeted protein PAI-1. It further promoted the release of SLE-associated proinflammatory factors via Jak2-STAT3 axis, and in turn facilitated the polarization of M1 macrophages. Our study uncovered a potential mechanism of lncRNA H19 in mediating macrophage polarization and leading to the release of proinflammatory factors, providing a new intervention target for treating SLE.
Microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Bi2O3 /Ag2O heterostructures with highly enhanced photocatalysis and their biological interest
Authors: Ramakrishnegowda Deepu Habbanakuppe , Ramesh Abhilash Mavinakere , Purushotham Dhananjay , Kodandaram Anju , Srini Sudhanva Muddhenahalli , Rangappa Shobith , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal Subbegowda , Shivanna Srikantaswamy 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
A methodological analysis is made in the rational synthesis of the Bi2O3/Ag2O nanostructure with significant application, possessing substantial electron-hole recombination acting as solar catalysts through powerful and modest hydrothermal technique. The composite Bi2O3/Ag2O is intermediary for single step Methyl Red (MR) dye photocatalytic degradation. Under the impact of solar irradiation heavy metals like, Lead (Pb) are also removed by the synthesized material surface influence of sunlight. Anti-cancer activity upon Colon cancer cells (HCT116) is achieved with excellent cell viability and IC50 value. The research work or the present study found an excellent and efficient design of photocatalyst as an eco-friendly and biomedical approach.
Investing in the roots of your political ancestors
Authors: Kammas Pantelis , Poulima Maria , Sarantides Vassilis 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Using regional data for Greece, we document the disproportionate allocation of public investment funds in favor of prefectures with many core supporters of the incumbent party. Our main evidence comes from an Instrumental Variables (IV) analysis that exploits the discontinuity in the political landscape of Greece after a brief military junta (1967-1974) to link the parties established after 1974 with their ancestors from the same ‘political family’ during the pre-dictatorial era. In particular, we show that political ancestors’ electoral strength affects the allocation of public investment, the political support between political ancestor and descendant parties is strongly associated and that both push the allocation of public investment in prefectures with many core supporters. We also provide evidence that the appointment of deputy ministers from the loyal prefectures of the incumbent party plays an important role in this relationship.
JEL classification: H1; H4; D7
Role of autophagy and apoptosis in aluminum exposure-induced liver injury in rats
Authors: Wei Xi , Li Dong , Luo Yueling , Wu Biaoliang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Aluminum exposure can lead to different degrees of damage to various organ systems of the body. It has been previously revealed that that aluminum exposure can damage the liver, causing liver dysfunction. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This research aims to uncover the damaging effect of aluminum exposure on rat liver and to demonstrate the role of autophagy and apoptosis in this effect. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group (C group), low-dose aluminum exposure group (L group), middle-dose aluminum exposure group (M group), and high-dose aluminum exposure group (H group) (n = 8). The rats respectively received intraperitoneal injection of 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/(kg·d) AlCl3 solution for 4 w (5 times/w). After the experiment, changes in the ultrastructure and autolysosome in rat liver were observed; the liver function, apoptosis rate, as well as levels of apoptosis-associated proteins and autophagy-associated proteins were detected. The results indicated that aluminum exposure damaged rat liver function and structure and resulted in an increase of autolysosomes. TUNEL staining revealed an elevated number of apoptotic hepatocytes after aluminum exposure. Moreover, we found from Western blotting that the levels of autophagy-associated proteins Beclin1 and LC3-II increased; apoptotic protein Caspase-3 level elevated and Bcl-2/Bax ratio reduced. Our research suggested that aluminum exposure can lead to high autophagy and apoptosis levels of rat hepatocytes, accompanied by hepatocyte injury and impaired liver function. This study shows that autophagy and apoptosis pathways participate in aluminum toxication-induced hepatocyte injury.
Effects of crosslinking agent ratio and gelation temperature on the performance of microcrystalline cellulose hydrogels
Authors: Lin Wei-Shu , Lee Wen-Jau 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Hydrogel is a network polymer with low crosslinking density that has the ability to swell and retain large amounts of water. Nowadays, hydrogels are widely used in various fields, such as drug delivery, hygiene products, agricultural water retention materials, cell culture, and biomaterials. Cellulose is the most abundant renewable resource on earth and has attracted much attention in hydrogel production due to its high hydrophilicity, good biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose was added to a mixture of urea/NaOH/H2O to form a cellulose solution by stirring and repeated freezing and thawing. Then, the cellulose solution was reacted with epichlorohydrin at different epichlorohydrin/cellulose (E/C) ratios and different temperatures to prepare cellulose hydrogels. The results show that the repeated freezing-thawing process is an effective method for increasing the solubility of cellulose. After dissolution and drying, the crystal structure of cellulose changes from cellulose-I to cellulose-II. The cellulose solution can be reacted with epichlorohydrin. The larger the E/C ratio, the easier the reaction and the greater the mechanical strength of the cellulose hydrogel, but the lower the water absorption of the dried hydrogel. Heating can promote the reaction, but reduce the structural uniformity and mechanical strength of the hydrogel.
Mechanism of cystogenesis by Cd79a-driven, conditional mTOR activation in developing mouse nephrons
Authors: Truc Linh Tran Nguyen , Matsuda Satoshi , Takenouchi Akiko , Huong Quynh Tran Thuy , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Kanda Hiroaki , Yoshizawa Katsuhiko , Tsukaguchi Hiroyasu 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common genetic disorder arising from developmental and postnatal processes. Defects in primary cilia and their signaling (eg, mTOR) underlie the pathogenesis. However, how mTOR regulates tubular integrity remains unclear. The paucity of faithful models has limited our understanding of pathogenesis and, therefore, the refinement of therapeutic targets. To understand the role of mTOR in early cystogenesis, we studied an in-house mouse model, Cd79a-Cre;Tsc1ff (Cd79a-Tsc1 KO hereafter), recapitulating human autosomal-dominant PKD histology. Cre-mediated Tsc1 depletion driven by the promoter for Cd79a, a known B-cell receptor, activated mTORC1 exclusively along the distal nephron from embryonic day 16 onward. Cysts appeared in the distal nephron at 1 weeks of age and mice developed definite PKD by 4 weeks. Cd79a-Tsc1 KO tubule cells proliferated at a rate comparable to controls after birth but continued to divide even after postnatal day 14 when tubulogenesis is normally completed. Apoptosis occurred only after 9 weeks. During postnatal days 7-11, pre-cystic Cd79a-Tsc1 KO tubule cells showed cilia elongation, aberrant cell intercalation, and mitotic division, suggesting that defective cell planar polarity (PCP) may underlie cystogenesis. mTORC1 was activated in a portion of cyst-lining cells and occasionally even when Tsc1 was not depleted, implying a non-autonomous mechanism. Our results indicate that mTORC1 overactivation in developing distal tubules impairs their postnatal narrowing by disrupting morphogenesis, which orients an actively proliferating cell toward the elongating axis. The interplay between mTOR and cilium signaling, which coordinate cell proliferation with PCP, may be essential for cystogenesis.
Lysinibacillus capsici 38328 Isolated from Agricultural Soils as a Promising Probiotic Candidate for Intestinal Health
Authors: Chen Huinan , Sun Xiaoyi , He Huilin , Ren Hongkun , Duan Haoyuan , Zhang Chuankun , Chang Qingru , Zhang Runxiang , Ge Junwei 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
There is an increasing interest in the use of spore-forming Bacillus spp. as probiotic ingredients on the market. However, probiotics Bacillus species are insufficient, and more safe Bacillus species were required. In the study, traditional fermented foods and soil samples were collected from all over the country in China, and 506 Bacillus were selected from 109 samples. Using the optimized procedure, we screened 9 strains, which successfully passed the acid, alkali, bile salt and trypsin resistance test. Drug sensitivity test results showed that three Bacillus out of the 9 isolates exhibited antibiotic sensitivity to more than 29 antibiotics. The 3 strains sensitive to antibiotics were identified by 16S ribosomal RNA, recA and gyrB gene analysis, two isolates (38327 and 38328) belong to the specie Lysinibacillus capsici and one isolate (37326) belong to Bacillus halotolerans. Moreover, the 3 strains were confirmed safe through animal experiments. Finally, L. capsici 38327 and 38328 showed the protection in Salmonella infection mouse model, which manifested in slowing down weight loss, reducing bacterial load, improving antioxidant capacity. Altogether, our data demonstrate selected L. capsici strains can be used novel probiotics for intestinal health.
Acute Thyrotoxic Myopathy Combined with Elusive Subacute Thyroiditis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fu Shi-En , Liang Xing-Huan , Tang Zhi-Ping , Kuang Ya-Qi , Qiu Cheng-Cheng , Yang Hai-Yan , Huang Zhen-Xing , Qin Ying-Fen , Ma Yan , Luo Zuo-Jie 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground Acute thyrotoxic myopathy (ATM) is a rare and potentially lethal complication of thyrotoxicosis. The typical clinical symptoms of ATM are characterized by bulbar paralysis. Reports of the successful treatment of ATM are sporadic due to its low incidence. Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is one of the etiology of hyperthyroidism. The intrathyroidal injection of glucocorticoids is a novel administration route to treat subacute thyroiditis and reduce the resulting adverse reactions. However, no English literature has reported Chinese with ATM and SAT overlap. Here, we report a Chinese rare with ATM and SAT that recovered from a different and novel route of glucocorticoid administration. Case presentation A 23-year-old woman visited our hospital with a two-year history of progressive weakness of her bulbar muscles, hoarseness, cough when swallowing, dysphagia, and a one-month history of recurrent painful swelling of the thyroid gland. She was diagnosed with ATM, chronic thyrotoxic myopathy (CTM), Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) due to Graves' disease (GD), and (SAT). After she was treated with a combination of low-dose glucocorticoids, antithyroid drugs (ATDs), propranolol, and ultrasound-guided percutaneous intrathyroidal injection of glucocorticoids, the bulbar paralysis, proximal myopathy, and neck pain simultaneously improved without recurrence during follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient with ATM, CTM, GD, and GO treated by administering a combination of low-dose glucocorticoids and antithyroid agents. Conclusions Clinicians should consider ATM and intervene with aggressive glucocorticoid therapy was the key to reversing the progression of ATM when a patient has bulbar paralysis and thyrotoxic symptoms. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous intrathyroidal injection of glucocorticoids is a feasible and operable method of curing SAT. Our case report references the clinical diagnosis and treatment of such cases.
What are they gonna think about me? An Innovative Text Analysis on Social Anxiety and Taijin Kyofusho Through MADIT Methodology
Authors: Turchi Gian Piero , Bassi Davide , Agnoletti Carlotta , Riva Marta Silvia Dalla , Iudici Antonio , Orrù Luisa 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Meaning and translation are never-ending issues that constantly challenge researchers who work in cross-cultural settings, especially when the focus is on how people use language to express and interact in relation to their distress experiences. Many efforts have been undertaken in order to try to understand and manage the content variance that can emerge from context and linguistic differences. The present study aims at offering its contribution on this topic by presenting MADIT methodology, an innovative textual analysis that focuses on the processual use of language. Using the theoretical references of Dialogical science, language is analysed as an interactive process, leading the researchers to observe the modalities through which language is used (the how) instead of the different contents brought by speakers (the what). After discussing the theoretical differences between content and processual analysis, we present MADIT methodology through a comparative explorative study on the discursive production about Taijin Kyofusho and social anxiety in Japanese and Italian contexts. The results of this exploratory research pointed out how, going beyond the content differences and focusing on the processual interactive scenario generated through language, it’s possible to observe cross-cultural similarities in the use of language to shape distress experiences.
Prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction based on M2 macrophage related genes in colon cancer
Authors: Xu Xiaochen , Zhang Xinwen , Chen Siqi , Tang Weizhong 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: M2 macrophage were revealed to play a crucial role in immune evasion and immunotherapies. This study aims to explore the potential significance of M2 macrophage related genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) through a comprehensive analysis of transcriptome data.
Methods: We collected RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data of COAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Ominibus databases. We calculated the immune infiltration scores of every sample with CIBERSORT algorithm. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we picked out M2 macrophage related genes. With these genes we further screened out prognosis related genes which were utilized to construct a signature to assess the prognosis of patients. To extend the potential application of the signature, we calculated the correlations with immune infiltration. Also, we compared the efficacies of immune checkpoint inhibitors between high-risk and low-risk groups stratified by the riskscore of the signature.
Results: M2 macrophage related genes were screened out from WGCNA and were utilized to develop a signature including 7 genes. The signature was an excellent prognostic predictor in two independent cohorts. The high-risk group showed lower immune infiltration and poorer responses to immunotherapies than those of the low-risk group.
Conclusion: In this study, the division into different risk groups based on M2 macrophage related genes could stratify patients accurately. Also, the riskscore was negatively correlated with immune infiltration. Moreover, the signature could provide some references for precise immunotherapy.