bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delineating Sources of Groundwater Recharge in an Arsenic‐Affected Aquifer in Jianghan Plain Using Stable Isotopes
Authors: Lan Yixing , He Ying , Yu Qian , Song Qilong 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTConsumption of arsenic (As)‐contaminated groundwater adversely impacts the health of almost 20 million people in China. Determining the sources of As‐affected groundwaters may help to improve our understanding of the controlling processes on As mobilization in groundwater systems. In this study, stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of water (δ18O and δD) were employed to delineate the groundwater recharge sources and the interactions between river/pond and groundwater in Shahu village, a typical high‐As groundwater area in Jianghan Plain, central China. Utilizing a two‐component mixing model based on δ18O and δD, we successfully calculated the river water contribution to groundwater including its uncertainty analysis and roughly distinguished the different water bodies within the aquifer system. Cl/Br was used to further identify the recharge contributions for shallow (10 m below the ground surface, low As concentrations), intermediate (25 m below the ground surface, high‐As concentrations) and deep (50 m below the ground surface, high‐As concentrations) groundwaters. The hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope signatures of high As and high total organic carbon (TOC) groundwaters (intermediate and deep aquifer) generally plotted near the local meteoric water line (LMWL). However, the δ18O and δD signatures of low As and low TOC groundwaters (shallow aquifer) tended to shift away from the LMWL along evaporation lines. These relationships revealed that the low As groundwater principally derived from surface water (river and pond), while the high‐As groundwater mainly recharged from local precipitation through preferential channel as well as the bedrock and/or adjacent aquifer. Our results will enhance the comprehension of the genesis of high‐As groundwater in Jianghan Plain.
Obesity and Chronic Inflammation: Implications for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondyloarthritis, and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Corrado Ada , Guadagni Ilaria , Picarelli Giovanna , Variola Angela 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundImmune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are a group of chronic conditions characterized by dysregulated immune responses and persistent inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), and ulcerative colitis (UC) exemplify prominent IMIDs, each presenting unique challenges for their management, that impact patient's quality of life (QoL). Obesity, marked by persistent low‐grade inflammation, influences the progression, response to treatment, and clinical management of patients with RA, SpA, and UC. Besides, the emerging role of sarcopenic obesity, a special subtype of obesity with malnutrition, should be considered in the definition of the appropriated therapeutic interventions.MethodsThis narrative literature review summarizes recent evidence on the interplay between obesity‐induced inflammation and IMIDs.ResultsObesity contributes to elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, influencing the inflammatory pathways common to IMIDs. White adipose tissue, acting as an endocrine organ, produces cytokines like TNF‐α and IL‐6, fueling chronic inflammation. The dysregulation of adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, further complicates this interplay, impacting immune responses and metabolic processes.ConclusionsUnderstanding the cross‐talk between inflammatory pathways in obesity and IMIDs can provide insight into potential targets for intervention. This includes lifestyle modifications aimed to regulate weight gain, paving the way for comprehensive strategies to manage IMIDs in the context of obesity.
Antibody/siRNA Nanocarriers Against Wnt Signaling Suppress Oncogenic and Stem‐Like Behavior in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Hoover Elise C. , Day Emily S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is infamous for its aggressive phenotype and poorer prognosis when compared to other breast cancer subtypes. One factor contributing to this poor prognosis is that TNBC lacks expression of the receptors that available hormonal or molecular‐oriented therapies attack. New treatments that exploit biological targets specific to TNBC are desperately needed to improve patient outcomes. One promising target for therapeutic manipulation is the Wnt signaling pathway, which has been associated with many invasive breast cancers, including TNBC. This pathway is activated in TNBC cells when extracellular Wnt ligands bind to overexpressed Frizzled7 (FZD7) transmembrane receptors, leading to downstream activation of intracellular β‐catenin proteins. To target and inhibit Wnt signaling in TNBC cells, polymer nanoparticles (NPs) modified with anti‐FZD7 antibodies and β‐catenin small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were developed, and their impact on the oncogenic behavior of treated TNBC cells was investigated. When compared to control NPs, the Wnt‐targeted NPs induced greater levels of Wnt oncogene suppression. This led to greater inhibition of oncogenic and stem‐like properties, including cell proliferation, drug resistance, and spheroid formation capacity. This work demonstrates a promising approach for targeting the Wnt pathway in TNBC to counter the cellular phenotypes that drive disease progression.
Exploring Elastic Lipid Nanovesicles for Enhanced Skin Permeation of Whole Plant Extract: A Comprehensive Investigation
Authors: Maheshwari Rahul , Sharma Mayank , Bhattacharya Sankha 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTA new method is developed using elastic lipid nanovesicles (ELNs) loaded with ethanolic extract of Lantana camara (LC) to enhance skin permeation of plant actives. The ELNs contained cholesterol, 1, 2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine, span 80, and tween 80. Firstly, 15 formulations were produced to examine critical factors likely affecting formulation characteristics. In addition, surface characteristics, vesicle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, degree of deformability, and % entrapment efficiency (% EE) of ELN were examined. As a significant parameter, skin permeation was measured (using Start‐M; it highly resembles human skin). The influence of size, hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB), and surface ratio were vital to permeation through Start‐M. In particular, the % LC extract permeation decreased at more extensive size ranges, 400, and 350–450 nm. In contrast, the % LC extract permeation increased significantly at smaller size ranges, such as 200 and 100 nm. More than 75% of the LC extract was permeated within 8 h when the surfactant ratio was (span 80:tween 80; 25%:75%). Permeation studies conducted based on HLB values revealed that 78% of LC extract was permeated in 8 h when HLB was 12.2, and that permeation decreased with an increase in HLB. Cell viability assay using SK‐MEL‐37 cells (skin cancer) revealed that ELN reduced the viability by ~80% in 24 h, further validating the formulation. Future research could investigate the long‐term safety and therapeutic potential of these ELNs in clinical settings and their effectiveness in delivering other plant‐based extracts for transdermal applications via ELNs.
Metabolomic Analysis of Nicotine‐Induced Metabolic Disruptions and Their Amelioration by Resveratrol
Authors: Iqbal Hajra , Ilyas Kainat , Rehman Kanwal , Aslam Muhammad Amtiaz , Hussain Amjad , Ibrahim Muhammad , Akash Muhammad Sajid Hamid , Shahid Mudassar , Shahzad Asif 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the metabolic disruptions caused by nicotine (NIC) exposure, with a particular focus on amino acid and lipid metabolism, and evaluates resveratrol (RSV) as a potential protective agent. Mice were divided into four groups: control (CON), NIC‐exposed, NIC + RSV‐treated, and RSV‐only. NIC exposure resulted in significant weight loss, elevated glucose levels, altered lipid profiles, and organ damage, particularly in the liver and kidneys. Increased inflammation was evidenced by elevated levels of IL‐6 and CRP. In contrast, RSV treatment mitigated these effects by improving lipid profiles, glycemic indices, and reducing inflammatory markers. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced tissue damage in the NIC + RSV group compared to the NIC‐alone group. Metabolomics analysis using LC‐MS/MS revealed significant dysregulation in lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism in NIC‐exposed mice. Fold‐change analysis identified altered metabolites, including sphingomyelin 36:1;02 (p < 0.001), valine (p < 0.001), triacylglycerol 4:0–18:1 (p < 0.001), and ceramide 32:1;02 (p < 0.001). Amino acids such as arginine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, tyrosine, and lysine, as well as NIC metabolites like nornicotine and cotinine, were identified, underscoring molecular fragmentation analysis findings. RSV treatment partially restored metabolic balance, highlighting its role as a metabolic modulator. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of RSV in alleviating NIC‐induced metabolic dysfunctions by restoring lipid homeostasis and reducing inflammation. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of RSV in addressing NIC‐related metabolic impairments and the need for noninvasive biomarkers for early disease detection.
Lights and Shadows of Cytokines in Age‐Related Eye Diseases: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Xue Yuyu , Ye Lu , Huang Chan , Ye Hejiang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe eye is considered to be an immune‐privileged region. However, several parts of the eye have distinct mechanisms for delivering immune cells to the injury sites or even in response to aging. Although these immune responses are intended to be protective, the visual acuity can be compromised by the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by immune cells, which induce chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Age‐related eye diseases (AREDs) are the primary cause of vision impairment (VI) in the elderly, with a poor comprehension of their pathophysiology. Age‐related eye diseases affect both the anterior and posterior segments, resulting in diminished quality of life and risk of irreversible blindness. Immune system dysregulation and the upregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines have been linked to AREDs, underscoring the need to comprehend inflammation's impact on ocular disorders to enhance patient symptom management. In this framework, the PubMed database was searched using the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms “Age‐related eye diseases,” “dry eye syndrome,” “glaucoma,” “cataract,” “diabetic retinopathy,” “inflammation,” “interleukin,” and “cytokine” with the aim of overview the role of cytokines in AREDs and discuss their potential therapeutic approaches.
Characterizing populations prioritized for PrEP in 19 African countries: a review of national guidance
Authors: Graybill Lauren A. , McKay Caroline N. , Wang Jiayu , Sam‐Agudu Nadia A. , Yotebieng Marcel , Saidi Friday , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Shook‐Sa Bonnie E. , Chi Benjamin H. , Rosenberg Nora E. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionWhile African countries have expanded access to HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) since 2015, regional targets for PrEP uptake remain unmet. Understanding which populations are prioritized for PrEP at the policy level is an important step in determining the scope of PrEP distribution across Africa and identifying gaps in programme implementation. We reviewed national guidance to characterize populations prioritized for PrEP in Africa.MethodsBetween January and June 2023, we searched for current National HIV Treatment and Prevention Guidelines, National HIV Strategic Plans, and the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Country Operational Plans (COPs) for all African countries implementing PrEP programmes supported by PEPFAR in 2022. From each document, we summarize the populations prioritized for PrEP within a country and describe PrEP eligibility.ResultsIn 2022, 19 African countries implemented PrEP programmes supported by PEPFAR. Eighteen of these countries contributed National Guidelines (2016−2022), 18 contributed National Strategic Plans (2017−2023) and 19 contributed COPs (2022) to this review. Twenty‐nine population groups were prioritized for PrEP in these documents. All countries prioritized HIV‐serodifferent couples, female sex workers (FSWs), adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBFW) and people who inject drugs (PWID), and most prioritized men who have sex with men (MSM; n = 18), transgender people (n = 18) and people in prisons (n = 17). The remaining 21 populations were prioritized in fewer than two‐thirds of countries.DiscussionFSWs, MSM, PWID, transgender people and people in prisons were typically prioritized for PrEP with no eligibility restrictions. In contrast, most countries had at least one document indicating that HIV‐serodifferent couples, AGYW and PBFW were only eligible for PrEP if classified as high risk. Few documents specified how risk was determined, and no document included validated HIV risk assessment tools to guide implementation. We observed similarities in priority populations across countries with different HIV epidemics and inconsistencies in who was prioritized for PrEP within a country's own set of policy documents.ConclusionsUnderstanding how PrEP prioritization policies impact HIV incidence in different epidemiologic settings is critical for strengthening PrEP implementation across the continent.
Impact of Donor CMV‐Seropostive Grafts on Prognosis of Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xiang Ze , Song Yisu , Li Jiarui , Yu Jiong , Xu Chenhao , Xu Yunyang , Shu Wenzhi , Fang Xixi , Su Renyi , Lu Zhengyang , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao , Lu Di , Wei Xuyong 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTStudies investigating the impact of donor cytomegalovirus (CMV) positivity on the prognosis of liver transplantation (LT) recipients with HCC are currently lacking. A total of 21 759 eligible LT recipients were identified in the UNOS database between January 2002 and June 2023. The patients were divided into the donor CMV‐seronegative (n = 7575) and CMV‐seropositive (n = 14 814) groups. Moreover, the subgroup analyses by recipient age and gender were conducted. All patients were also divided into 18–40 (n = 271), 40–60 (n = 9538), and ≥ 60 (n = 11 950) groups, male (n = 16 954) and female (n = 4805) groups, respectively. Patients in the donor CMV‐seropositive group had shorter overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) compared to those in the donor CMV‐seronegative group (both p < 0.001). Donor CMV seropositivity was proved to be a risk factor for OS and DFS (both p = 0.001). Patients receiving CMV‐seropositive liver grafts had shorter OS and DFS in the 40–60 and ≥ 60 groups (all p < 0.05). Patients receiving CMV‐seropositive liver grafts had shorted OS and DFS only in the male group (both p < 0.001). The receipt of donor CMV‐seropositive liver grafts is associated with shorter survival and a higher risk of HCC recurrence in LT recipients with HCC. These adverse effects are influenced by recipient age and gender.
Changes in Teleconnection Patterns and Land–Atmosphere Coupling Amplify the Spring–Early Summer Heatwaves Over Southwestern China
Authors: Zheng Yuzhu , Zhang Tuantuan , Yang Song , Jiang Xingwen , Luo Yanheng , Yan Hongming , Deng Kaiqiang , Zhang Chengyang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe frequency and intensity of heatwaves over southwestern China during spring and early summer have been increased significantly during 1980–2022. Until now, the physical mechanisms for these changes in heatwaves remain unclear. Here, we show that these increases in heatwaves can be attributed to the changes in both local soil moisture–temperature coupling processes and teleconnection patterns across Eurasia. On the one hand, the third dominant mode of teleconnection patterns across Eurasia exhibits more pronounced and meridionally‐elongated features after the 2000s, leading to more southeastward‐shifted positive geopotential height anomalies towards southwestern China, favouring increases in the regional heatwaves. On the other hand, the intensified coupling strength of soil moisture–temperature further amplifies the heatwaves over southwestern China, in particular for compound drought and heatwave (CDHW) events. This intensified soil moisture–temperature coupling is attributed to the identical phase transitions of heat anomalies and temperature anomalies after the 2000s. Distinct characteristics and drivers of CDHW and non_CDHW over southwestern China are also discussed.
On the NextGen‐Chile Forecast System: A Calibrated Multi‐Model Ensemble Approach for Seasonal Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Campos Diego A. , Cabello Fernanda I. , Muñoz Ángel G. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDevelopment and dissemination of seasonal forecasts are integral components of the climate services provided by numerous meteorological services worldwide, offering estimates of meteorological variables on a seasonal time scale to aid local warning systems and decision‐making processes. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommends that operational seasonal forecasts be objective and that the process be traceable and reproducible, including the selection and calibration of models. Following these guidelines, the Chilean Meteorological Service (Dirección Meteorológica de Chile, DMC) has implemented the next generation of seasonal forecasts, NextGen‐Chile. This new forecast system is based on a multi‐model ensemble using state‐of‐the‐art general circulation models (GCMs) from the calibrated North American Multi‐Model Ensemble (NMME) project. The forecasts from the GCMs are calibrated using a canonical correlation analysis‐based regression with a homogenised dataset of ground stations. The system is completed with two statistical models built using canonical correlation analysis on sea surface temperature (SST) in the ENSO and the Southwestern Pacific regions. Individually calibrated GCMs and statistical models are combined by weighing their hindcast skill to construct the final calibrated multi‐model ensemble (CMME) prediction. A verification analysis of probabilistic re‐forecasts during 2019–2021 has been performed, adding an average‐based ensemble forecast (CMME‐Mean). The CMME models outperformed the individual models in discrimination and showed less seasonal variability in performance than the individual models, adding consistency to the forecast. All metrics analysed during the verification process were maximised in the central region of Chile, which could be attributed to the high concentration of ground stations in the central region and the definition of a central region‐centred domain for the CCA calculation. Looking into the near future of NextGen‐Chile, a Flexible Seasonal Forecast is introduced as a more comprehensive approach for seasonal forecasts, allowing users and stakeholders to access information beyond the tercile seasonal forecast approach.
Modulation Response of Biologically Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles Using Mentha piperita L. on the Physio‐Chemical Parameters of Pisum sativum L.
Authors: Akhtar Seemab , Adnan Muhammad , Sharif Saima , Khan Saeed Ahmad 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn agriculture, biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have gained considerable attention due to their cost‐effectiveness and eco‐friendliness. Natural, plant‐based, or biological entities act as reducing and stabilizing agents that can be used to synthesize ZnO NPs.AimThis study aimed to assess the impact of green‐synthesized ZnO NPs derived from Mentha piperita L. on the growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters of Pisum sativum L.MethodsEnergy‐dispersive x‐ray (EDX), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used for the characterization of ZnO NPs to confirm their structure, size, and stability. Various concentrations of ZnO NPs (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg L−1) were applied to seeds of P. sativum for the subsequent evaluation of germination rates, growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates, and protein contents.ResultsThe results indicated that ZnO NPs significantly enhanced seed germination by up to 31% and positively influenced other growth parameters, including a 44% increase in shoot length, a 41.4% increase in root length, an 18.57% increase in shoot weight, and a 35.71% increase in root weight compared to the control. The treated plants exhibited increased chlorophyll content (42% in chlorophyll a and 34% in chlorophyll b), as well as elevated carbohydrate (36.67%) and protein (23.75%) levels, suggesting a positive impact on the plants’ metabolic activities.ConclusionsGreen‐synthesized ZnO NPs significantly promoted pea seed germination, root and shoot growth, and improved key physiological and biochemical parameters, such as chlorophyll content, total soluble sugars, and protein levels.
Laryngeal Cancer in the West of Scotland 2014–2020: Trends and Survival in a Cohort of 867 Patients
Authors: Hurley Rhona , Paterson Claire , Conway David I. , Inman Gareth J. , Douglas Catriona M. 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundLaryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC) accounts for around one‐third of head and neck cancers, with smoking and alcohol as major risk factors. Despite advances in organ preservation, survival rates have stagnated globally over recent decades. The impact of socioeconomic deprivation on LSCC outcomes in the West of Scotland remains underexplored. We hypothesized that survival outcomes in the West of Scotland are poorer than cohorts from other developed nations.AimTo evaluate characteristics and survival outcomes for LSCC patients in the West of Scotland and identify predictors of survival.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 867 LSCC patients in the West of Scotland (2014–2020) analyzed demographics, tumor staging, performance status, treatments, and socioeconomic status (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, SIMD). Subgroup differences were assessed using chi‐squared tests. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan–Meier curves, log‐rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards modeling.ResultsThe cohort had a male‐to‐female ratio of 3.2:1, with a mean age of 65.5 years, with 56% presenting with advanced disease. Most patients (70.7%) lived in the most deprived areas. Supraglottic cancers were the most common subsite (51%). Five‐year overall survival (OS) was 46%, with a median OS of 52 months. Glottic cancers had better outcomes (64% OS) compared to supraglottic cancers (36%). Predictors of survival included age, subsite, performance status, alcohol use, treatment modality, and deprivation.ConclusionLSCC survival in the West of Scotland is lower than in other European nations, influenced by advanced‐stage presentation, deprivation, and frailty. Addressing these factors is vital to improving outcomes.Level of evidence: III Laryngoscope, 2025