bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimations of the weather effects on brain functions using functional MRI: A cautionary note
Authors: Di Xin , Woelfer Marie , Kühn Simone , Zhang Zhiguo , Biswal Bharat B. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe influences of environmental factors such as weather on the human brain are still largely unknown. A few neuroimaging studies have demonstrated seasonal effects, but were limited by their cross‐sectional design or sample sizes. Most importantly, the stability of the MRI scanner has not been taken into account, which may also be affected by environments. In the current study, we analyzed longitudinal resting‐state functional MRI (fMRI) data from eight individuals, where they were scanned over months to years. We applied machine learning regression to use different resting‐state parameters, including the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and functional connectivity matrix, to predict different weather and environmental parameters. For careful control, the raw EPI and the anatomical images were also used for predictions. We first found that daylight length and air temperatures could be reliably predicted with cross‐validation using the resting‐state parameters. However, similar prediction accuracies could also be achieved by using one frame of EPI image, and even higher accuracies could be achieved by using the segmented or raw anatomical images. Finally, the signals outside of the brain in the anatomical images and signals in phantom scans could also achieve higher prediction accuracies, suggesting that the predictability may be due to the baseline signals of the MRI scanner. After all, we did not identify detectable influences of weather on brain functions other than the influences on the baseline signals of MRI scanners. The results highlight the difficulty of studying long‐term effects using MRI.
Cytologic diagnosis of parotid gland Warthin tumor: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fisher Roie , Ronen Ohad 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIt is important to define the accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of Warthin tumor (WT). This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the accuracy of FNAC in the diagnosis of WT in the parotid gland and WT growth rate. For determination of FNAC accuracy, 17 studies, encompassing 1710 cases, were included. Pulled random model estimates of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 93.7% (95%CI: 92.1, 95.3), 97.9% (95%CI: 97, 98.9), 93.3% (95%CI: 91.5, 95.1), and 97.4% (95%CI: 96.4, 98.4), respectively. FNAC is highly reliable for the diagnosis of WT of the parotid. The high PPV value suggests that patients with a cytological diagnosis of WT of the parotid may be assigned to active surveillance.
Anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus spp. as a preservative and therapeutic agent for IBD control
Authors: Aghamohammad Shadi , Sepehr Amin , Miri Seyedeh Tina , Najafi Saeideh , Pourshafie Mohammad R. , Rohani Mahdi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundProbiotics have a beneficial effect on inflammatory responses and immune regulation, via Janus kinase/signal transduction and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and NF‐κB signaling pathways. To evaluate the precise effects of Lactobacillus spp. as a protective and therapeutic agent, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus spp. in modulating JAK/STAT and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) inflammatory signaling pathways.MethodsA quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the expression of JAK/STAT and inflammatory genes (TIR‑associated Protein [TIRAP], Interleukin 1 Receptor Associated Kinase[IRAK4], Nuclear factor‐kappa B Essential Modulator [NEMO], and receptor interacting protein [RIP]) followed by treatment of the HT‐29 cell line with sonicated pathogens before, after, and simultaneously with Lactobacillus spp. A cytokine assay was also used to evaluate interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1β production after treatment with Lactobacillus spp.ResultsLactobacillus spp. downregulated JAK and TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP genes in the NF‐κB pathway compared to sonicate‐treated cells. The expression of STAT genes was different after treatment with probiotics. The production of IL‐6 and IL‐1β decreased after probiotic treatment.ConclusionsOur Lactobacillus spp. cocktail showed anti‐inflammatory effects on HT‐29 cells by modulating JAK/STAT and NF‐κB signaling pathways in all three treatment variants. Therefore, Lactobacillus spp. as a dietary supplement can both prevent and reduce inflammation‐related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Advanced unconventional techniques for sub‐100 nm nanopatterning
Authors: Guo Mengmeng , Qu Zhiyuan , Min Fanyi , Li Zheng , Qiao Yali , Song Yanlin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPatterned nanostructures with ultrasmall features endow functional devices with unique nanoconfinement and performance enhancements. The increasing demand for miniaturization has stimulated the development of sub‐100 nm nanopatterning techniques. Beyond conventional lithography—which is limited by unavoidable factors—advanced patterning techniques have been reported to produce nanoscale features down to molecular or even atomic scale. In this review, unconventional techniques for sub‐100 nm nanopatterning are discussed, in particular the principles by which to achieve the desired patterns (among other important issues). Such techniques can be classified into three categories: template‐replica, template‐induced, and template‐free techniques. Moreover, multi‐dimensional nanostructures consist of various building materials, the unique properties of which are summarized. Finally, the remaining challenges and opportunities for large‐scale patterning, the improvement of device performance, the multi‐dimensional nanostructures of biocompatible materials, molecular‐scale patterning, and the carbon footprint requirements for future nanofabrication processes are discussed.image
Anti‐money laundering and financial fraud detection: A systematic literature review
Authors: Goecks Lucas Schmidt , Korzenowski André Luis , Gonçalves Terra Neto Platão , de Souza Davenilcio Luiz , Mareth Taciana 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMoney laundering has affected the global economy for many years, and there are several methods of solving it presented in the literature. However, when tackling money laundering and financial fraud together there are few methods for solving them. Thus, this study aims to identify methods for anti‐money laundering (AML) and financial fraud detection (FFD). A systematic literature review was performed for analysis and research of the methods used, utilizing the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. Of the 48 articles that aligned with the research theme, 20 used quantitative methods for AML and FFD solution, 13 were literature reviews, 7 used qualitative methods, and 8 used mixed methods. This study contributes by presenting a systematic literature review that fills two research gaps: lack of studies on AML and FFD, and the methods used to solve them. This will assist researchers in identifying gaps and related research.
A quick solvation energy estimator based on electronegativity equalization
Authors: Vyboishchikov Sergei F. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractESE‐EE (Easy Solvation Estimation with Electronegativity equalization) is a quick method for estimation of solvation‐free energies ΔGºsolv, which uses a thoroughly fitted electronegativity equalization (EE) scheme to obtain atomic charges, which are further employed in a scaled noniterative COSMO‐like calculation to evaluate the electrostatic component of ΔGºsolv. Nonelectrostatic corrections including adjustable parameters are also added. For neutral solutes, ESE‐EE yields a mean absolute error (MAE) in ΔGsolv° of 1.5 kcal/mol for aqueous solutions; 1.0 kcal/mol for nonaqueous polar protic solvents; 0.9 kcal/mol for polar aprotic solvents; and about 0.6 kcal/mol for nonpolar solvents. Since ESE‐EE only requires a molecular geometry as input for a ΔGºsolv prediction, it can be utilized for a rapid screening of ΔGºsolvfor large neutral molecules. However, for ionic solutes, ESE‐EE yields larger errors (typically several kcal/mol) and is recommendable for preliminary estimations only. Upon a special refitting, ESE‐EE is able to yield partition coefficients with a good accuracy.
Analysis of current status of quantitative detection of biomarkers for liver fibrosis in Clinical labs in China
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhang Chuanbao 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimTo explore the quality control and implementation of the quantitative detection of liver fibrosis biomarkers, laminin (LN), collagen IV (Col Ⅳ), procollagen III amino‐terminal propeptide (PⅢNP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and cholyglycine (CG), in China.MethodsTwo quality control products were measured in different laboratories using different measurement methods and reagents, and the acquired results were subjected to analysis. The quantitative detection technique was based on the conventional assessment criteria, with a target value ±30% being employed.ResultsHundred labs were involved in the External Quality Assessment with 88 laboratories completing the assessment, and the pass rates were 84%, 80.2%, 67.5%, 77.3%, and 58.3% for HA, LN, PⅢNP, Col Ⅳ, and CG, respectively. Chemiluminescence immunoassay was used most for HA (90.1%), LN (90.1%), PⅢNP (87.9%), and Col Ⅳ (82.9%) determination, whereas the chemiluminescence immunoassay (31.6%), latex‐enhanced immunoturbidimetry (36.7%), and homogeneous enzyme immunoassay (26.7%) were used for CG determination. The coefficients of variation for HA, LN, PⅢNP, Col Ⅳ, and CG in different laboratories were 3.3%–19.49%, 1.74%–38.81%, 1.97%–41.29%, 2.85%–41.69%, and 2.71%–41.8%, respectively.ConclusionThe clinical quantitative detection of liver fibrosis biomarkers is highly performed in China. The existing problems are that there are many manufacturers producing reagents and instruments, the quality of reagents is uneven, the specificity and sensitivity of reagents are greatly different, the comparability of results of various systems is poor, and the accuracy and consistency between different systems are lacking. All above underscores the critical importance of EQA in improving and monitoring the identification of biomarkers for liver fibrosis.
LncRNA PITPNA‐AS1/miR‐223‐3p/PTN axis regulates malignant progression and stemness in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Peng Bi‐hao , Ji Yu‐fei , Qiu Xiao‐jian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a kind of molecule that cannot code proteins, and their expression is dysregulated in diversified cancers. LncRNA PITPNA‐AS1 has been shown to act as a tumor promoter in a variety of malignancies, but its function and regulatory mechanisms in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are yet unknown.MethodsThe mRNA and protein expression of genes were examined by RT‐qPCR, western blot, and IHC assay. The cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness were detected through CCK‐8, colony formation, Transwell and spheroid formation assays. The CD44+ and CD166+‐positive cells were detected through flow cytometry. The binding ability among genes through luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays. The tumor growth was detected through in vivo nude mice assay.ResultsThe lncRNA PITPNA‐AS1 had increased expression in LUSC and was linked to a poor prognosis. In LUSC, PITPNA‐AS1 also enhanced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness. This mechanistic investigation showed that PITPNA‐AS1 absorbed miR‐223‐3p and that miR‐223‐3p targeted PTN. MiR‐223‐3p inhibition or PTN overexpression might reverse the inhibitory effects of PITPNA‐AS1 suppression on LUSC progression, as demonstrated by rescue experiments. In addition, the PITPNA‐AS1/miR‐223‐3p/PTN axis accelerated tumor development in vivo.ConclusionsIt is the first time we investigated the potential role and ceRNA regulatory mechanism of PITPNA‐AS1 in LUSC. The data disclosed that PITPNA‐AS1 upregulated PTN through sponging miR‐223‐3p to enhance the onset and progression of LUSC. These findings suggested the ceRNA axis may serve as a promising therapeutic biomarker for LUSC patients.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring During Tuberculosis Treatment
Authors: Anderson Ginger , Vinnard Christopher 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPatients with tuberculosis (TB) coinfected with HIV are more likely to have low blood concentrations of the first‐line anti‐TB drugs (associated with poor outcomes). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended for certain patient populations with TB at increased risk for a poor outcome. Our objective was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of a 2‐hour TDM serum sample for the first‐line anti‐TB drugs among patients with HIV/TB and evaluate the information gained by an additional 6‐hour sample. We created a virtual (n = 1000) HIV/TB patient population and performed pharmacokinetic simulations using published population models for isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. We performed receiver operating characteristic analysis to compare the diagnostic performance of a single 2‐hour serum sample with samples obtained at 2 and 6 hours after dosing. The sensitivity of a single 2‐hour serum concentration to identify patients with HIV/TB with adequate serum exposures was lowest for rifampin (54.9%; 95%CI, 50.79%‐59.41%) and highest for ethambutol (70.8%; 95%CI, 66.06%‐72.61%) for maximum concentration (Cmax) targets. Diagnostic accuracy of a single 2‐hour serum sample for the area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time 0 to 24 hours target was highest for isoniazid (93%; 95%CI, 90.9%‐94.1%) and lowest for pyrazinamide (66.3%; 95%CI, 62.6%‐70.0%). In summary, the diagnostic performance of TDM for Cmax and AUC from time 0 to 24 hours targets demonstrated variability across the first‐line anti‐TB drugs. The addition of a 6‐hour serum sample led to the highest statistically significant improvement (P < .001) and highest increase in diagnostic accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) for rifampin for Cmax and AUC. The other first‐line drugs had modest/negligible increases in diagnostic accuracy.
Oral health‐related quality of life and psychological states of dental students with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Bal Burcu , Sarak Gözde , Oral Koray 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPurpose/objectivesThis study investigates the frequency of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in dental students, and evaluates the association between TMDs, psychological states, and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). The presence of bruxism was also determined.MethodsTwo hundred ninety‐three dental students completed the Symptom Checklist 90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R) and Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaires and underwent a clinical examination according to Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs.ResultsTMDs were detected in 46.4% of the dental students. OHIP‐14 scores of students with TMDs were significantly higher than scores for students without TMDs (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in all SCL‐90‐R scores among students with and without TMDs, except for phobic anxiety and additional SCL‐90‐R subscale scores (p < 0.05). The prevalence of myalgia was significantly higher in clinical students (26.6%) than in preclinical students (15.6%). OHIP‐14 scores of clinical students were significantly higher than preclinical students (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn dental students, there was a high frequency of TMDs and bruxism. OHRQoL was poorer in clinical students. Levels of anxiety, depression, and somatization were not different in clinical and preclinical students. SCL‐90‐R scores are higher in students with TMDs except for phobic anxiety and additional SCL‐90‐R subscale scores.
Engineered Cas9 extracellular vesicles as a novel gene editing tool
Authors: Osteikoetxea Xabier , Silva Andreia , Lázaro‐Ibáñez Elisa , Salmond Nikki , Shatnyeva Olga , Stein Josia , Schick Jan , Wren Stephen , Lindgren Julia , Firth Mike , Madsen Alexandra , Mayr Lorenz M. , Overman Ross , Davies Rick , Dekker Niek 
Published: May 2022

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown promise as biological delivery vehicles, but therapeutic applications require efficient cargo loading. Here, we developed new methods for CRISPR/Cas9 loading into EVs through reversible heterodimerization of Cas9‐fusions with EV sorting partners. Cas9‐loaded EVs were collected from engineered Expi293F cells using standard methodology, characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis, western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy and analysed for CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated functional gene editing in a Cre‐reporter cellular assay. Light‐induced dimerization using Cryptochrome 2 combined with CD9 or a Myristoylation‐Palmitoylation‐Palmitoylation lipid modification resulted in efficient loading with approximately 25 Cas9 molecules per EV and high functional delivery with 51% gene editing of the Cre reporter cassette in HEK293 and 25% in HepG2 cells, respectively. This approach was also effective for targeting knock‐down of the therapeutically relevant PCSK9 gene with 6% indel efficiency in HEK293. Cas9 transfer was detergent‐sensitive and associated with the EV fractions after size exclusion chromatography, indicative of EV‐mediated transfer. Considering the advantages of EVs over other delivery vectors we envision that this study will prove useful for a range of therapeutic applications, including CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing.
Are all auditory sensilla of bushcrickets bimodal? Comment on: R. D. Zhantiev and O. S. Korsunovskaya, Functions of chordotonal sensilla in bushcrickets (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae); Entomological Review, 2021, vol. 101 (6), pp. 755–766
Authors: Stritih‐Peljhan Nataša , Strauß Johannes , Stumpner Andreas 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDetection of sound and substrate vibration is crucial for the survival and reproduction of many animals, particularly insects. Bushcrickets (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae), developed a large mechanosensory organ complex in their legs to detect such stimuli. As demonstrated by various studies in the past, sensilla in distinct functional groups form specialized vibratory organs (the subgenual organ and the accessory organ), respond sensitively to both vibration and sound (in the intermediate organ [IO]), or mediate hearing (in the crista acustica [CA]; the tympanal hearing organ). In their recent publication, Zhantiev and Korsunovskaya addressed auditory and vibratory sensitivity in the IO and the CA in two species of bushcrickets, using single‐cell recording and staining of sensory neurons from their soma in an isolated foreleg. Their main finding was that not only the IO but also the complete CA contains bimodal sensilla responding with high sensitivity to both sound and vibration, which would be a true change in the paradigm of how the auditory/vibratory sense in Orthoptera works. In addition, they revealed vibratory tuning of the IO sensilla, which differs largely from that in previous studies. We propose three major experimental causes of such discrepancies: calibration, experiments with isolated legs, and differences in the sites of recording. To judge the causes of these discrepancies more adequately, a detailed comparison of methods and a number of control experiments are needed. This will deepen our understanding of sensory adaptations and specialization of insect mechanosensory organs to stimuli entering the system by different input pathways.
HIV-1-induced type I IFNs promote viral latency in macrophages
Authors: Dickey Laura L , Martins Laura J , Planelles Vicente , Hanley Timothy M 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMacrophages chronically infected with HIV-1 serve as a reservoir that contributes to HIV-1 persistence during antiretroviral therapy; however, the mechanisms governing the establishment and maintenance of this virus reservoir have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that HIV-1 enters a state reminiscent of latency in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), characterized by integrated proviral DNA with decreased viral transcription. This quiescent state is associated with decreased NF-κB p65, RNA polymerase II, and p-TEFb recruitment to the HIV-1 promoter as well as maintenance of promoter chromatin in a transcriptionally nonpermissive state. MDM transition to viral latency is mediated by type I IFN signaling, as inhibiting type I IFN signaling or blocking type 1 IFN prevents the establishment of latent infection. Knockdown studies demonstrate that the innate immune signaling molecule mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is required for the transition to latency. Finally, we demonstrate a role for the viral accessory protein Vpr in the establishment of HIV-1 latency in macrophages. Our data indicate that HIV-1-induced type I IFN production is responsible for the establishment of viral latency in MDMs and identify possible therapeutic targets for the prevention or elimination of this important HIV-1 reservoir.
Two successful pregnancies and first use of empagliflozin during pregnancy in glycogen storage disease type Ib
Authors: Grünert Sarah Catharina , Rosenbaum‐Fabian Stefanie , Schumann Anke , Selbitz Anne‐Christine , Merz Waltraut , Gieselmann Andrea , Spiekerkoetter Ute 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGlycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD Ib) is caused by biallelic variants in SLC37A4. GSD Ib is characterized by hepatomegaly, recurrent hypoglycemia, neutropenia, and neutrophil dysfunction. Only seven pregnancies in four women with GSD Ib have been reported so far. We report on two further successful pregnancies in two patients with GSD Ib. One of these pregnancies was managed with empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, repurposed for the treatment of neutropenia in GSD Ib. Both pregnancies were unremarkable and resulted in healthy offspring. Gestational care and pre‐ and perinatal management in GSD Ib are challenging and require close interdisciplinary metabolic and obstetric monitoring. In our patient, the use of empagliflozin during pregnancy was successful in the prevention of neutropenic symptoms and infections and enabled good wound healing after Cesarean section, while no adverse effects were observed.
Neutralizing activity to SARS‐CoV‐2 in 1.2 to 10.0 month convalescent plasma samples of COVID‐19: A transversal surrogate in vitro study performed in Quito‐Ecuador
Authors: Villacrés‐Granda Boris , Paz Elius , Burbano María José , Villacrés‐Granda Irina , Armijos Daniela , Aguirre Mauricio 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Diagnostic methods for the detection of the virus and seroconversion of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in plasma have been developed specifically, but some of them require a BSL3 facility. In this study, we used the SARS‐CoV‐2 Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test Kit to determine the presence or absence of NAbs anti‐receptor binding domain of the viral spike (S) glycoprotein in a BSL2 facility. The sample population was chosen in Quito, Ecuador, with a total of 88 COVID‐19 positive convalescent patients. We determined that 97.7% of the analyzed convalescent sera maintained the presence of NAbs with neutralizing activity, and this activity remained until 10 months after the infection in some cases. In addition, the relationship between the presence of NAbs and immunoglobulin G was significant compared to immunoglobulin M, which tended to be absent over time.