bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructural alterations in gray matter after acute stress
Authors: Zhao Na , Meng Linghui , Zhang Yingdong , Du Guoshuai , Liu Hongran , Gao Minglong , Ren Beibei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Structural and functional changes in stress-related gray matter (GM) regions have been found in trauma-exposed individuals. However, the nature of underlying microstructural abnormalities in traumatized individuals is unclear. In this study, thirty-two motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors and 31 nonexposed controls were recruited. MVA survivors were scanned and received trauma-specific clinical assessments within 7 days of their accident. Mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA) and GM volume (GMV) were measured as indicators of GM structural changes in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), amygdala, hippocampus, insula and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) bilaterally. Correlation analyses were performed to explore the association between the resultant GM structure and anxiety symptoms. Significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the mOFC and ACC was detected in the MVA group. No difference was found in MD and GMV. No structural measures showed associations with anxiety symptoms. MVA survivors showed GM microstructure alterations shortly after acute stress. These findings contribute to a better understanding of alterations in GM structure occurring shortly after acute stress that manifest far earlier in posttraumatic responses.
A qualitative study on the perceived barriers to accessing End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) treatment in Northern Ghana: Perspectives of Healthcare Providers
Authors: Iddrisu Aduni Amina , Boateng Edward Appiah 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
This study was conducted in three major hospitals in northern Ghana. A qualitative research approach was employed to explore the experiences of healthcare professionals. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. The interviews were conducted via telephone.
Method
This study was conducted in three major hospitals in northern Ghana. A qualitative research approach was employed to explore the experiences of healthcare professionals. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. The interviews were conducted via telephone.
Results
There is a significant shortage of specialist healthcare professionals, including nephrologists and nephrology nurses, which hinders effective dialysis delivery. The lack of dialysis centers in certain regions significantly affect the ability to access hemodialysis. Healthcare providers also reported experiencing emotional and psychological stress due to their inability to provide adequate care.
Conclusion
These challenges emphasize the need for policy reforms to ensure equitable access to dialysis services across all regions. Recommendations include increasing the number of dialysis centers and incorporating dialysis services into national health insurance coverage. Policymakers and stakeholders should address these gaps and enhance healthcare delivery for ESKD patients in northern Ghana.
Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Anatomy Education for Pre-matriculation Medical Students: An Assessment of Learning Outcomes Using a New Teaching Modality
Authors: Huda Shayan , Quraishi Mariam , Mathew Joshua , Giannaris Peter , Samuel Justin , Nwokeji Imani , Bhatia Anand , Goodman Elliot 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Virtual Reality (VR) is emerging as an innovative tool in medical education, offering interactive and immersive learning experiences. In contrast, traditional methods involve live cadaveric dissections as well as video-based learning with cadaveric focus, anatomical models, and lectures. This study aims to compare the engagement and learning outcomes of pre-matriculation medical students using VR versus the established video-based methods, reflecting the anatomy curriculum typically provided without live cadaveric dissection.
Methods
The study included 94 pre-matriculation undergraduate students at the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/CUNY School of Medicine. The study employed a randomized controlled trial, dividing the students into two groups. The control group received traditional anatomy education, which included cadaver dissection videos, anatomical models, and lectures, while the experimental group utilized VR-based learning simulations. Both groups studied osteology and muscular attachments of the lower limb and pelvis. Various assessments and surveys were administered to measure learning outcomes and student motivation. The first survey captured demographic information. The second survey assessed student motivation using a revised version of the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (rIMMS), specifically adapted for VR learning. The third assessment consisted of identical pre and posttests to evaluate learning outcomes.
Results
Seventy-four students were included in the final analysis. Significant improvements were observed in all four components of the rIMMS: attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction, in the VR group, as demonstrated by Mann-Whitney U tests. This highlights the substantial impact of the VR intervention on student motivation across these key areas, underscoring the potential of VR in enhancing motivation and learning outcomes in medical anatomy education. Both groups showed significant improvement between pre and post-tests. The experimental group demonstrated a positive correlation with the VR intervention. However, the control group exhibited a higher mean score increase, especially among students with prior anatomy experience.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that VR can improve both tangible learning outcomes and student motivation, making it a valuable addition to medical education.
Excellent laccase mimic activity of Cu-melamine and its applications in the degradation of Congo red
Authors: Chai Siyuan , Huang Enze , Zeng Jiashuai , Shi Yangyang , Zhang Jiashuo , Zhang Xia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Copper-based nanozyme has shown the superior in the oxidase-like activities due to its electron transfer ability between the Cu (I) and Cu (II) sites during the catalytic reactions. Herein, a Cu(I)-MOF (Cu-Mel) was readily synthesized by a traditional hydrothermal process using the precursors of Cu+ and melamine, which was then used in the laccase-like catalytic reactions for the first time. Some means, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to character the microstructure of the Cu-Mel. The catalytic oxidation of the 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DP) were adopted to evaluate the laccase-like catalytic ability of the resulting Cu-Mel. The catalytic conditions including the temperatures, the presence of alcohols and the ionic concentrations, were varied to optimize the laccase-like activities, based on that, the highest laccase-like catalytic activity is presented with higher maximum reaction rate (Vmax). The good storage stability is also presented by the Cu-Mel. The Cu-Mel was utilized in the degradation of Congo red, showing a good degradation efficiency. These findings facilitate the development of the laccase mimics and serve as a foundation for the design and applications of Cu-MOFs in the nanozyme realm.
Immune infiltration and clinical significance of the prognostic and immune-related gene signature in gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Hang , Ai Huihan , Chen Guanglong , Zhao Weijie , Wu Zikun , Lv Chai , Li Zhi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer is a prevalent digestive system tumor. However, its heterogeneity and poor prognosis pose challenges to patient treatment. Therefore, there is a need to improve patient outcomes and guide treatment through patient stratification and immune prognostic models.
Methods
We analyzed gene expression in the The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset using statistical tests and developed a 24-gene risk signature called Prognostic and Immune-Related Gene Signature (PIRGS) using LASSO Cox regression. The Asian Cancer Research Group database was used to validate the model's accuracy. Based on the PIRGS signature, we categorized gastric cancer patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. Further analysis was conducted to explore immune infiltration, signaling pathways, and drug sensitivity differences between two groups. We also developed a nomogram combining the PIRGS signature and clinical variables for prognostic assessment. Key genes in the model were validated at tissue and cellular levels.
Results
The PIRGS signature, consisting of 24 genes, accurately predicted 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates in gastric cancer patients. The PIRGS score classified patients into PIRGS-High risk and PIRGS-Low risk groups. The PIRGS-High risk group showed upregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and increased type II interferon response, along with unfavorable prognosis and elevated monocyte levels. PD-L1 immune therapy appeared more effective in low-risk patients. Several potential therapeutic compounds were identified, particularly for PIRGS-High risk patients. CD14 and TGFB1/2/3 were expressed at higher levels in the PIRGS-High risk subgroup. Investigation of APOD as a potential target showed its association with unfavorable prognosis, and knockdown inhibited gastric cancer cell growth.
Conclusions
The PIRGS is a potent prognostic factor in gastric cancer and accurately predicts survival rates. It provides insights into immune infiltration characteristics, correlating with immune therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted inhibitors. This knowledge facilitates patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies.
GuREx-MIH Project: Impact of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, Dental Fear and Anxiety in Swedish Children - A Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hajdarević Adnan , Jälevik Birgitta , Čirgić Emina , Robertson Agneta , Sabel Nina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to analyse self-reported oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in children after restorative treatment and extraction of first permanent molars (FPM) affected by severe Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH). The research question focused on whether these treatment modalities lead to different outcomes in terms of DFA and OHRQoL over time.
Materials and Methods
A multicentre randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 83 children, aged 6–9 years, who was diagnosed with severe MIH in FPMs. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either restorative treatment with resin composite or extraction. Blinding was not possible due to the visible differences between restorative treatment and extraction. Patient comfort, was assessed through oral OHRQoL and DFA, was assessed using the Swedish version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11 − 14) for OHRQoL, and the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) for DFA. Evaluations were carried out before treatment (T0) and at follow-up when participants were 11 years old (T1).
Results
Seventy-three patients completed the study, with 37 restorative, 36 extraction. OHRQoL scores improved overall, with a greater improvement in scores observed in the extraction group, although the difference between groups was not shown. Both groups showed reductions in DFA scores from T0 to T1, with no difference between treatment groups.
Conclusions
Restorative treatment and extraction of FPMs affected by MIH lead to similar impact in DFA and OHRQoL.
Clinical Relevance:
This study provides clinicians that both restorative and extraction treatments are comparable for managing severe MIH in children, considering patient comfort.
Opportunity Crop Indicators: Assessing the Climate Adaptation Potential of Opportunity Crops in Africa
Authors: Karl Kevin , Rosenzweig Cynthia , MacCarthy Dilys , Porciello Jaron , Neufeld Lynnette , Holmes Bridget , Grande Fernanda , Guarin Jose , Yang Meijian , Adiku Samuel , Freduah Bright , Narh Stephen , Wesley Gershom , Passarelli Simone , Rattehalli Vieshnavi , Kozlowski Natalie , Leal Elena Mendez , Contreras Erik Mencos , Jaegermeyr Jonas , Chimwaza Gracian , Sheikh Hafsa , Fredenberg Emily , Deynze Allen Van , Mumm Rita , Jamnadass Ramni , McMullin Stepha , Carducci Bianca , Fanzo Jessica , Valdivia Roberto , Ruane Alex , Fowler Cary 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Global dependence on a few well-researched staple crops exacerbates systemic vulnerabilities to climate change and does not encourage bio- or dietary diversity. The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils aims to strengthen African food systems by promoting nutritious and climate-resilient “opportunity crops”, also known as "orphan crops", alongside improved land management practices. Here, the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization, Havos.AI, and the African Orphan Crops Consortium, developed a set of 24 indicators for interdisciplinary evaluations of promising opportunity crops in Africa. We employ qualitative and quantitative evidence from climate-crop modeling, agronomy, plant breeding, nutrient composition and social sciences to assess and compare the development potential of 19 opportunity crops and five staple crops. Teff, finger millet, grass pea, pigeon pea, sesame seed, sweet potato, taro, African eggplant and okra are highlighted for their nutrient content and projected yields under climate change.
Carbonate platform margin evolution in a compressive tectonic setting: an example from the Cretaceous of the Pre-Karst Unit of the Internal Dinarides (Gacko, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Authors: Šamarija Robert , Lužar-Oberiter Borna , Kukoč Duje , Kocjančič Anja , Gobo Katarina , Petrinjak Krešimir , Bjelogrlić Marija 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The Pre-Karst unit of the Dinarides represents a transitional paleogeographic domain between the Adriatic Carbonate Platform (AdCP) and the predominately deep-water environments of the subsided Adria margin. Exposures near Gacko in Bosnia and Herzegovina offer a glimpse into the evolution of the NE AdCP margin during the gradual closure of the Neotethys Ocean and early stages of the continental collision in the Dinarides. The base of the studied section is composed of poorly bedded to massive Barremian – Aptian carbonates and intraclastic breccias with a packstone–grainstone matrix comprising peloids, benthic foraminifera, and skeletal fragments of various shallow-marine organisms. This interval formed in a shallow-marine environment with laterally variable bathymetry. A 30 Myr stratigraphic hiatus separating these deposits from the overlying strata possibly represents forebulge uplift of the NE AdCP margin in response to orogenic activity in the Internal Dinarides. The Upper Cretaceous succession begins with a massive bioclastic floatstone–rudstone composed mainly of rudist bivalve shells. Upwards, the succession changes into a well-bedded alternation of calcilutites, calcarenites, and calcirudites containing pelagic foraminifera (indicating a Santonian age), skeletal fragments of shallow-marine organisms, and lithoclasts. These deposits formed in a slope apron setting characterized by fine-grained periplatform deposition, soft-sediment deformations and coarse-grained resedimented shallow-marine material resulting from episodic gravity flows. Frequent chert intercalations indicate continued deepening throughout the early Campanian. Significant subsidence, paired with continuous forebulge uplift and erosion, suggests that the platform margin was strongly influenced by the advancing Dinaric nappe stack during the Late Cretaceous.
Distribution of Snails species and its infectivity with Schistosomes at Mwanga District, North Eastern Tanzania.
Authors: Abdul Seif , Mlaki Ribson E. , Awe Emmanuel J. , Mzubwe Petty J. , Mosha Victor V. , Matowo Johnson , Msuya Sia E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes, is still a public health problem in low-income countries like Tanzania. Of the 201 million people infected with schistosomiasis globally, 91% are in sub-Sahara Africa countries. In Tanzania, Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is one of the key interventions to control schistosomiasis, but rapid re-infection after treatment lead to persistent high prevalence of schistosomiasis in key groups like school-aged children. Snail control is an alternative, however there is limited information on epidemiology and interventions on snails that that transmit schistosomiasis in Tanzania.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at Kileo ward in Mwanga District, from April-May 2019. The snails were collected manually using scooping technique and location where the snails were obtained was mapped by using Global Positioning System (GPS). Physico-chemical properties of water from each collection site were assessed using a multiparameter pH meter. The snails sampled at individual site were transferred to a laboratory for analysis within 4 hours of collection. The species and genus of snails were identified by shell morphology. Cercarial shedding was assessed over the first 48 hours after collection.
Results: A total of 300 snails were collected from four different sites where people come into contact with water. The species of snails identified were Bulinus africanus (208) and Bulinus forskali (92). Snails of genus Biomphalaria were not identified among the collected snails. No snail was found to shed cercaria of schistosomiasis after being exposed to light.
Conclusion: Finding of Bulinus spp support high occurrence of Schistosoma haematobium and in the area and the need for planning of snail control activities in this setting. There is a need to sample snails over a long period, in different seasons of the year, to map if there is season variability of snail species especially for those transmitting Schistosoma mansoni.
The incidence and risk factors of hypokalemia in hospitalized patients with heart failure
Authors: Chen Yongmei , Wu DI , Tao Ming , Chen Yu , Wu Hemei , Peng Xiaofeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Potassium plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of heart failure patients,Hypokalemia is one of the most common electrolyte disorders in hospitalized patients with heart failure , which poses a significant threat to the prognosis of patients. Identifying risk factors for hypokalaemia is crucial.The primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of hypokalemia in patients with heart failure within one week of admission, and to provide a reference for the prevention of hypokalemia.
MethodsA total of 535 patients with heart failure who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from 2019 to 2022 were retrospectively selected by convenience sampling method, and were divided into hypokalemia group (160 cases) and non-hypokalemia group (375 cases) according to whether hypokalemia occurred within one week of admission.To select most relevant variables, the Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator(LASSO) was applied, and then multivariate logistic regression analysis was further used to identify the risk factors of hypokalemia within one week of admission
in patients with heart failure.
Results Among the 535 patients with heart failure, 160 patients developed hypokalemia within one week of admission, with an incidence rate of 29.90%. The results of LASSO regression analysis showed that gender, peripheral edema, baseline serum potassium, calcium, albumin, prealbumin, and furosemide dose on the day of admission were the most correlated with hypokalemia within one week of admission. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that female (OR: 2.171; 95%CI: 1.445~3.261), peripheral edema (OR: 1.692; 95%CI: 1.118~2.561), and furosemide dose on the day of admission (OR: 1.013; 95%CI: 1.005~1.021) were risk factors for hypokalemia within one week of admission, and the baseline serum potassium value was higher than that of normal low serum potassium (OR：0.355;95%CI: 0.217~0.581) was a protective factor for hypokalemia within one week of admission in patients with heart failure.
Conclusion Even if the serum potassium is at a normal value at the time of admission, the incidence of hypokalemia in patients with heart failure is still high within one week of admission, and gender, peripheral edema, furosemide dose on the day of admission, and baseline serum potassium are closely related to the occurrence of hypokalemia.
Investigating the expression patterns of Androgen Receptor in different grades of Oral Squamous Cell carcinoma
Authors: Khan Nousheen Faizullah , Amin Rafat , Baqai Neha , Iqbal Syeda Noureen , Ahmed Zeba , Fatima Tehseen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant tumor, in the head and neck region with a high incidence and prevalence rate globally. Oral cancer is one of the most deadly and common cancers among men in Asian nations including Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Certain viral infections, alcohol, betel quid, areca nut, and tobacco use have all been linked to the development of OSCC. Although the role of hormones and their receptors have been explored in many types of cancers, in OSCC it is still poorly explored. Previous studies have reported that sex hormone androgens and androgen receptors (AR) are involved in growth and progression of breast and prostate cancers. However their role in OSCC remains controversial.
The study aims to understand the expression patterns of the androgen receptor at the transcriptional and translational levels in various grades of patients with OSCC. Further to that the expression of AR changes in response to testosterone was also compared in OSCC parients in relation to healthy population.
After obtaining consent, the participants were divided into four categories: healthy, poorly differentiated (PD), moderately differentiated (MD), and well differentiated (WD) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). By creating an appropriate questionnaire, the patient's history was acquired. Samples of blood and tissue were obtained and processed, for testosterone level measurement using ELISA and RNA and protein estimation using commercially available kits, respectively. Tissue samples were visualized using H&E staining. We found that PDSCC group has highest expression levels of AR mRNA, followed by MDSCC and WDSCC. AR expression and serum testosterone levels were found to have moderately significant association in all subjects, determined by Spearman’s correlation. All groups showed full length AR expression while the splice variant AR-V7 was detected exclusively in MDSCC and PDSCC. This is suggestive of AR-V7 role in in OSCC progression. Higher levels of serum testosterone in OSCC patients than in healthy people provide an evidence for the carcinogenic potential of AR in OSCC.