bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Androgens in Dominant Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) Reduce Juvenile Offspring Health and Survivorship
Authors: Smyth‐Kabay Kendra N. , Caruso Nicholas M. , Stonehill Alexandra C. , Clutton‐Brock Tim H. , Drea Christine M. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn oviparous vertebrates, maternal androgens can alter offspring immune function, particularly early in development, but the potential for negative health effects of maternal androgens in mammals remains unclear. We investigated the relation between maternal androgens, particularly in late gestation, and offspring health in the meerkat (Suricata suricatta) by comparing offspring from (a) normative dominant and subordinate matrilines, whose dams naturally express high versus lower circulating androgen concentrations, respectively, and (b) normative dominant and antiandrogen‐treated dominant matrilines, whose dams' androgen function was intact versus blocked owing to experimental antagonism of the latter's androgen receptors (using Flutamide). Foetal offspring thus experienced three different endocrine environments (‘high’, ‘lower’ and ‘blocked’ androgens) late in prenatal development. We assessed parasitism, immune function, sex steroid concentrations and survivorship in these three offspring groups, both during juvenility and early adulthood. The juvenile offspring of subordinate control and dominant treated dams generally had lower intensities of parasite infections and greater immune function than did their peers from dominant control dams—patterns not found in adult offspring, or in relation to the offspring's concurrent hormone concentrations. Survivorship to adulthood was greatest in the progeny of treated dams. Descendants of dominant female meerkats—those in the ‘high’ prenatal androgen category—suffered increased parasitism and decreased immunocompetence as juveniles, as well as reduced survivorship relative to antiandrogen‐exposed peers, providing evidence in mammals that maternal androgens can negatively impact offspring health and survival. These intergenerational, androgen‐mediated, health effects represent early costs imposed by female intrasexual competition and its associated selection pressures.
A continuum chemo‐mechano‐biological model for in‐stent restenosis with consideration of hemodynamic effects
Authors: Manjunatha Kiran , Ranno Anna , Shi Jianye , Schaaps Nicole , Nilcham Pakhwan , Cornelissen Anne , Vogt Felix , Behr Marek , Reese Stefanie 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe occurrence of in‐stent restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention highlights the need for the creation of computational tools that can extract pathophysiological insights and optimize interventional procedures on a patient‐specific basis. In light of this, a modeling framework encompassing the chemo‐mechano‐biological interactions in the arterial wall and the effects of hemodynamic perturbations is introduced in this work.
Microglia and Astrocytes in Postnatal Neural Circuit Formation
Authors: Duffy Abigayle S. , Eyo Ukpong B. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTOver the past two decades, microglia and astrocytes have emerged as critical mediators of neural circuit formation. Particularly during the postnatal period, both glial subtypes play essential roles in orchestrating nervous system development through communication with neurons. These functions include regulating synapse elimination, modulating neuronal density and activity, mediating synaptogenesis, facilitating axon guidance and organization, and actively promoting neuronal survival. Despite the vital roles of both microglia and astrocytes in ensuring homeostatic brain development, the extent to which the postnatal functions of these cells are regulated by sex and the manner in which these glial cells communicate with one another to coordinate nervous system development remain less well understood. Here, we review the critical functions of both microglia and astrocytes independently and synergistically in mediating neural circuit formation, focusing our exploration on the postnatal period from birth to early adulthood.
ApoE Gene Polymorphism and Clinical, Biochemical, and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Alzheimer's Disease Patients From Northern and Southern Regions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Zholdasbekova Gulnaz , Kaiyrlykyzy Aiym , Kassenova Aliya , Alzhanova Dinara , Klyuev Dmitry , Askarova Sholpan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia in seniors and is also one of the critical social issues of modern healthcare. Since AD is considered a multifactorial disease, the significance of particular risk factors in different ethnic populations is constantly reevaluated.MethodThe study group consisted of 181 patients with AD, and the control group included 244 healthy seniors comparable in sex and age to the dementia group. Our study compared clinical data, blood biochemical parameters, various sociodemographic characteristics, and ApoE gene polymorphism in patients diagnosed with AD from Kazakhstan's north (Astana city) and south (Almaty city) regions.ResultsIn our cohort, significant dementia‐associated variables included smoking, clinically significant depression, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and liver dysfunction. Notably, AD patients had higher HDL levels, lower ALT levels, and higher total bilirubin and AST/ALT ratios. The ApoE ɛ4 genotype, a well‐known AD risk factor, was more prevalent in the northern AD group. Additionally, participants from Astana city had a higher incidence of strokes, potentially linked to elevated LDL levels, while Almaty city residents exhibited a higher prevalence of clinically severe depression.DiscussionThese findings underscore the importance of considering bio‐geographic and environmental factors in AD research. The study's outcomes may aid in further research and the development of personalized approaches for managing and treating AD in distinct geographical regions.
Unveiling Cancer: A Data‐Driven Approach for Early Identification and Prediction Using F‐RUS‐RF Model
Authors: Javeed Ashir , Anderberg Peter , Saleem Muhammad Asim , Ghazi Ahmad Nauman , Sanmartin Berglund Johan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTGlobally, cancer is the second‐leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. To improve survival rates, risk factors and cancer predictors must be identified early. From the literature, researchers have developed several kinds of machine learning‐based diagnostic systems for early cancer prediction. This study presented a diagnostic system that can identify the risk factors linked to the onset of cancer in order to anticipate cancer early. The newly constructed diagnostic system consists of two modules: the first module relies on a statistical F‐score method to rank the variables in the dataset, and the second module deploys the random forest (RF) model for classification. Using a genetic algorithm, the hyperparameters of the RF model were optimized for improved accuracy. A dataset including 10 765 samples with 74 variables per sample was gathered from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). The acquired dataset has a bias issue due to the extreme imbalance between the classes. In order to address this issue and prevent bias in the newly constructed model, we balanced the classes using a random undersampling strategy. The model's components are integrated into a single unit called F‐RUS‐RF. With a sensitivity of 92.25% and a specificity of 85.14%, the F‐RUS‐RF model achieved the highest accuracy of 86.15%, utilizing only six highly ranked variables according to the statistical F‐score approach. We can lower the incidence of cancer in the aging population by addressing the risk factors for cancer that the F‐RUS‐RF model found.
A solid waste with special surface wettability under‐liquid used for surfactant‐stabilized emulsion separation
Authors: Dong Yijun , Zhang Yu‐Ping , Tan Min , Liu Jun , Chen Haie , Yuan Pei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInspired by the strong adsorption of oil and moisture for the ashes of mosquito‐repellent incense (MRI) in daily life, their potential application for the highly efficient separation of water‐in‐oil (W/O) and oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions was developed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy spectrometer (EDS) were used to determine the micromorphology and composition of the MRI ashes. The packed ashes were both superhydrophilicity/superoleophilicity in the air, and underwater superoleophobicity/under‐oil superhydrophobicity. Based on the special dual wettability of the ash layer, the resultant packed column was used for the efficient separation of O/W emulsions and the corresponding W/O emulsions, respectively. The separation flux of different types of O/W and W/O emulsions was over 2×104 L/m2h and their separation efficiencies were maintained at over 95%. The waste MRI ashes without any physical and chemical treatment provided a new idea for the selection of efficient separation materials.
Age‐Dependent Pathogenesis of Influenza A Virus H7N9 Mediated Through PB1‐F2‐Induced Mitochondrial DNA Release and Activation of cGAS‐STING‐NF‐κB Signaling
Authors: Cheung Pak‐Hin Hinson , Yuen Tin‐Long , Tang Tze‐Tung , Leung Ho‐Yin , Lee Terence Tak‐Wang , Chan Pearl , Cheng Yun , Fung Sin‐Yee , Ye Zi‐Wei , Chan Chi‐Ping , Jin Dong‐Yan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTExactly why human infection of avian influenza A virus H7N9 causes more severe disease in the elderly remains elusive. In this study, we found that H7N9 PB1‐F2 is a pathogenic factor in 15–18‐month‐old BALB/C mice (aged mice) but not in 6–8‐week‐old young adult mice (young mice). Recombinant influenza A virus with H7N9 PB1‐F2‐knockout was less pathogenic in aged mice as indicated with delayed weight loss. In contrast, survival of young mice infected with this virus was diminished. Furthermore, tissue damage, inflammation, proinflammatory cytokine and 2′3′‐cGAMP production in the lung were less pronounced in infected aged mice despite no change in viral titer. cGAS is known to produce 2′3′‐cGAMP to boost proinflammatory cytokine expression through STING‐NF‐κB signaling. We found that H7N9 PB1‐F2 promoted interferon β (IFNβ) and chemokine gene expression in cultured cells through the mitochondrial DNA‐cGAS‐STING‐NF‐κB pathway. H7N9 PB1‐F2 formed protein aggregate and caused mitochondrial cristae collapse, complex V‐dependent electron transport dysfunction, reverse electron transfer‐dependent oxidized mitochondrial DNA release to the cytoplasm and activation of cGAS‐STING‐NF‐κB signaling. PB1‐F2 N57 truncation, which is frequently observed in human circulating strains, mitigated H7N9 PB1‐F2‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and cGAS activation. In addition, we found that PB1‐F2 of pathogenic avian influenza viruses triggered more robust cGAS activation than their human‐adapted descendants. Our findings provide one explanation to age‐dependent pathogenesis of H7N9 infection.
A Herpes Simplex Virus Type‐1‐Derived Influenza Vaccine Induces Balanced Adaptive Immune Responses and Protects Mice From Lethal Influenza Virus Challenge
Authors: Rider Paul J. F. , Dulin Harrison , Uche Ifeanyi K. , McGee Michael C. , Huang Weishan , Kousoulas Konstantin G. , Hai Rong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTInfluenza virus is a major respiratory viral pathogen responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands worldwide each year. Current vaccines provide protection primarily by inducing strain‐specific antibody responses with the requirement of a match between vaccine strains and circulating strains. It has been suggested that anti‐influenza T‐cell responses, in addition to antibody responses may provide the broadest protection against different flu strains. Therefore, to address this urgent need, it is desirable to develop a vaccine candidate with an ability to induce balanced adaptive immunity including cell mediated immune responses. Here, we explored the potential of VC2, a well‐characterized Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 vaccine vector, as a live attenuated influenza vaccine candidate. We generated a recombinant VC2 virus expressing the influenza A hemagglutinin protein. We show that this virus is capable of generating potent and specific anti‐influenza humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses. We further show that a single vaccination with the VC2‐derived influenza vaccine protects mice from lethal challenge with influenza virus. Our data support the continued development of VC2‐derived influenza vaccines for protection of human populations from both seasonal and pandemic strains of influenza. Finally, our results support the potential of VC2‐derived vaccines as a platform for the rapid development of vaccines against emerging and established pathogens, particularly respiratory pathogens.
A case of double‐mutant resistant tinea indotineae
Authors: Koncan R. , Benini A. , Lo Cascio G. , Di Meo N. , Lepera V. , Palladino G. , Clemente L. , Barbone F. , Zalaudek I. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a concerning increase in a challenging‐to‐treat dermatophyte lineage of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex, known as Trichophyton indotineae. We report the first case of resistant T. indotineae bearing a double mutation in the squalene epoxidase gene (SQLE), isolated in Italy from a 26 ‐year‐old Nepali woman affected by a persistent tinea corporis. Topical terbinafine yielded minimal to no improvement while itraconazole provided partial relief but failed to eradicate the infection. Molecular identification through Sanger sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region confirmed T. indotineae and sequencing of the SQLE gene revealed the presence of a double mutation (Phe397Leu/Ala448Thr) associated with antifungal resistance. Broth microdilution susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to fluconazole, but susceptibility to itraconazole. Ultimately complete cure was achieved with prolonged high‐dose itraconazole therapy.
Middle Ear microRNAs Drive Mucin Gene Response
Authors: Nahas Gabriel , Chen Yajun , Ningundi Apurva , Tercyak Samuel , Preciado Diego 
Published: November 2024

Objective(s)To investigate the role of microRNA‐378 (miR‐378) in the regulation of mucin gene expression and inflammatory response in human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEEC) during bacterial infection by non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi).MethodsHuman middle ear epithelial cells (HMEEC) were cultured and transfected with miR‐378 or control miRNA. Post‐transfection, cells were exposed to NTHi lysates. mRNA levels of MUC5B, MUC5AC, and IL‐8 were quantified using RT‐qPCR, and promoter activity was measured via luciferase assays. The effects of miR‐378 on mucin and cytokine gene expression were analyzed.ResultsTransfection with miR‐378 significantly increased the expression of MUC5B (3.6 fold, p < 0.01), MUC5AC (19.1 fold, p < 0.01), and IL‐8 (2.01 fold, p < 0.05) in HMEEC. NTHi exposure reduced MUC5B (1.385 fold, p < 0.05) and MUC5AC (1.61 fold, p < 0.05) gene expression in miR‐378 transfected cells but significantly increased IL‐8 levels (1.32 fold, p < 0.05). Luciferase assays showed that miR‐378 upregulated the promoter activity of MUC5B (1.4 fold, p < 0.01) and MUC5AC (1.6 fold, p < 0.01) genes, indicating its role in transcriptional regulation.ConclusionmiR‐378 plays a crucial role in promoting mucin overproduction and an inflammatory response in the middle ear epithelium during OM. Targeting miR‐378 could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing the progression from AOM to COM.Level of Evidencena Laryngoscope, 2024
Low‐Frequency Deep Brain Stimulation in Non‐Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Modifies Memory Retention in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Herz Damian M. , Blech Jenny , Winter Yaroslav , Gonzalez‐Escamilla Gabriel , Groppa Sergiu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveMemory impairment is a frequent and debilitating symptom in neurodegenerative disorders. The objective of this study was to provide proof‐of‐principle that deep brain stimulation during sleep can modify memory consolidation in people with Parkinson's disease depending on the stimulation frequency that is applied.MethodsTwenty‐four patients with Parkinson's disease who were treated with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus were included in this single‐blind pilot study. Six patients had to be excluded because of insomnia on the night of testing. Patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receiving either low frequency deep brain stimulation (4 Hz) or clinically used high frequency deep brain stimulation (130 Hz) during early non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. The main outcome measure was overnight memory retention as measured by a validated declarative memory task.ResultsPatients receiving low frequency deep brain stimulation during early NREM sleep (n = 9, 4 females, mean age 61.1 ± 4.3 years) showed improved overnight memory retention (z = 2.549, P = 0.011). Patients receiving clinically used high frequency deep brain stimulation (n = 9, 2 females, mean age 62.2 ± 7.1) did not show any improvement (z = 1.023, P = 0.306) leading to a significant difference between groups (z = 2.214, P = 0.027). Stronger improvement in memory function was correlated with increased cortical low frequency activity after low frequency deep brain stimulation as measured by electroencephalography (ρ = 0.711, P = 0.037).ConclusionThese results provide proof‐of‐principle that memory can be modulated by frequency‐specific deep brain stimulation during sleep. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Disaster‐Related Wound Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shu Qin , Zhang Xiang , Yuan Yitong , Li Zhifang , Ren Wei , Chen Beijing , Xie Fei , Hu Guangyun 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo better understand the research status and demand of society on disaster‐related wound care.DesignScoping review.MethodsA systematic search and screening was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, WHO Guidelines, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, MEDLINE and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) Database, and 31 articles were selected from 244 articles for critique and synthesis.ResultsExisting disaster‐related wound care research lacks a systematic review. In numerous nations, the technology and administration of disaster‐related wound care for Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) are still nascent, the responsibilities are ambiguous, and there is a shortage of wound professionals. Current critical issues include the following: (1) inadequate strategies for enhanced orderly management of disaster‐related wounds, particularly in an emergency setting and (2) lack of associations and organisations responsible for promoting research and development of catastrophe‐related wound care proliferation strategies in disaster wound care.ConclusionThere is still a lack of understanding regarding effective organisation and scientific implementation of disaster‐related wound care. More research should be carried out, focusing on the formulation of guidelines and continuous training, so as to promote the standardisation of disaster‐related wound care in the future.
Initial psychotropic prescriptions and symptom associations in first‐visit patients with major depressive disorder: A single‐center cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ishihara Yugo , Sugawara Norio , Kawamata Yasushi , Yasui‐Furukori Norio 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimThere are limited reports regarding psychotropic prescriptions in first‐visit patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The objective of this study is to clarify the prescription patterns of psychotropics and their association with symptoms among first‐visit patients with MDD in Japan.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional analysis, we examined 376 first‐visit patients diagnosed with MDD. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Japanese version (QIDS‐J). To assess personality traits, we administered the Japanese version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI‐J), and psychotic symptoms were evaluated using the PRIME Screen‐Revised (PS‐J).ResultsAmong the first‐visit patients with MDD, 31.4% (118/376) were prescribed antidepressants, and 18.1% (68/376) received benzodiazepines. Overall, 40.2% (151/376) of the patients were prescribed at least one psychotropic medication. In a multivariate logistic regression model using the forced entry method, missing data on educational attainment and the view of myself domain of the QIDS‐J were negatively associated, while the concentration/decision‐making domain of the QIDS‐J was positively associated with antidepressant prescription.ConclusionMore than half of the first‐visit patients did not receive any psychotropic medication. Psychiatrists appear to consider specific symptoms and personality traits when deciding whether to prescribe medications, which may also be influenced by patient preferences. Further studies, including longitudinal analyses, are needed to explore these associations in more detail.
Informing proactive wildfire management that benefits vulnerable communities and ecological values
Authors: Lacey L. Mae , Suraci Justin P. , Littlefield Caitlin E. , Busse Blake S. , Dickson Brett G. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In response to mounting wildfire risks, land managers across the country will need to dramatically increase proactive wildfire management (e.g. fuel and forest health treatments). While human communities vary widely in their vulnerability to the impacts of fire, these discrepancies have rarely informed prioritizations for wildfire mitigation treatments. The ecological values and ecosystem services provided by forests have also typically been secondary considerations.

To identify locations across the conterminous US where proactive wildfire management is likely to be effective at reducing wildfire severity and to yield co‐benefits for vulnerable communities and ecological values, we developed a set of spatial models that estimated wildfire mitigation potential (based on wildfire hazard and biophysical forest conditions) and either included or excluded information on vulnerable human communities, ecological values and ecosystem services. We then compared areas with high wildfire mitigation potential alone to refined ‘focal areas’ that overlaid social and ecological considerations to quantify the potential benefits of targeted wildfire mitigation treatments.

Inclusion of social and ecological considerations substantially increased representation of vulnerable communities and ecological values in focal areas relative to the model that considered wildfire alone. For instance, restoration in these refined focal areas would cover 28% greater imperilled species richness, 45% greater water importance and 26% more families falling below the poverty line.

By examining overlap between our refined focal areas and U.S. Forest Service top ranked firesheds (a prominent existing wildfire prioritization scheme), we show that our analysis can help to target wildfire mitigation efforts within firesheds to areas with particularly high social vulnerability and/or ecological value, providing an important compliment to a prioritization scheme based largely on risk to structures.

Our results highlight the importance of considering ecological and social factors when implementing wildfire mitigation treatments and provide actionable guidance for integrating these considerations into existing prioritizations.

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