bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Functional Validation of ACSL1 as a Biomarker Regulating Ferroptosis in Nucleus Pulposus Cell
Authors: Zhou Yichi , Wang Ke , Ren Min , Wang Jiebin , Wang Fanglin , Zhuang Bingbing , Chen Lin , Wang Changsheng , Zhang Zhiqiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the deterioration of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, leading to symptoms that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying IVDD is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we employed Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify key module eigengenes (MEs) from the GSE124272 dataset, followed by differential gene expression analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis indicated that MEs were linked to lipid metabolism and immune response, while DEGs were related to immune response and cell proliferation. By intersecting MEs, DEGs, and ferroptosis-related genes, we identified six hub genes (ACSL1, BACH1, CBS, CP, AKR1C1, AKR1C3). Consensus clustering analysis categorized samples into two immune-related subgroups, C1 and C2, with subsequent single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) revealing distinct immune scores between the two subgroups. Notably, ACSL1 exhibited the highest correlation with immune cell infiltration, and its expression was significantly upregulated in the C1 subgroup, correlating with elevated immune scores. In vitro experiments validated increased expression of ACSL1 in the IL-1β-induced degenerative NP cell model, and silencing of ACSL1 resulted in improvements in cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular Fe2+, MDA, and GSH levels. Collectively, these findings suggest that ACSL1 serves as a biomarker for IVDD and may represent a potential therapeutic target for IVDD treatment.
The plausibility of claimed induced seismicity
Authors: Wilkinson Max , Mhana Najwa , Wilson Miles P. , Foulger Gillian R. , Tezel Timur , Gluyas Jon G. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Claims of industrially induced seismicity vary from indisputable to unpersuasive and the veracity of industrial induction is vital for regulatory and operational practice. Assessment schemes have been developed in response to measure the reliability of cases. We report here application of a standardised scheme E-PIE by a single seismologist to the HiQuake database of all known cases globally. 1235 cases were studied over around 1000 hours. Evidence relating to the temporal and spatial earthquake distributions tended to provide the strongest evidence for human-induction and information regarding nearby pre-industrial seismicity tended to undermine claims of induction. Of the 881 cases presenting scorable evidence, 87% fall within the category ‘Confidently Induced’, 10% were ‘Probably Induced’, 2% were ‘Equivocal’ and <1% were ‘Confidently Natural’. The most-seismogenic activities are fracking, research, geothermal, water reservoir impoundment, and conventional oil and gas. The least-seismogenic activities are construction, deep penetrating bombs and coal bed methane. 29% lack evidence required for assessment and significant potential exists to increase understanding by applying data mining techniques including natural language processing and AI to uncover new evidence. Best practice may be an independent panel of scientists who rapidly apply a questionnaire scheme, draw consensus, and inform a response.
Accelerating Birth Equity using Collaborative Systems Mapping
Authors: Thomas Sharita , Fatima Hiba , Simon Jessica , Hogan Vijaya , Lich Kristen Hasmiller 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Recognizing the complexity of cross-sector collaboration, holistic and innovative approaches are required to achieve birth equity. This project applied systems thinking and the Remove, Repair, Remediate, Restructure, and Provide (R4P) framework to understand and address systemic barriers to birth equity. This paper describes the systems thinking activities used to identify system actors and critical actions they can take to advance birth equity.
Methods
We applied systems thinking tools through the R4P lens in a series of collaborative and iterative activities. We conducted an environmental scan and synthesis of reports with recommendations to improve birth equity. Additionally, we engaged a diverse group of birth equity actors including those from federal agencies, state and local health departments, community-based organizations, funders, academic institutions, health systems, and national non-profits through systems mapping workshops to co-create a series of birth equity tools.
Results
Our collaborative efforts produced an innovative Birth Equity Ecosystem Map, Birth Equity Iceberg, and interactive Birth Equity Action Map. The Birth Equity Ecosystem Map is a comprehensive synthesis of recommendations defining an equitable ecosystem, while the Birth Equity Iceberg summarizes insights on systemic barriers to achieving birth equity most critical to address in the next five years. The Birth Equity Action Map is an interactive and strategic tool, synthesized from diverse system actors’ experiences and perspectives, that describes needed actions and responsible actors for each systemic barrier identified. We probed for and organized actions by the five dimensions of the R4P framework to encourage comprehensive action to achieve equity. The Birth Equity Action Map and connected resources developed through this project help actors identify actions they can work on to overcome identified systemic barriers to birth equity in their community and key partners for each.
Conclusions
The tools we developed demonstrate how systems thinking and R4P can offer a more holistic and effective approach to tackling issues of birth equity and lead to more actionable insights, thereby contributing significantly to the public health goal of achieving equity. These tools can be used by birth equity advocates to assess and leverage their strengths, resources, and unique context to identify priorities and collectively advance birth equity.
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome in a Young African Woman
Authors: Dadi Zewdu Hurissa , Tekle Mengesha Akale , Hirko Gezahegn Kefyalew 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Plummer–Vinson syndrome (PVS) is a classic triadof iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia, and esophageal webs. It is an uncommon causeof dysphagia that classically affects middle-aged women. The literature on PVS is very limited. Here,we present a rare case of PVS in a 20-year-old African womanwho presented with easy fatiguability, lightheadedness, and dysphagia for several weeks. She had pale conjunctiva on physical examinationand iron deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin level of 6.3 g/dL, a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 61.4 fL, a red blood cell width distribution (RDW) of 24.2%, and a ferritin level of 10.3 ng/ml.A bariumswallow revealed a proximal esophageal web. Her dysphagia significantly improved after one month of oral iron supplementation. Even though PVS is a rare clinical condition, it is worth consideringit as a cause of these problemsin clinical practice.
Gradient Pinch Mode of Magnetorheological Fluids: Effect of Material Composition
Authors: Žáček Jiří , Strecker Zbyněk , Jeniš Filip , Macháček Ondřej , Goldasz Janusz , Sapinski Bogdan , Vrbka Martin , Kubík Michal 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids can be utilized in one of the fundamental operating modes of which the gradient pinch mode has been the least explored. In this unique mode non-uniform magnetic field distributions are taken advantage of to develop a so-called Venturi-like contraction in MR fluids. By adequately directing magnetic flux the material can be made solidified in the regions near the flow channel wall, thus creating a passage in the middle of the channel for the fluid to pass through. This leads to unique variations of the slope in the pressure-flow rate characteristics. It can be stated that the effect of the MR fluid composition on the behaviour of the MR fluid in gradient pinch mode has not been thoroughly investigated yet. In this study, the behaviour of MR fluids was assessed with a dedicated pinch mode MR valve that provided a valuable insight into the contraction mechanism using fluorescence microscopy. Briefly, seven MR fluid samples were prepared with different particle concentrations (10 %, 22 % and 32 vol. %) and mean particle sizes (2, 4.5 and 8.2 µm). It was found that the MR fluid sample with the larger particle size exhibits a significantly larger slope change observed in the pressure-flow rate characteristics. Increasing the particle size from 2 µm (base) to 8 µm resulted in the slope increase by a factor of 2.6 compared to the base sample. Increasing the particle concentration has a negligible effect on the pinch mode effect. Finally, these results were analysed using the modified Wuest equation, which is commonly used for characterizing sharp-edged orifices in low Reynolds number flow regimes. The simple equation was determined to describe the behaviour of MR fluids in gradient pinch mode with adequate accuracy.
The accessibility of General Practice websites assessed by patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Beckers Rianne , Schoenmakers Birgitte 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to gather patients’ perceptions regarding the accessibility of practice websites in Flanders.
Methods: This is a quantitative study with accessibility as dependent variable and age, readability, clarity, accessibility, actuality, interactivity and cultural sensitivity as independent variables. A patient questionnaire was designed for data collection.
Results: 83% (n = 417) found the website accessible; 96.40% (n = 417) found the site readable and 91.10% (380) well-organized. Only 40.30% (n = 417) found the site adapted to a multicultural society. Of those who rated the practice website as insufficiently accessible, there was a significantly larger proportion who found the site insufficiently adapted to a multicultural society (p = 0.000293), insufficiently well-organized (p = <0.00001;) or insufficiently readable (p = 0.00016).
Conclusion: Most respondents found the website accessible, readable and well-organized. There are notable shortcomings in cultural sensitivity, actuality and interactivity. Areas for improvement include incorporating symbols, language options, displaying update date and the use of paragraphs, bold or colored words.
Lay summary
In a study conducted in Flanders, most patients found healthcare websites easy to access, read, and navigate. However, the study highlighted significant gaps in cultural inclusivity, with only 40% of patients feeling the websites catered to a multicultural audience. Additionally, the websites lacked up-to-date content and interactive features. To enhance user experience, the study suggests adding multilingual options, clear update dates, and visually distinct text elements like symbols and colored words.
Residual metabolic burden in young psoriasis patients successfully treated with biologics
Authors: Šabović Eva Klara Merzel , Šumenjak Tadeja Kraner , Janić Miodrag 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Metabolic disorders are common in patients with psoriasis and contribute significantly to an increased cardiovascular risk. While biologic therapy is very successful in clearing skin lesions, its impact on metabolic parameters is uncertain. Our aim was to investigate the residual dysmetabolic burden in psoriasis patients successfully treated with biologic therapy. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 80 young patients (54 men, 26 women, aged 30–45 years) who were successfully treated with either adalimumab, secukinumab or guselkumab and topical therapy or methotrexate, and 20 healthy controls. Anthropometric parameters, lipid levels and metabolic indices (HOMA-IR, TyG index and FIB-4 index) were measured. Patients did not receive any other treatments to exclude confounding effects. After analysis, we found that the patients treated with three different biologics had similar metabolic status, only the FIB-4 index was higher in the adalimumab group than in the secukinumab and guselkumab treatment groups. There were no significant differences between the patients treated with biologics and the control group. The comparison with patients treated topically or with methotrexate showed that only triglyceride levels, HOMA-IR, TyG, and FIB-4 were elevated in patients treated with adalimumab compared to patients treated with topical therapy. Finally, metabolic status was also similar in patients treated with methotrexate or topical therapy. In conclusion, this study suggests that psoriasis patients successfully treated with biologics have similar metabolic parameters to the control group and patients treated with topical therapy or methotrexate. This indicates that there is no significant residual dysmetabolic burden in young patients successfully treated with biologics. These results are clinically relevant and should be considered in the treatment of psoriasis patients. The study is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT05957120). Date of registration: 24th of July 2023.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Low-Level Laser Therapy Effectiveness for Treating Hair Loss
Authors: Wang Yi-Fan , Chen Yu-Chiao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Millions worldwide suffer from hair loss, impacting appearance and self-esteem. This study evaluates 1550nm wavelength low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hair loss treatment, focusing on efficacy, follicle health improvement, and optimal treatment parameters. In a controlled study, 68 participants with hair loss received bi-weekly LLLT over three months. The experimental group (n = 60) also had additional maintenance therapy. Evaluations at baseline, post-treatment, and up to nine months showed significant improvement in hair loss conditions, especially in the experimental group. LLLT proves effective in enhancing scalp health and promoting hair growth, with potential as a non-invasive and safe option for managing hair loss.
The Effectiveness of Individualized Blood Flow Restriction Training Following Patellar Fracture Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yang Mingming , Liang Bin , Zhao Xin , Wang Yang , Xue Mingyuan , Song Qipeng , Wang Dan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Patellar fracture surgeries are associated with subsequent atrophy and weakness on the muscles of the lower limb. Individualized blood flow restriction training is progressively being recognized as a potential technique for improving muscular hypertrophy and accompanying strength in participants after surgery. This study aimed to investigating the overall feasibility and effectiveness of individualized blood flow restriction rehabilitation training for patients recovering from patellar fracture surgery.
Methods
A 47-year-old male (Participant 1, body mass: 65 kg, height: 1.75 m, body mass index: 21.2 kg/m2, 3 months post-patellar fracture surgery) and a 28-year-old female (Participant 2, body mass: 53 kg, height: 1.67 m, body mass index: 19.8 kg/m2, 3 months post-patellar fracture surgery) performed straight leg raises and leg extensions with individualized blood flow restriction for six weeks. The blood supply in the leg with patellar fracture was partially restricted by a thigh pressure cuff at 60% inflation of limb occlusion pressure. Peak torque of knee extensor, rectus femoris cross-sectional area, rectus femoris stiffness, and Lysholm score were measured at baseline and post-training.
Results
Compared with the baseline, the post-training peak torque of the knee extensor, rectus femoris cross-sectional area, rectus femoris stiffness, and Lysholm score of participant 1 in the leg with patellar fracture increased by 48.2%, 7.9%, 7.9%, and 23 points, respectively; those of participant 2 increased by 134.7%, 6.8%, 14.2%, and 30 points, respectively.
Conclusions
The results suggested that the individualized blood flow restriction rehabilitation training was feasible and effective for patients after surgery for patellar fracture, and it deserves further research with a big sample size to generalize the training program.
Trial registration
The Nanjing First Hospital's ethics committee accepted the research before the testing. The clinical test was documented with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05371431, Registered 08-20-2020, prospectively registered).
Trial registration
The Nanjing First Hospital's ethics committee accepted the research before the testing. The clinical test was documented with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05371431, Registered 08202020, prospectively registered).
Development of a depression severity diagnosis model through natural language processing by psychiatry clinical texts
Authors: Kim Myung-Gwan , Song ChanYoung , Wang DaWoon , Han HyunWook 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Depression has surged in Korea, with 933,481 patients in 2021, a 35.1% increase since 2017. Globally, 5% of adults suffer from depression, resulting in over 700,000 suicides annually. However, Korea has only 29.5 mental health workers per 100,000 people, below the OECD average of 97.1. There is an increasing demand for mental illness diagnosis support systems internationally, and various research and development efforts are being attempted to alleviate mental illness. The problem of insufficient mental health human resources and treatment overload can be alleviated by medical artificial intelligence technology. We developed an artificial intelligence model for a clinical decision support system that determines the severity of depression using natural language data about depressive symptoms reported by patients treated in a psychiatric unit contained in our Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW). This study selected psychiatric depression patients from the Bundang CHA University Hospital CDW in South Korea between 2018 and 2022. Among them, 169 patients were diagnosed with mild depressive episodes, and 460 patients were diagnosed with moderate depressive episodes based on psychiatric symptom presentations. The control group utilized natural language datasets provided for artificial intelligence development on the AI Hub platform. The final analysis dataset consisted of Class 2: Moderate depression episode (460 patients), Class 1: Mild depression episode (169 patients), and Class 0: Normal (123,690 conversation sessions). Using this depression natural language dataset, we developed a model to classify depression severity. We applied various algorithms to accurately diagnose the severity of depression based solely on the symptoms reported by patients through psychiatric clinical texts, and selected the one with the highest numerical diagnostic accuracy and the best practical diagnostic classification. As a result, XGBoost showed the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an accuracy of 99.7%, precision of 99.6%, recall of 99.7%, and an F1 score of 99.6%. Additionally, the AUC was close to 1. Utilizing advanced medical artificial intelligence and natural language processing technology in the field of psychiatry can be greatly beneficial in assisting with the precise, personalized assessment of depression severity based on the content of what patients express.
CREPT is required for pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Sheng Jian , Liu Sihan , Li Jianghua , Chu Jun , Wang Minghan , Wang Yinyin , Ren Fangli , Cao Chenxi , Wang Xiaoguang , Chang Zhijie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disease that originates from interstitial lung diseases and ultimately exhibits respiratory failure in patients. The disease is characterized by focal accumulation and excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) from over-activated fibroblasts in the lung. Although many extrinsic factors have been identified to boost fibroblast proliferation and activation, it remains unclear how fibrosis is regulated by intrinsic factors.
Methods
Pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was induced by intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM) into CREPTWT and CREPTKO mice. In vitro study, the proliferation of mouse lung fibroblasts (MLFs) was assessed using CCK-8 assays and expression of fibrotic protein was examined following transforming growth factor (TGF)-β stimulation in MLFs.
Results
In this study, we found that deletion of CREPT alleviated BLM induced pulmonary fibrosis. Deletion of CREPT resulted in attenuated murine lung fibroblast proliferation, TGF-β-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast activation, and ECM deposition. Consistently, deletion of CREPT decreased the expression of fibrotic marker genes such as a-SMA, Col1a1, and FN1 but had no influence on the inflammation response upon the BLM challenge.
Conclusions
In summary, we report that CREPT is required for BLM induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Our study unravels an intrinsic molecular mechanism for the development of pulmonary fibrosis and provides a new target for the therapy of the interstitial lung disease.
A consortium of seven commensal bacteria promotes gut microbiota recovery and strengthens ecological barrier against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
Authors: Jan Alan , Bayle Perrine , Mohellibi Nacer , Lemoine Clara , Pepke Frederic , Beguet-Crespel Fabienne , Jouanin Isabelle , Tremblay-Franco Marie , Laroche Béatrice , Serror Pascale , Rigottier-Gois Lionel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) often originate from the gastrointestinal tract, where their proliferation precedes dissemination into the bloodstream, and can lead to systemic infection. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for resistance to intestinal colonisation by VRE is essential for infection control. We aimed to identify commensal bacteria that enhance resistance to colonisation or act as an ecological barrier against VRE.
Results
We performed a longitudinal analysis of the gut microbiota composition and VRE carriage levels in mice colonised with VRE after antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. By combining biological data and mathematical modelling, we identified 15 molecular species (OTUs) that negatively correlated with VRE overgrowth. Six strains representative of these OTUs were used in mixture with a seventh strain (Mix7) in two different mouse lines challenged with VRE. Of the seven strains, three belonged to Lachnospiraceae, one to Muribaculaceae (Muribaculum intestinale YL27), one to Ruminococcaceae and two to Lactobacillaceae. We found that Mix7 led to a better recovery of the gut microbiota and reduced VRE carriage. Differences in the effect of Mix7 were observed between responder and non-responder mice. These differences were associated with variations in composition during recovery and initial microbiota, and represent potential biomarkers for predicting response to Mix7. In a mouse model of alternative stable state of dysbiosis, response to Mix7 was associated with higher concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and a range of metabolites, reflecting the recovery of the microbiota back to initial state. Furthermore, M. intestinale YL27 was required for the Mix7 effect in vivo with at least one of the other six strains. None of the supernatant of the 7 strains, alone or in combination, inhibited VRE growth in vitro. Interestingly, 5 strains belong to species shared between humans and mice, and the other two have human functional equivalents.
Conclusions
We show that supplementation with a mixture of commensal strains, identified by mathematical modelling, improves the ecological barrier effect against VRE through mechanisms dependent on recovery and initial composition of the microbiota. Ultimately, this work will enable a move towards a personalised medicine by targeting patients at risk and likely to respond to supplementation with commensal strains.