bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Activation of Tubulin Tyrosination Improves Heart Function
Authors: Pietsch Niels , Chen Christina Y. , Kupsch Svenja , Bacmeister Lucas , Geertz Birgit , Herrera-Rivero Marisol , Siebels Bente , Voß Hannah , Krämer Elisabeth , Braren Ingke , Westermann Dirk , Schlüter Hartmut , Mearini Giulia , Schlossarek Saskia , van der Velden Jolanda , Caporizzo Matthew A. , Lindner Diana , Prosser Benjamin L. , Carrier Lucie 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiac genetic disorder caused by sarcomeric gene variants and associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. The role of the microtubule network has recently gained interest with the findings that microtubule detyrosination (dTyr-MT) is markedly elevated in heart failure. Acute reduction of dTyr-MT by inhibition of the detyrosinase (VASH [vasohibin]/SVBP [small VASH-binding protein] complex) or activation of the tyrosinase (TTL [tubulin tyrosine ligase]) markedly improved contractility and reduced stiffness in human failing cardiomyocytes and thus posed a new perspective for HCM treatment. In this study, we tested the impact of chronic tubulin tyrosination in an HCM mouse model (
Mybpc3
knock-in), in human HCM cardiomyocytes, and in SVBP-deficient human engineered heart tissues (EHTs).

METHODS:
Adeno-associated virus serotype 9–mediated TTL transfer was applied in neonatal wild-type rodents, in 3-week-old knock-in mice, and in HCM human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes.

RESULTS:
We show (1) TTL for 6 weeks dose dependently reduced dTyr-MT and improved contractility without affecting cytosolic calcium transients in wild-type cardiomyocytes; (2) TTL for 12 weeks reduced the abundance of dTyr-MT in the myocardium, improved diastolic filling, compliance, cardiac output, and stroke volume in knock-in mice; (3) TTL for 10 days normalized cell area in HCM human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes; (4) TTL overexpression activated transcription of tubulins and other cytoskeleton components but did not significantly impact the proteome in knock-in mice; (5) SVBP-deficient EHTs exhibited reduced dTyr-MT levels, higher force, and faster relaxation than TTL-deficient and wild-type EHTs. RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis revealed distinct enrichment of cardiomyocyte components and pathways in SVBP-deficient versus TTL-deficient EHTs.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides the first proof of concept that chronic activation of tubulin tyrosination in HCM mice and in human EHTs improves heart function and holds promise for targeting the nonsarcomeric cytoskeleton in heart disease.
The Small-Amplitude Dynamics of Spontaneous Tropical Cyclogenesis. Part II: Linear Stability Analysis
Authors: Fu Hao , O’Neill Morgan E. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This two-paper series studies the tropical cyclone (TC) precursor vortices spontaneously generated in an idealized setup with uniform sea surface temperature and no background wind. We focus on the small-amplitude stage, where vortices appear in an orderly pattern, and what controls the vortex size remains unclear. In Part I, Fourier analysis shows that the vortex size is constrained by a short-wavelength cutoff and a long-wavelength cutoff. The short-wavelength cutoff is explained as a convective spreading length due to cold pools and anvil clouds. In Part II, we study the long-wavelength cutoff. Diagnostic analysis shows that a TC precursor vortex has a shallow overturning cell in the lower troposphere and a deep overturning cell in the upper troposphere, driven by different convective types. A four-layer quasigeostrophic system is established to understand how the shallow and deep cells couple. Their dynamic coupling via midlevel buoyancy is negligible due to a midlevel high-speed waveguide that maintains a weak horizontal buoyancy gradient. Their thermodynamic coupling via the cooperative moistening of the air column is dominant. Linear stability analysis shows that the long-wavelength cutoff is controlled by an effective Rossby deformation radius Le, which is a mixture of the local Rossby deformation radii of the shallow and deep cells. The most unstable wavelength corresponds to the TC precursor vortex size, which is proportional to the geometric average of Le and the convective spreading length. The theoretical predictions generally agree with cloud-permitting simulations using varying Coriolis parameters and longwave radiative feedback strengths.
simona: a comprehensive R package for semantic similarity analysis on bio-ontologies
Authors: Gu Zuguang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Bio-ontologies are keys in structuring complex biological information for effective data integration and knowledge representation. Semantic similarity analysis on bio-ontologies quantitatively assesses the degree of similarity between biological concepts based on the semantics encoded in ontologies. It plays an important role in structured and meaningful interpretations and integration of complex data from multiple biological domains.

Results
We present simona, a novel R package for semantic similarity analysis on general bio-ontologies. Simona implements infrastructures for ontology analysis by offering efficient data structures, fast ontology traversal methods, and elegant visualizations. Moreover, it provides a robust toolbox supporting over 70 methods for semantic similarity analysis. With simona, we conducted a benchmark against current semantic similarity methods. The results demonstrate methods are clustered based on their mathematical methodologies, thus guiding researchers in the selection of appropriate methods. Additionally, we explored annotation-based versus topology-based methods, revealing that semantic similarities solely based on ontology topology can efficiently reveal semantic similarity structures, facilitating analysis on less-studied organisms and other ontologies.

Conclusions
Simona offers a versatile interface and efficient implementation for processing, visualization, and semantic similarity analysis on bio-ontologies. We believe that simona will serve as a robust tool for uncovering relationships and enhancing the interoperability of biological knowledge systems.
Explainable artificial intelligence models for predicting pregnancy termination among reproductive-aged women in six east African countries: machine learning approach
Authors: Setegn Gizachew Mulu , Dejene Belayneh Endalamaw 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPregnancy termination remains a complex and sensitive issue with approximately 45% of abortions worldwide being unsafe, and 97% of abortions occurring in developing countries. Unsafe pregnancy terminations have implications for women’s reproductive health. This research aims to compare black box models in their prediction of pregnancy termination among reproductive-aged women and identify factors associated with pregnancy termination using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods. We used comprehensive secondary data on reproductive-aged women’s demographic and socioeconomic data from the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) from six countries in East Africa in the analysis. This study implemented five black box ML models, Bagging classifier, Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) Classifier, CatBoost Classifier, and Extra Trees Classifier on a dataset with 338,904 instances and 18 features. Additionally, SHAP, Eli5, and LIME XAI techniques were used to determine features associated with pregnancy termination and Statistical analysis were employed to understand the distribution of pregnancy termination. The results demonstrated that machine learning algorithms were able to predict pregnancy termination on DHS data with an overall accuracy ranging from 79.4 to 85.6%. The ML classifier random forest achieved the highest result, with an accuracy of 85.6%. Based on the results of the XAI tool, the most contributing factors for pregnancy termination are wealth index, current working experience, and source of drinking water, sex of household, education level, and marital status. The outcomes of this study using random forest is expected to significantly contribute to the field of reproductive healthcare in East Africa and can assist healthcare providers in identifying individuals’ countries at greater risk of pregnancy termination, allowing for targeted interventions and support.
A cluster randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of the ‘Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience’ (CPIPE) intervention in Kenya and Ghana: study protocol
Authors: Afulani Patience A. , Getahun Monica , Ongeri Linnet , Aborigo Raymond , Kinyua Joyceline , Ogolla Beryl A. , Okiring Jaffer , Moro Ali , Oluoch Iscar , Dalaba Maxwell , Odiase Osamuedeme , Ouner Jerry John , Mendes Wendy Berry , Walker Dilys , Neilands Torsten B. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Poor person-centered maternal care (PCMC) contributes to high maternal mortality and morbidity, directly and indirectly, through lack of, delayed, inadequate, unnecessary, or harmful care. While evidence on poor PCMC prevalence, as well as inequities, expanded in the last decade, there is still a significant gap in evidence-based interventions to address PCMC. We describe the protocol for a trial to test the effectiveness of the “Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience” (CPIPE) intervention, which includes five strategies, targeting provider stress and bias as intermediate factors to improve PCMC and address inequities.

Methods
The trial will assess the effect of CPIPE on PCMC, as well as on intermediate and distal outcomes, using a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial in 40 health facilities in Migori and Homa Bay Counties in Kenya and Upper East and Northeast Regions in Ghana. Twenty facilities in each country will be randomized to 10 intervention and 10 control sites. The primary intervention targets are all healthcare workers who provide maternal health services. The intervention impact will be assessed among healthcare workers in the study health facilities and among women who give birth in the study health facilities. The primary outcome is PCMC measured with the PCMC scale, via multiple cross-sectional surveys of mothers who gave birth in the preceding 12 weeks in study facilities at baseline (prior to the intervention), midline (6 months after intervention start), and endline (12 months post-baseline) (N = 2000 across both countries at each time point). Additionally, 400 providers in the study facilities across both countries will be followed longitudinally at baseline, midline, and endline, to assess intermediate outcomes. The trial incorporates a mixed-methods design; survey data alongside in-depth interviews (IDIs) with healthcare facility leaders, providers, and mothers to qualitatively explore factors influencing the outcomes. Finally, we will collect process and cost data to assess intervention fidelity and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion
This trial will be the first to rigorously assess an intervention to improve PCMC that addresses both provider stress and bias and will advance the evidence base for interventions to improve PCMC and contribute to equity in maternal and neonatal health.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06085105. Protocol version and date: v2-11-07-23
Transcultural adaptation and validation of Persian Version of Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-5As) Questionnaire in Iranian older patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Maroufi Sahar , Dehghankar Leila , Alizadeh Ahad , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Motalebi Seyedeh Ameneh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-5As) questionnaire has been designed to evaluate the healthcare experiences of individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Older adults are at higher risk for diabetes and its associated complications. The aim of this study was transcultural adaptation and evaluation of the validity and reliability of the PACIC-5As questionnaire in older patients with diabetes residing in Qazvin City, Iran.

Method
In this validation study, we recruited 306 older patients with diabetes from Comprehensive Health Centers in Qazvin, Iran. The multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to choose a representative sample. The PACIC-5As questionnaire was translated into Persian using the World Health Organization (WHO) standardized method. The validity (face, content, and construct) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of the PACIC-5As were assessed. Data analysis was conducted using R software and the Lavaan package.

Results
The mean age of the older patients was 69.99 ± 6.94 years old. Most older participants were female (n = 180, 58.82%) and married (n = 216, 70.59%). Regarding face validity, all items of PACIC-5As had impact scores greater than 1.5. In terms of content validity, all items had a content validity ratio > 0.49 and a content validity index > 0.79. The results of confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the model exhibited satisfactory fit across the expected five factors, including assess, advise, agree, assist, and arrange, for the 25 items of the PACIC-5As questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the PACIC-5As questionnaire was 0.805.

Conclusion
This study indicates that the Persian version of the PACIC-5As questionnaire is valid and reliable for assessing healthcare experiences in older patients with diabetes. This means that the questionnaire can be effectively used in this population.
Impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on psychotropic drug use in children and adolescents in France
Authors: Couturas Jérémy , Jost Jérémy , Schadler Laurence , Bodeau Nicolas , Moysan Véronique , Lescarret Bruno , Olliac Bertrand , Calvet Benjamin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
In 2019, the world faced a pandemic brought about by a severe acute respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. The spread of this virus has profoundly affected societies, particularly in terms of their economic, human and social dimensions, as well as their healthcare systems. Several restrictive measures (reduced social interaction, periodic school closures,…) had to be taken to contain the spread of the virus. These measures have had an impact on the psychological well-being of both adults and children. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in psychotropic drugs prescriptions for children and adolescents living in Limousin, a French region, over the period 2018 to 2021.

Methods
The consumption of psychotropic drugs was studied using a national database of drug reimbursement. These data were extracted and supplied from the nationwide French reimbursement healthcare system database (SNDS). The following therapeutic classes were studied: N05A (antipsychotics), N05B (anxiolytics), N05C (hypnotics and sedatives), N06A (antidepressants) and N06B (psychostimulants). Data were collected for insured persons under the age of 18 who received at least one reimbursement for a psychotropic drug between 2018 and 2021.

Results
Over a 4-year period, 7949 patients under the age of 18 were included with an average age of 12.1 years and a sex ratio of 0.97 M/F. The number of patients increased from 2018 to 2021, as did the number of reimbursements. We observed a statistically significant difference of means of patients reimbursed per week for on five therapeutic classes, with the greatest difference in 2021 (p < 0.0001). An increase in the number of patients of between + 20.7% and + 689% was observed, depending on the drug classes studied. Comparisons between the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 periods showed a significantly higher COVID average for psychotropic drugs reimbursements in general and individually for all classes except psychostimulants.

Conclusion
The results show a significant increase in the consumption of psychotropic drugs among youth. The increase in psychotropic drug use was continuous and progressive throughout the pandemic. All five classes were increased, but particularly anxiolytics and antidepressants. The COVID-19 context may have been at the origin of a deterioration in the mental health of children and adolescents, or of a heightened awareness of psychiatric care among young people.
Myxomatous cause of multiple intracranial aneurysms and cognitive decline: a case report
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Selvaraj Prabhu , Vijayaraghavan Asish , Kalaparti Viswanadh S. V. G. , Narasimhaiah Deepti 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The occurrence of cerebral aneurysm in a case of cardiac myxoma is rare with less than 60 cases reported worldwide. The course of management is still debatable given its rarity. We present a case of multiple intracranial aneurysms secondary to atrial myxoma in a young lady with a brief review of the literature.
Case presentation
A young lady in her late 30s with a history of right middle cerebral artery territory stroke eight years ago presented with gradually progressive symptoms in the form of holocranial headache, inattention and forgetfulness for the last few years. On neuroimaging, she was found to have multi-territorial lacunar infarcts and multiple intracranial artery aneurysms which was confirmed with a digital subtraction angiogram. A cardiac evaluation revealed a left atrial myxoma. The aetiology of subcortical cognitive decline and intracranial aneurysms was attributed to the myxoma with secondary myxomatous embolism. Other secondary causes were ruled out. She is being followed up medically after resection of the myxoma.

Conclusion
Intracranial aneurysms are rare complications of cardiac myxoma which may present before, concurrent or many years after diagnosis of the myxoma. Nonspecific neurological complaints occasionally are the ominous signs of intracranial aneurysms which mandate a low threshold for neuroimaging in a case of cardiac myxoma. Given the absence of definitive risk factors and unclear natural history, clinical and radiological follow-ups are critical.
Learning Points

Intracranial aneurysms are rare complications of cardiac myxoma that may present before, concurrent or many years after diagnosis of the myxoma.

Special attention must be given to nonspecific neurological complaints with a low threshold for neuroimaging in those with a prior history of cardiac myxoma.

Given the absence of definitive risk factors and unclear natural history, clinical and radiological follow-up including conventional angiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging is critical.
Role of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted MRI in differentiation of renal cell carcinoma subtypes
Authors: Mahmoud Amira R. , Fouda Nehad , Helmy Eman Mohamed , Elsorougy Ali 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Renal cell carcinoma is the most fatal form of renal tumors, representing about ninety percent of all renal cancers. There are different variations in prognosis among various histological types of RCC. In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on differentiating between RCC subtypes. Evaluation of different subtypes of renal cell carcinoma using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted MRI is the aim of this study.

Results
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCCs) showed highest f and D values, followed by chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCCs), while papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCCs) had the lowest values. CCRCCs had significantly different D and f values compared to non-clear types (PRCC and ChRCC) (P < 0.05). The D* values of CCRCC were the highest, PCRCC had intermediate values, while ChRCCs had the lowest values (P < 0.05). The D* values of ChRCCs demonstrated significant difference when compared to both CCRCCs and PRCCs (P < 0.05). The cutoff points of D, D* and f parameters for distinguishing CCRCCs from non-clear cell types (ChRCCs and PRCC) were 0.835, 0.0355 and 0.335, respectively, yielding specificities of 97.2%, 83.3% and 76.5% and sensitivities of 100%, 57.5% and 72.7%, respectively.

Conclusion
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) can be utilized to distinguish renal cell carcinoma subtypes.
Evaluation of the effect of hearing loss on cognitive-vestibular functions in the geriatric population
Authors: Uğur Emel , Uludag Busra , Aydın Çağla , Gilik Tugce Asena , Konukseven Bahriye Ozlem 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Presbycusis is known to accelerate mental decline processes and to cause secondary consequences such as social isolation and depression when not intervened. The association of presbycusis and presbyvestibulopathy disorders is likely. These changes in vestibular functions are closely related to cognitive functions. This study investigated the effect of hearing loss on cognitive and vestibular functions in a geriatric population.

Methods
This study was conducted with 200 participants over the age of 65. The study was conducted with three groups: individuals with normal hearing, moderate sensorineural hearing loss, and severe sensorineural hearing loss. The relationship between the participants’ responses to the Cognitive Vestibular Function Scale and their hearing levels was examined.

Results
Of the individuals with hearing loss in the study group, 55 had moderate SNHL, and 45 had severe SNHL. The age range of the participants was 65 to 91 years (71.06 ± 4.92). When the control (Group N) and study groups (Group M and Group S) were compared according to CVFS and subscale scores, they were found to be statistically different (p < 0.05). In pairwise comparisons, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in all pairwise combinations except Group N and Group M (p = 0.109) for the VSM subscale.

Conclusions
It was concluded that having a healthy hearing is the most influential factor for maintaining cognitive vestibular functions in the geriatric population. It was found that the degree of hearing loss primarily affects cognitive vestibular functions and that cognitive vestibular functions deteriorate more as hearing loss increases.
Study of word-in-noise perception scores at saccular acoustic sensitivity level: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Emami Seyede Faranak , Gohari Nasrin , Eghbalian Fatemeh , Mehrabifard Mobina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
In humans, saccular acoustic sensitivity has been confirmed. The aim of this study was to determine the scores of the word-in-noise perception test at the saccular acoustic sensitivity level.

Methodology
In this randomized clinical trial study, 101 participants in the age group of 14 to 25 years with normal hearing and middle ear function, detectable vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), normal states of mental health, and night sleep were investigated. The scores of word-in-noise perception and word-in-noise discrimination tests were evaluated for each person at two intensity levels, most comfortable level (MCL) and saccular acoustic sensitivity. Mann-Whitney was used for the multiple comparisons.

Results
There was a significant difference between the scores of the word-in-noise perception test at MCL and saccular acoustic sensitivity (U = 3971.50, Z =  − 2.10, p’ = 0.04), and also between the scores of the word-in-noise discrimination test at the MCL compared to saccular acoustic sensitivity (U = 399.89, Z =  − 2.49, p’ = 0.04). Word-in-noise discrimination scores in MCL (U = 3484.00, Z = -3.72, p’ = 0.00) and saccular acoustic sensitivity (U = 705.50, Z =  − 3.78, p’ = 0.00) were higher than word-in-noise perception.

Conclusions
Word-in-noise perception and word-in-noise discrimination scores are higher in saccular acoustic sensitivity level than MCL, suggesting that the vestibular system participates in loud speech perception. Also, in people with normal hearing thresholds, word-in-noise perception scores will be lower than word-in-noise discrimination scores for both loud and common intensity levels.