bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Evaluation of palatal bone regeneration in cleft palate patients following a two-stage palatoplasty using a modified Furlow procedure”
Authors: Teblick Sofie , Van de Casteele Elke , Scheuermann Maria , Vanreusel Inne , Renier Lieven , Nadjmi Nasser 
Published: October 2024

Background:
A palatal cleft can be reconstructed using various palatoplasty techniques. Many techniques use local mucoperiosteal flaps to close the hard palate cleft, without closing the underlying bone defect. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of spontaneous bone regeneration in the remaining bone defect following a two-stage palatoplasty. Furthermore, the effect of this bone regeneration on transverse maxillary growth was studied

Methods:
A retrospective study of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients was performed. Cleft size was measured at the hard-soft palate junction on plaster models obtained during palatoplasty. Residual bony cleft was evaluated at the time of alveolar process reconstruction using CBCT images. The presence of crossbites was evaluated through clinical photographs to evaluate transverse maxillary growth.

Results:
Forty-six patients were included in this study. Thirteen patients (28%) presented with complete ossification of the hard palate at the age of six years. Six patients (13%) had no ossification, while twenty-seven patients (59%) demonstrated partial closure, averaging 75% of the total hard palate length. All patients with complete closure and 89% of patients with partial closure presented without lateral crossbites. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between lateral crossbites and the extent of hard palate ossification (p = 0.4314).

Conclusions:
87% of children presented with at least partial ossification of the hard palate after a two-stage palatoplasty, indicating the potential for spontaneous bone regeneration. Importantly, lateral crossbites demonstrated no correlation with palatal ossification (p = 0.1819), suggesting no detrimental impact of regenerated bone on transverse maxillary growth.
Comparing Innervated and Non-Innervated Glabrous Skin Flaps for Volar Digital Defects: Insights from Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Huang Ren-Wen , Chi Mu-Chieh , Hsieh Yun-Huan , Hsu Chung-Chen , Lin Yu-Te , Lin Chih-Hung , Lin Cheng-Hung 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Volar soft tissue defects in digits necessitate reconstructions that restore appearance sensation and minimize complications. This study compares innervated toe pulp (TP) and non-innervated medialis pedis (MP) flaps for reconstructing such defects, focusing on objective and subjective outcomes.

Methods:
Between 1998 and 2017, 101 free glabrous skin flap reconstructions were performed at our institution for volar digital soft tissue injuries, comprising 75 TP and 26 MP flaps. Follow-up assessments included the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, Foot and Ankle Disability Index, and sensory testing (static and moving two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test). Data analysis utilized the Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results:
The study cohort included 29 participants (15 TP, 14 MP) with an average follow-up of 106 months. Functional and sensory outcomes revealed no significant differences between TP and MP flaps. Both flap types achieved satisfactory function and sensibility, with no statistically significant distinctions in patient-reported outcomes. Subjective complaints were similarly distributed across both groups, with a few reports of cold intolerance and discomfort at the donor site in the TP group.

Conclusions:
TP and MP flaps provide adequate coverage and sensory outcomes for volar digital defects without significant differences between innervated and non-innervated flap transfers. The flap choice should be tailored to individual patient needs and defect characteristics, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered decision-making in reconstructive surgery. Further research is required to explore the long-term outcomes of these reconstruction methods, especially for larger defects.
A Stepped-Wedge, Cluster-Randomized, Multisite Study of Text Messaging Plus Peer Navigation to Improve Adherence and Viral Suppression Among Youth on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Taiwo Babafemi O. , Kuhns Lisa. M. , Agbaji Oche , David Agatha , Akanmu Sulaimon , Akinbami Akinyinka , Omigbodun Olayinka , Adekanmbi Folashade , Yiltok Esther , Ezemelue Priscilla , Akintan Patricia , Sodipo Olujimi , Awolude Olutosin , Kuti Kehinde , Mautin Gbenayon , Badru Titilope , Cervantes Marbella , Janulis Patrick , Okonkwor Ogochuckwu , Berzins Baiba , Garofalo Robert 
Published: October 2024

Background:
To address the need for improved virologic suppression among youth living with HIV (YLH) on antiretroviral treatment (ART), we evaluated peer navigation plus TXTXT daily text message ART reminders.

Setting:
YLH aged 15–24 years on ART for at least 3 months at 6 research sites in 4 Nigerian cities.

Methods:
Using a stepped-wedge design, cluster 1 was nonrandomized, whereas clusters 2 and 3 were randomized to sequences of routine care (control period) and 48 weeks of the combination intervention (intervention period). The primary end point was viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL) at week 48 of the intervention. Secondary end points included adherence measured by self-report (

90% considered adherent). Post hoc analysis assessed virologic control at <50 copies per milliliter and <1000 copies per milliliter. Generalized estimating equations determined the difference between intervention and control periods in the intention-to-treat population.

Results:
We enrolled 558 YLH and followed 541 over time, mean age 18 years, 53.8% female, 71.7% perinatally infected, and 38.6% virologically nonsuppressed at enrollment. For the primary end point, the intervention periods displayed a small, nonsignificant increase in viral suppression < 200 copies per milliliter [odds ratio (OR) = 1.16 (0.88–1.54), P = 0.297]. There was a significant effect of the combination intervention on virologic control <1000 copies per milliliter (OR = 1.42 [1.03–1.94], P = 0.030). Self-reported adherence also improved (OR = 2.07 [1.46–2.95], P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Peer navigation plus daily text message ART reminders demonstrated limited benefit among ART-experienced, predominantly perinatally infected YLH, with no significant effect on viral suppression below 200 copies per milliliter despite improvement in self-reported adherence.
Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Endometriosis in Patients With IC/BPS
Authors: Namugosa Mary , El Haraki Amr , Ritts Rory , Ferrara Kaylee , Badlani Gopal , Evans Robert , Walker Stephen J. 
Published: October 2024

Importance
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) presents as a complex heterogeneous disorder that poses a significant clinical challenge both for diagnosis and treatment. The identification of patient subgroups with significant overlap in their nonurological associated symptoms, including endometriosis, may enable a more targeted therapeutic approach.

Objective
This study investigated the prevalence, clinical correlates, and clinical sequelae associated with concurrent endometriosis in patients with IC/BPS.

Study Design
Demographic, clinical, surgical, and questionnaire data from female patients (n = 533) with a diagnosis of IC/BPS were evaluated in this retrospective cohort study. Surgical history was obtained from patient electronic medical records, using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Data from participants with and without concurrent endometriosis were compared using univariate analysis, followed by binary logistic regression to identify associated variables.

Results
Of 533 participants, 108 (20.3%) reported a history of endometriosis. Those with concurrent endometriosis were younger, had a larger bladder capacity, and had a higher number of nonurological associated symptoms. Patients with concurrent endometriosis were less likely to have a history of cystectomy (the surgical removal of the bladder) and report allergies but more prone to report comorbidities such as chronic pelvic pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraines, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Binary logistic regression identified a positive association between endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, and a negative association between allergies and low bladder capacity for those with concurrent endometriosis.

Conclusions
Endometriosis is common in younger female patients with IC/BPS and is associated with a non–bladder-centric (ie, systemic pain disorder) phenotype.
In Vitro Experiment Present ROCK2 Inhibition Promotes the Therapeutic of Bevacizumab in Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Lai Jun , Zhang Xiaojing , Liang Kaixin 
Published: October 2024

Objective
Gliomas are a general designation for neuroepithelial tumors derived from the glial cells of the central nervous system. According to the histopathological and immunohistochemical features, the World Health Organization classifies gliomas into four grades. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor that has been approved for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) as a second-line therapy. However, its efficacy remains limited. Rho/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) is a downstream molecule of small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) that regulates multiple cellular processes, including motility, migration, and proliferation. Thus, ROCK has been regarded as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, immune diseases, and cancer, and ROCK inhibitors have high potential clinical value.

Methods
Viability rate of cells was detected using MTT assay, and apoptosis of cells was detected using FACS. Expression of target genes and proteins was detected using qPCR and western blotting analysis. Concentration of cytokines was detected using ELISA methods.

Results
Viability and migration of GBM cells were reduced after bevacizumab treatment and that these effects were enhanced by ROCK2 inhibition. We further found that ROCK2 inhibition promoting the effect of bevacizumab was mainly mediated by the RhoA/ROCK2 pathway, further inducing apoptosis in GBM cells. In addition, we found that angiogenesis and degradation of cellular matrix-related cytokines were reduced by ROCK2 inhibition.

Conclusions
ROCK2 inhibition contributes to the therapeutic effects of bevacizumab.
Bridging biomolecular modalities for knowledge transfer in bio-language models
Authors: Prakash Mangal , Moskalev Artem , DiMaggio Peter A. , Combs Steven , Mansi Tommaso , Scheer Justin , Liao Rui 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn biology, messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in gene expression and protein synthesis. Accurate predictive modeling of mRNA properties can greatly enhance our understanding and manipulation of biological processes, leading to advancements in medical and biotechnological applications. Utilizing bio-language foundation models allows for leveraging large-scale pretrained knowledge, which can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of these predictions. However, mRNA specific foundation models are notably limited posing challenges for efficient predictive modeling in mRNA-focused tasks. In contrast, DNA and protein modalities have numerous general-purpose foundation models trained on billions of sequences. This paper explores the potential for adaptation of existing DNA and protein bio-language models for mRNA-focused tasks. Through experiments using various mRNA datasets curated from both public domain and internal proprietary database, we demonstrate that pre-trained DNA and protein models can be effectively transferred for mRNA-focused tasks using various adaptation techniques such as probing, full-rank, and low-rank finetuning. In addition, we identify key factors that influence successful adaptation, offering guidelines on when general-purpose DNA and protein models are likely to perform well for mRNA-focused tasks. We further assess the impact of model size on adaptation efficacy, finding that medium-scale models often outperform larger ones for cross-modal knowledge transfer. We conclude that by leveraging the interconnectedness of DNA, mRNA, and proteins, as outlined by the central dogma of molecular biology, the knowledge in foundation models can be effectively transferred across modalities, significantly enhancing the repertoire of computational tools available for mRNA analysis.
Stereotype of mouse social competency and status revealed by a novel competition paradigm in combination with available paradigms
Authors: Liu Meiqiu , Chen Yue , Chen Rongqing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWith the acceleration of urbanization process, psychological, behavioral and biological studies on social organization and competition are boosting. The mouse has been recognized as valuable and economic model animal for biomedical research in social behaviors, but the application of reliable, valid and easily executable social competition paradigm for mouse is still limited. Moreover, discrepant paradigms containing different competitive factors such as muscular confrontation, threatening level, boldness or timidity tendency might lead to task-specific win-or-lose outcomes and confusing rankings. Here, we developed a convenient mouse competition behavioral paradigm in which contenders were a pair of mice eager to take over the same food pellet hidden under a movable block in the middle of a narrow chamber where they were separated to the either right or left side. Our design mentality of this food pellet competition test (FPCT) avoids the direct violent competition between mice and facilitates to expose the psychological motivation of the contenders. Application of FPCT in combination with typically available paradigms, tube test and warm spot test (WST), discovered a stereotypic property of mouse social organization and competitivity in a given society of either males or females that were raised in an either 2– or 3-member cage, indicating that hierarchical sense of animals might be part of a comprehensive identify of self-recognition of individuals in an established society. More importantly, FPCT may largely facilitate the researches regarding the social organization and competition due to its reliability, validity and easy operability.
Stress-free state in human carotid arteries cannot be revealed without layer separation
Authors: Hrubanová Anna , Lisický Ondřej , Sochor Ondřej , Bednařík Zdeněk , Joukal Marek , Burša Jiří 
Published: October 2024

AbstractResidual stresses are considered as a significant factor influencing the stress-states in arteries. These stresses are typically observed through opening angle of a radially cut artery segment, often regarded as a primary descriptor of their stress-free state. However, the experimental evidence regarding the stress-free states of different artery layers is scarce. In this study, two experimental protocols, each employing different layer-separating sequences, were performed on 17 human common carotid arteries; the differences between both protocols were found statistically insignificant. While the media exhibited opening behaviour (reduced curvature), a contrasting trend was observed for the adventitia curvature, indicating its closing behaviour. In addition to the different bending effect, length changes of both layers after separation were observed, namely shortening of the adventitia and elongation of the media. The results point out that not all the residual stresses are released after a radial cut but a significant portion of them is released only after the layer separation. Considering the different mechanical properties of layers, this may significantly change the stress distribution in arterial wall and should be considered in its biomechanical models.
Glycolysis inhibition functionally reprograms T follicular helper cells and reverses lupus
Authors: Elshikha Ahmed , Ge Yong , Choi Seung Chul , Park Yuk Pheel , Padilla Lauren , Zhu Yanan , Clapp William L. , Sobel Eric S. , Mohamadzadeh Mansour , Morel Laurence 
Published: October 2024

SummarySystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the production of pathogenic autoantibodies depends on T follicular helper (TFH) cells. This study was designed to investigate the mechanisms by which inhibition of glycolysis with 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) reduces the expansion of TFHcells and the associated autoantibody production in lupus-prone mice. Integrated cellular, transcriptomic, epigenetic and metabolic analyses showed that 2DG reversed the enhanced cell expansion and effector functions, as well as mitochondrial and lysosomal defects in lupus TFHcells, which include an increased chaperone-mediated autophagy induced by TLR7 activation. Importantly, adoptive transfer of 2DG-reprogrammed TFHcells protected lupus-prone mice from disease progression. Orthologs of genes responsive to 2DG in murine lupus TFHcells were overexpressed in the TFHcells of SLE patients, suggesting a therapeutic potential of targeting glycolysis to eliminate aberrant TFHcells and curb the production of autoantibodies inducing tissue damage.
Intratumoral CXCL12 Gradients Contextualize Tumor Cell Invasion, Migration and Immune Suppression in Breast Cancer
Authors: Anastasiadou Dimitra P. , Couturier Nicole , Goel Sakshi , Argyris Dimitrios G. , Vodopyanov Stepan , Rivera-Sanchez Luis , Gonzalez Edgar , Kreger Jesse , Griffen Anthony , Kazakov Abigail , Burt Joseph , Recoder Natasha , Duran Camille L. , Harney Allison S. , Quesnel Agathe , Filippou Panagiota S. , Lenis Vasileios P. , Shukla Suryansh , Entenberg David , Zintiridou Aliona , Chen Xiaoming , Eddy Robert J. , Oktay Maja H. , Condeelis John S. , Karagiannis Nikolaos S. , Briceno Andrea , Guzik Hillary , Alon Rotem , DesMarais Vera , Ioannou Giorgio , Gnjatic Sacha , Raynolds David. M. , Macedo Rodney , Reshef Ran , Gil-Henn Hava , MacLean Adam L. , Torres Evanthia Roussos , LaFave Lindsay M. , Lauvau Gregoire , Karagiannis George S. 
Published: October 2024

SUMMARYAlthough the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway has been prior investigated for its prometastatic and immuno- suppressive roles in the tumor microenvironment, evidence on the spatiotemporal regulation of these hallmarks has been lacking. Here, we demonstrate that CXCL12 forms a gradient specifically around cancer cell intravasation doorways, also known as Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis (TMEM) doorways, thus facilitating the chemotactic translocation of prometastatic tumor cells expressing CXCR4 toward the perivascular TMEM doorways for subsequent entry into peripheral circulation. Fur- thermore, we demonstrate that the CXCL12-rich micro-environment around TMEM doorways may cre- ate immunosuppressive niches, whereby CD8+T cells, despite being attracted to these regions, often exhibit reduced effector functions, limiting their efficacy. While the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway can mini- mally influence the overall composition of immune cell populations, it biases the distribution of CD8+T cells away from TMEM doorways, justifying its prior-established role as immunosuppressive factor for CD8+T cells. Our research suggests that the complex interactions between CXCL12 and the various tumor and immune cell types contributes not only to the completion of the initial steps of the metastatic cascade, but also offers an immunological “sanctuary” to prometastatic tumor cells homed around TMEM doorways. Overall, our study enhances our current understanding on the mechanisms, via which CXCL12 orchestrates tumor cell behavior and immune dynamics, potentially guiding future thera- peutic strategies to combat breast cancer metastasis and improve anti-tumor immunity.
Evolutionary genomics of two co-occurring congeneric fore reef coral species on Guam (Mariana Islands)
Authors: Torrado Héctor , Rios Dareon , Primov Karim , Burdick David R , Bentlage Bastian , Lemer Sarah , Combosch David 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPopulation structure provides essential information for developing meaningful conservation plans. This is especially important in remote places, such as oceanic islands, where limited population sizes and genetic isolation can make populations more susceptible and self-dependent.In this study, we assess and compare the relatedness, population genetics and molecular ecology of two sympatricAcroporaspecies,A. surculosa sensuRandall & Myers (1983) andA.cf.verweyiVeron & Wallace, 1984 around Guam, using genome-wide sequence data (ddRAD). We further contrast our findings with the results of a recent study on back reefA.cf.pulchra(Brook, 1891) to assess the impact of habitat, colony morphology and phylogenetic relatedness on these basic population genetic characteristics and generate testable hypotheses for future studies.Both target species were found to have small effective population sizes, low levels of genetic diversity, and minimal population structure around Guam. Nonetheless,A.cf.verweyihad significantly higher levels of genetic diversity, some population structure as well as more clones, close relatives and putative loci under selection. Comparisons withA.cf.pulchraindicate a potentially significant impact by habitat on population structure and genetic diversity while colony morphology seems to significantly impact clonality.This study revealed significant differences in the basic population genetic makeup of two sympatricAcroporaspecies on Guam. Our results suggest that colony morphology and habitat/ecology may have a significant impact on the population genetic make-up in reef corals, which could offer valuable insights for future management decisions in the absence of genetic data.
An Environmental Vulnerability Index framework supporting targeted public health interventions at the census tracts level
Authors: Anderson Lauren B. , Holm Rochelle H. , Black Caison , Biddle Donald J. , Chiu Weihsueh A. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Smith Ted 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnalyzing and visualizing disparities in environmental risks can help in assessing place-based vulnerabilities and provide civic leaders and community members with essential data about promoting health equity and inform public health strategies. However, there is a lack of effective and integrative tools for evaluating census tract vulnerabilities.OBJECTIVEWe investigated the adaption of a previously developed environmental vulnerability index to evaluate cumulative impacts of diverse stressors in Louisville Metro-Jefferson County, KY, with the goal of supporting multi-faceted targeted public health interventions at the census tract-level.METHODSWe assessed countywide variability in vulnerability using Toxicological Prioritization Index interface across five domains with 32 indicators and modeled the effects of theoretical public health interventions.RESULTSOur findings suggest similarly vulnerable areas are not always geographically clustered. Higher vulnerability scores are observed along the western and central areas of the county with lower vulnerability scores in the central urban core and eastern regions. The index enabled the selection of the most at-risk census tracts for modeling targeted public health interventions to reduce cumulative environmental vulnerability.SIGNIFICANCEEnvironmental vulnerabilities are not invariant features of urban environments, rather the knowledge of these risks can guide the development and implementation of targeted solutions.IMPACT STATEMENTTargeted interventions to modify environmental conditions that are supportive of health can be developed and implemented locally with greater precision at the census tract level, yielding impactful outcomes.