bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Posterior Column Release and Lengthening with a Magnetic Growing Rod Construct in Severe Congenital Thoracic Fusion
Authors: Trask Michael , Yamaguchi Jonathan T. , Redding Gregory , Yaszay Burt , Browd Samuel , White Klane K. 
Published: October 2024

Case:
We describe treatment of severe multilevel congenital thoracic fusion in a 3-year-old girl with Apert Syndrome by posterior element excision, posterior column osteotomies, and gradual distraction with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) with 3-year follow-up. We also describe short-term follow-up with similar management in an 8-year-old patient with a congenitally fused thoracic spine from Jarcho-Levin syndrome.

Conclusion:
Posterior element resection and targeted posterior column osteotomies combined with gradual distraction with MCGR offers a promising treatment course for children with severe thoracic insufficiency syndrome derived from congenital fusions.
Enhancing Low Field Magnetoresistance in La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3 /Mn3O4 Composite Nanoparticles: Unveiling its Transport Mechanism
Authors: Jatmika Jumaeda , Winarsih Suci , Imaduddin Agung , Risdiana Risdiana 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The low-field magnetoresistance of La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3/Mn3O4
composite nanoparticles with an average particle size range of 28
to 32 nm is currently being investigated. These nanoparticles were
synthesized using the sol-gel method, with sintering temperatures
varying from 700°C to 900°C in 100°C intervals. The crystal
structure, surface morphology, and electrical transport properties
were analyzed. Rietveld refinement confirms the presence of a
distorted monoclinic structure [ S.G. P21/c, COD:1525829]
and a spinel structure in Mn3O4 [S.G. I41/amd, COD: 1514115].
As the sintering temperature increases, the crystallite and
particle sizes of La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3/Mn3O4 composite increase,
with a corresponding increase in the Mn3O4 fraction. The
temperature-dependent resistivity shows a magnetic transition from
ferromagnetic-metallic to paramagnetic-insulator behavior with a
transition temperature 170 K. The lowest resistivity, observed in
30 nm particles with 19% of Mn3O4, is attributed to the lowest
grain boundary contributions and the smallest activation energy
required for electron to hop between localized states. The
low-field magnetoresistance of La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3/Mn3O4
composite nanoparticles reaches up to 30% when the particle size is
reduced to 28 nm with 17% of Mn3O4 by applying a magnetic field of
5 kOe at 5 K. This LFMR value is higher than that of previous
La0.7Ca0.3MnO3/Mn3O4 composite nanocrystallites and is comparable
to pure La0.7Ca0.3MnO3. The role of the insulating Mn3O4 phase and
nanoparticle size in enhancing LFMR is discussed herein.
Knowledge of obstetric fistula and associated Factors among reproductive age women in Chelia District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Shanko Girma Lechisa , Buli Temesgen Daksisa , Muse Tsegaye Benti 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Obstetric fistula is a hole between vagina and rectum or bladder that leads to continuous leakage of urine and/or feces.Globally, approximately 50,000-100,000 women develop fistulas annually, and approximately 2 million currently live with fistulas, which is a burden in almost 60 countries and continues to be a neglected public health problem. Ethiopia is a developing country with poor maternal healthcare and high prevalence of obstetric fistulas.
Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge of obstetric fistula and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Chelia district, WesternEthiopia, in 2021.
Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 participants who were randomly selected and enrolled between September 25 and October 30, 2021. Pretested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the degree of association, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.
Results: This study showed that 20.2% (95% confidence interval: 12.6-27.7) of reproductive age women had a good knowledge of obstetric fistula.Independent variables such as living in urban (AOR=2.93:95% confidence interval:1.59-5.39), educational attainment of more than secondary (AOR =4.82:95% confidence interval:1.56-14.87), institutional delivery (AOR=2.21:95% confidence interval: 1.27-3.84), contraceptive use(AOR=2.95:95% confidence interval:1.23-7.06) and having prior information on obstetric complications (AOR =3.14:95% confidence interval:1.52-6.51) were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of obstetric fistula.
Conclusions and Recommendations: This study showed that awareness of obstetric fistulas is low. Residence, educational status, institutional delivery, contraceptive use, and prior information on obstetric complications were significantly associated with awareness of obstetric fistulas. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the identified factors of maternal healthcare issues, particularly obstetric fistulas.
Non-invasive imaging with ICOS-targeting monoclonal antibody for preclinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in a humanized mouse model
Authors: Duan Shao , Li Chao , Yan Feng , Xia Yifei , Shao Shuaiming , Chen Weiyu , Xiao Zunyu , Xu Gongping 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Activated T cells play a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, and imaging of activated T cells may provide a non-invasive tool for RA detection. Here, we first developed an optical probe targeting human ICOS and tested its capacity in RA diagnosis by capturing ICOS+ activated T cells in vivo in a humanized mouse model.
Methods
The humanized arthritis model, HuPBMC-AIA (Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells- adjuvant induced arthritis) was established, and flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were employed to determine ICOS expression in huPBMC-AIA model. Anti-human ICOS monoclonal antibody (mAb) was conjugated to Cy7 via NHS ester amine reaction. A cell uptake study was used to confirm the specificity of Cy7-ICOS mAb to activated T cells. 4-view NIRF imaging study was performed to test Cy7-ICOS mAb in detecting RA in vivo.
Findings
ICOS was confirmed as an indicator of RA pathogenesis via RNA-seq, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence data. An in-vitro cellular uptake study validated the specificity of Cy7-ICOS mAb to activated T cells. Cy7-ICOS mAb could detect ICOS+ activated T cells in vivo through 4-view NIRF imaging. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve created based on NIRF imaging quantification could distinguish the huPBMC-AIA group from the control group at all time points imaged.
Conclusion
In this study, we first developed an optical imaging probe targeting human ICOS, Cy7-ICOS mAb. The 4-view NIRF imaging with Cy7-ICOS mAb could detect pathogenic ICOS+ activated T cells with high sensitivity and specificity in vivo, which indicated the great potential of this imaging probe in RA early diagnosis.
Transcription factor JUNB is required for transformation of EpCAM-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells into CD90-positive HCC cells in vitro
Authors: Okada Hikari , Kawakami Yutaro , Okada Hikari , Nio Kouki , Hayashi Tomoyuki , Seki Akihiro , Nakagawa Hidetoshi , Yamada Shinya , Iida Noriho , Shimakami Tetsuro , Takatori Hajime , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Yamashita Taro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) harbors two types of stem cells—epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells. The mechanism by which epithelial EpCAM-positive HCC cells transform into mesenchymal CD90-positive HCC cells remains unclear. On peritumoral fibrotic nodules, epithelial HCC cells form communities with stromal cells, driving tumor growth and malignancy. We aimed to clarify the mechanism by which epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive HCC cells contribute to the phenotype of mesenchymal CD90-positive HCC cells that metastasize to distant sites by elucidating the interaction between EpCAM-positive HCC cells and fibroblasts. We investigated the changes in cell surface markers and gene expression in cocultures of EpCAM-positive CD90-negative epithelial HCC cells (Huh1, Huh7, patient HCC cells) and fibroblasts (Lx-2 and Tig3-20) using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we performed whole transcriptome RNA-seq analysis of cocultured epithelial HCC cells to identify the transcription factors responsible for the phenotypic changes, and verified the acquisition of metastatic ability by subcutaneous injection of these cells in mice. By coculturing epithelial HCC cells and fibroblasts, we evaluated the rate of transformation to mesenchymal CD90-positive HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and examined the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related genes. We found that epithelial EpCAM-positive hepatoma cells were transformed into mesenchymal CD90-positive hepatoma cells, exhibiting metastatic potential, by the transcription factor JUNB. The JUNB expression in ​​EpCAM-positive hepatoma cells was increased by paracrine stimulation with fibroblast-derived TGFb1. This study unravels the mechanism by which fibroblasts aggravate the malignancy of liver cancer, and the results suggest that JUNB may be a target for treating liver cancer metastasis.
The impact of financial literacy on financial well-being: a systematic literature review
Authors: Antwi Prince Kwabena Agyemang , Addai Bismark , Duah Evans , Kubi Maxwell Tetteh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The harsh reality of financial difficulty can be concerning, requiring an opportunity to break free from these limitations at the earliest chance. Existing studies on the influence of financial literacy on financial well-being have, however, often been fragmented. This systematic literature review was, therefore, necessary to enhance understanding of financial literacy as a means of achieving financial well-being and to carefully examine the extant literature to unravel the key themes and future research agenda of the impact of financial literacy on financial well-being.
Method: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Scopus database from inception to August 16, 2024, and included articles with the keywords financial literacy, financial education, financial outcome, financial well-being, economic outcome, economic well-being in their titles, abstracts, or keywords. After applying various inclusion and exclusion criteria, 35 articles were included in the final review. The synthesis was performed narratively. Descriptive and thematic analyses were conducted to answer the research questions.
Findings: Numerous studies have consistently found financial literacy to influence financial well-being significantly. Other variables, such as financial behavior, pronounced behavioral elements such as non-impulsive future-oriented behavior and impulsiveness, and financial socialization, were discovered to have a significant influence on financial well-being. The following themes were developed in answer to the research questions: financial literacy and its determinants; the influence of financial literacy on financial well-being; the impact of financial socialization on financial well-being; the interplay of financial literacy, psychology, and behavioral economics; digital financial literacy in contemporary contexts, and emerging trends. The study made some future research recommendations.
Implications: Future research can build on this work to improve our understanding and contribute to significant advancements in the financial well-being of diverse groups of people.
Prognostic Value of Platelet-Lymphocyte and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratios in Predicting Acute Kidney Injury After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: GEMALMAZ Hüseyin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a major complication and seriously affects both mortality and disease process. In this study, we investigated the predictive value of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), biomarkers of inflammation, on the development of AKI.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 96 patients who underwent CABG surgery between January 2020 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups according to the development of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI): AKI (n = 32) and non-AKI (n = 64). Preoperative and postoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were analyzed and compared between the groups. The diagnosis of AKI was based on changes in serum creatinine level according to KDIGO 2012 criteria.
Results
In the group that developed AKI, preoperative PLR and NLR values were significantly higher (145.8 ± 62.3 and 3.8 ± 1.9, respectively; p < 0.05). In the early postoperative period, this difference became even more significant (PLR: 278.5 ± 95.6, NLR: 12.6 ± 5.3; p < 0.001). According to ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) value of PLR's capacity to predict AKI was calculated as 0.728 and the cut-off value was determined as 132.5. For NLR, the AUC value was 0.692 and the cut-off value was 3.2.
Conclusions
PLR and NLR have emerged as important biomarkers in predicting the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) after CABG surgery. In particular, high preoperative PLR values may be an independent risk factor for the risk of AKI. These findings may be a valuable guide in clinical practice for early detection and timely intervention of patients at risk of AKI.
Impaired Brain Development in ALG13 Knockout Mice: Behavioral and Molecular Evidence
Authors: Guo Baorui , Li Xiuhua , Sun Yangyang , Gao Peng , Li Zhuoqi , Wang Chunlin , Cheng Gang , Lv Wenying , Liang Lei , Xie Shengqiang , Zhang Hanbo , Zhang Jing , Sun Tao , Zhang Jianning 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Asparagine-linked glycosylation (ALG) 13 is an important participant in protein N-terminal glycosylation. Children with ALG13-congenital glycosylation disorders caused by ALG13 mutations usually have neurological developmental disorders. However, the current body of research on the correlation between ALG13 and brain development is limited. This study conducted a series of behavioral tests on ALG13 knock out (KO) and wild type mice from birth to adulthood, and found that the neurological development of ALG13KO mice was slow than wild type. Immunofluorescence staining of the cerebral cortex showed abnormal distribution of cortical specific localization protein forkhead box protein 2 and coup -TF- Interacting protein 2 in the cerebral cortex of ALG13KO mice. The proteomic, protein-protein interaction, and parallel reaction monitoring results revealed a significant number of differentially expressed proteins in the cerebral cortex of ALG13KO mice one week after birth. Notably, these proteins exhibited a strong correlation with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further Western blot validation showed that the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR was inhibited. This suggest that the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is inhibited after ALG13KO, which affects brain development.
Determination of size and particle number concentration of metallic nanoparticles using isotope dilution analysis combined with single particle ICP-MS to overcome matrix effect
Authors: Hernández-Postigo Marta , Sánchez-Cachero Armando , Moreno María Jiménez , Martín-Doimeadios Rosa Carmen Rodríguez 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a powerful tool for metallic nanoparticles (NPs) characterization in terms of both size and concentration. However, this technique faces challenges, such as the intrinsic matrix effect, which significantly impact the results when analysing real complex samples. This issue is critical for the calculations of key SP-ICP-MS parameters ultimately altering the final outcomes. Novel analytical approaches with high metrological quality such as isotope dilution analysis (IDA) can overcome these limitations by improving signal discrimination in challenging SP-ICP-MS scenarios. This alternative has mainly been applied for NP size characterization but remains underexplored in modern ICP-MS and SP set-ups. Thus, the implementation of a revised version of IDA-SP-ICP-MS, including recent advances in quadrupole ICP-MS and SP data processing, which enables reliable NP sizing and counting, would be of utmost interest. In this work, this combination using the species-unspecific IDA mode has been investigated as an alternative to tackle matrix effect caused by complex matrices with platinum NPs as a case study. The optimum ionic tracer concentration has been evaluated for different PtNP sizes, resulting in a range of 500 to 1,000 ng L− 1 due to differences in the mean NP signal. A valuable in-house spreadsheet for the data treatment has also been developed. The successful applicability of the methodology for determining the size and concentration of 30 and 50 nm PtNPs has been demonstrated not only in environmental samples (synthetic and natural seawater), but also, for the first time, in biological matrices such as cell culture media and human urine.
Comparison of efficacy between the gasless and the gas-insufflation single-port transaxillary access subcutaneous mammectomy in the treatment of gynecomastia
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Wang Huiling , He Jie , Wu Yaqin , Liu Rui , Xiao Xiangyuqin , Zeng Zheng , Zhang Chaojie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of gasless transaxillary versus single-port gas-insufflation transaxillary approaches in subcutaneous mammectomies for treating gynecomastia.
Methods
This study enrolled 46 patients diagnosed with gynecomastia from May 2022 to October 2023. Of these, 20 underwent subcutaneous mammectomy using the single-port gas-insufflation transaxillary approach (gas-insufflation group), while 26 received the same procedure through the gasless transaxillary approach (gasless group). We compared the two groups in terms of operation time, intraoperative bleeding, volume of postoperative drainage, timing of drainage tube removal, short-term postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, and medical costs.
Results
All 46 patients successfully completed the operation without conversion to open surgery, and pathology confirmed gynecomastia in each case. The surgical time for the gasless group was significantly shorter, averaging 38.20 ± 10.773 minutes, compared to 62.96 ± 15.311 minutes for the gas-insufflation group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of incision length, intraoperative bleeding (P > 0.05), postoperative drainage volume from one side, drain retention time, length of postoperative hospital stay, or postoperative cosmetic outcomes (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
This study supports the clinical feasibility of using the gasless transaxillary approach for subcutaneous mammectomy in treating gynecomastia.
Resolving thyroid lineage cell trajectories merging into a dual endocrine gland in mammals
Authors: Nilsson Mikael , Lobo Macrina , Johansson Ellen , Schoultz Elin , Liang Shawn , Carlsson Therese , Johansson Bengt R , Marotta Pina , De Felice Mario , Dahlberg Jakob , Guibentif Carolina , Fagman Henrik , Maehr Rene 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The thyroid has a remarkable evolution, appearing first as an integral presumably exocrine constituent of the chordate endostyle that is transformed into an endocrine gland during metamorphosis in basal vertebrates. In mammals, the thyroid acquires a second endocrine cell type, calcitonin-producing C-cells, which for long were inferred a neural crest origin, shuttled to the embryonic thyroid by the ultimobranchial bodies, although recent lineage tracing experiments firmly establish these neuroendocrine cells also derive from foregut endoderm. A key question remains unanswered, how thyroid primordia independently develop and, unlike in all non-mammalian vertebrates in which thyroid hormone and calcitonin are secreted from anatomically and functionally unconnected glands, merge into a dual endocrine organ. Here we characterize, leveraging of a single-cell transcriptome atlas derived from mouse pharyngeal endoderm and its subsequent cell fates, the global gene expression profile of thyroid- and ultimobranchial-derived progenitor cells, and identify comprehensive gene regulatory networks of lineage-specific transcription factors and novel target genes predicted to differentially regulate cell proliferation, plasticity and differentiation during development. Spatiotemporal analyses reveal C-cell precursors are triggered to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell-autonomously down-regulate collagen IV and degrade laminin that encloses the ultimobranchial body. However, the EMT program is not fully deployed until both cell lineages are mixed and propagate conjointly thus forming the typical thyroid histoarchitecture of stationary follicular epithelial cells and parafollicular C-cells, every follicle/C-cell unit being enveloped by a renewed basement membrane. Mixed-type thyroid carcinoma recapitulates a synchronous lineage growth pattern but only the neuroendocrine tumor cells are able escaping the compound follicle boundaries and become invasive adopting a C-cell precursor migratory phenotype.
Understanding the Factors Contributing to Landslide Hazards in Sheko, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebru¹ Searom Gebremicheal , Gebru Searom Gebremicheal 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study was conducted in Sheko District, Bench Sheko Zone, and Southwestern Ethiopia Regional State. The region has been experiencing recurrent landslide problems for several years. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate landslide hazard in the study area. To achieve this: the Slope Susceptibility Evaluation Parameter rating scheme was used.
The parameters considered in this study included slope geometry, slope material, structural discontinuities, land-use and land-cover, groundwater depth, seismicity, rainfall, and human activities. In addition, an inventory of past landslides in the study area was prepared.
Facet-wise observations were made thematic layers for past landslides, slope facets, and causative factors were created in a GIS environment using secondary data, field observations, topographical maps, and satellite images. Hazard index value was first calculated for each parameter class and ratings for each parameter class were assigned based on the prevailing conditions on individual facets.
The results showed that the landslide hazard map produced by the Slope Susceptibility Evaluation Parameter approach categorized the study area into Very High hazard, High hazard, Moderate hazard, and Low hazard zones with areal coverage’s of 2.372 km², 48.198 km², 54.75 km², and 0.015 km², respectively.
The LHZ map produced by the SSEP approach demonstrated approximately 100% validation with past landslide activities.