bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A transcriptomic analysis of dental pulp stem cell senescence in vitro
Authors: Xu JiDong , Hu Mingchang , Liu Longfei , xu xuecheng , Xu Linlin , Song Yu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background/purpose: The utilisation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) as autologous stem cells for tissue repair and regenerative techniques represents a significant area of research globally. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of long-term in vitro culture on the multidifferentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells and the potential molecular mechanisms involved.
Materials and methods: The tissue block method was employed to extract hDPSCs from orthodontic minus extraction patients, which were then expanded and cultured in vitro for 12 generations. Stem cells from passages 3, 6, 9 and 12 were selected. Flow cytometry was employed to detect the expression of stem cell surface markers, while CCK-8 was used to assess cell proliferation ability. β-galactosidase staining was employed to detect Cellular senescence, alizarin red S staining was employed to assess osteogenic potential, while Oil Red O staining was used to evaluate lipogenic capacity. RNA sequencing analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in DPSCs and to investigate potential mechanisms.
Results: With increasing passage number, pulp stem cells showed an increase in senescent cells and a decrease in proliferative capacity and osteogenic-lipogenic multidifferentiation potential. The expression of the stem cell surface markers CD34 and CD45 was stable, whereas the expression of CD73, CD90 and CD105 decreased with increasing passages. According to RNA-seq analysis, The differentially expressed genes CFH, WNT16, HSD17B2, IDI and COL5A3 may be associated with stem cell senescence.
Conclusion: An increase in in vitro expansion has been observed to induce a state of cellular senescence in pulp stem cells, which in turn results in a reduction in their proliferative capacity and osteogenic-lipogenic differentiation potential. Differential expression of genes such as CFH, Wnt16, HSD17B2, IDI, and COL5A3 may represent a potential mechanism for the induction of cellular senescence in pulp stem cells.
Therapeutic evaluation of the novel FGF21 analogue DC2303 for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Shen Lei , Bao Lingzhi , Wang Yapeng , Zhang FengYuan , Feng Tianyi , Zhao Fei , Feng Jun , Qiu Yunliang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a liver pathological manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, affecting about 25% of the world 's population. As the number of obese patients increases, this number continues to rise. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), an endogenous hormone that regulates energy homeostasis and glucolipid metabolism, has recently emerged as a promising candidate target for the treatment of metabolic diseases. In order to solve the limitations of FGF21, such as short half-life and poor stability in vivo. We synthesized a new long-acting FGF21 analogue DC2303 by conjugating PASylated FGF21 with a variety of functional side chains modified by fatty acids to achieve dimerization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of DC2303 on MASH and to elucidate its mechanism of action. MASH model was established by inducing db/db mice with 60% High fat diet (HFD), serum Triglyceride (TG), Insulin and Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) were measured by ELISA, histopathological analysis of the livers of MASH mice was performed by HE staining and Oil red O staining, and the lipids in the livers of MASH mice were detected by Western blotting and Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) related protein and mRNA expression levels in the liver of MASH mice. The results showed that DC2303 could not only reduce body weight, blood glucose and blood lipid levels in a dose-dependent manner, but also reduce inflammation and improve insulin resistance. It also reduced the expression levels of CD36 and Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1) and increased the expression levels of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1alpha (CPT-1α) in the liver, thereby inhibiting hepatic lipid accumulation and reversing hepatic steatosis. This study demonstrates for the first time that DC2303, a novel long-acting FGF21 analogue, may be a potential candidate drug to improve the multiple physiological and pathological mechanisms of MASH.
Some parts in the consent form are written using complex scientific language: Community members’ perspectives regarding terminologies used during informed consent process for research involving pregnant and lactating mothers in Uganda
Authors: Twimukye Adelline , Nabukenya Sylvia , Kawuma Aida , Bayigga Josephine , Nakijoba Ritah , Asiimwe Simon Peter , Byenume Fredrick , Ojara Francis Williams , Waitt Catriona 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Appropriate language use is essential to ensure inclusion of diverse populations in research. We aimed to identify possible language-related barriers regarding the informed consent and suggest interventions to enhance goal of the informed consent processes.
Methods
A cross-sectional qualitative study employing focus group discussions (FGD) was conducted in Uganda from August to September 2023, involving a diverse group of stakeholders from the community, including community members, research participants, and Community Advisory Board (CAB) members. 19 FGD comprised individuals aged 18 years and over. Participants represented at least six different mother tongues (Luganda, Acholi, Runyankole, Runyoro, Lugbara and English). An inductive thematic approach was utilized for data analysis using NVivo version 12 software to identify language factors that influence informed consent. Terminologies were discussed in a community validation workshop.
Results
At the individual level, language barriers, and low understanding of written information due to illiteracy contribute to community members’ poor comprehension, thus hindering their ability to achieve informed consent. At the health facility level, participants reported that there was use of inappropriate, unclear language including inaccurate translations, and poor and complicated grammar in some consent forms. Participants reported that complex medical terminologies are difficult to translate to local languages. Community members highlighted that trends in language use affected cultural perceptions of informed consent. They emphasized the need for respectful communication, particularly towards women. Participants suggested use of appropriate language, availing translated informed consent document in respective appropriate local languages, simplifying terminologies in the consent forms, adapting to the local context and involvement of community members in language matters of study protocols from design stage.
Conclusion
Language barriers influence the informed consent process within communities in Uganda. These can potentially be resolved at individual, health system and community levels. Integrating considerations of language and development of appropriate language terminologies in informed consent process as well as long-term planning of research communication could improve research participation among pregnant and lactating mothers in Uganda. The use of appropriate language enhances informed consent in keeping with principles of Good Clinical Practice.
Analyzing the use of specialized palliative care in intensive care unit patients in Germany: A cross- sectional study
Authors: von Saß Christiane , Tenge Theresa , Oorschot Birgitt van , Pieper Dawid , Eisenmenger Nicole , Heinze Martin , Fink Larissa , Michels Guido , Neukirchen Martin , Kamp Marcel A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite rising importance of integration of palliative medicine in treating life-threatening illnesses in intensive care units (ICU), the extent remains unknown. Using billing data, we analysed the frequency of specialized palliative care use in ICU patients in Germany.
Methods
Billing data (2019 -2022) from the InEK was used in this cross-sectional study on all billed adult ICU cases. Data included case numbers, demographics, diagnoses, treatment procedures, ventilation (≥95h), palliative care frequency.
Results
61,591,299 adult cases were treated, 11.2% (6,912,316) requiring ICU and 499,262 (7.2%) needing long-term ventilation. 44.2% of all ICU cases and 36.2% of long-term ventilated patients were female (p < 0.0001). ICU mortality was 11.1%, long-term ventilation mortality was 38.8%; higher in men and patients aged ≥ 65 (p < 0.001). Leading diagnoses for ICU deaths: heart failure (6.9%), stroke (6.3%), sepsis (6.2%).
0.8% of ICU cases and 1.4% of long-term ventilated cases received specialized palliative care, with a higher proportion of females (p < 0.0001). Most palliative care patients were aged ≥ 65.
Conclusion
From 2019 to 2022, 11.2% of hospital cases required ICU-treatment. Despite suffering from life-threatening conditions and high mortality rates, less than 1% of all ICU cases and 1.4% of long-term ventilated cases received palliative care (differing sexes and ages). This highlights deficiencies in palliative care integration into ICUs to alleviate patients and their families suffering from complex needs. Implementing benchmarking could be beneficial in this process.
Association between green spaces and behavioral problems of children and adolescents: the moderating effects of PM2.5
Authors: Huang Shiqi , Li Peizheng , Zhou Suhua , Chen Juntao , Zhang Yifan , Yang Chenlu , Wang Jing , Zhang Qingyu , Li Xiangying , Luo Chenxi , Diao Jiayi , Hong Ruoxuan , Zhang Rui , Hu Yuqi , Zhong Kehan , Ma Lu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Recent studies suggest green spaces benefit mental health, yet the interaction between environmental factors and behavioral outcomes remains underexplored. This study examines the association between green space exposure and behavioral problems in children and adolescents, considering the potential moderating effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Methods
We used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Green space exposure was measured by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within a 1500-meter radius of participants' residences. Daily PM2.5 concentrations were estimated from the Tracking Air Pollution in China website. A generalized linear model (GLM) with a quasi-Poisson link function estimated the association between green spaces and behavioral problems, considering the moderating effects of PM2.5.
Results
The analysis included 4,782 children and adolescents, averaging 12.29 years. A 0.1 increase in NDVI was linked to a 1.19% (95% CI: -2.08 to -0.30%) reduction in total difficulties score and a 1.19% (95% CI: -2.18 to -0.20%) reduction in peer relationship problems. In high PM2.5 areas, a 0.1 NDVI increase was associated with a 1.78% (95% CI: -3.05 to -0.60%) reduction in total difficulties and a 3.34% (95% CI: -5.92 to -0.60%) reduction in emotional problems. Stronger associations were observed in younger children (< 12 years), girls, and those from non-left-behind or lower-income families.
Conclusion
Exposure to residential surrounding green space might contributes to the reduction of behavioral problems among children and adolescents, suggesting a protective effect, particularly for those exposed to high levels of PM2.5.
An identification model for fault detection of reinitializable Discrete-Event Systems
Authors: Libanio Diego A. , Viana Gustavo S. , Moreira Marcos V. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recently, Discrete-Event System (DES) identification techniques with the aim of fault detection have been proposed in the literature. In simple words, identification of DES with the aim of fault detection consists in computing a model which is capable of simulating the observed fault-free behavior generated by the system. Then, a fault is detected when a discrepancy between the evolution of the system and the model estimate is observed. Although several identification models for DES have been proposed in the literature, from the authors’ knowledge, they are capable of correctly simulating the fault-free behavior of reinitializable systems, i.e., systems that always returns to its initial state after completing a task, only in some cases. In this paper, we propose a new identification model that simulates the fault-free behavior generated by reinitializable systems. In addition, a didactic mechatronic plant is used to illustrate the proposed method.
Exploring the Interactive Mechanisms of Halophilic Bacterium SPSB2 and Mannitol in Mitigating Sodium Chloride and Arsenic Stress in Tomato Plants
Authors: # Lubna , Aizaz Muhammad , Alrumaidhi Shima Ahmed Ali , Alhinai Rawan Ahmed Mohammed , Kalbani Reem Saif Mohammed AL , Khan Ibrahim , Bilal Saqib , Asaf Sajjad , AL-Harrasi Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Agricultural productivity is adversely affected by soil salinization and contamination with heavy metals, emphasizing the necessity for environmentally friendly technologies. This study investigates the impact of sodium chloride (NaCl) and arsenic (As) stress on tomato seedlings and explores the stress-alleviating effects of mannitol and a halophilic bacterium, Nitratrieducator aquimarinus SPSB2. Our results revealed that bacteria strainSPSB2 establishes a symbiotic relationship with tomato plants, which modulates the secondary metabolites and antioxidant system in tomato plants exposed to both NaCl and As stress. Under the NaCl and As stress tomato seedling growth was significantly reduced, although this reduction was mitigated by bacteria strain SPSB2 and mannitol treatment. When exposed to NaCl stress, the bacterial strain enhances shoot and root length by 84.8% and 152.5%, respectively. Similarly, under the As stress conditions, bacteria strain SPSB2 inoculation increased the shoot and root weights by 63.1% and 45.5%, respectively. Bacteria strain SPSB2 inoculation also significantly enhanced the chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid contents by 76.3%, 78%, and 50%, respectively, compared to their non-inoculated counterparts under As stress conditions. Furthermore, during NaCl and As stress conditions, treatments with SPSB2 and mannitol increase the levels of enzymatic components (catalase, polyphenol oxidases) and non-enzymatic components (flavonol protein, sugar, starch), indicating a stress-alleviating effect of bacteria strain SPSB2 and mannitol. In the current study, the bacteria strain SPSB2 was more effective than mannitol in improving tomato plants' salinity and heavy metal tolerance regarding growth and physiological attributes. The symbiotic relationship between SPSB2 and tomato plants positively impacted various parameters, including plant growth, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant system activity. Moreover, the study suggests that SPSB2 is more effective than mannitol in improving tomato plants' salinity and heavy metal tolerance. These findings contribute to the understanding of environmentally friendly strategies for managing soil salinization and heavy metal contamination in agriculture, and the potential use of SPSB2 in microbial-assisted phytoremediation of polluted saline soils.
Explaining Patients' Lived Experiences of Bedside Teaching: A Qualitative Study
Authors: barry azizeh , shahbaz azam 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
appropriate clinical environment by providing learning opportunities, plays an important role in preparing students to apply the knowledge learned in the bedside. Since the lived experiences of patients in the clinical environment are effective on the quality of students' learning, the present study was conducted with the aim of explaining the lived experiences of patients regarding bedside teaching.
Materials and methods
The present qualitative study was conducted using content analysis approach in 2023 at the Imam Sajjad educational and therapeutic center affiliated to Tabriz Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences.The studied samples were selected with purpose-based sampling among the patients hospitalized in Imam Sajjad educational and therapeutic center of Tabriz (18 people). In addition, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and Graneheim and Lundman's approach for analysis of the data.
Results
From the analysis of participants' narratives, 3 subcategory and 17 primary concepts were obtained.The subcategory of the treatment dimension includes the 7 primary concepts, the subcategory of the moral-human dimension including the 5 primary concepts of and the next subcategory of education dimension including 5 primary concepts.
Conclusion
Considering that the formation of patients' lived experiences is one of the predictive factors in the realization of learning and facilitating the process of professionalization of students in clinical education, therefore, the attention of managers and administrators to clinical education is amomg vital components. Clinical education often emphasizes education and learning in the clinical environment, and usually along with this education, the patient, his conditions and problems are also discussed.
Balancing the act? Resampling versus imbalanced data for Wi-Fi IDS
Authors: Kampourakis Konstantinos , Chatzoglou Efstratios , Kambourakis Georgios , Serpanos Dimitrios 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ensuring the security of Wi-Fi networks is a top priority and an ongoing research topic for academic and industry research groups. This work investigates the impact of class distribution in benchmark datasets on the detection performance of machine learning (ML)-driven wireless intrusion detection systems (WIDS). More specifically, we aim to address a critical question not yet explored in the literature: To what extent does class distribution influence WIDS performance? In pursuit of answers, we consider a multiclass problem and utilize several resampling schemes, including oversampling, undersampling, and both under- and oversampling, exploring their impingement on the classification results in terms of standard metrics. We evaluate a variety of ML models, both traditional and deep ones, and contrast their performance against those yielded when the algorithms are trained on the original imbalanced dataset. The key finding is that training on the original imbalanced dataset significantly reduces false positives vis-à-vis a balanced dataset created by any resampling technique. This reduction in terms of macro-averaged false positive rate is particularly noteworthy, approximately 139 and 43 times lower false positives compared to the worst and best resampling scheme, respectively. However, while resampled balanced datasets can lead to fewer false negatives (missed attacks), the improvement is less pronounced, at about 1.2 times lower relative to the imbalanced dataset.
In Vivo Antidiabetic and Ex-vivo Antioxidant Activities of Dichloromethane Extract of Xerophyta Spekei
Authors: Ndile Michael Musila , Makori Wycliffe Arika , Kibiti Cromwell Mwiti , Ngugi Mathew Piero 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The medicinal plant X. spekei is used among Embu and Mbeere communities to manage diabetes mellitus. However, there is limited information regarding its effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the quantitative phytochemical and antidiabetic potential of the plant. Samples of the plant were collected and extracted using Dichloromethane (DCM). The quantitative analysis of phytochemicals was conducted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). To evaluate the efficacy of the extract in managing diabetes, a total of seven groups were formed, each consisting of five mice. These groups included a normal control, a diabetic control, positive control (Glibenclamide), and four extract-administered groups (50, 100, 150, and 200mg/kg body weight). Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes. Blood glucose of the mice was determined on an hourly basis for the first six hours, and once after 12 and 24 hours on the first day. Thereafter, the blood glucose in mice was determined once a week for three weeks. During the experimental period of three weeks, body weights were determined on the initial day and after every seven days. After 21 days, the mice were euthanized and blood was drawn to determine any changes in renal and liver biochemical markers. The liver, kidney, and pancreas were also detached and their homogenates were used for ex vivo antioxidant assays.
Results
The classes of phytochemicals identified using GC-MS included flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, terpenoids, fatty acids, tocopherols and alkaloids. The DCM plant extract of X. spekei attenuated loss of body weight, hyperglycaemia, and aberrant biochemical parameters. Furthermore, the extract reduced levels of malonaldehyde and enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activities in diabetic mice.
Conclusions
The study confirms that the X. spekei plant extract contains phytochemicals with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Therefore, this finding authenticates the folkloric use of X. spekei in managing diabetes mellitus. The medicinal plant shows potential in developing anti-diabetic agents.
The difference between Engel Ⅰ and Engel Ⅱ in epileptogenicity biomarkers after stereotactic thermocoagulation
Authors: Yan Jingtao , Wang Le , Jin Weipeng , Du Chuan , Li Guangfeng , Cui Deqiu , Yin Shaoya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective Stereoscopic electroencephalography(SEEG) is an important invasive assessment method in epilepsy surgery. After electrode implantation, radiofrequency thermocoagulation(RF-TC) guided by Stereoscopic electroencephalography(SEEG) is performed on the discharge initiation and rapid propagation areas by monitoring intracranial electroencephalography.High-frequency oscillations (HFOs) and spikes, are quantifiable epileptogenic biomarkers before and after RF-TC.In this study, we sought to evaluate, using SEEG signals recorded before and after thermocoagulation, whether a difference between Engel Ⅰ and Engel Ⅱ patient.Methods 3 minutes segments of SEEG signals were analyzed in 22 patients before and after thermocoagulation.We used Anywave software to quantify the rate of spikes, rate of HFOs(80-512Hz), rate of HFOs(80-250Hz) and rate of HFOs(250-512Hz).We analyzed the differences both at an individual level(paired t-text and pencentage) and at a group level(Fisher exact test).Results After RF-TC guided by SEEG,12 patients showed Engel Ⅰ,10 patients showed Engel Ⅱ.In EZ, an intra individual decrease in HFOs was significantly more frequent in Engel grade Ⅰ patients than in Engel grade Ⅱ patients (80-513Hz:p = .038; 80-250Hz:p = .026;250-513Hz:p = .038).In thermocoagulated zones was an intraindividual decrease of HFOs (250-512Hz) significantly more frequent in Engel grade Ⅰ patients than in Engel grade Ⅱ patients (p = .038) .Conclusion Quantified changes in the rate of spikesand rate of HFOs can be observed after RF-TC guided by SEEG.There may be difference between Engel Ⅰ and Engel Ⅱ in HFOs and no difference in spikes after stereotactic thermocoagulation.