bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma NOTCH3 and the risk of cardiovascular recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Seet R C S , Quek A M L , Teng O , Krishnan S , Ng G J L , Ng M Y , Mahadevan A , Chioh F W J , Yeo K P , Lim H Y , Kim J , Swa C L F , Pek N M Q , Arumugam T V , Angeli V , Gunaratne J , Cheung C 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Ischemic stroke patients are more prone to developing another cardiovascular event.

Aim
This study aims to examine potential biological predispositions to cardiovascular recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke.

Design
Human and preclinical studies.

Methods
Quantitative proteomic analysis, animal stroke, atherosclerosis models and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) were employed to examine candidate biomarkers derived from an ischemic stroke cohort in Singapore.

Results
Proteomic analysis of pooled microvesicles of ‘Event’ (n = 24) and without ‘Event’ (n = 24) samples identified NOTCH3 as a candidate marker; plasma NOTCH3 were shown to be elevated in ‘Event’ patients compared to those without ‘Events’ and age-matched controls. In a validation cohort comprising 431 prospectively recruited ischemic stroke patients (mean age 59.1 years; median follow-up 3.5 years), men with plasma NOTCH3 (&gt;1600 pg/ml) harbored increased risk of cardiovascular recurrence (adjusted hazards ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.10–4.77); no significant association was observed in women. Chronic renal failure, peripheral artery disease and NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide were significant predictors of plasma NOTCH3 in men without ischemic stroke (adjusted r2 = 0.43). Following middle cerebral artery occlusion, NOTCH3 expression in mouse sera increased and peaked at 24 h, persisting thereafter for at least 72 h. In Apoe−/− atherosclerotic mice, NOTCH3 stained the endothelium of defective arterial lining and atherosclerotic plaques. Analysis of CECs isolated from stroke patients revealed increased gene expression of NOTCH3, further supporting endothelial damage underpinning NOTCH3-mediated atherosclerosis.

Conclusion
Findings from this study suggests that NOTCH3 could be important in cardiovascular recurrence following an ischemic stroke.
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis: A Metastatic Melanoma Imitator
Authors: Fields Brittany C. , Jain Anish J. , Prieto Victor G. , Frink Spencer J. , Holder Ashley M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract:
A 45-year-old woman with a history of previously treated left plantar foot melanoma presented with a left thigh mass. Fine needle aspiration findings were concerning for metastatic melanoma (MM). Imaging was remarkable for PET-avidity of both the biopsied thigh mass and of a left posterior knee nodule. The knee nodule was also enhancing on MRI, concerning for a site of metastasis. Resection of the thigh mass and intra-articular nodule was performed. The thigh lesion was positive for MM. The specimen obtained from the knee demonstrated a proliferation of spindle and epithelioid cells associated with focal fibrosis and scattered giant cells with brown pigment, raising the possibility of melanoma metastasis with treatment effect. Additional immunohistochemical studies with anti-SOX10 failed to demonstrate melanoma cells in the lesion. The final diagnosis for the knee nodule was pigmented villonodular synovitis. This case highlights the potential for pigmented villonodular synovitis to mimic MM, requiring additional pathologic analysis to yield an accurate diagnosis.
Screening Potential Cornea Donors for Signs of Sepsis
Authors: Chong Paul , Marsh Kate , Vavra Dean , Fowler W. Craig , Enzenauer Robert W. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
This study sought to expand upon previous works to explore correlations between cornea donor characteristics and incidence of sepsis/donor ineligibility.

Methods:
The medical records of 837 potential cornea donors with signs of possible sepsis from 2 Eye Bank Association of America–accredited eye banks between 2009 and 2022 were reviewed by an infectious disease clinician consultant for US Food and Drug Administration-designated signs of sepsis. Data and machine learning analysis were performed to explore relationships between different donor features and donor eligibility.

Results:
A review of the potential cornea donor records revealed that the presence of a greater number of signs of sepsis was not associated with a higher probability of donor ineligibility (P = 0.45). The only single sign of sepsis that was associated with a higher likelihood of donor ineligibility determination was positive blood cultures (P < 0.001). Finally, if the patient's length of hospitalization was less than 24 hours, these potential donors were more likely to be deemed ineligible for cornea donation (P < 0.001). Machine learning analysis revealed length of hospitalization to be the most importantly weighted factor in determining donor eligibility.

Conclusions:
Based on our analysis of hundreds of medical records over more than a decade, the data suggest that potential cornea donors who 1) have a positive blood culture or 2) have a length of stay of less than 24 hours may be reasonably deemed likely not eligible for donation and not all forwarded to infectious disease consultants or their respective medical director. The results of this study call for further exploration with the collection of larger sample sizes and more representative populations of cornea donors to pursue potential protocols with respect to determining cornea donor eligibility.
Role of Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Maturation of Scars
Authors: Bhosale Ranjit , Dawar Rakesh , Manas Raj Kumar 
Published: July 2024

Background:Surgeons have tried various measures to achieve a minimum and aesthetically appealing scars after wound healing at surgical sites. Various regimens have been recommended to minimize scars both intraoperatively and postoperatively. Our study aims to assess the outcome of the injection of triamcinolone acetonide used intraoperatively on a normal surgical suture line.Methods:This is a prospective, observational study of 21 patients (divided into test and control groups with a single scar at the same site) treated with or without injection of triamcinolone acetonide, and outcomes were assessed using Vancouver Scar Scale and Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale.Results:We found a significant difference (P> 0.05) between the median of vascularity, pigmentation, and total score on the Vancouver Scar Scale, whereas there was significant difference between height, color, and overall appearance according to the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale between the test and the control group. We could not find a significant difference in outcome with varying, increasing doses of triamcinolone acetonide.Conclusion:A low dose of triamcinolone acetonide is an effective drug that tends to improve the outcome of a scar in terms of vascularity, pigmentation, height, and overall appearance of the postoperative surgical scar and helps in the maturation of a normal scar.
Unveiling the Shadows: Childhood Traumas and the Dynamics of Seeking Psychological Help and Self-Stigmatization Among Prisoners
Authors: Özdemir Özcan , Işik Seda Sibel , ÇAM Hasan Hüseyin 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Compared with the general population, prison inmates show a higher prevalence of mental disorders, particularly among those with childhood traumas. Despite childhood traumas being robust indicators of poor mental health, there is limited research on their relationship with prisoners' attitudes toward seeking psychological help. This study investigates the impact of childhood traumas on prisoners' attitudes toward help-seeking and self-stigmatization.

Methods
This cross-sectional, explanatory study was conducted with 250 persons in prison. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help Scale, and the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman correlation test and multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS Version 28.

Results
A significant link was found between childhood traumas and self-stigmatization in seeking psychological help. Positive attitudes toward help-seeking were significantly associated with increased self-stigmatization. Childhood traumas were significantly related to single-parent families, conflicted intrafamilial relationships, entering prison at the age of 19 years or older, mental health issues, and behavioral disorders. Moreover, a meaningful association was observed between self-stigmatization in help-seeking and being from a single-parent family with a low socioeconomic status.

Conclusion
In conclusion, imprisoned persons with childhood traumas exhibit higher levels of self-stigmatization in seeking psychological help, contributing to negative attitudes. Recommendations for adequate access to mental health services in prisons include fostering a culture of psychological help, enhancing mental health literacy, providing trauma-informed care, and developing comprehensive strategies. In addition, the suggestion is made for the development of societal reintegration programs.
Use of an Osseointegrated Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis for Amputated Fingers Is Followed by Frequent Infection and Implant Removal
Authors: Kang Norbert V. , Al-Ajam Yazan , Woollard Alexander , Burr Nikki 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
We report on the outcomes of using a custom-built osseointegrated (OI) intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis (ITAP) as a bone anchor for prosthetic reconstruction of a series of amputated fingers. The aim of ITAP was to reduce the risk of failure due to infection by creating a biological seal at the skin-implant interface.

Methods and Results
A total of 14 patients who suffered from amputations of their digits at a variety of different levels were recruited. Eleven patients (20 implants) underwent treatment with an implant based on the ITAP principle. With the exception of one patient (1 implant), all implants were removed by 9 years after insertion. Patients requested removal because of recurrent infections, exposure of the flange structure (unique to ITAP), loosening of the implant, and inability to secure a prosthesis to the implant.

Conclusions
The ITAP principle does not work when used as part of the design of an OI bone anchor for prosthetic reconstruction after finger amputation.

Clinical Relevance Statement
This study suggests that there are major problems with the principles underlying the design of the ITAP implant when used in humans. Future studies of OI implants using the principles of ITAP may be at risk of similar problems.
Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Video About Patients' Right to Evidence-Based Mental Health Care
Authors: Silverman Alexandra L. , Werntz Alexandra , Schofield Casey , Prinstein Mitchell J. , McKay Dean , Teachman Bethany A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of a direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing video designed to educate the public about patients' rights to evidence-based mental health care (EBMHC). Participants (N = 632) were randomly assigned to an active DTC video condition, a control video condition, or a control condition without a video. Participants who watched the DTC video (vs. both control conditions) had significantly greater knowledge of patients' rights to EBMHC. Further, individuals who watched the DTC (vs. control) video reported significantly greater comfort with accessing care and perceived their assigned video as significantly more culturally sensitive. However, participants who watched the DTC video were not significantly different from both control conditions on self-report measures of self-efficacy in working with a provider, likelihood of asking a provider about one's rights, treatment-seeking intentions, and self-stigma. Findings suggest the potential for a DTC video to promote knowledge of EBMHC, though its impact on help-seeking perceptions and intentions was less promising.
Brain circuits in autonomous sensory meridian response and related phenomena
Authors: Lin I-Fan , Kondo Hirohito M. 
Published: July 2024

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by a tingling sensation with a feeling of relaxation and a state of flow. We explore the neural underpinnings and comorbidities of ASMR and related phenomena with altered sensory processing. These phenomena include sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), synaesthesia, Alice in Wonderland syndrome and misophonia. The objective of this article is to uncover the shared neural substrates and distinctive features of ASMR and its counterparts. ASMR, SPS and misophonia exhibit common activations in the brain regions associated with social cognition, emotion regulation and empathy. Nevertheless, ASMR responders display reduced connectivity in the salience network (SN), while individuals with SPS exhibit increased connectivity in the SN. Furthermore, ASMR induces relaxation and temporarily reduces symptoms of depression, in contrast to SPS and misophonia, which are linked to depression. These observations lead us to propose that ASMR is a distinct phenomenon owing to its attention dispatch mechanism and its connection with emotion regulation. We suggest that increased activations in the insula, along with reduction in connectivity within the salience and default mode networks in ASMR responders, may account for their experiences of relaxation and flow states.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience’.
Preimaginal development ofAedes aegyptiin brackish water produces adult mosquitoes with thicker cuticles and greater insecticide resistance
Authors: Sivabalakrishnan Kokila , Hemphill Andrew , Parakrama Karunaratne S.H.P. , Naguleswaran Arunasalam , Roditi Isabel , Surendran Sinnathamby N. , Ramasamy Ranjan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAedes aegyptiandAedes albopictusmosquitoes, the principal vectors of many human arboviral diseases, lay eggs and undergo preimaginal development in fresh water habitats. They have also recently been found to develop in brackish water in coastal areas. Adult females emerging from brackish water-developingAe. aegyptilarvae are shown to possess thicker cuticles and greater resistance to common insecticides used against adults (adulticides) compared with fresh waterAe. aegypti. These findings are compatible with previous findings showing that brackish waterAe. aegyptilarvae possess thicker cuticles and greater larvicide resistance. Greater resistance of salinity-tolerantAe. aegyptito adulticides and larvicides is a hitherto unappreciated problem for controlling arboviral diseases and has implications also for other mosquito-borne diseases.
Lectin Microarray Analysis of Salivary Gland Glycoproteins from the Arboviral VectorAedes aegyptiand the Malaria VectorAnopheles stephensi
Authors: Ramasamy Ranjan , Chen Xi , Zhang Jian , Sivabalakrishnan Kokila , Arthiyan Sivasingham , Surendran Sinnathamby N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSalivary gland glycoconjugates in human-feeding insects and arachnids can elicit hypersensitivity reactions. Glycoproteins introduced during blood feeding by arachnid ticks are responsible for red meat allergy or the α-gal syndrome. Dengue virus transmitted byAedesmosquitoes incorporates mosquito glycoproteins into its envelope and malaria parasites transmitted byAnophelesmosquitoes reportedly express α-gal epitopes that are potentially derived from mosquito salivary glands. Tick salivary gland glycoproteins possess α-gal epitopes. We used microarrays containing forty different lectins to analyse salivary gland protein glycoconjugates from the principal arboviral vectorAedes aegyptiand the rapidly spreading malaria vectorAnopheles stephensi. Salivary gland glycoproteins of both mosquitoes possessed very similar lectin-binding specificities. Lectin-binding profiles showed the significant presence of oligomannose N-glycans and O-glycans, a limited presence of glycan structures capped with terminal GalNAc, GlcNAc, β linked Gal, α1-6 linked fucose, and no detectable sialic acids or terminal α-linked Gal in salivary gland glycoproteins.
Soma-germ contact across basement membrane in ovary
Authors: Chikami Yasuhiko , Yahata Kensuke 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEpithelial cells generally interact with other cells and environments at their apical side. At the basal surface, the basement membrane impedes such an interaction. One notable instance is communication between soma and germ cells within the ovary across numerous bilaterian taxa. This contact underlies proper oogenesis and subsequent embryogenesis through facilitating nutrient supply to gametes, exchange of molecules and ions, and participation in signal transduction for primary axis formation. Throughout layers of the history of morphology and cellular biology, there has been emphasis on this heterocellular interaction primarily occurring at the apical side of epithelial cells. Contrary to this long-standing understanding, we uncover that ovarian follicle cells in three myriapod species belonging to phylogenetically basal myriapod clades extend their cytoplasmic processes, penetrating the basement membrane to establish direct contact with oocytes. These discoveries demonstrate the ovarian soma-germ interaction transverse the basement membrane, suggesting that the basal matrix does not always a physical barrier to soma-germ communication. Furthermore, we find that the ovarian somatic cells in a myriapod directly connect with the oogonia or young oocyte before the formation of their basement membrane. This result suggests an overlooked construction manner of heterocellular communication at the basal domain of epithelial cells.
Inclusive, Exclusive and Hierarchical Atlas of NFATc1+/PDGFR-α+Cells in Dental and Periodontal Mesenchyme
Authors: Yang Xue , Han Chuyi , Yu Changhao , Zhou Bin , Ye Ling , Li Feifei , Yu Fanyuan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlatelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α) activity is crucial in the process of dental and periodontal mesenchyme regeneration facilitated by autologous platelet concentrates (APCs), such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and concentrated growth factors (CGF), as well as by recombinant PDGF drugs. However, it is largely unclear about the physiological patterns and cellular fate determinations of PDGFR-α+cells in the homeostasis maintaining of adult dental and periodontal mesenchyme. We previously identified NFATc1 expressing PDGFR-α+cells as a subtype of skeletal stem cells (SSCs) in limb bone, but their roles in dental and periodontal remain unexplored. To this end, in the present study we investigated the spatiotemporal atlas of NFATc1+and PDGFR-α+cells residing in dental and periodontal mesenchyme, their capacity for progeny cell generation, and their inclusive, exclusive and hierarchical relations in homeostasis. We utilized CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to generate two dual recombination systems, which wereCre/loxP-Dre/Roxcombined intersectional and exclusive reporters respectively, to concurrently demonstrate the inclusive, exclusive, and hierarchical distributions of NFATc1+and PDGFR-α+cells and their lineage commitment. By employing the state-of-the-art transgenic lineage tracing techniques in cooperating with tissue clearing-based advanced imaging and three-dimensional slices reconstruction, we systematically mapped the distribution atlas of NFATc1+and PDGFR-α+cells in dental and periodontal mesenchyme and tracked theirin vivofate trajectories. Our findings extend current understanding of NFATc1+and PDGFR-α+cells in dental and periodontal mesenchyme homeostasis, and furthermore enhance our comprehension of their sustained therapeutic impact for future clinical investigations.
Emergence of cellular nematic order is a conserved feature of gastrulation in animal embryos
Authors: Li Xin , Huebner Robert J. , Williams Margot L.K. , Sawyer Jessica , Peifer Mark , Wallingford John B. , Thirumalai D. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCells undergo dramatic changes in morphology during embryogenesis, yet how these changes affect the formation of ordered tissues remains elusive. Here we find that the emergence of a nematic liquid crystal phase occurs in cells during gastrulation in the development of embryos of fish, frogs, and fruit flies. Moreover, the spatial correlations in all three organisms are long-ranged and follow a similar power-law decay (y∼x−α) with α less than unity for the nematic order parameter, suggesting a common underlying physical mechanism unifies events in these distantly related species. All three species exhibit similar propagation of the nematic phase, reminiscent of nucleation and growth phenomena. Finally, we use a theoretical model along with disruptions of cell adhesion and cell specification to characterize the minimal features required for formation of the nematic phase. Our results provide a framework for understanding a potentially universal features of metazoan embryogenesis and shed light on the advent of ordered structures during animal development.
Chromosomal fusion drives sex chromosome evolution in treehoppers despite long-term X chromosome conservation
Authors: Palmer Droguett Daniela H , Fletcher Micah , Kocher Sarah , Cabral-de-Mello Diogo C , Wright Alison E 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSex chromosomes follow distinct evolutionary trajectories compared to the rest of the genome. In many cases, sex chromosomes (X and Y, or Z and W) significantly differentiate from one another resulting in heteromorphic sex chromosome systems. Such heteromorphic systems are thought to act as an evolutionary trap that prevents subsequent turnover of the sex chromosome system. For old, degenerated sex chromosome systems in which turnover is unlikely, chromosomal fusion with an autosome may be one way that sex chromosomes can ‘refresh’ their sequence content. We investigated these dynamics using treehoppers (hemipteran insects of the family Membracidae), which ancestrally have XX/X0 sex chromosomes. We assembled the first chromosome-level treehopper genome fromUmbonia crassicornisand employed comparative genomic analyses of 12 additional treehopper species to analyze X chromosome variation across different evolutionary timescales. We find that the X chromosome is largely conserved, with one exception being an X-autosome fusion inCalloconophora caliginosa. We also compare the ancestral treehopper X with other X chromosomes in Auchenorrhyncha (the clade containing treehoppers, leafhoppers, spittlebugs, cicadas, and planthoppers), revealing X conservation across more than 300 million years. These findings shed light on chromosomal evolution dynamics in treehoppers and the role of chromosomal rearrangements in sex chromosome evolution.SignificanceThe evolutionary forces underlying sex chromosome stability versus turnover have been challenging to disentangle. We present the first chromosome-level treehopper genome and find evidence of long-term X chromosome conservation within treehoppers – and among treehoppers and other hemipteran insects. A key exception is the evolution of neo-XX/XY sex chromosomes via an X-autosome fusion. Sex chromosome-autosome fusions may play an important role in the evolution of otherwise ‘trapped’ (i.e., old and degenerated) sex chromosome systems.