bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CTLA4-Ig exerts preferable effect for both bone erosion and bone microarchitecture in rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a prospective, non-randomized two-group study using HR-pQCT
Authors: Iwamoto Naoki , Chiba Ko , Sato Shuntaro , Tashiro Shigeki , Shiraishi Kazuteru , Watanabe Kounosuke , Ohki Nozomi , Okada Akitomo , Koga Tomohiro , Kawashiri Shin-ya , Tamai Mami , Osaki Makoto , Kawakami Atsushi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: This exploratory study aimed to examine the impact of abatacept treatment on bone structure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT).
Methods: RA patients initiating either abatacept or newly introduced csDMARDs were enrolled in this prospective, non-randomized, two-group study. Bone structure in the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal heads was assessed using HR-pQCT at 0, 6, and 12 months after enrollment. Synovitis was evaluated using musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI. The adjusted mean between-group differences (abatacept–csDMARDs group) were estimated using a mixed-effect model.
Results: Thirty-five patients (abatacept group: n=15; csDMARDs group: n=20) were analyzed. Changes in erosion volume, depth and width were numerically smaller in the abatacept group compared to the csDMARDs group (adjusted mean between-group differences: -1.86 mm³, -0.02 mm, and -0.09 mm, respectively). Over a 12-month period, 5 erosions emerged in the csDMARDs group, while only 1 erosion appeared in the abatacept group. Compared to csDMARDs, abatacept better preserved bone microarchitecture; several components of bone microarchitecture were significantly worsened at 6 months in the csDMARDs group, but were not deteriorated at 6 months in the abatacept group. Changes in synovitis scores were similar between the two treatment groups.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that abatacept prevented the progression of bone erosion including new occurrence, and also prevented worsening of bone strength independently with synovitis compared to csDMARDs including MTX. Thus, abatacept treatment may provide benefits not only in inhibiting the progress of bone erosion but also in preventing bone microarchitectural deterioration.
Plasma extracellular vesicle sampling from high grade gliomas demonstrates a small RNA signature indicative of disease and identifies lncRNA RPPH1 as a high grade glioma biomarker.
Authors: Han Jae Ho , Wajnberg Gabriel , Attwood Kathleen M. , Noiles Lindsay , Hannay Brandon , Cormier Robert , Chacko Simi , Willms Maya , Hebb Andrea L.O. , MacNeil Mary V. , Schmidt Matthias H. , Croul Sidney E. , Weeks Adrienne C. , Roy Jeremy W. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: High grade gliomas (HGGs) and cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME) secrete extracellular vesicles(EVs) into the plasma that contain genetic and protein cargo, which function in paracrine signaling. Isolation of these EVs and their cargo from plasma could lead to a simplistic tool that can inform on diagnosis and disease course of HGG.
Methods: In the present study, plasma EVs were captured utilizing a peptide affinity method (Vn96 peptide) from HGG patients and normal controls followed by next generation sequencing (NovaSeq6000) to define a small RNA (sRNA) signature unique to HGG.
Results: Over 750 differentially expressed sRNA (miRNA, snoRNA, lncRNA, tRNA, mRNA fragments and non-annotated regions) were identified between HGG and controls. MiEAA 2.0 pathway analysis of the miRNA in the sRNA signature revealed miRNA highly enriched in both EV and HGG pathways demonstrating the validity of results in capturing a signal from the TME. Also revealed were several novel HGG plasma EV sRNA biomarkers including lncRNA RPPH1 (Ribonuclease P Component H1), RNY4 (Ro60-Associated Y4) and RNY5 (Ro60-Associated Y5). Furthermore, in paired longitudinal patient plasma sampling, RPPH1 informed on surgical resection (decreased on resection) and importantly, RPPH1 increased again on clinically defined progression.
Conclusions: The present study supports the role of plasma EV sRNA sampling (and particularly RPPH1) as part of a multi-pronged approach to HGG diagnosis and disease course surveillance.
Status report on vitamin A deficiency and associated factors in the health area of Sanmatenga province (Burkina Faso)
Authors: KERE Natacha , COMPAORE Ella W. R. , OUEDRAOGO Ousmane , KY Inoussa , BAMBARA Estelle A. , TIROGO Souleymane , KOUAME Jean S. R. , SAVADOGO Boubacar , DICKO Mamoudou H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Micronutrient deficiencies are a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, with particularly devastating consequences for children's health. In Burkina Faso, this burden, which is particularly marked by vitamin A deficiency, is exacerbated in certain areas where security and humanitarian problems are reducing access to health and nutrition services. One of the solutions most promoted at national level to deal with these micronutrient deficiencies is the use of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS). In order to understand the extent of this burden of malnutrition and to enable the strategy to be evaluated, it is necessary to carry out an epidemiological assessment of the nutritional status of children before implementing supplementation.
Methods
The nutritional status of the children was assessed using anthropometric measurements and serum retinol concentration. Interviews were conducted with the children's mothers to determine their feeding practices. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the variables associated with vitamin A deficiency with statistical significance at p < 0.05. Candidate variables for this test were obtained by a chi-square test at p < 0.20.
Results
The results showed that 86.6% of the children were vitamin A deficient. In addition, only 11.8% had a minimum dietary diversity. It emerged that 1.4% of the children had eaten roots, tubers and vegetables rich in vitamin A the day before the survey, and only 3.5% had eaten fruit rich in vitamin A. The study also showed that there was a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between dietary diversity and vitamin A deficiency.
Conclusions
The results show the actual level of vitamin A deficiency in the study area and provide a factual basis for adopting strategies to address the problem of vitamin A deficiency.
Trial registration
the Ethics Committee for Health Research in Burkina Faso has given its authorisation for this study under number 2022_60_/MSHP/MESRSI/CERS of 03/02/2022.
Sarcopenia and dynapenia are associated with depression rather than anxiety in Chinese hemodialysis patients
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Han Peipei , Liang Zhenwen , Cao Liou , Gao Jing , Ding Ke , Li Wenzhen , Zhu Siyi , Xue Yifan , Guo Qi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Affective disorders contribute to poorer outcomes in hemodialysis patients. We aimed to investigate the association of depression and anxiety with sarcopenia and dynapenia among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.
Methods
A total of 1074 patients (676 men, mean aged 61.3 ± 12.6 years) undergoing hemodialysis from 7 facilities in Shanghai of China from 2020 to 2023. Depression was evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and anxiety was assessed by the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7). The cut-off values of muscle mass and muscle function to define sarcopenia, dynapenia, and presarcopenia were according to the consensus by the Asia Working Group of Sarcopenia in 2019.
Results
Among 1074 participants, 160 (14.9%) had depression, 85(7.9%) had anxiety. Patients were divided into four groups: sarcopenia (n = 211), dynapenia(n = 267), presarcopenia(n = 100), and the robust (n = 496) group. The proportion of depression in the group sarcopenia, dynapenia, presarcopenia and robust were 19.4%, 22.8%, 14.0%, and 8.9% (sarcopenia vs robust P < 0.001; dynapenia vs robust P < 0.001; overall p value < 0.001). The proportion of anxiety in the four group were 10.4%, 10.5%, 6.0%, and 5.8%, respectively (overall p value > 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that sarcopenia, dynapenia, Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Fractional clearance index for urea (Kt/V) were significant factors linked to the presence of depression.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that sarcopenia and dynapenia are associated with depression rather than anxiety in hemodialysis patients. Interventions or programs aiming to alleviate sarcopenia or dynapenia can be effective strategies to prevent depression in the hemodialysis population.
MiR-618 suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and migration of non-small lung cancer via the JAK2/STAT3 axis
Authors: Chen Ziyuan , Chen Wei , Hong Zhiqi , Wu Xianqiao , Fang Tianzheng , Sheng Yufei , Fang Shuai , Zhou Chengwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The regulatory role of the miR-618/JAK2/STAT3 axis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was investigated with the objective of identifying a target for the precise treatment of patients with NSCLC.
Methods
Differentially expressed genes were identified in the GEO database and were analyzed bioinformatically. The tissue and cell levels of miR-618 were assessed using qRT-PCR, while the protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were determined through western blotting analysis.The association between miR-618 and JAK2 was scrutinized through bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase experiments. To evaluate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, MTT, wound-healing, and Transwell assays were employed.
RESULTS
MiR-618 expression decreased in NSCLC, leading to the inhibition of growth, invasiveness, and migratory properties of non-small cell lung cancer. This is achieved by MiR-618 modulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition, miR-618 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting JAK2/STAT3.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that a novel miR-618/JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis is involved in suppressing malignancy in NSCLC and provides a promising target for NSCLC therapy.
Artificial Neural Network to optimize energy solutions of office buildings in subtropical monsoon climate
Authors: Ashraf Jawad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Reducing a building's energy use has many real-world applications. An early-stage design could have a quantitative foundation for energy-saving designs if energy consumption could be predicted quickly and accurately. The main issue that designers are currently dealing with is the incompatibility of building modelling and energy simulation software. In order to realize the flexibility of building energy systems, accurate and timely thermal load prediction for buildings is essential. Here, a model of an artificial neural network (ANN) is developed, for forecasting an office building's load demand and energy usage. A case study building was selected and analysed via Autodesk Revit and Green Building Studio. For the modelling of ANN, 438 simulated data samples were created based on different design parameters considering different window, wall and roof materials, and meteorological conditions considering dew point, dry bulb, wet bulb temperature and relative humidity of seven major cities in Bangladesh. The findings show that the artificial neural network (ANN) model has a high degree of precision in predicting annual electricity use and annual load demand. The coefficient of variation of the root mean squared errors corresponding to the predictions of load demand and electricity consumption is 0.132% and 0.105%, respectively. The model fits the data well, as evidenced by the R2 values of 0.99189 and 0.99505 for the load demand and electricity consumption predictions, respectively. The optimization results can subsequently lower the electricity consumption by 21.49%.
Exploring The Nexus: Gender Equitable Attitudes &amp; Financial Perceptions of Mexican Adolescents
Authors: Kartha Rhea Sanjiv , Vyas Amita , Nagaraj Nitasha 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between gender equitable attitudes and norms, and gender based financial perceptions among adolescent boys and girls in Mexico. This evaluation is part of a larger Girl Rising Financial Education Initiative (GR FEI) conducted amongst adolescents in Mexico.
Method
A quantitative study was conducted including 979 adolescents (boys n = 385, girls n = 589) at baseline. Gender equitable attitudes and norms were measured using a scale consisting of 3 subdomains (roles/privileges/restrictions, gender attributes and gender violence) and gender based financial perceptions were measured using a vignette.
Results
Multivariate Linear regression analyses revealed that positive gender based financial perceptions were associated with significantly higher gender equitable attitudes after adjusting for sociodemographic differences. Girls reported significantly higher gender equitable attitudes when compared to boys (Model 1: β = 0.240, 95% CI [0.218, 0.347], p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Introducing financial education initiatives at an early age can shape the way young people interact with money. It not only improves overall literacy but also reinforces the idea that financial literacy and decision-making are not limited by gender.
Novel prognostic score for endometrial cancer
Authors: Maehana Tomoka , Kawahara Naoki , Kamibayashi Junya , Matsuoka Motoki , Waki Keita , Sugimoto Sumire , Kawaguchi Ryuji , Kimura Fuminori 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recently, there have been an increasing number of reports on the association between inflammatory markers and the prognosis of malignant tumors. However, the current indicators have limited accuracy. We aimed to develop a new scoring system for predicting endometrial cancer recurrence using inflammatory markers, tumor markers, and histological diagnosis. Patients with primary, previously untreated, and suspected endometrial cancer who underwent surgery at the Nara Medical University Hospital between January 2007 and December 2020 were included and followed up until March 2024. Items were divided into positive and negative using scores based on cutoff values and placed into the new scoring system, the endometrial tumor-related (ETR) score. We found that positive postoperative histological examination of lymph node metastasis and myometrial invasion, high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and D-dimer in preoperative blood tests, and a large difference in preoperative and postoperative white blood cell counts were significantly associated with recurrence. The prediction of recurrence using the ETR score was superior to that using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system, which is considered the best prognostic factor for survival. The ETR score is a significant prognostic marker of recurrence in patients who have undergone lymphadenectomy, with complete surgical tumor removal.
Quantified small bowel motility assessment on MR enterography in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease – does it reflect clinical response?
Authors: Meshaka Riwa , Fitzke Heather , Barber Joy , Jones Kelsey , Taylor Stuart , Watson Tom 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Quantified small bowel motility assessment using cine magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has shown promise as a biomarker in adult inflammatory bowel disease. Whether quantified motility corresponds to treatment response in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is unknown. Our objective to test whether changes in motility reflect response.
Materials and Methods
Local ethics approval was granted for this single institution, retrospective study. All children < 18 years with confirmed PIBD, who had > 1 MRE between Jan 2011-Jan 2022 were included. sMaRIA and motility index (quantified motility) at all terminal ileum (TI) and diseased non-TI segments were independently assessed by two radiologists each with ≥ 9 years’ experience. Change in (Δ) motility index was compared to clinical (gastroenterologist physician’s global assessment) and consensus radiological reference standard (response = decrease in sMaRIA ≥ 2) in responders versus non-responders using Mann-Whitney test. Sensitivity and specificity of Δmotility index ≥ 0 was compared to decrease in sMaRIA ≥ 2 for identifying clinical response.
Results
Of 64 children aged 5–16; 21 out of 64 (33%) were responders, 37 out of 64 (58%) were non-responders and 6 out of 64 (9%) had inactive disease according to clinical reference standard. Δmotility index by both radiologists was higher in responders (+ 16, + 39) than non-responders (-43, -44), p = 0.04, p = 0.009 each radiologist, respectively. Motility index was more sensitive (57% versus 24%), but less specific (67% versus 93%) than sMaRIA in identifying clinical response.
Conclusion
Motility index on cine MRE corresponds to clinical response, and is more sensitive at detecting response compared to sMaRIA in PIBD.
Deletion of EGFL7 exacerbated chronic constriction-induced nerve damage and neuropathic pain by modulating the notch pathway
Authors: Huo Zhiqi , Hao Zengtao , Wu Tao , Aixinjueluo Qicheng , Wang Bingtao , Chen Yihong , Zhao Xinlei , Yan Shijie , Chen Mengmeng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The pathogenesis of neuropathic pain (NP) is complex, and there is an urgent need to study its underlying mechanisms. A CCI rat model was established and injected with shRNA plasmid lentivirus to knock down EGFL7. Behavioral experiments were used to analyze pain thresholds in rats. Histologic hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue staining were used to investigate the changes in tissue structure. Apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining, while VWF was assessed by IHC for nerve repair evaluation. Finally, Western blot (WB) experiments were performed to analyze the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of EGFL7 in a rat model of CCI. The results showed that he absence of EGFL7 exacerbated pain in rats with CCI, resulting in disorganization of nerve cells in the sciatic nerve. It also caused extensive necrosis of the sciatic nerve and promoted demyelination and degeneration of axonal myelin. Large amounts of apoptosis were also present in the groups where EGFL7 was knocked down. In addition, the nerve repair factor VWF was also reduced in the CCI rat model with EGFL7 knockdown. Finally, mechanistic studies revealed that the knockdown of EGFL7 led to the downregulation of proteins related to the Notch signaling pathway. Our results suggested that inhibiting EGFL7 expression might worsen CCI-induced neuropathic pain and nerve injury in rats by affecting the Notch signaling pathway. This indicated that EGFL7 played a crucial role in the process of nerve injury. EGFL7 could also be a potential target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
A Unified Conditional Framework for Unsupervised Anomaly Detection
Authors: Nafti Najeh , Besbes Olfa , Abdallah Asma Ben , Bedoui Mohammed Hedi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Unsupervised anomaly detection methods based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have gained momentum tremendous in medical applications. However, due to the diverse range of anomalies encountered in real-world clinical settings, the utilization of GANs remains constrained to addressing one specific pathology per model. This paper introduces an innovative unsupervisedapproach to pulmonary anomaly detection through a unified conditional frame-work. The model consists of two Residual Attention Conditional networks: a GAN and an Encoder. Tailored to the input condition, such as the specified dataset or region of interest (ROI), the GAN generates realistic samples in the target style, while the encoder ensures fast mapping of normal images to their latent representations. Notably, our Residual Attention Conditional GAN (RA-CGAN) framework is exclusively trained on normal data in a fully unsupervisedmanner. During inference, our model adeptly detects anomalous images acrossvarious contexts, eliminating the need for distinct models for each dataset or ROI.This unified approach not only streamlines training processes but also harnesses joint information, significantly enhancing generalization capabilities. Additionally, the model integrates Depthwise Separable Convolution (DSC) to reduce computational resources and leverages the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) to focus on relevant image regions without increasing model complexity. The efficiency of our framework is demonstrated on pneumonia and lung cancer datasets. Benchmarking results on MVTec-AD datasets illustrate its state-of-the-art performance at the image level, contributing to efficient unsupervised anomaly detection.
Pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of heavy metals in PM2.5 in Fuxin, China
Authors: Zhao Xiaoliang , Shen Zhaolin , Han Fangwei , Bharti Bandna , Feng Shaohui , Du Jing , Li Yide 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Fuxin is located in the atmospheric channel around Bohai Bay, and its geographical location is very special. Few existing studies have studied the pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of heavy metals in atmospheric PM2.5 in four seasons in Fuxin, so a total of 180 PM2.5 samples were collected from four sampling sites in Fuxin during the period from December 2021 to November 2022. The seasonal distribution characteristics of V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Sb, Cd and Ba were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and the source of heavy metals was analyzed by enrichment factor (EF). Health risk model was used to examine the health risk assessment of respiratory exposure in men, women and children in Fuxin. The results reveal that, the annual average mass order of heavy metal in Fuxin PM2.5 was Zn（0.2947μg·m-3）>Pb（0.0664μg·m-3）>As（0.0225μg·m-3）>Ba（0.0205μg·m-3）>Mn（0.0187μg·m-3）>Cu（0.0140μg·m-3）>Cr（0.0095μg·m-3）>V（0.0067μg·m-3）>Ni（0.0061μg·m-3）>Sb（0.0024μg·m-3）>Cd（0.0019μg·m-3）>Co（0.0007μg·m-3. The annual average concentration of As was 3.75 times of the GB3095-2012(China) secondary standard limit, the concentration of hazard quotient (HQ) in PM2.5 was lower than 1, but the concentration of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) in As was higher than the cancer risk threshold (10-4). These findings indicate the certain risk of cancer in the urban population of Fuxin. Therefore, it is necessary to control the emissions created from the coal-burning to minimize the health risks to the people of Fuxin.