bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current Knowledge and Practice of Pregnant Women Towards Gestational Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study of Nsukka Women
Authors: Dim Obinna Felix , Azubuike Ekwuofu , ONYEOJI OGECHI , Omeye Cynthia , Ukwe Chinwe 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Gestational hypertension is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality. Knowledge plays an essential role in decreasing the risk or threat of diseases; hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of pregnant women toward gestational hypertension (GH) in Nsukka, Nigeria.
Methods
A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 266 eligible pregnant women in two randomly selected hospitals in Nsukka using a well-structured and validated questionnaire. The questionnaire was self-administered. The data collected from the questionnaire were coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the findings, while inferential statistics such as correlations and chi-square tests were used to determine the relationships between variables. For all the statistical analyses, p values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results
Of the 266 expectant mothers who participated in the study, 170 (63.9%) were aged 20 to 30 years. More than half of the participants (150, 56.4%) had a tertiary degree. The majority of the participants, 250 (94%), were married, and approximately half, 127 (47.7%), were in the third trimester. Only a handful of the participants (19%) were aware of GH. More than half of the participants, 161 (60.5%), strongly felt that gestational hypertension was preventable, and the majority, 180 (67.7%), preferred to visit the hospital if any unusual signs or symptoms were observed. Participants demonstrated low practice levels (20.28 ± 3.19). The level of education was the only sociodemographic component that was linked with mothers' practices toward GH (5.26(2)) (P = 0.04). The higher the mothers’ education level was, the better the mothers’ practices toward GH were.
Conclusion
The majority of participants had poor understanding and practice with GH. Only education level had an effect on pregnant women's attitudes toward GH.
Notoginsenoside R1, a novel natural PPARγ agonist, attenuates cognitive deficits in a mouse model of diabetic Alzheimer’s disease through enhancing GLUT4-dependent neuronal glucose uptake
Authors: Li Zongyang , Cui Ping , Su Rui , Yang Jihu , Chen Lei , Chen Fanfan , Pan Hua , Ma Guoxu , Zhang Yuan , Meng Xiangbao , Huang Guodong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Our previous studies demonstrated the potential of Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a primary bioactive compound from Panax notoginseng, in alleviating diabetic encephalopathy in db/db mice and mitigating amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced neuronal damage. However, the impact of NGR1 on cognitive dysfunction in a diabetic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse model remains unclear. In this investigation, we identified NGR1 as a novel PPARγ agonist through a dual-luciferase reporter assay system. NGR1 treatment significantly promoted the membrane translocation of GLUT4 and enhanced 2-deoxyglucose uptake in primary mouse hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, intragastric administration of NGR1 (40 mg/kg/day) for 16 weeks notably mitigated cognitive deficits in APP/PS1xdb/db mice. This treatment correlated with reduced blood glucose levels, lowered serum HbA1c, and decreased serum insulin levels, coupled with enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Additionally, NGR1 treatment ameliorated Aβ burden, suppressed microglia-induced neuroinflammation, and notably increased cerebral glucose uptake, as demonstrated by 18F-FDG PET scans. NGR1 treatment could upregulate PPARγ and GLUT4 expression and increase phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 while decreasing phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser616 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1xdb/db mice. Crucially, the protective effects of NGR1 were abolished by co-administration with a selective PPARγ inhibitor GW9662. In conclusion, NGR1 demonstrated efficacy in enhancing neuronal glucose uptake through the activation of the PPARγ/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathways in APP/PS1xdb/db mice, positioning it as a promising candidate for diabetic AD treatment.
Human-Simulated Intelligent Control of Torsional Vibration in Magneto-rheological Variable Stiffness-Damping-Moment of Inertia Transmission System based on Hybrid Taguchi Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Li Wenfeng , Liu Le , Ge Xinfeng , Liang Manying , Deng Xiong , Gao Jianrong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In addressing the distinct influence mechanisms of torsional stiffness, torsional damping, and moment of inertia on the torsional vibration behavior of transmission systems, a human-simulated intelligent control strategy based on hybrid Taguchi genetic algorithm is proposed for the torsional vibration of magneto-rheological (MR) transmission system with variable stiffness, variable damping and variable inertia. Initially, the research conducts an in-depth analysis of the effects exerted by torsional stiffness, torsional damping, and moment of inertia on the transmission system dynamics. Subsequently, a comprehensive dynamics model for the MR transmission system with adaptable stiffness, damping, and inertia parameters is formulated, grounded on the conceptualization of an MR torsional vibration absorber. Drawing from the dynamic optimization outcomes facilitated by the hybrid Taguchi genetic algorithm, control parameters governing torsional stiffness, torsional damping, and moment of inertia are refined. This refinement process underpins the design of a human-simulated intelligent controller distinguished by its partitioned and multimodal characteristics. Notably, this controller framework is crafted to accommodate considerations across both temporal and spectral domains. Following the controller's design phase, rigorous simulation analyses are conducted to assess its efficacy. Results substantiate that the human-simulated intelligent control mechanism, underpinned by the hybrid Taguchi genetic algorithm, proficiently attenuates torsional vibrations across a broad spectrum of frequency bands. Furthermore, it is observed to markedly enhance the overall output characteristics of the MR transmission system.
Identification of the ceRNA axis of circ_0000006/miR-483-5p/KDM2B in the progression of aortic aneurysm to aorta dissection
Authors: Liu Yong , Tan Xiong , Wang Liang , Jin Weitao , He Yangchen , yan Yu , Hu Kai , Wang Hao , Xiang Chaohu , Hou Ming , Lai Yinglong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Aortic aneurysm (AA) and aortic dissection (AD) are serious cardiovascular disorders with a high risk of mortality. The molecular mechanisms underlying the progression from AA to AD are not well understood. This study aimed to identify the key circular RNA (circRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory axis involved in this disease progression.
Methods
CircRNA microarray, miRNA microarray, and mRNA sequencing were performed on plasma samples from healthy controls, AA patients, and AD patients. Bioinformatics analysis integrated the expression profiles to identify dysregulated circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. Key molecules were validated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and an AD mouse model. Cell proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transition assays were conducted after modulating the identified circRNA. The impact on AD progression was evaluated in mice upon circRNA knockdown.
Results
A total of 12 circRNAs were found upregulated in AD compared to AA samples. miR-483-5p was downregulated while its targets KDM2B and circ_0000006 were upregulated in AD. Silencing circ_0000006 in VSMCs inhibited PDGF-induced phenotypic switching, proliferation, and migration by increasing miR-483-5p and decreasing KDM2B levels. In the AD mouse model, knockdown of circ_0000006 alleviated disease progression with similar molecular changes.
Conclusion
The study identified a novel circ_0000006/miR-483-5p/KDM2B axis dysregulated during AD progression. Targeting this axis, especially circ_0000006, could be a potential strategy to mitigate the transition from AA to AD by modulating VSMC phenotype and function.
Molecular mechanisms of the Xiao-chai-hu-tang on chronic stress-induced colorectal cancer growth based on an integrated network pharmacology and RNA sequencing approach with experimental validation
Authors: Yao Wang , Hua Dong-Ming , Zhang Ying-Ru , Zhao Yi-Yang , Feng Ying , Zhang Zhao-Zhou , Ni Zhong-Ya , Guo Hai-dong , Guan Yun-Feng , Wang Yan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic stress is a risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang (XCHT) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription and has been widely used to treat chronic stress-related diseases and cancer. However, its role in chronic stress-induced CRC remains unclear.
Methods
Our study aimed to investigate the roles of XCHT in CRC development under chronic stress. A xenografted CRC mouse model exposure to chronic restraint stress (CRS) was used to determine the effects of XCHT on CRC growth in vitro and in vivo. XCHT (10.27, 20.54 g/kg) were given by oral gavage once a day. RNA-sequencing was combined with network pharmacology to investigate potential target and pathway in this study. ELISA, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the expression of inflammation related genes. Glycolysis related genes and phenotype were evaluated by WB, RT-qPCR and seahorse.
Results
XCHT significantly inhibited CRC growth under chronic stress in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, XCHT suppressed the expression levels of glycolysis associated enzymes and inflammatory factors caused by chronic stress. Moreover, XCHT significantly mitigated the activity of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling which was activated by chronic stress induced IL-6.
Conclusions
XCHT could reverse the tumor energy metabolism reprogramming and improve the inflammatory microenvironment in CRC under chronic stress through the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, XCHT might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for suppressing psychologically associated CRC progression.
Trending Preclinical Medical Student Confidence, the Impact of Gender, and Associated Performance: A Single Institution Study
Authors: Stolfi Adrienne , Clark Carson , Benintendi Isabella , Westrick Alexis , Whitehead Katie , Silva Annelise 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between confidence and competence in medical students may vary with experience and the situation, but ultimately this relationship will greatly affect patient care and outcomes.
Methods: De-identified self-reported confidence polling data, gender, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) percentiles, and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) exam scores for two course modules (‘Origins’ and ‘Staying Alive’) were analyzed for 117 medical students. Confidence in mastery of course material was rated on a 3-point Likert scale at the beginning and end of each graded session throughout the courses. Associations were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U tests, Wilcoxin signed ranks tests, Spearman rank correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regressions.
Results: Confidence from the beginning to the end of the Origins module dropped significantly for all students. Males demonstrated a decreasing trend in confidence scores throughout the Staying Alive module. Post-session confidence was significantly higher than pre-session confidence in both modules, for all students combined as well as separately for females and males. MCAT percentile was the only significant predictor of NBME exam scores for both modules.
Discussion:There are several considerations for the demonstrated decreasing confidence throughout learning modules, including student burnout. The male-predominant decline in confidence raises interesting questions about gender and resilience, and may reflect unique female experiences in medicine which advance self-confidence. Finally, the lack of correlation between self-assessed confidence and objective performance is interesting, which could be attributed to the Dunning-Kruger effect.
Prognostic and Clinical Heterogeneity of PD1 and PD-L1- Immunohistochemical Scores in Endometrial Cancers
Authors: Proppe Louisa , Jagomast Tobias , Beume Sophie , Köster Frank , Bräutigam Karen , Rody Achim , Perner Sven , Hemptenmacher Franziska , Ribbat-Idel Julika , Hanker Lars Christian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: PD1/PD-L1 inhibition (ICi) has recently become a new standard of care for patients with advanced MMR-deficient (MMRd) endometrial cancers. Nevertheless, response to immunotherapy is more complex than the presence of a single biomarker and therefore it remains challenging to predict patients response to ICi beyond MMRd tumors. Elevated PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥ 1) is often used as a prognostic marker as well as a predictive biomarker of response to ICi in different tumor types. In a retrospective, patient derived study, we analyzed PD1- and PD-L1 staining and correlated the results of different scores to clinical data to evaluate the prognostic impact of these scores.
Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of the receptor PD1 and the receptor ligand PD-L1 were performed on TMAs of primary paraffin‑embedded tumor samples. All patients were treated for primary endometrial cancer in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus-Lübeck, Germany between the years 2006–2018.. The evaluation and determination of the tumor proportion scoring (TPS), the combined positive score (CPS) and the immune cell scoring (IC) was automatically assessed semi-quantitatively, and results were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.
Results: 130 samples were evaluable and 64% showed a positivity (IC > 0) for the receptor PD1 and 56% for the receptor ligand PD-L1. Patients with a PD1 IC Score ≥ 1 showed a significant longer disease-free survival of 140 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 124–158) compared to patients with a lower IC < 1 for PD1 of 89 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 69–110); p = 0.017). Furthermore, the disease-free survival for patients with a CPS ≥ 5 for PD1 was longer (153.7 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 134–173.6) vs. 98.6 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 83–114); p = 0.036). Additionally, a PD1 CPS ≥ 5 showed a better overall survival but the result was not statistically significant. No difference in survival was found between patients with PD-L1 higher or lower than CPS 5.
Conclusion: In this study we pointed out that there are significant clinical differences among several immunohistochemical scoring systems. In our trial, a PD1-positivity with CPS ≥ 5 and IC ≥ 1 were significantly associated to a better disease-free survival while there was no association with TPS. The PD1-IC scoring was associated with MMRd while the TPS scoring was not. Therefore, PD1-IC could be more appropriate for endometrial carcinomas compared to TPS and could also add prognostic information beside the more established PD-L1-staining. Further prospective studies are needed for a validation of these scores in combination with other biomarkers.
Green synthesis of fluorescent N-doped carbon quantum dots from castor seeds and their applications in cell imaging and pH sensing
Authors: Elkun Salah , Ghali Mohsen , Sharshar Taher , Mosaad Mohsen Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Water-soluble fluorescent N-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were hydrothermally prepared through a green synthesis route using castor seeds as a single precursor and a hydrothermal method. Several experimental techniques have been used to characterize synthesized N-CQDs to confirm their structure and to verify their applicability in cell imaging and pH sensing. The synthesized N-CQDs were found to have are characterized by amorphous nature with a spherical shape with an average particle size of 6.57 nm as revealed from XRD and TEM measurements. The FTIR results reveal the presence of carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups on the surface of the CQDs, which was also confirmed by XPS analysis. The fluorescence characterization of the synthesized N-CQDs showed blue emission and excitation dependence. It was found that the optimal excitation and emission wavelengths were 360 and 432 nm, respectively. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of N-CQDs showed good linear dependence with the pH values in ranges of 3.5 − 7.5 sand 8 − 12 as well as high sensitivity for slight changes of pH values. According to these results, two fluorescent pH sensors were created based on acidic and basic media. The obtained N-CQDs have zeta potential of -21.86 mV and thus have excellent stability in water. Moreover, N-CQDs derived from the castor seeds have antimicrobial activity and exhibits low cytotoxicity to WI-13 cells with IC50 = 394.4 ± 13.8 µg/mL. The results of this study demonstrated that the synthesized N-CQDs derived from castor seeds can be used as pH sensing and antimicrobial materials. On the other hand, they are also promising in applications in cell imaging, thermo-sensing and optoelectronics.
Gabor-VGG19 Model for Enhancing COVID-19 Detection through Multimodal Fusion using CT and CXR Images
Authors: Shingan Gautami , Tiwari Shamik , Ranjan Priya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Multimodal approaches have gained significant attention in medical research, combining information from different imaging modalities. This paper introduces a multimodal approach for the detection of COVID-19 using Computed Tomog-raphy (CT) and Chest X-ray (CXR) images. Employing a deep learning-based pre-trained VGG19 model, our focus is on evaluating the classification performance of the proposed modified VGG-19 in comparison to single-modal CT images, single-modal CXR images, a multimodal fusion of CT and CXR images, and a multimodal mixture of CT and CXR images. For experimentation, an imbalanced dataset is employed and investigate the impact of multimodality on such datasets. Three augmentation strategies—no augmentation, partial augmentation , and complete augmentation—are implemented to assess their effects on the algorithm’s performance and check robustness with the local dataset. The results indicate that the multimodality fusion-based approach with partial augmentation consistently outperforms both single-modalities and the mixture of multimodalities. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential of multimodal approaches in enhancing disease detection models, particularly in the context of imbalanced datasets associated with COVID-19 diagnosis.
The independent prognostic value of Perioperative HVPG measurements in patients with portal hypertension and received Laparoscopic splenectomy plus esophagogastric devascularization
Authors: Zhang Ming , Wang Dong , Chen Xiao , Liang Defeng , Yang Tao , Cao Yanlong , Huang Bo , Lu Jianguo , Yin Jikai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing portal hypertension (PHT). Laparoscopic splenectomy plus esophagogastric devascularization (LSED) is an important surgery for treating PHT. However, the variation trend of HVPG after surgery is not clear. In addition, whether HVPG could provide precise prognostic information for patients undergoing surgery remains to be further studied. This study aimed to investigate the independent prognostic value of HVPG in LSED.
Methods
From January 2016 to March 2023, 134 patients with PHT underwent LSED at our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. The correlations between clinical indicators and history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) were analyzed. Among them, 57 patients remeasured postoperative HVPG. Postoperative alterations of HVPG and correlative factors, as well as the relationship between the HVPG and postoperative UGIB, were further investigated.
Results
In this study, we found that 93 patients with preoperative UGIB (16.27 ± 5.73mmHg) had a higher baseline HVPG than the other 41 patients without (14.02 ± 5.90mmHg) (P = 0.04). The mean postoperative HVPG significantly decreased (-3.57 ± 8.09 mmHg, P = 0.001) than baseline, 66% of patients (38/57) experienced the decreased HVPG-response after surgery. The baseline HVPG and preoperative CTP class B were associated with the decreased HVPG-response. Additionally, the patients with postoperative HVPG decreased>20% from baseline exhibited better recurrent hemorrhage-free survival rates than those without (log-rank, P = 0.013).
Conclusion
We found that LSED led to a significantly decreased HVPG, and patients with postoperative HVPG decreased >20% obtained better UGIB-free survival benefits than those without.
Characterization of a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 direct-contact transmission model in hamsters
Authors: Handrejk Kim , Schmitz Katharina S. , Kroeze Edwin J.B. Veldhuis , Dijk Laura L. A. van , Run Peter van , Haagmans Bart L. , Moscona Anne , Porotto Matteo , de Swart Rik L. , de Vries Rory D. , Rissmann Melanie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve antigenically to escape vaccine- or infection-induced immunity, suitable animal models are needed to study novel interventions against viral variants. Syrian hamsters are often used because of their high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and associated tissue damage in the respiratory tract. Here, for the first time we established and characterized a direct-contact transmission model for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 in hamsters. First, we determined a minimized intranasal dose in a low-volume inoculum required for reproducible infection and viral shedding in male and female hamsters. Next, we determined the optimal co-housing timing and duration between donor and acceptor hamsters required for consistent direct-contact transmission. Finally, we compared viral loads and histopathological lesions in respiratory tissues of donor and acceptor hamsters. Intranasal inoculation of hamsters with 103 TCID50 Omicron BA.5 in 10 µl per nostril led to reproducible infection. Viral loads in the throat measured by RT-qPCR were comparable between male and female hamsters. Notably, shedding of infectious virus was significantly higher in male hamsters. Compared to ancestral SARS-CoV-2, Omicron BA.5 infection reached lower viral loads, had a delayed peak of virus replication, and led to less body weight loss. To ensure consistent direct-contact transmission from inoculated donor hamsters to naïve acceptors, a co-housing duration of 24 hours starting 20 hours post infection of the donors was optimal. We detected mild inflammation in the respiratory tract of donor and acceptor hamsters, and viral loads were higher and peaked earlier in donor hamsters compared to acceptor hamsters. Taken together, we developed and characterized a robust Omicron BA.5 direct-contact transmission model in hamsters, that provides a valuable tool to study novel interventions.