bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying indicators of apple bud dormancy status by exposure to artificial forcing conditions
Authors: Milyaev Anton , Born Ute , Sprich Elke , Hagemann Michael , Flachowsky Henryk , Luedeling Eike 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Dormancy in temperate fruit trees is a mechanism of temporary growth suspension, which is vital for tree survival during winter. Studies on this phenomenon frequently employ scientific methods that aim to detect the timing of dormancy release. Dormancy release occurs when trees have been exposed to sufficient chill, allowing them to resume growth under conducive conditions. This study investigates dormancy dynamics in two apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cultivars, ‘Nicoter’ and ‘Topaz’, by sampling branches in an orchard over 14 weeks (2019 to 2020) and over 31 weeks (2021 to 2022) and subjecting them to a 42-day budbreak forcing period in a growth chamber. Temporal changes in budbreak percentages demonstrated dormancy progression in the studied apple cultivars and allowed the three main dormancy phases to be distinguished: paradormancy (summer dormancy), endodormancy (deep dormancy) and ecodormancy (spring dormancy), along with transition periods between them. Using these data, we explored the suitability of several alternative methods to determine endodormancy release. Tabuenca’s test, which predicts dormancy release based on the differences in dry weights of buds with and without forcing, showed promise for this purpose. However, our data indicated a need for considerable adjustments and validation of this test. Bud weight and water content of buds in the orchard did not align with budbreak percentages under forcing conditions, rendering them unsuitable for determining endodormancy release in ‘Nicoter’ and ‘Topaz’. Shoot growth cessation did not seem to be connected with either dormancy progression or dormancy depth of the studied cultivars, whereas leaf fall coincided with the beginning of the transition from endo- to ecodormancy. This work addresses methodological limitations in dormancy research and suggests considering the mean time to budbreak and budbreak synchrony as additional criteria to assess tree dormancy status.
Incidence, aetiology and short term outcomes of extreme hyperbilirubinaemia, in term infants born in the Western health subdistrict of Cape Town, South Africa between 2019 and 2020
Authors: Coraizin Carin , Vreede Heleen , Van Niekerk Cara , Joolay Yaseen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Extreme levels of bilirubin in newborn is a major cause of lifelong neurodevelopmental impairment, which places a financial burden on healthcare resources and caregivers. To determine the incidence, aetiology and short-term outcomes of extreme hyperbilirubinaemia in term infants born in a resource-limited setting. This is a retrospective observational study looking at term neonates with a birth weight ≥2500 g, born in the Western health subdistrict of Cape Town, South Africa, between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020, who were exposed to a serum bilirubin level of ≥430 μmol/L in the first week of life and received care in the public health system. Extreme hyperbilirubinaemia occurred in 59 term infants. The incidence was 74 cases per 100 000 (&lt;0.01%) live births equating to 1 case in every 1345 live births. The cause of hyperbilirubinaemia was identified in 51 of the cases (86%), the most common being ABO incompatibility (31/51, 61%), followed by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (11/51, 22%). Twelve infants (20 %) underwent an exchange transfusion. Six infants were encephalopathic. Forty-seven infants (80%) were readmitted after initial post-natal discharge, with a mean age of readmission of 113 h old (SD 31 h). The incidence of extreme hyperbilirubinaemia in the Western health subdistrict of Cape Town is higher than in high-income settings. Further work should focus on training of healthcare workers and education of caregivers, for the early detection of significant hyperbilirubinaemia to prevent neurological complications caused by bilirubin toxicity.
VEGF‐B prevents chronic hyperglycemia‐induced retinal vascular leakage by regulating the CDC42‐ZO1/VE‐cadherin pathway
Authors: Xu Yuxue , Peng Yue , Wu Xiaojun , Ni Feixue , Sun Daxi , Zhang Pengfei , Yang Yang , Yan Miao , Mi Jia , Tian Geng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNon‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and is a chronic oxidative stress‐related ocular disease. Few treatments are approved for early DR. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the retinal micro‐vasculopathy induced by diabetes and to explore an early potential for treating early DR in a mouse model. The mouse model of type 1 diabetes was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 180 mg/kg), which was used as the early DR model. The body weight and blood glucose mice were measured regularly; The retinal vascular leakage in the early DR mice was determined by whole‐mount staining; Label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis and bioinformatics were used to explore the target proteins and signaling pathways associated with the retinal tissues of early DR mice; To detect the effects of target protein on endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, knockdown and overexpression of VEGF‐B were performed in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs); Western blotting was used to detect the expression of target proteins in vitro and in vivo; Meanwhile, the therapeutic effect of VEGF‐B on vascular leakage has also been evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐B and the Rho GTPases family member CDC42 were reduced in the retinal tissues of early DR. VEGF‐B upregulated the expression of CDC42/ZO1/VE‐cadherin and prevented hyperglycemia‐induced vascular leakage in HRECs. Standard intravitreal VEGF‐B injections improved the retinal vascular leakage and neurovascular response in early DR mice. Our findings demonstrated, for the first time, that in diabetes, the retinal vessels are damaged due to decreased VEGF‐B expression through downregulation of CDC42/ZO1/VE‐cadherin expression. Therefore, VEGF‐B could be used as a novel therapy for early DR.
Performance of the Washington Group Questions in Measuring Blindness and Deafness
Authors: Landes Scott D. , Swenor Bonnielin K. , Hall Jean P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Washington Group Short Set (WGSS) questions are intended to measure the severity of disability and disability status in US federal surveys. We used data from the 2010-2018 National Health Interview Survey to examine the performance of the WGSS visual disability and hearing disability questions in capturing blindness and deafness. We found that the WGSS questions failed to capture 35.7% of blind adults and 43.7% of deaf respondents as having a severe disability, or, per their recommended cut point, as being disabled at all. Coupled with prior evidence demonstrating the poor performance of the WGSS questions in estimating the size of the overall disability population, we contend that results from this study necessitate a pause in use of the WGSS questions to measure disability in US federal surveys.
cfGWAS reveal genetic basis of cell-free DNA features
Authors: Zhu Huanhuan , Zhang Yan , Zeng Shuang , Li Linxuan , Ou Rijing , Zhang Xinyi , Lin Yu , Lin Ying , Xu Chuang , Wang Lin , Zeng Guodan , Zeng Jingyu , Li Lingguo , Jia Yongjian , Wang Yu , Luo Fei , Yang Meng , Hu Yuxuan , Li Xiameizi , Xiao Han , Xu Xun , Wang Jian , Zhou Aifen , Zhang Haiqiang , Jin Xin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractcfDNA consists of degraded DNA fragments released into body fluids. Its genetic and pathological information makes it useful for prenatal testing and early tumor detection. However, the mechanisms behind cfDNA biology are largely unknown. In this study, for the first time, we conducted a GWAS study to explore the genetic basis of cfDNA features, termed cfGWAS, in 28,016 pregnant women. We identified 84 significant loci, including well-known cfDNA-related genes DFFB and DNASE1L3, and numerous novel genes potentially involved in cfDNA biology, including PANX1 and DNASE1L1. The findings were further verified through independent GWAS and experimental validation in knockout mice and cell lines. Subsequent analyses revealed strong causal relationships of hematological indicators on cfDNA features. In summary, we presented the first cfGWAS, revealing the genetic basis of cfDNA biology from genome-wide scale. Novel knowledge uncovered by this study keep the promise to revolutionize liquid biopsy technology and potential new drug targeted for certain disease. Given exist of the millions cfDNA whole-genome-sequencing data generated from clinical testing, the potential of this paradigm is enormous.
Technical Development and In Silico Implementation of SyntheticMR in Head and Neck Adaptive Radiation Therapy: A Prospective R-IDEAL Stage 0/1 Technology Development Report
Authors: McCullum Lucas , Mulder Samuel , West Natalie , Aghoghovbia Robert , Ali Alaa Mohamed Shawky , Scott Hayden , Salzillo Travis C. , Ding Yao , Dresner Alex , Subashi Ergys , Ma Dan , Stafford R. Jason , Hwang Ken-Pin , Fuller Clifton D. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the technical feasibility of integrating the quantitative maps available from SyntheticMR into the head and neck adaptive radiation oncology workflow. While SyntheticMR has been investigated for diagnostic applications, no studies have investigated its feasibility and potential for MR-Simulation or MR-Linac workflow. Demonstrating the feasibility of using this technique will facilitate rapid quantitative biomarker extraction which can be leveraged to guide adaptive radiation therapy decision making.ApproachTwo phantoms, two healthy volunteers, and one patient were scanned using SyntheticMR on the MR-Simulation and MR-Linac devices with scan times between four to six minutes. Images in phantoms and volunteers were conducted in a test/retest protocol. The correlation between measured and reference quantitative T1, T2, and PD values were determined across clinical ranges in the phantom. Distortion was also studied. Contours of head and neck organs-at-risk (OAR) were drawn and applied to extract T1, T2, and PD. These values were plotted against each other, clusters were computed, and their separability significance was determined to evaluate SyntheticMR for differentiating tumor and normal tissue.Main ResultsThe Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient between the measured and phantom reference values was above 0.98 for both the MR-Sim and MR-Linac. No significant levels of distortion were measured. The mean bias between the measured and phantom reference values across repeated scans was below 4% for T1, 7% for T2, and 4% for PD for both the MR-Sim and MR-Linac. For T1 vs. T2 and T1 vs. PD, the GTV contour exhibited perfect purity against neighboring OARs while being 0.7 for T2 vs. PD. All cluster significance levels between the GTV and the nearest OAR, the tongue, using the SigClust method was p < 0.001.SignificanceThe technical feasibility of SyntheticMR was confirmed. Application of this technique to the head and neck adaptive radiation therapy workflow can enrich the current quantitative biomarker landscape.
SNP Genes Effect on Thyroid Disorders in a Chinese Demographic
Authors: Fan Iris , Zhou Fenglan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, are prevalent in the Chinese population and have been linked to specific genetic variations. This study investigates the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and thyroid disorders in a cohort of Chinese individuals. It aims to explore a novel aspect of thyroid disorders, precisely the effect of different SNPs on the prevalence of developing these disorders, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. It focuses on four SNPs: rs965513, rs179247, rs3087243, and rs231779. The analysis revealed significant associations between these SNPs and thyroid disorders, with the ‘A’ allele of rs179247 showing a higher risk.
Global and regional burden of ischemic stroke disease from 1990 to 2021: an age-period cohort analysis
Authors: Zhu Weimin , He Xiaxia , Huang Daochao , Jiang Yiqing , Hong Weijun , Ke Shaofa , Wang En , Wang Feng , Wang Xianwei , Shan Renfei , Liu Suzhi , Xu Yinghe , Jiang Yongpo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundIschemic stroke is a major global public health concern. This study evaluates the burden of ischemic stroke in 2021, analyzes trends since 1990, and predicts future burdens.MethodsData were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, focusing on incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) on a global, regional, and all socio-demographic index area (SDI) basis. Joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort modeling were employed for trend analysis.ResultsIn 2021, there were 7,804,449 (95% UI, 6,719,760 - 8,943,692) global ischemic stroke patients, resulting in 3,591,499 (95% UI, 3,213,281 - 3,888,327) deaths and 70,357,912 (95% UI, 64,329,576 - 76,007,063) DALYs. East Asia had the highest number of cases, while Eastern Europe had the highest age-standardized incidence rate. High-income countries reported the lowest rates of incidence, mortality, and DALYs, which are significantly declining overall. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate decreased by -0.578% annually, mortality by -0.927%, and DALYs by -14.372%. The rates are influenced by age, time, and cohorts, generally increasing with age but declining over time, especially in high SDI regions. Key risk factors include hypertension, environmental pollution, and high low density lipoprotein cholesterol, with hypertension having the most significant and stable impact. Projections for 2035 suggest worsening ischemic stroke outcomes for those over 45, while improvements are expected for individuals under 35. The 50-59 age group’s age-standardized incidence rate may rise, but mortality and DALYs rates are expected to decline across all ages.ConclusionOur study shows a decline in ischemic stroke mortality and incidence, yet its global burden is rising due to aging populations and persistent health issues. This highlights the importance of targeting prevention and treatment, particularly for those over 45. Future efforts must tackle high rates in affected areas and address key risks like hypertension and high cholesterol.
Prolonged viral shedding as a marker of severity in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: Watanabe Raí André Silva , Nishiyama Filipe , Lyra Larissa , Camargo Bruno Sanchez , de Souza Luna Luciano Kleber , Conte Danielle Dias , Perosa Ana Helena , Bellei Nancy Cristina Junqueira 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for most cases of acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) in childhood. The association of factors such as RSV subtype, viral load, and viral coinfection with severe disease is controversial. The objective is to describe the viral load dynamics of RSV in children under 2 years with AVB, including the first viral load, peak viral load, viral decay, and any possible association with severe disease.Methods73 inpatients with AVB and confirmed RSV infection were included. Viral load was obtained through nasal swab samples daily during hospitalization and weekly after discharge until absence of detection.Results44 of the patients were male, the mean age was 5.76 months, and comorbidities were found in 15 (20.5%) of the patients. 54 (74%) of the patients had the peak viral load between the 4th and the 7th day of symptom onset. The mean duration of viral detection was 12.5 days. There was no association between the first and peak viral load with markers of severe disease. However, association was found between viral persistence exceeding 10 days and the following factors: longer hospitalization period (p=0.009), length of ventilation support (p=0.044), length of invasive mechanical ventilation (p=0.035), prolonged requirement of nutritional support (p=0.038), and a longer course of antibiotic treatment (p=0.024). Age was inversely correlated with most of the severity outcomes.ConclusionDespite the lack of association between RSV viral load values and disease severity, prolonged viral shedding was associated with several adverse outcomes, which can contribute to a better understanding of RSV disease, particularly as several interventions are anticipated to become available in the coming years.
Continuous vital sign monitoring of individuals with acute Lassa fever using wearable biosensor devices
Authors: Page Brady , Klitting Raphaëlle , Pauthner Matthias G. , Steinhubl Steven , Wegerich Stephan , Kaiser Margaret , Alhasan Foday , Konuwa Edwin , Koroma Veronica , Sumah Ibrahim , Brima Jenneh , Kallon Tiangay , Jusu Brima , Mator-Mabay Sia , Massaquoi Isata , Kamara Mohamed , Kamara Fatima , Jaward Emilia , Massally Angella , Kanneh Zainab , McGraw Michelle , Schieffelin John , Grant Donald , Andersen Kristian G. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLassa fever is a fulminant viral illness associated with high in-hospital mortality. This disease constitutes a serious public health concern in West Africa, in particular Nigeria and the Mano River Union region (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone). In Sierra Leone, continuous monitoring of critically ill patients is hindered by a lack of equipment and personnel.MethodsWe used wearable biosensor devices to remotely monitor hospitalized individuals with acute Lassa fever in order to describe vital sign trends that may be associated with clinical outcome and to evaluate the feasibility of this approach in a resource-limited setting.ResultsThe case fatality rate among participants (n=8) was 62.5%, with a median time from hospital admission to death of 2 days. Our results show that individuals who died (n=5) had higher mean heart rate (126 beats per minute) and respiratory rate (29 breaths per minute), as well as lower mean heart rate variability (10 ms), compared to those that survived (63 beats per minute, 22 breaths per minute, and 59 ms, respectively). Non-survivors also spent a greater proportion of their monitoring period in the age-specific tachycardia range (45.8%) compared to survivors (1.7%).ConclusionsAlthough real-time monitoring of vital signs using wearable biosensors may have the potential to identify decompensations earlier than traditional bedside vital sign collection in a resource-limited setting, technical improvements are still needed to enable widespread use of this tool, for both clinical and research purposes.
PREDICTORS OF UNMET NEEDS OF FAMILY PLANNING AMONG WOMEN IN THEIR REPRODUCTIVE AGES LIVING WITH HIV IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHIC HEALTH SURVEY
Authors: Koray Munawar Harun , Mshenga Mansour Maulid , Mwanja Epafra Luka , Sulieman Sara , Punguyire Damien , Adomah-Afari Augustine 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundUnmet needs for family planning (FP) among women of reproductive age living with HIV (WRLWH) increase the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, hindering efforts to control the epidemic. These unmet needs lead to unintended pregnancies among high-risk mothers, resulting in maternal health complications, and risk of MTCT of HIV. This study examines factors predicting unmet FP needs among WRLWH in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodThis cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) program, encompassing 14 SSA countries and including 9395 WRLWH. Data analysis, conducted with STATA version 18, involved three steps: computing unmet FP needs using descriptive statistics, assessing associations through Pearson’s chi-square test, and performing multi-level regression analysis to identify predictors of unmet FP needs. Regression models were fitted, considering individual factors, FP exposure, and partner/community factors, with statistical significance set at p-value ≤ 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Both random effects and fixed effects were reported.ResultsThe findings revealed that 15.57% of the WRLWH had unmet FP needs. Older aged women with HIV had lower odds of unmet FP needs, particularly the 45-49 age group (aOR = 0.159, CI = 0.0913-0.277). Higher parity increased the odds, especially for those with four or more children (aOR = 8.081, CI = 5.113-12.77). Exposure to FP through media reduced the odds (aOR = 0.564, CI = 0.468-0.678). Female household heads had higher odds (aOR = 1.306, CI = 1.086-1.571) of unmet need of FP, while rural residents had lower odds (aOR = 0.696, CI = 0.560-0.866) compared to urban residents.ConclusionThe study highlights the necessity for tailored FP programs and targeted media-based education to reduce unmet needs among WLWH, enhance health outcomes, prevent MTCT of HIV, and achieve related SDGs among women in their reproductive age living in SSA.
Role of AMPK in Atrial Metabolic Homeostasis and Substrate Preference
Authors: Toksoy Zeren , Ma Yina , Goedeke Leigh , Li Wenxue , Hu Xiaoyue , Wu Xiaohong , Cacheux Marine , Liu Yansheng , Akar Fadi G. , Shulman Gerald I. , Young Lawrence H. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryAtrial fibrillation is the most common clinical arrhythmia and may be due in part to metabolic stress. Atrial specific deletion of the master metabolic sensor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), induces atrial remodeling culminating in atrial fibrillation in mice, implicating AMPK signaling in the maintenance of atrial electrical and structural homeostasis. However, atrial substrate preference for mitochondrial oxidation and the role of AMPK in regulating atrial metabolism are unknown. Here, using LC-MS/MS methodology combined with infusions of [13C6]glucose and [13C4]β-hydroxybutyrate in conscious mice, we demonstrate that conditional deletion of atrial AMPK catalytic subunits shifts mitochondrial atrial metabolism away from fatty acid oxidation and towards pyruvate oxidation. LC-MS/MS-based quantification of acyl-CoAs demonstrated decreased atrial tissue content of long-chain fatty acyl-CoAs. Proteomic analysis revealed a broad downregulation of proteins responsible for fatty acid uptake (LPL, CD36, FABP3), acylation and oxidation. Atrial AMPK deletion reduced expression of atrial PGC1-α and downstream PGC1-α/PPARα/RXR regulated gene transcripts. In contrast, atrial [14C]2-deoxyglucose uptake and GLUT1 expression increased with fasting in mice with AMPK deletion, while the expression of glycolytic enzymes exhibited heterogenous changes. Thus, these results highlight the crucial homeostatic role of AMPK in the atrium, with loss of atrial AMPK leading to downregulation of the PGC1-α/PPARα pathway and broad metabolic reprogramming with a loss of fatty acid oxidation, which may contribute to atrial remodeling and arrhythmia.