bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the lifespan of red blood cells in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tian Pan , Luo Feng-Lan , Chen Ai-Zhen , Yuan Yue-Xing , Yu Lian 
Published: February 2025

Objective The objective of this study is to examine the lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs) in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), explore the factors influencing this lifespan, and assess its significance in clinical contexts. Methods The experimental group comprised of 182 patients with SLE, while the control group consisted of 90 healthy participants. By using a non-invasive breath test, we measured the RBC lifespan in both groups. Subsequently, we conducted a comparative analysis of general clinical data and laboratory findings to explore the correlation between RBC lifespan in patients with SLE and various parameters associated with RBC characteristics, inflammatory markers, and immunological indicators. Furthermore, we examined the impact of COVID-19 infection on RBC lifespan among patients with SLE and assessed the diagnostic efficacy of RBC lifespan. Results RBC lifespan was notably reduced in the SLE group in comparison to the healthy control group ( P = 0.002). A positive correlation was observed between RBC lifespan and hemoglobin (HB), complement 3, and complement 4, whereas a negative correlation was noted with IgG, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, and anti-dsDNA levels (all P < 0.05). Noteworthy independent contributors to the reduction in RBC lifespan among patients with SLE included disease activity and presence of anemia. While RBC lifespan remained unchanged in the control group before and after COVID-19 infection ( P > 0.05), a reduction in RBC lifespan post-COVID-19 infection was observed among patients with SLE ( P < 0.05). Also, RBC lifespan was notably shorter during the active disease phase of SLE compared to the stable phase, with post-COVID-19 active patients with SLE exhibiting even shorter RBC lifespan compared to the pre-COVID-19 active group (all P < 0.05). An optimal cutoff for the prediction of anemia in patients with SLE on the day of assessment was determined to be 93.5 days (AUC 0.792, P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with SLE exhibited shorter RBC lifespan in contrast to the healthy population, which is notably linked with levels of inflammatory and immune markers, as well as the incidence of COVID-19 infection. This discovery holds crucial significance for both the diagnosis of anemia and the comprehension of its underlying pathogenic mechanisms within the context of SLE.
Nursing Students’ Experiences of Medical Simulation: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Eide Camilla Ingrid , Magnusson Ann-Sofie , Jansson Inger 
Published: February 2025

Introduction Nursing students need to be prepared for the realities of acute situations or crises. Medical simulation training is a well-known pedagogical method for teaching acute care and teamwork. Despite that, there is a lack of knowledge about students’ experiences with the training. Such knowledge could contribute to the development of the training program. Objective To describe nursing students’ experiences of medical simulation. Design Mixed-method. Method A total of 175 nursing students in semesters three and five answered a questionnaire with quantitative questions and open-ended comments. The qualitative data from the open-ended questions were analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. Quantitative data from the closed-ended questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Finally, a mixed-method synthesis was conducted, in which the findings from the qualitative analysis guided the synthesis, while the quantitative data supported the themes and sub-themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis. Result An overall theme in the results emerged, which was: “Students need and want more simulation in their curriculum.” This theme was then divided into five sub-themes: “Well-structured model,” “Being prepared by practical training,” “Enhanced knowledge,” “Reflection gives self-awareness,” and “Feelings of fun and positive nervousness.” Conclusions The result highlights medical simulation as a reliable pedagogic method because it was a well-structured model which made them prepared, gave them enhanced knowledge, and helped their self-reflection. Students recognize the need for additional medical simulation training and express a desire for both longer sessions and more opportunities. They believe that simulation training is beneficial for their future roles as nurses because it enhances their competence in acute care and improves their teamwork skills. Bloom's taxonomy is a valuable framework for designing and developing curricula, particularly when medical simulation plays a key role in achieving all levels of high cognitive skills.
Integrating advanced analytical methods to assess epigenetic marks affecting response to hypomethylating agents in higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Nikolopoulos Theodoros , Bochalis Eleftherios , Chatzilygeroudi Theodora , Chondrou Vasiliki , Dereki Irene , Athanasopoulou Katerina , Zafeiropoulos John , Bourikas Kyriakos , Patrinos George P. , Symeonidis Argiris , Sgourou Argyro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Patients with higher-risk (HR) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), ineligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), require prompt therapeutic interventions, such as treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) to restore normal DNA methylation patterns, mainly of oncosuppressor genes, and consequently to delay disease progression and increase overall survival (OS). However, response assessment to HMA treatment relies on conventional methods with limited capacity to uncover a wide spectrum of underlying molecular events.

Methods
We implemented liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to assess 5’ methyl-2’ deoxycytidine (5mdC), 5’ hydroxy-methyl-2’-deoxycytidine (5hmdC) levels and global adenosine/thymidine ([dA]/[T]) ratio in bone marrow aspirates from twenty-one HR MDS patients, pre- and post-HMA treatment. Additionally, targeted methylation analysis was performed by interpretation of NGS-methylation (MeD-seq) data obtained from the same patient cohort.

Results
LC/MS-MS analysis revealed a significant hypomethylation status in responders (Rs), already established at baseline and a trend for further DNA methylation reduction post-HMA treatment. Non-responders (NRs) reached statistical significance for DNA hypomethylation only post-HMA treatment. The 5hmdC epigenetic mark was approximately detected at 37.5–40% among NRs and Rs, implying the impairment of the natural active demethylation pathway, mediated by the ten-eleven (TET) 5mdC dioxygenases. R and NR subgroups displayed a [dA]/[T] ratio < 1 (0.727 − 0.633), supporting high frequences of 5mdC transition to thymidine. Response to treatment, according to whole genome MeD-seq data analysis, was associated with specific, scattered hypomethylated DMRs, rather than presenting a global effect across genome. MeD-seq analysis identified divergent epigenetic effects along chromosomes 7, 9, 12, 16, 18, 21, 22, X and Y. Within statistically significant selected chromosomal bins, genes encoding for proteins and non-coding RNAs with reversed methylation profiles between Rs and NRs, were highlighted.

Conclusions
Implementation of powerful analytical tools to identify the dynamic DNA methylation changes in HR MDS patients undergoing HMA therapy demonstrated that LC-MS/MS exerts high efficiency as a broad-based but rapid and cost-effective methodology (compared to MeD-seq) to decode different perspectives of the epigenetic background of HR MDS patients and possess discriminative efficacy of the response phenotype to HMA treatment.
Influence of fiber dimensions on the mechanical properties of silica glass nanofibers
Authors: Barciela Raúl , Quintero Félix , Mahadevan Thiruvilla S. , Riveiro Antonio , Pou Juan , Du Jincheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The understanding of the mechanical properties in glass nanofibers remains a challenge. As the fiber diameter decreases, surface-to-volume atom fraction increases, making the impact of surface defects more significant. To elucidate these effects, we employed classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate how fiber dimensions and the surface layer influence the mechanical properties of silica glass nanofibers. Our simulation methodology included fibers of varying diameters, generated using two different production methods (i.e. “cutting” and “casting” methods) that produce different degrees of surface atomic defects, and compared with bulk samples without surface atoms. The defect-rich surface layer of these fibers was carefully analyzed. Then, MD tensile simulations were performed to analyze the effect of the fiber surface on the mechanical properties and to explain the onset of the brittle-to-ductile transition experimentally observed at a few tens of nanometers. The results revealed that the surface layer maintains a fixed thickness independent of the fiber diameter, resulting in a pronounced increase of the fiber defects in thin fibers. Also, the tensile test simulations show that surface defects significantly reduce tensile strength, without appreciably increasing ductility compared to bulk samples. In turn, we show that the brittle-to-ductile transition is not caused by the surface defects, but related to a balance between fracture energy and elastic energy, which varies with fiber length. Using experimental values of different glass properties, our theory predicted a threshold length of around 200 nm, below which ductile fracture dominates, in reasonable agreement with experimental results.

Graphic abstract
Regulation of antibiotic persistence and pathogenesis in Acinetobacter baumannii by glutamate and histidine metabolic pathways
Authors: Sim Ho Seok , Kwon Yong-Kook , Song Hokyung , Hwang Geum-Sook , Yeom Jinki 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Metabolite production is essential for the proliferation and environmental adaptation of all living organisms. In pathogenic bacteria, metabolite exchange during host infection can regulate their physiology and virulence. However, there is still much unknown about which specific metabolic pathways in pathogenic bacteria respond to changes in the environment during infections. This study examines how pathogenic bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii uses particular metabolic pathways to regulate its ability to antibiotic persistence and pathogenesis.

Results
To determine specific metabolic pathways in pathogenic antibiotic resistance bacteria, metabolite profiles of bacteria were constructed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis. A. baumannii generates amino acid derivative metabolites, which are precursors for fatty acid production. Comparative genomic analysis identified specific genes regulating the production of these metabolites and fatty acids in A. baumannii. Inactivation of genes involved in glutamate metabolism, gdhA, aspB, murI1, and racD, impairs antibiotic persistence, while inactivation of the hisC gene, encoding histidinol − phosphate aminotransferase enzyme in histidine metabolic pathway, increases bacterial survival inside macrophages during infections.

Conclusions
This study reports that A. baumannii regulates antibiotic persistence and pathogenesis through glutamate and histidine metabolic pathways, respectively. These findings suggest that specific metabolic pathways regulate bacterial pathogenesis and antibiotic persistence during infections, providing potential therapeutic targets for pathogenic bacteria.
A systematic review exploring the role of tuberculosis stigma on test and treatment uptake for tuberculosis infection
Authors: Kılıç Ayşenur , Zhou Xuanyu , Moon Zoe , Hamada Yohhei , Duong Trinh , Layton Charlotte , Jhuree Sobhash , Abubakar Ibrahim , Rangaka Molebogeng X. , Horne Robert 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) stigma may be a barrier to engagement in testing and treatment for TB infection (TBI). We systematically reviewed the available evidence on how TB stigma influences engagement with TBI testing and treatment.

Methods
Electronic databases (e.g., CINAHL, Central, OVID) were searched from 1963 to 1st August 2024. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies reporting the effects of TB stigma on engagement with TBI testing and treatment were included in the review. Descriptive synthesis was applied to the quantitative studies, and thematic analysis was applied to qualitative studies. The risk of bias was assessed by using the mixed methods appraisal tool.

Results
Seventeen studies were included in the review (12 qualitative, four quantitative and one mixed methods). TB stigma was complex and multifactorial with six overlapping domains: public, anticipated, self, experienced, secondary, and structural. Perceptions or experiences of stigma were associated with lower rates of engagement in testing and adherence to treatment in TBI.

Conclusions
Perceptions of TB stigma among people with TBI were related to the common social representation of TB disease such as its being contagious or disease of the poor. Negative perceptions of active TB appear to carry over to its infection, despite people being informed about the nature of TBI. Our findings could inform more effective communication to support TBI testing and treatment engagement.
A mixed methods descriptive study of a diverse cohort of African American/Black and Latine young and emerging adults living with HIV: Sociodemographic, background, and contextual factors
Authors: Gwadz Marya , Wilton Leo , Cleland Charles M. , Serrano Samantha , Sherpa Dawa , Zaldivar Maria Fernanda , Freeman Robin , Campos Stephanie , Beharie Nisha , Rosmarin-DeStefano Corey , Filippone Prema , Munson Michelle R. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
American/Black and Latine (AABL) young/emerging adults living with HIV in the United States (US) have consistently failed to meet targets for HIV care/medication engagement. Among this population, those with non-suppressed HIV viral load are understudied, along with immigrants and those with serious socioeconomic deprivation. Guided by social action theory, we took a mixed methods approach (sequential explanatory design) to describe sociodemographic, background, and contextual factors, and their relationships to HIV management, among a diverse cohort.

Methods
Participants (N = 271) received structured baseline assessments and HIV viral load testing. Primary outcomes were being well-engaged in HIV care and HIV viral suppression. A subset (N = 41) was purposively sampled for maximum variability for in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression, and used to develop a research question about life contexts. Qualitative data were analyzed with directed content analysis, and the joint display method was used to integrate results.

Results
Participants were 25 years old, on average (SD = 2). The majority (59%) were Latine/Hispanic and the reminder African American/Black. Almost all were assigned male sex at birth (96%) and sexual minorities (93%). Half (49%) were born outside the US and 33% spoke primarily Spanish. They were diagnosed with HIV four years prior on average (SD = 3). Most were well-engaged in HIV care (72%) and evidenced viral suppression (81%). Speaking Spanish was associated with a higher odds of care engagement, and adverse childhood experiences and income from federal benefits were associated with a lower odds. None of the factors predicted viral suppression. Qualitative results highlighted both developmentally typical (insufficient financial resources, unstable housing) and atypical challenges (struggles with large bureaucracies, HIV disclosure, daily medication use). Federal benefits and the local HIV social services administration were critical to survival. Immigrant participants came to the US to escape persecution and receive HIV care, but HIV management was often disrupted. Overall qualitative results highlighted both risk and protective factors, and resilience. Qualitative results added detail, nuance, and richness to the quantitative findings.

Conclusions
The present study advances what is known about the backgrounds and contexts of diverse and understudied AABL young/emerging adults living with HIV.
Preclinical evaluation of a hydraulic actuation system with guide tube for robotic cochlear implant electrode insertion
Authors: Cramer Jakob , Salcher Rolf , Fröhlich Max , Böttcher-Rebmann Georg , Artukarslan Eralp , Lenarz Thomas , Rau Thomas S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Automated insertion of the cochlear implant electrode array can reduce the risk of intracochlear trauma. To address this, our group previously developed a hydraulic electrode insertion device, the Cochlea Hydrodrive (CHD), which automates the process using a syringe piston driven by an infusion pump. This study aims to characterize the hydraulic actuation process of the CHD and to preclinically evaluate its design.

Methods
A camera-based motion tracking test setup was developed to obtain hydraulic motion profiles. Various syringes were evaluated for their actuation properties and the optimal syringe was selected. The CHD design was adapted based on the selected syringe, incorporating a slotted stainless steel guide tube to surround the electrode during insertion. This enhanced design was tested in ex vivo insertion trials into human head specimens.

Results
The final design of the CHD demonstrated smooth and steady motion profiles at all tested velocities (0.4 mm/s, 0.1 mm/s, 0.03 mm/s). Ex vivo insertion trials confirmed these findings, with the guide tube facilitating easy alignment of the CHD in front of the round window and preventing electrode buckling.

Conclusion
Our study validates that the CHD provides reliably smooth actuation properties despite its low complexity. The use of a guide tube appears promising and could further enhance the standardization of automated electrode insertion.
Identifying traditional Chinese medicine combinations for breast cancer treatment based on transcriptional regulation and chemical structure
Authors: Li Shensuo , Zhang Lijun , Zhang Wen , Chen Hongyu , Hong Mei , Xia Jianhua , Zhang Weidong , Luan Xin , Zheng Guangyong , Lu Dong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent form of cancer among women. Despite the emergence of numerous therapies over the past few decades, few have achieved the ideal therapeutic effect due to the heterogeneity of BC. Drug combination therapy is seen as a promising approach to cancer treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), known for its multicomponent nature, has been validated for its anticancer properties, likely due to the synergy effect of the key components. However, identifying effective component combinations from TCM is challenging due to the vast combination possibilities and limited prior knowledge. This study aims to present a strategy for discovering synergistic compounds based on transcriptional regulation and chemical structure. First, BC-related gene sets were used to screen TCM-derived compound combinations guided by synergistic regulation. Then, machine learning models incorporating chemical structural features were established to identify potential compound combinations. Subsequently, the pair of honokiol and neochlorogenic acid was selected by integrating the results of compound combination screening. Finally, cell experiments were conducted to confirm the synergistic effect of the pair against BC. Overall, this study offers an integrated screening strategy to discover compound combinations of TCM against BC. The tumor cell suppression effect of the honokiol and neochlorogenic acid pair validated the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
The healthcare burden of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP)
Authors: Lee Elinor , Ataya Ali , McCarthy Cormac , Godart Erica , Cosenza John , King Alysse , Robinson Brian , Wang Tisha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung syndrome characterized by the accumulation of surfactant in the alveoli. Using a longitudinal claims database, we compared measures of clinical and economic burden between a sample of diagnosed PAP patients and non-PAP matched controls.

Methods
PAP patients were identified leveraging IPM.ai’s longitudinal U.S. claims database spanning January 1, 2009, through May 1, 2022. PAP patients were selected based on the presence of ICD-10: J84.01 or ICD-9: 516.0 in their claims history and were indexed for observation. An age, gender, and geographically matched control cohort was created (ratio of 1:4) for comparison. A third cohort, consisting of likely undiagnosed PAP patients, was identified using a machine learning model. The PAP and control cohorts were tracked longitudinally, depending on individual index dates, from January 1, 2018, through May 1, 2023. Inclusion criteria required evidence of continual claims activity 12 months prior to and after the index date, which reduced the total number of diagnosed PAP and control patients in the analysis. Demographics, comorbidities, procedures, medication use, annual healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs were calculated for eligible PAP and control patients and were compared 12 months prior to, and 12 months after each patient’s index date.

Results
After inclusion criteria were applied, 2312 confirmed PAP patients and 9247 matched controls were included in the analysis. Compared with matched controls, PAP patients had significantly higher rates of diagnosed conditions at baseline as defined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). During the follow-up period, PAP patients had higher rates of diagnosed conditions, procedures, medication use, and cost-of-care compared with controls. PAP patients also had higher rates of emergency room visits (35% vs. 14%; P < 0.001), outpatient visits (87% vs. 56%; P < 0.001), inpatient visits (20% vs. 5%; P < 0.001) and had longer lengths of stay for inpatient hospitalizations (2.8 days vs. 0.56 days; P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion
This study represents the largest dataset of PAP patients and matched controls to be analyzed to date. Findings indicate that PAP patients have higher rates of diagnosed conditions, procedures, medication use, HCRU, and costs compared with non-PAP patients.