bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deconvolution analysis identified altered hepatic cell landscape in primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Pham Hoang Nam , Pham Linh , Sato Keisaku 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are characterized by ductular reaction, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis. Hepatic cells are heterogeneous, and functional roles of different hepatic cell phenotypes are still not defined in the pathophysiology of cholangiopathies. Cell deconvolution analysis estimates cell fractions of different cell phenotypes in bulk transcriptome data, and CIBERSORTx is a powerful deconvolution method to estimate cell composition in microarray data. CIBERSORTx performs estimation based on the reference file, which is referred to as signature matrix, and allows users to create custom signature matrix to identify specific phenotypes. In the current study, we created two custom signature matrices using two single cell RNA sequencing data of hepatic cells and performed deconvolution for bulk microarray data of liver tissues including PSC and PBC patients.MethodsCustom signature matrix files were created using single-cell RNA sequencing data downloaded from GSE185477 and GSE115469. Custom signature matrices were validated for their deconvolution performance using validation data sets. Cell composition of each hepatic cell phenotype in the liver, which was identified in custom signature matrices, was calculated by CIBERSORTx and bulk RNA sequencing data of GSE159676. Deconvolution results were validated by analyzing marker expression for the cell phenotype in GSE159676 data.ResultsCIBERSORTx and custom signature matrices showed comprehensive performance in estimation of population of various hepatic cell phenotypes. We identified increased population of large cholangiocytes in PSC and PBC livers, which is in agreement with previous studies referred to as ductular reaction, supporting the effectiveness and reliability of deconvolution analysis in this study. Interestingly, we identified decreased population of small cholangiocytes, periportal hepatocytes, and interzonal hepatocytes in PSC and PBC liver tissues compared to healthy livers.DiscussionAlthough further studies are required to elucidate the roles of these hepatic cell phenotypes in cholestatic liver injury, our approach provides important implications that cell functions may differ depending on phenotypes, even in the same cell type during liver injury. Deconvolution analysis using CIBERSORTx could provide a novel approach for studies of specific hepatic cell phenotypes in liver diseases.
Attitudes toward uncertain results from prenatal exome sequencing: a national survey among healthcare professionals working in the prenatal setting
Authors: Lu Dongfang , Yang Jing , Shen Wei , Chen Min 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the attitudes of healthcare professionals (HPs) working in the prenatal setting toward uncertain results (UR) from prenatal exome sequencing (pES) in China.MethodsWe conducted a national survey among HPs working in the prenatal setting. UR in our study include variants of uncertain significance (VUS), variants with variable penetrance/expressivity (VVPE), and secondary findings unrelated to the indication for testing (SFs). A total of 285 questionnaires that met the inclusion criteria were collected. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.ResultsWhen performing the pre-test counseling, only 7.4% of HPs mentioned the possibility of VUS, 6.3% discussed the possibility of VVPE, and 7.4% introduced the SFs with parents with the option to not report these variants. In post-test counseling, 73.0–82.8% HPs discussed with the parents but did not make any recommendations for managing the pregnancy after reporting UR (73.0% for VUS, 82.8% for VVPE, 74.7% for SFs, respectively).ConclusionMost parents did not have the option of opting out of reporting UR from pES in pre-test counseling. UR did not influence the pregnancy recommendation made by most HPs. Establishing national guidelines for reporting UR from pES and developing strategies to improve counseling skills may help HPs manage UR.
Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease in patients with plaque psoriasis: a case–control study and serological comparison
Authors: Lin Zheng , Shi Yue-yi , Yu Lu-yan , Ma Chen-xi , Pan Si-yi , Dou Yuan , Zhou Qiu-jun , Cao Yi 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between plaque psoriasis and both MASLD and lean MASLD has not been sufficiently explored in the current literature.MethodThis retrospective and observational study was carried out from January 2021 to January 2023 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis and a control group consisting of individuals undergoing routine physical examinations were enrolled. The incidence of MASLD and lean MASLD among these groups was compared. Additionally, patients with plaque psoriasis were divided into those with MASLD, those with lean MASLD, and a control group with only psoriasis for a serological comparative analysis.ResultsThe incidence of MASLD in the observation group and the control group was 43.67% (69/158) and 22.15% (35/158), respectively (p &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, the incidence of lean MASLD within the observation group and the control group was 10.76% (17/158) and 4.43% (7/158), respectively (p &lt; 0.01). After controlling for potential confounding variables, plaque psoriasis was identified as an independent risk factor for MASLD with an odds ratio of 1.88 (95% cl: 1.10–3.21). In terms of serological comparison, compared to the simple psoriasis group, we observed a significant elevation in the tumor marker CYFRA21-1 levels in both groups compared to the control group with simple psoriasis (p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, the MASLD group exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers and psoriasis score, whereas these effects were mitigated in the lean MASLD group.ConclusionThe prevalence of MASLD and lean MASLD is higher among patients with psoriasis. Those suffering from psoriasis along with MASLD show increased psoriasis scores and inflammatory markers compared to those without metabolic disorders. MASLD likely worsens psoriasis conditions, indicating the necessity of targeted health education for affected individuals to reduce the risk of MASLD, this education should include guidelines on exercise and diet. In serological assessments, elevated levels of cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) were noted in both MASLD and lean MASLD groups, implying a potential synergistic role between psoriasis and MASLD.
Untargeted metabolomics coupled with genomics in the study of sucrose and xylose metabolism in Pectobacterium betavasculorum
Authors: Smoktunowicz Magdalena , Wawrzyniak Renata , Jonca Joanna , Waleron Małgorzata , Waleron Krzysztof 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionPectobacterium betavasculorum is a member of the Pectobacerium genus that inhabits a variety of niches and is found in all climates. Bacteria from the Pectobacterium genus can cause soft rot disease on various plants due to the secretion of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs). The species P. betavasculorum is responsible for the vascular necrosis of sugar beet and soft rot of many vegetables. It also infects sunflowers and artichokes. The main sugar present in sugar beet is sucrose while xylose is one of the main sugars in artichoke and sunflower.MethodsIn our work, we applied metabolomic studies coupled with genomics to investigate the metabolism of P. betavasculorum in the presence of xylose and sucrose as the only carbon source. The ability of the strains to use various sugars as the only carbon source were confirmed by the polypyridyl complex of Ru(II) method in 96-well plates.ResultsOur studies provided information on the metabolic pathways active during the degradation of those substrates. It was observed that different metabolic pathways are upregulated in the presence of xylose in comparison to sucrose.DiscussionThe presence of xylose enhances extracellular metabolism of sugars and glycerol as well as stimulates EPS and IPS synthesis. In contrast, in the presence of sucrose the intensive extracellular metabolism of amines and amino acids is promoted.
Visible-light-driven BiOI and GO/BiOI photocatalysts for organic pollutants degradation and hydrogen production using low power sources
Authors: Oros-Ruiz Socorro , Ojeda-Galván Hiram Joazet , Quintana Mildred , Leyva-Ramos Roberto , Moral-Rodríguez Adriana Isabel , Mendoza-Mendoza Esmeralda 
Published: May 2024

BiOI and (3 wt%)GO/BiOI visible-light-driven photocatalysts were obtained by a one-pot solvothermal method and successfully applied to the degradation of single and binary dye solutions of rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) and H2 production using very low-power sources. The GO/BiOI with hierarchical flower morphologies exhibited the highest activity, achieving RhB and MB photodegradation percentages (%Xdye) of 100% and 80%, respectively, in 240 min employing a simple 19 W white LED array. Furthermore, GO/BiOI dosage and RhB initial concentration play an essential role in dye degradation, and scavenger assays confirmed that holes and superoxides are the main species causing RhB oxidation. TOC analysis determined an efficiency of 70%, and after three uses, the GO/BiOI attained a %XRhB of 84%. The H2 evolution was performed under 2 W UV light, yielding 323.25 μmol/h∙g of H2 for BiOI, and the addition of GO nanosheets increased the photoactivity of GO/BiOI up to 63% (509.61 μmol/h∙g). The catalytic activity of GO/BiOI is superior to values reported in the literature considering nominal power consumption (kWh) vs. efficiency of RhB degradation or H2 production.
mTOR pathway inhibition alters proliferation as well as differentiation of neural stem cells
Authors: Romanyuk Nataliya , Sintakova Kristyna , Arzhanov Ivan , Horak Martin , Gandhi Chirag , Jhanwar-Uniyal Meena , Jendelova Pavla 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionNeural stem cells (NSCs) are essential for both embryonic development and adult neurogenesis, and their dysregulation causes a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. NSC proliferation and differentiation in the developing brain is a complex process controlled by various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates proliferation and differentiation, among other cellular functions, and disruption in the mTOR pathway can lead to severe nervous system development deficits. In this study, we investigated the effect of inhibition of the mTOR pathway by rapamycin (Rapa) on NSC proliferation and differentiation.MethodsThe NSC cultures were treated with Rapa for 1, 2, 6, 24, and 48 h. The effect on cellular functions was assessed by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and proliferation/metabolic assays.ResultsmTOR inhibition suppressed NSC proliferation/metabolic activity as well as S-Phase entry by as early as 1 h of Rapa treatment and this effect persisted up to 48 h of Rapa treatment. In a separate experiment, NSCs were differentiated for 2 weeks after treatment with Rapa for 24 or 48 h. Regarding the effect on neuronal and glial differentiation (2 weeks post-treatment), this was suppressed in NSCs deficient in mTOR signaling, as evidenced by downregulated expression of NeuN, MAP2, and GFAP. We assume that the prolonged effect of mTOR inhibition is realized due to the effect on cytoskeletal proteins.DiscussionHere, we demonstrate for the first time that the mTOR pathway not only regulates NSC proliferation but also plays an important role in NSC differentiation into both neuronal and glial lineages.
A disease warranting attention from neurosurgeons: primary central nervous system post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Jin Lei , Lu Di , Yan Feng , Han Jinkun , Wei Penghu , Zhou Yiqiang , Wang Yaming , Shan Yongzhi , Zhao Guoguang 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundPrimary central nervous system post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PCNS-PTLD) is a rare condition, posing diagnostic and treatment challenges, with histological biopsy essential for diagnosis. Standardized treatment protocols are lacking. This disease requires urgent attention due to the increasing number of organ transplant surgeries and the use of immunosuppressive agents.MethodsFrom 2020 to 2023, our center diagnosed five patients with PCNS-PTLD. We reviewed their clinical records and conducted a comprehensive analysis of 22 literatures on PCNS-PTLD cases following renal transplantation or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).ResultsFour patients had previously received a kidney transplant, one had undergone allogeneic HSCT. The median time from the last transplant surgery to the diagnosis of PCNS-PTLD differs between kidney transplant (21.5 years) and allogeneic HSCT (9 months). Common symptoms included motor weakness (n = 4), headache (n = 2), confusion (n = 2), and nausea (n = 2), with ring-enhancing (n = 5), typically solitary (n = 3) and supratentorial (n = 3) lesions on imaging. Diagnosis involved robot-assisted stereotactic brain biopsy (n = 4) or craniotomy (n = 1), all showing Epstein-Barr virus and CD20 positivity. Most cases (n = 4) were monomorphic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Treatment included rituximab (n = 3), surgical resection (n = 2), zanubrutinib (n = 1), whole-brain radiation (n = 1), and methotrexate (n = 1). At the last follow-up, the median duration of follow-up for all patients was 19 months. During this time, 3 patients had died and 2 patients were still alive.ConclusionIn patients with a history of kidney transplantation or allogeneic HSCT who are on long-term immunosuppressive therapy, any neurological symptoms, particularly the presence of supratentorial ring-enhancing masses in the brain on imaging, whether solitary or multiple, should raise high suspicion for this disease, warranting a timely brain biopsy. Additionally, we found that besides reducing immunosuppressants, zanubrutinib may be a potential, safe, and effective treatment for this condition. Moreover, post-surgical administration of rituximab in conjunction with whole-brain radiotherapy also appears to be a potentially safe and effective approach.
Association between milk consumption and kidney stones in U.S. adults: results from NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Xie Zhouzhou , Zhuang Yiming , Peng Shansen , Zhou Xiaoqi , Zhang Guihao , Jiang Huiming , Zhang Changyi , Chen Nanhui 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundDietary strategies play a crucial role in the prevention of kidney stones. While milk is known for its rich nutritional content, its impact on kidney stone formation remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between milk consumption and the risk of kidney stones among U.S. adults.MethodsWe included 24,620 participants aged 20 and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2018). Milk consumption was defined based on each participant’s response to the questionnaire item on “Past 30 day milk product consumption.” Kidney stones history was self-reported by participants. The analysis employed weighted multivariate logistic regression models, followed by subgroup analyses for result validation, and explored the age-related dynamics of milk consumption’s effect on kidney stone risk using a restricted cubic spline model.ResultsAdjusted findings revealed that higher milk intake was associated with a decreased risk of kidney stones (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–0.96), notably among women (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92) but not significantly in men (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.86–1.02). Smoothed curves across all ages showed that women consuming milk had a lower incidence of kidney stones than those who did not, particularly with regular consumption.ConclusionThis study uncovered that across all age groups, higher frequency of milk consumption in women is associated with a reduced risk of kidney stones. However, further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Risk score model to automatically detect prostate cancer patients by integrating diagnostic parameters
Authors: Castaldo Rossana , Brancato Valentina , Cavaliere Carlo , Pecchia Leandro , Illiano Ester , Costantini Elisabetta , Ragozzino Alfonso , Salvatore Marco , Nicolai Emanuele , Franzese Monica 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the prevailing forms of cancer among men. At present, multiparametric MRI is the imaging method for localizing tumors and staging cancer. Radiomics plays a key role and hold potential for PCa detection, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies, characterizing tumor aggression, and overseeing PCa recurrence post-treatment. MethodsFurthermore, the integration of radiomics data with clinical and histopathological data can further enhance the understanding and management of PCa and decrease unnecessary transfers to specialized care for expensive and intrusive biopsies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a risk model score to automatically detect PCa patients by integrating non-invasive diagnostic parameters (radiomics and Prostate-Specific Antigen levels) along with patient’s age.ResultsThe proposed approach was evaluated using a dataset of 189 PCa patients who underwent bi-parametric MRI from two centers. Elastic-Net Regularized Generalized Linear Model achieved 91% AUC to automatically detect PCa patients. The model risk score was also used to assess doubt cases of PCa at biopsy and then compared to bi-parametric PI-RADS v2. DiscussionThis study explored the relative utility of a well-developed risk model by combining radiomics, Prostate-Specific Antigen levels and age for objective and accurate PCa risk stratification and supporting the process of making clinical decisions during follow up.
Profiles of attitudes toward inclusive education among Chinese in-service teachers: their relationships with demographic factors and organizational commitment
Authors: Deng Yuhao , Yuan Wei , Zhang Li-fang , Xie Zhengli 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe increased diversity of students (e.g., students with special educational needs) has presented teachers with unprecedented challenges. Teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education play a crucial role in teachers’ organizational well-being. However, existing studies mostly explored attitudes toward inclusive education based on a variable-centered approach. This study used a person-centered approach to identify teachers’ attitude profile membership and explored the relationships of attitude profiles with demographic factors (i.e., gender, years of teaching experience, subject taught, and in-service training) and organizational commitment.MethodsNine hundred and seventy-two in-service teachers from forty-nine inclusive education schools in Beijing responded to the Revised Multidimensional Attitudes toward Inclusive Education Scale and the Organizational Commitment Inventory. Latent profile analyses, multinomial logistic regression, and univariate analysis of variance were used to analyze data.Results and discussionThe results revealed four attitude profiles: involuntary participation, behavior avoidance, neutral, and proactive involvement. Years of teaching experience and in-service training were significant predictors of teachers’ latent profile membership. Teachers belonging to the involuntary participation profile showed the highest levels of maladaptive commitments to inclusive education schools. Teachers belonging to the proactive involvement and the behavior avoidance profiles showed higher levels of adaptive commitments. However, teachers belonging to the neutral profile had the lowest levels of adaptive commitments. The theoretical contributions, practical implications, and limitations are discussed.
Living in fear at the unpredictability of mental health issues in the classroom: a phenomenological study of secondary school teachers in encountering students with mental health issues
Authors: Liang Mining , Ho Grace W. K. , Christensen Martin 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe prevalence of mental health issues among secondary school students is on the rise. Secondary school teachers, outside the home environment, are often in a prime position to identify adolescents facing mental health challenges. Limited knowledge regarding the experiences and perspectives of secondary school teachers when encountering this particular group of students, particularly in Asian countries.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the lived experiences of secondary school teachers exposed to students with mental health issues in the classroom in a Chinese context.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological approach within the tradition of Husserl was used. A purposive sampling method was used to collect the participants in Changsha, Hunan, China. Sixteen secondary school teachers participated in this study. Individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted, tape-recorded, and transcripted. Colaizzi’s seven-step descriptive phenomenological method was used to do the data analysis.ResultsOne Central theme: Living in fear at the unpredictability of mental health issues in the classroom and four sub-themes emerged: (1) Worried and anxious by the uncertainty of student mental health issues; (2) Scared and afraid by students’ unpredictable behaviors; (3) Afraid of students’ failure and its potential outcome; (4) Students having mental health issues are dangerous.Conclusions and implicationsThe teachers in this study found managing the unpredictability of mental health issues in the classroom deeply distressing and challenging. A comprehensive approach to address the cultural, social, and educational factors influencing secondary school teachers’ experiences is encouraged.
Cross-sectional associations of self-perceived stress and hair cortisol with metabolic outcomes and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Buckert Magdalena , Streibel Carmen , Hartmann Mechthild , Monzer Nelly , Kopf Stefan , Szendrödi Julia , Wild Beate 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionIncreasing evidence supports chronic psychological stress as a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Much less is known, however, about the role of chronic stress in established diabetes.MethodsThe aim of the current study was to comprehensively assess chronic stress in a sample of 73 patients with type 2 diabetes and 48 non-diabetic control participants, and to investigate associations with indicators of glycemic control (HbA1c), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), β-cell functioning (C-peptide), illness duration, and the presence of microvascular complications. Chronic stress was measured using questionnaires [the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Screening Scale of the Trier Inventory of Chronic Stress (SSCS), the Perceived Health Questionnaire (PHQ) as well as the Questionnaire on Stress in Patients with Diabetes—Revised (QSD-R)]; hair cortisol was used as a biological indicator.ResultsWe found that patients with type 2 diabetes had higher levels of hair cortisol in comparison to the control group (F(1,112) = 5.3; p = 0.023). Within the diabetic group, higher hair cortisol was associated with a longer duration of the illness (r = 0.25, p = 0.04). General perceived stress did not show significant associations with metabolic outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients. In contrast, higher diabetes-related distress, as measured with the QSD-R, was associated with lower glycemic control (r = 0.28, p = 0.02), higher insulin resistance (r = 0.26, p = 0.03) and a longer duration of the illness (r = 0.30, p = 0.01).DiscussionOur results corroborate the importance of chronic psychological stress in type 2 diabetes. It appears, however, that once type 2 diabetes has developed, diabetes-specific distress gains in importance over general subjective stress. On a biological level, increased cortisol production could be linked to the course of the illness.