bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory T cells as a possible new target in epilepsy?
Authors: Hendrix Evelien , Vande Vyver Maxime , Holt Matthew , Smolders Ilse 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEpilepsy is a complex chronic brain disorder with diverse clinical features that can be caused by various triggering events, such as infections, head trauma, or stroke. During epileptogenesis, various abnormalities are observed, such as altered cellular homeostasis, imbalance of neurotransmitters, tissue changes, and the release of inflammatory mediators, which in combination lead to spontaneous recurrent seizures. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subtype of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells, best known for their key function in immune suppression, also seem to play a role in attenuating neurodegeneration and suppressing pathological inflammation in several brain disease states. Considering that epilepsy is also highly associated with neuronal damage and neuroinflammation, modulation of Tregs may be an interesting way to modify the disease course of epilepsy and needs further investigation. In this review, we will describe the currently available information on Tregs in epilepsy.
Flowmetry and spectrophotometry for the assessment of intestinal viability in horses with naturally occurring strangulating small intestinal lesions
Authors: Verhaar Nicole , Grages Anna Marei , Bienert‐Zeit Astrid , Schwieder Alexander , Reineking Wencke , Hewicker‐Trautwein Marion , Kästner Sabine , Geburek Florian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAncillary diagnostic methods to enhance the accuracy of viability assessment have not been established for use in clinical practice.ObjectivesTo assess intestinal microperfusion measured by Laser Doppler Flowmetry and Spectrophotometry (LDFS) in naturally occurring small intestinal strangulations of different origins and to compare this between viable and non‐viable segments.Study designProspective clinical trial.MethodsForty horses undergoing colic surgery for naturally occurring small intestinal strangulations were included. Tissue oxygen saturation (tSO2), haemoglobin (tHB) and blood flow (tBF) were determined by LDFS before and after release of the strangulation. Intestinal biopsies were taken in cases that underwent intestinal resection or intraoperative euthanasia and assessed using a semi‐quantitative mucosal injury score (MIS). The LDFS measurements were compared between the different categories of strangulation causes and histopathological injury using parametric and non‐parametric tests (p < 0.05).ResultsStrangulations by pedunculated lipomas had lower tBF (13.9 ± 18 arbitrary units [AU]) than epiploic foramen entrapments (65.2 ± 61 AU; CI −1.697 to −0.2498; p = 0.005). Segments with MIS > 5 showed lower tBF during strangulation than segments with MIS < 4 (mean difference 61.1 AU; CI −1.119 to −0.07361; p = 0.03). This did not differ significantly following release of strangulation. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the inflammatory cell count and tBF during strangulation (r 0.34; CI 0.01 to 0.60; p = 0.04). The tSO2 and tHB did not differ between the different categories of lesions or injury.Main limitationsNo biopsies could be taken from the intestinal segments that did not undergo resection. The duration of strangulation could not reliably be ascertained.ConclusionsBlood flow measurements in naturally occurring strangulating lesions show a varying degree of ischaemia in different causes of strangulation. Intestinal blood flow measurements prior to release of the strangulation could potentially contribute to the identification of mucosal injury, yet a high individual variability and other contributing factors need to be considered.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation identifies CPE as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for skin aging
Authors: Peng Xiaozhen , Zhong Yun , Mao Rui , He Fanping , Cheng Yufan , Chen Mengting , Zhou Lei , Xie Hongfu , Li Ji , Zhang Yiya 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAgeing is an inevitable biological process characterized by progressive decline in physiological functions. It is a complex natural phenomenon that will cause structural and functional decline. Despite substantial progress in understanding the mechanism of ageing, both predictive biomarkers and preventive therapies remain limited. Using Weighted Gene Co‐expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning techniques, we identified Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) as a pivotal marker of skin ageing, based on ageing‐related bulk transcriptome and single‐cell transcriptome data. Next, our investigation reveals downregulation of CPE in replicative, UVA‐induced, and H2O2‐induced senescent human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFs). Furthermore, shRNA‐mediated CPE knockdown induced HDFs senescence, and overexpression of CPE delayed HDFs senescence. Moreover, downregulated CPE inhibits collagen synthesis and induces inflammation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for skin ageing. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that CPE functions as a predictor and optional target for therapeutic intervention of skin ageing.
Theorizing Transnational Class Formation: Novel Approaches to the Study of Transnational Inequalities and Class‐Making
Authors: Carlson Sören , Barglowski Karolina 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTTransnational class formation has been a subject of considerable interest in recent years. This article provides the theoretical and thematic framework to the special theme on ‘Transnational class formation: identities, practices and symbolic classifications’ and presents a review of current literature on transnational social classes, arguing that we need to complement this literature by also considering transnational class‐making. We introduce several theoretical approaches and concepts, emphasizing the role of (self‐)classification, distinction, symbolic boundaries and intersectionality for analyses of transnational class‐making. Drawing on the contributions collected in this special theme, we conclude by presenting some potential challenges and unresolved questions concerning the issue of transnational class formation.
Loss of CELF2 promotes skin tumorigenesis and increases drug resistance
Authors: Sah Bindeshwar , Singh Jasvinder , Shen Yao , Goldfarb Noah , Samie Faramarz H. , Geskin Larisa J. , Liu Liang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundCELF2 belongs to the CELF RNA‐binding protein family and exhibits antitumor activity in various tumor models. Analysis of the pan‐cancer TCGA database reveals that CELF2 expression strongly correlates with favorable prognosis among cancer patients. The function of CELF2 in nonmelanoma skin cancer has not been studied.MethodsWe used shRNA‐mediated knockdown (KD) of CELF2 expression in human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells to investigate how CELF2 impacted SCC cell proliferation, survival, and xenograft tumor growth. We determined CELF2 expression in human SCC tissues and adjacent normal skin using immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, we investigated the changes in CELF2 and its target gene expression during UV‐induced and chemical‐induced skin tumorigenesis by western blotting.ResultsCELF2 KD significantly increased SCC cell proliferation, colony growth, and SCC xenograft tumor growth in immunodeficient mice. CELF2 KD in SCC cells led to activation of KRT80 and GDF15, which can potentially promote cell proliferation and tumor growth. While control SCC cells were sensitive to anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin, SCC cells with CELF2 KD became resistant to drug‐induced tumor growth retardation. Finally, we found CELF2 expression diminished during both UV‐ and chemical‐induced skin tumorigenesis in mice, consistent with reduced CELF2 expression in human SCC tumors compared to adjacent normal skin.ConclusionThis study shows for the first time that CELF2 loss occurs during skin tumorigenesis and increases drug resistance in SCC cells, highlighting the possibility of targeting CELF2‐regulated pathways in skin cancer prevention and therapies.
Persistent ties, evolving networks: Accounting for changes and stability in migrant support networks
Authors: Cases Rizza Kaye C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOne of the salient themes, both in the social network analysis literature and its applications to migration research, is a shift to a more dynamic conceptualization of (migrant) social networks. To elaborate on the dynamic nature of migrant networks, I reconstructed and examined the support networks of 134 Filipino nurses, domestic workers, and care workers in New York and London in three migration phases (pre‐migration, initial adjustment, and current situation) through the factors that significantly shaped their stability or evolution at the micro‐ and macro‐levels. At the micro‐level, shifts in the respondents' networks were examined vis‐à‐vis biographical events and transitions. At the macro‐level, immigration policies and migration pathways were also discussed as shaping network dynamics. It was further observed that transnational ties re‐emerged as relevant connections after the initial adjustment phase while ties in intermediary countries and connections that are geographically mobile should be included in an expanded concept of transnational ties beyond the countries of origin and destination.
Short‐Term Soil Waterlogging Improves Cotton Tolerance to High Temperature by Triggering Antioxidant Defence System in Cotton Seedlings
Authors: Wang Haimiao , Huang Li , Yang Pan , Zeng Xianghua , Huang Yuli , Yuan Wenting , Kou Yixuan , Zhang Zhiyong 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTSoil waterlogging and high temperature (HT) are serious abiotic stresses that negatively affect cotton growth and yield. Yet effects of prewaterlogging to HT subsequently in cotton seedlings have not been obtained. To address this, two temperature conditions (30/20°C and 35/25°C) and two soil waterlogging levels (0 and 3 days) were established during the cotton seedling stage. Results showed that indexes of plant performance were decreased markedly under HT. Unexpectedly, plant performance for the treatment of HT combined with 3 days of soil waterlogging (HW) was better than HT treatment (specifically, increase of 7.9%, 9.0%, 10.2%, 5.4% and 4.6% in leaf area, plant height, belowground biomass, aboveground biomass and root‐to‐shoot ratio was detected). Decreases in MDA (malondialdehyde), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) contents and (superoxide radicals) generation rate under HW treatment were observed by 14.1%, 7.7% and 14.1%, respectively, compared with HT. Moreover, ASA (ascorbic acid) content and DHAR (dehydroascorbate reductase) activity were improved by 19.7% and 13.8% for HW treatment relative to HT, however, the opposite situation for activities of APX (ascorbate peroxidase) and GR (glutathione reductase). Besides, activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase) and POD (peroxidase) in HW treatment were increased by 16.7%, 8.3% and 18.4%, separately. Thus, we concluded that short‐term soil waterlogging improved cotton cross‐tolerance to the continued high‐HT stress by enhanced SOD, CAT, POD and DHAR activities, increased ASA content in cotton seedlings. These results were expected to provide a theoretical basis for understanding cotton's cross‐tolerance to abiotic stress.
Genome‐Wide Identification of CLE Gene Family and Function Analysis of SbCLE39 Under Salt Stress in Sorghum
Authors: Chen Zengting , Zhang Yanling , Xue Xin , Tian Haowei , Kong Ying , Ren Guocheng 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTCLE proteins are a class of signalling factors involved in plant growth and abiotic stress response. They play crucial roles in processes such as cell differentiation, chlorophyll synthesis and abscisic acid (ABA) signal transduction. However, the function of the CLE genes in Sorghum bicolor remains unclear. In this study, 42 sorghum CLE genes were identified, and their evolutionary relationship, gene structure, amino acid sequence and homologous genes were analysed. We also examined the expression levels of CLE genes under various treatment conditions. Transcriptome data showed that there were significant differences in the expression patterns of 42 CLE genes in different tissues and organs. It is worth noting that SbCLE39 is mainly highly expressed in sorghum roots. At the same time, the expression of SbCLE39 decreased significantly under salt and ABA treatment. Compared with wild‐type yeast cells (EV), yeast cells with high expression of SbCLE39 had lower tolerance to salt stress. In addition, the excessive accumulation of ABA caused by external application of SbCLE39p reduced the salt tolerance of sorghum. These findings suggest that SbCLE39 negatively regulates the salt tolerance of sorghum. These results lay a foundation for revealing the mechanism of CLE genes regulating the salt tolerance of sorghum and are of great significance for the cultivation of salt‐tolerant crops.
Systematic review of machine learning models in predicting the risk of bleed/grade of esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis: A comprehensive methodological analysis
Authors: Malik Sheza , Tenorio Bettina Gabrielle , Moond Vishali , Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Vora Ravi , Dbouk Nader 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEsophageal varices (EV) in liver cirrhosis carry high mortality risks. Traditional endoscopy, which is costly and subjective, prompts a shift towards machine learning (ML). This review critically evaluates ML applications in predicting bleeding risks and grading EV in patients with liver cirrhosis. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of studies using ML to predict the risk of variceal bleeding and/or grade EV in liver disease patients. Data extraction and bias assessment followed the CHARMS (CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modeling Studies) checklist and PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool) tool, respectively. Due to the heterogeneity of the study, a meta‐analysis was not feasible; instead, descriptive statistics summarized the findings. Twelve studies were included, highlighting the use of various ML models such as extreme gradient boosting, artificial neural networks, and convolutional neural networks. These studies demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with some models achieving area under the curve values above 99%. However, significant heterogeneity was noted in input variables, methodologies, and outcome measures. Moreover, a substantial portion of the studies exhibited unclear or high risk of bias, mainly due to insufficient participant numbers, unclear handling of missing data, and a lack of detailed reporting on endoscopic procedures. ML models show significant promise in predicting the risk of variceal bleeding and grading EV in patients with cirrhosis, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures. Nonetheless, the current literature reveals considerable heterogeneity and methodological limitations, including high or unclear risks of bias. Future research should focus on larger, prospective trials and the standardization of ML assessment criteria to confirm these models' practical utility in clinical settings.
The cumulative impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and intellectual disability for young people
Authors: Hollingdale J. , Woodhouse E. , Tibber M. S. , Simonoff E. , Hollocks M. J. , Charman T. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundNeurodevelopmental conditions frequently co‐occur. The aim of this paper was to determine whether there is a cumulative association between (1) the number of neurodevelopmental conditions, specifically hyperkinetic disorder (hereafter referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism spectrum disorder (hereafter referred to as autism) and intellectual disability, and (2) behavioural and socio‐emotional problems and the level of clinician‐rated functioning for young males and females.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, diagnostic information, caregiver‐rated behavioural and socio‐emotional data (as conceptualised by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and clinician‐rated functioning scores (as conceptualised by the Children's Global Assessment Scale) were extracted from electronic patient records for 2768 young people aged 3–17 years (mean = 11.55, SD = 3.46). All data were extracted at baseline, that is, at the time the young person was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and/or an intellectual disability. Ordinal regression analyses tested associations between the number of neurodevelopmental conditions met (i.e. 1, 2 or 3) and behavioural and socio‐emotional outcomes and functioning.ResultsAfter controlling for age and biological sex, the number of neurodevelopmental conditions was associated with higher levels of inattention/hyperactivity and peer problems, lower levels of prosocial behaviour and poorer clinician‐rated functioning. Although these findings were consistent for males, a cumulative association was not identified for females, except for clinician‐rated functioning.ConclusionsFor young people, the presence of multiple neurodevelopmental conditions may have a cumulative impact across domains, but this may differ between males and females.
Comparison of the effectiveness of enhanced cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy on emotional self‐regulation and couple burnout of self‐assigned and court‐referred incompatible couples
Authors: Adl Hadis al‐Sadat , Pirani Zabih , Abbasi Moslem 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the comparative effectiveness of enhanced cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy (ECBCT) on emotional self‐regulation and couple burnout in incompatible couples. The study hypothesizes that ECBCT is efficacious in emotional self‐regulation and marital burnout of incompatible Iranian couples (self‐assigned and court‐referred) visiting counseling centers. Twenty‐eight Iranian couples were divided into four groups (two self‐assigned and court‐referred experimental groups and two self‐assigned and court‐referred control groups) who were selected using the available sampling. The experimental groups were subjected to ECBCT, while the control groups received no therapy. Over time, there was an improvement in emotional self‐regulation and marital burnout in experimental groups compared with control groups. This intervention was more efficacious for the self‐assigned couples of the experimental group according to the Eta coefficient, which was 71 for emotional self‐regulation and 66 for marital burnout. ECBCT helps couples improve their emotional self‐regulation and couple burnout.
Corneal confocal microscopy detects early nerve regeneration after pharmacological and surgical interventions: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gad Hoda , Elgassim Einas , Lebbe Ahamed , MacDonald Ross S. , Baraka Areej , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Ponirakis Georgios , Ibrahim Nada O. , Malik Rayaz A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCorneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is an ophthalmic imaging technique that enables the identification of corneal nerve fibre degeneration and regeneration. To undertake a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies utilizing CCM to assess for corneal nerve regeneration after pharmacological and surgical interventions in patients with peripheral neuropathy. Databases (EMBASE [Ovid], PubMed, CENTRAL and Web of Science) were searched to summarize the evidence from randomized and non‐randomized studies using CCM to detect corneal nerve regeneration after pharmacological and surgical interventions. Data synthesis was undertaken using RevMan web. Eighteen studies including 958 patients were included. CCM identified an early (1–8 months) and longer term (1–5 years) increase in corneal nerve measures in patients with peripheral neuropathy after pharmacological and surgical interventions. This meta‐analysis confirms the utility of CCM to identify nerve regeneration following pharmacological and surgical interventions. It could be utilized to show a benefit in clinical trials of disease modifying therapies for peripheral neuropathy.
Fear of disease progression and resilience parallelly mediated the effect of post‐stroke fatigue on post‐stroke depression: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ning Liuqiao , Fu Yingjie , Wang Yuenv , Deng Qianying , Lin Tingting , Li Jufang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimsTo explore the effect of post‐stroke fatigue (PSF) on post‐stroke depression (PSD) and examine the mediating effects of fear of disease progression (FOP) and resilience between PSF and PSD.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsA total of 315 stroke patients participated in the questionnaire survey between November 2022 and June 2023. Data were collected using the General Information Questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale, Fear of Disease Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale‐10 Item and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale‐Depression Subscale. Data were analysed by descriptive analysis, Mann–Whitney U‐test, Kruskal–Wallis H‐test, Pearson or Spearman correlation, hierarchical regression analysis and mediation analysis.ResultsPSF had a significant positive total effect on PSD (β = .354, 95% CI: .251, .454). Additionally, FOP and resilience played a partial parallel‐mediating role in the relationship between PSF and PSD (β = .202, 95% CI: .140, .265), and the total indirect effect accounted for 57.06% of the total effect.ConclusionsFOP and resilience parallelly mediated the effect of PSF on PSD, which may provide a novel perspective for healthcare professionals in preventing PSD. Targeted interventions aiming at reducing PSF, lowering FOP levels and enhancing resilience may be possible ways to alleviate PSD.Implications for the Profession and Patient CareInterventions that tail to reducing PSF, lowering FOP levels and enhancing resilience may be considered as possible ways to alleviate PSD.ImpactThis study enriched the literature by exploring the effect of PSF on PSD and further examining the mediating effects of FOP and resilience between PSF and PSD. Findings emphasized the important effects of PSF, FOP and resilience on PSD.Reporting MethodThe Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used to guide reporting.Patient or Public ContributionOne tertiary hospital assisted participants recruitment.