bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
clinical, laboratory and trichoscopic features of pediatric androgenetic alopecia: a retrospective analysis in 133 patients
Authors: Lu Changpei , Fan Yige , Du Yimei , Bi Lingbo , Wang Chaofan , Zhao Min , Ding yunbu , Wei-xin FAN 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This retrospective study from Jiangsu Province Hospital elucidates the prevalence and impact of pediatric androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Over a period of 14 years, 133 patients under the age of 18 were studied, with manifestations appearing as early as 8 years of age. Of note, 39.8% had an overweight/obese and 78.2% reported a family history of AGA. Comorbidities included seborrhoeic dermatitis (51.9%), acne (42.9%) and sleep disorders (28.6%). In addition, 4.5% had polycystic ovarian syndrome. Hormonal imbalances such as low sex hormone-binding globulin (47.1%) and vitamin D deficiency (61%) were common, as was low ferritin (23.6%). Male AGA patterns were characterised by crown thinning and temporal variations, whereas females showed crown thinning with frontal hair retention. Trichoscopic differences were observed between genders and age groups. This study highlights the importance of individualised, stepwise and comprehensive treatment, prioritising hormonal disorders and comorbidities when treating hair loss with topical minoxidil. Encouraging patients to adhere to regular medication and follow-up appointments can lead to favourable outcomes.
FUT2 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by reprogramming fatty acid metabolism via YAP/TAZ signaling and SREBP-1
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Dong Chenfei , Zhang Yue , Zeng Jiayue , Chong Suli , Liu Yang , Bian Ziming , Fang Sairong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second most lethal cancer worldwide because of high rate of metastasis, approximately 20% of CRC patients have metastases at initial diagnosis. Metabolism reprogramming, as a universal feature for cancer cells, is considered to be associated with metastasis. We have previously demonstrated that fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) functions as a potent oncogene in CRC, and promotes the development and malignancy of CRC cells, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, bioinformatic analysis indicated that FUT2 was related to malignant phenotype and fatty acid metabolism in CRC. FUT2 knockdown decreased glucose uptake and de novo fatty acid synthesis, which in turn inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells. Mechanistically, FUT2 promotes YAP1 nuclear translocation and concurrently stabilizing mSREBP-1 by fucosylation, thus promoting de novo fatty acid synthesis in CRC cells. Furthermore, a prognostic model, constructed based on YAP1, SREBP-1, FUT2, and FASN, has high accuracy in the OS of CRC patients. In summary, this study demonstrates that FUT2 reprograms fatty acid metabolism of CRC cells via Hippo signaling pathway and SREBP-1. The findings imply that FUT2 might be a potential target for the development of therapeutic strategies against CRC.
The economic burden of nosocomial infections for hospitals: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Asegu Lulseged , Kitschen Anne , Neuwirth Meike Maria , Sauerland Dirk 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Nosocomial infections (NI) significantly worsen patient outcomes, resulting in higher mortality rates and reduced health-related quality of life. Furthermore, they pose substantial economic strain on healthcare systems and hospitals. For instance, patients with nosocomial infections (NIs) experience prolonged hospital stays compared to those without NIs. These extended stays result in occupied bed-days, leading to opportunity costs for hospitals. This study aimed to estimate the opportunity costs for a German hospital based on hospital stays, daily revenue, and occupancy rates (OCR).
Methods
We analyzed cost data obtained from routine records maintained by the accounting department of a German hospital's surgical and orthopedic units from 2018 to 2019. To ensure balance, we employed genetic matching. We estimated the differences in length of stay (LOS) and daily revenue between patients with and without nosocomial infections (NI) using linear regression. Finally, we calculated the opportunity cost borne by the hospital by treating NI patients instead of non-NI patients. All costs are reported in 2018 Euros.
Results
The final sample included 81 patients with NI matched with 207 patients without NI. The majority of the NI patients (77.0%) had surgical site infection (SSI). Compared to non-NI patients, we observed that NI patients had a longer LOS (10 days, p < 0.001) and lower daily revenue (€400, p < 0.001). We also found that comorbidities and the frequency of operations had significant impact on the LOS. Using a baseline 30 to 50% preventable NIs, successful prevention of a single NI could potentially reduce the length of hospital stay by 3 to 5 days and increase hospital revenue by approximately €120 to €200 per day per prevented NI. Consequently, the hospital saves 3 to 5 more bed-days to backfill and generate more revenue, and/or make more efficient resource allocation by changing bed-capacity and staffing. The resulting opportunity costs can potentially exceed €1,000 per preventable case.
Conclusion
NIs pose a substantial economic burden for hospitals. From a health economics’ perspective, there are strong economic incentives for hospitals to implement infection control interventions, such as the involvement of a prevention link physician/nurse.
Evaluation of local and systemic humoral immune responses to selected recombinant bacterial antigens administered intranasally and subcutaneously to dairy calves
Authors: Bajzert Joanna , Jawor Paulina , Pisarek Maciej , Baran Rafał , Jachymek Wojciech , Stefaniak Tadeusz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) causes significant economic losses in dairy calves. The induction of an early immune response via parenteral vaccination is complicated by the interference of colostral immunity. In this study, we investigated early immunization against selected conserved bacterial antigens. Calves were vaccinated twice intranasally and then subcutaneously with Histophilus somni recombinant proteins (rOMP40, rHsp60) mixed with one of two adjuvants: CpG ODN2007 or MPLA. The control group (Con) was injected with PBS. The first immunization was done between 24–48 hours of life, and then twice in two weeks intervals. Blood, nasal, and saliva secretion samples were collected directly before vaccination (S1-S3), 42–44 (S4) and 59–61 day of life (S5). Antibodies (IgG1/IgG2/IgM/IgA in serum; IgG1/IgA in secretions) against both vaccine antigens were detected in all samples. Intranasal and subcutaneous vaccinations using the described compositions did not increase antibody reactivity against the tested proteins. The reactivity of serum IgG1, IgM, and IgA rOMP40 antibodies was significantly higher in S1 in all groups than that in the other samplings (p˂0.01). Significant differences in the reactivity of serum anti-rOMP40 antibodies between groups were identified in S1 (IgA reactivity was higher in the CpG vs. MPLA group; p < 0.05), S4 (IgM reactivity was higher in Con vs. CpG group; p < 0.05), and S5 (IgG1 reactivity was higher in the MPLA vs. Con group; p < 0.05). The lack of consistent changes in antibodies in subsequent samplings (S4 and S5) hinders the drawing of conclusions regarding the effect of immunization on antibody reactivity. In the future, different types of adjuvants should be considered to evaluate their usefulness in early immunization.
Contribution of type 2 diabetes to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a long-term observational study with different stages of atherosclerosis
Authors: Mader Arthur , Haeberli Dario , Larcher Barbara , Dopheide Jörn F. , Saely Christoph H. , Heinzle Christine F. , Amann Peter , Schindewolf Marc , Festa Andreas , Drexel Heinz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
The impact of diabetes on incident cardiovascular disease in relation to the extent of atherosclerotic disease remains unclear. We aimed to investigate major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with or without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) presenting with two extremes of atherosclerotic disease, those with angiographically documented minor coronary atherosclerotic lesions and those with symptomatic peripheral artery disease.
Methods:
We included 1238 patients from two prospective, long-term cohort studies. Patients underwent coronary angiography and/or sonography in order to assess the grade of atherosclerosis and were defined as having no signs of atherosclerosis (n = 332; Group I), minor atherosclerosis (n = 425; Group II) and major atherosclerosis (n = 481; Group III). Cardiovascular events were recorded over a mean period of 7.7 years, covering a total of 9533 patient years. We tested the hypothesis that T2DM infers the same relative risk increase irrespective of the atherosclerosis stage, considering 3-point MACE as the primary endpoint.
Results:
Incident MACE was reported in 681 patients (51%). MACE occurred more frequently in patients with T2DM than in patients without T2DM (p < 0.001). Further, MACE occurred more frequently in group III (58.1%), than group II (34.1%) or group I (19.1%) (group I vs. group II vs group III, p < 0.001). In a cox-regression-model, T2DM was a significant predictor of MACE in univariate analyses (HR = 2.43 [1.88–3.14], p < 0.001) and after multivariate adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, as well as the different grades of atherosclerosis (HR = 1.37 [1.02–1.84], p = 0.034). Also, atherosclerosis grades predicted MACE (HR = 3.19 [2.75–3.70], p < 0.001) in univariate analyses, and also after multivariate adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors, including T2DM (HR = 1.61 [1.31–1.98], p < 0.001). Finally, when testing for interactions between T2DM and stages of atherosclerosis on MACE we could not find any significant interaction (HR = 1.14 [0.86–1.52], p = 0.364).
Conclusions:
We conclude that T2DM infers an increased risk for MACE across anatomically and morphologically distinct stages of atherosclerosis.
Androgen Receptor interacts with c-Myc to regulate macrophage-osteoclast axis and drive bone metastasis in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Guan Xiaoxiang , Liu Yiqiu , Fan Lingling , Zhao Yuhan , Zhu Ye , Yang Yixing , Ye Fan , Gu Yunru , Xu Feng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer distant metastasis is known to exhibit organotropism, with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes also displaying organ-specific metastasis. In publicly available clinical database of TNBC, we found that luminal androgen receptor-type (LAR) TNBC had a significant tendency for bone metastasis. In mouse models, we demonstrated that androgen receptor (AR) activation promoted LAR TNBC bone metastasis. Using single-cell sequencing, we discovered that c-Myc played a critical role in AR-mediated bone metastasis. Mechanistically, AR interacted with c-Myc, promoting the expression of c-Myc and consequently facilitating TNBC osteolytic bone metastasis. Further analysis of the bone microenvironment revealed that AR interactions with c-Myc not only mediated macrophage M2 polarization, but also promoted M2-type macrophage differentiation towards osteoclasts as well as osteoclast activation, ultimately promoting bone resorption effects. Collectively, these findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis in TNBC subtypes and inform potential interventions for TNBC bone metastasis.
New technique for identification of ichthyoplankton and its application in biomonitoring studies, management and conservation of neotropical fish
Authors: Reynalte-Tataje David Augusto , Zaniboni-Filho Evoy , Lopes Carolina Antonieta , de Ávila-Simas Sunshine , Bialetzki Andréa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Studies of ichthyoplankton in Neotropical environments have become increasingly relevant for environmental inventories and monitoring programs designed to evaluate anthropogenic impacts on ichthyofauna, especially potamodromous fish. These studies have made advancements including progress in improving techniques of data collection and processing. However, challenges remain in the taxonomic identification of ichthyoplankton organisms, especially eggs. Identification initiatives have been hindered by the paucity of literature and scientific collections, as well as the morphological similarity among species. As a result, few species have been identified during this period of development. Under these circumstances, the information provided by egg sampling has been underutilized, and quantification of eggs is commonplace, even in regions where they are predominant in the ichthyoplankton. Limited data on fish species at the egg/larvae stages make it impossible to determine spawning periods and sites of a specific taxonomic group. To address these challenges, we have developed a live ichthyoplankton identification technique which enables the identification of eggs collected from fish, especially migratory species, using a novel method of processing ichthyoplankton. In addition, we cite case studies highlighting the application of this technique. Data from these studies can inform management and monitoring programs in such areas as identification of spawning areas, formation of breeding stock, restocking of native fish, and improvement of scientific collections of ichthyoplankton. Thus, we believe that this new taxonomic technique for identifying live ichthyoplankton represents a paradigm shift in fish monitoring, management, and conservation, as well as ecological management.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi with different life strategies in an ancient and abandoned Pb-Zn-Ag mine in Andes Mountain
Authors: Perri Sofía Y. Utge , Fernández María V. Valerga , Scotti Adalgisa , Colombo Roxana P. , González Florencia , Godeas Alicia M. , Silvani Vanesa A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Mining industry causes strong alterations in soils such as heavy metal (HM) pollution, thereby impacting on plant communities and their rhizospheric microorganisms, including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The old polymetallic mine Paramillos de Uspallata, located in the Andes mountains, represents the first mining exploitation in Argentina. Due to the nature of its original substrate and the exhausted mining activity, the soils exhibited high concentrations of HM and vegetation disturbance, exerting a selective pressure on AM fungal communities. In this work, we compared the mycorrhizal status of vegetation, the abundance and diversity of AM fungi within the mining site with a nearby unexploited area, thereby associating mycorrhizal traits with environmental parameters. A higher proportion of mycorrhizal plants was observed outside the mine and in some exploited areas. The unexploited and urban ruins area showed higher richness and diversity of AM fungal species, with a prevalence of the Glomeraceae and Claroideoglomeraceae families across all areas, except for the highly impacted exploitation area where Entrophosporaceae family was abundant. Ancestral (or stress-tolerant) species and rhizophilic (or ruderal) species dominated Paramillos de Uspallata mine, while edaphophilic (competitors) and rhizophilic species were abundant outside mine. This study contributes to understanding the impact of prolonged mining activities on AM fungal communities, and the capacity for tolerance and resilience exhibited by some AM species after more than 30 years of mining cessation. The Paramillos de Uspallata mine represents a reservoir of HM-tolerant AM fungi, valuable for ecological restoration of post-mining lands.
Caspase-1/11 Controls Zika Virus Replication in Astrocytes by Regulating Glycolytic Metabolism
Authors: Farias Ingrid S. , Ribeiro Guilherme , Noronha Isaú H. , Peron Jean P. S. , Vieira Pedro M. Moraes , Alves-Filho Jose C. , Bortoluci Karina R. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Zika virus (ZIKV) poses a significant threat due to its association with severe neurological complications, particularly during pregnancy. Although viruses exhibit tropism for neural cells, including astrocytes, the role of these cells in controlling ZIKV replication remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that ZIKV induces caspase-1 activation in primary astrocytes despite the absence of classical signs of inflammasome activation. Caspase-1/11−/− astrocytes exhibit heightened permissiveness to viral replication, accompanied by overactivation of glycolytic metabolism. Inhibition of glycolysis reversed the susceptibility of caspase-1/11−/− astrocytes to ZIKV infection. Protein network analysis revealed mTORC as a link between proteins involved in glycolysis and caspase-1, and mTORC inhibition also suppressed viral replication. Furthermore, we found that the impact of caspase-1/11 on astrocytes is dependent on pyruvate transport to mitochondria for viral replication, emphasizing the role of the mTORC/glycolytic pathway/pyruvate axis in the caspase-1/11-mediated control of ZIKV. Overall, our findings elucidate a caspase-1/11-dependent microbicidal mechanism in astrocytes, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for ZIKV infection.
Long-Term Follow-up Results and Visual Outcomes of Childhood Glaucoma in the Black Sea Region of Turkey
Authors: Gurpinar Abdulcemal , Niyaz Leyla , Ariturk Nursen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose To investigate long-term visual outcomes and factors associated with low vision in patients with childhood glaucoma. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of pediatric glaucoma patients at the Ondokuz Mayis University Ophthalmology Clinic from 2005 to 2023. The patients were categorized into three groups: primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), secondary childhood glaucoma, and glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS). Groups were analyzed regarding visual acuity (VA), ocular conditions and comorbidities, and the cause of visual impairment. The study also investigated the potential risk factors associated with visual impairment. Results A total of 105 eyes of 60 patients with a mean age of 9,7 ± 5,5 years were included in the study. The mean VA in logMAR was 0,59 ± 0,52. At the final follow-up, 28,6% had good VA (≥ 20/50), 21,9% had moderate VA (20/60–20/200), and 28,6% had poor VA (< 20/200). The final mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 16,2 ± 6,2 mmHg. Amblyopia was the leading cause of vision loss (38,2%), followed by glaucomatous damage (36,4%). Patients with GFCS had a higher rate of visual impairment (40,6%) and refractive error. The results of the regression analysis showed that low vision was associated with undergoing more than two surgeries, high IOP at baseline, high initial and final cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio, and high initial central corneal thickness (CCT) (CI: 95%, p = 0,05, p = 0,013, p = 0,003, p = 0,013, respectively). Conclusion Good VA can be achieved in 28,6% of childhood glaucoma cases. However, the VA prognosis may be worse in patients with GFCS. Achieving good visual outcomes in childhood glaucoma requires timely and effective treatment, consideration of risk factors, and management of amblyopia and ocular comorbidities.
Evolution Analysis on Dynamic Mechanism of College Students' Innovative Ecosystem
Authors: Jiang Lingling , Xia Maosen , Zeng Min 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper constructs a dynamic evolution game model based on the theoretical analysis framework design of the core-periphery of the innovation ecosystem of college students, and discusses the evolution characteristics and stability conditions of the dynamic mechanism of college students' innovation ecosystem. The research shows that: (1) there are many evolutionary stable equilibriums in the dynamic mechanism of college students' innovative ecosystem. (2) The degree of fit between the core subject of the university student and the external community is an important variable that affects the equilibrium outcome of the evolution of the innovation ecosystem. (3) Facing the marketization of the university students' innovative ecosystem, it will help promote the “energy” flow of the ecosystem and promote the stable development of the university students' innovative ecosystem.
Wear characterisation of movable guide vane in the nose region of worm shell based on Eulerian multiphase flow model and standard k-ε turbulence model
Authors: Hu Yangyang , Zhang Lijie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

There are many sand-laden rivers in the world. The wear distribution of the guide vane of the turbine in the sand-laden flow is uneven, and the wear of the guide vane in the nose region is the most serious. In order to reveal the influence of volute structure on the wear law of guide vane at the nose end, a three-dimensional water body model of the whole flow channel of the turbine in the sediment-laden power station was established. The Euler multiphase flow model and the standard k-ε turbulence model were used to simulate the whole flow channel of the turbine. According to the simulation results, the pressure, sediment velocity and sediment concentration of the guide vane in the nose area are analyzed, and the wear of the guide vane in the nose area of the sediment-laden power station after one year of operation is measured and compared. The results of this study can provide technical support for predicting the easy wear position of the guide vane in the nose area of the sediment-laden river turbine and studying the anti-abrasion countermeasures.
Application of a flipped classroom incorporating team-based learning in molecular biology laboratory teaching: a mixed methods study
Authors: Qu Meng , Hou Qinlong , Li Xushen , Yu Chunyan , Xia Jichen , Dong Zhiheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background The Flipped Classroom with Team-Based Learning (FC-TBL) approach has gained traction in medical education in recent years, yet a comprehensive assessment of its instructional efficacy remains limited. This study sought to elucidate the effectiveness of FC-TBL in molecular biology laboratory instruction and assess its influence on subsequent related courses' learning outcomes.
Methods A total of 109 students were randomly assigned to either the traditional Lecture-Based Learning (LBL) group or the FC-TBL group. Students' academic performance and satisfaction were gauged through final examinations and surveys, while the enduring impact of FC-TBL was evaluated using online assessments and tracking students' scores in follow-up courses.
Results The findings indicate that FC-TBL significantly enhanced students' academic achievements in molecular biology labs and garnered higher satisfaction rates among participants compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, in terms of sustained benefits, FC-TBL demonstrated a marked improvement in the learning outcomes of subsequent related courses.
Conclusion In conclusion, this study underscores the efficacy of FC-TBL in fostering both immediate and lasting learning effects, positioning it as a promising pedagogical model for adoption in laboratory instruction across various medical education disciplines.