bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BMP4 in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells Can Affect Decidualization by Regulating FOXO1 Expression
Authors: Huang Yanjie , Dai Fangfang , Chen Liping , Li Zhidian , Liu Hua , Cheng Yanxiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as the loss of 2 or more consecutive intrauterine pregnancies with the same sexual partner in the first trimester. Despite its significance, the etiology and underlying mechanisms of RSA remain elusive. Defective decidualization is proposed as one of the potential causes of RSA, with abnormal decidualization leading to disturbances in trophoblast invasion function.

Objective
To assess the role of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in decidualization and RSA.

Methods
Decidual samples were collected from both RSA patients and healthy controls to assess BMP4 expression. In vitro cell experiments utilized the hESC cell line to investigate the impact of BMP4 on decidualization and associated aging, as well as its role in the maternal-fetal interface communication. Subsequently, a spontaneous abortion mouse model was established to evaluate embryo resorption rates and BMP4 expression levels.

Results
Our study identified a significant downregulation of BMP4 expression in the decidua of RSA patients compared to the normal control group. In vitro, BMP4 knockdown resulted in inadequate decidualization and inhibited associated aging processes. Mechanistically, BMP4 was implicated in the regulation of FOXO1 expression, thereby influencing decidualization and aging. Furthermore, loss of BMP4 hindered trophoblast migration and invasion via FOXO1 modulation. Additionally, BMP4 downregulation was observed in RSA mice.

Conclusion
Our findings highlighted the downregulation of BMP4 in both RSA patients and mice. BMP4 in human endometrial stromal cells was shown to modulate decidualization by regulating FOXO1 expression. Loss of BMP4 may contribute to the pathogenesis of RSA, suggesting potential avenues for abortion prevention strategies.
MCT4 and CD147 colocalize with MMP14 in invadopodia and support matrix degradation and invasion by breast cancer cells
Authors: Meng Signe , Sørensen Ester E. , Ponniah Muthulakshmi , Thorlacius-Ussing Jeppe , Crouigneau Roxane , Larsen Tanja , Borre Magnus T. , Willumsen Nicholas , Flinck Mette , Pedersen Stine F. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Expression levels of the lactate–H+ cotransporter MCT4 (also known as SLC16A3) and its chaperone CD147 (also known as basigin) are upregulated in breast cancers, correlating with decreased patient survival. Here, we test the hypothesis that MCT4 and CD147 favor breast cancer invasion through interdependent effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. MCT4 and CD147 expression and membrane localization were found to be strongly reciprocally interdependent in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Overexpression of MCT4 and/or CD147 increased, and their knockdown decreased, migration, invasion and the degradation of fluorescently labeled gelatin. Overexpression of both proteins led to increases in gelatin degradation and appearance of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-generated collagen-I cleavage product reC1M, and these increases were greater than those observed upon overexpression of each protein alone, suggesting a concerted role in ECM degradation. MCT4 and CD147 colocalized with invadopodia markers at the plasma membrane. They also colocalized with MMP14 and the lysosomal marker LAMP1, as well as partially with the autophagosome marker LC3, in F-actin-decorated intracellular vesicles. We conclude that MCT4 and CD147 reciprocally regulate each other and interdependently support migration and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, this involves MCT4–CD147-dependent stimulation of ECM degradation and specifically of MMP-mediated collagen-I degradation. We suggest that the MCT4–CD147 complex is co-delivered to invadopodia with MMP14.
Host caveolin-1 facilitates Zika virus infection by promoting viral RNA replication
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Yue , Jiu Yaming 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Zika virus (ZIKV) has gained notoriety in recent years because there are no targeted therapies or vaccines available so far. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in host cells plays crucial functions in the invasion of many viruses. However, its specific involvement in ZIKV infection has remained unclear. Here, we reveal that depleting Cav-1 leads to a substantial reduction in ZIKV RNA levels, protein expression and viral particle production, indicating that ZIKV exploits Cav-1 for its infection. By dissecting each stage of the viral life cycle, we unveil that, unlike its invasion role in many other viruses, Cav-1 depletion selectively impairs ZIKV replication, resulting in altered replication dynamics and reduced strand-specific RNA levels, but does not affect viral entry, maturation and release. These results reveal an unforeseen function of Cav-1 in facilitating ZIKV replication, which provides new insights into the intricate interaction between Cav-1 and ZIKV and underscores Cav-1 as a potential candidate for anti-ZIKV approaches.
Multilevel analysis of anemia and associated factors among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Liberia: Evidence from the 2019/20 Liberia demographic and health survey data
Authors: Adugna Dagnew Getnet , Mengstie Misganaw Asmamaw , Admasu Fitalew Tadele , Teshome Maritu Gebnie , Aragie Hailu , Dejenie Tadesse Asmamaw 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAnemia is a global public health problem, principally affecting young children and reproductive-age mothers. Although anemia is a main public health concern in low-income countries, there is no evidence about its prevalence and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Liberia. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among women of reproductive age in Liberia.MethodsWe used the data extracted from the fifth Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS-V) that were carried out between October 2019 and February 2020. The sample was chosen using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling procedure. Overall weighted samples of 4027 women of reproductive age were used in the analysis. Data weighting was carried out to obtain reliable estimates and standard errors as well as to restore the representativeness of the data. Stata version 14 software was used for data extraction, coding, and analysis. We used multilevel analysis to identify the significant factors associated with anemia among women of reproductive age.ResultsThe prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age in Liberia was 44.51 (95% CI: 42.97–46.04). From these, about 23.10% of women of reproductive age were mildly anemic, 20.63% were moderately anemic and 0.78% was severely anemic. In multivariable analysis; women with the groups of 20–24 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.92), 25–29 years (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.77), 30–34 years (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.83), 35–39 years (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.79), 40–44 years (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43,0.87), 45–49 years (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39,0.82), overweight (AOR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.98), obese (AOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.88), using modern contraceptive methods (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.72), and being from the Northcentral region (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.72) were significantly associated with lower odds of anemia. However, being pregnant (AOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.73) and having higher parity (3 children or more) (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.93) were significantly associated with higher odds of anemia.ConclusionIn the present study, the prevalence of anemia in women of reproductive age was relatively high. Therefore, it is better to provide special emphasis on high-risk groups such as pregnant and multiparous women.
Understanding primary care providers’ attitudes towards preventive screenings to patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Xu Fang , Carlson Susan A. , Greenlund Kurt J. 
Published: April 2024

Background
Preventive care is important for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet primary care providers (PCPs) often face challenges in delivering such care due to discomfort and unfamiliarity with IBD-specific guidelines. This study aims to assess PCPs’ attitudes towards, and practices in, providing preventive screenings for IBD patients, highlighting areas for improvement in guideline dissemination and education.

Methods
Using a web-based opt-in panel of PCPs (DocStyles survey, spring 2022), we assessed PCPs’ comfort level with providing/recommending screenings and the reasons PCPs felt uncomfortable (n = 1,503). Being likely to provide/recommend screenings for depression/anxiety, skin cancer, osteoporosis, and cervical cancer were compared by PCPs’ comfort level and frequency of seeing patients with IBD. We estimated adjusted odd ratios (AORs) of being likely to recommend screenings and selecting responses aligned with IBD-specific guidelines by use of clinical practice methods.

Results
About 72% of PCPs reported being comfortable recommending screenings to patients with IBD. The top reason identified for not feeling comfortable was unfamiliarity with IBD-specific screening guidelines (55%). Being comfortable was significantly associated with being likely to provide/recommend depression/anxiety (AOR = 3.99) and skin cancer screenings (AOR = 3.19) compared to being uncomfortable or unsure. Percentages of responses aligned with IBD-specific guidelines were lower than those aligned with general population guidelines for osteoporosis (21.7% vs. 27.8%) and cervical cancer screenings (34.9% vs. 43.9%), and responses aligned with IBD-specific guidelines did not differ by comfort level for both screenings. Timely review of guidelines specific to immunosuppressed patients was associated with being likely to provide/recommend screenings and selecting responses aligned with IBD-specific guidelines.

Conclusions
Despite a general comfort among PCPs in recommending preventive screenings for IBD patients, gaps in knowledge regarding IBD-specific screening guidelines persist. Enhancing awareness and understanding of these guidelines through targeted education and resource provision may bridge this gap.
The relationship between participation in leisure activities and incidence of falls in residential aged care
Authors: Huang Guogui , Wabe Nasir , Raban Magdalena Z. , Silva S. Sandun Malpriya , Seaman Karla , Nguyen Amy D. , Meulenbroeks Isabelle , Westbrook Johanna I. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundActive engagement in leisure activities has positive effects on individuals’ health outcomes and social functioning; however, there is limited understanding of the link between participation in leisure activities, particularly non-exercise activities, and falls in older adults. This study aimed to determine the relationship between participation in leisure activities and the incidence of falls, and the variation of this relationship by dementia status in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).MethodsA retrospective longitudinal cohort study utilising routinely collected data (January 2021-August 2022) from 25 RACFs in Sydney, Australia, was conducted. The cohort included 3,024 older permanent residents (1,493 with dementia and 1,531 without) aged ≥65 and with a stay of ≥1 week. The level of participation in leisure activities was measured using the number of leisure activities per 1,000 resident days and divided into quartiles. Outcome measures were the incidence rate of all falls and injurious falls (i.e., number of falls per 1,000 resident days). We used multilevel negative binary regression to examine the relationship between leisure participation and fall incidence.ResultsFor the whole sample, leisure participation was significantly inversely associated with the incidence rate of all falls and injurious falls. For example, residents in the high leisure participation group were 26% less likely to experience a fall compared to those in the low leisure participation group after controlling for confounders (incidence rate ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.60, 0.91). Such inverse relationship was observed in both exercise and non-exercise activities and was stronger among residents without dementia.ConclusionsLeisure participation is associated with a lower rate of falls, a key quality indicator by which RACFs are benchmarked and funded in Australia and many other countries. More recognition and attention are needed for the currently underfunded leisure activities in RACFs in future funding arrangement.
Artificial Intelligence for Quantifying Cumulative Small Bowel Disease Severity on CT-Enterography in Crohn's Disease
Authors: Stidham Ryan W. , Enchakalody Binu , Wang Stewart C. , Su Grace L. , Ross Brian , Al-Hawary Mahmoud , Wasnik Ashish P. 
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Assessing the cumulative degree of bowel injury in ileal Crohn's disease (CD) is difficult. We aimed to develop machine learning (ML) methodologies for automated estimation of cumulative ileal injury on computed tomography-enterography (CTE) to help predict future bowel surgery.

METHODS:
Adults with ileal CD using biologic therapy at a tertiary care center underwent ML analysis of CTE scans. Two fellowship-trained radiologists graded bowel injury severity at granular spatial increments along the ileum (1 cm), called mini-segments. ML segmentation methods were trained on radiologist grading with predicted severity and then spatially mapped to the ileum. Cumulative injury was calculated as the sum (S-CIDSS) and mean of severity grades along the ileum. Multivariate models of future small bowel resection were compared with cumulative ileum injury metrics and traditional bowel measures, adjusting for laboratory values, medications, and prior surgery at the time of CTE.

RESULTS:
In 229 CTE scans, 8,424 mini-segments underwent analysis. Agreement between ML and radiologists injury grading was strong (κ = 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.79–0.81) and similar to inter-radiologist agreement (κ = 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.85–0.88). S-CIDSS (46.6 vs 30.4, P = 0.0007) and mean cumulative injury grade scores (1.80 vs 1.42, P < 0.0001) were greater in CD biologic users that went to future surgery. Models using cumulative spatial metrics (area under the curve = 0.76) outperformed models using conventional bowel measures, laboratory values, and medical history (area under the curve = 0.62) for predicting future surgery in biologic users.

DISCUSSION:
Automated cumulative ileal injury scores show promise for improving prediction of outcomes in small bowel CD. Beyond replicating expert judgment, spatial enterography analysis can augment the personalization of bowel assessment in CD.
Right ventricular preload and afterload challenge induces contractile dysfunction and arrhythmia in isolated hearts of dystrophin‐deficient male mice
Authors: Behrmann Andrew , Cayton Jessica , Hayden Matthew R. , Lambert Michelle D. , Nourian Zahra , Nyanyo Keith , Godbee Brooke , Hanft Laurin M. , Krenz Maike , McDonald Kerry S. , Domeier Timothy L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X‐linked recessive myopathy due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. Diaphragmatic weakness in DMD causes hypoventilation and elevated afterload on the right ventricle (RV). Thus, RV dysfunction in DMD develops early in disease progression. Herein, we deliver a 30‐min sustained RV preload/afterload challenge to isolated hearts of wild‐type (Wt) and dystrophic (Dmdmdx‐4Cv) mice at both young (2–6 month) and middle‐age (8–12 month) to test the hypothesis that the dystrophic RV is susceptible to dysfunction with elevated load. Young dystrophic hearts exhibited greater pressure development than wild type under baseline (Langendorff) conditions, but following RV challenge exhibited similar contractile function as wild type. Following the RV challenge, young dystrophic hearts had an increased incidence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) compared to wild type. Hearts of middle‐aged wild‐type and dystrophic mice had similar contractile function during baseline conditions. After RV challenge, hearts of middle‐aged dystrophic mice had severe RV dysfunction and arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia. Following the RV load challenge, dystrophic hearts had greater lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release than wild‐type mice indicative of damage. Our data indicate age‐dependent changes in RV function with load in dystrophin deficiency, highlighting the need to avoid sustained RV load to forestall dysfunction and arrhythmia.
Effect of epicatechin consumption on the inflammatory pathway and mitochondria morphology in PBMC from a R350P desminopathy patient: A case report
Authors: Tapia‐Curimil Germán , Castro‐Sepulveda Mauricio , Zbinden‐Foncea Hermann 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDesminopathy R350P is a human myopathy that is characterized by the progressive loss of muscle fiber organization. This results in the loss of muscle size, mobility, and strength. In desminopathy, inflammation affects muscle homeostasis and repair, and contributes to progressive muscle deterioration. Mitochondria morphology was also suggested to affect desminopathy progression. Epicatechin (Epi)—a natural compound found in cacao—has been proposed to regulate inflammatory signaling and mitochondria morphology in human and animal models. Hence, we hypothesize chronic Epi consumption to improve inflammatory pathway and mitochondria morphology in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of a desminopathy R350P patient. We found that 12 weeks of Epi consumption partially restored TRL4 signaling, indicative of inflammatory signaling and mitochondria morphology in the desminopathy patient. Moreover, Epi consumption improved blood health parameters, including reduced HOMA‐IR and IL‐6 levels in the desminopathy patient. This indicates that Epi consumption could be a useful tool to slow disease progression in desminopathy patients.
“In the Midst of Smoke and Flame”: Extraction Ecologies and Industrial Tourism in the Nineteenth-Century Periodical Press
Authors: Ditter Julia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
By addressing the shared formal, aesthetic, affective, and political characteristics of the industrial travel account, this article examines how travel writers in the nineteenth century mediate the tensions within and between extractive labour, tourism, and ecological relations. Focusing on industrial travel accounts published in The Leisure Hour (1852–1905), Chambers’s Edinburgh Journal (1832–1897) and All the Year Round (1859–1895), the article highlights the periodical press as a productive arena for the cultural and literary study of nineteenth-century energy regimes.
“Slippy with Rot”: The Irish Potato Famine and Neo-Victorianism’s Colonial Roots
Authors: Tronicke Marlena 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In Paul Lynch’s neo-Victorian Famine novel Grace (2017), the protagonist’s encounter with the proverbial root of all evil marks a moment of Gothic horror. Much more threatening than a single dead body, the foul-smelling, rotten potato invokes the gigantic number of corpses the blight produced during the Irish Famine of the 1840 s. Rather than a natural disaster, this must be understood as a direct result of what is often broadly referred to as ‘ecological imperialism’. This article examines the ways in which Grace positions the Famine as both concrete reality and synecdoche of colonialism. The novel traces how the potato blight, caused by the pathogen oomycete Phytophthora infestans, transforms rural Ireland into an uninhabitable wasteland, populated by dehumanised creatures that are rendered disposable. In a second step, I consider the rotten potato as metaphorical of neo-Victorianism’s larger critical potential. As critics have argued, neo-Victorianism is well-suited to intervene in selective and largely nostalgic memorialisations of Britain’s imperial legacies. To do so, however, it must properly acknowledge that the soil on which it plants – the textualities, theoretical frameworks, and methodological tools upon which it draws – is saturated with imperialist ideology to an extent that precludes any critical re-readings of the past and its bearing on the present.
Structural homology of mite profilins to plant profilins is not indicative of allergic cross-reactivity
Authors: O’Malley Andrea , Sankaran Sahana , Carriuolo Avery , Khatri Kriti , Kowal Krzysztof , Chruszcz Maksymilian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Structural and allergenic characterization of mite profilins has not been previously pursued to a similar extent as plant profilins. Here, we describe structures of profilins originating from Tyrophagus putrescentiae (registered allergen Tyr p 36.0101) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (here termed Der p profilin), which are the first structures of profilins from Arachnida. Additionally, the thermal stabilities of mite and plant profilins are compared, suggesting that the high number of cysteine residues in mite profilins may play a role in their increased stability. We also examine the cross-reactivity of plant and mite profilins as well as investigate the relevance of these profilins in mite inhalant allergy. Despite their high structural similarity to other profilins, mite profilins have low sequence identity with plant and human profilins. Subsequently, these mite profilins most likely do not display cross-reactivity with plant profilins. At the same time the profilins have highly conserved poly(l-proline) and actin binding sites.
Differences in Indicators of Socio-Psychological Integration Between Refugees from Syria and Receiving Community in Croatia
Authors: Kiralj Lacković Jana , Ajduković Dean 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Socio-psychological integration is a dimension of integration affecting refugees and receiving community members alike, and is related to those integration goals which promote positive intergroup attitudes, close social proximity, interrelation of social networks, low levels of perceived intergroup threat, positive intergroup contact, etc. The goal of this study was to explore the differences in the levels of indicators of socio-psychological integration in both groups. Six hundred receiving community members in Croatia, and 149 refugees from Syria in Croatia participated in the field study. The results generally show that the refugees have more positive attitudes towards receiving community members, a closer social proximity and lower levels of perception of symbolic and realistic intergroup threat than vice-versa. Intergroup contact in Croatia is very rare, posing an interesting setting for the integration process. Potential implications of these findings are discussed.
Experimental analysis of S–N curves of welded joints with different fatigue life extension approaches
Authors: Tian Lei , Feng Chao , Su Molin , Xu Lianyong , Han Yongdian , Zhao Lei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The fatigue life extension approaches played an important role in ensuring the safety of marine engineering structures. This study conducted an in-depth analysis of the S–N curves of welded structures under different service environments and different fatigue life extension approaches, and found that the comprehensive life extension process of welding toe polishing and coating (the fatigue life was extended by 15–33 times compared to untreated samples) was the most significant approach under dry air medium environment. The comprehensive life extension process of welding toe polishing and coating (the fatigue life was extended by 10–25 times compared to untreated samples) was the most significant approach under salt spray corrosive medium environment. Moreover, the S–N curve and related parameters of welded joints of semi-submersible platform under different environmental media conditions and different combinations of fatigue life extension approaches were studied in depth, which had important guiding significance for practical life extension tools of jacket platform T-joints in practice.