bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognosis of ischemic stroke patients with both aortic atheroma and cardioembolic sources
Authors: Jung Jae Wook , Baik Minyoul , Jeong JaeWook , Lee Il Hyung , Kim Kwang Hyun , Yun Jaeseob , Shim Chi Young , Hong Geu-Ru , Kim Young Dae , Heo Ji Hoe , Nam Hyo Suk 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between complex aortic plaque (CAP) and short-term as well as long-term outcomes following cardioembolic stroke. CAP is a known risk factor for occurrence and recurrence of ischemic stroke. However, the association of CAP on cardioembolic stroke remains unclear. This was retrospective study using prospective cohort of consecutive patients with cardioembolic stroke who underwent transesophageal echocardiography. The functional outcome was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months, and long-term outcomes were assessed by recurrence of ischemic stroke and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Among 759 patients with cardioembolic stroke, 91 (12.0%) had CAP. Early ischemic stroke recurrence within 3 months was associated with CAP (p = 0.025), whereas CAP was not associated with functional outcome at 3 months (odd ratio  1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]  0.57–1.84, p = 0.973). During a median follow-up of 3.02 years, CAP was significantly associated with ischemic stroke recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.68, 95% CI 1.48–4.88, p = 0.001) and MACE occurrence (hazard ratio = 1.61, 95% CI 1.03–2.51, p = 0.039). In conclusion, CAP was associated with early ischemic stroke recurrence and poor long-term outcomes in patients with cardioembolic stroke. It might be helpful to consider transesophageal echocardiography for patients with cardioembolic stroke to identify CAP.
Trifluridine/tipiracil with and without ramucirumab for advanced gastric cancer: a comparative observational study
Authors: Narita Yukiya , Ogata Takatsugu , Ishizuka Yasunobu , Sakakida Tomoki , Wakabayashi Munehiro , Kodama Hiroyuki , Honda Kazunori , Masuishi Toshiki , Taniguchi Hiroya , Kadowaki Shigenori , Ando Masashi , Tajika Masahiro , Muro Kei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe combination of trifluridine/tipiracil hydrochloride (FTD/TPI) plus ramucirumab has demonstrated clinical activity in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of this combination compared with those of FTD/TPI monotherapy in patients with AGC. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients with AGC who received FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab or FTD/TPI monotherapy as third- or later-line treatment. This study included 36 patients treated with FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab and 70 patients receiving FTD/TPI monotherapy. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 25.8% and 58.1%, respectively, in the FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab group and 5.0% and 38.3%, respectively, in the FTD/TPI group (ORR, P = 0.007; DCR, P = 0.081). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab group (median PFS, 2.9 vs. 1.8 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.52; P = 0.001). A numerical survival benefit was also observed (median overall survival, 7.9 months vs. 5.0 months; HR: 0.68, P = 0.089). In the multivariate analysis, PFS was significantly longer in the FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab group than in the FTD/TPI monotherapy group (HR: 0.61, P = 0.030). The incidence of febrile neutropenia was higher in the FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab group than in the FTD/TPI group (13.8% vs. 2.9%); however, no new safety signals were identified. Compared with FTD/TPI monotherapy, FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab offers clinical benefits with acceptable toxicity in heavily pretreated patients with AGC. Further investigation via randomized trials is warranted to confirm these findings.
Fine-tuning digital FIR filters with gray wolf optimization for peak performance
Authors: R Anand , Samiappan Sathishkumar , Prabukumar M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe design of optimum filters constitutes a fundamental aspect within the realm of signal processing applications. The process entails the calculation of ideal coefficients for a filter in order to get a passband with a flat response and an unlimited level of attenuation in the stopband. The objective of this work is to solve the FIR filter design problem and to compare the optimal solutions obtained from evolutionary algorithms. The design of optimal FIR low pass (LP), high pass (HP), and band stop (BS) filters is achieved by the utilization of nature-inspired optimization approaches, namely gray wolf optimization ,cuckoo search, particle swarm optimization, and genetic algorithm. The filters are evaluated in terms of their stop band attenuation, pass band ripples, and departure from the anticipated response. In addition, this study compares the optimization strategies applied in the context of algorithm execution time which is achievement of global optimal outcomes for the design of digital finite impulse response (FIR) filters. The results indicate that when the Gray wolf algorithm is applied to the development of a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, it produces a higher level of performance than other approaches, as supported by enhanced design precision, decreased execution time, and achievement of an optimal solution.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Haemophilus influenzae infections in pediatric patients hospitalized with community acquired pneumonia
Authors: Ai Ling , Fang Liang , Liu Beizhong , Zhou Chanjuan , Gong Fang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has altered the infection landscape for many pathogens. This retrospective study aimed to compare Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) infections in pediatric CAP patients hospitalized before (2018–2019) and during (2020–2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed the clinical epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of H. influenzae from a tertiary hospital in southwest China. A total of 986 pediatric CAP patients with H. influenzae-associated infections were included. Compared to 2018, the positivity rate increased in 2019 but dropped significantly in 2020. Although it rose in the following 2 years, the rate in 2022 remained significantly lower than in 2019. Patients’ age during the pandemic was significantly higher than in 2018 and 2019, while gender composition remained similar across both periods. Notably, there were significant changes in co-infections with several respiratory pathogens during the pandemic. Resistance rates of H. influenzae isolates to antibiotics varied, with the highest resistance observed for ampicillin (85.9%) and the lowest for cefotaxime (0.0%). Resistance profiles to various antibiotics underwent dramatic changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefaclor, cefuroxime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and the proportion of multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates significantly decreased. Additionally, MDR isolates, alongside isolates resistant to specific drugs, were notably prevalent in ampicillin-resistant and β-lactamase-positive isolates. The number of pediatric CAP patients, H. influenzae infections, and isolates resistant to certain antibiotics exhibited seasonal patterns, peaking in the winter of 2018 and 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, sharp decreases were observed in February 2020, and there was no resurgence in December 2022. These findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the infection spectrum of H. influenzae in pediatric CAP patients, as evidenced by shifts in positivity rate, demographic characteristics, respiratory co-infections, AMR patterns, and seasonal trends.
Assessment of retinal and choroidal microvasculature in night shift medical workers by OCT angiography
Authors: Liang Congbi , Xu Yishuang , Xia Qinyun , Xiao Di , Gu Jingsai , Zhu Xiangxiang , Chen Changzheng , Chen Zhen , Hua Dihao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study evaluated retinal and choroidal microvascular changes in night shift medical workers and its correlation with melatonin level. Night shift medical workers (group A, 25 workers) and non-night shift workers (group B, 25 workers) were recruited. The images of macula and optic nerve head were obtained by swept-source OCT-angiography. Vessel density of retina, choriocapillaris (CC), choriocapillaris flow deficit (CC FD), choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were measured. 6-sulfatoxymelatonin concentration was analyzed from the morning urine. CC FD and CVI were significantly decreased and CT was significantly increased in group A (all P < 0.05). 6-sulfatoxymelatonin concentration was significantly lower in group A (P < 0.05), which was significantly positively correlated with CC FD size (r = 0.318, P = 0.024) and CVI of the most regions (maximum r-value was 0.482, P < 0.001), and was significantly negatively associated with CT of all regions (maximum r-value was − 0.477, P < 0.001). In night shift medical workers, the reduction of melatonin was significantly correlated with CT thickening, CVI reduction and CC FD reduction, which suggested that they might have a higher risk of eye diseases. CC FD could be a sensitive and accurate indicator to reflect CC perfusion.
Harnessing Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of plant diversity
Authors: Jain Ekta , Rose Michelle , Jayapal Praveen Kumar , Singh Gajendra P. , Ram Rajeev J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHere, we explore the application of Raman spectroscopy for the assessment of plant biodiversity. Raman spectra from 11 vascular plant species commonly found in forest ecosystems, specifically angiosperms (both monocots and eudicots) and pteridophytes (ferns), were acquired in vivo and in situ using a Raman leaf-clip. We achieved an overall accuracy of 91% for correct classification of a species within a plant group and identified lignin Raman spectral features as a useful discriminator for classification. The results demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopy in contributing to plant biodiversity assessment.
Identifying risk factors and mortality rate of premature coronary artery disease in young Saudi population
Authors: Al-Khlaiwi Thamir , Habib Syed Shahid , Bayoumy Nervana , Al-Khliwi Huthayfah , Meo Sultan Ayoub 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCoronary artery disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It occurs due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is a neglected clinical entity despite the rising number of cases worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of premature coronary artery disease. In this study, we searched articles that had studied the risk factors of premature coronary artery diseases from January 2000 to July 2022 in Saudi Arabia in Web of Science, Pub Med, Scopus, Springer, and Wiley databases. The final analysis is based on seven articles. The smoking prevalence was 39%, diabetes mellitus 41%, hypertension 33%, overweight and obesity 18%, family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) 19%, dyslipidemia 37%, and the prevalence range of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 33.8–55.0%. The results revealed a mortality prevalence of 4% ranging from 2 to 8% which is similar to the prevalence in older patients which was 2–10%. Smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history of CAD, dyslipidemia, and overweight/obesity are significantly and positively associated with premature coronary artery diseases. The health authorities should design and implement an intensive and effective prophylactic plan to minimize the subsequent impact of PCAD on the young population. In addition, early diagnosis of PCAD has great value in providing timely treatment, managing the patients, and minimizing the burden of the disease.
Proton-driven sodium secretion in a saline water animal
Authors: Patrick Marjorie L. , Donini Andrew , Zogby Andrew , Morales Christopher , O’Donnell Michael J. , Gill Sarjeet S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAquatic animals residing in saline habitats either allow extracellular sodium concentration to conform to environmental values or regulate sodium to lower levels. The latter strategy requires an energy-driven process to move sodium against a large concentration gradient to eliminate excess sodium that diffuses into the animal. Previous studies of invertebrate and vertebrate species indicate a sodium pump, Na+/K+ ATPase, powers sodium secretion. We provide the first functional evidence of a saline-water animal, Aedes taeniorhynchus mosquito larva, utilizing a proton pump to power this process. Vacuolar-type H+ ATPase (VHA) protein is highly expressed on the apical membrane of the posterior rectal cells, and in situ sodium flux across this epithelium increases significantly in larvae held in higher salinity and is sensitive to Bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of VHA. We also report the first evidence of splice variants of the sodium/proton exchanger, NHE3, with both high and low molecular weight variants highly expressed on the apical membrane of the posterior rectal cells. Evidence of NHE3 function was indicated with in situ sodium transport significantly inhibited by a NHE3 antagonist, S3226. We propose that the outward proton pumping by VHA establishes a favourable electromotive gradient to drive sodium secretion via NHE3 thus producing a hyperosmotic, sodium-rich urine. This H+- driven Na+ secretion process is the primary mechanism of ion regulation in salt-tolerant culicine mosquito species and was first investigated over 80 years ago.
TSWIFT, a novel method for iterative staining of embedded and mounted human brain sections
Authors: Porter Corey M. , Tabler Sarah , Choi Sooin , Truttmann Matthias C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractComprehensive characterization of protein networks in mounted brain tissue represents a major challenge in brain and neurodegenerative disease research. In this study, we develop a simple staining method, called TSWIFT, to iteratively stain pre-mounted formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) brain sections, thus enabling high-dimensional sample phenotyping. We show that TSWIFT conserves tissue architecture and allows for relabeling a single mounted FFPE sample more than 10 times, even after prolonged storage at 4 °C. Our results establish TSWIFT as an efficient method to obtain integrated high-dimensional knowledge of cellular proteomes by analyzing mounted FFPE human brain tissue.
STEAP2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via increased copper levels and stress-activated MAP kinase activity
Authors: Torrez Carla Zeballos , Easley Acarizia , Bouamar Hakim , Zheng Guixi , Gu Xiang , Yang Junhua , Chiu Yu-Chiao , Chen Yidong , Halff Glenn A. , Cigarroa Francisco G. , Sun Lu-Zhe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSix Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of Prostate 2 (STEAP2) belongs to a family of metalloreductases, which indirectly aid in uptake of iron and copper ions. Its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be characterized. Here, we report that STEAP2 expression was upregulated in HCC tumors compared with paired adjacent non-tumor tissues by RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. Public HCC datasets demonstrated upregulated STEAP2 expression in HCC and positive association with tumor grade. Transient and stable knockdown (KD) of STEAP2 in HCC cell lines abrogated their malignant phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, while STEAP2 overexpression showed opposite effects. STEAP2 KD in HCC cells led to significant alteration of genes associated with extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion/chemotaxis, negative enrichment of an invasiveness signature gene set, and inhibition of cell migration/invasion. STEAP2 KD reduced intracellular copper levels and activation of stress-activated MAP kinases including p38 and JNK. Treatment with copper rescued the reduced HCC cell migration due to STEAP2 KD and activated p38 and JNK. Furthermore, treatment with p38 or JNK inhibitors significantly inhibited copper-mediated cell migration. Thus, STEAP2 plays a malignant-promoting role in HCC cells by driving migration/invasion via increased copper levels and MAP kinase activities. Our study uncovered a novel molecular mechanism contributing to HCC malignancy and a potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
The properties of absorbable scaffold harvested with human amniotic fluid stem cells on rat model: an innovation for pelvic reconstruction surgery
Authors: Lo Tsia-Shu , Chen Yi-Pin , Harun Fazlin , Shaw Steven W. , Lin Yi-Hao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe current practice of restoring the anatomical structure in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction includes implantation of synthetic sling, which carries potential complications. This study aimed to develop biological substitutes to improve tissue function using scaffolds as a support to the host cells, through formation of new tissue. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) were seeded on synthetic mesh-scaffold of AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix (RTM), Poly-DL-lactico-glycolic acid (PLGA) mesh (VICRYL) and Polydioxanone (PDS) meshes. In vitro study evaluates the metabolic activity of hAFSCs seeded mesh-scaffolds. In vivo study involving Sprague–Dawley rats was performed by assigning into 7 groups of sham control with fascia operation, AlloDerm implant, PDS implant, PLGA implant, AlloDerm harvest with hAFSC (AlloDerm-SC), PDS harvest with hAFSC(PDS-SC) and PLGS harvest with hAFSC (PGLA-SC). In vitro study reveals cell viability and proliferation of hAFSC on mesh scaffolds varies between meshes, with AlloDerm growing the fastest. The biomechanical properties of tissue-mesh-complex tension strength declined over time, showing highest tension strength on week-1, deteriorated similar to control group on week-12. All hAFSC-seeded mesh provides higher tension strength, compared to without. This study shed the potential of synthetic mesh as a scaffold for hAFSC for the surgical treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Mobile-based mindfulness meditation intervention’s impact on mental health among young male judo athletes in South Korea: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Lee Ye Hoon , Chiu Weisheng , Hwang Juhee , Noh Sihyeon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractYoung athletes commonly encounter various mental health challenges due to the distinct pressures inherent in sports environments. This study investigates the effectiveness of mobile-delivered mindfulness meditation interventions in alleviating mental health indicators of depression, perceived stress, and anxiety, and enhancing self-esteem and resilience among young male judo athletes in South Korea. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were completed by 53 judo athletes. Participants were then allocated to the intervention group (N = 27; Mage = 13.77 [SD = 1.11]), which used a mobile meditation software program, or the control group (N = 27; Mage = 13.56 [SD = 1.05]). Data analysis compared intervention and control group scores using multiple statistical methods, including independent sample t-tests, paired sample t-tests, and 2 (time) × 2 (group) repeated measures analysis of variance. Following the intervention, the mindfulness group exhibited significant enhancements in the mental health indicators of depression (GMD = 2.74 [95% CI 0.90–4.56], Cohen’s D = 0.84), perceived stress (GMD = 0.35 [95% CI 0.002–0.70], Cohen’s D = 0.56), and anxiety (GMD = 0.2 [95% CI 0.001–0.40, Cohen’s D = 0.56]. Self-esteem also had a significant increase (GMD = 0.55 [95% CI − 0.22 to − 0.88], Cohen’s D = 0.95). The findings of this study underscore the potential benefits of mobile-delivered mindfulness meditation interventions in addressing mental health challenges among young male judo athletes. The significant enhancements observed in scores on measures of depression, perceived stress, anxiety, and self-esteem among participants in the mindfulness group highlight the effectiveness of such interventions in promoting mental health in sports settings.
Molecular landscape and multi-omic measurements of heterogeneity in fetal adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Sun Li , Guo Wei , Guo Lei , Chen Xiaoxi , Zhou Haitao , Yan Shi , Zhao Gang , Bao Hua , Wu Xue , Shao Yang , Ying Jianming , Lin Lin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFetal adenocarcinoma of the lung (FLAC) is a rare form of lung adenocarcinoma and was divided into high-grade (H-FLAC) and low-grade (L-FLAC) subtypes. Despite the existence of some small case series studies, a comprehensive multi-omics study of FLAC has yet to be undertaken. In this study, we depicted the multi-omics landscapes of this rare lung cancer type by performing multi-regional sampling on 20 FLAC cases. A comparison of multi-omics profiles revealed significant differences between H-FLAC and L-FLAC in a multi-omic landscape. Two subtypes also showed distinct relationships between multi-layer intratumor heterogeneity (ITH). We discovered that a lower genetic ITH was significantly associated with worse recurrence-free survival and overall survival in FLAC patients, whereas higher methylation ITH in H-FLAC patients suggested a short survival. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity in FLAC and suggest that different types of ITH may have distinct implications for patient prognosis.
PD1 ligand functionality a biomarker of response to anti PD1 treatment in patients with HNSCC
Authors: Kaufman Bar , Taha Tarek , Abramov Orli , Zohar Yaniv , Mhameed Kamel , Cohen Ofir , Porgador Angel , Elkabets Moshe , Billan Salem 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTherapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have transformed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. However, predicting the response to anti-PD-1 therapy remains a clinical challenge. This study evaluated the functional binding of PD-1 ligands in 29 HNSCC patients and compared it to the standard PD-L1 Combined Positive Score (CPS). The assessment of PD-1 ligands’ functionality advances the current ability to predict the response of HNSCC patients to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Egr2 drives the differentiation of Ly6Chi monocytes into fibrosis-promoting macrophages in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Iwata Ayaka , Maruyama Juri , Natsuki Shibata , Nishiyama Akira , Tamura Tomohiko , Tanaka Minoru , Shichino Shigeyuki , Seki Takao , Komai Toshihiko , Okamura Tomohisa , Fujio Keishi , Tanaka Masato , Asano Kenichi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a growing concern worldwide, with liver fibrosis being a critical determinant of its prognosis. Monocyte-derived macrophages have been implicated in MASH-associated liver fibrosis, yet their precise roles and the underlying differentiation mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we unveil a key orchestrator of this process: long chain saturated fatty acid-Egr2 pathway. Our findings identify the transcription factor Egr2 as the driving force behind monocyte differentiation into hepatic lipid-associated macrophages (hLAMs) within MASH liver. Notably, Egr2-deficiency reroutes monocyte differentiation towards a macrophage subset resembling resident Kupffer cells, hampering hLAM formation. This shift has a profound impact, suppressing the transition from benign steatosis to liver fibrosis, demonstrating the critical pro-fibrotic role played by hLAMs in MASH pathogenesis. Long-chain saturated fatty acids that accumulate in MASH liver emerge as potent inducers of Egr2 expression in macrophages, a process counteracted by unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, oral oleic acid administration effectively reduces hLAMs in MASH mice. In conclusion, our work not only elucidates the intricate interplay between saturated fatty acids, Egr2, and monocyte-derived macrophages but also highlights the therapeutic promise of targeting the saturated fatty acid-Egr2 axis in monocytes for MASH management.