bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissociating neuronal signatures of spatial attention and behavioural state in the primary vibrissal cortex of mice
Authors: Dyce Guthrie , Singh Taylor , Mattingley Jason , Arabzadeh Ehsan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The prioritisation and selective processing of information is imperative to survival. One form of prioritisation, known as spatial attention, allows an animal to selectively process sensory input based on its location. While spatial attention is known to produce changes in neuronal representation, it is unclear whether these changes occur as early as the primary sensory cortex. It is also not clear whether changes induced by selective spatial attention differ from those observed with non-selective fluctuations in arousal. To study attention, the rodent whisker system represents a structurally elegant, and functionally efficient alternative to the often-studied primate visual system. Here, we implemented a novel, ecologically relevant paradigm to incorporate spatial attention in a whisker vibration detection task in mice. We demonstrated that mice (n = 11) exhibit spatially selective evidence accumulation behaviour within their responses to single vibration stimuli, across their responses to tens of stimuli, and throughout each day of training. To dissociate the neuronal signatures of spatial attention from those of spatially non-specific behavioural state, we recorded 1461 responsive neurons in the primary vibrissal cortex (vS1) as mice engaged in the detection task. The strength of neuronal responses to vibrissal stimulation correlated significantly with spatial attention, but not with spatially non-specific behavioural state. We found that spatial attention elevates both baseline neuronal activity and a later (200–600 ms) component of evoked responses to whisker vibrations. These results have implications for the microcircuitry of spatial attention in vS1 and value-driven attentional capture in mice.
Evaluation of the Effects of Thyroid Functions on Frailty in Geriatric Patients Using the Edmonton, SOF and FRAIL Scales
Authors: Uyar Galip Can , Kılıç Mustafa Kemal 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and rationale:Thyroid dysfunction in elderly individuals often mimics signs of aging,impacting metabolism and body balance,yet the connection between thyroid function and frailty levels remains underresearched despite numerous studies on age-related chronic conditions
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various thyroid states on frailty in individuals aged 65 and older.This investigation included analyzing TSH, fT3, fT4 and anti-TPO.The correlation of these thyroid states with chronic diseases,sociodemographic factors and optimal TSH levels in relation to frailty was also examined using the SOF,Edmonton and FRAIL scale
Methods:This study included 220 elderly patients (150 women,70 men)who either received thyroid treatment or were untreated but who hadthyroid dysfunction. Comprehensive geriatric assessments were conducted,including recording medical history and demographic data and conducting thyroid function tests.Frailty was evaluated using the SOF,Edmonton and FRAIL scales
Results:The participants had a median age of 73 years, with 68.2% women. Frailty was notably more prevalent among patients with abnormal TSH levels (outside the 0.5-6 mIU/L range).Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant differences in parameters across TSH categories.Key findings included a greater likelihood of frailty on the SOF scale with increased odds in anti-TPO-positive patients and significant differences in fT3 levels and fT3/fT4 ratios between frailty groups according to the EFS and FRAIL scales
Conclusion:This study revealed the impact of thyroid function on frailty, particularly considering fT3 levels and the fT3/fT4 ratio as indicators.Optimal TSH levels reduced frailty, while abnormal levels increased it,notably on the SOF scale.Additionally,comorbidities,thyroid medication,sex,age and education were also influential factors in frailty assessment
Influence of diet on change in color and roughness of orthodontic aligners: A longitudinal study
Authors: Bocato Jessica Rico , Berger Sandrine Bittencourt , Fernandes Thais Maria Freire , Almeida Marcio Rodrigues , Favaro Jaqueline Costa , Bespalez-Neto Roberto , Oltramari Paula Vanessa Pedron 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of diet on color change and roughness of orthodontic aligners (OAs) during the initial 6 months of treatment.
Materials and Methods
Twenty patients treated with orthodontic aligners (OAs) (Invisalign Align Technology Santa Clara, California, USA) who met the following criteria were included in the study: between 13 and 35 years of age, both sexes, Angle Class I malocclusion, moderate lower anterior crowding, and non-extraction treatment. The exchange of pairs of upper and lower aligners was performed every 10 days. To assess the color stability and roughness of the aligners, the buccal surface of the tooth 11 was cut and analyzed in a series of 12 non-consecutive aligners used by 20 patients for 10 days (n = 20), over the initial 6 months of treatment. To verify the change in color and roughness, the Friedman test was used. The correlation between variables was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient, with a significance level of 5%.
Results
When the correlation between dietary issues and changes in color and roughness was verified, it was found that patients who ate acidic foods, such as coffee, wine, soda and juice, showed greater color changes (p < 0.05) and roughness in the OA (p < 0.05). Intake of acidic fruits showed a significant correlation only with color change at months 3, 4 and 5.
Conclusion
The acidic and pigment-rich diet contributed to the change in color and increase roughness of the orthodontic aligners.
Clinical Significance
It is recommended that patients remove the OA for their meals, in order to maintain the aesthetic characteristics of the appliances and an efficient standard of hygiene.
Development and validation of prognostic nomogram in pediatric melanoma: a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Saichun , Liu Zixiang , Zhu Dongsheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is to use the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to develop a useful clinical nomogram that uses prognosis prediction for pediatric melanoma patients.
Methods: We obtained clinical information on pediatric melanoma patients from the SEER database between 2000 and 2018. Each patient was split into a training cohort or a validation cohort at random. Results between various subgroups were compared using Kaplan-Meier analyses. We created a nomogram to calculate the probability of survival for pediatric patients with melanoma. The performance of nomograms was assessed using calibration and discrimination. To assess the clinical use of this newly created model, decision curve analysis was also performed.
Results: In this study, a total of 890 eligible patients were chosen at random and allocated to 70% of training cohorts (n =623) and 30% of validation cohorts (n = 267). After applying the chosen various components to create a nomogram, validated indexes showed that the nomogram had a strong capacity for discrimination. The training set's and validation set's C-index values were 0.817 and 0.832, respectively. The calibration plots demonstrated a strong correlation between the observation and the forecast. The model has a good clinical net benefit for pediatric melanoma patients, according to the clinical decision curve.
Conclusion: We created an effective survival prediction model for pediatric melanoma. This nomogram is accurate and useful for clinical decision-making. Still, more external confirmation is required.
Early-Life Milk Replacer Feeding Mediate Lipid Metabolism Disorders Induced by Colonic Microbiota and Bile Acid Profiles to Reduce Body Weight in Goat model
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhang Ting , Guo Mengmeng , Cuoji Awang , Xu Yangbin , Zhao Yitong , Yang Yuxin , Brugger Daniel , Wang Xiaolong , Suo Langda , Wu Yujiang , Chen Yulin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Dysregulation of lipid metabolism and its consequences on growth performance in young ruminants have attracted attention, especially in the context of alternative feeding strategies. This study aims to elucidate the effects of milk replacer (MR) feeding on growth, lipid metabolism, colonic epithelial gene expression, colonic microbiota composition and systemic metabolism in goat kids compared to breast milk (BM) feeding, addressing a critical knowledge gap in early life nutrition.Methods Ten female goat kids were divided into two groups: those fed breast milk (BM group) and those fed a milk replacer (MR group). Over a period of 28 d, body weight was monitored and blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Profiling of the colonial microbiota was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Intestinal microbiota transplantation (IMT) experiments in gnotobiotic mice were performed to validate causality.Results MR-fed pups exhibited reduced daily body-weight gain due to impaired lipid metabolism as evidenced by lower serum and liver total cholesterol (TC) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Transcriptomic analysis of the colonic epithelium revealed upregulated genes involved in negative regulation of lipid metabolism, concomitant with microbiota shifts characterized by a decrease in Firmicutes and an increase in Actinobacteria. Specifically, genera such as Bifidobacterium and Prevotella were enriched in the MR group, while Clostridium and Faecalibacterium were depleted. Metabolomics analyses confirmed alterations in bile acid and fatty acid metabolic pathways. IMT experiments in mice recapitulated the metabolic phenotype observed in MR-fed goats, confirming the role of the microbiota in modulating host lipid metabolism.Conclusions Milk replacer feeding in goat kids disrupts lipid metabolism and gut microbiota dynamics, resulting in reduced growth rates and metabolic alterations. These findings highlight the importance of early nutritional intervention on metabolic programming and suggest that modulation of the gut microbiota may be a target for improving growth and metabolic health in ruminants. This study contributes to the understanding of nutritional management strategies in livestock and their impact on animal health and productivity.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived S100A8 facilitates leukemia stem cell maintenance via TLR4/PI3K/Akt signaling
Authors: Zhou Fuling , Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Jinxian , Li Xinqi , Pan Ruiyang , Liu Li , Huang Tingting , Ma Linlu , Chen Guopeng , Wang Qian , Zhang Nan , Tong Xiqin , Tan Yuxin , Jiang Hongqiang , Liang Yuxing , Shen Min , Liu Junyi , Li Ruihang , Yin Wanyue , Zhang Xian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The role of microenvironmental inflammation in the regulation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and stressed hematopoiesis is significant, though the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we found that MSCs in a leukemic microenvironment had dysregulated expression of the inflammatory cytokine S100A8. Upregulating S100A8 in MSCs increased the proliferation and chemoresistance of AML cells in vitro. In contrast, removing S100A8 from MSCs in the murine MLL-AF9 AML model resulted in longer survival and less infiltration of leukemia cells and leukemic stem cells (LSCs). S100A8 binds to the TLR4 receptor on leukemia cells, which activates the PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, removing S100A8 from MSCs causes a temporary increase in their quantity, followed by a decline in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in mice exposed to stressful environments. Furthermore, the absence of S100A8 alters the properties of MSCs, impairing their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and decreasing the expression of osteopontin, which is required to support HSCs. Our findings highlight the importance of MSC-derived S100A8 in promoting the maintenance of LSCs while impeding the maintenance of HSCs, providing new insights into the potential for the management of AML and hematopoietic regeneration.
Complex congenital heart disease with asplenia syndrome associated in a 6-year-old boy: a case report
Authors: Wang Junna , Zheng Hao , Fu Fengli , Yang Jiahu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Asplenia syndrome is a rare complex congenital malformation characterized by structural and malposition of the thoracic and abdominal organs, and severe cardiovascular malformations. This abnormal incidence is relatively low, clinically rare and easy to be misdiagnosed as multiple organ malformations.
Case Presentation:
We presented a case of the coexistence of multiple congenital anomalies in a 6-year-old boy who suffered growth retardation and severe cyanosis. The results of cardiac ultrasound suggested that the boy suffers from complex congenital heart disease. CT angiography was performed to further assess the macrovascular and cardiac anatomy. In addition to the congenital spleen hypoplasia absence and abnormal structure and position of the thoracic and abdominal organs, the imaging also showed that the great vessel was completely transposed, with complete atrioventricular common channel and multiple venous ectopic drainage. Furthermore, the results were confirmed after the surgery.
Conclusions
Knowledge of this rare combination will be helpful in the differential diagnosis of asplenia syndrome congenital heart disease and assist the surgeon in treatment planning. CT imaging with ECG gating technology provides a reliable basis for the definitive diagnosis and pre-operative evaluation of such patients, especially for pre-operative preparation.
Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets use in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: TAMGNO Eric DEFO , Tsapi Armand Tiotsa , Fossi Martin , Nguefack-Tsague Georges , Ethgen Olivier , Sobze Martin Sanou 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in the WHO African Region, where Cameroon is among the countries bearing a high burden of the disease. In Cameroon, malaria is highly endemic, with millions of cases and thousands of deaths recorded annually. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) are a crucial preventive measure against malaria, yet their ownership, utilization, and physical condition in Cameroon require evaluation.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five regions of Cameroon, and data were collected through semiopen questionnaires from November 2020 to June 2022. The study assessed sociodemographic characteristics, ITN ownership and usage, and the physical integrity of ITNs. The proportionate hole index (pHI) was calculated to evaluate the ITN conditions. Malaria incidence was determined using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with ITN utilization.
Results: Among the 1719 participants, the sex distribution was balanced, with the majority aged 31 to 40 years. Awareness of malaria was high, with 100% familiarity with the disease. However, only 28.8% mentioned the use of ITN for prevention. The ITN possession rate was 66.55%, with 82% acquired through government-led campaigns. Only 65.91% of the ITN owners slept under one the previous night. Reasons for nonusage included heat (71.02%) and suffocation (24.90%). Physical integrity assessment revealed that only 34.97% of the ITNs were in good condition, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance.
The malaria incidencewas 25.54%, with a significant association between ITN ownership and lower malaria positivity. Factors influencing ITN usage included region, sex, number of ITNs, pHI, and recent malaria experience.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of addressing barriers to consistent ITN usage and maintaining physical integrity. Health education programs should emphasize ITN effectiveness and proper care, particularly targeting regions with lower utilization rates. Additionally, interventions should consider sex, household characteristics, and recent malaria episodes when promoting ITN usage. By addressing these factors, Cameroon can enhance overall ITN utilization and contribute to reducing the burden of malaria on vulnerable populations.
Adsorption of fluorine from lepidolite hydrometallurgy wastewater by aluminum modified zeolite
Authors: Gong Huichun , Zhou Yipeng , Ke Pingchao , Xu Lingling , He Guang , Jian Peng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Fluoride contamination is a serious environmental problem in lepidolite hydrometallurgy wastewater. The treatment of the fluoride-bearing wastewater is facing a great challenge due to the presence of co-existed ions including lithium (Li+), rubidium (Rb+), silicate (SiO32−), sulfate radical (SO42−) and so on. However, aluminum-modified zeolite (Al@zeolite) of sufficient hydroxyl group and high adaptability have exhibited unique advantages for fluoride elimination from lepidolite hydrometallurgy wastewater. Al@zeolite was prepared on natural zeolite by an atmospheric process, and it was then used for the adsorption of fluorine from fluoride bearing wastewater produced by lepidolite hydrometallurgy process. The results of material characterization confirmed the successful immobilization of aluminum within the zeolite pores, and indicating the formation of zeolite-Al-OH. The zeolite host significantly enhanced the chemical stability of Al@zeolite against pH changes with a wide pH of 2.0–10.0. The adsorbent possessed a surface area of 33.46 m2/g and demonstrated excellent capacity and selectivity for fluoride adsorption. It is pertinent to mention that maximum adsorption of 98.6% has been observed with a pH value of 6.0 with 20 min time duration with fluoride dosage of 20 mg/L, and the equilibrium concentration dwindled to 0.4 mg/L. The results of fluorine adsorption showed that fluoride uptake onto Al@zeolite agreed well with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. The reusability of the substance was evaluated for up to eight cycles following consecutive regeneration with 0.2 mol/L AlCl3. The exhausted Al@zeolite was effectively regenerated through a simple alkaline treatment for recycling. The above results verified that Al@zeolite is a new kind of efficient defluoridation adsorbent for lepidolite hydrometallurgy wastewater with practical application prospect.
Assessing Diagnostic Accuracy and Viability of AI-Assisted Tuberculosis Detection in Northern Indian Healthcare Facilities: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Nath Alok , Hashim Zia , Shukla Saumya , Poduvattil Prasanth Areekkara , Singh Manika , Misra Nikhil , Shukla Ankit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of mortality among infectious diseases globally. Effectively managing TB requires early identification of high-risk individuals. Resource-constrained settings often lack skilled professionals for interpreting chest X-rays (CXRs) used in TB diagnosis. To address this challenge, we developed “DecXpert” a novel Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) software solution based on deep neural networks for early TB diagnosis from CXRs, aiming to detect subtle abnormalities that may be overlooked by human interpretation alone.
This study was conducted on the largest cohort size to date, where the performance of a CAD software (DecXpert) was validated against the gold standard molecular diagnostic technique, GeneXpert MTB/RIF, analyzing data from 4,363 individuals across 12 primary health care centers and one tertiary hospital in North India. DecXpert demonstrated 88% sensitivity (95% CI: 0.85-0.93) and 85% specificity (95% CI: 0.82-0.91) for active TB detection. Incorporating demographics, DecXpert achieved an area under the curve of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88-0.94), indicating robust diagnostic performance.
Our findings establish DecXpert's potential as an accurate, efficient AI solution for early identification of active TB cases. Deployed as a screening tool in resource-limited settings, DecXpert could enable identifying high-risk individuals and facilitate effective TB management where skilled radiological interpretation is limited.
Analysis of a Mobile App in a Smoke-Quitting Program
Authors: Pifarré Marc , Solsona Francesc , Vilaplana Jordi , Abella Francesc 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Currently, a multitude of smoking cessation applications exists, a significant portion of which functions as self-help tools without specialized assistance. This study presents a thorough five-year examination, delving into the impact of the TControl application on augmenting patients' success rates in smoking cessation.TControl, a monitoring and support application for non-smoking patients, has undergone iterative enhancements from its inception, concentrating on refining its user interface, support messages, and integration with social networks. Subsequently, a comprehensive 5-year cohort study was conducted to assess the impact of the application to the smoking cessation program. Patients underwent regular weekly monitoring through spirometry tests to detect potential relapses.Throughout these five years, the cohort experienced consistent fluctuations, leading to variable patient numbers annually. Within these cohorts, distinct program states were identified as Treating, Relapse/Abandon, and Success. Analysis of the five-year observation period unveiled that TControl program participation, initially lower than the traditional program in 2018 (TControl: 13.2% - Traditional: 86.8%), steadily rose to 50.5% in TControl and 49.5% in the Traditional group by 2022. Crucially, these trends resulted in favorable outcomes, as demonstrated by sustained patient adherence, contributing to an average 7.48% reduction in relapses compared to the traditional method.In conclusion, a marked enhancement in the performance of the TControl group compared to the traditional group is evident. The TControl group displayed a higher success rate, indicative of a positive trajectory in smoking cessation outcomes.