bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction and Impaired Renal Function–A Study Comparing Levosimendan and Dobutamine
Authors: Parvathareddy Krishna Mala Konda Reddy , Syed Zia Hussain , Birajdar Avinash , Nagula Praveen , Ravi Srinivas , Syed Imamuddin , Karumuri Suneetha 
Published: April 2024

Background Cardiorenal syndrome is a disorder in which renal function is affected by heart failure (HF) or vice versa. It occurs in 20% of HF patients. The most common reason for hospitalization is acute decompensation (ADHF). Diuretics and inodilators are the standard of treatment in the management. Our objective was to demonstrate that levosimendan is more effective than dobutamine in improving the outcome of ADHF patients with a low ejection fraction (EF) and impaired kidney function. Material and methods The study was carried out between January to December 2022. Patients with ADHF, a low EF (<40%) on echocardiography, and decreased renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] >15 and <60 mL/min/m2) were included. All patients have given consent. The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee. The estimated study sample size was 18 in each group, and as the study continued, we enrolled 60 patients, who were divided into two equal groups (30 in each). The patients were assigned either levosimendan or dobutamine based on preassigned numbers in the software. The clinical characteristics (serum creatinine, eGFR, EF, cardiac output, and cardiac index) were measured on the first, seventh, and at one month (30 days). Results Of the 60 patients, 40 were men and 20 were women. The mean age was (50 ± 8.9 vs 50.8 ± 11.2) years. Of the comorbidities, hypertension was seen in 83.3% followed by diabetes (56.7%). Serum creatinine levels in both groups at admission and 30 days were (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.7, P = 0.1) and (1.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.8, P = 0.05). The eGFR of both groups at admission and 30 days follow up was (32.6 ± 9.1 vs. 28.2 ± 11.4, P = 0.2) and (40 ± 15.5 vs. 29.4 ± 12.6, P = 0.05). At 30 days, the predetermined outcomes in terms of improvement in EF, cardiac output, improved eGFR and cardiac index were better in the levosimendan compared to dobutamine group significantly. Conclusion In ADHF patients with decreased EF and poor renal function, levosimendan improved renal and cardiac indices more than dobutamine at 30 days of follow up.
Computer programming a chatbot to improve social-communication skills in autistic children: A feasibility study
Authors: Halabieh Sarah , Lai Meng-Chuan , Lin Hsiang-Yuan , Shu L. H. 
Published: April 2024

Purpose A pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a curriculum that overtly teaches computer programming while covertly scaffolding social-communication skills for autistic children aged 8–12 years. Methods Participants were taught the Python programming language so they could program their own chatbots to greet a human user and discuss different topics, taking turns during the discussion, as though the chatbot were a human itself. The students were challenged with creating chatbots that pass the ‘Turing Test’, where a human evaluator would not be able to tell whether their chatbots were humans or computer programs. The curriculum included didactic instruction, peer-group discussion, homework and the chatbot project. Six autistic children participated in the six-session program. Feasibility was assessed using questionnaires and qualitative feedback. Results The curriculum is deemed feasible and desirable. There was no measurable change in social-communication skills immediately following the six-session program. Participants and their parents were highly interested in similar programs in the future, suggesting promising potential for further development and refinement. Conclusion A curriculum of programming a chatbot that also covertly scaffolds social communication is feasible for autistic children who are interested in computer programming.
Procoagulant platelets promote immune evasion in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Schaubaecher Johanna B. , Smiljanov Bojan , Haring Florian , Steiger Katja , Wu Zhengquan , Ugurluoglu Anais , Luft Joshua , Ballke Simone , Mahameed Shaan , Schneewind Vera , Hildinger Jonas , Canis Martin , Mittmann Laura A. , Braun Constanze , Zuchtriegel Gabriele , Kaiser Rainer , Nicolai Leo , Mack Matthias , Weichert Wilko , Lauber Kirsten , Uhl Bernd , Reichel Christoph A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive tumor entity in which immune checkpoint (IC) molecules are primarily synthesized in the tumor environment. Here, we report that procoagulant platelets bear large amounts of such immunomodulatory factors and that the presence of these cellular blood components in TNBC relates to protumorigenic immune-cell activity and impaired survival. Mechanistically, tumor-released nucleic acids attract platelets to the aberrant tumor microvasculature, where they undergo procoagulant activation, thus delivering specific stimulatory and inhibitory IC molecules. This concomitantly promotes protumorigenic myeloid leukocyte responses and compromises antitumorigenic lymphocyte activity, ultimately supporting tumor growth. Interference with platelet-leukocyte interactions prevented immune cell misguidance and suppressed tumor progression, nearly as effective as systemic IC inhibition. Hence, our data uncover a self-sustaining mechanism of TNBC by using platelets to misdirect immune-cell responses. Targeting this irregular multicellular interplay may represent a novel immunotherapeutic strategy for TNBC without the adverse effects of systemic IC inhibition.
Elk1 enhances inflammatory cell infiltration and exacerbates acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome by suppressing Fcgr2b transcription
Authors: Wei Shiyou , Ling Dandan , Zhong Jingui , Chang Rui , Ling Xinyu , Chen Zhigang , Duan Ruowang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are associated with significant mortality rates. The role of Fcgr2b in the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the functions of Fcgr2b in ALI/ARDS and explore its underlying mechanisms.

Methods
Methods: In this study, rat models of ARDS and pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (PMVEC) injury models were established through the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression levels of Fcgr2b and Elk1 were quantified in both LPS-induced ARDS rats and PMVECs. Subsequent gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted, followed by comprehensive assessments of lung tissue for pathomorphological changes, edema, glycogen storage, fibrosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Additionally, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for T-helper 17 (Th17) cell infiltration, inflammatory response, and microvascular permeability to evaluate lung injury severity in ARDS models. Furthermore, the activity, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and angiogenic potential of PMVECs were assessed to gauge cell injury. The interaction between Elk1 and Fcgr2b was also examined to confirm their regulatory relationship.

Results
In the context of LPS-induced ARDS and PMVEC injury, Fcgr2b expression was markedly reduced, whereas Elk1 expression was elevated. Overexpression of Fcgr2b led to a decrease in Th17 cell infiltration and mitigated lung tissue damage in ARDS models, in addition to reducing LPS-induced injury in PMVECs. Elk1 was found to suppress Fcgr2b transcription through the recruitment of histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). Knockdown of Elk1 diminished Th17 cell infiltration and lung tissue damage in ARDS models, and alleviated LPS-induced injury in PMVECs, effects that were reversed upon Fcgr2b upregulation.

Conclusion
Elk1 negatively regulates Fcgr2b transcription, thereby augmenting the inflammatory response and exacerbating lung injury in LPS-induced ALI/ARDS.
Evolution of myxozoan mitochondrial genomes: insights from myxobolids
Authors: Sandberg Tatiana Orli Milkewitz , Yahalomi Dayana , Bracha Noam , Haddas-Sasson Michal , Pupko Tal , Atkinson Stephen D. , Bartholomew Jerri L. , Zhang Jin Yong , Huchon Dorothée 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMyxozoa is a class of cnidarian parasites that encompasses over 2,400 species. Phylogenetic relationships among myxozoans remain highly debated, owing to both a lack of informative morphological characters and a shortage of molecular markers. Mitochondrial (mt) genomes are a common marker in phylogeny and biogeography. However, only five complete myxozoan mt genomes have been sequenced: four belonging to two closely related genera,EnteromyxumandKudoa, and one from the genusMyxobolus. Interestingly, while cytochrome oxidase genes could be identified inEnteromyxumandKudoa, no such genes were found inMyxobolus squamalis, and another member of the Myxobolidae (Henneguya salminicola) was found to have lost its entire mt genome. To evaluate the utility of mt genomes to reconstruct myxozoan relationships and to understand if the loss of cytochrome oxidase genes is a characteristic of myxobolids, we sequenced the mt genome of five myxozoans (Myxobolus wulii, M. honghuensis,M. shantungensis, Thelohanellus kitaueiand,Sphaeromyxa zaharoni) using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.ResultsUnlikeEnteromyxum, which possesses a partitioned mt genome, the five mt genomes were encoded on single circular chromosomes. An mt plasmid was found inM. wulii, as described previously inKudoa iwatai. In all new myxozoan genomes, five protein-coding genes (cob, cox1, cox2, nad1, andnad5) and two rRNAs (rnlandrns) were recognized, but no tRNA. We found thatMyxobolusandThelohanellusspecies shared unidentified reading frames, supporting the view that these mt open reading frames are functional. Our phylogenetic reconstructions based on the five conserved mt genes agree with previously published trees based on the 18S rRNA gene.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the loss of cytochrome oxidase genes is not a characteristic of all myxobolids, the ancestral myxozoan mt genome was likely encoded on a single circular chromosome, and mt plasmids exist in a few lineages. Our findings indicate that myxozoan mt sequences are poor markers for reconstructing myxozoan phylogenetic relationships because of their fast-evolutionary rates and the abundance of repeated elements, which complicates assembly.
Multiple transcriptome analyses reveal mouse testis developmental dynamics
Authors: Chen Anqi , Ji Chaoneng , Li Chengtao , Brand-Saberi Beate , Zhang Suhua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe testes are the organs of gamete production and testosterone synthesis. Up to date, no model system is available for mammalian testicular development, and only few studies have characterized the mouse testis transcriptome from no more than three postnatal ages. To describe the transcriptome landscape of the developing mouse testis and identify the potential molecular mechanisms underlying testis maturation, we examined multiple RNA-seq data of mouse testes from 3-week-old (puberty) to 11-week-old (adult). Sperm cells appeared as expected in 5-week-old mouse testis, suggesting the proper sample collection. The principal components analysis revealed the genes from 3w to 4w clustered away from other timepoints, indicating they may be the important nodes for testicular development. The pairwise comparisons at two adjacent timepoints identified 7,612 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), resulting in 58 unique mRNA expression patterns. Enrichment analysis identified functions in tissue morphogenesis (3-4w), regulation of peptidase activity (4-5w), spermatogenesis (7-8w), and antigen processing (10-11w), suggesting distinct functions in different developmental periods. 50 hub genes and 10 gene cluster modules were identified in the testis maturation process by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and the miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA, miRNA-circRNA-mRNA and miRNA-circRNA-lncRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. The results suggest that testis maturation is a complex developmental process modulated by various molecules, and that some potential RNA-RNA interactions may be involved in specific developmental stages. In summary, this study provides an update on the molecular basis of testis development, which may help to understand the molecular mechanisms of mouse testis development and provide guidance for mouse reproduction.
Comparative physiological, biochemical, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses reveal the formation mechanism of heartwood for Acacia melanoxylon
Authors: Zhang Ruping , Zhang Zhiwei , Yan Caizhen , Chen Zhaoli , Li Xiangyang , Zeng Bingshan , Hu Bing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAcacia melanoxylon is well known as a valuable commercial tree species owing to its high-quality heartwood (HW) products. However, the metabolism and regulatory mechanism of heartwood during wood development remain largely unclear. In this study, both microscopic observation and content determination proved that total amount of starches decreased and phenolics and flavonoids increased gradually from sapwood (SW) to HW. We also obtained the metabolite profiles of 10 metabolites related to phenolics and flavonoids during HW formation by metabolomics. Additionally, we collected a comprehensive overview of genes associated with the biosynthesis of sugars, terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids using RNA-seq. A total of ninety-one genes related to HW formation were identified. The transcripts related to plant hormones, programmed cell death (PCD), and dehydration were increased in transition zone (TZ) than in SW. The results of RT-PCR showed that the relative expression level of genes and transcription factors was also high in the TZ, regardless of the horizontal or vertical direction of the trunk. Therefore, the HW formation took place in the TZ for A. melanoxylon from molecular level, and potentially connected to plant hormones, PCD, and cell dehydration. Besides, the increased expression of sugar and terpenoid biosynthesis-related genes in TZ further confirmed the close connection between terpenoid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolites of A. melanoxylon. Furthermore, the integrated analysis of metabolism data and RNA-seq data showed the key transcription factors (TFs) regulating flavonoids and phenolics accumulation in HW, including negative correlation TFs (WRKY, MYB) and positive correlation TFs (AP2, bZIP, CBF, PB1, and TCP). And, the genes and metabolites from phenylpropanoid and flavonoid metabolism and biosynthesis were up-regulated and largely accumulated in TZ and HW, respectively. The findings of this research provide a basis for comprehending the buildup of metabolites and the molecular regulatory processes of HW formation in A. melanoxylon.
Effect of genotyping errors on linkage map construction based on repeated chip analysis of two recombinant inbred line populations in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Wang Xinru , Wang Jiankang , Xia Xianchun , Xu Xiaowan , Li Lingli , Cao Shuanghe , Hao Yuanfeng , Zhang Luyan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLinkage maps are essential for genetic mapping of phenotypic traits, gene map-based cloning, and marker-assisted selection in breeding applications. Construction of a high-quality saturated map requires high-quality genotypic data on a large number of molecular markers. Errors in genotyping cannot be completely avoided, no matter what platform is used. When genotyping error reaches a threshold level, it will seriously affect the accuracy of the constructed map and the reliability of consequent genetic studies. In this study, repeated genotyping of two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations derived from crosses Yangxiaomai × Zhongyou 9507 and Jingshuang 16 × Bainong 64 was used to investigate the effect of genotyping errors on linkage map construction. Inconsistent data points between the two replications were regarded as genotyping errors, which were classified into three types. Genotyping errors were treated as missing values, and therefore the non-erroneous data set was generated. Firstly, linkage maps were constructed using the two replicates as well as the non-erroneous data set. Secondly, error correction methods implemented in software packages QTL IciMapping (EC) and Genotype-Corrector (GC) were applied to the two replicates. Linkage maps were therefore constructed based on the corrected genotypes and then compared with those from the non-erroneous data set. Simulation study was performed by considering different levels of genotyping errors to investigate the impact of errors and the accuracy of error correction methods. Results indicated that map length and marker order differed among the two replicates and the non-erroneous data sets in both RIL populations. For both actual and simulated populations, map length was expanded as the increase in error rate, and the correlation coefficient between linkage and physical maps became lower. Map quality can be improved by repeated genotyping and error correction algorithm. When it is impossible to genotype the whole mapping population repeatedly, 30% would be recommended in repeated genotyping. The EC method had a much lower false positive rate than did the GC method under different error rates. This study systematically expounded the impact of genotyping errors on linkage analysis, providing potential guidelines for improving the accuracy of linkage maps in the presence of genotyping errors.
Analyzing genetic diversity in luffa and developing a Fusarium wilt-susceptible linked SNP marker through a single plant genome-wide association (sp-GWAS) study
Authors: Li Yun-Da , Liu Yu-Chi , Jiang Yu-Xuan , Namisy Ahmed , Chung Wen-Hsin , Sun Ying-Hsuan , Chen Shu-Yun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Luffa (Luffa spp.) is an economically important crop of the Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as sponge gourd or vegetable gourd. It is an annual cross-pollinated crop primarily found in the subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas. Luffa serves not only as a vegetable but also exhibits medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Moreover, the fiber derived from luffa finds extensive applications in various fields such as biotechnology and construction. However, luffa Fusarium wilt poses a severe threat to its production, and existing control methods have proven ineffective in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental considerations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop luffa varieties resistant to Fusarium wilt. Single-plant GWAS (sp-GWAS) has been demonstrated as a promising tool for the rapid and efficient identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with target traits, as well as closely linked molecular markers.

Results
In this study, a collection of 97 individuals from 73 luffa accessions including two major luffa species underwent single-plant GWAS to investigate luffa Fusarium wilt resistance. Utilizing the double digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) method, a total of 8,919 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. The analysis revealed the potential for Fusarium wilt resistance in accessions from both luffa species. There are 6 QTLs identified from 3 traits, including the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), a putative disease-resistant QTL, was identified on the second chromosome of luffa. Within the region of linkage disequilibrium, a candidate gene homologous to LOC111009722, which encodes peroxidase 40 and is associated with disease resistance in Cucumis melo, was identified. Furthermore, to validate the applicability of the marker associated with resistance from sp-GWAS, an additional set of 21 individual luffa plants were tested, exhibiting 93.75% accuracy in detecting susceptible of luffa species L. aegyptiaca Mill.

Conclusion
In summary, these findings give a hint of genome position that may contribute to luffa wild resistance to Fusarium and can be utilized in the future luffa wilt resistant breeding programs aimed at developing wilt-resistant varieties by using the susceptible-linked SNP marker.
Comparison of bicarbonate Ringer’s solution with lactated Ringer’s solution among postoperative outcomes in patients with laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy: a single-centre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Song Jie , Liu Yingying , Li Yun , Huang Xiaoci , Zhang Muchun , Liu Xiaofeng , Hu Xianwen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The study was aimed to investigate the positive impact of bicarbonate Ringer’s solution on postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy. Patients in the two groups were infused with lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS, n = 38) and the bicarbonate Ringer’s solution (BRS, n = 38) at a rate of 5 ml·kg–1·h–1. The stroke volume was monitored and 200 ml of hydroxyethyl starch with 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection (Hes) of a bolus was given in the first 5–10 min. The main outcome was to test lactic acid (LAC) concentration before and after surgery. The concentrations of LAC in the LRS group were higher than in the BRS group at 2 h after operation began, at the end of the operation and 2 h after the operation. Overall, the parameters including pH, base excess (BE), HCO3−, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were improved. The values of bilirubin in the LRS group were higher and albumin were lower than in the BRS group at post-operation 1st and 2nd day (P<0.05). The time of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in the LRS group were longer than that in the BRS group at post-operation 1st and 2nd day (P<0.05). Likewise, the concentrations of Mg2+, Na+ and K+ also varied significantly. The length of hospital was reduced, and the incidence of premature ventricular contractions (P = 0.042) and total complications (P = 0.016) were lower in group BRS.

Trial registration
The study was registered at clinicalTrials.gov with the number ChiCTR2000038077 on 09/09/2020.
Prediction of walking speed one year following hip fracture based on pre-fracture assessments of mobility and physical activity
Authors: Heiberg Kristi Elisabeth , Beckmann Monica , Bruun-Olsen Vigdis 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Older people with hip fracture are often medically frail, and many do not regain their walking ability and level of physical activity. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between pre-fracture recalled mobility, fear of falling, physical activity, walking habits and walking speed one year after hip fracture.

Methods
The study had a longitudinal design. Measurements were performed 3–5 days postoperatively (baseline) and at one year after the hip fracture. The measurements at baseline were all subjective outcome measures recalled from pre-fracture: The New Mobility Scale (NMS), the ‘Walking Habits’ questionnaire, The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Scale, Fear of Falling International (FES-I) and demographic variables. At one year 4-meter walking speed, which was a part of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was assessed.

Results
At baseline 207 participants were included and 151 were assessed after one year. Their age was mean (SD) 82.7 (8.3) years (range 65–99 years). Those with the fastest walking speed at one year had a pre-fracture habit of regular walks with a duration of ≥ 30 min and/or a frequency of regular walks of 5–7 days a week. Age (p =.020), number of comorbidities (p <.001), recalled NMS (p <.001), and recalled UCLA Activity Scale (p =.007) were identified as predictors of walking speed at one year. The total model explained 54% of the variance in walking speed.

Conclusions
Duration and frequency of regular walks before the hip fracture play a role in walking speed recovery one year following the fracture. Subjective outcome measures of mobility and physical activity, recalled from pre-fracture can predict walking speed at one year. They are gentle on the old and medically frail patients in the acute phase after hip fracture, as well as clinically less time consuming.