bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Residual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and firefighters' hematological profile
Authors: Zhu Mingze , Agnew Robert J. , Xu Chao , VanWagoner Timothy , Xu Xin , Hwang Jooyeon 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionFirefighters are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during fire suppression, but the extent of PAH penetration through turnout gear and its impact on blood cell components remains uncertain. The main objective of this study is to investigate the residual levels of PAHs on turnout gear and skin, and to assess their potential effects on blood cell components in firefighters. We hypothesize that firefighting activities lead to increased PAH exposure, which in turn may induce alterations in blood cell composition. We also hypothesize that differences in PAH exposure and corresponding blood cell changes will be observed between volunteer and career firefighters.MethodsForty-seven firefighters were recruited from 11 fire departments in Oklahoma. PAH levels on gear and skin were measured, and complete blood count (CBC) parameters were analyzed. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to examine differences in PAH exposures and hematological profiles between volunteer and career firefighters and possible changes over time. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were performed to assess the relationships between PAHs and blood cells.ResultsOur analysis revealed significant hematological differences between volunteer and career firefighters, with volunteers exhibiting lower aerobic capacity and higher systemic inflammation. Increased levels of specific PAHs were found on volunteers' gear post-fire.ConclusionOur findings indicate an association between PAH exposure and changes in blood parameters, emphasizing the need for improved decontamination protocols and protective measures, particularly for volunteer firefighters.
Single-cell transcriptome revealed dysregulated RNA-binding protein expression patterns and functions in human ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Ren Zheng , Li Chenyang , Wang Jing , Sui Jiangtao , Ma Yuan 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the expression characteristics and regulatory patterns of RBPs in different immune cell types of AS, and to clarify the potential key role of RBPs in the occurrence and development of AS disease.MethodsPBMC sample data from scRNA-seq (HC*29, AS*10) and bulk RNA-seq (NC*3, AS*5) were selected for correlation analysis.Results(1) Compared with the HC group, the numbers of B, DC (dendritic cells), CD14+ Mono and CD8+ T cells were increased in AS group, while the numbers of platelet (platelets), CD8+ NKT, CD16+ Mono (non-classical monocytes), Native CD4+ T and NK were decreased. (2) Through the analysis of RBP genes in B cells, some RBPs were found to play an important role in B cell differentiation and function, such as DDX3X, SFPQ, SRRM1, UPF2. (3) It may be related to B-cell receptor, IgA immunity, NOD-like receptor and other signaling pathways; Through the analysis of RBP genes in CD8+ T cells, some RBPs that play an important role in the immune regulation of CD8+ T were found, such as EIF2S3, EIF4B, HSPA5, MSL3, PABPC1 and SRSF7; It may be related to T cell receptor, TNF, IL17 and other signaling pathways. (4) Based on bulk RNA-seq, it was found that compared with HC and AS patients, differentially expressed variable splicing genes (RASGs) may play an important role in the occurrence and development of AS by participating in transcriptional regulation, protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination, DNA replication, angiogenesis, intracellular signal transduction and other related pathways.ConclusionRBPs has specific expression characteristics in different immune cell types of AS patients, and has important regulatory functions. Its abnormal expression and regulation may be closely related to the occurrence and development of AS.
The bioelectric mechanisms of local calcium dynamics in cancer cell proliferation: an extension of the A549 in silico cell model
Authors: Langthaler Sonja , Zumpf Christian , Rienmüller Theresa , Shrestha Niroj , Fuchs Julia , Zhou Rui , Pelzmann Brigitte , Zorn-Pauly Klaus , Fröhlich Eleonore , Weinberg Seth H. , Baumgartner Christian 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionAdvances in molecular targeting of ion channels may open up new avenues for therapeutic approaches in cancer based on the cells’ bioelectric properties. In addition to in-vitro or in-vivo models, in silico models can provide deeper insight into the complex role of electrophysiology in cancer and reveal the impact of altered ion channel expression and the membrane potential on malignant processes. The A549 in silico model is the first computational cancer whole-cell ion current model that simulates the bioelectric mechanisms of the human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 during the different phases of the cell cycle. This work extends the existing model with a detailed mathematical description of the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and the complex local intracellular calcium dynamics, which significantly affect the entire electrophysiological properties of the cell and regulate cell cycle progression.MethodsThe initial model was extended by a multicompartmental approach, addressing the heterogenous calcium profile and dynamics in the ER-PM junction provoked by local calcium entry of store-operated calcium channels (SOCs) and uptake by SERCA pumps. Changes of cytosolic calcium levels due to diffusion from the ER-PM junction, release from the ER by RyR channels and IP3 receptors, as well as corresponding PM channels were simulated and the dynamics evaluated based on calcium imaging data. The model parameters were fitted to available data from two published experimental studies, showing the function of CRAC channels and indirectly of IP3R, RyR and PMCA via changes of the cytosolic calcium levels.ResultsThe proposed calcium description accurately reproduces the dynamics of calcium imaging data and simulates the SOCE mechanisms. In addition, simulations of the combined A549-SOCE model in distinct phases of the cell cycle demonstrate how Ca2+ - dynamics influence responding channels such as KCa, and consequently modulate the membrane potential accordingly.DiscussionLocal calcium distribution and time evolution in microdomains of the cell significantly impact the overall electrophysiological properties and exert control over cell cycle progression. By providing a more profound description, the extended A549-SOCE model represents an important step on the route towards a valid model for oncological research and in silico supported development of novel therapeutic strategies.
High efficiency continuous-wave Ho: LSO laser wing-pumped by the laser diode at 1.91 μm
Authors: Cui Zheng , Yu Yong , Pan Chao 
Published: May 2024

We present a high-efficiency continuous-wave Ho: LSO laser wing-pumped by a 1.91 μm laser diode. The impact of different output transmittances on the laser output power is compared and analyzed. The optimal result was achieved with a −500-mm radius curvature and a 6% transmission output coupler. The maximum output power of the Ho: LSO laser is 7.81 W, with a slope efficiency of 44.7%, a center wavelength of 2,106.6 nm, and beam quality factors of 1.4 in the x-direction and 1.3 in the y-direction.
Development of an assessment tool for designated medical institutions in China——Based on the application of an online assessment system
Authors: Wang Qian , Dai Ruiming , Yu Qianqian , Zhang Tiantian , Wu Bin 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundDue to the expanding coverage of medical insurance and the growth of medical expenses, the ability to assess the performance of designated medical institutions (DMIs) in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care and the standardized use of funds represents a priority in China. Despite such interest, there has yet to be an operable standard and labor-saving method for assessing DMIs in China.ObjectiveThe main objectives include two aspects: (1) establishing an evaluation index system for DMIs based on contracts; (2) designing and developing an online evaluation platform.MethodsA group of 20 experts with theoretical and practical expertise in medical insurance regulation and performance evaluation were invited to select available indicators. A combination weighting method based on analytic hierarchy process and entropy method was used to determine the weight coefficient. Shanghai was taken as the sample area, and 760 DMIs were included in the empirical research. The test-retest reliability method and criterion-related validity method was used to test the reliability and the validity of the evaluation result.ResultsAn assessment index system that included 6 domains and 56 indicators was established in this study. Furthermore, we developed an online platform to assist in the implementation of the assessment. The results showed that the average score of assessment was 94.39, the median was 96.92. The test-retest reliability value was 0.96 (P ≤ 0.01), which indicated high stability of the assessment. In addition, there was a significant negative relationship between assessment score and the penalty amount of DMIs (R = −0.133, P &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for the basic characteristics of medical institutions, the number of visits and revenue, the negative relationship was still significant (B = −0.080, P &lt; 0.05). These results are consistent with expectations, indicating that the assessment had good criterion-related validity.ConclusionsThis study established an operable assessment measure and developed an online platform to assess the performance of DMIs. The results showed good feasibility and reliability in empirical research. Our research findings provided an operable Chinese solution for DMI assessment that saves manpower and time, which would have good enlightening significance in other regions of China and in low-income and middle-income countries internationally.
Sexual and Gender Minority Status and Suicide Mortality: An Explainable Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Authors: Yin Ying , Workman T. Elizabeth , Blosnich John R. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Skanderson Melissa , Shao Yijun , Goulet Joseph L. , Zeng-Treitler Qing 
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Suicide risk is elevated in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Limited data on LGBT status in healthcare systems hinder our understanding of this risk. This study used natural language processing to extract LGBT status and a deep neural network (DNN) to examine suicidal death risk factors among US Veterans.Methods: Data on 8.8 million veterans with visits between 2010 and 2017 was used. A case-control study was performed, and suicide death risk was analyzed by a DNN. Feature impacts and interactions on the outcome were evaluated.Results: The crude suicide mortality rate was higher in LGBT patients. However, after adjusting for over 200 risk and protective factors, known LGBT status was associated with reduced risk compared to LGBT-Unknown status. Among LGBT patients, black, female, married, and older Veterans have a higher risk, while Veterans of various religions have a lower risk.Conclusion: Our results suggest that disclosed LGBT status is not directly associated with an increase suicide death risk, however, other factors (e.g., depression and anxiety caused by stigma) are associated with suicide death risks.
Prognostic Assessment of Histopathologic Lesions in Patients with Community-Acquired AKI with Biopsy-Proven Acute Tubular Necrosis
Authors: Cui Fangzheng , Zhang Jieting , Ruan Mengna , Lu Yunhui , Wu Jun , Chen Zewei , Xue Cheng , Xu Jing , Mao Zhiguo 
Published: May 2024

Key Points

The severity of acute tubular necrosis was closely associated with renal survival.Crescent and arterial lesions are significantly associated with progression to ESKD and exerted superimposing effects together with acute tubular necrosis.Tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis and intracapillary lesions increase the risk of CKD stage 3–5.

Background
Community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI) was more likely to be comorbid with underlying kidney histopathological lesions in addition to acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Thus, we tried to clarify the histological determinants that could influence the prognosis and recovery of patients with CA-AKI with biopsy-proven ATN.

Methods
Adult patients with CA-AKI with biopsy-proven ATN who underwent renal biopsy at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018, were included and followed up for 5 years. The impacts of histopathological lesions on short-term and long-term renal dysfunction were also analyzed.

Results
Multivariate analysis revealed that ATNs, crescents, and decrease of arteriole lumens increased short-term dialysis requirements. The severity of ATN was closely associated with renal survival. According to the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the severity of ATN was significantly associated with short-term dialysis needs and long-term development of ESKD during follow-up. Crescent and decrease of arteriole lumens are significantly associated with progression to ESKD and exert synergistic effects with ATN. For patients who did not progress to dialysis, tubular atrophic/interstitial fibrosis and endocapillary lesions were more relevant to partial recovery of renal function after CA-AKI at the 3-month follow-up and increased the risk of CKD stage 3–5 at the 5-year follow-up. According to our correlation analysis, endocapillary lesions and crescents were positively correlated with ATN.

Conclusions
Histopathologic lesions, apart from tubular necrosis, contributed to the detrimental short-term and long-term renal prognosis of patients with CA-AKI with ATN; concomitant histopathologic lesions exerted a combined impact on renal survival together with ATN in patients with CA-AKI.
Long-term Outcomes of Surgical Correction of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Vaykin V. E. , Gamzaev A. B. O. , Ryazanov M. V. , Aminov K. M. , Shakhov E. B. , Zhiltsov D. D. , Shamatolskiy A. N. , Zhurko S. A. , Fedorov S. A. , Bolshukhin G. V. 
Published: May 2024

Objective: To evaluate long-term outcomes of mitral valve annuloplasty using an autologous pericardial strip (“soft support ring” type) and a rigid support ring in combination with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation.Materials and methods: We carried out retrospective and prospective analyses of the treatment outcomes in 90 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic mitral regurgitation. Ischemic mitral regurgitation (grade 2 or above) was an inclusion criterion for patients with CHD. Exclusion criteria were as follows: nonischemic mitral regurgitation, acute myocardial infarction, progressive angina pectoris, and repeated heart interventions. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients from group 1 underwent CABG with mitral regurgitation correction using a strip of glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium (“soft support ring” type) according to our own method, whereas patients from group 2 underwent CABG with mitral regurgitation correction using a rigid support ring. The analysis revealed that the groups were comparable in all the studied parameters.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the number of postoperative complications and hospital mortality between the groups. According to the analyzed data obtained at the time of discharge, all the patients had grade 0-1 mitral regurgitation, which shows a complete restoration of the mitral valve function after annuloplasty. In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in the end-diastolic volume and an increase in ejection fraction, which is a sign of reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling. The mean follow-up was 44±7.4 months. No deaths were reported during the follow-up. The results of the examination in the long-term period did not reveal negative dynamics in most patients compared with the findings in the early postoperative period. The LV size also did not change significantly, and the ejection fraction demonstrated an upward trend. One patient in each group had a recurrence of grade 3 mitral regurgitation.Conclusions: The immediate outcomes showed no recurrence of mitral regurgitation, a low number of intraoperative and postoperative complications, and pronounced reverse LV remodeling. We observed stable results in the long-term follow-up: only one patient in each group had a recurrence of mitral regurgitation. Reverse LV remodeling persisted throughout the follow-up. There were no significant differences between the groups in any parameter, which indicates that the developed annuloplasty method is not inferior to the traditional technique with a rigid support ring.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Ultrasound Diagnosis of Fetal Central Nervous System Anomalies Between 19 and 22 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Pomortsev A. V. , Redko A. N. , Barsukova E. A. , Matosyan M. A. , Dyachenko J. Yu. , Dyachenko R. A. , Beloglyadova I. A. , Yanaeva M. V. , Babayan V. T. 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), in medical imaging is a current hot topic. Standardization of radiologic and ultrasound scans of the studied area is a prerequisite for implementation of this computer system. It is important to create and apply AI in ultrasound diagnosis of fetal central nervous system (CNS) anomalies in order to improve the quality of differential diagnosis.Objective: To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of AI in detecting fetal CNS anomalies between 19 and 22 weeks’ gestation. Materials and methods: We conducted a multicenter 2-stage study to evaluate AI effectiveness in detecting fetal CNS anomalies between 19 and 22 weeks’ gestation. At stage I, more than 1500 pregnant women underwent sonographic examination of the fetal head in the axial plane with 5 anatomical landmarks, and we recorded a 15-second video in the MP4 format (video sequence). At stage II, we tested “Decision-Making System for Detecting Fetal Central Nervous System Anomalies” to determine its diagnostic accuracy.Results: The diagnostic accuracy of the developed software (“Formulation of an Imaging-Based Diagnosis of Fetal Central Nervous System Anomalies”) in regard to such parameters as “normal findings” and “abnormal findings” was 78.9%. The diagnostic accuracy for formulation of a specific imaging-based diagnosis was 74.4%.Conclusions: The AI implemented into modern ultrasound differential diagnosis of fetal CNS anomalies between 19 and 22 weeks’ gestation will make it possible to formulate an imaging-based diagnosis (“normal findings”/“abnormal findings”) with high accuracy and can be used as an additional computer technology in the primary screening of pregnant women.
Comprehensive Assessment of the Efficacy of Chitosan-Based Wound Dressings in Combination With Various Antiseptics
Authors: Gumenyuk S. E. , Kachanova O. A. , Ushmarov D. I. , Gumenyuk A. S. , Shokel O. Yu. , Isyanova D. R. , Shevchenko E. A. , Zhuravleva E. V. , Verevkin A. A. , Melkonian K. I. 
Published: May 2024

Background: A pressing issue in modern purulent surgery is the growing number of microbial strains resistant to antibiotics. One of the strategies to address this issue is to develop novel wound dressings (WD) with incorporation of antiseptics that can prevent or reduce infection without conventional antibiotics.Objective: To compare the efficacy of chitosan-based WD with immobilized antiseptics and their combinations in in vitro and in vivo experiments.Materials and methods: We conducted a multistage randomized controlled in vitro and in vivo study investigating samples of chitosan-based WD with incorporated antiseptics (polyhexanide, octenidine dihydrochloride, povidone-iodine, and a combination of polyhexanide and octenidine) in international concentrations and diluted. The antimicrobial activity of antiseptics was evaluated in vitro by broth microdilution and disk diffusion methods. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were used as reference cultures. For in vivo experiments, we formed experimental purulent wounds of soft tissues in laboratory animals (male rats weighing 300±50 g) according to our own method and treated the wounds with the investigated WD. The dynamics of the wound process was assessed by clinical and cytological data, as well as intravital ultrasonography findings.Results: Depending on the prolongation of time to maintain an effective concentration in the wound and minimal irritating effect on the tissue, we ranked antiseptic agents as follows: polyhexanide>octenidine>povidone-iodine. The combination of polyhexanide and octenidine did not demonstrate the expected synergistic effect; however, it had a positive therapeutic effect on the wound comparable to that of other antiseptics used alone. The comprehensive assessment of the wound process showed that WD with immobilized polyhexanide demonstrated the best wound healing and antiseptic effect. Reliable signs of wound healing with further positive dynamics were observed by day 7. It was almost 2 times faster compared with other experimental samples.Conclusions: Chitosan is a promising material to be used as a chemically inert matrix for programmed delivery of various drugs, including antimicrobial drugs, into the wound. The studied WD with immobilized antiseptics did not demonstrate a pronounced cytotoxic and depressing effect on processes of soft tissue remodeling and, on the contrary, significantly reduced the time of wound transition to the proliferation phase.
Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale
Authors: Almeqdadi Farouq , Al-Shurafat Saleh Swalem , Afari Ernest , Khine Myint Swe 
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Interest in Mindfulness in several professions including teaching has increased. To develop the techniques and methods based on mindfulness, several research papers were carried on this topic in teaching according to a comprehensive definition that takes into account awareness, memory and retention to describe a variety of teaching practices, processes and features.
Methods: The original version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS) was in English. The researchers translated it into Arabic and administered it to a sample of 554 Jordanian teachers. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a two-factor structure (teacher intrapersonal mindfulness and teacher interpersonal mindfulness) as proposed by the scale’s authors.
Results: The results have demonstrated that the Arabic version of the mindfulness in teaching scale consisting of 14 items and two subscales is valid and reliable for teachers in Arabic speaking countries. The means, standard deviations, skewness, and kurtosis of the MTS-A items were obtained. Mean and standard deviation values ​​ranged from 1.58 to 3.65 and 0.841 to 1.21, respectively, indicating a narrow dispersion in participant responses around the mean.
Conclusions: The primary goal was to assess the MTS-A's validity and reliability among teachers in Jordan. With 9 items representing teachers' intrapersonal mindfulness and 5 items indicating teachers' interpersonal mindfulness, the 14-item two-factor CFA demonstrated that the model fit the data well. The findings show that the Arabic mindfulness in teaching scale, which consists of 14 questions and two subscales, is valid and trustworthy for use by instructors in Arabic-speaking regions.