bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebrospinal Fluid Cyclase-associated protein 2 is increased in Alzheimer’s disease and correlates with tau pathology
Authors: Padovani Alessandro , pilotto andrea , Pelucchi Silvia , D’Andrea Laura , Stringhi Ramona , Aksan Bahar , Caratozzolo Salvatore , Benussi Alberto , Galli Alice , Tirloni Clara , Mauceri Daniela , Canale Antonio , Archetti Silvana , Borroni Barbara , Luca Monica di , Marcello Elena 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Synaptic dysfunction is a significant event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2) plays a role in the modification of spines’ morphology as a result of synaptic plasticity. Previous studies have shown CAP2 alterations in AD models, though its function across the spectrum of AD has not been thoroughly evaluated. Our objectives were to assess whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CAP2 levels are specifically altered in AD compared to other neurodegenerative diseases and whether there is a relationship between CAP2 alteration and amyloid and tau-related biomarkers.
Methods: One hundred and ten patients with AD, namely prodromal (n=30) and mild to moderate AD (n=80), as well as 20 individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), 20 with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and 24 healthy controls (HC) underwent a standardized neurological and cognitive-behavioral assessment. Total and phosphorylated tau and Aβ42 levels in CSF were analyzed using Lumipulse, and CAP2 levels were measured using standard ELISA. Between-group differences and correlations among CSF biomarkers were assessed using non-parametric comparisons and partial correlation analyses adjusted for age, sex, and disease duration, respectively. In vitro, neuronal total and phosphorylated Tau were measured by using Western blot analyses in CAP2-downregulated neuronal cell cultures.
Results: AD patients (both prodromal and mild-to-moderate stages) showed higher levels of CSF CAP2 in comparison to controls and non-AD patients (p=0.001). In AD patients, CAP2 levels were independent of age, sex and Apolipoprotein-E (APOE) genotype but positively correlated with phosphorylated tau levels. In vitro neuronal cell experiments showed that the reduction of intracellular CAP2 expression correlated with phosphorylated tau levels.
Conclusions: CAP2 levels were significantly increased in CSF of AD patients already in prodromal stages. In AD, a correlation between CAP2 and phosporylated tau levels was found both in patients and neuron cellular models. These results further validate the significance of synaptic pathology and its relationship with neuronal dysfunction in AD.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the BAHD gene family in Leonurus japonicus
Authors: Wang Qing , Zhang Jiaxin , Lv Wenhan , Guo Tongtong , Yi Yuxiao , Yang Fengtang , Xu Jianing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Acylation represents a pivotal biochemical process that is instrumental in the modification of secondary metabolites throughout the growth and developmental stages of plants. The BAHD acyltransferase family within the plant kingdom predominantly utilizes coenzyme A thioester as the acyl donor, while employing alcohol or amine compounds as the acceptor substrates to facilitate acylation reactions. These reactions are crucial for the biosynthesis of a diverse array of products, including but not limited to lignin monomers, anthocyanins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Despite the importance of the BAHD acyltransferases in the context of plant biochemistry, an in-depth investigation into the BAHD gene family within the species Leonurus japonicus (L. japonicus) has yet to be conducted.
Results
Using bioinformatics approaches, the LjBAHD gene family members in the genome of L. japonicus were identified and characterized including gene structure, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements, and potential gene functions. In total, we detected 47 LjBAHD genes, unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes of L. japonicus, with subcellular localization predictions indicating a predominant cytoplasmic localization. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the LjBAHD genes into four distinct clades. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that the expression of BAHD genes is predominantly regulated by light and hormonal signals. Examination of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways demonstrated remarkably enrichment of LjBAHD genes in the biosynthetic pathways for Stilbenoids, diarylheptanoids and gingerol biosynthesis (Ko00945), as well as Flavonoid biosynthesis (Ko00941) and Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (Ko00940). To elucidate the roles of BAHD genes in various tissues of L. japonicus, the expression profiles of LjBAHD family members across different organs were scrutinized. Notably, a detailed study was conducted on a specific HCT gene (i.e. LjBAHD25) within the BAHD gene family. Analysis of its expression patterns suggested a role for LjBAHD25 in the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway in L. japonicus, contributing to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites with unique bioactivity.
Conclusion
The findings of this study have established a scientific foundation for the subsequent development and functional validation of the BAHD gene family in L. japonicus.
AEOL-Induced NRF2 Activation and DWORF Overexpression Mitigate Myocardial I/R Injury
Authors: Lax Antonio , Lopez Maria del Carmen Asensio , Ballester Miriam Ruiz , Oliver Silvia Pascual , Palacio Maria Josefa Fernandez del , Sassi Yassine , Fuster Jose Javier , Figal Domingo Pascual , Soler Fernando 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The causal relationship between the activation of NRF2 and the preservation of SERCA2a function in mitigating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (mI/R) injury, along with the associated regulatory mechanisms, remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to characterize this relationship by testing the pharmacological repositioning of AEOL-10150 (AEOL) as a novel NRF2 activator. C57BL6/J, Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2−/−), and wild-type (Nrf2+/+) mice, as well as human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSCMs) were subjected to I/R injury. Gain/loss of function techniques, RT-qPCR, western blotting, LC/MS/MS, and fluorescence spectroscopy were utilized. Cardiac dimensions and function were assessed by echocardiography. In the early stages of mI/R injury, AEOL administration reduced mitochondrial ROS production, decreased myocardial infarct size, and improved cardiac function. These effects were due to NRF2 activation, leading to the overexpression of the micro-peptide DWORF, consequently enhancing SERCA2a activity. The cardioprotective effect induced by AEOL was diminished in Nrf2−/− mice and in Nrf2/Dworf knockdown models in hiPSCMs subjected to simulated I/R injury. Our data show that AEOL-induced NRF2-mediated upregulation of DWORF disrupts the phospholamban-SERCA2a interaction, leading to enhanced SERCA2a activation and improved cardiac function. Taken together, our study reveals that AEOL-induced NRF2-mediated overexpression of DWORF enhances myocardial function through the activation of the SERCA2a offering promising therapeutic avenues for mI/R injury.
Assessing Glymphatic System Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease Using Enlarged Perivascular Spaces with Automatic Quantification and DTI-ALPS Method
Authors: Chen Fenyang , Zhang Zhiliang , Heng Tiantian , Feng Qi , Yu Bo , Wang Haibing , Hua Rui , Wu Jiaojiao , Shi Feng , Liao Zhengluan , Ding Zhongxiang , Xu Xiufang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The glymphatic system has gained widespread attention in neurodegenerative diseases. The present study attempted to jointly assess the glymphatic system in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and normal controls (NC) using diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) and perivascular spaces (PVS) indexes as evaluation metrics.
Materials & Methods
A total of 89 AD, 24 aMCI, and 32 NC participants were recruited in this study. The bilateral ALPS index was calculated on the DTI image. A deep learning V-shape bottleneck network (VB-Net) model was employed to automatically segment the lesion of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS). The total volume and the number of EPVS lesions was estimated as EPVS burden, while the volume fractions of basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CSO) EPVS were counted. All indexes above were compared among the three groups, followed by correlation analyses using cognitive scales including MMSE and MoCA scales.
Results
VB-Net model segmented the EPVS lesions automatically and precisely. In the stage of glymphatic assessment, AD and aMCI groups exhibited varying degrees of lower ALPS index values, higher EPVS burden and BG EPVS volume fraction in both hemispheres of the brain compared to NC. ALPS index values, EPVS burden, and BG EPVS volume fraction were significantly correlated with cognitive clinical scales. EPVS burden and BG EPVS volume fraction were also correlated with ALPS index.
Conclusion
Our study confirmed impairments in the glymphatic system parameters of patients with AD and aMCI with DTI-ALPS and EPVS, correlated with worse cognitive performance, which provided an in-depth understanding and facilitated early detection of the disease.
Heterogeneous and scale-dependent behaviour of an initially dense sand specimen in triaxial compression
Authors: Schmidt Selma , Herle Ivo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The heterogeneity of a dense sand specimen in triaxial compression has been revealed in many different studies using tools such as x-ray computed tomography. It has been shown that a significant variation of the soil variables already exists at the initial state and that, if shear banding occurs, all variables localise inside the specimen. To resolve the discrepancy between such observations and the assumption of a homogeneous specimen, which is commonly made in the interpretation of triaxial tests, one could either extract the local soil behaviour rather than the global one or use the initial distribution of the variables as the initial state of a boundary value problem. For both purposes, the size of a representative elementary volume (REV) is determined regarding the void ratio, two contact fabric descriptors, the volumetric and deviatoric strain. The size of the REV is either determined for individual loading states or by considering the evolution of deforming elements throughout the triaxial test. At the final loading state, a REV size of 3.6 d50 is identified, which is also the size where the statistical distribution of the variables becomes independent of the element size. The same size is determined for the deforming elements and is therefore used to extract the soil behaviour from the evolving shear band. The local soil behaviour is found to be much simpler than the global one, which suggests that the complexity of the global behaviour mainly results from homogenising the highly different zones inside the specimen.
Mind, Money, and Medicine: Socio-Economic Status, Stress, and Its Psychological Echoes in Aspiring Physicians
Authors: Gellisch Morris , Olk Bettina , Schäfer Thorsten , Brand-Saberi Beate 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: The escalating prevalence of mental health issues among young adults, set against the backdrop of a global healthcare system under pressure, underscores the necessity for cultivating a resilient medical workforce. This study investigates the influence of socio-economic status (SES) on psychological well-being, with a particular focus on Anxiety Sensitivity (AS) and Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) among first-year medical students. Understanding the psychological dimensions affecting medical students is crucial for fostering a future medical workforce that is both capable and mentally healthy.
Methods: This research involved 321 first-year medical students, evaluated using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (UI-18), and the Student Self-Efficacy Scale (SSE), alongside socio-economic categorization. Employing descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and correlation analyses, the study aimed at elucidating the SES impact on AS and IU, among other psychological constructs.
Results: The analysis revealed significant SES-related differences, especially in the realms of Anxiety Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty. Notably, ASI_C (cognitive concerns) exhibited strong positive correlations with both UI_A (reduced ability to act due to IU) (Pearson's r = 0.562, p < .001) and UI_B (burden due to IU) (Pearson's r = 0.605, p < .001), highlighting the link between cognitive aspects of anxiety and uncertainty intolerance. Furthermore, UI_C (vigilance due to IU) was significantly associated with SES (F(4, 316) = 2.719, p = .030, η² = 0.033), pointing to the complex ways in which socio-economic factors modulate responses to uncertainty. Self-efficacy emerged as a significant counterbalance, showing protective associations against the adverse effects of heightened Anxiety Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty.
Conclusion: The study's findings accentuate the critical influence of socio-economic status on Anxiety Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty among medical students, at a juncture when their role in the healthcare system is increasingly vital. The strong association between lower SES and greater expressions of ASI and UI underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions. Addressing these psychological challenges is essential for preparing a resilient medical workforce, equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary healthcare delivery with not only medical expertise but also mental fortitude.
The epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis in Sweden - a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Dlugosz Aldona , Berglund Anders , Uhde Milica 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus. Previous studies have indicated a substantial increase of EoE over the last decades. The aim of the current study was to describe the incidence and prevalence of EoE over time and by geographical regions in Sweden, utilizing nationwide population-based registries.Material and Methods The number of hospital admissions (in-patient and out-patient) for patients were identified using ICD-10-SE code K20.9A from the National Patient Registry between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2021. Crude incidence and prevalence numbers were presented per 100,000 person years and persons, respectively.Results In 2011, no hospital visits of EoE were recorded. A total of 3,243 incident patients (2,379 (73.4%) men and 864 (26.6%) women) had a record of EoE between 2012 and 2021. The incidence increased over calendar year in where the incidence was from 1.59 per 100,000 person years in 2012 to 5.34 per 100,000 person years in 2021. The prevalence was 1.29 per 100,000 person years and 31.02 per 100,000 person years in 2012 and 2021, respectively. Major differences in the prevalence between geographical regions in Sweden were observed, e.g. in 2021, the prevalence was 12.24 in Västernorrland compared to 43.26 in Västra Götaland per 100,000 person years, which is similar to the prevalence in the Stockholm region.Conclusion The incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis has significantly increased over calendar year but differs between geographical regions in Sweden. These differences should be further investigated.
MicroRNA363-5p Targets Thrombospondin3 to Regulate Pathological Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Ma Yu-Kun , Han Xin-yi , Zan Shu-huai , Liu Hui-ting , Zhou Xue-yan , Zhao Dan-xue , Xing Rui , Zhao Peng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cardiac remodeling is an end-stage manifestation of multiple cardiovascular diseases, and microRNAs are involved in a variety of posttranscriptional regulatory processes. miR-363-5p targeting of Thrombospondin3 (THBS3) has been shown to play an important regulatory role in vascular endothelial cells, but the roles of these two in cardiac remodeling are unknown. We first established an in vivo model of cardiac remodeling induced by transverse aortic narrow (TAC). human cardiomyocyte cell line (AC16) and human cardiac fibroblast cell line (HCF) were treated with 1 µmol/L angiotensin II (AngⅡ) to construct an in vitro model of myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. In all three of the above models, we found a significant decreasing trend of miR-363-5p, suggesting that it plays a key regulatory role in the occurrence and development of cardiac remodeling. Subsequently, overexpression of miR-363-5p significantly attenuated myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in vitro as evidenced by reduced the area of AC16, the cell viability of HCFs, the relative expression of the protein of fetal genes (ANP, BNP, β-MHC) and fibrosis marker (collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, α-MSA), whereas inhibition of miR-363 -5p expression showed the opposite trend. In addition, we also confirmed the targeted binding relationship between miR-363-5p and THBS3 by dual luciferase reporter gene assay, and the relative expression of THBS3 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased upon overexpression of miR-363-5p. Moreover, overexpression of miR-363-5p with THBS3 Simultaneously partially eliminated the delaying effect of miR-363-5p on myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in vitro. In conclusion, Overexpression of miR-363-5p attenuated the prohypertrophic and profibrotic effects of Ang II on AC16 and HCF by a mechanism related to the inhibition of THBS3 expression.
Analyzed the dynamic measurement of the growth and development to children born of vanishing twin syndrome : A propensity matching study
Authors: yu chunmei , Ge Yingjia , Chen Yang , wang xiaoyu , Zhou Jing , Wang Shuxian , Chen Yu , Lu Renjie , Hu Lingmin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of vanishing twin syndrome (VTS) on the dynamic measurement of growth and development to the singletons (0-3years) born from frozen embryo transfer(FET).
Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort design and was carried out at a single center from January 2017 to December 2023. The follow-up data of the children were obtained from the Jiangsu Province Maternal and Child Database. A total of 719 singleton live births were included,according to whether or not VTS occurred,they were divided into two groups resulting to the 653 children and 66 children, respectively. To optimize statistical efficiency and reduce confounding variables, singletons conceived using VTS were matched at a 4:1 ratio based on the couple's ages, BMI, occupation, women's AMH, and embryo status, ultimately 66 children in the VTS group and 264 children in the non-VTS group were included in the final analysis.
Results: After the propensity matching , there was no significant difference in growth and development of children between the VTS group and non-VTS group. The number of the embryo transfer in VTS group were higher than the non-VTS group(p＜0.0001).The height and the head circumference (3 months) in VTS group were lower than the non-VTS group(p＜0.05).
Conclusions: The occurrence of VTS did not detrimental affect the growth and development of offspring(0-3years) from FET. More reasonable, comprehensive and long-term follow-up results are needed for further verification. More than one embryo transfer not only increases the rate of multiple births, but also increases the occurrence of VTS in assisted reproductive technology(ART).
Cumulative Deficits Frailty Index and Relationship Status Predict Survival in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Kumar Shaji , Abdallah Nadine , Dizona Paul , Kumar Amanika , Laplant Betsy , Terri Menser , Aug Sarah , Weivoda Megan , Dispenzieri Angela , Buadi Francis , Warsame Rahma , Cook Joselle , Lacy Martha , HAYMAN Suzanne , Gertz Morie , Rajkumar S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Several tools exist for assessing frailty in multiple myeloma (MM), but most are based on clinical trial datasets. In this study, we evaluate the prognostic impact of frailty based on the cumulative deficit frailty index (FI), and the prognostic impact of relationship and socioeconomic status (SES) in newly diagnosed MM patients. This is a retrospective study including 515 patients with MM seen at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) at diagnosis between 2005–2018. The FI was calculated using patient-reported data on activities of daily living and comorbidity data. Items were scored as 0/0.5/1, with 1 indicating deficit. The FI was calculated by adding individual scores and dividing that by the number of non-missing items. Frailty was defined as FI ≥ 0.15; 61% were non-frail and 39% were frail. Frailty and non-married/relationship status were associated with higher disease stage, decreased likelihood of early transplantation, and independently associated with decreased survival. SES was not independently associated with survival. Frail patients reported worse scores for fatigue, pain, and quality of life. In conclusion, a cumulative deficit FI was associated with higher symptom burden and decreased survival in a real-world cohort of newly diagnosed MM patients. Social support has prognostic value and should be assessed in clinical practice.
Anatomy of the third and fourth psoas major and quadratus lumborum muscles for lumbar compartment block surgery
Authors: Han Hoon Sub , Nam Yong Seok , Kim Won Kyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study has yielded basic data for use in medical practice by evaluating the relationships between the psoas major, quadratus lumborum, and surrounding vertebrae, and determining landmarks for use during compartmental block surgery of the psoas major and quadratus lumborum.
Methods
Radiographic data analyses and cadaver psoas major dissections were performed for anatomical observations and relationship comparisons with the quadratus lumborum and vertebrae. Radiological measurement data for the psoas major were obtained, yielding 106 sets of data.
Results
The length of the psoas major measured from the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra was significantly larger in males (60.5 ± 8.2 mm) than in females (48.8 ± 5.7 mm) (p < 0.05). also the length of the right psoas major of the fourth lumbar vertebra was significantly larger in males (73.5 ± 8.6 mm) than in females (60.7 ± 7.8 mm) (p < 0.05). The length of the quadratus lumborum of the third lumbar vertebra measured from the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra was significantly larger in males (89.2 ± 8.1 mm) than in female (74.2 ± 7.7 mm) (p < 0.05). also the length of the quadratus lumborum of the fourth lumbar vertebra measured from the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra was significantly larger in males (103.6 ± 10.6 mm) than in females (91.2 ± 9.9 mm) (p < 0.05). The lengths of the psoas major and quadratus lumborum of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae decreased with age.
Conclusion
The accumulating research data of clinical studies of the psoas major, quadratus lumborum, and lumbar approaches will help clinicians to choose the most appropriate methods for treatment and rehabilitation.