bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beekeeping in a natural area affects male fitness of a native plant
Authors: Tudanca María Paula Pascual , Medero Alejandra V. , Vázquez Diego P. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Biological invasions represent one of the main threats to biodiversity. The honeybee has been deliberately introduced into a wide range of habitats worldwide. Currently, beekeeping is turning to natural areas in search of better honey quality. This practice can boost honeybee abundance, with potential ecological consequences in the local ecosystems. Although previous studies have considered how female plant fitness responds to honeybees, we know little about their potential effects on male fitness. We studied experimentally the effect of increased honeybee abundance on male fitness of a dominant shrub, Larrea divaricata, in a dryland ecosystem in Villavicencio Nature Reserve, Mendoza, Argentina. In replicated study plots near and far from managed hives we estimated pollen removal and dispersal, self-pollination and outcrossing rates, the number of mating couples, and self-pollinated flowers. Honeybees restricted pollen dispersal distance, with a potential effect on male fitness. Our findings have important implications for maintaining the reproduction and persistence of wild plants exposed to nonnative pollinators and can serve as a guide to decision making about the introduction of managed honeybee hives in nature reserves.
Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease in Children: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Du JunYe , Yao Jiafeng , Ma Honghao , Li Li , Wei Ang , Zhang Liping , Wang Dong , Li Zhi Gang , Zhang Rui , Wang Tianyou 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, pathological phenotype, treatment and prognosis of idiopathic multicenter Castleman disease (iMCD)in children.
Methods:From January 2017 to September 2023, basic information, laboratory tests, treatment and prognosis of children diagnosed with iMCD who attended Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University were collected.
Results: A total of 9 children were enrolled, with a median age of onset of median 11 (2-15) years, 6 males and 3 female. 3 cases were pathologically typed as plasma cell type, 1 case was mixed type, and the remaining 5 cases were hyaline vascular type. 9 children received different regimens of chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 26 (13, 58) months, with no deaths, 7/9 cases showing improvement, 1/9 cases showing stable condition, and 1/9 cases showing active condition.
Conclusion: Children with multicentric CD often have systemic symptoms, lymph node enlargement and related compression symptoms are the most common manifestations, followed by fever, malaise and other systemic symptoms. Anti-IL-6-based therapy combined with hormones lenalidomide and other medications have a specific therapeutic effect on multicentric CD.
Screening and Validation of Hypoxia-related Signatures for Predicting Prognosis in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Tian Yuan , Guo Liang , Zhang Guoxia , Cheng Yuxia , Sun Qing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To screen the hypoxia-related signature in lung cancer, the study was designed and carried out.
Methods
Based on the TCGA-LUNG cohort, using R language-based bioinformatics analysis technology, hypoxia-related signatures were screened and verified by GEO data cohorts. The expression and prognostic value of KRT16 were further validated using immunohistochemical staining in non-small cell lung cancer tissue samples.
Results
The 73 hypoxia-related differentially expressed genes obtained from the preliminary analysis were intersected with the genes obtained by PPI analysis of the genes in the turquoise module, and then 23 hub genes were screened. Based on the 23 hub genes, a hypoxia-risk score predicting model containing 5 genes was constructed (ABCC5, CSTA, ATP11B, CLCA2, KRT16), and its better predictive efficacy was validated by the external data cohort GSE74777 and clinical samples (KRT16). The model performed well in multiple cancers and had excellent stability. Furthermore, this prediction model could also be used for assessments of clinical features, genomic alterations, immune infiltration, immunotherapy efficacy, chemotherapy efficacy, etc. In the multivariate prognostic Cox analysis, good independent predictive efficacy could also be found. In the validation analysis of clinical samples, high expression of KRT16 was found to be detrimental to the survival of patients.
Conclusion
In this study, a 5-gene risk predictive model of the hypoxia risk score was constructed, which demonstrated superior performance and served as a good independent prognostic marker in lung cancer.
Angiogenesis biomarkers discriminate multiple sclerosis phenotypes
Authors: Yong Heather Y.F. , Silva Claudia , Batty Nicholas J. , Zhang Yunyan , Koch Marcus , Camara-Lemarroy Carlos 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative disease characterized by a state of “virtual hypoxia” in the central nervous system. Angiogenesis, one of the main homeostatic responses to hypoxia, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis; and angioneurins (angiogenic molecules released by/exerting effects on neural cells) are reported to have conflicting roles in perpetuating or ameliorating disease. This study aimed to determine whether angiogenic molecules are dysregulated in the serum and central nervous system of multiple sclerosis patients.
Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 317 multiple sclerosis participants (n=130 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; n=187 with progressive multiple sclerosis; n=43 controls) followed at the multiple sclerosis clinic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A proportion of participants were in trials of domperidone and hydroxychloroquine. Angiogenic factors were measured using the Human Angiogenesis Array & Growth Factor Array® multiplex (Eve Technologies). A meta-analysis of publicly available transcriptomic databases was performed to explore if the differences seen in serum were similar to those within the central nervous system.
Results: Several angioneurins were dysregulated in multiple sclerosis serum compared to healthy controls with increased expression of epidermal growth factor (p<0.01) and leptin (p<0.05). Further, multiple sclerosis phenotypes had distinct angiogenic signatures: epidermal growth factor was significantly higher in the sera of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to progressive multiple sclerosis (p<0.0001), while endoglin was elevated in primary progressive (p<0.001) and secondary progressive (p<0.01) compared to relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis. Follistatin levels were exclusively higher in primary progressive compared to both relapse-remitting (p<0.001) and secondary progressive (p<0.0001) multiple sclerosis. Distinct angiogenic patterns were observed histologically in lesions and normal appearing brain tissue similar to what is seen in serum, with elevated epidermal growth factor across phenotypes, and elevated endoglin/follistatin in progressive multiple sclerosis lesions. Further, bone morphogenetic protein-9, endoglin, and follistatin were positively correlated with age and disability, while epidermal growth factor was negatively corresponded.
Conclusion: Angiogenesis is dysregulated in multiple sclerosis and across phenotypes. Angiogenesis may play complex roles in multiple sclerosis pathophysiology and be a relevant pathway, both in understanding disease mechanisms and as a possible therapeutic target.
Vaginal Microbiome and Long and Short Outcomes of Cervical Balloon Catheter Induction of Labor: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kan Sutong , Zhu Qingyi , Xu Hongbin , Gu Ying , Xiong Jiali , Zhou Liping , Wang Huiyan , Cao Xiaohui , Wang Xiuchao , Ma Beining , Hu Shiman , Chen Lianmin , Shi Zhonghua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Considering that balloon catheter placement for IOL involves a reproductive tract operation, its effectiveness may be affected by the reproductive tract environment. However, there is currently a lack of relevant evidence to support whether vaginal microbiota affects the maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes of balloon catheter placement for IOL. Therefore, In this multicenter prospective cohort study, we investigated the characteristics of vaginal microbiota in late pregnancy women and their relationship with short-term and long-term outcomes of cervical balloon catheter induced abortion.
Methods
We enrolled pregnant women from five hospitals in different cities in Jiangsu Province, China—including Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, and Suzhou Municipal Hospital and had them and their descendants follow up at the same hospital. Assessments during pregnancy include demographic data, pregnancy characteristics, complications of pregnancy, examinations in the third trimester. Before the balloon catheter placement, samples of vaginal secretions and prenatal maternal serum/plasma were collected from the study participants. Then the balloon catheter insertion was performed by a professional obstetrician. At birth, the immediate situation of the mother and newborn was recorded and biological samples such as amniotic fluid, maternal serum/plasma samples, mbilical cord samples, infant plantar blood spots collected. All biological samples were stored at -80°C, and metagenomic sequencing and human genome sequencing were performed uniformly after all samples had been collected. The offspring of the participants will continue to be followed up for a longer period of time (until the age of 3 years) to monitor their growth and development as well as disease outcomes. A research assistant will conduct the follow-up through phone calls and regularly organize physical examinations.
Discussion
This study is novel from the focuse on the interaction between metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and other multi-omics. Moreover, the study involves significant effort on performing follow-up examinations of offspring, which many previous studies lacked. The
MRI/CT guided multiregional ‘smart’ biopsy in sarcomas: a prospective development study
Authors: Johnston Edward William , Winfield Jessica M , Arthur Amani , Blackledge Matthew , Basso Jodie , Chowdhury Avirup , Hannay Jonathan , Hayes Andrew , Kelly-Morland Christian , Napolitano Andrea , Richardson Cheryl , Smith Myles , Strauss Dirk , Koh Dow-Mu , Jones Robin Lewis , Thway Khin , Huang Paul , Messiou Christina , Fotiadis Nicos 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Intratumoral heterogeneity means single site tumor biopsy might not be representative, leading to erroneous conclusions about tumor biology and therapy selection. Here we develop and optimize an MRI-informed multiregional biopsy technique in retroperitoneal and pelvic sarcomas (RPS).
Methods
Participants with suspected RPS underwent multiparametric (mp)MRI within a week prior to biopsy. Three ‘target regions’ with differing imaging characteristics were contoured. Robotic or freehand multiregional CT-guided biopsy (n = 6 each) was performed between September 2021 and September 2022, collecting samples separate specimen pots for each target region. CT/MRI fusion extracted quantitative imaging biomarkers at precise biopsy sites for correlation with histological biomarkers. The primary endpoint was safety and feasibility. Spearman's correlation was performed for imaging/histological biomarkers.
Results
Twelve participants (7 women), median age 58.6 years interquartile range [IQR]: 52–75 years underwent biopsy. All procedures were technically successful with same-day discharge and no complications. While absolute values of ADC and %Ki-67 did not correlate (Spearman’s ρ = -0.08), we observed a very strong correlation between the range of ADC values and the range of Ki-67 proliferation index values across biopsy sites; Spearman’s ρ = 0.93 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.98). Ranges, which represent intratumoral heterogeneity, can only be obtained using multiregional biopsy.
Conclusions
Multiregional MRI-informed, CT-guided biopsy is feasible and can be safely carried out using freehand and robotic guidance. Sampling three distinct regions within tumors provides a more comprehensive and accurate representation of tumor biology compared to conventional single-site biopsy.
Ethical approval
A phase I/IIa institutional review board approved prospective development study, identifier 1102, 17/06/2021.
Clinical and economic effects of the transformation from an open to a laparoscopic center for colorectal surgery
Authors: Zimmermann Markus , Abdalla Thaer S. A. , Schlüter Kai-Uwe , Thomaschewski Michael , Keck Tobias , Schlöricke Erik 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of transitioning from open to laparoscopic surgery for colorectal carcinoma in a primary care hospital setting. Despite the recognized benefits of laparoscopic surgery in postoperative recovery and its demonstrated oncological equivalence, only a minority of patients (30–40%) in Germany undergo laparoscopic procedures, primarily due to concerns which, in addition to the perioperative quality data and economic aspects, focus on patient safety.
Methods
Over a three-year period (2012–2014), the transformation process was observed in a colorectal cancer center. Data from 237 patients (115 laparoscopic; 122 open) were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.
Results
Laparoscopic surgery demonstrated several advantages. Postoperative intensive care needs decreased significantly (average length of stay: laparoscopic 1.2 days vs. open 2.5 days; p = 0.032). Hospital stays were also shorter following laparoscopic surgery (median laparoscopic 10 days vs. median open 14 days; p = 0.011). Quality of specimens, particularly lymph node retrieval, remained comparable (median laparoscopic = 18 vs. median open = 19). Despite higher initial costs, laparoscopic surgery yielded cost savings of approximately 3150 € per case due to reduced intensive care and shorter hospital stays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of transitioning from open to laparoscopic oncologic colorectal surgery in a primary care hospital setting. The findings suggest that such a transition can be accomplished without compromising the quality of specimens, while also realizing cost savings and maintaining patient safety.
Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and inhibition of biofilm
Authors: Yadav Poonam , Shrestha Sreska , Basyal Deepak , Tiwari Ananda , Sah Ranjit , Shah Anil , Yadav Bishal , Willcox Mark , Mishra Shyam Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant therapeutic challenge due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics and biofilm formation capabilities. This study characterized MDR A. baumannii strains for the possession of genes related to biofilm formation and their ability to form biofilms. Additionally, it evaluated compounds, particularly essential oils, for their antibiofilm activity.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the 750-bed Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Nepal. Identification and antibiotic sensitivity of A. baumannii isolates from clinical specimens were performed following the guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology. Strains were screened for their motility profiles, ability to form biofilms in a microtiter plate assay, and for possession of biofilm-related gene(s) by conventional polymerase chain reaction. The ability of cinnamaldehyde, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Tween 80, the amino acids glycine and glutamic acid, and natural plant extracts to inhibit biofilm formation also used the microtitre plate system.
Result: Out of the total 200 A. baumannii isolates, 195 were MDR, with 192 able to produce biofilms. Among them, 83.1% were strong biofilm producers. In this study, 42.0% and 66.2% of the isolates showed twitching motility and surface-associated motility, respectively. Thirty MDR A. baumannii isolates from medical devices contained the biofilm-associated genes csuE, ompA, bap and blaPER-1, present in 90.0%, 53.3%, 46.6%, and 26.6% of strains. respectively. Cinnamaldehyde was the most effective compound, inhibiting biofilm formation by 77.3%, followed by the ethanolic extract of onion (77.2%) , 0.5% Tween 80 (76.8%), essential oils of ginger (70.8% ) and garlic (68.6%), the ethanolic extract of chili pepper (68.1%), the essential oil of Ageratina adenophora (67.6%), EDTA (54.8%) and the essential oil of turmeric (51.9%). The amino acids glutamic acid and glycine reduced biofilm formation by 66.6% and 33.7% of the isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: A. baumannii isolates were commonly strong biofilm producers and often possessed the biofilm-associated genes csuE and ompA. Essential oils, along with Tween 80, were the most effective (≥67%) at reducing the amount of biofilms. These findings help to understand the biofilm production and provide valuable insights into MDR A. baumannii isolates in this clinical setting.
Incidence of delayed psychomotor development in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects
Authors: Chiperi Lacramioara-Eliza , Tecar Cristina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most commonly diagnosed group of malformations. CHD are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome across lifespan that can manifest from the first year of life until adulthood. The aim of this study was to screen psychomotor performances of patients with unrepaired CHD.
Methods
This was a prospective study taken between 2020–2024. Children under 6 years with CHD and no previously known psychomotor impairment were dichotomized into two groups based on blood oxygen saturation (SpO2): cyanotic group (SpO2 < 95%) and non-cyanotic group (SpO2 > = 95%). Psychomotor developmental evaluation was done by Denver Developmental Screening Test II.
Results
The psychomotor development of 77 patients was evaluated in 4 domains (personal-social, fine motor, language, gross motor) and revealed that children considered normally developed, following the clinical examination, presented a delay in the neurological development after being evaluated with Denver test in 97% of those with cyanotic CHD and in 54% of those with non-cyanotic CHD. Gross motor and personal-social domains were the most affected in the both groups. General development and functionality scores were lower in the group with cyanotic CHD. Factors that correlated with neurological development were the prenatal diagnosis (p = 0.012) and the type of diet (p = 0.008).
Conclusion
The importance of psychomotor screening in children with CHD is overwhelming, considering that psychomotor delay was detected in a high percentage of children with unoperated CHD, considered normally developed at a clinical exam. Lower developmental scores were observed in those with cyanotic CHD. Prenatal diagnosis and diet were correlated with neurological development.
Production of radiopharmaceuticals to improve access to nuclear medicine departments in island regions: a cost-minimization analysis for four European islands
Authors: Melidis Christos , Noblet Sandrine , Burg Samuel , Bamidis Panagiotis , Iakovou Ioannis 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
One of health inequalities’ major cause is bad accessibility to healthcare services. We focus on nuclear medicine (NM) examinations, which take place via SPECT and PET scanners, both using radiopharmaceuticals which can prove to be expensive and weather dependent to deliver in island regions. Their production requires expensive to install and run equipment, but a recent project has shed light on a 1970s idea: hybrid used cyclotrons (HC), capable of producing radiopharmaceutical types for both camera types.
Methods
Many factors need to be considered when conducting cost-minimization analyses (CMA) for public health purposes in island regions: once we decide on the opportunity to install a cyclotron, we need to choose the cyclotron type being the most suitable for the specific need. We perform an economic evaluation of these scenarios for Corsica, Sardinia, Crete and Cyprus using CMA for a period of 20 years, starting in 2025.
Results
We show that the least costly solution is transport of all radiopharmaceuticals from the mainland for low, normal cyclotron for intermediate and hybrid used cyclotron for sufficiently high number of annual PET examinations. Total costs are quite similar for HC and normal cyclotrons, with HC being the least costly solution for all four islands. The number of years after which either type of cyclotron becomes cost minimizing depends on the total number of PET, rather than SPECT, examinations and varies from <1 to 17 years. Our research shows that if the initial annual number of PET examinations is at least equal to 0.2% of the total population, then cyclotron installation is the most cost minimizing solution.
Conclusions
Radiopharmaceutical production represents an important outcome, since it affects the accessibility to NM services for isolated regions, like islands. Enhancing accessibility to these healthcare services represents a lever for reducing healthcare inequalities for diseases such as cancer. This analysis can be adapted to other island regions, such as Canary Islands, New-Caledonia, etc., but also remote mainland locations. For remote places with expected annual number of PET examinations at least equal to 0.2% of the population, local radiopharmaceutical production is the least costly solution.
Tailoring thermal stability of retained austenite in thermomechanically processed medium- Mn steel via Quenching and Partitioning process
Authors: Kozłowska Aleksandra , Skowronek Adam , Matus Krzysztof , Nuckowski Paweł M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Tailoring thermal stability of austenite through a Q&P thermal cycle is essential for obtaining a beneficial strength-ductility balance. In this study, factors affecting the thermal stability of austenite during the Q&P process applied for thermomechanically processed medium-Mn steel were analyzed. Q&P thermal cycles in which the partitioning steps were carried out in a temperature range from 350°C to 450°C for times from 90s to 900s were investigated. An influence of time-temperature parameters of the partitioning step on the microstructure evolution of 0.17C-4.2Mn-0.98Al-0.87Si-Nb alloy was quantitative and qualitative investigated using techniques with different resolution. The thermal stability of austenite was tailored by optimizing its fraction during a quenching step and by minimizing the undesirable carbides and bainite formation occurred during the partitioning step. As a consequence, the formation of undesired secondary martensite was significantly reduced. Obtained results showed that the thermal stability of austenite was mainly controlled by its carbon content, morphology and lath/grain size.