bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiostrongylus cantonensis induces energy imbalance and dyskinesia in mice by reducing the expression of melanin-concentrating hormone
Authors: Huang Hui , Zhang Zhongyuan , Xing Mengdan , Jin Zihan , Hu Yue , Zhou Minyu , Wei Hang , Liang Yiwen , Lv Zhiyue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) in humans or mice can lead to severe eosinophilic meningitis or encephalitis, resulting in various neurological impairments. Developing effective neuroprotective drugs to improve the quality of life in affected individuals is critical.

Methods
We conducted a Gene Ontology enrichment analysis on microarray gene expression (GSE159486) in the brains of AC-infected mice. The expression levels of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) were confirmed through real-time quantitative PCR (RT–qPCR) and immunofluorescence. Metabolic parameters were assessed using indirect calorimetry, and mice’s energy metabolism was evaluated via pathological hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, serum biochemical assays, and immunohistochemistry. Behavioral tests assessed cognitive and motor functions. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of synapse-related proteins. Mice were supplemented with MCH via nasal administration.

Results
Postinfection, a marked decrease in Pmch expression and the encoded MCH was observed. Infected mice exhibited significant weight loss, extensive consumption of sugar and white fat tissue, reduced movement distance, and decreased speed, compared with the control group. Notably, nasal administration of MCH countered the energy imbalance and dyskinesia caused by AC infection, enhancing survival rates. MCH treatment also increased the expression level of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2), as well as upregulated transcription level of B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) in the cortex.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that MCH improves dyskinesia by reducing loss of synaptic proteins, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for AC infection.

Graphical Abstract
Factors associated with help-seeking regarding sexual orientation concerns among Japanese gay and bisexual men: results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kaneko Noriyo , Hill Adam Orlando , Shiono Satoshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study investigates Japanese gay and bisexual men’s experiences of seeking help for emotional support from others regarding their sexual orientation concerns. It examines the relationship between their help-seeking and presence of gay and bisexual peers, duration between questioning their sexual orientation and accepting it, and experience of coming out to family members by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results
We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-reported paper questionnaire. There were 360 valid responses. Eighty-two respondents (22.8%) had experience of help-seeking for emotional support, and this was associated with age, occupation, presence of gay/bisexual friends, and experience of coming out to family members about their sexual orientation. Respondents sought the most help from their male friends (70.0%), followed by female friends (25.0%), mothers (17.5%), and the Internet (16.3%). Even after controlling for age and occupation, experience of help-seeking for emotional support was higher among participants who had gay/bisexual friends when they were aware of their sexual orientation, took < 1 year from questioning to realizing their sexual orientation, and had come out to their family about their sexual orientation.
Attitudes toward communication skills with learner needs assessment within radiology residency programs in China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lian GengPeng , Xiao Yubin , Huang Yingling , Wang Huanpeng , Huang Lipeng , Yang Hongwu , Zhu Chunmin , Mei Wei , Huang Ruibin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Communication skills (CS) represent a core competency in radiology residency training. However, no structured curriculum exists to train radiology residents in CS in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status and prevalence of doctor–patient communication training among radiology residents in nine Chinese accredited radiology residency training programs and to determine whether there is a perceived need for a formalized curriculum in this field.

Methods
We administered a cross-sectional online survey to radiology residents involved in CS training at nine standard residency training programs in China. The questionnaire developed for this study included CS training status, residents’ demographics, attitudes toward CS training, communication needs, and barriers. Residents’ attitudes toward CS training were measured with the Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS) and its subscales, a positive attitude scale (PAS) and negative attitude scale (NAS).

Results
A total of 133 (48.36%) residents participated in the survey. The mean total scores on the two dimensions of the CSAS were 47.61 ± 9.35 in the PAS and 36.34 ± 7.75 in the NAS. Factors found to be significantly associated with the PAS included receiving previous training in CS, medical ethics, or humanities and the doctor’s attire. We found that first-year residents and poor personal CS were the most influential factors on the NAS. Only 58.65% of participants reported having previously received CS training during medical school, and 72.93% of respondents reported failure in at least one difficult communication during their residency rotation. Most of those surveyed agreed that CS can be learned through courses and were interested in CS training. Some of the most common barriers to implementing formal CS training were a lack of time, no standardized curriculum, and a lack of materials and faculty expertise.

Conclusions
Most residents had a very positive attitude toward CS training and would value further training, despite the limited formal CS training for radiology residents in China. Future efforts should be made to establish and promote a standard and targeted CS curriculum for Chinese radiology residents.
Alteration of medial temporal lobe metabolism related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with lewy bodies
Authors: Kang Sungwoo , Jeon Seun , Lee Young-gun , Ye Byoung Seok 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Association of medial temporal lobe (MTL) metabolism with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) has not been evaluated considering their mixed disease (MD).

Methods
131 patients with AD, 133 with DLB, 122 with MD, and 28 normal controls (NCs) underwent neuropsychological tests, assessments for parkinsonism, cognitive fluctuation (CF), and visual hallucinations (VH), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET to quantify MTL metabolism in the amygdala, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. The effects of AD and DLB on MTL metabolism were evaluated using general linear models (GLMs). Associations between MTL metabolism, cognition, and clinical features were evaluated using GLMs or logistic regression models separately performed for the AD spectrum (NC + AD + MD), DLB spectrum (NC + DLB + MD), and disease groups (AD + DLB + MD). Covariates included age, sex, and education.

Results
AD was associated with hippocampal/entorhinal hypometabolism, whereas DLB was associated with relative amygdalar/hippocampal hypermetabolism. Relative MTL hypermetabolism was associated with lower attention/visuospatial/executive scores and severe parkinsonism in both the AD and DLB spectra and disease groups. Left hippocampal/entorhinal hypometabolism was associated with lower verbal memory scores, whereas right hippocampal hypometabolism was associated with lower visual memory scores in both the AD spectrum and disease groups. Relative MTL hypermetabolism was associated with an increased risk of CF and VH in the disease group, and relative amygdalar hypermetabolism was associated with an increased risk of VH in the DLB spectrum.

Conclusions
Entorhinal-hippocampal hypometabolism and relative amygdala-hippocampal hypermetabolism could be characteristics of AD- and DLB-related neurodegeneration, respectively.
Exploring morphological similarity and randomness in Alzheimer’s disease using adjacent grey matter voxel-based structural analysis
Authors: Chen Ting-Yu , Zhu Jun-Ding , Tsai Shih-Jen , Yang Albert C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by large-scale structural changes in a specific pattern. Recent studies developed morphological similarity networks constructed by brain regions similar in structural features to represent brain structural organization. However, few studies have used local morphological properties to explore inter-regional structural similarity in Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods
Here, we sourced T1-weighted MRI images of 342 cognitively normal participants and 276 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. The relationships of grey matter intensity between adjacent voxels were defined and converted to the structural pattern indices. We conducted the information-based similarity method to evaluate the structural similarity of structural pattern organization between brain regions. Besides, we examined the structural randomness on brain regions. Finally, the relationship between the structural randomness and cognitive performance of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease was assessed by stepwise regression.

Results
Compared to cognitively normal participants, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease showed significant structural pattern changes in the bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, and olfactory cortex. Additionally, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease showed that the bilateral insula had decreased inter-regional structural similarity with frontal regions, while the bilateral hippocampus had increased inter-regional structural similarity with temporal and subcortical regions. For the structural randomness, we found significant decreases in the temporal and subcortical areas and significant increases in the occipital and frontal regions. The regression analysis showed that the structural randomness of five brain regions was correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination scores of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusions
Our study suggested that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease alter micro-structural patterns and morphological similarity with the insula and hippocampus. Structural randomness of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease changed in temporal, frontal, and occipital brain regions. Morphological similarity and randomness provide valuable insight into brain structural organization in Alzheimer’s disease.
DPSCs regulate epithelial-T cell interactions in oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Wang S. Y. , Zhang S. J. , Meng H. F. , Xu H. Q. , Guo Z. X. , Yan J. F. , Gao J. L. , Niu L. N. , Wang S. L. , Jiao K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous lesion characterized by fibrous tissue deposition, the incidence of which correlates positively with the frequency of betel nut chewing. Prolonged betel nut chewing can damage the integrity of the oral mucosal epithelium, leading to chronic inflammation and local immunological derangement. However, currently, the underlying cellular events driving fibrogenesis and dysfunction are incompletely understood, such that OSF has few treatment options with limited therapeutic effectiveness. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been recognized for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis capabilities, making them promising candidates to treat a range of immune, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. However, the application of DPSCs in OSF is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the pathogenic mechanism of OSF and, based on this, to explore new treatment options.

Methods
A human cell atlas of oral mucosal tissues was compiled using single-cell RNA sequencing to delve into the underlying mechanisms. Epithelial cells were reclustered to observe the heterogeneity of OSF epithelial cells and their communication with immune cells. The results were validated in vitro, in clinicopathological sections, and in animal models. In vivo, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of DPSCs were characterized by histological staining, immunohistochemical staining, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.

Results
A unique epithelial cell population, Epi1.2, with proinflammatory and profibrotic functions, was predominantly found in OSF. Epi1.2 cells also induced the fibrotic process in fibroblasts by interacting with T cells through receptor-ligand crosstalk between macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-CD74 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Furthermore, we developed OSF animal models and simulated the clinical local injection process in the rat buccal mucosa using DPSCs to assess their therapeutic impact and mechanism. In the OSF rat model, DPSCs demonstrated superior therapeutic effects compared with the positive control (glucocorticoids), including reducing collagen deposition and promoting blood vessel regeneration. DPSCs mediated immune homeostasis primarily by regulating the numbers of KRT19 + MIF + epithelial cells and via epithelial-stromal crosstalk.

Conclusions
Given the current ambiguity surrounding the cause of OSF and the limited treatment options available, our study reveals that epithelial cells and their crosstalk with T cells play an important role in the mechanism of OSF and suggests the therapeutic promise of DPSCs.
Development and application of haploid embryonic stem cells
Authors: Wang Hai-Song , Ma Xin-Rui , Guo Yi-Hong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHaploid cells are a kind of cells with only one set of chromosomes. Compared with traditional diploid cells, haploid cells have unique advantages in gene screening and drug-targeted therapy, due to their phenotype being equal to the genotype. Embryonic stem cells are a kind of cells with strong differentiation potential that can differentiate into various types of cells under specific conditions in vitro. Therefore, haploid embryonic stem cells have the characteristics of both haploid cells and embryonic stem cells, which makes them have significant advantages in many aspects, such as reproductive developmental mechanism research, genetic screening, and drug-targeted therapy. Consequently, establishing haploid embryonic stem cell lines is of great significance. This paper reviews the progress of haploid embryonic stem cell research and briefly discusses the applications of haploid embryonic stem cells.
The Effect of Partial Replacement of Cement with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and Polypropylene Fibers (PPF) on Fresh, Hardened, and Durability Properties of Concrete
Authors: Alex Alexander Gladwin , Jose Prakash Arul , Antony Maria Rajesh , Dhanalakshmi Krishnan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research aims to investigate the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete with diatomaceous earth (DE) and polypropylene fiber (PPF). The cement was partially replaced by DE in the concentration ranging from 5 to 20% by weight; whereas, PPF was incorporated in concrete mix as in range of 0.05–0.20% by cement weight. Totally, 25 different mix proportions were developed and their fresh properties were examined using slump, density and compacting factor tests. Besides, mechanical properties were evaluated by. Using compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength analysis at the ages of 7th, 14th and 28th days. Furthermore, concrete durability properties were evaluated using water penetration, chloride permeability as well as sorptivity tests, which have been performed at the age of 28th day. The result exhibits that the incorporation of D.E slightly affects the slump value meanwhile PPF decreases the fresh values. Furthermore, the combination of DE and PPF in concrete significantly enhances the mechanical properties compared to the control mix. The mix proportion of 15% DE and 0.15% of PPF exhibited a noticeable influence on mechanical properties as well as durability properties compare to control concrete.
The personality traits with depression and suicidal ideation among Thai medical students: a university-based multiregional study
Authors: Pitanupong Jarurin , Sa-i Adchara , Sathaporn Katti , Jiraphan Aimorn , Ittasakul Pichai , Karawekpanyawong Nuntaporn 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of depression in medical students was greater than in the general population. Knowing of predictive factors for depression among medical students is useful. The objectives of this study included the assessment of personality traits as well as the association between the personality traits and the presence of symptoms of depression, and suicidal ideation among medical students covering several regions of Thailand.

Methods
From April to July 2023, a cross-section study was conducted. The participants included first to sixth-year medical students studying at three Faculties of Medicine in Thailand; Prince of Songkla University; Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; and Chiang Mai University. Using the online process, the questionnaires were composed of three sections; demographic data; the International Personality Item Pool-NEO (IPIP-NEO), Thai version; and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Thai version. Demographics, personality traits, depression, and suicidal ideation were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented as frequency, mean, and standard deviation (SD) or median and interquartile range (IQR). The association between independent variables and the presence of depression was identified using binary logistic regression analysis, and the association with suicidal ideation was identified using ordinal logistic regression analysis.

Results
The 868 medical students participated in this study. Most of them were female (63.5%), Buddhist (82.0%), and first-year medical students (31.8%). The mean age (SD) was 20.8 (2.2) years, and the mean cumulative Grade Point Average (SD) was 3.5 (0.4). They reported the median (IQR) score of PHQ-9 as 6.0 (3.0–9.0), 238 participants (27.4%) presented with depression, and 138 (15.9%) participants reported suicidal ideation. According to the IPIP-NEO, participants with depression or suicidal ideation had higher Neuroticism scores and lower Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness scores compared to those without such issues. An increase in the Neuroticism score was linked to higher odds of depression, while an increase in the Conscientiousness score was associated with lower odds of depression. Suicidal ideation significantly increased with higher Neuroticism scores and the presence of a psychiatric illness.

Conclusions
More than a quarter of Thai medical students reported depression. A higher Neuroticism and lower Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness scores related to depression. Therefore, medical schools may benefit from knowing medical students’ personality traits, to identify coping mechanisms and predict those at a higher risk of developing depression in the future.
Mouse serum albumin induces neuronal apoptosis and tauopathies
Authors: Hou Sheng-jie , Huang Ya-ru , Zhu Jie , Jia Ying-bo , Niu Xiao-yun , Yang Jin-ju , Yu Xiao-lin , Du Xiao-yu , Liang Shi-yu , Cui Fang , Li Ling-jie , Tian Chen , Liu Rui-tian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe elderly frequently present impaired blood–brain barrier which is closely associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. However, how the albumin, the most abundant protein in the plasma, leaking through the disrupted BBB, contributes to the neuropathology remains poorly understood. We here demonstrated that mouse serum albumin-activated microglia induced astrocytes to A1 phenotype to remarkably increase levels of Elovl1, an astrocytic synthase for very long-chain saturated fatty acids, significantly promoting VLSFAs secretion and causing neuronal lippoapoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathway. Moreover, MSA-activated microglia triggered remarkable tau phosphorylation at multiple sites through NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Intracerebroventricular injection of MSA into the brains of C57BL/6J mice to a similar concentration as in patient brains induced neuronal apoptosis, neuroinflammation, increased tau phosphorylation, and decreased the spatial learning and memory abilities, while Elovl1 knockdown significantly prevented the deleterious effect of MSA. Overall, our study here revealed that MSA induced tau phosphorylation and neuron apoptosis based on MSA-activated microglia and astrocytes, respectively, showing the critical roles of MSA in initiating the occurrence of tauopathies and cognitive decline, and providing potential therapeutic targets for MSA-induced neuropathology in multiple neurodegenerative disorders.
Quantitative assessment of ecological assets in the world heritage karst sites based on remote sensing: with a special reference to South China Karst
Authors: Liu Qiangqiang , Wang Jiancheng , Xiong Kangning , Gong Lanqiang , Chen Yue , Yang Jianzai , Xiao Hua , Bai Jie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The benefits provided by ecological assets play a crucial role in enhancing human well-being. However, there is a scarcity of viable methods for assessing their status. This study is grounded in Land Use and Land Cover Change (LUCC) and integrates both the quantity and quality aspects of these assets. Utilizing the ecological asset index (EQ and EQi), this study conducts a quantitative assessment of the assets in the Shibing karst and the Libo-Huanjiang karst heritage sites, while also qualitatively analyzing their influencing factors. The findings reveal that: (1) In the Shibing heritage site, forest and impervious surface assets exhibited an upward trend, whereas cropland and grassland experienced a decline; meanwhile, shrub and water body assets remained relatively stable. The total area of assets rated as excellent or good increased by 95.371 km2, resulting in an EQ enhancement of 45.427. (2) Likewise, in the Libo-Huanjiang heritage site, forest and impervious surface assets demonstrated an upward trajectory, while shrub assets declined. Cropland, grassland, and water body assets experienced minimal variation. The total area of assets rated as excellent or good expanded by 168.227 km2, resulting in an EQ enhancement of 80.806. (3) The execution of a series of ecological protection projects and management plans for heritage site conservation primarily accounts for the enhancement of regional assets. Notably, ecological resources, socio-economic conditions, human resources, and conservation management policies serve as pivotal drivers influencing the alterations in heritage site assets.
Sample size and the limits to precision in Pb-isotopic dating by ID-TIMS
Authors: Amelin Yuri 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUsing isotope analysis of ancient (4555 Ma) radiogenic Pb by ID-TIMS as an example, I evaluate the sample size required to achieve the target precision of the207Pb/206Pb ratio 0.007% (2σ), corresponding to the uncertainty of the207Pb*/206Pb* age of 0.1 million years, considering various analytical uncertainties. In a hypothetical perfect analytical setup that would enable measuring isotopic ratios without noise, losses and biases, this precision can be achieved by analysis of a sample containing 2.9 picograms of Pb. Assessment of the sources of noise, loss and bias introduced by sample preparation and mass spectrometry shows that incomplete ionization of Pb during evaporation from the filament and baseline noise of a mass spectrometer make the greatest contributions to the additional uncertainty. Subtraction of analytical blank and minor spike isotopes can also substantially increase the uncertainty under some analytical conditions. The contributions from the other sources are smaller, but can become significant if a higher precision level is sought.