bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Transcriptomaic and Metabolomic analyses provide insights into the responses to High Temperature Stress in Alfalfa (Medicago satave.L)
Authors: Zhou Juan , Tang Xueshen , Li Jiahao , Dang shizhuo , Ma Haimei , Zhang Yahong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

High temperature stress (HTS) is one of the most severe forms of abiotic stress in alfalfa, With the intensification of climate change, the frequency of high temperature stress will further increase in the future, which will bring challenges to the growth and development of alfalfa. Therefore, untargeted metabolomic and RNA-Seq profiling were implemented to unravel the possible alteration in alfalfa seedlings subjected to different temperature stress (25℃, 30℃, 35℃, 40℃) in this study. Results revealed that HTS significantly altered some pivotal transcripts and metabolites. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) markedly up- and down-regulated was 1876 and1524 in T30_vs_CK, 2815 and 2667 in T35_vs_CK, and 2115 and 2226 in T40_vs_CK, respectively. The number for significantly up-regulated and down-regulated differential metabolites was 173 and 73 in T30_vs_CK, 188 and 57 in T35_vs_CK, and 220 and 66 in T40_vs_CK, respectively. It is worth noting that metabolomics and transcriptomics co-analysis characterized enriched in plant hormone signal transduction(ko04705), glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (ko00630), from which some differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites participated. In particular, the content of hormone changed significantly under T40 stress, suggesting that maintaining normal hormone synthesis and metabolism may be an important way to improve the HTS tolerance of alfalfa. qRT-PCR further showed that the expression pattern was similar to the expression abundance in the transcriptome. This study provides a practical and in-depth perspective from transcriptomics and metabolomics in investigating the effects conferred by temperature on plant growth and development, which provided the theoretical basis for breeding heat-resistant alfalfa.
OX40 expressed in endothelial cells facilitates tumor cells to escape from T-cell surveillance through S1P-YAP axis
Authors: Zhang Bin , He Baoyu , Zhao Rou , Zhang Baogui , Huang Lunhua , Wei Yingying , Yang Dong , Pan Hongli , Liang Jing , Liu Jilan , Yan Yugang , Zhao Mingsheng , Wang Sen , Dong Fengyun , Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Yanhua , Zhang Xu , Zhang Xiao , Dong Guanjun , Xiong Huabao , Bie Qingli 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Activation of immune cells is currently one of the most promising approaches for the cancer treatment. However, clinical trials for T-cell activation therapy have not reached expected results without explicit reasons. In the present study, we report that the co-stimulatory molecule OX40 is highly expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) of tumor tissues. Clinically, high expression of OX40 in ECs is negatively associated with the prognosis of tumor patients, and this is irrelevant to T-cell activation or not. Analysis of conditional OX40 loss- and gain-of-function transgenic mice demonstrated that OX40 signals promote angiogenesis and facilitate the tumour development. Mechanistically, Lgr5+ cancer stem cells induced high OX40 expression in tumour ECs via EGF-STAT3 signal transduction. In ECs, activated OX40 interacted with Spns2, obstructing sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) export and resulting in its intracellular accumulation. S1P directly bound to YAP, disrupting its interaction with the LATS1 kinase and promoting YAP nuclear translocation. Finally, the YAP inhibitor Verteporfin enhanced the anti-tumour effects of the OX40 agonist. In addition, their combination exhibited greater efficacy than that of the OX40 agonist and anti-PD-1 antibody. Together, the findings revealed a unexpected pro-tumour functions of OX40 activation in ECs, highlighting the impact of non-immune cell compartment on immunotherapy and the complexity of tumour microenvironment.
APOE4 rat model of Alzheimer’s disease: sex differences, genetic risk and diet
Authors: Colarusso Bradley , Ortiz Richard , Yeboah Julian , Chang Arnold , Gupta Megha , Kulkarni Praveen , Ferris Craig F. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the Ɛ4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE ɛ4). A high fat diet also adds to the risk of dementia and AD. In addition, there are sex differences as women carriers have a higher risk of an earlier onset and rapid decline in memory than men. The present study looked at the effect of the genetic risk of ApoE ɛ4 together with a high fat/high fructose diet (HFD/HSD) on brain function in male and female rats using magnetic resonance imaging. We hypothesized female carriers would present with deficits in cognitive behavior together with changes in functional connectivity as compared to male carriers. Four-month-old wildtype and human ApoE ɛ4 knock-in (TGRA8960), male and female Sprague Dawley rats were put on a HFD/HSD for four months. Afterwards they were imaged for changes in function using resting state BOLD functional connectivity. Images were registered to, and analyzed, using a 3D MRI rat atlas providing site-specific data on 173 different brain areas. Resting state functional connectivity showed male wildtype had greater connectivity between areas involved in feeding and metabolism while there were no differences between female and male carriers and wildtype females. The data were unexpected. The genetic risk was overshadowed by the diet. Male wildtype rats were most sensitive to the HFD/HSD presenting with a deficit in cognitive performance with enhanced functional connectivity in neural circuitry associated with food consumption and metabolism.
Mobile Applications for Longitudinal Data Collection: Web-based Survey Study of Former Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Molinnus Denise , Mainz Anne , Kurth Angelique , Lowitsch Volker , Nüchter Matthias , Bloos Frank , Wendt Thomas , Potratz Philipp , Marx Gernot , Meister Sven , Bickenbach Johannes 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Mobile health plays an important role in providing individualized information about the health status of patients. Limited information exists on intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the risk of suffering from the post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), summarizing long-term physical, mental and cognitive impairment. This web-based survey study aims to identify specific needs of former ICU patients for utilizing a newly developed, so called Post-Intensive Care Outcome Surveillance (PICOS) app to collect relevant PICS-related parameters.
Methods
A prototype app was developed following interaction principles for interactive systems of usability engineering. Patients from four different German hospitals were asked about demographics, interaction with technology and their perception of the prototype regarding hedonic motivation, perceived ease of use and performance expectancy.
Results
123 patients participated in the survey; a majority owned and used smartphones. Nearly half of respondents would seek help from family members or caregivers. There was a difference in affinity for technology for participants which own a smartphone and those who do not, t(116) = − .97, p = .335, and no significant difference in affinity for technology whether the participants would like support when using the app or not, t(97) = 1.81, p = .073. The average hedonic motivation for using the app was M = 4.44 (SD = 1.304).
Conclusion
This app prototype was perceived as both beneficial and easy to use, indicating success of use by former ICU patients. Due to growing age and ongoing impairment of health, every second patient would need assistance in first app usage.
Effect of acupuncture in patients with postprandial distress syndrome: a multicentre, single-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Yan Zhaobo , Xu Xuan , Liu Mai-Lan , Murong Zhimiao , Zhong Huan , Luo Rong , Liu Weiai , Du Geshu , Liu Mi , He Haolong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) is the prominent subtype in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and currently lacks a satisfactory treatment. Acupuncture has become a promising alternative and complementary therapy for managing FD. However, high-level clinical evidence supporting the use of acupuncture for FD is limited.
Methods
This study is a multicentre, double-dummy, single-blind, randomized, active-controlled trial. Two hundred and one eligible participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: an acupuncture plus placebo group, an itopride plus sham acupuncture group, and a sham acupuncture plus placebo group. This study consists of a 1-week screening period, a 4-week treatment period, and a 12-week follow-up period. During the intervention period, participants will receive 12 sessions of verum or sham acupuncture treatment (one session per day, three sessions per week, for 4 weeks) along with 50 mg itopride tablets or 50 mg itopride placebo tablets 3 times a day for 20 days (5 continual days a week for 4 weeks). The response rate (patients who had adequate relief of gastric symptoms were considered positive responders) and the elimination rate of cardinal symptoms (postprandial fullness and early satiation) are the primary indicators to evaluate the overall acupuncture effect for PDS. Secondary outcome measures will include the Nepean Dyspepsia Symptom Index (NDSI), the short form-Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (SF-LQI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants’ expectations towards acupuncture treatment will also be assessed, and adverse events will be recorded for safety assessment. All analyses will adhere to an intention-to-treat principle.
Discussion
In conclusion, this trial will determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PDS and provide more high-level evidence to support its application in treating FD.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300068001. Registered on 2 February 2023.
Rare host variants in ciliary expressed genes contribute to COVID-19 severity in Bulgarian patients
Authors: Kamenarova Kunka , Kachakova-Yordanova Darina , Baymakova Magdalena , Georgiev Martin , Mihova Kalina , Petkova Veronika , Beltcheva Olga , Argirova Radka , Atanasov Petar , Kunchev Metodi , Andonova Radina , Zasheva Anelia , Drenska Rumiana , Ivanov Ivaylo , Pantileeva Diana , Koleva Veselina , Penev Anton , Lekova-Nikova Diana , Georgiev Delyan , Pencheva Daniela , Bozhilova Radosveta , Ivanova Nevyana , Dimova Ivanka , Plochev Kamen , Popov Georgi , Popivanov Ivan , Gabrovsky Nikolay , Leseva Magdalena , Mitev Vanio , Kaneva Radka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pneumonia with extremely heterogeneous clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to severely ill patients. Previous studies have reported links between the presence of host genetic variants and the outcome of the COVID-19 infection. In our study, we used whole exome sequencing in a cohort of 444 SARS-CoV-2 patients, admitted to hospital in the period October-2020-April-2022, to search for associations between rare pathogenic/potentially pathogenic variants and COVID-19 progression. We used gene prioritization-based analysis in genes that have been reported by host genetic studies. Although we did not identify correlation between the presence of rare pathogenic variants and COVID-19 outcome, in critically ill patients we detected known mutations in a number of genes associated with severe disease related to cardiovascular disease, primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis, DNA damage repair response, coagulation, primary immune disorder, hemoglobin subunit β, and others. Additionally, we report 93 novel pathogenic variants found in severely infected patients who required intubation or died. A network analysis showed main component, consisting of 13 highly interconnected genes related to epithelial cilium. In conclusion, we have detected rare pathogenic host variants that may have influenced the COVID-19 outcome in Bulgarian patients.
Sedimentary characteristics and evolution of the Toutunhe–Qingshuihe Formation in the central section of the southern margin of the Junggar Basin
Authors: Liu Jiale , Zhang Changmin , Zhang Xianghui , Ji Dongsheng , Zhu Rui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: In order to clarify the sedimentary characteristics and sedimentary evolution of Tou Tunhe Formation and Qingshuihe Formation in the middle part of the southern margin of Junggar Basin, the depositional characteristics and sedimentary evolution are discussed based on the measured outcrop profile and the paleoenvironment changes.
Methods: According to the lithofacies division scheme of Maill, the lithology and sedimentary structure of Toutunhe Formation and Qingshuihe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin were analyzed by using the dual attribute method combining lithology and sedimentary structure. Based on the guidance of sedimentology and the changes of paleoenvironment, the law of vertical sedimentary evolution in the study area is discussed.
Results: There are 4 types of conglomerate facies, sandstone facies, siltstone facies and mudstone facies, including 7 types of conglomerate facies, 6 types of sandstone facies, 4 types of siltstone facies and 1 type of mudstone facies. Four sedimentary facies can be divided into lacustrine facies, meander river facies, braided river delta facies and alluvial fan facies, including 16 types of sedimentary microfacies. During the depositional period of the Tou Tunhe Formation in the Middle Jurassic, microfacies and shallow lake subfacies such as distributary channel, natural levee, interdistributary channel and far bank dune developed in the study area, indicating the delta-lake depositional model. Due to the continuous strong tectonic activity in the North Tianshan Mountains, drainage structures were widely developed in the Late Jurassic. During the deposition period of the Qigu Formation, brown red sediments were mostly developed, which was a semi-arid environment with sedimentary microfacies such as channels and point DAMS, and a meanded-river sedimentary model. During the sedimentary period of the Kalaza Formation, the conglomerate changed from reddish-brown to gray, the hot and arid climate ended, and microfacies such as debris flow deposition and channel deposition developed, indicating the sedimentary model of alluvial fan. During the Lower Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation, the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean was completely closed, the basin rapidly settled, and the lake transgression was rapid in a large range. The lithology was mainly sandstone and siltstone, and a few fine conglomerates were occasionally found at the bottom, and the sedimentary structures such as small sand-grained bedding, parallel bedding and tabular cross-bedding were widely developed.
Conclusion: The sedimentary characteristics of Toutunhe Formation and Qingshuihe Formation in the middle part of the southern margin of Junggar Basin are analyzed, and the sedimentary evolution law is discussed, which provides a new idea for the distribution of underground sedimentary system.
Newborn Screening for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Patient Perspectives
Authors: Beigh Makenna , Vagher Jennie , Codden Rachel , Maese Luke D. , Cook Sabina , Gammon Amanda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 3,000–5,000 individuals. LFS poses a significant cancer risk throughout the lifespan, with notable cancer susceptibility in childhood. Despite being predominantly inherited, up to 20% of cases arise de novo. Surveillance protocols facilitate the reduction of mortality and morbidity through early cancer detection. While newborn screening (NBS) has proven effective in identifying newborns with rare genetic conditions, even those occurring as rarely as 1 in 185,000, its potential for detecting inherited cancer predispositions remains largely unexplored.
Methods
This survey-based study investigates perspectives toward NBS for LFS among individuals with and parents of children with LFS receiving care at single comprehensive cancer center in the U.S.
Results
All participants unanimously supported NBS for LFS (n = 24). Reasons included empowerment (83.3%), control (66.7%), and peace of mind (54.2%), albeit with concerns about anxiety (62.5%) and devastation (50%) related to receiving positive results. Participants endorsed NBS as beneficial for cancer detection and prevention (91.7%), research efforts (87.5%), and family planning (79.2%) but voiced apprehensions about the financial cost of cancer surveillance (62.5%), emotional burdens (62.5%), and insurance coverage and discrimination (54.2%). Approximately 83% of respondents believed that parental consent should be required to screen newborns for LFS.
Conclusion
This study revealed strong support for NBS for LFS despite the recognition of various perceived benefits and risks. These findings underscore the complex interplay between clinical, psychosocial, and ethical factors in considering NBS for LFS from the perspective of the LFS community.
A numerical methodology for the generation of Brouwer diagrams for defect chemistry studies
Authors: Abrantes João C.C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The defect chemistry methodology is commonly used to interpret the transport properties of materials and to predict the effects of variable working conditions on the electrical properties and processes that depend on mass transport. Analysis of defect diagrams might be far from trivial, even for materials with simple defect structures, and classical methods are thus based on approximate electroneutrality conditions for different regions of the defect diagrams. Those conditions must be carefully selected, and relevant trends of the defect diagrams require time-consuming algebraic re-arrangements of those neutrality conditions with the relevant mass action constants. The transitions between different regions of the defect diagram are poorly described. The present work proposes an alternative numerical method to solve the overall system without any mathematical simplification. The method has been mainly designed for defect chemistry calculations in oxide materials, using temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and concentrations of additives as independent variables. It is easily extended to include other variables such as the hydrogen and/or water vapor partial pressure. The method also allows simulations of non-equilibrium effects. Mass action constants are combined with the overall neutrality condition and/or mass conservation relations to obtain the concentration of a selected defect versus working conditions. A web application DefChem- Defect Chemistry Toolbox was developed for this purpose. Its applicability is demonstrated for selected case studies. The toolbox is also able to simulate and fit experimental results obtained from different experimental techniques, in particular, from electrical conductivity measurements versus the oxygen partial pressure. The fitting feature can be used to find relevant thermodynamic data for defect chemistry analysis.
Elevated dietary fat alone is not sufficient to decrease AgRP projections in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in mice
Authors: Yagoub Selma , Chesters Robert , Ott Jonathan , Zhu Jiajie , Cantacorps Lídia , Ritter Katrin , Lippert Rachel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Within the brain, the connections between neurons are constantly changing in response to environmental stimuli. A prime environmental regulator of neuronal activity is diet, and previous work has highlighted changes in hypothalamic connections in response to diets high in dietary fat and elevated sucrose. We sought to determine if the change in hypothalamic neuronal connections was driven primarily by an elevation in dietary fat alone. Analysis was performed in both male and female animals. We measured Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neuropeptide and Synaptophysin markers in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) in response to an acute 48h high fat diet challenge. Using two image analysis methods described in previous studies, an effect of a high fat diet on AgRP neuronal projections in the PVH of male or female mice was not identified. These results suggest that it may not be dietary fat alone that is responsible for the previously published alterations in hypothalamic connections Future work should focus on deciphering the role of individual macronutrients on neuroanatomical and functional changes.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Artificial Intelligence Among Healthcare Professionals in Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Mustaf , Dirie Najib Isse , Mohamud Abdirahman Khalif , Garba Bashiru , Mohamed Zeinab Omar , Ali Ifrah , Mohamed Abdullahi Abdisalam , Ali Amal Naleye , Hassan Mulki Mukhtar , Asowe Hodo Aideed , Mohamoud Jamal Hassan , Orey Fartun Abdullahi Hassan , Hassan Jihaan , Mohamed Fartun Yasin , Moalim Samira Abdullahi , Musa Shuaibu Saidu , Ogaya Jerico B. , Shomuyiwa Deborah , Okesanya Olalekan John , Othman Zhinya Kawa , Mekonnen Abel Mestie , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , III Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors has revolutionized problem-solving approaches, particularly in healthcare. Developed countries have invested significantly in AI research and applications in healthcare, while low-income countries such as Somalia lag due to various challenges. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of AI among healthcare professionals in Somalia and explore their familiarity with AI technologies and practices.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2024, to March 15, 2024, among 441 healthcare professionals in Somalia, using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the participants' sociodemographic information, knowledge of AI applications in healthcare, attitudes towards AI capabilities, and practical experience with AI in healthcare.
Results: Most participants demonstrated good knowledge of AI (67.6%) and a positive attitude towards its potential in healthcare (80.5%). However, a significant gap was observed in the practical application of AI, with 79.1% of the respondents reporting poor practice. The study also found that sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, and income level did not significantly influence knowledge or attitudes towards AI but did affect its practical use. Professionals in certain fields such as midwifery and public health are more likely to use AI in their work. Knowledge and attitude scores were also significant predictors of practice scores.
Conclusion: Healthcare professionals in Somalia demonstrate a good understanding and positive attitudes towards AI but encounter challenges in its practical application. This study emphasizes the necessity of an enhanced infrastructure, technical expertise, and data access to fully utilize AI's potential in healthcare. It also highlights the significance of addressing ethical considerations and implementing regulations to ensure responsible use of AI in healthcare. Efforts are needed to translate awareness and receptiveness into effective practice, which could result in a better healthcare system.