bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telemedicine home-based management in patients with chronic heart failure and diabetes type II: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bernocchi Palmira , Giudici Vittorio , Borghi Gabriella , Bertolaia Patrizia , D’Isa Salvatore , Trevisan Roberto , Scalvini Simonetta 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Heart failure and type 2 diabetes are prevalent public health issues in Europe. These complex chronic conditions require extensive pharmacological management, ongoing self-care, and behavioral changes. Despite the known benefits of lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and better control of blood sugar levels, patients may need help implementing the recommended changes. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a telemedicine program for managing heart failure and type 2 diabetes at home. The program focuses on promoting lifestyle changes.

Methods and analysis
During scheduled outpatient cardiology evaluations, eligible patients are recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group receives support from a nursing case manager through a structured home-based teleassistance program and a trainer for daily physical activity stimulation. They also have access to teleconsultations with cardiologists and diabetes specialists as needed, telemonitoring of vital signs, and daily step tracking. An app records and monitors daily drug treatment, glycemia, blood pressure, heart rate, and other clinical parameters. Patients can also self-report symptoms and communicate via a chat and videoconference system with a Nurse Case Manager. The control group receives routine care. Data collection occurs before intervention and 6 months after baseline during a new outpatient cardiology evaluation. The primary outcome is to measure the difference in the distance walked during a 6-min walk test between baseline and after 6 months. The key secondary outcomes include improving the disease status and physical activity profile. Data will be analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principles.

Discussion
This study will provide evidence on the efficacy of a telemedicine home-based management model to maintain correct lifestyles in patients with both heart failure and type 2 diabetes, improving self-management, their empowerment on the diseases, and increasing their knowledge and ability to recognize symptoms early.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05633784. Registered on November 30, 2022.
Su(Hw) interacts with Combgap to establish long-range chromatin contacts
Authors: Vorobyeva Nadezhda E. , Krasnov Alexey N. , Erokhin Maksim , Chetverina Darya , Mazina Marina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Insulator-binding proteins (IBPs) play a critical role in genome architecture by forming and maintaining contact domains. While the involvement of several IBPs in organising chromatin architecture in Drosophila has been described, the specific contribution of the Suppressor of Hairy wings (Su(Hw)) insulator-binding protein to genome topology remains unclear.

Results
In this study, we provide evidence for the existence of long-range interactions between chromatin bound Su(Hw) and Combgap, which was first characterised as Polycomb response elements binding protein. Loss of Su(Hw) binding to chromatin results in the disappearance of Su(Hw)-Combgap long-range interactions and in a decrease in spatial self-interactions among a subset of Su(Hw)-bound genome sites. Our findings suggest that Su(Hw)-Combgap long-range interactions are associated with active chromatin rather than Polycomb-directed repression. Furthermore, we observe that the majority of transcription start sites that are down-regulated upon loss of Su(Hw) binding to chromatin are located within 2 kb of Combgap peaks and exhibit Su(Hw)-dependent changes in Combgap and transcriptional regulators’ binding.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that Su(Hw) insulator binding protein can form long-range interactions with Combgap, Polycomb response elements binding protein, and that these interactions are associated with active chromatin factors rather than with Polycomb dependent repression.
Comparison of cytokine expression and disease severity between plasma cell-dominant and eosinophil-dominant patients in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Lin Yu-Tsai , Tsai Ming-Hsien , Su Yan-Ye , Huang Shun-Chen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa. The inflammatory patterns may differ among patients, leading to different subtypes based on the dominant inflammatory cell type. This study aimed to compare the differences in cytokine expression and disease severity between plasma cell-dominant and eosinophil-dominant subtypes in patients with CRSwNP.

Methods
This study included 53 CRSwNP patients and 19 control subjects who did not have asthma or a history of cigarette smoking. The expression of cytokines and inflammatory cells was assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Results
Among the cytokines analyzed, only IL-6 was significantly different between the two subtypes. A greater proportion of mast cells and IgE cells was present in plasma cell-dominant CRSwNP patients than in eosinophil-dominant group. For the three disease severity scores (LMK-CT, TPS and SNOT-22), objective scores (LMK-CT and TPS) were greater in the eosinophil-dominant CRSwNP group, while the opposite result was shown for the subjective score (SNOT-22). Additionally, the percentage of plasma cell-dominant cells was significantly positively correlated with disease severity according to the TPS and SNOT-22 scores.

Conclusions
Our data revealed that plasma cell-dominant inflammation, a subtype of type 2 CRS, was significantly correlated with subjective disease severity. The study also highlights the role of IL-6, IgE and mast cells as distinguishing factors between eosinophil-dominant and plasma cell-dominant CRSwNP. This information could be useful for clinical diagnosis and personalized treatment.
A scoping review on bovine tuberculosis highlights the need for novel data streams and analytical approaches to curb zoonotic diseases
Authors: Conteddu Kimberly , English Holly M. , Byrne Andrew W. , Amin Bawan , Griffin Laura L. , Kaur Prabhleen , Morera-Pujol Virginia , Murphy Kilian J. , Salter-Townshend Michael , Smith Adam F. , Ciuti Simone 
Published: May 2024

AbstractZoonotic diseases represent a significant societal challenge in terms of their health and economic impacts. One Health approaches to managing zoonotic diseases are becoming more prevalent, but require novel thinking, tools and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is one example of a costly One Health challenge with a complex epidemiology involving humans, domestic animals, wildlife and environmental factors, which require sophisticated collaborative approaches. We undertook a scoping review of multi-host bTB epidemiology to identify trends in species publication focus, methodologies, and One Health approaches. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps where novel research could provide insights to inform control policy, for bTB and other zoonoses. The review included 532 articles. We found different levels of research attention across episystems, with a significant proportion of the literature focusing on the badger-cattle-TB episystem, with far less attention given to tropical multi-host episystems. We found a limited number of studies focusing on management solutions and their efficacy, with very few studies looking at modelling exit strategies. Only a small number of studies looked at the effect of human disturbances on the spread of bTB involving wildlife hosts. Most of the studies we reviewed focused on the effect of badger vaccination and culling on bTB dynamics with few looking at how roads, human perturbations and habitat change may affect wildlife movement and disease spread. Finally, we observed a lack of studies considering the effect of weather variables on bTB spread, which is particularly relevant when studying zoonoses under climate change scenarios. Significant technological and methodological advances have been applied to bTB episystems, providing explicit insights into its spread and maintenance across populations. We identified a prominent bias towards certain species and locations. Generating more high-quality empirical data on wildlife host distribution and abundance, high-resolution individual behaviours and greater use of mathematical models and simulations are key areas for future research. Integrating data sources across disciplines, and a “virtuous cycle” of well-designed empirical data collection linked with mathematical and simulation modelling could provide additional gains for policy-makers and managers, enabling optimised bTB management with broader insights for other zoonoses.
Targeting miR-181a/b in retinitis pigmentosa: implications for disease progression and therapy
Authors: Costa Bruna Lopes da , Quinn Peter M. J. , Wu Wen-Hsuan , Liu Siyuan , Nolan Nicholas D. , Demirkol Aykut , Tsai Yi-Ting , Caruso Salvatore Marco , Cabral Thiago , Wang Nan-Kai , Tsang Stephen H. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous group of degenerative disorders causing progressive vision loss due to photoreceptor death. RP affects other retinal cells, including the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). MicroRNAs (miRs) are implicated in RP pathogenesis, and downregulating miR-181a/b has shown therapeutic benefit in RP mouse models by improving mitochondrial function. This study investigates the expression profile of miR-181a/b in RPE cells and the neural retina during RP disease progression. We also evaluate how miR-181a/b downregulation, by knocking out miR-181a/b-1 cluster in RPE cells, confers therapeutic efficacy in an RP mouse model and explore the mechanisms underlying this process.

Results
Our findings reveal distinct expression profiles, with downregulated miR-181a/b in RPE cells suggesting a protective response and upregulated miR-181a/b in the neural retina indicating a role in disease progression. We found that miR-181a/b-2, encoded in a separate genomic cluster, compensates for miR-181a/b-1 ablation in RPE cells at late time points. The transient downregulation of miR-181a/b in RPE cells at post-natal week 6 (PW6) led to improved RPE morphology, retarded photoreceptor degeneration and decreased RPE aerobic glycolysis.

Conclusions
Our study elucidates the underlying mechanisms associated with the therapeutic modulation of miR-181a/b, providing insights into the metabolic processes linked to its RPE-specific downregulation. Our data further highlights the impact of compensatory regulation between miR clusters with implications for the development of miR-based therapeutics.

Graphical Abstract
Nested plot designs used in forest inventory do not accurately capture tree species richness in Southwestern European forests
Authors: Moreno-Fernández Daniel , Cañellas Isabel , Hernández Laura , Adame Patricia , Alberdi Iciar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Key message
Nested plot designs with concentric plots with increasing radii and size threshold underestimate tree species richness with respect to full census sampling with no tree size restrictions. Regeneration emerged as the most relevant pool for tree species richness estimation.

Context
Nested or concentric plot designs, where trees are sampled according to their size and position, are common in National Forest Inventories (NFI) to reduce the sampling effort. However, this could bias the estimation of tree diversity such as species richness.

Aims
The main goal of this study is to quantify the effect of the nested plot designs with increasing radii and diameter at breast height threshold on the number of tree species as well as to provide values for mean tree species richness per plot at the forest-type level using the Spanish NFI.

Methods
We compared tree species richness according to the Spanish NFI nested plot design (radii ranging from 5 to 25 m with increasing minimum threshold in dbh from 7.5 to 42.5 cm as well as the regeneration compartment) with the richness estimate based on a full census (without restrictions in the location or size) in the Spanish NFI 25 m radius plot.

Results
Our results confirmed the underestimation of tree species richness (around 32.5%) when using the nested design. The species omitted in the nested design sampling are often subordinates, typically with small diameters. Regeneration emerged as the main pool for tree species richness estimation. This pattern holds across the main forest types, indicating that it is a generalized rather than regional or local phenomenon.

Conclusion
We strongly recommend using full census data for assessing tree species richness whenever available, as relying solely on nested designs can significantly underestimate tree species richness.
Food risk assessment in the farm-to-table continuum: report from the conference on good hygiene practices to ensure food safety
Authors: Rhouma Mohamed , Gaucher Marie-Lou , Badredine Souhail , Bekal Sadjia , Sanders Pascal 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFoodborne diseases (FBDs) are a major worldwide public health concern. In the current context of globalization, it has become crucial to establish effective collaboration between countries to reduce the incidence of FBDs, by creating knowledge-sharing activities to address this challenge. However, despite the importance of this subject, there are limited opportunities for researchers from French-speaking countries to meet and exchange expertise in this field. Researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal (Canada) and from the Faculty of Science, University of Abdelmalek Essaadi (Morocco) took the initiative to organize the first French-speaking edition of the conference on Good Hygiene Practices to Ensure Food Safety, that was held virtually on May 25 and 26, 2022. Attendees (n = 122) came from academic, food processing and government sectors. The conference was a great opportunity to showcase the practical application of the risk analysis paradigm, with concrete examples of food hazards, as well as the use of the latest high-throughput sequencing technologies as a tool for source attribution and molecular typing of some of the most important foodborne pathogens. In addition, the conference created a valuable forum for the exchange of knowledge between international food safety experts, particularly with respect to Canadian regulations compared with those of other countries. Interestingly, following the success of this first edition, the conference’s scientific committee has decided to continue organizing this event on a biannual basis, to provide a unique forum for French-speaking researchers to learn about the latest advances in food safety.
Maternal supplementation with n-3 fatty acids affects placental lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, the endocannabinoid system, and the neonate cytokine concentrations in dairy cows
Authors: dos Santos Silva Priscila , Kra Gitit , Butenko Yana , Daddam Jayasimha Rayalu , Levin Yishai , Zachut Maya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The placenta plays a crucial role in supporting and influencing fetal development. We compared the effects of prepartum supplementation with omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) sources, flaxseed oil (FLX) and fish oil (FO), on the expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the expelled placenta, as well as on FA profile and inflammatory response of neonates. Late-pregnant Holstein dairy cows were supplemented with saturated fat (CTL), FLX, or FO. Placental cotyledons (n = 5) were collected immediately after expulsion, and extracted RNA and proteins were analyzed by RT-PCR and proteomic analysis. Neonatal blood was assessed for FA composition and concentrations of inflammatory markers.

Results
FO increased the gene expression of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), interleukin 10 (IL-10), catalase (CAT), cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1), and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) compared with CTL placenta. Gene expression of ECS-enzyme FA-amide hydrolase (FAAH) was lower in FLX and FO than in CTL. Proteomic analysis identified 3,974 proteins; of these, 51–59 were differentially abundant between treatments (P ≤ 0.05, |fold change| ≥ 1.5). Top canonical pathways enriched in FLX vs. CTL and in FO vs. CTL were triglyceride metabolism and inflammatory processes. Both n-3 FA increased the placental abundance of FA binding proteins (FABPs) 3 and 7. The abundance of CNR1 cannabinoid-receptor-interacting-protein-1 (CNRIP1) was reduced in FO vs. FLX. In silico modeling affirmed that bovine FABPs bind to endocannabinoids. The FLX increased the abundance of inflammatory CD44-antigen and secreted-phosphoprotein-1, whereas prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 was decreased in FO vs. CTL placenta. Maternal FO enriched neonatal plasma with n-3 FAs, and both FLX and FO reduced interleukin-6 concentrations compared with CTL.

Conclusion
Maternal n-3 FA from FLX and FO differentially affected the bovine placenta; both enhanced lipid metabolism and modulated oxidative stress, however, FO increased some transcriptional ECS components, possibly related to the increased FABPs. Maternal FO induced a unique balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory components in the placenta. Taken together, different sources of n-3 FA during late pregnancy enhanced placental immune and metabolic processes, which may affect the neonatal immune system.
Applying dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI tracer kinetic models to differentiate benign and malignant soft tissue tumors
Authors: Gao Aixin , Wang Hexiang , Zhang Xiuyun , Wang Tongyu , Chen Liuyang , Hao Jingwei , Zhou Ruizhi , Yang Zhitao , Yue Bin , Hao Dapeng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
To explore the potential of different quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced (qDCE)-MRI tracer kinetic (TK) models and qDCE parameters in discriminating benign from malignant soft tissue tumors (STTs).

Methods
This research included 92 patients (41females, 51 males; age range 16–86 years, mean age 51.24 years) with STTs. The qDCE parameters (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, Vp, F, PS, MTT and E) for regions of interest of STTs were estimated by using the following TK models: Tofts (TOFTS), Extended Tofts (EXTOFTS), adiabatic tissue homogeneity (ATH), conventional compartmental (CC), and distributed parameter (DP). We established a comprehensive model combining the morphologic features, time-signal intensity curve shape, and optimal qDCE parameters. The capacities to identify benign and malignant STTs was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), degree of accuracy, and the analysis of the decision curve.

Results
TOFTS-Ktrans, EXTOFTS-Ktrans, EXTOFTS-Vp, CC-Vp and DP-Vp demonstrated good diagnostic performance among the qDCE parameters. Compared with the other TK models, the DP model has a higher AUC and a greater level of accuracy. The comprehensive model (AUC, 0.936, 0.884–0.988) demonstrated superiority in discriminating benign and malignant STTs, outperforming the qDCE models (AUC, 0.899–0.915) and the traditional imaging model (AUC, 0.802, 0.712–0.891) alone.

Conclusions
Various TK models successfully distinguish benign from malignant STTs. The comprehensive model is a noninvasive approach incorporating morphological imaging aspects and qDCE parameters, and shows significant potential for further development.
A first report of right-hemicolectomy for ascending colon cancer in Japan with the da Vinci SP surgical robot system
Authors: Noda Ai , Okuya Koichi , Akizuki Emi , Miyo Masaaki , Ishii Masayuki , Miura Ryo , Ichihara Momoko , Toyota Maho , Ito Tatsuya , Ogawa Tadashi , Kimura Akina , Takemasa Ichiro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The da Vinci SP robotic surgical system received regulatory approval for use in colorectal cancer surgery in Japan in April 2023. Given the advantages of the precision of a robot and the postoperative cosmesis of single-site surgery, the system is expected to be further utilized for minimally invasive surgeries, in addition to the curative and safety-assured laparoscopic technique.

Case presentation
A 73-year-old man presented at our hospital with positive fecal occult blood. He was diagnosed with cT2N0M0 (Stage I) ascending colon cancer and underwent a right hemicolectomy, which was performed with the da Vinci SP system. The operation was performed safely, and the patient was discharged without complications. Pathology findings showed that complete mesocolic excision was achieved.

Conclusions
Herein, we report the first colorectal cancer surgery performed using the da Vinci SP system in Japan. The use of this robotic surgical system with access forms for right hemicolectomy is safe and oncologically appropriate.
Position statement of the Brazilian society of Rheumatology on mesna use as a preventive therapy for bladder disease in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis under cyclophosphamide treatment
Authors: Souza Alexandre Wagner S. de , Dantas João Gabriel , Montandon Ana Carolina de Oliveira e Silva , Calich Ana Luísa , Mont’ Alverne Andrea Rocha de Saboia , Gasparin Andrese Aline , Bianchi Dante , Yuki Emily Figueiredo Neves , Sacilotto Nathalia , dos Reis Neto Edgard Torres , Monticielo Odirlei André , Pereira Ivanio Alves 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
To review current literature to support the use of mesna as a preventive therapy for hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis treated with cyclophosphamide.

Materials and methods
The search for articles was conducted systematically through MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Only articles in English were selected. For available records, titles and abstracts were selected independently by two investigators.

Results
Eighteen studies were selected for analysis. The known adverse effects of cyclophosphamide were hematological toxicity, infections, gonadal toxicity, teratogenicity, increased risk for malignancy and hemorrhagic cystitis. Long-term toxicity was highly dependent on cyclophosphamide cumulative dose. The risk of bladder cancer is especially higher in long-term exposure and with cumulative doses above 36 g. The risk remains high for years after drug discontinuation. Hemorrhagic cystitis is highly correlated with cumulative dose and its incidence ranges between 12 and 41%, but it seems to be lower with new regimens with reduced cyclophosphamide dose. No randomized controlled trials were found to analyze the use of mesna in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases and systemic vasculitis. Retrospective studies yielded conflicting results. Uncontrolled prospective studies with positive results were considered at high risk of bias. No evidence was found to support the use of mesna during the treatment with cyclophosphamide for autoimmune diseases or systemic vasculitis to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer. In the scenarios of high cumulative cyclophosphamide dose (i.e., > 30 g), patients with restricted fluid intake, neurogenic bladder, therapy with oral anticoagulants, and chronic kidney disease, mesna could be considered.

Conclusion
The current evidence was found to be insufficient to support the routine use of mesna for the prophylaxis of hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer in patients being treated for systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis with cyclophosphamide. The use may be considered for selected cases.