bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimized administration of human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix regulatory cells for mouse lung injury and fibrosis towards clinical use
Authors: Song Dingyun , Li Zhongwen , Sun Faguo , Zhang Kan , Liu Wenjing , Liu Kaidi , An Bin , Wu Kaiwei , Wang Zai , Zhao Tiemei , Chen Huaiyong , Xiao Li , Wang Liu , Xie Lixin , Li Wei , Peng Liang , Hao Jie , Wu Jun , Dai Huaping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis are common sequelae of severe and acute lung disease, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), for which there are presently no effective drugs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with immunomodulatory and tissue repair functions have the potential to treat lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. However, the best administration route, timing, and frequency remain unclear. Human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) have shown therapeutic potential for lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.
Methods
Here, the best treatment scheme of IMRCs for pulmonary fibrosis was evaluated. In a mouse pulmonary fibrosis model induced by bleomycin (BLM), IMRCs were administered by single or double intravenous or tracheal injection on the first and seventh days after bleomycin injection.
Results
Intravenous infusion of IMRCs improved the survival rate, body weight, and Ashcroft and Szapiel scores of model mice more effectively than intratracheal infusion, including more profound suppression of lung inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, earlier timing of administration and more frequent administration were beneficial to improve the therapeutic effects. Indeed, early administration of two infusions better improved body weight, the lung organ coefficient, pulmonary ventilation and diffusion functions, and pulmonary fibrosis; increased numbers of alveolar type I and type II epithelial cells; and inhibited macrophage infiltration.
Conclusion
This study provides basic scientific evidence for the clinical application of stem cell therapy products to treat lung diseases including COVID-19.
The Impact of Pregnancy Pilates Assisted Childbirth Preparation Training on Urinary Incontinence and Birth Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Buran Gonca , Avcı Serap Erim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To examine the effect of pregnancy pilates-assisted birth preparation training on urinary incontinence (UI) including stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) during pregnancy, and the postpartum period and birth outcomes.
Method
In this single-center, single-blind, randomized, controlled study, one hundred and twenty-six participants who have 28–30 weeks of gestation and nulliparous were randomly assigned to receive either the experimental group (n = 63) or control group (n = 63). The study was carried out between March and August 2022. Pregnancy pilates intervention was applied twice in a week, a total of eight weeks to pilates group. The control group was given routine obstetric and pregnancy care. A personal data form and the Michigan Incontinence Severity Index Form (MISI) were used as data collection tools.
Results
The mean weight gains of the experimental group during pregnancy was significantly lower than the control group. The experimental group had almost twice the rate of vaginal birth than those of the control group. The duration of labor mean score of experimental group was five hours and 43 minutes less than the duration of labor of the control group (p < 0.001). After intervention, and postpartum period, the SUI and UUI severity of the experimental group was significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training reduced the severity of UI including SUI and UUI symptoms during pregnancy and the early postpartum. In addition, the decrease in weight gain during pregnancy and the increase in the vaginal birth rate contributed to the shortening of the duration of labor.
Measuring and Manipulating Density of States in Two-Dimensional Materials with Electrochemical Capacitance
Authors: Liu Jun , Yan Mengyu , Kaiser Mitchell , Sushko Maria , Zhou Yang , Tang Hao , Tseng Chun-Chih , Yankowitz Matthew , Yang Jihui , Xia Ying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Measuring and controlling the density of states (DOS) and defect states of two-dimensional van der Waals materials is of profound importance for understanding their unique physical properties, and for advancing their future practical applications. However, probing their defect states typically requires experiments performed at cryogenic temperatures and/or in ultra-high vacuum conditions, severely constraining efforts to monitor the electronic structure evolution of these materials under useful device operating conditions. Here, we develop a new electrochemical quantum capacitance spectroscopy (EQCS) technique for detecting the absolute energies of defect states and band edges in an ambient environment. We demonstrate the viability of this method with a variety of two-dimensional material systems, with the ability to easily extend to many more. The highest energy resolution achieved at room temperature, 116 meV, approaches the theoretical limit of 91 meV (3.5kBT). The in-situ EQCS platform can be further used to monitor and manipulate the DOS in real-time, enabling a controlled enhancement of electrochemical reactions. Notably, band shifts driven by as little as ≈ 1% mechanical strain can increase of the catalytic activity for hydrogen generation by half an order of magnitude. The EQCS platform provides a powerful new method for probing and manipulating the intrinsic DOS and defect states of 2D materials in ambient environments.
XPR1 promotes ovarian cancer growth and regulates MHC-I through autophagy
Authors: hu jianguo , Wang Hui , Luo Xiaodong , Tang Furong , Jiang Xingwei , Zhu Hongtao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have a poor effect in treating ovarian cancer, and the specific mechanism is unknown. The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of XPR1 on controlling autophagy in ovarian cancer. Methods: We use CRISPR/Cas9 knockout library to screen the potential genes of autophagy regulating in ovarian cancer. Inhibiting and increasing XPR1 levels revealed the impact of XPR1 on ovarian cancer growth through both in vivo and in vitro experiments; the connection between XPR1 and LAMP1 was identified using co-immunoprecipitation; and the influence of XPR1 on subsequent protein expression was assessed through western blot analysis. Results: The findings suggested an increase in XPR1 expression in ovarian cancer tissues. The elevated level of its expression was linked to the stage of ovarian cancer, as well as overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). XPR1 enhanced the growth and spread of ovarian cancer while suppressing autophagy. Moreover, XPR1 suppressed autophagy flux by interacting with LAMP1 and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. XPR1 controlled the positioning and production of MHC-I molecules on the surfaces of ovarian cancer cells via autophagy. Silencing XPR1 combined with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine significantly inhibited tumor growth in mouse ovarian cancer models. In conclusion, the findings indicate that XPR1 could serve as a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Combined autophagy inhibitors may improve the sensitivity of ovarian cancer immunotherapy.
Characteristics of the Gut Microbiota and Metabolism in Patients with Unclassified Diabetes in Adults: A Case‒Control Study
Authors: zhang juan , wu lei , zhang zhongyun , Li Danjie , Han Rulai , Ye Lei , Gu Weiqiong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The classification of diabetes has become increasingly intricate. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a new category called "unclassified diabetes" to address this complexity. Our study, employing a multiomics approach, aimed to delineate the distinct gut microbiota and metabolic characteristics in individuals under the age of 30 with unclassified diabetes, thus shedding light on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
Methods
This age- and sex-matched case‒control study involved 18 patients with unclassified diabetes, 18 patients with classic type 1 diabetes, 13 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 18 healthy individuals. Metagenomics facilitated the profiling of the gut microbiota, while untargeted liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry was used to quantify the serum lipids and metabolites.
Results
Our findings revealed a unique gut microbiota composition in unclassified diabetes patients, marked by a depletion of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and Clostridium and an increase in Ruminococcus torques and Lachnospiraceae bacterium 8_1_57FAA. Comparative analysis identified exclusive bacteria, serum metabolites, and clinical parameter modules within the unclassified diabetes cohort. Notably, the gut microbiota structure of patients with unclassified diabetes resembled that of type 2 diabetes patients, especially in terms of disrupted lipid and branched-chain amino acid metabolism.
Conclusions
Despite sharing certain metabolic features with type 2 diabetes, unclassified diabetes presents unique features. The distinct microbiota and metabolites in unclassified diabetes patients suggest a significant role in modulating glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, potentially influencing disease progression. Further longitudinal studies are essential to explore therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota and metabolites to modify the disease trajectory.
COBI: A Coupled Oscillator Based Ising Chip for Combinatorial Optimization
Authors: Karpuzcu Ulya , Cıl Hüsrev , Moy William , Zeng Ziqing , Islam Tahmida , Lo Hao , Vanasse Alex , Tan Megan , Anees Mohammad , S Ramprasath , Kumar Abhimanyu , Sapatnekar Sachin , Kim Chris H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Numerous critical real-world problems, related to applications ranging from machine learning to smart grid design to bioinformatics to robotics, can be formulated as combinatorial optimization problems (COPs). Unfortunately, for the vast majority, the computational resources required to find an optimal solution using conventional von Neumann computers skyrocket with growing problem sizes. For these problems, alternative solvers based on Ising machines, which directly leverage equilibrium characteristics of physical systems, show great potential. We demonstrate a novel, coupled oscillator-based all-to-all connected Ising machine manufactured in 65nm CMOS, COBI, operating at room temperature. We provide a detailed quantitative characterization and showcase how the COBI chip can solve representative COPs in a much more time- and energy- efficient manner than highly optimized classical solvers in software and emerging quantum annealers. Most significantly, due to its energy-efficiency and all-to-all connectivity, COBI can also efficiently solve dense COPs that cannot be effectively mapped or solved by emerging quantum annealers.
Recruitment curves of three non-native conifers in European temperate forests: implications for invasions
Authors: Fanal Aurore , Mahy Grégory , Monty Arnaud 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Few conifers are considered invasive in Europe, yet recent studies indicate that several species used for forestry display abundant regeneration and spread into surrounding natural habitats. Three species were identified as being particularly at risk in Belgium, but data is lacking regarding their dispersal. We characterized the recruitment curves of Tsuga heterophylla, Abies grandis and Thuja plicata. Isolated plantations were monitored and realized dispersal (i.e. seedlings and recruited regeneration) was exhaustively recorded and measured over 750 meters in different directions. We calculated the wave expansion rate and frontier expansion rate for each planting site, and fitted dispersal kernels for each site and species. Regeneration was classified in three size categories (seedlings, saplings and trees above 1.5 m), and the recruitment distances were analyzed for each size class. The effect of the forest type (deciduous, coniferous, open or mixed) on the density of regeneration was also investigated with regression models. The recruitment curves varied greatly across sites, showing heterogeneous habitat suitability and uneven post-germination processes. Considering the frontier expansion rate, the three conifers appear to spread beyond documented threshold rate of invasiveness. Regeneration density was higher in coniferous forest type, as well as open areas for Tsuga heterophylla. An escape effect was noticed as mean and maximal dispersal distances of saplings and taller trees were greater than those of seedlings. Our study indicates that Tsuga heterophylla displays the highest risk of rapid spread into adjacent natural habitats, followed by Abies grandis. Thuja plicata faces more recruitment limitations.
Fragile X mental retardation protein regulates glycolytic gene expression under chronic hypoxia
Authors: Kawata Kentaro , Zhang Zaijun , Ogura Yoko , Sun Xiaoning , Ozeki Atsuko Nakanishi , Taniue Kenzui , Onoguchi-Mizutani Rena , Adachi Shungo , Nakayama Koh , Goda Nobuhito , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Oxygen shortage, known as hypoxia, occurs commonly in both physiological and pathological conditions. Transcriptional regulation by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) is a dominant regulatory mechanism controlling hypoxia-responsive genes during acute hypoxia; however, recent studies suggest that post-transcriptional regulation, including RNA degradation, also involves hypoxia-induced gene expression during the chronic hypoxia. In this study, we developed a method to quantify the contributions of RNA synthesis and degradation to differential gene expression, and identified 102 genes mainly regulated via RNA degradation under chronic hypoxia in HCT116 cells. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the genes mainly regulated by RNA degradation were involved in glycolysis. Combinatory analysis of experimental approach using RNA interactome capture and statistical analysis using public databases, and followed depletion assays identified that an RNA-binding protein fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) enhances the expression of mRNAs encoding rate-limiting enzymes for glycolysis under chronic hypoxia. This study emphasizes the importance of post-transcriptional gene regulation under chronic hypoxia.
Diagnostic Value of Interleukin-6 in Acute Kawasaki Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhu Wenjing , Yuan Hui , Dai Ying , Qi Yuning , Xu Qian , Lv Jianli 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis affecting mainly young children and can cause serious coronary artery abnormalities. This study evaluated interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a biomarker for early KD diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
In a retrospective study, 275 children with acute KD were analyzed, alongside 109 children with other infectious diseases, to assess IL-6's diagnostic specificity. Patients were categorized by coronary artery lesions (CAL) presence and KD type.
Results
Of the KD patients (mean age 2.45 years), 84 had CAL. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with CAL (223.56 pg/mL) versus without (95.18 pg/mL, p < 0.05) and compared to other infectious diseases (134.86 pg/mL vs. 33.38 pg/mL, p < 0.05). The optimal IL-6 cutoff for predicting CAL had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.6. IL-6 correlated with C-reactive protein (r = 0.404), but no difference was found between typical and incomplete KD.
Conclusions
Elevated IL-6 levels in acute KD, particularly with CAL, suggest its utility as a diagnostic biomarker. Further studies are needed to confirm IL-6's diagnostic role.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of dialysis patients with metastatic calcification diagnosed by 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy
Authors: Wang Ju , Wang Xinliang , Xiao Jianping , Wang Deguang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the clinical characteristics of patients with metastatic calcification combined with maintenance dialysis.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with metastatic calcification by 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy from June 2019 to March 2023 in our hospital. All patients were followed from the diagnosis until death, loss to follow-up, or study endpoint time (2023.07). The primary endpoint observational event was all-cause mortality.
Results: There were 7 males and 3 females with an mean age of (49.2±10.6) years. The most common sites of metastatic calcification were lungs, joints, and skin, other rare sites were stomach, myocardium, and mandibular angle. 9 patients were treated with sodium thiosulfate(STS) and the mean duration medication of STS was 23.5(13.25，56.5) days. The mean follow-up time was 14(10,20) months, 1 case died, 1 case was loss to follow-up, 8(8/10) cases survived, and 6(6/10) cases were followed for more than 1 year.
Conclusion: 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy has a high sensitivity and specificity for metastatic calcification, and the most common sites of metastatic calcification are lungs, joints, and skin, while the other rare sites are stomach, myocardium, and mandibular angle.8 patients (8/10) survived, and 6 patients (6/10) were alive with more than 1 year of follow-up.
How dietary landscapes impact food allergy
Authors: Nanan Ralph , Ni Duan , Senior Alistair , Tan Jian , Macia Laurence 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Diets and environments are critical determinants for food allergy development. Harnessing unprecedented epidemiological and nutritional data, we examined the overall dietary environments for common food allergens and their intrinsic nutrient composition. We found that food and macronutrient supplies minimally impacted food allergy prevalence, but higher protein and glycine in food allergens correlated with less allergies. These findings offer new directions in food allergy research and management.
Respiratory Chain Complex I Deficiency in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Insights from Ophthalmologic and Molecular Investigations in Tunisia
Authors: Chkioua Latifa , Amri Yessine , Sahli Chayma , Nasri Tawfik , Miladi Mohamed Omar , Massoud Taieb , Laradi Sandrine , Ghorbel Mohamed , Abdennebi Hassen Ben 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) rare disease due to the mutation of the NADH dehydrogenase enzyme. LHON is characterized by a sudden central vision loss due to focal degeneration of the retinal ganglion cell layer and optic nerve. Symptoms usually appear between the age of 18 and 35 years. Some individuals present the mtDNA mutations but do not express this disease. The heteroplasmic or homoplasmic character of the mutations among patients explains why they develop the disease or not even though they carry the mutation.
Methods
This study was performed in collaboration with the department of ophthalmology of Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia. Screening for the common mutations in ND1 gene (mt.3460G > A), ND4 gene (mt.11778G > A) and ND6 gene (mt.14484T > C) was performed in five Tunisian families by standard RFLP PCR, followed by direct sequencing of the entire of these genes. Indeed, bioinformatics tools were used to predict the potential functional impact of the identified mutations on the Human mitochondrial respiratory complex I protein.
Results
one novel p.Leu601Met (m.14137C > A), and four previously reported mutations were identified in this study including: rs199476112G > A (m.11778G > A); rs202227543G > A (m.14258G > A); m.3244G > C, rs1603224763 (m.14510 dup) and NC_012920.1:m.3244G > C. In this present report, only one patient was found carrying the primary point mutation (m.G11778A). The ophthalmologic findings showing major fundus changes included hyperemic optic discs; disc pseudo-oedema and microangiopathy leading to optic disc atrophy. The analyses of the stability of protein upon identified mutations using DynaMut tool server demonstrated that these variations induce a rigidification in the region where they are located.
Conclusion
This is the first Tunisian report of mtDNA mutations identified in Tunisia causing the LHON. The main factors involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disease are genetic, epigenetic, hormonal and environmental influences.
Comparing Magnetic Field Distribution of Active Regions: Part 1 Methods of Mode Analysis
Authors: Bhowmik P. , Prior C. B. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We develop methods for comparing solar active region magnetic fields using two forms of mode analysis. These methods are designed to compare magnetogram data between differing fields, and also to compare the varying nature of the magnetic structure with height in solar active region magnetic fields. The first mode decomposition is a Zernike polynomial analysis, the planar counterpart of a spherical polar decomposition, which is applicable to most Cartesian solar active regions models as well as CEA magnetogram data. The second method is a spatial multi-resolution (wavelet) analysis which allows for the both scale and spatial analysis. In this study we use these decompositions to compare and contrast magnetogram data derived from convective flux emergence experiments with observed active region data, in order to assess their viability as models of active region formation. We show that both elements: a significant contribution from convective distortion in the model, and the choice of physical mechanism by which the field propelled to emerge through the photosphere are critical in order for simulations to accurately recreate the spectral properties of active region fields.
Esophageal button battery impactions in children: An analysis of 89 cases
Authors: Xu Guo , Jia Desheng , Chen Jing , Pan Hongguang , Wu Zebin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
To analyze the clinical characteristics of esophageal button battery impactions in children and explore safe and effective treatment methods.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary care center, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, encompassing 89 children diagnosed with esophageal button battery impactions between January 2013 and January 2023. To minimize esophageal mucosal corrosion, prompt removal of the button battery with a first-aid fast track rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia was performed within thirty minutes of diagnosis. The clinical features and complications were recorded and analyzed.
Results
Button battery as esophageal foreign body was prevalent among children under 3 years old (79.8%), with boys exhibiting a higher incidence rate (56.2%) compared to girls (43.8%), and an average age of 25.8 months. The median duration from ingestion to hospital admission was 3 hours (range: 0.5 hours to 3 months). Common symptoms included vomiting and dysphagia, with early stage vomiting of brown foamy secretions being a characteristic presentation of esophageal button battery impactions. The majority (77.5%) of batteries were lodged in the upper esophagus. The larger batteries were verified to be more prone to complications. All 89 cases exhibited varying degrees of esophageal mucosal erosion, with 31 cases (34.8%) experiencing severe complications, including esophageal stenosis in 11 cases (35.5%), esophageal perforation in 9 cases (29%) with 4 cases of tracheoesophageal fistula, vocal cord paralysis in 6 cases (19.4%), hemorrhage in 2 cases (6.5%), mediastinitis in 2 cases (6.5%), and periesophageal abscess in 1 case (3.2%). Despite the severity of these complications, none of the patients died after emergency surgery.
Conclusion
Esophageal button battery impactions can lead to significant damage to the esophageal mucosa due to its strong corrosiveness. Prompt action is crucial to mitigate the risk of complications. For the first time, we implement a first-aid fast track surgical intervention following diagnosis is imperative to minimize the incidence of adverse outcomes.