bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conbercept enhances the phagocytic activity of retinal Müller glia towards hard exudates in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Qin Shiyue , Xie Hai , Liu Yinping , Li Xiaosa , Zhang Yanchun , Zhang Chaoyang , Zhang Jingfa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Hard exudates (HEs) are one of the main factors affecting vision in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is the main therapy for DME, but its effect on Müller glia phagocytosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conbercept on phagocytosis of HEs by Müller glia in DR and elucidate the underlying mechanism(s).
Methods
Twenty-one eyes from 17 patients diagnosed with DR or DME underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging at baseline and one week after each consecutive intravitreal conbercept injection (ICI), administered three times with an interval of over one month between each injection, to assess changes in HEs. The rat Müller cell line (rMC-l) was cultured under high glucose conditions to mimic a diabetic environment. Cells were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) alone or in combination with conbercept. Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The phagocytosis of Ox-LDL by rMC-l cells with or without conbercept was examined via immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and Western blot. Gene expressions of several scavenger receptors and transporters involved in lipid metabolism, including RAGE, LOX-1, TLR-4, CD36, SR-AII, and ABCG-1, were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results
The area of the HEs exhibited minimal changes following the initial ICI, whereas a significant decrease in area was observed after three consecutive injections. The viability of rMC-l cells was obviously reduced at higher concentrations of conbercept (> 100 µg/mL). Under high glucose conditions, rMC-l cells phagocytosed Ox-LDL, particularly locolized around the nucleus, and conbercept further enhanced this phagocytosis. Ox-LDL treatment increased the expression of the receptors and transporters involved in phagocytosis and lipid metabolism, while conbercept treatment further enhanced their expressions, except for ABCG-1 which was decreased.
Conclusion
This study confirmed that Conbercept treatment can effectively reduce the area of HEs in DR and DME. This therapeutic effect may be attributed to the enhanced phagocytic capability of Müller glia towards HEs, which is mediated by the regulation of key lipid metabolism receptors and transport proteins. These findings provide novel mechanisms underlying the facilitation of HEs clearance in DR and DME by anti-VEGF therapy, thereby establishing a theoretical basis for future therapeutic strategies.
US and MRI: which is better in the postoperative follow-up of Bone tumor?
Authors: Yu Ping , Hu Yue , Zhu Jiaan , Wang Yu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a good imaging way to detecting the local recurrence of primary malignant bone tumors, which can image the structure of local muscles, joints, blood vessels and nerves to evaluate intramedullary infiltration and extrinsic invasion area. However, imaging has been limited by the presence of metal implants which causing substantial artifacts on MRI. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic value of ultrasound (US) versus MRI in local recurrence of primary bone tumors after surgery.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were examined in our hospital after primary bone tumor surgery from June 2016 to June 2023. All confirmed relapsed cases both underwent US and MRI prior to pathological examination. The McNemar’s test was used for paired variables between US and MRI. P values <0.05 were considered significant.
Results: Local tumor recurrence confirmed by pathology in total 21 cases, including 14 cases of osteosarcoma, 5 cases of chondrosarcoma, 1 case of Ewing's sarcoma, and 1 case of sacrum tumor. There were 11 cases without local tumor recurrence, including 3 cases with pathological results and 8 cases by following-up. There was statistical difference in the detection rate of local recurrence after primary malignant bone tumor between US and MRI.
Conclusion: Compared with MRI, US shows better effect on postoperative follow-up of primary malignant bone tumors. US should be used as a routine post-operative monitoring method for patients in primary bone tumors.
Prevalence and Risk Factor Analysis of Hypertension in Rural Adults: A Novel 7-Category Blood Pressure System and Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Model Approach
Authors: Ahmad Fayaz , Mehmood Tahir , Liu Xiaotian , Yuchi Xianghao , Kang Ning , Liao Wei , Wu Ruiyu , Baheti Bota , Dong Xiaokang , Hou Jian , Akhtar Sohail , Wang Chongjian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypertension (HTN) is a major health risk factor for heart disease. This study explored HTN prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in rural China using the Henan Rural Cohort Study. We also aimed to identify risk factors for developing HTN.
Methods
We surveyed 39,224 adults (aged 18–79) between 2015–2017 (response rate: 93.7%) and followed up with 28,621 in 2018–2022. Surveys assessed HTN status (categorized by age and sex) using a novel 7-category blood pressure system. To identify HTN risk factors, we employed a novel generalised linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) that accounts for individual variations within the study population.
Results
Overall HTN prevalence was around 33% (first survey: 32.73%, second survey: 33.85%). Awareness (20.09–25.31%) and treatment (18.77–24.42%) improved significantly (p < 0.05) between surveys, but control remained low (6.15–12.30%). Our GLMM analysis identified several factors associated with an increased risk of HTN. These included older age (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.18–1.28), female gender (OR: 1.882, 95% CI: 1.669–2.121), ever having consumed alcohol (OR: 1.519, 95% CI: 1.342–1.719), and having a waist-to-hip ratio in the "Yes" category (WHRgrpYes) (OR: 1.161, 95% CI: 1.076–1.252).
Conclusions
Despite improvements, HTN prevalence remained high. The 7-category system aided HTN diagnosis. This study's application of a novel GLMM to predict HTN risk based on various factors, including age, sex, and body mass index, can inform future research to improve HTN management in rural China.
Clinical Trial Registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: July 06, 2015. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375
MultiEthno-Linguistic Toolkit for Stakeholder Involvement in Research
Authors: Nagraj Sumanth Kumbargere , Eachempati Prashanti , Uhm Seilin , Nasser Mona 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development says we should not leave anyone behind, meaning everyone should have a fair chance to improve their lives without facing poverty, discrimination, or exclusion. This agenda well applies to the field of research and in research, it is important to ask questions that matter to everyone involved. However, there are challenges like cultural differences, trust issues, and power imbalances that make it tough for diverse groups to join research. That is why we need better ways to involve people from minority ethnic groups who may not speak English or have much experience with research. Even though funders say we should involve different kinds of people in health research, it is hard because of cultural, language, and political differences. Therefore, it is important to make sure everyone is on board with the research right from the start. At present, many research groups have made guidance documents or toolkits with advice on how to involve different people in clinical trials, guideline development, research priority setting, and systematic reviews. They focus on being fair and making sure everyone is included. Even though these guidance documents say patients and the public should help make healthcare rules, there is not much information about how non-English-speaking minority ethnic groups can join in. So, we suggest a toolkit to help involve people from different ethnic and language groups in research. We looked at information and what we learned from three projects where people from different ethnic groups and who spoke different languages were involved. Using this, we made a toolkit called the MultiEthno-Linguistic Toolkit (MELT) to help get stakeholders involved in the research process.
Comparative Acute Toxicity and Safety Indices of Organophosphate Insecticides on Apis mellifera
Authors: Ayoub Liyaqat , Yaqoob Munazah , Kanth Raihana H. , Wani Fehim Jeelani , Wani Fazil Fayaz , Gull Audil 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

European honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) plays a vital role as a pollinator, contributing significantly to global ecosystems and agricultural productivity. However, their populations are increasingly threatened, primarily due to exposure to pesticides, particularly organophosphates, commonly used in agriculture for pest control. In this study, insecticides including chlorpyriphos 20 EC, dimethoate 30 EC, and profenophos 50 EC were evaluated at various concentrations (0.005–0.09%) through topical and oral application methods. Results showed significant mortality in experimental bees across all concentrations of the insecticides, with higher mortality observed in oral exposure. Mortality increased with concentration and time, with chlorpyriphos 20 EC exhibiting mortality percentages ranging from 6.67–100%, dimethoate 30 EC from 0.00–100%, and profenophos 50 EC from 8.33–100%. Toxicity assessment revealed lowest LC50 values in chlorpyriphos 20 EC (0.008) and dimethoate 30 EC (0.007) through topical and oral methods at 24 hours after treatment (HAT), respectively. Relative toxicity, extrapolated from LD50 values, was highest in chlorpyriphos 20 EC (1.62) and dimethoate 30 EC (1.85) through topical and oral methods at 24 HAT, respectively. Profenophos 50 EC exhibited the lowest safety index (0.26) through topical application and dimethoate 30 EC (0.23) through oral application at 24 HAT. Overall, the study highlights the negative impact of insecticides on A. mellifera and underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive evaluation of the risks posed by current pest control practices to honey bees and other essential pollinators.
Online Problem Based Learning in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Nagoya University, Japan
Authors: Kwon Daseul , Kondo Takeshi , Takahashi Noriyuki , Takami Hideki , Nishigori Hiroshi , Aleksic Branko , Villalobos Itzel Bustos , Kasuya Hideki , Yagi Tetsuya , Skokauskas Norbert 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Mental health care is limited worldwide, especially for children and adolescents. In the case of Japan, one in five children has a mental health problem. However, there are barriers to using mental health services for children and adolescents, including a shortage of standardized training programs and the subsequent workforce. To solve this, Japan adapted Problem Based Learning (PBL) to enhance standardized medical education about Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP). This study aims to evaluate online CAP studies at Nagoya University (NU), Japan, with a focus on PBL materials.
Design and methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at NU with a questionnaire developed under the Trondheim-Nagoya (TroNA) project by NU and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The questionnaire measuring students' perceptions and understanding of the PBL curriculum and PBL in CAP consisted of 15 questions using a three-point Likert scale. To compare PBL CAP delivered online (2021) with established PBL CAP carried out in person (2019) at NU, an identical questionnaire was used both in 2019 and 2021.
Results
The majority of medical students in both in-person (82.5%) and online (91.2%) classes agreed that PBL helped them to develop clinical problem-solving skills. In addition, 53.6% of students in in-person class and 75.8% of students in online class thought PBL enhanced their understanding of CAP. In terms of specific case scenarios, the majority of students in the in-person class (59.8%) and online class (74.7%) agreed that the PBL case helped them to understand the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in CAP.
Conclusion
Most of the NU medical students were generally satisfied with CAP's online PBL curriculum. The online PBL CAP curriculum with specific case scenarios can provide medical students with suitable educational means. This study can be a cornerstone for establishing online PBL education in CAP and making plans to attract more future doctors to CAP.
An Improved Sand Cat Swarm Optimization with Lens Opposition-based Learning and Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: cai yanguang , guo changle , chen xiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In order to enhance the global search ability of the sand cat swarm optimization, avoid falling into the local optimum at a later stage, and improve the performance of the algorithm, an improved algorithm is proposed - Improved sand cat swarm optimization based on lens opposition-based learning and sparrow search algorithm (LSSCSO). A dynamic spiral search is introduced in the exploitation stage to make the algorithm search for better positions in the search space and improve the convergence accuracy of the algorithm. The lens opposition-based learning and the sparrow search algorithm are introduced in the later stages of the algorithm to make the algorithm jump out of the local optimum and improve the global search capability of the algorithm. To evaluate the effectiveness of LSSCSO in solving global optimization problems, the performance of the algorithm is tested using 23 standard benchmark functions and compared with seven competitive algorithms, which show that LSSCSO has strong optimality finding ability and performs optimally in most cases. Finally, the application of LSSCSO to four engineering optimization problems also verifies the effectiveness of the algorithm in solving engineering optimization problems.
IKZF3 amplification predicts worse prognosis especially in intestinal-type gastric cancer
Authors: Cui Zhaomeng , Liang Huaiyu , Luo Rongkui , Huang Wen , Yuan Wei , Zhang Lei , Luan Lijuan , Su Jieakesu , Huang Jie , Xu Chen , Hou Yingyong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
IKAROS family zinc finger 3 (IKZF3) is an oncogene involved in different malignancies, particularly in the development and malignant progression of lymphocytes. However, IKZF3 amplification and clinical significance in gastric cancers (GCs) remain unexplored.
Methods
We examined IKZF3 amplification status in 404 GCs with HER2 amplification status using tissue microarray (TMA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays.
Results
IKZF3 amplification was detected in 6.9% (28/404) of all GC patients, with higher rates in intestinal-type gastric cancer (IGC) (11.22%, 22/196) compared to other types (2.88%, 6/208). HER2 amplification was identified in 16.09% (65/404) of all GC patients, with higher rates in IGC (20.92%, 41/196) compared to other types (11.54%, 24/208). Co-amplification of IKZF3 and HER2 was detected in 8.16% (16/196) of IGC patients and in 2.40% (5/208) of other types. IKZF3 amplification showed significant correlation with IGC (P = 0.001) and HER2 amplification (P = 0.0001). IKZF3 amplification exhibited significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.014) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.018) in GC patients, particularly in IGC (DFS: P < 0.001; OS: P < 0.001), rather than other types. Cox regression analysis demonstrate IKZF3 amplification as an independent poor prognostic factor in all GCs (P = 0.006, P = 0.004 respectively) and in IGC patients, regardless of stages I-II or III-IV (P = 0.007, P = 0.004 respectively). On the other hand, HER2 amplification was significantly associated with worse DFS (P = 0.008) and OS (P = 0.01) in IGC patients, but not in all GCs and in multivariate analysis. Within the subset of patients with HER2 amplification, those also exhibiting IKZF3 amplification displayed potential poorer prognosis (P = 0.08, P = 0.11 respectively).
Conclusion
IKZF3 amplification was detected in minority of GC patients, especially in IGC, and was an independent indicator of poor prognosis. Our study, for the first time, found the prognostic value of IKZF3 was superior to HER2 for GC patients.
Multi-omic Analysis of Human B-cell Activation Reveals a Key Lysosomal BCAT1 Role in mTOR Hyperactivation by B-cell receptor and TLR9
Authors: Guo Rui , Lim Matthew , Shah Hardik , Paulo Joao , Zhang Yuchen , Yang Haopeng , Wang Liang Wei , Strebinger Daniel , Smith Nicolas , Li Meng , Leong Merrin , Lutchenkov Michael , Liang Jin-Hua , Li Zhixuan , Wang Yin , Puri Rishi , Melnick Ari , Green Michael , Asara John , Papathanassiu Adonia , Gygi Steven , Mootha Vamsi , Gewurz Benjamin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

B-lymphocytes play major adaptive immune roles, producing antibody and driving T-cell responses. However, how immunometabolism networks support B-cell activation and differentiation in response to distinct receptor stimuli remains incompletely understood. To gain insights, we systematically investigated acute primary human B-cell transcriptional, translational and metabolomic responses to B-cell receptor (BCR), Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), CD40-ligand (CD40L), interleukin-4 (IL4) or combinations thereof. T-independent BCR/TLR9 co-stimulation, which drives malignant and autoimmune B-cell states, jointly induced PD-L1 plasma membrane expression, supported by NAD metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. BCR/TLR9 also highly induced the transaminase BCAT1, which localized to lysosomal membranes to support branched chain amino acid synthesis and mTORC1 hyperactivation. BCAT1 inhibition blunted BCR/TLR9, but not CD40L/IL4-triggered B-cell proliferation, IL10 expression and BCR/TLR pathway-driven lymphoma xenograft outgrowth. These results provide a valuable resource, reveal receptor-mediated immunometabolism remodeling to support key B-cell phenotypes including PD-L1 checkpoint signaling, and identify BCAT1 as a novel B-cell therapeutic target.
Behavioural patterns of Octopus tetricus (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) and their responses to fisheries trap and bait combinations
Authors: Vrandich Adam Anthony , Kelaher Brendan P , Hall Karina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Octopus fisheries are expanding globally. However, given their complex behavioural repertoires, cognitive capacities and individual personalities among octopuses, careful consideration of their interactions with and capture by fishing gears is required to inform efficient, sustainable, and ethical fisheries development. Here, the behaviour of Octopus tetricus was assessed in response to different bait and trap combinations in an outdoor mesocosm experiment. Eight wild octopuses were collected, maintained in individual tanks with flow-through seawater and aeration, and monitored with a 24-h video surveillance system. Six different trap types and four different baits were presented to each octopus in various combinations during four sequential trials. Fine-mesh crab traps were the most successful in capturing octopus, accounting for 23 of the total 30 captures across all trials. Whereas solid trigger traps produced the greatest number of other interactions (e.g., octopus sitting on trap or in the entrance), averaging 43 interactions per trial, but were rarely triggered. Bait type did not influence octopus capture, trap interaction frequency, or octopus activity. Octopus were generally inactive, dedicating only 9.5% of their total time to active behaviours. Octopus activity varied with time of day, with peak activity during morning daylight (0800–1200) and the lowest activity during the dark hours of the very early morning (0000–0400). Additionally, capture numbers, trap interactions, and activity varied among individuals, with bolder personalities in some octopus. This natural variation among individual octopuses may lead to fishery-induced selection associated with the elevated capture frequency of bold or more active individuals.
Perceptions of sedentary behaviour in people with severe asthma: A qualitative study
Authors: Guerrero Paola D Urroz , Gibson Peter G , Lewthwaite Hayley , Majellano Eleanor , Hiles Sarah A , McDonald Vanessa M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

People with severe asthma often lead sedentary lifestyles, which adversely affects overall health and asthma-specific outcomes. To inform future sedentary behaviour- interventions, this study aimed to explore perceptions of sedentary behaviour among people with severe asthma. Adults (≥ 18 years) with severe asthma (n = 21) participated in face-to-face interviews. Participants were asked open-ended questions about factors influencing their sitting behaviour. A thematic analysis was conducted on phrases and sentences relevant to sedentary behaviour. Participants were predominantly females (62%), with controlled asthma (median [Q1, Q3]: ACQ6 0.5 [0.2,1.8]) and receiving monoclonal antibody therapy (71%). Participants were inactive (19.1 [11.3, 44.5] minutes of MVPA per day) and sedentary (10.8 [9.7, 11.4] hours of sedentary behaviour per day). The analysis generated four main themes: (1) Sedentary behaviour often stems from habits and routines, (2) Asthma and associated health issues contribute to sedentary behaviour, (3) Participants' responsibilities influence their activity levels, and; (4) Participants’ conscious balance between being physically active and sedentary. The results of this qualitative study offers insights into the perspectives of people with severe asthma regarding sedentary behaviour, highlighting the identification of strategies that can be implemented to optimise sedentary behaviour in this population.
Huajieling virus: A newly discovered member of the Caliciviridae family from mosquito, China
Authors: zhu wenbing , Chen Jiahao , Lu Ke , Sun Hengyi , Niu Guoyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Mosquito associated virus have always been a significant threat to global health. Metagenomics offers a straightforward and quantitative means to acquire the information of novel virus and has greatly enriched the content of mosquito associated virus databases. During an entomological surveillance for arthropod-borne viruses in China, we identified a previously unrecognized virus from mosquitoes, temporarily named Huajieling virus. In this study, a total of 3,960 mosquitoes were collected and then divided into 91 pools, according to location and species. QRT-PCR and nested PCR were performed to confirm the presence of Huajieling virus. Its genomic features and phylogenetic relationships were further analyzed. Our results showed that Huajieling virus was detected in 7 of the 91 mosquito pools and that the minimum infection rate (MIR) was 0.18% (7/3,960). One complete genome sequence and 2 viral partial sequences were obtained from the Huajieling virus-positive pools. Pairwise distances analysis indicated that these amplified sequences shared high nucleotide identity. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Huajieling virus is most closely related to Wufeng shrew picorna like virus 43, which belonging to Caliciviridae. Further analyses indicated that Huajieling virus is a new member of unclassified Caliciviridae.