bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-glucan improves the response of trained macrophages to severe P. aeruginosa infections
Authors: Ciszek-Lenda Marta , Nowak Bernadeta , Majka Grzegorz , Suski Maciej , Walczewska Maria , Fedor Angelika , Golińska Edyta , Górska Sabina , Gamian Andrzej , Olszanecki Rafał , Strus Magdalena , Marcinkiewicz Janusz 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objective P. Aeruginosa
(PA), the major pathogen of lung cystic fibrosis (CF), polarizes macrophages into hyperinflammatory tissue damaging phenotype. The main aim of this study was to verify whether training of macrophages with β-glucan might improve their response to P. aeruginosa infections.

Methods
To perform this task C57BL/6 mice sensitive to infections with P. aeruginosa were used. Peritoneal macrophages were trained with Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-glucan and exposed to PA57, the strong biofilm-forming bacterial strain isolated from the patient with severe lung CF. The release of cytokines and the expression of macrophage phenotypic markers were measured. A quantitative proteomic approach was used for the characterization of proteome-wide changes in macrophages. The effect of in vivo β-glucan-trained macrophages in the air pouch model of PA57 infection was investigated. In all experiments the effect of trained and naïve macrophages was compared.

Results
Trained macrophages acquired a specific phenotype with mixed pro-inflammatory and pro-resolution characteristics, however they retained anti-bacterial properties. Most importantly, transfer of trained macrophages into infected air pouches markedly ameliorated the course of infection. PA57 bacterial growth and formation of biofilm were significantly suppressed. The level of serum amyloid A (SAA), a systemic inflammation biomarker, was reduced.

Conclusions
Training of murine macrophages with S. cerevisiae β-glucan improved macrophage defense properties along with inhibition of secretion of some detrimental inflammatory agents. We suggest that training of macrophages with such β-glucans might be a new therapeutic strategy in P. aeruginosa biofilm infections, including CF, to promote eradication of pathogens and resolution of inflammation.
New sirtuin modulators: their uncovering, pharmacophore, and implications in drug discovery
Authors: Chen Pei-Ti , Yeong Keng Yoon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSirtuins are a group of enzymes known as class III histone deacetylases that catalyze the deacetylation reaction and are presented across various species. In humans, they exhibit seven isoforms known as SIRT1–7, localize in distinctive cellular compartments, the nucleus (SIRT1, 6, 7), cytoplasm (SIRT2), and mitochondria (SIRT3, 4, 5). They play crucial roles in metabolism, DNA repair, and rRNA transcription. As research on sirtuins has expanded, there has been increased interest in identifying sirtuin modulators that may hold therapeutic implications in various diseases. Despite the identification of numerous sirtuin modulators, only few have entered clinical trials due to selectivity and safety concerns. Hence, subsequent research is needed to understand their mechanisms and ensure their safety profiles. This review summarizes experimental data and the status of sirtuin modulators reported from 2013 to current, aiming to contribute to the advancement of sirtuin modulation research and the identification of promising candidates for future development.
Tribological behaviour of microindented 100Cr6 steel surfaces in dry contact conditions
Authors: Guglielmi Pasquale , Davoodi Farideh , Palumbo Gianfranco , Carbone Giuseppe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the present work, we studied the dry tribological behaviour of a 100Cr6 steel, the spherical surface of which was texturized with microindentation. The purpose of adopting a mechanical indentation technique on a non-planar surface was to simultaneously evaluate the effectiveness of adopting a fast, deformation-based technique for improving the contact tribological properties. Specifically, dimples were created using an automatic microhardness tester equipped with a Vickers indenter, setting a load of 0.5 N. Friction tests were performed at different speeds considering textured surfaces with two different void ratios (VRs). Textured and untextured surfaces were tested using a ball-on-disc tribometer. In addition, the effect of dimple size was evaluated by producing Vickers indented surfaces at a load of 5 N per each indentation, while keeping the VR values unchanged and testing the frictional properties of such surfaces at a fixed speed of 4.18 mm/s. Textured surfaces were deeply investigated to motivate the improvement of tribological properties. Notably, compared to the untextured samples, the microindented samples exhibited a much lower coefficient of friction (COF), with a friction reduction compared to the untextured case ranging from 45 to 65%, depending on the VR values. The adoption of large dimples allowed the reduction of the COF, already at smaller VR value but, in such a case, the presence of bulges at the edge of the dimple worsens the wear resistance of the counter surface. In addition to reducing the contact area and the capability to trap any debris in the dimples, the local measurement of strength allowed to clarify that the friction reduction is also determined by the work hardening effect produced by the microindentation texturing. Considering the significant improvements recorded in terms of COF and the high ability to indent even non-planar surfaces, the proposed approach can be considered very promising and, therefore, industrially applicable (e.g. using a specifically designed multi-indenter tool) to affect the friction behaviour of components, even locally, during both their use and their production.
Lysins as a powerful alternative to combat Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Nakonieczna Aleksandra , Abramowicz Karolina , Kwiatek Magdalena , Kowalczyk Ewelina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This review gathers all, to the best of our current knowledge, known lysins, mainly bacteriophage-derived, that have demonstrated activity against Bacillus anthracis strains. B. anthracis is a spore-forming, toxin-producing bacteria, naturally dwelling in soil. It is best known as a potential biowarfare threat, an etiological agent of anthrax, and a severe zoonotic disease. Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, penicillin, doxycycline); however, their administration may take up even to 60 days, and different factors can compromise their effectiveness. Bacterial viruses, bacteriophages (phages), are natural enemies of bacteria and use their lytic enzymes, endolysins (lysins), to specifically kill bacterial cells. Harnessing the potential of lysins to combat bacterial infections holds promise for diminishing antibiotic usage and, consequently, addressing the escalating antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In this context, we list the lysins with the activity against B. anthracis, providing a summary of their lytic properties in vitro and the outcomes observed in animal models. Bacillus cereus strain ATCC 4342/RSVF1, a surrogate for B. anthracis, was also included as a target bacteria.

Key points
• More than a dozen different B. anthracis lysins have been identified and studied.
• They fall into three blocks regarding their amino acid sequence similarity and most of them are amidases.
• Lysins could be used in treating B. anthracis infections.
Emergency department utilization by persons with rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Contreras Dani G. , McLane Patrick , Barber Claire E.H. , Lin Katie , Elliott Meghan J. , Chomistek Kelsey , McQuitty Shanon , Davidson Eileen , Hildebrandt Clare , Katz Steven , Lang Eddy , Holroyd Brian R. , Barnabe Cheryl 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSome emergency department (ED) visits by persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be avoidable. This study aims to describe ED use by persons with RA in Alberta, Canada over a 10-year period. Using linked population-based administrative datasets, the annual frequency of ED visits, timing of visits, acuity at presentation assessed (Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS)), return visits within 72 h, and final disposition were assessed. Most responsible diagnoses assessed by the ED provider were categorized. Between 2008 and 2017, a total of 48,633 persons with RA had 416,964 unique ED visits. There was a 41% relative increase in visits over the study period and within a fiscal year 37% of persons with RA on average attended an ED. Half of the visits were assessed as CTAS 4 ‘Less Urgent’ (31%) and CTAS 5 ‘Non-Urgent’ (19%). No specific diagnosis could be assigned in 36% of visits and RA was listed as the most responsible diagnosis in 2.5% of all visits. Hospital admissions, occurring on average for 14% of ED visits, increased by 15% over the 10 years, and were rare for CTAS 4 (6.4%) and CTAS 5 (1.4%) presentations. Male patients (difference to female 1.2%, 95%CI 0.6, 1.7) and urban patients (difference to rural 8.4%, 95%CI 7.7, 9.2) were more frequently admitted to hospital. Persons with RA have increased ED utilization over time, with a significant volume of less urgent and non-urgent visits. Opportunities for appropriate ambulatory care provision to reduce acute care use should be identified.
The white-capped albatross: a new breeding record for the Diego Ramírez Islands, Chile
Authors: Suazo Cristián G. , Anguita Cristóbal , Letelier Carlos Garcés , Martínez Alexis , Quillfeldt Petra 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlbatrosses are renowned for their high philopatry, which has been proposed as a major barrier to their dispersal and hybridization with other albatross species. Except for shy-type albatross species from New Zealand, examples of colonization of new breeding sites and interbreeding with closely related species are rare. During the austral summer of 2022, while conducting land-based monitoring of resident Black-browed (Thalassarche melanophris) and Grey-headed (T. chrysostoma) albatross populations on the Diego Ramírez Islands, Chile (56 S), we documented the first (and southernmost) breeding record of a nesting pair of White-capped Albatross (T. steadi), a species endemic to the Auckland Islands, New Zealand (~ 7000 km away). The species identity was confirmed through molecular analysis. This discovery underscores the importance of Diego Ramírez and its surrounding waters as a hotspot for global albatross conservation.
Loss of coral thermotolerance following year-long in situ nursery propagation with a consecutively high summer heat-load
Authors: Alderdice Rachel , Voolstra Christian R. , Lendo C. Isabel Nuñez , Boote Chloë , Suggett David J. , Edmondson John , Goyen Samantha , Haydon Trent , Camp Emma F. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExposure to more frequent ocean warming events is driving the loss of coral reef cover as the window of recovery between episodes of bleaching reduces. Coral propagation via in situ nurseries and subsequent outplanting have increased worldwide to support replenishing coral cover on degraded reefs. However, challenges in identifying fast-growing and bleaching-resistant target corals have limited how informative we can be regarding the resilience of outplanted corals. Here, we employed short-term thermal stress assays using the Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System (CBASS) to assess the thermal threshold of a fast-growing coral pre- and post-propagation on in situ nursery frames. We show that year-long nursery-propagated corals exhibit a statistically significant reduction in thermal thresholds (i.e., ED50s) compared to their corresponding reef-based donor colonies based on dose–response modelling of dark acclimated photosynthetic efficiency. RNA-Seq was then used to assess the underlying drivers of this thermotolerance reduction, identifying that processes involved in metabolic and oxidative stress management were disrupted in nursery versus donor heat-treated corals. Whether trade-offs during potential growth-focused phases (post-fragmentation), nursery conditions, and/or a consecutively high summer heat-load drove the lower thermal capacity remains to be determined. However, nursery corals expressed genes associated with telomere maintenance, which are typically expressed in stress-sensitive fast-growing corals under seasonal environmental stress, suggesting consecutively high summer heat-loading contributed to the observed patterns. Our results highlight that thermal tolerance is (i) variable and (ii) subject to acclimation to varying degrees across colonies. Thus, a path forward for reef practitioners to improve propagation efforts may entail the initial screening of a larger reef population from which thermally superior colonies can be selected for propagation.
Knowledge-based approach to adaptive XR interface design for non-programmers
Authors: Maik Mikołaj , Flotyński Jakub , Walczak Krzysztof 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCustomizing extended reality (XR) interfaces presents a significant challenge, especially for users with limited programming expertise. This paper introduces the method for adaptation of XR interfaces (MAXI-XR), a novel approach to simplify the customization process of XR user interfaces through knowledge technologies. MAXI-XR offers a user-friendly solution for interface design, supporting users with varying levels of technical skills. The basis of MAXI-XR is its Semantic Knowledge Base, which facilitates intelligent adaptations through advanced querying and reasoning, enabling the extraction of user-specific information for context-based XR interface adaptation. The functionality of MAXI-XR is demonstrated by its application in a VR stock market data visualization system. This system demonstrates MAXI-XR’s ability to adapt to complex and data-intensive environments according to user requirements, improving the interaction experience. Furthermore, the method’s scalability and ease of maintenance make it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications beyond stock market visualization, suggesting its potential for broader adoption in various XR domains.
Is there an impact of a video-based patient informed consent in elective hand surgery?
Authors: Osterloh Justus , Müller-Seubert Wibke , Cai Aijia , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund R. E. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Patient informed consent is a crucial subject in preoperative care of patients before elective hand surgery, ensuring that patients have the necessary information and a comprehensive understanding to make autonomous decisions. The use of video-based informed consent systems is an innovative concept to enhance the consent process with multimedia tools. In addition to the conventional process, mostly relying on verbal communication and written documents, the video-based approach aims to present information in a standardized and visually appealing format.

Methods
In this study, 33 patients were asked to watch a video on a tablet about the planned elective hand surgery after a conventional pre-treatment consultation including informed consent throughout verbal explanations and paper forms by an attending physician or resident. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire after watching the video.

Results
An overwhelming majority of participants, specifically 97.0%, stated that the video improved their understanding of the upcoming surgery. 90.9% of the participant would refer the video to other patients undergoing elective hand surgery, while 72.7% of participants indicated that they would have appreciated the opportunity to view an informational video before undergoing different types of surgeries in the past.

Conclusion
The use of a video-based patient information system in elective hand surgery had a positive impact on patient education and satisfaction with the informed consent process. Therefore, it is a powerful tool in preoperative management to guarantee a standardized and educative informed consent.
Prevalence and association of polycystic ovary syndrome and hidradenitis suppurativa in underrepresented groups
Authors: Ch’en Peter Y. , Toker Michelle , Chen Gloria , Hosgood H. Dean , Campton Kristina L. , Cohen Steven R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory disorder of follicular biology; androgens are believed to be involved in its pathogenesis. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is similarly characterized by hyperandrogenism. Previous studies have found a lasting association of HS and PCOS. Socioeconomic status (SES) has been described as a comorbidity for both HS and PCOS that has not been accounted for in prior studies; we sought to investigate this association while adjusting for this. We also analyzed the prevalence of PCOS among HS patients. Using the All of Us database, female HS patients were stratified by PCOS diagnosis and compared by age, race, and ethnicity. Female HS patients were also nearest-neighbor propensity-score matched to controls at a 4:1 ratio, selecting for race, ethnicity, age, ever smoker, alcohol use disorder, obesity, type II diabetes, Medicaid status, and community deprivation index. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to estimate the effect of HS on the presence of PCOS. The distribution of race among HS patients with PCOS was significantly different than HS patients without PCOS. A total of 1,022 female HS patients and 4,088 matched female controls were included. Significantly more patients carried a diagnosis of PCOS compared to controls (8.8% versus 4.3%, p < .001). In multivariable logistic regression, PCOS was significantly associated with HS [OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.34–2.17)]. This is the first study investigating the association of HS and PCOS within the All of Us database. We found that females with HS had a 1.34- to 2.17-fold increased odds of having PCOS, which is consistent with previous analyses. However, our analysis, in addition to controlling for common medical co-morbidities found in both HS and PCOS, also accounts for markers of SES at an individual and community level, further strengthening the association of HS with PCOS.
Dupilumab: a delayed response in asthmatic and atopic patients treated for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Tanzini Umberto , Rampi Andrea , Vinciguerra Alessandro , Danè Giulia , Yacoub Mona Rita , Bussi Mario , Trimarchi Matteo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) is a common disease, which was previously approached with sinus surgery or systemic corticosteroids. The advent of biological therapies radically changed the approach to this disease. On the other hand, there is scarce scientific evidence of how specific subsets of patients respond to this treatment.

Methods
this is a monocentric, prospective study investigating the long-term efficacy on biweekly 300 mg dupilumab therapy in CRSwNP, prescribed to 61 patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline and every 2 months for the first 6 months, then at 9, 12, 16, 20 and 24 months.

Results
dupilumab proved to be an effective treatment, neatly improving both subjective and objective measurements in CRSwNP. The main finding of the study is the difference between specific subgroups of patients: while the overall response is similar, patients with Th2 comorbidities such as asthma and atopy tend to reach a stable response later, with the improvement ongoing even after 6 months of therapy, while non-asthmatic, non-atopic patients attain an earlier stability in response.

Conclusions
dupilumab provides an excellent long-term control of CRSwNP, but the response in asthmatic and atopic patients appears to be different and delayed when compared to non asthmatic and non atopic ones.
The role of fatigue in patients with complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Wiemann Matthias , Blendow Sarah-Luis , Zimowski Nikolas , Enax-Krumova Elena , Fleischmann Robert , Penner Iris-Katharina , Grothe Matthias , Strauss Sebastian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background and Purpose
Fatigue affects patients across a variety of neurological diseases, including chronic pain syndromes such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). In CRPS, fatigue is often underestimated, as the focus lies in the assessment and managing of pain and sensorimotor deficits. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and influence of fatigue on CRPS severity and quality of life in these patients. Such insights could enhance the clinical management of this challenging condition.

Methods
In this prospective study, 181 CRPS patients and 141 age and gender-matched individuals with injury but without chronic pain were interviewed using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Function to assess fatigue. Depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were also evaluated as additional outcome measures. Statistical analysis was performed to examine differences in fatigue prevalence between the groups, as well as associations with CRPS severity, pain levels, and clinical phenotype. In addition, best subsets regression was used to identify the primary factors influencing QoL. Fatigue was tested in a mediation analysis as a mediator between pain and depression.

Results
CRPS patients showed significantly higher fatigue levels compared to controls (CRPS: 75 [IQR: 57–85] vs. controls: 39 [IQR: 25–57]). Based on the FSMC, 44.2% in the control group experienced fatigue, while 85% of patients with CRPS experienced fatigue (p < 0.001), of which 6% were mild, 15% moderate, and 67% severe. In CRPS severe fatigue was associated with higher pain intensities compared to no fatigue (pain at rest: p = 0.003; pain during movement: p = 0.007) or moderate fatigue (pain during movement: p = 0.03). QoL in our cohort was mainly influenced by pain (pain during movement: adj.R2 = 0.38; p < 0.001, pain at rest: Δadj.R2 = 0.02, p = 0.007) and depressive symptoms (Δadj.R2 = 0.12, p < 0.001). Subsequent analyses indicated that pain and depressive symptoms primarily impact QoL in CPRS whereas fatigue may exert an indirect influence by mediating the connection between pain and depression (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
This pioneering study investigates the prevalence of fatigue in CRPS patients and its relation to disease characteristics. Our results indicate a high prevalence of severe fatigue, strongly correlated with pain intensity, and its importance in the interaction between pain and depression in CRPS. These findings underscore the significant role of fatigue as a disease factor in CRPS. Therefore, the evaluation of CRPS-related disability should include a standardized assessment of fatigue for comprehensive clinical management.
Spatial transcriptomics in cancer research and potential clinical impact: a narrative review
Authors: Cilento Michael A. , Sweeney Christopher J. , Butler Lisa M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSpatial transcriptomics (ST) provides novel insights into the tumor microenvironment (TME). ST allows the quantification and illustration of gene expression profiles in the spatial context of tissues, including both the cancer cells and the microenvironment in which they are found. In cancer research, ST has already provided novel insights into cancer metastasis, prognosis, and immunotherapy responsiveness. The clinical precision oncology application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and RNA profiling of tumors relies on bulk methods that lack spatial context. The ability to preserve spatial information is now possible, as it allows us to capture tumor heterogeneity and multifocality. In this narrative review, we summarize precision oncology, discuss tumor sequencing in the clinic, and review the available ST research methods, including seqFISH, MERFISH (Vizgen), CosMx SMI (NanoString), Xenium (10x), Visium (10x), Stereo-seq (STOmics), and GeoMx DSP (NanoString). We then review the current ST literature with a focus on solid tumors organized by tumor type. Finally, we conclude by addressing an important question: how will spatial transcriptomics ultimately help patients with cancer?