bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Marchiafava Bignami disease using distinct deep learning techniques in medical diagnostics
Authors: Satheesh Kumar J. , Vinoth Kumar V. , Mahesh T. R. , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Prabhavathy P. , Manikandan K. , Guluwadi Suresh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To detect the Marchiafava Bignami Disease (MBD) using a distinct deep learning technique.

Background
Advanced deep learning methods are becoming more crucial in contemporary medical diagnostics, particularly for detecting intricate and uncommon neurological illnesses such as MBD. This rare neurodegenerative disorder, sometimes associated with persistent alcoholism, is characterized by the loss of myelin or tissue death in the corpus callosum. It poses significant diagnostic difficulties owing to its infrequency and the subtle signs it exhibits in its first stages, both clinically and on radiological scans.

Methods
The novel method of Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) in conjunction with attention mechanisms is used to identify MBD peculiar diseases accurately. VAEs are well-known for their proficiency in unsupervised learning and anomaly detection. They excel at analyzing extensive brain imaging datasets to uncover subtle patterns and abnormalities that traditional diagnostic approaches may overlook, especially those related to specific diseases. The use of attention mechanisms enhances this technique, enabling the model to concentrate on the most crucial elements of the imaging data, similar to the discerning observation of a skilled radiologist. Thus, we utilized the VAE with attention mechanisms in this study to detect MBD. Such a combination enables the prompt identification of MBD and assists in formulating more customized and efficient treatment strategies.

Results
A significant breakthrough in this field is the creation of a VAE equipped with attention mechanisms, which has shown outstanding performance by achieving accuracy rates of over 90% in accurately differentiating MBD from other neurodegenerative disorders.

Conclusion
This model, which underwent training using a diverse range of MRI images, has shown a notable level of sensitivity and specificity, significantly minimizing the frequency of false positive results and strengthening the confidence and dependability of these sophisticated automated diagnostic tools.
Diabetes and the social, biologic, and behavioral determinants of endometrial cancer in the United States
Authors: Massouh Nour , Jaffa Ayad A. , Jaffa Miran A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Endometrial cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects women’s reproductive system. The risk of endometrial cancer is associated with biologic, behavioral and social determinants of health (SDOH). The focus of the work is to investigate the cumulative effect of this cluster of covariates on the odds of endometrial cancer that heretofore have only been considered individually.

Methods
We conducted a quantitative study using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) national data collected in 2020. Data analysis using weighted Chi-square test and weighted logistic regression were carried out on 84,118 female study participants from the United States.

Results
Women with diabetes mellitus were approximately twice as likely to have endometrial cancer compared to women without diabetes (OR 1.54; 95%CI: 1.01–2.34). Biologic factors that included obesity (OR 3.10; 95% CI: 1.96–4.90) and older age (with ORs ranging from 2.75 to 7.21) had a significant increase in the odds of endometrial cancer compared to women of normal weight and younger age group of 18 to 44. Among the SDOH, attending college (OR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.12-3.00) was associated with increased odds of endometrial cancer, while renting a home (OR 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28–0.88), having other arrangements (OR 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02–0.16), being divorced (OR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.30–0.99), and having higher incomes ranging from $35,000 to $50,000 (OR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16–0.78), and above $50,000 (OR 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14–0.62), were all associated with decreased odds of endometrial cancer. As for race, Black women (OR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07–0.84) and women of other races (OR 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15–0.88) were shown to have lower odds of endometrial cancer compared to White women.

Conclusion
Our results revealed the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to the study of the associated factors of endometrial cancer by including social, biologic, and behavioral determinants of health. The observed social inequity in endometrial cancer among women needs to be addressed through effective policies and changes in social structures to advocate for a standardized healthcare system that ensures equitable access to preventive measures and quality of care.
Prognostic value of creatine kinase (CK)-MB to total-CK ratio in colorectal cancer patients after curative resection
Authors: Rao Lubei , Xu Pingyao , Zhang Guiji , Zu Ruiling , Luo Yajun , Zhang Kaijiong , Yang Ying , Wang Dongsheng , He Shuya , Luo Huaichao , Ye Bo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of postoperative Creatine Kinase type M and B (CK-MB) to total Creatine Kinase (CK) ratio (CK-MB/CK) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after radical resection.

Methods
This was a single-center retrospective cohort analysis. Subjects were stage I-III CRC patients hospitalized in Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to May 2021. Patients were divided into abnormal group and normal group according to whether the CK-MB/CK ratio was abnormal after surgery. Through a comparative analysis of clinical data, laboratory test results, and prognosis differences between the two groups, we aimed to uncover the potential relationship between abnormal CK-MB > CK results and CRC patients. To gauge the impact of CK-MB/CK on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), we employed the multivariable COX regression and LASSO regression analysis. Additionally, Spearman correlation analysis, logistic regression, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted to assess the predictive value of the CK-MB/CK ratio for postoperative liver metastasis.

Results
Cox regression analysis revealed that the CK-MB/CK ratio was a stable risk factors for OS (HR = 3.82, p < 0.001) and DFS (HR = 2.31, p < 0.001). To distinguish hepatic metastases after surgery, the ROC area under the curve of CK-MB/CK was 0.697 (p < 0.001), and the optimal cut-off value determined by the Youden index was 0.347.

Conclusions
Postoperative abnormal CK-MB/CK ratio predicts worse prognosis in CRC patients after radical resection and serves as a useful biomarker for detecting postoperative liver metastasis.
Exploring the bi-directional relationship between periodontitis and dyslipidemia: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Wanting , Zou Zhaolei , Yang Lisa , Lin Dongjia , Guo Junyi , Shan Zhongyan , Hu Qiannan , Wang Zhi , Li Bin , Fang Juan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aim
As periodontitis and dyslipidemia are diseases that occur with high incidence, the relationship between them has attracted much attention. Previous studies on these diseases have tended to focus on lipid parameters and periodontitis, we aimed to investigate the relationship between dyslipidemia and periodontitis.

Materials and methods
A comprehensive search to identify the studies investigating the relationship between dyslipidemia and periodontitis was performed on PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library before the date of August, 2023. Studies were considered eligible if they contained data on abnormal blood lipid parameters and periodontitis. Studies that reported mean differences and 95% confidence intervals or odds ratios were used.

Results
A total of 73 publications were included in the meta-analysis. Hyper total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are risk factors for periodontitis. Periodontal disease is a risk factor for high TG and low HDL levels. Three months after periodontal treatment, the levels of TC, TG and HDL were significantly improved, and statin treatment only improved gingival index (GI) levels compared to that of the dietary control.

Conclusions
The findings reported here suggest that the mutual promotion of periodontitis and dyslipidemia can be confirmed. Non-surgical periodontal therapy may improve lipid abnormalities. It can’t be demonstrated whether systematic application of statins have a better effect on the improvement in periodontal status in patients with dyslipidemia compared to that of the control.
Perceived professional preparedness and identity among senior nursing students: a latent profile Analysis
Authors: Qin Zuming , Zhang Huilin , Su Siyu , Guo Donghua , Wu Pei , Huang Yuting , Wang Huiping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Senior nursing students’ perceptions of their professional preparedness help them for expectations of their future nursing role with more confidence, and professional identity may contribute to cultivating nursing students’ perceptions of professional preparedness. In this study we applied latent profile analysis to identify the latent profiles of perceived professional preparedness among senior nursing students and to examine their identity and predictors.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 319 senior nursing students from five universities in China were enrolled. Data were collected using the Perceived Professional Preparedness of Senior Nursing Students’ Questionnaire and the Professional Identity Scale for Nursing Students.

Results
Three latent profiles were identified and labeled as “low perceived professional preparedness” (n = 90, 28.2%), “low clinical competency-low EBP (Evidence-Based Practice)” (n = 190, 59.5%), and “high perceived professional preparedness” (n = 39, 12.2%). Place of residence, average clinical practicum hours per day, part-time experience, good relationships with classmates, and feeling nobility toward nursing due to COVID-19 significantly predicted profile membership. The average professional identity score was also statistically different across the three profiles (F = 54.69, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Senior nursing students’ perceptions of their professional preparedness were divided into three profiles, and out results show that promoting professional identity may effectively foster their perceived professional preparedness. This study therefore highlights the importance of targeted interventions by considering their distinct perceptions of professional preparedness patterns.
Barriers and enablers of post-COVID-19 acute care follow-up in Nigeria from service providers’ perspective: a nominal group technique
Authors: Onu Justus Uchenna , Akase Iorhen , Ohaka Justice , Kida Ibrahim Musa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite modest efforts to study and document the complications that arise after acute treatment of patients with coronavirus disease, its ramifications and regional variations are yet to be clearly understood. Progress in sub-Saharan Africa, notably Nigeria, has been impeded by patient disengagement from care and insufficient or non-existent follow-up arrangements. The aim of this study was to describe the barriers and enablers for follow-up services after discharge from COVID-19 care pathway in Nigeria.

Methods
Seventeen experts involved directly in the care of patients with COVID-19 participated in brainstorming using the nominal group technique during a national workshop to review the new guidelines for COVID-19 case management in Nigeria. Participants discussed the barriers and facilitators of post-acute care follow-up of patients discharged from COVID-19 pathway and ranked their recommendations to arrive at three major factors per question.

Results
Participants were mostly middle aged and predominantly clinicians. The top three barriers were patients’ perception of their symptom severity, lack of organizational clarity/structure/policies on follow-up care after discharge, and financial constraints. Similarly, participants identified providers’ initiated education on the reasons for follow-up at discharge, written organizational policies/structure and clarity and free follow-up services as the top three facilitators.

Conclusion
This study has enumerated barriers to follow-up care after discharge patients with coronavirus disease and highlighted providers, institutional and governmental responses that will facilitator follow-up care after discharge of patients with COVID-19. The implication is that, there is need for clear institutional guidelines for tracking and documenting post-COVID condition. In the future, it would be necessary to assess the achievements and shortcomings of post-COVID condition tracking in Nigeria through the use of implementation science outcomes.
Unveiling the ventral morphology of a rare early Cambrian great appendage arthropod from the Chengjiang biota of China
Authors: Schmidt Michel , Hou Xianguang , Mai Huijuan , Zhou Guixian , Melzer Roland R. , Zhang Xilin , Liu Yu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The early Cambrian arthropod clade Megacheira, also referred to as great appendage arthropods, comprised a group of diminutive and elongated predators during the early Palaeozoic era, around 518 million years ago. In addition to those identified in the mid-Cambrian Burgess Shale biota, numerous species are documented in the renowned 518-million-year-old Chengjiang biota of South China. Notably, one species, Tanglangia longicaudata, has remained inadequately understood due to limited available material and technological constraints. In this study, we, for the first time, examined eight fossil specimens (six individuals) utilizing state-of-the-art μCT and computer-based 3D rendering techniques to unveil the hitherto hidden ventral and appendicular morphology of this species.

Results
We have identified a set of slender endopodites gradually narrowing distally, along with a leaf-shaped exopodite adorned with fringed setae along its margins, and a small putative exite attached to the basipodite. Our techniques have further revealed the presence of four pairs of biramous appendages in the head, aligning with the recently reported six-segmented head in other early euarthropods. Additionally, we have discerned two peduncle elements for the great appendage. These findings underscore that, despite the morphological diversity observed in early euarthropods, there exists similarity in appendicular morphology across various groups. In addition, we critically examine the existing literature on this taxon, disentangling previous mislabelings, mentions, descriptions, and, most importantly, illustrations.

Conclusions
The μCT-based investigation of fossil material of Tanglangia longicaudata, a distinctive early Cambrian euarthropod from the renowned Chengjiang biota, enhances our comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary morphology of the Megacheira. Its overall morphological features, including large cup-shaped eyes, raptorial great appendages, and a remarkably elongated telson, suggest its potential ecological role as a crepuscular predator and adept swimmer in turbid waters.
Targeted C•G-to-T•A base editing with TALE-cytosine deaminases in plants
Authors: Zhang Dingbo , Pries Vanessa , Boch Jens 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
TALE-derived DddA-based cytosine base editors (TALE-DdCBEs) can perform efficient base editing of mitochondria and chloroplast genomes. They use transcription activator-like effector (TALE) arrays as programmable DNA-binding domains and a split version of the double-strand DNA cytidine deaminase (DddA) to catalyze C•G-to-T•A editing. This technology has not been optimized for use in plant cells.

Results
To systematically investigate TALE-DdCBE architectures and editing rules, we established a β-glucuronidase reporter for transient assays in Nicotiana benthamiana. We show that TALE-DdCBEs function with distinct spacer lengths between the DNA-binding sites of their two TALE parts. Compared to canonical DddA, TALE-DdCBEs containing evolved DddA variants (DddA6 or DddA11) showed a significant improvement in editing efficiency in Nicotiana benthamiana and rice. Moreover, TALE-DdCBEs containing DddA11 have broader sequence compatibility for non-TC target editing. We have successfully regenerated rice with C•G-to-T•A conversions in their chloroplast genome, as well as N. benthamiana with C•G-to-T•A editing in the nuclear genome using TALE-DdCBE. We also found that the spontaneous assembly of split DddA halves can cause undesired editing by TALE-DdCBEs in plants.

Conclusions
Altogether, our results refined the targeting scope of TALE-DdCBEs and successfully applied them to target the chloroplast and nuclear genomes. Our study expands the base editing toolbox in plants and further defines parameters to optimize TALE-DdCBEs for high-fidelity crop improvement.
The Phytophthora parasitica effector AVH195 interacts with ATG8, attenuates host autophagy, and promotes biotrophic infection
Authors: Testi Serena , Kuhn Marie-Line , Allasia Valérie , Auroy Pascaline , Kong Fantao , Peltier Gilles , Pagnotta Sophie , Cazareth Julie , Keller Harald , Panabières Franck 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Plant pathogens secrete effector proteins into host cells to suppress immune responses and manipulate fundamental cellular processes. One of these processes is autophagy, an essential recycling mechanism in eukaryotic cells that coordinates the turnover of cellular components and contributes to the decision on cell death or survival.

Results
We report the characterization of AVH195, an effector from the broad-spectrum oomycete plant pathogen, Phytophthora parasitica. We show that P. parasitica expresses AVH195 during the biotrophic phase of plant infection, i.e., the initial phase in which host cells are maintained alive. In tobacco, the effector prevents the initiation of cell death, which is caused by two pathogen-derived effectors and the proapoptotic BAX protein. AVH195 associates with the plant vacuolar membrane system and interacts with Autophagy-related protein 8 (ATG8) isoforms/paralogs. When expressed in cells from the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the effector delays vacuolar fusion and cargo turnover upon stimulation of autophagy, but does not affect algal viability. In Arabidopsis thaliana, AVH195 delays the turnover of ATG8 from endomembranes and promotes plant susceptibility to P. parasitica and the obligate biotrophic oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis.

Conclusions
Taken together, our observations suggest that AVH195 targets ATG8 to attenuate autophagy and prevent associated host cell death, thereby favoring biotrophy during the early stages of the infection process.
Colon impairments and inflammation driven by an altered gut microbiota leads to social behavior deficits rescued by hyaluronic acid and celecoxib
Authors: Agranyoni Oryan , Sur Debpali , Amidror Sivan , Shidlovsky Nuphar , Bagaev Anastasia , Yissachar Nissan , Pinhasov Albert , Navon-Venezia Shiri 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The exact mechanisms linking the gut microbiota and social behavior are still under investigation. We aimed to explore the role of the gut microbiota in shaping social behavior deficits using selectively bred mice possessing dominant (Dom) or submissive (Sub) behavior features. Sub mice exhibit asocial, depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as systemic inflammation, all of which are shaped by their impaired gut microbiota composition.

Methods
An age-dependent comparative analysis of the gut microbiota composition of Dom and Sub mice was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing, from early infancy to adulthood. Dom and Sub gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy, function, and immune profiling analyses were performed using histology, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, cytokine array, and dextran-FITC permeability assays. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels in the colons of Dom and Sub mice were quantified using targeted metabolomics. To support our findings, adult Sub mice were orally treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) (30 mg/kg) or with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent celecoxib (16 mg/kg).

Results
We demonstrate that from early infancy the Sub mouse gut microbiota lacks essential bacteria for immune maturation, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera. Furthermore, from birth, Sub mice possess a thicker colon mucin layer, and from early adulthood, they exhibit shorter colonic length, altered colon integrity with increased gut permeability, reduced SCFA levels and decreased regulatory T-cells, compared to Dom mice. Therapeutic intervention in adult Sub mice treated with HA, celecoxib, or both agents, rescued Sub mice phenotypes. HA treatment reduced Sub mouse gut permeability, increased colon length, and improved mouse social behavior deficits. Treatment with celecoxib increased sociability, reduced depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, and increased colon length, and a combined treatment resulted in similar effects as celecoxib administered as a single agent.

Conclusions
Overall, our data suggest that treating colon inflammation and decreasing gut permeability can restore gut physiology and prevent social deficits later in life. These findings provide critical insights into the importance of early life gut microbiota in shaping gut immunity, functionality, and social behavior, and may be beneficial for the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Genome-wide association study and trans-ethnic meta-analysis identify novel susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Elashi Asma A , Toor Salman M , Umlai Umm-Kulthum Ismail , Al-Sarraj Yasser A , Taheri Shahrad , Suhre Karsten , Abou-Samra Abdul Badi , Albagha Omar M E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The genetic basis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is under-investigated in the Middle East, despite the rapidly growing disease prevalence. We aimed to define the genetic determinants of T2D in Qatar.

Methods
Using whole genome sequencing of 11,436 participants (2765 T2D cases and 8671 controls) from the population-based Qatar Biobank (QBB), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of T2D with and without body mass index (BMI) adjustment.

Results
We replicated 93 known T2D-associated loci in a BMI-unadjusted model, while 96 known loci were replicated in a BMI-adjusted model. The effect sizes and allele frequencies of replicated SNPs in the Qatari population generally concurred with those from European populations. We identified a locus specific to our cohort located between the APOBEC3H and CBX7 genes in the BMI-unadjusted model. Also, we performed a transethnic meta-analysis of our cohort with a previous GWAS on T2D in multi-ancestry individuals (180,834 T2D cases and 1,159,055 controls). One locus in DYNC2H1 gene reached genome-wide significance in the meta-analysis. Assessing polygenic risk scores derived from European- and multi-ancestries in the Qatari population showed higher predictive performance of the multi-ancestry panel compared to the European panel.

Conclusion
Our study provides new insights into the genetic architecture of T2D in a Middle Eastern population and identifies genes that may be explored further for their involvement in T2D pathogenesis.