bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impacts of cadmium exposure on epiphytic bacterial communities and water quality in mesocosmic wetlands.
Authors: Chen Deqiang , Adjei Lydia Adarkwa , Samwini Abigail Mwin-nea , Addo Felix Gyawu , Baah Wambley Adomako , Bofah-Buoh Robert , Manirakiza Benjamin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The damaging magnitudes of heavy metal pollution on freshwater ecosystems are well known, though research on the specific impacts of cadmium (Cd) on water quality and microbial communities in epiphytic biofilms is lacking. In this study, high-throughput sequencing and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to explore the effects of Cd on water quality and bacterial morphology, biodiversity, interactions, and ecological functions in epiphytic biofilms affixed to submerged plants that were natural and synthetic (Vallisneria natans, Potamogeton maackianus, and artificial macrophytes) in constructed wetlands. The results showed that Cd exposure significantly reduced the ability of natural and artificial plants to remove total nitrogen (TN) (5.7-50%), total phosphorus (TP) (12.5-97.1%), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (9.45-21.8%), and affected the morphology of epiphytic bacteria. The bacterial β-diversity indices were significantly affected by Cd exposure, whereas bacterial α-diversity revealed a reverse trend. Notwithstanding Cd application induced the fluctuation (increase/decrease) in bacterial composition dynamics, but the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria spiked from 11.3-57.2% and 6.08- 94.35 %, respectively, in natural and artificial plants. Besides, Cd loading disturbed all bacterial network structures, with interactions particularly vulnerable in P. maackianus. Our study demonstrated that Cd exposure alters the bacterial diversity, food web structure, and predicted metabolic functions such as metabolism, translation, cell motility, signal transduction, membrane transport, and biodegradation of xenobiotics in epiphytic bacterial biofilms. These findings highlight the detrimental effects of Cd on epiphytic bacterial communities and nutrient removal in constructed wetlands.
Catechin-induced changes in PODXL, DNMTs, and miRNA expression in NALM6 cells: An integrated in silico and in vitro approach
Authors: Afgar Ali , Keyhani Alireza , Afgar Amirreza , Mirzaei-Parsa Mohamad Javad , Kermani Mahdiyeh Ramezani Zadeh , Rezaei Masoud , Ebrahimipour Mohammad , Langroudi Ladan , Bardsiri Mahla Sattarzadeh , Vahidi Reza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background This study explored the impact of predicted miRNAs on DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and thePODXLgene in NALM6 cells, revealing the significance of these miRNAs in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Methods We employed a multifaceted approach comprising bioinformatic analyses (protein structure prediction, molecular docking, dynamics, ADMET study) and miRNA evaluations to explore the therapeutic effects of catechin compounds onDNMTs. Results Our evaluation revealed a nuanced relationship in which catechin treatment induced increased miRNA expression and decreasedDNMT1andDNMT3Blevels in NALM6 cells. This indirect modulation impactedPODXLexpression, contributing to cancer characteristics. Conclusion The overexpression ofDNMT1andDNMT3Bin NALM6 cells may promote ALL development via a mechanism regulated by microRNAs, particularly miR-548 and miR-200c. AlteredDNMT1andDNMT3Bexpression is correlated with decreased miR-548 and miR-200c expression before and after catechin treatment, respectively, leading to the dysregulation of tumor suppressor genes, such asPODXL, and cancer cell characteristics. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of catechin compounds targetingDNMTsand miRNAs in ALL treatment.
Persisting exercise ventilatory inefficiency in subjects recovering from COVID-19. Longitudinal Data Analysis 34 Months Post-Discharge Running title: Persisting Exercise Ventilatory Inefficiency in post-COVID Subjects
Authors: Dorelli Gianluigi , Sartori Giulia , Fasoli Giulia , Ridella Nicolò , Bianchini Nicola , Braggio Michele , Ferrari Marcello , Venturelli Massimo , Carbonare Luca Dalle , Capelli Carlo , Grassi Bruno , Crisafulli Ernesto 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection has raised concerns about long-term health repercussions. Exercise ventilatory inefficiency (EVin) has emerged as a notable long-termi sequela, potentially impacting respiratory and cardiovascular health. This study aims to assess the long-term presence of EVin after 34 months and its association with cardiorespiratory health in post-COVID patients.
Methods
In a longitudinal study on 32 selected post-COVID subjects, we performed two cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) at 6 months (T0) and 34 months (T1) after hospital discharge. The study sought to explore the long-term persistence of EVin and its correlation with respiratory and cardiovascular responses during exercise. Measurements included also V̇O2peak end-tidal pressure of CO2 (PETCO2) levels, oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and other cardiorespiratory parameters, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The presence of EVin at both T0 and T1 defines a persisting EVin (pEVin).
Results
Out of the cohort, five subjects (16%) have pEVin at 34 months. Subjects with pEVin, compared to those with ventilatory efficiency (Evef) have lower values of PETCO2 throughout exercise, showing hyperventilation. Evef subjects demonstrated selective improvements in DLCO and oxygen pulse, suggesting recovery in cardiorespiratory function over time. In contrast, those with pEvin did not exhibit these improvements. Notably, significant correlations were found between hyperventilation (measured by PETCO2), oxygen pulse and OUES, indicating the potential prognostic value of OUES and Evin in post-COVID follow-ups.
Conclusions
The study highlights the clinical importance of long-term follow-up for post-COVID patients, as a significant group exhibit persistent EVin, which correlates with altered and potentially unfavorable cardiovascular responses to exercise. These findings advocate for the continued investigation into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, especially regarding persistent ventilatory inefficiencies and their implications on patient health outcomes.
First-in-human study of D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ, a novel VMAT2 tracer: whole-body biodistribution and brain PET comparison with [18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ (AV-133)
Authors: Zhao Ruiyue , Chen Jinhua , Ye Ting , Chu Jianmin , Li jingwen , zhang yan , Xu siran , Liu shaoyu , chen ling , Ploessl karl , Alexoff david , Kung Hank F. , Zhu Lin , Wang Xinlu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
In the central nerve system type 2 vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT2) regulate the reuptake of monoamines into pre-synaptic vesicles, playing a critical role in assessing monoamine neuron integrity including Parkinson's disease (PD). This study examined the biodistribution and dosimetry of a novel deuterated VMAT2 radioligand, D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ, comparing it head-to-head with its non-deuterated counterpart, [18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ (AV-133).
Methods
Six (6) healthy volunteers received intravenous injections of D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ (325.9 ± 56.2 MBq) for whole-body PET/CT scans, and radiation-absorbed dose estimates were calculated using PMOD and OLINDA/EXM software. Another six (6) healthy volunteers received D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ (370 ± 30 MBq) for a 90-min dynamic brain imaging study, followed by a brain PET scan using [18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ two weeks later for comparison.
Results
In this study, D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ dosimetry revealed an effective dose of 37.1 ± 7.2 µSv/MBq, with the liver receiving the highest radiation dose (289.6 ± 42.1 µSv/MBq), followed by pancreas (185.2 ± 29.1 µSv/MBq). Brain imaging with D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ exhibited a significantly increased uptake in VMAT2-rich regions, particularly the striatum. In a head-to-head comparison between [18F]FP-DTBZ vs D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ, the latter exhibited approximately 15% higher uptake in the caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens.
Conclusions
D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ is a safe and improved VAMT2 specific imaging agent, which may be suitable for assisting the diagnosis of PD by evaluating changes of VMAT2 binding of monoamine neurons in the brain.
Enhancing Spectral Analysis in Nonlinear Dynamics: An Approach Based on Generalized Eigenfunctions from Continuous Spectra
Authors: Sakata Itsushi , Kawahara Yoshinobu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The analysis of complex behavior in empirical data poses significant challenges in various scientific and engineering disciplines. Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) is a widely used method to reveal spectral features of nonlinear dynamical systems without any prior knowledge. However, analyzing the continuous spectrum resulting from chaos and noise is problematic due to its infinite dimensions. We propose a clustering-based method designed to analyze dynamics represented by generalized eigenfunctions associated with continuous spectra. This paper describes data-driven algorithms for comparing generalized eigenfunctions using subspaces. To compute approximate generalized eigenfunctions from data, we use the recently proposed Residual Dynamic Mode Decomposition (ResDMD). To validate the effectiveness of our method, we analyzed 1D signal data affected by thermal noise and 2D time series of coupled chaotic systems exhibiting generalized synchronization. The results reveal dynamic patterns previously obscured by conventional DMD analyses and provide some insights into the complexities of coupled chaos.
Long-term renal outcome of Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) under anti-Interleukin-1 therapy
Authors: Russwurm Martin , Johannsen Sophia , Kortus-Goetze Birgit , Haas Christian S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are orphan hereditary auto-inflammatory diseases with various phenotypes, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Current therapies inhibit interleukin-1 (IL-1) to achieve clinical and serological remission; however, the effect on kidney involvement remains unclear. The objective of his study was to investigate the long-term efficacy of anti-IL-1 treatment with special emphasis on renal outcome.
Methods: We retrospectively analysed clinical, genetic and laboratory data of patients with CAPS under anti-IL-1 therapy from a single-centre university outpatient clinic.
Results: Patients with CAPS (n=28) were followed for a median of 11 (IQR 8.5-13) years. Four patients at various ages (19%), bearing the most common CAPS mutation R260W, had significant CKD at presentation. All affected patients were related; however, other family members with the same genetic variant did not develop CKD. While anti-IL-1 therapy was effective in lowering symptom burden and inflammatory parameters in all CAPS patients, two of the four individuals with significant CKD had persistant proteinuria and worsening kidney function. None of the patients without renal affection at therapy initiation developed relevant CKD in the follow-up period.
Conclusion: We showed that in patients with CAPS: (1) CKD is a common complication; (2) renal involvement shows familial predisposition beyond the mutational status and is independent from age; (3) anti-IL-1 therapy results in sustained improvement of inflammatory parameters and symptom load and (4) may prevent development of CAPS-associated CKD but not affect kidney involvement when already present. Overall, early therapy initiation might sufficiently prevent renal disease manifestation and attenuate progression.
A retrospective study about the impact of different treatments on prognosis of patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen ShuangYi , Ding XingChen , yu shui , Yu jinming , Hu Man , Cao XiuJuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives: The treatment approaches for patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HSCC) still lack standardized guideline. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the most beneficial non-surgical treatment options for patients with HSCC.
Methods: A total of 136 patients with stage III/IV LA-HSCC were enrolled. The treatment groups included concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT)(n=42), induction chemotherapy+CCRT (Indu+CCRT)(n=33), and induction chemotherapy+radiotherapy (Indu+RT)(n=61). We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the survival of patients and examine the occurrence of acute adverse effects (AEs) using SPSS software.
Results: The overall survival (OS) rates were 37.9%, 34.4%, and 15.7% in CCRT, Indu+CCRT, and Indu+RT groups (P=0.043), while the 5-year PFS rates were 35.6%, 42.3%, and 19.2% respectively (P=0.045). Subgroup analysis (age≥61) showed that OS have no difference between CCRT and Indu+CCRT groups, but higher than Indu+RT group. Subgroup analysis of PFS revealed that Indu+CCRT group had better outcomes for patients with N2-3 stage or stage IV (P=0.011, P=0.025). About 97.0% patients in Indu+CCRT group occurred adverse events (AEs) and 48.5% occurred stage III-IV AEs, which were both highest among 3 groups.
Conclusion: The data indicate that there is no significant difference in survival benefits between CCRT and Indu+CCRT for LA-HSCC patients, but both higher than Indu+RT. However, CCRT was recommend to older patients (≥61 years), and Indu+CCRT was recommend to patients with stage IV disease or advanced N stage.
Predicting attitudes toward ambiguity using natural language processing on free descriptions for open-ended question measurements
Authors: Hitsuwari Jimpei , Okano Hirohito , Nomura Michio 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Individual traits and reactions to ambiguity differ and are conceptualized in terms of an individual’s attitudes toward ambiguity or ambiguity tolerance. The development of natural language processing technology has made it possible to measure mental states and reactions through open-ended questions, rather than predefined numerical rating scales, which have traditionally been the dominant method in psychological research. This study presented three ambiguity-related situations and responses collected online from 591 participants in an open-ended format. After the analysis with bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), correlations were calculated using scores from the numerical evaluation by conventional questionnaire, and a significant moderate positive correlation was found. Therefore, this study found that attitudes toward ambiguity can be measured using an open-ended response method of reporting everyday life states. It is a novel methodology that can be expanded to other scales in psychology and can potentially be used in educational and clinical situations where participants can be asked to respond with minimal burden.
Impact of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis on the oral and fecal bacteriomes of children in the first week of life: a preliminary study
Authors: Pivrncova Eliska , Buresova Lucie , Kotaskova Iva , Videnska Petra , Andryskova Lenka , Piler Pavel , Janku Petr , Borek Ivo , Klanova Jana , Budinska Eva , Linhartova Petra Borilova 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is commonly used during C-section delivery and in Group B Streptococcus-positive women before vaginal delivery. Here, we primarily aimed to investigate the effect of IAP on the neonatal oral and fecal bacteriomes in the first week of life.
Methods: In this preliminary study, maternal and neonatal oral swabs and neonatal fecal (meconium and transitional stool) swabs were selected from a pool of samples from healthy mother-neonate pairs participating in the pilot phase of CELSPAC: TNG during their hospital stay. The DNA was extracted and bacteriome profiles were determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (Illumina).
Results: In the final dataset, 33 mother-neonate pairs were exposed to antibiotics during C-section‑ or vaginal delivery (cases; +IAP) and the vaginal delivery without IAP (controls, -IAP) took place in 33 mother-neonate pairs. Alpha diversity (Shannon index, p=0.01), bacterial composition (PERMANOVA, p<0.05), and relative abundance of the genus Gemella (q=0.08) only in neonatal oral samples collected ≤48 h after birth were lower in +IAP than in -IAP group. No significant differences between meconium bacteriomes of the +IAP and -IAP groups were observed (p>0.05). However, the IAP was associated with decreased alpha diversity (number of amplicon sequence variants, p<0.001), decreased relative abundances of the genera Bacteroidesand Bifidobacteria, and increased relative abundances of genera Enterococcusand Rothia (q<0.01 for all of them) in transitional stool samples.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that exposure to IAP may significantly influence the early development of the neonatal oral and gut microbiomes. IAP affected the neonatal oral bacteriome in the first two days after birth as well as the neonatal fecal bacteriome in transitional stool samples. In addition, it highlights the necessity for further investigation into the potential long-term health impacts on children.
Changes in High Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography in adolescents undergoing a first kidney transplantation.
Authors: De Mul Aurélie , Leclerc Anne-Laure Sellier , Ginhoux Tiphanie , Levi Charlène , Confavreux Cyrille , Aurelle Manon , Portefaix Aurélie , Bacchetta Justine 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Mineral bone disorders associated to chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) frequently persist after kidney transplantation (Tx), being due to pre-existing CKD-MBD, immunosuppressive therapies and post-Tx hypophosphatemia. We aimed to evaluate bone biomarkers and microarchitecture at the time of and 6 months after Tx.
Methods
Here we present the single-center sub-group of patients included between 10 and 18 years of age from the prospective TRANSOS study (NCT02729142). Patients undergoing a first Tx were matched on a 1:2 basis on sex, puberty and age with healthy controls (HC) from the VITADOS cohort. Results are presented as median (Q1-Q3). Non-parametric tests were performed.
Results
At a median age of 15 (13-16) years, 19 patients (6 girls, 7 pre-emptive Tx, 7 steroid-sparing immunosuppressive strategies) underwent a first Tx, with PTH levels of 1.9 (1.4-2.9) the upper limit of normal (ULN).
When comparing HC and patients at the time of Tx, we found significantly higher total and trabecular densities with High Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT). Six months after Tx, patients displayed significantly impaired trabecular parameters at radius compared to baseline; results were not different at the weight-bearing tibia, neither cortical parameters at both sites.
Six months after Tx, 6 (31%) patients displayed acidosis, 10 (53%) persistent hyperparathyroidism (always < 2 ULN) and 5 (26%) increased FGF23 levels; 11 (58%) received phosphate supplementation.
Conclusion
Data on bone health in adolescent receiving a first Tx seem reassuring, but radial trabecular bone microarchitecture impairment observed 6 months post-Tx may reflect subtle albeit present post-Tx CKD-MBD.
NCT02729142- March 25 2016
Serum BAFF levels are associated with the prognosis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Li Zhaohui , Chen Ping , Zhang Ying , Chen Juan , Zheng Shanshan , Li Wenbin , Tang Lijun , Liu Yipeng , Zhao Na 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
High serum levels of BAFF (B-cell activation factor) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) have been observed in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN); however, their relationships with disease severity and progression remain unclear.
Methods
Patients with iMN diagnosed via renal biopsy were enrolled in this study. The concentrations of BAFF and APRIL were determined using ELISA kits. Proteinuria remission, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), was defined as a clinical event. The Cox proportional hazards method was used to analyze the relationship between survival and disease progression.
Results
Seventy iMN patients were enrolled in this study, with a median follow-up time of 24 months (range 6–72 months).The serum levels of BAFF and APRIL were higher in iMN patients than in healthy controls but lower than those in minimal change disease (MCD) patients. The serum BAFF level was positively correlated with the serum APRIL level, serum anti-PLA2R antibody level and 24-h proteinuria and negatively correlated with the serum albumin (Alb) level. However, there was no significant correlation between the serum APRIL level and clinical parameters. According to the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for sex, age, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, immunosuppressive agent use, 24-h proteinuria, APRIL level, and anti-PLA2R antibody, the serum BAFF level was identified as an independent predictor of PR(HR, 0.613; 95% CI, 0.405–0.927; p = 0.021) and CR of proteinuria (HR, 0.362; 95% CI, 0.202–0.648; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
A high serum BAFF level is associated with severe clinical manifestations and poor disease progression in patients with iMN.
Machine Learning Model for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Diagnosis Based on Ultrasound Radiomics
Authors: xia fei , wei wei , wang junli , wang kun , duan yayang , zhang chaoxue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis(NASH) is a crucial stage in the progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD). The purpose of this study is to explore the clinical value of ultrasound features and radiological analysis in predicting the diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.
Method
An SD rat model of hepatic steatosis was established through a high-fat diet and subcutaneous injection of CCl4. Liver ultrasound images and elastography were acquired, along with serum data and histopathological results of rat livers.The Pyradiomics software was used to extract radiomic features from 2D ultrasound images of rat livers. The rats were then randomly divided into a training set and a validation set, and feature selection was performed through dimensionality reduction. Various machine learning (ML) algorithms were employed to build clinical diagnostic models, radiomic models, and combined diagnostic models. The efficiency of each diagnostic model for diagnosing NASH was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, Clinical Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), and calibration curves.
Results
In the machine learning radiomic model for predicting the diagnosis of NASH, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for the clinical radiomic model in the training set and validation set were 0.989 and 0.885, respectively. The Decision Curve Analysis revealed that the clinical radiomic model had the highest net benefit within the probability threshold range of > 65%. The calibration curve in the validation set demonstrated that the clinical combined radiomic model is the optimal method for diagnosing Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.
Conclusion
The combined diagnostic model constructed using machine learning algorithms based on ultrasound image radiomics has a high clinical predictive performance in diagnosing Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.