bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Features of the ecology of <i>Rhinolophus mehelyi</i> (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) during hibernation in the north‐east of the Caucasus
Authors: Zhigalin A. V. , Gadzhiev A. A. , Mutashev B. A. , Alekseev A. Yu. 
Published: April 2024

The cave was surveyed and the animals were counted 1–2 times a month. Microclimatic indicators were recorded by automatic loggers.During the research, it was found that the place of hibernation of R. mehelyi in the north‐east of the area is the Karabudakhkentskaya Cave. The minimum, maximum and average temperatures in the cave during the wintering period of R. mehelyi are equal: 6.9 oC, 15.6 oC and 12.4 oC accordingly. The minimum humidity was 89.1 %, the maximum was 98.2 % and the average was 92.7 %. It was found that the temperature inside the shelter affects the number of individuals in the visible part of the cave and the formation of individual groupings. In addition, there is an increase in the number of individuals in April before the start of migration.It was found that humidity does not affect the movement of the species inside the cave, but temperature is a factor determining the movement of animals and their crowding. Thus, to accurately record the number of species, which is important for carrying out environmental measures, it is necessary to take into account both indicators – temperature and time of research.
hUCMSC-derived Exosomes promote spinal cord repair by alleviating the disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier
Authors: Lian Xiaofeng , Chen Zhiheng , Wu Shengting , Qian Yuxuan , Wu Yinghao , Wang Xin , Lu Fengjie , Xu Jianguang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), the integrity of the blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is closely related to the occurrence of secondary injury and functional recovery. Previous studies have shown that exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSC-exos) promote nerve repair in multiple degenerative neurological diseases. However, it remains largely elusive whether hUCMSC-exos can promote spinal cord repair after SCI. In this study, hUCMSC-exos were injected through the tail vein immediately after the successful establishment of SCI in a rat model. We showed that the loss of neurons and the destruction of pathological structures were significantly reduced after hUCMSC-exos treatment, and the motor function of rats was also greatly improved. Mechanistically, hUCMSC-exos promote spinal cord repair by affecting autophagy and BSCB integrity. In vitro, the expression of BSCB-associated proteins in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) was significantly reduced in the OGD model, and this reduction was significantly mitigated by treatment with hUCMSC-exos. In addition, autophagic flux was significantly activated after OGD, and hUCMSC-exos treatment further activated autophagic flux. When this process was inhibited by 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor), the protective effect of hUCMSC-exos was significantly reversed both in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that hUCMSC-exos reduce the permeability of the BSCB and promote functional recovery after SCI by activating autophagic flux in endothelial cells. Our study is the first to demonstrate the protective effect of hUCMSC-exos on the BSCB and the underlying mechanism, shedding light on the potential therapeutic benefit for SCI.
Recent HIV-1 Infection Epidemiological Trends and Associated Factors among Newly Identified Positives in Oromia, Ethiopia: Case Surveillance data (2019-2022)
Authors: Layessa Achalu , Feyissa Zinabu , Degfie Tizita Tilahun , Hunde Dejene , Kebede Tolossa , Bayou Getahun , Mekonne Yonas , Tafere Kefyalew , Befikadu Chala , Kenate Birhanu , Gobena Dabesa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: As countries progress their HIV responses, a robust surveillance system is mandatory. Reaching targets set for 2030 is impossible unless innovations are used. Antibody test for recency infection is one among them, and it distinguishes recent from long-term infections. Ethiopia started HIV case surveillance with recency testing in June 2019. However, data gathered through it wasn’t thoroughly analyzed and used for the response accordingly. Therefore, this study assessed recent HIV-1 infection epidemiological trends and associated factors among newly identified positives in Oromia. Method: HIV Case surveillance excel data was downloaded and exported from the regional REDCap database; cleaned and imported to SPSS 24. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were computed. Variables with P-values of ≤ 0.20 were selected, and added for multivariable logistic regression analysis. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Crudes and AORs with 95% CI were calculated.Results: Of 13,706 cases, 1,219(8.9%) were recent. High proportions were observed among females (72.8%), daily laborers (31.8%) and FSWs (22.6.%). Recent infection was significantly associated with age groups of 15-24 years AOR 2.03 (95% CI:1.53-2.59), 25-34 AOR 1.48 (95% CI: 1.17-1.87) and 35-44 years AOR 1.45(95% CI:1.14-1.85), never married AOR 1.76 (95% CI, 1.48-2.09), divorced/separated 1.42(95% CI: 1.19-1.69), widowed AOR 1.51(95% CI: 1.18-1.93), and paid/received gifts for sex AOR 4.11(95% CI: 1.02-16.57).Conclusion: Certain age groups, sexes and occupations with known risk behaviors had high proportions of recent infections. Hence, Sexual and Reproductive Health that specifically targets these groups is mandatory, along with continuous community awareness creation.
Can COVID-19 Lead to Differences in COPD Patients' Exacerbations and Clinical Evolution?
Authors: Manzano Carlos , Benitez Ivan D , Santisteve Sally , Monge Aida , Moncusí-Moix Anna , Gort-Paniello Clara , Torres Gerard , Barbé Ferran , González Jessica , Batlle Jordi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
COPD patients show higher mortality and worse prognosis in the acute phase of COVID-19, and survivors may suffer persistent symptoms that could make them more vulnerable to exacerbations.
Objectives
We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the exacerbations, symptoms, quality of life, and mental health of a cohort of COPD patients.
Methods
Retrospective case-control single-centre study including all COPD patients from the pulmonary consultation of University Hospital Santa Maria (Lleida, Spain) surviving COVID-19 between March 2020 and September 2021, and similar propensity-score-matched (1:2) COPD patients. Differences in COPD exacerbations, COPD clinical evolution (lung function, dyspnoea, CAT and symptoms), long COVID-19 symptoms, quality of life, and mental health, were assessed at the end of 2021.
Results
We included 39 COVID-19 COPD patients and 78 similar non-COVID-19. No differences were found on exacerbations (46(59%) vs 27(69.2%), p = 0.380), dyspnoea (2 [1; 3] vs 2 [1; 3], p = 0.921) CAT (14.5 [10.0; 18.8] vs 13.0 [10.0; 16.0], p = 0.432). Only the prevalence of smell or taste disorders, hair loss and tingling was higher in COVID-19 patients. No differences were found in quality of life or mental health.
Conclusions
COPD patients surviving COVID-19 were not at a higher risk of COPD exacerbations nor showed significant changes in COPD clinical evolution, and only showed differences in a few very specific COVID-19 symptoms. These unexpected results suggest that the conditions triggered by the pandemic and its management could have affected COPD patients as much as actually having had COVID-19.
Inferring single-cell and spatial microRNA activity from transcriptomics data
Authors: Herbst Efrat , Mandel-Gutfreund Yael , Yakhini Zohar , Biran Hadas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The activity of miRNA varies across different cell populations and systems, as part of the mechanisms that distinguish cell types and roles in living organisms and in human health and disease.
Typically, miRNA regulation drives changes in the composition and levels of protein coding RNA and of lncRNA, with targets being down-regulated when miRNAs are active.
The term "miRNA activity" is used to refer to this transcriptional effect of miRNAs.

This study introduces miTEA-HiRes, a method designed to facilitate the evaluation of miRNA activity at high resolution.
The method applies to single cell transcriptomics, type-specific single cell populations, and spatial transcriptomics data.
By comparing different conditions, differential miRNA activity is inferred.
For instance, miTEA-HiRes analysis of PBMCs comparing MS patients to control groups revealed differential activity of miR-20a-5p and others, consistent with literature on miRNA underexpression in MS. We also show miR-519a-3p differential activity in specific cell populations.
Ferroptosis and HMGB2 induced calreticulin translocation required for immunogenic cell death are controlled by the nuclear exporter XPO1
Authors: Blair Ian , Fan jingqi , Gillespie Kevin , Mesaros Clementina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cisplatin and oxaliplatin cause the secretion of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) from cancer cells, which is necessary for initiation of immunogenic cell death (ICD). Calreticulin (CRT) translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane is also required; oxaliplatin induces this translocation but cisplatin does not. We have discovered that oxaliplatin causes the secretion of both HMGB1 and HMGB2 from the nucleus into the extracellular milieu. We previously showed that cisplatin mediated secretion of HMGB1 is controlled by the nuclear exporter XPO1 (chromosomal maintenance 1; CRM1). We now find that XPO1 regulates oxaliplatin mediated secretion of both HMGB1 and HMGB2. XPO1 inhibition causes nuclear accumulation of both proteins, inhibition of oxaliplatin-mediated ferroptosis of colon cancer cells, and inhibition of CRT translocation to the plasma membrane of lung and colon cancer cells. Incubation of cancer cells with cell targeted (CT)-HMGB2 confirmed that HMGB2 is responsible for translocation of CRT to the plasma membrane. CT-HMGB2 is three orders of magnitude more potent than oxaliplatin at inducing CRT translocation. Inhibition of HMGB1 and HMGB2 secretion and/or their activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) has potential utility for treating cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases; whereas CT-HMGB2 could augment therapeutic approaches to cancer treatment.
Radiation therapy inhibits breast cancer brain metastasis by mediating the SHP2 signaling pathway to enhance the cGAS/Sting signaling pathway
Authors: Cong Wang , Zhang Zhilin , Li Jinqiu , Pang Yongpeng , Li Ruibiao , Song Xiao , Xi Qiang , Ma Huan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective To explore the molecular mechanisms of radiation therapy's effect on brain metastases from breast cancer. Methods The impact of radiation therapy on brain metastatic breast cancer cells was detected using H&E staining, CT scans, and MRI image fusion; the effect of radiation therapy with hippocampal avoidance on cognitive function and treatment efficacy in patients was evaluated; mice with brain metastasis from breast cancer were divided into control and radiation therapy groups, western blotting was conducted to examine the effects on SHP2, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial autophagy, and apoptosis-related proteins; CCK-8 assay and colony formation experiments were used to evaluate the effect of radiation therapy on the proliferative capacity of breast cancer, and xenograft tumor models in nude mice were used to assess the impact of radiation therapy on breast cancer progression. Results The hippocampus protection group could mitigate the metastasis of breast cancer cells and the pressure on the hippocampus, improving cognitive functions and effectiveness of the treatment. Radiation therapy reduced the pressure of cancer cells on the hippocampus as well as the relative protein expression of p-SHP2, SHP2, and PD-1. In breast cancer cells, radiation therapy could inhibit the expression of p-STAT3, PD-L1, and mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins through SHP2, thereby promoting the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis-related proteins. Moreover, radiation therapy could suppress the proliferation capacity of breast cancer cells and the progression of breast cancer through SHP2. Conclusion Radiation therapy inhibits the progress of breast cancer brain metastasis by mediating the SHP2 signaling pathway to enhance the cGAS/Sting signaling pathway.
Evaluating the level of total mercury present in the soils of a renowned tea production region
Authors: Xu Jinghua , Feng Ying , Xie Ruijia , Li Xiaofeng , Lu Yue , Huang Zhiqun , Chen Yongshan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal pollutant, which can be detrimental to human health, yet research on soil mercury contamination in tea gardens is scarce. This work investigated the characteristics of total mercury pollution, source analysis, and health risk assessment by obtaining representative tea garden soils from 146 villages in a celebrated tea production region that is renowned for its oolong (Wulong) tea all over the world. It was found that the soils of the tea garden contained total mercury levels ranging from 0.025 to 0.296 mg/kg, with an average of 0.112 mg/kg. The analysis showed that 67.81% of the samples were free from pollution, while 31.51% exhibited no to moderate pollution, and only 0.68% were classified as moderately polluted, based on the Soil accumulation index method. The total mercury content has a strong positive relationship with total carbon content (TC), As, Na, and V (p < 0.01), as well as a significant positive correlation with Zn (p < 0.05), and a significant negative correlation with K (p < 0.05). The Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model revealed that natural sources were the major contributor to the mercury presentence in this tea production region, making up 72.4%. The likely daily intake of mercury through tea consumption in the studied region spans from 0.011 to 0.132 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (ug/kg bw/day), with an average intake of 0.050 ug/kg bw/day, predominantly remaining below the Hazard Quotient (HQ) threshold. The study systematically investigates the characteristics and potential hazards of soil mercury pollution in the primary Oolong tea cultivation regions, emphasizing the need for future research to assess mercury uptake in the food chain through tea consumption.
Exploring genotype × environment interaction for chickpea grain yield and related traits by a mixed model approach
Authors: Khan Abdul Manan , Ali Zulfiqar , Mohsin Ataul , Soomro Aijaz , Hussain Khalid , Rafiq Muhammad , hussain Niaz , Ahmad Qadeer , Ahmad Ishfaq , Khan Muhammad , Shaikh Muhammad , Matloob Amar , Ikram Zahid , Shabbir Ghulam , Hassan Mahmood , Waqas Muhammad Umair , Hussain Israr , Rani Saima , Malik Shahid , Rehman Ata , Ramsay Gavin , Blanchard Chris 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The study of genotype × environment interaction is crucial for plant breeding to introduce new cultivars with im-proved yield and stable performance. The productivity of chickpea crops is very low in Pakistan, requiring the se-lection of genotypes with optimal productivity for diverse environmental conditions. Fourteen different chickpea genotypes were assessed using the linear mixed model to evaluate genotypes across four diverse chickpea growing regions, including Attock (Punjab), Bhakkar (Punjab), Karak (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Larkana during 2017-19. The environmental effect was very pronounced, contributing significantly to variation (25.8%) in grain yield. Analysing genotype × environmental interaction at multiple locations facilitates ranking superior genotypes that excel in specific or diverse environments. Notably, the genotypes viz. Fakhr-e-Thal and Bhak-kar-2011 demonstrated superior performance in terms of overall grain yield. Utilising a multi-trait stability index, Bittal-2016 and Thal-2006 emerged as the most stable genotypes across various environments, suggesting their suitability for diverse growing regions. On the other hand, for specific environmental conditions, genotypes KK-1, Noor-2013 and Fakhr e thal exhibited high yields but low stability, showcasing their adaptability to a particular environment. The The analysis revealed that Larkana is a mega environment conducive to higher yield, while At-tock, Bhakkar, and Karak were identified as less favorable for KK-3, DG-89, and Dasht. The findings hold signif-icant implications for expediting chickpea breeding efforts to improve the genotypic plasticity and understanding correlation patterns among traits to confer climatic resilience. Finding high-yielding, stable genotypes and their representative environment offers new breeding opportunities and boosts production for chickpea cultivars.
Evaluating feasibility of lower extremity joint moments predicted by an artificial intelligence model during walking in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Salami Firooz , Ozates Mustafa Erkam , Arslan Yunus Ziya , Wolf Sebastian Immanuel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Several studies have highlighted the advantages of employing artificial intelligence (AI) models in gait analysis. However, the practicality of AI models into clinical gait routines remains uncertain. In this study, we propose a three-step approach to evaluate the feasibility of a previously developed AI model. This model predicts joint moments during walking for 622 patients with cerebral palsy using joint kinematics as the input. Root mean square errors between lab-measured and predicted joint moments are labeled as Green (acceptable), Yellow (acceptable with caution), or Red (unacceptable). Kinematics are classified accordingly, and statistical analyses determine their impact on the AI model output. A linear discrimination analysis (LDA) model predicts labels for newly predicted joint moments based on kinematics. The knee moment showed the largest Green label population (73%), while the ankle moment has the smallest (34%). Gait profile score show significant differences between all labels except the Green vs Red for the ankle joint. The LDA model achieves75% accuracy for knee joint moment prediction, with a Green sensitivity of 94.7%. Severer patient’s condition leads to increase in Red population. While the AI model shows promise for predicting knee and hip moments, further development is necessary before its integration into clinical routines.
Advancing Dermatological Diagnosis: Development of a Hyperspectral Dermatoscope for Enhanced Skin Imaging
Authors: Hetz Martin J. , Garcia Carina Nogueira , Haggenmüller Sarah , Brinker Titus J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Clinical dermatology necessitates precision and innovation for efficient diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions. Thispaper introduces the development of a cutting-edge hyperspectral dermatoscope (the Hyperscope) tailored for human skinanalysis. We detail the requirements to such a device and the design considerations, from optical configurations to sensorselection, necessary to capture a wide spectral range with high fidelity. Preliminary results from 15 individuals and 160 recordedskin images demonstrate the potential of the Hyperscope in identifying and characterizing various skin conditions, offeringa promising avenue for non-invasive skin evaluation and a platform for future research in dermatology-related hyperspectralimaging.
Accurate prediction of colorectal cancer diagnosis using machine learning based on immunohistochemistry pathological images
Authors: Ning Bobin , Chi Jimei , Meng Qingyu , Jia Baoqing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent tumor and the second leading cause of mortality. Early and accurate diagnosis holds significant importance in enhancing patient treatment and prognosis. Machine learning technology and bioinformatics have provided novel approaches for cancer diagnosis. This study aims to develop a CRC diagnostic model based on immunohistochemical staining image features using machine learning methods. Initially, CRC disease-specific genes were identified through bioinformatics analysis and Random Forest algorithm utilizing RNA-seq data from both GEO and TCGA databases. Subsequently, verification of these genes was performed using proteomics data from CPTAC and HPA database, resulting in identification of target proteins (AKR1B10, CA2, DHRS9, and ZG16) for further investigation. SVM algorithm was then employed to analyze and integrate the characteristics of immunohistochemical images to construct a reliable CRC diagnostic model. During the training and validation process of this model, cross-validation along with external validation methods were implemented to ensure accuracy and reliability. The results demonstrate that the established diagnostic model exhibits excellent performance in distinguishing between CRC and normal controls (accuracy rate: 0.999), thereby presenting potential prospects for clinical application. These findings are expected to provide innovative perspectives as well as methodologies for personalized diagnosis of CRC while offering more precise references for promising treatment.
Population-based analysis of knee joint loading in a knee osteoarthritis cohort: the impact of PCA-derived gait kinematic variations on estimated medial knee contact forces
Authors: Raimondo Giacomo Di , Willems Miel , Killen Bryce Adrian , Havashinezhadian Sara , Turcot Katia , Vanwanseele Benedicte , Jonkers Ilse 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition leading to functional limitations, especially among the elderly. Current treatments focus on pain relief and functional improvement, however there is a lack of approaches which slow disease progression. A promising approach focusses on reducing knee joint loading, as excessive loading contributes to knee OA progression. This study explores kinematic variations in the knee OA population, utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) to examine gait variations (primitives) in both healthy individuals and those with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and their implications for knee joint loading. The KOA population exhibited 14 modes of variation representing 95% of the cumulative variance, compared to 20 in the healthy population, indicating lower variability with KOA. The relation between identified gait primitives and knee loading parameters, revealed complex relationships. Surprisingly, modes with the largest kinematic variations did not consistently correspond to the highest variations in knee loading parameters revealing degrees of freedom which may have a larger role in determining joint loading. Moreover, potential gait-retraining strategies for KOA, associating specific kinematic combinations with altered knee loading were identified. The results showed a good agreement with previously applied strategies. However, this study highlights the importance of analyzing whole-body kinematics for effective gait retraining, as opposed to focusing on one single joint variation. The study's insights contribute to understanding the intricate interplay between gait pattern variations and knee joint loading changes in healthy and KOA populations, offering practical applications for guiding interventions and estimating loading parameters