bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-fibrogenic effect of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media in human esophageal fibroblasts
Authors: Choi Yoon Jeong , Kim Jee Hyun , Lee Yeonju , Pyeon Hee Jang , Yoo In Kyung , Yoo Jun Hwan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Esophageal fibrosis and strictures can develop due to caustic or radiation injuries. Umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are known to mitigate fibrosis in various organs. However, the potential effects of UC-MSCs on human esophageal fibrosis remain underexplored. This study investigated the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of UC-MSC-derived conditioned media (UC-MSC-CM) on human esophageal fibroblasts (HEFs). HEFs were treated with TGF-β1 and then co-cultured with UC-MSC-CM, and the expression levels of RhoA, myocardin related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), serum response factor (SRF), Yes-associated protein (YAP), and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in the HEFs were measured. UC-MSC-CM suppressed TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HEFs, as evidenced by the downregulation of extracellular matrix components. UC-MSC-CM notably diminished the expression of RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF triggered by TGF-β1. In TGF-β1-stimulated HEFs, UC-MSC-CM significantly decreased the nuclear localization of MRTF-A and YAP. Additionally, UC-MSC-CM significantly diminished the TGF-β1-induced nuclear expressions of YAP and TAZ, while concurrently enhancing the cytoplasmic presence of phosphorylated YAP, which was previously reduced by TGF-β1. Human UC-MSC-CM can potentially inhibit TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HEFs by targeting the Rho-mediated MRTF/SRF and YAP/TAZ pathways. Thus, UC-MSC-CM is a potential candidate for stem cell therapies for esophageal fibrosis.
Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of Person-Centered Primary Care Measures for Patients in Family Doctor Contract Services within Mainland China
Authors: Wang Yang , Yu Dehua , Jin Hua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background:
In the context of China's health reforms enhancing its primary care function through Family Doctor Contract Service Program, effectively measuring its health-beneficial features is paramount. This study endeavors to translate, adapt, and validate the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure (PCPCM) for primary care patients enrolled in family doctor contract services in mainland China.
Methods
Following the guidelines by Sousa and Rojjanasrirat, we translated and adapted the PCPCM into simplified Chinese and evaluated its psychometric properties. Our assessment involved 583 patients in family doctor contract services from 10 primary care facilities in Shanghai, China. We analyzed various aspects, including internal consistency, stability, homogeneity, construct-related validity, criterion-related validity, dimensionality, and model fit of the adapted PCPCM. Additionally, we conducted subgroup analyses focusing on patients with hypertension and/or diabetes and seniors aged 65 and above.
Results:
The adaptation resulted in the PCPCM for patients under the family doctor contract service program(PCPCM-SC-FDCP), tailored for primary care patients under the family doctor contract service program in mainland China. Initial pilot testing led to refinements for clearer applicability, particularly for Item 5. The PCPCM-SC-FDCP demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94), homogeneity (Correlation = 0.67–0.85), construct-related validity (Correlation = 0.72, p < 0.001), and criterion-related validity (Correlation = 0.54, p < 0.001), alongside satisfactory dimensionality and model fit. Stability reliability (ICC = 0.56), while slightly below the ideal, was deemed acceptable. The instrument also performed well in subgroup analyses.
Conclusions:
The PCPCM-SC-FDCP proves to be an effective patient-reported outcome measure, for measuring patient experiences with primary care's functional features among those enrolled in family doctor contract services in mainland China. Its widespread adoption is anticipated to significantly aid the strategic reform of China's primary care system by highlighting and improving functional features within the local healthcare framework.
Experimental Study on the Energy Change and Microstructure of Roasted Bentonite
Authors: Hai Long , Wang Jiarui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Sodium bentonite was roasted at different temperatures, and the raw ore and roasting products were analysed via thermogravimetry‒differential scanning calorimetry (TG‒DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‒EDS). The changes in energy, microphase, and microform during the roasting process were investigated. The diffraction peaks of montmorillonite, the main sodium bentonite phase, broadened and decreased significantly during roasting below 700°C, and the degree of curling at the edges of the bentonite particles increased with increasing temperature. After roasting at 900°C, the diffraction peaks of montmorillonite disappeared, many amorphous phases were observed, the edges of the particles appeared fused, the particles were adherent, and the curling was reduced. After roasting at 1100°C, the amorphous phase recrystallized, the diffraction peak of quartz significantly increased, and most of the bentonite particles were in a molten state and adhered together. The bentonite roasted at 700~900°C was used as a filling material additive, not only to ensure a certain degree of expansion but also to improve the activity of volcanic ash. These results provided theoretical support for the use of roasted bentonite in mine filling materials to.
Neurovirulence of Usutu virus in human fetal organotypic brain slice cultures resembles Zika and West Nile virus
Authors: Marshall Eleanor M. , Rashidi Ahmad S. , Gent Michiel , Rockx Barry , Verjans Georges M. G. M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Usutu (USUV), West Nile (WNV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) are neurotropic arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) that cause severe neurological disease in humans. However, USUV-associated neurological disease is rare, suggesting a block in entry to or infection of the brain. To investigate whether USUV is able to infect the brain similarly to WNV and ZIKV, we determined the replication, cell tropism and neurovirulence of these arboviruses in human brain tissue using a well-characterized human fetal organotypic brain slice culture model. Furthermore, we assessed the efficacy of interferon-β and 2’C-methyl-cytidine, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, in restricting viral replication. All three arboviruses replicated within the brain slices, with WNV reaching the highest titers. USUV and ZIKV reached comparable titers and all three viruses primarily infected neuronal cells. USUV- and WNV-infected cells exhibited a shrunken morphology, not associated with detectable cell death. Pre-treatment with interferon-β inhibited replication of the arboviruses, while 2’C-methyl-cytidine reduced titers of USUV and ZIKV, but not WNV. Collectively, USUV can infect human brain tissue, showing similarities in replication, tropism and neurovirulence as WNV and ZIKV. Further, this model system can be applied as a preclinical model to determine the efficacy and safety of drugs to treat viral infections of the brain.
Impacts of Model Resolution on the Simulation of Sea-level Variability by a Global Ocean-Sea Ice Model
Authors: WANG YAQI , Liu Hailong , Yu Zipeng , Lin Pengfei , Ding Mengrong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Previous studies have explored the impacts of model resolution on sea-level simulations, but no quantitative conclusion has been derived. To this end, in this research, we analyze the effects of model resolution on the simulation of sea-level variability based on the second-generation climate system ocean model from the State Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Science and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Institute of Atmosphere Physics (LICOM2) with resolutions of 1° (LICOM2-L) and 0.1° (LICOM2-H). The results show that the spatial distribution and variation trends of the time-averaged dynamic sea level (DSL) simulated by the LICOM2-L and LICOM2-H are consistent with the observations. The magnitude of the zonal-averaged DSL from the LICOM2-H is closer to the observations, especially in high latitudes. Furthermore, the LICOM2-H simulations can also depict mesoscale characteristics in the western boundary currents and Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) regions. The interannual variability, decadal variability, and variation trends of the DSL are estimated using a multivariate linear regression model based on the LICOM2-L and LICOM2-H datasets during 1958–2007. The distributions of the interannual variability, decadal variability, and variation trends of the LICOM2-L and LICOM2-H simulations are identical in the tropics and mid-latitudes, and the differences are also concentrated in the regions of the western boundary currents and ACC, which are primarily caused by the thermosteric sea level (TSSL) and the halosteric sea level. In contrast, the DSL variability differences in the Southern Ocean are mainly due to the TSSL. Analyses of ocean heat content (OHC) budgets suggest that the variations in the OHC drive variations in the TSSL. The differences between the LICOM2-L and LICOM2-H simulations are mainly in decadal variability and variation trends. Both large-scale mean advection and eddy-induced transport are responsible for the differences.
Study of stress distribution in the various interfaces present in the 3D printing microelectronic systems: applies to boxes produced by additive manufacturing.
Authors: houmimi mohamed , Benaissa Hamza Ait , Zaghar Hamid , Moujibi Nabil , Sossey-Alaoui Ismail , Ziat Abderrazak 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the production of complex geometries that are not accessible using conventional processes. During manufacture, residual stresses pose a problem of geometric stability, which affects the performance of an object printed by the 3D printing process. Residual stresses need to be anticipated in order to improve part quality. A semi-crystalline polypropylene PP polymer is used for the FDM (Fused Material Deposition) process, as it is characterized by deformability due to crystallization. Designers use numerical models to predict the thermomechanical behavior of a part printed by the FDM process, in order to find the best printing parameters. Improving these models enables a prediction close to reality. This study investigates the thermomechanical behavior of a semi-crystalline polymer (polypropylene) during a change of material deposition shape from a parallelepiped filament to a cylindrical one in a numerical study. During printing, time and temperature affect the thermomechanical properties and crystallization kinetics of polypropylene. Based on printing conditions (extrusion temperature, line weft pattern, filling, printing speed and layer thickness), the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of changing the shape of material deposition, in a numerical study, from a parallelepiped filament to a cylindrical one on residual stresses in a 3D printed part. A coupling solid mechanics, heat transfer and crystallization kinetics was considered as a Multiphysics model to predict temperature profiles, residual stresses and degree of crystallization during the FDM process. For an assessment of residual stresses during 3D printing, two samples were selected, the first for a parallelepiped material deposit and the second for a cylindrical material deposit. A choice of six points distributed over the sample enables temperature, residual stress and degree of crystallization to be analyzed and calculated, in order to study the effect of the change in deposition shape on the thermomechanical behavior of the polypropylene polymer PP. The results found in a numerical study of changing the shape of a deposit provide a reliable approach to predicting and adjusting the predicted behavior to the actual thermomechanical properties of a printed part. This change minimizes residual stresses, enhancing the development of a model that presents an accurate prediction for finding the optimum parameters to create high-quality parts.
Effect of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on chemical and microbial compositions of herba leonuri (Leonurus japonicus Houtt.)-contained alfalfa silage
Authors: Zhang Mingjie , Liao Chaosheng , Ou Yangwen , Tang Xiaolong , Zhang Yubo , Wang Bi , Lu Guangrou , Chen Cheng , Wang Pan , Huang Xiaokang , Li Lin , Chen Chao , Li Ping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Inoculants with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used in silage production.The potential effects from LAB inoculants in silage containing antimicrobial components have not been well explored. Herein, the harvested alfalfa and were thoroughly mixed with dried Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJH) at a ratio of 9:1 on fresh weight basis, and treated without (CK) or with either a lactic acid bacterial inoculant (L; Lentilactobacillus buchneri). The mixtures were stored under anaerobic conditions in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags for 30 days at ambient temperature. The L-treated silage exhibited high levels of water-soluble carbohydrates (4.98% dry matter (DM)) and acid detergent fiber (27.88% DM). Compared to that of treatment CK, treatment with L increased the acetic acid content of the silage, as result from increased (P < 0.05) bacterial dominance and decreased (P < 0.05) bacterial richness indices (e.g., Pielou’s E, Shannon, and Simpson) in the pre-storage period. However, these changes gradually reduced as the storage length increased. Treatment L reshaped the bacterial community structure of silage, by increasing prevailiance of Lactobacillus and reducing relative abundances of Enterococcus and Weissella. However, the principal coordinate and bray curtis index analyses illustrated that samples from the L-treated silages exhibited similarities to the CK samples post-fermentation. Overall, the effect of LJH on LAB was only observed in the later stages of fermentation, which did not sufficiently change the silage quality. Hence, using LJH in silage is vital for clean livestock production without compromising the function of LAB when mixed with alfalfa silage.
The Association between Older Persons’ Nutrition and Frailty Risk and Chewing and Swallowing Disorders in Tainan City, Taiwan
Authors: Teng Chia-Jen , Li Tsuey-fong , Chen Shu-Chuan , Huang Wan-CI , Su Siao-Ting , Ho Pei-Shan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Delaying disability is a current and crucial public health issue. Addressing how to prevent the consequences of malnutrition, such as frailty, sarcopenia, and even death, is challenging. However, determining which assessment tools to use to effectively identify potential cases for intervention is an area where frontline public health personnel currently require significant assistance.
Methods
In this study, a community screening approach was employed, incorporating diverse assessment tools and scales such as the MNA-SF, SOF, GDS-15, AD8, EAT-10, and a chewing assessment scale. The analysis involves physiological measurements to identify correlations among these assessment tools. The AUC (area under the curve) is then utilized to assess the predictive power of these tools.
Results
The primary factors influencing the presence of nutritional risk in patients included age, grip strength, level of physical activity, history of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes), severity of depression, and presence of chewing difficulties. The AUC for these factors reached 0.6668. The main factors influencing the risk of frailty in patients included the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, the severity of depression, the presence of swallowing difficulties, and the presence of nutritional risk, with a high AUC of 0.7956. The findings highlight the practical utility of these relevant tools in community screening.
Conclusion
Using the Chewing Scale and EAT-10 enables rapid screening for malnutrition and frailty, aiding frontline health workers in providing timely interventions, education, and counseling and reducing associated risks and mortality. Combining the GDS-15 score enhances the predictive capability.
Developing a nomogram for predicting patients’ 24h-fatigue after digestive endoscopy with anesthesia assistance: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Bing-Bing , Fang Liang-Yu , Jia Ying-Ying , Gu Dong-Zhou , Lu Xiao-Dan , Li Xiang-Yun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Postoperative fatigue (POF) widely exists in patients underwent digestive endoscopy under anesthesia, seriously affecting patients’ postoperative rehabilitation and quality of life, there is few predicted tools for POF. We aim to identify predictors of 24 hours-postoperative fatigue (24h-POF) in patients underwent digestive endoscopy with anesthesia assistance and develop a nomogram.
Methods
This cross-sectional study involved 1306 patients underwent digestive endoscopy in The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine from May to November in 2023. Christensen Fatigue Scale was used to evaluate POF. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to ascertain independent predictors, and a nomogram was developed based on these findings. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to evaluate the predictive model’s performance.
Results
528 patients (40.43%) reported experiencing 24h-POF. Five modifiable factors (preoperative anxiety, average dosage of propofol, change rates of heart rate, fatigue 30 min after endoscopy, intraoperative hypotension) and nine non-modifiable factors (age, gender, drinker, numbers of comorbidities, degree of education, marital, Buddhist, endoscopic treatment, intraoperative tracheal intubation) were independently associated with 24h-POF in patients undergoing digestive endoscopy. The model exhibited good discrimination with an AUC of 0.865 and 0.891 in training cohort and validation cohort, respectively. The calibration curves and DCA curves demonstrated excellent calibration and clinical practicability.
Conclusion
The nomogram can effectively predict 24h-POF of digestive endoscopic patients, providing valuable assistance for early intervention to expedite patient recovery.
Bridging Research, Accurate Information, and Dialogue (BRAID) to Improve Trust in Clinical Research Trials
Authors: Yone Nang S. , Jacobs Sarah A. , McNeilly Sarah M. , EdD Debra Williams , Gutnick Damara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Lack of trust in scientific research and in healthcare systems is a well-documented barrier to minoritized participation in clinical trials.
Objective
To apply the Bridging Research, Accurate Information and Dialogue (BRAID) model to understand barriers to participation and improve trust in science and clinical trials.
Methods
Community leaders from Bronx, NY community-based organizations were invited to participate in a series of BRAID Conversation Circles regarding clinical trials. Clinical and scientific guests joined to address questions. Twelve Circles were convened between June and August 2022 via Zoom. Inductive thematic analysis was used to code Circle transcripts. Pre/post surveys assessed participants' knowledge and attitudes.
Results
Twenty community experts participated. Ages 26–75, 71% female, 59% Non-Hispanic Black, 41% Hispanic/Latino. Five overarching themes emerged: Influence of historic and contemporary racism; Personal factors impacting participation; Motivations to participate; Methods to improve participation; BRAID as a model for restitution. Surveys demonstrated increased trust in clinical research: 85% Post vs. 38% Pre would definitely consider participating in a clinical trial; 83% Post vs. 58% Pre would definitely recommend participation to others.
Conclusion
The BRAID model was effective in improving trust in science and clinical research. To ensure diverse representation of marginalized populations in clinical research, interventions must be sensitive to historical injustices and address structural barriers that persist today. BRAID is an effective and reproducible model of community trust-building that has potential to provide restitution by validating experiences, emphasizing progress, and empowering trusted messengers to spread accurate health information within larger social networks.
Investigation of Transcriptome Profile of Genes in Rats with Injured Spinal Cord after Transplantation of Menstrual Blood-derived Stem Cells and Treadmill Training by Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Sun Yuyu , Zhang Jinlong , Hong Hongxiang , Chen Liang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) undergoing treatment with menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) and treadmill training, compared to untreated SCI rats. Spinal cord injury models were induced in SD rats via dorsal hemisection at T10, following which rats were divided into CTMT (cells and treadmill training) and SCI groups. In the CTMT group, MenSCs (1.0×105) were microinjected into the injured area, followed by 2 weeks of aerobic exercise training. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on injured spinal cord tissues, with subsequent analyses encompassing differential gene expression, GO pathway enrichment, KEGG pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Motor function recovery was assessed using the Basso, Bresnahan, and Beattie (BBB) scoring system, while local pathological changes were evaluated via H&E staining. Validation of DEGs was conducted using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Transcriptome analysis revealed 247 up-regulated and 174 down-regulated genes in the CTMT group, with notable up-regulated genes including Bdnf, Hmox1, Sd4, Mmp3, and Cd163. KEGG and GO analyses indicated involvement in growth, development, metabolism, and immune-inflammatory processes, with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway enriched for BDNF genes. CTMT led to significant improvements in locomotor function and local pathology, accompanied by increased BDNF gene expression. The combined approach of MenSCs and treadmill training effectively enhanced motor function recovery and upregulated BDNF gene expression in SCI rats, suggesting a promising intervention target for SCI treatment and introducing a novel avenue for SCI management.
First human case of avian influenza A (H10N3) in Southwest China
Authors: Liu Guiming , Dai Jingyi , Zhao Jun , Xia Jiawei , Zhang Pei , Ding Yadi , Li Qiujing , Hou Min , Xiong Xianhui , Jian Qianqi , Liu Yanyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the avian influenza virus has emerged as a significant threat to both human and public health. Despite this, only two cases of human infection with the H10N3 strain have been documented. Here, we present the initial instance of human infection with avian influenza virus H10N3 in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. The patient, a previously healthy 51-year-old male, presented with recurrent fever peaking at 39℃, accompanied by symptoms such as cough, expectoration, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis revealed severe pneumonia, type I respiratory failure, and infection with avian influenza virus H10N3. Additionally, the patient experienced complications from Candida albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis infections. Following treatment with appropriate antiviral drugs and antibiotics, the patient's condition improved. Molecular analysis of the viral strain identified four mutations potentially hazardous to human health. This underscores the importance of continuous and vigilant monitoring of the dynamics surrounding the H10N3 subtype of avian influenza virus.