bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell adhesion molecule CD44 is dispensable for reactive astrocyte activation during prion disease
Authors: Bradford Barry M. , Walmsley-Rowe Lauryn , Reynolds Joe , Verity Nicholas , Mabbott Neil 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Prion diseases are fatal, infectious, neurodegenerative disorders resulting from accumulation of misfolded cellular prion protein in the brain. Early pathological changes during CNS prion disease also include reactive astrocyte activation with increased CD44 expression, microgliosis, as well as loss of dendritic spines and synapses. CD44 is a multifunctional cell surface adhesion and signalling molecule which is considered to play roles in astrocyte morphology and the maintenance of dendritic spine integrity and synaptic plasticity. However, the role of CD44 in prion disease was unknown. Here we used mice deficient in CD44 to determine the role of CD44 during prion disease. We show that CD44-deficient mice displayed no difference in their response to CNS prion infection when compared to wild type mice. Furthermore, the reactive astrocyte activation and microgliosis that accompanies CNS prion infection was unimpaired in the absence of CD44. Together, our data show that although CD44 expression is upregulated in reactive astrocytes during CNS prion disease, it is dispensable for astrocyte and microglial activation and the development of prion neuropathogenesis.
Severity and Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients Infected with COVID-19 Omicron Strain: a Single-Centered, Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Song Jie , Yu Yan , Liu Hong , Wu Huilin , Zhao Junyong , Yuan Fang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to observe the characteristics of COVID-19 infected maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, identify the risk factors for severe illness and mortality in this population, and establish a preliminary risk prediction model for severe COVID-19 infection of MHD patients.
Methods
We included patients who underwent long-term maintenance hemodialysis and were hospitalized for COVID-19 infection at our hospital from December 2022 to March 2023. We retrospectively analyzed their demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, hemodialysis-related information, treatment strategies and complications. The patients were divided into severe (heavy and critical) and non-severe (mild and moderate) groups. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to identify the risk factors for severe COVID-19 progression.
Results
The presence of cerebrovascular disease, elevated NLR, fibrinogen, and D-dimer are independent risk indicators for severe COVID-19 infection in MHD patients in early stage. The presence of diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and elevated D-dimer and NLR were associated with mortality.
Conclusion
MHD patients have a high probability of developing into severe and critical COVID-19 infection, and NLR, fibrinogen, and D-dimer can serve as early warning indicators for severe and critical progression of COVID-19 infection. The presence of diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, elevated NLR and D-dimer levels attribute to worse clinical outcomes and increased mortality.
The Origin of Sensory Representation: What we can learn from congenital limb deficiencies: a case-control study
Authors: Uysal Hilmi , Gülbetekin Evrim , Şavklıyıldız Ayhan , Gül Hatice 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
There are arguments regarding the ontological or embryological origin of sensory representation in the literature. This study aimed to understand the origin of somatosensory organization by comparing participants with congenital limb deficiencies with healthy controls.
Methods
Four participants with congenital limb deficiencies (three participants with bilateral amelia, one participant with tetramelia, 19–31 years old, two females, two males), 15 healthy controls (three males, 12 females; mean age, 19.57 ± 1.34 years) in the quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) experiment, and 10 healthy controls (seven male, three female; mean age, 23.9 ± 2.21 years) in the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment, participated in this study. fMRI and QEEG data were recorded to determine the somatosensorial organization in both participants with congenital limb deficiency and healthy controls. For the QEEG data, one sample t-tests were conducted to evaluate whether the spectral power in the CZ, C3, and C4 electrodes in the participants with congenital limb deficiencies differed from that in healthy controls when they were touched on their cheek, shoulder, and foot. In fMRI recordings, the face and hand regions were stimulated using a non-magnetic stick with cotton attached. For the fMRI data, individual level and group level interferences were examined with one and two sample t-tests, respectively. Moreover, masked regions of interest were systematically compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test.
Results
Our findings showed that the somatotopic structure of participants with congenital limb deficiency and healthy controls have some common patterns and striking differences. In the QEEG results, the cortical activity was lower in participants with congenital limb deficiency than the activity in healthy controls during tactile stimulation and the participant with tetramelia had lower cortical activity levels than both the participants with amelia and healthy controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the representation of the face showed activation predominantly towards the upper somatosensory cortex according to the fMRI results.
Conclusions
Differences in the somatosensory organization of individuals with congenital limb deficiency and healthy controls show that both ontology and plasticity may have played a role in this status.
Moving forward: Scaling-up the integration of an HIV and hypertension program in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Mishra Shivani , Aifah Angela , Henry Daniel , Uzoigwe Nina , Udoh Emem , Idang Esther , Munagala Jahnavi , Onakomaiya Deborah , Kanneh Nafesa , Ekanem Anyiekere , Attah Eno Angela , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Ojji Dike 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
As people living with HIV experience increased life expectancy, there is a growing concern about the burden of comorbid non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension. This policy brief describes the current policy landscape in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the research activities, and five policy recommendations rooted in an ongoing research study designed to integrate hypertension management into HIV care across primary health centers in the state.
Analysis
The policy brief was developed in four steps: review of existing policies, using the reviewed policies to inform research activities, solicitation of stakeholder recommendations via focus group discussions, and formulation of the resulting five policy recommendations for integrating hypertension management into HIV care programs in Akwa Ibom. The key analysis for this brief emerged from the thematic analyses of stakeholder responses.
Policy Implications
The five policy recommendations for integrating hypertension management in HIV care in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria are: 1) build capacity by leveraging retired community nurses as mentors; 2) emphasize community engagement; 3) develop consistent training programs on hypertension management for health workers; 4) expand health insurance accessibility; and 5) formally integrate hypertension management into primary healthcare centers in Akwa Ibom State.
Toward Hospital Resilience: a Qualitative Study on the identification of Hospital Shocks during Disruption era in Indonesia
Authors: Sari Nurmala , Omar Mayeh , Pasinringi Syahrir A , Zulkifli Andi , Sidin Andi Indahwaty , Kapalawi Irwandy , Thamrin Yahya , Saleh Lalu Muhammad , Ayuningtyas Dumilah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hospital resilience has been well recognized among healthcare managers and providers as disruption of hospital services threatens their business environment. However, the shocks identified in the recent hospital resilience concept are mainly related to disaster situations. This study aims to identify potential shocks the hospitals face during the disruption in Indonesia.
Method:This qualitative study is conducted in Makassar, Indonesia in August-November 2022. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with hospital managers and resilience experts using a semi-structured interview guide. Overall 20 key informants were interviewed. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis.
Results:
The study identified seven shocks to hospitals during the disruption era: policy, politics, economics, hospital management shifting paradigm, market and consumer behavior change, disaster, and conflicts. It also identified barriers to making hospitals resilient, such as inappropriate organizational culture, weak cooperation across sectors, the traditional approach of hospital management, inadequate managerial and leadership skills, and human resources capabilities, a lack of business mindset and resistance to change.
Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of hospital shocks during disruptions. This would serve as a guide to redesigning the instruments and capabilities needed for a resilient hospital.
Annexin-A5 monomer as a membrane repair agent for the treatment of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Dong Yushan , Jia Zhuoxuan , Kang Bijun , Zhang Wenjie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the causes of acute kidney injury. Annexin A5 (AnxA5) as a calcium-dependent cell membrane binding protein has shown good protective effects in various organ IRI models. This study explored the therapeutic effect of exogenous AnxA5 monomer protein on renal IRI and its potential mechanism.
Methods: In vivo, different doses of AnxA5 were injected intravenously to treat bilateral renal IRI models in SD rats. This model confirms the protective effect of AnxA5 on the structure and function of the kidneys. In vitro, HK-2, the renal tubular epithelial cells, was subjected to hypoxia for 12 hours, followed by restoration of normal oxygen supply to simulate IRI. In vitro experiments have demonstrated the mechanism of action of AnxA5 by measuring cell activity and permeability. The comparison of the mutant AnxA5 protein M23 and the application of calcium-free culture medium further validated the protective effect of AnxA5 by forming a network structure.
Results: In vivo, AnxA5 monomer improved kidney function damage caused by IRI and prevented the deterioration of the pathological structure. In vitro, AnxA5 protected cell viability, reduced cell membrane permeability, and inhibited cell apoptosis induced by IRI treatment. However, AnxA5 lost its protective effect in the calcium-free culture medium and the M23 that lack the ability of forming a two-dimensional network structure could not reduce cell membrane permeability and lost its protective effect on cell viability, indicating that the formation of a two-dimensional network structure of AnxA5 is critical to the repair of the cell membrane.
Conclusions: Exogenous AnxA5 monomer could prevent renal IRI by binding to the damaged renal tubular epithelial cell membrane, forming a two-dimensional network structure to maintain cell membrane integrity, and ultimately prevent cell death.
Devising Breast Cancer Diagnosis Protocol through Machine Learning
Authors: Mujtaba Tooba 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Breast cancer is a life threatening disease and have serious implications to health. It is further categorized on the bases of receptors including ER+ and HER2-.
Breast cancer is a multifaceted disease that has many subcategories characterized by unique genetic features. This research focuses on two important subgroups of receptors, including ER+ and HER2-. We conducted an analysis of gene expression data obtained from reliable source (Array Express: E-GEOD-52194, E-GEOD-75367, and E-GEOD-58135) in order to reveal the complex molecular details of these subtypes. The computational pipeline we used identified 396 genes that exhibited distinct patterns of gene expression in ER+ and HER2- breast cancers. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of these genes was evaluated using machine learning methods, namely SVM and decision tree models. Metrics like as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity provide insights into their usefulness. Furthermore, the use of the STRING database for network analysis revealed significant signaling pathways and biological processes associated with the development of ER+ and HER2- breast cancer. The results of our research enhance our comprehension of these subcategories, which might possibly facilitate more accurate diagnoses and focused treatment interventions. This work provides valuable information on the genetic foundations of ER+ and HER2- breast cancer, which has potential implications for enhancing patient treatment and outcomes.
Development of a novel nomogram for predicting delayed methotrexate excretion following high-dose methotrexate in adult patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Ikeda Daisuke , Isezaki Tatsuya , Narita Kentaro , Yuyama Satoshi , Oura Mitsuaki , Uehara Atsushi , Tabata Rikako , Takeuchi Masami , Matsue Kosei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose: High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is integral in treating hematologic malignancies but carries risks of severe toxicities due to prolonged MTX exposure. However, knowledge of delayed MTX excretion is primarily derived from pediatric and adolescent cohorts, with the reported predictors being presented as rough dichotomous values. This study aimed to identify risk factors for delayed MTX excretion exclusively in adult patients with hematologic malignancies and develop a more applicable predictive nomogram based on continuous clinical and laboratory variables.
Methods: 517 HDMTX cycles in 194 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Delayed MTX excretion was defined as either MTX concentration ≥1.0 μmol/L at 48 h or ≥0.1 μmol/L at 72 h after HDMTX initiation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to construct the nomogram internally validated with the bootstrap method.
Results: Delayed MTX excretion was observed in 24.0% of cycles. Six significant predictors were identified: relapsed/refractory disease (Odds ratio [OR] 2.03), fewer HDMTX cycles (OR 0.771), treatment intent (OR 2.13), lower albumin (OR 0.563) and creatinine clearance levels (OR 0.993), and increased γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels (OR 1.004, all P <0.05). These were incorporated into a web-based nomogram as continuous variables with good prediction accuracy (area under the curve, 0.73) and without significant overfitting. Delayed MTX excretion increased risks of developing acute kidney injury, even solely at the 72 h timepoint (OR 2.57, P = 0.025), without providing any benefit of clinical outcomes.
Conclusion: This study comprehensively characterized MTX elimination failure following HDMTX in adult patients and could pave the way for individualized risk prediction.
The comparison of eight-week high-intensity interval training VS. moderate-intensity continuous training on inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in type II diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alizadeh Sahar , Avandi Mohsen , Fico Brandon G. , Mahdieh Nahid , Hedayati Mehdi , Rambod Camelia , Bakhshandeh Hooman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Low-grade chronic inflammation has been linked with several health complications like type II diabetes. Given that exercise potentially has anti-inflammatory effects, this study was designed to compare the impact of 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on specific inflammatory and metabolic markers among a group of diabetic patients to examine how the intensity of exercise influences inflammation-related biomarkers.
Methods: An open-labeled, parallel, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at a cardiovascular center. Twenty-seven participants (15 females, mean age: 51±6.2years, BMI: 29.4±3.9kg/m2) were allocated into three equal groups (n=9): HIIT, MICT, and control (CON). Blood samples were collected at baseline, 24 and 72 hours after the last training session. Plasma levels of calprotectin, myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (primary endpoints), and insulin were measured.
Results: Comparing the data over time, none of the biomarkers showed significant differences between the study groups. IL-6 decreased over time in both training groups similarly (p˂0.001). Despite small improvements in anthropometric measures and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) among training groups compared to the CON group, the two training protocols had almost similar impacts on the investigated inflammatory and metabolic markers.
Conclusions Our findings indicate no statistically significant difference in inflammatory and metabolic measures between the two training groups, so neither of the training protocols is superior. However, both training groups exhibited improvements compared to the control group in glucose, triglyceride, and waist-to-hip ratio.
Trial registration: IRCT20181129041797N1 (date: 25 Dec. 2108). The full protocol of our study is also available on www.irct.ir
Microwave ablation for benign thyroid nodules with cosmetic problems and related factors for post-ablative complete relief: a two-center retrospective study
Authors: Li Xiao-Long , Chen Zi-Tong , Jin Yun-Jie , Xu Ben-Hua , Xu Ya-Dan , Cao Qiong , Bo Xiao-Wan , Wen Jie-Xian , Ji Zheng-Biao , Fan Pei-Li , Xu Hui-Xiong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous MWA for benign thyroid nodules with cosmetic problems and related factors for post-ablative complete relief (CR).
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed thyroid nodule efficacy in patients with cosmetic problems who underwent MWA from January 2021 to May 2023. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after MWA. Pre-treatment clinical characteristics, conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features were analyzed to explore their correlation with cosmetic problems of CR (i.e., cosmetic score 1 or 2 at the 6-months follow-up). Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were carried out to identify variables associated with CR, and the related nomogram was established. Calibration curve and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the nomogram performance.
Results: 118 patients with 118 nodules were included in the study. During the 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-up, the mean volume reduction ratios (VRR) were 2%, 36% and 73%, respectively. 22.0% (26/118), 57.6% (68/118), and 89.8% (106/118) patients achieved CR of cosmetic problems at 1, 3, and 6 months after MWA. In multivariable analysis, three variables (i.e., non-hashimoto’s thyroiditis [HT] [OR: 90.036, P= 0.001], nodule location not close to danger triangle area [OR: 66.812, P= 0.003], early hyperenhancement on CEUS [OR: 0.035, P = 0.024]) were found to be closely associated with CR of cosmetic problems at 6 months after MWA. A nomogram model was constructed, and its accuracy was well validated (i.e., C-index=0.914).
Conclusion: MWA was effective and safe for treating benign thyroid nodules with cosmetic problems. Moreover, non-HT, nodule location not close to danger triangle area, and early hyperenhancement on CEUS were associated with CR of cosmetic problems after MWA.
Irrigation optimization enhances water management and tree performance in commercial citrus groves on sandy soil.
Authors: Atta Alisheikh , Morgan Kelly , Hamido Said , Kadyampakeni Davie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Citrus production in Florida accounts for nearly 50% of national production in the United States. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of varying irrigation levels on tree growth, leaf nutrient concentrations, and water relations at selected citrus tree densities. During most of the year, significant water distribution and movement were detected across soil horizons as a function of irrigation applied and capillary water rising from the water table. As a result, significant fibrous root length densities (FRLD), median root lifespan, and leaf nutrient concentration were observed in the three-row and two-row experiments with deficit (50%-crop evapotranspiration, ETc) and moderate (78%-ETc) irrigation regimes, respectively. Stomata conductance and stem water potential (y) portray less water stress of the trees when they received moderate irrigation in the low and moderate tree densities than the highest tree density. Moderate irrigation triggered FRLD and improved root survival probability and root lifespan. As a result, irrigation management improved water availability, plant nutrition, and tree growth while efficiently utilizing resources.
Hyperexpansion of genetic diversity and metabolic capacity of extremophilic bacteria and archaea in ancient Andean Lake sediments
Authors: Lezcano María Ángeles , Bornemann Till L.V. , Sánchez-García Laura , Carrizo Daniel , Adam Panagiotis S. , Esser Sarah P. , Cabrol Nathalie A. , Probst Alexander J. , Parro Víctor 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: The Andean Altiplano hosts a repertoire of high-altitude lakes with harsh conditions for life. These lakes are undergoing a process of desiccation caused by the current climate, leaving terraces exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions and serving as analogs to Martian paleolake basins. Microbiomes in Altiplano lake terraces have been poorly studied, enclosing uncultured lineages and a great opportunity to understand environmental adaptation and the limits of life on Earth. Here we examine the microbial diversity and function in ancient sediments (10.3-11 ky BP (Before Present)) from a terrace profile of Laguna Lejía, a sulfur- and metal/metalloid-rich saline lake in the Chilean Altiplano. We also evaluate the physical and chemical changes of the lake over time by studying the mineralogy and geochemistry of the terrace profile.
Results: The mineralogy and geochemistry of the terrace profile revealed large water level fluctuations in the lake, scarcity of organic carbon, and high concentration of SO43--S, Na, Cl and Mg. Lipid biomarker analysis indicated the presence of aquatic/terrestrial plant remnants preserved in the ancient sediments, and genome-resolved metagenomics unveiled a diverse prokaryotic community with still active microorganisms based on in silico growth predictions. We reconstructed 591 bacterial and archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), of which 98.8% belonged to previously unreported species. The most abundant and widespread metabolisms among MAGs were the reduction and oxidation of S, N, As and halogenated compounds, as well as CO oxidation, possibly as a key metabolic trait in the organic carbon-depleted sediments. The broad redox and CO2 fixation pathways among phylogenetically distant bacteria and archaea extended the knowledge of metabolic capacities to previously unknown taxa. For instance, we identified genomic potential for dissimilatory sulfate reduction in Bacteroidota and α- and γ-Proteobacteria; ammonium oxidation in a novel Actinobacteriota; and we predicted enzymes of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in Planctomycetota, Gemmatimonadota, and Nanoarchaeota. The presence of genes encoding for enzymes involved in the above metabolic pathways in unexpected taxonomic groups has significant implications for the expansion of microorganisms involved in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur.