bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An update on citrus polymethoxyflavones: chemistry, metabolic fate, and relevant bioactivities
Authors: Toledo Rosa , Tomás-Navarro María , Yuste Jose Enrique , Crupi Pasquale , Vallejo Fernando 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPolymethoxyflavones (PMFs) occur naturally in citrus peels and citrus-derived foods as well as in other plants. Many in vitro and some in vivo studies have shown potentially relevant biological effects of PMFs, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, and neuroprotective activities. These promising biological effects still require further research to establish their impact on human health. This review updates the current clinical trials data. It highlights the limited information available on the bioavailability and metabolism of PMFs (pharmacokinetics, human phase I and II metabolites in biological fluids and tissues, and gut microbiota metabolism).
The Mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth): a review of its suitability as a promissory crop in the Ecuadorian Paramo and its potential uses, environmental role, and health benefits
Authors: Aldaz Jorge Caranqui , Andreu-Coll Lucía , Font Rafael Martínez , García Francisca Hernández 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth), belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a native species of the Ecuadorian paramos. It has a shrub-like habit and produces edible fruits. In the Neotropics, it is primarily found in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador, thriving in humid environments up to an elevation of 3700 m above sea level. In this review, a selection of studies was carried out that evaluated the taxonomy, reproduction biology, and nutraceutical, environmental properties, and industrial use of the mortiño (V. floribundum). The data gathered from various bioassays were essential in determining the appropriate techniques for tissue differentiation and assessing the quality of resulting plants. This work aims to generate a deep knowledge of the cultivation of mortiño, as well as the properties of its fruits and the benefits they provide for health. These are rich in compounds with antioxidant activity, so the consumption of V. floribundum fruits is related to health benefits. Besides, the environmental role of V. floribundum and its applications in various industries, especially in the development of nanoparticles contributes to the valorization of this plant. Overall, this research contributes to establishing sustainable methods for the propagation of Vaccinium floribundum, ensuring its successful cultivation and utilization for both commercial purposes and ecological preservation.
Diversity Patterns of Eukaryotic Phytoplankton in the Medog Section of the Yarlung Zangbo River
Authors: Zhu Huan , Li Shuyin , Wu Zhihua , Xiong Xiong , Lin Pengcheng , Liu Benwen , He Dekui , Liu Guoxiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs one of the important biodiversity conservation areas in China, the ecosystem in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River is fragile, and is particularly sensitive to global changes. To reveal the diversity pattern of phytoplankton, the metabarcode sequencing was employed in the Medog section of the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River during autumn 2019 in present study. The phytoplankton assemblies can be significantly divided into the main stem and the tributaries; there are significant differences in the phytoplankton biomass, alpha and beta diversity between the main stem and the tributaries. While both the main stem and the tributaries are affected by dispersal limitation, the phytoplankton assemblages in the entire lower reaches are primarily influenced by heterogeneous selection. Community dissimilarity and assembly process were significantly correlated with turbidity, electrical conductivity, and nitrogen nutrition. The tributaries were the main source of the increase in phytoplankton diversity in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Such diversity pattern of phytoplankton in the lower reach may be caused by the special habitat in Medog, that is, the excessive flow velocity, and the significant spatial heterogeneity in physical and chemical factors between stem and tributaries. Based on the results and conclusions obtained in present study, continuous long-term monitoring is essential to assess and quantify the impact of global changes on phytoplankton.
Immunoglobulin genes and severity of COVID-19
Authors: Vázquez-Coto Daniel , Kimball Christine , Albaiceta Guillermo M. , Amado-Rodríguez Laura , García-Clemente Marta , Gómez Juan , Coto Eliecer , Pandey Janardan P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThere is tremendous interindividual and interracial variability in the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting the involvement of host genetic factors. Here, we investigated whether IgG allotypes GM (γ marker) 3 and GM 17, genetic markers of IgG1, contributed to the severity of COVID-19. IgG1 plays a pivotal role in response against SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also investigated whether these GM alleles synergistically/epistatically with IGHG3 and FCGR2A alleles—which have been previously implicated in COVID-19—modulated the extent of COVID-19 severity. The study population consisted of 316 COVID-19 patients who needed treatment in the intensive care unit of Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. All individuals were genotyped for GM 3/17, IGHG3 hinge length, and FCGR2A rs1801274 A/G polymorphisms. Among the 316 critical patients, there were 86 deaths. The risk of death among critical patients was significantly higher in subjects with GM 17 (IgG1) and short hinge length (IgG3). GM 17-carriers were at almost three-fold higher risk of death than non-carriers (p < 0.001; OR = 2.86, CI 1.58–5.16). Subjects with short hinge length of IgG3 had a two-fold higher risk of death than those with medium hinge length (p = 0.01; OR = 2.16, CI 1.19–3.90). GM 3/3 and IGHG3 (MM) genotypes were less frequent among death vs. survivors (9% vs 36%, p < 0.001) and associated with protective effect (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.08–0.39). This is the first report implicating IgG1 allotypes in COVID-19-spurred death. It needs to be replicated in an independent study population.
CCN2/CTGF expression does not correlate with fibrosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms, consistent with noncanonical TGF-β signaling driving myelofibrosis
Authors: Leguit Roos J. , Broekhuizen Roel , de Witte Moniek , Raymakers Reinier A. P. , Goldschmeding Roel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe classical BCR::ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) form a group of bone marrow (BM) diseases with the potential to progress to acute myeloid leukemia or develop marrow fibrosis and subsequent BM failure. The mechanism by which BM fibrosis develops and the factors that drive stromal activation and fibrosis are not well understood. Cellular Communication Network 2 (CCN2), also known as CTGF (Connective Tissue Growth Factor), is a profibrotic matricellular protein functioning as an important driver and biomarker of fibrosis in a wide range of diseases outside the marrow. CCN2 can promote fibrosis directly or by acting as a factor downstream of TGF-β, the latter already known to contribute to myelofibrosis in MPN.To study the possible involvement of CCN2 in BM fibrosis in MPN, we assessed CCN2 protein expression by immunohistochemistry in 75 BM biopsies (55 × MPN and 20 × normal controls). We found variable expression of CCN2 in megakaryocytes with significant overexpression in a subgroup of 7 (13%) MPN cases; 4 of them (3 × essential thrombocytemia and 1 × prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis) showed no fibrosis (MF-0), 2 (1 × post-polycythemic myelofibrosis and 1 × primary myelofibrosis) showed moderate fibrosis (MF-2), and 1 (primary myelofibrosis) severe fibrosis (MF-3). Remarkably, CCN2 expression did not correlate with fibrosis or other disease parameters such as platelet count or thrombovascular events, neither in this subgroup nor in the whole study group. This suggests that in BM of MPN patients other, CCN2-independent pathways (such as noncanonical TGF-β signaling) may be more important for the development of fibrosis.
Prospective multicenter evaluation of adherence to the Dutch guideline for children aged 0–16 years with fever without a source—febrile illness in children (FINCH) study
Authors: Keuning Maya W. , Klarenbeek Nikki N. , Bout Hidde J. , Broer Amber , Draaijer Melvin , Hol Jeroen , Hollander Nina , Merelle Marieke , Nassar-Sheikh Rashid Amara , Nusman Charlotte , Oostenbroek Emma , Ridderikhof Milan L. , Roelofs Manouck , van Rossem Ellen , van der Schoor Sophie R. D. , Schouten Sarah M. , Taselaar Pieter , Vasse Koen , van Wermeskerken Anne-Marie , van der Zande Julia M. J. , Zuurbier Roy , Bijlsma Merijn W. , Pajkrt Dasja , Plötz Frans B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEvaluation of guidelines in actual practice is a crucial step in guideline improvement. A retrospective evaluation of the Dutch guideline for children with fever without an apparent source (FWS) showed 50% adherence in young infants. We prospectively evaluated adherence to the Dutch guideline and its impact on management in current practice. Prospective observational multicenter cross-sectional study, including children 3 days to 16 years old presented for FWS at one of seven emergency departments in participating secondary and tertiary care hospitals in the Netherlands. Adherence to the Dutch FWS guideline, adapted from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline, was evaluated, and patterns in non-adherence and the impact of non-adherence on clinical outcomes and resource use were explored. Adherence to the guideline was 192/370 (52%). Adherence was lowest in patients categorized as high risk for severe infection (72/187, 39%), compared to the low-risk group (64/73, 88%). Differences in adherence were significant between risk categories (P < 0.001) but not between age categories. In case of non-adherence, less urinalysis, fewer bacterial cultures (blood, urine, and cerebral spinal fluid), and less empirical antibiotic treatment were performed (P < 0.050). Clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the non-adherence and the adherence group, particularly regarding missed severe infections.Conclusions: We found a high non-adherence rate of 48%, which did not lead to unfavorable clinical outcomes. This substantiates the need for a critical reevaluation of the FWS guideline and its indications for bacterial cultures, viral testing, and antibiotic treatment.

What is Known:• Despite the development of national guidelines, variation in practice is still substantial in the assessment of febrile children to distinguish severe infection from mild self-limiting disease.• Previous retrospective research suggests low adherence to national guidelines for febrile children in practice.

What is New:• In case of non-adherence to the Dutch national guideline, similar to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline from the United Kingdom, physicians have used fewer resources than the guideline recommended without increasing missed severe infections.
Diagnostic performance of non-invasive liver fibrosis scores in patients with early-intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Schrecker Christopher , Schulze Falko , Trojan Jörg , Bechstein Wolf Otto , Zeuzem Stefan , Koch Christine 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises in individuals with underlying liver disease. Diagnosing the degree of hepatic fibrosis helps to determine the severity of the underlying liver disease and may influence therapeutic decisions in HCC patients. Non-invasive fibrosis scores can be used to estimate the degree of fibrosis in liver disease patients, but most of these scores were developed in patients with viral hepatitis and without HCC. This study explored the ability of the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4), the AST/Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), and the AST/ALT ratio to diagnose or exclude advanced fibrosis (METAVIR F3/4 versus F0-2) in patients with early-intermediate, potentially resectable HCC.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 119 patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC at a tertiary centre (2007–2019), 75 of whom had advanced fibrosis (prevalence 63%). Histological assessment of the surgical liver specimen was used as a reference standard for the degree of fibrosis.

Results
Overall diagnostic performance was highest for the FIB-4 Index, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.82, compared with 0.78 for APRI, and 0.56 for the AST/ALT ratio. Using established cut-off values, FIB-4 achieved a 90% positive predictive value at the higher cut-off (3.25) and a 90% negative predictive value at the lower cut-off (1.45).

Conclusion
The FIB-4 Index could reliably diagnose or exclude advanced fibrosis in patients with early-intermediate HCC, and may thus have a role in guiding therapeutic decisions in these patients.
Deep learning based ankle–foot movement classification for prosthetic foot
Authors: Aydin Fandakli Selin , Okumus Halil I. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe primary motivation behind this study is the aspiration to design a prosthetic foot that demonstrates enhanced functionality, enabling more active and prompt responses, particularly tailored for individuals with below-knee amputations. This goal underscores the intention to create a prosthetic foot with the capability to execute foot movements in a more natural and effective manner. A new 1D-ResCNN model has been proposed for the rapid and accurate classification of foot movements based on user intent in the context of a prosthetic limb. This research introduces an innovative approach by integrating inertial measurement units with deep learning algorithms to advance the development of more functional prosthetic feet, specifically tailored for below-knee amputees. Leveraging wearable technologies, this method allows for the prolonged monitoring of foot movements within the users’ natural environments. The dual benefits of cost reduction and enhanced user experience are achieved through this combination of advanced technologies, providing a promising avenue for the evolution of prosthetic foot design and usage. The results obtained with this model are satisfying both in terms of speed and accuracy with 99.8% compared to other methods in the literature.
The impact of temperature on increased airborne pollen and earlier onset of the pollen season in Trentino, Northern Italy
Authors: Cristofolini Fabiana , Cristofori Antonella , Corradini Stefano , Gottardini Elena 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe impact of climate change on ecosystems can be assessed through pollen dispersion data, which acts as a proxy for the plant flowering stage. The aim of this study is to verify if changes occurred in the season and concentration of airborne pollen in Trentino (Northern Italy), and to evaluate if temperature (T), precipitation (P), and/or land use influenced such changes in the period 1989–2018. Airborne pollen, sampled by a Hirst-type trap, was analyzed by light microscopy, and pollen concentrations were obtained. Twenty-four taxa, covering 95% of the local pollen spectrum, were considered for this study. A significant upward trend in annual pollen integral (APIn) is the main outcome over the study period. The increase in APIn is more evident when analyzing the data in three decadic blocks, both for all the considered taxa (+ 58%) and for Arboreal Pollen (AP; + 155%). Considering both the annual data and the decadic blocks, APIn shows a significant positive trend for Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Ulmus, Populus, Salix, Ostrya, Quercus, Olea (AP), and Plantago, Cannabaceae, Ambrosia (non-arboreal pollen, NAP); a significantly earlier start of the Main Pollen Season (MPS) is proved for Rumex and Poaceae. APIn for 24 taxa shows a significant positive correlation with annual T min (< 0.005) and T mean (< 0.001), both of which showing a significant increase, and a negative correlation (< 0.025) with the number of frost days. From a human health perspective, higher temperatures, driven by climate changes, lead to higher concentrations of allergenic airborne pollen, turning into a higher risk for allergy sufferers.
New insights into the catastrophic slope failures at Sau Mau Ping: the role of antecedent rainfall pattern
Authors: Natalia Levinna , Yang Jun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractClimate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, which aggravate the threat to the safety of natural and man-made slopes. There is growing interest in the role of rainfall characteristics in these slope failures. Most of previous studies treated the rainfall individually or as cumulative value and used hypothetical rainfall temporal patterns with no association with actual physical failures. In this study, the two deadly landslides in Sau Mau Ping, Hong Kong, in June 1972 and August 1976, which caused 165 casualties, are revisited. An intriguing question that has long been overlooked is posed: why the slopes that withstood the 1972 rainfall failed in the 1976 rainfall, given that the rainfall intensity of the latter event was only half of the former? Based on an extensive review of the forensic reports and relevant studies on the failure events, numerical modeling is carried out by a combination of seepage analysis with stability analysis and unsaturated shear strength theory. Focus is placed on the geological and hydrological settings and the rainfall characteristics, particularly the temporal pattern of the antecedent and main rainfall, to look into the causes and mechanisms for these failures. Implications of the new findings for future research and practice are also highlighted.
Assessing women’s empowerment, participation, and engagement in aquaculture in Bangladesh
Authors: Njogu Lucy , Adam Rahma , Farnworth Cathy Rozel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWomen’s empowerment and gender equality are key goals for development and human rights. However, a significant gap still exists in achieving these twin goals. Formulating appropriate strategies for women’s empowerment requires first understanding context-specific patterns and sources of disempowerment. We use data collected using a questionnaire survey from 1653 households in Rangpur and Rajshahi districts in Bangladesh. Guided by an analytic tool that measures women’s empowerment, inclusion and agency (the project level Women’s Empowerment in Fisheries and aquaculture Index (pro-WEFI)), and using seven empowerment indicators, we provide findings on the status of women’s empowerment, participation, and engagement in aquaculture in Bangladesh. Results show that women were highly involved in making household decisions, mainly jointly with their husbands. However, data suggest a substantial gap in women’s access to financial services, in participation in aquaculture activities, and in access to and control over productive capital and remuneration for aquaculture labor. Finally, despite some women achieving adequacy on some indicators, most women in fish farming households in Bangladesh lack adequacy on many of the selected indicators.
Strategy to achieve mitral isthmus flutter ablation by radiofrequency: the SHERIFF plan
Authors: Mechulan Alexis , Dieuzaide Pierre , Peret Angélique , Vaugrenard Thibaud , Houamria Sophiane , Pons Frederic , Nait-Saidi Lyassine , Miliani Ichem , Lemann Thomas , Bouharaoua Ahmed , Prévot Sébastien 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Achieving mitral isthmus (MI) block can be challenging. This prospective study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a systematic strategy comprising three consecutive steps to achieve MI block.

Methods
Twenty consecutive patients (mean (± SD) age 71.4 ± 6.98 years) undergoing ablation of perimitral atrial tachycardia (PMAT) between December 2019 and November 2021 were included. MI was ablated using a systematic strategy comprising up to three consecutive steps: (1) endocardial ablation from the superolateral mitral annulus to the left pulmonary veins; (2) additional epicardial ablation in the coronary sinus (CS) on the opposite side of the endocardial line; and (3) ablation of early activation sites between endocardial and epicardial breakthroughs.

Results
MI block was successfully achieved in 19/20 patients (95%). MI block after endocardial radiofrequency ablation alone (step 1) was observed in 7/20 patients (35%). Epicardial ablation within the CS on the other side of the endocardial line (step 2) resulted in bidirectional MI block in three more patients. Endocardial ablation of epicardial conduction was successful for nine additional patients (95% success). At the 12-month follow-up, five patients (25%) displayed recurrence of arrhythmia after a single procedure. One patient had electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation. Four patients had a redo procedure for left atrial flutter and only two patients (10%) had conduction across the MI and showed recurrence of PMAT. No complications occurred.

Conclusions
The three-step ablation strategy resulted in a high rate of acute and durable MI block. PMAT recurrence after a single procedure was 10% at 1-year follow-up.

Graphical Abstract
The three-step ablation strategy had a success rate of bidirectional MI conduction block of 95%. Recurrence of PMAT after a single procedure was 10% at 1-year follow-up.
A machine learning algorithm for detecting abnormal patterns in continuous capnography and pulse oximetry monitoring
Authors: Spijkerboer Feline L. , Overdyk Frank J. , Dahan Albert 
Published: April 2024

AbstractContinuous capnography monitors patient ventilation but can be susceptible to artifact, resulting in alarm fatigue. Development of smart algorithms may facilitate accurate detection of abnormal ventilation, allowing intervention before patient deterioration. The objective of this analysis was to use machine learning (ML) to classify combined waveforms of continuous capnography and pulse oximetry as normal or abnormal. We used data collected during the observational, prospective PRODIGY trial, in which patients receiving parenteral opioids underwent continuous capnography and pulse oximetry monitoring while on the general care floor [1]. Abnormal ventilation segments in the data stream were reviewed by nine experts and inter-rater agreement was assessed. Abnormal segments were defined as the time series 60s before and 30s after an abnormal pattern was detected. Normal segments (90s continuous monitoring) were randomly sampled and filtered to discard sequences with missing values. Five ML models were trained on extracted features and optimized towards an Fβ score with β = 2. The results show a high inter-rater agreement (> 87%), allowing 7,858 sequences (2,944 abnormal) to be used for model development. Data were divided into 80% training and 20% test sequences. The XGBoost model had the highest Fβ score of 0.94 (with β = 2), showcasing an impressive recall of 0.98 against a precision of 0.83. This study presents a promising advancement in respiratory monitoring, focusing on reducing false alarms and enhancing accuracy of alarm systems. Our algorithm reliably distinguishes normal from abnormal waveforms. More research is needed to define patterns to distinguish abnormal ventilation from artifacts.