bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A tolerance study of maltitol in Chinese healthy subjects: a multicenter, simple-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Xiang Xuesong , Wang Siyu , Liu Xiaobing , Wang Jun , Xu Zihan , Zhu Mingyu , Li Baolong , Wang Zhengyuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the gastrointestinal tolerance of maltitol in Chinese individuals, and to explore the gastrointestinal reactions, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Methods: 132 healthy subjects from three cities were enrolled in the 6 weeks’ study. All subjects were prescribed a lactulose hydrogen breath test to determine SIBO before the study. The maltitol-containing cookies (MC) with each piece of MC containing 2.5 g maltitol and sucrose-containing cookies (SC) with each piece of SC containing 3.6 g sucrose were prepared and provided. Half of subjects firstly consumed 3 pieces MC and the others consumed 3 pieces SC at the first week, then switched at the second week. All subjects consumed 5 pieces MC at the third week and consumed 7 pieces MC at the fourth week. Half of subjects consumed 10 pieces MC and the others consumed 10 pieces SC at the fifth week, then switched at the sixth week. After consuming the cookies each time, all subjects were asked to fill questionnaire to record if they experienced any gastrointestinal reactions.
Results: The incidence of gastrointestinal reactions increases with the intake of maltitol dose and no significant difference in gastrointestinal reactions between maltitol cookies and sucrose cookies with the 3 pieces consumed. There was a significant difference in gastrointestinal reaction between the two types of cookies when the intake reached 10 pieces (P<0.0001). The incidence of gastrointestinal reactions was significantly different between the positive and negative lactulose hydrogen breath conditions (P<0.0001) and negative hydrogen breath test were more likely to experience gastrointestinal reactions (Z=5.2088).
Conclusion: Chinese individuals have the lower tolerance threshold for maltitol (17.5 g) as compared to the individuals in other countries. The ethnic differences should be taken into account in the evaluation ad regulations of safe dosages for maltitol in future.
A Fully-discrete Semi-Lagrangian scheme for a price formation MFG model
Authors: Ashrafyan Yuri , Gomes Diogo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Here, we examine a fully-discrete Semi-Lagrangian scheme for a mean-field game price formation model. We show that the discretization is monotone as a multivalued operator and prove the uniqueness of the discretized solution.Moreover, we show that the limit of the discretization converges to the weak solution of the continuous price formation mean-field game using monotonicity methods. This scheme performs substantially better than standard methods by giving reliable results within a few iterations, as several numerical simulations and comparisons at the end of the paper illustrate.
Date: March 15, 2024.
The Enigmatic Voyage of Pneumococcal Carriage: Unraveling the Risk Factors in Pediatric Populations -- A Scoping Review.
Authors: Naik Vaishnavi , Chakraborty Subhangini , Jayanna Krishnamurthy , Shaw Tushar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Pneumococcal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, especially among children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although considerable research has been done on the frequency of pneumococcal infections and their risk factors, there are still many unanswered questions. The objective of this study is to offer fresh perspectives through systematic literature review on the shifting prevalence of and associated risk factors for pneumococcal carriage. Studies from 41 different countries are included in the evaluation, which focuses on pediatrics patients who are most vulnerable to pneumococcal infections. The most frequent risk variables for pneumococcal carriage were having siblings, daycare centers, passive smoking, household characteristics, age, comorbidities, and vaccination status. The frequency of pneumococcal carriage was greatest among LMICs, which may be related to inadequate pneumococcal vaccination programs, densely populated areas, and a lack of knowledge about basic sanitation and hygiene. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to monitor serotype prevalence to direct vaccination campaigns in these regions. For creating efficient pneumococcal disease prevention and control strategies, it is essential to understand the risk factors connected to pneumococcal carriage. The risk of pneumococcal carriage, transmission, and disease may be decreased by public health initiatives that are aimed at a particular age group to reduce transmission, such as improved hygiene and sanitation, addressing socioeconomic disparities and social determinants of health thus reducing transmission of the bacteria. The review highlights the value of vaccination campaigns in lowering the prevalence of pneumococcal illness, to completely understand the relationship between immunization, serotype carriage, and the risk of pneumococcal carriage, more study is required especially in LIC and LMIC region.
Impact of combined tranexamic acid and vancomycin treatment on osteogenic differentiated human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) in vitro
Authors: Weißenberger Manuel , Wagenbrenner Mike , Heinz Tizian , Jakuscheit Axel , Horas Konstantin , Docheva Denitsa , Rudert Maximilian , Mayer-Wagner Susanne , Holzapfel Boris M. , Arnholdt Jörg 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
In our current study, we investigated the impact of tranexamic acid (TXA) and vancomycin powder (VP) on osteogenic differentiated human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) in vitro. Although topical application of TXA and VP is widely used to prevent post-operative blood loss and perioperative joint infection (PJI) in total joint replacements, the effects of both substances on periarticular tissues are not fully understood.
Methods
hBMSCs were isolated and multiplied in monolayer cell cultures before osteogenic differentiation was induced for 21 days. ATP assays were used to analyze cell proliferation and Annexin 5 assays were used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis. Expression levels of osteogenic marker genes were measured using semiquantitative RT-PCR.
Results
Combined treatment with TXA and VP for 96 hours (h) led to significantly decreased cell proliferation rates and decreased cell viability independent of the concentrations used. When using high concentrations of VP (50 mg/mL) this trend was visible after 48 h. In addition, combined treatment with TXA and VP negatively impacted Alizarin Red S staining in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions
Therefore, combined topical application of TXA and VP could be safe when limiting exposure to a maximum of 24 h and using low concentrations. Further in vitro and in vivo research is necessary to fully determine the effects on articular and periarticular tissues.
Age-Associated Trajetories of Tongue Coating Microbiota in a Healthy Chinese Community-Dwelling Population
Authors: Zhongwen Wu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To profiled age- and sex-associated continuous and dynamic alterations in the tongue coating (TC) microbiota with advancing age, we collected 2,527 TC from healthy Chinese community-dwelling individuals aged 1–100 years, and completed 16S rDNA V3-V4 region sequencing. We identified 23 age-associated microbial indicators and built a “TC microbiota clock” model that could characterize the advancement of age using random forest regression methods. Most pathogenic indicators showed a gradual increase or decrease first and then increased with age, suggesting a higher risk of digestive and respiratory tract diseases in childhood and old age compared with middle age. Additionally, two phenotypes of TC microbiota in the old highlighted two different networks between the TC microbiota and host’s healthy aging. Our findings suggest that age-related immuno-physiological properties are accompanied by the sex-independent succession of the TC microbiota with age, and TC microbiota as a promising indicator to evaluate an individual’s physiological status.
Efficient variant phasing utilizing a replication cycle reaction system
Authors: Toda Tatsushi , Mitsutake Akihiko , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Matsukawa Takashi , Mitsui Jun , Tsuji Shoji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

When two heterozygous variants are detected in genes for diseases with autosomal recessive inheritance, determining whether the two variants are located in cis or in trans is crucial. Subcloning long-range PCR products or cDNA is limited by factors such as the distance between variants (up to 10 kb) and cDNA availability. Droplet digital PCR, effective up to distances of 100 kb, faces challenges in specific probe design. We utilized replication cycle reaction (RCR) for amplifying large genomic DNA segments with multiple heterozygous variants. RCR is an in vitro replication cycle based on chromosome replication in Escherichia coli. Circular DNA molecules were generated by combining CRISPR/Cas9-cleaved genomic DNA fragments with an oriC–AmpR cassette, followed by amplification through RCR. Various molar ratios of gDNA to the oriC–AmpR cassette were evaluated to optimize the ligation step. We analyzed gDNAs from seven patients carrying two heterozygous pathogenic variants with distances ranging from 4.3 to 152 kb. A genomic region up to 104 kb could be amplified by RCR. A higher input of the oriC–AmpR cassette resulted in a higher rate of successful RCR amplification and a lower rate of successful monoallelic amplification. Monoallelic clonal amplification occurred in six patients, facilitating a rapid determination of variant phases. A haplotype was successfully reconstructed using an SNP located 78 kb away from the variant in one patient with two variants separated by a 152 kb distance. Our method proves particularly valuable for phasing multiple heterozygous variants separated over long genomic distances.
Comparative CT-Based Assessment of Segmentation Accuracy and Volumetric Variability in Scaphoids from Frozen and Thawed Cadaver Arms for Scaphoid Prosthesis Modeling
Authors: Honigmann Philipp , Haefeli Mathias , Streekstra Geert , Dobbe Johannes 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose Cadavers for research purposes are often stored deep frozen. To avoid repeated thawing and freezing, which could affect tissue quality, we investigated the feasibility of using a frozen and thawed cadaver wrist to model a scaphoid for a patient-specific prosthesis. We also assessed the accuracy of different segmentation methods which are necessary to smoothen the surface of the model.Methods computed tomography (CT) scans of a frozen and thawed wrist were made. The tightly and smoothened segmented scaphoids were compared. The frozen and thawed scaphoid models were registered, and volume differences were calculated.Results No statistical differences in volumes were detected between the segmented frozen and thawed scaphoid models. The size of the scaphoid model remained consistent between the tightly and smoothened segmented versions.Conclusion There are no significant volume differences between frozen and thawed scaphoid bones. With regards to size, it is feasible and accurate to model a smoothened scaphoid for a patient-specific scaphoid prosthesis from a frozen cadaver arm which matches the one of the thawed wrist.
Development and validation of two nomograms to predict prognostic factors for patients with pancreatic cancer: A population-based retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Xinyue , Cheng Peizhang , Dai Wenfang , Wu Mengting , Zhan Yaping , Li Yufei , Wu Xunxun , Diao Yong , Yang Huiyong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) patients’ overall survival rate (OS) is associated with multiple factors. The prognosis is generally poor, and the overall survival rate is extremely low. Although there have been numerous prognostic studies on the clinical or genomic characteristics of pancreatic cancer patients, currently there is no research combining clinical features of patients obtained from the SEER database with tumor genomic features obtained from the TCGA and GTEx database to explore the prognostic factors of PC patients.
Method: We obtained 2697 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015, and also downloaded RNA expression and clinical information of PC from TCGA and GTEx. We used LASSO and one-way and multivariate Cox regression analysis to screen out independent prognostic factors and candidate genes for PC to construct nomograms for PC patients. Receiver operating curve (ROC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA) and Kaplan-meier (K-M) survival curves were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy to evaluate the predictive accuracy, discrimination, and clinical validity of the nomogram.
Results:By Lasso and multifactorial Cox regression analysis, we selected age, AJCC N stage, chemotherapy, tumor stage, lymph node dissection, and primary site surgery information to develop the first prognostic model for PC patients. In the development and validation test set, the AUC and C-index of the OS prediction model were greater than 0.7, indicating good predictability of the model. The calibration curves of the two models overlapped with the diagonal. Decision analysis curves (DCA) indicated that the clinical benefit of these models was higher than any single factor.
We analyzed three gene datasets for enrichment and found that the gene enrichment was mainly focused on genes related to metabolism and cell division. Then we performed univariate and LASSO analysis on the related genes to obtain significance for ANLN, TGM2, ADAMTS12, and SERPINB5 to build a prognostic model. We used KM survival curves for risk stratification of ANLN and SERPINB5. To assess the prognostic power of the models, we calculated the area under the curve (AUCs) of the ROC curves over time, which were all greater than 0.67 in TCGA and 0.7 in GSE183795.
Conclusion: It is verified that our OS prediction curves for PC patients are reliable and can effectively predict the future OS of PC patients at 1, 3, and 5 years, which is a guide for clinical prognosis estimation and treatment of PC patients. Finally, by comparing the two nomograms, we found that the nomogram built for the clinical features of pancreatic cancer had better predictive accuracy than the gene expression nomogram.
Hyperexcitability and translational phenotypes in a preclinical mouse model of SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability
Authors: Silverman Jill , Fenton Timothy , Haouchine Olivia , Hallam Elizabeth , Smith Emily , Ben-Shalom Roy , Jackson Kiya , Canales Cesar , Nord Alex , Adhikari Anna , Rahbarian Darlene 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Disruption of SYNGAP1 directly causes a genetically identifiable neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) called SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability (SRID). Without functional SynGAP1 protein, individuals are developmentally delayed and have prominent features of intellectual disability, motor impairments, and epilepsy. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous discoveries indicting the critical role of Syngap1. Several rodent models with a loss of Syngap1 have been engineered identifying precise roles in neuronal structure and function, as well as key biochemical pathways key for synapse integrity. Homozygous loss of Syngap1 is lethal. Heterozygous mutations of Syngap1 result in a broad range of behavioral phenotypes. Our in vivo functional data, using the mouse model from the Huganir laboratory, corroborated earlier reported behaviors including robust hyperactivity and deficits in learning and memory in young adults. In extension, we report impairments in slow wave sleep, a critical component of the domain of sleep. We characterized Syngap1+/- mice by using neurophysiology collected with wireless, telemetric electroencephalography (EEG). Syngap1+/- mice also exhibited elevated spiking events and spike trains, in addition to elevated power, most notably in the delta frequency band. For the first time, we illustrated how primary neurons from Syngap1+/- mice function and display increased network firing activity, greater bursts, and shorter inter-burst intervals between peaks by employing high density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEA). Our reported data bridge in-vitro electrophysiological neuronal activity and function with in vivo neurophysiological brain activity and function. These data elucidate quantitative, translational biomarkers in vivo and in vitro that can be utilized for the development of and efficacy assessment of targeted treatments for SRID.
Health professional students at the University of Illinois Chicago (HOLISTIC) Cohort study: Prevalence of mental health and lifestyle behaviors effects among health professional students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Patel Atithi , Lu Jun , Bitra Jyotsna , Dommaraju Sunil , Loizzo Daniel , Guillen Brenda , Kane Niamh , Westnedge Danielle , Guzman Jessica Lopez , Giang Nancy , Hartnett Isabella , Keehn Mary T. , Ahmed Rashid , Krishnan Jerry A. , Fokuo J. Konadu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the mental health of healthcare workers. The World Health Organization estimates a 25% increase in anxiety prevalence during the pandemic. The mental health of students across the health professions during the pandemic is less well understood.
Objectives
To better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health professional students, a cross-sectional analysis of data collected on enrollment in a cohort study was utilized to examine the prevalence of poor mental health days in association with lifestyle behaviors in seven health sciences colleges at a large public Midwestern university during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study recruited 890 students enrolled full- or part-time across seven health sciences colleges in 2020 and/or 2021 using convenience sampling.
Methods
Participants completed questionnaires which included socio-demographic questions and items from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor and Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2019 survey.
Results
The participants reported a median of 7 days with poor mental health (IQR: 3-15 days) in the
past 30 days. Female sex (OR 1.70, 95% CI [1.21, 2.38]), Asian race (OR 1.47, 95% CI [1.06, 2.06]), adverse childhood events (OR 2.01, 95 % CI [1.45-2.78]), and frequent cannabis use (OR = 2.03, 95 % CI [1.14-3.61]) were each associated with an increased risk of poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exercise (OR 0.64, 95 % CI [0.42-0.97]) was found to be a protective factor, during COVID-19.
Conclusions and Implications
Results indicate the need to design, implement, and evaluate services to support mental health in health sciences students, particularly among certain subgroups. Students who are frequent cannabis users or have significant childhood trauma are more likely to have poor mental health and as such may benefit from additional mental health support. Health promotions around home-based exercise and intramural sports to health professional students along with longer open hours for the gym may be beneficial.
Multimodal apparent diffusion weighted MRI analysis in noninvasive assessment of breast cancer malignancy and Ki-67 status
Authors: Chang Huan , Wang Dawei , Ming Lei , Li Yuting , Yu Dan , Yang Yu Xin , Kong Peng , Jia Wenjing , Yan Qingqing , Liu Xinhui , Zeng Qingshi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
To assess the capability of multimodal apparent diffusion (MAD) weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to distinguish between malignant and benign breast lesions, and to predict Ki-67 expression level in breast cancer.
Methods:
This retrospective study was conducted with 93 patients who had postoperative pathology-confirmed breast cancer or benign breast lesions. MAD images were acquired using a 3.0T MRI scanner with 16 b values. The MAD parameters, as flow (fF, DF), unimpeded (fluid) (fI), hindered (fH, DH, and αH), and restricted (fR, DR), were calculated. The differences of the parameters were compared by Mann-Whitney U test between the benign/malignant lesions and high/low Ki-67 expression level. The diagnostic performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results:
The fR in the malignant lesions was significantly higher than in the benign lesions (P=0.001), whereas the fI and DH were found to be significantly lower (P=0.007 and P<0.001, respectively). Compared with individual parameter in differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions, the combination parameters of MAD (fR, DH, and fI) provided the highest AUC (0.851), with the highest specificity (88.9%) and accuracy (86.6%). Of the 73 malignant lesions, 42 (57.5%) were assessed as Ki-67 low expression and 31 (42.5%) were Ki-67 high expression. The Ki-67 high status showed lower DH, higher DF and higher αH (P<0.05). The combination parameters of DH, DF, and αH provided the highest AUC (0.691) for evaluating Ki-67 expression level.
Conclusions:
MAD weighted MRI is a useful method for the breast lesions diagnostics and the preoperative prediction of Ki-67 expression level.
Adverse Cardiac Events of Hypercholesterolemia Are Enhanced by Sitagliptin Administration in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Palfrey Henry A. , Kumar Avinash , Pathak Rashmi , Stone Kirsten P. , Gettys Thomas W. , Murthy Subramanyam N. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects millions worldwide and is the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases. Western diets typically comprise of meat and dairy products, both of which are rich in cholesterol (Cho) and methionine (Met), two well-known compounds with atherogenic capabilities. Despite their individual effects, literature on a dietary combination of the two in the context of CVD are limited. An additional interest was to investigate the cardioprotective potential of sitagliptin, an anti-type 2 diabetic drug. Thus, we hypothesized that atherogenic feeding would result in adverse cardiac effects and would attenuate upon sitagliptin administration.
Methods
Six-week-old adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control (Con), high Met (1.5%), high Cho (2.0%), or high Met (1.5%) + high Cho (2.0%) diet for 35 days. They were orally gavaged with vehicle (water) or sitagliptin (100 mg/kg/d) from day 10 through 35. On day 36, rats were euthanized, and tissues were collected for analysis.
Results
Histopathological evaluation revealed a reduction in myocardial striations and increased collagen deposition in hypercholesterolemia (HChol), responses that became exacerbated upon sitagliptin administration. Cardiac pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses were adversely impacted in similar fashion. The addition of Met to Cho (MC) attenuated all adverse structural and biochemical responses, with or without sitagliptin.
Conclusion
Adverse cardiac outcomes in HChol were enhanced with sitagliptin administration and such effects were alleviated by Met. Our findings could be significant for understanding the risk-benefit of sitagliptin in type 2 diabetics who are known to consume atherogenic diets.