bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A248 ETHANOL-INDUCED MUCOSAL IRRITATION DISRUPTS LOCAL AND SYSTEMIC PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF NON-INVASIVE TRANSCUTANEOUS AURICULAR VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION (TAVNS)
Authors: Hesampour F , Bernstein C N , Ghia J 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The integrity of the mucosal barrier is vital for gastrointestinal homeostasis. Previously, we demonstrated that non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) decreases inflammatory and pro-apoptotic markers while increasing anti-inflammatory markers in homeostatic conditions. However, its effectiveness in case of slight mucosal irritation remains unclear.

Aims
To assess whether slight mucosal irritation affects taVNS efficacy in modulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis-related markers in the colon and spleen.

Methods
Male C57BL/6 mice were given a single intrarectal dose of 30% ethanol (ETOH group, 100 µl), while the control (CTRL) group received no ethanol. Preventive taVNS (10V, 20Hz & 500us, 10min/day) or no stimulation (clipping only) began one day before ethanol injection and continued for four days. Colonic and splenic levels of interleukin (IL)-10, tumor growth factor (TGF)-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, pro-apoptotic markers Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), Bcl-2 homologous antagonist killer (BAK1), caspase8, and pro-survival BCL2 associated agonist of cell death (BAD) were measured using qRT-PCR and ELISA.

Results
taVNS significantly increased IL-10 mRNA expression (p&lt;0.0001) and both mRNA (p&lt;0.015) and protein (p&lt;0.0001) levels of TGF-β in CTRL conditions, with no changes in the ETOH group. Mice demonstrated unchanged IL-10 protein levels in the colon in the presence or absence of taVNS. However, in CTRL conditions, taVNS downregulated BAX (p&lt;0.0001), BAK1(p&lt;0.0001), and caspase8 (p&lt;0.0002) mRNA expression significantly, with no effect in the ETOH group. Additionally, BAD (p&lt;0.0001) mRNA expression increased significantly in CTRL conditions but remained unchanged in the ETOH group. In the spleen, taVNS decreased TNF-α (p&lt;0.04) and increased TGF-β (p&lt;0.0007) protein levels in CTRL conditions without impacting the ETOH group.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated that taVNS successfully regulated systemic and local cytokines and apoptosis-related markers in control mice. However, a slight irritation induced by ethanol abolished its effects, indicating that ethanol associated with a slight mucosa irritation can modify the taVNS outcome.

Funding Agencies
CIHR
A250 ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION OUTFLOW OBSTRUCTION SECONDARY TO METASTATIC SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Alhashimalsayed Z , McIntosh K 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a condition characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, with intact peristalsis. The Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CCv4.0) updated the diagnostic criteria to include not only elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) but also dysphagia, high intrabolus pressure, and abnormal findings on timed barium esophagram or FLIP. EGJOO can be caused by secondary factors such as structural issues, medications, inflammatory conditions, or cancer, with rare cases linked to metastatic disease, like SCC of the skin. Identifying metastatic cancer as a potential cause in motility disorders requires careful evaluation in unusual cases

Aims
A 63-year-old man with a two-month history of dysphagia, 20-pound weight loss, chest pressure, and regurgitation did not respond to PPIs. His medical history included type 2 diabetes, two renal transplants, and a past cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with surgery and radiotherapy. He was on long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Endoscopy showed a tightly constricted LES, and HRM confirmed EGJOO with impaired LES relaxation. CT imaging revealed an 8 cm mass at the gastroesophageal junction and a 4 cm lung lesion. Biopsy confirmed metastatic SCC, indicating recurrence. This case emphasizes the need to consider malignancy in EGJOO, especially in patients with cancer history and immunosuppression

Methods
N

Results
EGJOO secondary to metastatic SCC is rare but important to recognize. Diagnostic criteria in CCv4.0 help reduce false positives by incorporating symptoms and confirmatory tests, differentiating clinically significant EGJOO from incidental findings. It is crucial to systematically evaluate for secondary causes, particularly malignancy, though routine imaging may not provide additional benefits over endoscopy and timed barium esophagram unless there is a strong suspicion
This case highlights how a history of SCC and long-term immunosuppression can contribute to metastasis to the GEJ. Management primarily focuses on palliative care to relieve dysphagia and enhance quality of life, using endoscopic, pharmacological, or radiotherapy options, while more invasive treatments like POEM or pneumatic dilation may be less appropriate for cancer patients

Conclusions
This case report highlights a rare cause of EGJOO secondary to metastatic SCC, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation in dysphagia cases. Findings suggest that cancer should be considered in EGJOO patients with known cancer histories or immunosuppression. Early recognition and palliative management can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life by effectively addressing dysphagia. This report contributes to the understanding of EGJOO as a heterogeneous condition with various underlying pathologies, including metastatic cancer

Funding Agencies
None
Disease-modifying anti-nephropathic drugs (DMANDs) – A definition proposed by the Immunonephrology Working Group (IWG) of the European Renal Association (ERA)
Authors: Teng Y K Onno , Frangou Eleni , Kronbichler Andreas , Bruchfeld Annette , Caravaca-Fontan Fernando , Floege Jürgen , Moran Sarah M , Mirioglu Safak , Stevens Kate I , Steiger Stefanie , Romagnani Paola , Anders Hans-Joachim 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A definition of “disease modification“ for kidney disease is long overdue. Here, we propose three key criteria for disease modification in immune-mediated glomerulonephritis and podocytopathies: minimizing disease activity, preventing loss of kidney structure and function, and reducing treatment-related toxicity. To be considered a DMAND, a drug must fulfil all three criteria hence, the DMAND status of a drug may not be clear at the time of regulatory approval. Notably, the aspect of CKD in immune-mediated kidney diseases must be considered and treated separately, e.g., RASi is a DMAND for the CKD aspect but not for the immune disease itself. Defining DMANDs is an ambitious goal but one which may help to set the priorities for future treatment strategies in immune-mediated kidney disease. This may mean much more rapid tapering or even avoidance of unselective, non-targeted immunosuppressive agents, which carry considerable short (teratogenicity) and long term risks (malignancies). The criteria proposed here set a high bar for “disease modification” in immune-mediated kidney disease. Inevitably, this must dictate altered priorities with the focus for new therapeutic agents and strategies shifting from solely reduction of proteinuria to preservation of GFR and attenuation of decline, whilst also eliminating long term toxicity.
A pretrained transformer model for decoding individual glucose dynamics from continuous glucose monitoring data
Authors: Lu Yurun , Liu Dan , Liang Zhongming , Liu Rui , Chen Pei , Liu Yitong , Li Jiachen , Feng Zhanying , Li Lei M , Sheng Bin , Jia Weiping , Chen Luonan , Li Huating , Wang Yong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology has grown rapidly to track real-time blood glucose levels and trends with improved sensor accuracy. The ease of use and wide availability of CGM would facilitate safe and effective decision making for diabetes management. Here, we developed an attention-based deep learning model, CGMformer, pretrained on a well-controlled and diverse corpus of CGM data to represent individual's intrinsic metabolic state and enable clinical applications. During pretraining, CGMformer encodes glucose dynamics including glucose level, fluctuation, hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia into latent space with self-supervised learning. It shows generalizability in imputing glucose value across five external datasets with different populations and metabolic states (MAE=3.7 mg/dl). We then finetuned CGMformer towards a diverse panel of downstream tasks in the screening of diabetes and complications using task-specific data, which demonstrated a consistently boosted predictive accuracy over direct fine-tuning on a single task (AUROC=0.914 for T2D screening and 0.741 for complication screening). By learning an intrinsic representation of individual's glucose dynamics, CGMformer classify non-diabetic individuals into six clusters with elevated T2D risks, and identify a specific cluster with lean body-shape but high risk of glucose metabolism disorders, which is overlooked by traditional glucose measurements. Furthermore, CGMformer achieves high accuracy in predicting individual's postprandial glucose response with dietary modelling (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.763) and helps personalized dietary recommendation. Overall, CGMformer pretrains a transformer neural network architecture to learn an intrinsic representation by borrowing information from a large amount of daily glucose profiles, demonstrates predictive capabilities fine-tuning towards a broad range of downstream applications, and holds promise in early warning of T2D and recommendation for lifestyle modification in diabetes management.
Atomic force microscopy imaging of plant cell walls
Authors: Pu Junbao , Ma Jie , Zhai Hang , Wu Shanshan , Wang Youmei , Putnis Christine V , Wang Lijun , Zhang Wenjun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Plant cell walls are highly dynamic, complex structures composed of multiple biopolymers that form a scaffold surrounding the plant cell. A nanoscale understanding of their architecture, mechanical properties, and formation/degradation dynamics is crucial for revealing structure–function relationships, mechanisms of shape formation, and cell development. Although imaging techniques have been extensively used in recent decades to reveal the structural organization and chemical compositions of cell walls, observing the detailed native architecture and identifying the physicochemical properties of plant cell walls remains challenging. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool for simultaneously characterizing the morphology, nanomechanical properties, single-molecule interactions, and surface potentials of living biological systems. However, studies employing AFM to investigate plant cell walls have been relatively scarce. In this review, we discuss the latest advancements in AFM for in situ imaging of the multidimensional structure of the cell wall, measuring the mechanical properties of plant tissues or single cells, specific single-molecule recognition of cell wall-related enzymes-polysaccharides, and detecting the Kelvin potential of plant cell walls. We emphasize the fundamental challenges of AFM in characterizing plant cell walls and review potential applications for state-of-the-art AFM-based infrared/Raman spectroscopy toward answering open questions in plant biology.
Leaf minimum conductance dynamics during and after heat stress: Implications for plant survival under hotter droughts
Authors: Fernandes Viviane de Araújo Brito , Farnese Fernanda Santos , Arantes Brenner Ryan , Fontineles da Silva Maria Lúcia , Silva Fabiano Guimarães , Torres-Ruiz José M , Slot Martijn , Cochard Hervé , Menezes-Silva Paulo Eduardo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Exposure to temperatures above a critical threshold (temperature of phase transition, Tp) can damage the leaf cuticle, leading to increased leaf minimum conductance (gleaf-res). Despite the implications of increased gleaf-res for species survival under hotter-drought conditions, little is known about the dynamics of gleaf-res variation after heatwave episodes. Here, we examined the gleaf-res variation before, during, and after exposure to high temperatures (HTs) in a group of representative Cerrado tree species. Through multiple experiments, we compared gleaf-res in leaves previously exposed to different temperatures for varying durations with leaves not submitted to HT. Leaves previously exposed to temperatures above Tp and subsequently cooled had higher gleaf-res measured at 25 °C than leaves not exposed to HT, suggesting a “thermal leaky legacy” effect that negatively impacted plant survival under contrasting simulated drought scenarios. This legacy effect was induced by short periods of heat stress and increased proportionally with rising temperatures. Notably, increased gleaf-res was observed even after 24 h of leaf storage, evidencing that thermal-induced damages to the leaf cuticle cannot be fully repaired within a daily cycle. Overall, our study highlights the threats that increased gleaf-res during and after heatwaves may pose to plant performance and survival under drought conditions and emphasizes the importance of considering the dynamic nature of such water leaks to improve the predictions of drought-induced mortality events in a warmer and drier world.
Understanding the social burden of multiple sclerosis patients in Georgia: a comprehensive analysis of quality of life and sociodemographic factors
Authors: Khutsishvili Natalia , Ganugrava Nino , Janelidze Marina , Vashadze Tamar , Kiziria Marina , Megrelishvili Marika , Tsiskaridze Alexander 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and objectives
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that significantly impacts individuals’ quality of life and imposes a substantial social burden on patients and society. Despite its global socioeconomic implications, limited research has focused on the social burden of MS. This study aimed to assess the social burden of MS in Georgia by evaluating the health-related quality of life of MS patients and exploring the correlation between disease burden and quality of life.

Methodology
This cross-sectional study was performed to assess the social burden of the disease by evaluating the impact of the disease on the quality of life of 384 patients with MS. The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire was administered to assess quality of life.

Results
The Expanded Disability Status Scale score was significantly negatively correlated with the physical health composite score (r = −0.249, P &lt; .001) and the general quality of life score (r = −0.220, P &lt; .001). The quality of life was highly associated with gender, employment status, living/residence place, and moderately with age.

Conclusions and implications
This study revealed the intricate interplay between disability, quality of life, and sociodemographic factors among Georgian MS patients. The results of the study highlight the need for specialized therapies, networks of support, and public health initiatives to lessen the societal cost of MS.
Driving change: Exploring cattle transporters’ perspectives to improve worker and animal well-being
Authors: Sullivan Paxton A , Varnum Angela , Bigler Libby , Cramer M Caitlin , Román-Muñiz I Noa , Edwards-Callaway Lily N 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The cattle industry has made considerable efforts to adopt more sustainable beef production practices. Still, the social pillar of sustainability—especially workforce well-being—often receives less attention than the environmental and economic pillars. There is also limited information about the perspectives of U.S. cattle transporters, who play a critical role in ensuring animal welfare during the final stages of the beef supply chain. This study explored cattle transporters’ perspectives on management practices related to cattle care and well-being, training, work environment, and community. Cattle transporters (N = 74) from three trucking companies operating in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas participated in focus group discussions and completed a short, written survey. In total, 12 focus groups were conducted. In the written survey, 98.7% (n = 73) of survey respondents agreed with the statement “I have pride in the job I do,” and 97.3% (n = 72) agreed with the statement “Animal well-being is a critical component of my job.” Additionally, 96% (n = 71) of respondents agreed with the statement, “The training I have received at this job has prepared me well for transporting cattle,” highlighting the success of current education and training programs. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts identified ten themes, including (1) Animal Welfare and Safety; (2) Feelings; (3) Human Welfare and Safety; (4) Learning and Training; (5) Money; (6) Opportunities for Improvement Throughout the Supply Chain; (7) Pride, Responsibility, and Care in Job; (8) Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Commitment; (9) Unique, Positive Characteristics of the Job; and (10) Work Environment. Transporters expressed a strong sense of pride and responsibility in their work and viewed their role as essential to ensuring the well-being of cattle during transportation. However, they also identified several challenges, including ensuring human and animal safety, dealing with inadequate facilities, and a lack of cohesion among different supply chain sectors. As vital links between supply chain sectors, transporters offer unique insights. Listening to their daily observations could lead to improvements in operational efficiency and cattle welfare.
Analysis of travel decision behaviour during extreme floods in Pakistan
Authors: Talpur Aqsa , Baig Farrukh , Pervez Amjad , Lee Jaeyoung Jay 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Extreme weather events like floods, exacerbated by climate change, disrupt transportation systems and endanger safety of the travellers. This study investigates how public perceptions of travel risks influence travel decisions during floods in Pakistan. In the context of urban floods and transportation, this study focuses on the perceived probability of a crash, perceived distraction, perceived security, perceived need for a companion, and perceived possibility of getting stuck in a traffic congestion, affecting people's travel decisions during floods. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Pakistan after the 2022 floods. Results from the data analysis of 526 valid responses indicated that. Furthermore, public perceptions varied in different flooding scenarios influenced by familiarity, available information, and road conditions. The study suggests real-time information sharing to ensure security, targeted education, and training to enhance community resilience against floods, development of guidelines for shelter camps on roadsides, and ensuring availability of public transport and ride-sharing services during floods may help to fulfil the public's mobility needs. Study findings will help to develop disaster risk management strategies to promote safe travels, improve urban planning for flood resilience, and guide post-disaster recovery efforts.
Differences in Outcomes for Patients Receiving Labetalol and Nicardipine for Hypertension After Craniotomy
Authors: Owrey Matthew , Sun George , Torjman Marc , Min Kevin J. 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Acute postoperative hypertension (APH) is encountered in patients following craniotomy and is associated with major complications. This retrospective cohort study evaluates 30-day survival for patients who received labetalol, nicardipine, or both drugs.

Methods:
Patients 18 and older who underwent craniotomy between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2023 were included in the study. Analyses were performed comparing (1) labetalol cohort versus nicardipine cohort, (2) labetalol cohort versus both cohort, and (3) nicardipine cohort versus both cohort. The primary outcome was survival at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), arrhythmia, and intracranial hemorrhage.

Results:
The labetalol cohort had improved 30-day survival compared with the nicardipine cohort (HR: 0.49, P<0.0001) or both (HR: 0.67, P<0.0001). The nicardipine cohort had worse survival compared with both cohorts (HR: 1.28, P<0.0001). The labetalol cohort had a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage compared with nicardipine (RR: 0.89, P=0.001) and both cohorts (RR: 0.90, P<0.001). The labetalol cohort had less congestive heart failure than the nicardipine cohort (RR: 0.66, P<0.0001), and the nicardipine cohort had more CHF than the cohort that received both drugs (RR: 1.21, P=0.018). There was no difference in STEMI, NSTEMI, or readmissions across cohorts.

Conclusions:
Labetalol for APH after craniotomy is associated with improved survival compared with nicardipine or combination. A combination of these drugs is associated with improved survival compared with nicardipine alone.
Chiari Malformation
Authors: Costa Francesco , Ait Benali Said , Dantas Fernando , Restelli Francesco , Mazzapicchi Elio , Baeesa Saleh , Yaman Onur , Sharif Salman , Alves Oscar L. , Zileli Mehmet , Botelho Ricardo 
Published: February 2025

Study Design.
A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/EMBASE/MEDLINE databases. Inclusion criteria included publications between January 2011 and December 2022 on CM diagnosis classification, natural history, and conservative management.

Objective:
This study aims to offer an update on diagnosis classifications, natural history, and conservative management in Chiari Malformation (CM).

Summary of Background Data.
Chiari Malformation type 1 involves cerebellar tonsil herniation leading to neurological symptoms. There is controversy regarding its pathophysiology and optimal management, especially for asymptomatic cases. Previous research has focused on surgical outcomes with limited consensus on conservative strategies. Standardized guidelines are needed to enhance clinical decision-making.

Methods.
The screening process involved reviewing abstracts, assessing full-text articles, and reviewing references. Eligibility criteria ensured the selection of relevant studies. Data extraction involved recording various variables. Results were discussed and voted in two consensus meetings of the WFNS Spine Committee, reaching consensus using the Delphi method.

Results.
A total of 164 abstracts were screened. 99 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Headache, brainstem and/or cerebellar/brainstem symptoms/signs were confirmed as the main typical neurological hallmarks of CM. Still, an accurate clinical assessment appeared to be the most reliable evaluation model available. Considering classification, the most common form in adult is type 1, while type 2 is associated with myelo-meningocele and hydrocephalus from childhood. MRI is the gold standard to show extent of tonsillar herniation, overcrowded posterior fossa or the absence of cisterna magna. Focusing on natural history, for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic radiologically positive patients a conservative management is appropriate. Somato-sensory, motor, brainstem auditory evoked potentials and polysomnography could be helpful to guide eventual surgical indication.

Conclusion.
Further higher-quality studies are recommended to establish more substantial evidence and recommendations.