bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Macroscale Functional Network Organisation in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Migliaccio Raffaella , Bouzigues Arabella , Godefroy Valérie , Du Vincent Le , Russell Lucy , Houot Marion , Ber Isabelle Le , Batrancourt Bénédicte , Levy Richard , Warren Jason , Rohrer Jon , Margulies Daniel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Neurodegenerative dementias have a profound impact on higher-order cognitive and behavioural functions. Investigating macroscale functional networks through cortical gradients provides valuable insights into the neurodegenerative dementia process and overall brain function. This approach allows for the exploration of unimodal-multimodal differentiation and the intricate interplay between functional brain networks. We applied cortical gradients mapping in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients (behavioural-bvFTD, non-fluent and semantic) and healthy controls. In healthy controls, two principal gradients maximally distinguished sensorimotor from default-mode network (DMN) and visual from salience network (SN). However, in bvFTD, this unimodal-multimodal differentiation was disrupted, impacting the interaction among all networks. Importantly, these disruptions extended beyond the observed atrophy distribution. Semantic and non-fluent variants exhibited more focal alterations in limbic and sensorimotor networks, respectively. The DMN and visual networks demonstrated contrasting correlations with social cognition performances, suggesting either early damage (DMN) or compensatory processes (visual). In conclusion, optimal brain function requires networks to operate in a segregated yet collaborative manner. In FTD, our findings indicate a collapse and loss of differentiation between networks that goes beyond the observed atrophy distribution. These specific cortical gradients’ fingerprints could serve as a novel biomarker for identifying early changes in neurodegenerative diseases or potential compensatory processes.
DNA barcode analysis and antioxidant activity of Desmodium molliculum and Desmodium adscendens
Authors: Sarmiento-Pacurucu Josué , Santos-Ordóñez Efren , León-Tamariz Fabian , Villao-Uzho Liliana , Calle-Lopez Jessica , Peñaherrera Eugenia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In Ecuador, two species of Desmodium are used as traditional medicine. These are popularly known as “hierba del infante” and refer to D. adscendens and D. molliculum. The first species has a large base of information on its genetics and biological activity on which its traditional use is supported, while the second, D. molliculum, lacks this scientific information. This research aims to establish a base knowledge for the species D. molliculum: characterize the species genetically by obtaining the molecular DNA barcodes trnh-psbA, rbcL, matK, ITS1 and ITS2, evaluate its antioxidant effect and compare it with that of D. adscendens using the in vitro techniques of Folin-Ciocalteu, ABTS, DPPH and FRAP to assess its potential medicinal effect. De novo genetic DNA barcodes were obtained for the species D. molliculum and the phylogenetic analysis separated them from those obtained from D. adscendens, indicating that the analyzed species can be discriminated by DNA barcodes. In addition, the methanolic extracts of D. molliculum contain more than double the content of total polyphenols (30.1 ± 1.1 mg GAE/g dry plant) than those of D. adscendens (13.82 ± 0.74 mg AG/g dry plant) as well as better performance in all antioxidation assays. Additionally, this research established that the defatted extract of D. molliculum has the highest antioxidant activity in the ABTS (1.16 ± 0.001 mg TE/mg) and FRAP (0.39 ± 0.01 mg TE/mg) assays.
The status of rotavirus infection in children under five years of age with gastroenteritis: a cross-sectional study in southern Iran
Authors: Tariverdi Marjan , Fallahi Mahsa , Rahmati Mohammad Bagher , Hakami Maryam Mohammadian , Tamaddondar Mohammad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The role of rotavirus in exacerbation of clinical manifestations and outcome in children under five years of age with gastroenteritis is still debated. We aimed to assess the frequency of rotavirus in children less than 5 years old with symptoms of gastroenteritis in Bandar Abbas, southern province of Iran.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was performed on 301 children up to five years of age with more than three episodes of watery diarrhea in the past 24 hours with or without vomiting and referred to children hospital in Bander Abbas in 2020. The Rotavirus Antigen ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) kit was intended for the detection of rotavirus antigen in feces.
Results
The stool test of 34.6% of patients was positive for rotavirus. Comparing the subgroups with and without rotavirus positivity showed higher rates of diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Rotavirus infection was also accompanied with higher episodes and longer duration of diarrhea.
Conclusion
In our statistical population selected from a province in the south of Iran, one third of gastroenteritis cases of children are associated with a positive test for rotavirus, and rotavirus infection in these children is accompanied by exacerbation of clinical manifestations related to gastroenteritis such as diarrhea and vomiting as well as dehydration.
Investigating the effects of brain stimulation on the neural substrates of inhibition in patients with OCD: A simultaneous tDCS – fMRI study
Authors: Rodriguez-Manrique Daniela , Koch Kathrin , Ruan Hanyang , Winkelmann Chelsea , Haun Julian , Berberich Götz , Zimmer Claus 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Inhibition deficits constitute a core characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). There is evidence in healthy individuals that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) leads to a significantly improved inhibition performance. Against this background we investigated the effects of pre-SMA tDCS on inhibition performance and the underlying neural correlates in patients with OCD. Using a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, cross-over design (i.e., tDCS sham vs. tDCS stimulation) we investigated the effects of 2mA anodal tDCS stimulation of the right pre-SMA in a sample of 46 OCD patients. tDCS was applied using the MRI-compatible NeuroConn DC-Stimulator which allowed for a concurrent stimulation, while patients performed an inhibition (i.e., Stroop) task in a 3 T MRI. Imaging data were analysed using a multivariate partial least squares (PLS) approach. tDCS stimulation (vs. sham) was associated with increased activation in a fronto-parieto-cerebellar network comprising, amongst others, the precentral, middle frontal and inferior frontal gyrus, the anterior cingulate and the superior parietal lobe. On the performance level, tDCS stimulation (vs. sham) was linked to an improved inhibition performance in terms of an increased percentage of correct responses in the Stroop task. Present results indicate that tDCS in patients with OCD goes along with an improved inhibition performance as well as activation increases in regions known to be involved in inhibition, motor, and cognitive control. Thus, our findings suggest that tDCS might be a promising method to improve specific impairments in OCD.
Identification of novel genetic variants associated with feline cardiomyopathy using targeted next-generation sequencing
Authors: Raffle Jade , Matos Jose Novo , Piercy Richard J , Elliott Perry , Connolly David J , Fuentes Virginia Luis , Psifidi Androniki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Cardiomyopathies are the most common heritable heart diseases in cats and humans. This study aimed to identify novel genetic variants in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) using a targeted panel of genes associated with human cardiomyopathy. Cats were phenotyped for HCM/RCM by echocardiography or port-mortem examination. DNA was extracted from residual blood, and targeted next-generation sequencing was performed on two separate feline cohorts: an across-breed cohort (23 healthy cats and 21 HCM-affected pedigree or Domestic Shorthair cats), and a within-breed cohort of Birman pedigree cats (14-healthy, 8 HCM-affected, and 6 RCM-affected). Genome analysis toolkit for best practice was used for variant discovery. Genomic association analyses (including the covariates breed, age and sex) were conducted to identify genetic variants of interest. We identified genetic variants associated with HCM and RCM susceptibility in candidate genes based on the human literature. Novel variants of interest were identified in the sarcomeric genes ACTC1, ACTN2, MYH7, TNNT2 and the non-sarcomeric gene CSRP3. The Birman pedigree breed demonstrated shared genetic variants across the HCM and RCM phenotypes, suggesting that the same variants could be associated with both HCM and RCM phenotypes, as proposed in humans.
Applying a deterrence nudge strategy for promoting stair usage in a university setting
Authors: Lee Chung Gun , Chu Jiyeon , Mao Ruoqi , Kim Hansol , Lee Eun-Young , Park Seiyeong , Kim Taeeung 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine whether indirectly deterring elevator use through time-targeted Point-of-Decision Prompts (PODPs) efficiently increased stair usage in a university setting.
Methods
A quasi-experimental design was employed over 2 weeks in September 2023. Baseline observations were conducted for 1 week prior to signage placement at two locations. The intervention in this study lasted for 1 week, immediately following baseline observations. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the increase in the act of ascending the stairs.
Results
Our intervention, which focused on time-related messages, effectively increased stair usage among university students. Furthermore, women and individuals aged ≥ 30 years were notably more likely to be influenced by our intervention than men and individuals aged < 30 years.
Conclusion
Indirectly discouraging elevator use through time-targeted PODPs may amplify the effects of the previously employed time-related messages. Our findings suggested that a deterrence nudge should primarily be directed towards promoting stair usage among women or individuals aged ≥ 30 years.
Epidemiology and Antibiotic Resistance of Staphylococci on Commercial Pig Farms in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Remous Ocloo , Mae Newton-Foot , Chabuka Lucious , Wilma Ziebuhr , Christopher Whitelaw Andrew 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Nasal swabs were collected from 143 apparently healthy pigs and 21 pig farm workers, and 45 environmental swabs of feed and water troughs, from two commercial pig farms in the Western Cape, South Africa. Staphylococci were isolated, identified using mass-spectrometry, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing and Illumina whole genome sequencing were performed.
One hundred and eighty-five (185) Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained, with Mammalicoccus sciuri (n = 57; .31%) being the most common, followed by S. hyicus (n = 40; 22%) and S. aureus (n = 29; 16%). S. epidermidis was predominantly seen in the farm workers (n=18; 86%). Tetracycline resistance was observed across all species, with rates ranging from 67% to 100%.
Majority of M. sciuri isolates (n = 40; 70%) were methicillin resistant, with 78% (n = 31) harbouring mecA. M. sciuri isolates had genes/elements which were associated with SCCmec_type_III (3A) & SCCmec_type_VIII(4A) and were mostly observed in ST61 strains. ST239 strains were associated with SCCmec_type_III(3A).
High rates of tetracycline resistance were identified among staphylococci in the pig farms in Western Cape, South Africa. This highlights the need for policy makers to regulate the use of this antibiotic in pig farming.
Low-Dose Radiation Improves the Tumor Immune Microenvironment through IFN Production: An In Vivo Study Using Murine Lung Cancer Model
Authors: Dong Jigang , Li Baosheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Exposure to radiation prompts apoptosis within cancer cells, initiating 'consume me' signals including phosphatidylserine and calreticulin. This activation of dendritic cells paves the way for immune responses mediated by T and NKT cells, as well as the engulfment of cells by macrophages.
Objectives
In our study, we focused on the effects of low-dose radiation on interferon (IFN) production，thereby enhancing immunogenic cell death in tumor cells.
Methods
In a study utilizing a murine lung cancer model, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells were administered to C57BL/6 mice. Following tumor development, these mice were segregated into cohorts. One cohort received a regimen of low-dose radiation therapy, while another was treated with CTLA-4 antibody injections.
Results
We found that low-dose radiation of 0.1 Gy promoted the production of IFN, and the contents of CXCL9, CXCL10 , CXCL11 in the tumor tissues were likewise significantly elevated after low-dose irradiation, which promoted the infiltration of CD8T cells in the tumor tissues, and ultimately inhibited the growth of the tumors in mice.
Conclusion
Low-dose radiation enhances immunogenic cell death in tumor cells by stimulating IFN production. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic significance of LDR in remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment, which warrants further exploration of its clinical applications in cancer therapy.
Analysis of the Integrated Role of the Yangtze River Delta based on the Industrial Resilience of Cities during COVID-19
Authors: Jia Cai , Cao Zini , Hu Jinkang , Wang Xudong , Zhao Long , Zhi Junjun , Liu Wangbing , Zhang Gaohua , Ding Shilong , Li Yan , Lin Luzhou 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The enhancement of regional comprehensive development ability is significantly impacted by the study on the implementation effect of regional integration strategies. The integration strategy's impact on urban development during COVID-19 in the Yangtze River Delta(YRD) is unclear. According to prior industrial transfer theory, Hefei, Anhui's capital, is difficult to transfer industries, and other YRD cities push industry integration in Anhui. This study employs the theory of economic and land resource use to examine the resilience of the industrial economy during an epidemic by using industrial land as a representation of industrial economic development. The three cities in Anhui—Wuhu, Maanshan, and Chuzhou (Wu-ma-Chu) were selected as the research area. The study employed the UNet deep learning method to detect the land use types in Wu-ma-Chu. The land transfer matrix and the standard deviation ellipse were utilised to research the alterations in industrial land use and the spatial distribution of industrial output value, respectively. The results showed that the industrial land in Machu continued to grow during the outbreak, highlighting the resilience of the region's industrial economy. During 2019–2022, the elliptical ring of industrial output value is distributed in Nanjing, revealing the radiating role of Nanjing in integrating into the integration of the YRD. This confirms China's YRD integration strategy, strengthens regional economic resilience, and encourages coordinated regional economic development.
An Exploratory Examination of Medical and Nursing Students’ Intentions to Discuss Body Image, Weight, and Eating Disorders with their Patients
Authors: Markey Charlotte , August Kristin , Rosenbaum Diane , Gillen Meghan , malik Dua , Pillarisetty Simran 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Although many people have concerns about their body image, weight, and eating behaviors these issues are not usually discussed in a productive manner with medical providers. Thus, we examined nursing and medical students’ willingness to discuss patients’ weight, body image, and eating disorders and reasons why they may do so.
Method: One hundred and eighty-three nursing and medical students (Mage=25.06, SD=5.43) participated in this study. Participants completed open-ended questions pertaining to their willingness to discuss body image, eating, and weight-related issues with future patients. We further queried students’ perspective on body mass index (BMI) as a measure of weight status and sought to determine if participants’ own weight, weight concerns, appearance evaluation, body appreciation, and experiences of stigma were associated with their willingness to discuss weight-related issues with prospective patients.
Results: Coding of qualitative data indicated that nursing and medical students were “sometimes” willing to discuss prospective patients’ weight, body image, and eating disorders, especially if a health concern was evident. Nursing students seemed somewhat more willing to discuss weight issues than medical students and willingness to discuss one of these issues (e.g., body image) was positively associated with willingness discuss the others. Plans for future discussions of body image and weight were marginally associated with personal experiences of weight stigma. The majority of participants indicated that BMI was not a valid measure of health.
Conclusions: Taken together, findings suggest that future providers’ conversations with patients about these sensitive topics are less associated with their own experiences and more with the relevance of these topics to specific patients.
Analysis of Health Seeking Behavior among the Elderly (≥60 Years) in Bwengu, Mzimba North, Malawi
Authors: Zgambo Donalia , Mwanza Brave , Soko Margret , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Health seeking behaviour is one of the major determinants of health of all people including the elderly as it helps to sustain individuals’ wellbeing. However, very few studies have examined the status of health seeking behaviour of the elderly population. This study aimed at analysing health seeking behaviour of the elderly aged 60 years and above.
Methods The study design was analytical descriptive cross sectional utilizing the quantitative approach. Using Taro Yamane formula, and an addition of 10% for nonresponse rate, data was collected from a total sample of 287 participants. A non-probability technique of snowball sampling was used to identify the study participants. The collected data was analysed using statistical package, STATA version 17.
Results The study results have shown that majority (64%) of the elderly population utilize formal healthcare with 62% having comprehensive health seeking behaviour. Marital status (p=0.003), occupation (p=0.005), place of seeking healthcare services (p=0.001), cost of healthcare services (p=0.025), and satisfaction of the healthcare accessed (p=0.021) were significantly associated with health seeking behaviour among the elderly. Married individuals (COR=3.091, 95% CI: 1.499 - 6.373, p=0.002) and those who were accessing free healthcare (COR=1.896, 95% CI: 1.080 - 3.327, p=0.026) were more likely to seek for health services when they got sick. Individuals who sought care from herbalists/traditional healers (COR=0.403, 95% CI: 0.186 - 0.872, p=0.021), and from other sources like shops and pharmacies (COR=0.403, 95% CI: 0.227-0.691, p=0.001), individuals who were retired/working under non-governmental institutions (COR=0.409, 95% CI: 0.201 - 0.833, p=0.014) and individuals who were not satisfied with the services they accessed (COR=0.513, 95% CI: 0.287 - 0.916, p=0.024) were less likely to seek for healthcare when they got sick.
ConclusionWe found that individuals who are married and those with access to free healthcare were more likely to seek for health services. Advancement of policies for the elderly people, such as strengthening of mobile clinics would ensure that the elderly access health care services.
Skin cancer classification based on an optimized convolutional neural network and multicriteria decision-making
Authors: Saleh Neven , Hassan Mohammed A , Salaheldin Ahmed M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Skin cancer can be treated if it is detected early. Many artificial intelligence-based models have been developed for skin cancer detection and classification. Considering the development of multiple models according to various scenarios and selecting the optimum model, these models were rarely considered in previous works. This study aimed to develop multiple models for skin cancer classification and select the optimum model. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in the form of AlexNet, Inception V3, MobileNet V2, and ResNet 50 were used for feature extraction. Feature reduction was carried out using two algorithms of the gray wolf optimizer (GWO) in addition to using the original features. Skin cancer images were classified into four classes based on six machine learning (ML) classifiers. As a result, 51 models were developed with different combinations of CNN algorithms, without GWO algorithms, with two GWO algorithms, and with six ML classifiers. To select the optimum model with the best results, the multicriteria decision-making approach was utilized in the recent form of ranking the alternatives by perimeter similarity (RAPS). Model training and testing were conducted using the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC) 2017 dataset. Based on nine evaluation metrics and according to the RAPS method, the AlexNet algorithm with GWO yielded the optimum model, achieving a classification accuracy of 94.5%. This work presents the first study on benchmarking skin cancer classification with a large number of models. Feature reduction not only reduces the time spent on training but also improves classification accuracy. The RAPS method has proven its robustness in the problem of selecting the best model for skin cancer classification.
Restoration effect of chemically modified microRNA-143-3p on acute myocardial infarction in animal models
Authors: Minatoguchi Shingo , Sugito Nobuhiko , Heishima Kazuki , Ito Yuko , Nakashima Remi , Okura Hiroyuki , Akao Yukihiro , Minatoguchi Shinya 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We investigated whether miR143#12, a synthesized chemically modified miR-143-3p derivative, exerts therapeutic effects on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sprague-Dawley rats and Japanese white rabbits underwent 30 min of coronary occlusion followed by 2 weeks of reperfusion. The rat AMI model was intravenously administered with control miRNA (9 µg/kg), 3 µg/kg or 9 µg/kg of miR143#12 1 hour after reperfusion, while the rabbit AMI model was intravenously administered with control miRNA (9 µg/kg) or 9 µg/kg of miR143#12. In the rat and rabbit AMI models, 9 µg/kg of miR143#12 significantly reduced infarct sizes and significantly improved cardiac function including LVEF and LVFS at 2 weeks. The tissue miR143 levels in infarct areas significantly decreased after AMI in both models. Electron microscopic study and immunohistochemistry suggested that miR143#12 suppressed autophagic cell death caused by AMI and induced neoangiogenesis in the infarct border. In cultured rat H9c2 cells, miR143#12 significantly inhibited H2O2-induced autophagic cell death by decreasing ROS levels and increased viable cell numbers more than the control by silencing COX-1, -2, and ATG7. Replacement treatment with miR143#12 in the infarct areas, where the expression levels of miR143 were significantly decreased, has a beneficial effect on AMI by silencing COX-1 and − 2.