bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Doppler Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of the Relationship Between Vertigo and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Buyukozsoy Ayşegul Karadayi , Karatay Emrah , Toz Hilal Tastekin 
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study was designed to assess the relationship between cases of vertigo and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) using vascular flow measured with vertebral Doppler ultrasonography (US). Materials and Methods: Patient cases that underwent vertebral Doppler US, thyroid hormone, and autoantibody tests between January 2020 and November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis cases with associated vertigo were classified as the patient group, and other cases without vertigo and a known disease were the control group. A total of 184 patient cases were reviewed. Results: The HT patient group comprised 82 cases, and the control group comprised 102 cases. The median age was 43 years, and the interquartile range was 59 for all cases. The median total vertebral artery flow rate was 289.30 mL/min in the patient group and 278.35 mL/min in the control group, with no statistical difference ( P > .05). Conclusion: This study is the first to compare patients with HT and vertigo and measure vertebral vascular flow using Doppler US. This study demonstrates that vertigo in HT cases may not be due to vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The vertebral flow in the cohort was normal, and vertigo may have resulted from the autoimmune system.
Mutations in myeloid transcription factors and activated signaling genes predict chronic myeloid leukemia outcomes
Authors: Perusini Maria Agustina , Žáčková Daniela , Kim Taehyung , Pagnano Katia , Pavlovsky Carolina , Ježíšková Ivana , Kvetková Anežka , Jurček Tomáš , Kim Jaeyoon , Yoo Youngseok , Yi Seongyoon , Lee Hyewon , Kim Kyoung Ha , Chang Myunghee , Capo-Chichi Jose-Mario , Medeiros Jessie J. F. , Arruda Andrea , Minden Mark , Zhang Zhaolei , Abelson Sagi , Mayer Jiri , Hwan Kim Dennis Dong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Advancements in genomics are transforming the clinical management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) toward precision medicine. The impact of somatic mutations on treatment outcomes is still under debate. We studied the association of somatic mutations in epigenetic modifier genes and activated signaling/myeloid transcription factors (AS/MTFs) with disease progression and treatment failure in patients with CML after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. A total of 394 CML samples were sequenced, including 254 samples collected at initial diagnosis and 140 samples taken during follow-up. Single-molecule molecular inversion probe (smMIP)–based next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted targeting recurrently mutated loci in 40 genes, with a limit of detection of 0.2%. Seventy mutations were detected in 57 diagnostic samples (22.4%), whereas 64 mutations were detected in 39 of the follow-up samples (27.9%). Carrying any mutation at initial diagnosis was associated with worse outcomes after TKI therapy, particularly in AS/MTF genes. Patients having these mutations at initial diagnosis and treated with imatinib showed higher risks of treatment failure (hazard ratio, 2.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-5.66; P = .0239). The adverse prognostic impact of the mutations was not clear for patients treated with second-generation TKIs. The multivariate analysis affirmed that mutations in AS/MTF genes independently serve as adverse prognostic factors for molecular response, failure-free survival, and progression risk. Additionally, there was an observable nonsignificant trend indicating a heightened risk of progression to advanced disease and worse overall survival. In conclusion, mutations in the AS/MTF genes using smMIP-based NGS can help identify patients with a potential risk of both treatment failure and progression and may help upfront TKI selection.
Type Synthesis of Self-Alignment Parallel Ankle Rehabilitation Robot with Suitable Passive Degrees of Freedom
Authors: Liu Ya , Lu Wenjuan , Fan Dabao , Tan Weijian , Hu Bo , Zeng Daxing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe current parallel ankle rehabilitation robot (ARR) suffers from the problem of difficult real-time alignment of the human-robot joint center of rotation, which may lead to secondary injuries to the patient. This study investigates type synthesis of a parallel self-alignment ankle rehabilitation robot (PSAARR) based on the kinematic characteristics of ankle joint rotation center drift from the perspective of introducing "suitable passive degrees of freedom (DOF)" with a suitable number and form. First, the self-alignment principle of parallel ARR was proposed by deriving conditions for transforming a human-robot closed chain (HRCC) formed by an ARR and human body into a kinematic suitable constrained system and introducing conditions of "decoupled" and "less limb". Second, the relationship between the self-alignment principle and actuation wrenches (twists) of PSAARR was analyzed with the velocity Jacobian matrix as a "bridge". Subsequently, the type synthesis conditions of PSAARR were proposed. Third, a PSAARR synthesis method was proposed based on the screw theory and type of PSAARR synthesis conducted. Finally, an HRCC kinematic model was established to verify the self-alignment capability of the PSAARR. In this study, 93 types of PSAARR limb structures were synthesized and the self-alignment capability of a human-robot joint axis was verified through kinematic analysis, which provides a theoretical basis for the design of such an ARR.
Unlocking the secrets: exploring the influence of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and microbiome on cancer development
Authors: Rayan Menatallah , Sayed Tahseen S. , Hussein Ola J. , Therachiyil Lubna , Maayah Zaid H. , Maccalli Cristina , Uddin Shahab , Prehn Jochen H. M. , Korashy Hesham M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGut microbiota regulates various aspects of human physiology by producing metabolites, metabolizing enzymes, and toxins. Many studies have linked microbiota with human health and altered microbiome configurations with the occurrence of several diseases, including cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that the microbiome can influence the initiation and progression of several cancers. Moreover, some microbiotas of the gut and oral cavity have been reported to infect tumors, initiate metastasis, and promote the spread of cancer to distant organs, thereby influencing the clinical outcome of cancer patients. The gut microbiome has recently been reported to interact with environmental factors such as diet and exposure to environmental toxicants. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) induces a shift in the gut microbiome metabolic pathways, favoring a proinflammatory microenvironment. In addition, other studies have also correlated cancer incidence with exposure to PAHs. PAHs are known to induce organ carcinogenesis through activating a ligand-activated transcriptional factor termed the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which metabolizes PAHs to highly reactive carcinogenic intermediates. However, the crosstalk between AhR and the microbiome in mediating carcinogenesis is poorly reviewed. This review aims to discuss the role of exposure to environmental pollutants and activation of AhR on microbiome-associated cancer progression and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in cancer development.
GPDminer: a tool for extracting named entities and analyzing relations in biological literature
Authors: Park Yeon-Ji , Yang Geun-Je , Sohn Chae-Bong , Park Soo Jun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe expansion of research across various disciplines has led to a substantial increase in published papers and journals, highlighting the necessity for reliable text mining platforms for database construction and knowledge acquisition. This abstract introduces GPDMiner(Gene, Protein, and Disease Miner), a platform designed for the biomedical domain, addressing the challenges posed by the growing volume of academic papers.MethodsGPDMiner is a text mining platform that utilizes advanced information retrieval techniques. It operates by searching PubMed for specific queries, extracting and analyzing information relevant to the biomedical field. This system is designed to discern and illustrate relationships between biomedical entities obtained from automated information extraction.ResultsThe implementation of GPDMiner demonstrates its efficacy in navigating the extensive corpus of biomedical literature. It efficiently retrieves, extracts, and analyzes information, highlighting significant connections between genes, proteins, and diseases. The platform also allows users to save their analytical outcomes in various formats, including Excel and images.ConclusionGPDMiner offers a notable additional functionality among the array of text mining tools available for the biomedical field. This tool presents an effective solution for researchers to navigate and extract relevant information from the vast unstructured texts found in biomedical literature, thereby providing distinctive capabilities that set it apart from existing methodologies. Its application is expected to greatly benefit researchers in this domain, enhancing their capacity for knowledge discovery and data management.
Integrated analysis reveals the regulatory mechanism of the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 on the metabolic dysregulation in rabbit granulosa cells
Authors: Chen Mengjuan , Liu Yuqing , Zuo Mingzhong , Zhang Meina , Wang Zhitong , Li Xin , Yuan Dongdong , Xu Huifen , Yu Guangqing , Li Ming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Neddylation, an important post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins, plays a crucial role in follicular development. MLN4924 is a small-molecule inhibitor of the neddylation-activating enzyme (NAE) that regulates various biological processes. However, the regulatory mechanisms of neddylation in rabbit ovarian cells have not been emphasized. Here, the transcriptome and metabolome profiles in granulosa cells (GCs) treated with MLN4924 were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes, followed by pathway analysis to precisely define the altered metabolisms.

Results
The results showed that 563 upregulated and 910 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in pathways related to cancer, cell cycle, PI3K-AKT, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, and PPAR signaling pathway. Furthermore, we characterized that MLN4924 inhibits PPAR-mediated lipid metabolism, and disrupts the cell cycle by promoting the apoptosis and proliferation of GCs. Importantly, we found the reduction of several metabolites in the MLN4924 treated GCs, including glycerophosphocholine, arachidic acid, and palmitic acid, which was consistent with the deregulation of PPAR signaling pathways. Furthermore, the increased metabolites included 6-Deoxy-6-sulfo-D-glucono-1,5-lactone and N-Acetyl-D-glucosaminyldiphosphodolichol. Combined with transcriptome data analyses, we identified genes that strongly correlate with metabolic dysregulation, particularly those related to glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, neddylation inhibition may disrupt the energy metabolism of GCs.

Conclusions
These results provide a foundation for in-depth research into the role and molecular mechanism of neddylation in ovary development.
Iron-related gene mutations driving global Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission revealed by whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Li Yameng , Li Yifan , Liu Yao , Kong Xianglong , Tao Ningning , Hou Yawei , Wang Tingting , Han Qilin , Zhang Yuzhen , Long Fei , Li Huaichen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Iron plays a crucial role in the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). However, the precise regulatory mechanism governing this system requires further elucidation. Additionally, limited studies have examined the impact of gene mutations related to iron on the transmission of M. tuberculosis globally. This research aims to investigate the correlation between mutations in iron-related genes and the worldwide transmission of M. tuberculosis.

Results
A total of 13,532 isolates of M. tuberculosis were included in this study. Among them, 6,104 (45.11%) were identified as genomic clustered isolates, while 8,395 (62.04%) were classified as genomic clade isolates. Our results showed that a total of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed a positive correlation with clustering, such as Rv1469 (ctpD, C758T), Rv3703c (etgB, G1122T), and Rv3743c (ctpJ, G676C). Additionally, seven SNPs, including Rv0104 (T167G, T478G), Rv0211 (pckA, A302C), Rv0283 (eccB3, C423T), Rv1436 (gap, G654T), ctpD C758T, and etgB C578A, demonstrated a positive correlation with transmission clades across different countries. Notably, our findings highlighted the positive association of Rv0104 T167G, pckA A302C, eccB3 C423T, ctpD C758T, and etgB C578A with transmission clades across diverse regions. Furthermore, our analysis identified 78 SNPs that exhibited significant associations with clade size.

Conclusions
Our study reveals the link between iron-related gene SNPs and M. tuberculosis transmission, offering insights into crucial factors influencing the pathogenicity of the disease. This research holds promise for targeted strategies in prevention and treatment, advancing research and interventions in this field.
Epigenetic weapons of plants against fungal pathogens
Authors: Mierziak Justyna , Wojtasik Wioleta 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the natural environment, plants face constant exposure to biotic stress caused by fungal attacks. The plant’s response to various biotic stresses relies heavily on its ability to rapidly adjust the transcriptome. External signals are transmitted to the nucleus, leading to activation of transcription factors that subsequently enhance the expression of specific defense-related genes. Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, which are closely linked to chromatin states, regulate gene expression associated with defense against biotic stress. Additionally, chromatin remodelers and non-coding RNA play a significant role in plant defense against stressors. These molecular modifications enable plants to exhibit enhanced resistance and productivity under diverse environmental conditions. Epigenetic mechanisms also contribute to stress-induced environmental epigenetic memory and priming in plants, enabling them to recall past molecular experiences and utilize this stored information for adaptation to new conditions. In the arms race between fungi and plants, a significant aspect is the cross-kingdom RNAi mechanism, whereby sRNAs can traverse organismal boundaries. Fungi utilize sRNA as an effector molecule to silence plant resistance genes, while plants transport sRNA, primarily through extracellular vesicles, to pathogens in order to suppress virulence-related genes. In this review, we summarize contemporary knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms of plant defense against attack by pathogenic fungi. The role of epigenetic mechanisms during plant-fungus symbiotic interactions is also considered.
Perceptions of professional challenges by emergency medical services providers: a qualitative content analysis study
Authors: Khazaei Afshin , Afshari Ali , Khatiban Mahnaz , Borzou Seyed Reza , Oshvandi Khodayar , Nabavian Majedeh , Maddineshat Maryam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Emergency medical services (EMS) providers encounter a variety of challenges due to the unpredictable, uncontrollable, and dynamic conditions in the pre-hospital field. This study explored the perceived professional challenges among EMS providers.

Materials and methods
This study was conducted using a qualitative research approach and the method of content analysis. Eighteen EMS providers were purposively selected from EMS stations in Hamadan, Iran. The collected data were then analyzed based on the Granheim and Lundman's method.

Results
Based on data analysis, five categories and one theme were identified. The extracted theme was professional challenges. The five categories were as follows: Ineffective policies; multicultural and multidisciplinary factors; ambulance dispatch route problems; legal issues; and abuse against the emergency medical services

Conclusion
In general, it has been found that EMS providers encounter numerous and complex professional challenges during their work. EMS managers can utilize the findings of the present study to develop strategies for reducing the professional challenges faced by EMS providers. By doing so, they can improve the quality of care in the prehospital field.
Effects of telerehabilitation-based respiratory and corrective exercises among the elderly with thoracic hyper-kyphosis: a clinical trial
Authors: Eftekhari Elham , Sheikhhoseini Rahman , Salahzadeh Zahra , Dadfar Mahdis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Aging is associated with changes in the musculoskeletal system, including increased susceptibility to spine malalignments. Utilizing corrective exercises with a therapeutic emphasis can be beneficial in the elderly with thoracic spine hyperkyphosis.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the effects of six weeks of telerehabilitation-based respiratory and corrective exercises on quality of life, disability, thoracic kyphosis, craniovertebral angle, shoulder angle, cranial angle, and chest expansion in the elderly with thoracic spine hyperkyphosis.

Methods
In this clinical trial, a total of 40 participants aged 60 and above with thoracic hyperkyphosis were randomly divided into the control (N = 20) and experimental (N = 20) groups. The experimental group performed the corrective exercises for six weeks (3 sessions per week). The control group performed general stretching exercises during the same time period. We measured the outcomes of quality of life, disability, thoracic kyphosis, craniovertebral angle, shoulder angle, cranial angle, and lung expansion before and after the intervention. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to analyze the data. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
Quality of life (P < 0.001, Effect Size (ES): 0.44), chest expansion (P < 0.001, ES: 0.56), thoracic kyphosis angle (P < 0.001, ES: 0.31), craniovertebral (P < 0.001, ES: 0.33), cranial (P < 0.001, ES: 0.38), and shoulder (P = 0.005, ES: 0.20) angles were significantly improved in the experimental group as compared with controls. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of physical ability (P = 0.251, ES: 0.04).

Conclusion
It is therefore recommended that online corrective exercises be used in the rehabilitation protocol to improve the quality of life, posture, chest expansion, and disability in the elderly with thoracic kyphosis.
Cost-effectiveness of prehabilitation of elderly frail or pre-frail patients prior to elective surgery (PRAEP-GO) versus usual care – Protocol for a health economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eckhardt Helene , Quentin Wilm , Silzle Julia , Busse Reinhard , Rombey Tanja 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Prehabilitation aims to improve patients' functional capacity before surgery to reduce perioperative complications, promote recovery and decrease probability of disability. The planned economic evaluation is performed alongside a large German multi-centre pragmatic, two-arm parallel-group, randomized controlled trial on prehabilitation for frail elderly patients before elective surgery compared to standard care (PRAEP-GO RCT). The aim is to determine the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of prehabilitation for frail elderly before an elective surgery.

Methods
The planned health economic evaluation comprises cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility analyses. Analyses are conducted in the German context from different perspectives including the payer perspective, i.e. the statutory health insurance, the societal perspective and the health care provider perspective. Data on outcomes and costs, are collected alongside the ongoing PRAEP-GO RCT. The trial population includes frail or pre-frail patients aged ≥70 years with planned elective surgery. The intervention consists of frailty screening (Fried phenotype), a shared decision-making conference determining modality (physiotherapy and unsupervised physical exercises, nutrition counselling, etc.) and setting (inpatient, day care, outpatient etc.) of a 3-week individual multimodal prehabilitation prior to surgery. The control group receives standard preoperative care.
Costs include the intervention costs, the costs of the index hospital stay for surgery, and health care resources consumed during a 12-month follow-up. Clinical effectiveness outcomes included in the economic evaluation are the level of care dependency, the degree of disability as measured by the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), quality-adjusted life years (QALY) derived from the EQ-5D-5L and the German utility set, and complications occurring during the index hospital stay. Each adopted perspective considers different types of costs and outcomes as outlined in the protocol. All analyses will feature Intention-To-Treat analysis. To explore methodological and parametric uncertainties, we will conduct probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analyses will be performed as secondary analyses.

Discussion
The health economic evaluation will provide insights into the cost-effectiveness of prehabilitation in older frail populations, informing decision-making processes and contributing to the evidence base in this field. Potential limitation includes a highly heterogeneous trial population.

Trial registration
PRAEP-GO RCT: NCT04418271; economic evaluation: OSF (https://osf.io/ecm74).