bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral blood transcriptomic analysis identifies potential inflammation and immune signatures for central retinal artery occlusion
Authors: Feng Jiaqing , Li Ying , Wang Chuansen , Wang Yuedan , Wan Yuwei , Zheng Mengxue , Chen Ting , Xiao Xuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCentral retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an acute retinal ischaemic disease, but early diagnosis is challenging due to a lack of biomarkers. Blood samples were collected from CRAO patients and cataract patients. Gene expression profiles were distinct between arterial/venous CRAO blood (A–V group) and venous CRAO/control blood (V–C group) samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Hub genes were identified by Cytoscape and used to predict gene interactions via GeneMANIA. Immune cell infiltration was analysed by CIBERSORT. More than 1400 DEGs were identified in the A–V group and 112 DEGs in the V–C group compared to controls. The DEGs in both groups were enriched in the ribosome pathway, and those in the V–C group were also enriched in antigen processing/MHC pathways. Network analysis identified ribosomal proteins (RPS2 and RPS5) as the core genes of the A–V group and MHC genes (HLA-F) as the core genes of the V–C group. Coexpression networks showed ribosomal involvement in both groups, with additional immune responses in the V–C group. Immune cell analysis indicated increased numbers of neutrophils and T cells. Ribosomal and MHC-related genes were identified as potential CRAO biomarkers, providing research directions for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Improved tactile speech robustness to background noise with a dual-path recurrent neural network noise-reduction method
Authors: Fletcher Mark D. , Perry Samuel W. , Thoidis Iordanis , Verschuur Carl A. , Goehring Tobias 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMany people with hearing loss struggle to understand speech in noisy environments, making noise robustness critical for hearing-assistive devices. Recently developed haptic hearing aids, which convert audio to vibration, can improve speech-in-noise performance for cochlear implant (CI) users and assist those unable to access hearing-assistive devices. They are typically body-worn rather than head-mounted, allowing additional space for batteries and microprocessors, and so can deploy more sophisticated noise-reduction techniques. The current study assessed whether a real-time-feasible dual-path recurrent neural network (DPRNN) can improve tactile speech-in-noise performance. Audio was converted to vibration on the wrist using a vocoder method, either with or without noise reduction. Performance was tested for speech in a multi-talker noise (recorded at a party) with a 2.5-dB signal-to-noise ratio. An objective assessment showed the DPRNN improved the scale-invariant signal-to-distortion ratio by 8.6 dB and substantially outperformed traditional noise-reduction (log-MMSE). A behavioural assessment in 16 participants showed the DPRNN improved tactile-only sentence identification in noise by 8.2%. This suggests that advanced techniques like the DPRNN could substantially improve outcomes with haptic hearing aids. Low-cost haptic devices could soon be an important supplement to hearing-assistive devices such as CIs or offer an alternative for people who cannot access CI technology.
Ultra high content analyses of circulating and tumor associated hybrid cells reveal phenotypic heterogeneity
Authors: Whalen Riley M. , Anderson Ashley N. , Jones Jocelyn A. , Sims Zachary , Chang Young Hwan , Nederlof Michel A. , Wong Melissa H. , Gibbs Summer L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPersistently high, worldwide mortality from cancer highlights the unresolved challenges of disease surveillance and detection that impact survival. Development of a non-invasive, blood-based biomarker would transform survival from cancer. We demonstrate the functionality of ultra-high content analyses of a newly identified population of tumor cells that are hybrids between neoplastic and immune cells in patient matched tumor and peripheral blood specimens. Using oligonucleotide conjugated antibodies (Ab-oligo) permitting cyclic immunofluorescence (cyCIF), we present analyses of phenotypes among tumor and peripheral blood hybrid cells. Interestingly, the majority of circulating hybrid cell (CHC) subpopulations were not identified in tumor-associated hybrids. These results highlight the efficacy of ultra-high content phenotypic analyses using Ab-oligo based cyCIF applied to both tumor and peripheral blood specimens. The combination of a multiplex phenotypic profiling platform that is gentle enough to analyze blood to detect and evaluate disseminated tumor cells represents a novel approach to exploring novel tumor biology and potential utility for developing the population as a blood-based biomarker in cancer.
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex in response to threat omission is associated with subsequent explicit safety memory
Authors: Wiemer Julian , Leimeister Franziska , Gamer Matthias , Pauli Paul 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn order to memorize and discriminate threatening and safe stimuli, the processing of the actual absence of threat seems crucial. Here, we measured brain activity with fMRI in response to both threat conditioned stimuli and their outcomes by combining threat learning with a subsequent memory paradigm. Participants (N = 38) repeatedly saw a variety of faces, half of which (CS+) were associated with an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US) and half of which were not (CS-). When an association was later remembered, the hippocampus had been more active (than when forgotten). However, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex predicted subsequent memory specifically during safe associations (CS- and US omission responses) and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during outcomes in general (US and US omissions). In exploratory analyses of the theoretically important US omission, we found extended involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex and an enhanced functional connectivity to visual and somatosensory cortices, suggesting a possible function in sustaining sensory information for an integration with semantic memory. Activity in visual and somatosensory cortices together with the inferior frontal gyrus also predicted memory performance one week after learning. The findings imply the importance of a close interplay between prefrontal and sensory areas during the processing of safe outcomes—or ‘nothing’—to establish declarative safety memory.
Effectiveness of a high-intensity laser for improving hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abdelhakiem Nadia Mohamed , Mustafa Saleh Marwa Shafiek , Shabana Magdy M. A. , Abd EL Wahaab Hisham A. , Saleh Haitham M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common complication that occurs after stroke and has been reported in up to 84% of hemiplegic patients. One of the recommended treatment options for shoulder pain is high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain, function and hand grip strength in patients with hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction. Forty-four hemiplegic patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (study group, n = 22) received 3 HILT sessions a week for three weeks in combination with three sessions of therapeutic exercise per week for three weeks, and Group 2 (control group, n = 22) received a conventional exercise program for HSP three times a week for three weeks. Shoulder pain was evaluated using the McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), the functional outcome of the shoulder was evaluated with the University of California–Los Angeles functional scale (UCLA), and handgrip strength was evaluated with a hydraulic hand dynamometer. The increase in the UCLA scores and the decrease in the MPQ scores after treatment were significant in the study group (p < 0.001) as well as in the control group (p < 0.05) in comparison with the pretreatment between-group comparison. Additionally, the increase in hand grip strength was significant in both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). The study group showed significant improvement over the control group with respect to the UCLA score, handgrip strength, and MPQ score (p < 0.001). HILT combined with therapeutic exercise provides greater improvement than therapeutic exercise alone in terms of hemiplegic shoulder pain, dysfunction, and handgrip strength.
Evaluation of different probiotics on growth, body composition, antioxidant capacity, and histoarchitecture of Mugil capito
Authors: Shehata Akram Ismael , Soliman Ali A. , Ahmed Hamada A. , Gewaily Mahmoud S. , Amer Asem A. , Shukry Mustafa , Abdel-Latif Hany M. R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe investigated the dietary effects of the single application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and their combination on growth, proximate composition of whole fish body, antioxidant defense, and histoarchitecture of hapa-reared Mugil capito. Healthy fish (Fish weighed = 10.30 ± 0.10 g at first) were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups, each with three replicates. These groups were designed as follows: (1) a group fed a basal diet without probiotics (control), (2) a group fed a diet containing S. cerevisiae (4 g/kg diet), (3) a group fed a diet containing L. bulgaricus (2 g/kg diet), and (4) the last group fed a diet containing a combination of both, all for a duration of 60 days. Probiotic-treated groups showed significantly better growth and nutrition utilization than the control group. Significant differences were observed in the crude fat and crude protein contents among the groups, with the combination group exhibiting the highest levels. However, there were no significant variations in ash content across all groups. The highest hepatic antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activities) was observed in the combination group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations were decreased significantly in all probiotic groups, suggesting improved oxidative stress resilience in these groups. The histomorphological analysis of the hepatopancreatic tissues revealed well-arranged parenchyma, increased glycogen storage, and melanomacrophage centers in probiotic-treated groups, particularly the combined probiotics group. Furthermore, the probiotic supplementation improved the histoarchitecture of the intestinal villi compared to the control group. To put it briefly, combined dietary administration of these probiotics improved growth, body composition, antioxidant defenses, and hepatic and intestinal health in hapa-reared M. capito, highlighting their promising role in promoting welfare and productivity.
Contribution of pudendal nerve injury to stress urinary incontinence in a male rat model
Authors: Maher Shaimaa , Gerber Daniel , Balog Brian , Wang Lan , Kuang Mei , Hanzlicek Brett , Malakalapalli Tejasvini , Van Etten Cassandra , Khouri Roger , Damaser Margot S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUrinary incontinence is a common complication following radical prostatectomy, as the surgery disturbs critical anatomical structures. This study explored how pudendal nerve (PN) injury affects urinary continence in male rats. In an acute study, leak point pressure (LPP) and external urethral sphincter electromyography (EMG) were performed on six male rats with an intact urethra, the urethra exposed (UE), the PN exposed (NE), and after PN transection (PNT). In a chronic study, LPP and EMG were tested in 67 rats 4 days, 3 weeks, or 6 weeks after sham PN injury, PN crush (PNC), or PNT. Urethras were assessed histologically. Acute PNT caused a significant decrease in LPP and EMG amplitude and firing rate compared to other groups. PNC resulted in a significant reduction in LPP and EMG firing rate 4 days, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks later. EMG amplitude was also significantly reduced 4 days and 6 weeks after PNC. Neuromuscular junctions were less organized and less innervated after PNC or PNT at all timepoints compared to sham injured animals. Collagen infiltration was significantly increased after PNC and PNT compared to sham at all timepoints. This rat model could facilitate preclinical testing of neuroregenerative therapies for post-prostatectomy incontinence.
Ridesourcing platforms thrive on socio-economic inequality
Authors: de Ruijter Arjan , Cats Oded , van Lint Hans 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLimited available market share data seems to suggest that ridesourcing platforms benefit from, even thrive on, socio-economic inequality. We suspect that this is associated with high levels of socio-economic inequality allowing for cheap labour as well as increasing the share of travellers with a considerably above-average willingness to pay for travel time savings and comfort. We test the relation between inequality and system performance by means of an agent-based simulation model representing within-day and day-to-day supply-demand interaction in the ridesourcing market. The model captures travellers’ mode choice with a heterogeneous perception of relevant time components, as well as job seekers’ participation choice with heterogeneous reservation wage. Our experiments cover scenarios for the entire spectrum ranging from perfect equality to extreme inequality. For several of such scenarios, we explore alternative platform pricing strategies. Our analysis shows a strong, positive relationship between socio-economic inequality and ridesourcing market share. This is the outcome of the combination of cheap labour and time-sensitive ridesourcing users, reinforced by network effects inherent to ridesourcing markets. We find that driver earnings are minimal in urban areas with large socio-economic inequality. In such contexts, drivers are likely to face a high platform commission, and yet, fierce competition for passengers.
Implementation of a randomized mobile-technology lifestyle program in individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tincopa Monica A. , Patel Nik , Shahab Areesha , Asefa Haila , Lok Anna S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIdentifying effective, feasible, low-cost interventions that promote sustainable lifestyle changes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a key unmet need. The aim of this study was to assess predictors of lifestyle practice patterns of NAFLD patients and evaluate the implementation of a mobile technology-based intervention. We prospectively enrolled adults with NAFLD (diagnosed by imaging or biopsy). Individuals with additional liver diseases or decompensated cirrhosis were excluded. Patient were randomized to usual care or a FitBit based program for 6-months. We obtained anthropometrics, labs, vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), physical activity, diet and motivation to change data. 70 patients were enrolled, 33% with cirrhosis. Median age was 52.1 years, 47% males, 83% white, body mass index 32.3, liver stiffness 7.6 kPa, controlled attenuation parameter 319 db/m, and 50% had diabetes. Baseline HRQOL was 5.4/7 and independently negatively correlated with level of concern about their disease and positively with physical function. Younger age was independently associated with unhealthy diets whereas diabetes was independently associated with unhealthy diets and higher VCTE kPa. 6-month follow-up data available on 31 patients showed trends in improvement in weight. In a cohort of NAFLD patients, we identified independent correlates of lifestyle behaviors and HRQOL. Implementation of interventions that improve physical function may improve HRQOL in NAFLD. Younger patients and those with diabetes appeared to have the greatest need for dietary interventions. Structured mobile technology lifestyle interventions using Fitbit and personalized coaching showed promise but require further validation with a focus on sustainability of intervention and improvement in outcomes.
Mechanical properties of native and decellularized reproductive tissues: insights for tissue engineering strategies
Authors: Franko R. , Franko Y. , Ribes Martinez E. , Ferronato G. A. , Heinzelmann I. , Grechi N. , Devkota S. , Fontes P. K. , Coeti R. , Oshiro T. S. I. , Ferraz M. A. M. M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanical properties and porosity of reproductive tissues is vital for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This study investigated the changes in Young's modulus (YM), storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (Eʺ), and porosity of native and decellularized bovine reproductive tissues during the estrous cycle. Testis tunica albuginea had significantly higher YM, E′, and Eʺ than the inner testis, indicating greater stiffness and viscoelasticity. Endometrium showed no distinct differences in YM, E′, or Eʺ across the estrous cycle or between horns. Ovaries exhibited significant variations in YM, E′, Eʺ, and porosity, with higher YM and E′ in the ipsilateral cortex and medulla during the luteal phase. Decellularized ovarian tissues displayed increased porosity. The oviduct displayed no significant differences in YM or E′ in the isthmus, but the contralateral ampulla had reduced YM and E′ in the luteal phase. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamic mechanical properties and porosity of reproductive tissues, facilitating the development of biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
GEFormerDTA: drug target affinity prediction based on transformer graph for early fusion
Authors: Liu Youzhi , Xing Linlin , Zhang Longbo , Cai Hongzhen , Guo Maozu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPredicting the interaction affinity between drugs and target proteins is crucial for rapid and accurate drug discovery and repositioning. Therefore, more accurate prediction of DTA has become a key area of research in the field of drug discovery and drug repositioning. However, traditional experimental methods have disadvantages such as long operation cycles, high manpower requirements, and high economic costs, making it difficult to predict specific interactions between drugs and target proteins quickly and accurately. Some methods mainly use the SMILES sequence of drugs and the primary structure of proteins as inputs, ignoring the graph information such as bond encoding, degree centrality encoding, spatial encoding of drug molecule graphs, and the structural information of proteins such as secondary structure and accessible surface area. Moreover, previous methods were based on protein sequences to learn feature representations, neglecting the completeness of information. To address the completeness of drug and protein structure information, we propose a Transformer graph-based early fusion research approach for drug-target affinity prediction (GEFormerDTA). Our method reduces prediction errors caused by insufficient feature learning. Experimental results on Davis and KIBA datasets showed a better prediction of drugtarget affinity than existing affinity prediction methods.
Minimal Invasive Surgical Techniques (MIST): wie relevant ist der ganze Mist?
Authors: Netsch Christopher , Gross Andreas J. , Herrmann Thomas RW , Herrmann Jonas , Becker Benedikt 
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung
Aufgrund der steigenden Lebenserwartung und der wachsenden Nachfrage nach BPH-Behandlungen wurden innovative Technologien entwickelt, die eine zügige Erholung, Symptomlinderung, geringe Komplikationsraten sowie die Durchführung des Eingriffs ambulant und teilweise unter lokaler Betäubung ermöglichen. Das Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist es, die Ergebnisse der funktionellen Miktionsparameter und der sexuellen Funktion neu entwickelter minimalinvasiver chirurgischer Therapien (MIST) zur Behandlung der BPH zu beschreiben. Diese werden in primär ablative (Aquaablation [Aquabeam]), nicht-ablative (Prostata-Harnröhren-Lifting-Verfahren [PUL, Urolift], temporär implantierbare Körbchen [iTind]), und sekundär ablative Verfahren (konvektive Wasserdampfablation, Rezum, Prostataarterienembolisation [PAE]) unterschieden. Alle MIST-Technologien haben die medizinische Versorgung der BPH mit der Erhaltung der Ejakulation vorangetrieben. Langzeitdaten, die sich speziell mit Reinterventionsraten und den Erhalt der funktionellen Miktionsparameter beschäftigen, sind derzeit jedoch noch eine Seltenheit. Trotz vielversprechender Daten aus den Zulassungsstudien sowie aus randomisierten Studien, zeigen alle MIST-Therapien auch schwerwiegende Komplikationen. Patienten, die für eine solche Methode vorstellig werden, müssen über die Unterlegenheit im Gegensatz zu den etablierten transurethralen Verfahren wie die TUR-P und die Enukleation umfassend aufgeklärt werden.
Anti-CGRP basierte Migränemedikamente – eine Übersicht der
Studienlage
Authors: Triller Paul , Raffaelli Bianca 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungSeit Anfang der 1990er Jahre ist bekannt, dass das Neuropeptid Calcitonin
Gene-Related Peptid (CGRP) eine Schlüsselrolle in der Pathophysiologie der
Migräne spielt. Mit dieser Entdeckung ergaben sich in der Migränetherapie neue
Angriffspunkte für Medikamente, die in den letzten Jahren unser therapeutisches
Arsenal revolutioniert haben. Während bisherige Prophylaktika relativ
unspezifisch wirkten und mit oft nicht tolerablen Nebenwirkungen einhergingen,
entstanden mit CGRP als Zielstruktur in der Migräneprophylaxe gut verträgliche
und hocheffektive neue Therapieoptionen. Die zwei Hauptklassen der
CGRP-spezifischen Migränetherapie sind monoklonale Antikörper, die CGRP oder den
CGRP-Rezeptor binden und Gepante, CGRP-Rezeptor Antagonisten, die aufgrund ihrer
molekularen Eigenschaften die intrazelluläre Signaltransmission blockieren. In
großen Zulassungsstudien konnte die Sicherheit, Verträglichkeit und Wirksamkeit
von monoklonalen CGRP-Antikörpern in der prophylaktischen Therapie der
episodischen und chronischen Migräne nachgewiesen werden. Gleiches gilt für den
Einsatz verschiedener Gepante, die sich in der Akuttherapie als Alternative zu
Triptanen und bei kontinuierlicher Einnahme als Prophylaktika in klinischen
Studien als effektiv und sicher herausstellten. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit
möchten wir den aktuellen Stand der Forschung zur CGRP-spezifischen
Migränetherapie und Erkenntnisse aus ersten Anwendungsdaten darlegen.
Dorsal Aesthetic Line (DAL) Split Maneuver in Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty
Authors: Neves J C. Martins 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe dorsal aesthetic lines (DALs) osteotomies are a strategy to increase the plasticity of the dorsal pyramid to facilitate control of the convexity of the profile, width of the nasal dorsum, and define the eyebrow-tip aesthetic lines. It is also an alternative to lateral keystone area) disarticulation. This article discusses its advantages, indications, and the technical sequence of the DAL osteotomy procedure.
Lovers in strange places: amphibian calling and amplexus detected in tidal mangrove creeks after rainfall
Authors: Gould John , Beranek Chad , Schmahl Kate , Donelly Rachael , Matthews Lynne , Callen Alex , McHenry Colin 
Published: March 2024

Temporary freshwater lenses can form in saline environments after rainfall, providing essential resources for species including drinking water and dispersal routes. However, there is limited indication that these lenses can also be used for breeding. Herein, we provide evidence of the green and golden bell frog, Litoria aurea, performing breeding activities, including calling and amplexus, in tidal mangrove creeks on Kooragang Island, NSW, Australia. Our findings suggest that these creeks intermittently phase into a low salinity state after the influx of fresh water from rainfall, forming temporary freshwater lenses that can be exploited before the creeks revert to a saline state. These lenses had salinities (1.4 ppt and 4.5 ppt) within the tolerance limit of L. aurea tadpoles, although we are unsure whether oviposition took place and offspring survival to metamorphosis was achieved. It is possible that anthropogenic disturbances to hydrology on Kooragang Island have benefited L. aurea by restricting tidal influences in mangrove creeks, prolonging the duration of freshwater lenses.