bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large-scale in-silico analysis of CSF dynamics within the subarachnoid space of the optic nerve
Authors: Rossinelli Diego , Fourestey Gilles , Killer Hanspeter Esriel , Neutzner Albert , Iaccarino Gianluca , Remonda Luca , Berberat Jatta 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system and the optic nerve (ON), including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as frontotemporal dementia. The smallness and intricate architecture of the optic nerve subarachnoid space (ONSAS) hamper accurate measurements of CSF dynamics in this space, and effects of geometrical changes due to pathophysiological processes remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate CSF dynamics and its response to structural alterations of the ONSAS, from first principles, with supercomputers.

Methods
Large-scale in-silico investigations were performed by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. High-order direct numerical simulations (DNS) have been carried out on ONSAS geometry at a resolution of 1.625 μm/pixel. Morphological changes on the ONSAS microstructure have been examined in relation to CSF pressure gradient (CSFPG) and wall strain rate, a quantitative proxy for mass transfer of solutes.

Results
A physiological flow speed of 0.5 mm/s is achieved by imposing a hydrostatic pressure gradient of 0.37–0.67 Pa/mm across the ONSAS structure. At constant volumetric rate, the relationship between pressure gradient and CSF-accessible volume is well captured by an exponential curve. The ONSAS microstructure exhibits superior mass transfer compared to other geometrical shapes considered. An ONSAS featuring no microstructure displays a threefold smaller surface area, and a 17-fold decrease in mass transfer rate. Moreover, ONSAS trabeculae seem key players in mass transfer.

Conclusions
The present analysis suggests that a pressure drop of 0.1–0.2 mmHg over 4 cm is sufficient to steadily drive CSF through the entire subarachnoid space. Despite low hydraulic resistance, great heterogeneity in flow speeds puts certain areas of the ONSAS at risk of stagnation. Alterations of the ONSAS architecture aimed at mimicking pathological conditions highlight direct relationships between CSF volume and drainage capability. Compared to the morphological manipulations considered herein, the original ONSAS architecture seems optimized towards providing maximum mass transfer across a wide range of pressure gradients and volumetric rates, with emphasis on trabecular structures. This might shed light on pathophysiological processes leading to damage associated with insufficient CSF flow in patients with optic nerve compartment syndrome.
Bufei Yishen formula protects the airway epithelial barrier and ameliorates COPD by enhancing autophagy through the Sirt1/AMPK/Foxo3 signaling pathway
Authors: Jia Lidan , Liu Xuefang , Liu Xinguang , Guan Qingzhou , Tian Yange , Li Jiansheng , Zhao Peng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Object
Bufei Yishen formula (BYF), a traditional Chinese medicine alleviates COPD symptoms and suppresses airway epithelial inflammation. In this study, we determined whether BYF protects the airway epithelial barrier from destruction in COPD rats.

Methods
The protective effects of BYF on the airway epithelial barrier were examined in a rat COPD model. BEAS-2B epithelial cells were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to determine the effect of BYF on epithelial barrier function. Transcriptomic and network analyses were conducted to identify the protective mechanisms.

Results
Oral BYF reduced the severity of COPD in rats by suppressing the decline in lung function, pathological changes, inflammation, and protected airway epithelial barrier function by upregulating apical junction proteins, including occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens (ZO)-1, and E-cadherin (E-cad). BYF treatment reduced epithelial permeability, and increased TEER as well as the apical junction proteins, OCLN, ZO-1, and E-cad in BEAS-2B cells exposed to CSE. Furthermore, 58 compounds identified in BYF were used to predict 421 potential targets. In addition, the expression of 572 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was identified in CSE-exposed BEAS-2B cells. A network analysis of the 421 targets and 572 DEGs revealed that BYF regulates multiple pathways, of which the Sirt1, AMPK, Foxo3, and autophagy pathways may be the most important with respect to protective mechanisms. Moreover, in vitro experiments confirmed that nobiletin, one of the active compounds in BYF, increased apical junction protein levels, including OCLN, ZO-1, and E-cad. It also increased LC3B and phosphorylated AMPK levels and decreased the phosphorylation of FoxO3a.

Conclusions
BYF protects the airway epithelial barrier in COPD by enhancing autophagy through regulation of the SIRT1/AMPK/FOXO3 signaling pathway.
The combination of Tanshinone IIA and Astragaloside IV attenuates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting the STING pathway
Authors: Zhai Pan , Chen Qianyun , Wang Xunxun , Ouyang Xiaohu , Yang Mengling , Dong Yalan , Li Junyi , Li Yiming , Luo Shanshan , Liu Yue , Cheng Xiang , Zhu Rui , Hu Desheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Astragaloside IV (As-IV) and Tanshinone IIA (Ta-IIA) are the main ingredients of traditional Chinese medicinal Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, respectively, both of which have been employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the efficacy of the combination (Co) of Ta-IIA and As-IV for cardiovascular diseases remain unclear and warrant further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and the underlying molecular mechanism of Co in treating myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI).

Methods
In order to assess the efficacy of Co, an in vivo MIRI mouse model was created by temporarily blocking the coronary arteries for 30 min and then releasing the blockage. Parameters such as blood myocardial enzymes, infarct size, and ventricular function were measured. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted using HL1 cells in both hypoxia-reoxygenation model and oxidative stress models. The apoptosis rate, expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins, oxidative stress indexes, and release of inflammatory factors were detected. Furthermore, molecular docking was applied to examine the binding properties of Ta-IIA and As-IV to STING, and western blotting was performed to analyze protein expression of the STING pathway. Additionally, the protective effect of Ta-IIA, As-IV and Co via inhibiting STING was further confirmed in models of knockdown STING by siRNA and adding STING agonist.

Results
Both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that, compared to Ta-IIA or As-IV alone, the Co exhibited superior efficacy in reducing the area of myocardial infarction, lowering myocardial enzyme levels, and promoting the recovery of myocardial contractility. Furthermore, the Co showed more potent anti-apoptosis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation effects. Additionally, the Co enhanced the inhibitory effects of Ta-IIA and As-IV on STING phosphorylation and the activation of STING signaling pathway. However, the administration of a STING agonist attenuated the protective effects of the Co, Ta-IIA, and As-IV by compromising their anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in MIRI.

Conclusion
Compared to the individual administration of Ta-IIA or As-IV, the combined treatment demonstrated more potent ability in inhibiting apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and the STING signaling pathway in the context of MIRI, indicating a more powerful protective effect against MIRI.

Graphical Abstract
DNA methylation may partly explain psychotropic drug-induced metabolic side effects: results from a prospective 1-month observational study
Authors: Dubath Céline , Porcu Eleonora , Delacrétaz Aurélie , Grosu Claire , Laaboub Nermine , Piras Marianna , von Gunten Armin , Conus Philippe , Plessen Kerstin Jessica , Kutalik Zoltán , Eap Chin Bin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Metabolic side effects of psychotropic medications are a major drawback to patients’ successful treatment. Using an epigenome-wide approach, we aimed to investigate DNA methylation changes occurring secondary to psychotropic treatment and evaluate associations between 1-month metabolic changes and both baseline and 1-month changes in DNA methylation levels. Seventy-nine patients starting a weight gain inducing psychotropic treatment were selected from the PsyMetab study cohort. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation was measured at baseline and after 1 month of treatment, using the Illumina Methylation EPIC BeadChip.

Results
A global methylation increase was noted after the first month of treatment, which was more pronounced (p < 2.2 × 10–16) in patients whose weight remained stable (< 2.5% weight increase). Epigenome-wide significant methylation changes (p < 9 × 10−8) were observed at 52 loci in the whole cohort. When restricting the analysis to patients who underwent important early weight gain (≥ 5% weight increase), one locus (cg12209987) showed a significant increase in methylation levels (p = 3.8 × 10–8), which was also associated with increased weight gain in the whole cohort (p = 0.004). Epigenome-wide association analyses failed to identify a significant link between metabolic changes and methylation data. Nevertheless, among the strongest associations, a potential causal effect of the baseline methylation level of cg11622362 on glycemia was revealed by a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis (n = 3841 for instrument-exposure association; n = 314,916 for instrument-outcome association).

Conclusion
These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of psychotropic drug-induced weight gain, revealing important epigenetic alterations upon treatment, some of which may play a mediatory role.
Successful microvascular surgery in patients with thrombophilia in head and neck surgery: a case series
Authors: Faber Julian , Schuster Frank , Hartmann Stefan , Brands Roman C. , Fuchs Andreas , Straub Anton , Fischer Markus , Müller-Richter Urs , Linz Christian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In this case series, a perioperative anticoagulation protocol for microvascular head and neck surgery in patients with thrombophilia is presented. Microvascular free-flap surgery is a standard procedure in head and neck surgery with high success rates. Nevertheless, flap loss—which is most often caused by thrombosis—can occur and has far-reaching consequences, such as functional impairment, prolonged hospitalization, and increased costs. The risk of flap loss owing to thrombosis is significantly increased in patients with thrombophilia. Therefore, perioperative anticoagulation is mandatory. To date, no perioperative anticoagulation protocol exists for these high-risk patients.

Case presentation
We present three exemplary male Caucasian patients aged 53–57 years with free flap loss owing to an underlying, hidden thrombophilia.

Conclusion
We present a modified anticoagulation protocol for microvascular surgery in these high-risk patients, enabling successful microsurgical reconstruction.
IgG4 disease with multiorgan involvement: a case report
Authors: Vidanapathirana M. N. , Wijayaratne D. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD) is a rare fibroinflammatory disease with multiorgan involvement. It presents insidiously over several years and can be a diagnostic enigma. Delays in diagnosis occur due to failure to consider IgG4 as a differential diagnosis, atypical presentations, and an insidious clinical course.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 70-year-old Sri Lankan man with pulmonary, renal, and neurological involvement of IgG4-related disease. Clinical manifestations evolved over a 4-year period and included exertional shortness of breath and dysesthesia of extremities. The diagnosis was established with clinical, radiological, and pathological criteria laid down by The American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism in 2019.
Following diagnosis, the patient was started on oral steroids, with rapid improvement of his respiratory and neurological symptoms. He is currently under follow-up and will be monitored with clinical and radiological parameters, complement levels, and lung function tests.

Conclusion
This case outlines the presentation of a patient with IgG4-related disease with concurrent involvement of three uncommon sites. It highlights methods of diagnostic deduction by considering the clinical course of illness, imaging, and histopathology. It also describes evolving associations of IgG4-related disease with tuberculosis and lymphomas, which bear important diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
Confronting the complexities of antimicrobial management for Staphylococcus aureus causing bovine mastitis: an innovative paradigm
Authors: Saeed Shamsaldeen Ibrahim , Kamaruzzaman Nor Fadhilah , Gahamanyi Noel , Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai , Hossain Delower , Kahwa Ivan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGlobally, Mastitis is a disease commonly affecting dairy cattle which leads to the use of antimicrobials. The majority of mastitis etiological agents are bacterial pathogens and Staphylococcus aureus is the predominant causative agent. Antimicrobial treatment is administered mainly via intramammary and intramuscular routes. Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) often associated with antimicrobial misuse, the treatment of mastitis is becoming challenging with less alternative treatment options. Besides, biofilms formation and ability of mastitis-causing bacteria to enter and adhere within the cells of the mammary epithelium complicate the treatment of bovine mastitis. In this review article, we address the challenges in treating mastitis through conventional antibiotic treatment because of the rising AMR, biofilms formation, and the intracellular survival of bacteria. This review article describes different alternative treatments including phytochemical compounds, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), phage therapy, and Graphene Nanomaterial-Based Therapy that can potentially be further developed to complement existing antimicrobial therapy and overcome the growing threat of AMR in etiologies of mastitis.
COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Malawians: a scoping review
Authors: Nkambule Ellen , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The best chance of eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic lies in a successful vaccination campaign against the virus. There is still hesitancy among some of the Malawians over the use of COVID-19 vaccines that are readily available. This review’s objective was to currently analyze COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Malawians.

Methods
This scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews. An electronic database search was performed using CINAHL, OVID Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 1, 2020, and July 10, 2023, on the topic of reluctance toward COVID-19 vaccine in Malawi. A review of the journal titles and abstracts was performed to establish a match within the selection criteria. Based on the parameters of interest, this paper included publications that explicitly mentioned COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Malawi.

Results
A total of seven articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Some of the eligible Malawian population’s poor response to COVID-19 vaccination was due to hesitancy. Misinformation is primarily to blame for COVID-19 vaccine reluctance. COVID-19 vaccines are viewed as dangerous or intended to cause harm such as the myth that the COVID-19 vaccine would cause infertility, severe disability, and even death. The review revealed that some people choose not to receive vaccines due to religious convictions and beliefs. Some individuals also think that getting the COVID-19 vaccine could result in receiving a triple-six (666) mark from the devil. There were also reports that the COVID-19 vaccination is being considered experimental and ineffective.

Conclusions
The Malawi government should focus on fear and misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, using interventions, motivational interviews, and individual sensitization. Traditional, religious, and youth-led organizations should provide practical information on COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy.
Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio-fermented rice straw
Authors: Kyawt Yin Yin , Aung Min , Xu Yao , Sun Zhanying , Zhou Yaqi , Zhu Weiyun , Padmakumar Varijakshapanicker , Tan Zhankun , Cheng Yanfen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Providing high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed. Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw (BF) improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep. However, it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain. Therefore, the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen microbiota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF, as well as how their changes influence the feed intake, digestibility, nutrient transport, meat quality and growth performances of sheep. Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups: alfalfa hay fed group (AH: positive control), rice straw fed group (RS: negative control) and BF fed group (BF: treatment). Samples of rumen content, blood, rumen epithelium, muscle, feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.

Results
Feeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation, particularly increasing (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production, and decreasing (P < 0.05) enteric methane yield. The histomorphology (height, width, area and thickness) of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate transport (MCT1), tight junction (claudin-1, claudin-4), and cell proliferation (CDK4, Cyclin A2, Cyclin E1) were improved (P < 0.05) in sheep fed BF. Additionally, serum metabolome was also dynamically changed, which led to up-regulating (P < 0.05) the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF. As a result, the higher (P < 0.05) feed intake, digestibility, growth rate, feed efficiency, meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle, and the lower (P < 0.05) feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.

Conclusions
Feeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost. Therefore, bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with minimizing production costs.

Graphical Abstract
Is there any way to increase consumers’ purchase intention regarding surplus food blind-boxes? An exploratory study
Authors: Sun Jie , Wang Yanan , Yang Chun , Chen Jiangjie , Wei Wei , Miao Wei , Sun Hanchu , Gu Chao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs an emerging business model, merchants are selling surplus food in blind boxes, which provides new opportunities for reducing waste and promoting sustainable development. Surplus food blind boxes, however, have not been extensively researched in terms of design and marketing strategies. Therefore, we are examining how to increase consumers’ purchase intention regarding surplus food blind boxes as well as the relationship between purchase intention, continuous intention, and recommendation intention. In this paper, two studies are conducted. As part of study 1, We used factor analysis to explore the reasons that influence consumers to purchase. In study 2, we utilized structural equation modeling to examine the impact of purchase intention on continuous intention and recommendation intention. Results indicate that food quality, perceived sustainability, and conspicuous consumption are the most important positive factors. The most important negative factors are perceived food risk, resistance to sales techniques, taste anxiety, and inadequate marketing strategies. Based on our findings, we constructed a path relationship between purchase intention, continuous intention, and recommendation intention. The purchase intention of the surplus food blind box users directly influences the recommendation intention and the continuous intention, while the recommendation intention indirectly influences the continuous intention. This study did not demonstrate that gender had a moderating effect. Meanwhile, it provides a reference for the actual marketing management of surplus food blind box merchants.
Modeling the link between environmental, social, and governance disclosures and scores: the case of publicly traded companies in the Borsa Istanbul Sustainability Index
Authors: Kartal Mustafa Tevfik , Kılıç Depren Serpil , Pata Ugur Korkut , Taşkın Dilvin , Şavlı Tuba 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study constructs a proposed model to investigate the link between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures and ESG scores for publicly traded companies in the Borsa Istanbul Sustainability (XUSRD) index. In this context, this study considers 66 companies, examining recently structured ESG disclosures for 2022 that were published for the first time as novel data and applying a multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network algorithm. The relevant results are fourfold. (1) The MLP algorithm has explanatory power (i.e., R2) of 79% in estimating companies’ ESG scores. (2) Common, environment, social, and governance pillars have respective weights of 21.04%, 44.87%, 30.34%, and 3.74% in total ESG scores. (3) The absolute and relative significance of each ESG reporting principle for companies’ ESG scores varies. (4) According to absolute and relative significance, the most effective ESG principle is the common principle, followed by social and environmental principles, whereas governance principles have less significance. Overall, the results demonstrate that applying a linear approach to complete deficient ESG disclosures is inefficient for increasing companies’ ESG scores; instead, companies should focus on the ESG principles that have the highest relative significance. The findings of this study contribute to the literature by defining the most significant ESG principles for stimulating the ESG scores of companies in the XUSRD index.