bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
European policies for public health in border regions: no European mindset as yet
Authors: van der Zanden Brigitte A.M. , Hoebe Christian J.P.A. , Horstman Klasien 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe sudden emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 demonstrated that Europe was not prepared for a public health crisis like this pandemic. In the European Union, matters of health have remained primarily under the jurisdiction of individual Member States. However, certain events, such as the Kohll-Decker ruling on free mobility of health services and the COVID-19 pandemic, compelled the EU to address health matters in border regions. This study examines how EU policies address public health in border regions. To that end, we have drawn from border studies, a field that provides insight into the fluidity and complexity of borders in everyday life. Besides that we used constructivist policy studies as a lens for the analysis of EU policy documents.MethodsA policy discourse analysis was conducted to explore how European policy addresses the development of a transnational, European public health in border regions. Key European policy documents published between 2002 and 2027 were analysed to understand how policies are constructed and problems are framed. The analysis was guided by research questions and the theoretical approach.ResultsThe analysis reveals that, while having limited competences in the field of health care, the EU is slowly developing a rationale and a knowledge base to increase its competences in health care. It also shows that in the field of public health, the EU argues for addressing health determinants and promoting healthy lifestyles, though it does not address health promotion in border regions. The EU’s authority in public health in border regions revolves primarily around addressing physical, biological and chemical threats rather than social health problems.ConclusionThough the EU has carefully developed a transnational perspective on health care, the EU has not developed any authority with respect to transnational public health. Though public health and health promotion in border regions have been confronted with specific challenges, neither specific Member States nor the EU have a transnational collaborative perspective that does justice to the characteristics of border regions. When it comes to public health in border regions, there is no European mindset as yet.
The role of Bach2 in regulating CD8 + T cell development and function
Authors: Weng Xinyu , Zheng Min , Liu Yanning , Lou Guohua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBach2 was initially discovered in B cells, where it was revealed to control the transcription involved in cell differentiation. Bach2 is intimately connected to CD8 + T lymphocytes in various differentiation states and subsets according to recent findings. Bach2 can regulate primitive T cells, stimulate the development and differentiation of memory CD8 + T cells, inhibit the differentiation of effector CD8 + T cells, and play a significant role in the exhaustion of CD8 + T cells. The appearance and development of diseases are tightly linked to irregular CD8 + T cell differentiation and function. Accordingly, Bach2 offers novel approaches and possible targets for the clinical treatment of associated disorders based on research on these pathways. Here, we summarize the role of Bach2 in the function and differentiation of CD8 + T cells and its potential clinical applications.
Histological criteria for selecting patients who need clonality test for non-gastric MALT lymphoma diagnosis
Authors: Park Dajeong , Cho Junhun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe histological diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) is difficult for pathologists. Recently, digital pathology systems have been widely used to provide tools that can objectively measure lesions on slides. In this study, we measured the extent of marginal zone expansion in suspected MALT lymphoma cases and compared the results with those of a molecular clonality test. In total, 115 patients who underwent an IGH gene rearrangement test for suspected MALT lymphoma were included in this study. All cases were histologically classified into three patterns; “small lymphoid aggregates with no germinal center (Pattern 1),” “lymphoid follicles with germinal center (Pattern 2)” and " fused marginal zone or diffuse small lymphocytic proliferation (Pattern 3).” The proportions of monoclonality in Pattern 1, 2, and 3 were 25.0%, 55.0%, and 97.9%, respectively. The ratios of marginal zone thickness to germinal center diameter and entire lymphoid follicle area to germinal center area were measured in Pattern 2 cases using a digital pathology system. Combining the width cutoff of 1.5 and the areal cutoff of 3.5, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for MALT lymphoma were 96.97%, 70.37%, 80.00%, and 95.00%, respectively. In conclusion, through objective measurement of the marginal zone, suspected cases of MALT lymphoma requiring a molecular clonality test can be effectively selected.
Collaborative game-based task offloading scheme in the UAV-TB-assisted battlefield network platform
Authors: Kim Sungwook 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and tethered balloons (TBs) to assist cellular networks has attracted considerable attentions due to their dynamic and quick deployment with their relative low cost. In this article, we propose a new task offloading scheme for smart devices in the modern battlefield area. By the integrative platform of TBs, UAVs and smart devices, the main challenges are (i) providing a task splitting algorithm for the partial offloading service, and (ii) develop a TB resource sharing algorithm to handle the offloading requests. For convenient wireless communications, UAVs work as relay nodes between TBs and individual devices. To achieve a mutually desirable solution, our proposed scheme is formulated as cooperative game models. First, the sequential Raiffa bargaining solution is applied to split the computation-intensive task of each smart device in the battlefield area. Second, the average-surplus value is adopted to effectively share the TB computing resource. Based on the reciprocal combination of two cooperative game solutions, we explore the sequential interaction of TBs, UAVs and battlefield devices, and jointly design our integrated control scheme for offloading services. According to the synergy effect, our hybrid approach can provide a fair-efficient solution in the UAV-TB-assisted battlefield network infrastructure. Finally, extensive simulations are conducted, and the results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed scheme over the existing baseline protocols.
Low Ankle-GO Score While Returning to Sport After Lateral Ankle Sprain Leads to a 9-fold Increased Risk of Recurrence: A Two-year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Picot Brice , Fourchet François , Lopes Ronny , Rauline Gauthier , Freiha Kinan , D’hooghe Pieter , Valentin Eugénie , Hardy Alexandre 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most common sports injury, leading to a high rate of recurrence and the development of chronic ankle instability. One possible explanation is the lack of objective, evidence-based criteria to inform return to sport decisions following LAS. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the efficacy of a new functional score to distinguish patients at risk of recurrent LAS within two years after the initial injury.

Methods
The Ankle-GO score was used in 64 active patients two months after LAS. This composite score includes 2 self-reported questionnaires and 4 functional tests, for a maximum score of 25 points. The rate of reinjury was prospectively recorded 2 years after inclusion. Potential predictive variables for reinjury were tested using the Chi-square and independent t-tests. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) with the optimal cut-off score was determined to assess the predictive value of the Ankle-GO score for the risk of reinjury. Multivariate logistic regression was then used to determine the influence of risk factors of reinjury.

Results
Fifty-four (85%) patients were included (23 men and 31 women, 34.7 ± 13 years old) including 18 (33.3%) with a reinjury. The two-month Ankle-GO score was lower in patients with a recurrent LAS (5.4 ± 2.8 points vs. 9.1 ± 4.5, p = 0.002) and predicted the risk of reinjury (AUC = 0.75). Patients with < 8 points were found to have a significantly higher risk of reinjury (OR = 8.6; 95%CI: 2-37.2, p = 0.001). Women also tend to have a higher risk of recurrence (OR = 3.8; 95%CI: 0.9–15.5, p = 0.065).

Conclusion
The Ankle-GO score is a new objective criterion for RTS after LAS. Patients with a low score at two months have a 9-fold greater risk of recurrence within two years.
Towards teaching-sensitive technology: a hermeneutic analysis of higher education teaching
Authors: Stenalt Maria Hvid , Mathiasen Helle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntegrating digital technologies to benefit teaching and learning has long been driving higher education. The uptake of technology has been supported by teacher training focused on developing teachers’ capabilities to design for learning. However, in this paper, we raise the point of moving towards teaching-sensitive technology as a clear alternative to current strategies focusing on teachers’ mental processes. To develop this point, the paper offers a qualitative study that explores teaching to identify critical features of technology supporting teachers’ work. Analysing teaching from a hermeneutic perspective, we arrive at six fundamental dynamics within which teachers operate. Based on the factors identified, we present three principles to guide future design of technologies for teaching and two approaches to designing technology sensitive to teachers’ values.
Causal relationship between hypertension and epilepsy: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Sun Zhen , Jiang Tong , Zhang Mengwen , Li Yulong , Zhang Jing , Sun Yanping , Yu Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Recent studies suggest that hypertension may increase the risk of epilepsy onset, revealing intricate interactions between cardiovascular health and neurological disorders, thus emphasizing the significance of conducting further investigations into their connection. This study aimed to investigate the potential causality between hypertension, either in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, and epilepsy, using a Mendelian randomization strategy.

Methods
A two-sample Mendelian randomization design was used in this study. We extracted data from the UK Biobank, FinnGen, and the International Consortium of Blood Pressure, utilizing blood pressure-related single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables to evaluate the influence of hypertension on the risk of epilepsy. Inverse variance weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger approaches were used for analysis.

Results
There was a potential association between hypertension, primarily in systolic blood pressure, and an elevated epilepsy risk, while the relationship between hypertension in diastolic blood pressure and epilepsy risk remained inconclusive. Sensitivity analyses suggest an absence of substantial heterogeneity and confounding effects, suggesting the reliability of our findings.

Conclusions
Our study lays the groundwork for further investigations into the mechanisms of this causal relationship, which may potentially involve vascular change, neuroinflammatory pathways, and alterations in cerebral blood flow, which are crucial for understanding the complex hypertension-epilepsy nexus.
Enhanced resource allocation strategies to improve the spectral efficiency in massive MIMO systems
Authors: Misso Angelina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe accuracy of the channel state information is important for correct channel estimation. However, when conducting channel estimation, more resources are allocated to pilots for estimation compared to data transmission. Furthermore, when the number of users increases, the number of pilots for estimation increases. Subsequently, there is an increase in the transmission overhead and hence reduces the spectral efficiency. Therefore, the advantage of obtaining channel state information is significantly reduced. To improve the performance of massive MIMO systems, the study analyses the tradeoff between the number of resources required to correctly estimate the channel using pilots to avoid interference while maintaining optimum spectral efficiency in massive MIMO antennas. Therefore, this study proposes an algorithm to address the challenge of optimum resource allocation in a massive MIMO. Pilot Frequency reuse, max–min fairness algorithm, and Zadoff–Chu sequences were adopted to achieve optimal allocation of resources and reduce interference for users in different cells using the same frequencies. The results reveal improved performance in terms of spectral efficiency with the adoption of the resource optimization approach. The study contributes to the performance improvement of massive MIMO antennas for 5 G communications.
Genotype–phenotype correlation of fecal Streptococcus regulator (fsr) locus with gelatinase activity and biofilm formation intensity in clinical E. faecalis isolates
Authors: Abdelrahman Khaled A. , Kashef Mona T. , Aziz Ramy K. , Hashem Yomna A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Enterococci, known for their disturbing involvement in nosocomial infections, possess a diverse set of virulence factors, regulated by multiple genes. A key virulence regulator is the fecal Streptococcus regulator (Fsr) quorum sensing system. Multiple reports describe the involvement of fsr genes in several virulence mechanisms, notably gelatinase production and biofilm formation; however, the presence of fsr genes does not necessarily predict those virulence phenotypes. This study investigates the factors affecting the relation between molecular detection of fsr genes and accurate prediction of gelatinase activity and biofilm formation intensity.

Methods
One hundred enterococcal samples were collected from patients suffering from urinary tract infections. The isolates were identified through the use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique targeting the ddl gene. Biofilm formation was quantified by the crystal violet assay, while gelatinase activity was evaluated on gelatin agar plates. PCR was used to detect the fsrA and fsrB genes, as well as the gelatinase enzyme-encoding gene (gelE).

Results
Out of the collected 100 isolates, 93% were identified as Enterococcus faecalis. The isolates formed biofilm with different intensities: 47% were strong biofilm producers, 28% moderate, and 21% weak, while only four isolates (4%) did not form biofilm. Only 14% of all isolates had detectable gelatinase activity. The fsrA and fsrB genes were detected in 26% and 28% of the tested isolates, respectively, while gelE was detected in 57% of the isolates. Whereas no association was found between biofilm formation intensity and fsr locus genes or gelatinase activity, a strong positive correlation (r = 1) was found between the detection of both fsrA and fsrB genes and the gelatinase activity.

Conclusion
fsrA and fsrB have a diagnostic value and may be used as biomarkers for gelatinase activity in E. faecalis.
Epidemiology, risk factors, outcomes, and role of Serpin A3 as a biomarker for transition of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease in critically ill patients
Authors: Khairallah Marwa K. , Gaber Asmaa A. , Maghraby Mohammed H. , Dahpy Marwa A. , Parmer Simran Singh , Mostafa Mohammed H. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Several studies have suggested a causal link between acute kidney injury and the consequent development of chronic kidney disease. The severity, frequency, and duration of acute injury are key factors in this process.

Aims
This study aimed to determine the epidemiology and outcomes of AKI to CKD transition in critically ill adult patients and to study the role of Serpin-A3 in the early recognition of AKI to CKD transition.

Methods
In this prospective observational study, a total of 252 patients attending Assiut University Hospitals Critical Care Unit and developed AKI during their stay were recruited. Serum and urinary Serpin A3 were measured by ELISA Kit. Complete blood picture, kidney function tests, urine analysis, serum electrolytes (serum sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium), liver function test, coagulation profile, C-reactive protein, 24-h urinary protein or urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, abdominal ultrasound were assessed for all the recruited participants. Follow-up was done for three consecutive months and after 3 months using serum creatinine, BUN, and serum potassium.

Results
It was found that old age is a risk factor for CKD following AKI, i.e., with 1-year increase in the patient’s age, there was 3% increase in the chance of transition. Significant association was found between rate of comorbidity and transition status. Also, cases with either infection or IV radio contrast exposure were 2.8 and 6.5 times more liable for transition. Cases with transition in this study had significantly higher renal function parameters. Higher median levels of Serpin A3 either serum or urinary was reported in transition patients. Improvement was reported in two-third of those without transition, and higher mortality rate was recorded in those without transition.

Conclusion
The frequency of transition was 20%. Older age, male gender, cardiac and CVS disease, the presence of infection, higher BUN and creatinine level, higher median K and PO4 levels, and higher median levels of Serpin A3 are risk factors for transition from AKI to CKD.
Quantifying the Association Between Surgical Spine Approach and Tracheostomy Timing After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Essa Ahmad , Shakil Husain , Malhotra Armaan K. , Byrne James P. , Badhiwala Jetan , Yuan Eva Y. , He Yingshi , Jack Andrew S. , Mathieu Francois , Wilson Jefferson R. , Witiw Christopher D. 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Recent evidence suggests earlier tracheostomy is associated with fewer complications in patients with complete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aims to evaluate the influence of spine surgical approach on the association between tracheostomy timing and in-hospital adverse events treating patients with complete cervical SCI.

METHODS:
This retrospective cohort study was performed using Trauma Quality Improvement Program data from 2017 to 2020. All patients with acute complete (American Spinal Injury Association-A) cervical SCI who underwent tracheostomy and spine surgery were included. Tracheostomy timing was dichotomized to early (within 1 week after surgery) and delayed (more than 1 week after surgery). Primary outcome was the occurrence of major in-hospital complications. Secondary outcomes included occurrences of immobility-related complications, surgical-site infection, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and time on mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS:
The study included 1592 patients across 358 trauma centers. Mean time to tracheostomy from surgery was 8.6 days. A total of 495 patients underwent anterior approach, 670 underwent posterior approach, and 427 underwent combined anterior and posterior approach. Patients who underwent anterior approach were significantly more likely to have delayed tracheostomy compared with posterior approach (53% vs 40%, P < .001). Early tracheotomy significantly reduced major in-hospital complications (odds ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.84) and immobility complications (odds ratio = 0.78, 95% CI 0.6-1.0). Those undergoing early tracheostomy spent 6.0 (95% CI −8.47 to −3.43) fewer days in hospital, 5.7 (95% CI −7.8 to −3.7) fewer days in the intensive care unit, and 5.9 (95% CI −8.2 to −3.7) fewer days ventilated. Surgical approach had no significant negative effect on the association between tracheostomy timing and the outcomes of interest.

CONCLUSION:
Earlier tracheostomy for patients with cervical SCI is associated with reduced complications, length of stay, and ventilation time. This relationship appears independent of the surgical approach. These findings emphasize that tracheostomy need not be delayed because of the SCI treatment approach.
Foxp and Skor family proteins control differentiation of Purkinje cells from Ptf1a- and Neurog1-expressing progenitors in zebrafish
Authors: Itoh Tsubasa , Uehara Mari , Yura Shinnosuke , Wang Jui Chun , Fujii Yukimi , Nakanishi Akiko , Shimizu Takashi , Hibi Masahiko 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Cerebellar neurons, such as GABAergic Purkinje cells (PCs), interneurons (INs) and glutamatergic granule cells (GCs) are differentiated from neural progenitors expressing proneural genes, including ptf1a, neurog1 and atoh1a/b/c. Studies in mammals previously suggested that these genes determine cerebellar neuron cell fate. However, our studies on ptf1a;neurog1 zebrafish mutants and lineage tracing of ptf1a-expressing progenitors have revealed that the ptf1a/neurog1-expressing progenitors can generate diverse cerebellar neurons, including PCs, INs and a subset of GCs in zebrafish. The precise mechanisms of how each cerebellar neuron type is specified remains elusive. We found that genes encoding the transcriptional regulators Foxp1b, Foxp4, Skor1b and Skor2, which are reportedly expressed in PCs, were absent in ptf1a;neurog1 mutants. foxp1b;foxp4 mutants showed a strong reduction in PCs, whereas skor1b;skor2 mutants completely lacked PCs, and displayed an increase in immature GCs. Misexpression of skor2 in GC progenitors expressing atoh1c suppressed GC fate. These data indicate that Foxp1b/4 and Skor1b/2 function as key transcriptional regulators in the initial step of PC differentiation from ptf1a/neurog1-expressing neural progenitors, and that Skor1b and Skor2 control PC differentiation by suppressing their differentiation into GCs.