bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between hepcidin levels and inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Soltanieh Samira , Salavatizadeh Marieh , Gaman Mihnea‐Alexandru , Kord Varkaneh Hamed , Tan Shing Cheng , Prabahar Kousalya , Lozovanu Oana Deliu , Santos Heitor O. , Hekmatdoost Azita 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHepcidin has a crucial role in iron homeostasis upon inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the overall association between serum hepcidin concentrations and IBD. Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta‐analysis (PRISMA) protocols, an electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science until June 2020. Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: (1) diagnosis of IBD, (2) observational design, and (3) measured serum hepcidin and prohepcidin concentrations in IBD patients and control group. Overall, 10 studies including 1184 participants were evaluated. Random‐effects meta‐analysis revealed that subjects with IBD had 7.22 ng/mL (95% CI: 2.10, 12.34; p = .006) higher serum hepcidin concentrations compared to control groups. A nonsignificantly lower serum prohepcidin concentration (0.522 ng/mL, 95% CI: −1.983 to 0.939; p = .484) was found for IBD patients compared to healthy subjects. However, there was significant heterogeneity among the studies regarding both hepcidin (I2 = 98%, p < .001) and prohepcidin levels (I2 = 96%, p < .001), respectively. In an age‐based subgroup analysis, patients aged ≥18 years with IBD displayed higher serum hepcidin levels when compared to healthy individuals (22.36 ng/mL, 95% CI, 2.12–42.61; p = .030). Hepcidin concentrations are elevated in subjects with IBD; however, the clinical relevance of this finding requires further evaluation in future investigations as the increase is relatively small compared to the wide range of normal hepcidin values.
Water reservoirs influenced by slow moving landslides
Authors: Marte Roman 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWater storages for energy production in mountain valleys or snow retention basins on mountain slopes or mountain ridges are common buildings in Alpine regions. When such water reservoirs are situated on or nearby of a large slow‐moving landslide, low factors of safety and ongoing deformation of the reservoir structure – or parts of it – need to be handled in some cases. Questions about the justification but also the reliability of reservoirs influenced by such landslides need to be discussed. Verification procedures which proof a save operation of the reservoir over time but also an estimation of the behaviour of the reservoir influenced by the landslide for exceptional load cases need to be investigated. In this paper main issues and problems related to such questions are discussed for reservoirs in the design as well as in the operation state which are influenced by such slow moving landslides.
Downregulated expression of lactate dehydrogenase in adult oligodendrocytes and its implication for the transfer of glycolysis products to axons
Authors: Späte Erik , Zhou Baoyu , Sun Ting , Kusch Kathrin , Asadollahi Ebrahim , Siems Sophie B. , Depp Constanze , Werner Hauke B. , Saher Gesine , Hirrlinger Johannes , Möbius Wiebke , Nave Klaus‐Armin , Goebbels Sandra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOligodendrocytes and astrocytes are metabolically coupled to neuronal compartments. Pyruvate and lactate can shuttle between glial cells and axons via monocarboxylate transporters. However, lactate can only be synthesized or used in metabolic reactions with the help of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a tetramer of LDHA and LDHB subunits in varying compositions. Here we show that mice with a cell type‐specific disruption of both Ldha and Ldhb genes in oligodendrocytes lack a pathological phenotype that would be indicative of oligodendroglial dysfunctions or lack of axonal metabolic support. Indeed, when combining immunohistochemical, electron microscopical, and in situ hybridization analyses in adult mice, we found that the vast majority of mature oligodendrocytes lack detectable expression of LDH. Even in neurodegenerative disease models and in mice under metabolic stress LDH was not increased. In contrast, at early development and in the remyelinating brain, LDHA was readily detectable in immature oligodendrocytes. Interestingly, by immunoelectron microscopy LDHA was particularly enriched at gap junctions formed between adjacent astrocytes and at junctions between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Our data suggest that oligodendrocytes metabolize lactate during development and remyelination. In contrast, for metabolic support of axons mature oligodendrocytes may export their own glycolysis products as pyruvate rather than lactate. Lacking LDH, these oligodendrocytes can also “funnel” lactate through their “myelinic” channels between gap junction‐coupled astrocytes and axons without metabolizing it. We suggest a working model, in which the unequal cellular distribution of LDH in white matter tracts facilitates a rapid and efficient transport of glycolysis products among glial and axonal compartments.
Electrocardiography changes and different stages of heart failure in central Iran: A cross‐sectional study from Yazd Health Study
Authors: Sadeghi Sedighe , Jokar Mojtaba , Tezerjani Seyed Mostafa Seyed Hossieni , Haghaninejad Hasan , Zare Elahe , Meybodi Mahmood Emami , hassanabadi Mohammadtaghi Sareban , Mirzaei Masoud , Mohammadi Hamidreza , Tabatabaei Forough Sadat 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsElectrocardiography (ECG) is a widely accessible, noninvasive, and cost‐effective diagnostic instrument used to evaluate patients with suspected heart failure (HF). The aim of this study is to investigate electrocardiographic changes in patients with different stages of HF in a random population of Yazd city.MethodsThis prospective cross‐sectional study included 319 individuals, randomly selected, aged 40 years and more, registered in the Yazd Health Study was conducted from March 2022 to May 2023 at Afshar Hospitals. In accordance with the AHA/ACC guidelines, HF was classified into four stages (A, B, C, and D).ResultsThe 159 individuals were classified in the stage 0 group, 77 were in Stage A, 65 were in Stage B, and 18 were in Stage C of HF. In the Stage 0, the PR interval (PRi) was 130.5 ± 18.1 ms, while in Stage C, it was 143.3 ± 21.9 ms, with a significant difference (p = 0.047). Similarly, the QRS interval (QRSi) increased with HF staging (p = 0.001). The frequency of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLP), chronic heart disease, alcoholism, and PRi, QRSi, QT interval levels were independent predictors of HF stage in multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionThe prevalence of HF stages, as classified by the AHA/ACC guidelines, was observed, with significant correlations between ECG parameters and HF progression. abnormal rhythms, left bundle branch block, ischemia, hypertrophy, and left atrial enlargement increased with higher HF stages. Major risk factors like DM and HTN exhibited a heightened prevalence in advanced HF stages, accentuating their pivotal role in the progression of HF.
Expression of netrin‐1 in uterine serous carcinoma and its association with prognosis
Authors: Ucuncu Kefeli Aysegul , Yaprak Bayrak Busra , Betul Tunce Esra , Vural Cigdem , Suyusal Ibrahim Halil , Kefeli Umut , Aksu Maksut Gorkem 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesAt present, there are few biomarkers used to predict the prognosis of uterine serous carcinoma (USC). Netrin‐1 may be a promising biomarker candidate. We investigated netrin‐1 expression in USC tissues and healthy endometrial tissues to determine its relevance to disease prognosis.Materials and MethodsNetrin‐1 expression was examined in the tissues of 48 patients with USC and 30 patients with healthy benign endometrial tissues via immunohistochemistry.ResultsNone of the healthy tissues were stained with netrin‐1. In tumor tissues, the overall positivity rate of netrin‐1 was 75%, detected as high expression in 17 patients (35%) and low in 19 (40%). Patients who had tumors with no netrin‐1 expression (n = 12) had a median overall survival (OS) of 60.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 47–98), whereas patients who had tumors with low to strong netrin‐1 expression (n = 33) had a lower median OS of 50 months, but the difference was not statistically significant (95% CI, 58–108; P = 0.531). Disease‐free survival (DFS) was not statistically significant between the groups (95% CI, 67.7–115.9; P = 0.566). Patients with a tumor diameter ≥2 cm had higher netrin‐1 expression than those with a tumor diameter of 2 cm (P = 0.027). We did not find any difference in overall and DFS when age, tumor stage, histology, tumor diameter, p53 status, lymphovascular space invasion, myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis were compared according to netrin‐1 expression (P > 0.05).ConclusionNetrin‐1 was expressed in USC but not in healthy tissues. Its expression was not associated with OS or DFS.
Setting hinge position distal to the proximal margin of the distal lateral femur reduces the maximum principal strains of the hinge area and risk of hinge fractures
Authors: Tanaka Atsuki , Matsushita Takehiko , Nakatsuji Tatsuya , Katsui Yosuke , Nagai Kanto , Nishida Kyohei , Mukai Toshiji , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeThe optimal hinge position to prevent hinge fractures in medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy (MCWDFO) based on the biomechanical background has not yet been well examined. This study aimed to examine the appropriate hinge position in MCWDFO using finite element (FE) analysis to prevent hinge fractures.MethodsComputer‐aided design (CAD) models were created using composite replicate femurs. FE models of the MCWDFO with a 5° wedge were created with three different hinge positions: (A) 5 mm proximal to the proximal margin of the lateral epicondylar region, (B) proximal margin level and (C) 5 mm distal to the proximal margin level. The maximum and minimum principal strains in the cortical bone were calculated for each model. To validate the FE analysis, biomechanical tests were performed using composite replicate femurs with the same hinge position models as those in the FE analysis.ResultsIn the FE analysis, the maximum principal strains were in the order of Models A > B > C. The highest value of maximum principal strain was observed in the area proximal to the hinge. In the biomechanical test, hinge fractures occurred in the area proximal to the hinge in Models A and B, whereas the gap closed completely without hinge fractures in Model C. Fractures occurred in an area similar to where the highest maximal principal strain was observed in the FE analysis.ConclusionDistal to the proximal margin of the lateral epicondylar region is an appropriate hinge position in MCWDFO to prevent hinge fractures.Level of EvidenceLevel V.
Vascular Aging in the Choroid Plexus: A 7T Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (USPIO)‐MRI Study
Authors: Sun Zhe , Li Chenyang , Muccio Marco , Jiang Li , Masurkar Arjun , Buch Sagar , Chen Yongsheng , Zhang Jiangyang , Haacke E. Mark , Wisniewski Thomas , Ge Yulin 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe choroid plexus (ChP), a densely vascularized structure, has drawn increasing attention for its involvement in brain homeostasis and waste clearance. While the volumetric changes have been explored in many imaging studies, few studies have investigated the vascular degeneration associated with aging in the ChP.PurposeTo investigate the sub‐structural characteristics of the ChP, particularly the vascular compartment using high‐resolution 7T imaging enhanced with Ferumoxytol, an ultrasmall super‐paramagnetic iron oxide, which greatly increase the susceptibility contrast for vessels.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsForty‐nine subjects without neurological disorders (age: 21–80 years; 42 ± 17 years; 20 females).Field Strength/Sequence7‐T with 2D and 3D T2* GRE, 3D MPRAGE T1, 2D TSE T2, and 2D FLAIR.AssessmentThe vascular and stromal compartments of the ChP were segmented using K‐means clustering on post‐contrast 2D GRE images. Visual and qualitative assessment of ChP vascular characteristics were conducted independently by three observers. Vascular density (Volvessel/VolChP ratio) and susceptibility change (Δχ) induced by Ferumoxytol were analyzed on 3D GRE‐derived susceptibility‐weighted imaging and quantitative susceptibility mapping, respectively.Statistical TestsIndependent t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Chi‐square test were utilized for group comparisons. The relationship between age and ChP's vascular alterations was examined using Pearson's correlation. Intra‐class coefficient was calculated for inter‐observer agreement. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results2D GRE images demonstrated superior contrast and accurate delineation of ChP substructures (ICC = 0.86). Older subjects exhibited a significantly smaller vascular density (16.5 ± 4.34%) and lower Δχ (22.10 ± 12.82 ppb) compared to younger subjects (24.85 ± 6.84% and 34.64 ± 12.69 ppb). Vascular density and mean Δχ within the ChP negatively correlated with age (r = −0.48, and r = −0.45).Data ConclusionFerumoxytol‐enhanced 7T images can demonstrate ChP alterations in elderly with decreased vascular density and expansion of nonvascular compartment.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 2
Second‐Order Motion‐Compensated Echo‐Planar Cardiac Diffusion‐Weighted MRI: Usefulness of Compressed Sensitivity Encoding
Authors: Chen Rui , Luo Ruohong , Xu Yongzhou , Ou Jiehao , Li Xiaodan , Yang Yuelong , Cao Liqi , Wu Zhigang , Luo Wei , Liu Hui 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundCardiac diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) using second‐order motion‐compensated spin echo (M2C) can provide noninvasive in‐vivo microstructural assessment, but limited by relatively low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Echo‐planar imaging (EPI) with compressed sensitivity encoding (EPICS) could address these issues.PurposeTo combine M2C DWI and EPCIS (M2C EPICS DWI), and compare image quality for M2C DWI.Study TypeProspective.PopulationTen ex‐vivo hearts, 10 healthy volunteers (females, 5 [50%]; mean ± SD of age, 25 ± 4 years), and 12 patients with diseased hearts (female, 1 [8.3%]; mean ± SD of age, 44 ± 16 years; including coronary artery heart disease, congenital heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, amyloidosis, and myocarditis).Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, M2C EPICS DWI, and M2C DWI.AssessmentThe apparent SNR (aSNR) and the rating scores were used to evaluate and compared image quality of all three groups. The aSNR was calculated using , and the myocardium was segmented manually. Three observers independently rated subjective image quality using a 5‐point Likert scale.Statistical TestsBland–Altman analysis and paired t‐tests. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsIn healthy volunteers, the aSNR with a b‐value of 450 s/mm2 acquired by M2C EPICS DWI was significantly higher than M2C DWI at in‐plane resolutions of 3.0 × 3.0, 2.5 × 2.5, and 2.0 × 2.0 mm2. In patients with diseased hearts, the aSNR ofM2C EPICS DWI was also significantly higher than that for M2C DWI (bias of M2C EPICS‐M2C = 1.999, 95% limits of agreement, 0.362 to 3.636; mean ± SD, 7.80 ± 1.37 vs. 5.80 ± 0.81). The ADC values of M2C EPICS was significantly higher than M2C DWI in in‐vivo hearts. Over 80% of the images with rating scores for M2C EPICS DWI were higher than M2C DWI in in‐vivo hearts.Data ConclusionCardiac imaging by M2C EPICS DWI may demonstrate better overall image quality and higher aSNR than M2C DWI.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 1
Obesity fosters severe disease outcomes in a mouse model of coronavirus infection associated with transcriptomic abnormalities
Authors: Rai Pallavi , Marano Jeffrey M. , Kang Lin , Coutermarsh‐Ott Sheryl , Daamen Andrea R. , Lipsky Peter E. , Weger‐Lucarelli James 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for severe outcomes in humans with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and other infectious diseases. Here, we established a mouse model of COVID‐19 using the murine betacoronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus 1 (MHV‐1). C57BL/6 and C3H/HeJ mice exposed to MHV‐1 developed mild and severe disease, respectively. Obese C57BL/6 mice developed clinical manifestations similar to those of lean controls. In contrast, all obese C3H/HeJ mice succumbed by 8 days postinfection, compared to a 50% mortality rate in lean controls. Notably, both lean and obese C3H/HeJ mice exposed to MHV‐1 developed lung lesions consistent with severe human COVID‐19, with marked evidence of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). To identify early predictive biomarkers of worsened disease outcomes in obese C3H/HeJ mice, we sequenced RNA from whole blood 2 days postinfection and assessed changes in gene and pathway expression. Many pathways uniquely altered in obese C3H/HeJ mice postinfection aligned with those found in humans with severe COVID‐19. Furthermore, we observed altered gene expression related to the unfolded protein response and lipid metabolism in infected obese mice compared to their lean counterparts, suggesting a role in the severity of disease outcomes. This study presents a novel model for studying COVID‐19 and elucidating the mechanisms underlying severe disease outcomes in obese and other hosts.
The abortive SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of osteoclast precursors promotes their differentiation into osteoclasts
Authors: Sviercz Franco , Jarmoluk Patricio , Godoy Coto Joshua , Cevallos Cintia , Freiberger Rosa Nicole , López Cinthya Alicia Marcela , Ennis Irene Lucia , Delpino M. Victoria , Quarleri Jorge 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has resulted in the loss of millions of lives, although a majority of those infected have managed to survive. Consequently, a set of outcomes, identified as long COVID, is now emerging. While the primary target of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the respiratory system, the impact of COVID‐19 extends to various body parts, including the bone. This study aims to investigate the effects of acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on osteoclastogenesis, utilizing both ancestral and Omicron viral strains. Monocyte‐derived macrophages, which serve as precursors to osteoclasts, were exposed to both viral variants. However, the infection proved abortive, even though ACE2 receptor expression increased postinfection, with no significant impact on cellular viability and redox balance. Both SARS‐CoV‐2 strains heightened osteoclast formation in a dose‐dependent manner, as well as CD51/61 expression and bone resorptive ability. Notably, SARS‐CoV‐2 induced early pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization, shifting toward an M2‐like profile. Osteoclastogenesis‐related genes (RANK, NFATc1, DC‐STAMP, MMP9) were upregulated, and surprisingly, SARS‐CoV‐2 variants promoted RANKL‐independent osteoclast formation. This thorough investigation illuminates the intricate interplay between SARS‐CoV‐2 and osteoclast precursors, suggesting potential implications for bone homeostasis and opening new avenues for therapeutic exploration in COVID‐19.
Optogenetics in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, controlling the brain with light: A systematic review
Authors: El Hajj Rojine , Al Sagheer Tareq , Ballout Nissrine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders characterized by synaptic loss and neuronal death. Optogenetics combines optical and genetic methods to control the activity of specific cell types. The efficacy of this approach in neurodegenerative diseases has been investigated in many reviews, however, none of them tackled it systematically. Our study aimed to review systematically the findings of optogenetics and its potential applications in animal models of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and compare it with deep brain stimulation and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs techniques. The search strategy was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed following the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool. A total of 247 articles were found, of which 53 were suitable for the qualitative analysis. Our data revealed that optogenetic manipulation of distinct neurons in the brain is efficient in rescuing memory impairment, alleviating neuroinflammation, and reducing plaque pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, this technique shows an advanced understanding of the contribution of various neurons involved in the basal ganglia pathways with Parkinson's disease motor symptoms and pathology. However, the optogenetic application using animal models of Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was limited. Optogenetics is a promising technique that enhanced our knowledge in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and addressed potential therapeutic solutions for managing these diseases' symptoms and delaying their progression. Nevertheless, advanced investigations should be considered to improve optogenetic tools' efficacy and safety to pave the way for their translatability to the clinic.
Dupilumab in adolescent eosinophilic esophagitis: Experience with fibrostenosis and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease with esophageal involvement
Authors: Becker Robert , Rigsby Mariah , Suchi Mariko , Lerner Diana G. , Chugh Ankur 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe evaluated patients aged 12–20 on dupilumab 300 mg weekly for treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) who had ≥1 follow‐up endoscopy at a tertiary care pediatric hospital (n = 18). Fifty percent had inflammatory EoE (n = 9), 22% had fibrostenotic EoE (n = 4), and 28% had non‐EoE eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) with esophageal involvement (n = 5). Ninety‐four percent discontinued topical corticosteroids (TCS) 2–4 weeks after starting dupilumab. Eighty‐nine percent of inflammatory EoE patients had histological response (<15 eosinophils/high‐powered field) after an average of 19.1 weeks. One hundred percent of patients with fibrostenotic disease exhibited histological response after 16.8 weeks. Of patients with non‐EoE EGID, 60% achieved esophageal histological response after an average of 40.1 weeks. In a small cohort, dupilumab was very effective for adolescent inflammatory and fibrostenotic EoE despite rapid weaning of TCS. Dupilumab was also somewhat effective for non‐EoE EGID with esophageal involvement; however, a longer duration of therapy was required.