bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of meningeal lymphatic structure and function through running exercise mitigates amyloidosis in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Mee-inta Onanong , Chiang Yu-Yi , Zhao Zi-Wei , Wang Tzu-Feng , Lee Hsueh-Te , Huang Chih-Chung , Wu Ping-Ching , Kuo Yu-Min 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The meningeal lymphatic (mLym) system is a route for waste clearance from the brain to the periphery that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While exercise has been linked to enhanced cognition and delay of AD progression, the effects of exercise on the mLym system have remain largely undescribed.
Methods
Three-month-old 5xFAD transgenic mice were subjected to a 3-month period of wheel running exercise. Before and after the exercise period, mLym function (i.e., bulk flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricles to the deep cervical lymph nodes) was monitored in real time using high-frequency ultrasound imaging with a nanoparticle contrast agent. The relationships between mLym structure and function, amyloidosis, and learning and memory were examined. Additionally, serum and extracellular vesicles (EVs) were obtained from exercised animals and used to treat lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs). Expression of lymphatic vessel-related genes (LYVE-1 and VEGFR3) was monitored.
Results
Compared to 3-month-old 5xFAD mice (without significant amyloidosis) and age-matched wild-type mice, 6-month-old 5xFAD mice (with robust amyloid plaque deposition in the brain) exhibited decreased mLym function, deterioration of mLym vessels, and impaired learning and memory performance. Reductions were observed in the expression of lymphatic vessel-related genes (LYVE-1 and VEGFR3) in the meninges and VEGF-C in the brain of 6-month-old 5xFAD mice. Subjecting 3-month-old 5xFAD mice to 3 months of running exercise improved mLym vessel structure and function, reduced amyloidosis, and enhanced learning and memory performance compared to non-exercised controls. Conversely, ligating mLym vessels accelerated amyloidosis in 3-month-old 5xFAD mice. Exercise also upregulated the expression levels of LYVE-1 and VEGFR3 in the meninges and VEGF-C in the brain. Further in vitro studies showed that Aβ oligomers decreased VEGFR3 gene expression in HDLECs, while serum and EVs from exercised mice antagonized this effect.
Conclusions
This study reveals beneficial effects of running exercise on the mLym system, suggesting a non-pharmacological strategy to improve Aβ clearance from the brain, delay AD progression, and enhance cognitive function.
3D-printing Inherently MR-visible Accessories in Aiding MR-Guided Biopsies
Authors: Wang Yanlu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Hard plastics are typically invisible in MRI images, while fluids are not. Objects manufactured using traditional Fuse Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D-printing techniques are prone to leakage. 3D-printers which use UV-hardened resin to form objects possess a trait that is considered a technical inconvenience: Objects created using these techniques are inherently liquid-tight, and hollow parts require addition of drainage holes for uncured liquid resin to escape. If this is not done liquid resin will remain inside the object, which in some cases is the desired outcome. Digital Light Processing (DLP) is an affordable 3D-printing technique using UV-hardened resin. The technique also possesses superior dimensional accuracy and the ability to recreate fine details.
Purpose
We devised a method to produce an inherently MR-visible accessory using DLP technology with low dimensional tolerance to facilitate MR-guided breast biopsies.
Methods
By hollowing out the object without adding drainage holes and tuning printing parameters such as z-lift distance to retain as much uncured liquid resin inside as possible, objects that are inherently visible in MRI scans can be created without further treatment.
Results
Objects created through our method are simple and cheap to recreate, have minimal manufacturing steps, and are shown to be dimensionally exact and inherently MRI visible to be directly used in various applications without further treatment.
Conclusion
While this method may not always be suitable, we demonstrate that this process is viable in creating highly accurate objects that are inherently visible in MRI scans using equipment that is easy to obtain and trivial in cost.
Analysis of Water Evaporation and Crack Development in Expansive Soils under Dry Environment
Authors: Chen Aijun , Luo Junfeng , Zhao Shanshan , Chen Junhua , Shi Xiong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Expansive soil is highly susceptible to water loss and shrinkage cracking in dry conditions, resulting in the formation of crisscrossed cracks during tensile failure. This significantly compromises its engineering properties across various fields, including geotechnical, water conservancy, environmental, and agricultural engineering, and can trigger a range of geological hazards. To investigate the impact of initial water content, thickness-to-width ratio (the ratio of the sample's thickness to its side length), wind speed, and light intensity on water evaporation and crack development, drying and cracking tests were conducted on expansive soil specimens using homemade experimental setups and image recognition processing technology under controlled conditions. The findings reveal distinct stages in soil water evaporation and fracture development. Specifically, the initial water content greatly influences fracture generation and development, with higher initial water content leading to faster water evaporation during drying and an extended time for fracture stabilization. Additionally, the thickness-to-width ratio plays a significant role in water evaporation rate, correlating with crack area size and inversely correlating with crack length. Furthermore, ambient wind speed and light intensity promote water evaporation, accelerating crack generation to some extent, albeit with minimal impact on stabilized crack area. These research outcomes provide crucial insights for preventing and mitigating engineering geological issues associated with expansive soil drying and cracking.
Exploring the Potential of CPA4 Knockdown as a Prognostic Biomarker in Inhibiting Endometrial Cancer Proliferation
Authors: He Kang , Zheng Jingying , Zhang Tingyu , Lv Hao , Wang Kai , Wang Zeyu , Wang Longyun , Wu Shan , Zhao Lijing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: The rise in endometrial cancer rates globally calls for advanced diagnostic methods and new biomarkers. CPA4, known for its role in cancer development, has not yet been studied in relation to endometrial cancer, making it a promising research avenue.
Methods: We analyzed CPA4's mRNA expression using data from TCGA and GEO databases and validated these findings with 116 clinical samples through immunohistochemical analysis. The Ishikawa and Hec-1-A cell lines were used to examine CPA4's functionality. Additionally, we conducted correlation analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and survival analysis to understand CPA4's role in endometrial cancer prognosis. A nomogram model was developed for clinical prognostic predictions.
Results: CPA4 is significantly overexpressed in endometrial cancer, correlating with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Overexpression is linked to crucial functions like mitosis and cell cycle. Reducing CPA4 in cell lines inhibited tumor growth and spread. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression analysis confirmed CPA4's significance in prognosis, with our predictive model showing high accuracy.
Conclusion: CPA4 emerges as a vital biomarker for diagnosing and prognosing endometrial cancer, presenting a novel pathway for research and clinical application. The study highlights its potential as a clinical tool, paving the way for improved patient management and treatment strategies in endometrial cancer.
Functional connectivity and graph theory of impaired central visual pathways in acute ischemic stroke based on fMRI
Authors: Chu Xiuli , Xue Bo , Yu Weibin , Liu Taotao , Zhang Ziyao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In the study of this paper, we first performed the analysis of whole brain static functional connectivity, we divided the whole brain into 90 regions of interest (ROIs) by applying AAL mapping, we compared the whole brain static functional connectivity analysis of the 14 patients and 26 healthy volunteers (HC) who completed the 3-months experiment (3months), the 14 patients and 26 healthy volunteers who completed the 7-days experiment (7days), the 12 patients and the 12 patients who completed the 7-days experiment (7days), the 12 patients and the 12 patients who completed the 3-months experiment (7days), and the 12 patients and 26 healthy volunteers ( HC), 14 patients who completed the 7-day experiment (7days), and 14 patients who completed the 3-month experiment (3months) were analysed for whole-brain static functional connectivity in all three groups, and 90 ROIs were mapped to the Yeo7 functional network for analysis. sFC analyses revealed significant alterations in the patients' VAN, and DMN networks. Secondly, we performed dynamic functional connectivity analysis based on AAL mapping with the sliding window method separately, and identified two dynamic functional connectivity pattern characteristics, i.e., state 1 with a connectivity pattern dominated by
high-frequency weak connectivity, and state 2 with a connectivity pattern dominated by low-frequency strong connectivity.Stroke patients spent significantly more time in state 1, and the number of state switches of the stroke patients in 7days significantly higher and were more likely to switch to the low-frequency strong connectivity mode state 2. Significant changes in connectivity were observed for DMN, VIS, FPN, and LIM. Finally, we built five machine learning models based on SFC features that differ between groups, namely linear support vector machine (SVM), radial basis function support vector machine (SVM-RBF), k nearest neighbours (KNN), random forest (RF), and decision tree (TREE). Based on the maximum AUC we identified the optimal feature subset and found that the SFC within the VIS, DMN, and LIM networks contributed significantly to the classification of AIS patients and HCs alike.The variation of FC within the VIS, DMN, and LIM networks may provide new insights into the neural mechanisms of AIS patients.
Longitudinal assessment of transcranial Doppler imaging in children with sickle cell disease without neurological symptoms
Authors: Asbeutah Akram M. , Asbeutah Saad A. , Al-Zahra Akmal , AlMajran Abdullah A. , Adekile Adekunle 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
: Stroke is one of the most devastating complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). Transcranial Doppler Imaging (TCDI) is the least invasive screening method to predict patients at risk for developing stroke in the disease. After a 10-year follow-up, we longitudinally assessed the TCDI in children with SCD without neurological symptoms.
Methods
25 out of 43 pediatric patients with SCD studied 10-year previously were recruited. The remaining 18 patient were not available for follow-up, but their initial data are presented for comparison. TCDI scanning was carried out using a phased-array transducer of 1–3 MHz through the trans-temporal window. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), time-averaged mean of the maximum velocity (TAMMV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were obtained in the anterior and posterior Circle of Willis vessels.
Results
The highest initial and follow-up TAMMV (mean ± SD) were: 77.3 ± 20.9 and 71.6 ± 9.9 in the t-ICA, 94.3 ± 25.8 and 82 ± 18.2 in the MCA, 76.6 ± 25.6 and 70.6 ± 10.7 in the ACA, and 59.1 ± 15.8 and 63.9 ± 8.5 in the PCA, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between initial and follow-up SCD data for all vascular parameters in all vessels on each side (P > 0.05) except for RI and PI (P < 0.05). There was significant correlation between TAMMV, PSV, and EDV (P = 0.001).
Conclusion
PSV, EDV can be used in parallel with TAMMV during TCDI. These vascular parameters do not suggest subclinical vascular deterioration.
Comparison of cognitive performance in first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia, bipolar II disorder, and major depressive disorder patients after treatment
Authors: Tang Chaohua , Huang Wei , Tan Yukang , Liu Yiliang , Zheng Guangen , Li Bin , Chen Wensheng , Yang Yu , Xu Guohong , Li Xiaoling , Xu Caixia , Xie Guojun , Liang Jiaquan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment is a recognized fundamental deficit in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar II disorder (BD II), and major depressive disorder (MDD), among other psychiatric disorders. However, limited research has compared cognitive function among first-episode drug-naïve individuals with SZ, BD II, or MDD.
Methods: This study aimed to address this gap by assessing the cognitive performance of 235 participants (40 healthy controls, 58 SZ patients, 72 BD II patients, and 65 MDD patients) using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) before and after 12 weeks of treatment in SZ, BD II, and MDD patients. To clarify, the healthy controls only underwent RBANS testing at baseline, whereas the patient groups were assessed before and after treatment. The severity of symptoms in SZ patients was measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and depression in BD II and MDD patients was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale-24 items (HAMD-24 items).
Results: Two hundred participants completed the 12-week treatment period, with 35 participants dropping out due to various reasons. This group included 49 SZ patients, 58 BD II patients, and 53 MDD patients. Among SZ patients, significant improvements in immediate and delayed memory were observed after 12 weeks of treatment compared to their initial scores. Similarly, BD II patients showed significant improvement in immediate and delayed memory following treatment. However, there were no significant differences in RBANS scores for MDD patients after 12 weeks of treatment.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that individuals with BD II and SZ may share similar deficits in cognitive domains. It is important to note that standardized clinical treatment may have varying degrees of effectiveness in improving cognitive function in patients with BD II and SZ, which could potentially alleviate cognitive dysfunction.
Ferroptosis-related genes MDM2 and CDKN1A as reliable biomarkers for COPD
Authors: Shi Rui , Wang Lueli , Du Xiaohua , Bai Chunyun , Wang Fang , Wang Chongyu , Liu Zefan , Wu Hongxiang , Zidai Wuyi , Zhang Jie , Song Na , Luo Min , Sun Shibo , Li Chaozhong , Xiao Chuang , Chen Alex F , Yang Weimin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by inflammation and immune response. However, the relationship of ferroptosis and COPD remains unknown. We aim to identify pivotal ferroptosis-related biomarkers in COPD and explore their roles in immune infiltration landscapes.
Methods
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from all current datasets of peripheral blood and lung tissues associated with COPD. DEGs were intersected with ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) from FerrDb database to obtain FRDEGs. Hub FRDEGs were evaluated with WGCNA, GO, and KEGG enrichment, PPI network, LASSO-COX, and ROC curves analysis, and validated in blood of COPD patients. The association between hub FRDEGs and COPD was investigated. The role of hub FRDEGs in 17 types of respiratory tract diseases was analyzed, and potential drugs targeting these FRDEGs were predicted via CMAP drug database. Importantly, MDM2 and CDKN1A expressions were identified and verified H&E and Masson stainning, and Western blot analysis in the CS and LPS-induced COPD mice.
Results
MDM2 and CDKN1A were identified as the hub genes in all COPD patients and their expressions were significantly upregulated in lung tissues of COPD mice. 17 types of respiratory tract diseases were markedly associated with MDM2 and CDKN1A. The 2 genes markedly correlated to neutrophils. MDM inhibitor (AMG-232) was screened as a potentially key drug affecting MDM2.
Conclusion
MDM2 and CDKN1A could be potential targets for COPD by regulating neutrophils-involved inflammation. One drug with potential clinical application value was identified.
Genetic analysis in aid of delineation of Management Units for a wide-ranging marine mammal, the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), in European waters
Authors: Steinmetz Kristina , Murphy Sinéad , Cadhla Oliver Ó , Hoffman Joseph Ivan , Jung Jean-Luc , Barnett James , Cronin Michelle , Galatius Anders , Hassani Sami , Jessopp Mark , Pomeroy Patrick , Mirimin Luca 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The present study aims at filling genetic structure gaps of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Northeast Atlantic, where effective Management Units (MUs) must be established to fulfil international obligations set by OSPAR and the EU’s MSFD. Mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers were analysed for seals from the island of Ireland, southwest England and the German/ Danish North Sea coasts, whereby the integration of previously published data led to the largest genetic dataset analysed for this species to date. Results revealed that individuals from the island of Ireland are part of a single interbreeding population, with Southwest England being a source of migrants to the island of Ireland, and the southern North Sea (Germany, Denmark) being either a source or sharing a common source of migrants to the island of Ireland. Based on observed genetic structure within the Northeast Atlantic, two MUs are proposed: (i) the Faroe Islands, Scotland and the North Sea and (ii) the island of Ireland, southwestern UK (Cornwall) and France. Additionally, Northwest Scotland and the English Channel/Dutch North Sea are proposed as transition zones. Given the species’ high mobility, an adaptive management plan based on an ongoing regional/ European scale monitoring programme is recommended.
Stakeholder-engaged development of a rapid test for detection of acute HIV infection
Authors: Rodriguez Natalia M. , Balian Lara , Kataki Ishita , Tolliver Cealia , Jesus Julio Rivera-De , Linnes Jacqueline C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background/Objective: The utilization of rapid HIV tests has been effective at reducing transmission rates in high-risk populations by allowing individuals to receive diagnosis in as little as one minute and begin treatment. However, no current rapid tests can detect HIV immediately after infection in the acute HIV infection (AHI) phase, when the virus is at its most infectious, and instead require a waiting period of up to 90 days after exposure. Rapid HIV tests to detect AHI are currently under development. Investigation of stakeholder perspectives and context-specific needs are critical to ensure successful translation of novel AHI tests. The objectives of this study were to 1) understand context-specific factors such as barriers to HIV testing in Indiana, a state with one of 48 prioritized counties for HIV elimination; 2) assess the acceptability of a novel rapid AHI test, and 3) identify key implementation considerations for such a device, including ideal end-users.
Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with staff (n = 14) and clients (n = 5) of Indiana-based organizations that conduct HIV testing, including syringe service programs. Utilizing human-centered design frameworks, interview guides were developed and tailored to each participant group to understand their experiences with HIV testing, perspectives on a novel rapid AHI test in development, and preferences for self-testing versus testing by a community health worker (CHW) or a peer recovery coach. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify major themes, including barriers to HIV testing and perceived benefits and concerns of the proposed AHI test.
Results: Overall acceptability for a novel AHI rapid test was high with a greater preference for CHW/Peer-led testing. While self-testing was not a preferred modality, it was still seen as a potential tool to reach and address key barriers among high-risk individuals. Key considerations for implementation emphasized accuracy, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, ensuring access to counseling, education, and navigation to care while maintaining a human element to self-testing.
Conclusion: Stakeholder engagement is meaningfully informing the design, development, and implementation of rapid AHI testing in order to facilitate adoption among populations at high-risk for HIV.
A combined process of electrochemical machining and slotting for semi-blind hole involute internal splines enhanced by a new cathode design
Authors: Huang Yi , Fang Cong , Xu Yan , Gong Senlin , Wang Xi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Machining complex internal structures in high-hardness materials presents a significant challenge. Conventional cutting methods often suffer from issues such as extensive tool wear and prolonged production cycles. This research proposes a combined process that integrates roughing electrochemical machining (ECM) with a precision slotting to achieve fast involute internal spline shaping of intricate high-hardness components. To enhance the process stability of the spline ECM process, a curved cathode design tailored for ECM is introduced. Flow field simulations demonstrate that the proposed curved cathode design leads to a relatively uniform distribution of electrolyte flow in the machining area. A dedicated ECM fixture and system are established for conducting experiments. The obtained ECM outcomes substantiate the commendable capacity of the optimized curved cathode to accomplish high precise and efficient machining and shaping of splines. Consequently, the optimized curved cathode design exhibits substantial potential for widespread application in the large-scale production of intricate internal cavity components composed of challenging-to-machine materials.
Pembrolizumab-associated neuronopathy with improved lower limb somatosensory evoked potential after intravenous methylprednisolone treatment: A case report
Authors: Tachiyama Keisuke , Naito Hiroyuki , Nakamori Masahiro , Aoki Shiro , Maruyama Hirofumi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Peripheral neuropathy associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has been reported in several cases; however, cases of ICI-associated neuronopathy are rare. Herein, we report a case of ICI-associated neuronopathy with acute sensory ataxia.
Case presentation:
A 54-year-old male was undergoing chemotherapy for right maxillary sinus cancer. Pembrolizumab had been completed 2 months prior, and the drug was switched to cetuximab and paclitaxel due to tumor enlargement. Anorexia has been observed since the current chemotherapy, and he was admitted to the department of otorhinolaryngology. Immediately after admission, diarrhea and worsening of abnormal sensations in the lower limbs were observed. He was unable to walk with severe ataxia. Neurological examination revealed normal muscle strength but severe deep sensory impairment.
Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed elevated cell counts with a predominance of mononuclear cells, elevated proteins and interleukin 6. Nerve conduction studies have shown sensory neuropathy, predominantly in the lower limbs. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) with tibial nerve stimulation showed a markedly prolonged P15-N21 latency difference. A colonic biopsy suggested ICI-associated colitis. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with ICI-associated neuronopathy. After two courses of intravenous methylprednisolone, sensory ataxia and diarrhea improved, and lower-limb SEP showed marked improvement in the P15-N21 latency.
Conclusions:
Lower-limb SEP is useful not only for the diagnosis of ICI-associated neuropathy but also for post-treatment assessment.