bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemic sclerosis is a risk factor of incident psoriasis: results from a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kwon Oh Chan , Han Kyungdo , Park Min-Chan 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveAlthough the co-existence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and psoriasis (PsO) has been reported, the risk relationship between the two diseases remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether SSc is associated with the risk of incident PsO.MethodsFrom the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 4,933 patients with SSc and 24,665 age- and sex-matched controls were selected. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident PsO were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for known risk factors of PsO. Further, we selected individuals whose health check-up data were available (2,355 patients with SSc and 11,775 age- and sex-matched controls). In this population, we further adjusted for additional risk factors of PsO using the health check-up data.ResultsIn the analysis of 4,933 patients with SSc and 24,665 age- and sex-matched controls, incidence rates of PsO in patients with SSc and controls were 10.26 and 3.20 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. After adjusting for risk factors of PsO, patients with SSc had a significantly higher risk of incident PsO (adjusted HR: 3.055 [95% CI: 2.597, 3.594]). Moreover, in the analysis of individuals who had health check-up data, additional risk factors of PsO were further adjusted; the result also showed that patients with SSc have a significantly higher risk of incident PsO (adjusted HR: 2.820 [95% CI: 2.207, 3.603]).ConclusionPatients with SSc had a 3-fold higher risk of developing incident PsO than controls, independent of known risk factors of PsO.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii promotes intestinal epithelial IL-18 production through activation of the HIF1α pathway
Authors: Fagundes Raphael R. , Bravo-Ruiseco Gabriela , Hu Shixian , Kierans Sarah J. , Weersma Rinse K. , Taylor Cormac T. , Dijkstra Gerard , Harmsen Hermie J. M. , Faber Klaas Nico 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionIntestinal epithelial cells produce interleukin-18 (IL-18), a key factor in promoting epithelial barrier integrity. Here, we analyzed the potential role of gut bacteria and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) pathway in regulating mucosal IL18 expression in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).MethodsMucosal samples from patients with IBD (n = 760) were analyzed for bacterial composition, IL18 levels and HIF1α pathway activation. Wild-type Caco-2 and CRISPR/Cas9-engineered Caco-2-HIF1A-null cells were cocultured with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in a “Human oxygen-Bacteria anaerobic” in vitro system and analyzed by RNA sequencing.ResultsMucosal IL18 mRNA levels correlated positively with the abundance of mucosal-associated butyrate-producing bacteria, in particular F. prausnitzii, and with HIF1α pathway activation in patients with IBD. HIF1α-mediated expression of IL18, either by a pharmacological agonist (dimethyloxallyl glycine) or F. prausnitzii, was abrogated in Caco-2-HIF1A-null cells.ConclusionButyrate-producing gut bacteria like F. prausnitzii regulate mucosal IL18 expression in a HIF1α-dependent manner that may aid in mucosal healing in IBD.
Human neural stem cells restore spatial memory in a transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mouse model by an immunomodulating mechanism
Authors: Chen Kevin S. , Noureldein Mohamed H. , McGinley Lisa M. , Hayes John M. , Rigan Diana M. , Kwentus Jacquelin F. , Mason Shayna N. , Mendelson Faye E. , Savelieff Masha G. , Feldman Eva L. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionStem cells are a promising therapeutic in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) given the complex pathophysiologic pathways involved. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of stem cells remain unclear. Here, we used spatial transcriptomics to elucidate therapeutic mechanisms of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) in an animal model of AD.MethodshNSCs were transplanted into the fimbria fornix of the hippocampus using the 5XFAD mouse model. Spatial memory was assessed by Morris water maze. Amyloid plaque burden was quantified. Spatial transcriptomics was performed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified both globally and within the hippocampus. Subsequent pathway enrichment and ligand-receptor network analysis was performed.ResultshNSC transplantation restored learning curves of 5XFAD mice. However, there were no changes in amyloid plaque burden. Spatial transcriptomics showed 1,061 DEGs normalized in hippocampal subregions. Plaque induced genes in microglia, along with populations of stage 1 and stage 2 disease associated microglia (DAM), were normalized upon hNSC transplantation. Pathologic signaling between hippocampus and DAM was also restored.DiscussionhNSCs normalized many dysregulated genes, although this was not mediated by a change in amyloid plaque levels. Rather, hNSCs appear to exert beneficial effects in part by modulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and signaling in AD.
Safety, efficacy, and impact on gut microbial ecology of a Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis LMG11588 supplementation in healthy term infants: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in the Philippines
Authors: Capeding Maria Rosario Z. , Phee Loudhie Cyd M. , Ming Chang , Noti Mario , Vidal Karine , Le Carrou Gilles , Frézal A. , Moll Janne Marie , Vogt Josef Korbinian , Myers Pernille Neve , Nielsen Bjørn Henrik , Boulangé Claire L. , Samuel Tinu Mary , Berger Bernard , Cercamondi Colin Ivano 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionBifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis) may play a key role in infant gut development. This trial evaluated safety, tolerability, and efficacy of B. infantis LMG11588 supplementation.MethodsThis randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted in the Philippines included healthy breastfed and/or formula-fed infants (14–21 days old) randomized for 8 weeks to a control group (CG; n = 77), or any of two B. infantis experimental groups (EGs): low (Lo-EG; 1*108 CFU/day; n = 75) or high dose (Hi-EG; 1.8*1010 CFU/day; n = 76). Primary endpoint was weight gain; secondary endpoints included stooling patterns, gastrointestinal symptoms, adverse events, fecal microbiome, biomarkers, pH, and organic acids.ResultsNon-inferiority in weight gain was demonstrated for Hi-EG and Lo-EG vs. CG. Overall, probiotic supplementation promoted mushy-soft stools, fewer regurgitation episodes, and increased fecal acetate production, which was more pronounced in the exclusively breastfed infants (EBF) and positively correlated with B. infantis abundance. In EBF, fecal pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-8) were reduced. Strain-level metagenomic analysis allowed attributing the increased abundance of B. infantis in EGs versus CG, to LMG11588 probiotic colonization. Colonization by autochthonous B. infantis strains was similar between groups.DiscussionB. infantis LMG11588 supplementation was associated with normal infant growth, was safe and well-tolerated and promoted a Bifidobacterium-rich microbiota driven by B. infantis LMG11588 colonization without disturbing the natural dispersal of autochthonous B. infantis strains. In EBF, supplementation stimulated microbial metabolic activity and beneficially modulated enteric inflammation.
Nomogram model combined thrombelastography for venous thromboembolism risk in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery
Authors: Qin Da , Cai Hongfei , Liu Qing , Lu Tianyu , Tang Ze , Shang Yuhang , Cui Youbin , Wang Rui 
Published: December 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram model in combination with thromboelastography (TEG) to predict the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lung cancer surgery.Methods: The data of 502 patients who underwent surgical treatment for lung cancer from December 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were then randomized into training and validation groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out in the training group and independent risk factors were included in the nomogram to construct risk prediction models. The predictive capability of the model was assessed by the consistency index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), the calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA).Results: The nomogram risk prediction model comprised of the following five independent risk factors: age, operation time, forced expiratory volume in one second and postoperative TEG parameters k value(K) and reaction time(R). The nomogram model demonstrated better predictive power than the modified Caprini model, with the C-index being greater. The calibration curve verified the consistency of nomogram between the two groups. Furthermore, DCA demonstrated the clinical value and potential for practical application of the nomogram.Conclusion: This study is the first to combine TEG and clinical risk factors to construct a nomogram to predict the occurrence of VTE in patients after lung cancer surgery. This model provides a simple and user-friendly method to assess the probability of VTE in postoperative lung cancer patients, enabling clinicians to develop individualized preventive anticoagulation strategies to reduce the incidence of such complications.
In-ovo feeding with creatine monohydrate: implications for chicken energy reserves and breast muscle development during the pre-post hatching period
Authors: Dayan Jonathan , Melkman-Zehavi Tal , Goldman Noam , Soglia Francesca , Zampiga Marco , Petracci Massimiliano , Sirri Federico , Braun Ulrike , Inhuber Vivienne , Halevy Orna , Uni Zehava 
Published: December 2023

The most dynamic period throughout the lifespan of broiler chickens is the pre-post-hatching period, entailing profound effects on their energy status, survival rate, body weight, and muscle growth. Given the significance of this pivotal period, we evaluated the effect of in-ovo feeding (IOF) with creatine monohydrate on late-term embryos’ and hatchlings’ energy reserves and post-hatch breast muscle development. The results demonstrate that IOF with creatine elevates the levels of high-energy-value molecules (creatine and glycogen) in the liver, breast muscle and yolk sac tissues 48 h post IOF, on embryonic day 19 (p &lt; 0.03). Despite this evidence, using a novel automated image analysis tool on day 14 post-hatch, we found a significantly higher number of myofibers with lower diameter and area in the IOF creatine group compared to the control and IOF NaCl groups (p &lt; 0.004). Gene expression analysis, at hatch, revealed that IOF creatine group had significantly higher expression levels of myogenin (MYOG) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), related to differentiation of myogenic cells (p &lt; 0.01), and lower expression of myogenic differentiation protein 1 (MyoD), related to their proliferation (p &lt; 0.04). These results imply a possible effect of IOF with creatine on breast muscle development through differential expression of genes involved in myogenic proliferation and differentiation. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential of pre-hatch enrichment with creatine in modulating post-hatch muscle growth and development.
Effect of 6-week karate (kihon) and basic movement exercise on balance performance in visually impaired individuals
Authors: Pekel Aylin Özge , Suveren Ceren , Arslan Yasin , Yavaşoğlu Belma , Beykumül Ayşegül , Ayyıldız Durhan Tebessüm , Ceylan Levent 
Published: December 2023

Today, the participation of visually impaired individuals in sports activities is essential. Because the ability to move independently starts to develop with a delay in visually impaired individuals, physical activity is necessary to compensate for developmental delay, eliminate the problem of independent movement in social life by reducing obstacle perception problems, develop self-confidence, and provide regular muscle activation and motivation to move. The study investigated the effect of 6 weeks of karate (kihon) and basic movement training on balance performance in individuals with congenital visual impairment. Fifteen visually impaired individuals aged between 10 and 14 participated in the study, and three groups were formed: experiment 1, experiment 2, and the control group. After the pre-tests were taken, the experimental groups received karate and basic movement training in addition to physical education classes for 6 weeks, while the control group received only physical education classes. When the study results were examined, there were highly significant differences between the pre- and post-test values of the groups receiving karate and basic movement training. At the same time, no progress was observed in the control group. In the post-test comparison of the karate and control groups, positive significance was found in the values of the karate group. In the same way, in the post-test comparison of the basic movement training group and the control group, positive progress was made in the basic movement training group. The post-test comparison of the basic movement training and karate groups was the same. As a result, it was concluded that basic movement training and karate exercises applied for 6 weeks positively affected the balance development in visually impaired individuals aged 10–14 years. No difference was found between the exercise protocols regarding effectiveness, and no improvement was observed in individuals who did not participate in any exercise.
Adaptation and validation of the financial stress scale in social conflict contexts: a study conducted with small and medium-sized Peruvian entrepreneurs
Authors: Tito-Betancur Madona , Huayta-Meza Mariné , Chaparro Josué Turpo , Morales-García Wilter C. , Mamani-Benito Oscar 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionSocial conflicts have repercussions on the mental health of the economically active population.ObjectiveTo adapt and validate the Financial Stress Scale in the context of social conflicts (ESECPS).MethodAn instrumental study involving 2,242 owners of small and medium enterprises (50.9% women), aged between 18 and 74 years old, selected through a non-probabilistic purposive sampling. The participants were recruited across three regions of Peru during periods of protests and strikes against the incumbent Peruvian government. The instrument for adaptation was the financial stress scale EFEmp-Cov19, created in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.ResultsAll items proved to be clear, relevant, and representative (V &gt; 0.70). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed the existence of one underlying factor across the 11 items (KMO = 0.962, Bartlett = 5434.3; df = 55; p &lt; 0.001). However, for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), items 4 and 11 were removed, resulting in support for a unidimensional model with 9 items (χ2 = 262.73, df = 23, p &lt; 0.001; RMR = 0.022; TLI = 0.972; CFI = 0.980; and RMSEA = 0.072). Regarding reliability, a very high value was found (ω = 0.92).ConclusionThe ESECPS demonstrates adequate psychometric properties, making it a suitable measure to assess financial stress among Peruvian entrepreneurs facing economic instability and financial threats in the context of social conflicts.
Association between exposure to outdoor artificial light at night and the risk of preterm birth
Authors: Sun Qi , Yang Yang , Liu Jing , Ye Fang , Chen Yuanmei , Liu Die , Zhang Qi 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the association between outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) exposure during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth (PTB).MethodsA retrospective case–control study was conducted, and data were collected from pregnant women residing in Beijing, China. The level of ALAN exposure during pregnancy was estimated using remote sensing satellite data. Propensity score matching was utilized to match the control group. Logistic and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the association between ALAN and the risk of PTB. The odds ratio (OR) and partial regression coefficient (β) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were utilized to assess the association.ResultsA total of 2,850 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. ALAN (nW/cm2/sr) exposure was higher in the PTB group than in the control group during first trimester (mean ± standard deviation: 25.30 ± 17.91 vs. 17.56 ± 14.74, p &lt; 0.001) and second trimester (27.07 ± 18.10 vs. 21.93 ± 16.08, p &lt; 0.001). A negative association was found between ALAN exposure and gestation day in the first (β = −0.151, 95%CI: −0.217 to −0.085, p &lt; 0.001) and second trimesters (β = −0.077, 95%CI: −0.139 to −0.015, p = 0.015). ALAN was identified as a risk factor for PTB during the first trimester (OR = 1.032, 95%CI: 1.025–1.040, p &lt; 0.001) and the second trimester (OR = 1.018, 95%CI: 1.011–1.025, p &lt; 0.001), while no significant association was observed in the third trimester.ConclusionOur study suggesting that exposure to outdoor ALAN, especially during first and second trimester, was associated with the risk of PTB. These findings highlight the potential impact of ALAN on pregnancy health and offer new insights into the risk of PTB.
Perception of inherited risk in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Airikkala Elisa , Laaksonen Mari , Halkoaho Arja , Kaunonen Marja 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionA family history is impacting the individual’s risk perception. The objective of this systematic review was to describe inherited risk perceptions of type 2 diabetes from the citizen’s viewpoint. The aim was to summarize and increase understanding so that the increased knowledge could be used effectively in type 2 diabetes risk communication in health care.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review using CINAHL, Medline, and Scopus databases for hereditary, risk, perception, and diabetes related concepts, within the date range of 1.1.2017 to 2.8.2022. Eligible articles were English, peer-reviewed, and addressed the research question: how is hereditary risk of type 2 diabetes perceived? Returns were viewed independently by two authors, and evaluated using the appraisal criteria of the Joanna Briggs Institute. A thematic analysis was used for the synthesis of the data, yielding three themes describing perceptions of inherited risk in type 2 diabetes.ResultsA total of 32 articles were included, of which 23 were quantitative, 5 qualitative, and 4 were mixed-methods studies. The extracted themes were (1) Identifying heredity as a risk factor, (2) Diversity of hereditary risk, and (3) Perception of the magnitude of personal risk.DiscussionThe perception towards hereditary risk can vary from a desire to actively make a lifestyle change, to the view that diabetes is inevitable regardless of lifestyle. A positive family history increases the risk perception of type 2 diabetes, but the perceived magnitude of the risk may vary from person to person. The findings have the potential to be applied in healthcare’s risk communication.
Hospital-Level COVID-19 Preparedness and Crisis Management in Czechia
Authors: Michenka Petr , Marx David 
Published: December 2023

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the inadequacy of pandemic preparedness mechanisms worldwide. This study gathered comprehensive data from Czech hospitals, identified possible weaknesses in important areas of crisis preparedness, and quantified changes performed to enhance crisis resilience of healthcare facilities.Methods: Drawing on literature review on pandemic preparedness and hospital crisis management and detailed interviews with hospital representatives, a questionnaire was designed and distributed by email among quality managers of all Czech hospitals. Statistical analysis of their responses was conducted using EZR software. Fisher’s exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test, with post hoc testing, were used to assess statistical significance.Results: Achieving response rate of 31.9%, responses from 65 hospitals were analysed. New crisis management policies were necessary in 72.3% of responding hospitals. Furthermore, a majority of the respondents changes indicated the need for changes in policies on general pandemic, human resources and infrastructure and material preparedness.Conclusion: The COVID-19 crisis required significant alterations to previously established hospital crisis management protocols and establishment of new ones. The absence of a unified system for crisis preparedness was noted at hospital and national levels.
Genome-Wide Identification of PEBP Gene Family in Two Dendrobium Species and Expression Patterns in Dendrobium chrysotoxum
Authors: Zhang Meng-Meng , Zhao Xuewei , He Xin , Zheng Qinyao , Huang Ye , Li Yuanyuan , Ke Shijie , Liu Zhong-Jian , Lan Siren 
Published: December 2023

The PEBP gene family plays a significant role in regulating flower development and formation. To understand its function in Dendrobium chrysotoxum and D. nobile flowering, we identified 22 PEBP genes (11 DchPEBPs and 11 DnoPEBPs) from both species. We conducted analyses on their conserved domains and motifs, phylogenetic relationships, chromosome distribution, collinear correlation, and cis elements. The classification results showed that the 22 PEBPs were mainly divided into three clades, as follows: FT, MFT, and TFL1. A sequence analysis showed that most PEBP proteins contained five conserved domains, while a gene structure analysis revealed that 77% of the total PEBP genes contained four exons and three introns. The promoter regions of the 22 PEBPs contained several cis elements related to hormone induction and light response. This suggests these PEBPs could play a role in regulating flower development by controlling photoperiod and hormone levels. Additionally, a collinearity analysis revealed three pairs of duplicate genes in the genomes of both D. chrysotoxum and D. nobile. Furthermore, RT-qPCR has found to influence the regulatory effect of DchPEBPs on the development of flower organs (sepals, petals, lip, ovary, and gynostemium) during the flowering process (bud, transparent stage, and initial bloom). The results obtained imply that DchPEBP8 and DchPEBP9 play a role in the initial bloom and that DchPEBP7 may inhibit flowering processes. Moreover, DchPEBP9 may potentially be involved in the development of reproductive functionality. PEBPs have regulatory functions that modulate flowering. FT initiates plant flowering by mediating photoperiod and temperature signals, while TFL1 inhibits flowering processes. These findings provide clues for future studies on flower development in Dendrobium.
Pathogenic Biofilm Removal Potential of Wild-Type Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains
Authors: Mitropoulou Gregoria , Kompoura Vasiliki , Nelios Grigorios , Kourkoutas Yiannis 
Published: December 2023

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance remains one of the greatest public health concerns. Biofilm formation has been postulated as a mechanism of microbial pathogens to resist antimicrobial agents. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and their metabolites have been proposed to combat bacterial biofilms due to their antimicrobial activity. In this vein, the aim of the present study was to investigate the biofilm removal potential of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of five wild-type Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains, isolated from Greek natural products, in comparison to the commercially available L. rhamnosus GG strain, against biofilms formed by common foodborne pathogens (Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus). The biofilm removal activity of LAB was assessed on a two-day-old mature biofilm using a microtiter plate-based procedure. Both non-neutralized and neutralized CFSs removed biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner. The biofilm removal activity of the non-neutralized CFSs was significantly higher compared to the neutralized CFSs, as expected, with ranges of 60–89% and 30–80%, respectively. The biofilm removal efficiency of L. rhamnosus OLXAL-3 was significantly higher among the wild-type L. rhamnosus strains tested (20–100% v/v). In conclusion, our results suggest the great potential of the application of wild-type L. rhamnosus strain’ CFSs as effective natural agents against pathogenic bacterial biofilms.