bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2) and stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) but not PAPP-A are associated with circulating total IGF-1 in a human adult population
Authors: Nimptsch Katharina , Aydin Elif Ece , Chavarria Rafael Francisco Rios , Janke Jürgen , Poy Matthew N. , Oxvig Claus , Steinbrecher Astrid , Pischon Tobias 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe pappalysins pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and -A2 (PAPP-A2) act as proteinases of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) binding proteins, while stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) was identified as a pappalysin inhibitor. While there is some evidence from studies in children and adolescents, it is unclear whether these molecules are related to concentrations of IGF-1 and its binding proteins in adults. We investigated cross-sectionally the association of circulating PAPP-A, PAPP-A2 and STC2 with IGF-1 and its binding proteins (IGFBPs) in 394 adult pretest participants (20–69 years) of the German National Cohort Berlin North study center. Plasma PAPP-A, PAPP-A2, total and free IGF-1, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-5 and STC2 were measured by ELISAs. The associations of PAPP-A, PAPP-A2 and STC2 with IGF-1 or IGFBPs were investigated using multivariable linear regression analyses adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and pretest phase. We observed significant inverse associations of PAPP-A2 (difference in concentrations per 0.5 ng/mL higher PAPP-A2 levels) with total IGF-1 (− 4.3 ng/mL; 95% CI − 7.0; − 1.6), the IGF-1:IGFBP-3 molar ratio (− 0.34%; 95%-CI − 0.59; − 0.09), but not free IGF-1 and a positive association with IGFBP-2 (11.9 ng/mL; 95% CI 5.0; 18.8). PAPP-A was not related to total or free IGF-1, but positively associated with IGFBP-5. STC2 was inversely related to total IGF-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 and positively to IGFBP-1. This first investigation of these associations in a general adult population supports the hypothesis that PAPP-A2 as well as STC2 play a role for IGF-1 and its binding proteins, especially for total IGF-1. The role of PAPP-A2 and STC2 for health and disease in adults warrants further investigation.
A clinical study of non-bioartificial liver DPMAES support system in hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Cheng Xianwen , Zhan Yanrong , Liu YaoShun , Zeng Xia , Wang Zhendong , Wang Feng , Mao Ya , Na Song 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aims to observe the clinical efficacy of the dual plasma molecular adsorption exchange system (DPMAES) in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF), with a focus on its regulatory effect on cytokine storm. A total of 60 HBV-ACLF patients were enrolled in this study. The observation group, comprising 30 patients, received DPMAES treatment, while the control group underwent PE treatment. We compared the efficacy changes between the two groups post-treatment. A total of 55 HBV-ACLF patients who completed the study were analyzed, Patients treated with DPMAES showed significant improvements in clinical outcomes. After DPMAES treatment, HBV-ACLF patients exhibited notably 90 day survival rate increased by 18% compared to those in the PE group. Moreover, total bilirubin levels decreased markedly, albumin and platelet levels increased compared to the PE group. After DPMAES treatment, the patient showed a significant decrease in inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (t = 5.046, P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in procalcitonin (t = 4.66, P < 0.001). DPMAES was more effective than PE in rapidly reducing TBiL, improving coagulation function and mitigating cytokine storm. It maintained platelet stability more effectively while minimizing albumin consumption to a greater extent, significantly improved 90-day survival.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300076117.
Noise effect on soliton phenomena in fractional stochastic Kraenkel-Manna-Merle system arising in ferromagnetic materials
Authors: Yasmin Humaira , Alshehry Azzh Saad , Ganie Abdul Hamid , Shafee Ahmad , Shah Rasool 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis work dives into the Conformable Stochastic Kraenkel-Manna-Merle System (CSKMMS), an important mathematical model for exploring phenomena in ferromagnetic materials. A wide spectrum of stochastic soliton solutions that include hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational functions, is generated using a modified version of Extended Direct Algebraic Method (EDAM) namely r+mEDAM. These stochastic soliton solutions have practical relevance for describing magnetic field behaviour in zero-conductivity ferromagnets. By using Maple to generate 2D and 3D graphical representations, the study analyses how stochastic terms and noise impact these soliton solutions. Finally, this study adds to our knowledge of magnetic field behaviour in ferromagnetic materials by shedding light on the effect of noise on soliton processes inside the CSKMMS.
Development and validation of the MosquitoWise survey to assess perceptions towards mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses in Europe
Authors: Abourashed Ayat , de Best Pauline A. , Doornekamp Laura , Sikkema Reina S. , van Gorp Eric C. M. , Timen Aura , Bartumeus Frederic , Palmer John R. B. , Koopmans Marion P. G. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDue to climate change and the expanding geographical ranges of key mosquito species, several mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) have recently emerged in Europe. Understanding people’s perceptions and behaviours towards these viruses and the mosquitoes capable of transmitting them is crucial for implementing effective prevention measures and targeted communication campaigns. However, there is currently no appropriate validated survey for European populations to assess this. This study developed and validated a standardized survey, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), to assess perceptions of mosquitoes and MBVs among Europe’s residents. The survey was distributed online to United Kingdom (UK), Dutch and Spanish participants through panel providers. Survey validity and reliability were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha. The optimised survey was completed by 336 UK, 438 Dutch and 475 Spanish residents, respectively, and the HBM items passed our validity and reliability testing in all three countries. The final survey has 57 questions, including 19 validated HBM items, and questions to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge, prevention measures and behavioural determinants. Our MosquitoWise survey bridges researchers' understandings of European residents’ perceptions and knowledge as a first step to improve preventive behaviour towards mosquitoes and MBVs and guide prevention and communication initiatives.
Clinical impact of the right ventricular impairment in patients following transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Higuchi Satoshi , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Omoto Tadashi , Matsumoto Hidenari , Masuda Tomoaki , Maruta Kazuto , Aoki Atsushi , Shinke Toshiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe right ventricular (RV) impairment can predict clinical adverse events in patients following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS). Limited reports have compared impact of the left ventricular (LV) and RV disorders. This retrospective study evaluated two-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients following TAVR for severe AS. RV sphericity index was calculated as the ratio between RV mid-ventricular and longitudinal diameters during the end-diastolic phase. Of 239 patients, 2-year MACCE were observed in 34 (14%). LV ejection fraction was 58 ± 11%. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV sphericity index were 20 ± 3 mm and 0.36 (0.31–0.39). Although the univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that both LV and RV parameters predicted the outcomes, LV parameters no longer predicted them after adjustment. Lower TAPSE (adjusted hazard ratio per 1 mm, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.93) and higher RV sphericity index (adjusted hazard ratio per 0.1, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–3.22) were adverse clinical predictors. In conclusion, the RV structural and functional disorders predict two-year MACCE, whereas the LV parameters do not. Impact of LV impairment can be attenuated after development of RV disorders.
Development and validation of cost-effective SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR and its evaluation in a sample pooling strategy for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Indonesian setting
Authors: Rahmasari Ratika , Raekiansyah Muhareva , Aliyah Siti Hana , Yodi Priska , Baihaqy Fathan , Irhamsyah Muhamad , Sari Kartika Citra Dewi Permata , Suryadi Herman , Moi Meng Ling , Sauriasari Rani 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA low-cost SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR method to detect SARS-CoV-2 were developed and validated. Primers targeting a conserved and vital region of the N genes of SARS-CoV-2 were designed. In-silico study was performed to analyse the compatibility of the selected primer pair with Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences available from the GISAID database. We determined the linearity of our new assay using serial dilution of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from clinical samples with known virus concentration. The assay was then evaluated using clinically relevant samples in comparison to a commercial TaqMan-based test kit. Finally, we applied the assay in sample pooling strategies for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR method was successfully developed with sufficient sensitivity. There is a very low prevalence of genome variation in the selected N primer binding regions, indicating their high conservation. The validation of the assay using clinical samples demonstrated similar performance to the TaqMan method suggesting the SYBR methods is reliable. The pooling strategy by combining 5 RNA samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection using the SYBR RT-qPCR methods is feasible and provides a high diagnostic yield. However, when dealing with samples having a very low viral load, it may increase the risk of missing positive cases.
Digestibility of crude nutrients and minerals in C57Bl/6J and CD1 mice fed a pelleted lab rodent diet
Authors: Böswald Linda F. , Matzek Dana , Popper Bastian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn laboratory animals, there is a scarcity of digestibility data under non-experimental conditions. Such data is important as basis to generate nutrient requirements, which contributes to the refinement of husbandry conditions. Digestibility trials can also help to identify patterns of absorption and potential factors that influence the digestibility. Thus, a digestibility trial with a pelleted diet used as standard feed in laboratory mice was conducted. To identify potential differences between genetic lines, inbred C57Bl/6 J and outbred CD1 mice (n = 18 each, male, 8 weeks-old, housed in groups of three) were used. For seven days, the feed intake was recorded and the total faeces per cage collected. Energy, crude nutrient and mineral content of diet and faecal samples were analyzed to calculate the apparent digestibility (aD). Apparent dry matter and energy digestibility did not differ between both lines investigated. The C57Bl/6 J mice had significantly higher aD of magnesium and potassium and a trend towards a lower aD of sodium than the mice of the CD1 outbred stock. Lucas-tests were performed to calculate the mean true digestibility of the nutrients and revealed a uniformity of the linear regression over data from both common laboratory mouse lines. The mean true digestibility of crude nutrients was > 90%, except for fibre, that of the minerals ranged between 66 and 97%.
Child inhibited temperament and caregiver distraction encouragement jointly predict children’s delay of gratification competencies
Authors: Luerssen Anna , Ugurlu Ozge , Mauss Iris , Ayduk Özlem 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA cool attentional focus during the classic delay of gratification (DG) task involves shifting attention away from the emotion-arousing features and is a key mechanism that underlies children’s ability to resist temptation and wait. Yet, we know relatively little about what gives rise to individual differences in cool focus in the first place. The current study (N = 162, Mage = 6.86 years) addressed this question by focusing on key aspects of child temperament (i.e., behavioral inhibition, BI) and caregiver emotion socialization (i.e., distraction encouragement) as joint predictors of cool focus. We theorized that because children are left alone in an unfamiliar environment for an undefined duration, the DG task would be especially taxing for children higher in BI, hindering their ability to deploy a cool focus and wait. We also reasoned that caregiver encouragement of distraction would serve as a protective factor by allowing children higher in BI to more easily activate a cool focus even when experiencing a taxing task. Results were partially consistent with these hypotheses, shedding new light on precursors to a central ingredient of DG ability.
Simulation of transvascular transport of nanoparticles in tumor microenvironments for drug delivery applications
Authors: Shabbir Fariha , Mujeeb Amenah Abdul , Jawed Syed Faraz , Khan Ali Haider , Shakeel Choudhary Sobhan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNanomedicine is a promising approach for tumor therapy but penetration is challenged by complex tumor microenvironments. The purpose of this study is to design nanoparticles and analyze their transport in two abnormal microenvironments through a 2-D simulation. Employing a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach, tumor vascular-interstitial models were initially simulated, and the impact of nanoparticles on the velocity profile and pressure gradient within the tumor microenvironment was observed. Through meticulous mesh analysis, it was determined that optimal outcomes were achieved using a quadrilateral meshing method for pancreatic tumor and a quad/tri meshing method for hepatic tumor. Results showed an increase in vessel diameter correlated with elevated blood flow velocity, reaching a maximum of 1.40 × 10^−3 m/s with an expanding cell gap. The simulation results for pressure distribution show that as vessel diameter increases, the velocity of nanoparticles in blood increases and decreases the pressure of blood. Intriguingly, distinct fluid flow patterns in pancreatic and hepatic tumors, emphasize how microenvironmental differences, specifically cell pore size, profoundly impact therapeutic agent transport, with implications for drug delivery strategies in cancer therapy. These simulation-based insights enable researchers to anticipate nanofluid behavior in realistic settings. Future work, incorporating immune cells, will enhance the understanding of nanoparticle efficiency in cancer therapy.
Root system architecture associated zinc variability in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Noor Mehwish , Kiran Aysha , Shahbaz Muhammad , Sanaullah Muhammad , Wakeel Abdul 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRoot system architecture (RSA) plays a fundamental role in nutrient uptake, including zinc (Zn). Wheat grains are inheritably low in Zn. As Zn is an essential nutrient for plants, improving its uptake will not only improve their growth and yield but also the nutritional quality of staple grains. A rhizobox study followed by a pot study was conducted to evaluate Zn variability with respect to RSA and its impact on grain Zn concentration. The grain Zn content of one hundred wheat varieties was determined and grown in rhizoboxes with differential Zn (no Zn and 0.05 mg L−1 ZnSO4). Seedlings were harvested 12 days after sowing, and root images were taken and analyzed by SmartRoot software. Using principal component analysis, twelve varieties were screened out based on vigorous and weaker RSA with high and low grain Zn content. The screened varieties were grown in pots with (11 mg ZnSO4 kg−1 soil) and without Zn application to the soil. Zinc translocation, localization, and agronomic parameters were recorded after harvesting at maturity. In the rhizobox experiment, 4% and 8% varieties showed higher grain Zn content with vigorous and weaker RSA, respectively, while 45% and 43% varieties had lower grain Zn content with vigorous and weaker RSA. However, the pot experiment revealed that varieties with vigorous root system led to higher grain yield, though the grain Zn concentration were variable, while all varieties with weaker root system had lower yield as well as grain Zn concentration. Zincol-16 revealed the highest Zn concentration (28.07 mg kg−1) and grain weight (47.9 g). Comparatively higher level of Zn was localized in the aleurone layer than in the embryonic region and endosperm. It is concluded that genetic variability exists among wheat varieties for RSA and grain Zn content, with a significant correlation. Therefore, RSA attributes are promising targets for the Zn biofortification breeding program. However, Zn localization in endosperm needs to be further investigated to achieve the goal of reducing Zn malnutrition.
Novel JAG1 variants leading to Alagille syndrome in two Chinese cases
Authors: Feng Xiufang , Ping Jiangyuan , Gao Shan , Han Dong , Song Wenxia , Li Xiaoze , Tao Yilun , Wang Lihong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAlagille Syndrome (ALGS) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by cholestasis, congenital cardiac anomalies, and butterfly vertebrae. The variable phenotypic expression of ALGS can lead to challenges in accurately diagnosing affected infants, potentially resulting in misdiagnoses or underdiagnoses. This study highlights novel JAG1 gene mutations in two cases of ALGS. The first case with a novel p.Pro325Leufs*87 variant was diagnosed at 2 months of age and exhibited a favorable prognosis and an unexpected manifestation of congenital hypothyroidism. Before the age of 2, the second patient was incorrectly diagnosed with liver structural abnormalities, necessitating extensive treatment. In addition, he exhibited delays in language acquisition that may have been a result of SNAP25 haploinsufficiency. The identification of ALGS remains challenging, highlighting the importance of early detection and genetic testing for effective patient management. The variant p.Pro325Leufs*87 is distinct from reported variants linked to congenital hypothyroidism in ALGS patients, thereby further confirming the clinical and genetic complexity of ALGS. This emphasizes the critical need for individualized and innovative approaches to diagnosis and medical interventions, uniquely intended to address the complexity of this syndrome.
A four-way patient search method for the retrospective identification of poisoning patients
Authors: Uslin Veronika , Hällberg Ville , Lukkarinen Timo , Niskanen Marjo , Koivistoinen Teemu , Palomäki Ari 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWhen studying emergency department (ED) visits, electronic health record systems of hospitals provide a good basis for retrospective studies. However, many intoxication patients presenting to the ED, may not be identified retrospectively if only a single search method is applied. In this study, a new four-way combined patient search method was used to retrospectively identify intoxication patients presenting to the ED. The search included reason for admission to the ED, laboratory results related to intoxication diagnostics, ICD-10 codes, and a novel free word search (FWS) of patient records. After the automated search, the researcher read the medical records of potential substance abuse patients to form comprehensive profiles and remove irrelevant cases. The addition of a free word search identified 36% more substance abuse patients than the combination of the other three methods mentioned above. Patients identified by the FWS search alone were generally admitted to the ED for trauma or mental health problems and were often found to be heavily under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The main intoxicants were ethanol and benzodiazepines. The free word search was highly complementary to traditional patient search methods, highlighting the importance of the combined patient search method in retrospective data collection.
The value of computed tomography angiography in predicting the surgical effect and prognosis of severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Chen Junhui , Zhao Wei , Zhu Xiaoming , Yang Likun , Geng Chengjun , Zhang Xu , Wang Yuhai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIt is difficult to predict the surgical effect and outcome of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) before surgery. This study aims to approve an evaluation method of computed tomography angiography (CTA) to predict the effect of surgery and outcome in severe TBI. Between January 2010 and January 2020, we retrospectively reviewed 358 severe TBI patients who underwent CTA at admission and reexamination. CTA data were evaluated for the presence of cerebrovascular changes, including cerebrovascular shift (CS), cerebral vasospasm (CVS), large artery occlusion (LAO), and deep venous system occlusion (DVSO). Medical records were reviewed for baseline clinical characteristics and the relationship between CTA changes and outcomes. Cerebrovascular changes were identified in 247 (69.0%) of 358 severe TBI patients; only 25 (10.12%) of them had poor outcomes, and 162 (65.6%) patients had a good recovery. Eighty-three (23.18%) patients were diagnosed with CVS, 10 (12.05%) had a good outcome, 57 (68.67%) had severe disability and 16 (19.28%) had a poor outcome. There were twenty-six (7.3%) patients who had LAO and thirty-one (8.7%) patients who had DVSO; no patients had good recovery regardless of whether they had the operation or not. Cerebrovascular injuries and changes are frequent after severe TBI and correlate closely with prognosis. CTA is an important tool in evaluating the severity, predicting the operation effect and prognosis, and guiding therapy for severe TBI. Well-designed, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the value of CTA for severe TBI in the future.
Trio fluorophore-based phenotypic assay for the detection of artemisinin-induced growth-arrested Plasmodium falciparum in human erythrocytes
Authors: Kobpornchai Porntida , Imwong Mallika , Kulkeaw Kasem 
Published: January 2024

AbstractArtemisinin combination therapy remains effective for the treatment of falciparum malaria. However, Plasmodium falciparum can escape the effects of artemisinin by arresting their growth. The growth-arrested parasites cannot be distinguished from nonviable parasites with standard microscopy techniques due to their morphological similarities. Here, we demonstrated the efficacy of a new laboratory assay that is compatible with the artemisinin susceptibility test. As a result of the differential cell permeabilities of two DNA-binding fluorophores, growth-arrested P. falciparum can be distinguished from parasites killed by artemisinin, since the latter lose cell membrane permeability. This fluorescence-based assay increased the sensitivity and specificity of the ring survival assay in the assessment of artemisinin susceptibility. When combined with a third fluorophore-conjugated anti-human leukocyte antibody, this trio fluorophore assay became more useful in identifying growth-arrested parasites in mock human blood samples. This novel assay is a simple and rapid technique for monitoring artemisinin resistance with greater sensitivity and accuracy compared with morphology-based observations under a light microscope.