bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The bleeding diathesis in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is not due to impaired platelet function
Authors: Lyster Anne Lørup , Biørn Signe Hedengran , Kjeldsen Anette Drøhse , Nielsen Christian , Lange Bibi , Fialla Annette Dam , Vinholt Pernille Just 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Patients with the rare disease; Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) often bleed from telangiectatic lesions in mucosal surfaces. Studies suggest that impaired platelet function may also play a role in their bleeding tendency. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether HHT-patients with epistaxis have impaired platelet function.

Method
We conducted a case–control study based on a sample size calculation and included 22 HHT-patients (inclusion criteria: epistaxis severity score ≥ 4, no intake of medicine affecting platelet function the last 5 days, HHT-type 1 or 2, age ≥ 18 years) and 20 controls. We assessed the platelet function with standard haemostasis parameters, flow cytometry (platelet function and micro aggregation), rotational thromboelastometry and Platelet Function Analyzer 200.

Results
We found no significant difference in mean platelet volume and immature platelet fraction and no difference in platelet activation as measured by exposure of CD62P, CD63P and PAC1 binding. Nor did we find a significant difference in platelet aggregation response in HHT-patients compared with the control group for all agonists (thrombin receptor activating peptide, adenosine diphosphate and collagen-related peptide). The PFA-200 analysis was without difference between the two groups and thromboelastometry showed no impairment of global haemostasis.

Conclusion
Reduced platelet function is unlikely to contribute to the frequent and long bleeding episodes that HHT-patients suffer from. We propose that further studies should focus on whether patients with HHT have hypercoagulability.
From tradition to innovation: a comparison of the traditional 4-step approach versus a blended learning modification for technical skills teaching
Authors: Bergmans Elonka , Billington Alistair , Thies Karl-Christian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
This experimental study was performed to evaluate the role of blended learning for technical skill teaching on the European Trauma Course (ETC). While online modules are extensively used for theoretical teaching, their role in skills training remains less well explored. The ETC currently relies on the established 4-step technique for teaching technical skills. However, the required large cohort of skilled instructors and the time intensity prove increasingly challenging in a current climate of staff shortages and funding constraints. This study assesses if blended learning, combining pre-course online elements with face-to-face training matches the effectiveness of the traditional 4-step approach whilst being more time-efficient.

Methods
In a randomised, multi-centre trial, the conventional face-to-face 4-step technique for teaching a skill of medium complexity, the application of a pelvic binder, was compared with an innovative blended approach. It was hypothesised that the blended approach was non-inferior for skill performance measured after the teaching session and after two days (skill retention) with the time needed for teaching and student/teacher satisfaction as secondary outcomes.

Results
Ninety participants, divided into 44 traditional and 46 blended method students, were analysed. Independent-samples t-test showed no significant difference in performance scores and non-inferiority of the blended approach with a half of one standard deviation margin. A statistically significant difference in mean retention scores favored the blended approach. A Mann–Whitney U Test revealed no significant difference in candidate satisfaction levels but a statistically significant difference in instructors' satisfaction levels in favour of the blended approach. Analysis with Welch' t-test demonstrated that the face-to-face teaching time needed for the blended approach was significantly shorter (by 6 min).

Conclusions
The integration of a blended approach with the 4-step technique for teaching pelvic binder application in the ETC streamlined teaching without compromising skill acquisition quality. This innovative approach addresses traditional limitations and shows promise in adapting medical education to modern learning and teaching demands. We suggest that blended learning could also be applied for other skills taught on life support courses.
Trial registration: University of Dundee (Schools of Medicine and Life sciences Research Ethics Committee, REC number 22/59, 28th June 2022).
LncRNA WAC-AS1 promotes osteosarcoma Metastasis and stemness by sponging miR-5047 to upregulate SOX2
Authors: Yang Zhining , Liu Zhaoyong , Lu Weiqing , Guo Huancheng , Chen Jianzhou , Zhang Ying 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCancer stemness and osteosarcoma (OS) malignant progression are closely associated. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this association have not been fully demonstrated. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an intriguing class of widely prevalent endogenous RNAs involved in OS progression, the vast majority of which have not been characterized functionally. Here, we identified tumor promoter lncRNA WAC-AS1 to be highly expressed in OS tumors and associated with worse survival. Further analysis revealed that WAC-AS1 increased tumorsphere formation of OS cells and promoted metastasis, as confirmed by cell proliferation, transwell and wound healing assays. MiR-5047 was identified as a downstream target of WAC-AS1. Subsequently, based on bioinformatics analysis, RIP assay and luciferase reporter assay, SOX2 mRNA was verified as a target of miR-5047. WAC-AS1 enhanced OS cell proliferation and stemness via acting as a ceRNA by binding to miR-5047, thereby increasing SOX2 expression. In addition, SOX2 bound to the promoter region of WAC-AS1 and promoted its transcription, thereby forming a positive feedback loop to regulate OS malignancy. Taken together, our findings show WAC-AS1 is a tumor promoter and a key regulator of OS cell stemness and metastasis via a miR-5047/SOX2 axis.
The SWiFT trial (Study of Whole Blood in Frontline Trauma)—the clinical and cost effectiveness of pre-hospital whole blood versus standard care in patients with life-threatening traumatic haemorrhage: study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Smith Jason E. , Barnard Ed B. G. , Brown-O’Sullivan Charlie , Cardigan Rebecca , Davies Jane , Hawton Annie , Laing Emma , Lucas Joanne , Lyon Richard , Perkins Gavin D. , Smith Laura , Stanworth Simon J. , Weaver Anne , Woolley Tom , Green Laura 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Early blood transfusion improves survival in patients with life-threatening bleeding, but the optimal transfusion strategy in the pre-hospital setting has yet to be established. Although there is some evidence of benefit with the use of whole blood, there have been no randomised controlled trials exploring the clinical and cost effectiveness of pre-hospital administration of whole blood versus component therapy for trauma patients with life-threatening bleeding. The aim of this trial is to determine whether pre-hospital leukocyte-depleted whole blood transfusion is better than standard care (blood component transfusion) in reducing the proportion of participants who experience death or massive transfusion at 24 h.

Methods
This is a multi-centre, superiority, open-label, randomised controlled trial with internal pilot and within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis. Patients of any age will be eligible if they have suffered major traumatic haemorrhage and are attended by a participating air ambulance service. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with traumatic haemorrhage who have died (all-cause mortality) or received massive transfusion in the first 24 h from randomisation. A number of secondary clinical, process, and safety endpoints will be collected and analysed. Cost (provision of whole blood, hospital, health, and wider care resource use) and outcome data will be synthesised to present incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for the trial primary outcome and cost per quality-adjusted life year at 90 days after injury. We plan to recruit 848 participants (a two-sided test with 85% power, 5% type I error, 1-1 allocation, and one interim analysis would require 602 participants—after allowing for 25% of participants in traumatic cardiac arrest and an additional 5% drop out, the sample size is 848).

Discussion
The SWiFT trial will recruit 848 participants across at least ten air ambulances services in the UK. It will investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of whole blood transfusion versus component therapy in the management of patients with life-threatening bleeding in the pre-hospital setting.

Trial registration
ISRCTN: 23657907; EudraCT: 2021-006876-18; IRAS Number: 300414; REC: 22/SC/0072, 21 Dec 2021.
Protocol update and baseline characteristics for the TRIal to slow the Progression of Diabetes (TRIPOD) randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bairavi Joann , Gardner Daphne Su-Lyn , Yeoh Ester , Tham Kwang Wei , Gandhi Mihir , Tan Ngiap Chuan , Lee Phong Ching , Lim Robyn Su May , Adamjee Thofique , Cheung Yin Bun , Bee Yong Mong , Finkelstein Eric Andrew 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other adverse health conditions, is on the rise in Singapore. TRIPOD is a randomized controlled trial aimed to determine whether complementing usual care with an evidence-based diabetes management package (DMP) —comprising access to an evidence-based app, health coaching, pedometer, glucometer and weighing scale, with or without a financial rewards scheme (M-POWER rewards), can improve mean HbA1c levels at months 6 and 12.

Methods
The protocol was published in Trials, accessible via https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-019-3749-x1. This manuscript updates the protocol with changes to the study design due to challenges with recruitment and presents baseline characteristics. Key updates include changing the arm allocation ratio from 1:1:1 (Arm 1-Usual Care: Arm 2-DMP: Arm 3-DMP+M-POWER rewards) to 10:1:10, the sample size from 339 to 269, the intervention period from two to one year, and the primary hypothesis to focus solely on differences between Usual Care and DMP+M-POWER rewards. Recruitment for the study began on 19 October 2019 and ended on 4 June 2022.

Results
The average age of participants was 55.0 (SD9.7) years old and 64.2% were male. The majority of participants (76.8%) were Chinese, 4.9% Malay and 18.3% Indian and of other ethnicities. 67.0% had a monthly household income of SGD$4000 or more. The mean baseline HbA1c was 8.10% (SD 0.95) and the mean body mass index was 26.8 kg/m2 (SD 5.3).

Discussion
The final participant completed month 12 follow-up data collection on 8 June 2023. All pre-planned analyses will be conducted and final results reported.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.govNCT03800680. Registered on 11 January 2019.
Comparison of METS-IR and HOMA-IR for predicting new-onset CKD in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Yoon Jihyun , Heo Seok-Jae , Lee Jun-Hyuk , Kwon Yu-Jin , Lee Jung Eun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a mounting public health issue worldwide; therefore, prompt identification and prevention are imperative in mitigating CKD-associated complications and mortality rate. We aimed to compare the predictive powers of the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) for CKD incidence in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods
This study used longitudinal prospective cohort data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. A total of 10,030 participants, aged 40–69 years, residing in the Ansung or Ansan regions of the Republic of Korea, were recruited between 2001 and 2002 through a two-stage cluster sampling method. We compared the predictive powers of METS-IR and HOMA-IR for CKD prevalence and incidence, respectively. CKD prevalence was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and the indices’ predictive performance for CKD incidence were assessed using Harrell’s concordance index and time-dependent ROC curve analysis.

Results
A total of 9261 adults aged 40–69 years at baseline and 8243 adults without CKD were included in this study. The AUCs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of HOMA-IR and METS-IR for CKD prevalence at baseline were 0.577 (0.537–0.618) and 0.599 (0.560–0.637), respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.337). The Heagerty’s integrated AUC for METS-IR in predicting CKD incidence was 0.772 (95% CI 0.750–0.799), which was significantly higher than that of HOMA-IR (0.767 [95% CI 0.742–0.791], p = 0.015).

Conclusion
METS-IR surpassed HOMA-IR in predicting CKD incidence and was as effective as HOMA-IR in predicting CKD prevalence. This implies that METS-IR could be a valuable indicator for early detection and prevention of CKD among Korean adults.
Sex differences in the rapid detection of neutral faces associated with emotional value
Authors: Saito Akie , Sato Wataru , Yoshikawa Sakiko 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Rapid detection of faces with emotional meaning is essential for understanding the emotions of others, possibly promoting successful interpersonal relationships. Although few studies have examined sex differences in the ability to detect emotional faces, it remains unclear whether faces with emotional meaning capture the attention of females and males differently, because emotional faces have visual saliency that modulates visual attention. To overcome this issue, we tested the rapid detection of the neutral faces associated with and without learned emotional value, which are all regarded as free from visual saliency. We examined sex differences in the rapid detection of the neutral female and male faces associated with emotional value.

Methods
First, young adult female and male participants completed an associative learning task in which neutral faces were associated with either monetary rewards, monetary punishments, or no monetary outcomes, such that the neutral faces acquired positive, negative, and no emotional value, respectively. Then, they engaged in a visual search task in which previously learned neutral faces were presented as discrepant faces among newly presented neutral distractor faces. During the visual search task, the participants were required to rapidly identify discrepant faces.

Results
Female and male participants exhibited comparable learning abilities. The visual search results demonstrated that female participants achieved rapid detection of neutral faces associated with emotional value irrespective of the sex of the faces presented, whereas male participants showed this ability only for male faces.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that sex differences in the ability to rapidly detect neutral faces with emotional value were modulated by the sex of those faces. The results suggest greater sensitivity to faces with emotional significance in females, which might enrich interpersonal communication, regardless of sex.
Benefits, concerns and prospects of using goat manure in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Washaya Soul , Washaya Dorine D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLivestock production has undergone an industrial revolution over the past few decades. This has resulted in the enormous generation of livestock manure, particularly in agro-pastoral systems. Agricultural productivity in these systems largely depends on livestock manure. However, some of these communities are struggling with goat manure disposal. In addition, livestock manure requires proper treatment before application to agricultural land, because it contains toxic heavy metals and pathogenic microorganisms. The review aimed to demonstrate that poor manure management has environmental consequences; thus, interventions that will promote local community livelihood benefits from animal wastes are germane. In many other communities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), horticulture or crop production is minimal, due to erratic rainfall hence, most of the manure lies idle in abandoned kraal pens or is heaped outside the pens with no designed plan. Manure should be viewed as a resource, rather than a waste product. The environmental consequences associated with such manure management are not known and should be probed further. Deliberate efforts to explore the land and environmental risks associated with the non-use of livestock manure are germane to promoting environmental stewardship. The use of manure as feedstock for anaerobic digesters offers the greatest potential for sustainable management in SSA.
Clinical biomarkers for Lewy body diseases
Authors: Abdelmoaty Mai M. , Lu Eugene , Kadry Rana , Foster Emma G. , Bhattarai Shaurav , Mosley R. Lee , Gendelman Howard E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSynucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by pathologic aggregates of neural and glial α-synuclein (α-syn) in the form of Lewy bodies (LBs), Lewy neurites, and cytoplasmic inclusions in both neurons and glia. Two major classes of synucleinopathies are LB disease and multiple system atrophy. LB diseases include Parkinson’s disease (PD), PD with dementia, and dementia with LBs. All are increasing in prevalence. Effective diagnostics, disease-modifying therapies, and therapeutic monitoring are urgently needed. Diagnostics capable of differentiating LB diseases are based on signs and symptoms which might overlap. To date, no specific diagnostic test exists despite disease-specific pathologies. Diagnostics are aided by brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid evaluations, but more accessible biomarkers remain in need. Mechanisms of α-syn evolution to pathologic oligomers and insoluble fibrils can provide one of a spectrum of biomarkers to link complex neural pathways to effective therapies. With these in mind, we review promising biomarkers linked to effective disease-modifying interventions.
Biosorption potential of Purpureocillium lilacinum biomass for chromium (VI) removal: isolation, characterization, and significance of growth limiting factors
Authors: Kerga Gizachew Assefa , Shibeshi Nurelegne Tefera , Prabhu Sundramurthy Venkatesa , Varadharajan Venkatramanan , Yeshitla Alazar 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChromium (VI) is known to be harmful element that commonly found industrial waste, mining activities, and wastewater discharges from various industries. When released into the environment, Cr (VI) can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing a serious threat to living organisms. Aiming to Cr decontamination, this work was framed to isolate the fungal species having high Cr tolerance capacity and to exploit as bio-sorbent for the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions by biosorption. Among the fungal species isolated from the Cr (VI) contaminated soil sample, the filamentous fungus of Ophiocordycipitaceae family, Purpureocillium lilacinum was identified using molecular sequencing technique, showed maximum tolerance against Cr (VI) with a tolerance index of 1.19 ± 0.23. Further, Plackett Burman Design was applied to investigate for ascertaining the significance of different carbon and nitrogen sources on P. lilacinus growth, as well as the influence of environmental factors, such as pH, temperature, and Cr (VI) concentration. The results explicated that glucose was the most preferred carbon source for P. lilacinus, while yeast extract was the most preferred for nitrogen source. The optimum pH value and temperature were found to be 6.0 and 26 °C, respectively. In addition, P. lilacinus isolate was identified to survive in high concentrations of Cr (VI), indicating its potential for employing effective bioremediation of chromium-contaminated site.
Grid2 interacting protein is a potential biomarker related to immune infiltration in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Jiajing , Quan Jiazheng , Chen Weilin , Xie Xiaojun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the three deadliest malignant tumors in the world, posing a severe hazard to human health. Nonetheless, the 5-year survival rate for advanced CRC remains unsatisfactory. Grid2 interacting protein (GRID2IP) is a Purkinje fiber postsynaptic scaffold protein implicated in a number of signal transduction pathways in the nervous system. Previous studies have shown that Grid2 is closely related to the occurrence and prognosis of gastric cancer and many other diseases. Therefore, we aim to identify the relationship between GRID2IP and the occurrence and prognosis of CRC.

Methods
Transcriptome data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze the differential expression of GRID2IP in a variety of malignant tumors and then validate it by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(Q-PCR) and Western Blot in HT29 and SW480 cells. "DESeq2" package was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the high- and low-GRID2IP subgroups. In relation to DEGs, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were employed to examine DEGs-associated signaling pathways and GRID2IP-associated immune cell infiltration levels. Besides, overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) were compared between the two subgroups using a Kaplan–Meier analysis. In addition, a prognostic model for GRID2IP and clinical characteristics was developed using the univariate Cox regression method. The "pRRophetic" package was applied to predict the drug sensitivity of different subgroups. Moreover, we also performed single-cell analysis of GRID2IP using the TISCH database.

Results
GRID2IP is upregulated in CRC patients. The rise of GRID2IP inhibits the invasion of tumor-associated immune cells resulting in a lower immune score. In addition, high GRID2IP expression was associated with poor prognosis in different clinical subgroups. Analysis of single cells revealed that GRID2IP was predominantly expressed in immune cells, myofibroblasts, and cancerous cells. In terms of chemotherapy drug sensitivity, the subgroup with high GRID2IP expression was less sensitive to gemcitabine.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that rising GRID2IP promotes tumor-associated immune cell infiltration and suggests adverse outcomes in CRC patients, which may be a useful biomarker for determining the prognosis of CRC and a potential target molecule for CRC therapy.