bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction is associated with computed tomography angiography signs of regression and stabilization of coronary plaque: from the TARGET trial
Authors: Guo Ziqiang , Chen Guanxi , Ding Yipu , Wang Xi , Shan Dongkai , Liu Zinuan , Jing Jing , Chen Yundai , Yang Junjie 
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose:
The effectiveness of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy in patients with higher baseline LDL-C levels has been extensively studied in Western populations. However, it remains uncertain whether the standard low-to-moderate lipid-lowering therapy practiced in Chinese individuals can lead to coronary plaque regression. Our objective is to explore the connections between plaque regression/stabilization, baseline LDL-C levels, and the extent of LDL-C reduction.

Methods:
This study constitutes a post hoc analysis derived from the TARGET trial, which initially recruited patients diagnosed with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) exhibiting an intermediate stenosis range of 30% to 90% as detected through coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). Eligible participants for this analysis had undergone both baseline CCTA and a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients were categorized into four groups based on their LDL-C levels and the degree of LDL-C reduction during the follow-up period. The assessment of coronary plaque regression within each group was conducted through the analysis of CCTA images, examining parameters such as total plaque (TP), percent atheroma volume (PAV), non-calcified plaque (NCP), low-attenuation plaque (LAP), and calcified plaque (CP).

Results:
Among the participants analyzed, totaling 287 individuals with an average age of 59.7 ± 7.1 years, comprising 69.7% men, the median duration between the initial and subsequent scans stood at 21 months (Q1–Q3, 15–29 months). Among these, 76 patients (26.5%) had been receiving statin therapy consistently before the baseline scan (defined as continued statin treatment), while 179 patients (62.3%) had commenced statin therapy after the baseline scan but before the follow-up scan (classified as new statin therapy). Notably, plaque regression was observed in 79 patients (28%), notably more frequent in those with higher baseline LDL-C levels and individuals who achieved a >25% reduction in LDL-C (P < 0.001). The median annual progression of TP was 1.9 (interquartile range [IQR] = −3.6 to 11.8), while for NCP, it was 1.5 (IQR = −4.6 to 11.0). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, plaque regression demonstrated independent associations with LDL-C reduction exceeding 25% (odds ratio [OR] = 2.103, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.408–3.836) and baseline LDL-C levels (OR = 1.024, 95% CI = 1.004–1.044).

Conclusions:
Modest LDL-C reduction was associated with computed tomography angiography (CTA) evidence of coronary plaque regression and stabilization. The plaque regression is particularly marked in patients with a high baseline LDL-C level and LDL-C reduction of >25%.
An update on the current indications for in vitro maturation
Authors: Ho Vu N-A. , Ho Tuong M. , Vuong Lan N. , García-Velasco Juan 
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review
In vitro maturation has become a significant component of modern assisted reproductive techniques. Published data have been supported for the safety and effectiveness of in vitro maturation treatment. In recent years, potential indications for in vitro maturation (IVM) have been a topic of interest and investigation.

Recent findings
Significant improvements in technique enhancement and data publication for evaluating the efficacy of IVM have been achieved. Recent studies have shown that IVM could offer several advantages over in vitro fertilization. Currently, there are growing indications for IVM beyond the commonly mentioned indication of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, some potential candidates might have significant advantages for IVM, such as women diagnosed with gonadotropin resistance ovary syndrome or those seeking fertility preservation. With a better understanding of IVM, from basic science to clinical practice, it can be applied safely, effectively, and affordably to a broader range of patients, making it a more accessible and patient-friendly option.

Summary
Despite the possibly acknowledged limitations, the potential of in vitro maturation cannot be denied. As this technique becomes increasingly accessible to patients and more continuous efforts are dedicated to advancing this technique, the impact of in vitro maturation is expected.
Beyond Weight Loss: the Emerging Role of Incretin-Based Treatments in Cardiometabolic HFpEF
Authors: Capone Federico , Nambiar Natasha , Schiattarella Gabriele G. 
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review
Incretin-based drugs are potent weight-lowering agents, emerging as potential breakthrough therapy for the treatment of obesity-related phenotype of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In this review article, we will discuss the contribution of weight loss as part of the benefits of incretin-based medications in obese patients with HFpEF. Furthermore, we will describe the potential effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists on the heart, particularly in relation to HFpEF pathophysiology.

Recent findings
In the STEP-HFpEF trial, the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide significantly improved quality of life outcomes in obese HFpEF patients. Whether the beneficial effects of semaglutide in obese patients with HFpEF are merely a consequence of body weight reduction is unclear. Considering the availability of other weight loss strategies (e.g., caloric restriction, exercise training, bariatric surgery) to be used in obese HFpEF patients, answering this question is crucial to provide tailored therapeutic options in these subjects.

Summary
Incretin-based drugs may represent a milestone in the treatment of obesity in HFpEF. Elucidating the contribution of weight loss in the overall benefit observed with these drugs is critical in the management of obese HFpEF patients, considering that other weight-lowering strategies are available and might represent potential alternative options for these patients.
Levamisole-Adulterated Cocaine-Induced Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Thijs Elke , Hurley Daire , Cummings Brendan , Elewaut Dirk , Verougstraete Nick , Claerhout Ilse , Murphy Conor C. , Power William , Roels Dimitri 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to report 2 cases of levamisole-adulterated cocaine-induced mucous membrane pemphigoid.

Methods:
This study is a review of case reports and literature.

Results:
Two patients presented with bilateral severe purulent conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, and rapidly progressive forniceal shortening. Both patients were active cocaine users. A complete blood analysis showed a positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody immunofluorescence with a mixed perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and cytoplasmic-staining antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody pattern. Direct immunofluorescence examination of conjunctival tissue showed linear deposition of component 3 and immunoglobulins at the basal membrane. A diagnosis of levamisole-adulterated cocaine-induced mucous membrane pemphigoid was made. In case 1, this suspicion was confirmed by investigating remnants of cocaine on the patient's debit card using mass spectrometry, which contained traces of levamisole. In both cases, aggressive immunosuppressive therapy combining systemic corticosteroids and rituximab was able to control the disease. However, by the time these therapies were initiated, significant corneal injury had occurred requiring corneal grafts in both patients.

Conclusions:
Given the rising abuse of cocaine, it is important that ophthalmologists are made aware of its association with severe atypical cicatricial conjunctivitis. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case proving the causal relationship between levamisole and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.
Weight loss, bariatric surgery, and novel antidiabetic drugs effects on diabetic retinopathy: a review
Authors: Perez Alejandro M. , Neag Emily , Sridhar Jayanth , Williams Basil K. 
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of visual impairment, and the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity will impact rates of visual impairment moving forward. Our review aims to synthesize the current body of evidence regarding the impact of lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss, bariatric surgery, and novel antidiabetic drugs, on DR.

Recent findings
Literature review revealed insufficient evidence regarding the impact of weight loss on DR. Preoperative DR patients undergoing bariatric surgery were found to have similar short-term chances of improvement or worsening DR. Progression of DR with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists treatments appears unrelated to specific drugs and was also observed with traditional antidiabetic medications.

Summary
Rapidly correcting HbA1c levels (≥2%) can paradoxically lead to early worsening DR. Patients considering weight loss, bariatric surgery, and novel antidiabetic drugs should be aware of the potential for DR progression, but they should not be discouraged, as achieving glycemic control is essential for reducing long-term morbidity and mortality from other diabetes-related complications. It is advisable to conduct a baseline retinal examination before treatment and continue monitoring during therapy. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these treatments on DR.
Implementing mobile text messaging on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tuzon Jan , Mulkey David C. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Uncontrolled blood glucose may lead to serious complications in patients with type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients may not have the support, motivation, or encouragement to adhere to the lifestyle changes necessary to control their T2DM.

Local problem:
More than 75% of the primary care clinic's patients are diagnosed with T2DM, with most patients at the practice site having an average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 8.5%. The primary care clinic did not use text messaging to disseminate diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) as outlined in Standard 4 of the American Diabetic Association's (ADA) clinical practice guideline.

Methods:
This evidence-based quality improvement project was conducted in a rural outpatient primary care clinic to determine whether implementing the ADA's 2022 National Standards for DSMES using text messaging would affect HbA1C levels among adult patients with T2DM.

Interventions:
Patients were sent weekly text messages over a 12-week period. Text messages contained information promoting self-care, tips about healthy diet, exercise reminders, instructions about proper blood glucose monitoring, and reminders about medication adherence.

Results:
A total of 160 patients were included. A paired-sample t-test showed a reduction in HbA1c levels after the intervention from baseline (M = 7.53, SD = 1.72) to postimplementation (M = 6.91, SD = 0.89), t (159) = 11.88, p = .001.

Conclusion:
Based on the results, implementing the ADA's National Standards for DSMES Standard 4 may affect HbA1c levels in this population.
Racial Disparities in Pelvic Floor Disorders
Authors: Sarzo Carlotta , Nurmahomed Nur , Ralston Charlotte , Igbedioh Carlene , Schizas Alexis , Hainsworth Alison , Ferrari Linda 
Published: January 2024

Objective:
To investigate the impact of racial disparities and socioeconomic status on pelvic floor disorder (PFD) care.

Background:
Racial disparities in colorectal PFD remain uninvestigated, despite prior research in urogynecology.

Methods:
This retrospective study was conducted at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital of London in 2023. Patients with colorectal PFD from 2013 to 2018 were evaluated. Patients were classified according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores and divided into quintiles. The lowest quintile represents the most deprived, whereas the higher quintile represents the least deprived. Assessed variables are: patient complaints, symptoms, consultant and biofeedback referrals, investigations, multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) discussions, treatment, and follow-up appointments.

Results:
A total of 2001 patients were considered. A total of 1126 patients were initially analyzed, and 875 patients were excluded owing to incomplete data. Eight ethnic groups were identified in this study. Constipation was the most common complaint across ethnic groups (P = 0.03). Diagnostics, MDM discussions, and conservative treatment did not vary among ethnicities. White British and Asian patients were significantly more likely to be seen by a consultant (P = 0.001) and undergo surgery (P = 0.002). In the second part of the study, the IMD was calculated for 1992 patients who were categorized into quintiles. Diagnostic tests, discussion in MDM, consultant review, and surgical treatments were significantly lower in the 2 lowest quintiles (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.02, and P = 0.02, respectively). Conservative treatment did not vary between the IMD groups.

Conclusions:
Disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal PFD exist among ethnic minorities and patients of low socioeconomic status. This study allows for the replication of service provision frameworks in other affected areas to minimize inequalities.
“I Have a Different Perspective as I Am Working Through This”
Authors: DeThorne Laura S. , Pierce Kelli , Rang Mariesa , Schafer Sabrina , VanRyswyk Karli , Angulo-Jiménez Henry 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
Whereas the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) characterizes autism as a neurological disorder typified by impairment in social communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), the neurodiversity paradigm focuses on autism as a form of neurological diversity that may be central to a person's identity. The purpose of this study was to pilot the Autism Understanding Tool for Introspection and Evaluation (AUTIE) as a means to encourage and examine speech–language pathologists' (SLPs) reflections on autism.

Methods:
We utilized purposeful maximum variation sampling to recruit nine SLPs (one being a graduate student) and administered a “think aloud” procedure with video conferencing to elicit their reflections while taking the AUTIE. Participant reflections were analyzed using three sequential phases of inductive thematic analysis.

Results:
The analysis of 270 self-reflective comments led to eight key themes that were each associated with comments from four or more of the nine participating SLPs: (a) acknowledgment of divergent perspectives, (b) specification of environmental barriers, (c) importance of autistic identity, (d) questioning the concept of normality, (e) resolving tensions through person-centered care, (f) integrating multiple forms of expertise, (g) parallels with other marginalized identities, and (h) changes in views over time. We contextualized the themes by embedding examples within analytic narratives from two autistic SLP participants

Conclusion:
Results supported use of the AUTIE as a tool to elicit meaningful reflection about the divergent and evolving views of autism. Implications focused on the need to address this complex landscape both within our individualized clinical practice and our professional field at large.
An equivariant Reeb–Beltrami correspondence and the Kepler–Euler flow
Authors: Fontana-McNally Josep , Miranda Eva , Peralta-Salas Daniel 
Published: January 2024

We prove that the correspondence between Reeb and Beltrami vector fields presented in Etnyre & Ghrist (Etnyre, Ghrist 2000Nonlinearity13, 441–458 (doi:10.1088/0951-7715/13/2/306)) can be made equivariant whenever additional symmetries of the underlying geometric structures are considered. As a corollary of this correspondence, we show that energy levels above the maximum of the potential energy of mechanical Hamiltonian systems can be viewed as stationary fluid flows, though the metric is not prescribed. In particular, we showcase the emblematic example of then-body problem and focus on the Kepler problem. We explicitly construct a compatible Riemannian metric that makes the Kepler problem of celestial mechanics a stationary fluid flow (of Beltrami type) on a suitable manifold, theKepler–Euler flow.
Using unsupervised topic modeling to uncover document hierarchy and latent topics in prostate cancer clinical texts
Authors: Denti Tuulia , Sun Wei , Ji Shaoxiong , Moen Hans , Kerro Oleg , Rannikko Antti , Marttinen Pekka , Koskinen Miika 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveMedical records reflect patients’ health status and journey through healthcare services and medical specialties. As a result, document collections contain various text types, even about one patient, which makes medical texts unique. Our aim was to take advantage of the implicit document hierarchy of medical records to evaluate contextualized neural topic modeling as a tool to gain insight into a mixed set of notes related to prostate cancer treatment, i.e., to uncover document types, their contents, and relations.Materials and MethodsWe collected clinical text documents from 21,872 prostate cancer patients and organized the documents into a hierarchy using the document metadata. We trained neural topic models without the metadata to index the document collections, performed rigorous numerical evaluations of topic and clustering quality to optimize the topic count, visualized the latent representation of the models, and evaluated the topic clusters with respect to document metadata.ResultsTopic clusters reflected the structure of the document hierarchy and provided information about the contents of different text types. The determination of the optimal number of topics required complementary information by topic and clustering quality metrics.DiscussionThe topic modeling was found useful in visualizing and indexing large document collections, in providing an understanding of document contents, and in revealing document organization comparable to metadata-based hierarchy.ConclusionHospital databases contain masses of text documents, and topic modeling can provide means for analysts and researchers to group documents into discernable and explainable classes.
RNA G-quadruplex dynamic steers the crosstalk between protein synthesis and energy metabolism
Authors: Dumas Leïla , Shin Sauyeun , Rigaud Quentin , Cargnello Marie , Hernández-Suárez Beatriz , Herviou Pauline , Saint-Laurent Nathalie , Leduc Marjorie , Le Gall Morgane , Monchaud David , Dassi Erik , Cammas Anne , Millevoi Stefania 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCancer cells rely on mitochondria for their bioenergetic supply and macromolecule synthesis. Central to mitochondrial function is the regulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis, which primarily depends on the cytoplasmic translation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs whose protein products are imported into mitochondria. Despite the growing evidence that mitochondrial protein synthesis contributes to the onset and progression of cancer, and can thus offer new opportunities for cancer therapy, knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms remains limited. Here, we show that RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s) regulate mitochondrial function by modulating cytoplasmic mRNA translation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins. Our data support a model whereby the RG4 folding dynamics, under the control of oncogenic signaling and modulated by small molecule ligands or RG4-binding proteins, modifies mitochondria-localized cytoplasmic protein synthesis. Ultimately, this impairs mitochondrial functions, affecting energy metabolism and consequently cancer cell proliferation.
A Simple and Rapid Protocol for the Isolation of Murine Bone Marrow Suitable for the Differentiation of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Song Runqiu , Bafit Mariam , Tullett Kirsteen M. , Tan Peck Szee , Lahoud Mireille H. , O’Keeffe Meredith , Purcell Anthony W. , Braun Asolina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe generation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells is a widely used approach in immunological research to study antigen processing and presentation as well as T cell activation responses. However, the initial step of isolating the bone marrow can be time-consuming, especially when larger numbers of precursor cells are required. Here, we assessed whether an accelerated bone marrow isolation method using centrifugation is suitable for the differentiation of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand-driven dendritic cells. Compared to the conventional flushing method, the centrifugation-based isolation method resulted in a similar bone marrow cell yield on day 0, increased cell numbers by day 8, similar proportions of dendritic cell subsets, and consequently a higher number of type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1) from the culture. Although the primary purpose of the method optimization was to improve experimental efficiency and increase the output of cDC1s, the protocol is also compatible with the differentiation of other dendritic cell subsets such as cDC2 and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, with an improved output cell count and a consistent phenotype.
Screening for metastasis-related genes in mouse melanoma cells through sequential tail vein injection
Authors: Hao Qinggang , Shen Junling , Sang Lei , Bai Yan , Sun Jianwei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTumor metastasis, responsible for approximately 90% of cancer-associated mortality, remains poorly understood. Here in this study we employed a melanoma lung metastasis model to screen for metastasis-related genes. By sequential tail vein injection of mouse melanoma B16F10 cells and the subsequently derived cells from lung metastasis into BALB/c mice, we successfully obtained highly metastatic B16F15 cells after five rounds ofin vivoscreening. RNA-sequencing analysis of B16F15 and B16F10 cells revealed a number of differentially expressed genes, some of these genes have previously been associated with tumor metastasis while others are novel discoveries. The identification of these metastasis-related genes not only improve our understanding of the metastasis mechanisms, but also provide potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metastatic melanoma.
IL-2 immunotherapy rescues irradiation-induced T cell exhaustionin vivo
Authors: Yong Carmen S. M. , Telarovic Irma , Gregor Lisa , Raeber Miro E. , Pruschy Martin , Boyman Onur 
Published: January 2024

SummaryRadiotherapy (RT) can stimulate anti-cancer T cell responses that target primary and distant tumors. In addition to antigen-mediated stimulation of effector T cells, signals from stimulatory cytokines, notably interleukin-2 (IL-2), are necessary for optimal T cell function and memory. However, timing and IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) bias of such signals are ill-defined. Using image-guided RT in a mouse colon cancer model, we observed that single high-dose (1 x 20 Gy) RT transiently upregulated IL-2Rα (CD25) on effector CD8+T cells, facilitating the use of CD25-biased IL-2 immunotherapy. Timed administration of CD25-biased IL-2 treatment after RT favored the expansion of tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells over regulatory T cells and IL-2Rβ (CD122)highCD8+T cells, which resulted in comparable anti-tumor effects as with RT plus CD122-biased IL-2 immunotherapy. Moreover, intratumoral CD8+T cells from animals receiving combined IL-2R-biased IL-2 and RT showed reduced signatures of T cell exhaustion. Finally, these combination treatments affected both primary irradiated and distant non-irradiated tumors, achieving durable responses. We demonstrate that timed and IL-2R subunit-biased IL-2 immunotherapy synergized with single high-dose RT to achieve potent anti-cancer immunity.