bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O-GlcNAcylated FTO promotes m6A modification of SOX4 to enhance MDS/AML cell proliferation
Authors: Gou Junjie , Bi Jingjing , Wang Kexin , Lei Lei , Feng Yanli , Tan Zengqi , Gao Jiaojiao , Song Yanan , Kang Enci , Guan Feng , Li Xiang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) was the first m6A demethylase identified, which is responsible for eliminating m6A modifications in target RNAs. While it is well-established that numerous cytosolic and nuclear proteins undergo O-GlcNAcylation, the possibility of FTO being O-GlcNAcylated and its functional implications remain unclear. This study found that a negative correlation between FTO expression and O-GlcNAcylation in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The decreased O-GlcNAcylation on FTO can result in diminished m6A modification of SRY-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4). This led to the promotion of cell apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation in MDS/AML. The O-GlcNAcylation of FTO stabilized SOX4 transcripts in an m6A-dependent manner, resulting in increased AKT and MAPK phosphorylation and decreased cell apoptosis. Inhibiting FTO O-GlcNAcylation significantly slowed AML progression in vitro, a finding supported by clinical data in MDS/AML patients. In conclusion, our study highlights the crucial role of FTO O-GlcNAcylation in RNA m6A methylation and the progression of MDS/AML, thereby providing a potential therapeutic avenue for these formidable diseases.
Risk factors for mechanical complications in degenerative lumbar scoliosis with concomitant thoracolumbar kyphosis: does the selection of the upper instrumented vertebra matter?
Authors: Qiu Weipeng , Sun Zhuoran , Chen Ze , Zhou Siyu , Qi Qiang , Li Weishi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) represents a distinct subset of adult spinal deformity, frequently co-occurring with thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) in the sagittal plane. TLK is typically viewed as detrimental in degenerative spinal conditions and has been linked to increased pain severity and a higher prevalence of mechanical complications (MC) as previously reported. The present study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the development of MC in patients with DLS and concomitant TLK.

Methods
This study retrospectively included 65 DLS patients with a TLK > 20°. During follow-up, MC events were recorded, and patients were categorized into MC and non-MC groups. Spinopelvic parameters were assessed pre- and post-surgery. The locations of the kyphotic apex (KA) and the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) were documented. Clinical and radiographic data were compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the independent risk factors for MC.

Results
Twenty-nine (44.6%) patients developed at least one MC at final follow-up. At baseline, patients in the MC group exhibited lower bone mineral density (P = 0.002), lower distal lumbar lordosis (DLL, P = 0.025), and higher sagittal vertical axis (SVA, P = 0.005). Post-surgery, the KA shifted cranially with an average vertebral displacement of 2.6 ± 1.8. The proportion of UIV located in the postoperative KA area significantly increased (P < 0.001). The MC group had a higher incidence of Roussouly type mismatch (P = 0.023) and UIV located in the KA area (P = 0.003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that UIV located in the KA area (OR = 3.798, P = 0.043), increased preoperative SVA (OR = 1.017, P = 0.016) and osteoporosis (OR = 6.713, P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for MC.

Conclusions
The presence of UIV in the KA area, preoperative sagittal imbalance, and osteoporosis were identified as significant risk factors for MC in patients with DLS and concomitant TLK. The spinal morphological characteristics of TLK must be taken into account during surgical planning to prevent placing the UIV within the kyphotic region.
Pulse oximetry at two sensor placement sites in conscious foals
Authors: Rossi Heini Sofia , Mykkänen Anna Kristina , Junnila Jouni Juho Tapio , Hyytiäinen Heli Katariina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Pulse oximetry has not been thoroughly evaluated for assessment of oxygenation in conscious foals. Compared with invasive arterial blood sampling, it is a painless and non-invasive method for real-time monitoring of blood oxygen saturation. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the usability, validity, and reliability of pulse oximetry at two measuring sites (lip and caudal abdominal skin fold) for blood oxygen saturation measurement in conscious foals with and without respiratory compromise. Thirty-two foals under one month of age were used. Nineteen foals had normal respiratory and cardiovascular function, and 13 had pneumonia. Pulse oximetry with a transmittance sensor was performed in triplicate on each foal’s lip (n = 196 measurements) and/or skin fold (n = 338 measurements), and arterial blood sample was collected. The oxygen saturation values measured by pulse oximetry from the lip and skin fold were compared with each other (n = 58 measurement pairs) and with the calculated arterial oxygen saturation based on arterial blood samples (n = 93 measurement pairs). Furthermore, repeatability of the pulse oximetry measurements was assessed.

Results
Measured blood oxygen saturation was clearly associated with the calculated saturation, but on average (± SD) it was 1.8 (± 3.3) percentage units higher from the lip and 5.7 (± 4.3) percentage units higher from the skin fold than the calculated saturation. In concurrent lip and skin fold measurements within a foal, the skin fold measurements were 2.4 (± 2.4) percentage units higher than the lip measurements. The repeatability of three pulse oximetry saturation measurement results was moderate to good and significantly improved when the measurement furthest from the middle-measured value was excluded. The most deviating measurement was often obtained first. Pulse oximetry in general was well tolerated and easy to perform, but as expected in conscious foals, movement and contact problems generated occasional technical difficulties in some individuals.

Conclusions
In conscious foals, pulse oximetry with a transmittance sensor attached to the lip (but not to the skin fold) is a clinically applicable and valid method for arterial blood oxygen saturation determination. Several measurements should be obtained and outliers discarded to obtain a reliable result.
The causal relationship between steroid hormones and risk of stroke: evidence from a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Yang , Jiang Miaowen , Wu Di , Li Ming , Ji Xunming 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
It is unclear how steroid hormones contribute to stroke, and conducting randomized controlled trials to obtain related evidence is challenging. Therefore, Mendelian randomization (MR) technique was employed in this study to examine this association. Through genome-wide association meta-analysis, the genetic variants of steroid hormones, including testosterone/17β-estradiol (T/E2) ratio, aldosterone, androstenedione, progesterone, and hydroxyprogesterone, were acquired as instrumental variables. Analysis was done on the impact of these steroid hormones on the risk of stroke subtypes. The T/E2 ratio was associated to an elevated risk of small vessel stroke (SVS) according to the inverse variance weighted approach which was the main MR analytic technique (OR, 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05–1.44, p = 0.009). These findings were solid since no heterogeneity nor horizontal pleiotropy were found. The causal association between T/E2 and SVS was also confirmed in the replication study (p = 0.009). Nevertheless, there was no proof that other steroid hormones increased the risk of stroke. According to this study, T/E2 ratio and SVS are causally related. However, strong evidence for the impact of other steroid hormones on stroke subtypes is still lacking. These findings may be beneficial for developing stroke prevention strategies from steroid hormones levels.
Determinants of prolonged exclusive breastfeeding among children aged 6–23 months in 21 sub-saharan African countries: evidence from nationally representative data
Authors: Mekonen Enyew Getaneh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Under-five mortality and malnutrition are more common in many low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the grave consequences of improper nutrition for children. Infants that continue to be exclusively breastfed after six months are considered to be engaging in prolonged exclusive breastfeeding. Children with prolonged exclusive breastfeeding are more susceptible to anemia, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies. There is no evidence on the pooled prevalence and determinants of prolonged exclusive breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study is intended to determine the prevalence and associated factors of prolonged exclusive breastfeeding among children aged 6 to 23 months in sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods
Data from the recent demographic and health surveys of 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa conducted between 2015 and 2022 were used. A total weighted sample of 63,172 mother-child pairs was included in the current study. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the outcome variable. Intra-class correlation coefficient, likelihood ratio test, median odds ratio, and deviance (-2LLR) values were used for model comparison and fitness. Finally, variables with a p-value < 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were declared statistically significant.

Results
The pooled prevalence of prolonged exclusive breastfeeding among children aged 6–23 months in sub-Saharan Africa was 17.32% (95% CI: 17.03%, 17.62%). Factors like child age [AOR = 4.39; 95% CI (4.17, 4.62)], wealth index [AOR = 1.15; 95% CI (1.07, 1.23)], maternal educational level [AOR = 1.56; 95% CI (1.36, 1.78)], marital status of the mother [AOR = 1.11; 95% CI (1.04, 1.19)], media exposure [AOR = 1.11; 95% CI (1.06, 1.17)], place of delivery [AOR = 0.82; 95% CI (0.78, 0.87)], postnatal checkup [AOR = 1.43; 95% CI (1.36, 1.51)], drinking water source [AOR = 1.06; 95% CI (1.01, 1.11)], sanitation facility [AOR = 1.15; 95% CI (1.10, 1.21)], antenatal care attendance [AOR = 1.27; 95% CI (1.16, 1.39)], community literacy [AOR = 1.08; 95% CI (1.02, 1.15)], and community media exposure [AOR = 1.06; 95% CI (1.01, 1.13)] were significantly associated with prolonged exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions
Nearly one out of five children aged 6–23 months in sub-Saharan Africa had prolonged exclusive breastfeeding. Both individual- and community-level factors were significantly associated with prolonged exclusive breastfeeding. Policymakers could find it very important to support maternal education, poverty reduction, media exposure, maternal healthcare services, and complementary feeding hygiene practices in order to encourage the timely initiation of complementary feeding.
Functional differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells into neuron-like cells exhibiting electrophysiological activity
Authors: Pardo-Rodríguez B. , Baraibar A. M. , Manero-Roig I. , Luzuriaga J. , Salvador-Moya J. , Polo Y. , Basanta-Torres R. , Unda F. , Mato S. , Ibarretxe Gaskon , Pineda Jose Ramon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and aim
Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) constitute a promising alternative for central nervous system (CNS) cell therapy. Unlike other human stem cells, hDPSCs can be differentiated, without genetic modification, to neural cells that secrete neuroprotective factors. However, a better understanding of their real capacity to give rise to functional neurons and integrate into synaptic networks is still needed. For that, ex vivo differentiation protocols must be refined, especially to avoid the use of fetal animal serum. The aim of our study is to improve existing differentiation protocols of hDPSCs into neuron-like cells.

Methods
We compared the effects of the (1) absence or presence of fetal serum during the initial expansion phase as a step prior to switching cultures to neurodifferentiation media. We (2) improved hDPSC neurodifferentiation by adding retinoic acid (RA) and potassium chloride (KCl) pulses for 21 or 60 days and characterized the results by immunofluorescence, digital morphometric analysis, RT-qPCR and electrophysiology.

Results
We found that neural markers like Nestin, GFAP, S100β and p75NTR were expressed differently in neurodifferentiated hDPSC cultures depending on the presence or absence of serum during the initial cell expansion phase. In addition, hDPSCs previously grown as spheroids in serum-free medium exhibited in vitro expression of neuronal markers such as doublecortin (DCX), neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), Ankyrin-G and MAP2 after neurodifferentiation. Presynaptic vGLUT2, Synapsin-I, and excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic postsynaptic scaffold proteins and receptor subunits were also present in these neurodifferentiated hDPSCs. Treatment with KCl and RA increased the amount of both voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channel subunits in neurodifferentiated hDPSCs at the transcript level. Consistently, these cells displayed voltage-dependent K+ and TTX-sensitive Na+ currents as well as spontaneous electrophysiological activity and repetitive neuronal action potentials with a full baseline potential recovery.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that hDPSCs can be differentiated to neuronal-like cells that display functional excitability and thus evidence the potential of these easily accessible human stem cells for nerve tissue engineering. These results highlight the importance of choosing an appropriate culture protocol to successfully neurodifferentiate hDPSCs.
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) application on airway problems in pediatric patients with subglottic stenosis who undergo balloon dilatation
Authors: Tuncel Zeliha , Göksu Şenay , Deligöz Özlem , Saracoglu Kemal Tolga , Albasha Abdulatif , Abdallah Bushra M. , Saracoglu Ayten 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Subglottic stenosis is a significant clinical challenge in pediatric anesthesia, often necessitating interventions that can lead to various postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prophylactic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) application on recovery time and airway complications in pediatric patients with subglottic stenosis undergoing balloon dilatation.

Methods
A prospective, double-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled study was conducted at Health Sciences University Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital on pediatric patients with subglottic stenosis, aged from 0 to 12 years and who underwent elective balloon dilatation under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the CPAP or non-CPAP group. The primary outcome was the duration of recovery time. Secondary outcomes included bronchospasm, the number of desaturation episodes, intubation, tracheostomy, and the need for intensive care.

Results
A total of 84 patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial, 81 of which received the allocated treatment and were analyzed (non-CPAP n = 41, CPAP n = 40). Compared to controls, the proportions of bronchospasm, tracheal secretion, need for intensive care, and tracheostomy were consistently lower in the CPAP group, whereas the requirement of intubation was higher. Further, the mean recovery time was significantly shorter in the CPAP group compared to the non-CPAP group (mean difference − 3.3 min, 95%CI − 5.16 to − 1.44, p = 0.0007). Despite lacking statistical significance, the CPAP group had reduced odds of developing bronchospasm, tracheal secretion, need for intensive care, and tracheostomy, but higher odds of requiring intubation when compared to the controls.

Conclusion
Prophylactic CPAP application following therapeutic balloon dilatation in pediatric patients who have developed subglottic stenosis due to acquired or congenital causes appears to effectively shorten recovery time and may have a role in decreasing postoperative pulmonary complications; however, more research is recommended to further confirm these findings.

Trial registration
The protocol for this clinical trial was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov with registration ID NCT06183515 on 30 November 2023.
Aberrant c-AMP signalling in richter syndrome revealed by single-cell transcriptome and 3D chromatin analysis
Authors: Li Heng , Xing Cheng , Li Ji , Zhan Yihao , Luo Ming , Wang Peilong , Sheng Yue , Peng Hongling 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Richter syndrome (RS), characterized by aggressive lymphoma arising from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), presents a poor response to treatment and grim prognosis. To elucidate RS mechanisms, paired samples from a patient with DLBCL-RS were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) sequencing. Over 10,000 cells were profiled via scRNA-seq, revealing the comprehensive B cell transformation in RS. Hi-C sequencing exposed a unique chromatin architecture in RS, with increased proximal and decreased distal interactions. At the compartment scale, the interaction between B compartments was strengthened in DLBCL cells, while topologically associating domains (TADs) in DLBCL had elevated intra-TAD and reduced inter-TAD contacts. Differentially expressed genes at TAD borders between CLL and DLBCL cells highlighted an enrichment of cAMP-mediated signalling. To substantiate the functional relevance of ATF1 and CAP1, the genes involve in cAMP-mediated signalling, in the context of cell proliferation, we have performed gain- and loss-of-function experiments in relevant cell lines. Collectively, integrated scRNA-seq and Hi-C data suggest that chromatin reorganization and altered cAMP signalling drive RS transformation.
The Development and Content of Movement Quality Assessments in Athletic Populations: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wijekulasuriya Gyan A. , Woods Carl T. , Kittel Aden , Larkin Paul 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Despite their prominence in the sport and human movement sciences, to date, there is no systematic insight about the development and content of movement quality assessments in athletic populations. This is an important gap to address, as it could yield both practical and scientific implications related to the continued screening of movement quality in athletic contexts. Hence, this study aimed to systematically review the (i) developmental approach, (ii) movements included, (iii) scoring system utilised, and (iv) the reliability of movement competency assessments used in athletic populations.

Methods
Electronic databases (SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus) were searched for relevant articles up to 12 May 2023. Studies were included if they reported data about the developmental approach, movements included, scoring system utilised and reliability of assessment in an athletic population. A modified Downs and Black checklist was used to measure study quality.

Results
From a total of 131 identified studies: (i) 26 (20%) described the developmental approach of an assessment; (ii) 113 (86%) included descriptions of the movements included; (iii) 106 (81%) included a description of scoring system and criteria; and (iv) 77 (59%) studies included reliability statistics. There were 36 assessments identified within these studies, comprising 59 movements in total. Each assessment scored movement quality through a Likert or binary classification system.

Conclusion
First, the results demonstrate that choosing an appropriate movement quality assessment in an athletic population may be a complex process for practitioners as the development approach, movements included and scoring criteria vary substantially between assessments. Second, academics could use these results to help design new assessments for novel applications that meet rigour and reliability requirements. Third, these results have the potential to foster guidelines of use for the reliable assessment of movement quality in athletic populations.
Development and biomechanical evaluation of a 3D printed analogue of the human lumbar spine
Authors: Dukkipati Siril Teja , Driscoll Mark 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
There exists a need for validated lumbar spine models in spine biomechanics research. Although cadaveric testing is the current gold standard for spinal implant development, it poses significant issues related to reliability and repeatability due to the wide variability in cadaveric physiologies. Moreover, there are increasing ethical concerns with human dissection practices. Analogue models can act as cost saving alternatives to human tissue with better repeatability. The current study proposes a new methodology of spinal biomechanics testing using 3D printable surrogates and characterized its multi-dimensional stiffness in displacement-controlled loading scenarios.

Methods
The model consisted of L1 to S1 vertebrae, intervertebral discs (IVD), intertransverse, interspinous, anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. The vertebrae and the IVDs were derived from an open-source 3D MRI anatomography database, while the ligaments were modeled based on literature incorporating mounting points on the spinous and transverse processes. Stereolithography 3D printing along with a combination of stiff and soft photopolymer resins were used to manufacture the vertebrae and the soft tissues in the model. Thereafter, displacement-controlled pure moments were applied in the range of ± 15° at 0.5°/sec in all bending modes using a torsion testing machine and a custom pure bending jig. Model rotation and resisting moment under loading were recorded to quantify the rotational stiffness and hysteresis in the model.

Results
The model reached a maximum of 5.66Nm and 3.53Nm at 15° flexion-extension, 3.84Nm and 3.93Nm at 15° right and left lateral bending, and 2.45Nm and 2.59Nm at 15° right and left axial rotation respectively. Model RMS error against ex vivo human response was estimated to be 1.57°, 1.64°, 0.82° in flexion-extension, lateral bending and axial rotation respectively. Bilateral symmetry in model stiffness was observed in lateral bending and axial rotation directions.

Conclusions
This study presents a reproducible 3D printable L1-S1 lumbar spine and validated it in all three orthogonal bending modes in the range of ± 15° against ex vivo and in silico data. The 3D printed analogue spine model described herein shows promising results, suggesting this model, with further validation, could have potential as a human cadaveric tissue substitute within the explored contexts of use.