bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Method for Lysis and Paper-based Elution-free DNA Extraction with Colorimetric Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Lee Soo Min , Doeven Egan H. , Yuan Dan , Guijt Rosanne M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Nucleic acid amplification testing has great potential for point-of-need diagnostic testing with high detection sensitivity and specificity. Current sample preparation is limited by a tedious workflow requiring multiple steps, reagents and instrumentation, hampering nucleic acid testing at point of need. In this study, we present then use of mixed cellulose ester (MCE) paper for DNA binding by ionic interaction and fluid transport by wicking. The poly(ethylene) glycol-based (PEG) reagent simultaneously provides the alkalinity effect for alkaline lysis and crowding effects for ionic DNA binding of the DNA under high salt conditions. Using a narrow strip of paper, the freed DNA concentrates at the paper tip, while the wicking removes the sample matrix when briefly washing using 40% isopropanol, a 15 in process that is followed by on-paper amplification after a drying step. Colourimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification enabled the detection of 102 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from culture media and the detection of E. coli in milk < 103 CFU/mL (10 CFU) after incubation at 68°C for 60 min, demonstrating applicability of the method to complex biological samples.
Exercise affects dust mite-induced asthma by modulating interleukin-17 (IL-17) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) levels
Authors: Kusuma Ikhwan Yuda , Handayani Rahmaya Nova , Yunus Faisal , Omer Ahmed A A , Doró Péter , Pratiwi Hening 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract that significantly impacts daily activities and quality of life. Asthma exercise is a nonpharmacological approach to asthma management. The effects of asthma exercise on interleukin-17 (IL-17) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) levels remains understudied. The effects of asthma exercise on IL-17 and IDO levels were investigated.
Methods: This study included 39 participants with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. Participants engaged in 60 minute of asthma exercise four times a week for 2 months. IL-17 and IDO levels were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with the house dust mite allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus using ELISAs. Skin prick tests were conducted using Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Blomia tropicalis.
Results: IDO levels (p-value= 0.03) increased significantly and IL-17 levels decreased significantly (p-value= 0.004) after asthma exercise. However, no significant correlation was found between the decrease in IL-17 and the increase in IDO (p-value = 0.09).
Conclusion: Exercise suppresses immune responses in atopic asthma induced by house dust mite allergens. Thus, exercise is a promising therapeutic approach for atopic asthma. The effects of exercise on IDO and IL-17 levels highlight the potential of exercise to alleviate asthma-related inflammation and airway hypersensitivity.Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize asthma management strategies.
Influence of Physico-Chemical Properties of Two Lipoxin Emulsion-Loaded Hydrogels on Pre-Polarized Macrophages: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Guyon Lena , Tessier Solene , Croyal Mickael , Gourdel Mathilde , Lafont Marianne , Segeron Florian , Chabaud Lionel , Gauthier Helene , Weiss Pierre , Gaudin Alexis 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Inflammation, a crucial defense mechanism, must be rigorously regulated to prevent the onset of chronic inflammation and subsequent tissue damage. Specialized pro resolving mediators (SPMs) such as lipoxin A4 (LXA4) have demonstrated their ability to facilitate the resolution of inflammation by orchestrating a transition of M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. However, the hydrophobic and chemically labile nature of LXA4 necessitates the development of a delivery system capable of preserving its integrity for clinical applications. In this study, two types of emulsion were formulated using different homogenization processes (mechanical overhead stirrer (ME) or Luer-lock syringes (SE)). Following characterization, including size and droplet morphology assessment by microscopy, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) was determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To exert control over LXA4 release, these emulsions were embedded within silanized hyaluronic acid hydrogels. A comprehensive evaluation, encompassing gel time, swelling, and degradation profiles under acidic, basic, and neutral conditions, preceded the assessment of LXA4 cumulative release using LC-MS/MS. Physicochemical results indicate that H-ME exhibits superior efficiency over H-SE. While both formulations stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and promoted a pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype, LXA4 emulsion-loaded hydrogels displayed a diminished pro-inflammatory activity compared to blank emulsion-loaded hydrogels. These findings highlight the biological efficacy of LXA4 within both systems, with H-SE outperforming H-ME in terms of efficiency. These versatile H-ME and H-SE formulations can be customized to enhance their biological activity making them promising tools to promote the resolution of inflammation in diverse clinical applications.
Exploration of Key Regulatory Factors for Continuous Regulation of Osteogenic Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Based on Transcriptomic Sequencing
Authors: Liu Tao , Pan Yu , Li Linfeng , He Liang , Pan Shu , Liu Yuwei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this study, we conducted an integrated analysis of high-throughput transcriptomic sequencing data to identify and validate the biological molecules that dynamically regulate the osteogenic differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Through transcriptomic sequencing analysis, taking into account the expression levels of genes in human tissues and experimental validation, we identified PTBP1, H2AFZ, and TTPAL (C20ORF121) as pivotal regulators that govern the fate of MSC osteogenic differentiation. This article represents the first utilization of high-throughput transcriptomics for identifying regulatory factors involved in MSC osteogenesis. This study holds significant importance in investigating crucial factors that determine the fate of MSC differentiation, with notable clinical implications. This approach will lead to a better understanding of the complex biological processes and molecular mechanisms underlying diseases.
Essential oil of Piper marginatum (Piperaceae) against monogeneans, and its hematological and histopathological effects on Colossoma macropomum
Authors: Alves Carliane Maria Guimarães , Baia Raimundo Rosemiro Jesus , Pacheco Amanda Mendes , Carvalho Abthyllane Amaral , Faria Vitor Araujo , Videira Marcela Nunes , Chagas Francisco Celio Maia , Yoshioka Eliane Tie Oba , Tavares-Dias Marcos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated the anthelmintic efficacy of therapeutic baths with the essential oil of Piper marginatum against the monogeneans Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis, Mymarothecium boegeri and Linguadactyloides brinkmanni in Colossoma macropomum, and its hematological and histopathological effects on this fish.
Methods
Six therapeutic baths with 100 mg/L of the essential oil of P. marginatum and two control groups (water from the cultivation tank and water from the cultivation tank + 70% alcohol) were used for 20 min every two days.
Results
The therapeutic baths with 100 mg/L of the essential oil of P. marginatum had efficacy of 42.8% against monogeneans of C. macropomum gills. Toxicity was low for C. macropomum, because there were few physiological and histopathological changes that did not compromise the functioning of the gills of this fish.
Conclusion
Short therapeutic baths with 100 mg/L of the essential oil of P. marginatum had low efficacy for controlling monogeneans in C. macropomum and thus cannot be recommended.
Open versus mini-invasive partial and radical nephrectomy complications: results from the French national health database.
Authors: Pascal Guillaume , Eschwège Pascal , Salleron Julia , Balkau Beverley , Hubert Jacques , Mazeaud Charles 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:Laparoscopic surgery is associated with a lower morbidity than open surgery. No recent data compared kidney cancer surgery in the French population using the National Health Insurance database (PMSI-MCO). We aimed to compare the surgical morbidity rates between laparoscopic and open laparotomy for kidney cancer.
Methods: The initial length of stay and complications parameters during the three postoperative months were described for renal cancer in every French center in 2018. We compared Relative Risks (RR [95% CI]) between laparoscopic and open surgery for both radical and partial nephrectomy.
Results: Among 8,162 patients, 3,525 had a radical nephrectomy, 978 open, 2,547 laparoscopic surgeries; 4,637 patients had partial nephrectomies, 1,778 open 2,859 laparoscopic surgeries. For radical surgery, the most common complications were urinary infections (7.8%), acute renal failure (8.9%), sepsis (8.4%), bleeding (9.3%), and postoperative anemia (5.9%); the RR for laparoscopic versus open surgery were respectively 0.68 [0.54;0.86], 0.71 [0.57;0.88], 0.69 [0.55;0.86], 0.83 [0.66;1.03], 0.56 [0.43;0.73]. For partial nephrectomies, the most common complications were urinary infections (7.7%), bleeding (11.6%), and postoperative anemia (5.8%), with RR of 0.71 [0.58;0.87], 0.61 [0.52;0.71], and 0.64 [0.51;0.81]. The mean length of stay was 7.7 for open radical nephrectomy, 6.3 for laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, 7.5 for open partial nephrectomy, and 5 for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach had fewer postoperative complications and a shorter length of stay than open surgery for partial and radical nephrectomy. The PMSI analysis provided an exhaustive description of surgical practice for kidney cancer and surgical complications in France.
Similar functional structure and encroaching dynamics in two Juniperus species with contrasting distribution patterns
Authors: Ninot Josep M. , Anadon-Rosell Alba , Molino Aldo , Grau Oriol , Caminal Moisès , Casanovas Amanda , Carrillo Empar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the valley of Espot, central Iberian Pyrenees, two congeneric species coincide in the same habitats, showing a similar encroaching ability as prostrate shrubs expanding on former rangeland. Out of this valley, however, while Juniperus communis is widespread from regional to Holarctic levels, J. sabina is only sparsely found in distant Palearctic regions, where it remains restricted to scarce locations.
We wanted to document and understand the dynamics of both species as drivers of landscape transformation, and to unveil which differences may explain their contrasting biogeographic performance. To do so, we analysed them in terms of plant traits, phenology, primary growth, population structure, and role in the landscape.
Juniperus communis and J. sabina showed similar strong investment to stress resistance, according to the functional traits measured (SLA, LDMC, leaf lifespan), although both species expanded laterally at similarly noticeable ratios. The populations of J. communis included more balanced age classes and showed good recruiting ability, which would enhance the active role of this species along secondary succession. In contrast, J. sabina showed a poor recruiting ability, with populations lacking juveniles and including notably old shrubs. Longevity and clonal performance in this species would explain its persistence only in particular locations scattered over distant regions. Therefore, contrasting plant distribution and ecology – i.e. widespread and active colonizer vs. secluded and relict– would be based on a few interspecific developmental and reproductive differences.
The impact of early palliative care interventions on the utilization of medical care resources for end-of-life patients
Authors: Lin Chia-Chia , Ho Tsing-Fen , Lin Chang-Hung , Tsai Nu-Man Tsai , Kuo Yu-Hung , Chien Ju-Huei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Palliative care is gaining importance, particularly with the aging population. In Taiwan, the availability of palliative care has expanded, supported by reimbursement initiatives from the Taiwan National Health Insurance. The healthcare system in Taiwan is currently integrating more comprehensive palliative care payment benefit plans. However, incorporating palliative care services into the medical care of critically ill individuals nearing the end of life presents several challenges. This study aims to examine the impact of palliative care on the utilization of medical resources in end-of-life scenarios.
Methods
A total of 2,202 patients were included in this study. The primary diagnosis and intervention for palliative referral and consultation were based on the HNI code. Additionally, eight dependent indicators of medical resource utilization,30 days before death, were employed in this study.
Results
Hospice care for end-of-life patients was associated with less medical resource and aggressive care in the 30 days before death, including intensive care unit use (odds ratio [OR] = 0.468, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.378–0.579, P < 0.001, cardiopulmonary resuscitation ([OR] = 0.247, 95% CI: 0.154–0.394, P < 0.001, endotracheal intubation ([OR] = 0.266, 95% CI: 0.191–0.372, P < 0.001, respiratory ventilator support ([OR] = 0.431, 95% CI: 0.348–0.533, P < 0.001) and blood transfusion ([OR] = 0.819, 95% CI: 0.667–1.005, P = 0.0555).
Conclusion
Patients at the end-of-life who received palliative care experienced a reduced incidence of aggressive medical interventions before death. These encompassed activities such as stays in the intensive care unit, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, endotracheal intubation, respiratory ventilator support, and blood transfusions. The utilization of medical resources varies among patients based on their specific diseases and comorbidities. Early intervention of palliative care or consultation, both for cancer and chronic disease patients, tends to result in less aggressive medical care interventions, including endotracheal intubation, respiratory ventilation, or even cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with severe illnesses.
Sex Hormones and Abdominal Muscle Area and Radiodensity in Men: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Osmancevic Amar , Allison Matthew , Miljkovic Iva , Vella Chantal A , Ouyang Pamela , Trimpou Penelope , Daka Bledar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Information on the associations of testosterone levels with abdominal muscle volume and quality in men is limited, while the role of estradiol and SHBG on these muscle characteristics are unclear. To investigate the association between fasting serum sex hormones and CT-derived abdominal muscle area and radiodensity in adult men. Cross sectional observational study using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. A community-based sample of 907 men aged 45–84 years; 878 men with complete data were included in the analysis. CT scans of the abdomen were interrogated for muscle characteristics. Multivariable linear regressions were used to test the associations. After adjustment, higher levels of both total testosterone and estradiol were associated with higher abdominal muscle area (1.79, 0.1–3.4, & 1.79, 0.4–3.2, respectively). In the final analyses, levels of total testosterone showed a positive association, while an inverse relationship was observed for SHBG with abdominal muscle radiodensity (0.3, 0.0–0.6, & -0.34, -0.6 - -0.1, respectively). Our results indicate a complex association between sex hormones and abdominal muscle characteristics in men. Specifically, total testosterone and estradiol were associated with abdominal muscle area, while only total testosterone was associated with muscle radiodensity and SHBG was inversely associated with muscle radiodensity.
Safety and effectiveness of Escitalopram in an 8-week open study in social anxiety disorder patients at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shah Syed Waqas Ali , Sher Mujahid , Khan Farhat Ali , Zahoor Muhammad , Esa Muhammad , Ullah Riaz , Zahoor Saira , Aman Akhtar , Rahim Abdur , Afridi Hamid Hussain , Sulaiman Muhammad , Ullah Bashir 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

A prospective cohort study was designed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of escitalopram (10–20 mg) in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD), with a focus on the population of district Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study spanned eight weeks and aimed to assess the impact of escitalopram on patients diagnosed with SAD. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) was employed by psychiatrists to measure social anxiety scores before and after the administration of escitalopram. The effectiveness of escitalopram in reducing SAD scores was assessed before and after treatment, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. A total of 120 adult participants who were already using escitalopram as prescribed by their physician were enrolled in the study to evaluate the effectiveness of escitalopram. Among them, 57 patients aged between 18 and 39 years were identified as being at high risk of developing SAD. According to gender distribution, females accounted for 61.6% of the sample and exhibited a higher compliance rate compared to males. However, eight patients (6.6%) discontinued the treatment prematurely. The most commonly reported mild adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with escitalopram were weight gain and dry mouth, which were observed in both genders. Notably, ejaculation disorder was observed as a prominent ADR in males. The effectiveness of escitalopram was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, which demonstrated a significant reduction in the mean social anxiety level score from 13.67 to the lowest possible level (p < 0.001), indicating statistical significance. The study findings indicate that the use of escitalopram resulted in significant symptom improvement, specifically a reduction in anxiety levels, among the patients. Furthermore, the study concluded that escitalopram exhibited a high compliance rate and was deemed safe, as it only led to mild ADRs. These positive outcomes support the effectiveness of escitalopram in the mentioned population for the treatment of SAD.
Automation of Flow Cytometry Data Analysis with Elastic Image Registration
Authors: Irvine Allison , Moustafa Mohamed Mahmoud , Patel Sahul , Patel Aniket , Hardardottir Lilja , Delvecchio Francesca , Foreman Taylor , Oak Jean , Bornheimer Scott J. , Cimbro Raffaello 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cell populations in flow cytometry are typically identified via visual manual gating, a time-consuming and error-prone approach to select subpopulations based on expression of cellular markers. Batch processing can be used to automate the analysis of bimodally distributed data but underperforms with highly variable data and continuously expressed markers. We developed a visual pattern recognition automated gating tool, BD Elastigate™ software (hereafter Elastigate), to recapitulate the visual process of manual gating by automatically adjusting gates to capture local variability. Elastigate converts histograms and two-dimensional plots into images and then uses elastic B-spline image registration to transform pre-gated training plot images and their gates to corresponding ungated target plot images, thereby adjusting for local variations. Elastigate was validated with biologically relevant datasets in CAR-T cell manufacturing, tumor-infiltrating immunophenotyping, and cytotoxicity assays (> 500 data files) and evaluated accuracy against corresponding manually gated analysis, using F1 score statistics. Elastigate performed similarly to manual gating, with average F1 scores of 0.95 for gates with > 5 cells and 0.981 for > 1000 cells. Elastigate F1 scores and easy implementation outperformed existing 2D plot autogating solutions. Elastigate, accessible as a FlowJo software plugin, uses minimal training samples to accurately automate gating of flow cytometry data while substantially reducing analysis time.
Causal Relationships between Gut Microbiota and Depression/Anxiety Disorders: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Fan Tianyue , Li Lingxiao , Chen Yi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Evidence shows that the composition of the gut microbiota (GM) is associated with depression and anxiety disorders. However, the causal relationship between them remains controversial.
Methods
To investigate the potential causal relationship between the gut microbiota and depression/anxiety disorders and to identify specific bacterial taxa, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on the gut microbiome implicated in depression and anxiety disorders. We incorporated summary data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the microbiome derived from 7,738 individuals participating in the Dutch Microbiome Project (DMP) as our exposure variable. Concurrently, the GWAS of depression and anxiety disorders was employed as our outcome variable. The principal estimates were procured using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) test complemented by four robust methods: MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. In addition, we performed comprehensive sensitivity and directionality analyses.
Results
The results showed that 5 bacterial taxa were positively correlated with depression, 6 were negatively correlated; 5 were positively correlated with anxiety disorders, and 11 were negatively correlated.
Conclusions
This study provides new insights into the connection between the gut microbiota and the pathogenesis of depression and anxiety disorders and offers new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.