bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurovascular unit disruption and blood–brain barrier leakage in MCT8 deficiency
Authors: Guillén-Yunta Marina , Valcárcel-Hernández Víctor , García-Aldea Ángel , Soria Guadalupe , García-Verdugo José Manuel , Montero-Pedrazuela Ana , Guadaño-Ferraz Ana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) plays a vital role in maintaining brain thyroid hormone homeostasis. This transmembrane transporter is expressed at the brain barriers, as the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and in neural cells, being the sole known thyroid hormone-specific transporter to date. Inactivating mutations in the MCT8 gene (SLC16A2) cause the Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome (AHDS) or MCT8 deficiency, a rare X-linked disease characterized by delayed neurodevelopment and severe psychomotor disorders. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of AHDS remain unclear, and no effective treatments are available for the neurological symptoms of the disease.

Methods
Neurovascular unit ultrastructure was studied by means of transmission electron microscopy. BBB permeability and integrity were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, non-permeable dye infiltration assays and histological staining techniques. Brain blood-vessel density was evaluated by immunofluorescence and magnetic resonance angiography. Finally, angiogenic-related factors expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR. The studies were carried out both in an MCT8 deficient subject and Mct8/Dio2KO mice, an AHDS murine model, and their respective controls.

Results
Ultrastructural analysis of the BBB of Mct8/Dio2KO mice revealed significant alterations in neurovascular unit integrity and increased transcytotic flux. We also found functional alterations in the BBB permeability, as shown by an increased presence of peripheral IgG, Sodium Fluorescein and Evans Blue, along with increased brain microhemorrhages. We also observed alterations in the angiogenic process, with reduced blood vessel density in adult mice brain and altered expression of angiogenesis-related factors during brain development. Similarly, AHDS human brain samples showed increased BBB permeability to IgG and decreased blood vessel density.

Conclusions
These findings identify for the first time neurovascular alterations in the MCT8-deficient brain, including a disruption of the integrity of the BBB and alterations in the neurovascular unit ultrastructure as a new pathophysiological mechanism for AHDS. These results open a new field for potential therapeutic targets for the neurological symptoms of these patients and unveils magnetic resonance angiography as a new non-invasive in vivo technique for evaluating the progression of the disease.
A novel artificial vertebral implant with Gyroid porous structures for reducing the subsidence and mechanical failure rate after vertebral body replacement
Authors: Shang Peng , Ma Benyuan , Hou Guanghui , Zhang Yihai , Cui Lunxu , Song Wanzhen , Liu Yancheng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Prosthesis subsidence and mechanical failure were considered significant threats after vertebral body replacement during the long-term follow-up. Therefore, improving and optimizing the structure of vertebral substitutes for exceptional performance has become a pivotal challenge in spinal reconstruction.

Methods
The study aimed to develop a novel artificial vertebral implant (AVI) with triply periodic minimal surface Gyroid porous structures to enhance the safety and stability of prostheses. The biomechanical performance of AVIs under different loading conditions was analyzed using the finite element method. These implants were fabricated using selective laser melting technology and evaluated through static compression and subsidence experiments.

Results
The results demonstrated that the peak stress in the Gyroid porous AVI was consistently lower than that in the traditional porous AVI under all loading conditions, with a maximum reduction of 73.4%. Additionally, it effectively reduced peak stress at the bone-implant interface of the vertebrae. Static compression experiments demonstrated that the Gyroid porous AVI was about 1.63 times to traditional porous AVI in terms of the maximum compression load, indicating that Gyroid porous AVI could meet the safety requirement. Furthermore, static subsidence experiments revealed that the subsidence tendency of Gyroid porous AVI in polyurethane foam (simulated cancellous bone) was approximately 15.7% lower than that of traditional porous AVI.

Conclusions
The Gyroid porous AVI exhibited higher compressive strength and lower subsidence tendency than the strut-based traditional porous AVI, indicating it may be a promising substitute for spinal reconstruction.
LY6/PLAUR domain containing 3 (LYPD3) maintains melanoma cell stemness and mediates an immunosuppressive microenvironment
Authors: Hu Yi-dou , Wu Ke , Liu Yuan-jie , Zhang Qian , Shen Hui , Ji Jin , Fang Dong , Xi Song-yang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Malignant melanoma is a highly heterogeneous skin cancer with the highest mortality rate among dermatological cancers. Catenins form functional networks in the nucleus to regulate gene expression and determine cell fate. Dysregulation of catenin expression correlates with the malignant characteristics of the tumor. We aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of catenins in melanoma and to further define the function of catenin-related molecular signaling in the tumor microenvironment.

Methods
In this study, a bioinformatics approach combined with experimental validation was used to explore the potential tumor biology mechanisms of catenin-related signaling.

Results
Melanoma patients can be divided into two catenin clusters. Patients defined by high Junction Plakoglobin (JUP), Plakophilin 1 (PKP1), Plakophilin 3 (PKP3) levels (C2) had shorter survival time than other patients (C1). We demonstrated that JUP regulates Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2)/LY6/PLAUR Domain Containing 3 (LYPD3) to maintain melanoma stemness and promotes glycolysis. We also found that LYPD3 was co-expressed with S100A9 and associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME).

Conclusion
The JUP/AGR2/LYPD3 signaling axis plays an important role in the malignant features of melanoma. Targeting the JUP/AGR2/LYPD3 signaling axis can help develop promising drugs.
AKT1 induces Nanog promoter in a SUMOylation-dependent manner in different pluripotent contexts
Authors: Francia Marcos Gabriel , Verneri Paula , Oses Camila , Vazquez Echegaray Camila , Garcia Mora Reneé , Toro Ayelen , Levi Valeria , Guberman Alejandra Sonia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAKT/PKB is a kinase crucial for pluripotency maintenance in pluripotent stem cells. Multiple post-translational modifications modulate its activity. We have previously demonstrated that AKT1 induces the expression of the pluripotency transcription factor Nanog in a SUMOylation-dependent manner in mouse embryonic stem cells. Here, we studied different cellular contexts and main candidates that could mediate this induction. Our results strongly suggest the pluripotency transcription factors OCT4 and SOX2 are not essential mediators. Additionally, we concluded that this induction takes place in different pluripotent contexts but not in terminally differentiated cells. Finally, the cross-matching analysis of ESCs, iPSCs and MEFs transcriptomes and AKT1 phosphorylation targets provided new clues about possible factors that could be involved in the SUMOylation-dependent Nanog induction by AKT.
Semi-tensor product-based one-bit compressed sensing
Authors: Hou Jingyao , Liu Xinling 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe area of one-bit compressed sensing (1-bit CS) focuses on the recovery of sparse signals from binary measurements. Over the past decade, this field has witnessed the emergence of well-developed theories. However, most of the existing literature is confined to fully random measurement matrices, like random Gaussian and random sub-Gaussian measurements. This limitation often results in high generation and storage costs. This paper aims to apply semi-tensor product-based measurements to 1-bit CS. By utilizing the semi-tensor product, this proposed method can compress high-dimensional signals using lower-dimensional measurement matrices, thereby reducing the cost of generating and storing fully random measurement matrices. We propose a regularized model for this problem that has a closed-form solution. Theoretically, we demonstrate that the solution provides an approximate estimate of the underlying signal with upper bounds on recovery error. Empirically, we conduct a series of experiments on both synthetic and real-world data to demonstrate the proposed method’s ability to utilize a lower-dimensional measurement matrix for signal compression and reconstruction with enhanced flexibility, resulting in improved recovery accuracy.
Carotid atherosclerosis in a sample of Egyptian patients with or without ischemic vascular events
Authors: Elhfnawy Ahmed , Galeel Aya Abdel , Abdelkhalek Hazem 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Ethnic-racial factors are related to the development of extra- and intracranial atherosclerosis. There are extensive data about carotid atherosclerosis from American, European and Asian population. However, data from Egyptian ethnics are extremely rare. We aimed to examine the frequency and determine the predictors of carotid atherosclerosis in a sample of Egyptian patients. In a cross-sectional observational study, we prospectively recruited consecutive patients, with or without ischemic vascular events, either ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, who received neurovascular ultrasound in a tertiary hospital. We assessed the presence of carotid plaques and the degree of stenosis according to the hemodynamic North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) criteria.

Results
A total of 668 carotid arteries in 334 patients with a mean (IQR) age of 61 (55–70) years were examined; 69.5% presented with and 30.5% without ischemic vascular events. We found carotid plaques in 208 (31.1%) arteries among 147 (44%) patients; 32% of the patients showed non-hemodynamically significant plaques, whereas 3.6% showed 20–40% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and 8.4% showed ≥ 50% ICA stenosis. In patients with ischemic vascular events and at least one risk factor, we detected carotid atherosclerosis, 20–40% ICA stenosis and ≥ 50% ICA stenosis in 40.4%, 3% and 9.1% among patients ≤ 60 years as well as in 64.8%, 5.5% and 13% among patients > 60 years, respectively. In an age and sex adjusted binary logistic regression model, the following factors predicted carotid atherosclerosis: age > 60 years (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.99–5.57, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.32–4.02, p = 0.003), current smoking (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.13–4.55, p = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.27–3.64, p = 0.004) and ischemic vascular events (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.01–3.19, p = 0.046).

Conclusions
Among Egyptians, the frequency of carotid atherosclerosis seems to be low. Further multiethnic studies are warranted to compare the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis among Egyptians with Whites and Chinese populations. Older age, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus and ischemic vascular events are predictors of carotid atherosclerosis.
Evolution of blockchain consensus algorithms: a review on the latest milestones of blockchain consensus algorithms
Authors: Hussein Ziad , Salama May A. , El-Rahman Sahar A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBlockchain technology has gained widespread adoption in recent years due to its ability to enable secure and transparent record-keeping and data transfer. A critical aspect of blockchain technology is the use of consensus algorithms, which allow distributed nodes in the network to agree on the state of the blockchain. In this review paper, we examine various consensus algorithms that are used in blockchain systems, including proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, and hybrid approaches. We go over the trade-offs and factors to think about when choosing a consensus algorithm, such as energy efficiency, decentralization, and security. We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm as well as their potential impact on the scalability and adoption of blockchain technology.
Effect of phototherapy on eosinophils count in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (cross-sectional study)
Authors: Tarek Sara , Mosallam Dalia S. , Saber Doaa , Diaa Nehal , Dayem Omnia Y. Abd El , Abdelmonem Samira 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Neonatal jaundice is a common disorder in neonates. Phototherapy is associated with various side effects despite being safe. This research aimed to determine the impact of phototherapy (PT) on eosinophil levels in neonates treated for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Methods
In this cross-sectional prospective study, icteric neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Abo-Elreesh Child Hospital, Cairo University, from July 2020 to June 2021 were assessed. Laboratory data, including serum bilirubin and blood cell differentiation for eosinophils before and after phototherapy, were collected, and demographic data like age, gender, gestational age, and duration of phototherapy were taken.

Results
Two hundred neonates were included in this study. Hyperbilirubinemia was most frequently related to ABO group incompatibility (44.5%). After phototherapy, total serum bilirubin and neutrophil levels were significantly decreased, and platelet levels were significantly increased. Eosinophil count and percent were significantly increased (p < 0.001) following phototherapy. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between eosinophil count before and after PT (r = 0.583, p < 0.001) and between eosinophil percent before and after PT (r = 0.617, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Serum eosinophils were increased after phototherapy in icteric neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
A novel approach to spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma—a case report
Authors: Casanova Maria Jorge , Lino João , Magalhães António , Meireles Luís 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare but life-threatening situation and may require emergency tracheostomy or surgical drainage if the airway is compromised. We present a case of a retropharyngeal hematoma with shown active submucosal bleeding and describe the novel approach taken for compression and control of the hemorrhage.

Case presentation
A 76-year-old man presented to our institution complaining of dysphagia and pharyngeal discomfort hematoma since that morning. The laryngoscopy showed a hematoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. A computerized tomography scan with contrast was done, demonstrating a collection in the retropharyngeal space, and a small active vessel could be identified.
The patient was intubated, and compression was performed in the location of the retropharyngeal hematoma using the esophageal balloon of a Blakemore tube, with successful control of the active bleed.

Conclusions
Retropharyngeal hematoma can be fatal, and we present a unique solution that can be used to successfully stop the bleeding while avoiding more invasive strategies, by performing compression with a Blakemore esophageal balloon to stop the bleeding.
Common mental health disorders and cognitive decline in a longitudinal Down syndrome cohort
Authors: Idris Mina , Saini Fedal , Pape Sarah E. , Baksh R. Asaad , Cahart Marie-Stephanie , Strydom André 
Published: November 2023

Background
Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and Alzheimer's disease. In the general population, common mental disorders (CMDs), including anxiety, depression and obsessive–compulsive disorder, are linked to cognitive decline and higher risk for dementia. It is not known how CMDs affect longer-term cognitive outcomes in Down syndrome, and there is often diagnostic uncertainty in older people with Down syndrome and psychiatric comorbidity.

Aims
To study the influence of CMDs on cognitive ability and whether they are related longitudinally to development of clinical signs of Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome.

Method
We followed 115 individuals with Down syndrome, 27 of whom were diagnosed with a CMD, over approximately 3 years. Changes in cognitive and behavioural outcomes between baseline and follow-up assessment were analysed, with comparisons made between those with and without a comorbid CMD. Age, gender, apolipoprotein E status and level of intellectual disability were included as covariates.

Results
No significant association between presence of a CMD and poorer performance on cognitive tasks or informant-rated decline over time was observed (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
Our results suggest that a diagnosis of a CMD does not have a significant negative effect on long-term cognitive or behavioural outcomes in individuals with Down syndrome. In individuals with stable or treated CMD, subsequent cognitive decline is likely indicative of Alzheimer's disease rather than a consequence of mental disorder.
Psychological risk factors for Long COVID and their modification: study protocol of a three-arm, randomised controlled trial (SOMA.COV)
Authors: Engelmann Petra , Büchel Christian , Frommhold Jördis , Klose Hans F. E. , Lohse Ansgar W. , Maehder Kerstin , Nestoriuc Yvonne , Scherer Martin , Suling Anna , Toussaint Anne , Weigel Angelika , Zapf Antonia , Löwe Bernd 
Published: November 2023

Background
Growing evidence suggests that in addition to pathophysiological, there are psychological risk factors involved in the development of Long COVID. Illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations seem to contribute to symptom persistence.

Aims
With regard to the development of effective therapies, our primary aim is to investigate whether symptoms of Long COVID can be improved by a targeted modification of illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations. Second, we aim to identify additional psychosocial risk factors that contribute to the persistence of Long COVID, and compare them with risk factors for symptom persistence in other clinical conditions.

Method
We will conduct an observer-blinded, three-arm, randomised controlled trial. A total of 258 patients with Long COVID will be randomised into three groups of equal size: targeted expectation management in addition to treatment as usual (TAU), non-specific supportive treatment plus TAU, or TAU only. Both active intervention groups will comprise three individual online video consultation sessions and a booster session after 3 months. The primary outcome is baseline to post-interventional change in overall somatic symptom severity.

Conclusions
The study will shed light onto the action mechanisms of a targeted expectation management intervention for Long COVID, which, if proven effective, can be used stand-alone or in the context of broader therapeutic approaches. Further, the study will enable a better understanding of symptom persistence in Long COVID by identifying additional psychological risk factors.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer Among Young Adults in South Korea
Authors: Kwon Hyemi , Han Kyung-Do , Moon Sun Joon , Park Se Eun , Rhee Eun-Jung , Lee Won-Young 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Context
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are known risk factors for thyroid cancer.

Objective
We investigated the association between NAFLD and thyroid cancer risk in young adults.

Methods
This nationwide cohort study included 1 135 967 participants aged 20 to 39 years who underwent 4 consecutive health screenings in South Korea. NAFLD was categorized using the fatty liver index (FLI), as follows: ≥60, 30 to 60, and &lt;30. The cumulative FLI points were defined as the number of times participants had a FLI of ≥30 (0–4).

Results
During a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 4126 participants (0.36%) were newly diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Compared with the participants with an FLI of &lt;30, those with an FLI of 30 to 60 (men: hazard ratio [HR] 1.36 [95% CI, 1.22-1.51] and women: HR 1.44 [1.21-1.70]) and those with an FLI of ≥60 (men: HR 1.71 [1.53-1.92] and women: HR 1.81 [1.46-2.25]) had a significantly higher risk of thyroid cancer. Participants with higher cumulative FLI points had a higher risk of thyroid cancer compared to those with a cumulative FLI point of 0 (P &lt; .001). During the follow-up period, the participants with an increased FLI exhibited an increased risk of thyroid cancer.

Conclusion
NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer in young adults. Repeatedly elevated FLI and progression of NAFLD were associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer in this study.
Association of Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zeng Cheng , Liu Maojun , Zhang Yifeng , Deng Simin , Xin Ying , Hu Xinqun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Context
The urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) is a widely used indicator of albuminuria and has predictive value for adverse cardiovascular events.

Objective
To evaluate the correlation between the UACR and the risk of developing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and total mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods
This post hoc analysis included 10 171 participants from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study and the ACCORD follow-up study (ACCORDION) with baseline UACR data. The natural logarithm (ln) of each UACR measurement was calculated. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between the UACR and the risk of MACEs and total mortality. The additional predictive value of UACR was further evaluated. Similar methods were used to analyze the correlation between the UACR and MACEs and total mortality within the normal range.

Results
During a median follow-up period of 8.83 years, 1808 (17.78%) participants experienced MACEs, and there were 1934 (19.01%) total deaths. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between the UACR and the risk of MACEs and total mortality. The inclusion of UACR in the conventional risk model enhanced the predictive efficacy for MACEs and total mortality.

Conclusion
An elevated UACR is associated with a higher risk of MACEs and total mortality in patients with T2DM, even when it falls within the normal range. The UACR improves prediction of MACE and total mortality risk in patients with T2DM.
Collective signalling drives rapid jumping between cell states
Authors: Westbrook Elizabeth R. , Lenn Tchern , Chubb Jonathan R. , Antolović Vlatka 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Development can proceed in ‘fits and starts’, with rapid transitions between cell states involving concerted transcriptome-wide changes in gene expression. However, it is not clear how these transitions are regulated in complex cell populations, in which cells receive multiple inputs. We address this issue using Dictyostelium cells undergoing development in their physiological niche. A continuous single cell transcriptomics time series identifies a sharp ‘jump’ in global gene expression marking functionally different cell states. By simultaneously imaging the physiological dynamics of transcription and signalling, we show the jump coincides with the onset of collective oscillations of cAMP. Optogenetic control of cAMP pulses shows that different jump genes respond to distinct dynamic features of signalling. Late jump gene expression changes are almost completely dependent on cAMP, whereas transcript changes at the onset of the jump require additional input. The coupling of collective signalling with gene expression is a potentially powerful strategy to drive robust cell state transitions in heterogeneous signalling environments. Based on the context of the jump, we also conclude that sharp gene expression transitions may not be sufficient for commitment.