bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Pyroptosis-Related Hub Genes in Ischemic Stroke Provides Insights for Enhanced Risk Assessment
Authors: Ye Wang , Liangbin Cao , Can Liu , Yuefeng Wang , Meijing Lu , Yongquan Chen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Stroke is the second-leading global cause of death. The immune storm triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injury after stroke is a crucial damaging factor. This study analyzed the expression of key pyroptosis genes in stroke and their correlation with immune infiltration.
Methods: Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion datasets were obtained and pyroptosis-related genes were identified. Differential expression and functional analyses of pyroptosis-related genes were performed. Differences in functional enrichment between high-risk and low-risk groups were determined. After selecting pyroptosis-related genes with differential expression, a MCAO diagnostic model was constructed and validated. High and low-risk MCAO groups were constructed for expression and immune cell correlation analysis with pyroptosis-related hub genes. A regulatory network between pyroptosis-related hub genes and miRNA was built, and protein domains were predicted. The expression of key pyroptosis genes was validated in the MCAO rat model.
Results: Twenty-five pyroptosis genes showed differential expression, including four hub genes (WISP2, MELK, SDF2L1, and AURKB). The high- and low-risk groups showed significant expression differences for WISP2, MELK and SDF2L1. In immune infiltration analysis, 12 immune cells exhibited expression differences in MCAO samples. Further analysis demonstrated significant positive correlations between the pyroptosis-related hub gene SDF2L1 and immune cell-activated dendritic cells in the high-risk group and immune cell natural killer cells in the low-risk group.
Conclusion: This study identified four pyroptosis-related hub genes, with elevated WISP2, MELK, and SDF2L1 expression closely associated with the high-risk group. Analysis of inflammatory cell types in immune infiltration provides a theoretical basis for predicting ischemic stroke risk levels and treatment.
Design and Experimental Validation of Innovative Metamaterial-Based Sensor for Microwave-Imaging-Enabled Breast, Lung, and Brain Cancer Detection
Authors: Hamza Musa N. , Koziel Slawomir , Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study proposes an innovative geometry of a microstrip sensor for high-resolution microwave imaging (MWI). The main intended application of the sensor is early detection of breast, lung, and brain cancer. The proposed design consists of a microstrip patch antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide with a metamaterial layer-based lens implemented on the back side, and an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) realized on as a separate layer. The analysis of the AMC’s permeability and permittivity demonstrate that the structure exhibits negative epsilon (ENG) qualities near the antenna resonance point. In addition, reflectivity, transmittance, and absorption are also studied. The sensor prototype has been manufactures using the FR4 laminate. Excellent electrical and field characteristics of the structure are confirmed through experimental validation. At the resonance frequency of 4.56 GHz, the realized gain reaches 8.5 dBi, with 3.8 dBi gain enhancement contributed by the AMC. The suitability of the presented sensor for detecting brain tumors, lung cancer, and breast cancer has been corroborated through extensive simulation-based experiments performed using the MWI system model, which employs four copies of the proposed sensor, as well as the breast, lung, and brain phantoms. As demonstrated, the directional radiation pattern and enhanced gain of the sensor enable precise tumor size discrimination. The proposed sensor offers competitive performance in comparison the state-of-the-art sensors described in the recent literature, especially with respect to as gain, pattern directivity, and impedance matching, all being critical for MWI.
Comparison of yield characteristics of Independence, a self-compatible almond variety, as affected by the presence of honey bee pollinators
Authors: Luz Angelita De la , Ellis Zachary , Niño Bernardo L. , Stacy William H.O. , Seshadri Arathi , Niño Elina L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Until recently, all the almond varieties grown globally, have been self-incompatible, a fact that drives the interdependent relationship between almond growers and the beekeepers that provide honey bee colonies for pollination. Recently, almond growers have begun a transition to self-fertile varieties, such as Independence, which do not require genetically distinct pollen to produce kernels. However, this transition often occurs under the impression that due to self-compatibility, one can eliminate the honey bee rentals for pollination and thereby reduce costs for these orchards, but the impact that eliminating rented colonies would have on almond quality and yield are not fully understood. Here, we explore the extent to which yields for Independence variety vary with and without honey bee pollination and across a range of hive stocking densities in the San Joaquin Valley of California. We found that access to honey bee pollination significantly improves nut set and whole tree yields, ultimately resulting in economically meaningful gains to growers. Our economic model shows how specific honey bee hive stocking density recommendations depend on the surrounding landscape and will change as acreage of self-fertile varieties continues to increase over time.
Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus in patients with periodontitis: a case-control study.
Authors: Darbinyan Evelina Haroyan , Herrero-Sánchez Alicia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Opportunistic viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) have been detected in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva of patients with periodontal disease (PD). However, the relationship between herpesviruses and PD etiology and progression remains obscure. The aim of this case-control study was the detection and association of CMV and EBV with PD.
Material and methods: Forty-eight adults were included in this study: twenty-four patients with periodontitis and twenty-four periodontally healthy individuals. All patients underwent periodontal examination including probing depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque index, and bleeding on probing. Subgingival biofilms samples were collected from all patients and real-time PCR were performed for viral and bacterial detection. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated, and the chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test was performed to analyse the significant differences.
Results: EBV was detected only in one healthy patient meanwhile no CMV was found. With exception of A.Actinomycetemcomitans, P.gingivalis, T. forsythia, P. intermedia and T.denticola showed a higher detection rate (p< 0.001) in periodontal sites.
Conclusion: the present case-control study showed that the prevalence of EBV and CMV did not show significant differences in the groups evaluated in the Spanish population.
Clinical Relevance: in this specific population, EBC and CMV does not seem to play a role in the aetiology of periodontitis, hence,
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis burden on the cardiovascular system: A single centre experience
Authors: Shousha Ghada , Ebrahim Maged , Mostafa Gehan , Hameed Abeer Abdel , fattah Ola Abdel , Ghani Amani Abdel , Elsayed Eman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Adults with adolescent diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), particularly those with the systemic phenotype, were found to have cardiovascular morbidities and earlier fatalities compared to the healthy controls.
Objective
to outline the possible early cardiovascular changes among patients with JIA.
Patients and Methods:
In this cross-sectional-controlled study with nested follow up, 57 JIA patients were enrolled and compared to age and sex matched 30 healthy subjects, at the period from September 2021 to September 2022. Patients with active JIA were followed up till remission. Assessment included echocardiography, tissue doppler to measure the carotid and aortic intima-media thickness (CIMT, AIMT), and the brachial artery flow mediated diameter (FMD), and serum endothelium (E)-selectin using ELISA technique.
Results
Serum levels of E-selectin were higher among JIA patients than in controls (p < 0.001), more increased during activity; whereas E-selectin level did not differ among categories of JIA. The estimated FMD, CIMT and AIMT did not show significant difference between patients and controls, however AIMT showed significant improvement with follow up of active patients and in patients treated with biological therapies. There was valvular affection and significant lower diameter of the left main coronary artery among patients with JIA compared to controls. There were no echocardiographic differences among the 3 categories of JIA, however, decrease in the mitral E/A and right ventricular myocardial performance index was found during follow up.
Conclusion
soluble E-selectin levels were higher among pediatric patients with JIA, particularly during activity denoting the possibility of early atherogenesis or subclinical cardiovascular disorder. Changes in AIMT during the follow up is another alarming sign. The reported changes were not related to the type of JIA rather than the activity status. Longitudinal cohorts are recommended for more precise evaluation of the cardiovascular burden of JIA.
ATG8ylation facilitates an ESCRT-independent vacuolar membrane invagination in plants
Authors: Zheng Xuanang , Ma Juncai , Li Jing , Chen Siyu , Luo Jun , Wu Jianxiong , Zhang Kaiyan , Peng Chang-lian , Zeng Yonglun , Kang Byung-Ho , Gao Caiji , Zhou Jun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
ATG8-family proteins have been found to be incorporated into single-membrane structures, a process referred to as non-canonical autophagy. While several physiological roles of non-canonical conjugation of ATG8 (ATG8ylation) have been established, the specific functions of ATG8 on single membrane remain largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that ionophores induce conjugation of ATG8 to vacuolar membrane to promote invagination in Arabidopsis. Upon monensin treatment, ATG8 is rapidly translocated to the vacuolar membrane, which is reliant on the ATG conjugation system rather than upstream autophagic regulators such as ATG1, ATG9, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Moreover, inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation or V-ATPase activity greatly impedes the targeting of ATG8 to the vacuolar membrane. Intriguingly, the recruitment of ATG8 to the tonoplast exhibits a pronounced enhancement of invagination and fosters the formation of intraluminal vesicles within the vacuoles. Further analyses elucidate that the topological remodeling of the vacuolar membrane is achieved in a ESCRT machinery-independent manner. Collectively, this study reveals a previously unrecognized role of ATG8ylation in driving the topological transformation of vacuolar membranes in plants.
CRISPR-Based Dissection of microRNA-23a~27a~24-2 Cluster Functionality in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lizhong , Cui Mengying , Liu Zhichao , Wang Shuaibin , Bae Sejong , Guo Hua , Zhou Jiangbing , Liu Runhua 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The miR-23a ~ 27a ~ 24 − 2 cluster, commonly upregulated in diverse cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), raises questions about the specific functions of its three mature miRNAs and their integrated function. Utilizing CRISPR knockout (KO), CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), and CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) technologies, we established controlled endogenous miR-23a ~ 27 ~ a24-2 cell models to unravel their roles and signaling pathways in HCC. Both miR-23a KO and miR-27a KO displayed reduced cell growth in vitro and in vivo, revealing an integrated oncogenic function. Functional analysis indicated cell cycle arrest, particularly at the G2/M phase, through the downregulation of CDK1/cyclin B activation. High-throughput RNA-seq, combined with miRNA target prediction, unveiled the miR-23a/miR-27a-regulated gene network, validated through diverse technologies. While miR-23a and miR-27a exhibited opposing roles in cell migration and mesenchymal-epithelial transition, an integrated CRISPRi/a analysis suggested an oncogenic role of the miR-23a ~ 27a ~ 24 − 2 cluster in cell migration. This involvement potentially encompasses two signaling axes: miR-23a-BMPR2 and miR-27a-TMEM170B in HCC cells. In conclusion, our CRISPRi/a study provides a valuable tool for comprehending the integrated roles and underlying mechanisms of endogenous miRNA clusters, paving the way for promising directions in miRNA-targeted therapy interventions.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice among guardians of boys toward the management of concealed penis
Authors: Li Changqin , Zeng Li , Jiang Meiling 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Concealed penis (CP) is a significant genital malformation in children that can lead to complications if left untreated. Guardians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding CP management play a crucial role in early diagnosis and intervention. CP often goes unnoticed in early childhood, leading to potential complications. This study aimed to assess the KAP among guardians of boys regarding the management of CP, with the hypothesis that there may be gaps in knowledge and awareness.
Methods
A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among guardians of boys in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, local hospital from November 2022 to March 2023. A self-administered questionnaire collected demographic information and assessed KAP. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and structural equation modeling.
Results
Out of 394 participants, 11.68% reported their children had CP. Mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 4.00 ± 2.00, 35.63 ± 3.40, and 23.03 ± 6.97, respectively. Significant positive correlations were found between KAP. Structural equation modeling revealed that knowledge influenced attitude and practice, and attitude influenced practice. CP diagnosis directly affected participants' practice. Guardians displayed limited knowledge but positive attitudes toward CP management. However, their practices were relatively inactive. These findings suggest a need for targeted educational initiatives and improved communication between guardians and healthcare providers to enhance CP management.
Conclusions
To improve outcomes for affected children, it is imperative to develop educational strategies and encourage open dialogues between guardians and healthcare providers.
Evaluating the usability and acceptability of the ‘Little Journey’ Smartphone Application prior to dental treatment under general anaesthetic at Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children
Authors: Bradley Beth , Coyle Catherine , Howard Karen , McGrath Cormac , Evans Chris , McKenna Gerald 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usability and acceptability of the ‘Little Journey’ smart phone application (app) on peri-operative anxiety, treatment experience and outcomes in children undergoing dental general anaesthetic(GA).
BACKGROUND: Peri-operative anxiety greatly influences children’s experience of undergoing surgical treatment under general anaesthetic. A large proportion of children in Northern Ireland require general anaesthetic for dental treatment. Recent information and technology developments are supporting electronic health interventions to improve patient experience and satisfaction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quality improvement project was undertaken with children aged 3-13 years and their parents or caregivers (n=20) who had used the ‘Little Journey’ smartphone application in preparation for their dental general anesthetic at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. A paper-based questionnaire completed by the patients parents was used, collecting demographic information, comments on patient experience plus anxiety levels using a validated paediatric dental anxiety scale. The questionnaire had 11 questions in 2 sections related to experience pre and post using the application.
RESULTS: 20 participants were included in the project (n=20), 11(55%) were female and 9(45%) were male. The patients parents completed the questionnaire and recorded that all patients were aged between 3 and 13 years old with a mean age of 6.85 years. 100% ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that their child enjoyed using the intervention. 10 (59%) strongly agreed and 7 (41%) agreed that the app was easy to use. 10(59%) strongly agreed and 6(35%) agreed that the app made them, and their child feel less anxious. High levels of satisfaction with the app were reported and most agreed (n=6, 35%) and strongly agreed (n=11, 65%) that they would recommend the app to family and friends. When assessing dental anxiety pre and post using the application, the average anxiety score pre-treatment was 74.5. After using the app the average anxiety score had reduced to 35.3. All participants except 1 reported some reduction in anxiety levels with the most common reduction being by 50%.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential tole for the use of the ‘Little Journey’ smartphone application in patient and family preparation for dental GA and that it’s use could improve knowledge and understanding in preparation for treatment and reduce overall anxiety in patients and caregivers.
Enhancing emergency department patient arrival forecasting: a study using feature engineering and advanced machine learning algorithms
Authors: Porto Bruno Matos , Fogliatto Flavio S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is an important problem in many countries. Accurate predictions of patient arrivals in EDs can serve as a management baseline for better allocation of staff and medical resources. In this article, we investigate the use of calendar and meteorological predictors, as well as feature engineered variables, to forecast daily patient arrivals using datasets from eleven different EDs across 3 countries.
Methods
Six machine learning algorithms were tested, considering forecasting horizons of 7 and 45 days ahead. Tuning of hyperparameters was performed using a grid-search with cross-validation. Algorithms' performance was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and four performance metrics.
Results
The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) achieved better performance considering the two prediction horizons compared to other models, also outperforming results reported in past studies on ED arrival prediction. This is also the first study to utilize Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Support Vector Machine with Radial Basis Function (SVM-RBF) and Neural Network Autoregression (NNAR) for predicting patient arrivals at EDs.
Conclusion
The Random Forest (RF) variable selection and grid-search methods improved the accuracy of the algorithms tested. Our study innovates by using feature engineering to predict patient arrivals in EDs.
Neuromelanin-Targeted 18F-P3BZA PET/MR Imaging of the Substantia Nigra in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Feng Hong yan , Tu Ning , Wang Ke , Ma Xiao wei , Zhang Zhentao , Liu Zhong chun , Cheng Zhen , Bu Lihong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuromelanin is mostly located in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta, and can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is a promising biomarker for Parkinson’s disease imaging. We previously developed N-(2-(diethylamino)-ethyl)-18F-5-fluoropicolinamide (18F-P3BZA) as a potential melanin-specific probe for detection of melanoma in living humans. In the current study we investigated whether 18F-P3BZA could be used to quantitatively detect neuromelanin in the SN in healthy rhesus macaques.
Results
18F-P3BZA exhibited desired hydrophobicity with estimated log Know 5.08 and log D7.4 1.68. 18F-P3BZA accumulated specifically in neuromelanotic PC12 cells, melanin-rich melanoma cells, and melanoma xenografts. 18F-P3BZA readily crossed the blood-brain barrier with brain transport coefficients (Kin) of 40 ± 8 µL g-1s-1. PET/MRI 18F-P3BZA provided clear visualization of neuromelanin-rich SN at 30–60 min after injection in healthy macaques. In in vitro autoradiography studies 18F-P3BZA exhibited high levels of binding to the SN, and almost no binding to surrounding midbrain tissues.
Conclusion
18F-P3BZA PET/MRI clearly images neuromelanin in the SN, and may assist in the diagnosis of neurological diseases associated with abnormal neuromelanin expression such as Parkinson’s disease.
Efficacy and Safety of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Pediatric Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ali Tahani , FAKHER Faihaa HKIMA ABOU , Alawir Malek , Allababidi Abdulsater , Hasan Aya Sheikh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system leading to motor, sensory, and sometimes autonomic manifestations. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), which involves the selective removal of pathological molecules, such as auto-antibodies, from plasma, has proven to be safe and effective in adults with GBS. However, its application in pediatric patients lacks sufficient evidence. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TPE in pediatric patients with GBS.
Methods:
This is a single-center retrospective study of 36 GBS patients aged between 2 and 13 years. A total of 122 TPE sessions were administered, with a median of four sessions per patient. A human albumin solution was the exchange fluid in all the sessions. Clinical improvement was evaluated through general examination and muscle power assessment using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.
Results:
All patients showed clinical improvement upon treatment with TPE. The grade of power in the upper extremities increased from a mean of 1.7 ± 1.1 at the peak of illness to 3.7 ± 0.9 at discharge, indicating an increase of 2.0 ± 1.1 (95% CI, 1.6 to 2.4, p < 0.001). Alternatively, in the lower extremities, it increased from 1.2 ± 1.1 to 2.5 ± 0.8, indicating a significant rise of 1.4 ± 0.8 (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6, p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the cranial, autonomic, and respiratory functions among all patients. Half of the patients were available for follow-up and showed full recovery, with six of them still exhibiting minimal residual deficits. TPE-related complications were mostly mild or moderate, with tachycardia, hypotension, and mild anemia being the most common. However, serious complications occurred in three of the patients, necessitating the discontinuation of the treatment in two of them. There was no mortality related to TPE in this study.
Conclusions:
TPE shows promise in treating pediatric GBS by accelerating the restoration of normal neurological functions and yielding better outcomes. However, balancing its benefits with potential risks requires careful clinical judgment and rigorous monitoring to ensure patient safety and optimize outcomes.