bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical implications of peripheral eosinophil count at diagnosis in patients newly diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Ha Jang Woo , Ahn Sung Soo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
This study investigated the clinical implications of peripheral eosinophil count at diagnosis in estimating cross-sectional antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) activity and predicting all-cause mortality during follow-up in patients newly diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

Methods
This study included 224 immunosuppressive drug-naïve patients with peripheral eosinophil count at diagnosis < 1,000/mm3. The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), the Five-Factor Score (FFS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) at diagnosis were assessed.

Results
The median age of the 224 patients (152 MPA and 72 GPA) was 62.0 years; 35.3% of them were men. At diagnosis, peripheral eosinophil count was significantly correlated with BVAS (P = 0.001), FFS (P = 0.046), ESR (P < 0.001), and CRP (P < 0.001). Deceased patients had a significantly higher median peripheral eosinophil count at diagnosis than surviving patients (310.0/mm3 vs. 170.0/mm3, P = 0.004). In addition, patients with MPA and those with cardiovascular and renal manifestations at diagnosis exhibited significantly higher peripheral eosinophil counts than those without. When the optimal cut-off of peripheral eosinophil count at diagnosis for all-cause mortality during follow-up was set at 175.0/mm3, Patients with peripheral eosinophil count at diagnosis ≥ 175.0/mm3 exhibited a significantly lower cumulative patients’ survival rate than those with peripheral eosinophil count at diagnosis < 175.0/mm3 (P = 0.008).

Conclusions
This study was the first to demonstrate that peripheral eosinophil count at diagnosis could estimate cross-sectional AAV activity at diagnosis and contribute to predicting all-cause mortality during follow-up in MPA and GPA patients.
Study on the soil microbial community structure of the Rhizosphere of Camellia sinensis L. in Anping Village, Kaiyang County, Guizhou Province
Authors: Guo Jinmei , Li Jianfeng , Zhang Shuqing , Chen Ping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
To determine the differences in the microbial communities in the Camellia sinensis L. hairy root, lateral root, and main root rhizospheres in Anping Village, Kaiyang County, Guizhou Province, the community structure, diversity, and main dominant species of bacteria and fungi in different parts of the soil were analyzed by ITS and 16S sequencing.

Results
In the rhizosphere soil of the main root, lateral root, and hairy root of Camellia sinensis L., there were significant differences in the diversity and richness of the bacterial and fungal communities. The bacterial diversity was the highest and the fungal richness was the lowest in the rhizosphere soil of the main root. In the bacterial community, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Gemmatimonadetes were the common dominant bacteria. Rhodospirillaceae, Bradyrhizobiaceae, Hyphomicrobiaceae, Solibacteraceae, and Koribacteraceae were the common dominant bacteria in the rhizosphere soil of different parts of the root system, but the relative abundance of bacteria in different parts of the rhizosphere soil varied greatly. The dominant groups of fungal communities in different parts of the rhizosphere soil were Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Sebacinaceae. The structure of the fungal community is similar in different parts.

Conclusions
Compared with the different parts of the hairy root, lateral root, and main root of rhizosphere soil of Camellia sinensis L. in Anping village, it was found that the abundance of fungal community decreased with the increase of bacterial community abundance, and there were significant differences in bacterial community diversity and structure. However, the fungal community maintained stability among different parts.
Differential infection behavior of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype I and II in the upper respiratory tract
Authors: Oh Dayoung , Han Shaojie , Tignon Marylène , Balmelle Nadège , Cay Ann Brigitte , Griffioen Friso , Droesbeke Brecht , Nauwynck Hans J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAfrican swine fever virus (ASFV) is a substantial threat to pig populations worldwide, contributing to economic disruption and food security challenges. Its spread is attributed to the oronasal transmission route, particularly in animals with acute ASF. Our study addresses the understudied role of nasal mucosa in ASFV infection, using a nasal explant model. The explants remained viable and revealed a discernible ASFV infection in nasal septum and turbinates post-inoculation. Interestingly, more infected cells were found in the turbinates despite its thinner structure. Further analyses showed (i) a higher replication of genotype II strain BEL18 than genotype I strain E70 in the epithelial cell layer, (ii) a preference of ASFV infection for the lamina propria and a tropism of ASFV for various susceptible cell types in different areas in the nasal mucosa, including epithelial cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Using porcine respiratory epithelial cells (PoRECs), isolated from nasal tissue, we found a difference in infection mechanism between the two genotypes, with genotype I favoring the basolateral surface and genotype II preferring the apical surface. Moreover, disruption of intercellular junctions enhanced infection for genotype I. This study demonstrated that ASFV may use the respiratory mucosa for entry using different cell types for replication with a genotype difference in their infection of respiratory epithelial cells.
ICD-11 complex posttraumatic stress disorder and subclasses of borderline personality disorder in a South Korean adult population with childhood abuse experiences: a latent class analysis
Authors: Lee Jisu , Choi Hyunjung 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), which are distinctive diagnoses, share the common risk factor of childhood abuse experiences. However, additional evidence is needed to determine which factors contribute to the manifestation of different symptoms.

Method
Participants were 499 South Korean early and midlife adults with primarily college level education who reported experiences of childhood abuse. They were enrolled from an online panel using a stratified sampling considering gender, age, and residence information. A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to identify the patterns of CPTSD and BPD symptoms. We adopted a three-step LCA to compare types of childhood abuse, invalidating environments, attachment styles, and pathological personality traits among different classes.

Results
The LCA revealed four classes. Class 1 showed the highest scores in all symptoms and risk factors. Class 2 was distinguished from Class 3 by the externalizing versus internalizing associated pathological personality traits. Class 3 experienced high emotional neglect in addition to other types of abuse and it also showed an additional avoidant attachment style. Class 4 showed low symptomatology.

Conclusion
Class 1 was named as a CPTSD and BPD “comorbid” class, Class 2 as an “externalizing BPD” class, Class 3 as an “avoidant BPD” class, and Class 4 as a “low symptom” class. Childhood abuse may heighten the risk for high comorbidity of CPTSD and BPD as well as externalizing-internalizing subgroups of BPD. Beyond the identification of CPTSD and BPD, assessing attachment styles and pathological personality traits based on dimensional approaches would benefit the tailoring of effective treatment.
Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of [18F]FDG-PET/CT for investigation of persistent or recurrent neutropenic fever in high-risk haematology patients
Authors: Tew Michelle , Douglas Abby P. , Szer Jeff , Bajel Ashish , Harrison Simon J. , Tio Shio Yen , Worth Leon J. , Hicks Rodney J. , Ritchie David , Slavin Monica A. , Thursky Karin A. , Dalziel Kim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
A recent randomised trial demonstrated [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography in combination with low-dose CT (FDG-PET/CT), compared to standard of care computed tomography (CT) imaging, positively impacted antimicrobial management and outcomes of acute leukaemia and haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with persistent and recurrent neutropenic fever. We conducted an economic evaluation from a healthcare perspective alongside the clinical trial.

Methods
Unit costs in Australian dollars were applied to all resources used (antimicrobials, diagnostic tests, ICU and hospital bed days). Effectiveness was measured as number of patients with antimicrobial rationalisation, 6-month mortality and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) derived from patient-reported trial-based health-related quality-of-life. Generalised linear models were used to analyse costs and outcomes. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for all outcomes and net monetary benefit (NMB) for QALYs were calculated. We performed bootstrapping with 1000 replications using the recycled predictions method.

Results
The adjusted healthcare costs were lower for FDG-PET/CT (mean $49,563; 95%CI 36,867, 65,133) compared to CT (mean $57,574; 95% CI 44,837, 73,347). The difference in QALYs between the two groups was small (0.001; 95% CI -0.001, 0.004). When simulated 1000 times, FDG-PET/CT was the dominant strategy as it was cheaper with better outcomes than the standard CT group in 74% of simulations. The estimated NMBs at willingness-to-pay thresholds of $50,000 and $100,000 per QALY were positive, thus FDG-PET/CT remained cost-effective at these thresholds.

Conclusions
FDG-PET/CT is cost effective when compared to CT for investigation of persistent/recurrent neutropenic fever in high-risk patients, providing further support for incorporation of FDG-PET/CT into clinical guidelines and funding.

Trial registration
This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03429387.
A polymeric nanocarrier that eradicates breast cancer stem cells and delivers chemotherapeutic drugs
Authors: Lv Li , Shi Yonghui , Deng Zhicheng , Xu Jiajia , Ye Zicong , He Jianxiong , Chen Guanghui , Yu Xiaoxia , Wu Junyan , Huang Xingzhen , Li Guocheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Drug nanocarriers can markedly reduce the toxicities and side effects of encapsulated chemotherapeutic drugs in the clinic. However, these drug nanocarriers have little effect on eradicating breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Although compounds that can inhibit BCSCs have been reported, these compounds are difficult to use as carriers for the widespread delivery of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.

Methods
Herein, we synthesize a polymeric nanocarrier, hyaluronic acid-block-poly (curcumin-dithiodipropionic acid) (HA-b-PCDA), and explore the use of HA-b-PCDA to simultaneously deliver chemotherapeutic drugs and eradicate BCSCs.

Results
Based on molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies, HA-b-PCDA delivers 35 clinical chemotherapeutic drugs. To further verify the drug deliver ability of HA-b-PCDA, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine and camptothecin are employed as model drugs to prepare nanoparticles. These drug-loaded HA-b-PCDA nanoparticles significantly inhibit the proliferation and stemness of BCSC-enriched 4T1 mammospheres. Moreover, doxorubicin-loaded HA-b-PCDA nanoparticles efficiently inhibit tumor growth and eradicate approximately 95% of BCSCs fraction in vivo. Finally, HA-b-PCDA eradicates BCSCs by activating Hippo and inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Conclusion
HA-b-PCDA is a polymeric nanocarrier that eradicates BCSCs and potentially delivers numerous clinical chemotherapeutic drugs.

Graphical Abstract
General anesthesia for cesarean section in a pregnant woman with systemic vascular malformation: a case report
Authors: Takeuchi Noriko , Koshihara Misa , Motoyasu Akira , Tokumine Joho , Nakazawa Harumasa , Ozaki Mine , Yorozu Tomoko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Vascular malformations are composed of morphologically abnormal vascular tissue, and when located in the head and neck region, they can make it difficult to secure the airway during general anesthesia.

Case presentation
A 28-year-old pregnant woman with vascular malformations in the pharynx was scheduled to undergo a cesarean section, for which spinal anesthesia was initially chosen. However, after magnetic resonance imaging results revealed the presence of multiple vascular malformations in the lumbar multifidus muscles, spinal anesthesia was considered to be of high risk. Thus, the patient was subjected to general anesthesia tracheal intubation under sedation, and the course of the surgery was without complications.

Conclusions
Because the pathophysiology and clinical sequelae of vascular malformations may be involved in complications, thorough presurgical evaluation of the patient’s physical condition and careful anesthesia planning should be done.
Activity budget and gut microbiota stability and flexibility across reproductive states in wild capuchin monkeys in a seasonal tropical dry forest
Authors: Webb Shasta E. , Orkin Joseph D. , Williamson Rachel E. , Melin Amanda D. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Energy demands associated with pregnancy and lactation are significant forces in mammalian evolution. To mitigate increased energy costs associated with reproduction, female mammals have evolved behavioural and physiological responses. Some species alter activity to conserve energy during pregnancy and lactation, while others experience changes in metabolism and fat deposition. Restructuring of gut microbiota with shifting reproductive states may also help females increase the energy gained from foods, especially during pregnancy. The goal of this study was to examine the relationships among behaviour, gut microbiota composition, and reproductive state in a wild, non-human primate to better understand reproductive ecology. We combined life history data with > 13,000 behavioural scans and 298 fecal samples collected longitudinally across multiple years from 33 white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus imitator) females. We sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and used the DADA2 pipeline to analyze microbial diversity. We used PICRUSt2 to assess putative functions.

Results
Reproductive state explained some variation in activity, but overall resting behaviours were relatively stable across pregnancy and lactation. Foraging was less frequent among females in the early stage of nursing compared to the cycling stage, though otherwise remained at comparable levels. Maximum temperature was a strong, significantly positive predictor of resting, while social dominance had a small but significantly negative effect on resting. Ecological variables such as available fruit biomass and rainfall had a small but significantly positive effects on measures of foraging time. Gut microbial community structure, including richness, alpha diversity, and beta diversity remained stable across the reproductive cycle. In pairwise comparisons, pregnant females exhibited increased relative abundances of multiple microbial ASVs, suggesting small changes in relation to reproductive state. Reproductive state was not linked to differential abundance of putative metabolic pathways.

Conclusions
Previous data suggest that activity budget and the gut microbiome shifts considerably during reproduction. The present study finds that both activity and gut microbial communities are less associated with reproduction compared to other predictors, including ecological contexts. This suggests that behavioural flexibility and gut microbial community plasticity is contrained by ecological factors in this population. These data contribute to a broader understanding of plasticity and stability in response to physiological shifts associated with mammalian reproduction.
Exploring the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance in cloud services: insights from Swedish public organizations on privacy compliance
Authors: Issaoui Awatef , Örtensjö Jenny , Islam M. Sirajul 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe adoption of cloud services offers manifold advantages to public organizations; however, ensuring data privacy during data transfers has become increasingly complex since the inception of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This study investigates privacy concerns experienced by public organizations in Sweden, focusing on GDPR compliance. A qualitative interpretative approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with seven employees from five public organizations in Sweden. Additionally, secondary data were gathered through an extensive literature review. The collected data were analyzed and classified using the seven privacy threat categories outlined in the LINDDUN framework. The key findings reveal several significant privacy issues when utilizing public cloud services, including unauthorized access, loss of confidentiality, lack of awareness, lack of trust, legal uncertainties, regulatory challenges, and loss of control. The study underscores the importance of implementing measures such as anonymization, pseudonymization, encryption, contractual agreements, and well-defined routines to ensure GDPR compliance. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing measures such as anonymization, pseudonymization, encryption, contractual agreements, and well-defined routines to ensure GDPR compliance. Furthermore, this research highlights the critical aspect of digital sovereignty in addressing privacy challenges associated with public cloud service adoption by public organizations in Sweden.
Optimization and evaluation of microwave-assisted curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: a green approach
Authors: Lohan Sunidhi , Verma Ravinder , Kaushik Deepak , Bhatia Meenakshi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The goal of current research work is to develop and optimize curcumin-encapsulated nanostructured lipid carriers and to enhance therapeutic effect of curcumin after oral administration.

Method
Curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers were developed by a single-step one-pot microwave-assisted technique. The preparation of curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers was optimized by employing two factors and three levels central composite design (Design Expert® software) taking concentration of lipid blend and surfactant as independent variables and particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential as dependent variables, to investigate the effect of formulation ingredients on the physicochemical characteristics of nanostructured lipid carriers. The optimized batch was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, in vitro drug release, stability studies, cytotoxicity, and in vivo anthelmintic studies.

Results
The average particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the optimized batch were found to be 144 nm, 0.301, and − 33.2 mV, respectively, with an entrapment efficiency of 92.48%. The results of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed spherical shape of particles. In vivo antiparasitic studies included determining the duration of paralysis and eventual death of earthworms in the presence of test samples. The results of in vivo studies showed good anthelmintic potential for curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers as compared to albendazole in different concentrations. Cytotoxicity studies also confirmed the formulation to be nontoxic to Vero cells. In vitro drug release study showed 90.76 ± 0.01% release of curcumin in 24 h by following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model of release kinetics.

Conclusion
The aforementioned results imply that microwave-developed nanostructured lipid carriers could be promising drug carriers and will aid in their fabrication for oral administration as a possible alternative for the treatment of other parasitic infections.

Graphical Abstract
Not niche: eating disorders as an example in the dangers of overspecialisation
Authors: Haynos Ann F. , Egbert Amy H. , Fitzsimmons-Craft Ellen E. , Levinson Cheri A. , Schleider Jessica L. 
Published: December 2023

SummaryLabelling specific psychiatric concerns as ‘niche’ topics relegated to specialty journals obstructs high-quality research and clinical care for these issues. Despite their severity, eating disorders are under-represented in high-impact journals, underfunded, and under-addressed in psychiatric training. We provide recommendations to stimulate broad knowledge dissemination for under-acknowledged, yet severe, psychiatric disorders.
The Saccharo-Polariscope
Authors: Hendry William 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
The instruments usually figured as employed in the polarization of saccharine solutions are, for the most part, of costly and complex character. Having experienced a little curiosity in the subject, induced through a desire to investigate diabetic urine microscopically, I had occasion to refer to an article contained in ‘Morfit’s Chemical Manipulations,’ and, in pursuance of the methods therein described of Professor M’Culloch, Soleil, Clerget, and others, I have been enabled to fit up an apparatus which will be found efficient, convenient, and inexpensive, whereby the beauteous phenomena of right- and left-handed polarization indicative of cane or grape sugar may be readily exhibited, or the arcs of prismatic coloration measured, as occasion may require.
Identification of signalling pathways involved in gill regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Cadiz Laura , Reed Maddison , Monis Simon , Akimenko Marie-Andrée , Jonz Michael G. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
The occurrence of regeneration of the organs involved in respiratory gas exchange amongst vertebrates is heterogeneous. In some species of amphibians and fishes, the gills regenerate completely following resection or amputation, whereas in mammals, only partial, facultative regeneration of lung tissue occurs following injury. Given the homology between gills and lungs, the capacity of gill regeneration in aquatic species is of major interest in determining the underlying molecular or signalling pathways involved in respiratory organ regeneration. In the present study, we used adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to characterize signalling pathways involved in the early stages of gill regeneration. Regeneration of the gills was induced by resection of gill filaments and observed over a period of up to 10 days. We screened for the effects on regeneration of the drugs SU5402, dorsomorphin and LY411575, which inhibit FGF, BMP or Notch signalling pathways, respectively. Exposure to each drug for 5 days significantly reduced regrowth of filament tips in regenerating tissue, compared with unresected controls. In separate experiments under normal conditions of regeneration, we used reverse transcription quantitative PCR and observed an increased expression of genes encoding for the bone morphogenetic factor, Bmp2b, fibroblast growth factor, Fgf8a, a transcriptional regulator (Her6) involved in Notch signalling, and Sonic Hedgehog (Shha), in regenerating gills at 10 day post-resection, compared with unresected controls. In situ hybridization confirmed that all four genes were expressed in regenerating gill tissue. This study implicates BMP, FGF, Notch and Shh signalling in gill regeneration in zebrafish.