bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Ferroptosis-related Genes and Their CeRNA Network in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Based on Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: shen ming , Yu Chen , Yang Cui , Yan-Kun Shi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a prevalent inherited cardiomyopathy highly linked with the risk of sudden death and heart insufficiency in young people. The mechanics behind this condition are not comprehensively understood. However, emerging proof denotes the substantial involvement of ferroptosis in the onset and progression of cardiovascular illnesses. This study examines the connection between ferroptosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as well as the lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of ferroptosis-related genes, using a bioinformatics approach.
Methods：
Four datasets (GSE180313, GSE36961, GSE188324, GSE197218) about HCM were retrieved from the GEO database. HCM-related module genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using the R WGCNA package. Ferroptosis-related genes were downloaded from the ferroptosis-related database FerrDb V2. Overlapping was performed to obtain the module genes associated with ferroptosis. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the R clusterprofiler package. The Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING online analysis tool. The hub genes were identified using CytoHubba in Cytoscape. The expression of hub genes in cardiac tissues was examined using SPSS 27.0 statistic program. Then the lncRNA-associated ceRNA network was constructed using database prediction and Cytoscape software.
Results:
Sixty-four ferroptosis-related genes associated with HCM were identified through the use of WGCNA and FerrDB V2. Enrichment analysis showed that the pathways most highly enriched were related to lipid metabolism and iron ion homeostasis. From the PPI network construction and CytoHubba plug-in of Cytoscape, seven hub genes were obtained including PPARG, CD44, ACO1, SIRT1, CDKN2A, ADIPOQ, and TFRC. After validating in other gene expression datasets, we identified five hub-genes. These were then screened through ceRNA network construction, resulting in the identification of two key regulatory lncRNAs: NUTM2B-AS1 and XIST, along with two hub-genes, PPARG and CD.
Conclusions:
The hub genes (PPARG and CD44) may be regulated by the ceRNA regulatory network involving LncRNA XIST and NUTM2B-AS1, possibly influencing the pathogenesis of HCM in a ferroptosis regulatory manner.
Unravelling taboos and cultural beliefs associated with hidden hunger among pregnant and breast-feeding women in Buyende District Eastern Uganda
Authors: Tugume Patience , Mustafa Abubakar Sadik , Walusansa Abdul , Ojelel Samuel , Nyachwo Evelyne B. , Muhumuza Emmanuel , Maria Nampeera , Kabbale Fredrick , Ssenku Jamilu. E. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: Food taboos and cultural beliefs among pregnant and breastfeeding women influence their food consumption patterns and hence the health of women and unborn children. Cognizant of their neglect in programs aimed to ameliorate hidden hunger among pregnant and breast-feeding women in Buyende and other resource poor communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, we opted for a study to unravel them to inform program design.
Methods: We documented food taboos and beliefs amongst pregnant and breast-feeding women from six sub counties of Buyende district in Eastern Uganda. A mixed-methods approach was used, which was comprised of questionnaire interviews with 489 women, eight focus group discussions with 6-10 participants in each and a total of 15 key informant interviews.
Results: The present study revealed that nearly 40% of the respondents practice food taboos and adhere to cultural beliefs related to their dietary habits during pregnancy and breastfeeding, that are fuelling the prevalence of hidden hunger. The most tabooed foods during pregnancy were Saccharum officinarum (17.9%), fishes (16.0%), Citrus sinensis (5.8%), Ananas comosus (5.6%), eggs (3.6%), chicken (3.3%) and Eleusine coracana(3.0%).Most foods were avoided for reasons associated with pregnancy, labour complications and undesirable effectson the baby. Most women learnt of the taboos and beliefs from elders especially their own mother, grandmother or mother in-law, but there was also knowledge transmission in social groups within the community.
Conclusion: The taboos and cultural beliefs in the study area renders pregnant and breast-feeding women prone to micronutrient deficiency since they are denied consumption of a diversity of nutritious foods. There is a need to educate such women about consumption of nutrient-rich foods like fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables in order to improve their health, that of the unborn and children being breast fed. Additionally, culturally appropriate nutrition education may be a good strategy to eliminate inappropriate food taboos and beliefs with negative impact on the health of pregnant and breast-feeding women.
Molecular Subtypes Based on Disulfidptosis-related Genes and Tumor Microenvironment Infiltration Characterization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Bin , Lin Yuxi , Deng Jing , Hu Liting , Gong Jiao , Chong Yutian , Li Xinhua 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The novel discovery of programed cellular death pathway in the field of disulfidptosis has shed light on molecular carcinogenesis and the optimization of anti-tumor therapies. However, the characteristics of disulfidptosis-based molecular classifications and distinct tumor microenvironment-relevant features remain to be disentangled in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we comprehensively delineated the molecular landscape of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) and developed DRGs-derived molecular subtypes. Extended investigations of phenotypic linkages between the constructed subtypes and genomic alterations, immune/stromal cell infiltration, immune checkpoints expression, prognostic value and therapeutic agent susceptibility prediction were carried out. Remarkably, our findings demonstrated that DRGs significantly amplified in copy number and upregulated in HCC tumor samples, with enrichment in cancer-promoting processes like MAPK and cAMP signaling pathway. According to DRGs transcriptional profiles, patients with HCC were divided into high- and low-risk groups. To be precise, high-risk group were characterized by higher CTNNB1 mutation frequency and exhausted immune checkpoint expression, together with favorable prognosis. Higher fraction of tumor-associated macrophage and activated memory CD4 + cells were observed in high-risk group, while NK and follicular helper T cells were enriched in low-risk group. Enriched with TP53 mutation and stromal-relevant contents, low-risk group exhibited diminish prognosis, higher immunophenoscore and enhanced sensitivity with 5-fluorouracil, sorafenib and axitinib, indicated that patients in low-risk group probably benefit from combination therapy. In conclusion, our research built up the credible molecular phenotypic linkage between disulfidptosis and hepatic carcinogenesis, unraveling DRGs-based molecular subtypes as trustworthy prognostic indicator and its critical implications in anti-tumor therapy unresponsiveness minimization.
Cardiac herniation post left upper lobectomy and thymectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Jhala Hiral , Thomas Mathew 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiac herniation occurs when there is a residual pericardial defect post thoracic surgery and is recognised as a rare but fatal complication. It confers a high mortality and requires immediate surgical correction upon recognition. We present a case of cardiac herniation occurring post thymectomy and left upper lobectomy.
CASE PRESENTATION: Initial presentation: A 48-year-old male, hypertensive smoker presented with progressive breathlessness and was found to have a left upper zone mass with a widened mediastinum on chest radiograph (CXR). PET-CT revealed avidity in a left anterior mediastinal and left upper lobe (LUL) lung mass, with mediastinal lymph nodes, with a right thymic satellite nodule.
Intraoperatively: Left thoracotomy (access) and Sternotomy (retrieval): The LUL tumour involved the left thymic lobe (LTL), left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV), left phrenic nerve and intervening mediastinal fat and pericardium, which were resected en-masse. The satellite nodule in the right thymic lobe (RTL) was adjacent to the junction between the left innominate vein and superior vena cava (SVC), resected separately. The pericardium was resected from the SVC to the left atrial appendage.
Clinical deterioration: Initially the patient was doing well clinically on day 1, however there was sudden bradycardia, hypotension, clamminess, and oligoanuria, with raised central venous pressures and troponins. ECG: no capture in leads V1-2, but positive deflections seen on posterior leads. Echo: no acoustic windows, but good windows seen posteriorly. A CXR showed left mediastinal shift insinuating cardiac herniation.
Redo operation: After initial resuscitation and stabilisation on the intensive care unit, on day 2 a redo-sternotomy revealed cardiac herniation into the left thoracic cavity with the left ventricular apex pointing towards the spine, and inferior caval kinking. After reduction and repair of the pericardial defect with a fenestrated GoreTex patch, the patient recovered well with complete resolution of the ECG and CXR.
CONCLUSION: Cardiac herniation can even occur following sub-pneumonectomy lung resections and should be considered as a different when faced with a sudden clinical deterioration, warranting immediate surgical repair.
HIF-1α protects articular cartilage in osteoarthritis by activating autophagy
Authors: Chen Xiaolei , Feng Gangning , Lin Xue , He xiaoxin , Yang Yong , Zhao Xin , Yan Jiangbo , Ma Long , Zhou Yong , Wang Hui , Lu Zhidong , Xue Di , Jin Qunhua 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is known to regulate the energy metabolism and autophagy of chondrocytes under inflammatory and hypoxic conditions. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which HIF-1α influences cartilage injury through autophagy and oxidative stress pathways following the onset of osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods
Human knee joint samples were categorized into the OA group and the control group (CON) for radiological and pathological assessments, along with proteomic analysis to elucidate the interplay between osteoarthritis, HIF-1α, and autophagy. Chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β to establish an OA model, and these cells were subsequently divided into the control group (CON), IL-1β group (OA), IL-1β + LW6 group, IL-1β + DMOG100 group, and IL-1β + DMOG200 group. Immunofluorescence and western blot analyses were employed to measure the expression levels of HIF-1α, ROS, and LC3 to clarify the association between HIF-1α and autophagy. In addition, mice were categorized into the control group (CON), model group (DMM), and treatment group (DMM + DMOG). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and RT-qPCR were conducted to assess the expression levels of HIF-1α, LC3, MMP-13, COL2, β-catenin, and HIF-2α. Micro-CT was utilized to evaluate subchondral bone morphology to elucidate the relationship between HIF-1α and cartilage injury, as well as its underlying mechanisms.
Results
Osteoarthritic cartilage exhibited elevated levels of HIF-1α, reduced LC3 expression, and increased ROS levels. Inhibition of HIF-1α using LW6 led to further reductions in LC3 levels and increased ROS production. Conversely, the activation of HIF-1α with DMOG significantly elevated HIF-1α levels, increased LC3 expression, reduced ROS levels, decreased MMP-13 levels, enhanced COL2 expression, decreased β-catenin levels, and lowered HIF-2α expression, resulting in a reduced severity of articular cartilage injury.
Conclusion
After the onset of osteoarthritis, low or physiologically elevated levels of HIF-1α may not adequately activate autophagy. Maintaining HIF-1α at elevated levels can protect articular cartilage by inhibiting oxidative stress and enhancing autophagy.
Exploring Rare locations of Hydatid Disease: Beyond the Usual Suspects
Authors: Cherif Mona , Mesbahi Meryam , Khedhiri nizar , Benzarti Yazid , Amara Amal , Zaafouri Haithem , Hadded Dhafer , Maamer Anis Ben 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Hydatid disease, endemic in Mediterranean countries, predominantly affects the liver, but its presence can extend throughout the human body. Non-hepatic and non-pulmonary cysts often pose diagnostic complexities. This study delves into this matter, examining patients with hydatid cysts located in atypical areas.
OBSERVATION:
From 2013 to 2020, our center treated 250 patients with echinococcosis. Among them, 11 cases (4.4%) of hydatid disease in uncommon sites were retrospectively reviewed. Among these 11 patients (5 males, 6 females), a distinctive distribution of unusual cyst locations was observed. Of note, 6 patients exhibited exclusively extrahepatic cysts. The most recurrent extrahepatic sites were the peritoneal cavity and spleen: 6 patients displayed splenic hydatid cysts, either in isolation or combined with peritoneal cysts. Moreover, 3 patients presented with pelvic cysts: one between the rectum and urinary bladder, another in the Douglas region, and the third situated in the rectovaginal septum. In addition, 1 patient had a gluteal cyst, and the final patient was affected by a cyst within the spermatic cord.
CONCLUSION:
Diagnosing hydatid cysts in uncommon locations is a formidable challenge. Surgeons should always contemplate the prospect of an unconventional cyst location when encountering patients with cystic masses in endemic regions. Failing to consider this possibility could lead to unfavorable outcomes.
TAP: Temporally-Aggregative Pretraining with Transformers for Temporal Action Detection
Authors: Zeng Fanzhi , Tan Zhenwei , Zhou Yan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Given the long duration of untrimmed videos and the difficulties with end-to-end training, contemporary temporal action detection (TAD) methods heavily depend on pre-computed video feature sequences for subsequent analysis. However, video clip features extracted directly from video encoders trained for trimmed action classification commonly lack temporal sensitivity. To overcome this limitation, we propose an innovative framework named temporally-aggregative pretraining (TAP). TAP is rooted in the design principle of extracting TAD features of temporal sensitivity to improve discrimination between them and those from trimmed action classification. The proposed TAP consists of two fundamental modules at its core: a feature encoding module and a temporal aggregation module, which use both local and global features for pretraining. The feature encoding module employs a novel video encoder of a multiscale vision transformer, which ingeniously combines the essential concept of multiscale feature hierarchy with transformers to achieve effective feature extraction from video clips. The temporal aggregation module introduces a temporal pyramid pooling layer that effectively captures temporal-contextual semantic information from video feature sequences, enhancing more discriminative global video representations. Extensive experiments validate the significantly improved discriminative potency of our pretrained features for two commonly used datasets.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Bioequivalence Evaluation of Etomidate: A Randomized, Open-Label, 2-Period Crossover Study in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Ding Ying , Chu Nan-nan , Wang Rui , Qin Wei , Shi Yun-fei , Qian Zhen-zhong , Liu Bo , He Qing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Etomidate is a sedative and hypnotic drug through intravenous administration that act on the central nervous system through GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) receptors, which is widely used in anesthesia induction and maintenance and long-term sedation in severe patients. The study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and bioequivalence of two etomidate fat emulsions after administration through the intravenous infusion pump in healthy Chinese subjects.
Methods: In this randomized, open-label, 2-period crossover study, 52 healthy subjects received a single dose of the etomidate fat emulsion test or reference formulation. The wash-out period was 7 days. Blood samples and pharmacodynamic index values were collected at the specified time points. The plasma concentrations of etomidate were measured using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using a non-compartment model method. Pharmacodynamic parameters were calculated using pharmacodynamic index values. The study also evaluated the safety of the etomidate.
Results: Both the pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacodynamic parameters result of the test and reference formulation were very similar. The 90% confidence intervals (CI) of the geometric least-squares mean (GLSM) ratios of the test to reference formulation were 91.33%-104.96% for the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), 97.21%-102.03% for the area under the plasma concentration time curve from time 0 to the time of the last measurable concentration (AUC0-t), and 97.22%-102.33% for the area under the plasma concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-∞). Meanwhile, the 90% CI of the GLSM ratios of the test to reference formulation were 102.28%-110.69% for the minimal BIS value (BISmin), 99.23%-101.17% for the area under the BIS time curve from time 0 to 60 minutes after administration (BISAUC0-60min), respectively. The 90% CI of these pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters all fall in the accepted bioequivalence range of 80.00% to 125.00%. No serious adverse events occurred during the study.
Conclusion: The etomidate fat emulsion test and reference formulation had pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic bioequivalence. The two formulations exhibited good safety and well-tolerance.
Clinical trials registration number: http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html
# CTR20191836.
Date of clinical trials registration: 11 Sep 2019.
Enhancing Trustworthy Deep Learning for Image Classification against Evasion Attacks: A systematic literature review
Authors: Akhtom Duaa M. , Singh Mahinderjit , Ying Chew Xin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Deep learning (DL) algorithms have demonstrated remarkable performance in image classification , making them essential for critical applications. However, recent research has highlighted the vulnerability of DL to cyber-attacks, such as data poisoning and evasion attacks, which can significantly degrade its performance. Addressing this issue and developing trustworthy and robust DL models against such attacks remain ongoing research challenges. This study aims to evaluate the state-of-the-art Adversarial Machine Learning techniques (AML) in image classification through a systematic literature review encompassing 49 different studies conducted over the last decade. By conducting this review, potential obstacles in building robust DL models capable of withstanding evasion attacks are identified. The comprehensive analysis of existing literature is crucial to explore the impact of adversarial attacks on the security and resilience of DL models , which aligns with the regulations set forth by the European Commission’s AI High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) to ensure the reliability of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, this review examines the key features of adversarial attacks and proposes a reliable and trustworthy framework based on AML. This framework aims to effectively mitigate previously unknown attacks, resulting in reliable and explainable predictions.
Preoperative and follow-up variation of the psoas major muscle as a predictor of S1 screw loosening in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Zhou Siyu , Xu Fei , Sun Zhuoran , Jiang Shuai , Li Zhuofu , Han Gengyu , Li Weishi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: It was reported the paraspinal muscle played an important role in spinal stability. The preoperative paraspinal muscle was related to S1 screw loosening. But the relationship between preoperative and postoperative change of psoas major muscle (PS) and S1 pedicle screw loosening in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) patients has not been reported. This study investigated the effects of preoperative and follow-up variations in the psoas major muscle (PS) on the first sacral vertebra (S1) screw loosening in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS).
Methods:212 patients with DLSS who underwent lumbar surgery were included. The patients were divided into the S1 screw loosening group and the S1 screw non-loosening group. Muscle parameters were measured preoperatively and at last follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. A logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors for S1 screw loosening.
Results: The S1 screw loosening rate was 36.32% (77/212). The relative total cross-sectional areas and relative functional cross-sectional areas (rfCSAs) of the PS at L2–S1 were significantly higher after surgery. The increased rfCSA values of the PS at L3–S1 in the S1 screw non-loosening group were significantly higher than those in the S1 screw loosening group. The regression analysis showed male, lower CT value of L1 and longer segment fusion were independent risk factors for S1 screw loosening, and postoperative hypertrophy of the PS was a protective factor for S1 screw loosening.
Conclusions:Compared to the preoperative muscle, the PS size increasedand fatty infiltration decreased after surgery from L2–3 to L5–S1 in patients with DLSS presenting with short-segment fusion. Postoperative hypertrophy of the PS should be considered as a protective factor for S1 screw loosening. MRI morphometric parameters and postoperative selected exercise of PS for DLSS patients after PLIF might contribute to improvement of surgical outcome.
The development, evaluation, performance and validation of micro-PCR and extractor for the quantification of HIV-1 &amp;-2 RNA
Authors: Prakash Shyam , Aasarey Ram , Priyatma Priyatma , Sharma Meenakshi , Khan Shahid , Medha Medha 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
HIV infection has been a global public health threat and reported ~ 40 million deaths. AIDS is caused by the retrovirus, HIV-1, which is transmitted via body fluids and secretions during the time AIDS in HIV-2 infection is twice as compared to an HIV-1. Q-PCR is the only available method that requires trained personnel and lab infrastructure. Micro-PCR is a portable Q-PCR developed by Bigtec Bangalore, India, which is simple, accurate, fast, and operationalized in remote places where diagnostic services are not easily accessible in the country. This micro-PCR can determine simultaneously HIV-1 and HIV-2 viral load using a TruePrep™ extractor device for RNA isolation. 5.0 ml blood samples were collected at the blood collection centre at AIIMS, New Delhi, India. Samples were screened for serology and a comparison of HIV-1/-2 RNA was done between QPCR and micro-PCR in the samples. The micro-PCR assay of HIV-RNA has compared well with those from real-time PCR (r = 0.99, p > 0.002). Micro-PCR has good inter and intra-assay reproducibility over a wide dynamic range (1.0x102 to 1.0x108 IU/ml). The linear dynamic range was 102 to 108. The clinical and analytical specificity of the assay was comparable i.e., 100%. Intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variation ranged from 1.17–3.15% and from 0.02–0.46% respectively. This micro-PCR is reliable, accurate and reproducible for early HIV-1 and HIV-2 viral load detection. This can easily be used in the field and in remote places where quantification of both HIV-1/-2 is not reachable.