bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic weight HiLo attention network for medical image multiple organ segmentation
Authors: Zhao Yiyang , Li Jinjiang , Liu Yepeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a surge of research in the field of medical image segmentation using hybrid CNN‐Transformer network architectures. Most of these studies leverage the attention mechanism of ViT to overcome the limitations of CNN architectures in capturing long‐range dependencies. However, these hybrid model approaches also have some potential drawbacks. First, due to the heavy reliance of the Transformer's attention mechanism on global information, it can lead to a significant increase in computational cost when dealing with high‐resolution input images. Furthermore, the convolutional and attention mechanisms in hybrid models have different interpretability in information extraction and decision‐making, which poses a challenge for the interpretability of the convolutional part. Our proposed model, DWHA, addresses these limitations and outperforms state‐of‐the‐art models in a range of medical image segmentation tasks, such as abdominal multiorgan segmentation, automatic cardiac diagnosis, neurostructure segmentation, and skin lesion segmentation, achieving significantly superior performance. Specifically, on the abdominal multiorgan segmentation dataset, DWHA outperformed the previous state‐of‐the‐art baseline by 0.57%; on the neurostructure segmentation dataset, it achieved an improvement of 1.17%; and on the skin lesion segmentation dataset, it achieved an improvement of 0.91%. These significant improvements suggest that DWHA may become the preferred model in the field of medical image segmentation.
Oleanolic acid attenuates hydrogen peroxide‐induced apoptosis of IPEC‐J2 cells through suppressing c‐Jun and MAPK pathway
Authors: Hu Mingyang , Zhang Lei , Jia Hongpeng , Xue Chenyu , Zhao Lu , Dong Na , Shan Anshan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOleanolic acid (OA) is a natural triterpenoid with therapeutic potential for a multitude of diseases. However, the precise mechanism by which OA influences stress‐induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells remains elusive. Therefore, the effect of OA on intestinal diseases under stressful conditions and its possible mechanisms have been investigated. In a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative stress model, OA attenuated H2O2‐induced apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, the gene expression profile of OA on IPEC‐J2 cells was analyzed using an RNA sequencing system. Results from gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis confirmed that OA may mitigate the cytotoxic effects of H2O2 by downregulating gene expression through the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction results validated the differentially expressed genes data. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that OA effectively suppressed the expression level of c‐Jun protein induced by H2O2 in IPEC‐J2 cells. Collectively, our results indicate that OA pretreatment significantly attenuated H2O2‐induced apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells through suppressing c‐Jun and MAPK pathway.
Therapeutic plasma exchange decreases plasma anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike IgG without increasing the proximate incidence of COVID‐19
Authors: Cone Sullivan Jensyn , Conklin Steven E. , Conrad Stephanie , Horowitz Coby , Diethelm Mark , Comenzo Raymond 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundTherapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) removes both pathologic and protective immunoglobulins (Ig). SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity is partially mediated by anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike antibodies (SAb), which impair viral host‐cell invasion. Nonetheless, the systematic effect of TPE on SAb concentration and SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity is unknown.MethodsPaired plasma waste specimens from the first (first‐TPE) and last (last‐TPE) TPE treatment were collected from 9 patients between July 21, 2021 and March 1, 2022. The effects of TPE on Ig levels were assessed by quantitatively comparing the SAb, total IgG, and total IgM levels first‐/last‐TPE treatment. Complementary qualitative assessment for these changes was achieved via protein electrophoresis (PEP) and immunofixation (IFE). A retrospective review was performed to investigate the incidence of new SARS‐CoV‐2 infections following TPE v. other treatment at the same outpatient apheresis/infusion center during the same time frame.ResultsMedian SAb levels between the first‐ and last‐TPE waste specimens decreased significantly from 424.6 AU/mL to 17.0 AU/mL (P = 0.004). Concordantly, PEP and IFE analysis demonstrated broad Ig decreases. Cumulative incidence of subsequent COVID‐19 diagnosis at 30, 90, and 180 days post‐procedure did not differ between the TPE v. other treatment groups (n = 709 total patients).ConclusionsTPE significantly reduced SAb levels, a marker of SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity, but did not appear to provoke increased incidence of COVID‐19 infections. Further investigation of the kinetics of TPE‐mediated SAb decrease and post‐TPE recovery are warranted.
Pattern of non‐suicidal self‐injury in Chinese male prisoners: A latent class analysis
Authors: Gu Honglei , Yu Weiming , Cheng Yufang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesNonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) occurs more frequently in the prisoner population than in the general population. Monitoring and management of this behavior is challenging because NSSI may present in diverse ways. People often use more than one method of NSSI, and there are many possible combinations of these behaviors. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups of male inmates based on methods and frequency of NSSI.MethodsA total of 1042 male prisoners in China (Mage = 38.45, SD = 10.67) completed measures of hopelessness, sensation seeking, identity integration, and suicidal ideation, and NSSI was assessed in a structured interview.ResultsResults of the LCA supported a three‐class model: high‐NSSI (1.8%), moderate‐NSSI (8.0%), and no‐or‐negligible NSSI (90.2%). Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that prisoners in the high‐NSSI and moderate‐NSSI classes were significantly more likely than those in the no‐or‐negligible NSSI class to show high hopelessness, high sensation seeking, and low identity. Furthermore, suicidal ideation was significantly higher in the high‐NSSI and moderate‐NSSI classes than in the no‐or‐negligible NSSI class.ConclusionsClassifying groups of prisoners based on features of NSSI is potentially useful for understanding risk factors and for developing tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
Poor correlation of 2D shear wave elastography and transient elastography in Fontan‐associated liver disease: A head‐to‐head comparison
Authors: Gill Madeleine , Mudaliar Sanjivan , Prince David , Than Nwe Ni , Cordina Rachel , Majumdar Avik 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsFontan‐associated liver disease (FALD) is a long‐term complication of the Fontan procedure. Guidelines recommend elastography, but the utility of transient elastography (TE) and two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between TE and 2D SWE in FALD.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 25 patients managed in a specialist clinic between January 2018 and August 2021. Trained clinicians performed 2D SWE (GE Logiq‐E9) and TE (FibroScan 503 Touch) on the same day under the same conditions. Laboratory, echocardiography, and imaging data were collected. The atrioventricular systolic‐to‐diastolic duration (AVV S/D ratio) was calculated as a measure of cardiac diastolic function.ResultsWe analyzed 40 paired measurements. Median age was 22 years. Median liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was 15.4 kPa (12.1–19.6) by TE and 8.0 kPa (7.0–10.3) (P = 0.001) by 2D SWE. There was weak correlation between the modalities (r = 0.41, P = 0.004). There was no correlation between time since Fontan and LSM by TE (r = 0.15, P = 0.19) or 2D SWE (r = 0.19, P = 0.13). There was no difference in LSM irrespective of whether sonographic cirrhosis was present or absent by TE (17.4 kPa [15.9–23.6] vs. 14.9 kPa [12.0–19.4], respectively, P = 0.6) or 2D SWE (9.0 kPa [2.8–10.5] vs. 8.0 kPa [6.7–10.1], P = 0.46). There was no correlation between AVV S/D ratio and LSM by TE (r = 0.16, P = 0.18) or 2D SWE (r = 0.02, P = 0.45).ConclusionsIn FALD, TE and 2D SWE are poorly correlated. LSM by either modality was not associated with known risk factors for liver fibrosis or Fontan function. Based on these data, the role of elastography in FALD is uncertain.
Population prevalence of antiretroviral therapy sharing and its association with HIV viremia in rural Uganda: a cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Kennedy Caitlin E. , Feng Xinyi , Ssekubugu Robert , Rosen Joseph G. , Ssekasanvu Joseph , Kigozi Godfrey , Serwadda David , Yeh Ping Teresa , Kagaayi Joseph , Quinn Thomas C. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Wawer Maria J. , Reynolds Steven J. , Chang Larry W. , Grabowski M. Kate , Nalugoda Fred 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionAntiretroviral treatment (ART) sharing has been reported among fishermen and sex workers in Uganda and South Africa. However, no population‐based studies have documented ART diversion prevalence (including sharing [giving/receiving], buying and selling) or its relationship with viremia among men and women living with HIV in Africa.MethodsIn 2018–2020, we surveyed people living with HIV aged 15–49 years in 41 communities in the Rakai Community Cohort Study, a population‐based cohort in south‐central Uganda. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of self‐reported lifetime and past‐year ART diversion, stratifying by age and gender and documenting sources of diverted drugs. We used log‐binomial regression to quantify the relationship between diversion patterns and viremia (viral load >40 copies/ml), reported as unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOf 2852 people living with HIV and self‐reporting current ART use, 266 (9.3%) reported lifetime ART diversion. Giving/receiving drugs were most common; few participants reported buying, and none reported selling. Men (12.9%) were more likely to report lifetime diversion than women (7.4%), with men aged 25–34 reporting high levels of sharing (18.9%). Friends were the most common sources of shared drugs, followed by spouses/sexual partners. Patterns of lifetime and past‐year diversion were similar. Among participants with viral load results, 8.6% were viraemic. In adjusted analyses, people who reported only giving ART were nearly twice as likely to be viraemic than those who reported no diversion (aPR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.10−3.44), and those reporting only receiving ART were less likely to exhibit viremia (aPR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.12−1.79), although the latter was not statistically significant. Reporting both giving and receiving ART was not associated with viremia (aPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.43−1.46). Reporting buying ART, though rare, was also correlated with higher rates of viremia, but this relationship was not statistically significant (aPR: 1.98, 95% CI: 0.72−5.45).ConclusionsART sharing is common among persons reporting ART use in rural Uganda, particularly among men. Sharing ART was associated with viremia, and receiving ART may facilitate viral suppression. HIV programmes may benefit from considering ART sharing in counselling messages.
Profiling of tyrosinase levels, antioxidant and DNA protective properties in different edible and medicinal mushroom species from India
Authors: Hasitha Pynam , Dharmesh Shylaja Mallaiah , Urs Shashirekha Mysore Nanjaraj , Somasundaram Rajarathnam 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundTyrosinase is a polyphenol oxidase, one of the globally attracted enzymes for its multi‐mechanistic approaches in various fields such as pharma, food, environment, medicine, and agriculture. Tyrosinase from natural nutritive edible mushrooms gained more attention for their rich levels and inexpensive nature. Our previous work has revealed that mushroom tyrosinase has strong similarities in structure and function with that of skin tyrosinase, which has significance as a skin tumor marker. Besides, mushrooms are a richer source of antioxidants. However, it is imperative to analyze all the available varieties of mushrooms for bioactive potentials like tyrosinase and antioxidant levels. Thus, the main goal of the study was to identify the variety of mushrooms that can be selected for continuous multiplication and propagation as a viable source for tyrosinase, which can be employed to screen tyrosinase inhibitors as skin tumor inhibitors.ResultsOf the 18 varieties screened for tyrosinase levels, Boletus edulis, Termitomyces hemii, and Termitomyces mummiformis had high levels of tyrosinase and exhibited potent hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide scavenging activity as well as DNA protection. The potent DNA and antioxidant abilities appear to be due to the enriched levels of hydroxybenzoates.ConclusionThe current study could provide an economic source of tyrosinase (mushrooms) that can be used to monitor tyrosinase inhibitors, a potent component that enables their use against skin cancer.
Vitexin‐loaded poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether‐grafted chitosan/alginate nanoparticles: preparation, physicochemical properties and in vitro release behaviors
Authors: Yoksan Rangrong , Towongphaichayonte Pawika 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundVitexin, a flavonoid in various foods and medicinal plants, has potential clinical, therapeutic and food applications due to its bioactive properties and beneficial health effects. However, its poor water solubility causes low oral bioavailability and poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, limiting its practical applications. Encapsulation is an efficient approach to overcome these limitations. This study demonstrates the encapsulation of vitexin into poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether‐grafted chitosan (mPEG‐g‐CTS)/alginate (ALG) polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles.ResultsThe vitexin‐loaded mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The vitexin‐loaded mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles had a spherical shape, 50–200 nm in diameter, and negatively charged surface (−27 to −38 mV). They possessed a loading capacity of 4–60%, encapsulation efficiency of 50–100% and antioxidant activity (30–52% 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl decoloration) when their initial vitexin content was 0.02–0.64 g g−1 polymers. Successful vitexin loading into mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles was also indirectly confirmed by the enhanced thermal stability of both polymers and the residual soybean oil used in the emulsion preparation step and delayed oxidative degradation of the residual soybean oil. Vitexin's in vitro release from the mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles was very fast in phosphate buffer at pH 11, followed by pH 7, and very slow in acetate buffer at pH 3. The gastrointestinal digestion of vitexin increased by encapsulating into mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles.ConclusionsVitexin‐loaded mPEG‐g‐CTS/ALG nanoparticles were successfully fabricated using a two‐step process of oil‐in‐water emulsion and ionic gelation without the use of pungent odor acids and other crosslinkers. The obtained nanoparticles are suitable for oral intestinal‐specific delivery systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Differential impact of type of killing on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Afghanistan
Authors: Kok Brian C. , Dux Moira , Lee‐Wilk Terry , Clarke‐Walper Kristina , Wilk Joshua E. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOver the past 20 years, U.S. military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have been marked by high rates of combat and wartime killings. Research on Vietnam‐era service members suggests that the type of killing (i.e., killing a combatant vs. noncombatant) is an important predictor of later mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study aimed to update these findings by exploring the impact of type of killing on PTSD symptoms using a sample of postdeployment active duty U.S. Army personnel (N = 875). Using multiple regression analysis, we found that the act of killing a noncombatant was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms, B = 7.50, p < .001, whereas killing a combatant was not, B = ‐0.85, p = .360. This remained significant after controlling for demographic variables, depressive symptoms, and general combat experiences. These findings support the need for thoughtful postdeployment screenings and targeted clinical interventions.
Bacterial surface‐exposed lipoproteins and sortase‐mediated anchored cell surface proteins in plant infection
Authors: de Sandozequi Andrés , Martínez‐Anaya Claudia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe bacterial cell envelope is involved in all stages of infection and the study of its components and structures is important to understand how bacteria interact with the extracellular milieu. Thanks to new techniques that focus on identifying bacterial surface proteins, we now better understand the specific components involved in host–pathogen interactions. In the fight against the deleterious effects of pathogenic bacteria, bacterial surface proteins (at the cell envelope) are important targets as they play crucial roles in the colonization and infection of host tissues. These surface proteins serve functions such as protection, secretion, biofilm formation, nutrient intake, metabolism, and virulence. Bacteria use different mechanisms to associate proteins to the cell surface via posttranslational modification, such as the addition of a lipid moiety to create lipoproteins and attachment to the peptidoglycan layer by sortases. In this review, we focus on these types of proteins (and provide examples of others) that are associated with the bacterial cell envelope by posttranslational modifications and their roles in plant infection.
The role of platelets in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis: the mechanisms and targeted therapy
Authors: Liao Kaili , Zhang Xue , Liu Jie , Teng Feifei , He Yingcheng , Cheng Jinting , Yang Qijun , Zhang Wenyige , Xie Yuxuan , Guo Daixin , Cao Gaoquan , Xu Yanmei , Huang Bo , Wang Xiaozhong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPlatelets are a class of pluripotent cells that, in addition to hemostasis and maintaining vascular endothelial integrity, are also involved in tumor growth and distant metastasis. The tumor microenvironment is a complex and comprehensive system composed of tumor cells and their surrounding immune and inflammatory cells, tumor‐related fibroblasts, nearby interstitial tissues, microvessels, and various cytokines and chemokines. As an important member of the tumor microenvironment, platelets can promote tumor invasion and metastasis through various mechanisms. Understanding the role of platelets in tumor metastasis is important for diagnosing the risk of metastasis and prolonging survival. In this study, we more fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which platelets promote tumor growth and metastasis by modulating processes, such as immune escape, angiogenesis, tumor cell homing, and tumor cell exudation, and further summarize the effects of platelet−tumor cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment and possible tumor treatment strategies based on platelet studies. Our summary will more comprehensively and clearly demonstrate the role of platelets in tumor metastasis, so as to help clinical judgment of the potential risk of metastasis in cancer patients, with a view to improving the prognosis of patients.
Analysis of potential key ferroptosis genes in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis by bioinformatics
Authors: He Guoxian , Chen Zexin , Li Jiaxiao , Zhang Lanhui , Liu Suling , Cui Yang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is a disabling chronic inflammatory disease. Mechanisms of ferroptosis in AS remain unclear. Using bioinformatics analysis, we aimed to identify key molecules involved in ferroptosis, provide potential therapeutic targets for AS, and further explore mechanisms of ferroptosis in AS.MethodsGSE25101 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus and intersected with a ferroptosis gene dataset. The ferroptosis‐relate differentially‐expressed genes were further subjected to functional enrichment analysis, protein interaction network analysis, and gene‐miRNA interaction network analysis, from which potential key ferroptosis genes in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis were screened.ResultsA total of 20 differentially expressed genes were screened, most of which are involved in phosphoinositide 3 kinase‐Akt or mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways or the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The following target genes were identified through protein‐protein interaction network analysis and screening of key modules constructed from genes associated with PI3K‐Akt and MAPK signaling pathways: TP53, PTEN, TLR4, HSPB1, DDIT3, and XBP1. In addition, PI3K‐Akt and MAPK signaling were associated with oxidative stress, which may play a role in AS pathological ossification related to ferroptosis. Only hsa‐miR‐205‐5p was found to target at least two genes by gene‐miRNA interaction network analysis.ConclusionsFuture therapeutic drug development may intervene by modulating MAPK or PI3K‐Akt signaling pathways rather than directly affecting the interleukin 17 pathway. hsa‐miR‐205‐5p may be a potential novel biomarker for AS.
Anti‐Malarial Activity of Allyl Isothiocyanate and N‐acetyl‐S‐(N‐allylthiocarbamoyl)‐l‐Cysteine
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Yoshioka Shoji , Iwanaga Shiroh , Kanazawa Kazuki 
Published: September 2023

ScopeMalaria remains one of the most important infectious diseases in the world. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a main ingredient of traditional spice Wasabia japonica, which is reported to have anti‐bacterial and antiparasitic activities. However, there is no information on effects of AITC against malaria. The present study investigates the anti‐malarial activity of dietary AITC in vivo and that of AITC metabolites in vitro.Methods and resultsThe ad libitum administration of 35, 175, or 350 µM AITC‐containing drinking water to ICR mice significantly inhibit the parasitemia induced after infection with Plasmodium berghei. On the other hand, after single oral administration of AITC (20 mg kg−1 body weight), N‐acetyl‐S‐(N‐allylthiocarbamoyl)‐l‐cysteine (NAC‐AITC) as one of the AITC metabolites displays a serum Cmax of 11.4 µM at a Tmax of 0.5 h, but AITC is not detected at any time point. Moreover, NAC‐AITC shows anti‐malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro, and its 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) against parasitemia is 12.6 µM.ConclusionsThese results indicate that orally administered AITC is metabolized to NAC‐AITC and exerts anti‐malarial activity against malaria parasites in blood, suggesting that the consumption of AITC‐containing food stuffs such as cruciferous plants may prevent malaria.