bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health-related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Sagittal Synostosis
Authors: Kurniawan Melissa S.I.C , van de Beeten Stephanie D.C. , Raat Hein , Mathijssen Irene M. J. , Dirven Clemens M.F. , van Veelen Marie-Lise C. 
Published: September 2023

Background:
This study evaluated the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in patients with sagittal synostosis (SS), and the influence of frequent headaches and surgical techniques on the HR-QoL.

Method:
Patients with SS aged 8 to 18 years were invited to participate between June 2016 and February 2017. The Child Health Questionnaire was used to assess the HR-QoL. A detailed questionnaire was used to assess the severity of headache symptoms. The control group consisted of 353 school children aged 5 to 14 years.

Results:
In all, 95 parents of patients with SS were invited to participate, of whom 68 (71.6%) parents completed the CHQ-PF50. The mean age of the participating patients was 12.4 years (10.8 to 14.2). The Psychosocial- and Physical summary of the patients with SS was similar to the general population. In the distinct CHQ scales, “Family cohesion” (P=0.02) was higher, and “Mental health” (P=0.05) was lower compared with the general population. The type and timing of surgery did not affect the HR-QoL. Thirty-two patients (47.1%) reported having headache complaints at least once a month. The CHQ scores of SS patients with frequent headaches had a significantly lower score of mild to large effect than those without headaches.

Conclusion:
Patients with SS have a slightly lower to similar HR-QoL compared with the general population. In all, 47.1% of SS patients have frequent headaches, resulting in lower average HR-QoL. The type and timing of surgery did not affect the results. Clinicians should be aware of lower HR-QoL in some subgroups of patients with SS.
Characterization of Group A streptococci causing invasive diseases in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerasekara Madumali , Vidanapathirana Gihani , Li Carmen , Tennegedara Asanka , Dissanayake Rasadanie , Ekanayake Asela , Abeykoon Muditha , Kothalawala Mahen , Liyanapathirana Veranja , Ip Margaret 
Published: September 2023

Group A, β haemolytic streptococci (GAS) or Streptococcus pyogenes is a human pathogen which can cause an array of infections including pharyngitis, cellulitis, impetigo, scarlet fever, toxic shock syndrome etc. the present study aimed to characterize GAS isolates obtained from patients with invasive diseases from selected sites in Sri Lanka by identifying their resistance profiles, genetic markers of resistance and selected virulence markers. Fifty one GAS isolates causing invasive diseases were used for the study. All isolates were tested for sensitivity to penicillin, erythromycin and tetracycline. Then, the presence of erm(A), erm(B), mef(A) were detected in erythromycin resistant isolates while tet(M) was detected in the tetracycline resistant isolates. SpeA, SpeB, SpeC, SpeF, SpeG, smez and ssa virulence markers were identified through PCRs. Selected GAS isolates were emm typed using the updated CDC protocol.
All 51 isolates were susceptible to penicillin. The number of isolates non-susceptible to erythromycin was 16 and 11 of them had the erm(B) gene, while three isolates had the mef(A) gene and one had the ermA gene. Tetracycline non susceptibility was found in 36 (70.6%) isolates and 26 six of them contained the tet(M) gene. Thirteen (25.5%) isolates were resistant to both tetracycline and erythromycin while 12 (23.5%) isolates were sensitive to both antibiotics. Seven isolates (13.7%) harboured both tet(M) and erm(B) genes. The commonest virulence markers detected among the isolates was SpeB (44, 86.3%), SpeG (36, 70.6%), SpeF (35, 68.6%) while SpeJ (15, 29.4%), SpeA (10, 19.6%) and ssa (5,9.8%) were less common.In conclusion, resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline is emerging in GAS isolates in Sri Lanka while the universal susceptibility to penicillin remains unchanged. Further, these isolates are from diverse backgrounds with different patterns of virulence genes and emm types.
Alkalimarinus alittae sp. nov., isolated from gut of marine sandworm (Alitta virens) and emended description of the genus Alkalimarinus
Authors: Yang Ah-In , Joe Hae-In , Choe Hanna , Kim Han Sol , Eom Mi Kyung , Li Zhun , Jun Min Ok , Kim Bora , Lee Jung-Sook , Shin Na-Ri 
Published: September 2023

A novel, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, catalase- and oxidase-negative bacterial strain, designated A2M4T, was isolated from the gut contents of a marine sandworm Alitta virens, collected from the eastern coast of the Republic of Korea. Strain A2M4T formed translucent circular colonies and showed rod-shaped cells with peritrichous flagella. Optimal growth of strain A2M4T occurred at 25 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain A2M4T was closely related to

Alkalimarinus sediminis

FA028T, with the highest sequence similarity of 98.9 %. The complete genome sequence of strain A2M4T was 4.25 Mbp in size and the genomic G+C content, calculated from the genome sequence, was 43.2 mol%. A comparison between the genome sequence of strain A2M4T and that of its closest relative,

A. sediminis

FA028T, showed an average nucleotide identity value of 76.63 % and a digital DNA–DNA hybridization value of 22.2 %. Strain A2M4T contained Q-9 as the sole respiratory isoprenoid quinone and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acids of strain A2M4T were C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1
ω7c and/or C16 : 1
ω6c). Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic characteristics, strain A2M4T represents a novel species of the genus

Alkalimarinus

, for which the name Alkalimarinus alittae sp. nov. is proposed. The type is strain A2M4T (=KCTC 92030T=JCM 35924T). The description of the genus

Alkalimarinus

has also been emended.
Being responsible for COPD - lung disease as a manifestation of structural violence
Authors: Williams Parris J , Buttery Sara C , Laverty Anthony A , Hopkinson Nicholas S 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTLung health, the development of lung disease, and how well a person with lung disease is able to live, all depend on a wide range of societal factors. Considering COPD as a manifestation of structural violence, something that continues to be done to people, despite it being largely preventable, makes the causal processes more apparent and the responsibility to interrupt or alleviate these clearer. We developed a taxonomy to describe this, containing five domains. 1)Avoidable lung harms: (i)processes impacting on lung development (ii)processes which disadvantage lung health in particular groups across the life course. 2)Diagnostic Delay: (i)healthcare factors (ii)norms and attitudes that mean that COPD is not diagnosed in a timely way, denying people with COPD effective treatment. 3)Inadequate COPD Care: ways in which the provision of care for people with COPD falls short of what is needed to ensure that they are able to enjoy the best possible health, considered as (i)healthcare resource allocation (ii)norms and attitudes influencing clinical practice. 4)Low status of COPD: ways in which both COPD as a condition and people with COPD are held in less regard and considered less of a priority than other comparable health problems. 5)Lack of Support: factors that make living with COPD more difficult than it should be (i)socioenvironmental factors (ii)factors that promote social isolation. This model has relevance for policymakers, healthcare professionals and the public as an educational resource, to change clinical practices and priorities and to stimulate advocacy and activism with the goal of the elimination of COPD.
Causality of Genetically Determined Monounsaturated Fatty Acids on Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Habibi Danial , Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Teymoori Farshad , Fateh Sahand Tehrani , Masjoudi Sajedeh , Saeidian Amir Hossein , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Mosavi Noushin , Hakonarson Hakon , Azizi Fereidoun , Alireza Soleymani T , Hedayati Mehdi , Daneshpour Maryam Sadat , Mansourian Marjan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground/AimThe possible association between serum monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has been examined in observational studies, which indicate controversial findings. In the current study, we used the Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine the causal relationship of genetically determined serum MUFAs with the risk of various CVD outcomes, including angina, atherosclerotic, ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction (MI), and high blood pressure (BP).MethodThe summary statistics dataset on the genetic variants related to serum MUFAs was used from the published GWAS of European descent in UK Biobank participants (N=114,999). Genetic variants underlying angina, atherosclerotic, IHD, MI, and BP events were ascertained using a GWAS dataset of 461,880 (case= 14,828, control= 447,052), 463,010 (case= 12,171, control= 450,839), 361,194 (case= 20,857, control= 340,337), 462,933 (case= 10,616, control= 452,317), and 461,880 (case= 124,227, control= 337,653) European descent participants from the UK Biobank, respectively.ResultsOur results showed that MUFAs were associated with angina [ORIVW= 1.005, 95% CI: 1.003– 1.007, p = <0.001; Cochran’s Q=23.89, p=0.717, I2=0.0%; Egger intercept= -0.0003, p=0.289], atherosclerotic [ORIVW= 1.005, 95% CI: 1.003–1.007, p = <0.001; Cochran’s Q=42.71, p=0.078, I2=27.4%; Egger intercept= -0.0004, p=0.146], IHD [ORIVW= 1.004, 95% CI: 1.001–1.007, p = 0.005; Cochran’s Q=42.75, p=0.172, I2=18.1%; Egger intercept= -0.0001, p=0.827], MI [ORIVW= 1.001, 95% CI: 0.999– 1.003, p = 0.199; Cochran’s Q= 23.03, p=0.631, I2=0.0%; Egger intercept= -0.0003, p=0.196], and BP [ORWM= 1.008, 95% CI: 1.001–1.015, p = 0.022; Cochran’s Q= 52.87, p=0.015, I2= 37.6%; Egger intercept= 0.0002, p=0.779]. These results remained consistent using different Mendelian randomization methods and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionIn the present MR analysis, serum MUFA levels were associated with the risk of angina, atherosclerotic, IHD, MI, and BP. These findings prompt significant questions about the function of MUFAs in the progression of CVD events. Further research is required to elucidate the connections between MUFAs and CVD to contribute to health policy decisions in reducing CVD risk.
Results of the inoperable and operable with aortic valve endocarditis
Authors: Huang Jing-bin , Du Zhen-zong , Lu Chang-chao , Yang Jian-rong , Li Jun-jun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the results of the inoperable and operable with aortic valve endocarditis.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients with aortic valve endocarditis undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2006 and November 2022 at our hospital.Results512 patients were divided into group with destruction of the aortic annulus (n=80) and without destruction of the aortic annulus (n=432). There were 32 operative deaths (6.3%, 32/512). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that destruction of the aortic annulus is statistically significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (P<0.001), prolonged mechanical ventilation time (mechanical ventilation time> 96h, P=0.018), early aortic paravalvular leak (P<0.001), and 1-year mortality following cardiac surgery (P<0.001), respectively.ConclusionsIn our study, destruction of the aortic annulus increases mortality and health care costs. Optimization of pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors can reduce mortality and morbidity in aortic valve endocarditis. Aortic root replacement could be recommended as the best practice choice for aortic valve endocarditis with periannular abscess and destruction of the aortic annulus.
Peanut Smut: A scientometric analysis for a pathosystem that concerns the Argentine peanut industry
Authors: Cazón Luis Ignacio , Paredes Juan Andrés , Miretti Esteban , Gonzalez Noelia , Suarez Lautaro , Conforto Cinthia , Rago Alejandro Mario 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSince its first report in commercial batches in 1995, the prevalence and yield impact caused by smut disease have increased rapidly in peanut fields. At the same time, various working groups have studied this pathosystem using different approaches, contributing to the scientific knowledge of the disease. By recognizing the importance of a thorough bibliographic review and meticulous organization of information, the process of initiating new research projects becomes more effective. In light of this, the aim of this work was to provide a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the evolution of peanut smut research, spanning from its inception to the current day. For this purpose, we compiled bibliographic data about the disease and extracted information to calculate metrics. We observed that a smaller proportion of the scientific production was presented in peer-reviewed journals, the prevalent topics were epidemiology and breeding, and the collaborative endeavors were crucial for the scientific advancement in the study of this pathosystem. Additionally, the researchers with the most significant presence in the publications, the involved institutions, and the impact of the produced papers, among other trends were identified. Although there have been many scientific-technological advances in peanut smut over the years, this information is not reflected in scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, which represents a great challenge for researchers involved in this topic. It is crucial to continue generating knowledge that contributes to the integrated management of this complex pathosystem. This will prevent further yield losses and the spread of the pathogen to new production areas.
Regulation of multiple signaling pathways promotes the consistent expansion of human pancreatic progenitors in defined conditions
Authors: Jarc Luka , Bandral Manuj , Zanfrini Elisa , Lesche Mathias , Kufrin Vida , Sendra Raquel , Pezzolla Daniela , Giannios Ioannis , Khattak Shahryar , Neumann Katrin , Ludwig Barbara , Gavalas Anthony 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTThe unlimited expansion of human progenitor cells in vitro could unlock many prospects for regenerative medicine. However, it remains an important challenge as it requires the decoupling of the mechanisms supporting progenitor self-renewal and expansion from those mechanisms promoting their differentiation. This study focuses on the expansion of human pluripotent stem (hPS) cell derived pancreatic progenitors (PP) to advance novel therapies for diabetes.We obtained mechanistic insights into PP expansion requirements and, through a hypothesis-driven iterative approach, identified conditions for the robust and unlimited expansion of hPS cell derived PP cells under GMP-compliant conditions. We show that the combined stimulation of specific mitogenic pathways, suppression of retinoic acid signaling and inhibition of selected branches of the TGFβ and Wnt signaling pathways are necessary for the effective decoupling of PP proliferation from differentiation. This enabled the reproducible, 2000-fold, over ten passages and 40-45 days, expansion of PDX1+/SOX9+/NKX6-1+PP cells. Transcriptome analyses confirmed the stabilisation of PP identity and the effective suppression of differentiation. Using these conditions, PDX1+/SOX9+/NKX6-1+PP cells, derived from different, both XY and XX, hPS cells lines, were enriched to nearly 90% homogeneity and expanded with very similar kinetics and efficiency. Furthermore, non-expanded and expanded PP cells, from different hPS cell lines, were differentiated in microwells into homogeneous islet-like clusters (SC-islets) with very similar efficiency. These clusters contained abundant β-cells of comparable functionality as assessed by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays.These findings established the signaling requirements to decouple PP proliferation from differentiation and allowed the consistent expansion of hPS cell derived PP cells. They will enable the establishment of large banks of GMP-derived PP cells derived from diverse hPS cell lines. This approach will streamline SC-islet production for further development of the differentiation process, diabetes research, personalized medicine and cell therapies.
CD9 marks myeloid/MegE-biased human hematopoiesis
Authors: Safi Fatemeh , Dhapola Parashar , Sommarin Mikael N.E. , Karlsson Göran 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRare hematopoietic stem cells make up an infrequent but critical population in the bone marrow (BM), maintaining and replenishing the entire hematopoietic system. Importantly, despite sharing the unique stem cell properties of multilineage differentiation and self-renewal, individual HSCs are functionally heterogeneous, and this heterogeneity increases during aging. While HSCs in young mice are qualitatively more similar, ageing is marked by an increased size of the HSC pool and substantial functional variation of individual HSCs. CD9 is a cell surface marker that is highly expressed in HSCs in mice, while CD9 expression within the human HSC population has been reported to be low during neonatal hematopoiesis. Here, we have investigated CD9 expression levels in the human HSPC population over time and identified that early in life; CD9 is infrequent in HSCs, but marks progenitor populations with low engraftment potential and high proliferation capacity. However, during situations of myeloid/Megakaryocyte-erythoid (MegE) biased hematopoiesis, such as during ageing or in leukemia, there is a substantial increase of CD9 expression in HSPCs. Thus, CD9 represents an HSC marker for myeloid/MegE-biased hematopoiesis.
Female baboon adrenal zona fasciculata and zona reticularis regulatory and functional proteins decrease across the life course
Authors: Huber Hillary F , Li Cun , Xie Dongbin , Gerow Kenneth G , Register Thomas C , Shively Carol A. , Cox Laura A. , Nathanielsz Peter W 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTDebate exists on life-course adrenocortical zonal function trajectories. Rapid, phasic blood steroid concentration changes, such as circadian rhythms and acute stress responses, complicate quantification. To avoid pitfalls and account for life-stage changes in adrenocortical activity indices, we quantified zonae fasciculata (ZF) and reticularis (ZR) across the life-course, by immunohistochemistry of key regulatory and functional proteins.In 28 female baboon adrenals (7.5-22.1 years), we quantified 12 key proteins involved in cell metabolism, division, proliferation, steroidogenesis (including steroid acute regulatory protein, StAR), oxidative stress, and glucocorticoid and mitochondrial function.Life-course abundance of ten ZF proteins decreased with age. Cell cycle inhibitor and oxidative stress markers increased. Seven of the 12 proteins changed in the same direction for ZR and ZF. Importantly, ZF StAR decreased while ZR StAR was unchanged. Findings indicate ZF function decreased, and less markedly ZR function, with age. Causes and aging consequences of these changes remain to be determined.
Agent-based modeling of tumor-immune interactions reveals determinants of final tumor states
Authors: Ahmidouch Manal , Tangella Neel , Finley Stacey D. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInteractions between tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) influence tumor growth and the tumor’s response to treatment. Excitingly, this complex landscape of tumor-immune interactions can be studied using computational modeling. Mathematical oncology can provide quantitative insights into the TME, serving as a framework for understanding tumor dynamics. Here, we use an agent-based model to simulate the interactions among cancer cells, macrophages (naïve, M1, and M2), and T cells (active CD8+ and inactive) in a 2D representation of the TME. Key diffusible factors, IL-4 and IFN-γ, are also incorporated. We apply the model to predict how cell-specific properties influence tumor progression. The model predictions and analyses revealed the relationships between different cell populations and highlighted the importance of macrophages and T cells in shaping the TME. Thus, we quantify how components of the TME influence the final tumor state and the effects of macrophage-based therapies. The findings emphasize the significant role of computational models in unraveling the intricate dynamics of tumor-immune interactions and their potential for guiding the development of tailored immunotherapeutic strategies. This study provides a foundation for future investigations aiming to refine and expand the model, validate predictions experimentally, and pave the way for improved cancer treatments.
Integration of Machine Learning to Identify Diagnostic Genes in Leukocytes for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liu Yue , Wang Kaiyue , Ou Xiangqin , Zhou Jiashun , Zhang Houliang , Huang Min , Du Zhenfang , Qiang Sheng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) has two clinical characteristics: high missed diagnosis and dysfunction of leukocytes. Transcriptional RNA on leukocytes is closely related to the course evolution of AMI patients. We hypothesized that transcriptional RNA in leukocytes might provide potential diagnostic value for AMI. Integration machine learning (IML) was first used to explore AMI discrimination genes. The following clinical study was performed to validate the results.MethodsA total of four AMI microarrays (derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus) were included in this study (220 sample size), and the controls were identified as patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). At a ratio of 5:2, GSE59867 was included in the training set, while GSE60993, GSE62646, and GSE48060 were included in the testing set. IML was explicitly proposed in this research, which is composed of six machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM), decision trees (DT), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). IML had two functions in this research: filtered optimized variables and predicted the categorized value. Furthermore, 40 individuals were recruited, and the results were verified.ResultsThirty-nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between controls and AMI individuals from the training sets. Among the thirty-nine DEGs, IML was used to process the predicted classification model and identify potential candidate genes with overall normalized weights >1. Finally, Two genes (AQP9 and SOCS3) show their diagnosis value with the area under the curve (AUC) > 0.9 in both the training and testing sets. The clinical study verified the significance of AQP9 and SOCS3. Notably, more stenotic coronary arteries or severe Killip classification indicated higher levels of these two genes, especially SOCS3. These two genes correlated with two immune cell types, monocytes and neutrophils.ConclusionAQP9 and SOCS3 in leukocytes may be conducive to identifying AMI patients with SCAD patients. AQP9 and SOCS3 are closely associated with monocytes and neutrophils, which might contribute to advancing AMI diagnosis and shed light on novel genetic markers. Multiple clinical characteristics, multicenter, and large-sample relevant trials are still needed to confirm its clinical value.