bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CPEB3 can regulate seizure susceptibility by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of STAT3 on NMDARs expression
Authors: You Zhipeng , Huang Cong , Wei Fan , Li Jiran , Liu Yang , Liu Xingan , Fan Zhijie , Gao Xiaoying , Sun Jiahang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The pathogenesis of epilepsy is complex, and current antiepileptic drugs do not effectively control the seizures. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 3 (CPEB3) regulates neuronal excitability, but its mechanism of action in epilepsy is not clear. In this paper, we investigated the effect of CPEB3 on seizures and elucidated its underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods
Bioinformatics-based search for genes closely associated with epilepsy. Changes in expression and cellular localization of CPEB3 in epilepsy were verified by western blotting (WB) and Immunofluorescence staining. Subsequently, The adeno-associated virus was employed to overexpress or knockdown in mice. Behavioral experiments verified the effect of CPEB3 on epileptic phenotype, and the molecular mechanism of CPEB3 affecting epileptic phenotype was explored by WB, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP).

Results
The results were that CPEB3 was downregulated epilepsy in model mice and patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and co-expressed with neurons. Behavioral experiments have shown that CPEB3 negatively regulates epilepsy phenotype in mice. In addition, exogenous CPEB3 can also bind to the mRNA of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and inhibit its translation, resulting in lower levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3, reduced nuclear translocation of STAT3, and decreased STAT3-mediated transcriptional activity of GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B, suppressing the expression of NMDAR subunits, which attenuate the seizure degree and susceptibility of epileptic mice.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that CPEB3 may influence excitability and susceptibility in epileptic mice by regulating STAT3 translation and transcriptional activities to promote NMDARs expression. This mechanism could offer insights into novel therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
Regulating chemoresistance and cancer stemness: the CDH17-YAP pathway in distinct cellular states of lung cancer CTC clusters
Authors: Que Zujun , Qi Dan , Yang Yun , Yao Wang , Liu Jiajun , Li Yan , Yu Yuanyuan , Wang Luyao , Li Fangfei , Zhang Ge , Wu Erxi , Tian Jianhui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Drug resistance in metastatic lung cancer significantly contributes to patient mortality. This study explores the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the precursors to metastasis, in driving this resistance. We aim to delineate the unique biological traits of CTC clusters in lung cancer and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their resistance to chemotherapy.

Methods
We used an ultralow adsorption plate to establish a CTC suspension culture system. Comparisons between adherent and suspension cultures of CTC-TJH-01 cells were made via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays to evaluate cell proliferation, drug resistance, and cancer stemness. The tumorigenicity, tumor growth rate, and drug resistance of the CTC clusters were assessed in nude mice. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were subsequently conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and proteins in CTC-TJH-01 cells cultured under adherent and suspension conditions. CDH17 gene knockdown in CTC-TJH-01 cells was achieved through RNA interference, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence assays were used to examine the pathological status of these cells.

Results
CTC-TJH-01 cells in suspension formed cell clusters and exhibited decreased proliferation, tumorigenicity, and tumor growth, but increased cancer stemness and drug resistance. CDH17 protein expression was significantly upregulated in these clusters, activating the YAP/TAZ pathway. Knocking down CDH17 not only inactivated this pathway but also significantly increased cell proliferation activity and cisplatin sensitivity in CTC-TJH-01 clusters. Additionally, the tumor growth rate was correlated with cisplatin sensitivity. CDH17 knockdown notably promoted the growth of CTC-TJH-01 xenografts and enhanced their sensitivity to cisplatin, although no significant difference was observed compared with those in the control group.

Conclusions
The results indicate that lung CTC clusters with stem cell-like properties exhibit chemoresistance, which is linked to an activated CDH17-YAP pathway. Additionally, the effectiveness of cisplatin is primarily observed in tumors with relatively high growth rates, highlighting the connection between tumor growth and sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Graphical abstract
Postnatal surgical complications in lower urinary tract obstruction following fetal vesico- amniotic shunting
Authors: Meßling Anna , Ziegler Anna-Maria , Hubertus Jochen , Berg Christoph , Nissen Matthias , Heydweiller Andreas , Weber Eva 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare congenital disease associated with high morbidity and mortality due to pulmonary hypoplasia and renal insufficiency. Fetal management includes early vesicoamniotic shunting (VAS), a technique that has evolved in recent years to preserve kidney function. Previous publications have focused on intrauterine shunt complications, such as dislocation and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). In our study we aimed to assess postnatal shunt related complications that became obvious after birth.

Materials and Methods
We describe our preliminary experience with 25 fetuses who underwent VAS with a Somatex® shunt as well as postnatal shunt removal at two experienced centers for fetal medicine. The intrauterine course, underlying pathology, postnatal outcome and details on shunt explantation and related complications were assessed. The data were retrospectively analysed in relation to the intrauterine course, underlying pathology, further malformations, and perioperative characteristics with a focus on the complication spectrum and type of intervention.

Results
Twenty-five fetuses underwent VAS at a median of 17 weeks. Two newborns were excluded because they died within the first 24 hours of life secondary to fulminant lung hypoplasia. In ten (43%) newborns, shunt removal was performed under local anaesthesia. In 13 (57%) neonates, the shunt was explanted surgically, and five (22%) of these operations were defined as complex.

Conclusion
Intrauterine VAS with a Somatex® shunt is feasible, and in the majority of cases, shunt explantation can be easily performed after birth. However, the umbrellas may cause intraabdominal tissue damage, peritoneal adhesions or skin defects, and early surgical management of VAS associated complications might be necessary.
Enteritis in raccoons (Procyon lotor) caused by an infection with zoonotic Salmonella and carnivore parvovirus
Authors: Pütsch Kristin , Spitzbarth Ingo , Scheller Regina , Heenemann Kristin , Hansmann Florian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a potential carrier of a large number of zoonotic pathogens, and its population is increasing in urban areas in Europe. In the present study, we investigated two cases of fatal enteritis in raccoons in Germany. Parvoviruses are a common cause of enteritis in raccoons, however in these cases an additional infection with zoonotic Salmonella was found, which has not yet been described in other countries than the United States.

Case presentation
Two female raccoons, aged 14 and 18 weeks, were submitted for necropsy. Histopathology of the small intestine revealed crypt degeneration and necrosis, atrophy and fusion of villi, as well as numerous bacteria partially covered by fibrinous pseudomembranes. By microbiological culture of small intestinal samples Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Kottbus and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Ferruch were isolated, respectively. In addition, carnivore
protoparvovirus type 1 was identified in the small intestine of both animals.

Conclusions
The infection of raccoons with carnivore protoparvovirus type 1 results in immunosuppression, which facilitates the spread of other pathogens. Both isolated Salmonella serovars represent a significant zoonotic threat for humans being in contact with the raccoon. Furthermore, in raccoons with sudden death a double infection with carnivore protoparvovirus type 1 and Salmonella should be considered as an important differential diagnosis.
Reproductive agency and the acceptability of divorce, abortion, and homosexuality among migrants from the Middle East and Africa living in Sweden–a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: van der Kop Mia L. , Båge Karin , Tirado Veronika , Kågesten Anna , Puranen Bi , Sorcher Rachael , Ekström Anna Mia , Larsson Elin C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Sweden has a longstanding history of promoting sexual reproductive health and rights. Reproductive decision-making is a fundamental right, but an individual’s decision-making power differs across contexts. We examined self-reported reproductive agency and the acceptability of divorce, abortion and homosexuality among migrants in Sweden originating from the Middle East or North Africa (MENA) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods
This cross-sectional study used face-to-face interview data from the 2018–2019 Migrant World Values Survey (MWVS) and included individuals 18–49 years old who migrated to Sweden from MENA or SSA. Partial proportional odds models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and corresponding confidence intervals (CI) of associations between sociodemographic factors and two outcomes: 1) reproductive agency (decision-making power on when, with whom, and how many children to have), measured on a 10-point scale categorized as low (1–4), moderate (5–7), and high (8–10); and 2) the Choice Sub-Index (CSI), a composite index of the acceptability of divorce, abortion, and homosexuality, categorized as 0- < 0.4 (low), 0.4- < 0.7 (moderate), and 0.7–1.0 (high).

Results
Between September 2018 and November 2019, 7991 participants responded to the MWVS, of whom 4669 met the inclusion criteria. Almost 3/4 (73%) of respondents expressed a high degree of reproductive agency, but less than five per cent of respondents had a high value on the CSI. Living in Sweden ≥ 4 years was associated with higher values on the CSI (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.15–2.67), while identifying as Muslim was associated with having a low value on the CSI (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32–0.63). Neither duration of time in Sweden nor identifying as Muslim were associated with reproductive agency. Age and reason for migration (family reunification or as a refugee) were not associated with either outcome.

Conclusion
Our study found that migrants from MENA and SSA expressed a high degree of reproductive agency. Migrants had low values of a combined measure of the acceptability of divorce, abortion and homosexuality; however, acceptance increased with time spent in Sweden. Understanding factors associated with migrants’ sense of reproductive agency and their values and how these change over time in Sweden provides a foundation for working towards equitable sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Factors associated with upper extremity use after stroke: a scoping review of accelerometry studies
Authors: Gagné-Pelletier Léandre , Poitras Isabelle , Roig Marc , Mercier Catherine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
A discrepancy between the level of impairment at the upper extremity (UE) and its use in activities of daily life is frequently observed in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Wrist-worn accelerometers allow an objective and valid measure of UE use in everyday life. Accelerometer studies have shown that a wide range of factors beyond UE impairment can influence UE use. This scoping review aims to identify factors associated with UE use and to investigate the influence of different types of accelerometry metrics on these associations.

Method
A search using CINHAL, Embase, MEDLINE, Compendex, and Web of Science Core Collection databases was performed. Studies that assessed the association between UE use quantified with accelerometers and factors related to the person or their environment in individuals with stroke were included. Data related to study design, participants characteristics, accelerometry methodology (absolute vs. relative UE use metrics), and associations with personal and environmental factors were extracted.

Results
Fifty-four studies were included. Multiple studies consistently reported associations between relative UE use and stroke severity, UE motor impairment, unimanual capacity, bimanual capacity, and mobility. In contrast, there were inconsistent associations with factors such as neglect and concordance between dominance and side of paresis and a consistent lack of association between relative UE use and time since stroke, sex, and age. Metrics of absolute paretic UE use yielded different results regarding their association with personal and environmental factors, as they were more influenced by factors related to physical activity and less associated with factors related to UE capacity.

Conclusion
Healthcare providers should recognize the complexity of the relationship between UE use and impairment and consider additional factors when selecting assessments during rehabilitation to identify patients at risk of underutilizing their paretic arm in daily life. Future research in this domain should preconize relative UE use metrics or multi-sensors method to control for the effect of physical activity.
A method for phenotyping lettuce volume and structure from 3D images
Authors: Bloch Victor , Shapiguzov Alexey , Kotilainen Titta , Pastell Matti 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Monitoring plant growth is crucial for effective crop management, and using color and depth (RGBD) cameras to model lettuce has emerged as one of the most convenient and non-invasive methods. In recent years, deep learning techniques, particularly neural networks, have become popular for estimating lettuce fresh weight. However, these models are typically specific to particular datasets, lack domain adaptation, and are often limited by the availability of open-access datasets. In this study, we propose a method based on plant geometric features for estimating the rosette structure and volume of lettuce. This new approach was compared to existing methods that reconstruct surfaces from point clouds, such as Ball Pivoting and Alpha Shapes. The proposed method creates a tight hull around the plant's point cloud, preserving high detail of the rosette structure while filling in surface holes in areas not visible to 3D cameras. Using a linear regression model, we estimated fresh weight for this dataset, achieving a root mean square error (RMSE) of 18.2 g when using only the estimated plant volume, and 17.3 g when both volume and geometric features were included. Additionally, we introduced new geometric features that characterize leaf density, which could be useful for breeding applications. A dataset of 402 point clouds of lettuce plants, captured before harvest, was compiled using one top-down and three side-view 3D cameras.
Reciprocal regulation of MMP-28 and EGFR is required for sustaining proliferative signaling in PDAC
Authors: Hong Zhengtao , Huang Xing , Xia Linghao , Liang Tingbo , Bai Xueli 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Backgroud
Sustaining proliferation signaling is the top hallmarks of cancer, driving continuous tumor growth and resistance to drug treatments. Blocking proliferation signaling has shown limited benefit in clinical treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, highlighting the urgent need to deeply understand proliferation signaling and develop new therapeutic strategies.

Methods
By leveraging clinical data and data from the TCGA and GDSC datasets, we investigated the association between MMP-28 expression and the sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors as well as the prognosis of PDAC. Transcriptomic and biological experiments explore the regulatory role of MMP-28 on the EGFR signaling pathway. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies are employed to evaluate MMP-28 as a biomarker for sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors.

Results
We found that MMP-28, a metalloproteinase, was significantly associated with the sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors. Furthermore, MMP-28 could promote PDAC growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, MMP-28 facilitated the maturation and release of the TGF-α precursor, thus promoting EGFR activation. In return, EGFR upregulated MMP-28 through AP-1-mediated transcription, forming a positive feedback loop that provided sustaining proliferation signaling for PDAC. Subsequently, MMP-28 was identified to predict the response to EGFR inhibitors and recognize responsive patients.

Conclusions
Our findings revealed the role of MMP-28 and EGFR in generation of sustaining proliferation signaling and provided a new therapy strategy for PDAC.
CD47 blockade reverses resistance to HDAC inhibitor by liberating anti-tumor capacity of macrophages
Authors: Xu Xutao , Wang Qianqian , Guo Ke , Xu Junjie , Lu Yunkun , Chen Huijuan , Hu Weilin , Fu Yilin , Sun Lu , He Ying , Chen Zhehang , Xia Wenhao , Pan Mengtian , Lin Beibei , Yang Wenjuan , Wang Qingqing , Wen Zhenzhen , Cao Qian , Xiao Peng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Targeting oncogenic histone modification by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) demonstrates promising prospects in clinical cancer treatment, whereas a notable proportion of patients cannot benefit from HDACi therapy. This study aims to explore how HDACi influences the tumor microenvironment, in order to identify potential targets for reversing the resistance to HDACi therapies.

Methods
Macrophage infiltration was compared between HDACi-responding and HDACi-nonresponding cancer patients. The impact of HDACis on the phagocytic capacity of macrophages was investigated through macrophage-tumor cell co-culture system. CD47 expression in tumor cell lines and patient-derived organoids was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) and flow cytometry. Mechanistic studies were conducted through co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). The synergistic effect of HDACis and CD47 neutralizing antibody was assessed in subcutaneous murine tumor models. Bioinformatics approaches were adopted to analyze how macrophage infiltration determines the prognostic significance of CD47 expression in cancer patients.

Results
High macrophage infiltration is a determinant of therapeutic non-response to HDACi, cancer patients who did not respond to HDACi exhibit massive infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAM depletion reversed the resistance to HDACi therapy. Mechanistically, HDACi impaired the phagocytic capacity of macrophages against tumor cells through epigenetically upregulating CD47 expression. Reciprocally, HDACi-upregulated CD47 polarized macrophages towards a pro-tumor M2 phenotype through SIRPα ligation. In tumor-bearing mice, HDACi monotherapy only marginally delayed tumor progression, while the concurrent neutralization of CD47 exhibited potent anti-tumor effect through re-educating TAMs towards a tumoricidal phenotype. In cancer patients, CD47 was found to determine the prognostic significance of TAMs.

Conclusions
Our study offers a rationale for targeting macrophage infiltration or blocking CD47 to sensitize HDACi therapies in cancer patients.
Characterization of overwintering sites (hibernacula) of the West Nile vector Culex pipiens in Central Italy
Authors: Romiti Federico , Casini Riccardo , Del Lesto Irene , Magliano Adele , Ermenegildi Arianna , Droghei Sarah , Tofani Silvia , Scicluna Maria Teresa , Pichler Verena , Augello Adriana , Censi Francesco , Scaringella Paolo Luigi , Mastrobuoni Giovanni , Bacciotti Debora , Nencetti Alberto , De Liberato Claudio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
In cool-temperate regions, mosquitoes face winter conditions that hinder their development. To cope with cold temperatures, species like Culex pipiens, a major vector of West Nile virus (WNV), diapause as adult females in overwintering shelters known as hibernacula. This study aimed to identify and characterize the overwintering sites of Cx. pipiens in central Italy, analyzing the environmental factors influencing the abundance of the two biological forms, Cx. pipiens pipiens and Cx. pipiens molestus.

Methods
Field surveys were conducted in Lazio and Tuscany over two consecutive winters (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). Overwintering mosquitoes were collected from different hibernacula types, including natural caves, artificial cavities and buildings. Environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, light intensity and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were recorded in the entrance and inner rooms of each hibernaculum. Mosquito species and Cx. pipiens forms were identified through morphological and molecular analyses. A beta regression model was applied to assess the relationship between environmental factors and Cx. pipiens abundance. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to explore the impact of small- and landscape-scale variables on biological forms distribution.

Results

Culex pipiens presence was confirmed in 24 hibernacula and represented the most abundant species, with Anopheles maculipennis s.l., Culiseta annulata and Culex hortensis accounting for 0.4% of the collected individuals. Comparing the entrance and inner rooms, a higher abundance of Cx. pipiens s.s. was observed in the darker environments, characterized by a humidity of 50–75%, a temperature of 10–20 °C and a VPD of 0.3–0.8 kPa. Inside the inner rooms, Cx. pipiens females preferred lower temperatures, light intensity and humidity, combined with higher VPD. The RDA highlighted that Cx. pipiens pipiens was associated with low temperatures and VPD and high humidity levels, preferring semi-natural areas. Culex pipiens molestus was positively associated with artificial areas. Hybrids were observed in several types of hibernacula.

Conclusions
This study provides insights into the overwintering ecology of Cx. pipiens in southern Europe, highlighting the environmental factors driving its abundance. These results may inform future vector control strategies aimed at reducing mosquito populations and limiting WNV diffusion in temperate regions.

Graphical Abstract
One size doesn’t fit all: exploring the influence of body size, age, and sex on right ventricle size measurements
Authors: Wang Yun , Scott Christopher G. , Kane Garvan C. , Pislaru Sorin V. , Bird Jared G. , Pellikka Patricia A. , Anand Vidhu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The assessment of right ventricular (RV) size is an important part of 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Current chamber quantification guidelines provide reference values as unindexed numbers, similar for men and women. We sought to evaluate normal ranges of RV dimensions based on age, sex, body surface area (BSA), and height.
Consecutive patients with “normal echocardiogram” between January 2011 and August 2022 at our center were retrospectively included. RV dimensions including diameter at the base and mid-ventricle level, and base-to-apex length were measured.

Results
Of 1389 patients (median 43 years, 53% female) with all three measurements available, the median RV measurements, both unindexed and indexed to BSA, were: basal diameter 35.0 mm (31.0–39.0) and 18.4 mm/m2 (16.5–20.3); mid diameter 28.0 mm and 14.8 mm/m2 (13.1–16.6); RV length 73.0 mm (67.0–78.0) and 37.6 mm/m2 (34.9–40.9). RV dimensions were larger in men than women across all age groups but similar when indexed to BSA (for basal and mid dimensions). RV length was best indexed to height. Our indexed normal values by age and sex were similar to World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) cohort.

Conclusions
RV measurements should be indexed to BSA, considering sex and age, to determine RV size and enlargement.