bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the epidemiology of acute mastoiditis according to the implementation of pneumococcal vaccination in a Spanish population
Authors: Manzanares Ángela , Aguilera-Alonso David , Santos-Sebastián Mar , Escobar María , Vigil-Vázquez Sara , Martínez Felipe González , Moreno Gracia Aránguez , Cercenado Emilia , Saavedra-Lozano Jesús 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of acute mastoiditis over a 20-year period (2000-2019) in the pediatric population attended in our institution, and to evaluate changes in the etiology according to the implementation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV).
Methods: Retrospective, observational study including children < 16 years diagnosed with acute mastoiditis between January 2000 and December 2019 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain). The study was grouped into four 5-year periods (2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2019) and the percentage change (PC) in the incidence rate and in the prevalence of each microorganism isolated were estimated to characterize trends, with log-transformed data models.
Result: 219 episodes from 209 patients were included. The incidence rate of AM remained stable during the study period, with an average of 2.2 cases/10,000 emergency department visits/year. There was a significant decrease in the prevalence of S. pneumoniae (PC: -22.4% [95% CI: −34.9, -7.4]; p=0.025), from 19% in the pre-PCV period (2000-2005) to 9% in the last period. Serotypes contained in the PCV13 significantly decrease from 92% in the pre-PCV13V period to 33% in the post-PCV13V period (p=0.022). S. pyogeneswas the main microorganism isolated in the last study period, showing a significant increase in its prevalence from 5% in the third to 19% in the last period (p=0.046).
Conclusions: Although the incidence of AM in children remained stable in our study, the prevalence of S. pneumoniae significantly decreased in the post-PCV era, with S. pyogenesbecoming the main microorganism isolated after the implementation of PCV13.
Shocker: An Improved Optimization-Based Method for the Generation of Patient-Specific Models of Purkinje Networks
Authors: Berg Lucas Arantes , Rocha Bernardo Martins , Oliveira Rafael Sachetto , Sebastian Rafael , Rodriguez Blanca , de Queiroz Rafael Alves Bonfim , Cherry Elizabeth , Santos Rodrigo Weber dos 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cardiac Purkinje networks are a fundamental part of the conduction system and are known to initiate a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. However, patient-specific modeling of Purkinje networks remains a challenge due to their high morphological complexity. This work presents a novel method based on optimization principles for the generation of Purkinje networks that combines geometric and electrical accuracy in branch size, bifurcation angles, and Purkinje-ventricular-junction activation times. Three biventricular meshes with increasing levels of complexity are used to evaluate the performance of our approach. Purkinje-tissue coupled monodomain simulations are executed to evaluate the generated networks in a realistic scenario using the most recent Purkinje/ventricular human cellular models and physiological values for the Purkinje-ventricular-junction characteristic delay. The results demonstrate that the new method can generate patient-specific Purkinje networks with controlled morphological metrics and specified local activation times at the Purkinje-ventricular junctions.
Cytoplasmic Signalling by Major Histocompatibility Class-I Proteins Modulates Synaptic Glutamate Receptors
Authors: Eyford Brett A. , Lazarczyk Maciej J. , Varghese Merina , Choi Kyung Bok , Arora Hitesh , Munro Lonna , Pfeifer Cheryl G. , Sowa Allison , Dickstein Daniel R. , Dickstein Dara L. , Jefferies Wilfred A. , Kari Suresh 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) proteins regulate synaptic signalling. Here we describe the importance of the cytoplasmic tail of MHC-I for its role in the central nervous system (CNS) in synaptic signalling and the modulation of synaptic glutamate receptor expression. We demonstrate that Y321F mutation of the conserved cytoplasmic tyrosine in MHC-I affects expression of the AMPAR, GluA2/3, and alters phosphorylation of a number of kinases, including Fyn, Lyn, p38, ERK1/2, JNK1/2/3, and p70 S6 kinase. These data elucidate the important role of MHC-1 on AMPAR function and modifications to the cytoplasmic tail of MHC-1 can alter synaptic strength, plasticity and learning and memory.
Characterization of materials in the late 15th century Ottoman period Animal Encyclopedia and detection of deterioration products by HPLC-DAD
Authors: GÜZEL Emine TORGAN , KARADAG Recep , BAYDAR Nil 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThere are many manuscripts in institutions that preserve and exhibit works such as museums, galleries, and libraries. These manuscripts are of great value because of their witnessing to the past and the historical and cultural significance they have accumulated. In addition to the organic nature and natural aging of the paper, which is generally used as the primary carrier material in these works, other materials used in the manuscripts are an obstacle to their preservation and reaching future generations. In this study, the animal encyclopedia consisting of 62 volumes, which was the first encyclopedia written on behalf of animals from the end of the 15th century to the beginning of the 16th century (1487–1501) of the Ottoman period, was examined archeometrically. A total of 40 samples consisting of paper, ink, dye and leather samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) technique with diode array detector. After all, information on material characterization and deterioration product(s) was obtained. As a result of the analysis, vanillic acid, and its derivatives due to the natural aging of the paper and chrysophanic acid and its derivatives caused by fungi, which are the result of unfavorable environmental factors, were determined. It was concluded that the ink used in the manuscripts was iron-gall ink. In addition, it was determined that madder, weld, buckthorn, redwood, rhubarb or dock plants were used as dyestuffs. Also, it was determined that the leather samples were tanned with the vegetable tanning method using tannins. It is inevitable that this study will guide conservation experts in restoration and conservation studies.
Studies on the reproductive behaviour of Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Savadatti Eurekha , Ginnu Sreenivas Adoni , Jalamagana Ashoka , Hosamani Arunkumar , Desai Bheemsain Rao Krishna Rao , Dibburahalli Aswathanarayana Subbanna , Mariyanna Lakshmikanth 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Reproductive behavioural studies on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) were investigated at temperature 27 ± 2ᵒC and Relative humidity of 65–70% and photoperiod of 12L: 12D at Department of Agricultural Entomology UAS, Raichur. Adult emergence of moths was observed throughout the day. Wherein, 22.5 per cent of moths emerged during photophase (6.00pm to 5.00am) and 77.50 per cent of moths emerged during scotophase (18.00 to 12.00). Calling behaviour of S. frugiperda females observed from one to eight days. Female started calling from 2nd hour of scotophase (19.00) and terminated at 11th hour of scotophase (04.00). The mean number females called was maximum at 6th hour of scotophase in three-day old moth. None of the females called during 1st hour of scotophase. Mating of S. frugiperda observed throughout scotophase up to 8 days. The results showed that highest mating occurred in three day old moths. These studies provide valuable information for indentation of sex pheromones and also helps in semiochemical based pest management.
Validation of the Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes Defined by International Consensus Classification
Authors: Lee Wan-Hsuan , Tsai Ming-Tao , Tsai Cheng-Hong , Tien Feng-Ming , lo ming-yen , Tseng Mei-Hsuan , Kuo Yuan-Yeh , Liu Ming-Chih , Chen Jui-Che , Yang Yi-Tsung , Tang Jih-Luh , Sun Hsun-I , Chuang Yi-Kuang , Lin Liang-In , Chou Wen-Chien , Lin Chien-Chin , Hou Hsin-An , Tien Hwei-Fang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have varied prognoses and require a risk-adapted treatment strategy for treatment optimization. Recently, a molecular prognostic model (Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System [IPSS-M]) that combines clinical parameters, cytogenetic abnormalities, and mutation topography was proposed. This study validated the IPSS-M in 649 patients with primary MDS (based on the 2022 International Consensus Classification [ICC]) and compared its prognostic power to those of the IPSS and revised IPSS (IPSS-R). Overall, 42.5% of the patients were reclassified and 29.3% were up-staged from the IPSS-R. After the reclassification, 16.9% of the patients may receive different treatment strategies. The IPSS-M had greater discriminative potential than the IPSS-R and IPSS. Patients with high, or very high-risk IPSS-M might benefit from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. IPSS-M, age, ferritin level, and the 2022 ICC categorization predicted outcomes independently. After analyzing demographic and genetic features, complementary genetic analyses, including KMT2A-PTD, were suggested for accurate IPSS-M categorization of patients with ASXL1, TET2, STAG2, RUNX1, SF3B1, SRSF2, DNMT3A, U2AF1, and BCOR mutations and those classified as MDS, not otherwise specified with single lineage dysplasia/multi-lineage dysplasia based on the 2022 ICC. This study confirmed that the IPSS-M can better risk-stratified MDS patients for optimized therapeutic decision-making.
New Loci Relating to Rice Tiller Angle Traits Discovery Through Genome-wide Association Analysis
Authors: Gui Jinxin , Luo Xinyang , Yan Yuntao , He Xi , Zhang Haiqing , He Jiwai 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Tiller angle (TA) is one of the most important agronomic traits which directly affected plant architecture, photosynthetic efficiency, and planting density of rice. Although many quantitative trait loci (QTL) and associated genes for TA have been identified, the detection of QTL for TA still required emphasis. In this study, 238 micro-core germplasm populations were used for genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of the TA. The frequency distribution of TA was shown to be continuous in 2018 and 2019, five QTL designated as qTA1, qTA2, qTA6, qTA9, qTA12, and two QTL designated as qTA1, qTA1 were detected in 2018 and 2019, respectively. These QTL explained phenotypic variation ranged from 5.94–12.38%. Among them, qTA2 and qTA6 are new QTL for TA, and only qTA1 was detected repeatedly in two years. 253 germplasm from the 3K Rice Genome Project were used for candidate gene and haplotypes analysis, the candidate gene and haplotypes analyzed showed LOC_Os01g67770, LOC_Os02g35180 and LOC_Os09g38130 were the candidate gene of qTA1, qTA2, and qTA9, respectively. The results of this study provide insight into the genetic improvement of plant architecture in rice.
Glipizide alleviates periodontitis pathogenicity via inhibition of angiogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and M1/M2 macrophage ratio in periodontal tissue
Authors: Ge Qing , Guo Xueqi , Yang Luxi , Huang Zhijun , Liang Dongliang , Huang Yinyin , Jiang Yiqing , Pathak Janak L. , Wang Lijing , Ge Linhu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNew consensus indicates type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontitis as comorbidity and may share common pathways of disease progression. Sulfonylureas have been reported to improve the periodontal status in periodontitis patients. Glipizide, a sulfonylurea widely used in the treatment of T2DM, has also been reported to inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis. However, the effect of Glipizide on periodontitis pathogenicity has not been investigated yet. We developed ligature-induced periodontitis in mice and treated with different concentrations of glipizide. Periodontal tissue status, alveolar bone loss, and osteoclast numbers were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and ELISA analyzed the inflammatory cells' infiltration and angiogenesis. Transwell assay and Western bolt analyzed macrophage migration and polarization. 16S rRNA sequencing analyzed the effect of glipizide on the oral microbial flora. mRNA sequencing of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) stimulated byP. gingivalislipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) after treatment with glipizide was analyzed. Glipizide reduced alveolar bone resorption, periodontal tissue degeneration, and the number of osteoclasts in periodontitis-affected periodontal tissue (PAPT). Glipizide-treated periodontitis mice showed reduced micro-vessel density and leukocyte/macrophage infiltration in PAPT. Glipizide significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation in vitro experiments. Glipizide treatment did not affect the oral microbiome of periodontitis mice. mRNA sequencing and KEGG analysis showed that glipizide activated PI3K/AKT signaling in LPS-stimulated BMMs. Glipizide inhibited the LPS-induced migration of BMMs but promoted M2/M1 macrophage ratio in LPS-induced BMMs via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. In conclusion, glipizide inhibits angiogenesis, macrophage inflammatory phenotype, and osteoclastogenesis to alleviate periodontitis pathogenicity suggesting its’ possible application in the treatment of periodontitis and diabetes comorbidity.
Comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) reveals multiple primary colorectal carcinoma (MPCC)
Authors: Qu Yanjun , Wang Bo , Zhang Feng , Pan Evenki , Yang Peng , Zhang Qianshi , Fang Liping 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Multiple primary colorectal carcinoma (MPCC) is a rare clinical disease, which is difficult to distinguish from metastatic disease by histopathological approaches. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) have been applied to solve the problem of identifying multiple primary cancers. In the study, a rare case of a 63-year-old male patient was diagnosed with MPCC by targeted NGS, which was firstly missed diagnosed by radiological evaluation. The separated two tumors on the surface of the colorectal shared no same genomic alterations. Based on the wild-type KRAS detected in the unresected tumor, the patient benefited from the EGFR inhibitor (cetuximab), but developed novel mutations including KIF5B-RET fusion, which provides possible resistance mechanism to anti-EGFR therapy. Our case highlights the necessity of using genetic testing for primary tumor diagnosis and the application of serial plasma ctDNA profiling for dynamic disease monitoring.
Identifying and optimizing key areas provide insights for landscape ecological planning: A case study in Guangxi, China
Authors: Wang Luying , Su Kai , Liang Xiaofei , Jiang Xuebing , Wang Jiping , Li Chuang , Chang Shihui , You Yongfa , Wei Changwen , Zhang Yiming , Liao Zhihong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Context A crucial step in achieving sustainable development is identifying and safeguarding critical natural asset sites.
Objectives Improving spatial connectivity and accessibility by optimizing the distribution and spatial structure of key sites is an effective strategy to achieve environmental preservation and economic development.
Methods Guangxi was chosen as the research area. The Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) was used to determine the ecological source. A comprehensive resistance evaluation index system for ecological source land expansion was created using the multifactor integrated decision-making method. The internal defects of the initial ecological network were extracted using the minimum cumulative resistance model and circuit theory and the priority areas for restoration and protection were determined with clear spatial positions.
Results 168 ecological barriers, 83 ecological pinch points and 71 ecological stepping stones were selected as priority areas for protection and restoration. The total area of priority area is 22090.009km2. After optimization, there are 332 new ecological sources and the number of ecological corridors has increased from 1,219 to 2,078. The ecological corridor is 23922.071 km in total. The GEP of the optimized structure increased by 13.338% compared to that of the unoptimized structure. The connectivity of the optimized ecological network structure is obviously improved., and it has better resistance and resilience to random attacks and malicious attacks.
Conclusions This study attempts to identify key sites of ecological assets and the priority regions of restoration and conservation with genuine geographical location, and reference material for regional ecological network optimization and implementation.
Genome-wide association study of Klebsiella pneumoniae urinary tract infection in Taiwanese patients identifies potential genetic risk factors
Authors: Chen Chi-Sheng , Hung Kuo-Sheng , J Ming-Jr , Chung Hsing-Yi , Chang Chih-Kai , Perng Cherng-Lih , Chen Hsiang-Cheng , Chang Feng-Yee , Wang Chih-Hung , Hung Yi-Jen , Shang Hung-Sheng 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackground Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common bacterial infections worldwide, andKlebsiella pneumoniae(K. pneumoniae) UTI are a notable issue worldwide, especially in Taiwan. This is not only because of the association with immunocompromised patients, but also because of the issue of antibiotic resistance caused byK. pneumoniae. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify possible risk factors in the genomes of Taiwanese patients withK. pneumoniaeUTI using genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Methods Genotyping results were collected from participants recruited from Tri-Service General Hospital who had a medical history of urinary tract infection and joined the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI). A case-control study was designed using GWAS to identify possible susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients withK. pneumoniaeinfected UTI. The corresponding genes were identified using the genome browser, and their expression profiles were confirmed using the GTEx database. To determine the relationship between these genes and biological function, molecular pathway and diseases, we also searched the GO, Rectome, DisGeNET, and MalacCards databases. Results The GWAS analysis identified 11 variants with a higher odds ratio than the control groups. These variants are involved in adhesion, protein depolymerization, Ca2+-activated potassium channels, SUMOylation, and protein ubiquitination, which might further impact the host immune response. Disease association analysis based on these risk variants also revealed several diseases that were compatible with the medical histories of the included patients. Conclusion This GWAS study based on the Taiwanese population suggests the idea that some risk variants may be associated withK. pneumoniaeinfection by affecting various molecular functions that could impact host immunity. Further studies and follow-up are required to clarify the impact of these risk variants on infectious diseases.
Expectations of clients, insurers, and providers: A qualitative responsiveness assessment among private health insurance sector in Kampala-Uganda
Authors: Tindyebwa Tonny , Ssempala Richard , Senyonjo Aloysius , Mayora Chrispus , Muhoozi Micheal , Tusabe Joan , Mukama Paul , Freddie Ssengooba 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
There is less attention on assessing how health services meet the expectations of private health insurance actors in developing countries. During contractual negotiations, duties, obligations and privileges of the client, insurer and the provider in a health insurance arrangement are stipulated. Interdependently, service roles are ideally supposed to be performed while complementing each actor’s efforts aimed at meeting their expectations. This study assessed how these expectations were met to inform the nature of support to extend to Uganda’s intended national health insurance scheme.
Methods
This study employed a qualitative case-study design. Ten (10) Focus group discussions (FGDs) with insured clients and eleven (11) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with Insurer and Provider liaison officers between October to February 2021 were conducted. Participants were purposively selected from eligible institutions. Thematic analysis was employed, and findings were presented using themes with corresponding anonymized narratives and quotes.
Results
Client-Provider, Client-Insurer and Provider-Insurer expectations were generally not met. Client-Provider expectations; Although most facilities were clean with a conducive care environment, clients experienced low service care responsiveness characterized by long waiting time. Both clients and providers received inadequate feedback about services they received and delivered respectively in addition to prompt care being received by a few clients. For Client-insurer expectations; under unclear service packages, clients received low quality medicines. Lastly, for provider-insurer expectations; delayed payments, selective periodic assessments, and inadequate orientation of clients on insurance plans were most reported. Weak coordination between the Client-Provider and Insurer did not support delivery processes for quality service.
Conclusion
Health care service responsiveness was generally low. There is need for committing resources to support setting up of clearer service package orientation programs, and efficient monitoring and feedback platforms. Uganda’s proposed National Health Insurance Act may use these findings to inform its design initiatives that will focus on operating under realistic expectations, investment in quality improvement systems and client care relationships while using well calibrated accountability tools.
A noble objective method for discriminating pathological and physiological colorectal uptake in the lower abdominal region using whole-body dynamic 18F-FDG-PET
Authors: Kato Toyohiro , Ichikawa Hajime , Shibutani Takayuki , Kita Akinobu , Watanabe Masanori , Tada Hiroomi , Sugiura Akie 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objectives To investigate whether the center-of-mass shift distance (CMSD) analysis on whole-body dynamic positron emission tomography (WBD-PET) with continuous bed motion was an objective index for discriminating pathological and physiological colorectal uptake in the lower abdominal region.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed the CMSD in 39 patients who underwent delayed imaging to detect focal uptake that were difficult to determine as pathological and physiological on an conventional early PET (early) image reconstructed by five-phase WBD-PET images. The CMSD between each phase of WBD-PET images and between early to delayed (early–delayed) images were classified into pathological and physiological uptake groups based on endoscopic histology or other imaging diagnostics. The diagnostic performance of CMSD analysis on WBD-PET images was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis and compared to that of early–delayed images.
Results A total of 66 focal uptake detected early image were classified into 17 and 49 pathological and physiological uptake groups, respectively. The CMSD on WBD-PET and early–delayed images in the pathological uptake group was significantly lower than that in the physiological uptake group (p < 0.01), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in CMSD analysis on WBD-PET images at the optimal cutoff of 5.2 mm estimated by the Youden index were 94.7%, 89.4%, and 89.4%, respectively, which were not significantly different (p = 0.74) from those of early–delayed images.
Conclusions The CMSD analysis on WBD-PET was useful in discriminating pathological and physiologicalcolorectal uptake in the lower abdominal region, and its diagnostic performance is comparable to that of early–delayed images. We suggested that CMSD analysis on WBD-PET images would be a new objective method to omit unnecessary additional delay imaging.