bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of renal functions using 68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET imaging in renal injury in mice of different origins
Authors: Ding Ying , Liu Yu , Zhang Li , Deng Yinqian , Chen Huanyu , Lan Xiaoli , Jiang Dawei , Cao Wei 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundEarly detection of kidney diseases can be challenging as conventional methods such as blood tests or imaging techniques (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasonography) may be insufficient to assess renal function. A single-photon emission CT (SPECT) renal scan provides a means of measuring glomerular filtration rates (GFRs), but its diagnostic accuracy is limited due to its planar imaging modality and semi-quantification property. In this study, we aimed to improve the accuracy of GFR measurement by preparing a positron emission tonometry (PET) tracer 68Ga-Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (68Ga-EDTA) and comprehensively evaluating its performance in healthy mice and murine models of renal dysfunction.MethodsDynamic PET scans were performed in healthy C57BL/6 mice and in models of renal injury, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) using 68Ga-EDTA. In a 30-min dynamic scan, PET images and time-activity curves (TACs) were acquired. Renal function and GFR values were measured using renograms and validated through serum renal function parameters, biodistribution results, and pathological staining.Results68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET imaging quantitatively captured the tracer elimination process. The calculated GFR values were 0.25 ± 0.02 ml/min in healthy mice, 0.01 ± 0.00 ml/min in AKI mice, and 0.25 ± 0.04, 0.29 ± 0.03 and 0.24 ± 0.01 ml/min in UUO mice, respectively. Furthermore, 68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET imaging and GFRPET were able to differentiate mild renal impairment before serum parameters indicated any changes.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that 68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET provides a reliable and precise means of evaluating renal function in two murine models of renal injury. These results hold promise for the widespread clinical application of 68Ga-EDTA dynamic PET in the near future.
Predictive factors and outcomes of respiratory syncytial virus infection among patients with respiratory failure
Authors: Tongyoo Surat , Naorungroj Thummaporn , Laikitmongkhon Jakkrit 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is an emerging infectious disease. However, the impacts of RSV infection among patients with respiratory failure have not been identified.ObjectiveThis study investigated the 28-day mortality and clinical outcomes of RSV infection in patients with respiratory failure.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled patients admitted with respiratory failure and requiring mechanical ventilator support for more than 24 h at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between January 2014 and July 2019. Respiratory samples of the patients were examined to identify RSV infections. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality.ResultsRespiratory syncytial virus infection was identified in 67 of the 335 patients with respiratory failure enrolled in this study. There were no significant differences in the following baseline characteristics of the patients with and without RSV infection: mean age (72.7 ± 12.7 years vs. 71 ± 14.8 years), sex (male: 46.3% vs. 47.4%), comorbidities, and initial Murray lung injury scores (1.1 ± 0.8 vs. 1.1 ± 0.9). The 28-day mortality was 38.8% (26/67) for the RSV group and 37.1% (99/268) for the non-RSV group (p = 0.79). However, the RSV group had significantly higher proportions of bronchospasm (98.5% vs. 60.8%; p &lt; 0.001), ventilator-associated pneumonia (52.2% vs. 33.8%; p = 0.005), and lung atelectasis (10.4% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.009) than the non-RSV group.ConclusionAmong the patients with respiratory failure, the 28-day mortality of patients with and without RSV infection did not differ. However, patients with RSV infection had an increased risk of complications, such as bronchospasm, ventilation-associated pneumonia, and lung atelectasis.
Mycobacterium leprae and host immune transcriptomic signatures for reactional states in leprosy
Authors: Das Madhusmita , David Diana , Horo Ilse , Van Hooij Anouk , Tió-Coma Maria , Geluk Annemieke , Vedithi Sundeep Chaitanya 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundMycobacterium leprae transcriptomic and human host immune gene expression signatures that demonstrate a plausible association with type I (T1R) and type II reactions (T2R) aid in early diagnosis, prevention of nerve damage and consequent demyelinating neuropathy in leprosy. The aim of the study is to identify M. leprae and host-associated gene-expression signatures that are associated with reactional states in leprosy.MethodsThe differentially expressed genes from the whole transcriptome of M. leprae were determined using genome-wide hybridization arrays with RNA extracted from skin biopsies of 20 T1R, 20 T2R and 20 non reactional controls (NR). Additionally, human immune gene-expressions were profiled using RT2-PCR profiler arrays and real-time qPCRs.ResultsThe RNA quality was optimal in 16 NR, 18 T1R and 19 T2R samples. Whole transcriptome expression array of these samples revealed significant upregulation of the genes that encode integral and intrinsic membrane proteins, hydrolases and oxidoreductases. In T1R lesional skin biopsy specimens, the top 10 significantly upregulated genes are ML2064, ML1271, ML1960, ML1220, ML2498, ML1996, ML2388, ML0429, ML2030 and ML0224 in comparison to NR. In T2R, genes ML2498, ML1526, ML0394, ML1960, ML2388, ML0429, ML0281, ML1847, ML1618 and ML1271 were significantly upregulated. We noted ML2664 was significantly upregulated in T1R and repressed in T2R. Conversely, we have not noted any genes upregulated in T2R and repressed in T1R. In both T1R and T2R, ML2388 was significantly upregulated. This gene encodes a probable membrane protein and epitope prediction using Bepipred-2.0 revealed a distinct B-cell epitope. Overexpression of ML2388 was noted consistently across the reaction samples. From the host immune gene expression profiles, genes for CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL2, CD40LG, IL17A and CXCL11 were upregulated in T1R when compared to the NR. In T2R, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL9, CXCL2 and CD40LG were upregulated when compared to the NR group.ConclusionA gene set signature involving bacterial genes ML2388, ML2664, and host immune genes CXCL10 and IL-17A can be transcriptomic markers for reactional states in leprosy.
Assessment of the dual role of Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude in inhibiting AGEs and enhancing GLUT4 translocation through LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS determination and in silico studies
Authors: Sahu Neha , Singh Nitesh , Arya Kamal Ram , Reddy Sabbu Sathish , Rai Amit Kumar , Shukla Vijaya , Pandey Jyotsana , Narender Tadigoppula , Tamrakar Akhilesh Kumar , Kumar Brijesh , Rajak Bikash Kumar , Malik Sumira , Rustagi Sarvesh 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that results in glucose accumulation in the blood, accompanied by the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) through glycation of cellular proteins. These AGEs interfere with insulin signaling and prevent GLUT4 membrane translocation, thereby promoting the accumulation of more glucose in the blood and causing post-diabetic complications.Methods: In this study, we examine the anti-diabetic potential of Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude, a well-known ethnomedicinal plant of the Indian Himalayas. Considering its various medicinal properties, we analyzed its ethanolic extract and various solvent fractions for in vitro antiglycation activity and antidiabetic potential, i.e., stimulation of GLUT4 translocation.Result and Discussions: The results showed that the extract and fractions exhibited increased antiglycation activity and an increased level of GLUT4 translocation. Analysis of a further 12 bioactive compounds of ethanolic extract, identified through LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, revealed the presence of three new compounds: leucothol B, rhodoterpenoids A, and leucothol A. Moreover, we performed molecular docking of identified compounds against key proteins of diabetes mellitus: the sirtuin family of NAD (+)-dependent protein deacetylases 6 (SIRT6), aldose reductase (AR), and tyrosine kinase (TK). The results showed that flavonoid luteolin showed the best binding affinity ((−12.3 kcal/mol), followed by eriodictyol, astilbin, and syringaresinol. An ADMET study showed that luteolin, eriodictyol, astilbin, and syringaresinol may be promising drug candidates belonging to the flavonoid class of compounds, with no harmful effects and complying with all the drug-likeness guidelines. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on a 50 ns timescale revealed that AR protein was most stable with luteolin throughout the simulation period. Therefore, this study reveals for the first time that L. ovalifolia plays an important role in insulin homeostasis, as shown in in vitro and in silico studies.
Resilient cultural practices for cognitive development during childhood within learning pathways with support from mediated mutual reciprocal theory
Authors: Tchombe Therese Mungah Shalo 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThis paper examines resilient cultural practices, informed by cultural values for cognitive development in socialisation during childhood within the learning pathways model. It argues that the active role of children in their learning is not well captured or explained by theories or even empirical data. Learning pathways as a model in this paper is significant because it orients thinking on the fact that all activities children engage in always have social, psychological, and physical implications for cognitive enrichment. The activities are driven by resilient cultural practices informed by cultural norms, beliefs, and values such as responsible leadership qualities and cultivating socio-emotional and moral balance. With the above reasoning, this paper is underpinned by an empirical study with six specific objectives supported by Mediated Mutual Reciprocity theory.MethodsThe study used a mixed research design and conveniently selected a sample of 73 parents and teachers whose ages ranged from 25-50 years. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used for data collection. The three-sections questionnaire was constructed to find out information about resilient cultural practices and cognitive development. The items in sections two and three were rated on a 5 points Likert scale based on the occurrence of practices and behaviours. The interview guide was constructed to find out information on the three learning pathways; physical, social and psychological that are relevant to children in African cultures. Data were analysed using frequency and proportions and Multiple Regression Analysis to aggregate scores for given conceptual components. Analysis of qualitative data followed the systematic process of thematic and content analysis.ResultsBased on qualitative findings, it was realised that African children are exposed to physical, social, and psychological pathways to learning. Quantitative results showed that 85.5% of respondents are high in their resilient cultural practices whereas 14.5% of them are low in resilient cultural practices. In the same line, 74.4% of respondents’ cognitive development is high while a proportion of 25.6% is low. The inferential statistics showed that resilient cultural practices are significantly predictive of cognitive processes, reasoning, skills, and strategies at a 0.000 level of significance.DiscussionBased on the use of the principles of the Mediated Mutual Reciprocal Theory, the study affirms the importance of children’s contributory role in their learning and cognitive development. The link between pathways, resilient cultural practices, and cognitive development highlights the significance of children’s involvement in their development through participation.
Turing instability mechanism of short-memory formation in multilayer FitzHugh-Nagumo network
Authors: Wang Junjie , Shen Jianwei 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe study of brain function has been favored by scientists, but the mechanism of short-term memory formation has yet to be precise.Research problemSince the formation of short-term memories depends on neuronal activity, we try to explain the mechanism from the neuron level in this paper.Research contents and methodsDue to the modular structures of the brain, we analyze the pattern properties of the FitzHugh-Nagumo model (FHN) on a multilayer network (coupled by a random network). The conditions of short-term memory formation in the multilayer FHN model are obtained. Then the time delay is introduced to more closely match patterns of brain activity. The properties of periodic solutions are obtained by the central manifold theorem.ConclusionWhen the diffusion coeffcient, noise intensity np, and network connection probability p reach a specific range, the brain forms a relatively vague memory. It is found that network and time delay can induce complex cluster dynamics. And the synchrony increases with the increase of p. That is, short-term memory becomes clearer.
Prioritisation processes for programme implementation and evaluation in public health: A scoping review
Authors: Atwal Shaileen , Schmider Jessica , Buchberger Barbara , Boshnakova Anelia , Cook Rob , White Alicia , El Bcheraoui Charbel 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundProgramme evaluation is an essential and systematic activity for improving public health programmes through useful, feasible, ethical, and accurate methods. Finite budgets require prioritisation of which programmes can be funded, first, for implementation, and second, evaluation. While criteria for programme funding have been discussed in the literature, a similar discussion around criteria for which programmes are to be evaluated is limited. We reviewed the criteria and frameworks used for prioritisation in public health more broadly, and those used in the prioritisation of programmes for evaluation. We also report on stakeholder involvement in prioritisation processes, and evidence on the use and utility of the frameworks or sets of criteria identified. Our review aims to inform discussion around which criteria and domains are best suited for the prioritisation of public health programmes for evaluation.MethodsWe reviewed the peer-reviewed literature through OVID MEDLINE (PubMed) on 11 March 2022. We also searched the grey literature through Google and across key websites including World Health Organization (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) (14 March 2022). Articles were limited to those published between 2002 and March 2022, in English, French or German.ResultsWe extracted over 300 unique criteria from 40 studies included in the analysis. These criteria were categorised into 16 high-level conceptual domains to allow synthesis of the findings. The domains most frequently considered in the studies were “burden of disease” (33 studies), “social considerations” (30 studies) and “health impacts of the intervention” (28 studies). We only identified one paper which proposed criteria for use in the prioritisation of public health programmes for evaluation. Few prioritisation frameworks had evidence of use outside of the setting in which they were developed, and there was limited assessment of their utility. The existing evidence suggested that prioritisation frameworks can be used successfully in budget allocation, and have been reported to make prioritisation more robust, systematic, transparent, and collaborative.ConclusionOur findings reflect the complexity of prioritisation in public health. Development of a framework for the prioritisation of programmes to be evaluated would fill an evidence gap, as would formal assessment of its utility. The process itself should be formal and transparent, with the aim of engaging a diverse group of stakeholders including patient/public representatives.
Epidemiological pattern of COVID-19 and its association with periodontal health in an urban Indian cohort
Authors: Gupta Ishita , Patel Shivani A. , Kondal Dimple , Goodman Michael , Mohan Sailesh , Ali Mohammed K. , Tandon Nikhil , Narayan K. M. Venkat , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Shridhar Krithiga 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundStudies have highlighted a possible influence of gingival and periodontal disease (PD) on COVID-19 risk and severity. However, the evidence is based on hospital-based studies and community-level data are sparse.ObjectivesWe described the epidemiological pattern of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Delhi and evaluated the associations of gingival and PD with incident COVID-19 disease in a regionally representative urban Indian population.MethodsIn a prospective study nested within the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South-Asia (CARRS) study, participants with clinical gingival and periodontal status available at baseline (2014–16) (n = 1,727) were approached between October 2021 to March 2022. Information on COVID-19 incidence, testing, management, severity was collected as per the WHO case criteria along with COVID-19 vaccination status. Absolute incidence of COVID-19 disease was computed by age, sex, and oral health. Differences in rates were tested using log-rank test. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate independent associations between gingival and PD and incidence of COVID-19, adjusted for socio-demographic and behavioral factors, presence of comorbidity, and medication use.ResultsAmong 1,727 participants, the mean age was 44.0 years, 45.7% were men, 84.5% participants had baseline gingival or PD and 89.4% participants had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, 35% (n = 606) participants were tested for COVID-19 and 24% (n = 146/606) tested positive. As per the WHO criteria total number of cases was 210, constituting 12% of the total population. The age and sex-specific rates of COVID-19 were higher among men and older participants, but women aged &gt;60 years had higher rates than men of same age. The incidence rate did not differ significantly between those having gingival or PD and healthy periodontium (19.1 vs. 16.5/1,000 person-years) and there was no difference in risk of COVID-19 by baseline oral disease status.ConclusionGingival and PD were not associated with increased risk of COVID-19.
Fragments de casques de type Baldenheim trouvés à Caricin Grad
Authors: Bavant Bernard 
Published: March 2023

Les casques de type Baldenheim ont été produits entre le milieu du Ve et la fin du VIe siècle. Une synthèse récente (M. Vogt, Spangenhelme, Mayence, 2006) en a dénombré 44, répandus de la Scandinavie à la Libye et du Rhône au bas Danube, et a déterminé 4 groupes correspondant à autant d’ateliers. Or Caričin Grad a livré 14 fragments d’au moins 6 casques, dont l’un possède des bandeaux d’un type inédit. Ce nombre important (aucun autre site n’en a fourni plus de 3) confirme que ces casques sont byzantins, et montre qu’ils étaient portés par tous les officiers impériaux, même subalternes. De plus, le réseau d’échanges dans lequel s’inscrit Caričin Grad permet de proposer des localisations pour les centres de production : les ateliers des groupes 2-4 seraient concentrés autour de la mer de Marmara (Constantinople et peut-être Nicomédie et Cyzique), tandis que celui du groupe 1 serait à Thessalonique, non en Italie comme on l’a soutenu. Les sources écrites suggèrent en effet que les barbaricarii, qui décoraient les armes de luxe, étaient liés aux ateliers monétaires. Il est donc surprenant qu’aucun atelier ne soit pour l’instant localisable à Antioche, mais cette question ne sera résolue que par des fouilles de sites de garnisons en Asie Mineure et au Proche-Orient. dénombré 44, répandus de la Scandinavie à la Libye et du Rhône au bas Danube, et a déterminé 4 groupes correspondant à autant d’ateliers. Or Caric ˇ in Grad a livré 14 fragments d’au moins 6 casques, dont l’un possède des bandeaux d’un type inédit. Ce nombre important (aucun autre site n’en a fourni plus de 3) confirme que ces casques sont byzantins, et montre qu’ils étaient portés par tous les officiers impériaux, même subalternes. De plus, le réseau d’échanges dans lequel s’inscrit Caric ˇ in Grad permet de proposer des localisations pour les centres de production : les ateliers des groupes 2-4 seraient concentrés autour de la mer de Marmara (Constantinople et peut-être Nicomédie et Cyzique), tandis que celui du groupe 1 serait à Thessalonique, non en Italie comme on l’a soutenu. Les sources écrites suggèrent en effet que les
barbaricarii, qui décoraient les armes de luxe, étaient liés aux ateliers monétaires. Il est donc surprenant qu’aucun atelier ne soit pour l’instant localisable à Antioche, mais cette question ne sera résolue que par des fouilles de sites de garnisons en Asie Mineure et au Proche-Orient.
Pancreatoduodenectomía de urgencia. Revisión de 2 casos clínicos.
Authors: Diaz Gasaly Fatme Valentina , Losada Morales Hector Fabio , Troncoso Trujillo Andres Ignacio 
Published: March 2023

Introducción: La pancreatoduodenectomía de urgencia (PDDU) es una cirugía reservada para lesiones graves pancreatoduodenales secundarias a trauma, lesiones inflamatorias o posterior a procedimientos endoscópicos.Objetivo: Describir dos casos clínicos en los que se realizó una pancreatoduodenectomía de urgencia.Casos clínicos: Se reportan 2 casos clínicos en los cuales se requirió una PDD. En el primer caso secundario a úlcera duodenal perforada que comprometía más del 50% del lumen asociado a biliperitoneo y en el segundo, a consecuencia de un trauma por herida de bala con perforación duodenal, íleon distal y desgarro de 1,5 cm en cabeza de páncreas.Discusión: A pesar de la baja incidencia de lesiones graves del páncreas o duodeno, así como la perforación extensa de una úlcera duodenal; no existe un consenso sobre las indicaciones de una PDD de urgencia; estas lesiones plantean un desafío, asociado con las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad.Conclusión: El tratamiento de una lesión pancreática y duodenal compleja puede requerir una pancreatoduodenectomía. Sin embargo, en pacientes inestables se debe considerar una cirugía en dos tiempos por un equipo de cirujanos experimentados.
Multidimensional Hosting Capacity Region in Dutch MV Grid Congestion Management
Authors: Gong Sicheng , Cuk Vladimir , Cobben Sjef 
Published: March 2023

<p>The hosting capacity determines the grid ability to host integrated installations, where mutual-limitations among points of connection (POCs) are important and formulate a combinational feasible region. Intended to assess such interaction for region determination, this paper proposes a multidimensional hosting capacity region derivation scheme in a radial grid. As this scheme can be designed conservative, it earns more industrial acceptance from a risk-averse perspective. This multidimensional region not only exploits grid power delivery potential, but also benefits for making grid congestion management decisions. A simulative 10.5kV dutch grid case has been tested accordingly. Corresponding results revealed that the region conservative property is guaranteed. In the given case study, compared to the original hosting capacity concept, the region hypervolume gain ratio keeps higher than 1.94. With proper measure selection, the estimated region occupation ratio can keep up to 92.50% and the congestion management decision computation time can be reduced by 58.0% in respect to that in the monolithic model. Both the effectiveness of proposed scheme and the concept benefit in grid congestion management are successfully verified. </p>