bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
JNK/MAPK pathway regulation by BEX2 gene silencing in alcoholic hepatitis mice: Effects on oxidative stress
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Zhong Hai , Wang Yong , Wang Xiaoguang , Pan Hongtao , Liu Xiaolin , Hu Lingyu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a severe alcoholic‐related liver disease that is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, for which effective treatments are lacking. Brain‐expressed X‐linked gene 2 (BEX2) has been implicated in various diseases, but its association with AH has received limited attention. Thus, this study investigated BEX2's impact on the progression of AH by affecting the c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (JNK/MAPK) pathway.MethodsMicroarray dataset GSE28619 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to identify differentially expressed genes in AH. Immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry were used to measure various factors in the liver tissue of AH mice.ResultsBEX2 expression was significantly upregulated in the model. BEX2 gene silencing increased the levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase while decreasing malondialdehyde content; phosphorylation of JNK, c‐JUN, and p38MAPK; apoptosis rate; and the extent of JNK/MAPK pathway activation.ConclusionsThese findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying AH development and highlight the potential role of BEX2 gene expression as a promising therapeutic target for AH.
Circadian rhythms in pump parameters of patients on contemporary left ventricular assist device support
Authors: Numan L. , Wösten M. , Moazeni M. , Aarts E. , Van der Kaaij N. P. , Fresiello L. , Asselbergs F. W. , Van Laake L. W. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlgorithms to monitor pump parameters are needed to further improve outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Previous research showed a restored circadian rhythm in pump parameters in patients on HeartWare (HVAD) support. Circadian patterns in HeartMate3 (HM3) were not studied before, but this is important for the development of LVAD monitoring algorithms. Hence, we aimed to describe circadian patterns in HM3 parameters and their relation to patterns in heart rate (HR).Methods18 HM3 patients were included in this study. HM3 data were retrieved at a high frequency (one sample per 1 or 2 h) for 1–2 weeks. HR was measured using a wearable biosensor. To study overall patterns in HM3 parameters and HR, a heatmap was created. A 24‐h cosine was fitted on power and HR separately. The relationship between the amplitude of the fitted cosines of power and HR was calculated using Spearman correlation.ResultsA lower between patient variability was found in power compared with flow and PI. 83% of the patients showed a significant circadian rhythmicity in power (p < 0.001–0.04), with a clear morning increase. All patients showed significant circadian rhythmicity in HR (p < 0.001–0.02). The amplitudes of the circadian rhythm in power and HR were not correlated (Spearman correlation of 0.32, p = 0.19).ConclusionsA circadian rhythm of pump parameters is present in the majority of HM3 patients. Higher frequency pump parameter data should be collected, to enable early detection of complications in the future development of predictive algorithms.
Episodes and Topics in Multivariate Temporal Data
Authors: Andrienko Natalia , Andrienko Gennady , Shirato Gota 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe term ‘episode’ refers to a time interval in the development of a dynamic process or behaviour of an entity. Episode‐based data consist of a set of episodes that are described using time series of multiple attribute values. Our research problem involves analysing episode‐based data in order to understand the distribution of multi‐attribute dynamic characteristics across a set of episodes. To solve this problem, we applied an existing theoretical model and developed a general approach that involves incrementally increasing data abstraction. We instantiated this general approach in an analysis procedure in which the value variation of each attribute within an episode is represented by a combination of symbols treated as a ‘word’. The variation of multiple attributes is thus represented by a combination of ‘words’ treated as a ‘text’. In this way, the the set of episodes is transformed to a collection of text documents. Topic modelling techniques applied to this collection find groups of related (i.e. repeatedly co‐occurring) ‘words’, which are called ‘topics’. Given that the ‘words’ encode variation patterns of individual attributes, the ‘topics’ represent patterns of joint variation of multiple attributes. In the following steps, analysts interpret the topics and examine their distribution across all episodes using interactive visualizations. We test the effectiveness of the procedure by applying it to two types of episode‐based data with distinct properties and introduce a range of generic and data type‐specific visualization techniques that can support the interpretation and exploration of topic distribution.
Chronic hand eczema: A prevalent disease in the general population associated with reduced quality of life and poor overall health measures
Authors: Quaade Anna Sophie , Alinaghi Farzad , Dietz Jojo Biel‐Nielsen , Erichsen Christina Yndal , Johansen Jeanne Duus 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of hand eczema (HE) on Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has only been sparsely studied in a general population setting, and never by use of the disease specific Quality Of Life in Hand eczema Questionnaire (QOLHEQ).ObjectivesTo examine the HRQoL of unselected individuals with HE using the QOLHEQ. Further, to provide prevalence estimates of severe and chronic HE (CHE), and to contrast overall health related outcomes between individuals with and without HE.MethodsIn this nationwide, cross‐sectional study a questionnaire covering questions on HE related outcomes, and overall health was sent to a random sample of 100 000 Danish adults via a secure digital mailbox, linked to their unique civil registration numbers. Data on demographic characteristics were retrieved from the civil registration system. Individuals reporting HE, further answered the QOLHEQ and other disease specific questions.ResultsThe response rate was 42.7% (n = 42 691). Total estimates of lifetime, 1‐year and point prevalences of HE were 24.4%, 13.3% and 5.8%. Of individuals reporting a 1‐year prevalence, 35.1% reported moderate–severe disease and 82.6% CHE. Individuals with HE were more likely to report less good or poor overall health, and sick leave (any reason), compared to those without. In the 2176 (92.5%) with current HE who completed the QOLHEQ, median QOLHEQ scores corresponded to a moderate impairment of the symptoms and treatment and prevention domains and a slight impairment overall and for the emotions and functioning domains. Factors that were strongly associated with moderate to severe HRQoL impairment included severe, chronic and occupational HE as well as female sex.ConclusionsHE is highly prevalent, bears a considerable burden on society and significantly affects the lives of impacted individuals. Our findings indicate a necessity for targeted prevention aimed at high‐risk groups, and support and treatment for those most affected.
The protective role of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in preventing colorectal cancer and advanced colorectal polyps: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cullinane C. , Brett A. , Devane L. , McCullough P. W. , Cooke F. , Neary P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimInflammatory cells within the tumour microenvironment are the driving forces behind colorectal cancer (CRC) tumourigenesis. Understanding the different pathways involved in CRC carcinogenesis paves the way for effective repurposing of drugs for cancer prevention. Emerging data from preclinical and clinical studies suggest that, due to their antiproliferative and anti‐inflammatory properties, phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors (PDE5i) might have an anticancer effect. The aim of this study was to clarify through systematic review and meta‐analysis of published peer‐reviewed studies whether an association exists between PDE5i use and CRC risk.MethodThis study was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines. Prospective registration was performed on PROSPERO (CRD42022372925). A systematic review was performed for studies reporting CRC and advanced colorectal polyp incidence in PDE5i ‘ever‐users’ and PDE5i ‘never‐users’. Meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.ResultsFour observational cohort studies and two case–control studies, comprising 995 242 patients were included in the final analysis, of whom 347 126 were PDE5i ever‐users. Patients who were PDE5i ever‐users had a significantly lower incidence of CRC or advanced colorectal polyps than never‐users (OR 0.88, CI 0.79–0.98, p = 0.02). To examine the primary preventative role of PDE5i, subgroup analysis of four studies including patients without a previous history of CRC found that use of PDE5i was associated with a lower incidence of CRC (OR 0.85, CI 0.75–0.95, p = 0.005, I2 = 64%). There was no significant temporal relationship found between PDE5i use and CRC risk as both current users and previous users had a significantly lower incidence of CRC than never‐users.ConclusionOur study found a significant anticancer effect of PDE5i, as shown by a reduced risk of CRC in the context of both primary and secondary CRC prevention.
Structure of brain grey and white matter in infants with spastic cerebral palsy and periventricular white matter injury
Authors: Liu Chengxiang , Peng Ying , Yang Yanli , Li Pengyu , Chen Duoli , Nie Dingxin , Liu Heng , Liu Peng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the possible covariation of grey matter volume (GMV) and white matter fractional anisotropy in infants with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and periventricular white matter injury.MethodThirty‐nine infants with spastic CP and 25 typically developing controls underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. Multimodal canonical correlation analysis with joint independent component analysis were used to capture differences in GMV and fractional anisotropy between groups. Correlation analysis was performed between imaging findings and clinical features.ResultsInfants with spastic CP showed one joint group‐discriminating component (i.e. GMV‐fractional anisotropy) associated with regions in the cortico‐basal ganglia‐thalamo‐cortical loop and in the corpus callosum compared to typically developing controls and one modality‐specific group‐discriminating component (i.e. GMV). Significant negative correlations were found between loadings in certain regions and the motor function score in spastic CP.InterpretationIn infants with spastic CP, covarying GMV‐fractional anisotropy and altered GMV in specific regions were implicated in motor dysfunction, which confirmed that simultaneous GMV and fractional anisotropy changes underly motor deficits, but might also extend to sensory, cognitive, or visual dysfunction. These findings also suggest that multimodal fusion analysis allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the relevance between grey and white matter structures and its crucial role in the neuropathological mechanisms of spastic CP.
New insights into the hemodynamics of pulmonary homograft patients under stress echocardiography: The contribution of pressure recovery
Authors: Marquetand Christoph , Aboud Anas , Hasfurther Maria , Göttmann Jan , Bahlmann Edda , Busch‐Tilge Claudia , Tilge Patric , Ivannikova Maria , Ensminger Stephan , Stierle Ulrich , Reil Gert‐Hinrich , Reil Jan‐Christian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of pulmonary artery pressure recovery (PR) in patients with Ross procedures in whom a homograft substitutes the resected pulmonary valve, is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and extent of PR in the pulmonary artery in 65 asymptomatic patients with pulmonary homograft after Ross surgery during rest and exercise.MethodsStress echocardiography was performed in 65 pulmonary homograft patients and 31 controls with native pulmonary valves up to 75 W. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), transvalvular flow, mean pressure gradient (Pmean), valve resistance, and RV stroke work were determined in the exercise (max. 75 W) and recovery phases in increments of 25 W each.ResultsPulmonary homografts demonstrated significantly elevated Pmean compared to controls at all stages. When considering pressure recovery (absolute and relative PR at rest 3.8 ± 1.8 mm Hg, 42.6 ± 7.2%, respectively) and transvalvular energy loss (EL; at rest 4.5 ± 4.3 mm Hg) the homograft hemodynamics reached the level of controls. In a subgroup of patients with tricuspid regurgitation, resting RVSP was the same in homograft patients and controls (21.3 ± 6.1 vs. 20.4 ± 6.3, p = .62), despite significant different Pmax values.ConclusionsRoss patients with pulmonary homograft showed systematically increased hemodynamic parameters compared to normal pulmonary valves. These differences were abolished when PR was considered for homograft patients. The equality of RVSP values at rest in both groups shows non‐invasive evidence for PR in the pulmonary system after homograft implantation. Therefore, PR appears to be an important measure in calculating the actual hemodynamics in pulmonary homografts.
Does financial inclusion empower women in Africa?
Authors: Maruta Admasu A. , Edjigu Habtamu T. , Kassa Woubet 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of financial inclusion on women's empowerment. We contribute to the growing interest in financial inclusion effectiveness literature by conducting an empirical analysis of 42 African countries to examine the role of financial inclusion in empowering women. We also examine and compare the effectiveness of the three dimensions of financial inclusion viz. usage, access, and quality, and the first most influential indicators, based on their PCA score, of these dimensions. Our findings suggest that financial inclusion has a significantly positive effect on women's empowerment‐measured by females' human development index. Examining the relative importance of financial inclusion dimensions, we find access to financial services has a higher effect on women's empowerment. These results are robust to alternative measures of women's empowerment and financial inclusion, and alternative estimation procedures. We also find that the effect of financial inclusion on women's empowerment is higher in low and lower‐middle‐income countries compared with upper‐middle‐income countries in the region. This study provides evidence of one of the channels through which financial inclusion contributes to reducing gender inequality, and thereby enhancing economic development.
Novel fatigue life prediction approach combined with rain‐flow cycle counting process for random multiaxial non‐proportional loading
Authors: He Lei , Xu Le , Itoh Takamoto 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study extends an existing fatigue life prediction approach for constant multiaxial non‐proportional loading, which is based on a material constant and non‐proportional factor of the loading path, to random amplitude loading waveforms and combines it with the rain‐flow cycle counting method. To validate the accuracy of the extended fatigue life prediction approach, fatigue tests under constant and random uniaxial and non‐proportional loading conditions were conducted. Moreover, fatigue limit reduction under constant non‐proportional loading was investigated through crack and dislocation structure observations. Then, fatigue lives under random multiaxial non‐proportional loading conditions were evaluated using the extended approach. According to the results, almost all evaluated failure data were distributed within two‐factor band lines, indicating that the extended approach could accurately evaluate the fatigue life of the study material.
A meta‐analytic review of acceptance‐based interventions for migraine
Authors: Polk Ashley N. , Smitherman Todd A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of acceptance and mindfulness‐based interventions on migraine disability, medication use, and attack frequency.BackgroundAcceptance‐based approaches to headache management are those in which individuals learn to mitigate the influence of pain‐related experiences on their general functioning without controlling pain itself. Treatment approaches include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness‐based practices. Both have shown promise in improving broad functioning and disability among individuals with headache. Despite a growing body of research examining acceptance‐based interventions for headache broadly and migraine specifically, no meta‐analytic review of ACT interventions for headache exists, and two meta‐analytic reviews of mindfulness‐based practices yielded conflicting results.MethodsThe present study aimed to systematically and quantitatively review the literature related to the efficacy of acceptance‐based interventions among adults with migraine. A multi‐database search (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) identified clinical trials among individuals with migraine that compared structured ACT or mindfulness‐based interventions to control treatment. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 meta‐analytic software, and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) quantified effect sizes on outcomes of disability, medication use, and headache frequency. Heterogeneity was quantified via I2 index and explored via subgroup analyses.ResultsAcceptance‐based interventions yielded significant improvements in disability (SMD = −0.38, 95% CI = −0.56 to −0.20; I2 = 25%, p = 0.20) but not in medication use (SMD = −0.25, 95% CI: −0.57 to 0.06; I2 = 0%, p = 0.82) or headache frequency (SMD = −0.16, 95% CI = −0.37 to 0.05; I2 = 0%, p = 0.73).ConclusionResults suggest that acceptance‐based interventions are effective in improving disability among adults with migraine and are a viable non‐pharmacological treatment option, in addition to well‐established behavioral migraine management approaches, for patients seeking functional improvement.
Oral health status and barriers to utilization of dental services among pregnant women in Sunsari, Nepal: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Subedi Krishna , Shrestha Ashish , Bhagat Tarakant 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess oral hygiene practices, oral health status and barriers to utilization of oral health care services among pregnant mothers attending two family health care clinics in Sunsari, Nepal.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 139 women using a purposive sampling technique. The data collection was done using a pretested standard semi‐structured questionnaire. Face‐to‐face interviews of the participants were done by a single investigator in the local language (Nepali). The examination was done using a mouth mirror and CPI probe for periodontal status, loss of attachment and dentition status, and treatment needs.ResultsThe majority of pregnant mothers brushed their teeth once a day or less than once a day (n = 106, 76.3%) and self‐reported perceived oral health status was poor/fair (n = 93, 66.9%). The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 69.8%. Bleeding on probing was present in all participants. DMFT, presence of bleeding on probing and increased periodontal pocket was significantly high among women who had self‐reported their oral health problems in comparison to those who had not reported any problem. The most common barriers reported by the participants were a lack of knowledge of dental checkups and a lack of perceived need for dental care during pregnancy.ConclusionsThere was a high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease. Lack of knowledge and perceived need for dental care were the major barriers found in this study. Hence, this directs towards the utmost need for improvement in awareness level as well as oral hygiene practices.
Trait filtering in island floras: A conceptual framework
Authors: Schrader Julian , Wright Ian J. , Kreft Holger , Dixon Kingsley , Gallagher Rachael V. , Andrew Samuel C. , Weigelt Patrick , Westoby Mark 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimDispersal and environmental filtering processes affect plant species colonisation success on islands and can be identified by functional traits. However, the lack of synthesis about the different methodological approaches in functional ecology hampers generalisation of filtering processes across island systems.LocationSeventy islands of the Houtman Abrolhos archipelago, Western Australia.Major Taxa StudiedAngiosperms.MethodsWe (i) apply a simple, conceptual framework based on the mean and variability of individual functional traits in plant assemblages to identify species filters on islands, (ii) illustrate how trait distributions of island assemblages change in relation to island area and their source pool, (iii) compare distributions of individual traits to multivariate functional diversity indices and trait spaces and (iv) provide guidelines to detect a signal of trait filtering in island floras.ResultsThe island assemblages showed evidence for selective filters operating on seed mass and marginally on leaf area but not on plant height. Mean and variability of seed mass differed to those of the source pool indicating selective forces operating between source pool and island assemblages, especially on smaller islands. Multivariate functional diversity indices and trait spaces failed to reveal filtering processes acting on the island assemblages and insights into the putative processes.Main ConclusionsUsing the mean and variability of individual traits in plant assemblages provides direct information on the trait composition of island floras and the processes involved beyond what can be inferred from multivariate functional diversity indices or trait spaces. We used islands as their distinct boundaries and relatively simple sets of species provide good research models, but joint analyses of trait means and variability should also be applicable to understand filtering processes in isolates and habitat fragments on mainlands.
MFAP2 promotes HSCs activation through FBN1/TGF‐β/Smad3 pathway
Authors: Sun Yonghong , Chen Xingxing , Chen Lili , Bao Baixin , Li Chunming , Zhou Yongning 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLiver fibrosis is a chronic inflammatory process characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which contributes to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) under an inflammatory state leads to the secretion of collagens, which can cause cirrhosis. In this study, we analysed data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between quiescent and fibrotic HSCs. We found that Microfibril Associated Protein 2 (MFAP2) was elevated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis and Transforming Growth Factor‐Beta 1 (TGF‐β1)‐activated HSCs. Knockdown of MFAP2 inhibited HSC proliferation and partially attenuated TGF‐β‐stimulated fibrogenesis markers. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that Fibrillin‐1 (FBN1) was correlated with MFAP2, and the expression of FBN1 was significantly upregulated after MFAP2 overexpression. Silencing MFAP2 partially attenuated the activation of HSCs by inhibiting HSC proliferation and decreasing collagen deposits. In vitro results showed that the inhibition of MFAP2 alleviated hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and inducing the apoptosis of active HSCs in a CCl4‐induced mouse model. In conclusion, our results suggest that MFAP2 is a potential target for the clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.