bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome reduces inflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa skin
Authors: Moran Barry , Smith Conor M , Zaborowski Alexandra , Ryan Mark , Karman Jozsef , Dunstan Robert W , Smith Kathleen M , Hambly Roisin , Musilova Jana , Petrasca Andreea  , Fabre Aurelie , O’Donnell Margaret , Hokamp Karsten , Mills Kingston H G , Housley William J   , Winter Desmond C , Kirby Brian , Fletcher Jean M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Treatment for the debilitating disease hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is inadequate in many patients. Despite an incidence of approximately 1%, HS is often under-recognized and underdiagnosed, and is associated with a high morbidity and poor quality of life.

Objectives
To gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HS, in order to design new therapeutic strategies.

Methods
We employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyse gene expression in immune cells isolated from involved HS skin vs. healthy skin. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the absolute numbers of the main immune populations. The secretion of inflammatory mediators from skin explant cultures was measured using multiplex and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results
Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis identified a significant enrichment in the frequency of plasma cells, T helper (Th) 17 cells and dendritic cell subsets in HS skin, and the immune transcriptome was distinct and more heterogeneous than healthy skin. Flow cytometry revealed significantly increased numbers of T cells, B cells, neutrophils, dermal macrophages and dendritic cells in HS skin. Genes and pathways associated with Th17 cells, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-1β and the NLRP3 inflammasome were enhanced in HS skin, particularly in samples with a high inflammatory load. Inflammasome constituent genes principally mapped to Langerhans cells and a subpopulation of dendritic cells. The secretome of HS skin explants contained significantly increased concentrations of inflammatory mediators, including IL-1β and IL-17A, and culture with an NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor significantly reduced the secretion of these, as well as other, key mediators of inflammation.

Conclusions
These data provide a rationale for targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in HS using small-molecule inhibitors that are currently being tested for other indications.
Anti-TPO-mediated specific features of the placenta immunohistochemical profile and possible mechanisms for fetal loss
Authors: Borodina Elena , Gzgzyan Alexander M , Dzhemlikhanova Liailia Kh , Niauri Dariko A , Tolibova Gulrukhsor Kh , Tral Tatiana G , Kogan Igor Y , Safarian Galina Kh , Ostrinski Yuri , Churilov Leonid P , Amital Howard , Blank Miri , Shoenfeld Yehuda 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Passive transfer of antithyroid antibodies in mice leads to reproductive disorders. The purpose was to assess the placental tissue of experimental animals under the influence of the circulating thyroperoxidase antibodies. We performed an immunohistochemical examination of murine placentae after a passive transfer of thyroperoxidase antibodies. Placentae of mice that passively transferred IgG from healthy donors were used as control samples. For histological examination, 30 placental samples were selected from mice from the anti-TPO group and 40 placental samples were taken from mice from the IgG group. Immunostaining for VEGFR1, THBS 1, Laminin, CD31, CD34, FGF-β, CD56, CD14, TNF-α, kisspeptin, MCL 1, and Annexin V was performed. There is a significant decrease in the relative area of the expression of VEGFR1 (23.42 ± 0.85 vs. 33.44 ± 0.35, P &lt; 0.01), thrombospondin 1 (31.29 ± 0.83 vs. 34.51 ± 0.75, P &lt; 0.01), CD14 (25.80 ± 0.57 vs. 32.07 ± 0.36, P &lt; .01), CD56 (30.08 ± 0.90 vs. 34.92 ± 0.15, P &lt; 0.01), kisspeptin (25.94 ± 0.47 vs. 31.27 ± 0.57, P &lt; 0.01), MCL 1 (29.24 ± 1.06 vs. 38.57 ± 0.79, P &lt; 0.01) in the labyrinth zone of the placentae of mice from the anti-TPO group compared with control group. A significant increase in the relative expression of laminin and FGF-β was noted in the group of mice to which antibodies to thyroperoxidase were transferred, compared with the control group (36.73 ± 1.38 vs. 29.83 ± 0.94, P &lt; 0.01 and 23.26 ± 0.61 vs. 16.38 ± 1.01, P &lt; 0.01respectively). Our study exposed an imbalance of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, decreased representation of placental macrophages and NK cells, abnormal trophoblast invasion processes, and insufficient expression of antiapoptotic factors in the placentae of mice in which anti-TPO antibodies were passively transferred.
Epidemiology and outcomes of post-AKI proteinuria
Authors: Su Licong , Li Yanqin , Chen Ruixuan , Zhang Xiaodong , Cao Yue , Luo Fan , Pi Mingjing , Xu Ruqi , Gao Qi , Zhou Shiyu , Hu Ying , Li Hua , Yang Qiongqiong , Wan Qijun , Liu Bicheng , Xu Hong , Li Guisen , Weng Jianping , Xu Gang , Chen Chunbo , Liu Huafeng , Shi Yongjun , Zha Yan , Kong Yaozhong , Su Guobin , Tang Ying , Zhou Yilun , Gong Mengchun , Xu Xin , Nie Sheng 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been associated with increased risks of new-onset and worsening proteinuria. However, epidemiologic data for post-AKI proteinuria was still lacking. This study aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors and clinical correlations of post-AKI proteinuria among hospitalized patients.

Methods
This study was conducted in a multicenter cohort including patients aged 18–100 years with hospital-acquired AKI (HA-AKI) hospitalized at 19 medical centers throughout China. The primary outcome was the incidence of post-AKI proteinuria. Secondary outcomes included AKI recovery and kidney disease progression. The results of both quantitative and qualitative urinary protein tests were used to define post-AKI proteinuria. Cox proportional hazard model with stepwise regression was used to determine the risk factors for post-AKI proteinuria.

Results
Of 6206 HA-AKI patients without proteinuria at baseline, 2102 (33.9%) had new-onset proteinuria, whereas of 5137 HA-AKI with baseline proteinuria, 894 (17.4%) had worsening proteinuria after AKI. Higher AKI stage and preexisting CKD diagnosis were risk factors for new-onset proteinuria and worsening proteinuria, whereas treatment with renin–angiotensin system inhibitors was associated with an 11% lower risk of incident proteinuria. About 60% and 75% of patients with post-AKI new-onset and worsening proteinuria, respectively, recovered within 3 months. Worsening proteinuria was associated with a lower incidence of AKI recovery and a higher risk of kidney disease progression.

Conclusions
Post-AKI proteinuria is common and usually transient among hospitalized patients. The risk profiles for new-onset and worsening post-AKI proteinuria differed markedly. Worsening proteinuria after AKI was associated with adverse kidney outcomes, which emphasized the need for close monitoring of proteinuria after AKI.
Performance of radiomics-based artificial intelligence systems in the diagnosis and prediction of treatment response and survival in esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Menon Nainika , Guidozzi Nadia , Chidambaram Swathikan , Markar Sheraz Rehan 
Published: May 2023

Summary
Radiomics can interpret radiological images with more detail and in less time compared to the human eye. Some challenges in managing esophageal cancer can be addressed by incorporating radiomics into image interpretation, treatment planning, and predicting response and survival. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a summary of the evidence of radiomics in esophageal cancer. The systematic review was carried out using Pubmed, MEDLINE, and Ovid EMBASE databases—articles describing radiomics in esophageal cancer were included. A meta-analysis was also performed; 50 studies were included. For the assessment of treatment response using 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) scans, seven studies (443 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 86.5% (81.1–90.6) and 87.1% (78.0–92.8). For the assessment of treatment response using CT scans, five studies (625 patients) were included in the meta-analysis, with a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 86.7% (81.4–90.7) and 76.1% (69.9–81.4). The remaining 37 studies formed the qualitative review, discussing radiomics in diagnosis, radiotherapy planning, and survival prediction. This review explores the wide-ranging possibilities of radiomics in esophageal cancer management. The sensitivities of 18F-FDG PET/CT scans and CT scans are comparable, but 18F-FDG PET/CT scans have improved specificity for AI-based prediction of treatment response. Models integrating clinical and radiomic features facilitate diagnosis and survival prediction. More research is required into comparing models and conducting large-scale studies to build a robust evidence base.
Evaluation of an electronic clinical decision support system (DeSSBack) to improve low back pain management: a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tun Firzara Abdul Malik , Teo Chin Hai , Teh Shu Yi , Su Je Yu , Mohd Zaini Hana Salwani , Suhaimi Anwar , Ng Wei Leik , Danaee Mahmoud , Stevenson Kay , Mallen Christian David , Ng Chirk Jenn 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Low back pain (LBP) is a common reason for primary care consultation; yet doctors often find managing it challenging. An electronic decision support system for LBP (DeSSBack) was developed based on an evidence-based risk stratification tool to improve the management of patients with LBP in a Malaysian primary care setting. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of DeSSBack for the conduct of a future definitive trial.

Methods
A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) with qualitative interviews was conducted. Each primary care doctor was considered a cluster and randomized to either the control (usual practice) or intervention (DeSSBack) group. Patient outcomes including Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a 10-point pain rating scale were measured at baseline and 2-month postintervention. The doctors in the intervention group were interviewed to explore feasibility and acceptability of using DeSSBack.

Results
Thirty-six patients with nonspecific LBP participated in this study (intervention n = 23; control n = 13). Fidelity was poor among patients but good among doctors. The RMDQ and anxiety score had medium effect sizes of 0.718 and 0.480, respectively. The effect sizes for pain score (0.070) and depression score were small (0.087). There was appreciable acceptability and satisfaction with use of DeSSBack, as it was helpful in facilitating thorough and standardized management, providing appropriate treatment plans based on risk stratification, improving consultation time, empowering patient-centred care, and easy to use.

Conclusions
A future cRCT to evaluate the effectiveness of DeSSBack is feasible to be conducted in a primary care setting with minor modifications. DeSSBack was found useful by doctors and can be improved to enhance efficiency.

Trial registration
The protocol of the cluster randomized controlled trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04959669).
Pragmatic Delphi study aimed at determining practical components for a tool designed to assist Dutch primary care-givers in opioid deprescribing for non-cancer pain
Authors: Jansen-Groot Koerkamp Elsemiek A W , de Kleijn Loes , Fakhry Romina , Chiarotto Alessandro , Heringa Mette , Rijkels-Otters Hanneke J B M , Blom Jeanet W , Numans Mattijs E , Koes Bart W , Bouvy Marcel L 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Over the past decades, opioid prescriptions have increased in the Netherlands. The Dutch general practitioners’ guideline on pain was recently updated and now aims to reduce opioid prescriptions and high-risk opioid use for non-cancer pain. The guideline, however, lacks practical measures for implementation.

Objective
This study aims to determine practical components for a tool that should assist Dutch primary care prescribers and implements the recently updated guideline to reduce opioid prescriptions and high-risk use.

Methods
A modified Delphi approach was used. The practical components for the tool were identified based on systematic reviews, qualitative studies, and Dutch primary care guidelines. Suggested components were divided into Part A, containing components designed to reduce opioid initiation and stimulate short-term use, and Part B, containing components designed to reduce opioid use among patients on long-term opioid treatment. During three rounds, a multidisciplinary panel of 21 experts assessed the content, usability, and feasibility of these components by adding, deleting, and adapting components until consensus was reached on the outlines of an opioid reduction tool.

Results
The resulting Part A consisted of six components, namely education, opioid decision tree, risk assessment, agreements on dosage and duration of use, guidance and follow-up, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The resulting Part B consisted of five components, namely education, patient identification, risk assessment, motivation, and tapering.

Conclusions
In this pragmatic Delphi study, components for an opioid reduction tool for Dutch primary care-givers are identified. These components need further development, and the final tool should be tested in an implementation study.
Endogenous Amyloid-formed Ca2+-permeable Channels in Aged 3xTg AD Mice
Authors: Li Shuangtao , Ji Xiaoyu , Gao Ming , Huang Bing , Peng Shuang , Wu Jie 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ). However, whether Aβ itself is a key toxic agent in AD pathogenesis and the precise mechanism of Aβ-elicited neurotoxicity are still debated. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the Aβ channel/pore hypothesis could explain Aβ toxicity, because Aβ oligomers are able to disrupt membranes and cause edge-conductivity pores that may disrupt cell Ca2+ homeostasis and drive neurotoxicity in AD. However, all available data to support this hypothesis have been collected from “in vitro” experiments using high concentrations of exogenous Aβ. It is still unknown whether Aβ channels can be formed by endogenous Aβ in AD animal models. Here, we report an unexpected finding of the spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in aged 3xTg AD mice but not in age-matched wild-type mice. These spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations are sensitive to extracellular Ca2+, ZnCl2, and the Aβ channel blocker Anle138b, suggesting that these spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in aged 3xTg AD mice are mediated by endogenous Aβ-formed channels.
“Correcting” Gene Trees to be More Like Species Trees Frequently Increases Topological Error
Authors: Yan Zhi , Ogilvie Huw A , Nakhleh Luay 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The evolutionary histories of individual loci in a genome can be estimated independently, but this approach is error-prone due to the limited amount of sequence data available for each gene, which has led to the development of a diverse array of gene tree error correction methods which reduce the distance to the species tree. We investigate the performance of two representatives of these methods: TRACTION and TreeFix. We found that gene tree error correction frequently increases the level of error in gene tree topologies by “correcting” them to be closer to the species tree, even when the true gene and species trees are discordant. We confirm that full Bayesian inference of the gene trees under the multispecies coalescent model is more accurate than independent inference. Future gene tree correction approaches and methods should incorporate an adequately realistic model of evolution instead of relying on oversimplified heuristics.
Worker Reproduction and Caste Polymorphism Impact Genome Evolution and Social Genes Across the Ants
Authors: Barkdull Megan , Moreau Corrie S 
Published: May 2023

AbstractEusocial insects are characterized by several traits, including reproductive division of labor and caste polymorphisms, which likely modulate genome evolution. Concomitantly, evolution may act on specific genes and pathways underlying these novel, sociality-associated phenotypes. Reproductive division of labor should increase the magnitude of genetic drift and reduce the efficacy of selection by reducing effective population size. Caste polymorphism has been associated with relaxed selection and may facilitate directional selection on caste-specific genes. Here, we use comparative analyses of 22 ant genomes to test how reproductive division of labor and worker polymorphism influence positive selection and selection intensity across the genome. Our results demonstrate that worker reproductive capacity is associated with a reduction in the degree of relaxed selection but is not associated with any significant change to positive selection. We find decreases in positive selection in species with polymorphic workers, but no increase in the degree of relaxed selection. Finally, we explore evolutionary patterns in specific candidate genes associated with our focal traits in eusocial insects. Two oocyte patterning genes previously implicated in worker sterility evolve under intensified selection in species with reproductive workers. Behavioral caste genes generally experience relaxed selection associated with worker polymorphism, whereas vestigial and spalt, both associated with soldier development in Pheidole ants, experience intensified selection in worker polymorphic species. These findings expand our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying elaborations of sociality. The impacts of reproductive division of labor and caste polymorphisms on specific genes illuminate those genes’ roles in generating complex eusocial phenotypes.
Multiview child motor development dataset for AI-driven assessment of child development
Authors: Kim Hye Hyeon , Kim Jin Yong , Jang Bong Kyung , Lee Joo Hyun , Kim Jong Hyun , Lee Dong Hoon , Yang Hee Min , Choi Young Jo , Sung Myung Jun , Kang Tae Jun , Kim Eunah , Oh Yang Seong , Lim Jaehyun , Hong Soon-Beom , Ahn Kiok , Park Chan Lim , Kwon Soon Myeong , Park Yu Rang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Children's motor development is a crucial tool for assessing developmental levels, identifying developmental disorders early, and taking appropriate action. Although the Korean Developmental Screening Test for Infants and Children (K-DST) can accurately assess childhood development, its dependence on parental surveys rather than reliable, professional observation limits it. This study constructed a dataset based on a skeleton of recordings of K-DST behaviors in children aged between 20 and 71 months, with and without developmental disorders. The dataset was validated using a child behavior artificial intelligence (AI) learning model to highlight its possibilities.

Results
The 339 participating children were divided into 3 groups by age. We collected videos of 4 behaviors by age group from 3 different angles and extracted skeletons from them. The raw data were used to annotate labels for each image, denoting whether each child performed the behavior properly. Behaviors were selected from the K-DST's gross motor section. The number of images collected differed by age group. The original dataset underwent additional processing to improve its quality. Finally, we confirmed that our dataset can be used in the AI model with 93.94%, 87.50%, and 96.31% test accuracy for the 3 age groups in an action recognition model. Additionally, the models trained with data including multiple views showed the best performance.

Conclusion
Ours is the first publicly available dataset that constitutes skeleton-based action recognition in young children according to the standardized criteria (K-DST). This dataset will enable the development of various models for developmental tests and screenings.
Covid-19 corruption in the public health sector—emerging evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Moazzem , Rahaman Md Mustafizur , Rahman Md Jahidur 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This paper explores Covid-19-related corruption in Bangladesh. Specifically, we analyse the issue of Covid-19-related corruption in the health sector of Bangladesh. We also explore how denial strategies adapted by government officials have worsened the problem. Using Cohen’s notion of denial strategies (Cohen 2001. States of Denial. Cambridge: Polity), we analyse media reports during the pandemic that highlighted Covid-19-related corruption occurring in the Bangladeshi health sector. Our analyses reveal that the Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to a new wave of corruption, particularly in the procurement of testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as the issuance of false Covid-19 certificates. We call for an in-depth investigation of Covid-19-related corruption in Bangladesh and other developing countries that follows similar social, contextual and cultural values via interviews with policymakers and health professionals. Our paper extends the ongoing debate on Covid-19-related corruption and its impacts on public health sectors.
Mantis Shrimp Locomotion: Coordination and Variation of Hybrid Metachronal Swimming
Authors: Hanson S E , Ray W J , Santhanakrishnan A , Patek S N 
Published: May 2023

Synopsis
Across countless marine invertebrates, coordination of closely spaced swimming appendages is key to producing diverse locomotory behaviors. Using a widespread mechanism termed hybrid metachronal propulsion, mantis shrimp swim by moving five paddle-like pleopods along their abdomen in a posterior to anterior sequence during the power stroke and a near-synchronous motion during the recovery stroke. Despite the ubiquity of this mechanism, it is not clear how hybrid metachronal swimmers coordinate and modify individual appendage movements to achieve a range of swimming capabilities. Using high-speed imaging, we measured pleopod kinematics of mantis shrimp (Neogonodactylus bredini), while they performed two swimming behaviors: burst swimming and taking off from the substrate. By tracking each of the five pleopods, we tested how stroke kinematics vary across swimming speeds and the two swimming behaviors. We found that mantis shrimp achieve faster swimming speeds through a combination of higher beat frequencies, smaller stroke durations, and partially via larger stroke angles. The five pleopods exhibit non-uniform kinematics that contribute to the coordination and forward propulsion of the whole system. Micro-hook structures (retinacula) connect each of the five pleopod pairs and differ in their attachment across pleopods—possibly contributing to passive kinematic control. We compare our findings in N. bredini to previous studies to identify commonalities across hybrid metachronal swimmers at high Reynolds numbers and centimeter scales. Through our large experimental dataset and by tracking each pleopod's movements, our study reveals key parameters by which mantis shrimp adjust and control their swimming, yielding diverse locomotor abilities.