bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexmedetomidine ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway
Authors: Li Fan , Hu Zhenfei , Huang Yidan , Zhan Haiting 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been shown to have anti-apoptotic effects in diabetes mellitus, but its role in mitigating diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) through ferroptosis regulation is unclear.

Methods
An in vitro DCM model was established using H9C2 cells induced with high glucose (HG) and treated with DEX at varying doses and a nuclear factor erythroid 2-realated factor 2 (Nrf2) specific inhibitor ML385. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT method after treatment with DEX or mannitol (MAN), and the dosage of DEX used in subsequent experimentation was determined. The effects of HG-induced high osmotic pressure were assessed using MAN as a control. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Protein levels of Bcl2, Bax, nuclear Nrf2, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were measured using Western blot. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Fe2+ concentration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using corresponding kits and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, respectively.

Results
Treatment with DEX or MAN had no effect on H9C2 cell viability. HG induction reduced H9C2 cell viability, increased cell apoptosis, upregulated levels of Bax, Fe2+, MDA, and ROS, and downregulated Bcl2 protein levels, SOD activity, and protein levels of nuclear Nrf2 and GPX4. DEX inhibited HG-induced H9C2 cell apoptosis, promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and activated the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway. Inhibition of Nrf2 partially reversed the protective effects of DEX against HG-evoked H9C2 cell injury.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that DEX attenuates HG-induced cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway, providing potential therapeutic targets for DCM treatment.
Dual growth factor-modified microspheres nesting human-derived umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for bone regeneration
Authors: Song Wenzhi , Zhao Lanlan , Gao Yuqi , Han Chunyu , Gao Shengrui , Guo Min , Bai Jianfei , Wang Liqiang , Yin Wanzhong , Wu Feng , Zhang Peibiao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Modular tissue engineering (MTE) is a novel “bottom-up” approach that aims to mimic complex tissue microstructural features. The constructed micromodules are assembled into engineered biological tissues with repetitive functional microunits and form cellular networks. This is emerging as a promising strategy for reconstruction of biological tissue.

Results
Herein, we constructed a micromodule for MTE and developed engineered osteon-like microunits by inoculating human-derived umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) onto nHA/PLGA microspheres with surface modification of dual growth factors (BMP2/bFGF). By evaluating the results of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability of HUMSCs in vitro, the optimal ratio of the dual growth factor (BMP2/bFGF) combination was derived as 5:5. In vivo assessments showed the great importance of HUMSCs for osteogneic differentiation. Ultimately, direct promotion of early osteo-differentiation manifested as upregulation of Runx-2 gene expression. The vascularization capability was evaluated by tube formation assays, demonstrating the importance of HUMSCs in the microunits for angiogenesis.

Conclusions
The modification of growth factors and HUMSCs showed ideal biocompatibility and osteogenesis combined with nHA/PLGA scaffolds. The micromodules constructed in the current study provide an efficient stem cell therapy strategy for bone defect repair.
A user evaluation of speech/phrase recognition software in critically ill patients: a DECIDE-AI feasibility study
Authors: Musalia M. , Laha S. , Cazalilla-Chica J. , Allan J. , Roach L. , Twamley J. , Nanda S. , Verlander M. , Williams A. , Kempe I. , Patel I. I. , Campbell-West F. , Blackwood B. , McAuley D. F. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Evaluating effectiveness of speech/phrase recognition software in critically ill patients with speech impairments.

Design
Prospective study.

Setting
Tertiary hospital critical care unit in the northwest of England.

Participants
14 patients with tracheostomies, 3 female and 11 male.

Main outcome measures
Evaluation of dynamic time warping (DTW) and deep neural networks (DNN) methods in a speech/phrase recognition application. Using speech/phrase recognition app for voice impaired (SRAVI), patients attempted mouthing various supported phrases with recordings evaluated by both DNN and DTW processing methods. Then, a trio of potential recognition phrases was displayed on the screen, ranked from first to third in order of likelihood.

Results
A total of 616 patient recordings were taken with 516 phrase identifiable recordings. The overall results revealed a total recognition accuracy across all three ranks of 86% using the DNN method. The rank 1 recognition accuracy of the DNN method was 75%. The DTW method had a total recognition accuracy of 74%, with a rank 1 accuracy of 48%.

Conclusion
This feasibility evaluation of a novel speech/phrase recognition app using SRAVI demonstrated a good correlation between spoken phrases and app recognition. This suggests that speech/phrase recognition technology could be a therapeutic option to bridge the gap in communication in critically ill patients.

What is already known about this topic
Communication can be attempted using visual charts, eye gaze boards, alphabet boards, speech/phrase reading, gestures and speaking valves in critically ill patients with speech impairments.

What this study adds
Deep neural networks and dynamic time warping methods can be used to analyse lip movements and identify intended phrases.

How this study might affect research, practice and policy
Our study shows that speech/phrase recognition software has a role to play in bridging the communication gap in speech impairment.
Randomized double-blind personalized N-of-1 clinical trial to test the safety and potential efficacy of TJ-68 for treating muscle cramps in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): study protocol for a TJ-68 trial
Authors: Mitsumoto Hiroshi , Cheung Ken , Oskarsson Björn , Andrews Howard F. , Jang Grace E. , Andrews Jinsy A. , Shah Jaimin S. , Fernandes Joseph Americo , McElhiney Martin , Santella Regina M. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction/aims
Muscle cramps are a common and often disabling symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating and incurable neurodegenerative disorder. To date, there are no medications specifically approved for the treatment of muscle cramps. Ameliorating muscle cramps in ALS may improve and sustain quality of life. A widely prescribed traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine against muscle cramps, shakuyakukanzoto (TJ-68), has been studied in advanced liver disease, spinal stenosis, kidney failure, and diabetic neuropathy. The Japanese ALS Management Guideline mentions TJ-68 for difficult muscle cramps in ALS. Therefore, the rationale of our trial is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of TJ-68 in treating painful and disabling muscle cramps in people with ALS outside of Japan. Accordingly, we are conducting a randomized clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of TJ-68 in participants with ALS reporting frequent muscle cramps using an innovative, personalized N-of-1 design. If successful, TJ-68 may be used for muscle cramps in a broader population of people with ALS.

Methods
This is a two-site, double-blind, randomized personalized N-of-1 early clinical trial with TJ-68. At least 22 participants with ALS and daily muscle cramps will receive drug or placebo for 2 weeks (one treatment period) followed by a 1-week washout in a four-period cross-over design. While the primary objective is to evaluate the safety of TJ-68, the study has 85% power to detect a one-point shift on the Visual Analog Scale for Muscle Cramps Affecting Overall Daily Activity of the Columbia Muscle Cramp Scale (MCS). Secondary outcomes include the full MCS score, a Cramp Diary, Clinical Global Impression of Changes, Goal Attainment Scale, quality of life scale and ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R).

Discussion
The study is underway. A personalized N-of-1 trial design is an efficient approach to testing medications that alleviate muscle cramps in rare disorders. If TJ-68 proves safe and efficacious then it may be used to treat cramps in ALS, and help to improve and sustain quality of life.

Trial registration
This clinical trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04998305), 8/9/2021.
Fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein 6 does not control worm fatty acid content in Caenorhabditis elegans but might play a role in Haemonchus contortus parasitism
Authors: Wu Fei , Wei Haidian , Chen Xueqiu , Du Zhendong , Huang Yan , Shi Hengzhi , Yang Yi , Du Aifang , Ma Guangxu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Nematodes have lost the ability to synthesise necessary lipids de novo and have complementally evolved the capacity to acquire fatty acids and their derivatives from a diet or host animal. Nematode-specific fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein (FAR) family is one approach that facilitates lipid acquisition, representing an Achilles heel and potential target against roundworms of socioeconomic significance. However, little is known about their detailed functional roles in either free-living or parasitic nematodes.

Methods
A genome-wide identification and curation were performed to screen the FAR family members of Haemonchus contortus. Their transcription patterns in worms were also analysed to identify the targets. Ligand binding assay and molecular docking were conducted to verify the fatty acid binding activities of FAR proteins of interest. RNA interference (RNAi) and heterologous expression (rescuing) experiments were designed to explore the potential roles of the selected FAR protein in nematodes. Localisation of the protein was shown in sections of paraffin-embedded worms after an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay.

Results
Here, an orthologue of far-6 in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (Ce-far-6) was functionally characterised in a parasitic nematode, H. contortus (Hc-far-6). It is demonstrated that knockdown of Ce-far-6 gene did not affect worm fat content, reproduction, or lifespan, but decreased worm body length at an early life stage of C. elegans. In particular, the Ce-far-6 mutant associated phenotype was completely rescued by Hc-far-6, suggesting a conserved functional role. Surprisingly, there were distinct tissue expression patterns of FAR-6 in the free-living C. elegans and parasitic H. contortus. High transcriptional level of Hc-far-6 and dominant expression of FAR-6 in the intestine of the parasitic stage of H. contortus link this gene/protein to nematode parasitism.

Conclusions
These findings substantially enhance our understanding of far genes and the associated lipid biology of this important parasitic nematode at a molecular level, and the approaches established are readily applicable to the studies of far genes in a broad range of parasites.

Graphical Abstract
Phylogenomic insights into evolutionary trajectories of multidrug resistant S. pneumoniae CC271 over a period of 14 years in China
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Song Yuqin , Cui Lanqing , Wu Qi , Wang Chao , Coelho Adriano Cappellazzo , Zhang Gang , Wei Dawei , Li Chao , Zhang Jingren , Corbeil Jacques , Li Yun , Feng Jie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a gram-positive opportunistic pathogen, and infection risks of S. pneumoniae can be profoundly augmented by its acquired multidrug-resistance (MDR). The rapid development of MDR in S. pneumoniae was attributed to the international dissemination of a small number of multidrug-resistant “clones.” Clonal complex (CC) 271 is a prevalent MDR CC in the world and the most prevalent CC in China. However, the evolutionary trajectories of multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae CC271 in China still are largely unknown.

Methods
We investigated a collection of 1312 S. pneumoniae isolates collected from 28 tertiary hospitals in China from 2007 to 2020. Recombination prediction and recombination-masked phylogenetic analysis were combined to determine the population structure and mode of evolution of CC271. Data from the Global Pneumococcal Sequencing program (GPS) were combined to understand the global distribution of clones identified in this study. Bayesian analysis were recruited to analysis the evolutionary dynamics of dominant clones within CC271 in China.

Results
The phylogenomic analysis resulted in the discovery of two globally distributed clones, ST271-A and ST271-B. ST271-A was a derivative of ST236 and an ancestor of ST271-B and ST320, refining the internal phylogenetic relationship of CC271. ST271-B was the most dominant clone in China, with higher β-lactam resistance especially for cephalosporins comparing to other MDR clones. Bayesian skyline plot showed a rapid expansion of 19F ST271-B from 1995 to 2000, which correlates with the widespread use of cephalosporins in the 1990s in China. 19A ST320, a vaccine-escape clone, is the second largest population in China. The Bayesian skyline plot showed that the 19A ST320 began to expand rapidly around 2001, which appeared to coincide with the prevalence of 19A after application of PCV7 in 2000 in the USA. We also observed frequent transmission of 19A ST320 between countries. It suggests that mass vaccination in some countries could affect the prevalence of clones in unvaccinated countries in the context of high-frequency international transmission.

Conclusions
Our results refined the internal phylogenetic relationship of CC271, showing that the 19F ST271-B and 19A ST320 evolved independently from ST271-A, with different histories and driving forces for their evolution and dissemination in China.
Comparison of renal growth in breast fed and artificial fed infants: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alam Aisha Tariq , Ijaz Iftikhar , Mukhtar Muhammad Umer , Qureshi Muhammad Ahmad , Mehmood Qasim , Abbas Farnaz , Junaid Khunsa 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Renal growth in infancy determines renal function in adulthood and can easily be assessed via infant renal volume. Renal growth is influenced by many endogenous and exogenous factors among which nutrition is of prime importance. Worldwide, infants get their nutrition either from breast milk or formula, both of which have controversial roles in kidney growth and development.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was done on healthy infants in the Pediatric Nephrology Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore. These infants were either breastfed or artificially fed and their kidney volumes were noted to determine any significant difference in kidney size. Both informed and written consent was taken before data collection and the data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results
Out of 80 infants included in our study, 55% were male and 45% were female. The mean age was 8.9 months and the mean weight was 7.6 kg. The mean total kidney volume was 45.38 cm3 and the mean relative kidney volume was 6.12 cm3/kg. No statistical difference in relative renal volume was found between breastfed and artificially fed infants.

Conclusion
The present study aimed to compare the renal volume and thus renal growth in breastfed versus formula-fed infants. No statistical significance was found in relative renal volume between breastfed and artificially fed infants.
bTB eradication in Ireland: where to from here?
Authors: More Simon J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
In an earlier paper from 2019, this author concluded that successful eradication of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) from Ireland by 2030 would be unlikely, given control strategies in place at that time plus the addition of badger vaccination. He argued that additional measures will be needed, broadly focusing on bTB risks from wildlife, risk-based cattle controls, and industry commitment. This paper considers these points in further detail.

Main text
Ongoing monitoring of the badger vaccination programme (which is progressively being rolled out nationally) and associated research will be critical, with a focus both on programme inputs and outcomes. The direct contribution of cattle movements to bTB restrictions in Ireland has been evaluated. However, it is the indirect role of cattle movements in bTB restrictions that is likely of greater importance, particularly towards the latter phase of the eradication programme. In other national programmes, a range of risk-based approaches have been used to address the challenge of residual infection in cattle (that is, the presence of animals with persistent but undetected infection), and similar approaches are needed in Ireland. A number of authors have highlighted the critical importance of industry commitment to programme success, and the key role of programme governance to achieving this. In this commentary, the author briefly considers experiences from Australia and New Zealand in this regard. The author also reflects on the challenge of uncertainty in decision-making, the relevance to Ireland of lessons from other countries, and the potential contribution of new methodologies in support of the national programme.

Conclusions
‘The tragedy of the horizon’ was a term first used in the context of climate change, referring to the costs imposed on future generations that the current generation has no direct incentives to fix. This concept is equally relevant to bTB eradication in Ireland, where current decisions will have long-term consequences for future generations, including both the general public (through the Exchequer) and future Irish farmers.
A positioning algorithm based on improved robust extended Kalman filter with NLOS identification and mitigation
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Huikang , Gong Yuxin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWith the development of the information age and the maturity of Internet of Things technology, wireless sensor network has been widely applied in indoor localization. However, the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation in complicated environment and the inherent noise of the sensor will introduce errors in the measurements, which will seriously lead to inaccurate positioning. In this paper, a novel localization scheme based on the mean reconstruction method is proposed, which reconstructs the distance measurements from all beacon nodes by taking the average twice to weaken the adverse effects of NLOS. At the same time, the noise average is re-estimated when the distance difference is not too large. Next, the robust extended Kalman filter (REKF) is used to process the reconstructed distance measurements to obtain positioning results. To make the positioning results more accurate, hypothesis test is used as NLOS identification to classify the position estimates generated from all distance combinations by least-squares. Then, the residual weighting (RWGH) method is utilized to combine the position estimates that fall into the validation region. At last, we merge the results from RWGH and REKF. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has high positioning accuracy and strong positioning robustness.
The determinants of the nutritional quality of food provided to the homeless population: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Ravikumar-Grant Divya , Kelly Colette , Gabhainn Saoirse Nic 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Studies assessing the nutritional quality of food provided to the homeless population show deficiencies in micronutrients and excess fat, sugar, and salt. The availability of cheap, energy-dense and nutrient-poor food has changed the profile of people living with homelessness from primarily underweight to obese in western countries. Many factors influence the nutritional quality of food provided to the homeless population such as budget and time constraints, food donations and limited equipment. Nutrient intakes in this population are unlikely to be met outside of charitable meal programmes, making the nutritional quality of these meals crucial. This review will synthesise mixed methods literature with the overarching aim of understanding the determinants of the nutritional quality of food provided to the homeless population.

Methods
This mixed methods systematic review will include English language empirical research studies from Europe, North America and Oceania. The following electronic databases have been chosen for this review: SCOPUS, EMBASE, PsycINFO, EBSCOHost SocIndex and CINAHL. The grey literature databases OpenGrey and ProQuest will also be searched. Quality appraisal will be conducted using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Two independent reviewers will be included in study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal. A third reviewer will resolve conflicts. Thematic synthesis will be employed.

Discussion
Results will be organised based on a determinants of health model, to highlight areas where change may be effective, thereby making it more likely to be useful to practitioners and researchers. The iterative steps in the systematic review process will be the focus of this article. Findings from this review will be used to develop best-practice guidelines for stakeholders such as policy makers and service providers to improve the nutritional quality of food provided in the homeless sector.

Systematic review registration
This mixed methods systematic review protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42021289063.
Influence of tree species on soil microbial residue accumulation and distribution among soil aggregates in subtropical plantations of China
Authors: Jing Yanli , Zhao Xuechao , Liu Shengen , Tian Peng , Sun Zhaolin , Chen Longchi , Wang Qingkui 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Microbial residues are significant contributors to stable soil organic carbon (SOC). Soil aggregates effectively protect microbial residues against decomposition; thus, microbial residue accumulation and distribution among soil aggregates determine long-term SOC stability. However, how tree species influence accumulation and distribution of soil microbial residues remains largely unknown, hindering the chances to develop policies for SOC management. Here, we investigated microbial residue accumulation and distribution in soil aggregates under four subtropical tree species (Cunninghamia lanceolata, Pinus massoniana, Michelia macclurei, and Schima superba) after 29 years of afforestation.

Results
Accumulation of microbial residues in the 0–10 cm soil layer was 13.8–26.7% higher under S. superba than that under the other tree species. A structural equation model revealed that tree species affected the accumulation of microbial residues directly by altering fungal biomass. Additionally, tree species significantly affected microbial residue distribution and contribution to SOC in the top 20 cm soil. In particular, microbial residue distribution was 17.2–33.4% lower in large macro-aggregates (LMA) but 60.1–140.7% higher in micro-aggregates (MA) under S. superba than that under the other species in the 0–10 cm soil layer, and 14.3–19.0% lower in LMA but 43–52.1% higher in MA under S. superba than that under C. lanceolata and M. macclurei in the 10–20 cm soil layer. Moreover, the contribution of microbial residues to SOC was 44.4–47.5% higher under S. superba than under the other tree species. These findings suggest a higher stability of microbial residues under S. superba than that under the other studied tree species.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that tree species influence long-term microbial persistence in forest soils by affecting accumulation and stabilization of microbial residues.