bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASPM Activates Hedgehog and Wnt Signaling to Promote Small Cell Lung Cancer Stemness and Progression
Authors: Cheng Li-Hsin , Hsu Chung-Chi , Tsai Hung-Wen , Liao Wen-Ying , Yang Pei-Ming , Liao Tai-Yan , Hsieh Hsiao-Yen , Chan Tze-Sian , Tsai Kelvin K. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) is among the most aggressive and lethal human malignancies. Most patients with SCLC who initially respond to chemotherapy develop disease relapse. Therefore, there is a pressing need to identify novel driver mechanisms of SCLC progression to unlock treatment strategies to improve patient prognosis. SCLC cells comprise subsets of cells possessing progenitor or stem cell properties, while the underlying regulatory pathways remain elusive. Here, we identified the isoform 1 of the neurogenesis-associated protein ASPM (ASPM-I1) as a prominently upregulated stemness-associated gene during the self-renewal of SCLC cells. The expression of ASPM-I1 was found to be upregulated in SCLC cells and tissues, correlated with poor patient prognosis, and indispensable for SCLC stemness and tumorigenesis. A reporter array screening identified multiple developmental signaling pathways, including Hedgehog (Hh) and Wnt pathways, whose activity in SCLC cells depended upon ASPM-I1 expression. Mechanistically, ASPM-I1 stabilized the Hh transcriptional factor GLI1 at the protein level through a unique exon-18–encoded region by competing with the E3 ligases β-TrCP and CUL3. In parallel, ASPM-I1 sustains the transcription of the Hh pathway transmembrane regulator SMO through the Wnt−DVL3−β-catenin signaling axis. Functional studies verified that the ASPM-I1–regulated Hh and Wnt activities significantly contributed to SCLC aggressiveness in vivo. Consistently, the expression of ASPM-I1 positively correlated with GLI1 and stemness markers in SCLC tissues. This study illuminates an ASPM-I1–mediated regulatory module that drives tumor stemness and progression in SCLC, providing an exploitable diagnostic and therapeutic target.Significance:ASPM promotes SCLC stemness and aggressiveness by stabilizing the expression of GLI1, DVL3, and SMO, representing a novel regulatory hub of Hh and Wnt signaling and targetable vulnerability.
Research Silos in Cancer Disparities: Obstacles to Improving Clinical Outcomes for Underserved Patient Populations
Authors: Richardson Angelique , Darst Burcu , Wojcik Genevieve , Wagle Nikhil , Haricharan Svasti 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDespite much vaunted progress in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, outcomes for many groups of non-White patients with cancer remain worse than those for their White compatriots. One reason for this is the lack of inclusion and representation of non-White patients in clinical trials, preclinical datasets, and among researchers, a shortfall that is gaining wide recognition within the cancer research community and the lay public. Several reviews and editorials have commented on the negative impacts of the status quo on progress in cancer research toward medical breakthroughs that help all communities and not just White patients with cancer. In this perspective, we describe the existence of research silos focused either on the impact of socioeconomic factors proceeding from systemic racism on cancer outcomes, or on genetic ancestry as it affects the molecular biology of cancer developing in specific patient populations. While both these research areas are critical for progress toward precision medicine equity, breaking down these silos will help us gain an integrated understanding of how race and racism impact cancer development, progression, and patient outcomes. Bringing this comprehensive approach to cancer disparities research will undoubtedly improve our overall understanding of how stress and environmental factors affect the molecular biology of cancer, which will lead to the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics that are applicable across cancer patient demographics.
Comparing individual and group-level simulated neurophysiological brain connectivity using the Jansen and Rit neural mass model
Authors: Kulik S. D. , Douw L. , van Dellen E. , Steenwijk M. D. , Geurts J. J. G. , Stam C. J. , Hillebrand A. , Schoonheim M. M. , Tewarie P. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Computational models are often used to assess how functional connectivity (FC) patterns emerge from neuronal population dynamics and anatomical brain connections. It remains unclear whether the commonly used group-averaged data can predict individual FC patterns. The Jansen and Rit neural mass model was employed, where masses were coupled using individual structural connectivity (SC). Simulated FC was correlated to individual magnetoencephalography-derived empirical FC. FC was estimated using phase-based (phase lag index (PLI), phase locking value (PLV)), and amplitude-based (amplitude envelope correlation (AEC)) metrics to analyze their goodness of fit for individual predictions. Individual FC predictions were compared against group-averaged FC predictions, and we tested whether SC of a different participant could equally well predict participants’ FC patterns. The AEC provided a better match between individually simulated and empirical FC than phase-based metrics. Correlations between simulated and empirical FC were higher using individual SC compared to group-averaged SC. Using SC from other participants resulted in similar correlations between simulated and empirical FC compared to using participants’ own SC. This work underlines the added value of FC simulations using individual instead of group-averaged SC for this particular computational model and could aid in a better understanding of mechanisms underlying individual functional network trajectories.
The Excluded Population: Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Health in Cameroon
Authors: Njieassam Esther Effundem 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The right to health has gained international recognition. The Pygmies and Mbororo of Cameroon are yet to enjoy this right. The right to health is relatively related to and dependent upon the realization of other human rights as explicated in the International Bill of Rights as they form an integral part of the right to health. Despite some noticeable strides made by the government of Cameroon in ensuring that healthcare facilities are available and accessible within every five kilometres nationwide, these services are limited to urban cities, making it difficult for indigenous populations to access. The absence of a legal framework to safeguard the right to health for the population and indigenous peoples in particular, hinders their access to modern healthcare systems. It concludes that government must demonstrate a political will in ensuring equality in healthcare in the country to help remove indigenous peoples at the margin of social structures.
Bolsonaro, the Last Colonizer
Authors: Domingos Neto Manuel , Guerreiro Moreira Luis Gustavo 
Published: January 2023

The traditional relationship between the Brazilian state and indigenous peoples is based on the state’s “protection.” Under the ultraconservative Bolsonaro government, the state has been taken over by elites with rural and extractive capital who plan on exploiting the Amazon rain forest at any cost and see indigenous peoples as an obstacle to their goal. The military also has a noteworthy position in this offensive, which strikes at the heart of what are considered human rights. The legislative and judiciary branches continue to confront this ambiguous policy, which is accompanied by laws, statutes, national agreements, and international conventions that lack clarity and precision. If Bolsonaro were to be reelected it might mean the extinction of surviving indigenous ethnicities. A relação tradicional entre o Estado brasileiro e os povos originários é baseada na “tutela” do Estado. O governo ultraconservador de Bolsonaro reflete a captura do Estado pelas elites do capital agrário e extrativista que pretendem dispor da floresta amazônica a qualquer custo, considerando os povos originários como obstáculo à sua agenda. Os militares têm posição de destaque nesta ofensiva que afronta as noções elementares de direitos humanos. Ora, os poderes Legislativo e Judiciário lidam com essa política de maneira ambígua, acompanhando leis, estatutos e convenções nacionais e internacionais de forma pouco precisa e pouco clara. Se Bolsonaro for reeleito, isso poderá acelerar a extinção das etnias indígenas sobreviventes.
MR vessel-encoded arterial spin labeling with the placement of metallic items to visualize the territorial blood flow after extracranial–intracranial bypass surgery: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Hayashi Tetsuji , Fujima Noriyuki , Harada Taisuke , Hamaguchi Akiyoshi , Kodera Shuichi 
Published: January 2023

Background Depiction of bypass blood flow in patients who received extracranial–intracranial (EC–IC) bypass surgery is important for patient care. Purpose To develop a vessel-encoded arterial spin labeling (VE-ASL) method using surgical staples as a magnetic resonance (MR)-conditional product in patients who received EC–IC bypass surgery. Material and Methods Pseudo-continuous labeling was used for VE-ASL acquisition with a 3-T MR unit. First, an experimental study was conducted to determine the appropriate number of surgical staples to obtain a spatially sufficient saturation effect. Thereafter, four healthy normal volunteers underwent a VE-ASL study to confirm the sufficiency of the saturation effect to the right or left common carotid artery. Finally, VE-ASL scanning was performed in seven patients after EC–IC bypass surgery to confirm the ability of VE-ASL to visualize the territorial bypass perfusion. All qualitative evaluation was performed by two neuroradiologists using a 3-point grading system (2 = good, 1 = moderate, 0 = poor). Results A quantity of 200 staples was found to be appropriate for VE-ASL scanning. In healthy volunteers, one neuroradiologist rated the images of all four cases as good, while the other rated three cases as good and one case as moderate. For the seven patients after EC–IC bypass surgery, one neuroradiologist rated all seven cases as good, and the other rated six cases as good and one case as moderate. Conclusion VE-ASL using surgical staples might be useful for the evaluation of territorial bypass perfusion in patients after EC–IC bypass surgery.
Effect of zinc supplementation on immunotoxicity induced by subchronic oral exposure to glyphosate-based herbicide (GOBARA®) in Wistar rats
Authors: Tizhe Emmanuel V , Igbokwe Ikechukwu O , Njoku Celestine O , Fatihu Mohammed Y , Tizhe Ussa D , Ibrahim Najume DG , Unanam Essienifiok S , Korzerzer Rachel M 
Published: January 2023

Objectives To evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on immunotoxicity induced by subchronic oral exposure to glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH). Methods Sixty adult male Wistar rats randomly divided equally into six groups were exposed to GBH by gavage daily for 16 weeks with or without zinc pretreatment. Group DW rats received distilled water (2 mL/kg), group Z rats received zinc (50 mg/kg), and group G1 and G2 rats received 187.5 and 375 mg/kg GBH, respectively. Group ZG1 and ZG2 rats were pretreated with 50 mg/kg zinc before exposure to 187.5 and 375 mg/kg GBH, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgE) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spleen, submandibular lymph node, and thymus samples were processed for histopathology. Results Exposure to GBH (G1 and G2) significantly increased serum TNF-α concentrations and significantly decreased serum IgG and IgM concentrations compared with the control levels. Moderate-to-severe lymphocyte depletion occurred in the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus in the GBH-exposed groups. Zinc supplementation mitigated the immunotoxic effects of GBH exposure. Conclusions GBH exposure increased pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, decreased immunoglobulin production, and depleted lymphocytes in lymphoid organs in rats, but zinc supplementation mitigated this immunotoxicity.
Effect of Acellular Dermal Matrix on Long-Term Speech Outcomes in Primary Palatoplasty with Radical Intravelar Veloplasty
Authors: Kim Young Chul , Oh So Min , Park Bo Ra , Oh Tae Suk 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveThis study investigates whether the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) affects the long-term speech outcomes in patients undergoing primary palatoplasty with radical intravelar veloplasty.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary university-affiliated hospital.ParticipantsA consecutive cohort of 112 patients who underwent primary palatoplasty with radical intravelar veloplasty from August 2014 to March 2018 were included.Main outcome measuresA 2 × 2 cm-sized ADM was incorporated as an interpositional graft between the oral and nasal lining at the soft-hard palate junction. The perceptual analysis of hypernasality and articulation was performed when the age of the patient reached at least 36 months. Cleft-related characteristics and surgical factors affecting the speech outcomes were investigated.ResultsThe ADM was applied in 57 patients with a mean follow-up of45.76 months (SD, 10.69), while no ADM was used in 55 patients with a mean follow-up of 48.43 months (SD, 14.98). Regarding the hypernasality outcome, 33.3% (19 of 57 patients) of the ADM group and 27.3% (15 of 55 patients) of the control group showed a greater than mild-to-moderate degree. The distribution of hypernasality and articulation grade showed no significant difference between the two groups. After controlling for potential risk factors that may affect the speech outcomes, the use of ADM showed no significant relationship with velopharyngeal insufficiency.ConclusionThe use of ADM use in primary palatoplasty with radical intravelar veloplasty is not associated with the alteration of speech function in early childhood.
Design and Validation of a 3D Printed Cranio-Facial Simulator: A Novel Tool for Surgical Education
Authors: Wright Joshua M. , Ford Jonathan M. , Qamar Fatima , Lee Matthew , Halsey Jordan N. , Smyth Matthew D. , Decker Summer J. , Rottgers S. Alex 
Published: January 2023

Objective To assess the ability of current 3D printing technology to generate a craniofacial bony and soft tissue anatomical model for use in simulating the performance of a fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) osteotomy and then to further assess the value of the model as an educational tool. Design Anatomic models were designed with a process of serial anatomic segmentation/design, 3D printing, dissection, and device refinement. A validation study was conducted with 5 junior and 5 senior plastic surgery residents. The validation study incorporated a multiple-choice Knowledge Assessment test (KA), an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical skills (OSATs), a Global Rating Scale (GRS) and a Michigan Standard Simulation Experience Scale (MiSSES). We compared the scores of both the junior and senior residents and compared junior resident scores, before and after viewing a lecture/demonstration. Results MiSSES showed high face validity with a score of 85.1/90, signifying high satisfaction with the simulator learning experience. Simulation and the lecture/demonstration improved the junior resident average KA score from 5.6/10 to 9.6/10 ( P = .02), OSATs score from 32.4/66 to 64.4/66 ( P < .001) and GRS score from 13.9/35 to 27.5/35 ( P < .001). The senior residents OSATs score of 56.3/66 was higher than the pre-lecture juniors (32.4/66) ( P < .001), but lower than the post-lecture juniors (64.4/66) ( P < .001). Conclusion We have successfully fabricated a 3D printed craniofacial simulator capable of being used as an educational tool alongside traditional surgical training. Next steps would be improving soft tissue realism, inclusion of patient and disease specific anatomy and creation of models for other surgical specialties.
Fronto-Cerebellar Neurometabolite Alterations After Methylphenidate in Children and Adolescents With ADHD: A Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Bakhshi Soroush , Tehrani-Doost Mehdi , Batouli Seyed Amir Hossein 
Published: January 2023

Objective: The fronto-cerebellar circuit is involved in ADHD pathophysiology. Methylphenidate, as a first-line medication for ADHD, affects different brain regions, however, its effect on the fronto-cerebellar circuit is not investigated sufficiently. We aimed to investigate the effect of 8-week treatment with methylphenidate on neurometabolite ratios in the fronto-cerebellar circuit in ADHD participants using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Methods: Fifteen drug-naïve ADHD children and adolescents were enrolled in the present study. Two single-voxel MR spectra were acquired from the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and left Crus 1, before and after the medication. Also, neuropsychological and behavioral assessments were administered. Results: After medication, the glutamate/creatine in the DLPFC and the choline/creatine in the Crus 1 decreased in the ADHD participants. Conclusion: These findings propose that methylphenidate-induced metabolite changes in the fronto-cerebellar circuit could be associated with improvement in cognitive/behavioral characteristics in ADHD. Also, results highlighted cerebellar engagement in ADHD pathophysiology.
A Worksite Health Promoting Program for Early Head Start and Head Start Workforce
Authors: Guerrero Alma D. , Herman Ariella 
Published: January 2023

Introduction Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS) staff comprise a large segment of the public sector workforce and experience numerous risk and chronic factors for medical conditions or symptoms. Few health and wellness workplace interventions, however, specifically focus on EHS/HS staff. Methods A train-the-trainer (TTT) approach was used to build capacity among directors and staff from 57 EHS/HS programs on how to strategically plan and implement a health promoting worksite program focusing on improving nutrition and physical activity practices among EHS/HS staff. Baseline and 3-month post-training questionnaires assessed EHS/HS staff changes on knowledge and practices related to nutrition and physical activity. Paired t-tests or chi2 statistics assessed changes in questionnaire responses over time. Results 1,363 staff from 57 programs completed baseline and follow-up surveys. Staff had high knowledge regarding healthful dietary patterns at baseline. Over one-third of staff reported drinking soda with meals and almost 50% identified soda as their most common drink. Roughly one-third of staff also reported no physical activity in the prior week at baseline. Staff demonstrated significant improvements in dietary, nutrition, and physical activity practices. Staff also improved grocery shopping behaviors. Implications for Practice The TTT approach to disseminate an EHS/HS staff-focused health promotion program, “Eat Healthy, Stay Active!’ provides a potentially promising strategy to build upon and disseminate more broadly to reach the over >300,000 EHS/HS staff workforce.
Tranexamic Acid in Hip Hemiarthroplasty Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of Perioperative Outcome
Authors: Wilharm Arne , Wutschke Isabell , Schenk Philipp , Hofmann Gunther Olaf 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Implantation of a dual-head hip prosthesis to treat medial femoral neck fractures is often associated with significant blood loss. In elective endoprosthetics procedures, it has already been demonstrated that administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and need for postoperative transfusions, as well as reducing the frequency of postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to show whether the administration of TXA also leads to a reduction in perioperative blood loss and haemorrhage-associated complications when applied as part of treatment of femoral neck fractures using a dual-head prosthesis. Methods: In a single-centre retrospective cohort study, 1 g TXA i.v. was administered preoperatively to 93 patients who had suffered from femoral neck fractures. This group was compared to a comparison group of 65 patients who did not receive TXA (nonTXA). Outcomes were evaluated on the basis of perioperative blood loss, frequency of transfusion, and frequency of specific complications occurring. Results: The transfusion rate in the TXA group was 6% lower, whereby the volume of blood transfused was 26.7% lower than in the nonTXA group. However, neither result was significant. The calculated perioperative blood loss remained the same. Similarly, the incidence of postoperative renal failure was not significantly lower in the TXA group, at 6.5%, as compared to the nonTXA group (7.7%). A higher rate of complications or deaths as a result of TXA administration was not observed. The tranexamic acid effect seems to be related to the dose. Conclusion: Preoperative administration of TXA during implantation of a dual-head prosthesis for treatment of a femoral neck fracture does not lead to an increased complication rate. The study revealed a trend towards fewer transfusions required, but a significant reduction in blood loss could not be demonstrated. There should be further investigation of other factors influencing blood loss, in particular the dosing regimen followed for perioperative administration of TXA. Level of Evidence: Level 4: retrospective case-control study
Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in Increasing Use of Hearing Protection Devices Among Agricultural Producers
Authors: Trautner Keane L. , Ridge Laura J. , Stefanovsky Nathan J. , Veliz Philip , McCullagh Marjorie C. 
Published: January 2023

Background: Agricultural producers are frequently exposed to noise that is hazardous to their hearing and cardiovascular health, and have among the highest rates of noise-induced hearing loss of all occupations. However, despite information-sharing approaches, few producers wear sufficient hearing protection. There is a need to develop effective methods of protecting producers from their noise exposure. Methods: We provided a series of 2 to 3 short (30-minute) telephone-based motivational interviewing (MI) sessions to noise-exposed agricultural producers. We assessed intervention effectiveness through changes in measuring hearing protector use pre- and post-intervention using a one-group pre/posttest design. Results: The sample ( N = 29) predominantly consisted of crop producers from Michigan. The mean percentage of time hearing protection was used increased from 44.9% to 51.8% after the intervention, approximately a 7% increase (p =.105). Regression analysis suggested the relationship between intervention dose and use of hearing protection was not correlative. Discussion/Conclusion: There was a marginal increase in the use of hearing protection after the intervention, although setting-specific increases in use were uneven. Intervention dose did not correlate with a change in hearing protection use. Further research is warranted to determine the effectiveness of MI, how it compares to information sharing, and to identify intervention dose parameters that promote efficiency.