bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subarachnoid hemorrhage complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ma Xinchen , Liao Libin , Huang Weiquan , Du Xiaoqiong , He Xuan , Sha Dujuan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon type of stroke. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is becoming more widely recognized as a possible complication of CVST, and this concomitant scenario frequently complicates diagnosis and prognosis.
Case presentation:
In this study, we report a rare case of CVST in a 76-year-old woman who presented with an isolated headache. The patient was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage complicated by CVST by computed tomography venography (CTV) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Low molecular weight heparin (Fraxiparine, 4100 IU, subcutaneous injection, once every 12 hours) was administered for anticoagulation. The patient developed no recurrence of thrombosis during the 6-month follow-up period. The literature on similar cases was also reviewed.
Conclusions
Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of CVST when patients are treated for subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Combination of three microRNAs as serum diagnostic panel for bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Li Hang , Li Rongkang , Li Xinji , Lu Chong , Ge Zhenjian , Lai Yongqing 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Bladder carcinoma (BC) is a malignant tumor that is formed in the bladder of the genitourinary system. The diagnosis at an early stage is directly associated with the improved overall survival of BC patients because a later stage usually means a poorer prognosis. Current methods to diagnose BC have various limitations, thus urologists call for novel effective non-invasive diagnostic markers. Herein, we identified miRNAs which can be used for the diagnosis of BC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients with BC (n = 112) and healthy individuals (n = 112) were recruited and enrolled in this study. The quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out for the measurement of miRNAs expression in serum. A two-phase test was proceeded for the identification, selection, and confirmation of the miRNAs that could be used for BC diagnosis. A backward stepwise logistic regression (BSLR) was conducted to establish a model containing these miRNAs with superior diagnostic performance. In addition, bioinformatics and survival analysis was exerted by analyzing database in Mirwalk, Enrichr, and OncoLnc.
RESULTS
Five significantly aberrant miRNAs with good diagnostic value were validated, namely miR-129-2-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-149-3p, miR-138-5p, and miR-194-5p. Then three of them (miR-129-2-3p, miR-29c-3p, and miR-149-3p) were used to establish a diagnostic panel, in which the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.927 (95% CI: 0.876 to 0.962), providing both high sensitivity (92.68%) and specificity (80.49%).
CONCLUSION
In this study, a panel of three miRNAs (miR-129-2-3p, miR-29c-3p, and miR-149-3p) was developed, which could be used for the diagnosis of BC sensitively and specifically.
A high throughput sequence determination for one cyclic peptide immobilized on a single bead by MALDI-TOF-MS/MS focusing on discovery of interacting peptides and medicinal medium sized molecules
Authors: Kasama Takeshi , Nokihara Kiyoshi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
One cyclic peptide immobilized on one gel-type bead has been attracting attention for use in the discovery of interacting peptides in protein recognition and/or medicinal medium sized molecules. Although high throughput characterization of peptides has been a bottleneck. Previously we have reported construction of high-quality bead-libraries of which diversity was ca 200 million, and encountered some difficulties such as restrictions of Edman-degradation and sequence dependent cleavability with ill defined termini on partial hydrolysis. This resulted in efficacy problems for construction of a subsequent second library for which the number of candidates were increased. The present work describes direct liberation from beads by a one-pot reaction using 2-nitro-5-thiocyanatobenzoic acid followed by off-line nanoscale liquid chromatography/matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analyses to realize faster and routine sequence determination of the peptide on the beads. The present method is useful for investigation of protein-protein interactions as well as discovery of drug candidates.
The role of H. pylori virulence marker, cagA gene, in miRNA-629 expression
Authors: Soares Caroline dos Reis Rodrigues , Silva Lucas Matheus Vieira da , Almeida Bianca Reis , Pereira Jéssica Nunes , Santos Mônica Pezenatto dos , Barbosa Mônica Santiago , Smith Marília de Arruda Cardoso , Payão Spencer Luiz Marques , Rasmussen Lucas Trevizani 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium associated with the etiology of several gastrointestinal tract pathologies, and cagA-positive (cagA+) strains are found in populations with gastric ulcers and precancerous lesions, inducing pro-inflammatory responses. The development of neoplasms is related to microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation, indicating highly expressed miRNA-629. The article aims to correlate the expression level of miRNA-629 with the presence of H. pylori and the pathogenicity marker cagA.
Methods
203 gastric biopsy samples were evaluated from individuals with normal gastric tissue (n = 60), gastritis (n = 96), and gastric cancer (n = 47) of both genders and over 18 years old. The samples were subdivided according to the presence or absence of H. pylori, detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RNA was extracted using a commercial kit and quantified. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized using commercial kits, and the relative expression was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCt method.
Results
Individuals infected with H. pylori are nine times more likely to develop gastric cancer. Cancer patients appeared to have decreased expression of miRNA-629; however, the presence of the bacterium would not influence this reduction. Individuals in the cancer group showed lower miRNA-629 expression when cagA+; however, in the control group, the expression was higher when cagA+.
Conclusion
H. pylori is a factor involved in the etiology and progression of gastric diseases. Reduction in miRNA-629 expression in cancer patients occurs independent of the presence of the bacterium, but when the cagA pathogenicity marker is present, it induces changes in the gene expression of the respective miRNA.
The Impact of the Vaginal Microbiome on Vaginal Epithelial Wound Healing
Authors: Shi Joe Y , Bergerat-Thompson Agnes M , Mitchell Caroline M 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The human microbiome has been shown to be an important player in a variety of health outcomes. Within the female genital tract specifically, clinical data has shown an association between bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobes and postoperative infections after pelvic surgery. This study investigates vaginal epithelial healing when exposed to conditioned media from commensal Lactobacillus spp. and BV-associated spp. using an in vitro model. We demonstrated improved wound healing when exposed to Lactobacillus conditioned media when compared to that of pathogenic bacteria. These differences in wound healing corresponded to increased levels of CM-CSF, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, TNF-a, and VEGF as well as decreased levels of IL-1B and IFN-γ. These findings suggest an important role for the vaginal microbiome in tissue healing potentially mediated by modifiable immunologic markers.
Effect of cervical incompetence in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome enduring second- trimester abortion during the frozen-embryo transfer cycle: A retrospective study
Authors: Cheng Tingting , Shi Hao , Bu Zhiqin , Yu Yiping , Song Wenyan , Jin Haixia , Yao Guidong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Second-trimester abortion is a critical issue in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with the assisted reproductive technology (ART). Cervical incompetence (CI) is suspected to play a key role in the second-trimester abortions. We aimed to investigate the association between CI and second-trimester abortion in women with PCOS, especially during the frozen-embryo transfer cycle.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfer and experienced second-trimester abortion between January 2012 to January 2020. Logit-transformed propensity score matching (PSM) was used to assess covariates. The primary objective was to examine the impact of CI on the occurrence of mid-pregnancy abortion in a population undergoing frozen-embryo transfer, and to identify the factors associated with it during the gestational period ranging from 13 weeks 0 days to 27 weeks 6 days. Patients were classified into PCOS and non-PCOS groups, and CI and non-CI subgroup analyses were conducted.
Results
Overall, 278 patients were included: 139 each in the PCOS group and the non-PCOS groups. In the PCOS group, a greater proportion of miscarriages were attributed to CI compared to the control group (P = 0.019). Subsequently, CI and non-CI subgroup analyses were performed, revealing a higher incidence of transfer cleavage-stage embryos in the CI group than in the blastocysts group (P = 0.001). Moreover, the miscarriage-related gestational age varied significantly between the two groups (CI group: 22 weeks; control group: 20 weeks; P = 0.039). The results showed no statistically significant differences in the three different endometrial preparation protocols, endometrial thickness, basal serum testosterone level, the number of embryos transferred, and the interval between oocyte retrieval and thawing. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that cleavage embryo transfer (95% confidence interval: 1.009–4.206, P: 0.047) was associated with increased risk of CI in the PCOS group.
Conclusions
CI independently predicted a higher risk of second-trimester abortion in patients with PCOS during the frozen-embryo transfer cycle. Blastocyst transfer may be beneficial for these individuals, and further research should explore the potential use of prophylactic cervical cerclage or drug therapy to improve pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS.
Plasmodium knowlesi in pig-tailed macaques: a new model for malaria vaccine research
Authors: Shears Melanie J. , Reynolds Rebekah A. , Duncombe Caroline J. , Watson Felicia N. , Staubus Weston J. , Chavtur Chris , Seilie Annette M. , Tran Tuan M. , Chakravarty Sumana , Hoffman Stephen L. , Murphy Sean C. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk) is an established experimental model for basic and pre-clinical malaria vaccine research. Historically, rhesus macaques have been the most common host for malaria vaccine studies with Pk parasites. However, rhesus are not natural hosts for Pk, and there is interest in identifying alternative hosts for vaccine research. The study team previously reported that pig-tailed macaques (PTM), a natural host for Pk, could be challenged with cryopreserved Pk sporozoites (PkSPZ), with time to blood stage infection equivalent to in rhesus. Here, additional exploratory studies were performed to evaluate PTM as potential hosts for malaria vaccine studies. The aim was to further characterize the parasitological and veterinary health outcomes after PkSPZ challenge in this macaque species.
Methods
Malaria-naïve PTM were intravenously challenged with 2.5x103 PkSPZ and monitored for blood stage infection by Plasmodium 18S rRNA RT-PCR and thin blood smears. Disease signs were evaluated by daily observations, complete blood counts, serum chemistry tests, and veterinary examinations. After anti-malarial drug treatment, a subset of animals was re-challenged and monitored as above. Whole blood gene expression analysis was performed on selected animals to assess host response to infection.
Results
In naïve animals, the kinetics of Pk blood stage replication was reproducible, with parasite burden rising linearly during an initial acute phase of infection from 6–11 days post-challenge, before plateauing and transitioning into a chronic low-grade infection. After re-challenge, infections were again reproducible, but with lower blood stage parasite densities. Clinical signs of disease were absent or mild and anti-malarial treatment was not needed until the pre-defined study day. Whole blood gene expression analysis identified immunological changes associated with acute and chronic phases of infection, and further differences between initial challenge versus re-challenge.
Conclusions
The ability to challenge PTM with PkSPZ and achieve reliable blood stage infections indicate this model has significant potential for malaria vaccine studies. Blood stage Pk infection in PTM is characterized by low parasite burdens and a benign disease course, in contrast with the virulent Pk disease course commonly reported in rhesus macaques. These findings identify new opportunities for malaria vaccine research using this natural host-parasite combination.
Transmitted Data Security using Transformation Distribution Encoder and Residue Number System
Authors: Giwa Tawakalitu Afoluwaso , Abiodun Oludare Isaac , Omolara Abiodun Esther 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Different encryption algorithms such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Rivest, Shamir, Adleman (RSA) were proposed to protect the privacy of the transmitted data. However, most of these existing methods are vulnerable to a brute-force attack because the cipher text remains unintelligible until the original data is found. Consequently, this problem prompted researchers to introduce honey encryption (HE). HE helps to withstand the vulnerability of the encryption algorithms in brute force attacks making transmitted data more secure and efficient. Hence to reduce processing time we proposed a hybridized HE with Residue Number System. Traditional Moduli Set {2n-1, 2n, 2n + 1} was used to generate the Key while Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT), and HE technique were used for decrypting the data, based on the Distribution Transformation Decoder (DTE). Thus, anytime an attacker tries to access the data, so long the length of the guessed key is the same as the original key, the HE algorithm will generate meaningful but fake data, this helps to deter an attacker from further threat. The result showed that the proposed system was able to withstand brute force attacks with less processing time compared to other systems. N-values for the moduli set used were varied against encryption and decryption time. Comparing the obtained results with the existing system, the proposed system processing time was faster and more secure.
Parameter estimation of polyphase coded radar signal based on FRFT
Authors: Dong Jinpeng , Chen Shiwen , Sun Gangyin , Wu Chaopeng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Due to the complex intra-pulse modulation of polyphase code signals, most research on intra-pulse parameter estimation algorithms has focused on utilizing techniques such as the Wigner Hough transform (WHT), Radon Wigner transform (RAT), and other methods. In this paper, we studied the fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) normalized spectrum of polyphase coded signals and derived a mathematical model to prove the impulse characteristic of the polyphase coded spectrum under optimum order. This is the theoretical basis for the fourth-order origin moment as the objective function, and an algorithm based on FRFT is proposed to estimate the intra-pulse parameters of polyphase coded signals. Through simulation experiments, it was shown that the algorithm has a good parameter estimation effect and low computational time, making it suitable for engineering practice. Furthermore, considering the difficulty in obtaining prior information on parameters in non-cooperative environments, which leads to the inapplicability of evaluation standard such as mean square error (MSE), we proposed an evaluation standard for parameter estimation based on a posteriori models. Through simulation experiments, this standard was proven to be as persuasive as MSE.
Health System Resilience Strengthening Processes in natural disaster-prone Insular Countries: Cases of Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Haiti
Authors: Louis Patricia St , Paul Elisabeth 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Health systems resilience (HSR) refers to "the ability of health sector actors, institutions and communities to effectively withstand crises, maintain their essential functions in such circumstances and, learning from experience, reorganise accordingly". In the Caribbean, the need for resilient health systems has never been more critical. To withstand the acute or chronic shocks constantly experienced (natural disasters, staff shortages), these systems need to build or strengthen their capacity. However, despite the general recognition of HSR's key role, research on the subject remains limited in this region and a further understanding of its construction in such contexts remains necessary. This study aims to explore, analyse, and understand the mechanisms of health systems resilience (HSR) development in natural disaster-prone Caribbean countries. It involves a multiple case study covering three countries in the Caribbean region: St Lucia, Dominica, and Haiti. The study intends to be exploratory and explanatory, and it adopts a mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology. It is articulated in two sections, with respectively a theoretical and an empirical emphasis. Drawing on the conceptual frameworks provided by Kruk & al, 2017; Grimm & al, 2021 and Thomas, S & al, 2020 the first section involves a literature review supplemented by structured interviews, focus groups and a quantitative questionnaire to assess each country's HSR status. The triangulation of the collected information will serve to develop a conceptual framework adapted to these contexts. The second, empirical section will consist of a realist evaluation of selected HSR projects carried out within the respective countries. Building on the results from the first section, the focus lies on identifying Context-Mechanism-Effect (CME), semi-regularities consistent with the realist evaluation approach. Once collected, the relevant information will be analysed in order to select the CME patterns which can be extended to similar contexts as well as to derive conclusions for the construction of the cases and the attainment of the overall research objective. This study aspires to enrich the understanding and materialisation of HSR in these specific contexts and to contribute to the scientific literature devoted to this subject across the region.
Single-cell Sequencing Data Reveals Aggressive CD68-type
Macrophages and Prognostic Models in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Mao Chenyu , Xu Nong 
Published: August 2023

Background:
The highly heterogeneous, complex pathological histology, and
clinical phenotype in bladder cancer (BC) plague the prognostic management of BC to
the present day.

Methods:
This study was conducted using single-cell sequencing data from the gene expression
omnibus (GEO) database (GSE135337). A descending, annotated analysis was
performed to identify the cell types contributing to BC aggressiveness. BC cell sequencing
data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were then combined with univariate,
least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), multivariate COX regression
analysis to identify biomarkers of BC prognosis to construct a BC. We identified
biomarkers of BC prognosis to construct a prognostic risk guidance system for BC.
The feedback of patients in different risk strata to immunotherapy was analyzed. Finally,
the regulation of prognostic genes on cancer cell activity was verified in vitro by Western
blot and cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assays.

Results:
Macrophages specifically expressing CD68 in BC were the cell type with the
highest AUCell score, and CD68 was the biomarker of Tumor-associated macrophages
(TAMs). CD68 macrophages were potentially the critical cell type in the aggressive BC
subtype. Through univariate, LASSO, multivariate COX-based regression analysis.
CTSS, GMFG, ANXA5, GSN, SLC2A3, and FTL were authenticated as prognostic biomarkers
(p < 0.05) and composed the Risk Score. Patients in the low-risk group showed
an excellent survival advantage (p < 0.01) and immunotherapy feedback. Additionally, inhibition
of GSN expression decreased EMT activity to inhibit bladder cancer cell viability.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study provided feedback on the immune cell types associated
with aggressiveness in BC. Importantly, a prognostic management system for BC
was created based on the genes involved, providing more insight into the aggressive
pathological phenotype as well as the prognosis of BC.
Multiple Parotid Sebaceous Lymphadenoma: A Case Report and Review of the
Literature
Authors: Yang Yanhui , Tang Mengjie , Wang Zhiyuan , Fu Yi , Yu Xiaoping 
Published: August 2023

Introduction/Background:
Sebaceous lymphadenoma is a rare parotid gland neoplasm. Up to now, there have been several studies that have discussed the imaging manifestations of salivary sebaceous lymphadenoma. In this paper, we have reported a case of multiple parotid sebaceous lymphadenoma demonstrated by ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI examinations, including diffusion-weighted imaging. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first one on DWI findings of sebaceous lymphadenomas, and also the first report on multiple lesions in unilateral parotid gland.

Case Presentation:
A 41-year-old woman presented with a nodule in the left parotid region. The lesion has grown slowly for 2 months and was not associated with any discomfort. Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI examinations, including diffusion-weighted imaging, showed multiple nodules in the left parotid gland of a 41-year-old woman. These nodules were heterogeneous on CT scan and MRI examinations, and intratumorally multifocal fat and cystic areas were detected. On ultrasound examination images, these lesions were heterogeneous hypoechoic echotexture with multifocal irregular hyperechogenic areas, without significant blood flow. The patient underwent a left parotidectomy. Histopathologic sections showed nests of sebocytes distributed in lymphoid follicles and lymphocyte background, with obvious cystic changes. The patient recovered after receiving left parotidectomy. The microscopy diagnosis was parotid sebaceous lymphadenoma.

Conclusion:
This case highlights the main imaging feature of parotid sebaceous lymphadenomas, namely an intraparotid heterogeneous nodule containing multifocal fat and cystic areas, and its possible origination from an intraparotid lymph node. This case also indicates that this rare lesion may occur at multiple sites.