bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Cardiovascular Diseases and Dementia among various age groups: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Older Adults
Authors: Boivin-Proulx Laurie-Anne , Brouillette Judith , Dorais Marc , Perreault Sylvie 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The link between cardiovascular (CV) risk factors or diseases and dementia is documented. There is conflicting evidence whether age moderates the association. We need to study this gap so that research and clinical initiatives target appropriate age groups. A cohort of 320,630 adult patients without dementia was built using Quebec healthcare databases (1998–2010). The CV risk factors were hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia, while diseases included stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), chronic heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Dementia risk and CV risk factors or diseases were assessed using incidence rate ratios and Cox regression across age groups. The cohort presented by mainly female sex (67.7%) and mean age of 74.1 years. Incident rate of dementia increased with age, ranging from 4.1 to 93.5 per 1,000 person-years. Diabetes, stroke, HF and AF were significantly associated with dementia risk, hazard ratios ranged from 1.08 to 3.54. The strength of association decreased in advanced age for diabetes, stroke and HF. The results suggest that prevention of diabetes, stroke, HF and AF are crucial to mitigate dementia risk. The pathophysiology of dementia in younger and older populations seems to differ, with less impact of CV risk factors in advanced age.
Two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectra (2T2D-COS) analysis using FTIR spectra to monitor the immune response by COVID-19
Authors: Karthikeyan Sivakumaran , Vazquez-Zapien Gustavo Jesus , Martinez-Cuazitl Adriana , Delgado-Macuil Raul Jacobo , Rivera-Alatorre Daniel Enrique , Garibay-Gonzalez Francisco , Delgado-Gonzalez Josemaria , Valencia-Trujillo Daniel , Guerrero-Ruiz Melissa , Atriano-Colorado Consuelo , Lopez-Reyes Alberto , Lopez-Mezquita Dante J. , Mata-Miranda Monica Maribel 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
There is a growing trend in using saliva for SARS-CoV-2 detection with reasonable accuracy. We have studied the responses of IgA, IgG, and IgM in human saliva by directly comparing disease with control analyzing two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectra (2T2D-COS) employing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The findings show the decrease of IgG and IgM salivary antibodies in the 50, 60, 65, and 75-years samples. Among the various COVID-19 populations studied, the female 30 years group reveal defence mechanisms exhibited by IgM and IgA. Lipids and fatty acids decrease, resulting in lipid oxidation due to the SARS-CoV-2 in the samples studied. Study shows salivary thiocyanate plays defence against SARS-CoV-2 in male population in 25 and 35 age groups. The receiver operation characteristics statistical method shows a sensitivity of 98% and specificity 94% for the samples studied. The measure of accuracy computed as F1 score and G score has a high value which supports the validation of our study. The 2T2D-COS analysis has the potential to monitor the progression of immunoglobulin’s response function of COVID-19 with good accuracy, which could help in diagnosing clinical trials.
Quantifying the behavioural consequences of shark ecotourism
Authors: Gayford Joel H. , Pearse William D. , Venegas Rafael De La Parra , Whitehead Darren A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Shark populations globally are facing catastrophic declines. Ecotourism has been posited as a potential solution to many of the issues facing shark conservation, yet increasingly studies suggest that such activity may negatively influence aspects of shark ecology and so further pressure declining populations. Here we combine UAV videography with deep learning algorithms, multivariate statistics and hidden Markov models (HMM) to quantitatively investigate the behavioural consequences of ecotourism in the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). We find that ecotourism increases the probability of sharks being in a disturbed behavioural state, likely increasing energetic expenditure and potentially leading to downstream ecological effects. These results are only recovered when fitting models that account for individual variation in behavioural responses and past behavioural history. Our results demonstrate that behavioural responses to ecotourism are context dependent, as the initial behavioural state is important in determining responses to human activity. We also suggest that the responsiveness of R. typus to human activity hints at a previously neglected resilience to environmental change. Finally, we argue that complex models incorporating individuality and context-dependence should, wherever possible, be incorporated into future studies investigating the ecological impacts of shark ecotourism, which are only likely to increase in importance given the expansion of the industry and the dire conservation status of many shark species.
NMNAT2 supports vesicular glycolysis via NAD homeostasis to fuel fast axonal transport
Authors: Yang Sen , Niou Zhen-Xian , Enriquez Andrea , LaMar Jacob , Huang Jui-Yen , Ling Karen , Jafar-Nejad Paymaan , Gilley Jonathan , Coleman Michael P. , Tennessen Jason M. , Rangaraju Vidhya , Lu Hui-Chen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Bioenergetic maladaptations and axonopathy are often found in the early stages of neurodegeneration. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential cofactor for energy metabolism, is mainly synthesized by Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2 (NMNAT2) in CNS neurons. NMNAT2 mRNA levels are reduced in the brains of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, and Huntington’s disease. Here we addressed whether NMNAT2 is required for axonal health of cortical glutamatergic neurons, whose long-projecting axons are often vulnerable in neurodegenerative conditions. We also tested if NMNAT2 maintains axonal health by ensuring axonal ATP levels for axonal transport, critical for axonal function.
Methods
We generated mouse and cultured neuron models to determine the impact of NMNAT2 loss from cortical glutamatergic neurons on axonal transport, energetic metabolism, and morphological integrity. In addition, we determined if exogenous NAD supplementation or inhibiting a NAD hydrolase, sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1), prevented axonal deficits caused by NMNAT2 loss. This study used a combination of genetics, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, fluorescent time-lapse imaging, live imaging with optical sensors, and anti-sense oligos.
Results
We provide in vivo evidence that NMNAT2 in glutamatergic neurons is required for axonal survival. Using in vivo and in vitro studies, we demonstrate that NMNAT2 maintains the NAD-redox potential to provide “on-board” ATP via glycolysis to vesicular cargos in distal axons. Exogenous NAD+ supplementation to NMNAT2 KO neurons restores glycolysis and resumes fast axonal transport. Finally, we demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo that reducing the activity of SARM1, an NAD degradation enzyme, can reduce axonal transport deficits and suppress axon degeneration in NMNAT2 KO neurons.
Conclusion
NMNAT2 ensures axonal health by maintaining NAD redox potential in distal axons to ensure efficient vesicular glycolysis required for fast axonal transport.
Estimation of breed effects and non-additive genetic variation for ostrich slaughter and skin traits
Authors: Nemutandani Khetho Ratshilumlea , Engelbrecht Anel , Cloete Schalk Willem Petrus , Dzama Kennedy , Tada Obert 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The study quantified breed effects and putative non-additive genetic variation for quantitative and qualitative skin traits of South African Black (SAB), Zimbabwean Blue (ZB), Kenyan Red (KR) ostriches and their reciprocal crosses. Data from SAB, ZB and their reciprocal crosses (n = 666 to 762), as well as of SAB, KR, and their reciprocal crosses (n = 544 to 594), were analysed separately. The 2x2 diallel crossbreeding design was used for assessing the crossbred combinations, while degrees of freedom for genetic group were used to derive linear contrasts to partition the effects of additive breed, heterosis and the damline effect. The ZB strain outperformed SAB birds for most size-related traits. Additive breed effects were significant for slaughter weight (10.4%), crust skin size (3.9%), crown length (1.5%) and nodule shape score (1.6%). Significant heterosis were found for slaughter weight (4.3%), crust skin size (1.7%), nodule size score (3.7%) and hair follicle score (12%). Significant damline effects were observed for skin weight (4.1%), crown shape (2.4%) and hair follicle score (4.1%). In SAB, KR and their reciprocal crosses analysis, additive breed effects were mostly similar to ZB strain with SAB. Heterosis estimates were significant for slaughter weight (5.7%), crust skin size (2.9%), crown length (1.7%) and nodule size score (4.4%). Damline effect was significant for slaughter weight (3.7%) and nodule size score (3.8%). It was concluded that ZB and KR birds outperformed their SAB contemporaries for size and size-related traits, and that commercial crossbreeding could improve size-related traits of hybrids over the mid-parent value of purebreds.
Stress detection based on physiological sensor and audio signals, and a late fusion framework: An experimental study and public dataset
Authors: Xefteris Vasileios-Rafail , Dominguez Monica , Grivolla Jens , Tsanousa Athina , Zaffanela Francesco , Monego Martina , Symeonidis Spyridon , Diplaris Sotiris , Wanner Leo , Vrochidis Stefanos , Kompatsiaris Ioannis 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Stress can be considered a mental/physiological reaction in conditions of high discomfort and challenging situations. The levels of stress can be reflected in both the physiological responses and speech signals of a person. In this work, we introduce a novel decision-level fusion framework for multimodal stress level detection based on physiological signals from wearable devices and user speech audio recordings. The physiological signals include Electrocardiograph (ECG), Respiration (RSP), and InertialMeasurement Unit (IMU) sensors equipped in a smart vest. A data collection protocol was introduced to receive data for the training of both the sensor-based and audio-based stress detection modules. Five subjects participated in the data collection, where both their physiological and audio signals were recorded. The analysis of physiological signals includes a massive feature extraction along with various fusion and feature selection methods. The audio analysis comprises a state-of-the-art feature extraction fed to a classifier to predict stress levels. Results from the analysis of audio and physiological signals are fused at a decision level for the final stress level detection, utilizing a machine learning algorithm. The whole framework was also tested in a pilot scenario as part of the XR4DRAMA project. We also made the training dataset publicly available.
Enhancement of Tumorigenicity, Spheroid Niche, and Drug Resistance of Pancreatic Cancer Cells in Three-Dimensional Culture System
Authors: Hung Hao-Chien , Mao Tsui-Lien , Fan Ming-Huei , Huang Guan-Zhi , Liu Chao-Lien 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture techniques have been used comprehensively as a useful platform for medicine development, biochemical signal research, and evaluation of anti-tumor responses due to the excellent recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vitro cultured cancer cells. Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is one of the hardest malignancies to treat, with a complex TME and refractory treatment response. There is a dire need to develop a 3D culture model to decompose the cellular activity, interaction, and incorporation affecting the TME. In the present study, we constructed a 3D PaC culture system with cancer stem cell (CSC) properties and scalability. To validate our model, we tested individual PaC cells and the combined effects of adding cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on tumor tumorigenicity and invasiveness, cellular interaction of the CXCR3/CXCL10 axis, and cell responses to anti-cancer treatments.
Soft transfemoral prosthetic socket with EMG sensing and augmenting feedback: a case study
Authors: Paterno Linda , Filosa Mariangela , Anselmino Eugenio , Cecere Alessio , Dell’Agnello Filippo , Gruppioni Emanuele , Mazzoni Alberto , Micera Silvestro , Oddo Calogero , Menciassi Arianna 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

In lower limb prostheses, the physical interface constituted by the socket is a crucial component for the device success. This work proposes a new design based on a rigid frame integrated into a silicone structure which allows for a more comfortable biomechanical coupling with the residual limb and facilitates the integration of smart technologies. In particular, four surface EMG sensors and three vibrotactile units have been integrated to enable a bidirectional interface able to decode the user’s motor intention and provide augmenting feedback, respectively. The new socket was tested on a transfemoral amputee. The sEMG signals were registered during five different locomotion tasks in a circuit training and the classification median accuracy of an intention decoding algorithm was found always higher than 73%. The user’s perception of vibrotactile feedback was assessed through a psychophysical experiment of localization of single, couple or triple of stimuli. It revealed that vibrations from singularly activated units were the best perceived. Questionnaire results confirmed a high satisfaction level. However, tests on temperature and humidity within the socket suggest that more efforts are still required in terms of skin perspiration. The proposed socket paves the way to smart physical interfaces for robotic prostheses.
Chlorin Conjugates in Photodynamic Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Isaac-Lam Meden Fruel 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer in women and the number of new cases in the US is still increasing each year. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which comprises 15-20% of all breast cancer, is a heterogeneous disease and is considered the most aggressive type of breast cancer due to lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressions for treatments. Traditional chemotherapy is the standard protocol for treatment of TNBC. Toxicity and multidrug resistance are major drawbacks for chemotherapy. The lack of molecular targets and poor prognosis for TNBC prompted an urgent need to discover novel therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) or light treatment is a binary anticancer procedure that uses a photosensitizer (PS) which upon light activation produces cytotoxic oxygen species destroying tumor cells. PDT is minimally-invasive and can be repeated few times without accumulating significant toxicity in the surrounding tissues.
The primary goal of this study is to investigate in vitro photodynamic chemotherapy as a ternary combination therapy using our synthesized photosensitizers (chlorin-vitamin conjugates and their corresponding indium complexes) co-treated with known chemotherapeutic agents (taxol, doxorubicin, cisplatin, fluorouracil, or methotrexate) in the presence of light and determine the optimum conditions as pre-clinical study for enhanced tumoricidal effect against TNBC. Our results indicated that the best combination for effective chemophotodynamic effect involves a ternary treatment of the indium complex of chlorin lipoic acid conjugate (InCLA) co-treated with taxol which exhibited strong synergism at the nanomolar concentration when combined together in the presence of visible light irradiation. Other ternary combinations containing taxol with synergistic anti-tumor effect against TNBC include chlorin pantothenic acid (CPA) and chlorin biotin (CBTN) conjugates. Several other ternary combinations containing InCLA, CBTN, and CPA with either cisplatin, fluorouracil, or methotrexate were identified to generate a synergistic or additive effect. Light dosage remained constant but dosage of photosensitizers and chemotherapy drugs were varied to obtain the lowest possible concentration for the desired effect. Synergistic, additive or antagonistic effects of drug combinations were based on the Chou-Talalay method with InCLA-taxol having the lowest Combination Index (CI) of 0.25. Fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images provided evidence of apoptosis as the preferred mode of cell death pathway.
Our study demonstrated the combination of PDT and chemotherapy as a potential treatment option for TNBC patients.
Dendritic cell-specific SMAD3, downstream of JAK2, contributes to inflammation and salt-sensitivity of blood pressure
Authors: Saleem Mohammad , Aden Luul , Mutchler Ashley , Basu Chitra , Ertuglu Lale , Sheng Quanhu , Park Jennifer , Ishimwe Jeanne , Laffer Cheryl , Elijovich Fernando , Wanjalla Celestine , Visitacion Nestor de la , Kastner Paul , Albritton Claude , Ahmad Taseer , Yu Justin , Graber Meghan , Wagner Kay-Uwe , Sayeski Peter , Hatzopoulos Antonis , Gamazon Eric , Kleyman Thomas , Kirabo Annet 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Salt-sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP), characterized by acute changes in blood pressure with changes in dietary sodium intake, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality in people with and without hypertension. We previously found that elevated sodium concentration activates antigen presenting cells (APCs), resulting in high blood pressure, but the mechanisms are not known. Here, we hypothesized that APC-specific JAK2 expression contributes to SSBP. We performed bulk or single-cell transcriptomic analyses following in vitro monocytes exposed to high salt, and in vivo high sodium treatment in humans using a rigorous salt-loading/depletion protocol to phenotype SSBP after a two week anti-hypertensive drug washout period. Here we found that expression of the genes of the JAK2 pathway mirrored changes in blood pressure after salt-loading and depletion in salt-sensitive but not salt-resistant humans. Ablation of JAK2, specifically in CD11C+ APCs, attenuated salt-induced hypertension in mice with SSBP. Mechanistically, we found that SMAD3 acts downstream of JAK2 and STAT3, leading to increased production of highly reactive isolevuglandins and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in renal APCs, which activate T cells. This results in the production of IL-17A, IL-6, and TNF-⍺. Our findings reveal APC JAK2 signaling as a potential target for the treatment of SSBP.
The comparison of pure uterine serous carcinoma and mixed tumor with serous component：A Single-Institution Review of 91 Cases
Authors: YOU XUEWU , DONG YANGYANG , WANG JIAQI , CHENG YUAN , WANG JIANLIU 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Pure uterine serous carcinoma (p-USC) and mixed tumors with serous component (m-USC) are aggressive subtypes of endometrial cancer associated with high mortality rates. This retrospective study aimed to compare clinicopathologic features of p-USC and m-USC in a single center and to identify risk factors associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).
Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with USC at Peking University People's Hospital between 2008 and 2022. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare clinicopathological characteristics between p-USC and m-USC. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze the impact of clinical and pathological variables on OS and PFS.
Results: Among the 91 patients who underwent surgery, 65.9% (n=60) were p-USC, and 34.1% (n=31) were m-USC. Patients with p-USC had earlier menopause (P=0.0217), a lower rate of progesterone receptor(PR) expression (P<0.001), and were more likely to have positive peritoneal cytology (P=0.0464). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that p-USC was more likely to relapse than m-USC (P=0.028), but there was no significant difference in OS. In general, 48.4% (n=44) of all patients diagnosed with USC were in early stage (I+II), the recurrence rate was 18.0%, and the 5-year OS was 84.8%. 36.3% (n=33) were in stage III, the recurrence rate was 53.1%, and the 5-year OS was 52.6%. 15.3% (n=14) were in stage IV, the recurrence rate was 89.7%, and the 5-year OS was 33.3%. Cox regression analysis showed that lymph node metastasis and surgical approach were risk factors for OS, and myoinvasion depth ≥1/2 was an independent risk factor for PFS.
Conclusions: p-USC was more likely to relapse than m-USC, but there was no significant difference in OS between the two subtypes. Lymph node status, surgical approach, and myoinvasion depth were identified as important prognostic factors for all patients diagnosed with USC, regardless of p-USC or m-USC status.
Correlation between Nurses’ Perception of Individualized Care and Xenophobia
Authors: Dusak Ismail , Tosun Nuran , Tosun Betul 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between nurses' perception of individualized care and xenophobia.
Methods: The data of this descriptive and cross-sectional study were collected at intensive care unit between December 2019 and March 2020, using the nurse descriptive information form, the nurse version of the individualized care scale, and the xenophobia scale. The sample of the study consisted of 411 nurses working at the specified hospital and agreeing to participate in the study.
Results: The mean age of the nurses was 28.33±5.16 years, and 76.6% of them were in the 18-30 age group. 78.1% of them were at undergraduate education level and their average professional experience was 5.34±4.37 years. 73.0% of the nurses stated that they did not receive training on transcultural care and 77.6% stated that they encounter patients from different cultures every day, and that they had the most difficulty in communication (95.4%) while caring for these patients. The mean score of the scale Individiualized Care Scale A version (ICS-A) was 3.58±0.67, and the mean score of the Individiualized Care Scale B version (ICS-B) was 3.77±0.67. The total mean score of the nurses' xenophobia scale was 47.14±10.04. There was a weak positive correlation between ICS and xenophobia scale mean scores (p<0.05). It was found that the education level of the nurses, receiving transcultural care education, wanting to live in another country, preferring to care for foreign patients, and the time they spent in the care of these patients were factors that significantly affected the xenophobia and ICS score averages.
Conclusion: Nurses' perceptions of supporting the individuality of patients and individualizing care were found to be at a good level, but the risk of xenophobia was high. The high risk of xenophobia in nurses was considered as a hindering factor in the individualization of care. The high number of immigrants in the region where the study was conducted reveals the urgent need to meet the training needs of nurses on transcultural care.