bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induced neural stem cells regulate microglial activation through Akt-mediated upregulation of CXCR4 and Crry in a mouse model of closed head injury
Authors: Gao Mou , Dong Qin , Zou Dan , Yang Zhijun , Guo Lili , Chen Zhanfeng , Xu Ruxiang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Microglial activation that occurs rapidly after closed head injury (CHI) may play important and complex roles in the process of neuroinflammation-associated neuronal damage and repair. We previously reported that induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) have the potential to modulate the behaviour of activated microglia via CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling, influencing their activation such that they can promote neurological recovery. However, the mechanism of CXCR4 upregulation in iNSCs remains unclear. In this study, we found that NF-κB activation induced by CHI mouse serum in microglia promoted CXCL12 and TNF-α expression but suppressed IGF-1 expression. However, CR2-Crry reduced the effects of CHI mouse serum-induced NF-κB activation in microglia and the levels of activated microglia as well as CXCL12 and TNF-α. Additionally, we observed that iNSCs can receive stimulation (including CXCL12 secreted by activated microglia) and upregulate the levels of CXCR4 and Crry via the interplay among CXCL12/CXCR4, Crry and Akt signalling to modulate microglial activation. In agreement with the in vitro experimental results, Akt activation enhanced the immunoregulatory effects of iNSC grafts on microglial activation leading to the promotion of neurological recovery via IGF-1 secretion and the neuroprotective effects of iNSC grafts through CXCR4 and Crry upregulation in the injured cortices of CHI mice. Notably, these beneficial effects of Akt activation in iNSCs were positively correlated with the therapeutic effects of iNSCs on neuronal injury, cerebral oedema and neurological disorders post-CHI.
Arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation for complex tibial plateau fracture: Radiographic and clinical outcomes with 2- to 15-year follow-up
Authors: Cheng You-Hung , Yang Cheng-Pang , Chang Shih-Sheng , Weng Chun-Jui , Chiu Chih-Hao , Chan Yi-Sheng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
To investigate the radiologic and prognostic outcomes after using arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) in complex tibial plateau fractures with mid- to long-term follow-up.
Methods
This retrospective study reviewed complex tibial plateau fractures that underwent ARIF from 1999 to 2019. Radiologic outcomes, including tibial plateau angle (TPA), posterior slope angle (PSA) and Rasmussen radiologic assessment,were measured and evaluated. The prognosis and complications were assessed by the Rasmussen clinical assessment with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
Results
Ninety-two consecutive patients (mean age: 46.9 years) with a mean follow-up of 74.8 months (24 to 180) were included in our series. Using AO classification, there were 20 type C1 fractures, 21 type C2 fractures, and 51 type C3 fractures. All the fractures achieved solid union. TPA was maintained well on average atthe last follow-up and showed no significant difference comparedto postoperatively (p=0.208). In the sagittal plane, the mean PSA increased from 9.3± 2.9° to 9.6 ± 3.1° (p=0.092). A statistically significantincrease in PTA was also noted in the C3 group (p=0.044). Superficial or deep infection was noted in 4 cases (4.3%), and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was performed in 2 cases (2.2%) due to posttraumaticosteoarthritis (OA). Ninety (97.8%) and 89 (96.7%) patients had good or excellent results in the Rasmussen radiologic assessment and Rasmussen clinical assessment, respectively.
Conclusions
The complextibial plateau fracture could be treated successfully using arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation. Most patientsachieve excellent and good clinical outcomes with low complication rates. In our experience, a higher incidence of increased slope was noted,especially in type C3 fractures. Reduction of the posterior fragment should be done cautiously during the operation.
Levels of evidence: Level III
Analysis of differentially expressed genes and biological information between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis based on the GEO database
Authors: Li Zeli , Li Shuwen , Li Guohai , Xiong Qianwen , Zhang Jietong , Li Zhicheng , He Jiuhong , Wang Siying , Xu Nenggui 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective: In the present study, we investigated the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) using bioinformatics, aiming to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of RA and explore the possible mechanism of RA.
Methods: The GSE55584 and GSE153015 microarray datasets for RA and OA gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The DEGs of the two datasets were obtained by R language processing and analysis. The intersectingDEGs were obtained using the Venny 2.1 platform. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID platform, and the microbubble map was drawn online by importing the microbubble generation platform. All the obtained DEGs and the intersecting DEGs were imported into the STRING platform to obtain a protein‒protein interaction network (PPI) and then into Cytoscape 3.9.1 software to screen core genes (hub genes).
Results: A total of 665 DEGs were obtained from the GSE55584 and GSE153015 datasets, including 324 upregulated and 341 downregulated DEGs. GO enrichment analysis showed that the biological processes in which DEGs were mainly enriched included signal transduction, immune response, inflammatory response, adaptive immune response, and G protein-coupled receptor signalling pathway. KEGG enrichment analysis of the DEGs identified the following enriched pathways: cytokine‒cytokine receptor interaction; chemokine signalling pathway; viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors; and apoptosis. Ten core genes (hub genes) were screened out, namely, CD3D, CD27, KLRB1, CCL5, GZMB, GZMA, GZMK, GNLY, CD2, and NKG7. Among them, CD3D, CD27, KLRB1, CCL5, and GZMB were most significantly correlated with the occurrence and development of RA.
Conclusion: In the present study, bioinformatics analysis provided supporting evidence for the biological process and key genes of RA.
The performance of duplex ultrasonography for the assessment of renal artery stenosis in Takayasu’s arteritis patients
Authors: WANG Yahong , Wang Ying , Zhang Li , Ge Zhitong , Li jing , Yang Yunjiao , Chen Yu , Yang Xiao , Li Jianchu , Tian Xinping 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background:
This study intends to analyze the renal artery hemodynamic parameters in Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) patients, so as to explore the diagnostic value of duplex ultrasonography in the involved renal artery of TAK patients.
Methods:
115 TAK patients with 314 renal arteries were retrospectively analyzed, who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2017 to 2022 and underwent both renal artery ultrasonography and angiography within 4 weeks. Seven ultrasonic parameters were compared among groups with different degrees (noninvolvement, <50% stenosis, 50%-69% stenosis, 70%-99% stenosis) of renal artery stenosis (RAS). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were used to obtain the optimal threshold of renal artery PSV (RPSV), the renal-aortic PSV ratio (RAR), and renal-interlobar PSV ratio (RIR) for diagnosing different degrees of RAS in TAK patients.
Results:
There were statistically significant differences in RAR and RIR among the four groups (all P < 0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in RPSV and AT between the moderate stenosis group (50%-69% stenosis) and the severe stenosis group (70%-99% stenosis). The discrimination of interlobar PSV(IPSV) and interlobar RI (IRI) was not significant, while IEDV was not statistically significant among the four groups.
For TAK patients, the optimal thresholds of RPSV for diagnosing renal artery involvement (RAI), ≥ 50 % RAS and ≥ 70 % RAS were 143cm/s, 152cm/s and 183cm/s, respectively, with the sensitivities, specificities and accuracies all higher than 80%. The optimal thresholds of RIR for detecting RAI, ≥50% RAS and ≥70% RAS are 4.6, 5.6 and 6.4, respectively with satisfied diagnostic efficiencies. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of RPSV and RIR are 0.908 and 0.910 for diagnosing ≥ 50% RAS, and 0.876, 0.882 for diagnosing ≥ 70% RAS. When aortic PSV ≥ 140cm/s, RAR has an unsatisfied diagnostic efficiency and when aortic PSV < 140cm/s, RAR ≥ 2.2 can be used as the diagnostic threshold for ≥ 70 % RAS with a sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of 84.00%, 89.93% and 89.08%, respectively.
Conclusion:
RPSV and RIR are still most valuable ultrasonic diagnostic parameters for RAS in TAK patients, but the optimal thresholds of them are different from the diagnostic criteria established based on atherosclerotic patients. For RAR, its diagnostic value should be judged according to the degree of aortic stenosis.
Microbiota and nutrient portraits of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) rumen contents in characteristic southern German habitats
Authors: Dahl Sarah-Alica , Seifert Jana , Silva Amélia Camarinha , Hernández-Arriaga Angélica , Hudler Martina , Windisch Wilhelm , König Andreas 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are now found in various habitat types, from pure forest cultures to agricultural areas and mountains. In adapting to the geographically and seasonally differentiating food supply, they depend, above all, on an adapted microbiome. However, knowledge about the microbiome of wild ruminants is still minimal, and there are a few publications for individual species with a low number of samples. This study investigated the rumen content of roe deer from seven different characteristic Bavarian habitat types. The focus was on the composition of nutrients, fermentation products, and the rumen bacterial community. To guarantee a high informative value, a total of 311 roe deer samples were analysed. Significant differences in nutrient concentrations and microbial composition were identified for the factor’s habitat, season and age class. These adaptations in the microbiota can be recognized, on the one hand, by specific concentrations of nutrients, and on the other hand, by strong fluctuations in the ingested forage. In addition, a core bacterial community could be identified, which forms the main component of the microbiota in each habitat. As with all wild ruminants, a large proportion of the microbial genera remain largely unclassified at various taxonomic levels. This study provides a more in-depth insight into the diversity and complexity of the roe deer rumen microbiota. It highlights the key microorganisms responsible for the conversion of naturally available nutrients of different botanical origins.
Values of Directors, Gender Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Industrial Region of Ghana
Authors: Kofinti Raymond Elikplim , Sebu Joshua , Cantah William Godfred , Nordjo Ralph Essem , Essilfie Gloria , Abakah Emmanuel Joel Aikins , Obeng Camara Kwasi , Asmah Emmanuel Ekow , Arku Godwin , Annim Samuel Kobina 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

In recent years, gender diversity has gained considerable attention at both the global and national levels and is aimed at multiple perspectives including governance and operations. However, the available evidence on the outcomes of gender diversity have been largely demonstrated for the developed world. The evidence for developing countries is rare to find or at best nascent. This calls for concern as the evidence from the global north may be at variance with the case of the global south due to differences in cultures, demographics, institutional quality, regulation and economic development. This study focuses on a developing country context to achieve the following two sequential objectives: examination of the gender gaps in values of female and male directors, and an investigation of the effect of gender diversity on corporate social responsibility. Using data collected on 312 medium and large firms in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and, values data on 792 respective directors of the firms comprising 292 female and 500 male directors, the Ordinary Least Square and Propensity Score Matching techniques are employed. Gender gaps in values were largely observed across male and female directors, with female directors ranking lower in power, but high in hedonism compared to the male directors. Gender diversity was observed to have corporate social responsibility increasing effects at the firm level. Relatively, gender diverse firms have the biggest effect in increasing ethical responsibility, followed by discretionary, economic and legal responsibilities respectively. Finally, we find a positive nonlinear relationship between gender diversity and corporate social responsibility akin to the critical mass theory. Overall, the findings on director values and gender diversity-corporate social responsibility linkage converge with that of the developed countries. Hence, we recommend intensifying gender quota and affirmation actions among corporate bodies in developing countries to promote socially responsible outcomes.
ACP-Dnnel: Anti-coronavirus Peptides Prediction based on Deep Neural Network Ensemble Learning
Authors: Liu Ming-You , Liu Hong-Mei , Wu Tao , Zhu Ying-Xue , Zhou Yu-Wei , Huang Zi-Ru , Xiang Chang-Cheng , Huang Jian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused global economic crisis and dramatic loss of human life. There is an urgent need for safe and efficient anti-coronavirus infection drugs. Anti-coronavirus peptides (ACovPs) can inhibit coronavirus infection. With high-efficiency, low-toxicity, and broad-spectrum inhibitory effects on coronaviruses, they are promising candidates to be developed into a new type of anti-coronavirus drug. Experiment is the traditional way of ACovPs identification, which is less efficient and more expensive. With the accumulation of experimental data on ACovPs, computational prediction provides a cheaper and faster way to find anti-coronavirus peptides candidates.Methods In this study, we integrated several state-of-the-art machine learning methodologies to build nine classification models for the prediction of ACovPs. These models were pretrained using deep neural networks, and the performance of our ensemble model, ACP-Dnnel, was evaluated across three datasets and independent dataset.Results The highest accuracy of ACP-Dnnel reaches 98%, and the MCC value exceeds 0.9. On three different datasets, its average accuracy is 96.33%. After the latest independent data set validation, ACP-Dnnel improved at MCC, Sn and ACC values by 10.1%, 16.4% and 7.3% respectively. It is suggested that ACP-Dnnel can be helpful for the laboratory identification of ACovPs, speeding up the anti-coronavirus peptide drug discovery and development. We constructed the web server of anti-coronavirus peptides prediction and it is available at http://150.158.148.228:5000/.
A distinct wedge-shaped deformity of the thoracolumbar vertebrae in Lumbar Disc Degeneraion Patients
Authors: Gong Haoyu , Yan Jiajun , Fan Yunshan , Wu Xinbo , He Shisheng , Ni Haijian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose. To determine how the shape of vertebral in thoracolumbar zoon may be associated with spine saggital balance and upper lumbar disc degeneration(ULDD).
Methods. Assessed the imaging of 58 patients who underwent operation at The Tenth People’s Hospital of Shanghai. MRI, CT and plain radiographs of the lumbar spine were evaluated. Vertebral deformities on plain radiographs were identified by wedge-shaped vertebral (WSV, wedge-shaped angle>5). These deformities were assessed for association with saggital balance alignment and ULDD.
Results. Cervical lordosis (CL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) in thoracolumbar wedge-shaped vertebral (TLWSV) group were significantly greater than none wedged-shaped vertebral (NWSV) group (p<0.05). Besides, the upper lumbar disc Pfirrmann grades is also significantly greater in TLWSV group. However, sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI), C7 plumb line and T10 plumb line was similar between TLWSV group and NWSV group (P >0.05), which might is related with the compensation mechanism of spine.
Conclusion. This is the first study to examine WSV on plain radiographs of the lumbar spine for saggital balance alignment and ULDD. Patients with WSV in thoracolumbar regeion reported worsening spine saggital alignment and ULDD. This highlights the relationship between WSV and spine saggital alignment and suggests WSV may accelerate ULDD.
Level of Evidence: 3
The effect of polyindole-based binder-free coating on the corrosion behavior of mild steel in 3.5% NaCl solution
Authors: KARATEKİN Rukan SUNA , KILIÇ Özlem , KAPLAN Sedef , DÜDÜKCÜ Meltem KAHYA 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The influence of three polyindole samples on the corrosion rate of mild steel (MS) in absence and presence of different amounts of acetonitrile was investigated in 1 M HClO4. All samples were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), and contact angle measurements. Through measurements, it was determined that the polymers differ from each other on the basis of morphology, conjugation, molecular mass, and crystallinity. Also, it was found that all samples include FeCl3 used as an oxidant. Among the samples, PIn1 has the highest anti-corrosive property as it includes the highest amount of Fe and the highest density of hydrophobic group such as ClO4-. According to the results, it was found that PIn1 inhibited the cathodic corrosion reaction of MS in 3.5% NaCl and showed 98% protection efficiency.
mNFE: Microbiome network flow entropy for detecting pre-disease states of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gao Rong , Li Peiluan , Ni Yueqiong , Peng Xueqing , Ren Jing , Chen Luonan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background In the development of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), there are critical states just before drastic changes, and identifying these pre-disease states may predict T1D or provide crucial early-warning signals. Unlike gene expression data, gut microbiome data can be collected noninvasively from stool samples. Gut microbiome sequencing data contain different levels of phylogenetic information that can be utilized to detect the tipping point in a reliable manner, thereby providing more accurate and effective early-warning signals. However, it is still difficult to detect the critical state of T1D based on gut microbiome data due to generally non-significant differences between healthy and critical states.Results To address this problem, we proposed a new method—microbiome network flow entropy (mNFE) based on a single sample from each individual—for detecting the critical state before seroconversion and abrupt transitions of T1D at various taxonomic levels. The numerical simulation validated the robustness of mNFE under different noise levels. Furthermore, based on real datasets, mNFE successfully identified the critical states and their dynamic network biomarkers (DNBs) at different taxonomic levels. In addition, we found some high-frequency species, which are closely related to the unique clinical characteristics of autoantibodies at the four levels, and identify some non-differential ‘dark species’ play important roles during the T1D progression.Conclusions mNFE can robustly and effectively detect the pre-disease states at various taxonomic levels and identify the corresponding DNBs with only a single sample for each individual. Therefore, our mNFE method provides a new approach for personalized pre-disease diagnosis and further for T1D preventative treatment by gut microbiome.
Measurement Models with Binary Indicators: A Tutorial for the Assessment of Antenatal Care Quality
Authors: Passos Michelle P.V.D. , Almeida Josemir R. , Santos Ythalo H.S. , Junior Elzo P. Pinto , Flores-Quispe Maria del Pilar , Aquino Rosana , Martufi Valentina , Barreto Mauricio , Amorim Leila D.A.F. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) is a methodology classically used to relate continuous (observed) indicators to latent variables through a measurement model. Estimation approaches have been proposed to deal with situations in which the indicators do not follow a multivariate normal distribution, particularly when they are asymmetric, ordinal or binary. Bayesian Confirmatory Factor Analysis (BCFA), which includes prior distributions for model parameters, has been used for such setups. Literature about CFA and BCFA for binary indicators is still scarce even though several applications in Epidemiology and Public Health could benefit from its use.
Objective: To systematize and discuss the main characteristics and computational implementation of the CFA and BCFA with binary indicators in R and Mplus software for the measurement of antenatal care quality in Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil.
Methods: Data from the external evaluation of the Brazilian National Program for the Improvement of Access to and Quality of Primary Health Care (PMAQ-AB) were used to assess the quality of antenatal care (construct). Ten binary (adequate/inadequate) indicators (items) were used in the measurement model considering the frequentist and Bayesian CFA.
Results: CFA results (standardized and unstandardized estimates, goodness-of-fit statistics and factor scores) were provided in R and Mplus. Reliability measures, however, are not readily available in Mplus. Estimates from CFA and BCFA were close using noninformative priors. Sensitivy analyses for priors specification do not indicate substantial changes in the results.
Conclusions: Measurement models with binary indicators, under both frequentist and Bayesian frameworks, should be considered more often as they can be applied in several health analyses for definition of constructs or latent variables. We provided a detailed tutorial, with recommendations and illustration of its use, that enhances the description of the characteristics of a population that can not be directly observed and/or are measured by a set of several indicators, such as quality of health care.