bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Texture analysis is superior to magnetization transfer for fibrosis assessment in a gut fibrosis model
Authors: Bos Simon , De Kock Isabelle , Delrue Louke , Welden Sophie Van , Bunyard Peter , Hindryckx Pieter , de Vos Martine , Villeirs Geert , Laukens Debby 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background and Aims
Since there are no accurate methods for fibrosis identification or quantification, the purpose is to investigate the utility of magnetization transfer (MT) MRI and texture analysis (TA) of T2-weighted MR images for intestinal fibrosis assessment in a mouse model of gut fibrosis.
Methods
Chronic colitis was obtained in 16 C57BL/6 mice by cyclic administration of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) inducing early phase inflammation and progressive bowel fibrosis. Mice underwent 7.0 T MR imaging at various timepoints. MT ratio (MTR) in the bowel wall was calculated. Textural features (skewness, kurtosis, entropy) were extracted by a filtration histogram technique. Resected colonic tissue was scored for inflammation and fibrosis. Performance of MT-MRI and TA was validated in a consecutive experiment in mice using antifibrotic therapy. Finally, a retrospective study was conducted in five CD patients who underwent bowel surgery.
Results
MTR and texture entropy both correlated with histopathological fibrosis (r = .85 and .81, respectively). Entropy was superior to MTR for monitoring bowel fibrosis in presence of coexisting inflammation (linear regression R² = .93 versus R2 = .01). Furthermore, texture entropy was able to assess antifibrotic therapy response (placebo mice versus treated mice at endpoint scan; Δ mean = 0.128, p < .0001). An increase in entropy was indicative of fibrosis accumulation in human CD strictures (1.29 in inflammation; 1.40 and 1.48 in mixed strictures; 1.73 and 1.90 in fibrosis).
Conclusion
Texture analysis of T2-weighted MR images outperforms magnetization transfer imaging in detecting the fibrotic component in mixed inflammatory-fibrotic bowel tissue and can be used for monitoring antifibrotic treatment response.
Single-port thoracoscopic removal of an azygos vein aneurysm: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yao Yi , Hu Qiuxia , Xie Xiaoyang , Liu Caiyang , Lei Yu , Li Xiaoliang , Wang Yi , Liu Gaohua , Yang Yanhui , Luo Lei , Li Ji 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background:
Azygos vein aneurysms (AVAs) are extremely rare. The majority of patients have no obvious clinical symptoms, so they are found by physical examination or by chance. There is limited clinical treatment experience that can be referred to, and there are no clear guidelines or research evidence standardizing the surgical and interventional therapy. Here, we report a patient with idiopathic AVA whose three-dimensional reconstruction of the tumor was completed before surgery. On the basis of three-dimensional reconstruction, single-port thoracoscopic resection of the AVA was successfully completed and reported for the first time. The previously reported cases are summarized to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with AVAs.
Case presentation:
A 56-year-old man was transferred to our hospital due to "dysphagia". The diagnosis of AVA was made after enhanced computed tomography, gastroscopy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and three-dimensional reconstruction. Because the patient had symptoms of dysphagia and the AVA had the risk of rupture, he received single-port thoracoscopic surgery. After the operation, his dysphagia disappeared. The postoperative pathology confirmed hemangioma. The patient was discharged three days after surgery without any complications.
Conclusions:
AVAs are rare. Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction can greatly help surgeons clarify the disease diagnosis, formulate the surgical plan, avoid damage to the surrounding vital organs, and reduce intraoperative bleeding. Thoracoscopic surgery to remove AVAs is difficult and has a high risk of bleeding, while more minimally invasive single-port thoracoscopic surgery is also safe and effective for the treatment of AVAs.
Gene Expression and Early Radiation Response of Two Distinct Neuroblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Ritner Carissa , Popovic Jelena , Abouzeid Aushra , Li Ya , Paunesku Tatjana , Papineni Rao , Woloschak Gayle 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Simple Summary: Neuroblastoma is a common pediatric cancer that spreads systemically, making therapy difficult. Tumors are frequently resistant to radiation therapy, a last line of defense in patients with aggressive disease. In this study, we found that there are distinct gene expression patterns dependent on neuroblastoma subtype; however, both neuroblastoma types examined showed only subtle gene expression differences early following radiation exposure. This indicates that while neuroblastoma tumors are diverse in phenotype and gene expression, they have similarly stable gene expression and resistance during early response to stressors such as radiation.
Abstract: External beam radiation is infrequently used for treatment of pediatric cancer such as neuroblastoma, typically reserved for palliative care in patients with aggressive metastatic disease who fail to respond to alternative treatments. Understanding effects of radiation on neuroblastoma cells could improve efficacy of this final means of therapy to decrease tumor burden and stabilize the disease. In this study, clonogenic assays were used to establish radiation responses for SK-N-AS and SK-N-DZ cell lines; cells were then irradiated at doses that cause 90% cell killing based on clonogenic assay and their RNA isolated and subjected to microarray analysis. In addition, cells were transfected with pre-miRNA constructs that led to overexpression of microRNAs miR-34a and miR-1228. Statistically significant differences were detected for expression of several thousands of genes when the two cell lines were compared with each other. In comparison, radiation led only to minor gene expression differences of less than two-fold at the 1h post-irradiation timepoint in both cell lines. Overexpression of miR-34a and miR-1228 in either cell line did not change this outcome. Therefore, neuroblastoma cell lines SK-N-AS and SK-N-DZ are phenotypically diverse and gene expression differences between them are extensive. At the same time, the regulation of gene expression in both of these cell lines is in a stable equilibrium at early timepoints after exposure to ionizing radiation.
Refeeding syndrome in schizophrenia from an emerging economy
Authors: Dordoye Eugene Kobla , Fiagbe Delali , Alalbila Thelma Mpoku , Dziwornu Emmanuel , Stiles-Darko Josephine 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Recent studies have shown growing concern for refeeding syndrome (RFS) among patients suffering other medical conditions although the exact incidence in this population is unknown. The phenomenon is also present among patients with mental health conditions characterized by poor feeding, poor appetite, catatonic features and poor cognitive functioning. Generally, RFS occurs with the reintroduction of calories to severely malnourished patients which doing so may be intuitive but life-threatening. It becomes critical for clinicians to have a high incidence of suspicion for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management to keep them alive if the malnutrition did not take their lives.
Case presentation
We report a case of a 53-year-old man with an 8-year history of schizophrenia and a 3-month history of poor feeding. He was admitted on account of refusal to feed or drink for two weeks prior to presentation. He was severely malnourished and feeding was started while dealing with his psychotic symptoms. He gained about 2kg within a week of admission but that was fraught with metabolic derangements which included, but not limited to, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia. We revised his diagnosis to RFS in schizophrenia and managed as such.
Conclusion
There are no agreed biomarkers for the diagnosis of Refeeding Syndrome and diagnosis is still based on a constellation of electrolyte deficiencies and clinical presentation. Unfortunately, one of the cardinal electrolyte deficiencies, hypophosphatemia, does not have readily available formulations for its correction and this can lead to neurological, cardiovascular and other complications including sudden death. Delay in diagnosis worsens the prognosis and the intuitive desire to zealously feed a starved patient rather leads them to their death.
Prevalence and factors associated with frailty in older adults from the Kenyan coast
Authors: Mwangala Patrick Nzivo , Nasambu Carophine , Wagner Ryan G. , Newton Charles R. , Abubakar Amina 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: The burden and determinants of frailty in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are largely unknown despite a rapidly aging population in the region. To address the gap in Kenya, we: a) determined the prevalence of frailty among older adults living with HIV (OALWH) and compared to their uninfected peers; b) investigated HIV status as an independent predictor of frailty in the older adults; c) investigated the correlates of frailty in these adults.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 at the Kenyan coast among 440 older adults aged ≥50 years (257 OALWH). Frailty was assessed using the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale, which comprises nine domains of frailty, including cognition, general health status, functional independence, social support, medication use, nutrition, mood, continence, and self-reported functional performance. We also collected biopsychosocial information from the respondents. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of frailty.
Results: The prevalence of frailty was significantly higher among OALWH (24%) compared to their uninfected peers (13%), p<0.01. However, after adjusting for biopsychosocial factors, HIV seropositivity was not independently associated with frailty. Among OALWH, sleeping difficulties, ageism, higher waist/hip ratio, visiting traditional healers, a history of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen change/interruption and prolonged illness following HIV diagnosis were significantly associated with higher odds of frailty. Residing in larger households, higher household income, having a social network of friends, and light physical activities were significantly associated with reduced odds of frailty. Among HIV uninfected older adults, sleeping difficulties, self-reported diabetes and light physical activities were significantly associated with elevated odds of frailty, while being male was significantly associated with reduced odds of frailty.
Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty is elevated among older adults living with HIV when compared to their uninfected peers; however, factors other than HIV are predominant, particularly psychosocial factors. Our findings provide the foundation for further research on frailty and developing culturally appropriate interventions and healthcare strategies to prevent, delay and manage frailty at the Kenyan Coast and other similar settings.
Comprehensive identification and expression analyses of the SnRK gene family in Casuarina equisetifolia in response to salt stress
Authors: Ai Di , Wang Yujiao , Wei Yongcheng , Zhang Jie , Meng Jingxiang , Zhang Yong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Sucrose nonfermenting-1 (SNF1)-related protein kinases (SnRKs) play crucial roles in plant signaling pathways and stress adaptive responses by activating protein phosphorylation pathways. However, there have been no comprehensive studies of the SnRK gene family in the widely planted salt-tolerant tree species Casuarina equisetifolia. Here, we comprehensively analyze this gene family in C. equisetifolia using genome-wide identification, characterization, and profiling of expression changes in response to salt stress.
Results
A total of 26 CeqSnRK genes were identified, which were divided into three subfamilies (SnRK1, SnRK2, and SnRK3). The intron-exon structures and protein‑motif compositions were similar within each subgroup but differed among groups. Ka/Ks ratio analysis indicated that the CeqSnRK family has undergone purifying selection, and cis-regulatory element analysis suggested that these genes may be involved in plant development and responses to various environmental stresses. A heat map was generated using quantitative real‑time PCR (qRT-PCR) data from 26 CeqSnRK genes, suggesting that they were expressed in different tissues. We also examined the expression of all CeqSnRK genes under exposure to different salt concentrations using qRT-PCR, finding that most CeqSnRK genes were regulated by different salt treatments. Moreover, co-expression network analysis revealed synergistic effects among CeqSnRK genes.
Conclusions
Several CeqSnRK genes (CeqSnRK3.7, CeqSnRK3.16, CeqSnRK3.17) were up-regulated following salt treatment. Among them, CeqSnRK3.16 expression was significantly up-regulated under various salt treatments, identifying this as a candidate gene salt stress tolerance gene. In addition, CeqSnRK3.16 showed significant expression change correlations with multiple genes under salt stress, indicating that it might exhibit synergistic effects with other genes in response to salt stress. This comprehensive analysis will provide a theoretical reference for CeqSnRK gene functional verification and the role of these genes in salt tolerance.
Towards best practice in developing motor skills: A systematic review on spacing in VR simulator-based psychomotor training for surgical novices
Authors: Fahl Jan Torge , Duvivier Robbert , Reinke Laurens , Pierie Jean-Pierre E. N. , Schönrock-Adema Johanna 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective: Repeated practice, or spacing, can improve various types of skill acquisition. Similarly, virtual reality (VR) simulators have demonstrated their effectiveness in fostering surgical skill acquisition and provide a promising, realistic environment for spaced training. To explore how spacing impacts VR simulator-based acquisition of surgical psychomotor skills, we performed a systematic literature review.
Methods: We systematically searched the databases PubMed, PsychINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, ERIC and CINAHL for studies investigating the influence of spacing on the effectiveness of VR simulator training focused on psychomotor skill acquisition in healthcare professionals. We assessed the quality of all included studies using the Medical Education Research Study Quality instrument (MERSQI) and the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool. We extracted and aggregated qualitative data regarding spacing interval, psychomotor task performance and several other performance metrics.
Results: The searches yielded 1662 unique publications. After screening the titles and abstracts, 53 publications were retained for full text screening and 7 met the inclusion criteria. Spaced training resulted in better performance scores and faster skill acquisition when compared to control groups with a single day (massed) training session. Spacing across consecutive days seemed more effective than shorter or longer spacing intervals. However, the included studies were too heterogeneous in terms of spacing interval, obtained performance metrics and psychomotor skills analysed to allow for a meta-analysis to substantiate our outcomes.
Conclusion: Spacing in VR simulator-based surgical training improved skill acquisition when compared to massed training. The overall number and quality of available studies were only moderate, limiting the validity and generalizability of our findings.
Improving outpatient care for heart failure through digital innovation: A feasibility study
Authors: Arnar David O. , Oddsson Saemundur J. , Gunnarsdottir Thrudur , Gudlaugsdottir Gudbjorg Jona , Gudmundsson Elias Freyr , Ketilsdóttir Audur , Halldorsdottir Hulda , Hrafnkelsdottir Thordis Jona , Hallsson Hallur , Amundadottir Maria L. , Thorgeirsson Tryggvi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Heart failure (HF) affects over 26 million people worldwide. Multidisciplinary management strategies that include symptom monitoring and patient self-care support reduce HF hospitalization and mortality rates. Ideally, HF follow-up and self-care support includes lifestyle-change recommendations and remote monitoring of weight and HF symptoms. Providing these via a digital solution may be ideal for improving HF disease outcomes and reducing the burden on providers and healthcare systems. This study's main objective was to assess the feasibility of a digital solution including remote monitoring, lifestyle-change, and self-care support for HF outpatients in Iceland.
Methods: Twenty HF patients (mean age 57.5 years, 80% males) participated in an 8-week study. They were provided with a digital solution (SK-141), including lifestyle-change and disease self-care support, a remote symptom monitoring system, and a secure messaging platform between healthcare providers and patients. This feasibility study aimed to assess patient acceptability of this new intervention, recruitment potential among patients in the HF clinic, retention rate, and to evaluate trends in clinical outcomes. To assess the acceptability of SK-141, participants completed a questionnaire about their experience after the 8-week study. Participants performed daily assigned activities (missions), including self-reporting symptoms. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire at the study's beginning and end with an online survey.
Results: The retention rate of participants was high (80%) and participants rated the digital solution very highly with, e.g., a score of 6.8 out of 7 on their likelihood to recommend it to others. There was a trend towards improvement in all-but-one health-related variables logged in the digital solution from week 1 until week 8. Clinical outcomes revealed a positive trend for six out of seven variables, including for key heart failure variables such as shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.
Conclusion: The digital solution, SK-141, was acceptable to patients and had promising results in this small feasibility study. These results encourage us to conduct a longer, more extensive, adequately powered, randomized-controlled study to assess whether this digital solution can improve quality of life and clinical outcomes among HF patients.
The Mediator complex regulates enhancer-promoter interactions
Authors: Oudelaar Marieke , Ramasamy Shyam , Aljahani Abrar , Karpinska Magdalena , Cao Ngoc , Cruz Joseph Neos 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Enhancer-mediated gene activation generally requires physical proximity between enhancers and their target gene promoters. However, the molecular mechanisms by which interactions between enhancers and promoters are formed are not well understood. Here, we investigate the function of the Mediator complex in the regulation of enhancer-promoter interactions, by combining rapid protein depletion and high-resolution MNase-based chromosome conformation capture approaches. We show that depletion of Mediator leads to reduced enhancer-promoter interaction frequencies, which are associated with a strong decrease in gene expression. In addition, we find increased interactions between CTCF-binding sites upon Mediator depletion. These changes in chromatin architecture are associated with a re-distribution of the Cohesin complex on chromatin and a reduction in Cohesin occupancy specifically at enhancers. Our results indicate that enhancer-promoter interactions are dependent on an interplay between the Mediator and Cohesin complexes and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms by which communication between enhancers and promoters is regulated.
An efficient dehairing system supported by oxidative-enzymatic auxiliary towards sustainability
Authors: Kanagaraj James , Panda Rames Chandra , Ramakrishna Prasanna , Tamilselvi Alagumuthu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
A method of dehairing of goat skins using oxidative chemicals and protease enzyme has been attempted. Dehairing process is one of the important and essential steps in the leather making, where hair is removed by lime and sodium sulphide in the conventional process. This conventional dehairing system generates higher amount of pollution problem as compared to the other unit operations and unit processes. In this work, dehairing of the goat skins through oxidative agent namely magnesium peroxide and protease enzyme were useful for dehairing of goat skins. For this, protease have been produced from Bacillus sp. at laboratory level and the activity was found out. The dehairing of goat skins takes place for the duration of 14–16 hours. The leather produced with the experimental sample showed comparable organoleptic and strength properties with the conventional sample. This method paved the way for reduction of pollution loads especially BOD, COD and TDS to the level of 59, 27 and 77% respectively in comparison with the control sample. The reaction kinetics for the formation of the ligand-macromolecular complex is found from the Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiment and mathematical model has been formulated. The dyed crust leather showed comparable colour properties. In addition to that, there is reduction in processing time for leather making through skipping reliming and deliming processes which is said to be another advantage of this method. The physical strength properties of the experimental leather were also comparable with conventionally produced leather.
Photometric Search for variable stars in the field of two Northern open clusters, DOLIDGE 14 and NGC 1960
Authors: Joshi Gireesh C. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In the present paper, the CCD time series observations of cluster NGC 1960 and DOLIDZE 14 are performed to search the short periodic variable stars within them. Absolute photometry via secondary standardization transformation has been used to construct the light curves for the detection of pulsation in stars. A comprehensive study of membership of variable stars is discussed along with their classification. A total of 18 and 4 short periodic variables found in the field of NGC 1960 and DOLIDZE 14 respectively. The period and classification of 18 discovered short periodic type variable stars of NGC 1960 are discussed, which consist of one EB, one Planet transit, one γ − Dor, two δ Scuti − γ − Dor, two LADS, two irregular, two ro-tational, three RRC and four Ellipsoidal type variable stars. In the case of DOLIDZE 14, four discovered variables consist of one miscellaneous, one rotational, two binary type variable stars. A comparative analysis of each short periodic variable star has been represented with a set of two comparison stars of similar brightness. In the case of NGC 1960, the 12 selected comparison stars have variation in brightness such that they can be classified as long periodic variable stars. A total of 4 stars are found to be standard stars. The variation in brightness of other twenty comparison stars is non-pulsating with irregular pattern. Very low amplitude pulsations of stars is instrumental errors in nature and seems to be a factor of misleading classification of variable stars. In the case of DOLIDZE 14, variation of brightness in light curves of comparison stars of each variable star is a result of errors during transformation of magnitudes. Membership analysis of variable stars are performed by using their distance, kinematic probability and location in (U − B) vs (B − V) TCD.