bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methotrexate improves endothelial function in early rheumatoid arthritis patients after 3 months of treatment
Authors: Cafaro Giacomo , Petito Eleonora , Bistoni Onelia , Falcinelli Emanuela , Cipriani Sabrina , Borghi Maria Chiara , Bonifacio Angelo F. , Giglio Elisa , Alunno Alessia , Perricone Carlo , Gerli Roberto , Gresele Paolo , Bartoloni Elena 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Endothelial dysfunction contributes to increased cardiovascular (CV) disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Angiogenic T cells (Tang) are a key regulator of vascular function via their interaction with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Methotrexate (MTX) has been associated to reduced CV disease risk, but its effects on endothelial homeostasis have been poorly explored. We investigated MTX effects on endothelial homeostasis in early, treatment-naïve RA patients.

Methods
Fifteen untreated, early RA patients and matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. RA patients with long-standing disease in remission or low disease activity treated with MTX for at least 6 months were selected as controls. Circulating CD28+ and CD28null Tang cell, endothelial microparticle (EMP), EPC and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1 levels were measured.

Results
Tang percentage was higher in early RA than in HCs and significantly increased after 3-month MTX treatment. Tang cells in RA were characterized by higher percentage of CD28null and lower CD28-positive cells than HCs. MTX restored a Tang cell phenotype similar to HCs. Altered sVCAM-1, EMP and EPC were restored to levels similar to HCs after a 3-month MTX. Biomarker levels after 3 months of MTX were not different to those of patients with long-standing treatment.

Conclusions
MTX has a positive effect on Tang, sVCAM-1, EPCs and EMPs in RA. Restoration of imbalance between CD28 + and CD28null Tang by MTX may be one of the mechanisms underlying its favourable effects on endothelial dysfunction. These effects seem to be long-lasting and independent from systemic inflammation reduction, suggesting a direct effect of MTX on the endothelium.
Amphibian richness along modified riparian areas of central Mexico: conservation priorities
Authors: Oropeza-Sánchez Marco Tulio , Suazo-Ortuño Ireri , Benítez-Malvido Julieta , Monroy-Hernández Erandi , Munguía-Steyer Roberto 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Land-use change frequently affects faunistic populations and communities. To achieve successful conservation strategies, we need suitable information about species distribution and the causes of extinction risk. Many amphibian species depend on riparian vegetation to complete their life cycles. About 41% of amphibian species are globally threatened, and accurate estimations of population size, species richness and the identification of critical habitats are urgently needed worldwide. To evaluate the magnitude of changes in species richness and demography, estimations that include detection probability are necessary. In this study, we employed multi-species occupancy models to estimate detection probability and the effect of land cover type (i.e., cropland, artificial pasture, secondary and mature forest) in a 500-m radius on the occupancy probability and richness of diurnal amphibians in 60 riparian zones in the state of Michoacán in central Mexico. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential of the endemic salamander Ambystoma ordinarium as a flagship species for the conservation of other native amphibian species.

Results
We registered a total of 20 amphibian species in the diurnal assemblage, of which 10 species are considered at risk of extinction. We found that cropland was the most important land-use type for explaining amphibian distribution in riparian zones, with negative effects on most amphibian species. We found no differences in species richness between zones with and without A. ordinarium. In riparian zones occupied by A. ordinarium, however, we found a higher number of species at risk of extinction.

Conclusions
Our findings showed negative effects of croplands on the distribution of most amphibian species. The riparian zones are important for the maintenance of native diurnal amphibian communities and A. ordinarium can act as a flagship species for the conservation of threatened amphibian species.
Cornin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by preventing autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Lan Tianchi , Xu Yangyang , Li Shucui , Li Ning , Zhang Shuping , Zhu Haibo 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Ischemia stroke is the leading cause of disability, which is a consequence of vascular occlusion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cornin which is isolated from the fruit of Verbena officinalis L, against astrocytes autophagy induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury in vitro and in vivo and its potential mechanism.

Methods
Cornin at dose of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg were intravenously injected to MCAO rats at 15 min after reperfusion. The infarction volume, blood–brain barrier (BBB), neurological severity score (mNSS), and autophagy related protein were used to evaluated the protective effects and potential mechanism of cornin in autophagy with or without phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)inhibitor LY294002 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) small interfering RNA (siRNA) at 24 h after CI/R injury. The potential protective effects and mechanism of cornin at concention of 10 ~ 1000 nM were also evaluated in oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) in U87 cells.

Results
The results suggest that cornin at dose of 5 or 10 mg/kg significantly reduce the cerebral infarction volume and blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage, and improve neurological recovery in MCAO rats. Cleaved caspase-3 and Bax levels were significantly decreased, while B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and the apoptosis regulator ratio (Bcl-2/Bax) were markedly increased when treated with 2.5–10 mg/kg cornin. The obvious decreased expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myosin-like BCL2 interacting protein (Beclin-1) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II (LC3-II) and increased of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), sequestosome-1 (p62), phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were observed in MCAO rats treated with 10 mg/kg cornin, which was counteracted by LY294002. The expression of autophagy-related proteins with or without LY294002 and mTOR siRNA presented the similar results as in vitro in OGD/R in U87 cells.

Conclusions
These results indicate that cornin improved neurological recovery after cerebral ischemia injury by preventing astrocytes autophagy induced by CI/R via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Therapeutic effects of sialendoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of hyposalivation patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Lee Seung-Jun , Kim Euy-Hyun , Lee Sung-Jae , Chun Young-Joon , Song In-Seok , Jun Sang-Ho 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Hyposalivation is disease with multiple symptoms. This disease is hard to be diagnosed and to be treated, and there are not enough clinical protocols to cure the disease. In this study, we propose our own treatment protocols which aim not only to cure the disease but also to care for the disease-related symptoms.

Methods
At the 1st visit, we collect patient-related information. This procedure includes an intraoral exam, patient history taking, VAS value and unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) measurement, and salivary buffer test. Following the interview and oral examination, objective results are obtained by radiological image, CT, and sialoscintigraphy. At the 2nd visit, we analyze radiographic images including neck CT and salivary scintigraphy. These images can allow accurate diagnosis and help the patients to better understand the current condition. Depending on the severity of symptoms and patient’s discomfort, we try a surgical approach at the 3rd visit, sialendoscopy.

Results
With treatment, we can manage the discomfort of patients in daily life. The VAS value of hyposalivation patients dropped gradually with the trial of sialendoscopy. In the case of Sjogren’s syndrome patients, the treatment efficacy has been decreased with low reactivity of treatment. The true meaning of this treatment is in not only curing the disease, but also caring for the disrupted patients. Overall, the amount of UWS increased with the progress after the procedure. Especially in the lower UWS at the 1st visit, there was a more significant increase after the procedure.

Conclusion
Although many factors that cause hyposalivation have not been identified, the efficacy of sialendoscopy to relieve discomfort in hyposalivation patients has been observed. However, treatment was more difficult and complicated in the group of patients with systemic disease. This study will not only present a treatment protocol for hyposalivation patients, but also consider methods for diagnosing more precisely and improving treatment efficacy. Hyposalivation is a curable and manageable disease in some cases, so interpretation between the clinician and the patient is important.
Reflexive pedagogy at the heart of educational digital transformation in Latin American higher education institutions
Authors: Useche Ana Carolina , Galvis Álvaro H. , Díaz-Barriga Arceo Frida , Patiño Rivera Alberto Elí , Muñoz-Reyes Claudia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis paper makes a critical review of educational and operational issues related with pandemic and postpandemic lessons in Latin American higher education institutions (LATAM HEI), as background for uncovering key elements to innovate educational practices in technology-mediated higher education. The authors adapted the reflexive pedagogy framework to conduct in depth analysis of innovation experiences mediated with educational technologies and draw conclusions for curricular and digital transformation of LATAM HEI.
Measures to address the stalled development of health law education in Chinese universities
Authors: Xu Jingyi , Wang Yue 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHealth law education, an important part of global health education, is beneficial for both medical and law schools. This field can help lawyers and policy makers to develop their careers and equip traditional health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, with a basic knowledge of health law. However, unlike in western universities, health law education in China is still at its infant stage and, as such, lacks a systematic pedagogical approach among institutions of higher education in China. Considering the advancements in the field of health law education, this study systematically reviews the status of health law education in institutions of higher learning in China and suggests ways to make the pedagogical approach more consistent. This systematic review revealed that, between 2012 and 2021, major law schools and medical schools that have developed the subject of health law education in China lack consensus on the aim, scope, mode, and methods of health law education. The first problem is that Chinese universities are unable to agree on how to classify the subject of health law. Another set of problems relate to institutions themselves. Not only do universities lack qualified health law faculty, but they also rely on relatively uninspiring teaching materials. This leads to ineffective, generic pedagogical approaches in both medical and law schools. These problems leave future lawyers, future doctors and nurses unclear about their choices for health law study at the graduate level and their ultimate career development. We therefore propose four preliminary solutions to continue to develop this new interdisciplinary subject—health law education—in Chinese universities: clearly classify the subject of health law, equip the health law field with more professional textbooks, enact joint degree programs between medical schools and law schools, and establish a health law research center in either law schools or medical schools.
Variability of noninvasive MRI and biological markers in compensated cirrhosis: insights for assessing disease progression
Authors: Bradley Christopher R. , Cox Eleanor F. , Palaniyappan Naaventhan , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Francis Susan T. , Guha Indra Neil 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
We annually monitored stable compensated cirrhosis (CC) patients to evaluate serial variation in blood serum, liver stiffness, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) measures to provide reference change values (RCV) and sample size measures for future studies.

Methods
Patients were recruited from a prospectively followed CC cohort, with assessments at baseline and annually over three years. We report on blood markers, transient elastography liver stiffness measures (LSM) and noninvasive mpMRI (volume, T1 mapping, blood flow, perfusion) of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and heart in a stable CC group and a healthy volunteer (HV) group. Coefficient of variation over time (CoVT) and RCV are reported, along with hazard ratio to assess disease progression. Sample size estimates to power future trials of cirrhosis regression on mpMRI are presented.

Results
Of 60 CC patients enrolled, 28 with stable CC were followed longitudinally and compared to 10 HVs. CoVT in mpMRI measures was comparable between CC and HV groups. CoVT of Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score was low (< 5%) compared to Fibrosis-4 index (17.9%) and Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet-Ratio Index (19.4%). A large CoVT (20.7%) and RCV (48.3%) were observed for LSM. CoVT and RCV were low for liver, spleen, and renal T1 values (CoVT < 5%, RCV < 8%) and volume (CoVT < 10%, RCV < 16%); haemodynamic measures were high (CoVT 12–25%, RCV 16–47%).

Conclusions
Evidence of low CoVT and RCV in multiorgan T1 values. RCV and sample size estimates are provided for future longitudinal multiorgan monitoring in CC patients.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02037867, Registered: 05/01/2013.
Make or buy: IT-based decision support for grid imbalance settlement in smarter electricity networks
Authors: Wederhake Lars , Schlephorst Simon , Zyprian Florian 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDecision (support) systems are a particularly important type of information system to energy informatics. A key challenge in energy informatics is that electricity supply must be in balance with demand at all times. More volatile renewable energy sources increase the relevance of electricity network balancing, i.e., imbalance settlement. Typically, electricity distribution network operators bought balancing power from external service providers (Buy option). Interestingly, however, more local energy resources help smarter electricity networks develop a Make option, as in our real-world evaluation. Choosing the better decision alternative within the relevant timeframes challenges human decision-making capabilities. Therefore, this research proposes a model-based decision system to improve the operators’ decisions concerning Make or Buy under various levels of data quality represented by availability, granularity, and timeliness. The study reports savings up to 40% of costs for imbalance settlement supporting ambitious development efforts by the municipality we study in our real-world evaluation.
Feeding: the hidden variable affecting prognosis of critically ill children
Authors: El-Mekkawy Muhammad Said , Shabaan Gamal Ibrahim , Abdelaziz Alyaa Ahdy 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Nutrition of critically ill children is a frequently ignored issue. The purpose of this study was to describe nutritional practices in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a resource-limited country and evaluate their association with prognosis.

Methods
This was a prospective observational study, conducted on critically ill children admitted into PICU. Nutritional status was assessed, and nutritional practices (enteral and parenteral) were recorded. The primary outcome was PICU mortality.

Results
Two hundred twenty-one patients were recruited. Mortality rate was 17.6%. Parenteral nutrition (PN) administration and longer PN duration were associated with mortality (p<0.001 for each). Early enteral nutrition was associated lower rates of mortality (5.6% vs 26.9%, p<0.001); hospital-acquired infections (18.9% vs 67.3%, p<0.001); and enteral feeding intolerance (13.3% vs 28.8%, p=0.018), compared with late enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition onset correlated with length of PICU stay (rs=0.66, p<0.001); mechanical ventilation duration (rs=0.53, p<0.001); vasoactive infusion days (rs=0.25, p<0.001); central venous catheter days (rs=0.69, p<0.001); and time to full enteral caloric intake (rs=0.63, p<0.001). Bolus nasogastric feeding was superior to continuous nasogastric feeding since it was associated with a shorter time to full enteral caloric intake, without a higher risk of feeding intolerance or mortality. Malnutrition was associated with higher PN (75.4% vs 60.3%, p=0.03) and mortality (26.2% vs 14.1%, p=0.032) rates, in addition to longer mechanical ventilation duration (p=0.041) and time to full enteral caloric intake (p=0.010).

Conclusion
Malnutrition, PN, and late enteral nutrition are associated with poor outcome of PICU patients. Bolus nasogastric feeding appears to be superior to continuous feeding.
A two-step singular spectrum analysis method for robust low-rank approximation of seismic data
Authors: Huang Weilin 
Published: October 2022

The singular spectrum analysis (SSA) method can detect the low-rank structure of data and therefore has become a powerful tool in seismic data processing and analysis. In particular, the SSA method can effectively suppress seismic random noise according to the different behaviors of coherent signal and random noise in the singular spectrum. However, there has been much research and experimentation indicating that the basic SSA method performs poorly when the noise becomes erratic. One of the reasons is that the quadratic misfit adopted in SSA is sensitive to non-Gaussian disturbances. One solution to this problem is to iteratively reweight the low-rank approximation of using the SSA method and finally achieve a particular kind of robust misfit. The low-rank approximation is robustified in this study by a more direct strategy, which consists of two main steps, prediction and elimination, and is called the two-step SSA method. The whole algorithm only runs the SSA filtering twice and hence is more computationally efficient compared to the iteratively reweighted SSA technique. The two-step SSA method adopts two criteria to calculate a weighting matrix and predict the erratic disturbance. This strategy also can be generalized into an iterative reweighting-based technique (e.g., the iteratively reweighted SSA technique) for robust denoising. The performance of the proposed two-step SSA method is tested using simulated and real seismic data. The results demonstrate its feasibility.
Porosity and permeability prediction using a transformer and periodic long short-term network
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Fomel Sergey , Wang Shoudong , Chen Xiaohong , Chen Wei , Saad Omar M. , Chen Yangkang 
Published: October 2022

Effective reservoir parameter prediction is important for subsurface characterization and understanding fluid migration. However, conventional methods for obtaining porosity and permeability are based on either core measurements or mathematical/petrophysical modeling, which are expensive or inefficient. In this study, we develop a reliable and low-cost deep learning (DL) framework for reservoir permeability and porosity prediction from real logging data at different regions. We leverage an advanced learning architecture (i.e., the transformer model) and design a new regression network (RPTransformer) that is sensitive to the depth period change of the logging data. The RPTransformer is composed of 1D convolutional, long short-term memory (LSTM), and transformer layers. First, we use a 1D convolutional layer for the first layer of the network to extract significant features from the logging data. Then, the nonlinear mapping relationships between logging data and reservoir parameters are established using several LSTM layers with a period parameter. Afterward, we use the encoder in the vision transformer with the self-attention mechanism to further extract logging data features. The developed network is a data-driven supervised learning framework and indicates highly accurate and robust prediction results when applied to different geographic regions. To demonstrate the reliable prediction performance of our network, we compare it with several classic machine learning and state-of-the-art DL methods, e.g., random forest, multilayer LSTM, and long short-term time-series network (LSTNet). More importantly, we find the generalization and uncertainty of the network in real-world applications through comprehensive numerical experiments.
Substrate adhesion determines migration during mesenchymal cell condensation in chondrogenesis
Authors: Casanellas Ignasi , Jiang Hongkai , David Carolyn M. , Vida Yolanda , Pérez-Inestrosa Ezequiel , Samitier Josep , Lagunas Anna 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACT
Mesenchymal condensation is a prevalent morphogenetic transition that is essential in chondrogenesis. However, the current understanding of condensation mechanisms is limited. In vivo, progenitor cells directionally migrate from the surrounding loose mesenchyme towards regions of increasing matrix adherence (the condensation centers), which is accompanied by the upregulation of fibronectin. Here, we focused on the mechanisms of cell migration during mesenchymal cell condensation and the effects of matrix adherence. Dendrimer-based nanopatterns of the cell-adhesive peptide arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD), which is present in fibronectin, were used to regulate substrate adhesion. We recorded collective and single-cell migration of mesenchymal stem cells, under chondrogenic induction, using live-cell imaging. Our results show that the cell migration mode of single cells depends on substrate adhesiveness, and that cell directionality controls cell condensation and the fusion of condensates. Inhibition experiments revealed that cell–cell interactions mediated by N-cadherin (also known as CDH2) are also pivotal for directional migration of cell condensates by maintaining cell–cell cohesion, thus suggesting a fine interplay between cell–matrix and cell–cell adhesions. Our results shed light on the role of cell interactions with a fibronectin-depositing matrix during chondrogenesis in vitro, with possible applications in regenerative medicine.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.