bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of outcomes between anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies for intracranial arterial dissections
Authors: Lee Seong-Joon , Kim Min , Park So Young , Park Ji Hyun , Park Bumhee , Jung Woo Sang , Choi Jin Wook , Lim Yong Cheol , Hong Ji Man , Lee Jin Soo
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate real-world data on the differences in outcomes between antiplatelet (AP) and anticoagulation (AC) therapies for intracranial arterial dissection (IAD).

Methods

This study included patients with symptomatic unruptured IAD between 2010 and 2021 that were treated with anti-thrombotics. Patients were dichotomized to AC and AP based on a treatment policy analysis. Primary endpoints were a composite of ischemic early neurological deterioration, recurrent ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or 3-month mortality. Arterial changes were evaluated both in the early (during admission) and late (after discharge) periods. A treatment effectiveness analysis was also performed with AC, AP and a third group of antithrombotic cross-overs. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust significant baseline differences.

Results

In unruptured IAD patients (N = 311), the AC group (N = 211) presented with a higher rate of ischemic stroke or TIA (74.4% vs. 51.0%, p < 0.001) and steno-occlusive morphology (vs. dilatation, 63.0% vs. 39.0%, p < 0.001) compared to AP group (N = 100). After PSM, there was no difference in rates of primary endpoint (9.4% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.470). The results of the treatment effectiveness analysis resembled that of the treatment policy analysis. However, there was a high rate of cross-overs from AC to AP (57/211 [27.0%]). In this group, there was a higher rate of early arterial changes (26.8% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.019) compared to the AC group.

Conclusion

In patients with unruptured IAD, this study did not show differences in primary endpoints according to antithrombotic regimen, while there was a high rate of cross-overs from AC to AP.
Integrative multi-omics approach using random forest and artificial neural network models for early diagnosis and immune infiltration characterization in ischemic stroke
Authors: Lin Ling , Guo Chunmao , Jin Hanna , Huang Haixiong , Luo Fan , Wang Ying , Li Dongqi , Zhang Yuanxin , Xu Yuqian , Zhu Chanyan , Zeng Fengshan , He Huahua , Chen Jie , Zhang Wei , Yu Wenlin
Published: December 2024

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a significant global health issue, causing high rates of morbidity, mortality, and disability. Since conventional Diagnosis methods for IS have several shortcomings. It is critical to create new Diagnosis models in order to enhance existing Diagnosis approaches.

Methods

We utilized gene expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases GSE16561 and GSE22255 to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IS. DEGs analysis using the Limma package, as well as GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, were performed. Furthermore, PPI networks were constructed using DEGs from the String database, and Random Forest models were utilized to screen key DEGs. Additionally, an artificial neural network model was developed for IS classification. Use the GSE58294 dataset to evaluate the effectiveness of the scoring model on healthy controls and ischemic stroke samples. The effectiveness of the scoring model was evaluated through AUC analysis, and CIBERSORT analysis was conducted to estimate the immune landscape and explore the correlation between gene expression and immune cell infiltration.

Results

A total of 26 significant DEGs associated with IS were identified. Metascape analysis revealed enriched biological processes and pathways related to IS. 10 key DEGs (ARG1, DUSP1, F13A1, NFIL3, CCR7, ADM, PTGS2, ID3, FAIM3, HLA-DQB1) were selected using Random Forest and artificial neural network models. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the IS classification model was found to be near 1, indicating its high accuracy. Additionally, the analysis of the immune landscape demonstrated elevated immune-related networks in IS patients compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

The study uncovers the involvement of specific genes and immune cells in the pathogenesis of IS, suggesting their importance in understanding and potentially targeting the disease.
Alterations in large-scale resting-state network nodes following transcranial focused ultrasound of deep brain structures
Authors: Gorka Stephanie M. , Jimmy Jagan , Koning Katherine , Phan K. Luan , Rotstein Natalie , Hoang-Dang Bianca , Halavi Sabrina , Spivak Norman , Monti Martin M. , Reggente Nicco , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Kuhn Taylor P.
Published: December 2024

Background

Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a brain stimulation approach that holds promise for the treatment of brain-based disorders. Studies in humans have shown that tFUS can successfully modulate perfusion in focal sonication targets, including the amygdala; however, limited research has explored how tFUS impacts large-scale neural networks.

Objective

The aim of the current study was to address this gap and examine changes in resting-state connectivity between large-scale network nodes using a randomized, double-blind, within-subjects crossover study design.

Methods

Healthy adults (n = 18) completed two tFUS sessions, 14 days apart. Each session included tFUS of either the right amygdala or the left entorhinal cortex (ErC). The inclusion of two active targets allowed for within-subjects comparisons as a function of the locus of sonication. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was collected before and after each tFUS session.

Results

tFUS altered resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within and between rs-network nodes. Pre-to-post sonication of the right amygdala modulated connectivity within nodes of the salience network (SAN) and between nodes of the SAN and the default mode network (DMN) and frontoparietal network (FRP). A decrease in SAN to FPN connectivity was specific to the amygdala target. Pre-to-post sonication of the left ErC modulated connectivity between the dorsal attention network (DAN) and FPN and DMN. An increase in DAN to DMN connectivity was specific to the ErC target.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings may suggest that tFUS induces neuroplastic changes beyond the immediate sonication target. Additional studies are needed to determine the long-term stability of these effects.
The associations of dietary manganese, iron, copper, zinc, selenium and magnesium with cognitive outcomes in Chinese adults: a cross sectional study in Shanghai
Authors: Chen Yujie , Sun Zhuo , Zhang Yali , Zhou Ren , Lin Xingyu , Du Yuewen , Xu Jiayi , Xu Qi , Zang Jiajie
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The role of individual nutrients including vitamins and minerals in cognitive function gained increasing attention in recent years. With regard to the association between dietary minerals and cognitive function, the results of human studies are inconclusive. The objective of this study was to explore the association between mineral intake and cognitive function using the data from Shanghai Health and Nutrition Survey (SHNS) in 2018.

Methods

In total, 835 adults were included in a crosssectional study, and completed a three-day dietary record to estimate their average daily intake of minerals. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for the assessment of cognitive function, and logistic regression analyses were performed on participants to examine the association between dietary mineral intake and cognitive performance. The participants were divided into tertiles according to their mineral intake.

Results

Participants in the second and third tertile of the dietary copper intake had lower rates of low MMSE scores compared to those in the lowest tertile. We found the adjusted OR and 95%CI values were 0.44 (0.21–0.89) and 0.40 (0.16–0.94), respectively. Participants in the second tertile of dietary magnesium intake showed a trend of lower rates of low MMSE score compared to those in the lowest tertile (p = 0.06). The adjusted OR and 95%CI values were 0.35 (0.16–0.72). No significant association were observed between any of the other minerals including iron, zinc, selenium and manganese and cognitive function.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that dietary intake of copper and magnesium may have a protective effect on cognitive performance in elderly over 60 years old. To prevent cognitive decline, elderly should get recommended amounts of copper and magnesium from diet or supplements.
The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in pre-and post-menopausal women: a prospective cohort of Saudi women
Authors: Al Zunaidy Nada A. , Al-Khalifa Abdulrahman S. , Alhussain Maha H. , Althwab Sami A. , Mohammed Mohammed A. , Faris MoezAlIslam E.
Published: December 2024

Background

The menopausal transition significantly affects cardiometabolic health, primarily due to changes in reproductive hormones, particularly decreased estrogen levels and relative androgen excess. Adult Muslim women, both pre-and post-menopausal, are mandated to observe Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) every year. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate RIF’s effects on pre-menopausal (PRE-M) and post-menopausal (POST-M) healthy women’s cardiometabolic health markers. This study further evaluated the relationship between tested markers and the participant’s basic variables, such as BMI and body fatness. Due to differences in physiological and metabolic biomarkers between groups, RIF is likely to impact PRE-M and POST-M women differently.

Methods

This study included 62 healthy women (31 PRE-M, aged 21–42 years, and 31 POST-M, aged 43–68 years) who observed RIF. Anthropometrics, sex hormones, lipid profile, pro-inflammatory (TNF-α), anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and aging biomarker insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); all were tested 1 week before and at the fourth week of Ramadan.

Results

Body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage (BFP), fat mass, fat mass index, triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure significantly (p < 0.05) decreased at the end of Ramadan in both groups in comparison to the pre-fasting period. Contrarily, HDL, SOD, GPx, and IL-10 significantly (p < 0.05) increased in both groups. Estrogen levels significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in PRE-M women, whereas significantly (p < 0.05) increased in POST-M women. The progesterone levels, TAC, MDA, and IGF-1 remained unchanged in both groups. TNF-α significantly decreased in both groups, but the magnitude of reduction was higher in PRE-M women. Sex hormones and some metabolic biomarkers, especially in POST-M women, variably exhibited positive or negative relationships to BMI and BFP. RIF may influence the levels of estrogen, TNF-α, and IL-10 through improvements in metabolic health, reductions in body fat, activation of autophagy, modulation of immune responses, and changes in hormonal regulation.

Conclusion

The RIF was generally associated with improved anthropometric, metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in both PRE-M and POST-M healthy women. Adhering to healthy dietary and lifestyle guidelines by pre-and post-menopausal women during Ramadan may foster the health benefits gained.
Vitamin A is associated with all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Feng Yunxia , Li Yuan , Chen Shuo , Hu Na , Liao Dan
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The association between serum vitamin A (VA) levels and outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients remains unclear.

Methods

This was a population-based cohort study. CKD participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database were included for analysis. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Person correlation analysis and Cox regression models were used to assess the relation between serum VA levels and all-cause mortality among individuals with CKD.

Results

There were 689 participants included in this study. The serum VA level was 2.45 ± 1.06 μmol/L. The overall mortality was 43.69%. The participants in the nonsurvival group had higher serum VA levels than those in the survival group (2.18 ± 0.82 vs. 2.78 ± 1.24 μmol/L, p < 0.01). Serum VA concentrations were positively correlated with serum creatinine levels (r = 0.56, p < 0.01) and urea nitrogen (r = 0.58, p < 0.01) but negatively correlated with eGFR (r = −0.56, p < 0.01). The serum VA level was independently related to all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.15, [95% CI: 1.01–1.31], p = 0.03). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis suggested that the survival probability was lower in participants with serum VA levels exceeding 2.09 μmol/L than in participants with serum VA levels below 2.09 μmol/L (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

A high serum VA was independently related to all-cause mortality in CKD patients. VA requirements for patients with CKD is worth studies in the future.
Study on the mechanism of lactic acid bacteria and their fermentation broth in alleviating hyperuricemia based on metabolomics and gut microbiota
Authors: Rao Lijuan , Dong Biao , Chen Yanru , Liao Jiajing , Wang Chen , Fu Guiming , Wan Yin
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disease caused by purine metabolism disorders in the body. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their fermentation broth have the potential to alleviate hyperuricemia, but the potential mechanism of action is still unclear.

Methods

The LAB with high inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase (XOD) were screened out. Then the fermentation broth, fermentation supernatant and fermentation bacteria after fermentation of these LAB were administered into HUA mice, respectively.

Results

Lactobacillus reuteri NCUF203.1 and Lactobacillus brevis NCUF207.7, of which fermentation supernatant had high inhibitory activity against XOD, were screened out and administered into HUA mice. Among them, L. reuteri strain, L. reuteri fermentation broth, L. brevis fermentation broth and L. brevis fermentation supernatant could significantly reduce serum uric acid levels and inhibited the liver XOD activity in HUA mice. The GC–MS metabolomics analysis of colon contents showed that supplementation of these four substances could partially reverse the down-regulation of energy metabolism pathways such as ketone body metabolism, pyruvate metabolism and citric acid cycle in HUA mice. It could also regulate amino acid metabolism pathways such as alanine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycine and serine metabolism, and repair the disorders of amino acid metabolism caused by HUA. In addition, the intervention of L. brevis fermentation broth and L. brevis fermentation supernatant may also accelerate the catabolism of uric acid in the intestine by up-regulating the urea cycle pathway. Fecal 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that their intervention increased the diversity of gut microbiota in HUA mice and alleviated the gut microbiota dysregulation caused by HUA.

Discussion

These results indicated that the LAB and their fermentation broth may play a role in alleviating HUA by regulating intestinal metabolism and gut microbiota.
Updates in novel immunotherapeutic strategies for relapsed/refractory AML
Authors: Bawek Sawyer , Gurusinghe Sayuri , Burwinkel Matthew , Przespolewski Amanda
Published: December 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe hematological malignancy with poor outcomes, particularly in older adults. Traditional treatment options like high-dose chemotherapy often lead to refractory or relapsed AML, with even worse outcomes. New therapies for relapsed and refractory AML are needed, and this review explores the most recent advancements in immunotherapy in AML. Checkpoint Inhibitors utilizing innate or adaptive immune targeting have shown potential to improve AML outcomes when combined with hypomethylating agents and chemotherapy. The use of adoptive cell therapy in AML demonstrates promising early data, however, there is a need for better target selection. Although early in development, both vaccine therapy as well as stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists have potential to enhance the innate immune response to overcome AML’s immune evasion. Immunotherapy has become a promising approach for AML treatment, especially in refractory and relapsed AML, especially in patients who are not eligible for allogeneic stem cell transplants. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of the immune microenvironment to identify the most critical targets for optimization, as well as personalized therapeutic combination strategies. Here we present a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in immunotherapy for relapsed and refractory AML.
A rare case report of renal clear cell carcinoma with multiple skin metastases and a review of the literature
Authors: Wang Wei , Kang Yongcun , Qu Xiaona , Li Yang , Zhou Hongyan
Published: December 2024

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of primary renal cancer, and clear cell carcinoma is the most common subtype, accounting for approximately 70% of all adult renal cell carcinoma cases. At the time of diagnosis, many patients already have metastatic manifestations. Cutaneous metastasis of renal clear cell carcinoma is very rare and usually represents a poor prognosis, mostly affecting the head and neck. In this paper, we report a case of renal clear cell carcinoma with multiple cutaneous metastases, including a chest wall mass for more than 10 years and an abdominal wall mass for 1 year. A 69-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus was admitted to the hospital for examination of a right chest and abdominal wall mass and peripheral pain, and ultrasonography suggested a solid space-occupying lesion in the left kidney, which was considered malignant, and a solid mass in the right chest and abdominal wall, which was considered metastatic. A subsequent abdominal CT scan showed malignant tumors in the left kidney and adrenal region, and multiple metastatic tumors in the liver, pancreas, right thoracoabdominal wall, and the abdomen. To clarify the nature of the pathology, an ultrasound-guided puncture of the right abdominal wall mass was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma, with immunohistochemistry suggesting a renal clear cell carcinoma origin. The patient died within 6 months.
Clinical predictive models for recurrence and survival in treated laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abou-Foul Ahmad K. , Dretzke Janine , Albon Esther , Kristunas Caroline , Moore David J. , Karwath Andreas , Gkoutos Georgios , Mehanna Hisham , Nankivell Paul ,   the PETNECK2 Research Team
Published: December 2024

Background

The limitations of the traditional TNM system have spurred interest in multivariable models for personalized prognostication in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers (LSCC/HPSCC). However, the performance of these models depends on the quality of data and modelling methodology, affecting their potential for clinical adoption. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SR-MA) evaluated clinical predictive models (CPMs) for recurrence and survival in treated LSCC/HPSCC. We assessed models’ characteristics and methodologies, as well as performance, risk of bias (RoB), and applicability.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID) and IEEE databases from January 2005 to November 2023. The search algorithm used comprehensive text word and index term combinations without language or publication type restrictions. Independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts using a predefined Population, Index, Comparator, Outcomes, Timing and Setting (PICOTS) framework. We included externally validated (EV) multivariable models, with at least one clinical predictor, that provided recurrence or survival predictions. The SR-MA followed PRISMA reporting guidelines, and PROBAST framework for RoB assessment. Model discrimination was assessed using C-index/AUC, and was presented for all models using forest plots. MA was only performed for models that were externally validated in two or more cohorts, using random-effects model. The main outcomes were model discrimination and calibration measures for survival (OS) and/or local recurrence (LR) prediction. All measures and assessments were preplanned prior to data collection.

Results

The SR-MA identified 11 models, reported in 16 studies. Seven models for OS showed good discrimination on development, with only one excelling (C-index >0.9), and three had weak or poor discrimination. Inclusion of a radiomics score as a model parameter achieved relatively better performance. Most models had poor generalisability, demonstrated by worse discrimination performance on EV, but they still outperformed the TNM system. Only two models met the criteria for MA, with pooled EV AUCs 0.73 (95% CI 0.71-0.76) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.6-0.74). RoB was high for all models, particularly in the analysis domain.

Conclusions

This review highlighted the shortcomings of currently available models, while emphasizing the need for rigorous independent evaluations. Despite the proliferation of models, most exhibited methodological limitations and bias. Currently, no models can confidently be recommended for routine clinical use.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021248762, identifier CRD42021248762.
Combined systemic immune-inflammatory index and prognostic nutritional index predicts the efficacy and prognosis of ES-SCLC patients receiving PD-L1 inhibitors combined with first-line chemotherapy
Authors: Ge Yi , Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Yishi , Su Yanwei , Li Yixin , Wang Liping
Published: December 2024

Background

There is a strong association between inflammation and the formation, progression, and metastasis of malignant tumors, according to earlier studies. Some composite inflammation-nutritional indicators, such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), have a certain predictive effect on the prognosis of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the relationship between these indicators and the efficacy of immunotherapy in SCLC patients is still not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore how the pre-treatment SII-PNI score can predict the tumor response and prognosis of extensive-stage SCLC patients treated with PD-L1 inhibitors and first-line chemotherapy.

Methods

This research conducted a retrospective review of 70 ES- SCLC patients from December 2019 to January 2023. According to the SII-PNI score, all patients were categorized into three groups. Overall survival (OS) was assessed by implementing the Kaplan Meier and Cox regression models. In addition, we devised a nomogram and scrutinized its accuracy in prediction through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and visualized it by calibration plots. Subsequently, a risk classification system was established.

Results

Patients with higher SII-PNI scores exhibited notably poorer survival outcomes compared to their counterpart with low SII-PNI score (p=0.008), as well as poorer short-term curative effects (p=0.004). The results of the multivariate analysis revealed that the SII-PNI score (p=0.036) had an independent association with a less favorable OS. The nomogram has been demonstrated to be a reliable prognostic tool for ES-SCLC patients. A notable difference was identified between the two different levels of risk.

Conclusion

The baseline SII-PNI score can serve as a reliable prognostic indicator for ES-SCLC patients receiving immunotherapy. Higher SII-PNI scores imply a worse prognosis.
Development and validation of a lung biological equivalent dose-based multiregional radiomic model for predicting symptomatic radiation pneumonitis after SBRT in lung cancer patients
Authors: Jiao Yuxin , Feng Aihui , Li Shihong , Ren Yanping , Gao Hongbo , Chen Di , Sun Li , Zheng Xiangpeng , Lin Guangwu
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to develop and validate a multiregional radiomic-based composite model to predict symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (SRP) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Materials and methods

189 patients from two institutions were allocated into training, internal validation and external testing cohorts. The associations between the SRP and clinic-dosimetric factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression. Radiomics features were extracted from seven discrete and three composite regions of interest (ROIs), including anatomical, physical dosimetry, and biologically equivalent dose (BED) dimensions. Correlation filters and Lasso regularization were applied for feature selection and five machine learning algorithms were utilized to construct radiomic models. Multiregional radiomic models integrating features from various regions were developed and undergone performance test in comparison with single-region models. Ultimately, three models—a radiomic model, a dosimetric model, and a combined model—were developed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, model calibration, and decision curve analysis.

Results

VBED70 (α/β = 3) of the nontarget lung volume was identified as an independent dosimetric risk factor. The multiregional radiomic models eclipsed their single-regional counterparts, notably with the incorporation of BED-based dimensions, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.816 [95% CI: 0.694–0.938]. The best predictive model for SRP was the combined model, which integrated the multiregional radiomic features with dosimetric parameters [AUC=0.828, 95% CI: 0.701–0.956]. The calibration and decision curves indicated good predictive accuracy and clinical benefit, respectively.

Conclusions

The combined model improves SRP prediction across various SBRT fractionation schemes, which warrants further validation and optimization using larger-scale retrospective data and in prospective trials.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on growth determinants in premature neonates: observational study in a secondary health service in Carapicuíba, São Paulo (2020–2023)
Authors: Martha Vanessa Marques Leite , Masquio Deborah Cristina Landi , Santos Luiz Silva dos , Martha Julia Marques Leite , Martha Pedro Marques Leite , Colares Neto Guido de Paula
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Prematurity is a factor that contributes to the increase in infant morbidity and mortality and is associated with factors determining child growth, such as nutritional deficits, mainly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

To evaluate the factors determining the growth of premature neonates treated at a secondary health service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Observational retrospective and prospective cohort study of premature patients followed at the follow-up clinic in the municipality of Carapicuíba from February 2020 to December 2023. Through a review of medical records, anthropometric data were collected from birth to corrected gestational age, approximately six months, and nutritional and non-nutritional data with direct or indirect influence on growth. Statistical analysis with tests for quantitative and qualitative variables was carried out with the SPSS Statistics software version 27.0 (SPSS et al., USA).

Result

The study analyzed a sample of 302 newborns, predominantly male (51.7%) and classified as moderately preterm (47.4%), with an average gestational age of 32.4 ± 2.8 weeks. Prenatal complications occurred in 59.3% of cases, while neonatal complications, such as extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR, 30.8%) and use of parenteral nutrition (36.1%), were common, with an average hospital stay of 30.2 ± 26.1 days. Most newborns were artificially fed (51%) Moreover, they received multivitamins (71.9%). At six months, the newborns showed healthy growth with an average weight of 6.718.2 ± 1.346.5 g. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between EUGR and negative Z scores for weight, length, and head circumference at six months. Complications such as anemia and congenital abnormalities also negatively impacted these scores. Comparatively, the newborns in the group pre-vaccination against COVID-19 had more significant growth at six months and more prevalence of newborns born large for gestational age (LGA), while complications such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and viral bronchiolitis was more common in the post-vaccination group.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-nutritional factors, especially EUGR, significantly influenced the anthropometry of premature babies. This condition highlighted the need for more effective therapeutic strategies and public health measures to improve the growth and development of premature infants.
Psychosocial determinants of oral health outcomes in young children
Authors: Kopycka-Kedzierawski Dorota T. , Ragusa Patricia G. , Feng Changyong , Flint Kim , Watson Gene E. , Wong Cynthia L. , Gill Steven R. , Billings Ronald J. , O’Connor Thomas G.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To examine the social determinants of early childhood caries (ECC), one of the greatest public health risks affecting children, and examine alternative pathways of influence.

Methods

A physically healthy, socio-demographically high-risk sample of initially caries-free children, aged 1–4 years, was prospectively studied for 2 years. At 6-month intervals, assessments were made of caries presence from a standard dental exam; oral microbiology was assayed from saliva samples; oral hygiene behaviors and psychological and psychosocial risk exposure were derived from interviews and questionnaires.

Results

189 children were enrolled; ECC onset occurred in 48 children over the 2-year study period. A composite measure of psychosocial risk was significantly associated with ECC onset over the course of the study (1.57, 95% CI 1.12–2.20, p < .001) and significantly associated with multiple risks for ECC, including poor diet/feeding (.92; 95% CI. 22–1.61, p < .01), poor oral hygiene (.39; 95% CI .09–.68), p < .05), and higher concentrations Lactobacilli (.96; 95% CI .43–1.49, p < .001). Multivariable regression analyses provided indirect support for the hypothesis that psychosocial risk exposure predicts ECC onset via behavioral and oral hygiene pathways.

Conclusions

The study provides novel evidence that psychosocial factors influence many of the purported risks for ECC and strong evidence that there are social and psychological determinants of ECC onset.
Laparoscopic repair of intrathoracic kidney associated with giant congenital diaphragmatic hernia: an infant case report and literature review
Authors: Ji Ze , Zhao Zhen , Xi Hongwei , Ren Hongxia
Published: December 2024

Background

Intrathoracic kidney (ITK) is a rare congenital disease, with only about 40 pediatric cases reported worldwide to date. ITK associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is even rarer, and we report a case of an infant with ITK combined with a giant CDH.

Case description and management

A six-month-old male infant was hospitalized due to “vomiting for 4 days”. The child's parents sought a definitive diagnosis and treatment to alleviate the child's suffering. Following a series of examinations and laboratory tests, we determined the child had ITK combined with CDH. We treated the condition laparoscopically, repairing the diaphragmatic defect and securing the kidney to the posterior wall of the abdomen. After a two-year follow-up period, the child exhibited no significant discomfort.

Conclusions

Infantile ITK combined with giant CDH is relatively rare and the etiology is unclear. When symptoms of pneumonia, gastrointestinal obstruction or genitourinary tract occur, surgical intervention is necessary. Laparoscopic reduction of the ectopic kidney and repair of the giant diaphragmatic hernia is a minimally invasive and effective surgical approach.
Impact of fresh grape juice on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole: results of a food–drug interaction study
Authors: Iftikhar Tayyaba , Iqbal Zafar , Shah Yasar , Khan Nauman Rahim , Abbas Muhammad , Shehzad Omer , Hadi Fazal , Sardar Haseeba , Abusharha Ali , Daglia Maria , Khan Haroon
Published: December 2024

Grapes have been widely used for dietary ailments due to their attributed pharmacological activities. Resveratrol, the chief constituent of grapes, is responsible for their pharmacological benefits. However, apart from their beneficial effects, grapes have also recently been considered in drug interaction studies. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic profile of omeprazole administered alone compared to omeprazole administered with grape juice, with a prior intake of grape juice, for 1 continuous week. The study was conducted on two groups of healthy male volunteers [n = 12]. One group was orally administered 40 mg of omeprazole alone, while the other group was administered omeprazole with grape juice. Blood samples were analyzed for omeprazole concentration by a reverse-phase HPLC method. Co-administration of 40 mg omeprazole with grape juice significantly decreased the AUC0-t and Cmax by 32% and 34%, respectively, suggesting a role being played by grapes in the activation of P-glycoprotein and omeprazole metabolizing enzymes, including CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. In conclusion, the addition of grapes as a dietary supplement in patients taking omeprazole for the management of peptic ulcer symptoms may lead to a higher required dose of omeprazole.
Combination of Vitex pseudo-negundo methanolic-extract with cisplatin can induce antioxidant activity and apoptosis in HeLa and Caski cells
Authors: Shiri Aghbash Parisa , Sadri Nahand Javid , Rahbar Farzam Omid , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Reza , Bayat Mobina , Entezari Maleki Taher , Bannazadeh Baghi Hossein
Published: December 2024

Background

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy as a common therapeutic regimen for cervical cancer patients, is becoming more and more ineffective due to high resistance. This urges the need for introducing novel metabolics such as botanical drugs with the capacity to increase the cisplatin effectiveness. In that regard, here we investigated the anticancer effects of the Cisplatin-Vitex pseudo-Negundo combination in cervical cancer cell lines.

Method and Material

V. pseudo-Negundo fruits were dried and extracted methanolic fraction. The MTT assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity of both drugs in CaSki and HeLa cells. Then, apoptosis, ROS production, and cell cycling were assessed by flow cytometry assay in cells treated with V. pseudo-Negundo and Cisplatin and their combination. Also, the rate of cell migration and colony formation were measured, using wound healing and colony formation assay, respectively. Also, the expression level of related genes (CD133, BAX, BCL2, Casp-3/8/9, MMP-3) was evaluated using the RT-PCR method.

Results

The obtained results established that the V. pseudo-Negundo plant has medicinal properties to induce apoptotic and antioxidant signals. The combination treatment of methanol extraction and Cisplatin had a cytotoxic effect on cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa and CaSki) compared to monotherapy. Also, combination therapy resulted in an increased apoptosis rate and diminished ROS production in both CaSki and HeLa cell lines. Furthermore, V. pseudo-Negundo and Cisplatin combination therapy leads to cell cycle arrest in the G2-M and G0-G1 phase in HeLa and CaSki cell lines, respectively. Moreover, combination therapy decreased the colony formation and cell motility in both cell lines and upregulated caspases gene expression.

Conclusion

The combination of V. pseudo-Negundo with Cisplatin therapy results in a significant anti-cancer and antioxidant effect compared to cisplatin, representing a promising candidate for future clinical investigations.
New insights into SUMOylation and NEDDylation in fibrosis
Authors: Han Jin , Wu Jun , Kou Wen-Tao , Xie Li-Na , Tang Ya-Li , Zhi Da-Long , Li Ping , Chen Dan-Qian
Published: December 2024

Fibrosis is the outcome of any abnormal tissue repair process that results in normal tissue replacement with scar tissue, leading to persistent tissue damage and cellular injury. During the process of fibrosis, many cytokines and chemokines are involved, and their activities are controlled by post-translational modifications, especially SUMOylation and NEDDylation. Both these modifications entail a three-step process of activation, conjugation, and ligation that involves three kinds of enzymes, namely, E1 activating, E2 conjugating, and E3 ligase enzymes. SUMOylation participates in organ fibrosis by modulating FXR, PML, TGF-β receptor I, Sirt3, HIF-1α, and Sirt1, while NEDDylation influences organ fibrosis by regulating cullin3, NIK, SRSF3, and UBE2M. Further investigations exhibit the therapeutic potentials of SUMOylation/NEDDylation activators and inhibitors against organ fibrosis, especially ginkgolic acid in SUMOylation and MLN4924 in NEDDylation. These results demonstrate the therapeutic effects of SUMOylation and NEDDylation against organ fibrosis and highlight their activators as well as inhibitors as potential candidates. In the future, deeper investigations of SUMOylation and NEDDylation are needed to identify novel substrates against organ fibrosis; moreover, clinical investigations are needed to determine the therapeutic effects of their activators and inhibitors that can benefit patients. This review highlights that SUMOylation and NEDDylation function as potential therapeutic targets for organ fibrosis.
AH-6809 mediated regulation of lung adenocarcinoma metastasis through NLRP7 and prognostic analysis of key metastasis-related genes
Authors: Feng Xu , Wu Wei , Liu Feifei
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, with metastasis representing the most lethal stage of the disease. Despite significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for LUAD, the mechanisms enabling cancer cells to breach the blood-brain barrier remain poorly understood. While genomic profiling has shed light on the nature of primary tumors, the genetic drivers and clinical relevance of LUAD metastasis are still largely unexplored.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the genomic differences between brain-metastatic and non-brain-metastatic LUAD, identify potential prognostic biomarkers, and evaluate the efficacy of AH-6809 in modulating key molecular pathways involved in LUAD metastasis, with a focus on post-translational modifications (PTMs).

Methods

Genomic analyses were performed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between brain-metastatic and non-metastatic LUAD samples were identified. Key gene modules were determined using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and their prognostic significance was assessed through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cellular experiments, including CCK8 and qRT-PCR assays, were conducted to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of AH-6809 in LUAD cells. Apoptosis and inflammatory marker expression were assessed using immunofluorescence.

Results

Genomic analysis differentiated brain-metastatic from non-brain-metastatic LUAD and identified NLRP7, FIBCD1, and ELF5 as prognostic markers. AH-6809 significantly suppressed LUAD cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and modulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. These effects were reversed upon NLRP7 knockdown, highlighting its role in metastasis. Literature analysis further supported AH-6809’s tumor-suppressive activity, particularly in NLRP7 knockdown cells, where it inhibited cell growth and facilitated apoptosis. AH-6809 was also found to affect SUMO1-mediated PTMs and downregulate EMT markers, including VIM and CDH2. NLRP7 knockdown partially reversed these effects. Immunofluorescence revealed enhanced apoptosis and inflammation in lung cancer cells, especially in NLRP7 knockdown cells treated with AH-6809. The regulatory mechanisms involve SUMO1-mediated post-translational modifications and NQO1. Further studies are required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and assess the clinical potential of these findings.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the critical role of NLRP7 and associated genes in LUAD metastasis and suggest that AH-6809 holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for brain-metastatic LUAD.
Influence of speed on the internal flow characteristics of a multiphase pump based on a coupled CFD-PBM model
Authors: Guo Xin , Shi Guangtai , Chai Hongqiang , Lv Wenjuan , Fu Jie
Published: December 2024

Under the influence of the characteristic behavior of the bubbles, the flow pattern in the multiphase pump suffers a serious deterioration and the pressurization performance is significantly reduced. In order to be more close to the engineering practice, the CFD-PBM (Computational Fluid Dynamics-Population Balance Model) coupling model is established and verified on the basis of considering the bubble coalescence and breakup behavior, revealing the bubble distribution characteristics in the pressurization unit, and studying the influence of speed on the internal flow characteristics of the multiphase pump. The results show that the volume fraction of large bubbles in the pressurization unit of the multiphase pump decreases significantly with increasing speed, and the bubble coalescence zone shrinks parallel to the blade profile along the flow direction. The volume fraction of small bubbles increases sharply with speed, and the bubble breakup zone covers almost the entire fluid domain at high speed conditions. The speed has a significantly greater influence on the distribution of the gas phase and the vortex structure in the diffuser domain than in the impeller domain. In the diffuser domain, a pair of mutually separate vortices are formed, and a large number of gas phases are sucked near the vortex center. With the increase of speed, the velocity slip in impeller domain is weakened, but in diffuser domain is intensified. The results of the study can accurately predict the performance variation of the multiphase pump and are important for their optimal design and engineering application.
Predicting postoperative pulmonary infection risk in patients with diabetes using machine learning
Authors: Zhao Chunxiu , Xiang Bingbing , Zhang Jie , Yang Pingliang , Liu Qiaoli , Wang Shun
Published: December 2024

Background

Patients with diabetes face an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary infection (PPI). However, precise predictive models specific to this patient group are lacking.

Objective

To develop and validate a machine learning model for predicting PPI risk in patients with diabetes.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 1,269 patients with diabetes who underwent elective non-cardiac, non-neurological surgeries at our institution from January 2020 to December 2023. Predictive models were constructed using nine different machine learning algorithms. Feature selection was conducted using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression. Model performance was assessed via the Area Under the Curve (AUC), precision, accuracy, specificity and F1-score.

Results

The Ada Boost classifier (ADA) model exhibited the best performance with an AUC of 0.901, Accuracy of 0.91, Precision of 0.82, specificity of 0.98, PPV of 0.82, and NPV of 0.82. LASSO feature selection identified six optimal predictive factors: postoperative transfer to the ICU, Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) status, surgical department, and duration of surgery.

Conclusion

Our study developed a robust predictive model using six clinical features, offering a valuable tool for clinical decision-making and personalized prevention strategies for PPI in patients with diabetes.
Identification and odor exposure regulation of odorant-binding proteins in Picromerus lewisi
Authors: Yi Shan-Cheng , Yu Jia-Ling , Abdelkhalek Sara Taha , Sun Zhi-Rong , Wang Man-Qun
Published: December 2024

The highly developed sensitive olfactory system is essential for Picromerus lewisi Scott (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) adults, an widely distributed natural predatory enemy, to locate host plants. During this process, odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are thought to have significant involvement in the olfactory recognition. However, the roles of OBPs in the olfactory perception of P. lewisi are not frequently reported. Here, we conducted odor exposure and transcriptome sequencing experiments using healthy and Spodoptera litura-infested tobacco plants as odor sources. The transcriptomic data revealed that the alteration in the expression of mRNA levels upon exposure to odor was sex-dependent. As the expression profiles differed significantly between male and female adults of P. lewisi. A total of 15 P. lewisi OBPs (PlewOBPs) were identified from the P. lewisi transcriptome. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that PlewOBPs can be classified into two subfamilies (classic OBP and plus-C OBP). The qRT-PCR results showed that the transcript abundance of 8 PlewOBPs substantially altered following exposure to S. litura-infested tobacco plants, compared to the blank control or healthy plants. This implies that these PlewOBPs may have an olfactory function in detecting S. litura-infested tobacco plants. This study establishes the foundation for further understanding of the olfactory recognition mechanism of P. lewisi and helps discover novel targets for functional characterization in future research.
Integrated analysis of BSA-seq and RNA-seq identified the candidate genes for seed weight in Brassica juncea
Authors: Yang Bin , Yang Liu , Kang Lei , You Liang , Chen Hao , Xiao Huagui , Qian Lunwen , Rao Yong , Liu Zhongsong
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Brassica juncea is a major oilseed crop of Brassica. The seed weight is one of yield components in oilseed Brassica crops. Research on the genetic mechanism of seed weight is not only directly related to the yield and economic value of Brassica juncea but also can provide a theory foundation for studying other Brassica crops.

Methods

To map the genes for seed weight, the parental and F2 extreme bulks derived were constructed from the cross between the heavy-seeded accession 7981 and the light-seeded one Sichuan yellow (SY) of B. juncea, and used in bulk segregant sequencing (BSA-seq). Meanwhile, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed for both parents at six seed development stages.

Results

Our results showed that a total of thirty five SNPs were identified in thirty two genes located on chromosomes A02 and A10, while fifty eight InDels in fifty one genes located on A01, A03, A05, A07, A09, A10, B01, B02 and B04. The 7,679 differentially expressed genes were identified in developing seeds between the parents. Furthermore, integrated analysis of BSA-seq and RNA-seq data revealed a cluster of nine genes on chromosome A10 and one gene on chromosome A05 that are putative candidate genes controlling seed weight in B. juncea.

Discussion

This study provides a new reference for research on Brassica seed weight and lays a solid foundation for the examination of seed in other Brassica crops.