bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline (derived) neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio associated with survival in gastroesophageal junction or gastric cancer treated with ICIs
Authors: Yu Chengyang , Jiang Hao , Wang Liezhi , Jiang Zufu , Jin Chong
Published: January 2025

Objective

We carried out the meta-analysis to determine the predictive value of baseline neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) levels in patients with gastroesophageal junction or gastric cancer (GJGC) who underwent immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment.

Methods

Eligible articles were obtained through PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, until April 15, 2023. The clinical outcomes evaluated in this study encompassed overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR)

Results

A total of 24 articles with 2221 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that patients with high NLR levels had significantly poorer OS (HR: 1.860, 95% CI: 1.564-2.213, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 1.678, 95% CI: 1.354-2.079, p < 0.001), and lower ORR (OR: 0.754, 95% CI: 0.621-0.915, p = 0.004) and DCR (OR: 0.391, 95% CI: 0.262-0.582, p < 0.001). Besides, we also found that high dNLR levels were significantly associated with shorter OS (HR: 2.117, 95% CI: 1.590-2.820, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 1.803, 95% CI: 1.415-2.297, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Low baseline (Derived) NLR has the potential to predict the good efficacy of ICIs and survival outcomes in patients with GJGC. (Derived) NLR could be useful in determining the optimal treatment strategies for these patients.
Disulfidptosis-related gene SLC3A2: a novel prognostic biomarker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Lin Yiqi , Shi Liang , Zhai Aixia , Wu Chao , Zhu Qian-Ying
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), one of the most common malignancies of the head and neck, is characterised by a complex pathogenesis and an unfavourable prognosis. Recently, disulfidoptosis, a novel form of cell death, has been proposed. Several studies in recent years have extensively investigated the function of the disulfidoptosis-related SLC7A11 gene in cancer, but the role of its partner protein, SLC3A2, remains unknown unclear in NPC.

Methods

GEO database analysis confirmed SLC3A2's prognostic impact on nasopharyngeal carcinoma. ROC, Kaplan-Meier analyses, and stage-specific expression studies showed a strong correlation with poor HNSC prognosis. GO and KEGG analyses pinpointed relevant signaling pathways. In vitro, SLC3A2's influence on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was evaluated through CCK8, wound healing, colony formation, transwell assays, and cell cycle analysis.

Results

In this study, we identified the high expression of SLC3A2 in NPC and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) and analyzed its potential mechanism and correlation with patient prognosis. Furthermore, a negative relationship was found between the expression level of SLC3A2 and the extent of immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the high and low SLC3A2 expression groups were primarily involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and immune response. Finally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that SLC3A2 stimulates tumor cell proliferation and migration.

Discussion

In conclusion, these results indicated a strong association between SLC3A2 and progression in both NPC and HNSC, suggesting it as a promising biomarker for predicting adverse prognosis in NPC and HNSC patients.
Survival and prognostic factors for primary lung extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: a retrospective study of data from China and the SEER database
Authors: Li Qiuyu , Zuo Haoyu , Liu Chengyang , Yang Jing , Dai Nini
Published: January 2025

Background and aim

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that most commonly affects the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The lung is a rare site for ENKTL involvement, and its clinical behavior and prognostic factors are not well understood. This study aimed to analyze survival outcomes and identify prognostic factors in patients with primary lung ENKTL.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 20 cases of primary lung ENKTL, including four patients who were treated at Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing and 16 patients were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database. Clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival data were collected and analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression models to identify potential prognostic factors.

Results

The study cohort included 13 male (65%) and 7 female (35%) patients with a median age of 57 years. Sex was a significant predictor of survival (P = 0.030), with female patients having lower survival rates. Other factors, including age, race, and disease stage, were not significantly associated with survival. Most patients received chemotherapy (45%) or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (5%), but treatment data were incomplete for 40% of the cohort. The median overall survival was poor, reflecting the aggressive nature of primary lung ENKTL.

Conclusions

Primary lung ENKTL is a rare, aggressive malignancy with limited available data. In this cohort, sex was a significant prognostic factor, while other demographic and clinical variables did not show significant associations with survival. Future research should focus on understanding the molecular and immunological drivers of this disease, with an emphasis on discovering novel therapeutic approaches. Large-scale multicenter studies are needed to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies for primary lung ENKTL.
A case of de novo neuroendocrine prostate cancer presented with elevated level of serum CEA carrying BRCA2 mutation: case report and literature review
Authors: Han Weizhe , Rexiati Nihati , Yu Fang , Wang Yongzhi , Tian Yueli , Wu Jianyuan , Wang Gang , Liu Tao , Yang Zhonghua
Published: January 2025

Background

De novo neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a rare subtype of prostate cancer (PCa) and few markers are available for screening and monitoring. Potential circulating or fluid markers might facilitate early diagnosis thus improving prognosis of NEPC, especially for de novo NEPC.

Case presentation

A man of 71-year was presented with elevated level of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (1296.5 ng/ml) and normal PSA (0.47ng/ml). Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed no signs of gastric or colorectal cancer. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) and prostate-specific membrane antigen PET-CT (PSMA PET-CT) indicated prostate cancer with metastases including pelvic lymph nodes, bone as well as lung metastases. Biopsy of prostate revealed mixed carcinoma including small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) and adenocarcinoma (Gleason score of 4 + 5). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and next generation sequencing demonstrated a strong expression of chromogranin A (CgA), synaptophysin (SYN) and CEA, and a germline mutation in BRCA2, respectively. After a prostatic massage, an increased level of CEA (137 ng/ml vs 5 ng/ml) was detected in urine. Olaparib, a Poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi), combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were administrated. FDG PET-CT indicated tumor regression in both quantity and size three months later, and CEA levels of serum and urine decreased to 23 ng/ml and 2.4 ng/ml 4 months later, respectively.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a de novo NEPC presented with an elevated level of CEA, in which CEA was also detected in urine specimen post a prostatic massage. After a combination treatment of ADT for 3 months, levels of CEA in both serum and urine decreased sharply when tumor regressed radiologically. CEA might be a marker of screening and monitoring of NEPC.
Cerebellar metastasis from colorectal cancer: a case report
Authors: Angulo-Rojo Carla E. , Castillo-Gaxiola Luis J. , Gaxiola-Gastélum Karen , Guadrón-Llanos Alma M. , Magaña-Gómez Javier A. , Baldenebro-Félix Diana L.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with adenocarcinoma as the most common subtype. While metastasis typically occurs in the liver, lungs, and peritoneal cavity, metastasis to the brain, particularly the cerebellum, is exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

This report discusses the case of a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with mucinous adenocarcinoma of the descending colon. Over six years, the patient experienced multiple common metastatic sites, including the liver and lungs, before developing a rare cerebellar metastasis. Despite extensive treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, the disease progressed, ultimately leading to the patient’s demise. This case represents the first documented cerebellar metastasis from CRC in Mexico.

Conclusion

This case highlights the altered metastatic patterns in CRC due to advanced therapies that extend survival. Clinicians should remain vigilant for metastasis to uncommon sites, such as the cerebellum, especially in patients with prolonged survival. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying such metastatic behavior and optimize treatment strategies.
MDTR: a knowledge-guided interpretable representation for quantifying liver toxicity at transcriptomic level
Authors: Sung Inyoung , Lee Sangseon , Bang Dongmin , Yi Jungseob , Lee Sunho , Kim Sun
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has been investigated at the patient level. Analysis of gene perturbation at the cellular level can help better characterize biological mechanisms of hepatotoxicity. Despite accumulating drug-induced transcriptome data such as LINCS, analyzing such transcriptome data upon drug treatment is a challenging task because the perturbation of expression is dose and time dependent. In addition, the mechanisms of drug toxicity are known only as literature information, not in a computable form.

Methods

To address these challenges, we propose a Multi-Dimensional Transcriptomic Ruler (MDTR) that quantifies the degree of DILI at the transcriptome level. To translate transcriptome data to toxicity-related mechanisms, MDTR incorporates KEGG pathways as representatives of mechanisms, mapping transcriptome data to biological pathways and subsequently aggregating them for each of the five hepatotoxicity mechanisms. Given that a single mechanism involves multiple pathways, MDTR measures pathway-level perturbation by constructing a radial basis kernel-based toxicity space and measuring the Mahalanobis distance in the transcriptomic kernel space. Representing each mechanism as a dimension, MDTR is visualized in a radar chart, enabling an effective visual presentation of hepatotoxicity at transcriptomic level.

Results and Discussion

In experiments with the LINCS dataset, we show that MDTR outperforms existing methods for measuring the distance of transcriptome data when describing for dose-dependent drug perturbations. In addition, MDTR shows interpretability at the level of DILI mechanisms in terms of the distance, i.e., in a metric space. Furthermore, we provided a user-friendly and freely accessible website (http://biohealth.snu.ac.kr/software/MDTR), enabling users to easily measure DILI in drug-induced transcriptome data.
Yunvjian decoction attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and pyroptosis
Authors: Zhang Fanxuan , Wang Fang , Zhao Lisha , Wang Leqian , Li Wenjing , Huang Feihua , Wang Nani
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Yunvjian (YNJ) decoction, a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription for inflammatory diseases, has demonstrated good therapeutic effects in the clinical treatment of pneumonia. The aim of this study was to clarify the effective ingredients and mechanism of action of YNJ on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

Methods

The effects of YNJ were evaluated in a mouse model of LPS-induced ALI and in LPS-treated MLE-12 murine lung epithelial cells and RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. The mechanism of action of YNJ on these model systems was studied using RNA sequencing, immunohistochemical analysis, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and polymerase chain reaction assays. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was applied to identify the absorbed components of YNJ.

Results

YNJ attenuated pulmonary damage in LPS-treated mice, as evidenced by reduced protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, decreased lung wet/dry weight ratio, and improved respiratory function. Analysis of pneumonia-related lung injury samples from patients in the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset GSE40012 indicated that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis was a primary mechanism in ALI. YNJ reduced the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and decreased the expression levels of lung NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cleaved caspase-1, and interleukin-1β levels (IL-1β) in vivo. Administration of YNJ-containing mouse serum increased cell viability and decreased malondialdehyde and reactive oxidative species contents in LPS-stimulated MLE-12 cells. YNJ-containing serum also decreased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, and promoted macrophage polarization toward an M2 phenotype. A total of 23 absorbed components were identified in YNJ-containing serum. Among those, network analysis and in vitro experiments indicated that diosgenin, timosaponin BII, and mangiferin are anti-inflammatory active substances.

Conclusion

YNJ attenuates LPS-induced ALI in mice by inhibiting pyroptosis of lung epithelial cells and macrophages via suppression of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. Our findings provide novel insights into the therapeutic effects of YNJ on ALI.
Adverse events of hepatic anti-fibrotic agents in phase 3 and above clinical trials: a descriptive analysis of the WHO-VigiAccess database
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Zhao Xu , Wang Xinrui , Zhou Qiang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition in response to chronic liver injuries. Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmacotherapy for liver fibrosis. Advances in understanding hepatic fibrogenesis have led to the development of anti-fibrotic agents, and some of them have shown promise in phase 3 and above clinical trials. However, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with emerging anti-fibrotic agents may hinder their efficacy and clinical applicability. This study assessed ADRs associated with anti-fibrotic agents as reported in the World Health Organization (WHO) VigiAccess database and compared the adverse reaction characteristics of these agents for optimizing therapeutic strategies.

Methods

A detailed search was conducted on ClinicalTrial.gov to identify phase 3 or 4 clinical trials involving hepatic anti-fibrotic agents. The ADR reports were retrieved from the WHO-VigiAccess database, with data categorized by demographic characteristics, geographic distribution, and System Organ Classes (SOCs). The most frequently reported ADRs were identified through descriptive analysis. Disproportionality analysis, measured by reporting odd ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR), was performed to evaluate ADRs related to gastrointestinal disorders.

Results

Five hepatic anti-fibrotic agents (empagliflozin, liraglutide, candesartan, obeticholic acid, and resmetirom) were identified. A total of 130,567 ADR reports were analyzed, with empagliflozin, liraglutide, and candesartan showing significantly higher ADRs. The most frequently reported SOCs included gastrointestinal disorders (29.44%), general disorders (24.12%), and nervous system disorders (14.42%). Liraglutide demonstrated a higher risk of gastrointestinal ADRs (ROR: 4.629, 95% CI: 4.517–4.744; PRR: 3.566, 95% CI: 3.492–3.642) compared to the other agents. Severe ADRs were reported in empagliflozin, such as ketoacidosis and infections, while liraglutide was associated with pancreatitis and candesartan with acute kidney injury. Serious ADR rates varied, with candesartan reporting the highest proportion (7.28%).

Conclusion

While hepatic anti-fibrotic agents showed promise in addressing liver fibrosis, their ADR profiles underscore the importance of pharmacovigilance and personalized treatment approaches. Future efforts should focus on improving the pharmacovigilance system, expanding population diversity in trials, and conducting ongoing research and extensive post-marketing surveillance.
Domestication of medicinal plants (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) in China: comparison of morphological, resistance and biochemical traits between wild and cultivated populations
Authors: Hou Congzhe , Huang Luyao , Li Zhuangzhuang , Sun Nan , Yang Sheng , Li Jia , Liu Zhenhua
Published: January 2025

Background

Most studies on domesticated plants have focused on those utilized for sustenance purposes. This study provides valuable insights into the domestication processes of honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.), a semi-evergreen twining vine in the Caprifoliaceae family that is important in traditional Chinese medicine for its flower buds and potential as a dietary supplement. The definition of domestication syndrome for honeysuckle remains unclear due to its perennial and asexual reproduction mode, resulting in a lack of information on domestication-related traits. Therefore, this study aims to compare and analyze differences in morphology, resistance, and biochemical composition between wild and cultivated varieties.

Methods

A total of 36 wild and 81 cultivated specimens were examined to compare plant morphology, flowering time, bud length, active ingredients, and resistance between wild and cultivated populations.

Results

The cultivated honeysuckle exhibited several noteworthy characteristics, including more erect plant morphology, higher flower-to-leaf ratio, more obvious aggregation of flowers into clusters at the top of branches, higher frequency of flowering, and longer bud length compared to the wild type. Additionally, the cultivated specimen demonstrated significantly elevated levels of chlorogenic acid as a biochemical constituent. However, in terms of resistance against powdery mildew, wild individuals displayed evident advantages over their cultivated counterparts.

Conclusion

The observed phenotypic variation within the honeysuckle field provides empirical support for the hypothesis that farmer management practices influence domestication syndrome, as indicated by the deliberate enhancement of specific desirable traits during species domestication.
Identification and functional characterization of the MYB transcription factor GmMYBLJ in soybean leaf senescence
Authors: Bao Guohua , Xu Xiao , Yang Jing , Liu Juanjuan , Shi Tianran , Zhao Xiaoxuan , Li Xuyan , Bian Shaomin
Published: January 2025

Leaf senescence is an important agronomic trait that significantly influences the quality and yield of soybeans. v-Myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) transcription factors are considered crucial regulators governing leaf senescence, which can be utilized to improve agronomic traits in crops. However, our knowledge regarding the functional roles of soybean MYBs in leaf senescence is extremely limited. In this study, GmMYBLJ, a CCA1-like MYB, was identified and functionally characterized with respect to leaf senescence. The GmMYBLJ protein is localized in the nucleus, and a high accumulation of its transcripts was observed in nodules and embryos. Notably, GmMYBLJ was highly expressed in soybean senescent leaves and was transcriptionally induced by dark or NaCl treatment, as confirmed by histochemical GUS staining analysis. Ectopic overexpression of GmMYBLJ in Arabidopsis not only led to earlier leaf senescence, reduced chlorophyll content, and increased MDA accumulation but also promoted the expression of several WRKY family transcription factors and senescence-associated genes, such as SAG12 and ORE1. Further investigation showed that overexpression of GmMYBLJ accelerated Arabidopsis leaf senescence under darkness and in response to Pst DC3000 infection. Moreover, transgenic soybean plants overexpressing GmMYBLJ grew faster and exhibited accelerated senescence under salt stress. DAB staining analysis showed that GmMYBLJ induced ROS accumulation in soybean hairy roots and Arabidopsis leaves. Collectively, our results provided useful information into the functional roles of GmMYBLJ in both age-dependent and stress-induced senescence.
On quantitizing revisited
Authors: Onwuegbuzie Anthony J.
Published: January 2025

This article builds on the highly cited 2009 article authored by Professor Emerita Margarete Sandelowski and her colleagues by critically reevaluating the process of quantitizing—transforming qualitative data into quantitative forms—a technique that has surprisingly not proliferated in academic research, presumably due to a shortage of methodological exploration in this area. This article responds to this shortfall by proposing a comprehensive meta-framework using the 5W1H approach, which outlines why, when, what, where, how, and who should engage in quantitizing, thereby integrating several frameworks and models across both mixed and multiple methods research. Central to this framework is the DIME-Driven Model of Quantitizing, which categorizes quantitizing into Descriptive, Inferential, Measurement, and Exploratory types, each enhancing the utility and precision of quantitizing. This innovative model supports the article's broader advocacy for quantitizing as a crucial methodological tool across diverse research traditions. This article explores the application and value of quantitizing across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research traditions, demonstrating its broad relevance and transformative potential. It discusses the variable adoption of quantitizing based on differing philosophical perspectives related to ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology. Despite these differences, only a few research philosophies completely reject quantitizing. The article advocates for a balanced use of quantitizing to complement qualitative analyses and to enhance research clarity and applicability without compromising the richness of qualitative data. It serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities and utility of quantitizing, aiming to inspire researchers to consider this approach to enrich their analytical tools and to enhance the depth and applicability of their research findings.
How does career-related parental support benefit career adaptability of medical imaging technology students in Asia-Pacific LMICs? The roles of psychological capital and career values
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Shen Yangjing , Xu Junxiang , Cui Guanyu
Published: January 2025

Background

China, as a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) in the Asia-Pacific region, is advancing its rural medical and health system. Students of Medical Imaging Technology (MIT) in China, who will probably be employed in rural, are facing the pressure from both study and employment. Previous results proposed that career-related parent support and psychological capital could positively influence the level of career adaptability, while career-related parent support affects career values. This study aimed to explore the impact of career-related parental support on career adaptability and the mechanism between them, as well as the role of psychological capital and career values.

Methods

A total of 520 (80.8% female) participants were recruited from MIT students in China, using Questionnaires about career-related parental support, psychological capital, career values, career adaptability. Path analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.3.

Results

There was a significant correlation between career adaptability and career-related parental support, psychological capital and career values. Career-related parental support could positively predict students’ career adaptation. Psychological capital and career values played a parallel mediating role between career-related parental support and career adaptation.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that it is necessary to enhance career-related parental support to improve MIT students’ career adaptability by the enrichment of psychological capital and the refinement of career values, on the basis of the popularization of medical career programs among the public and medical literacy courses in colleges.
Perception in context of Chinese and Japanese: the role of language proficiency
Authors: Lu Sa , Ren Rongxia , Guo Ting , Tang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The effect of language context on bilinguals has been studied in phonetic production. However, it is still unclear how the language context affects phonetic perception as the level of second language (L2) proficiency increases.

Methods

Chinese–Japanese auditory cognates were selected to avoid the interference of semantics and font or spelling processing. Low- to high-proficiency Chinese–Japanese bilinguals, as well as Chinese and Japanese monolinguals, were asked to judge whether the initial morpheme of the Chinese or Japanese words was pronounced with the vowels /a/ or /i/ in single- and mixed-language contexts.

Results

The results found that low-proficiency bilinguals judged vowels faster in the single-language context than in the mixed-language context, whereas high-proficiency bilinguals showed no significant difference between the single- and mixed-language contexts.

Discussion

These results indicate that as language proficiency increases, bilinguals appear to adaptively enhance phonetic perception when faced with different control demands in single-language and mixed-language contexts.
Risk factors for electroconvulsive therapy-induced fever: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Deng Can-Jin , Yang Jian-Wen , Liu Zi-Zhe , Ning Ting , Nie Sha , Huang Xiong , Yang Xin-Hu , Huang Xing-Bing , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2025

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-induced fever can significantly affect patient experience, treatment adherence, and the course of treatment. However, little is known about the prevalence of ECT-induced fever and its associated risk factors in patients with major mental disorders (MMD).

Methods

This retrospective, case-control study included 113 cases and 226 age-matched controls (1:2). The case group comprised patients who exhibited an axillary temperature of ≥37.5°C (99.5°F) at least once within 24 hours post-ECT. Patients diagnosed with MMD underwent ECT between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, at a large psychiatric hospital in China. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the electronic chart management system (ECMS) for both groups.

Results

The prevalence of ECT-induced fever in patients with MMD was 6.8% [113/1,674, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.6% to 8.0%], with a session-based prevalence of 1.1% (130/11,570, 95% CI: 0.9% to 1.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified paliperidone [odds ratios (OR)=2.5, 95% CI: 1.2 to 4.9] as a risk factor, while quetiapine (OR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.8) was found to be protective. No significant association between etomidate and ECT-induced fever was observed in univariate analysis (p>0.05).

Conclusions

This study found a relatively low prevalence of ECT-induced fever. Paliperidone was identified as a risk factor, while quetiapine had a protective effect. Etomidate was not significantly associated with ECT-induced fever in patients with MMD.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of suicide in aged people over the past 20 years
Authors: Kan Shao-Kui , Zhang Ying-Li , Bai Xue-Xia , Peng Bo
Published: January 2025

Background

The rapid aging of the global population presents pressing public health challenges, notably an increase in suicide rates among older adults. Despite this critical issue, there is a scarcity of comprehensive assessments regarding the existing literature on suicide within this demographic. This study seeks to employ bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping to elucidate prevailing research trends and the overall status of this field.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive computer-based search of the Web of Science Core Collection to identify relevant articles and reviews concerning suicide in the elderly. A bibliometric analysis was conducted, examining various aspects including countries or regions, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and references. This analysis utilized tools such as CiteSpace, VOSViewer, Pajek, and Excel 365 to facilitate a thorough assessment.

Results

The analysis covered 1,116 publications from 2005 to 2024. The annual number of publications showed a fluctuating upward trend, with notable decreases in 2007, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2022, and increases in 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2019, peaking at 121 in 2021, with citations reaching 4,741 in 2022, but declining since then. The United States stands out as the most productive and influential country in the field, boasting the highest number of publications and citations. The country is home to institutions leading in both publication and citation metrics. Prominent authors contributing significantly to this domain include Conwell Yeates, Van Orden Kimberly A., and Waern Margda. Key journals disseminating crucial research are the Journal of Affective Disorders, American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, and Lancet. Frequent keywords in this field encompass depression, suicidal ideation, suicide, older-adults, risk, risk factors, prevalence, older adults, ideation, behavior, health, mental health, life, age, people, prevention, symptoms, scale, population, and elderly. The contemporary research emphasis is primarily on identifying, treating, and preventing the suicide risk associated with depression in older adults.

Conclusions

This study highlights the growing research focus on suicide in older adults, particularly related to depression and the identification, treatment, and prevention of suicide risk. The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies and further investigation in this critical public health area.
The availability and distribution of health services and resources across different regions in Afghanistan
Authors: Hegazy Nelly , El Deeb Sherif , Salem Marwa Rashad , Shaguy Jerome A. , Mohammed Ramesh Nassery , Khawari Abdullah , Tanoli Jamshed , Abouzeid Alaa
Published: January 2025

Background

Ensuring equitable access to healthcare services is fundamental to a robust healthcare system, especially during humanitarian crises. This study analyzes the availability and distribution of health resources across Afghanistan, aiming to provide a data-driven understanding of healthcare resource access and identify potential disparities, a critical aspect of effective humanitarian response planning.

Methods

Principal investigators collated related data and literature from databases and data warehouses in a systematic approach using search strings and collection tools to query databases and available data warehouses to assess the availability and distribution of health services and resources across different regions in Afghanistan, with the principal database queried being the Afghanistan Health Resources Availability database (HeRAMS), an electronic and web-based system conceived by the World Health Organization. An Excel version was sourced.

Results

The sub-health center represents 31.1% of the health facilities, followed by the basic health center (22.5%) and the mobile health team (17.1%). More than 85% of these facilities are fully operational, with the highest percentage observed in the Southern and Northeastern regions at 96.8%, followed closely by the central highland and Southeastern regions. Outpatient services for primary care are notably prevalent in the Northeastern, Southeastern, Southern, Eastern, and Northern region, conversely, the Capital and Central Highland regions demonstrate the lowest provision of primary care services. Antenatal care services are accessible at a level exceeding 70% in nearly all regions, with the highest accessibility in the Northeastern region at 91.3%, the prevalence of non-communicable illness clinics was observed to be below 50%, with the highest availability in the Southern region at 49.4%, followed by the Southeastern region. In terms of sanitation facilities, availability surpasses 70% across Afghanistan, with the highest observed in the Northeastern region at 89.2%.

Conclusion

The study highlights significant disparities in healthcare access across various regions, with notable challenges in the availability of critical services. Furthermore, the study underscores the significant impact of financial constraints and equipment shortages on the functionality of healthcare facilities, particularly in the Northeastern and Western regions. This analysis emphasises the need for targeted resource allocation and infrastructure improvements to address inequities in access to essential healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations, thereby facilitating the achievement of equitable health outcomes in Afghanistan.
Exploring the impact of aging on motor imagery abilities: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Fierro-Marrero José , González-Iglesias Mario , Melis-Romeu Alberto , López-Vidal Javier Andrés , Paris-Alemany Alba , La Touche Roy
Published: January 2025

Objective

Explore motor imagery (MI) abilities in healthy older adults compared with healthy younger adults.

Methods

A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty-seven cross-sectional studies were included. Meta-analyses explored MI abilities between healthy older and younger adults for the ability to generate kinesthetic (60–70 years: g = −0.24, 95%CI = −1.61, 1.13; 70–80 years: g = −1.29, 95%CI = −2.75, 0.17), and visual modality (g = −0.08, 95%CI = −0.71, 0.86); vividness in kinesthetic (g = 0.14, 95%CI = −0.13, 0.41), IV (g = 0.11, 95%CI = −0.16, 0.38), and EV modalities (g = 0.05, 95%CI = −0.15, 0.24); mental chronometry in timed-up and go (seconds = 0.63, 95%CI = −0.02, 1.27), and linear walk (seconds = 0.75, 95%CI = −0.55, 2.06); and MI-execution time congruence (performance overestimation) in linear walk (g = −0.02, 95%CI = −0.73, 0.69). Mental chronometry in upper limb movements was analyzed visually in forest plot indicating tendencies of greater time in older adults. Hand recognition in hand laterality judgment task visual analysis revealed a poorer accuracy, greater response time and lower efficiency in older adults.

Conclusion

Vividness of MI in kinesthetic and visual modalities appears to be preserved in older adults. Tendencies for greater time in mental chronometry were observed in older adults in TUG, linear walk and upper limb tasks. Implicit MI assessed with hand laterality showed older adults have lower accuracy, longer response times and lower efficiency. The ability to generate MI in kinesthetic and visual modalities presented imprecise results, and no clear conclusions could be drawn on MI-execution temporal congruence due to imprecision. Further research is needed to potentially clarify these findings.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO: CRD42023384916.
Trends in incidence, mortality, and DALYs of cystic echinococcosis in Central Asia from 1992 to 2021: an age-period-cohort analysis
Authors: Talafuhan Wulan , Tuoheti Kaibinuer , Lixia Ye , Shuang Qi , Yeerjiang Mieyier , Aizezi Guzalinuer , Jingjing Wei , Mijiti Peierdun
Published: January 2025

Background

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is widespread globally but imposes a particularly heavy burden in Central Asia. Despite control measures, disease management remains suboptimal in this region. This study analyzed trends in CE incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1992 to 2021 in Central Asia; compared them with global data; and explored variations by gender, age group, and country to identify critical factors in disease control.

Methods

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021), we analyzed long-term trends in the incidence, mortality, and DALY rates of CE in Central Asia. The joinpoint regression model was employed to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC) to identify shifts in disease trends. Additionally, an age-period-cohort model was used to assess the impact of various age groups, periods, and birth cohorts on the disease burden.

Results

The number of CE cases increased by 52.13% in Central Asia, while deaths decreased by 57.35%; DALYs decreased only slightly by 10.75%. From 1992 to 2021, CE incidence showed an increasing trend until 2010, then rapidly declined until 2015, and then gradually increased thereafter. The highest incidence rates were among middle-aged and older adult populations. Although mortality and DALY rates decreased across all age groups, the decline was less than the global trend. Gender analysis showed that the incidence rate was significantly higher in males than in females.

Conclusion

Although there have been improvements in the CE disease burden in some Central Asian countries, the overall burden remains significant. This study highlights the importance of considering gender, age, and country-specific disease burdens when formulating public health policies. Future research should continue to monitor these trends and explore targeted prevention strategies within diverse socioeconomic contexts, such as integrating regional socioeconomic factors and public health resources.
Research on optimization of emergency supplies customs clearance strategy from the perspective of public health security based on Chinese trade data
Authors: Zheng Xia , Cao Quan , Zhou Xin
Published: January 2025

Background

This study is significant for improving the accuracy of Customs’ cross-border supervision of emergency supplies and ensuring the timely clearance of these essential goods.

Methods

To ensure both the convenience and security of Customs oversight regarding emergency supplies, this study first systematically collects and organizes representative data on the import and export trade of these supplies. Proposed an enhanced Recency Frequency Monetary (RFM) cluster analysis model, building on the principles of k-means clustering. Subsequently, the model is employed to cluster the import and export trade data of emergency supplies. Finally, the paper offers optimization suggestions for customs clearance supervision based on the analysis results.

Results

The study primarily focuses on the collection and organization of import and export trade data across six major categories of representative emergency supplies. By employing K-means clustering techniques, the research develops an improved RFM cluster analysis model, referred to as TR-TF-TV, and subsequently proposes strategies for customs supervision of emergency supplies. By integrating K-means clustering techniques, this study develops an advanced RFM cluster analysis model, referred to as TR-TF-TV. It subsequently proposes customs supervision strategies for emergency supplies. These strategies include a clustering analysis of trade data to ensure safe and efficient customs clearance, the preservation of integrity and stability within the emergency supplies supply chain, the enhancement of the national emergency management system, and the improvement of response capabilities to public health emergencies.

Conclusion

This analysis of trade data concerning the import and export of emergency supplies, based on the enhanced RFM clustering model, represents an exploratory initiative in original model design. Recognizing the inherent limitations associated with the model’s index design and data sample selection, we intend to refine these elements in future research, aiming to improve and validate the model to further optimize related countermeasures.
Dual-Loop Charge Management for Space-Based Gravitational Wave Detection
Authors: Yu Tao , Zhao Zihan , Chen Yongkun , Li Huadong , Wang Zhi
Published: January 2025

In space-based gravitational wave detection missions, inertial sensors act as the inertial reference, requiring the test mass (TM) to maintain exceptionally low residual acceleration noise. High-energy particles, cosmic rays, and ion pumps during ground tests can quickly lead to charge accumulation on the TM surface, necessitating a charge management system to regulate surface charges. To manage the TM surface potential, this paper develops a mathematical model of the charge management system using established ultraviolet (UV) discharge simulation methods. The model describes how photoelectron emission or absorption on the TM surface varies with UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) power and bias voltage. For the first time, a dual-loop control method is implemented for charge control, highlighting its practical significance. The controller precisely regulates the TM surface potential and residual charges to specified values, achieving a control accuracy of 1.1×106e, meeting the stringent requirements of space-based gravitational wave detection missions. This approach offers a closed-loop charge management solution and provides valuable insights for designing future charge management systems.
Genetic Diversity Patterns Within and Among Varieties of Korean Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) Based on Simple Sequence Repetition
Authors: Nam Dong-Geon , Baek Eun-Seong , Hwang Eun-Bin , Gwak Sang-Cheol , Lee Yun-Ho , Cho Seong-Woo , Yu Ju-Kyung , Hwang Tae-Young
Published: January 2025

Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum, IRG) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., PRG) are widely cultivated as forage grasses in Korea using heterogeneous and polycross techniques, which promote genetic diversity within varieties. However, their genetic diversity patterns in Korea remain underexplored. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of IRG (eight varieties, including one exotic) and PRG (two exotic varieties) using 66 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Across 87 samples (nine IRG and two PRG varieties), 655 alleles were identified, averaging 9.9 per locus. Key genetic parameters included heterozygosity (0.399), observed heterozygosity (0.675), fixation index (0.4344), and polymorphic informative content (0.6428). The lowest within-variety genetic distance was observed in ‘Hwasan 104ho’ (0.469), while ‘IR901’ had the highest (0.571). Between varieties, the closest genetic distance was between ‘Greencall’ and ‘Greencall 2ho’ (0.542), and the furthest was between ‘Kowinmaster’ and ‘Aspire’ (0.692). Molecular variance analysis showed 90% variation within varieties and 10% among varieties. Five clusters (I–V) were identified, with cluster I primarily including diploid IRG varieties and the tetraploid ‘Hwasan 104ho.’ Structural analysis differentiated diploid from tetraploid varieties (K = 2) and further separated tetraploid IRG and PRG (K = 3). Principal component analysis confirmed these groupings, with ‘Greencall’ and ‘Greencall 2ho’ exhibiting the closest genetic distance (0.227) and ‘Greencall’ and ‘Aspire’ the furthest (0.384). These findings provide a foundational resource for marker-assisted breeding to improve agronomic traits and enhance the efficiency of ryegrass breeding programs.
Key Performance Indicators as Predictors of Enterprise Gross Margin in English and Welsh Suckler Beef and Sheep Farms
Authors: Lloyd Nia , Williams Manod , Williams Hefin Wyn
Published: January 2025

A large proportion of the lowest annual farm profits in the United Kingdom in recent years comes from lowland and Less Favoured Area (LFA) beef and sheep farms. Benchmarking the performance of a business through routine data collection can provide the information needed to make changes to enterprise management and performance. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are globally recognised measures that can provide farmers with this capability. However, it is largely unknown if there are specific KPIs relating to livestock production that have a significant effect on financial performance. The aim of this study was to determine whether KPIs could be used as predictors of financial performance (gross margin, GM), on suckler beef and sheep farms in England and Wales. This was completed using data from the Farm Business Survey (FBS), which is the largest stratified financial survey of its kind in the UK. Following data extraction, multiple linear regression models were developed for four enterprise types: LFA suckler beef, lowland suckler beef, LFA ewe and lowland ewe. Several KPIs were significantly associated with gross margin per head in all enterprise types. KPIs that were positively associated with GM were measures of livestock productivity, which were lambs per breeding stock and calves per cow. The increased expenditure on concentrate feed had a significantly negative association within all enterprise types, except for LFA suckler beef enterprises, where cow mortality had the greatest significantly negative association. This is the first study to demonstrate the influence livestock production KPIs have on the financial performance of suckler beef and sheep enterprises in both England and Wales, highlighting the importance of routine data collection and benchmarking.
Impact of Picking Time on Leaf Quality Parameters of Three Varieties of Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.)
Authors: Jakienė Erika , Kaušė Edita , Vaitkevičienė Nijolė
Published: January 2025

Lonicera caerulea is a nutrient-rich plant of significant importance. Its chemical composition is influenced by various intrinsic properties and external factors, which change with the seasons. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different picking times on the proximate composition and the contents of pigments, macroelements, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in honeysuckle leaves. Seasonal changes in the contents of fiber, ash, proteins, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), chlorophylls, total carotenoids, total flavonoids and total phenolics were analyzed. The results revealed that picking time and plant variety significantly affected the chemical composition of honeysuckle leaves. The first picking yielded the highest levels of protein, N, P, K, chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids. Conversely, the third picking showed the highest levels of Ca and Mg. Specifically, the third picking of ‘Indigo Yum’ leaves had the highest Ca and Mg contents, while the second picking of ‘Zojka’ leaves (116.67 mg 100 g−1 DM) and the third picking of ‘Wojtek’ leaves (115 mg 100 g−1 DM) contained the most total flavonoids. The first picking of ‘Wojtek’ leaves recorded the highest levels of protein, N, P and total carotenoids, whereas the third picking showed the highest fiber and ash contents. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers, enabling them to select appropriate cultivars and optimal picking times to produce high-quality honeysuckle leaves for use as food or medicinal supplements.