bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploration of molecular biomarkers in ankylosing spondylitis transcriptomics
Authors: Ni Yuanpiao , Zhong Linrui , Li Yanhui , Zhang Zeng , Ming Bin , Qing Yufeng , Zhang Quanbo 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundInflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints is a hallmark of the chronic, progressive inflammatory illness known as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The insidious onset and non-specific early symptoms of AS often lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, which may result in the onset of disability. It is therefore imperative to identify new biomarkers.MethodsIn this study, datasets GSE73754 and GSE25101 were derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Key genes were identified through differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A model was then established using LASSO regression, and then it was subjected to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the genes. Subsequently, immune infiltration analysis was conducted to demonstrate the immune infiltration status of the samples and the correlation between key genes and immune infiltration. Finally, the expression levels of key genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their correlation with clinical indicators were validated via RT-qPCR assay.ResultsThrough WGCNA and differential expression analysis, 6 genes were identified. Ultimately, five key genes (ACSL1, SLC40A1, GZMM, TRIB1, XBP1) were determined using LASSO regression. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for these genes was greater than 0.7, indicating favorable diagnostic performance. Immune infiltration analysis showed that AS was associated with infiltration levels of various immune cells. RT-qPCR validated that the expression of ACSL1, SLC40A1, GZMM, and XBP1 was consistent with the predictive model, whereas TRIB1 expression was contrary to the predictive model. Clinical correlation analysis of key genes revealed that ACSL1 was positively linked to hsCRP levels, GZMM was negatively linked to, hsCRP levels, and neutrophil absolute values, SLC40A1 was positively linked to ESR, hsCRP levels and neutrophil absolute values, and XBP1 was negatively linked to ESR, hsCRP levels, and neutrophil absolute values.ConclusionThis study identified key genes that may reveal a potential association between AS and ferroptosis, demonstrating high diagnostic value. Furthermore, the expression levels of these genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are strongly correlated with disease activity. These findings not only suggest potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of AS but also offer important references for exploring new therapeutic targets, highlighting their substantial clinical applicability.
Advancements in nanoparticle-based vaccine development against Japanese encephalitis virus: a systematic review
Authors: Adugna Takele , Niu Qingli , Guan Guiquan , Du Junzheng , Yang Jifei , Tian Zhancheng , Yin Hong 
Published: December 2024

Vaccination remains the sole effective strategy for combating Japanese encephalitis (JE). Both inactivated and live attenuated vaccines exhibit robust immunogenicity. However, the production of these conventional vaccine modalities necessitates extensive cultivation of the pathogen, incurring substantial costs and presenting significant biosafety risks. Moreover, the administration of live pathogens poses potential hazards for individuals or animals with compromised immune systems or other health vulnerabilities. Subsequently, ongoing research endeavors are focused on the development of next-generation JE vaccines utilizing nanoparticle (NP) platforms. This systematic review seeks to aggregate the research findings pertaining to NP-based vaccine development against JE. A thorough literature search was conducted across established English-language databases for research articles on JE NP vaccine development published between 2000 and 2023. A total of twenty-eight published studies were selected for detailed analysis in this review. Of these, 16 studies (57.14%) concentrated on virus-like particles (VLPs) employing various structural proteins. Other approaches, including sub-viral particles (SVPs), biopolymers, and both synthetic and inorganic NP platforms, were utilized to a lesser extent. The results of these investigations indicated that, despite variations in the usage of adjuvants, dosages, NP types, antigenic proteins, and animal models employed across different studies, the candidate NP vaccines developed were capable of eliciting enhanced humoral and cellular adaptive immune responses, providing effective protection (70–100%) for immunized mice against lethal challenges posed by virulent Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). In conclusion, prospective next-generation JE vaccines for humans and animals may emerge from these candidate formulations following further evaluation in subsequent vaccine development phases.
The clinical efficacy of a novel smartphone-based salivary self-test for the prediction of pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Püschl Ida Catharina , Bonde Lisbeth , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Tackney Mia Sato , Quest James , Sorensen Bjarke Lund , Macklon Nicholas Stephen 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThis study investigated the efficacy of a digital health solution utilizing smartphone images of colorimetric test-strips for home-based salivary uric acid (sUA) measurement to predict pre-eclampsia (PE), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Methods495 pregnant women were included prospectively at Zealand University Hospital, Denmark. They performed weekly self-tests from mid-pregnancy until delivery and referred these for analysis by a smartphone-app. Baseline characteristics were obtained at recruitment and pregnancy outcomes from the journals. The mean compliance rate of self-testing was assessed. For the statistical analyses, standard color analyses deduced the images into the red-green-blue (RGB) color model value, to observe the individual, longitudinal pattern throughout the pregnancy for each outcome. Extended color analyses were applied, deducing the images into 72 individual color variables that reflected the four dominant color models. The individual discriminatory ability was assessed by calculating the area under the curve for the outcome of PE, and the outcome of hypertensive pregnancy disorders solely or combined with IUGR at 25 weeks of gestation and for the weekly color change between 20 and 25 weeks of gestation.ResultsThirty-four women (6.9%) developed PE, 17 (3.4%) PIH, and 10 (2.0%) IUGR. The overall mean compliance rate was 67%, increasing to 77% after updating the smartphone-app halfway through the study. The longitudinal pattern of the RGB value showed a wide within-person variability, and discrimination was not achieved. However, it was noted that all women with IUGR repeatedly had RGB values below 110, contrasting women with non-IUGR. Significant discriminatory ability was achieved for 8.2% of the analyses of individual color variables, of which 27.4% summarized the Hue color variable. However, the analyses lacked consistency regarding outcome group and gestational age.ConclusionThis study is the first proof-of-concept that digital self-tests utilizing colorimetric sUA measurement for the prediction of PE, PIH, and IUGR is acceptable to pregnant women. The discriminatory ability was not found be sufficient to have clinical value. However, being the first study that compares individual color variables of the four dominant color models, this study adds important methodological insights into the expanding field of smartphone-assisted colorimetric test-strips.
Renoprotective effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on acute kidney injury induced by repeated tourniquet application in patients undergoing extremity surgery
Authors: Tao Ziying , Zhang Yang , Kong Erliang , Wei Haili , Li Mingyue , Sun Shuhui , Liu Liwei , Yin Daqing , Feng Xudong 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveLimb ischemia–reperfusion injury caused by repeated tourniquet application usually leads to acute kidney injury, adversely affecting patient prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in patients undergoing extremity surgery with repeated tourniquet application.Methods64 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into an RIPC group and a control group, with 32 patients in each. Pretreatment was administered before surgery, and baseline characteristics were collected. Perioperative surgical characteristics, renal biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory factors, and postoperative conditions were recorded.Results2 participant were excluded from each group, leaving 30 patients per group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics and perioperative surgical characteristics (p &gt; 0.05). Compared to the control group, the RIPC group showed a significant decrease in BUN and SCr at 48 h postoperatively (p &lt; 0.05). Levels of Cys-C, [TIMP-2] × [IGFBP-7], KIM-1, IL-18, and NGAL were significantly reduced at the first and second tourniquet releases and at 24 h postoperatively in the RIPC group (p &lt; 0.05). From the first tourniquet release to 48 h postoperatively, MDA levels were significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) and SOD levels were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the RIPC group compared to the control group. Postoperative conditions did not differ significantly between the groups.ConclusionRIPC effectively mitigated acute kidney injury caused by repeated tourniquet application, offering a robust method for perioperative renal protection in patients undergoing extremity surgery. Future studies should explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term clinical outcomes of RIPC in broader patient populations.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=231266.
Case report: Cilioretinal artery occlusion combined with central retinal vein occlusion as the initial presentation of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Gao Yane , Xie Xiaofeng , Li Jiao , Mu Qingshuai , Wang Xingrong , Wang Shuya 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and vascular resistance, leading to systemic venous hypertension and potential right heart failure. These elevated pressures can extend to ocular veins, resulting in complications such as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This case report highlights a rare instance of CRVO combined with cilioretinal artery occlusion (CilRAO), an uncommon ocular manifestation associated with PAH.Case presentationA 13-year-old girl with a history of surgically repaired ventricular septal defect presented with sudden vision loss and a central visual field defect. Investigation confirmed CRVO and an unusual concurrent CilRAO. Although laboratory tests were inconclusive, the echocardiographic examination suggested severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The patient received treatment with Bosentan and traditional Chinese medicine, which improved her vision to 20/20, though a paracentral scotoma remained.ConclusionThis case underscores the critical link between systemic cardiovascular abnormalities and ocular health in PAH, where elevated venous pressure can result in severe and distinctive ocular manifestations. The co-occurrence of CRVO and CilRAO in this patient highlights the susceptibility of cilioretinal arteries to hemodynamic changes, as these arteries lack autoregulatory capacity. Additionally, this case demonstrates the potential for positive outcomes in ocular lesions with targeted PAH therapy. Importantly, it emphasizes the need for vigilance when managing complex cases where conclusions cannot be drawn solely from ocular findings. A multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive diagnostics are essential for identifying underlying causes, ensuring active treatment, and preventing permanent vision loss and serious systemic complications.
Predictors of sepsis in trauma patients: a National Trauma Data Bank analysis
Authors: Bou Chebl Ralphe , Alwan Joudie Sahar , Bakkar Mounay , Haidar Saadeddine , Bachir Rana , El Sayed Mazen , Abou Dagher Gilbert 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundTrauma remains a global health issue being one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Sepsis and infections are common complications contributing to mortality, emphasizing the need to understand factors leading to such complications following trauma.AimThis study aimed to identify risk factors associated with post-trauma sepsis using data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB).MethodsUsing the 2017 National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB), this is a retrospective case–control study that looked at pre-hospital and in-hospital patient data. Trauma patients aged over 15 years presenting to the emergency department (ED) and admitted to a tertiary care center were included. The primary outcome assessed was the development of sepsis post-trauma. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors, considering patient demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical variables.ResultsAmong 997,970 trauma patients in the 2017 NTDB, 296,974 were excluded, leaving 700,996 patients for analysis, with 2,297 developing sepsis. Patients who developed sepsis were older than those who did not develop sepsis (mean age 57.57 vs. 53.42 years, p-value&lt;0.001) and predominantly white males. Risk factors associated with sepsis development included: respiratory intubation with mechanical ventilation (OR = 11.99; 95% CI = 10.66–13.48), blood transfusion administration (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.83–2.25), Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 (OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.51–1.89), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.44–1.89), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.26–1.58), male sex (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.28–1.57), hypertension (HTN) (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.16–1.45), anticoagulation therapy (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.05–1.39), older age (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01–1.02), and current smoking status (OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.06–1.32).ConclusionThis study identified key risk factors for post-trauma sepsis. Recognition of preexisting conditions and injury severity is crucial in trauma patient management to mitigate septic complications. Early identification of at-risk patients could facilitate timely interventions and potentially reduce mortality rates in trauma care settings.
Multi-view fusion of diffusion MRI microstructural models: a preterm birth study
Authors: Trò Rosella , Roascio Monica , Tortora Domenico , Severino Mariasavina , Rossi Andrea , Garyfallidis Eleftherios , Arnulfo Gabriele , Fato Marco Massimo , Fadnavis Shreyas 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveHigh Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging (HARDI) models have emerged as a valuable tool for investigating microstructure with a higher degree of detail than standard diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI). In this study, we explored the potential of multiple advanced microstructural diffusion models for investigating preterm birth in order to identify non-invasive markers of altered white matter development.ApproachRather than focusing on a single MRI modality, we studied on a compound of HARDI techniques in 46 preterm babies studied on a 3T scanner at term-equivalent age and in 23 control neonates born at term. Furthermore, we investigated discriminative patterns of preterm birth using multiple analysis methods, drawn from two only seemingly divergent modeling goals, namely inference and prediction. We thus resorted to (i) a traditional univariate voxel-wise inferential method, as the Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) approach; (ii) a univariate predictive approach, as the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification; and (iii) a multivariate predictive Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA).Main resultsThe TBSS analysis revealed significant differences between preterm and term cohorts in several white matter areas for multiple HARDI features. SVM classification on skeletonized HARDI measures yielded satisfactory accuracy, particularly for highly informative parameters about fiber directionality. Assessment of the degree of overlap between the two methods in voting for the most discriminating features exhibited a good, though parameter-dependent, rate of agreement. Finally, CCA identified joint changes precisely for those measures exhibiting less correspondence between TBSS and SVM.SignificanceOur results suggest that a data-driven intramodal imaging approach is crucial for gathering deep and complementary information. The main contribution of this methodological outline is to thoroughly investigate prematurity-related white matter changes through different inquiry focuses, with a view to addressing this issue, both aiming toward mechanistic insight and optimizing predictive accuracy.
Activation of mechanoreceptor Piezo1 inhibits enteric neuronal growth and migration in vitro
Authors: Moneme Chioma , Olutoye Oluyinka O. , Sobstel Michał F. , Zhang Yuwen , Zhou Xinyu , Kaminer Jacob L. , Hsu Britney A. , Shen Chengli , Mandal Arabinda , Li Hui , Yu Ling , Balaji Swathi , Keswani Sundeep G. , Cheng Lily S. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionDysfunction of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is linked to a myriad of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel found throughout the GI tract, but its role in the ENS is largely unknown. We hypothesize that Piezo1 plays an important role in the growth and development of the ENS.MethodsEnteric neural crest-derived progenitor cells (ENPC) were isolated from adult mouse intestine and propagated in culture as neurospheres. ENPC-derived neurons were then subject to in vitro stretch in the presence or absence of Piezo1 antagonist (GsMTx4). Transcriptomes of stretched and unstretched ENPC-derived cells were compared using bulk RNA sequencing. Enteric neurons were also cultured under static conditions in the presence of Piezo1 agonist (Yoda1) or antagonist. Neuronal phenotype, migration, and recovery from injury were compared between groups.ResultsThough stretch did not cause upregulation of Piezo1 expression in enteric neurons, both stretch and Piezo1 activation produced similar alterations in neuronal morphology. Compared to control, neurite length was significantly shorter when stretched and in the presence of Piezo1 activation. Piezo1 inhibition prevented a significant reduction in neurite length in stretched neurons. Piezo1 inhibition also led to significantly increased neuronal migration, whereas Piezo1 activation resulted in significantly decreased neuronal migration and slower neuronal recovery from injury.ConclusionMechanotransduction plays an important role in regulating normal GI function. Our results suggest that the Piezo1 mechanoreceptor may play an important role in the ENS as its activation leads to decreased neuronal growth and migration. Piezo1 could be an important target for diseases of ENS dysfunction and development.
Composite dietary antioxidant index in relation to urge urinary incontinence in US men
Authors: Jin Xuefeng , Tong Wenhui , Sun Li , Lu Sujue , Xu Tiantian , Sun Pan , Liu Yan , Li Hangxu 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundUrinary incontinence (UI), particularly urge urinary incontinence (UUI), is a prevalent condition that worsens with age and negatively affects quality of life. Antioxidants, measured by the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), have been linked to inflammation and other diseases, but their relationship with UUI remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between UUI prevalence and CDAI.Materials and methodsData for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey’s four cycles (2011–2018). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the relationship between CDAI and male UUI were ascertained by the use of weighted univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and subgroup analysis. PSM and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings.ResultsA total of 7,735 participants took part in this study. After adjusting for potential confounders, CDAI was found to be negatively associated with the prevalence of UUI in those with lower CDAI (about half overall). This relationship lost significance in populations with higher CDAI. The negative correlation between zinc and the prevalence of UUI was more significant in populations with low antioxidant diets. The results remained consistent, with subgroup analyses finding a significant interaction effect for race only after PSM (p = 0.043), with no significant interaction effect observed for the rest.ConclusionThis study showed a negative correlation between CDAI and UUI incidence in the group of men with low CDAI levels (about half of the population). Thus, effective prevention or treatment of UUI requires dietary changes aimed at the male population with poor antioxidant diets.
Preparation, characterization, and anticancer effect of Capsaicin-functionalized selenium nanoparticles
Authors: Tang Enhui , Ma Ziqing , Zhang Peiting , Chen Yuyang , Zhou Yiman , Wu Jieying , Yang Tingting , Lian Duanya , Wu Xinlan 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionSelenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are recently emerging as promising anticancer agents because of their high bioavailability, low toxicity and remarkable anticancer activities. However, the application of SeNPs in anticancer has been limited due to instability. Herein, Capsaicin (Cap), a natural active compound found in chili peppers with favorable anticancer activity, was modified with SeNPs to prepare Cap-decorated SeNPs (Cap@SeNPs), and the antiproliferative effect and mechanism of Cap@SeNPs in HepG2 were investigated.MethodsCap@SeNPs were prepared through a redox method and characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, the inhibitory rate of Cap@SeNPs on HepG2 cells was determined by the MTT assay. Finally, the antiproliferative mechanism of Cap@SeNPs was explored through analysis of cell cycle, cell viability, reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear morphology, and caspase activity.ResultsOur results revealed that stable and well-dispersed Cap@SeNPs were successfully fabricated, and the optimum mass ratio of sodium selenite to Cap was 1:2. In addition, Cap@SeNPs showed significant antiproliferative effects on HepG2 cells compared with naked SeNPs. Furthermore, Cap@SeNPs inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells by elevating total ROS levels, causing nuclear condensation, affecting mitochondrial membrane potential, which in turn influences caspase protease activity and induces apoptosis.ConclusionThis study developed an innovative approach to enhance the value of Cap, demonstrating that Cap@SeNPs hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.