bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive impairment assessed by static and dynamic changes of spontaneous brain activity during end stage renal disease patients on early hemodialysis
Authors: Wu Yunfan , Li Rujin , Jiang Guihua , Yang Ning , Liu Mengchen , Chen Yanying , Chen Zichao , Yu Kanghui , Yin Yi , Xu Shoujun , Xia Bin , Meng Shandong 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundCompared with the general population, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (ESHD) exhibit a higher incidence of cognitive impairment. Early identification of cognitive impairment in these patients is crucial for reducing disability and mortality rates. Examining the characteristics of static and dynamic regional spontaneous activities in ESHD cases may provide insights into neuropathological damage in these patients.MethodsResting-state functional magnetic resonance images were acquired from 40 patients with early ESHD (3 or 4 times/week for more than 30 days but less than 12 months) and 31 healthy matched controls. Group differences in regional static and dynamic regional homogeneity (ReHo) were identified, and correlations examined with clinical variables, including neuropsychological scale scores, while controlling for covariates. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to assess the accuracy of ReHo abnormalities for predicting cognitive decline among early ESHD.ResultsThe ESHD group exhibited significantly reduced static and dynamic ReHo in the temporal and parietal lobes, including regions involved in basal ganglia–thalamus-cortex circuits, the default mode network, and ventral attentional network. Several static and dynamic ReHo abnormalities (including those in the right parietal and left middle temporal gyrus) were significantly correlated with neurocognitive scale scores. In addition, the dynamic ReHo value of the left superior temporal gyrus was positively correlated with depression scale scores. Comparing the ROC curve area revealed that numerous brain regions with altered ReHo can effectively distinguish between patients with ESHD and those without cognitive impairment.ConclusionOur study found that spontaneous activity alterations located in the basal ganglia-thalamus-cortex circuit, default mode network, and ventral attentional network are associated with the severity of cognitive deficits and negative emotion in early ESHD patients. These findings provide further insight into the relationship between cognitive impairment and underlying neuropathophysiological mechanisms underlying the interplay between the kidneys and the nervous system in ESRD patients, and provide further possibilities for developing effective clinical intervention measures.
Efficacy of three modern anti-diabetic drugs on survival outcomes of lung cancer patients with type 2 diabetes in China
Authors: Chen Zijia , Sun Ziyi , Zhang Zhongtao , Lei Chao , Ren Zhewen , Di Yupeng , Wang Zhifei 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundSome anti-diabetic drugs have been proved to be a tumor suppressor or activator. The associations of three relatively new classes of anti-diabetic medications–glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4I), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2I) with lung cancer prognosis remain unclear.MethodsThe electronic medical data from the National Healthcare Big Data (East) Center was retrospectively analyzed. We included 11,357 newly diagnosed lung cancer patient with type 2 diabetes (T2D) between January 1st, 2020 and July 1st, 2023. Patients were categorized into eight groups according to the mono-or-combination therapy of GLP-1RA, DPP-4I and SGLT-2I. Disease progression and mortality risk were evaluated by cox proportional hazards analysis. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier (log-rank) method.ResultsLung cancer patients with T2D who were treated with SGLT-2I &amp; GLP-1RA exhibited the lowest progression (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18, 0.78) and mortality risks (HR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.82) as well as prolonged median PFS (1.55 years) and OS (1.62 years) among all groups. In contrast, DPP-4I monotherapy did not show benefit for progression (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.22. Median PFS: 1.41 years) and mortality risks (HR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.84, 1.09. Median OS: 1.48 years). However, when DPP-4I was used in combination with SGLT-2I or GLP-1RA, it caused reductions in both progression and mortality risks.ConclusionSGLT-2I &amp; GLP-1RA dual therapy is associated with improved prognosis for lung cancer patients with concurrent T2D. DPP-4I transits from a tumor activator to suppressor when combined with other anti-diabetic drugs. Future studies are needed to examine the underlying biological mechanisms.
Identification and functional characterization of m1A-related genes in colorectal cancer: implications for prognosis, immune infiltration, and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Sun Lan , Huangfu Liwei , Li Fang , Yan Yuhui , Kong Ruiping , Ji Kun , Li Jiachun 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC), characterized by its complex genetic heterogeneity and varied responses to treatment, is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The role of N1-methyladenosine (m1A)-related genes in tumor biology remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of m1A-related genes in CRC, characterize their role in tumor molecular subtyping, and explore their influence on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune infiltration.MethodsTo identify prognostic markers, univariate Cox analysis was performed using multiple datasets, including TCGA and GEO, identifying 43 m1A-related genes. Four distinct molecular subtypes of CRC were defined based on the expression of these genes using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). Immune infiltration analysis was conducted, and the TIDE algorithm was used to predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Furthermore, a prognostic model based on m1A-related genes was constructed and validated across multiple datasets.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the four CRC molecular subtypes exhibited significant differences in survival outcomes and clinical characteristics. Stromal cells showed higher m1A scores, suggesting a regulatory role in the TME. There was a positive correlation between m1A-related gene expression and immune checkpoint genes. Moreover, the constructed prognostic model showed robust predictive performance and outperformed other recently published models.DiscussionThe findings suggest that m1A-related genes are not only valuable biomarkers for CRC prognosis but also have significant implications for the immune landscape and could serve as potential targets for therapeutic intervention, particularly in the context of immunotherapy. For instance, SLC12A2 was found to enhance invasion, proliferation, and migration of colorectal cancer cells while inhibiting apoptosis. Further studies are needed to understand the functional roles of m1A modifications across different cell types within the TME.
ASF1B promotes gastric cancer progression by modulating H2AC20 and activating PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathways
Authors: Zhao Mengyuan , Zhang Junchang , He Yanjun , You Chongge 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) ranks among the most prevalent malignant neoplasms globally and is associated with a significant mortality rate. Despite the availability of various therapeutic interventions for GC, the overall prognosis for this disease remains unfavorable. This can be attributed to several factors, including delayed diagnosis and the inherent heterogeneity of the tumors. With the continuous enrichment of treatment methods, GC has entered an era of comprehensive treatment oriented toward precision and standardization.MethodsThrough the application of bioinformatics and assessments of tissue microarrays, this study has selected the histone chaperone Anti-Silencing Function 1B (ASF1B) for detailed analysis, including clinical specimens. We then constructed ASF1B knockout and overexpression cell lines, and conducted biological function tests on this basis, validated at mouse and organoid levels. Additionally, human immunereconstitution was performed in NOD-PrkdcscidIl2rgem1/Smoc (NSG) mice, followed by flow cytometry analysis of mouse blood. Mechanically, protein-protein interaction analyses were conducted utilizing Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS) and Tandem mass tagging (TMT) methodologies to identify protein clusters.ResultsThe analysis demonstrated that ASF1B is significantly upregulated in GC tissues and correlates with unfavorable prognostic outcomes. Biological function tests provided that ASF1B contributes to tumor cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion and migration, and plays an important role in the progression of GC in vivo. These findings were validated at both the mouse and organoid levels. Additionally, we observed that ASF1B is involved in the tumor microenvironment, where ASF1B knockdown increases CD8+ T cell infiltration, indicating a negative correlation with immune activation. Mechanically, our investigation revealed that ASF1B emerged as a promoter of GC progression by downregulating H2A clustered histone 20 (H2AC20), thereby influencing the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2 signaling pathways.ConclusionASF1B, recognized as an oncogene, contributes to the initiation and progression of tumors, positioning it as a prospective target for therapeutic intervention in GC.
Monotropein inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition in chronic colitis via the mTOR/P70S6K pathway
Authors: Chen Yuanfan , Liu Jiaying , Zhong Shaowen , Zhang Tianwu , Yuan Jin , Zhang Jing , Chen Ying , Liang Jian , Chen Yonger , Hou Shaozhen , Huang Haiyang , Gao Jie 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionPatients with chronic colitis are at risk of developing intestinal fibrosis through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Monotropein (MON) is the main active ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicine Morinda officinalis How. It has been reported that monotropein can improve ulcerative colitis, but the mechanism remains unclear. However, whether monotropein can improve chronic colitis-associated intestinal fibrosis remains unknown. The study aimed to investigate the effect of monotropein on EMT in chronic colitis and its underlying mechanism.MethodsThe mice chronic colitis model was induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Cytokines were detected by ELISA. Concentrations of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-Dextran) in serum were detected using a fluorescein microplate analyzer. Intestinal tight junction proteins were detected by immunofluorescence. EMT marker proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was used to induce EMT in IEC-6 cells. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence were used to test the inhibitory effect of monotropein on the development of EMT and explore its mechanism.ResultsResults showed that monotropein significantly improved colonic injury and inhibited the expression of colonic tissue EMT marker protein. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay validated monotropein targeting of mTOR. Monotropein inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells, inhibited the phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream proteins, and increased the autophagy activity in chronic colitis mice and IEC-6 cells.DiscussionThe study indicates that monotropein inhibits the development of EMT in DSS-induced chronic colitis mice and TGF-β1-induced IEC-6 cells. Its inhibitory effect on EMT is associated with the mTOR/P70S6K pathway.
New insights into the transcription factor regulatory networks driving peel coloration under hormone induction analyzed by transcriptomics and metabolomics in tangor ‘Murcot’
Authors: Chen Yang , Yang Lei , Li Shuang , Wang Min , Yu Jianjun , Bai Wenqin , Hong Lin 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionFruit color is a crucial quality factor strongly influencing consumer preference for citrus. The coloration of citrus fruit is primarily determined by carotenoids, which produce a range of hues. Gibberellic acid (GA) and ethylene are critical in fruit coloration during the ripening process. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.MethodsThe present study utilized transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanisms affecting peel pigment metabolism in tangors (Citrus reticulata Blanco×Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) following GA and ethephon (ETH) treatments.Results and discussionCollectively, our findings indicated that GA inhibits chlorophyll degradation and the accumulation of numerous carotenoids, including five violaxanthin esters (violaxanthin palmitate, violaxanthin myristate–caprate, violaxanthin myristate–laurate, violaxanthin dilaurate, violaxanthin myristate) and two β-cryptoxanthin derivatives (β–cryptoxanthin laurate, β–cryptoxanthin myristate), while ETH promotes these processes. Furthermore, GA inhibited the downregulation of lutein, the predominant carotenoid in immature fruits. Notably, integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified 33 transcription factors associated with pigment metabolism. Of these, two novel transcription factors, the ethylene-responsive transcription factor ABR1 and the HD-Zip transcription factor ATHB7, were uncovered through both transcriptomic analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. These two transcription factors positively regulated the colouration process, as validated by transient overexpression assays in tobacco. Taken together, our findings elucidated the global carotenoid changes and transcriptional alterations in regulating citrus peel color under hormone induction, with significant implications for improving citrus production.
Perceived restorativeness and environment quality in relation to well-being, residential satisfaction, and sense of community: an analysis in Northeast Italy
Authors: Miola Laura , Pazzaglia Francesca 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionResidential satisfaction consists of pleasure derived from living in a place according to one’s needs, expectations, and outcomes. The present study examines the role of sociodemographic variables, perceived residential quality indicators, and restorativeness in predicting i) well-being, ii) residential satisfaction, and iii) sense of communities in northeast Italy.MethodsA total of 100 residents (47 women) in various cities in northeast Italy and 211 (112 women) residents in Piazzola sul Brenta (PD) took part in two studies. They answered demographic questions about self-reported restorativeness, residential environment quality, residential satisfaction, mental well-being, and sense of community.ResultsAfter accounting for age, gender, and income, the results showed that perceived restorativeness enhances sense of community in the Northeast and Piazzola sul Brenta samples and predicts psychological well-being and residential satisfaction in Piazzola sul Brenta. Architectural and functional aspects contribute, respectively, to residential satisfaction and sense of community in both samples, and functional factors predict residential satisfaction for the Northeast sample. Place attachment plays a positive role in residential satisfaction and sense of community in the Northeast and Piazzola sul Brenta.DiscussionThe study reveals a link between perceived restorativeness and residential satisfaction and well-being, providing insight for professionals and policy to improve urban quality.
Incorporating discrete choice experiments into long-term care insurance policy decisions: evidence from China
Authors: Chen Qian , Dong Yuting , Lyu Xinyue 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundRapid population aging has prompted most emerging economies to consider introducing long-term care insurance (LTCI) as part of a comprehensive social health protection scheme. China is also in the process of establishing its own LTCI framework. However, the details of the scheme are still being explored in pilot cities, and a long-term solution has yet to be finalized. This study aims to examine the insurance preferences of potential enrollees, providing insights to inform further adjustments to the existing framework.MethodsWe examine discrete choice experiment (DCE) evidence from LTCI and evaluate several relevant attributes, including the elimination period, maximum monthly benefit, out-of-pocket rate, and annual premium. The study uses a mixed logit model to elicit respondents’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for these attributes of LTCI and uses physical health status to assess heterogeneity in responses to insurance choice.ResultsWe found that most respondents would consider purchasing LTCI, with respondents most preferring the following attributes: (1) an out-of-pocket rate of 25%, (2) a maximum monthly benefit level of 2000 CNY (about 296 USD), and (3) a three-month elimination period. In addition, among the control variables, marital status, personal self-rated health, and the number of children were significant to varying degrees.ConclusionThe study can provide a reference for further adjustments to the existing scheme, increasing residents’ willingness to participate in insurance and promoting the sustainable development of long-term care insurance.
Enhancing surgical safety through surgical instruments repair technicians’ training: recent experience from Nigeria
Authors: Udeigwe-Okeke Chisom R. , Seyi-Olajide Justina O. , Obisesan Aderonke O. , Miles Keith , Obi Nkeiruka , Ameh Emmanuel A. 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundFaulty or poorly maintained surgical instruments increase risks of complications, prolong operating times, and reduce efficiency, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To address this, Nigeria introduced the Surgical Instruments Repair Technicians (SIRT) program, to improve instrument safety.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the SIRT program’s initial impact, sustainability, and scalability for improved surgical instrument maintenance in LMICs.MethodsThe program was deployed in two phases. Phase one involved online theoretical and hands-on training for biomedical technicians and operating room/central sterile supply department nurses from Smile Train partner and public hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Participants were provided repair kits to establish institutional workbenches. Phase two focused on expanding training with a one-week hands-on program. Data on demographics, training feedback, and repair outcomes were collected.ResultsA total of 36 participants completed training (24 in phase one, 12 in phase two), evaluating 1,623 instruments with a 99.6% successful repair rate. Post-training surveys showed that 83.3% of participants felt more confident identifying faulty instruments, and 95.8% reported adequate repair skills. Institutional workbenches were established in 50% of hospitals, and repair drives were conducted within institutions and neighboring hospitals.ConclusionThe program demonstrated significant potential for improving surgical instrument maintenance and enhancing safety in LMICs. Integrating the program into hospital budgets could support sustainable expansion.
Radon exhalation rate and natural radioactivity in the building materials used in metropolitan Jakarta and its surrounding areas, Indonesia
Authors: Nugraha Eka Djatnika , Modibo Oumar Bobbo , Wahyudi  , Pradana Radhia , Merdekawati Rima Agustin , Megagasri Kartini , Topandi Abdussalam , Rachman Agus Nur , Kurniawan Rusbani , Fajrianshah Evans Azka , Hidayati Nurahmah , Winarni Ilma Dwi , Rosianna Ilsa , Rixson Leons , Purnama Dikdik Sidik , Prasetio Heru , Tokonami Shinji 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionCreating a safe living environment involves using healthy and sustainable building materials. Humans are exposed to natural radionuclides, such as 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K decay series, found in building materials that pose a radiological hazard. This study is aimed to investigate the radionuclides content of building materials used in Jakarta and its surrounding areas. The computer code RESRAD-BUILD was used to calculate the annual effective dose received by an adult living in a typical room constructed with the studied building materials.MethodsSamples such as sand, cement, bricks, and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) were collected. The 222Rn surface exhalation rate was determined using the closed chamber method using RAD7, while the activity concentration of natural radionuclide was measured using a gamma spectrometer.Results and discussionThe 222Rn surface exhalation rate varies from 4 × 10−2 to 1.6 × 100 mBq m−2 s−1 with an average of 4 × 10−1 mBq m−2 s−1. The average 222Rn exhalation rate of the building materials studied was much lower than the global average value of 1.6 × 101 mBq m−2 s−1. The average activity concentration values of 232Th (21 Bq kg−1) and 40K (217 Bq kg−1) in all building materials studied are lower than the global average values of 45 and 412 Bq kg−1. In comparison, the average activity concentration of 226Ra (34 Bq kg−1) is similar to the global average value of 32 Bq kg−1. Furthermore, the assessed radiological hazard from the measured building material has an average activity index of 0.3, while the RESRAD-BUILD estimated total annual effective dose for a typical house constructed using a mixture of the building materials was 0.11 mSv, in which indoor 222Rn alone represents 92% of the total. From the assessment results, the building materials in Jakarta and its surrounding areas do not pose significant concerns regarding radiological hazards. However, the higher contribution of 222Rn suggests the need for a large-scale indoor 222Rn survey in the study area.
Limiting tourniquet use during total knee arthroplasty improves short-term postoperative outcomes in patients with hypertension
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ning Yuhui , Yang Cheng , He Tao 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionTourniquets are commonly used during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce intraoperative bleeding. However, information on the optimal tourniquet usage strategy in patients with hypertension are lacking.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 90 patients with knee osteoarthritis and hypertension who underwent primary TKA was conducted. Patients were divided into three groups: Group A (tourniquet applied before skin incision and released after wound closure), Group B (tourniquet applied before prosthesis placement and released after wound closure), and Group C (tourniquet applied before prosthesis placement and released after bone cement solidification). Outcomes measured included intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, swelling rate, visual analog scale scores, perioperative complications, and Knee Society Scores.ResultsGroup A exhibited the lowest intraoperative blood loss volume (239.26 ± 53.83 ml), but this group had significantly higher hidden blood loss, total blood loss, and transfusion volumes than Groups B and C (P &lt; 0.05). The swelling rate and visual analog scores on postoperative day 3 were also significantly higher in Group A than in Groups B and C, as was the incidence of complications, including anemia, deep vein thrombosis, and anterior knee pain. Knee Society Scores at 4 weeks postoperatively were significantly lower in Group A than in Groups B and C.DiscussionTourniquet application before prosthesis placement and release after wound closure or bone cement solidification were associated with better short-term outcomes, reduced complications, and improved rehabilitation compared to tourniquet use during the entire procedure in patients with hypertension undergoing TKA.