bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender disparities in higher education: development and validation of the FACT-GÉN instrument
Authors: Beroíza-Valenzuela Francisca , Salas-Guzmán Natalia , Huepe David 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionGender stereotypes considerably influence human behavior, creating gaps between men and women in higher education. Society faces the challenge of preventing the loss of human talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines and Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH). However, it remains unclear which factors influence the gender gap that may hinder attracting and retaining female talent in these fields. This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument, the ‘Assessing Gender Gap Factors in Higher Education’ (FACT-GÉN), to identify and measure the factors influencing the gender gap.MethodThis study employed an instrumental design to develop and validate the ‘Assessing Gender Gap Factors in Higher Education’ (FACT-GÉN) instrument. Using a cross-sectional quantitative approach, data were collected from 851 students across STEM and Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines to ensure the instrument’s reliability and validity. Internal Consistency Analysis was conducted to assess the reliability of the identified factors, followed by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify underlying structures, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate the instrument’s structure.ResultsThe model demonstrated a good fit to the data, with indices such as CFI (0.911), TLI (0.894), and RMSEA (0.049), supporting its validity. The scaled chi-square difference test confirmed the adjusted model’s superiority over the null model [χ2_diff(4) = 30.805, p &lt; 0.001]. Internal consistency was acceptable, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.62 to 0.78, and McDonald’s omega from 0.69 to 0.80. The strong factor loadings and significant correlations between the latent factors validated the model’s structure, making it a reliable tool for addressing the gender gap in academic fields.DiscussionThe validated instrument offers valuable data for research and policy, aiding efforts to mitigate the gender gap and promote equity in academia. This study highlights the instrument’s effectiveness in identifying barriers and formulating solutions for gender equality, thus filling a critical gap with a reliable tool to address the gender gap in higher education.
A predictive model for clinical pregnancy following single Day-6 blastocyst transfer in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Liu Lidan , Gan Qiuying , Yang Yihua , Liu Bo , Huang Qianyi , Li Mujun 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to develop a predictive model for assessing clinical pregnancy probabilities in patients undergoing frozen-thawed cycles with single Day 6 blastocyst transfers.MethodsWe conducted a two-center retrospective cohort study analyzing 1,381 frozen-thawed single Day 6 blastocyst transfer cycles from June 2016 to December 2022. The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle. Data were divided into training, testing, and validation groups in a 6:2:2 ratio. Univariate and LASSO regression analyses identified factors influencing clinical pregnancy, which were incorporated into a multiple regression model to predict outcomes. Model performance was assessed in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.ResultsFactors independently predicting clinical pregnancy included inner cell mass (ICM) grade, trophectoderm (TE) grade, Day 3 (D3) fragmentation, endometrium thickness, and male age at oocyte pick-up (OPU). The AUC values for the training, testing, and validation sets were 0.66, 0.65, and 0.60, respectively, indicating acceptable performance. Calibration curves demonstrated good predictive accuracy, with slopes of 0.988, 0.871, and 1.263 for the respective groups.ConclusionThe developed nomogram accurately predicts clinical pregnancy probabilities in patients undergoing single Day 6 blastocyst transfers in frozen-thawed cycles, enhancing clinical decision-making by integrating crucial embryological and clinical parameters.
A single-center’s uric acid profile in girls with Turner syndrome
Authors: Guo Song , Chen Qiuli , Zhang Jun , Wei Meihua , Zheng Rujiang , Wang Bing , Li Yanhong , Ma Huamei , Jiang Xiaoyun 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundMetabolic disorders are common in individuals with Turner syndrome (TS). Hyperuricemia is associated with metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the serum uric acid (SUA) profile in patients with TS.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted with 145 patients with TS. A total of 72 normal girls were in the control group from 2015 to 2024: 86 TS patients were treated with growth hormone (GH), 80 with stanozolol, and 52 with estrogen.ResultsHyperuricemia was present in 33.1% (47/145) of patients with untreated TS and in 16.67% (12/72) of the controls (P &lt; 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that BMISDS, fasting serum glucose, and eGFR explained 34.4% (model R2 = 0.344) of the total variation in SUA in the untreated TS group. SUA and SUASDS (SUA standard deviation score) levels generally showed a slow rising tendency with age. SUA increased significantly in the first year of stanozolol initiation (P = 0.032), while adding estrogen and stanozolol improved the lipid profile during the whole assessment period.ConclusionGirls with TS showed a slow rising tendency in SUA and SUASDS with age and had higher SUA and SUASDS levels and incidence of hyperuricemia compared to their healthy female peers. The independent risk factors for hyperuricemia in pediatric patients with TS were BMISDS, HOMA-IR, glucose, and eGFR. The incidence of hyperuricemia increased in the first year of stanozolol treatment.
Case Report: Atypical motor development in a patient with the mosaic form of Down syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy type 2- long-term observation
Authors: Gajewska Ewa , Fliciński Jędrzej , Sobieska Magdalena , Michalska Joanna , Żarowski Marcin , Steinborn Barbara 
Published: November 2024

A boy is presented in whom Down Syndrome mosaicism and spinal muscular atrophy by overlapping clinical symptoms delayed the diagnosis and caused complicated motor development. The boy from the first pregnancy was delivered vaginally, week 37, Apgar 10, birth weight 3,650 g. The mother, aged 30, had no family history of Down Syndrome or neuromuscular diseases. Primary diagnosis at the age of 3 weeks: unbalanced male karyotype -mos 47, XY+21 [22]/46, XY. At 20 months, the parents observed the disappearance of the high kneeling function and asked for a neurologist’s consultation. The neurological examination showed symmetrically reduced muscle tone and symmetrically weakened knee and ankle tendon reflexes. The physiotherapeutic assessment revealed a symmetrical weakening of muscle strength and hand tremor (features characteristic of patients with spinal muscular atrophy). The final diagnosis, set at the age of 27 months, was thus the mosaic form of Down Syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy type 2.
A review focuses on a neglected and controversial component of SCI: myelin debris
Authors: Zhou Yuchen , Xu Tao , Zhou Yiyan , Han Wei , Wu Zhengchao , Yang Changwei , Chen Xiaoqing 
Published: November 2024

Myelin sheath, as the multilayer dense structure enclosing axons in humans and other higher organisms, may rupture due to various injury factors after spinal cord injury, thus producing myelin debris. The myelin debris contains a variety of myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs) and lipid, all inhibiting the repair after spinal cord injury. Through summary and analysis, the present authors found that the inhibition of myelin debris can be mainly divided into two categories: firstly, the direct inhibition mediated by MAIs; secondly, the indirect inhibition mediated by lipid such as cholesterol. It is worth noting that phagocytes are required in the latter indirect inhibition, such as professional phagocytes (macrophages et al.) and non-professional phagocytes (astrocytes et al.). Moreover, complement and the immune system also participate in the phagocytosis of myelin debris, working together with phagocytes to aggravate spinal cord injury. In conclusion, this paper focuses on the direct and indirect effects of myelin debris on spinal cord injury, aiming to provide new inspiration and reflection for the basic research of spinal cord injury and the conception of related treatment.
Machine learning based anoikis signature predicts personalized treatment strategy of breast cancer
Authors: Guo Xiao , Xing Jiaying , Cao Yuyan , Yang Wenchuang , Shi Xinlin , Mu Runhong , Wang Tao 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundBreast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative prognostic tools to improve treatment strategies. Anoikis, a form of programmed cell death critical in preventing metastasis, plays a pivotal role in breast cancer progression.MethodsThis study introduces the Artificial Intelligence-Derived Anoikis Signature (AIDAS), a novel machine learning-based prognostic tool that identifies key anoikis-related gene patterns in breast cancer. AIDAS was developed using multi-cohort transcriptomic data and validated through immunohistochemistry assays on clinical samples to ensure robustness and broad applicability.ResultsAIDAS outperformed existing prognostic models in accurately predicting breast cancer outcomes, providing a reliable tool for personalized treatment. Patients with low AIDAS levels were found to be more responsive to immunotherapies, including PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, while high-AIDAS patients demonstrated greater susceptibility to specific chemotherapeutic agents, such as methotrexate.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the critical role of anoikis in breast cancer prognosis and underscore AIDAS’s potential to guide individualized treatment strategies. By integrating machine learning with biological insights, AIDAS offers a promising approach for advancing personalized oncology. Its detailed understanding of the anoikis landscape paves the way for the development of targeted therapies, promising significant improvements in patient outcomes.
In vivo and in vitro study on the combination extract of Curcuma zedoaria and Astragalus membranaceus as an adjuvant for PRRSV inactivated vaccine and its preliminary application in piglets
Authors: Tu Teng , Zhang Guidong , Du Chengchao , Luo Yan , Yao Xueping , Yang Zexiao , Ren Meishen , Wang Yin , Jiang Dike 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPorcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus that severely impacts the global swine industry. Recently, variation and recombination of this pathogen have led to more recombinant strains. However, commercial PRRSV vaccines provide limited protection, and no effective therapeutic drugs are available in clinical settings. Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties, while Curcuma zedoaria (CZ) possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor effects. The combination of AM and CZ, originating from the “Lichong Tang” recorded in the “Intergrating Chinese and Western Medicine” offers complementary and synergistic benefits.MethodsIn this study, the AM extract, CZ extract, and various ratios of CZ-AM extracts were prepared using the decoction method. The NADC30-like PRRSV strain SCCD22 was used for viral challenge. The optimal ratio and mode of action of the CZ-AM extract on Pams-163 were assessed by measuring viral copies and mRNA expression of cytokines. Subsequently, the optimal ratio of combined extracts identified in vitro was used as an adjuvant for the PRRSV inactivated vaccine in 28-day-old piglets. Clinical symptom observations, peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation assays, levels of PRRSV antibody, cytokine secretion, and NLRP3 inflammasome mRNA were conducted to evaluate the potential of the CZ-AM extract as an adjuvant for the PRRSV inactivated vaccine.ResultsResults showed that the CZ-AM extract inhibited PRRSV in vitro, with the best ratio of CZ to AM being 1:4. Animal experiments demonstrated that using the CZ-AM extract as an adjuvant for the PRRSV inactivated vaccine significantly increased the body weight of piglets, elevated serum PRRSV antibody levels, and enhanced the piglets’ inflammatory response. mRNA analysis indicated that the CZ-AM extract inhibited key inflammatory pathways (TLR4/NLRP3/IL-1β), reducing the expression of inflammatory factors. Lymphocyte proliferation assays indicated that the CZ-AM extract significantly stimulated T and B lymphocyte proliferation.ConclusionThis study not only deepens the understanding of the pharmacological effects of AM and CZ but also expands the application of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and control of animal diseases. Furthermore, it provides new insights and methods for optimizing PRRSV vaccines, offering significant scientific value and broad application prospects.
Spirolones A–E, five spiroketals from a productive saline soil derived Penicillium raistrickii
Authors: Liu Desheng , Ma Liying , Rong Xianguo , Kang Huihui , Liu Weizhong 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundIn recent decades, spiroketals which features with two rings joined by a spiro atom, have stimulated a great deal of researches for their diverse significant biological activities. Fungi are proved to be key reservoirs of structurally unique chemical skeletons. Up to date, [6,6]-spiroketals from fungal strains are still sporadically reported. Guided by UV information based on HPLC-DAD system, five unreported azaphilone-based [6,6]-spiroketals (1-5), named spirolones A-E, along with one known analogue, pestafolide A (6), were isolated from a productive saline soil derived fungus Penicillium raistrickii.MethodsTheir planar structures were solved through a comprehensive set of spectroscopic techniques including UV, IR, HRESIMS and 1D/2D NMR. The absolute configurations were determined by X-ray single-crystal diffractions or the modified Mosher’s method. The misassignment of absolute configuration of pestafolide A was revised by X-ray crystallographic analysis in this study. All the isolated compounds were screened for antibacterial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli based on the microplate approach and the cytotoxicity towards HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines based on MTT assay.Results and discussionThe results suggested that compound 4 displayed some activity against P. aeruginosa and E. coli with MIC values of 35.00 μg/mL and 55.00 μg/mL, with MIC values of the positive control of streptomycin at 12.50 μg/mL and 8.00 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 5 exhibited inhibitory effect against HepG2 cell line with IC50 value of 3.40 μM, and 8.14 μM against Hep3B cell line with doxorubincin as positive control. Compounds 4 and 5 may be capable of contribution for the development of new antibiotics or antitumor agents.
Total burden of cerebral small vessel disease predict subjective cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Qiu Wenchao , Hu Weili , Ge Yingchao , Liu Peiting , Zhao Minghui , Lu Haifeng , Tao Jian , Xue Shouru 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThis study investigates the correlation between the total burden of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD) and Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed, involving 422 patients with PD. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted to identify CSVD markers. SCD was assessed using the Cognitive Complaints Inventory (CCI).ResultsLogistic regression analyses revealed that the total burden of CSVD and specific imaging markers, including Deep White Matter Hyperintensities (DWMH), Periventricular Hyperintensities (PVH), and Enlarged Perivascular Spaces (EPVS), were significant predictors of SCD. The total burden of CSVD demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy for SCD in PD patients.DiscussionThe findings suggest that the total burden of CSVD, as measured by MRI, could serve as a potential biomarker for early identification of cognitive decline in PD, highlighting the importance of considering vascular factors in the early detection of cognitive changes in PD.
Investigating the causal effect of various metabolites on postherpetic neuralgia: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Jianyu , Chen Jiahao , Zuo Yuefen , Song Kun , Liao Huilian , Wu Xianping 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundCommon side effect of Herpes Zoster, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), causes persistent pain that seriously affects quality of life. Lack of dependable biomarkers makes the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PHN difficult, so complicating the assessment of therapeutic efficacy. Blood metabolites are becoming more and more well known as significant disease markers. With an aim to find possible biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment, this work investigates the causal link between blood metabolites and PHN using Mendelian randomization.MethodsThis work evaluated causal relationships between PHN and 1,091 plasma metabolites using Mendelian randomization (MR). Complementing MR-Egger and weighted median approaches, the main causality analysis was done using inverse variance weighted (IVW) and Wald ratio (WR) approaches. Robustness was checked using sensitivity analyses including CAUSE, Cochran’s Q tests, leave-one-out analysis, MR-PRESSO, and MR-Egger intercept analysis. Reverse MR analysis and linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was used to assess significant correlations as well. Two-step MR analysis was also used to look at the mediating function of positively correlated metabolites in the causal pathway.ResultsThe results of this study indicated a significant association between N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) and PHN, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.76–0.91, p = 2.68E-05). Moreover, five potential associated metabolites were identified: Gamma-glutamylthreonine (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16–2.20, p = 0.004), 3-hydroxyphenylacetoylglutamine (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00–2.05, p = 0.048), Caprate (10:0) (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11–3.12, p = 0.018), X-12013 (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.03–2.60, p = 0.035), and X-17328 (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.04–2.18, p = 0.032). Additionally, NAAG likely acts as a complete mediator between FOLH1(CGPII) and postherpetic neuralgia in the causal pathway.ConclusionThe results of this study indicated a significant association between N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) and PHN, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.76–0.91, p = 2.68E-05). Furthermore five possible related metabolites were found: Glutamylthreonine gamma-wise (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16–2.20, p = 0.004), 3-hydroxyphenylacetoylglutamine (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00–2.05, p = 0.048), Caprate (10:0) (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11–3.12, p = 0.018), X-12013 (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.03–2.60, p = 0.035), and X-17328 (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.04–2.18, p = 0.032). Furthermore, in the causal pathway NAAG most certainly serves as a complete mediator between FOLH1(CGPII) and postherpetic neuralgia.
Mendelian randomization analyses support causal relationships between systemic lupus erythematosus and brain imaging-derived phenotypes
Authors: Ma Yan , Li Rui , Li Qianqian , Lin Wanyi , Lu Liangjing 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundNeuropsychiatric disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) are often accompanied by alterations in brain structure and function. Subtle changes in brain structure also can be observed in non-NPSLE patients. MRI can be used as a non-invasive tool to determine nervous system involvement in SLE. However, the causal relationship between SLE and brain MRI remains unclear.MethodsWe designed two-sample MR analyses to identify brain IDPs associated with SLE. The GWAS summary data of 3,935 IDPs from the UK Biobank were used as outcomes in MR analyses.ResultsThere were 25 statistically significant causal relationships between SLE and brain IDPs, in which the several cortical area, anterior corona radiata, and posterior limb of internal capsule were included. These results may suggest the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with SLE.ConclusionThe findings revealed strong genetic evidence for causal links between SLE and neuroimaging phenotypes. Our results provide a promising method for the daily assessment and monitoring of SLE patients.
Effectiveness of abdominal electroacupuncture therapy for poststroke constipation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiuzhen , Liu Linxi , Diao Yingxiu , Ma Chunling 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundElectroacupuncture (EA) has been employed to address the symptoms of constipation in individuals who have experienced a stroke. However, supporting evidence for its efficacy is lacking. This meta-analysis aims to investigate whether EA was effective in treating poststroke constipation.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search of eight databases, including four English-language databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) and four Chinese-language databases (Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang), for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception through January 31, 2023. To assess treatment effectiveness, we calculated the risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 9 RCTs involving 601 participants were included. No heterogeneity was found across the included RCTs. The results of this meta-analysis indicated significant improvements in the total effective rate (RR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.27, 1.52), cure rates (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.38, 2.54), constipation scoring system (MD = −2.51, 95% CI −3.05, −1.97), and quality of life (MD = −10.69, 95% CI −14.2, −7.17) in the EA group compared with the control group.ConclusionCurrent evidence indicates that EA may be recommended for patients experiencing poststroke constipation. The lack of thorough investigations has undermined the quality of the major findings.