bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in cerebral cortex activation during upright standing tasks in individuals with chronic neck pain: an fNIRS study
Authors: Xiao Chongwu , Liang Qianfei , Yang Yugang , Mo Mingyu , Li Weixiong , Chen Huade , Long Yaobin , Huang Jinjun 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionStudies show that individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP) exhibit postural control deficits, potentially contributing to persistent and recurrent pain. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these deficits in CNP remain unexplored despite their importance for developing effective rehabilitation strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the neural activity during postural control using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), providing insights into the central mechanism underlying postural control deficits in individuals with CNP.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 10 individuals with CNP (CNP group) and 10 healthy controls (HC group) were assessed under three conditions: Task 1, standing on a force plate with eyes open and both feet; Task 2, standing on a force plate with eyes closed and both feet; Task 3, standing on a force plate with eyes closed and one foot. Cerebral cortex hemodynamic reactions, including bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), pre-motor cortex and supplementary motor area (PMC/SMA), primary motor cortex (M1), and primary somatosensory cortex (S1) were measured using fNIRS. Balance parameters, including the sway area, total sway length, mean velocity, and center of pressure (COP) amplitude in the anterior–posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions, were measured using a force plate.ResultsIn Tasks 1 and 2, no differences were observed between both groups in balance parameters. However, the CNP group exhibited significantly higher activation in the left PMC/SMA (F = 4.788, p = 0.042) and M1 (F = 9.598, p = 0.006) in Task 1 and lower activation in the left (F = 4.952, p = 0.039) and right (F = 6.035, p = 0.024) PFC in Task 2 compared to that of the HC group. In Task 3, the CNP group exhibited a significantly larger COP amplitude in the AP direction (F = 7.057, p = 0.016) compared to that of the HC group. Additionally, activation in the right M1 (F = 7.873, p = 0.012) was significantly higher than in the HC group. Correlation analysis in Task 3 revealed stronger associations between the parameters in the CNP group.ConclusionOur findings suggest that individuals with CNP exhibit distinct patterns of cerebral cortex activities and postural control deficits. The PFC, M1, and PMC/SMA were involved in maintaining upright standing balance, and cerebral cortex changes associated with upright standing balance provide a more sensitive indicator of postural control deficits than peripheral balance parameters in individuals with CNP.
Unveiling BID: a key biomarker in apoptosis post-intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Dai Kun , Zhang Hong-Rong , Ren Shuai-Yu , Zhao Ming-Pei , Wang Neng , Gao Hong-Zhi , Kang De-Zhi , Zheng Zong-Qing 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundApoptosis plays a significant role in secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Currently, the mechanisms related to cell apoptosis after cerebral hemorrhage are still under investigation.MethodsWe identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between human ICH patients and normal individuals from the GEO database and conducted GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses on these DEGs. We then constructed a PPI network and used the MECDE algorithm to identify key genes potentially involved in apoptosis after ICH. Additionally, we identified miRNAs that might regulate apoptotic genes in an mRNA-miRNA interaction network. Finally, we validated the bioinformatics results in a rat ICH model.ResultsIn the human ICH model, 645 DEGs were identified. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that these DEGs are primarily involved in immune response, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. GSEA analysis showed significant enrichment of DEGs in the apoptotic process. By comparing with apoptosis-related genes in the MSigDB database, we identified 110 apoptosis-related genes among the 645 DEGs. Further PPI and MOCDE analyses of these apoptosis-related genes revealed that BID might be a key gene involved in apoptosis after ICH, which was validated within the rat model of ICH. The mRNA-miRNA interactions network construction suggested that miR1225-3p may be an important miRNA involved in regulating BID expression after ICH.ConclusionBID plays a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis following intracerebral hemorrhage and serves as a key biomarker in the apoptotic process after hemorrhage.
Inhibitory control in the sober state as a function of alcohol sensitivity: a pilot functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study
Authors: Cofresí Roberto U. , Upton Spencer , Terry Devon , Brown Alexander A. , Piasecki Thomas M. , Bartholow Bruce D. , Froeliger Brett 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionLower sensitivity (LS) to acute alcohol promotes hazardous alcohol use, increasing risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Compared to peers with high sensitivity (HS), LS individuals exhibit amplified responses to alcohol cues and difficulty exerting inhibitory control (IC) over those cued responses. However, it is unclear whether LS and HS individuals differ in neural or behavioral responses when exerting IC over affectively neutral prepotent responses (i.e., domain-general IC). This fMRI pilot study examined domain-general IC and its neural correlates in young adult LS and HS individuals.MethodsParticipants (N = 32, Mage = 20.3) were recruited based on their Alcohol Sensitivity Questionnaire responses (HS: n = 16; LS: n = 16; 9 females/group) to complete an event-related fMRI IC task in a sober state. Retrospective assessments of alcohol craving, consumption, and problems were taken outside the lab.ResultsAlthough IC performance (accuracy) was numerically lower for the LS group (M[SD] = 0.527[0.125]) compared to the HS group (M[SD] = 0.595[0.124]), no significant difference was detected [t(30) = 1.55, p = 0.132]. Across groups, IC-related activity was observed in bilateral fronto-cortico-striatal circuitry, including dorsal striatum (DS) and dorsal/supragenual anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Within group HS, IC-related dACC activity was greater among individuals reporting less intense (b-95 CI = [−0.201, −0.041], p = 0.004) and less frequent alcohol craving experiences (b-95 CI = [−0.131, 0.005], p = 0.068), whereas in group LS, IC-related dACC activity was greater among individuals reporting more intense (b-95 CI = [0.009, 0.140], p = 0.028) and more frequent alcohol craving experiences (b-95 CI = [0.022, 0.128], p = 0.007).DiscussionIn sum, while LS and HS individuals demonstrated similar domain-general IC performance and recruited similar neural resources to perform IC, findings suggest that compensatory over-activation of frontocortical nodes of the fronto-cortico-striatal IC circuitry may be related to affective-motivational aspects of AUD symptomatology (craving in daily life) among LS individuals. Based on these preliminary findings, future studies with larger samples are warranted to determine the extent to which domain-general IC performance associated with fronto-cortico-striatal IC circuit activation contributes to the alcohol use pathophysiology, and whether therapeutic interventions (e.g., non-invasive brain stimulation) targeting fronto-cortico-striatal IC circuitry may decrease AUD symptomatology.
Serum-derived exosomal microRNAs as biomarkers for postoperative delirium
Authors: Xu Maokai , Chen Yingjie , Lin Yujun , Wang Danfeng , Zheng Xiaochun 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionPostoperative delirium (POD) is a frequent and challenging complication in elderly surgical patients, marked by abrupt cognitive and attentional disturbances. Current POD diagnosis depends on clinical assessments that are time-intensive and lack predictive accuracy before surgery. Although previous research has explored biomarkers such as neuroinflammatory factors and Alzheimer’s-related proteins to enhance POD prediction, single molecular markers have proven insufficient for reliable prognosis.MethodsThis study investigated serum exosomal miRNA expression profiles in postoperative patients to assess their association with POD. We compared miRNA expression between POD and non-POD groups through cognitive assessments and serum analyses. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted to determine the biological pathways regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs.ResultsOur analysis identified 57 miRNAs with significantly altered expression between POD and non-POD patients, including 16 upregulated and 41 downregulated miRNAs in the POD group. Enrichment analysis revealed that these miRNAs are involved in genes regulating neurotrophin signaling, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and pathways that influence neuronal plasticity and cell viability.DiscussionThis study highlights specific miRNAs as potential biomarkers for POD and suggests their involvement in the underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline following surgery. By enhancing diagnostic capabilities and identifying potential therapeutic targets, our findings could lead to more effective POD management strategies for elderly patients. Further research is recommended to validate these miRNAs and evaluate their clinical utility for predictive screening and therapeutic interventions.
Photochemically induced thrombosis combined with chronic restraint stress for modeling post-stroke depression in mice
Authors: Tuersunjiang Tumarisi , Wang Qingchen , Wang Zhengzheng , Gao Feng , Wang Zhengchun 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionPost-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder associated with impaired recovery in stroke survivors, potentially linked to dysregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study aimed to establish a novel animal model of PSD by integrating ischemic brain injury with chronic psychological stress.MethodsMice were subjected to photochemically induced thrombosis (PIT) to generate focal ischemic lesions in the parietal lobe, followed by chronic restraint stress (CRS) to simulate post-stroke psychological stress. Behavioral assessments (sucrose preference test, forced swim test, tail suspension test) and molecular analyses (BDNF, synaptophysin [SYP], interleukin-1 [IL-1], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were conducted to evaluate depressive-like phenotypes and neuroinflammatory markers.ResultsThe PIT model produced consistent ischemic damage, with an average infarct area of 2.580 ± 0.426% in the parietal lobe. Mice exposed to PIT-CRS exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors, including reduced sucrose preference (p &lt; 0.001), increased immobility time in the forced swim test (p = 0.056), and prolonged immobility in the tail suspension test (p = 0.168) compared to the Sham group. Molecular analyses revealed marked downregulation of BDNF (p = 0.004) and SYP (p = 0.074), alongside upregulated IL-1 (p = 0.024) and TNF-α (p = 0.368) levels in the PIT-CRS group.ConclusionThe PIT-CRS model provides a comprehensive and reproducible platform for studying PSD. By integrating both ischemic injury and chronic stress, this model captures the multifaceted nature of PSD and offers valuable insights into its pathophysiology. Future research using this model could pave the way for the development of targeted therapies for PSD.
Validating image-derived input functions of dynamic 18F-FDG long axial field-of-view PET/CT studies
Authors: Smith Charlotte L. C. , Zwezerijnen Gerben J. C. , den Hollander Marijke E. , Greuter Henricus N. J. M. , Gerards Nienke R. , Zijlstra Josée , Menke-van der Houven van Oordt C. Willemien , Bahce Idris , Yaqub Maqsood , Boellaard Ronald 
Published: February 2025

Aim/backgroundDynamic PET imaging requires an input function typically obtained through blood sampling. Image-derived input functions (IDIFs) of the ascending aorta (AA), aortic arch, descending aorta (DA), or left ventricle (LV) offer non-invasive alternatives, especially with long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT systems enabling whole-body dynamic 1⁸F-FDG imaging. This study aimed to validate uncorrected IDIFs derived from the AA, DA, aortic arch, and LV by comparing them to (late) venous whole-blood in patients undergoing LAFOV PET/CT.MethodsEleven oncology patients who underwent 70-min dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT scans on a LAFOV PET/CT system after receiving an intravenous bolus injection of 3.0 MBq/kg were included. Seven venous blood samples were collected manually at approximately 5, 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 60 min post-injection (pi) and compared to IDIFs derived from the AA, aortic arch, DA, and LV. Bias between IDIFs and venous blood samples was assessed at each time point.ResultsIDIF accuracy relative to venous blood samples improved over time, with a median percentage bias &lt;10% after 25 min pi. At 60 min pi, the aortic arch showed the smallest bias (median −1.1%, IQR 5.9%), followed by the AA (2.5%, IQR 7.0%), DA (5.1%, IQR 8.6%), and LV (7.4%, IQR 7.6%).ConclusionThe high precision of aorta-derived IDIFs suggests that IDIFs are a reliable alternative to manual blood sampling for dynamic 18F-FDG PET imaging on a LAFOV PET/CT system. Using IDIFs reduces variability, simplifies protocols, minimizes radiation exposure, and enhances patient safety with a non-invasive approach.
Aberrant expression of multiple γ-glutamyltransferases is associated with tumor progression and patient outcome in prostate cancers
Authors: Jiang Wencong , Liu Wang , Zhao Jiang , Xu Zhijian , Xi Ming , Wang Xiangwei , Li Benyi 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe human gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a membrane-bound extracellular glycoprotein with an enzymatic activity that cleaves gamma-glutamyl peptide bonds in glutathione and other peptides and transfers the gamma-glutamyl moiety to acceptors. It has been shown aberrant expression of GGT proteins in human cancers while their expression profiles in prostate cancers are not reported.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of all protein-coding GGT genes using the TCGA-PRAD RNA-seq dataset derived from primary prostate cancers. GGT family gene expression profiles were also analyzed using the SU2C/PCF RNAseq dataset derived from aggressive late-stage prostate cancer patients. Androgen modulation of GGT family gene expression was analyzed using multiple NCBI/GEO datasets.ResultsOur results showed that prostate tissues expressed four major isoforms of GGT family genes (GGT1/5/6/7), of which GGT1 expression was upregulated but GGT6/GGT7 expression was downregulated in cancer tissues compared to benign tissues. However, GGT5 expression was increased along with tumor stage progression and associated with worse progression-free survival. GGT6 expression exhibited a superb AUC value in prostate cancer diagnosis and was associated with favorable progression-free survival. GGT1 expression was highly increased but GGT6/GGT7 expression was largely reduced in ERG-fusion-positive cases. In CRPC tumors, GGT6 expression was suppressed in patients with anti-AR therapies, which was reversed when patients were taken off the treatment. This AR-dependent modulation was confirmed in LNCaP cells and LuCaP35 xenograft models. In addition, compared to CRPC-Adeno tumors, treatment-induced NEPC tumors showed a reduced GGT1 but an elevated GGT7 level, which was in line with higher levels of GGT7 in NEPC H660 cells.ConclusionOur data suggests that GGT6 is a new AR downstream target but GGT7 is a potential NEPC biomarker.
A dynamic nomogram predicting nosocomial infections in patients after colon cancer surgery
Authors: Yao Xue , Wang Shuhui , Lu Anning , Xu Yun , Li Na 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveNosocomial infections are one of the severe postoperative complications that compromise perioperative safety in patients with colon cancer. However, there are limited studies on constructing visual risk prediction screening tools for nosocomial infections in these patients. The objective of this study is to construct a nomogram for predicting the risk of nosocomial infections among patients after colon cancer surgery.MethodsTotal 1146 patients after colon cancer surgery were selected and divided into a training set and a validation set. After identifying the most significant predictors through LASSO regression and logistic regression, the model was presented as static and dynamic nomogram. AUC was used to evaluate the discrimination of model. Calibration was evaluated by means of calibration curves. Decision and impact curves were applied to evaluate the clinical validity.Results110 patients (9.60%) suffered nosocomial infections following colon cancer surgery. Peak temperature on the second postoperative day, Braden score on the first postoperative day, duration of retention of abdominal drains, ASA class, surgical type and postoperative complications were correlated with nosocomial infections. The nomogram composed of these predictors demonstrated good discrimination, calibration and clinical benefit in both the training and validation sets.ConclusionRisk predictors are important breakthroughs for healthcare workers in nosocomial infections prevention and control initiatives. The dynamic nomogram built in this study may be helpful for healthcare personnel to identify the risk of nosocomial infections among patients after colon cancer surgery.
The efficacy and safety of panax quinquefolius saponin for heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jing , Chang Tianying , Liang Zheng , Cui Yingzi , Wang Xiaodan , Wang Lisha , Jin Hongguang 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is a global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide and leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in conventional therapeutic strategies, the prognosis for HF patients remains challenging, and there is a constant search for novel therapeutic options. Among these, Panax quinquefolius saponin (PQS) has demonstrated promising pharmacological properties that may benefit HF. However, the efficacy and safety of PQS for HF have not been comprehensively evaluated.ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a more reliable estimation of the efficacy and safety of PQS for HF. This will help clinicians make informed decisions regarding the potential use of PQS in managing HF patients.MethodsWe comprehensively and systematically searched for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the following eight electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Data, and China Biology Medicine Database (CBM) from database inception to March 2024. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB 2.0) assessment tool was used for quality assessment, and Review Manager (RevMan, version 5.4) was used for meta-analysis. Mean difference (MD), 95% credible interval (CI), and relative risk (RR) estimates were calculated under a random-effects model. We also used GRADE profiler (GRADEpro, version 3.6) to analyze the quality of outcomes. In addition, the protocol has been registered in International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) under registry number 202440050.ResultsThis study included nine RCTs involving a total of 952 patients with HF. The results of a meta-analysis under a random-effects model showed that adjuvant PQS therapy significantly increased LVEF (MD = 6.23, 95% CI [4.35, 8.12], P &lt; 0.00001), 6MWTD (MD = 25.26, 95% CI [8.23, 42.30], P = 0.004), and decreased BNP/NT-pro-BNP (MD = −187.94, 95% CI [−267.20, −108.67], P &lt; 0.00001), LVEDV (MD = −22.83, 95% CI [−42.79, −2.87], P = 0.02), LVEDD (MD = −4.76, 95% CI [−5.77, −3.74], P &lt; 0.00001), and LVESV (MD = −11.86, 95% CI [−19.89, −3.83], P = 0.004) in patients with HF.ConclusionThe evidence provided by this systematic review suggests that adjunctive PQS therapy for HF can improved clinical efficacy and holds potential advantages in improving cardiac function and increasing exercise tolerance. However, given the limitations inherent in this review, the conclusions of this study should be interpreted cautiously. Therefore, in clinical practice, it is recommended that physicians tailor treatment strategies according to the specific circumstances of individual patients.Systematic Review registrationhttps://inplasy.com/?s=202440050
Substitutions in Fe2P Alloys for Permanent Magnet Applications
Authors: Panagopoulos Vasilios , Sigalos Athanasios , Anyfantis Dimitrios I. , Niarchos Dimitrios 
Published: February 2025

Fe2P (iron phosphide) alloys have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their potential applications in permanent magnet materials, particularly in the context of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. We have sought to tailor the magnetic properties, such as magnetization, coercivity, and Curie temperature, to meet the specific requirements of rare-earth-free permanent magnets for various industrial sectors. In this work, we review recent advancements in the exploration of substitutions (Si, Co, Mn, and Ni) within Fe2P alloys aimed at enhancing their magnetic performance as candidates for permanent magnets. The X-ray patterns of (Fe,Co)2P show great crystallinity with a pure Fe2P phase even with Mn and Ni substitutions. The Fe2P structure crystallizes in the P-62m space group. It has been confirmed that the transition metals substitute the 3g Fe-site, sometimes with adverse effects regarding magnetic properties with Co vs. Ni substitution, and that Si substitutes the 2c P-site. The saturation magnetization increases (MS=87 Am2/kg) with Mn substitution, while the Curie temperature decreases with these substitutions. The impact of various substitutional elements on the magnetic properties of Fe2P alloys is highlighted, and challenges encountered in this field are reported.