bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations of fractional anisotropy and white matter integrity in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diffusion tensor imaging studies
Authors: Asadi Anar Mahsa , Hassanpour Adeh Aydin , Peiravi Samira , Imani Porshokouh Alireza , Rezazadeh Shojaee Seyedeh Sara , Najafi Farnaz , Pishkari Yasamin , Rahimi Arash , Karami Shaghayegh 
Published: December 2024

Background and aimThe neurological processes responsible for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology and its clinical potentials are not fully understood. The current study aimed to examine white matter microstructural abnormalities and the reasons behind white matter impairment in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome by performing a meta-analysis of diffusion tensor imaging studies.MethodsPubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched until April 2024. Chosen articles based on our defined eligibility criteria were extracted for the data relating to fractional anisotropy and brain connectivity. Webplot digitizer was used to extract digital data. We used the latest version of STATA(ver18) to meta-analyze the data. Quality assessment of studies was done using a critical appraisal tool. Egger’s test for minor study effects assessed the publication bias.Results543 IBS cases and 472 healthy controls were included in this study. The mean age of the case and control group was 35.2 ± 17.4 and 33.6 ± 15.8 (mean ± SD), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in age between groups (p &gt; 0.05). Analyzed Standard mean difference using a fixed model for Fractional anisotropy of regions of interest (ROI) associated with sensory processing, such as the thalamus, insula, primary somatosensory cortex, dorsal cingulum and the fornix in selected studies showcased decreased white matter interactivity in case group however this decrease was not statistically different [SMD −88, 95%CI (−1.32, −0.44), p &gt; 0.05].ConclusionFurther investigation is necessary to ascertain whether the modified structural connectivity mentioned in this study is a contributing factor to IBS, an outcome of the condition, a risk factor for it, or, more probably, a consequence of a mutually influential relationship between the changes observed in the white matter tract and IBS symptoms.
Prognostic importance of an indicator related to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: a prospective study
Authors: Ruan Guo-Tian , Shi Jin-Yu , Xie Hai-Lun , Zhang He-Yang , Zhao Hong , Liu Xiao-Yue , Ge Yi-Zhong , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Yang Ming , Zhu Li-Chen , Shi Han-Ping 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundSystemic inflammation (SI) and insulin resistance (IR) are correlated to the progression of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the potential clinical value of the C-reactive protein-triglyceride-glucose index (CTI) in relation to SI and IR in patients with GI cancer.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included patients with GI cancer. Patient data were collected from Fujian Cancer Hospital as an external validation cohort. Prognostic AUC, time-dependent ROC curve, C-index, and calibration curve analyses were used to predict the efficacy and accuracy of CTI survival prediction. Multivariate survival analysis was performed to evaluate the potential prognostic value of the CTI. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between the CTI and 90-day and 180-day mortalities.ResultsWe divided 1520 patients with GI cancer (mean age, 60.39 ± 11.3 years; male sex, 67%) into a training cohort and internal validation cohort; the external validation cohort included 476 patients. Prognostic AUC, time-dependent ROC curve, C-index, and calibration curve analyses of all cohorts indicated that the CTI could reliably and accurately predict the short- and long-term survival outcomes of patients with GI cancer. Multivariate survival analysis showed that for each standard deviation increase in the CTI, the risk of death increased by 32%, 21%, and 40% in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. A high CTI was correlated to worse survival in patients with GI cancer (training cohort, hazard ratio [HR]=1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.35–2.08; internal validation cohort, HR=1.51, 95% CI=1.07–2.14, and external validation cohort, HR=1.59, 95% CI=1.18–2.13). In different tumor subgroups, a high CTI predicted worse survival outcomes for upper GI cancer (HR=1.54, 95% CI=1.18–2.01) and lower GI cancer (HR=1.98, 95% CI=1.36–2.86). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a high CTI was positively correlated with 90-day (odds ratio [OR]=3.25, 95% CI=1.75–6.23) and 180-day mortalities (OR=2.66, 95% CI=1.72–4.15).ConclusionsThe CTI is related to SI and IR and can predict the short- and long-term prognosis of patients with GI cancer. Evaluation of the CTI could provide clinicians with an effective tool for predicting the prognosis of patients with GI cancer.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=31813, identifier ChiCTR1800020329.
The efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor for locally advanced colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Yan , Huang Lin , Yan Rong , Jiang Min , Li Shuang-Jiao , Fan Wang-Dong 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitors in neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced colorectal cancer (LACRC).MethodRetrieved from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, all relevant studies about PD-1 inhibitors for neoadjuvant treatment of LACRC were collected from inception to 31 December 2023. The efficacy was assessed by the rate of pathological complete response (PCR), clinical complete response (CCR), and major pathological response (MPR), and the safety was evaluated by the incidence of all adverse effects (TRAEs). Subgroup analysis was conducted by experimental design, types of PD-1 inhibitors, and disease types.ResultA total of 803 patients were included in 21 studies. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the PCR rate of PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of LACRC was 54% (95% CI: 43%–65%, P&lt;0.05); the CCR of anti-PD-1 was 40% (95% CI: 26%–54%, P&lt;0.05); the MPR was 66% (95% CI: 56%–76%, P&lt;0.05); and the irAEs was 27% (95% CI: 17%–37%, P&lt;0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that the PCRs in prospective studies and retrospective studies were 49% (95% CI: 32%–66%, P&lt;0.05) and 57% (95% CI: 42%–73%, P&lt;0.05), respectively. Among the 803 patients, 619 (77%) were diagnosed with rectal cancer (RC), and the PCR and MPR were 49% and 65%, respectively; 184 (23%) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC), and the PCR and MPR were both 67%. In our meta-analysis, types of PD-1 inhibitors, including sintilimab, toripalimab, camrelizumab, avelumab, pembrolizumab, and tislelizumab, and patients who received PD-1 inhibitors alone or in combination achieved good PCR rates.ConclusionNeoadjuvant therapy combined with a PD-1 inhibitor has a favorable PCR and relatively low incidences of irAEs for patients with LACRC, suggesting that this regimen including a PD-1 inhibitor is significantly effective and sufficiently safe.
Influence of zonular tension on molecular transport in the porcine ocular lens
Authors: Crews Morgan , Rich Wade , Reilly Matthew A. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAccommodation is the process of changing the ocular lens’ refractive power and focal distance. This process involves application of biomechanical forces on the lens by the surrounding musculature. Previous studies have demonstrated that the lens epithelium demonstrates mechanotransduction and that tension influences its chemical activity. It is not yet known how these forces affect the structure and permeability of the lens. This study aimed to identify the influence of tension on molecular transport of dyes through the lens.MethodsPaired porcine eyes were incubated in each of four dyes for three time periods with no stretch (null), static, or cyclic stretching using a bespoke mechanical lens stretcher. After incubation, the lenses were frozen and cryosectioned sagittally through the optic axis. Photographs of the stretched and unstretched lenses were compared and qualitatively assessed.ResultsNone of the four dyes showed drastic stretch-induced differences in dye penetration depth. However, the dye neutral red showed dramatic stretch-induced changes in the dye uptake color behind lens anterior surfaces, with unstretched lenses appearing far more orange than their stretched counterparts. Three of four dyes showed notable differences between anterior and posterior diffusion patterns. One dye, methylene blue, demonstrated unexpected intensity in the lens nucleus compared to the lower intensity shown in the cortex, suggesting active transport rather than a linearly graded passive diffusion regardless of stretching condition.DiscussionAll this taken together suggests that lens transport is more complex than simple passive diffusion and that active transport of some molecules may be affected by stretching. Future work should assess the mechanisms of transport for the various dyes and attempt to explain the dye permeation patterns observed here, including the effects of stretching.
Is conduction system pacing more effective than right ventricular pacing in reducing atrial high-rate episodes in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction?
Authors: Chen Ying , Ma Zhu-Lin , Liu Fei , Wang Nan , Ma Yue-Yang , Guan Zi-An , Zhe Zhuang-Chuan , Xia Yun-Long , Dong Ying-Xue 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between conduction system pacing (CSP) and the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the occurrence of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) following CSP in patients with HFpEF, in comparison to right ventricular pacing (RVP).MethodsPatients with HFpEF who received dual-chamber pacemakers for atrioventricular block were retrospectively enrolled from January 2018 to January 2023. Both new-onset and progressive AHREs were recorded, along with other clinical data, including cardiac performance and lead outcomes.ResultsA total of 498 patients were enrolled, comprising 387 patients with RVP and 111 patients with CSP, with a follow-up duration of 44.42 ± 10.41 months. In patients without a prior history of AF, CSP was associated with a significantly lower incidence of new-onset AHREs when the percentage of ventricular pacing was ≥20% (9.52% vs. 29.70%, P = 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, CSP exhibited a lower hazard ratio for new-onset AHREs compared to RVP (HR 0.336; [95% CI: 0.142–0.795]; P = 0.013), alongside left atrial diameter (LAD) (HR 1.109; [95% CI: 1.048–1.173]; P &lt; 0.001). In patients with a history of AF, the progression of AHREs in CSP and RVP did not differ significantly (32.35% vs. 34.75%, P = 0.791). Cardiac performance metrics, including left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (49.09 ± 4.28 mm vs. 48.08 ± 4.72 mm; P = 0.015), LAD (40.68 ± 5.49 mm vs. 39.47 ± 5.24 mm; P = 0.001), and NYHA class (2.31 ± 0.46 vs. 1.59 ± 0.73; P &lt; 0.001), improved obviously following CSP, while LVEDD (48.37 ± 4.57 mm vs. 49.30 ± 5.32 mm; P &lt; 0.001), LAD (39.77 ± 4.58 mm vs. 40.83 ± 4.80 mm; P &lt; 0.001), NYHA class (2.24 ± 0.43 vs. 2.35 ± 0.83; P = 0.018), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (57.41 ± 2.42 vs. 54.24 ± 6.65; P &lt; 0.001) deteriorated after RVP.ConclusionOur findings suggest that CSP may be associated with improvements in cardiac performance and a reduction in new-onset AHREs compared to RVP in patients with HFpEF. However, prospective randomized trials are anticipated to confirm these potential benefits.
Activation characteristics of Ty3-retrotransposons after spaceflight and genetic stability of insertion sites in rice progeny
Authors: Yang Qing , Chen Lishan , Zhang Meng , Wang Wei , Zhang Binquan , Zhou Dazhuang , Sun Yeqing 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe space environment is mutagenic and may induce genomic and phenotypic variations. Exploring the changes in transposon activity in the rice genome under space radiation is of great significance.MethodsTo analyze the activation characteristics of Ty3-retrotransposons and genetic stability of insertion sites in rice progeny after spaceflight, seeds of Nipponbare, DN416, and DN423 were exposed on board the SJ-10 recoverable satellite for 12.5 days. The differential methylation and transcription levels of Ty3-retrotransposons in the genome of Nipponbare's F0 generation after spaceflight, as well as the genetic stability of Ty3-retrotransposon insertion sites in DN416 and DN423 from F3 to F5 generations, was analyzed.ResultsThe study found that the retrotransposons of ancient and young transposon families underwent demethylation from the tillering to heading stages of Nipponbare plants, which were F0 generation of space-exposed seeds, when the Nipponbare seeds were hit by single space high charge and energy (HZE) particles with LET ≥ 100 keV/μm. the transcription levels significantly increased in ancient transposon families (osr30, osr40, and rire10) and young transposon families (dagul, rn215-125, osr37, RLG_15, osr34, rire8, rire3, rire2, and hopi) (p ≤ 0.05) when LET &gt; 100 keV/μm. Furthermore, the young Ty3-retrotransposons, which included the hopi, squiq, dasheng, rire2, rire3, rire8, osr34, rn_215-125, dagul, and RLG_15 families, underwent 1 to 8 transpositions in the F3 to F5 of DN416 and DN423 mutants, and some of these transposon insertion sites were stably inherited.DiscussionThe research holds great significance for understanding the activation characteristics of Ty3-retrotransposons in the rice genome induced by space radiation and the genetic characteristics of transposon insertion sites in its progeny.
A systematic review on career interventions for high school students
Authors: Wang Danqi , Li Yanling , Wang Gang 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThis study presents a systematic literature review of career interventions for high school students, exploring the theoretical framework, intervention modality, evaluation and outcomes of the intervention.MethodsFive keywords, three databases and five inclusion criteria were defined. Of the 419 documents collected, 25 remained for meta-synthesis.ResultsThe results showed that (1) the theoretical framework mainly consisted of career construct theory, social cognitive career theory, and cognitive information processing theory. (2) The intervention modality was mainly group counseling (8 sessions, 45 min). (3) The evaluation system mainly consisted of a pre-and post-test for the experimental and control group, and (4) the intervention outcomes were mainly focused on the positive development of career adaptability and career decision-making.DiscussionThe discussion offers recommendations for future research and practice in high school career interventions. (1) Social cognitive career theory should be given attention. (2) A three-tiered high school career development guidance model of career curriculum, career group counseling and individual counseling could be developed. (3) Career interventions should be shifted to mixed quantitative and qualitative studies, tracer studies, and special groups. (4) Outcome expectations should be given equal attention.
The Ukrainian version of the Perceived Injustice Questionnaire: A psychometric evaluation
Authors: Weigelt Anna , Kizilhan Jan Ilhan 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPerceived injustice is increasingly recognized as a key factor influencing mental health in war survivors. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Ukrainian translation of the Perceived Injustice Questionnaire (PIQ) among individuals directly exposed to the war in Ukraine.Methods170 war-exposed Ukrainians completed the Ukrainian PIQ and measures of post-traumatic tress disorder (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), and potentially traumatic life events (LEC-5). Internal consistency, factor structure, and criterion validity were assessed.ResultsWhile the factor structure of the English version could not be reproduced, indicating an issue with factor validity in the Ukrainian version, the Ukrainian PIQ demonstrated strong correlations with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (r = .71, p &lt;.01), moderate associations with depression (r = .62, p &lt;.01) and generalized anxiety disorder (r = .61, p &lt;.01), and a weaker link with potentially traumatic life events (PTLEs, r = .35, p &lt;.01). It significantly predicted PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms beyond PTLE exposure, explaining 33% of variance in depression, 31% in GAD, and 45% in PTSD These findings provide evidence supporting the construct validity of the PIQ in terms of its relationships with mental health outcomes. The Ukrainian PIQ also demonstrated excellent overall reliability (α = .90), with factor reliabilities ranging from α = .74 to α = .81.ConclusionsThe Ukrainian version of the PIQ demonstrates promising psychometric properties and emerges as a highly significant correlate of mental health outcomes. This underscores its potential utility in clinical practice for assessing the treatment needs of Ukrainians affected by the consequences of war. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of developing therapy modules specifically tailored to address perceived injustice. Further research is warranted to investigate the cross-cultural adaptability and comparability of the PIQ.
Genotypes and drug resistance pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex among clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Alemayehu Alem , Wassie Liya , Alemayehu Dawit Hailu , Adnew Bethlehem , Neway Sebsib , Tefera Dessalegn Abeje , Ayalew Sosina , Hailu Elena , Ayele Samuel , Seyoum Berhanu , Bobosha Kidist , Abebe Markos , Aseffa Abraham , Petros Beyene , Howe Rawleigh 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundClinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) (CDPTB) patients account for a huge proportion of TB. However, little is known about the genetic diversity and drug resistance profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) strains in this group of patients.MethodUnmatched case–control study was conducted among 313 PTB patients to compare the genetic diversity of MTBC and their drug resistance profiles among CDPTB (n = 173) and bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB (BCPTB) (n = 140) patients. Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture, geneXpert and acid fast staining were performed on sputum specimen collected from both CDPTB and BCPTB patients. Spoligotyping, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and phenotypic drug resistance testing (DST) were done for a subset of LJ grown MTBC isolates. Data was analyzed by STATA version 17 software and a p-value &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe proportion of lineage 3 was larger among CDPTB patients (31%, 13/42) compared to BCPTB patients (15%, 11/74) (p-value &lt;0.05). A higher proportion of MTBC isolates from CDPTB 16.6% (3/18) were phenotypically resistant to one or more anti-TB drugs than BCPTB 12% (4/33) (p-value &gt;0.05). A single lineage 3 strain resistant to all the primary anti-TB drugs was detected in one CDPTB by both DST methods.ConclusionThe observed differences in the genotypes of MTBC isolates between CDPTB and BCPTB patients may be attributed to challenges in the identification of CDPTB that requires further investigation on sequenced genome of the MTBC strains for better understanding and recommendation based on the current finding. There was also primary drug resistant TB among culture positive CDPTB patients which would be otherwise missed by current national protocols.
Dietary diversity and development among early childhood children in rural China
Authors: Qin Yanyan , Yue Ai , Zhang Yali , Zhang Xinyue , Gao Yuan , Liang Shibin , Song Qiannan , Qiao Na 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundEarly childhood is a critical period for cognitive development, heavily influenced by nutrition. Despite significant economic advancements, malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies persist in many low- and middle-income countries, including China, where dietary diversity remains suboptimal. Existing research predominantly relies on correlational data, underscoring the need for more rigorous empirical evidence. This study aims to fill that gap by providing stronger empirical evidence on the relationship between dietary diversity and developmental outcomes in rural Chinese children.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal cohort study of 1,207 children aged 6–23 months, drawn from 100 villages across 22 counties in rural China, with three follow-up rounds extending until the children reached 51–83 months of age. Cognitive and non-cognitive development, as well as key health indicators, were evaluated. Cognitive development was measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Fourth Edition. Non-cognitive development was assessed via the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Health indicators included anemia, frequency of illness in the past 2 weeks, and four key anthropometric measures (height-for-age z-scores, weight-for-age z-scores, weight-for-height z-scores, and body mass index-for-age z-scores). Multiple linear regression models were applied to analyze the relationship between dietary diversity scores (DDS) and developmental outcomes, incorporating child fixed effects and adjustments for time-variant confounders. We accounted for the hierarchical structure of the data by clustering standard errors at the village level, which also reflects the township level.ResultsThe regression analysis identified significant positive associations between DDS and cognitive (p &lt; 0.01), as well as reduced illness incidence (p &lt; 0.001) in children aged 6–54 months. Additionally, DDS demonstrated a strong positive effect on non-cognitive development (p &lt; 0.001) in children 2 years and older. The associations between DDS, non-cognitive development (p &lt; 0.01), and illnesses reduction (p &lt; 0.001) remained robust under two-way fixed effects models.ImplicationsTo promote sustainable improvements in child development and health, policymakers should prioritize nutrition-focused interventions in rural areas. Community-based programs offering caregivers training and nutritional support, integrated within healthcare and social services infrastructures, are vital for ensuring families have the necessary resources enhance child wellbeing and long-term developmental outcomes.