bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of convalescent plasma and hyperimmune immunoglobulins in the COVID-19 pandemic, including implications for future preparedness
Authors: So-Osman Cynthia , Burnouf Thierry , Al-Riyami Arwa Z. , Bloch Evan M. , Estcourt Lise , Goel Ruchika , Tiberghien Pierre , Vermeulen Marion , Wendel Silvano , Wood Erica M. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWhen Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) struck the world in December 2019, initiatives started to investigate the efficacy of convalescent plasma, a readily available source of passive antibodies, collected from recovered patients as a therapeutic option. This was based on historical observational data from previous virus outbreaks.MethodsA scoping review was conducted on the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma and hyperimmune immunoglobulins for COVID-19 treatment. This review included the latest Cochrane systematic review update on 30-day mortality and safety. We also covered use in pediatric and immunocompromised patients, as well as the logistic challenges faced in donor recruitment and plasma collection in general. Challenges for low resource countries were specifically highlighted.ResultsA major challenge is the high donation frequency required from first-time donors to ensure a safe product, which minimizes the risk of transfusion-transmitted infectious. This is particularly difficult in low- and middle- income countries due to inadequate infrastructure and insufficient blood product supplies. High-certainty evidence indicates that convalescent plasma does not reduce mortality or significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. However, CCP may provide a viable treatment for patients unable to mount an endogenous immune response to SARS-CoV-2, based on mostly observational studies and subgroup data of published and ongoing randomized trials. Convalescent plasma has been shown to be safe in adults and children with COVID-19 infection. However, the efficacy in pediatric patients remains unclear.DiscussionData on efficacy and safety of CCP are still underway in ongoing (randomized) studies and by reporting the challenges, limitations and successes encountered to-date, research gaps were identified to be addressed for the future.ConclusionThis experience serves as a valuable example for future pandemic preparedness, particularly when therapeutic options are limited, and vaccines are either being developed or ineffective due to underlying immunosuppression.
Socio-economic impacts of the recent bio-invasion of Callinectus sapidus on small-scale artisanal fishing in southern Italy and Portugal
Authors: Nardelli Ludovica , Fucilli Vincenzo , Pinto Hugo , Elston Jennifer Nicole , Carignani Annalisa , Petrontino Alessandro , Bozzo Francesco , Frem Michel 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe recent and growing bio-invasion of the Callinectes sapidus (known as blue crab) is causing damages in the European aquatic ecosystems, and affecting the livelihoods of the fishermen. In this context, this study explores the socio-economic impacts of this bio-invasion on small-scale artisanal fishermen in the Apulia (southern Italy) and Algarve (southern Portugal) regions, analyzing their perceptions and highlighting the repercussions of this bio-invasion on their livelihoods.MethodsFor this purpose, we carried out a field survey with representative small-scale artisanal fishermen based on the “Socio-economic Impact Classification of Alien Taxa” (SEICAT) approach by means of an “Exploratory Factor Analysis” (EFA), and a “Hierarchical Analysis and K-means Cluster Analysis”.Results and discussionThe findings reveal that the two study areas, Apulia and Algarve, exhibit markedly different perceptions of the impact of the blue crab invasion on the well-being and activity of fishermen. In Apulia, the invasion has led to extensive damage to fishing nets, physical harm, a decline in other commercial species, reduced catch quantities, increased working hours, higher costs, and lower incomes. Conversely, in the Algarve, while net damage is less severe, the primary concerns are physical harm, increased working hours, higher costs, and reduced income. Consequently, this research provides an empirical basis for the adoption of management measures and interventions to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of the blue crab on the fishing community and local economy, thereby contributing to the well-being of both individuals and the marine ecosystem.
The vicious cycle of frailty and pain: a two-sided causal relationship revealed
Authors: Zhong Ruipeng , Chen Yijian , Zhong Lanhua , Huang Guiming , Liang Weidong , Zou Yun 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe decline in physiological functions in the older people is frequently accompanied with pain and frailty, yet the causal connection between frailty and pain remains uncertain. In this study, we utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the potential causal association between frailty and pain.MethodsTwo-sample bidirectional MR was conducted using summary data from genome-wide association studies to examine the potential causal relationship between frailty (defined by the frailty index and frailty phenotype) and pain. Summary genome wide association statistics were extracted from populations of European ancestry. We also investigated the causal relationship between frailty and site-specific pain, including joint pain, limb pain, thoracic spine pain and low back pain. Causal effects were estimated using the inverse variance weighting method. Sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the results.ResultsGenetic predisposition to frailty was associated with an increased risk of pain (frailty phenotype odds ratio [OR]: 1.73; P = 3.54 × 10–6, frailty index OR: 1.36; P = 2.43 × 10–4). Meanwhile, individuals with a genetic inclination toward pain had a higher risk of developing frailty. Regarding site-specific pain, genetic prediction of the frailty phenotype increased the occurrence risk of joint pain, limb pain and low back pain. Reverse MR analysis further showed that limb pain and low back pain were associated with an increased risk of frailty occurrence.ConclusionThis study presented evidence supporting a bidirectional causal relationship between frailty and pain. We highlighted the significance of addressing pain to prevent frailty and recommend the inclusion of pain assessment in the evaluation system for frailty.
Exploring the causal associations between diet-derived circulating antioxidants and the risk of endometriosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Xie Zhen , Qiu Hongbing , Xie Xiaofeng , Liu Lusha 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundNumerous observational studies and randomized controlled trials have recently revealed the associations between circulating antioxidants and the risk of endometriosis, while the underlying causal relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the causal association between genetically determined circulating antioxidants and the risk of endometriosis using Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsA two-sample MR analysis was conducted using publicly available summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate the causal impact of genetically determined absolute circulating antioxidants (such as ascorbate, retinol, β-carotene, and lycopene) and their metabolites (including α-and γ-tocopherol, ascorbate, and retinol) on the risk of endometriosis. The study used inverse variance weighted (IVW) or Wald ratio analyses as the primary estimation method and also conducted sensitivity analyses to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.ResultsNo significant causality was observed for genetically determined circulating antioxidants and the risk of endometriosis. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) for absolute circulating antioxidants were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.32–1.18, retinol), 0.95 (95% CI: 0.79–1.15, β-carotene), 1.01 (95% CI: 0.95–1.08, lycopene), and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99–1.02, ascorbate, expressed as a Wald ratio). The pooled ORs indicating the EM risk per unit increase in circulating antioxidant metabolites were 1.04 (95% CI: 0.82–1.33, γ-tocopherol), 0.91 (95% CI: 0.57–1.46, α-tocopherol), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.99–1.07, retinol), and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.87–1.06, ascorbate).ConclusionOur study demonstrated that increased levels of diet-derived circulating antioxidants were not significantly associated with a reduced risk of endometriosis.
Efficacy and safety evaluation of first-line systemic treatments for unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Huiling , Tan Yong , Ma Chao , Wei Yushan , Shi Fengling , Wang Juan , Xu Caihua , Liang Rongrui 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of various first-line initial treatment systemic regimens for patients with unresectable esophageal squamous carcinoma(ESCC), utilizing a network meta-analysis approach.MethodsA comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials focusing on the primary treatment of esophageal cancer ESCC was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, up until November 17, 2023. The quality of the included studies was rigorously assessed using Review Manager software. Subsequently, data analysis was meticulously carried out employing R software. The first-line treatment regimens examined were: CD (Cisplatin + Docetaxel), CET-CF (Cetuximab + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil), CF (Cisplatin + Fluorouracil), N-CF (Nivolumab + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil), NI (Nivolumab + Ipilimumab), Nim-CF (Nimotuzumab + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil), P-CF (Pembrolizumab + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil), and Ser-CF (Serplulimab + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil). The Primary endpoints included the overall survival(OS),progression-free survival (PFS),objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR).The secondary endpoint was adverse effects(AEs).ResultsThe analysis encompassed eight studies, incorporating a total of 3,051 patients with untreated esophageal cancer. There are 45 people in the CD regimen,32 in the CET-CF regimen,1,212 in the CF regimen,447 in the N-CF regimen,456 in the NI regimen,53 in the Nim-CF regimen,447 in the P-CF regimen and 368 in the Ser-CF regimen. The network meta-analysis revealed that, in comparison to the CF regimen, the other regimens (CD, CET-CF, N-CF, NI, Nim-CF, P-CF, and Ser-CF) did not demonstrate a statistically significant impact on overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS). However, Ser-CF potentially offers superior outcomes in terms of OS and PFS when juxtaposed with other regimens. Notably, N-CF was associated with a substantial increase in the objective response rate (ORR), and CET-CF markedly improved the disease control rate (DCR). In terms of adverse effects, N-CF was more likely to cause anorexia, whereas CET-CF was significantly associated with nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, and skin disorders.ConclusionThe current evidence suggests that N-CF may provide the most favorable outcomes in terms of ORR, while CET-CF could be the optimal choice for enhancing DCR in patients with untreated esophageal cancer.
Association of the systemic inflammation and anthropometric measurements with cancer risk: a prospective study in MJ cohort
Authors: Bian Zilong , Xu Luopiao , Wang Yuting , Tsai Min-Kuang , Chu David Ta-Wei , Tu Huakang , Wen Chi-Pang , Wu Xifeng 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the specific role of inflammation in the connection between obesity and the overall incidence of cancer.MethodsA total of 356,554 participants in MJ cohort study were included. Systemic inflammation markers from blood samples and anthropometric measurements were determined using professional instruments. The Cox model was adopted to evaluate the association.ResultsOver a median follow-up of 8.2 years, 9,048 cancer cases were identified. For individual systemic inflammation biomarkers, the overall cancer risk significantly escalated as blood C-reactive protein (CRP) (hazard ratio (HR)=1.036 (1.017-1.054)) and globulin (GLO) (HR=1.128 (1.105-1.152)) levels increased, and as hemoglobin (HEMO) (HR=0.863 (0.842-0.884)), albumin (ALB) (HR=0.846 (0.829-0.863)) and platelets (PLA) (HR=0.842 (0.827-0.858)) levels decreased. For composite indicators, most of them existed a significant relationship to the overall cancer risk. Most indicators were correlated with the overall cancer and obesity-related cancer risk, but there was a reduction of association with non-obesity related cancer risk. Most of indicators mediated the association between anthropometric measurements and overall cancer risk.ConclusionsSystemic inflammatory state was significantly associated with increased risks of cancer risk. Inflammation biomarkers were found to partly mediate the association between obesity and cancer risk.
Efficacy of different medications in the treatment of gynaecological tumours: a clinical meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Qiaoying 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundA gynaecological tumour is one of the world’s leading causes of death for women globally. Among women, cancer is the 8th most common cause of death. Since there are no such programmes, the majority of women who are diagnosed with the condition are either in advanced stages or do not respond well to current treatments. Even if patients react to the treatments, they still risk having the cancer return, at which point any further medical intervention is met with resistance.MethodFor this study, we selected the systemic reviews and articles that have the use of different medications used for the treatment of gynaecological tumours.ResultsRegarding metformin use, this study found a positive relationship between higher survival and metformin use. Five of the studies that examined the use of statins revealed a link between statin use and higher overall and/or progression-free survival rates. Individuals on lipophilic and hydrophilic statins would do better. Research evaluating beta-blocker use during neoadjuvant treatment revealed a time-varying effect, with improved survival seen across all users early in the follow-up period. However, only non-selective beta-blocker users demonstrated a correlation with higher survival after five years. One study found that the benefits of aspirin use were significant, but the advantage for continuous users (both before and after diagnosis) was minimal.ConclusionConclusions on the association between gynaecological tumour survival and NA-NSAIDs, metformin, beta-blockers, and aspirin cannot be drawn due to insufficient evidence. However, the vast majority of statin studies have demonstrated that users had higher rates of survival. Bias, however, bias may affect the results of the studies.
eXplainable artificial intelligence applied to algorithms for disruption prediction in tokamak devices
Authors: Bonalumi L. , Aymerich E. , Alessi E. , Cannas B. , Fanni A. , Lazzaro E. , Nowak S. , Pisano F. , Sias G. , Sozzi C. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: This work explores the use of eXplainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to analyze a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained for disruption prediction in tokamak devices and fed with inputs composed of different physical quantities.Methods: This work focuses on a reduced dataset containing disruptions that follow patterns which are distinguishable based on their impact on the electron temperature profile. Our objective is to demonstrate that the CNN, without explicit training for these specific mechanisms, has implicitly learned to differentiate between these two disruption paths. With this purpose, two XAI algorithms have been implemented: occlusion and saliency maps.Results: The main outcome of this paper comes from the temperature profile analysis, which evaluates whether the CNN prioritizes the outer and inner regions.Discussion: The result of this investigation reveals a consistent shift in the CNN’s output sensitivity depending on whether the inner or outer part of the temperature profile is perturbed, reflecting the underlying physical phenomena occurring in the plasma.
Evolution and governance of online public opinion during COVID-19: a hybrid approach using communication visualization, SIR modeling, and simulation validation
Authors: Ren Lin , Zhang Jiehua , Su Zhongyue , Lai Fujun , Xiong Deping 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis study investigates the mechanisms of public opinion dissemination and governance strategies during public health events, using a two-stage SIR model informed by the Information Cascade Theory.MethodsThe research employs Gephi visual analysis to identify principal nodes of public opinion and combines model simulations with dynamic propagation analysis to verify the model's precision and applicability.ResultsThe findings reveal that pivotal information nodes significantly accelerate the spread of public opinion, while ordinary nodes contribute to the natural attenuation of public discourse due to their strong spontaneous recovery capabilities. The simulation analysis further identifies the optimal timing for government intervention, particularly during the initial and peak phases of public opinion dissemination.DiscussionBased on the results, the study recommends strategies to strengthen the management of key opinion nodes, enhance public information literacy, optimize policy implementation, and utilize simulation tools to assist in public opinion management. These recommendations offer valuable theoretical and practical insights for managing public opinion during public health events.
Comparison of transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed cold-resistant metabolic pathways in cucumber roots under low-temperature stress in root zone
Authors: Sun Shijun , Yang Yan , Hao Shuiyuan , Liu Ye , Zhang Xin , Yang Pudi , Zhang Xudong , Luo Yusong 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionLow ground temperature is a major factor limiting overwintering in cucumber cultivation facilities in northern alpine regions. Lower temperatures in the root zone directly affect the physiological function of the root system, which in turn affects the normal physiological activity of plants. However, the importance of the ground temperature in facilities has not attracted sufficient attention. MethodsTherefore, this study tested the cucumber variety Jinyou 35 under three root zone temperatures (room temperature, 20–22°C; suboptimal temperature, 13– 15°C; and low temperature, 8–10°C) to investigated possible cold resistance mechanisms in the root of cucumber seedlings through hormone, metabolomics, and transcriptomics analyses.Results and discussionThe results showed that cucumber roots were subjected to chilling stress at different temperatures. Hormone analysis indicated that auxin content was highest in the roots. Jasmonic acid and strigolactone participated in the low-temperature stress response. Auxin and jasmonate are key hormones that regulate the response of cucumber roots to low temperatures. Phenolic acid was the most abundant metabolite in cucumber roots under chilling stress. Additionally, triterpenes may play an important role in chilling resistance. Differentially expressed genes and metabolites were significantly enriched in benzoxazinoid biosynthesis in the room temperature vs. suboptimal temperature groups and the room temperature vs. low temperature groups. Most differentially expressed transcription factor genes in AP2/ERF were strongly induced in cucumber roots by both suboptimal and low-temperature stress conditions. These results provide guidance for the cultivation of cucumber in facilities.
Explainable artificial intelligence for genotype-to-phenotype prediction in plant breeding: a case study with a dataset from an almond germplasm collection
Authors: Novielli Pierfrancesco , Romano Donato , Pavan Stefano , Losciale Pasquale , Stellacci Anna Maria , Diacono Domenico , Bellotti Roberto , Tangaro Sabina 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAdvances in DNA sequencing revolutionized plant genomics and significantly contributed to the study of genetic diversity. However, predicting phenotypes from genomic data remains a challenge, particularly in the context of plant breeding. Despite significant progress, accurately predicting phenotypes from high-dimensional genomic data remains a challenge, particularly in identifying the key genetic factors influencing these predictions. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques with advanced machine learning models. This approach is intended to enhance both the predictive accuracy and interpretability of genotype-to-phenotype models, thereby improving their reliability and supporting more informed breeding decisions.ResultsThis study compares several ML methods for genotype-to-phenotype prediction, using data available from an almond germplasm collection. After preprocessing and feature selection, regression models are employed to predict almond shelling fraction. Best predictions were obtained by the Random Forest method (correlation = 0.727 ± 0.020, an R2 = 0.511 ± 0.025, and an RMSE = 7.746 ± 0.199). Notably, the application of the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values algorithm to explain the results highlighted several genomic regions associated with the trait, including one, having the highest feature importance, located in a gene potentially involved in seed development.ConclusionsEmploying explainable artificial intelligence algorithms enhances model interpretability, identifying genetic polymorphisms associated with the shelling percentage. These findings underscore XAI’s efficacy in predicting phenotypic traits from genomic data, highlighting its significance in optimizing crop production for sustainable agriculture.
Effects of mindfulness-based music listening on conflict control in young adults with insomnia disorder: behavioral and event-related potential evidence
Authors: Shi Huijuan , Liu Yi , Liu Yong , Zheng Maoping , Liu Xiaolin 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionInsomnia Disorder (ID) has become the second most prevalent mental disorder, with significant negative effects on daytime cognitive functions. Previous studies suggested that mindfulness-based music listening (MBML) can effectively improve conflict control and attentional processing in healthy adults. However, the behavioral and neurophysiological characteristics of MBML in young adults with ID remain unclear.MethodsTo explore the behavioral and neurophysiological characteristics of MBML in regulating negative emotions among young Chinese adults with ID, 60 young adults with ID were asked to complete an emotion-word Stroop task under three mood states while recording event-related potentials (ERPs).ResultsTask and questionnaire results showed that (1) negative emotion induced by the negative simulated video significantly suppressed the attentional processing of emotional faces and words in the conflict control task among young people with ID, (2) MBML reduced cognitive and physical arousal levels, enhanced positive mood, and improved attentional control abilities in young adults with ID. The ERP results showed that a greater N3 effect and the smaller P3 and late positive component (LPC) effects reflected that MBML effectively regulated negative emotions induced by the negative simulated video and attentional processing abilities for conflict control in young adults with ID.DiscussionMaintaining mindfulness while listening to music may enhance positive emotional experiences and improve cognitive ability, and exhibit larger N3 effects and smaller P3 and LPC effects in the electrophysiology mechanism, with a reduction in the hyperarousal level in young adults with insomnia disorders.