bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between serum Klotho levels and estimated pulse wave velocity in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2007–2016
Authors: Wang Baiqiang , Xu Wenqu , Mei Zeyuan , Yang Wei , Meng Xiao , An Guipeng 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPostmenopausal women are at an increased risk of arterial stiffness, which can be assessed using estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum klotho levels and ePWV in postmenopausal women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from postmenopausal women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2016. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence of hypertension. Weighted multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between serum Klotho levels and ePWV in each group. Restricted cubic spline models with multivariable adjustments were employed to examine nonlinear associations within each group.ResultsOur analysis included 4,468 postmenopausal women from the NHANES database, with 1,671 in the non-hypertensive group and 2,797 in the hypertensive group. In all regression models, serum Klotho (ln-transformed) levels were significantly and independently negatively correlated with ePWV in the non-hypertensive group. After fully adjusting for confounders, a 1-unit increase in ln(Klotho) was associated with a 0.13 m/s decrease in ePWV (β = −0.13, 95% CI −0.23 to −0.03; p = 0.008). Additionally, in the fully adjusted model, participants in the highest quartile of ln(Klotho) had an ePWV value 0.14 m/s lower than those in the lowest quartile (p for trend = 0.017; 95% CI −0.23 to −0.05; p = 0.002). This negative correlation was consistent across subgroups and was particularly significant among women aged &lt; 60 years, nonsmokers, and non-Hispanic Black women. However, no association was observed between serum Klotho levels and ePWV in the hypertensive group.ConclusionHypertension may affect the relationship between serum Klotho level and ePWV in postmenopausal women. Increased serum Klotho levels may reduce arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Synergistic relationship between green finance and industrial structure upgrade in the yangtze river economic belt
Authors: Yuan Minglan , Shi Zetai , Tang Decai , Zhu Jie , Li Jiannan 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is experiencing rapid economic development, while ecological and environmental problems are prominent. The development of green finance can help optimize the upgrade of regional industrial structure and promote the improvement of the ecological environment.MethodsThis study constructs an evaluation system for the development level of the YREB based on the panel data of 11 provinces (cities) in the YREB from 2010 to 2020. The entropy method is used to evaluate and analyze the current status of the ecosystem in the YREB, and a panel data model is used to conduct an in-depth investigation to explore the impact of green finance (GF) on the industrial structure upgrade (INS) of the YREB.ResultsThe results of the study show that from 2010 to 2020, the level of GF development in the YREB has increased, and the INS has further developed. In addition, the growth of GF injects a strong impetus to the improvement of INS in YREB, but there are regional differences, which are more obvious in the eastern region and not significant in other regions.DiscussionFinally, based on the research conclusions, relevant strategies and suggestions are proposed to assist the development of GF and INS in the YREB.
Clinical features and immunotherapy outcomes in antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Gao Weiwei , She Jingjing , Su Lihong , Jin Shouyue , Yang Qingwei , Chen Xingyu , Zhu Renjing 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare clinical features, laboratory findings, and immunotherapy responses between antibody-positive and antibody-negative Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis of clinical data from 60 AE patients (33 antibody-positive, 27 antibody-negative) diagnosed at Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University between January 1, 2016, and March 1, 2024 was conducted. Disease severity and treatment response were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the Clinical Assessment Scale for Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE).ResultsAntibody-positive AE patients more frequently presented with multiple symptoms (≥4 symptoms: 39.4% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.036). They demonstrated significantly elevated serum IgG concentrations (p = 0.010) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leukocyte counts (p = 0.014). Conversely, antibody-negative AE patients presented with higher CSF total protein levels (p = 0.025) and albumin quotients (p = 0.018), indicative of more severe blood–brain barrier disruption. Antibody-positive AE patients more frequently received combination first-line immunotherapy (75.8% vs. 48.1%, p = 0.027) and exhibited superior treatment outcomes (90.9% vs. 70%, p = 0.022). Among critically ill patients (peak mRS score: 4–5), improvement in CASE scores was markedly greater in the antibody-positive cohort (median: 4.50 vs. 1.00, p = 0.024).ConclusionAntibody-positive AE patients manifested a more diverse symptom spectrum, elevated serum IgG concentrations and CSF leukocyte counts, and superior responses to immunotherapy. In contrast, antibody-negative AE patients demonstrated more severe blood–brain barrier dysfunction, as evidenced by higher CSF total protein concentrations and albumin quotients.
Effectiveness of a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial in South Korea
Authors: Cho Eunbyul , Kim Sohye , Kim Hwa Jung , Cho Belong , Park Jin Ho , Kwon Hyuktae , Kim Ju Young , Go Yumi , Kang Dong Gyun , Shin Eunyoung , Lee Sumi , Gil Siye , Kim Hyerim , Ahn Jihyun , Kim Joo Young , Jung WonJoo , Go Eunyoung 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWeight-loss strategies through meal replacements are effective and sustainable options. However, few studies have assessed their effects on weight loss including body composition through protein-supplemented meal replacements targeting the Asian population, including Koreans. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet (PSVLCD) for weight reduction and changes in body composition in individuals with obesity over a 12-month long-term period.MethodsIn total, 106 participants with obesity were randomly assigned to a PSVLCD or control group (food-based calorie-restricted diet). Body weight, waist circumference, body composition, and blood marker levels were measured throughout the study. Statistical analyses were performed to compare outcomes between the groups.ResultsAmong the 106 participants, 84 completed the 12-month follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that the mean weight loss from baseline to 12 months was −6.86 kg (8.21% of baseline weight) in the PSVLCD group and − 4.66 kg (5.47% of initial body weight) in the control group; the difference was −2.20 kg with a marginally significant interval (95% confidence interval [CI], −4.90; 0.50). Waist circumference (−8.35 cm vs. -4.85 cm; mean difference, −3.49 cm; 95% CI, −6.48 to −0.50) and visceral fat area (−28.28 cm2 vs. −13.26 cm2; mean difference, −15.03cm2; 95% CI, −29.01 to −1.04) also significantly decreased in the PSVLCD group at 12 months.DiscussionThe PSVLCD group demonstrated a substantial initial reduction in waist circumference that was sustained over the study period, alongside a marginally significant decrease in weight. These findings suggest that a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet may be an effective strategy for long-term weight management and body composition improvement in individuals with obesity.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identififer NCT04597788.
VDR gene TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism affects gut microbiota diversity and composition in a Caucasian population
Authors: Gonzalez-Soltero Rocío , Tabone Mariangela , Larrosa Mar , Bailen Maria , Bressa Carlo 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe VDR gene is identified as a crucial host factor, influencing the gut microbiota. The current research focuses on an observational study that compares gut microbiota composition among individuals with different VDR gene TaqI polymorphisms in a Caucasian Spanish population. This study aims to elucidate the interplay between genetic variations in the VDR gene and the gut microbial composition.Methods87 healthy participants (57 men, 30 women), aged 18 to 48 years, were examined. Anthropometric measures, body composition, and dietary habits were assessed. VDR gene polymorphism TaqI rs731236 was determined using TaqMan assays. The V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced to study bacterial composition, which was analyzed using QIIME2, DADA2 plugin, and PICRUSt2. Statistical analyses included tests for normal distribution, alpha/beta diversity, ADONIS, LEfSe, and DESeq2, with established significance thresholds.ResultsNo significant differences in body composition or dietary habits were observed based on VDR genotypes. Dietary intake analysis revealed no variations in energy, macronutrients, or fiber among the different VDR genotypes. Fecal microbiota analysis indicated significant differences in alpha diversity as measured by Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity index. Differential abundance analysis identified taxonomic disparities, notably in the genera Parabacteroides and Butyricimonas.ConclusionOverall, this study suggests potential associations between genetic variations in the VDR gene and the composition and function of gut microbiota.
Objective assessment of shared plate eating using a wearable camera in urban and rural households in Ghana
Authors: Domfe Christabel A. , McCrory Megan A. , Sazonov Edward , Ghosh Tonmoy , Raju Viprav , Frost Gary , Steiner-Asiedu Matilda , Sun Mingui , Jia Wenyan , Baranowski Tom , Lo Benny , Anderson Alex K. 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundShared plate eating (SPE), defined as two or more individuals eating directly from the same plate or bowl, is a common household food consumption practice in many Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Examination of household engagement in SPE remains largely unexplored, highlighting a gap in research when interpreting dietary information obtained from these settings. The dearth of research into SPE can be attributed to the inherent limitations of traditional dietary assessment methods which constrain their usability in settings where SPE is common.ObjectiveIn this expository narrative, we describe what SPE is when it is practiced in an LMIC such as Ghana; and also compare the frequency of SPE versus individual plate eating (IPE) by different household members in rural and urban households using a wearable camera (Automatic Ingestion Monitor version 2: AIM-2).MethodsPurposive convenience sampling was employed to recruit and enroll 30 households each from an urban and a rural community (n = 60 households) in Ghana. The AIM-2 was worn on eyeglass frames for 3 days by selected household members. The AIM-2, when worn, automatically collects images to capture food consumption in participants’ environments, thus enabling passive capture of household SPE dynamics.ResultsA higher percentage of SPE occasions was observed for rural (96.7%) compared to urban (36.7%) households (p &lt; 0.001). Common SPE dynamics included only adults sharing, adults and children sharing, only children sharing, and non-household member participation in SPE.ConclusionThe wearable camera captured eating dynamics within households that would have likely been missed or altered by traditional dietary assessment methods. Obtaining reliable and accurate data is crucial for assessing dietary intake in settings where SPE is a norm.
Mapping and visualization of global research progress on deubiquitinases in ovarian cancer: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Qiu Fang , Li Yuntong , Zhou Lile , Wu Yingli , Wu Yunzhao , Fan Zhilei , Wang Yingying , Qin Dongjun , Li Chaoqun 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundOvarian cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) have emerged as critical regulators of protein ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, influencing various cellular processes relevant to cancer pathogenesis. In this study, the research progress between ovarian cancer and DUBs was mapped and visualized using bibliometrics, and the expression patterns and biological roles of DUBs in ovarian cancer were summarized.MethodsStudies related to DUBs in ovarian cancer were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. VOSviewer 1.6.20, CiteSpace 6.3.R1, and R4.3.3 were used for bibliometric analysis and visualization.ResultsFor analysis 243 articles were included in this study. The number of publications on DUBs in ovarian cancer has gradually increased each year. China, the United States, and the United Kingdom are at the center of this field of research. The Johns Hopkins University, Genentech, and Roche Holding are the main research institutions. David Komander, Zhihua Liu, and Richard Roden are the top authors in this field. The top five journals with the largest publication volumes in this field are Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Journal of Biological Chemistry, PLOS One, Nature Communications, and Oncotarget. Keyword burst analysis identified five research areas: “deubiquitinating enzyme,” “expression,” “activation,” “degradation,” and “ubiquitin.” In addition, we summarized the expression profiles and biological roles of DUBs in ovarian cancer, highlighting their roles in tumor initiation, growth, chemoresistance, and metastasis.ConclusionAn overview of the research progress is provided in this study on DUBs in ovarian cancer over the last three decades. It offers insight into the most cited papers and authors, core journals, and identified new trends.
Safety assessment of sulfasalazine: a pharmacovigilance study based on FAERS database
Authors: Ye Wangyu , Ding Yuan , Li Meng , Tian Zhihua , Wang Shaoli , Liu Zhen 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundSulfasalazine is a widely used anti-inflammatory medication for treating autoimmune disorders such as ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its safety profile has not been systematically evaluated in real-world settings. By analyzing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, we identified risk signals associated with adverse reactions to sulfasalazine, offering valuable insights for clinical decision-making and risk management.MethodsReports of adverse events (AEs) associated with sulfasalazine, covering the period from Q1 2004 to Q4 2023, were extracted from the FAERS database. Detailed case information was aggregated to assess demographic characteristics. The associations between sulfasalazine and adverse events were evaluated using the Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM).ResultsWe extracted 7,156 adverse event reports from the FAERS database where sulfasalazine was identified as the “Primary Suspect (PS)” drug. Using disproportionality analysis, we identified 101 preferred terms (PT) related to sulfasalazine across 24 organ systems. Notable adverse reactions consistent with the drug’s labeling were observed, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, agranulocytosis, eosinophilic pneumonia, and crystalluria. Additionally, novel positive signals not previously documented in the drug label were identified, including acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, aseptic meningitis, glomerulonephritis, and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma.ConclusionMost of the adverse reaction findings in this study are consistent with previous clinical research, and we have also identified new potential AEs associated with sulfasalazine. These findings provide valuable insights for the safety monitoring and clinical application of sulfasalazine.
Screening key sorghum germplasms for low-nitrogen tolerance at the seedling stage and identifying from the carbon and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Liu Chunjuan , Gu Wendong , Li Bang , Feng Yihao , Liu Chang , Shi Xiaolong , Zhou Yufei 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionSorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) can withstand drought and heat stress and efficiently utilize water and nutrients. However, the underlying mechanism of its tolerance to low-nitrogen (N) stress remains poorly understood.Materials and methodsThis study assessed low-N tolerance in 100 sorghum-inbred lines and identified those with exceptional resilience. Principal component analysis, Pearson’s correlation, and Y value analysis were used to examine various seedling growth metrics, including plant and root dimensions, biomass, chlorophyll content, root N content, shoot N content, and root/shoot ratio.Results and discussionThe genotypes were categorized into four distinct groups based on their respective Y values, revealing a spectrum from highly tolerant to sensitive. Low-N-tolerant sorghum lines maintained higher photosynthetic rates and exhibited increased enzymatic activities linked to carbon and N metabolism in the leaves and roots. Furthermore, low-N-tolerant genotypes had higher levels of key amino acids, including cystine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tyrosine, indicating a robust internal metabolic response to N deficiency.ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive and reliable approach for the evaluation of sorghum tolerance to low-N environments, sheds light on its morphological and physiological adaptations, and provides valuable insights for future breeding programs and agricultural practices.
Household health expenditure does not improve people’s subjective well-being in China
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Sun Yan , Li Gen , Tang Yingde 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionHousehold health expenditure plays a crucial role in the daily spending of individuals. Meanwhile, the attention of the public to subjective well-being (SWB) is constantly increasing in China. Household health expenditure could reduce real family income, harming personal SWB. However, the aim of household health expenditure is to improve the physical condition of an individual, and improvements in individual health could enhance personal SWB. Therefore, the effect of household health expenditure on personal SWB is uncertain; hence, it is essential to assess the effects of household health expenditure on the SWB of Chinese residents.MethodsThe Chinese family panel studies database from 2016 to 2020 was applied in this study. A fixed effects model was used to examine the impact of household medical and health protection expenses on personal SWB. Fixed effects instrumental variable regression and propensity score matching were then used to conduct robustness testing.ResultsOn the basis of a fixed effects model, it was found that household medical and health protection expenditure did not improve the happiness and life satisfaction of individuals; rather, household health protection expenditure could significantly reduce personal happiness. Fixed effects instrumental variable regression and propensity score matching analysis supported these results. Household health protection expenditure had a greater negative impact on the happiness and life satisfaction of females compared with males.ConclusionHousehold health expenditure does not improve the SWB of individuals in China; this has certain significance for the formulation of relevant policies.
An Efficient Autonomous Exploration Framework for Unmanned Surface Vehicles in Unknown Waters
Authors: Song Baojian , Zhang Jiahao , Han Xinjie , Fan Yunsheng , Sun Zhe , Wang Yingjie 
Published: September 2024

The detection of unknown waters has been studied and applied in various fields, such as national defense, military operations, engineering surveying and mapping, and scene reconstruction. To improve exploration efficiency in unknown waters, this paper proposes a framework for autonomous exploration using unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). This framework, comprising a multi-stage exploration strategy and a hierarchical navigation strategy, is designed to mitigate the inherent restrictions between the exploration target point and exploration direction in USV operations. These two strategies are optimized for the exploration target point and feasible navigation route to address the problem of the USV’s limited mobility during exploration. Rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) and boundary detection methods are used in the local layer to find the boundary in front of and behind the USV, and the gain of the target point is optimized. The hierarchical navigation method is implemented in the global layer to plan appropriate navigation paths. The proposed method is tested in simulations in several virtual environments and contrasted with the conventional methods currently in use. The findings indicate that our strategy covers more ground more effectively than other methods (our method achieved an exploration efficiency ranging from 4.9 to 5.3 m2/s, whereas traditional methods ranged from 2.3 to 3.9 m2/s, which demonstrates that our approach can improve exploration efficiency by up to 200% compared to traditional methods), spending less time exploring while significantly reducing collision probability.
Miniband and Gap Evolution in Gauss Chains
Authors: Citrin D. S. 
Published: September 2024

The Gauss chain is a one-dimensional quasiperiodic lattice with sites at zj=jnd, where j∈{0, 1, 2, …, N−1}, n∈{2, 3, 4, …}, and d is the underlying lattice constant. We numerically study the formation of a hierarchy of minibands and gaps as N increases using a Kronig–Penney model. Increasing n empirically results in a more fragmented miniband and gap structure due to the rapid increase in the number of minibands and gaps as n increases, in agreement with previous studies. We show that the Gauss chain zj=j2d and a specific generalized Gauss chain, zj=(j2±12j)d, are treatable by a real-space renormalization group approach. These appear to be the only Gauss chains treatable by this approach, suggesting a hidden symmetry for the quadratic cases.
Streptococcus suis Induces Macrophage M1 Polarization and Pyroptosis
Authors: Li Siqi , Chen Tianfeng , Gao Kexin , Yang Yong-Bo , Qi Baojie , Wang Chunsheng , An Tongqing , Cai Xuehui , Wang Shujie 
Published: September 2024

Streptococcus suis is an important bacterial pathogen that affects the global pig industry. The immunosuppressive nature of S. suis infection is recognized, and our previous research has confirmed thymus atrophy with a large number of necrotic cells. In this current work, we aimed to uncover the role of pyroptosis in cellular necrosis in thymic cells of S. suis-infected mice. Confocal microscopy revealed that S. suis activated the M1 phenotype and primed pyroptosis in the macrophages of atrophied thymus. Live cell imaging further confirmed that S. suis could induce porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) pyroptosis in vitro, displaying cell swelling and forming large bubbles on the plasma membrane. Meanwhile, the levels of p-p38, p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) were increased, which indicated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AKT pathways were also involved in the inflammation of S. suis-infected PAMs. Furthermore, RT-PCR revealed significant mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and chemokine CXCL8. The data indicated that the inflammation induced by S. suis was in parallel with pro-inflammatory activities of M1 macrophages, pyroptosis and MAPK and AKT pathways. Pyroptosis contributes to necrotic cells and thymocyte reduction in the atrophied thymus of mice.