bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of multiple stress events at different stages of life on the incidence of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Li Na , Gao Yuanyuan , Zhao Xiaochuan , Wang Lan , Wang Ran , Song Mei , Hu Peihua , Lu Wenting , Zhao Tianyu , Huang Fanfan , Liu Bufan , Ren Ruojia , Wang Xueyi 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of multiple stress events in different stages of life on the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS).MethodsMiners from Tangshan, China, were recruited for this study. Workers of the Kailuan Mining Group were evaluated to investigate whether exposure to Tangshan earthquakes during the fetal period in 1976. Adult life events and childhood trauma were assessed separately via the Life Event Scale and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. The subjects were physically examined and general demographic data such as waist circumference were collected. Blood samples were collected for measurement of metabolic parameters. Corticotropin releasing hormone(CRH) levels was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The subjects were divided into four groups according to their exposure to traumatic events in different stages of life: no exposure group, 1-exposure group, 2-exposures group, and 3-exposures group. The incidence of MetS, metabolic parameters and CRH levels in each of the four groups was compared.ResultsIn all, 626 people were enrolled; of these, 183, 262, 150, and 31 were in the no exposure, 1-exposure, 2-exposures, and 3-exposure groups, respectively. A remarkable variation in the incidence of MetS was observed among the four groups (x2 = 16.462, P&lt;0.001). MetS incidence increased with the increasing number of traumatic events, except for in the no exposure group (17.9% in 1-exposure group, 24.7% in 2-exposure group, and 48.4% in the 3-exposure group). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that exposure to multiple stress during the fetal, childhood, and adult stages of life represent independent risk factors for developing MetS (OR=3.134, 95%CI=1.042–9.429). Smoking increased the risk of developing MetS (OR=1.809, 95%CI=1.140–2.871).ConclusionsExposure to multiple traumatic events in distinct life stages increases the risk of developing MetS. Smoking is a risk factor for developing MetS.
Prognostic role of serum cytokines level in non-small cell lung cancer patients with anti-PD-1 and chemotherapy combined treatment
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Zhou Chao , Jiang Haohua , Chu Tianqing , Zhong Runbo , Zhang Xueyan , Shen Yinchen , Han Baohui 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundChemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitor treatment has revolutionized the standard of care for patients with NSCLC. However, the benefit is not universal, highlighting the need for precise prediction factors. Given their relationship with the immune system and non-invasive nature, serum cytokines are potential candidates for predicting the clinical effects of chemoimmunotherapy. Our study aims to evaluate the association of serum cytokines with the prognosis of patients with NSCLC treated with chemoimmunotherapy.MethodsLevels of 10 serum cytokines were detected in 60 NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy plus PD-1 inhibitor-based treatment. Of these, dynamic samples from 19 patients were collected at baseline and after two treatment cycles. Their association with patients’ clinicopathological characteristics, PFS and OS was described and investigated using survival analysis, cox regression and time-dependent ROC analysis. Preliminary evaluation of changes in cytokine levels associated with treatment response was conducted.ResultsPatients with lower baseline levels of serum IL-6, IL-5, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-10 had longer PFS, while patients with higher levels of IL-4 had longer PFS. Patients with lower levels of serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-22, TNF-α and IL-10 had longer OS, while patients with higher levels of IL-4 had longer OS. Multivariate analysis suggested that higher IL-6 and IL-5 levels were associated with poorer PFS, and higher IL-6 levels were associated with dismal OS. Additionally, changes in serum cytokine levels could be associated with treatment response.ConclusionOur study suggests that serum cytokines, specifically IL-6, IL-5, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-4, are potential prognostic factors for patients with NSCLC receiving chemotherapy plus PD-1 inhibitor treatment.
Protective effect of gut microbiota restored by fecal microbiota transplantation in a sepsis model in juvenile mice
Authors: Han Young Joo , Kim SungSu , Shin Haksup , Kim Hyun Woo , Park June Dong 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionRestoring a balanced, healthy gut microbiota through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has the potential to be a treatment option for sepsis, despite the current lack of evidence. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FMT on sepsis in relation to the gut microbiota through a sepsis model in juvenile mice.MethodsThree-week-old male mice were divided into three groups: the antibiotic treatment (ABX), ABX-FMT, and control groups. The ABX and ABX-FMT groups received antibiotics for seven days. FMT was performed through oral gavage in the ABX-FMT group over the subsequent seven days. On day 14, all mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce abdominal sepsis. Blood cytokine levels and the composition of fecal microbiota were analyzed, and survival was monitored for seven days post-CLP.ResultsInitially, the fecal microbiota was predominantly composed of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. After antibiotic intake, an extreme predominance of the class Bacilli emerged. FMT successfully restored antibiotic-induced fecal dysbiosis. After CLP, the phylum Bacteroidetes became extremely dominant in the ABX-FMT and control groups. Alpha diversity of the microbiota decreased after antibiotic intake, was restored after FMT, and decreased again following CLP. In the ABX group, the concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 increased more rapidly and to a higher degree compared to other groups. The survival rate in the ABX group was significantly lower (20.0%) compared to other groups (85.7%).ConclusionFMT-induced microbiota restoration demonstrated a protective effect against sepsis. This study uniquely validates the effectiveness of FMT in a juvenile mouse sepsis model, offering potential implications for clinical research in critically ill children.
Elevation of serum neurofilament light-chain levels disclose possible occult progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and immune reconstitution syndrome in a patient receiving ozanimod: a case report
Authors: Quintanilla-Bordás Carlos , Gorriz David , Cubas-Núñez Laura , Castillo-Villalba Jéssica , Carreres-Polo Joan , Casanova Bonaventura , Pérez-Miralles Francisco Carlos 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundWe report the first case of findings suggestive of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and immune restitution syndrome (PML-IRIS) in a patient with multiple sclerosis receiving ozanimod preceded by an unexpected increase in the serum neurofilament light-chain (sNfL) levels.Case reportA 57-year-old-woman treated with ozanimod for the last 8 years presented, during surveillance MRI, with findings compatible with PML-IRIS. Overt clinical symptoms were absent. sNfL levels increased 4 months earlier and peaked at presentation. Lymphocyte count reached nadir of 330/mL at 8 months earlier.ConclusionThe case illustrates the utility of sNfL levels for PML surveillance in patients receiving immunosuppressors.
Perceptual super-resolution in multiple sclerosis MRI
Authors: Giraldo Diana L. , Khan Hamza , Pineda Gustavo , Liang Zhihua , Lozano-Castillo Alfonso , Van Wijmeersch Bart , Woodruff Henry C. , Lambin Philippe , Romero Eduardo , Peeters Liesbet M. , Sijbers Jan 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring of multiple sclerosis (MS) as it is used to assess lesions in the brain and spinal cord. However, in real-world clinical settings, MRI scans are often acquired with thick slices, limiting their utility for automated quantitative analyses. This work presents a single-image super-resolution (SR) reconstruction framework that leverages SR convolutional neural networks (CNN) to enhance the through-plane resolution of structural MRI in people with MS (PwMS).MethodsOur strategy involves the supervised fine-tuning of CNN architectures, guided by a content loss function that promotes perceptual quality, as well as reconstruction accuracy, to recover high-level image features.ResultsExtensive evaluation with MRI data of PwMS shows that our SR strategy leads to more accurate MRI reconstructions than competing methods. Furthermore, it improves lesion segmentation on low-resolution MRI, approaching the performance achievable with high-resolution images.DiscussionResults demonstrate the potential of our SR framework to facilitate the use of low-resolution retrospective MRI from real-world clinical settings to investigate quantitative image-based biomarkers of MS.
Artificial intelligence-assisted delineation for postoperative radiotherapy in patients with lung cancer: a prospective, multi-center, cohort study
Authors: Han Ziming , Wang Yu , Wang Wenqing , Zhang Tao , Wang Jianyang , Ma Xiangyu , Men Kuo , Shi Anhui , Gao Yuyan , Bi Nan 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundPostoperative radiotherapy (PORT) is an important treatment for lung cancer patients with poor prognostic features, but accurate delineation of the clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OARs) is challenging and time-consuming. Recently, deep learning-based artificial intelligent (AI) algorithms have shown promise in automating this process.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical utility of a deep learning-based auto-segmentation model for AI-assisted delineating CTV and OARs in patients undergoing PORT, and to compare its accuracy and efficiency with manual delineation by radiation oncology residents from different levels of medical institutions.MethodsWe previously developed an AI auto-segmentation model in 664 patients and validated its contouring performance in 149 patients. In this multi-center, validation trial, we prospectively involved 55 patients and compared the accuracy and efficiency of 3 contouring methods: (i) unmodified AI auto-segmentation, (ii) fully manual delineation by junior radiation oncology residents from different medical centers, and (iii) manual modifications based on AI segmentation model (AI-assisted delineation). The ground truth of CTV and OARs was delineated by 3 senior radiation oncologists. Contouring accuracy was evaluated by Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), and mean distance of agreement (MDA). Inter-observer consistency was assessed by volume and coefficient of variation (CV).ResultsAI-assisted delineation achieved significantly higher accuracy compared to unmodified AI auto-contouring and fully manual delineation by radiation oncologists, with median HD, MDA, and DCS values of 20.03 vs. 21.55 mm, 2.57 vs. 3.06 mm, 0.745 vs. 0.703 (all P&lt;0.05) for CTV, respectively. The results of OARs contours were similar. CV for OARs was reduced by approximately 50%. In addition to better contouring accuracy, the AI-assisted delineation significantly decreased the consuming time and improved the efficiency.ConclusionAI-assisted CTV and OARs delineation for PORT significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency in the real-world setting, compared with pure AI auto-segmentation or fully manual delineation by junior oncologists. AI-assisted approach has promising clinical potential to enhance the quality of radiotherapy planning and further improve treatment outcomes of patients with lung cancer.
DNA damage caused by chemotherapy has duality, and traditional Chinese medicine may be a better choice to reduce its toxicity
Authors: Bai Bufan , Ma Yingrui , Liu Deng , Zhang Yifei , Zhang Weihong , Shi Rong , Zhou Qianmei 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundDNA damage induced by chemotherapy has duality. It affects the efficacy of chemotherapy and constrains its application. An increasing number of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is highly effective in reducing side-effects induced by chemotherapy due to its natural, non-toxic and many sourced from food. Recent advancements have demonstrated survival rates are improved attributable to effective chemotherapy. DNA damage is the principal mechanism underlying chemotherapy. However, not all instances of DNA damage are beneficial. Chemotherapy induces DNA damage in normal cells, leading to side effects. It affects the efficacy of chemotherapy and constrains its application.ObjectivesThis review aims to summarize the dual nature of DNA damage induced by chemotherapy and explore how TCM can mitigate chemotherapy-induced side effects.ResultsThe review summarized the latest research progress in DNA damage caused by chemotherapy and the effect of alleviating side effects by TCM. It focused on advantages and disadvantages of chemotherapy, the mechanism of drugs and providing insights for rational and effective clinical treatment and serving as a basis for experiment. In this review, we described the mechanisms of DNA damage, associated chemotherapeutics, and their toxicity. Furthermore, we explored Chinese herb that can alleviate chemotherapy-induced side-effects.ConclusionWe highlight key mechanisms of DNA damage caused by chemotherapeutics and discuss specific TCM herbs that have shown potential in reducing these side effects. It can provide reference for clinical and basic research.
Differential rotation in neutron stars at finite temperatures
Authors: Farrell Delaney , Weber Fridolin , Negreiros Rodrigo 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThis paper investigates the impact of differential rotation on the bulk properties and onset of rotational instabilities in neutron stars at finite temperatures up to 50 MeV.MethodsUtilizing the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (RBHF) formalism in full Dirac space, the study constructs equation of state (EOS) models for hot neutron star matter, including conditions relevant for high temperatures. These finite-temperature EOS models are applied to compute the bulk properties of differentially rotating neutron stars with varying structural deformations.ResultsThe findings demonstrate that the stability of these stars against bar-mode deformation, a key rotational instability, is only weakly dependent on temperature. Differential rotation significantly affects the maximum mass and radius of neutron stars, and the threshold for the onset of bar-mode instability shows minimal sensitivity to temperature changes within the examined range.DiscussionThese findings are crucial for interpreting observational data from neutron star mergers and other high-energy astrophysical events. The research underscores the necessity of incorporating differential rotation and finite temperature effects in neutron star models to predict their properties and stability accurately.
Validation of QTLs associated with corn borer resistance and grain yield: implications in maize breeding
Authors: López-Malvar Ana , Reséndiz-Ramirez Zoila , Butrón Ana , Jiménez-Galindo Jose Cruz , Revilla Pedro , Malvar Rosa Ana 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionValidations of previously detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs) to assess their reliability are crucial before implementing breeding programs. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability and practical usefulness of previously reported QTLs for resistance to stem tunneling by the Mediterranean stem borer (MSB) and yield. These authors used approximately 600 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population to map QTL using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach.MethodsWe identified RILs situated at the extremes of resistance and yield distributions within the whole MAGIC, and those QTLs were evaluated per se and crossed to a tester (A638) using lattice designs. In each set, a significant single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was considered validated if (1) the same SNP was associated with the trait with a p-value &lt; 0.02, or (2) within a ±2-Mbp interval, an SNP associated with the trait exhibited a p-value &lt; 0.02 and demonstrated linkage disequilibrium (r2 &gt; 0.2) with the SNPs previously reported.Results and discussionThe novel QTL validation approach was implemented using improved experimental designs that led to higher heritability estimates for both traits compared to those estimated with the whole MAGIC population. The procedure used allowed us to jointly validate several QTL and to ascertain their possible contribution to hybrid improvement. Specifically, nearly three-quarters of the QTLs for tunnel length were confirmed. Notably, QTLs located in the genomic region 6.05–6.07 were consistently validated across different sets and have been previously linked to resistance against stalk tunneling in various mapping populations. For grain yield, approximately 10 out of 16 QTLs were validated. The validation rate for yield was lower than for tunnel length, likely due to the influence of dominance and/or epistatic effects. Overall, 9 out of 21 QTLs for tunnel length and 6 out of 17 QTLs for grain yield identified in our previous research were validated across both validation sets, indicating a moderate genetic correlation between per se and testcross performance of inbred lines. These findings offer insights into the reliability of QTL and genomic predictions, both derived from assessments conducted on the entire MAGIC population. Genomic predictions for tunnel length based on inbred line evaluations could be useful to develop more resistant hybrids; meanwhile, genomic prediction for yield could only be valid in a homozygous background.
Mitochondrial genome insights into the spatio-temporal distribution and genetic diversity of Dendrobium hancockii Rolfe (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Hou Zhenyu , Wang Mengting , Jiang Yu , Xue Qingyun , Liu Wei , Niu Zhitao , Ding Xiaoyu 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionWith its distinctive evolutionary rate and inheritance patterns separate from the nuclear genome, mitochondrial genome analysis has become a prominent focus of current research. Dendrobium hancockii Rolfe, a species of orchid with both medicinal and horticultural value, will benefit from the application of the fully assembled and annotated mitochondrial genome. This will aid in elucidating its phylogenetic relationships, comparative genomics, and population genetic diversity.MethodsBased on sequencing results from Illumina combined with PacBio and Nanopore, the mitochondrial genome map of D. hancockii was constructed. Comparative analysis was conducted from the perspectives of phylogeny across multiple species, selection pressure on protein-coding genes, and homologous segments. The population diversity of D. hancockii was analyzed using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from the mitochondrial genome and single-copy nuclear genes.Results and discussionThis research constructed a circular mitochondrial map for D. hancockii, spanning 523,952 bp, containing 40 unique protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genes from 26 land plants revealed a conserved gene cluster, "rpl16-ccmFn-rps3-rps19," particularly within the Dendrobium genus. The mitochondrial genome of D. hancockii exhibits a lower point mutation rate but significant structural variation. Analysis of 103 resequencing samples identified 19,101 SNP sites, dividing D. hancockii into two major groups with limited gene flow between them, as supported by population diversity, genetic structure analysis, principal component analysis, and phylogenetic trees. The geographical distribution and genetic differentiation of D. hancockii into two major groups suggest a clear phytogeographical division, likely driven by ancient geological or climatic events. The close alignment of mitochondrial data with nuclear gene data highlights the potential of the mitochondrial genome for future studies on genetic evolution in this species.
The effect of the Bilateral Integration exercise program on the cognitive functioning of pupils with moderate intellectual disabilities
Authors: Koper Magdalena , Lewandowska Magdalena , Rękosiewicz Małgorzata 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionChildren with intellectual disability tend to exhibit lower performance in fundamental movement skills, such as locomotor skills, object control skills, and balance, compared to their typically developing peers. Evidence suggests that physical activity programs tailored for individuals with intellectual disabilities can positively influence the development of their motor skills. Similar to typically developing children, physical activity in children with intellectual disabilities stimulates not only physical development, but also brain function, resulting in cognitive benefits. However, the extent of physical activity’s impact on the cognitive functioning of this population remains insufficiently explored. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of a motor exercise program based on the Bilateral Integration method implemented for pupils with moderate intellectual disabilities.MethodsThe sample consisted of 27 pupils with moderate intellectual disability (13 in the intervention group and 14 in the control group) from two special schools in Poland. Pupils in the intervention group participated in a modified version of the Bilateral Integration School Program - a 26-week physical activity program that included both individual and group sessions. The assessment of cognitive functioning, using the Fifth Edition of the Stanford–Binet Intelligence Subtests, was conducted over three time points in both groups: a pre-test before the intervention (T1), a post-test after the intervention phase end (T2) and a follow-up assessment three months after the post-test (T3).ResultsSignificant effects of the intervention compared to the control group were observed in certain cognitive variables. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant group-by-time interaction for the Nonverbal Visual-Spatial Processing score, Nonverbal Working Memory score, as well as Verbal Fluid Reasoning.DiscussionThe original program based on the Bilateral Integration method proved effective for pupils with moderate intellectual disability. Preliminary results indicate improvements in cognition, particularly in working memory and visual-spatial processing. Further studies are necessary to assess the program’s efficacy comprehensively.