bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of serum intact parathyroid hormone levels with sarcopenia in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Hsu Bang-Gee , Wang Chih-Hsien , Tsai Jen-Pi , Chen Yi-Hsin , Hung Szu-Chun , Lin Yu-Li 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveSarcopenia is highly prevalent in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), contributing to adverse clinical outcomes. Animal models suggest that parathyroid hormone (PTH) induces muscle wasting through adipose tissue browning. However, the relationship between PTH dysregulation and sarcopenia in the PD population remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to explore the association between serum intact PTH levels and sarcopenia in PD patients.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Tzu-Chi PD cohort, comprising 186 PD patients with a mean age of 57.5 ± 14.1 years. Basic information, comorbidities, serum intact PTH levels, and other biochemical data were retrieved. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) includes any history of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. All patients were evaluated for appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using the Body Composition Monitor (BCM), handgrip strength, and 6-m usual gait speed. Sarcopenia was defined based on the consensus of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. Relative over-hydration (OH) was also assessed using BCM.ResultsThe overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 38.2%. Across three groups of intact PTH levels (&lt;150 pg/mL, 150–300 pg/mL, and &gt;300 pg/mL), the prevalence rates of sarcopenia were 29.7, 36.4, and 46.2%, respectively (p for trend = 0.044). In the unadjusted model, age, ASCVD, subjective global assessment score, body mass index, relative OH, serum albumin, creatinine, phosphorus, and log-transformed intact PTH levels were significantly associated with sarcopenia. After full adjustment for all above factors, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.08), ASCVD (OR = 4.12, 95% CI = 1.34–12.65), BMI (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.41–0.64), relative OH (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00–1.07), log-transformed intact PTH levels (OR = 3.72, 95% CI = 1.51–9.14) were independently associated sarcopenia among PD patients.ConclusionAmong PD patients, elevated serum intact PTH levels are independently associated with sarcopenia. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm their causal relationship.
Comparison of two commercial broth microdilution panels for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: Thermo Scientific™ Sensititre DKMGN vs. Beckman Coulter MicroScan NMDRM1
Authors: Aupaix Antoine , Lamraoui Kamila , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Anantharajah Ahalieyah , Verroken Alexia 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionAntimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using broth microdilution (BMD) is usually the reference method to obtain accurate minimum inhibitory concentrations and optimally manage infections with resistant organisms. Several commercial dry BMD are available for AST in clinical laboratories.Materials and methodsTwo commercial BMD panels for testing of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria were compared: the Thermo Scientific™ Sensititre DKMGN and the Beckman Coulter NMDRM1, for 17 antimicrobial agents.ResultsA total of 207 isolates were tested: three ATCC strains and one NCTC strain, six quality control strains from the Belgian National Antimicrobial Committee, and 197 clinical isolates, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) 2023 breakpoints version 13.1 were used to assign susceptibility categories.DiscussionOverall, the categorical agreement (CA) and essential agreement (EA) were both above 90%, but several useful antibiotics for the treatment of multi-resistant organisms showed CA and EA under 90%, that is, meropenem, imipenem, and colistin for Enterobacterales and meropenem and colistin for P. aeruginosa. For Enterobacterales, the NMDRM1 panel showed a significantly higher resistance rate for meropenem, imipenem, amikacin, and colistin. For carbapenems, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were underestimated by the DKMGN panel, as already pointed out by a warning on the EUCAST website. To better assess carbapenem susceptibility in carbapenem-resistant organisms, the DKMGN panel now requires the use of a higher inoculum in the insert kit. However, for a given isolate whose susceptibility to carbapenems is not known, there is a risk of underestimating the MIC values. Our results show that colistin testing remains a challenge, highlighting the urgent need for the development of more accurate commercial methods. The use of a single commercial method cannot guarantee good precision in the determination of the MIC value for colistin.
Age-related cerebral changes during different n-back tasks: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Zhu Shizhe , Wang Qinglei , Kan Chaojie , Geng Ayan , Sui Youxin , Zhuang Ren , Zhu Yi , Wang Tong , Zhu Lan , Guo Chuan 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe n-back task is a widely used paradigm to assess working memory and is commonly applied in research on age-related cognitive decline. However, studies utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to explore this area are limited.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate age-related differences in brain activation during the n-back task using fNIRS.MethodsfNIRS data were collected from 18 elderly and 19 young participants while performing different n-back tasks. Brain activation patterns and peripheral performance were compared between the two groups.ResultsSignificant differences in brain activation patterns were observed between elderly and young participants. Under the 3-back condition, the older group exhibited reduced activation in brain regions adjacent to prefrontal cognitive areas compared to the younger group. Additionally, the older group’s performance plateaued at the 2-back level, along with a decline in prefrontal activation.ConclusionThese findings may suggest potential markers for cognitive decline, providing a new target for future screening.
Investigating causality and shared genetic architecture between body mass index and cognitive function: a genome-wide cross-trait analysis and bi-directional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Mingyi , Xu Xiaoxin , Wang Fang , Xu Xiaohong 
Published: October 2024

Background and objectivesObservational studies have established a connection between body mass index (BMI) and an increased risk of cognitive decline. However, a comprehensive investigation into the causal relationships between BMI and cognitive function across diverse age groups, as well as the genetic underpinnings of this relationship, has been notably lacking. This study aims to investigate causality and the shared genetic underpinnings of between BMI and cognitive function by conducting a thorough genome-wide analysis, thereby provide valuable insights for developing personalized intervention strategies to promote cognitive health.MethodsGenetic associations between BMI and cognitive function were thoroughly investigated through covariate genetic analysis and chained imbalance score regression, utilizing data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Bi-directional Mendelian Randomization (MR) was employed to uncover associations and potential functional genes were further scrutinized through Cross-trait meta-analysis and Summary-data-based MR (SMR). Subsequently, a detailed examination of the expression profiles of the identified risk SNPs in tissues and cells was conducted.ResultsThe study found a significant negative correlation between BMI and cognitive function (β = −0.16, P = 1.76E-05), suggesting a causal linkage where higher BMI values were predictive of cognitive impairment. We identified 5 genetic loci (rs6809216, rs7187776, rs11713193, rs13096480, and rs13107325) between BMI and cognitive function by cross-trait meta-analysis and 5 gene-tissue pairs were identified by SMR analysis. Moreover, two novel risk genes TUFM and MST1R were shared by both cross-trait analysis and SMR analysis, which had not been observed in previous studies. Furthermore, significant enrichment of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at tissue- and cell-specific levels was identified for both BMI and cognitive function, predominantly within the brain.ConclusionThis study uncovers a causal relationship between BMI and cognitive function, with the discovery of TUFM and MST1R as shared genetic factors associated with both conditions. This novel finding offers new insights into the development of preventative strategies for cognitive decline in obese individuals, and further enhances our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of these conditions. Furthermore, these findings could serve as a guide for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to address cognitive decline in obese individuals.
Correlation between iron deposition and cognitive function in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease based on quantitative susceptibility mapping
Authors: Zhi Yuqi , Huang Ting , Liu Shanwen , Li Meng , Hu Hua , Liang Xiaoyun , Jiang Zhen , Zhu Jiangtao , Liu Rong 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressively worsening cognitive decline and memory loss. Excessive iron accumulation produces severe cognitive impairment. However, there are no uniform conclusions about changes in brain iron content in AD. This study aimed to investigate the iron content of the deep brain nuclei in AD, and its correlation with cognitive function.MethodsThirty-one patients with mild to moderate AD, 17 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 20 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls (HC) were collected. The QSM was used to quantify the magnetic susceptibility values of the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, red nucleus, and dentate nucleus, and to analyze the differences that existed between the three groups. As well as the correlation between the magnetic susceptibility values and cognitive function was calculated.ResultsThe magnetic susceptibility values of bilateral globus pallidus, left putamen, and bilateral substantia nigra were significantly higher in AD patients than in HC, and the magnetic susceptibility values of the right globus pallidus were significantly higher in AD patients than in MCI (all p &lt; 0.05). The magnetic susceptibility values of the left dentate nucleus in the AD group were negatively correlated with the writing function of the MMSE subitem (r = −0.42, p = 0.020), and the magnetic susceptibility values of the left caudate nucleus and right dentate nucleus were significantly and negatively correlated with the naming function and language function of the MoCA subitem, respectively (r = −0.43, p = 0.019; r = −0.36, p = 0.048).ConclusionMagnetic susceptibility values based on QSM correlate with cognitive function are valuable in discriminating AD from MCI and AD from HC.
Circulating micronutrients levels and their association with the risk of endometriosis
Authors: Zhang Yanna , Li Meng , Zhang Feifei , Lin Jiaoya , Yuan Hong , Nian Qing 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundEndometriosis, a prevalent gynecological disease, has an unclear pathogenesis. Micronutrients play a crucial role in disease development, which has led to an investigation of their association with endometriosis.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the relationship between 15 micronutrients and endometriosis using both univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the correlation. The results were validated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).ResultsThe univariate MR analysis indicated that vitamin B6 (OR = 1.7060, 95% CI: 1.1796–2.4672, p = 0.0045) and calcium (OR = 1.4834, 95% CI: 1.0747–2.0475, p = 0.0165) are associated with an increased risk of endometriosis. Higher intakes of vitamin B6 and calcium are associated with a greater likelihood of developing endometriosis. The MR Egger regression’s intercept term demonstrated no evidence of pleiotropy (p &gt; 0.05) or heterogeneity (p &gt; 0.05) in the SNPs for calcium and vitamin B6. In multivariate MR analysis, vitamin B6 (OR = 2.397, 95% CI: 1.231–4.669, p = 0.01) was linked to an increased risk of endometriosis, independently of other exposure factors. No significant heterogeneity (p = 0.831) or pleiotropy (p = 0.369) was observed in the genetic variation of endometriosis, affirming the reliability of the multivariate MR analysis. HPLC confirmed a significant increase in serum levels of vitamin B6 and calcium, aligning with the MR analysis findings.ConclusionVitamin B6 and calcium may be associated with this disease, with vitamin B6 potentially acting as an independent risk factor. Further research is essential to elucidate the role of micronutrients in disease, offering novel insights for prevention and treatment strategies.
Research trends in nutritional interventions for stroke: a bibliometric analysis and literature review
Authors: Xie Yipeng , Xiong Yuan , Sun Mengyue , Zhao Yan , Wu Miao 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundOver the past 23 years, there has been a thorough analysis of literature concerning nutritional interventions, nutrients, and feeding approaches related to stroke. Furthermore, a scientific knowledge map was established, elucidating the current state of research, examining its development and trends, and offering new research viewpoints for the future. This study aimed to investigate global and emerging research trends in nutritional interventions for stroke from 2000 to 2023 through bibliometric analysis.MethodsA bibliometric analysis of literature from the Core Collection of Scientific Networks for the years 2000–2022 was conducted. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and bibliometric graphical software were used to identify major contributors to publications, including authors, countries, institutions, journals, references, and keywords.ResultsThe bibliometric analysis yielded a total of 464 publications. This is a gradually increasing number in terms of the number of publications during the study period. China had the highest number of publications. Clinical Nutrition” was the journal with the highest number of relevant publications, and the most commonly used keywords were “stroke,” “nutrition” and “malnutrition.”ConclusionThese analyses reveal research trends in nutritional therapy for stroke from 2000 to 2023 and point to prospective research frontiers. This study provides a deeper understanding of what nutritional treatment of stroke entails and provides guidance and support for future research in this area.
Efficacy and safety of Atractylodes macrocephala-containing traditional Chinese medicine combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer: a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis
Authors: Niu Xiaotao , Gu Haoqing , Li Jingzhan , Zuo Jiaqian , Ren Wenqin , Huang Yujie , Shu Xinyan , Jiang Chao , Shu Peng 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundIn China, Atractylodes-containing Chinese medicines are widely used as adjuvant therapy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in individuals diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Nevertheless, the findings concerning its effectiveness are still restricted. The aim from this research was to examine the efficiency and security Atractylodes macrocephala-containing traditional Chinese medicine together with NAC in the management of AGC.MethodsLiterature was systematically searched across 8 electronic databases until September 20, 2023. Two researchers conducted a thorough review of the selected studies. The primary outcome measures included the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), quality of life (QOL), adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and levels of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The relevant effect estimates are as follows as risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Credibility of information was evaluated using the GRADE analyzer.ResultsThe results showed that solely on the basis of the accessible literature examined in NAC patients, individuals who received the therapeutic regimen containing Atractylodis Macrocephalae Chinese herbal preparations demonstrated a superior overall response rate (Relative Risk: 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-1.57, P &lt; 0.001); DCR (RR: 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-1.27, P &lt; 0.001), as compared to QOL (RR: 1.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-1.57, P &lt; 0.001, MD: 8.47, 95% confidence interval: 7.16 - 9.77, P &lt; 0.001); the proportions of CD3+ T-cells, CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, CD4+CD8+ T-cells were increased; and the incidence of adverse reactions was decreased. Subgroup analyses showed that oral administration of all the traditional Chinese medicines containing Atractylodes macrocephala could improve tumor efficacy. Regardless of the duration of therapy of ≥8 weeks or &lt;8 weeks, Atractylodes macrocephala-containing traditional Chinese medicine increased the tumor response in AGC patients. Combination of Atractylodes macrocephala-containing TCM with neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased ORR and DCR; when used in conjunction with cisplatin, only ORR was increased.ConclusionThe combination of Atractylodes macrocephala-containing herbs with NAC in the treatment of AGC improves efficacy, improves prognosis, and reduces adverse effects. Nevertheless, additional high-quality randomized trials are required.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023461079.
Gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis required in metastatic breast cancer cells
Authors: Hicks Emily , Layosa Marjorie Anne , Andolino Chaylen , Truffer Caitlin , Song Yazhen , Heden Timothy D. , Donkin Shawn S. , Teegarden Dorothy 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionMetabolic adaptability, including glucose metabolism, enables cells to survive multiple stressful environments. Glycogen may serve as a critical storage depot to provide a source of glucose during times of metabolic demand during the metastatic cascade; therefore, understanding glycogen metabolism is critical. Our goal was to determine mechanisms driving glycogen accumulation and its role in metastatic (MCF10CA1a) compared to nonmetastatic (MCF10A-ras) human breast cancer cells.Methodology13C6-glucose flux analysis in combination with inhibitors of the gluconeogenic pathway via phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK), the anaplerotic enzyme pyruvate carboxylase (PC), and the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). To determine the requirement of glycogenolysis for migration or survival in extracellular matrix (ECM) detached conditions, siRNA inhibition of glycogenolysis (liver glycogen phosphorylase, PYGL) or glycophagy (lysosomal enzyme α-acid glucosidase, GAA) enzymes was utilized.ResultsMetastatic MCF10CA1a cells had 20-fold greater glycogen levels compared to non-metastatic MCF10A-ras cells. Most glucose incorporated into glycogen of the MCF10CA1a cells was in the five 13C-containing glucose (M+5) instead of the expected M+6 glycogen-derived glucose moiety, which occurs through direct glucose conversion to glycogen. Furthermore, 13C6-glucose in glycogen was quickly reduced (~50%) following removal of 13C-glucose. Incorporation of 13C6-glucose into the M+5 glucose in the glycogen stores was reduced by inhibition of PCK, with additional contributions from flux through the PPP. Further, inhibition of PC reduced total glycogen content. However, PCK inhibition increased total unlabeled glucose accumulation into glycogen, suggesting an alternative pathway to glycogen accumulation. Inhibition of the rate-limiting steps in glycogenolysis (PYGL) or glycophagy (GAA) demonstrated that both enzymes are necessary to support MCF10CA1a, but not MCF10A-ras, cell migration. GAA inhibition, but not PYGL, reduced viability of MCF10CA1a cells, but not MCF10A-ras, in ECM detached conditions.ConclusionOur results indicate that increased glycogen accumulation is primarily mediated through the gluconeogenesis pathway and that glycogen utilization is required for both migration and ECM detached survival of metastatic MCF10CA1a cells. These results suggest that glycogen metabolism may play an important role in the progression of breast cancer metastasis.
Democrats and Republicans choose solar panels in very similar ways
Authors: Johnson Nathanael , Reimer Torsten 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionAppealing to individuals’ social identity is a powerful form of social influence, capable of changing the way people process information, the information they think about, and how they evaluate other individuals. The purpose of this study is to explore the idea that Democrat and Republican environmental norms may impact the attributes and strategies partisans use when choosing whether to have solar panels on a house.MethodsAn online study with N = 363 participants was conducted to examine these possible effects through multi-attribute decision making, applying predefined decision process models to participant behavior to test which attribute-based models best describe participants’ decision making. A choice task was combined with an experimental manipulation of political affiliation salience to examine whether the norms of political groups would have influence on decision behavior.ResultsResults of the study show remarkable similarities between political parties in their strategies for choosing solar panels. Members of both political parties appeared to use similar strategies and similar attributes for the formation of their decisions.DiscussionRecommendations are made that science communicators and policy makers avoid polarizing language so as not to create unnecessary polarization where ideological gaps may not currently exist.
Exploring the impact of stimulant medications on weight in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al Eid Faten , Albanna Ammar , Joseph Jessie , Talo Sami , Jeyaseelan Lakshmanan , Sultan Meshal A. 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), prevalent in 5% of children worldwide, impacts academic performance and often coexists with psychiatric disorders. Psychostimulant medications are primary treatments for ADHD, enhancing dopamine to reduce symptoms. However, dopamine increase may cause appetite loss. This pioneering study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) explores psychostimulant effects on weight in children diagnosed with ADHD, aiming to uncover unique regional characteristics and contributing factors to weight changes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study assessed data from electronic medical records from 2017 to 2022, aiming to assess the impact of psychostimulants on weight in children aged 6–18 years. Inclusion criteria covered psychostimulant-treated and untreated patients with ADHD. Statistical analysis, involving longitudinal data methods aimed to demonstrate significant weight differences.ResultsData from 107 pediatric patients diagnosed with ADHD were analyzed, with 86 meeting inclusion criteria. Most patients were male (80.2%). ADHD presentations varied, and methylphenidate immediate release was the most prescribed stimulant medication. Patients experienced initial weight loss followed by overall gain over 12 months. Coexisting conditions, maternal factors, family history, and correlations with autism spectrum disorder were explored.ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the effects of psychostimulant medications on the weight of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in the UAE. It suggests avenues for future research, emphasizing extended follow-ups to understand long-term psychostimulant effects, nuanced examinations of age and gender, and exploring interactions with comorbidities. Despite limitations, the research provides insights into ADHD medication effects, guiding personalized treatment approaches for pediatric populations.