bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpretable machine learning models for predicting short-term prognosis in AChR-Ab+ generalized myasthenia gravis using clinical features and systemic inflammation index
Authors: Xu Yanan , Li Qi , Pan Meng , Jia Xiao , Wang Wenbin , Guo Qiqi , Luan Liqin 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundMyasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness in 80% of patients, most of whom test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies (AChR-Abs). Predicting and improving treatment outcomes are necessary due to varying responses, ranging from complete relief to minimal improvement.ObjectiveOur study aims to develop and validate an interpretable machine learning (ML) model that integrates systemic inflammation indices with traditional clinical indicators. The goal is to predict the short-term prognosis (after 6 months of treatment) of AChR-Ab+ generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) patients to guide personalized treatment strategies.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis on 202 AChR-Ab+ GMG patients, dividing them into training and external validation cohorts. The primary outcome of this study was the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) post-intervention status assessed after 6 months of treatment initiation. Prognoses were classified as “unchanged or worse” for a poor outcome and “improved or better” for a good outcome. Accordingly, patients were categorized into “good outcome” or “poor outcome” groups. In the training cohort, we developed and internally validated various ML models using systemic inflammation indices, clinical indicators, or a combination of both. We then carried out external validation with the designated cohort. Additionally, we assessed the feature importance of our most effective model using the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) method.ResultsIn our study of 202 patients, 28.7% (58 individuals) experienced poor outcomes after 6 months of standard therapy. We identified 11 significant predictors, encompassing both systemic inflammation indexes and clinical metrics. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model demonstrated the best performance, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.944. This was higher than that achieved by logistic regression (Logit) (AUC: 0.882), random forest (RF) (AUC: 0.917), support vector machines (SVM) (AUC: 0.872). Further refinement through SHAP analysis highlighted five critical determinants—two clinical indicators and three inflammation indexes—as crucial for assessing short-term prognosis in AChR-Ab+ GMG patients.ConclusionOur analysis confirms that the XGBoost model, integrating clinical indicators with systemic inflammation indexes, effectively predicts short-term prognosis in AChR-Ab+ GMG patients. This approach enhances clinical decision-making and improves patient outcomes.
Global trends and performance of dry needling from 2004 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Min , Zhao Tianci , Liu Jiaxin , Luo Shouyang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundMany doctors are incorporating dry needling into their clinical practice. Despite this growing trend, there has not been a comprehensive bibliometric analysis conducted in this field. Thus, this study aims to investigate the current research landscape, key research contributors, and popular research topics in dry needling, and to analyze the developmental trends within this area of study.MethodsThe study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) as the main data source. Scientific literature was gathered through title (TI) searches for original clinical research papers on dry needling published between 2004 and 2024, using ‘dry needling’ or ‘dry needle’ as the search term. Statistical analyses and visualizations of the literature information, such as keywords, countries, research institutions, and authors, were conducted using the bibliometric.com online platform and VOSviewer. This approach aimed to statistically analyze and visualize the key research entities, hotspots, and frontiers in dry needling research. Additionally, the study delved into collaborative networks, research outputs, hot topics, and trends within the field of dry needling.ResultsThis investigation encompassed 468 publications, with the year 2021 topping the charts for the highest publication output, amassing a total of 271 articles. The journal “Acupuncture in Medicine” emerged as the most frequently cited publication. The most impactful article was titled “Acupuncture and dry-needling for low back pain: An updated systematic review within the framework of the Cochrane Collaboration.” Spain took the lead as the most productive country in this domain, with the United States closely following. Cesar Fernández-de-las-Peñas emerged as the most prolific author in the field. The Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Spain was recognized as the most productive institution for research in dry needling. As for journal keywords, “dry needling,” “trigger point,” and “myofascial pain syn-drome” were the triumvirate of terms most recurrently encountered.ConclusionThe field of dry needling research has witnessed significant growth in recent years, characterized by the emergence of novel trends such as comparative studies with acupuncture, exploration into the mechanisms of action, and a transition toward interdisciplinary approaches. As medical models evolve, the focus is expanding from the exclusive treatment of muscle pain to broader applications. Despite this progress, the domain is underscored by a paucity of large-scale, multicenter clinical trials and animal studies. There exists an imperative for enhanced collaboration among academic and research institutions. A more profound exploration and comprehensive research endeavors are essential to enhance our understanding and broaden the clinical application of dry needling techniques.
Prognostic value of multi-PLD ASL-based cerebral perfusion ASPECTS in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Li Qingqing , Jiang Chaojun , Qian Linqing , Yang Jing , Mu Tianchi , Dong Congsong , Wang Shu , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Hengheng , Dong Yijun , Dai Zhenyu , Chen Fei 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionWe aimed to verify the application value of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) based on multiple post-labeling delay (multi-PLD) arterial spin labeling (ASL) for outcome assessment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.MethodThe endpoint was modified Rankin scale score at 90 days (90-day mRS). Patients were divided into the good outcome (0–2) and poor outcome (3–6) groups. The independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and χ2-test were used to compare clinical and imaging parameters between groups. We used partial correlation analysis to evaluate the relationships between ASPECTS and outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine potential independent prognostic indicators. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the independent prognostic indicators in predicting outcomes.ResultsFifty-five AIS patients were included. The good outcome group had a lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; Z = −3.413, P &lt; 0.001) and infarct core volume (ICV; Z = −3.114, P = 0.002) as well as higher cerebral blood flow (CBF)-ASPECTS (Z = −3.835, P &lt; 0.001) and cerebral blood volume (CBV)-ASPECTS (Z = −4.099, P &lt; 0.001). Higher CBF-ASPECTS (r = −0.459, P = 0.001), and CBV-ASPECTS (r = −0.502, P &lt; 0.001) were associated with a lower 90-day mRS. The baseline NIHSS, CBF-ASPECTS, and CBV-ASPECTS were identified as independent prognostic indicators. The AUCs of the baseline NIHSS, CBF-ASPECTS, and CBV-ASPECTS were 83.3, 87.4, and 89.9%, respectively. Combining NIHSS with CBF-ASPECTS and CBV-ASPECTS, the AUC significantly improved to 96.3%. The combined three factors showed a significant difference compared to the baseline NIHSS (Z = 2.039, P = 0.041) and CBF-ASPECTS (Z = 2.099, P = 0.036), but no difference with CBV-ASPECTS (Z = 1.176, P = 0.239).ConclusionsThe ASPECTS based on multi-PLD ASL is a valuable tool for identifying independent prognostic indicators and assessing clinical outcomes in AIS patients. The baseline NIHSS, combined with CBF-ASPECTS and CBV-ASPECTS, enhances the predictive efficacy of clinical outcomes in AIS patients. The CBV-ASPECTS alone can offer comparable predictive efficacy to the combination.
Investigation of local stimulation effects of embedding PGLA at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in rats based on TRPV2 and TRPV4 ion channels
Authors: Hou Xunrui , Liang Xin , Lu Yuwei , Zhang Qian , Wang Yujia , Xu Ming , Luo Yuheng , Fan Tongtao , Zhang Yiyi , Ye Tingting , Zhou Kean , Shi Jiahui , Li Min , Li Lihong 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionAcupoint Catgut Embedding (ACE) is an extended and developed form of traditional acupuncture that serves as a composite stimulation therapy for various diseases. However, its local stimulation effects on acupoints remain unclear. Acupuncture can activate mechanically sensitive calcium ion channels, TRPV2 and TRPV4, located on various cell membranes, promoting Ca2+ influx in acupoint tissues to exert effects. Whether ACE can form mechanical physical stimulation to regulate these channels and the related linkage effect requires validation.MethodsThis study investigates the influence of TRPV2 and TRPV4 ion channels on the local stimulation effects of ACE by embedding PGLA suture at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in rats and using TRPV2 and TRPV4 inhibitors. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and Real-time quantitative PCR were employed to detect intracellular Ca2+ fluorescence intensity, the expression of macrophage (Mac) CD68 and mast cell (MC) tryptase, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of TRPV2 and TRPV4 in acupoint tissues after PGLA embedding.ResultsThe results indicate that ACE using PGLA suture significantly increases the mRNA and protein expression of TRPV2 and TRPV4, Ca2+ fluorescence intensity, and the expression of Mac CD68 and MC tryptase in acupoint tissues, with these effects diminishing over time. The increasing trends are reduced after using inhibitors, particularly when both inhibitors are used simultaneously. Furthermore, correlation analysis shows that embedding PGLA suture at the ST36 acupoint regulates Mac and MC functions through Ca2+ signaling involving not only TRPV2 and TRPV4 but multiple pathways.DiscussionThese results suggest that embedding PGLA suture at the ST36 acupoint generates mechanical physical stimulation and regulates TRPV2 and TRPV4 ion channels, which couple with Ca2+ signaling to form a linkage effect that gradually weakens over time. This provides new reference data for further studies on the stimulation effects and clinical promotion of ACE.
Dietary modulation of human milk bioactives is associated with maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype: an exploratory analysis of carotenoids and polyphenol metabolites
Authors: Fiecke Chelsey , Crimmins Meghan , Hameed Ahsan , Sims Clark , Williams D. Keith , Bode Lars , Martinez Audrey , Andres Aline , Ferruzzi Mario G. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionMaternal diet modifies profiles of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), carotenoids, and polyphenols in human milk (HM). However, substantial variability in profiles exists between women, highlighting the complexity of non-dietary factors modulating these profiles. The objective of this study was to carry out a secondary analysis exploring the effect of maternal diet on HM carotenoids and polyphenols and relationships between dietary modulation of HM bioactives (carotenoids, polyphenols, and oligosaccharides) and maternal α1,2-fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) secretor phenotype.MethodsIn this pilot study, 16 exclusively breastfeeding women with obesity were enrolled between 4 and 5 months postpartum. The women were provided a 4-week meal plan consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). HM was collected for 24 h at baseline and post-intervention. Maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype was determined by 2′-fucosyllactose concentration in HM (non-secretor: &lt; 100 nmol/ml; secretor: ≥100 nmol/ml). Concentrations of carotenoids and HMOs were determined by LC and polyphenol metabolites by UPLC–MS/MS.ResultsThirteen women completed the study (6 secretors, 7 non-secretors). The change in HM concentrations of the HMOs lacto-N-tetraose (LNT, p = 0.007), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II, p = 0.02), difucosyllacto-N-tetraose (DFLNT, p = 0.003), and disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT, p = 0.003) and polyphenol metabolites 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA, p = 0.08) and ferulic acid (p = 0.02) over the intervention time frame was differentially associated with maternal secretor status. 4-HBA and ferulic acid positively correlated with HMOs LNT and DSLNT (rrm = 0.82–0.90, p = 0.03–0.06) for secretors but not for non-secretors. Only secretors demonstrated a negative correlation between 4-HBA and DFLNT (rrm = −0.94, p = 0.001).DiscussionThe influence of maternal diet on composition of HMOs and polyphenol metabolites in HM differs based on maternal secretor status. Consideration of non-dietary factors is needed to evaluate differences in response of HM bioactives to dietary modulation.
Associations of nutritional status and dietary habits with the development of female infertility. A case–control study
Authors: Martín-Manchado Laura , Moya-Yeste Antonio Manuel , Sánchez-Sansegundo Miriam , Hurtado-Sánchez José Antonio , Gil-Miralles Regina Andrea , Tuells José , Zaragoza-Martí Ana 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionFemale infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors. Understanding the relationship between nutritional status, dietary habits, and infertility could provide insights for targeted interventions.MethodsA case-control study was conducted in health centers and hospitals in Alicante, Spain. The study included 60 infertile and 30 fertile women aged 18–40, selected through consecutive sampling. Data on body composition and dietary intake were collected and analyzed.ResultsInfertile women exhibited significantly lower muscle mass (p = 0.005) and larger hip circumference (p = 0.034) compared to fertile women. Additionally, a significant association was found between high red meat consumption and an increased risk of female infertility (p = 0.011).DiscussionThese results suggest that body composition and dietary habits, particularly muscle mass and red meat intake, play a key role in female fertility. Interventions aimed at improving muscle mass, reducing localized body fat, and limiting red meat consumption may enhance fertility outcomes. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations.
Impact of dehulling, germination and fermentation on the bioactive and functional properties of grey pea flour
Authors: Amanipour Armaghan , Samaei Yasaman , Böök Olof , Granfeldt Yvonne , Lazarte Claudia E. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionGrey pea is a largely overlooked legume in the Nordic countries, and its potential uses in various food products remain unexplored. It is a nutrient-rich crop with low environmental impact, making it an attractive option for sustainable and nutritious plant-based alternatives.ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of dehulling, germination, and fermentation on the bioactive (polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity) and functional characteristics (water absorption index, water solubility index, water and oil binding capacity, emulsifying properties and gelation concentration) of grey pea flour. Additionally, protein content and pasting properties (temperature, peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity, and setback) were measured.MethodsDehulling was performed using a runner disk sheller. Germination was carried out for 24 and 48 h at ambient temperature, and fermentation was conducted for 8 h at 43°C using a starter culture.ResultsThe results indicate that dehulling did not significantly affect functional properties and gelling capacity (p = 0.297 for oil absorption capacity, p = 0.5 for emulsion activity, and p = 0.607 for emulsion stability), but it resulted in a notable decrease in total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (TAC). Conversely, 48 h of germination increased TAC measured by two methods: FRAP (19%) and DPPH (30%). This process increased through viscosity by 1.2-fold, while it did not significantly affect the water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), or the emulsifying properties of grey pea flour. Fermentation significantly improved TPC (p &lt; 0.001 for whole grey peas and p = 0.004 for dehulled grey peas), with a TPC increase of up to 67% in fermented dehulled pea flour. TAC measured by both methods, showed significant increases, ranging from 35 to 104%. However, fermentation reduced emulsifying and pasting properties, as indicated by the peak, through and final viscosity, which may be desirable only for certain food products. Further, germination and fermentation showed significant increases in protein content, by 4 and 8%, respectively.ConclusionFermented grey pea flour exhibited enhanced bioactive characteristics, while 48-h germination positively impacted pasting properties. Overall, these processes led to changes in both the bioactive and functional properties of grey pea flour, creating opportunities for the use of these flours in a wide array of food products.
Case report: Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma with a rare metastasis to the pancreas
Authors: Zhu Xiuliang , Cheng Lu , Dong Fei , Cai Jinsong , Qian Wei , Ding Qiao-Ling 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundExtraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (ESMC), an uncommon and highly aggressive form of chondrosarcoma, is characterized by its mesenchymal origin and absence of skeletal involvement. Only a few cases of primary ESMC with metastasis to the pancreas have been reported so far. In this study, we present a case of ESMC in the left thigh with a solitary pancreatic metastasis in a 45-year-old woman. Additionally, we provide a thorough overview of ESMC, encompassing its entire clinical progression and radiographic observations. Furthermore, we reviewed all thirteen cases of pancreatic metastasis, including this present case, analyzing patient attributes, clinical management, and prognosis.Case presentationA 45-year-old woman has had a painless mass in her left thigh for one year. X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging of the left thigh were performed. Positron emission tomography-CT imaging showed a high accumulation in the left thigh tumor and the pancreatic neck lesion. A diagnosis of extraskeletal chondrosarcoma with pancreatic metastasis was determined based on the radiological examinations. A final diagnosis of ESMC was confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations after surgical resection. The patient presented metastasis in the lung, right groin, and tail of the pancreas successively, and mostly received complete surgical excision during a 39-month follow-up with postoperative chemotherapy.ConclusionWe present a highly uncommon case of ESMC spreading to the pancreas and highlight the importance of recognizing the distinctive imaging features of ESMC for diagnosis and prognosis assessment.
Morinda officinalis iridoid glycosides, as an inhibitor of GSK-3β, alleviates rheumatoid arthritis through inhibition of NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Shen Yi , Bao Ronghua , Ye Xinyuan , Li Heming , Sun Yiqi , Ren Qiuru , Du Jinman , Ye Tianwen , Zhang Quanlong , Zhao Qiming , Han Ting , Qin Luping , Zhang Qiaoyan 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundMorinda officinalis iridoid glycosides (MOIG) showed potential benefits in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but their exact mechanism has yet to be explored.PurposeTo evaluate the effects of MOIG on RA, and explore the potential targets and molecular mechanism of MOIG in RA.MethodsThe collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats were used to evaluate the effects of MOIG on RA. The proliferation, migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) stimulated with or without tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were examined by CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. IF and WB were applied to investigate related mechanism in FLSs. The molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, CETSA and siRNA were used to analyze the interaction of MOIG with target. Finally, the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) mice model with gene knockdown was used to confirm the effect of MOIG on glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β).ResultsMOIG significantly alleviated the paw swelling and synovial hyperplasia in CIA rats. Moreover, MOIG suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion, the secretion of inflammatory factors, and the expression of adhesion related proteins in TNF-α-stimulated FLSs. MOIG also inhibited the activation of Janus activating kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in FLSs. Interestingly, the plant metabolites in MOIG had a good affinity with GSK-3β, and inhibition of GSK-3β attenuated the effects of MOIG on FLSs. Knockdown GSK-3β gene could inhibit the paw swelling and inflammatory indicators, decrease the arthritis score and synovial hyperplasia, reduce the phosphorylation of p65 and STAT3 in AA mice, thereby suppressing the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling activation, and MOIG treatment had no significant effects on AA mice with si-GSK-3β.ConclusionMOIG alleviates joint inflammation in RA through inhibition NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 pathway via suppression of GSK-3β in FLSs, which provides supports for MOIG as a promising therapeutic agent of RA.
The long non-coding RNA GAS5 contributes to the suppression of inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB activity
Authors: Curci Debora , Stankovic Biljana , Kotur Nikola , Pugnetti Letizia , Gasic Vladimir , Romano Maurizio , Zukic Branka , Decorti Giuliana , Stocco Gabriele , Lucafò Marianna , Pavlovic Sonja 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionNuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a key regulator of immune and inflammatory responses. Glucocorticoid drugs (GC) act through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) as immunosuppressant also in pediatric patients inhibiting NF-κB activity. The long non-coding RNA GAS5 interacts with the GR, influencing GC activity. No data on the role of GAS5 on GR-dependent inhibition of NF-κB activity have been published.MethodsThis study investigated the impact of GAS5 on NF-κB activity in HeLa cells overexpressing GAS5, both under basal conditions and during GC treatment. The study used EMSA, RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP), Western blotting, and bioinformatic analyses to assess NF-κB DNA binding, GAS5-p65 interaction, and NF-κB signaling pathway modulation.ResultsGAS5 overexpression increased NF-κB DNA binding activity in untreated cells. RNA-IP confirmed a direct interaction between GAS5 and the NF-κB subunit p65, suggesting a potential regulatory mechanism. GAS5 overexpression led to downregulation of NF-κB target genes, TNF-α, and NR3C1. GC treatment reduced NF-κB DNA binding activity in GAS5-overexpressing cells, indicating a potential synergistic effect. Furthermore, GAS5 overexpression increased IκB levels and reduced p-p65/pan-p65 levels during GC treatment.DiscussionGAS5 appears to modulate NF-κB activity in a complex manner, influencing both basal and GC-induced signaling. The interaction between GAS5, GCs, and NF-κB is multi-faceted, and further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms. These findings suggest that GAS5 could be a potential target for personalized therapy, particularly in pediatric patients with inflammatory conditions.