bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of multiple infections on risk of incident dementia according to subjective cognitive decline status: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Lee Jung-Won , Kim Mina , Kim Hoseob , Kim Sunghwan , Um Yoo Hyun , Wang Sheng-Min , Lim Hyun Kook , Lee Chang Uk , Kang Dong Woo 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe interrelation between infections, subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and dementia development is recognized, but not fully understood. This study explored the combined effect of specific infections and SCD on the risk of dementia.ObjectivesTo assess the influence of Helicobacter pylori, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and human papillomavirus on dementia risk in individuals with varying cognitive statuses, especially focusing on those with and without SCD.MethodsA cohort of 1,100,540 participants aged 66 years from the Korean National Health Insurance Service was divided into cognitively preserved (CP, n = 825,405) and SCD (n = 275,135) groups. This study analyzed the effects of single, dual, and triple infections on the risk of overall dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) using incidence rates and hazard ratios.ResultsThe SCD group consistently showed a doubled risk of dementia, particularly AD, regardless of the number of infections. In the initial data, both the presence and number of infections, especially in the CP group, were associated with an increased dementia incidence and risk; however, this correlation disappeared after adjusting for covariates, hinting at a possible protective effect.ConclusionOur findings emphasize that, while SCD is a steadfast risk factor for dementia, the role of infections is layered, subject to various influences, and requires more comprehensive exploration to fully understand their impact on dementia development.
A systematic review of steroid use in peripheral nerve pathologies and treatment
Authors: Couch Brandon , Hayward Dan , Baum Gracie , Sakthiyendran Naveen Arunachalam , Harder Justin , Hernandez Evan J. , MacKay Brendan 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe use of corticosteroids has become a part of the standard of care in various pathologies but their use in peripheral nerve injury treatment is limited. Given corticosteroids’ anti-inflammatory properties and their regulatory role in neuronal protein production and myelination, corticosteroids could serve as an adjunct therapy for peripheral nerve injuries. This review aims to systematically investigate the current use of corticosteroid treatment in peripheral nerve pathologies.MethodsThe systematic search was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science using keywords such as “corticosteroid treatment,” “peripheral nerve damage,” “peripheral neuropathy,” and “complications.” The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct the systematic review and all articles were reviewed by the corresponding author. After the initial search, individual study titles and abstracts were further screened and categorized using an inclusion and exclusion criteria followed by a final full-text review.ResultsOut of the total 27,922 identified records, 203 studies were included based on the selection criteria. These studies focused on the use and efficacy of steroids across a spectrum of compression and non-compression peripheral neuropathies such as cubital tunnel syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Various studies noted the promising role of steroids in offering pain relief, nerve block, and nerve regeneration effects. Additionally, safety considerations and potential complications regarding steroid use in peripheral nerve injuries were analyzed.ConclusionWhile there is currently limited clinical utilization of corticosteroids in peripheral nerve pathologies, the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects that steroids provide may be a beneficial tool in managing various peripheral neuropathies and their associated pain. Additional clinical trials and investigation into the mechanism of action could improve the reputation of steroid use as peripheral nerve injury treatment.
Causal relationship between dietary intake and IgA nephropathy: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Yaping , Wan Shengli , Liu Jing , Huang Yilan , Jiang Longyang 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivePrevious studies have reported that dietary intake is associated with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). However, the causal relationship remains unknown. Based on publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association between 26 dietary exposures and IgAN.MethodsFive methods, including inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR–Egger regression, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode, were applied in the MR analysis. To identify the presence of horizontal pleiotropy, we used the MR-Egger intercept test and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) global test. Cochran’s Q statistics were used to assess instrument heterogeneity. We conducted sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method.ResultsFinally, the results indicated alcohol intake frequency (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 1.267 (1.100–1.460), p = 0.0010295) was a risk factor of IgAN, while cheese intake (OR (95% CI) = 0.626 (0.492–0.798), p = 0.0001559), cereal intake (OR (95% CI) = 0.652 (0.439–0.967), p = 0.0334126), and sushi intake (OR (95% CI) = 0.145 (0.021–0.997), p = 0.0497) were protective factors of IgAN. No causal relationship was found between IgAN and the rest of the dietary exposures.ConclusionOur study provided genetic evidence that alcohol intake frequency was associated with an increased risk of IgAN, while cheese, cereal, and sushi intake were associated with a decreased risk of IgAN. Further investigation is required to confirm these results.
Prognostic nomogram of overall survival for radiation therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: a population study based on the SEER database and an external cohort
Authors: Chen Lijun , Wu Qiaoyuan , Fu Jia , Jiang Mengjie , Qiu Jialin , Tao Jiaomei , Lin Litong , Chen Shenshen , Wu Yi , Yang Zhengqiang , Li Jianxu , Liang Shixiong 
Published: September 2024

PurposeRadiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To screen patients who benefit most from RT, a nomogram for survival prediction of RT based on a large sample of patients with HCC was created and validated.MethodsA total of 2,252 cases collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were separated into a training or an internal validation cohort in a 7:3 ratio (n = 1,565:650). An external validation cohort of cases from our institute was obtained (n = 403). LASSO regression and Cox analyses were adopted to develop a nomogram for survival prediction. The decision curve analysis (DCA), calibration curve, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (TROCs) demonstrated the reliability of the predictive model.ResultsFor patients with HCC who received RT, the analyses revealed that the independent survival prediction factors were T stage {T2 vs. T1, hazard ratio (HR) =1.452 [95% CI, 1.195–1.765], p &lt; 0.001; T3 vs. T1, HR = 1.469 [95% CI, 1.168–1.846], p &lt; 0.001; T4 vs. T1, HR = 1.291 [95% CI, 0.951–1.754], p = 0.101}, N stage (HR = 1.555 [95% CI, 1.338–1.805], p &lt; 0.001), M stage (HR = 3.007 [95% CI, 2.645–3.418], p &lt; 0.001), max tumor size (&gt;2 and ≤5 vs. ≤2 cm, HR = 1.273 [95% CI, 0.992–1.633], p = 0.057; &gt;5 and ≤10 vs. ≤2 cm, HR = 1.625 [95% CI, 1.246–2.118], p &lt; 0.001; &gt;10 vs. ≤2 cm, HR = 1.784 [95% CI, 1.335–2.385], p &lt; 0.001), major vascular invasion (MVI) (HR = 1.454 [95% CI, 1.028–2.057], p = 0.034), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) (HR = 1.573 [95% CI, 1.315–1.882], p &lt; 0.001), and chemotherapy (HR = 0.511 [95% CI, 0.454–0.576], p &lt; 0.001). A nomogram constructed with these prognostic factors demonstrated outstanding predictive accuracy. The area under the curve (AUC) in the training cohort for predicting overall survival (OS) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was 0.824 (95% CI, 0.803–0.846), 0.824 (95% CI, 0.802–0.845), 0.816 (95% CI, 0.792–0.840), and 0.820 (95% CI, 0.794–0.846), respectively. The AUCs were similar in the other two cohorts. The DCA and calibration curve demonstrated the reliability of the predictive model.ConclusionFor patients who have been treated with RT, a nomogram constructed with T stage, N stage, M stage, tumor size, MVI, AFP, and chemotherapy has good survival prediction ability.
Role of FGF21 in mediating the effect of phosphatidylcholine on GBM
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Xin , Xiao Boan , Ouyang Jiecai , Zhang Jingjing , Peng Xiaobin 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThe causal relationship and mechanisms between lipids and glioblastoma (GBM) remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the independent causal relationship between liposomal phosphatidylcholine 16:0_22:6 (PC16) and GBM, and to identify the potential mediating role of the inflammatory factor-fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21).MethodsUtilizing summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of lipids (179 types in 7174 Finnish individuals), GBM (243 cases and 287137 controls), and inflammatory factors (91 types in 14824 European individuals), a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach was employed to establish the causal link between liposomal PC16 and GBM. Additionally, a two-step MR method was used to quantify the proportion of the causal effect of PC16 on GBM that is mediated by the inflammatory factor FGF21.ResultsMR analyses revealed a strong causal relationship between PC16 and GBM (OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.11-2.68, P=0.016), but no reverse causality was observed from GBM to PC16 (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.99-1.02, P=0.38). Mediation analysis showed a strong causal relationship between PC16 and the FGF21 (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99, P=0.018) as well as between FGF21 and GBM (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.25-0.71, P=0.001), with the mediation effect accounting for 9.78% of the total effect. This suggests that the causal relationship between PC16 and GBM is likely mediated by the intermediary factor FGF21. No evidence of pleiotropy was found in the sensitivity analysis of these positive results.ConclusionIn summary, the findings of this study suggest that liposomal PC16 may increase the risk of GBM occurrence, and FGF21 may play a significant mediating role in this causal relationship.
Inhibition of ADAM17 increases the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in cervical spheroids and organoids
Authors: Holthaus David , Rogmans Christoph , Gursinski Ina , Quevedo-Olmos Alvaro , Ehsani Marzieh , Mangler Mandy , Flörkemeier Inken , Weimer Jörg P. , Meyer Thomas F. , Maass Nicolai , Bauerschlag Dirk O. , Hedemann Nina 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionCervical cancer represents one of the main causes of female, cancer-related mortality worldwide. The majority of cancers are caused by human papillomaviruses such as HPV16 and HPV18. As chemotherapeutic resistance to first-line platinum treatment is still a predominant clinical challenge in advanced cervical cancer, novel treatment options including combinatorial therapies are urgently required to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance. Inhibition of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (ADAM)-family members, heavily involved in tumour progression of a vast range of solid tumours, strongly improved response to chemotherapeutic treatment in other tumour entities including ovarian cancer.MethodsWe established two- and three-dimensional models derived from three traditional cervical cancer cell lines and ectocervical cancer-derived organoids. Following characterisation, these models were used to investigate their response to cisplatin treatment in the absence and presence of ADAM inhibitors using viability assays and automated live cell imaging.ResultsThe pivotal role of the metalloprotease ADAM17 driving chemotherapy resistance was detectable in all ectocervical cultures irrespective of the model system used, whereas ADAM10 inhibition was predominantly effective only in loosely aggregated spheroids. We showed prominent differences regarding treatment responses between 2D monolayers compared to 3D spheroid and 3D organoid model systems. Particularly, the organoid system, regarded as the closest representation of primary tumours, exhibited reliably the combinatorial effect of ADAM17 inhibition and cisplatin in all three individual donors.DiscussionAs two- and three-dimensional models of the same cell lines differ in their responses to chemotherapy it is essential to validate treatment strategies in more advanced model systems representing the patient situation more realistically. Ectocervical organoids showed reliable results regarding treatment responses closely mimicking the primary tumours and could therefore serve as an important tool for personalized medicine in cervical cancer. These findings strengthen the role of ADAM17 as a potential novel target for combinatorial treatments to overcome chemoresistance in cervical cancer.
Comprehensive analysis of splicing factor SRs-related gene characteristics: predicting osteosarcoma prognosis and immune regulation status
Authors: Long Changhai , Ma Biao , Li Kai , Liu Sijing 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of SRs-related genes on the overall survival and prognosis of osteosarcoma patients through bulk and single-cell RNA-seq transcriptome analysis.MethodsIn this study, we constructed a prognosis model based on serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SRs) and predicted the survival of osteosarcoma patients. By analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data and applying AUCell enrichment analysis, we revealed oncogenic pathways of SRs in osteosarcoma immune cells. Additionally, we described the regulatory role of SRSF7 in pan-cancer.ResultsLasso regression analysis identified 6 key SRs-related genes, and a prognosis prediction model was established. The upregulation of these pathways revealed that SRs promote tumor cell proliferation and survival by regulating related signaling pathways and help tumor cells evade host immune surveillance. Additionally, by grouping single-cell data using AUCell, we found significant differences in T cell expression between high and low-risk groups. The analysis results indicated that the regulatory activity of SRs is closely related to T cell function, particularly in regulating immune responses and promoting immune evasion. Furthermore, SRSF7 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis.ConclusionSRs-related genes play a critical regulatory role in osteosarcoma. T cells are key in regulating immune responses and promoting immune evasion through SRs genes. SRSF7 is a significant gene influencing the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma.
Schistosomiasis endemicity and its role in sexually transmitted infections – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Asare Kwame Kumi , Afful Philip , Abotsi Godwin Kwami , Adu-Gyamfi Czarina Owusua , Benyem George , Katawa Gnatoulma , Arndts Kathrin , Ritter Manuel 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionSchistosomiasis, a tropical parasitic disease, affects 779 million people globally, with 85% of cases in Africa. The interplay between schistosomiasis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can exacerbate health burdens, but most attention has focused on interactions with HIV, neglecting coinfections with other STIs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to understand the role Schistosoma infections play in STIs within schistosomiasis-endemic populations.MethodsThe study is a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the link between Schistosoma infections and STIs in endemic regions. It uses PRISMA guidelines, electronic databases, and Google Scholar to assess prevalence, associations, and heterogeneity, reducing bias using a Meta-Mar statistical tool.ResultsA quantitative synthesis of 33 articles from 1975–2024 involved 22,587 participants from 13 countries, including regions in Africa, France, and China, examining coinfections of schistosomiasis and STIs, including HIV. The pooled estimates showed a significant risk association between schistosomiasis and STIs [RR (95% CI) = 1.18, (1.13–1.24); z/t = 7.55, p&lt;0.0001] using a fixed effect model. Cochran’s Q test (Tau2 = 0.5061, Chi2 = 476.65, df = 32, p&lt;0.01) indicated significant heterogeneity. The Higgins I2 statistic of 93.0% (91.5%–94.7%), H = 3.86 (3.43–4.33), highlighted substantial variance between studies. Subgroup analysis showed West Africa [Weight IV = 1.7%, RR (95% CI) = 1.78 (1.28–2.47), I2 = 59%], East Africa [Weight IV = 10.5%, RR (95% CI) = 0.99 (0.86–1.13), I2 = 54%], and Southern Africa [Weight IV = 82.0%, RR (95% CI) = 1.16 (1.10–1.21), I2 = 97%] contributed significantly to the high heterogeneity in the pooled analysis. Females had a notably higher risk of STIs in the context of schistosomiasis (k = 17, RR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.23–1.37, Q = 316.78, I2 = 94.9%), compared to males (k = 6, RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.77–1.15, Q = 53.44, I2 = 90.6%) and the combined group of females and males (k = 9, RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.88–1.02, Q = 16.38, I2 = 50.2%).ConclusionThe study found a high risk of coinfections between schistosomiasis and STIs, particularly in West and Southern Africa, confirming female genital schistosomiasis as a major risk for STIs.
Metabolic and hormonal responses to acute high-load resistance exercise in normobaric hypoxia using a saturation clamp
Authors: Jiang Guole , Qin Shuang , Yan Bing , Girard Olivier 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWe assessed metabolic and hormonal responses to high-load resistance exercise under varying normobaric hypoxia conditions with a saturation clamp.MethodsEmploying a counterbalanced, crossover test design, ten well-trained men participated in three exercise trials with normoxic or hypoxic gas mixtures to maintain arterial oxygen saturation at −90% and 80% [moderate (MH) and severe (SH) hypoxia, respectively]. The resistance exercise regimen comprised five sets of 10 repetitions of barbell back squats at 70% of one repetition maximum, with 1-min rest between sets. Metabolic and hormonal responses were measured before normoxia or hypoxia exposures (Pre 1), 15 min after the exposures (Pre 2), and at 0-, 15-, and 30-min post-exercises (T0, T15, and T30, respectively).ResultsCompared to Pre 2, blood lactate concentrations and growth hormone values were elevated at T0, T15, and T30 (p ≤ 0.001), while testosterone values increased at T0 in all conditions (p ≤ 0.009). Epinephrine values increased significantly from Pre 2 to T0 in SH only (p &lt; 0.001). SH had significantly higher blood lactate concentrations (p = 0.023), growth hormone (p = 0.050), and epinephrine (p = 0.020) values at T30 compared to NM. Cortisol values were elevated above Pre 2 at T15 in MH and SH, while lower testosterone values were noted at T0 and T15 for SH compared to NM and MH (all p ≤ 0.05).DiscussionSevere simulated hypoxia, achieved through a saturation clamp during barbell back squats, may enhance metabolic and hormonal responses, particularly 30 min post-session. Nevertheless, the acute effects of hypoxia exposure seem to be overridden by the impact of high-load resistance exercise.
Generative learning activities for online multimedia learning: when summarizing is effective but drawing is not
Authors: Lawson Alyssa P. , Mayer Richard E. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe goal of this study is to determine whether two commonly used generative learning activities for text-based lessons—writing a summary or creating a drawing—help students learn from a multimedia lesson involving animations with short text captions without prior training in the generative activities.MethodsStudents viewed a series of four annotated animations on greenhouse gases. During pauses between the animations, students were asked to generate a written summary, to create a drawing, or to do both, whereas a control group viewed the lesson without any generative learning activities. Students were tested immediately (Experiment 1) or after a one-week delay (Experiment 2).ResultsIn both experiments, students who produced written summaries scored significantly higher on the posttest than those who engaged in no generative learning activities (d = 0.48 in Experiment 1, d = 0.54 in Experiment 2), but there was no significant difference on the posttest for students who generated drawings compared to those who engaged in no generative learning activities. In addition, those who engaged in drawing and summarizing did not have significantly different posttest performance than those engaged in summarizing alone.DiscussionWe conclude that writing summaries during a highly visual animated lesson is effective for learning, possibly because it encourages students to engage in generative processing during learning more than drawing and we discuss potential reasons for this in the discussion. This work helps extend generative learning theory by pinpointing potential boundary conditions for learning by drawing and learning by summarizing.
From self-awareness to social savvy: how intrapersonal skills shape interpersonal competence in university students
Authors: Merlin J. Ida , Soubramanian Prabakar 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe extant study was conducted over a cross-sectional period and aimed to assess the effect of intrapersonal on the interpersonal dimensions of Emotional Intelligence among University Students.MethodsA literature survey was carried out, and the study’s hypotheses were framed. Utilising a standardised Emotional Intelligence Scale, a widely accepted and validated measurement tool in the field, for measurement, the survey was disseminated in digital and physical formats. The researchers employed the snowball sampling technique to distribute the questionnaires and recruit volunteers for the study. The data collection period spanned from August 2023 through September 2023. The demographic information of the individuals was described using the SPSS 25 software, while the dataset for the personal and social competencies was analysed using the SmartPLS software.Results and discussionThe research reveals a statistically significant association between the variables under investigation. Specifically, there exists a negative correlation between Motivation and Social Skills, as well as between Self-regulation and Social Awareness. These findings open up exciting opportunities for future research, inspiring further exploration into the development of intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies among students.