bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disparities in structural brain imaging in older adults from rural communities in Southern Nevada
Authors: Zhuang Xiaowei , Cordes Dietmar , Caldwell Jessica Z. K. , Bender Andrew R. , Miller Justin B. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionIdentifying the associations between rural-living or neighborhood disadvantage and neurobiology may clarify rural–urban disparities in older adults with cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease.MethodsWe examined rural–urban differences and neighborhood disadvantages in brain cortical thickness (CT) measures among 71 rural and 87 urban-dwelling older adults. Analysis of covariance was used to test each FreeSurfer-derived CT measures’ associations with rural–urban living, clinical impairment status, and their interactions. Post-hoc linear regressions were used to test the association between CT measures and neighborhood disadvantage index.ResultsRural-dwelling older adults had thinner cortices in temporal and inferior frontal regions compared to urban participants, especially among clinically normal participants, where the thinner temporal cortex further correlated with higher neighborhood disadvantage. Conversely, rural participants had thicker cortices in superior frontal, parietal and occipital regions.DiscussionOur results suggest a complex interplay between community contexts and neurobiology. For memory-related regions, rural-living and neighborhood disadvantage might be negatively associated with subjects’ brain structures.
Technological interventions in European dementia care: a systematic review of acceptance and attitudes among people living with dementia, caregivers, and healthcare workers
Authors: Sorrentino Michele , Fiorilla Claudio , Mercogliano Michelangelo , Esposito Federica , Stilo Irene , Affinito Giuseppina , Moccia Marcello , Lavorgna Luigi , Salvatore Elena , Maida Elisabetta , Barbi Elisa , Triassi Maria , Palladino Raffaele 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundAlzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative forms of dementia affect 8 million Europeans. Assistive technologies are suggested to reduce the burden of care and improve the quality of life of person living with dementia. Nonetheless, the acceptance and attitudes toward technological interventions pose challenges not only for people living with dementia and caregivers but also for healthcare workers. This review specifically aims to investigate how these key groups perceive and accept technology in European dementia care settings.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted to identify studies, published between 2013 and 2023, that examined the acceptance and attitude of assistive technologies in Alzheimer’s and other dementia European settings, following the PRISMA guidelines. Rayyan AI was used for data extraction, and bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.ResultsAmong the 1,202 identified articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria, revealing a prevailing positivity toward technological interventions in dementia care. Nonetheless, several barriers to adoption, including technological unfamiliarity, and specific dementia-related symptoms that complicate usage were identified. They also unveiled varying attitudes, influenced by factors such as familiarity with technologies, perceived usefulness, and the broader context of the COVID-19 pandemic which accelerated telemedicine and digital solution acceptance during restricted mobility and social distancing.ConclusionUnderstanding attitudes toward technology in dementia care is crucial as it influences the adoption and utilization of tech-based interventions, impacting symptom management and quality of life. Addressing these attitudes through tailored interventions and education can enhance well-being and quality of life for people living with dementia, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Antioxidants and the risk of sleep disorders: results from NHANES and two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Junjie , Li Dong , Huang Tao , Huang Shan , Tan Hanyu , Xia Zhongfang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSleep disorders have emerged as a major public health concern. Observational research indicates that antioxidants might mitigate the risk of sleep disturbances, yet the causal relationship remains uncertain.Materials and methodsThis study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2018, focusing on adults who reported sleep disorders. The analysis included 25,178 American adults. We examined the association between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and the prevalence of sleep disorders. Additionally, a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to explore the potential causal link between CDAI and the risk of sleep disorders.ResultsAnalysis of data from the 2007–2018 NHANES survey revealed a significant negative association between CDAI and sleep disorders (OR = 0.854, 95% CI 0.821–0.888, P &lt; 0.001). A multivariable logistic regression model showed that each unit increase in CDAI corresponded to a 14.6% reduction in sleep disorder risk, exhibiting a nonlinear trend where the risk decreased until reaching the inflection point of −0.134. Additionally, MR analysis demonstrated that genetically determined selenium reduces the risk of OSA (OR = 0.992, 95% CI 0.860–0.989, P = 0.023). Furthermore, vitamin E (γ-tocopherol) and vitamin C were protective against sleep-wake disorders (OR = 0.016, 95% CI 0.001–0.674, P = 0.03) and (OR = 0.049, 95% CI 0.007–0.346, P = 0.002), respectively.ConclusionDietary antioxidants may help prevent sleep disorders. However, further studies are required to clarify the pathways through which antioxidants exert this protective effect.
Development and validation of a simulation training platform for the ligation of deep dorsal vein complex in radical prostatectomy
Authors: Chen Yu , Tan Qi , Zhu Jingzhen , Zhou Luqiang , Li Siyue , Zheng Ji 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to design a low-cost, simulation training platform for the ligation of deep dorsal vein (DVC) complex in radical prostatectomy and validate its training effectiveness.MethodsA simplified prostate urethra model was produced by 0-degree silica gel and pulse pressure banding. This model was placed on a slope of about 30 degrees using cardboard to thus creating a narrow environment of the pelvis. The DVC ligation was performed by a 2D laparoscopy simulator. A total of 27 participants completed the study include 13 novices, 10 surgical residents and 4 urology experts. The novices were trained five trails with 24 hours interval, the residents and experts completed the DVC ligation once. The construct validity of this simulation training platform was performed by completing time, the GOALS (Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills) and TSA (i.e. Task Specific Assessments) score. The face validity and content validity were performed by a specific closed-ended questionnaire.ResultsThere was no significant difference among three groups in demographic or psychometric variables (p &gt; 0.05). Compared to the novices, the residents spend a shorter time to complete the DVC ligation (p &lt; 0.05) and had higher GOALS scores (p &lt; 0.05), but had no significant difference in TSA scores (p &gt; 0.05). Additionally, the experts groups had a better performance compared to residents group in the completing time (p &lt; 0.05), GOALS score (p &lt; 0.05) and TSA score (p &lt; 0.05). The learning curve of novices significantly promoted along with the increased times of training. Almost 90 percent of subjects considered that this simulator had a good performance in the realism and practicability.ConclusionWe developed a novel low-cost a simulation training platform for the ligation of deep dorsal vein complex in radical prostatectomy, and this simulator had a good performance in the construct validity, face validity and content validity.
WWOX-related epileptic encephalopathy caused by a novel mutation in the WWOX gene: a case report
Authors: Feng Dan , Li Ye , Zhang Ya-Ting , Song Yan-Jun , Qin Dong-Yuan , Wang Fan 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundWWOX-related epileptic encephalopathy is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the WW-containing oxidoreductase gene, characterized by the onset of refractory seizures in infants. Early-onset epilepsy, electroencephalography abnormalities, and developmental delay or degeneration are the main clinical manifestations. Early death can occur in severe cases. In the present study, a novel variant in WWOX was detected in a patient with epilepsy and his healthy parents.Case presentationA 5-month-old boy presented with epilepsy. The main manifestations were intractable seizures, mental and motor retardation and hearing impairment. Subsequent genetic testing revealed the presence of an epilepsy-associated novel mutation: c.991C&gt;A (amino acid change: p.Ser304Tyr) in the WWOX gene. Variants were inherited from parents with healthy phenotypes. Finally, a patient died at 6 months of age.ConclusionThe discovery of novel variants has enriched the existing database of WWOX gene variants and may expand the range of clinical options for treating WWOX-related disorders.
Exploring potential targets for natural product therapy of DN: the role of SUMOylation
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhang Rui , Wu Chenguang , Wang Lifan , Liu Peng , Li Ping 
Published: October 2024

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common and serious micro-vascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. This disease primarily affects middle-aged and elderly individuals, especially those with a diabetes history of over 10 years and poor long-term blood glucose control. Small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMOs) are a group of reversible post-translational modifications of proteins that are widely expressed in eukaryotes. SUMO proteins intervene in the progression of DN by modulating various signaling cascades, such as Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress, NF-κB, TGF-β, and MAPK pathways. Recent advancements indicate that natural products regulating SUMOylation hold promise as targets for intervening in DN. In a previous article published in 2022, we reviewed the mechanisms by which SUMOylation intervenes in renal fibrosis and presented a summary of some natural products with therapeutic potential. Therefore, this paper will focus on DN. The aim of this review is to elucidate the mechanism of action of SUMOylation in DN and related natural products with therapeutic potential, thereby summarising the targets and candidate natural products for the treatment of DN through the modulation of SUMOylation, such as ginkgolic acid, ginkgolide B, resveratrol, astragaloside IV, etc., and highlighting that natural product-mediated modulation of SUMOylation is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DN as a potential therapeutic strategy.
The baseline hemoglobin level is a positive biomarker for immunotherapy response and can improve the predictability of tumor mutation burden for immunotherapy response in cancer
Authors: He Yin , Ren Tong , Ji Chengfei , Zhao Li , Wang Xiaosheng 
Published: October 2024

PurposeBecause only a subset of cancer patients can benefit from immunotherapy, identifying predictive biomarkers of ICI therapy response is of utmost importance.MethodsWe analyzed the association between hemoglobin (HGB) levels and clinical outcomes in 1,479 ICIs-treated patients across 16 cancer types. We explored the dose-dependent associations between HGB levels and survival and immunotherapy response using the spline-based cox regression analysis. Furthermore, we investigated the associations across subgroups of patients with different clinicopathological characteristics, treatment programs and cancer types using the bootstrap resampling method.ResultsHGB levels correlated positively with clinical outcomes in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy but not in those without immunotherapy. Moreover, this association was independent of other clinicopathological characteristics (such as sex, age, tumor stage and tumor mutation burden (TMB)), treatment program and cancer type. Also, this association was independent of the established biomarkers of immunotherapy response, including TMB, PD-L1 expression and microsatellite instability. The combination of TMB and HGB level are more powerful in predicting immunotherapy response than TMB alone. Multi-omics analysis showed that HGB levels correlated positively with antitumor immune signatures and negatively with tumor properties directing antitumor immunosuppression, such as homologous recombination defect, stemness and intratumor heterogeneity.ConclusionThe HGB measure has the potential clinical value as a novel biomarker of immunotherapy response that is easily accessible from clinically routine examination. The combination of TMB and HGB measures have better predictive performance for immunotherapy response than TMB.
Isoflurane-lipid emulsion injection as an anticonvulsant and neuroprotectant treatment for nerve agent exposure
Authors: Krishnan Jishnu K. S. , Moffett John R. , Puthillathu Narayanan , Johnson Erik A. , Namboodiri Aryan M. 
Published: October 2024

We have shown that briefly inhaled isoflurane rapidly halts convulsions and protects the central nervous system (CNS) from organophosphate-induced neuronal loss when administered at 5% for 5 min, even as late as 1 h after organophosphate exposure. In the current study we investigated if an injectable form of isoflurane was as effective as inhaled isoflurane. We used a mixture of 10% isoflurane dissolved in an IV-compatible lipid-water emulsion for intravenous administration. Rats with an implanted jugular vein cannula were infused with 1,000 μL of the 10% isoflurane-lipid emulsion (ILE) mixture at a rate of 200 μL per minute, which achieved full anesthesia lasting approximately 10 min. When administered 30 min after a highly lethal dose of the organophosphate insecticide paraoxon (POX), the short-duration administration halted convulsions over the course of the study and prevented the great majority of neuronal loss as shown by Fluoro-Jade B staining (FJB). Our results indicate that injectable isoflurane is very effective for treating organophosphate poisoning, negating the need for vaporizer equipment and enabling intravenous therapy.
Targeting exercise-related genes and placental growth factor for therapeutic development in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shi Qingyuan , Ying Haiyue , Weng Weibin 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundHuman cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), are complex and heterogeneous diseases driven by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins play a crucial role in cancer progression, making them a promising target for pharmacological intervention. This study aims to identify key exercise-related genes with prognostic value in HNSCC through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, with a particular focus on the therapeutic potential of placental growth factor (PIGF).MethodsTranscriptome data for HNSCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and analyzed for their prognostic significance. Exercise-related gene sets were retrieved from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) database. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and GSEA, were conducted. The biological functions and clinical implications of key genes were further explored through single-gene expression analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and in vitro cellular experiments.ResultsThe study identified exercise-related genes associated with survival prognosis in HNSCC. GO and KEGG pathway analyses highlighted the biological functions of these genes, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves confirmed their prognostic value. PIGF expression analysis using TCGA data showed its diagnostic potential, with higher expression linked to advanced tumor stages. Single-cell sequencing revealed PIGF’s role in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PIGF plays a pivotal role in enhancing cell proliferation and colony formation in HNSCC, with PIGF knockdown significantly impairing these functions, highlighting its importance in tumor growth regulation. Additionally, PIGF’s predictive performance in drug sensitivity across cancer datasets suggests its potential as a pharmacological target, offering opportunities to modulate the immune microenvironment and improve therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment.ConclusionThis study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HNSCC and identifies exercise-related genes, particularly PIGF, as promising biomarkers for clinical treatment and personalized medicine. By focusing on PTMs and their role in cancer progression, our findings suggest that targeting PIGF may offer innovative therapeutic strategies.
Towards international collaboration of clinical research networks for EMDR: the EMDR Pain Network Germany
Authors: Vock S. , Hofmann A. , Lehnung M. , Böhm K. , Wieland S. , Seidler G. H. , Beiner E. , Hermes M. , Friederich H.-C. , Eich W. , Tesarz J. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment, primarily established for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While it is increasingly being applied to chronic pain, its efficacy in this area is not yet supported by the same level of evidence as that which exists for PTSD. Studies in this area often show heterogeneous results with small case numbers, and the potential side effects of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain are not well understood. Systematic documentation of treatment effects, potential predictors of treatment response and non-response, and side effects is crucial for progress in this field.AimThe primary aim is to establish a research framework to systematically investigate the delivery of EMDR therapies by outpatient clinicians in the field of pain. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of treatment outcomes, side effects and determinants of treatment effectiveness, whether positive response or non-response.MethodsThis framework will oversee the documentation and evaluation of EMDR interventions delivered in outpatient settings using an Embedded Continuous Cumulative Evaluation Design (ECCED). It will focus on detailed characterisation of positive and negative therapeutic effects. It will also identify and analyse prognostic factors that influence individual variability in response to treatment. Treatment materials, standardised assessments and an intervision platform for regular exchange will be provided.DiscussionThe establishment of the EMDR Pain Network Germany and an interdisciplinary scientific-clinical platform is essential to promote clinical exchange and understanding of the effects of EMDR in pain therapy. This platform offers standardised treatment protocols, an online data collection system with anonymised data, comprehensive baseline assessments and an intervision platform for regular exchange. The knowledge gained is intended to personalise future therapies and serve as a basis for large randomised clinical trials.
From obligation to action: unraveling the roles of social responsibility and prosocial tendency in shaping Chinese doctors’ vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Li Xikun , Zhang Yuwei , Li Xinyang , Guo Botang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe hesitation of healthcare professionals towards vaccines is becoming increasingly concerning, potentially undermining public confidence in vaccination programs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social responsibility, Prosocial tendency, and vaccine hesitancy among Chinese doctors, and to identify demographic factors associated with vaccine hesitancy.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 976 Chinese doctors. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess their sense of social responsibility, Prosocial tendency, and vaccine hesitancy. Demographic information, including age, gender, and marital status, was also collected. Correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the main variables.ResultsSocial responsibility was negatively correlated with vaccine hesitancy (r=-0.564, P&lt;0.01) and positively correlated with Prosocial tendency (r=0.519, P&lt;0.01). Prosocial tendency was negatively correlated with vaccine hesitancy (r=-0.505, P&lt;0.01) and partially mediated the relationship between social responsibility and vaccine hesitancy. Younger age, female gender, and unmarried status were associated with higher levels of vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionThis study emphasized the important role of social responsibility and Prosocial tendency in reducing vaccine hesitancy among Chinese doctors. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at fostering a strong sense of social responsibility and promoting Prosocial tendency may effectively address vaccine hesitancy in this population. Additionally, targeted interventions focusing on young, female, and unmarried doctors may be necessary.
Effects of household solid fuel use on sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Su Shaohui , Zhou Yinuo , Wang Kerui , Liu Aonan , Lei Lei , Ma Hao , Yang Yanfang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundHousehold solid fuel use is common in global households and has been linked to changes in handgrip strength and muscle mass. However, whether household solid fuel use results in sarcopenia over time is not well elaborated.MethodsThis study employed data from the 2011–2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) that recruited 4,932 participants ≥45 years. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was conducted to estimate the impact of household solid fuel use for cooking and heating on sarcopenia development. The analysis was further stratified based on geographic position. Mediation analysis was employed to estimate the potential mediating effects of cognitive function and depressive symptoms associated with household solid fuel use and sarcopenia.ResultsOver the 4-year follow-up, 476 cases of sarcopenia were reported (9.65%), with 254 in males (10.82%) and 222 in females (8.59%). Cooking and heating with solid fuels increased the risk of sarcopenia (Cooking: HR 1.401, 95% CI 1.138–1.724; Heating: HR 1.278, 95% CI 1.040–1.571). Crop residue/wood burning correlated with higher sarcopenia risk (Cooking: 1.420, 95% CI 1.147–1.758; Heating: 1.318, 95% CI 1.062–1.635). Switching to clean cooking fuels significantly reduced sarcopenia risk (HR 0.766, 95% CI 0.599–0.979). Heating with solid fuels was associated with higher sarcopenia risk only in southern China (HR 1.375, 95% CI 1.102–1.715). Additionally, cognitive function and depressive symptoms partially mediated the link between household solid fuel use and sarcopenia.ConclusionHousehold use of solid fuels is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia. Restricting the use of solid fuels and focusing on cognitive function and depressive symptoms in solid fuel users can help decrease sarcopenia development.