bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compact and low-power wireless headstage for electrocorticography recording of freely moving primates in a home cage
Authors: Kaiju Taro , Inoue Masato , Hirata Masayuki , Suzuki Takafumi 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveWireless electrocorticography (ECoG) recording from unrestrained nonhuman primates during behavioral tasks is a potent method for investigating higher-order brain functions over extended periods. However, conventional wireless neural recording devices have not been optimized for ECoG recording, and few devices have been tested on freely moving primates engaged in behavioral tasks within their home cages.MethodsWe developed a compact, low-power, 32-channel wireless ECoG headstage specifically designed for neuroscience research. To evaluate its efficacy, we established a behavioral task setup within a home cage environment.ResultsThe developed headstage weighed merely 1.8 g and had compact dimensions of 25 mm × 16 mm × 4 mm. It was efficiently powered by a 100-mAh battery (weighing 3 g), enabling continuous recording for 8.5 h. The device successfully recorded data from an unrestrained monkey performing a center-out joystick task within its home cage.ConclusionThe device demonstrated excellent capability for recording ECoG data from freely moving primates in a home cage environment. This versatile device enhances task design freedom, decrease researchers’ workload, and enhances data collection efficiency.
Decoding tinnitus progression: neurochemical shifts in the anterior cingulate cortex revealed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Gong Mengfang , Han Shuting , Shen Yongcong , Li Yonggang , Liu Ji-Sheng , Tao Duo-Duo 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundTinnitus persists as a significant public health challenge with elusive neurochemical underpinnings. Emerging evidence implicates dysregulated excitatory-inhibitory neurotransmission in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a limbic-auditory hub governing tinnitus salience. This study investigates dynamic ACC neurochemical changes during tinnitus progression.MethodsUsing single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), GABA+/creatine (Cr) and Glx (glutamate+glutamine)/Cr ratios were measured in the ACC of 16 recent-onset (RO; &lt;6 months), 22 chronic (CH; ≥6 months) tinnitus patients, and 26 healthy controls (HC). Tinnitus severity was assessed via tinnitometry and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI).ResultsRO patients exhibited significantly reduced ACC GABA+/Cr compared to CH and HC groups (p &lt; 0.05), while CH and HC showed no differences. GABA+/Cr positively correlated with tinnitus duration across patients (r = 0.364, p = 0.025). Although Glx/Cr did not differ between groups, elevated Glx/Cr associated with higher tinnitus pitch-matching frequencies (r = 0.421, p = 0.008) and emotional distress (TFI-E; r = 0.370, p = 0.022), though these findings did not survive multiple comparison correction.ConclusionEarly tinnitus is characterized by ACC GABAergic deficits, while chronicity features normalized GABA+/Cr levels—suggesting compensatory neuroplastic restoration of inhibition over time. Glutamatergic activity may modulate perceptual and emotional dimensions of tinnitus. These phase-specific ACC neurochemical shifts highlight potential therapeutic targets for arresting tinnitus progression. Longitudinal studies are warranted to validate temporal dynamics.
Detection of radiosensitive subpopulations ex-vivo with Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Meade Aidan D. , Maguire Adrian , Bryant Jane , Cullen Daniel , Medipally Dinesh , White Lisa , Armstrong John , Dunne Mary , Noone Emma , Bradshaw Shirley , Finn Marie , Shannon Aoife M. , Howe Orla L. , Lyng Fiona M. 
Published: February 2025

Although significant advances in understanding the molecular drivers of acquired and inherited radiosensitivity have occurred in recent decades, a single analytical method which can detect and classify radiosensitivity remains elusive. Raman microspectroscopy has demonstrated capabilities in the objective classification of various diseases, and more recently in the detection and modelling of radiobiological effect. In this study, Raman spectroscopy is presented as a potential tool for the detection of radiosensitivity subpopulations represented by four lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from individuals with ataxia telangiectasia (2 lines), non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and Turner’s syndrome. These are classified with respect to a population with mixed radiosensitivity, represented by lymphocytes drawn from both healthy controls, and prostate cancer patients. Raman spectroscopic measurements were made ex-vivo after exposure to X-ray doses of 0 Gy, 50 mGy and 500 mGy, in parallel to radiation-induced G2 chromosomal radiosensitivity scores, for all samples. Support vector machine models developed on the basis of the spectral data were capable of discrimination of radiosensitive populations before and after irradiation, with superior discrimination when spectra were subjected to a non-linear dimensionality reduction (UMAP) as opposed to a linear (PCA) approach. Models developed on spectral data acquired on samples irradiated in-vitro with a dose of 0Gy were found to provide the highest level of performance in discriminating between classes, with performances of F1 = 0.92 ± 0.06 achieved on a held-out test set. Overall, this study suggests that Raman spectroscopy may have potential as a tool for the detection of intrinsic radiosensitivity using liquid biopsies.
lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 acts as an oncogene to regulate malignant phenotypes in cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Yunyan , Chen Cha , Roy Bhaskar , Li Qun , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xuan , Pu Jieying , Li Yuguang , Liu Yanli , Liao Huanlan , Wang Jingjing , Zhou Rui , Zhuo Huiyan , Li Youqiang 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) HIF1A-AS2 is upregulated in multiple human cancers and are associated with various aspects of tumor progression. However, the molecular mechanisms of HIF1A-AS2 in cervical cancer (CC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression pattern and signaling pathways of HIF1A-AS2 in CC.MethodsThe study included a group of 20 CC patients, from whom tumor tissue specimens were collected. Additionally, three distinct CC cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, CaSki) were utilized. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to assess the transcript levels of HIF1A-AS2 in these samples. Functional studies were performed by CCK-8, Transwell and Apoptosis assays. Databases including JASPAR, miRDB and Targetscan were used for the transcription factor or target miRNA prediction, subsequent dual luciferase activity assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Ago2 immunoprecipitation (RIP) were also adopted for validation.ResultsThe study demonstrated that HIF1A-AS2 expression was elevated in clinical cervical cancer specimens and cultured cell lines in comparison to normal controls. Knockdown of HIF1A-AS2 notably inhibited the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells, while inducing apoptosis. In contrast, HIF1A-AS2 overexpression promoted cellular proliferation and invasion and suppressed apoptosis. It was also identified that c-Jun functions as a transcription factor, activating HIF1A-AS2 expression. Additionally, HIF1A-AS2 was found to serve as a molecular sponge for miR-34b-5p, negatively regulating its expression. Furthermore, HIF1A-AS2 controlled the expression of radixin (RDX) by sponging the miR-34b-5p pathway.ConclusionOur findings indicate that c-Jun-activated HIF1A-AS2 acts as an oncogenic factor in CC by sponging miR-34b-5p to target radixin. These findings suggest that HIF1A-AS2 might be a viable and promising therapeutic target for cervical cancer treatment.
Baseline cross-sectional imaging of locally advanced high-risk breast cancer facilitates highly customized radiation therapy in surgically inaccessible anatomical areas
Authors: Borowiec Tomasz , Matkowski Rafał , Cybulska-Stopa Bożena , Kuniej Tomasz , Kołodziejczyk Andrzej , Dupla Dorota , Maciejczyk Adam 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundRoutine medical imaging used for preliminary breast cancer workup, such as mammography (MMG) and ultrasound (US), has limited utility for radiation oncologists. We hypothesized that the inclusion of cross-sectional imaging (CT scan or PET-CT) prior to primary systemic therapy (PST) would improve clinical staging accuracy and facilitate customized postoperative radiation therapy planning. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the standard baseline imaging with extended radiological staging.MethodsTo assess our hypothesis, we performed a prospective, single-center study that included 132 participants who were recruited from October 2015 to March 2020. We quantified the value of cross-sectional imaging compared to those of MMG and US. Descriptive statistics, the Friedman and chi-square tests were performed, and p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsPatients were grouped into two cohorts: the CT scan cohort (n = 87) and the PET-CT cohort (n = 43). A comparison of the value of cross-sectional imaging with those of MMG and US revealed that staging and radiation planning were altered by this additional procedure. The originally determined disease stage changed in 36.8% and 51.2% of cases in the first and second groups, respectively. The consistency between the assessment of involved axillary lymph nodes using imaging (cN) and the postoperative pathology report (pN) were evaluated. In most cases, clinical and pathological evaluation were consistent, with χ2(1) = 18.98; p &lt; 0.001 for CT scan, and χ2(1) = 6.41; p = 0.03 for PET-CT.ConclusionsCross-sectional imaging is recommended for patients with locally advanced high-risk breast cancer. A highly customized radiation therapy, including a dose boost, was administered in nine patients with affected lymph nodes that were surgically inaccessible. This procedure was facilitated by extended radiological staging.
Secukinumab in refractory non-infectious anterior uveitis
Authors: Olivas-Vergara Otto M. , Hernanz Inés , Borges-Deniz Pablo E. , Romero-Bueno Fredeswinda , Sanchez-Pernaute Olga , Carreño Ester 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundSecukinumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes interleukin-17A and has shown efficacy in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and axial spondyloarthritis. Its use in non-anterior non-infectious uveitis is controversial, with evidence generally not supporting its effectiveness in these conditions. However, the role of secukinumab in anterior non-infectious uveitis remains unclear.MethodsCase series. Five patients with biological therapy-refractory non-infectious anterior uveitis who were treated with secukinumab were included.ResultsAll 5 patients experienced a uveitis flare-up during treatment, and secukinumab failed to induce long-term remission in 2 of these patients, who also had uncontrolled systemic disease.ConclusionSecukinumab failed to prevent uveitis flare-up in these patients with biological therapy-refractory disease. Further studies are necessary to determine the potential role of secukinumab in the treatment of anterior uveitis.
Ocular symptoms in COVID-19 patients with a history of hospitalization in the first pandemic wave in Styria, Austria
Authors: Guttmann Andreas , Heidinger Astrid , Woltsche Nora , Brodmann Marianne , Kurzmann-Gütl Katharina , Nemecz Viktoria , Kaindl Matthias , Wurzer Herbert , Schwantzer Gerold , Horwath-Winter Jutta 
Published: February 2025

PurposeOur study aimed to investigate the prevalence and timing of ocular surface manifestations in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, providing insights into the occurrence of eye involvement before, during, or after the illness. This study contributes to understanding the extent of ocular involvement in COVID-19, which has been suggested to occur due to potential viral entry through the eyes.Methods451 confirmed COVID-19 patients had a history of hospitalization in Styria, Austria. The study included 176 patients aged 18-95 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs by RT-PCR and received treatment at two hospitals. Telephone interviews were conducted after recovery, focusing on ocular symptoms and medical history (openMEDOCS).ResultsSeventeen percent (n=30) reported new-onset ocular symptoms in the context of COVID-19. Patients with ocular symptoms were younger (p&lt;0.001). Sore throat (p=0.013) and high fever (p=0.038) were significantly more prevalent in patients with new-onset ocular symptoms. Persistent ocular symptoms beyond the duration of hospitalization affected more than half (56.7%) of the participants with new-onset ocular symptoms. However, there were no differences in blood parameters, lung imaging, or comorbidities between groups with and without ocular symptoms.ConclusionsIn hospitalized COVID-19 patients, ocular symptoms occur with a significant prevalence of 17%. Younger age (p&lt;0.001) and the presence of sore throat (p=0.013) are associated with an increased risk of developing new-onset ocular symptoms in the context of COVID-19.
The impact of physical exercise interventions on social, behavioral, and motor skills in children with autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang YanAn , Qian Guoping , Mao Sujie , Zhang Shikun 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments, sensory processing issues, repetitive behavior patterns, motor abnormalities, and executive function impairments.ObjectiveTo systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of various exercise modalities on flexibility and cognitive control, social skills, behavioral problems, motor skills, and coordination in children with ASD, providing scientific evidence for clinical practice to guide effective exercise interventions for children with ASD.MethodsLiterature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science databases, covering the period from database inception to February 15, 2024. Inclusion criteria included studies involving children with ASD, any form of exercise intervention, reporting at least one ASD-related outcome, and designed as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies. Exclusion criteria included reviews, conference abstracts, commentary articles, and studies lacking sufficient statistical data for meta-analysis. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMD). Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. Multiple subgroup analyses were conducted, and publication bias was evaluated using Begg's Test and Egger's Test.Results23 RCTs were included in this study, showing positive effects of exercise interventions in various domains.Upper grade students showed significant improvement in flexibility and cognitive control (SMD = −0.282, p = 0.161). Lower grade children showed the most significant improvement in motor skills and coordination (SMD = 0.475, p = 0.043). Preschool children showed significant enhancement in social skills (SMD = 0.312, p = 0.041). Behavioral problems improved significantly across all age groups (SMD = −0.674, p &lt; 0.001). Martial arts and ball games were particularly effective in enhancing these domains, and appropriate periodic exercise interventions effectively improved various abilities in children with ASD. Results varied across different ages and intervention types.ConclusionExercise interventions significantly improve flexibility, cognitive control, motor skills, coordination, social skills, and behavioral problems in children with ASD. This study supports exercise interventions as an effective method to enhance multiple abilities in children with ASD and emphasizes the importance of designing personalized intervention programs tailored to different ages and needs. Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups to confirm the sustainability and generalizability of intervention effects.
Machine learning-based prediction of mortality in pediatric trauma patients
Authors: Deleon Alex , Murala Anish , Decker Isabelle , Rajasekaran Karthik , Moreira Alvaro 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThis study aimed to develop a predictive model for mortality outcomes among pediatric trauma patients using machine learning (ML) algorithms.MethodsWe extracted data on a cohort of pediatric trauma patients (18 years and younger) from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). The main aim was to identify clinical and physiologic variables that could serve as predictors for pediatric trauma mortality. Data was split into a development cohort (70%) to build four ML models and then tested in a validation cohort (30%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess each model's performance.ResultsIn 510,381 children, the gross mortality rate was 1.6% (n = 8,250). Most subjects were male (67%, n = 342,571) and white (62%, n = 315,178). The AUCs of the four models ranged from 92.7 to 97.7 with XGBoost demonstrating the highest AUC. XGBoost demonstrated the highest accuracy of 97.7%.ConclusionMachine learning algorithms can be effectively utilized to build an accurate pediatric mortality prediction model that leverages variables easily obtained upon trauma admission.
Unfractionated heparin may improve near-term survival in patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis attributed to pneumonia: an observational study using the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Fang Shusheng , Wang Yali , Nan Wenyu , Feng Yanhao , Su Wen , Wang Yiming , Jiang Xiaodong 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionLimited data are available on the use, duration, and dosage of anticoagulant therapy in patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis, and the survival benefits of heparin remain uncertain. This study aimed to assess whether heparin administration improves near-term survival in critically ill patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis and identify the optimal dosage and treatment duration.MethodsThis study utilized the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The variance inflation factor was employed to exclude highly collinear variables. Propensity score matching (PSM), the Cox proportional hazards model, and Cox regression subgroup analysis were used to evaluate the outcomes of subcutaneous heparin prophylactic anticoagulation after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The primary outcomes were 30-, 45-, and 60-d mortality rates. Secondary outcomes included ICU length of stay (LOS_ICU), hospital length of stay (LOS_Hospital), in-hospital mortality, and the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding.ResultsWe enrolled 1,586 adult patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis. After PSM, 1,176 patients remained (588 in the heparin group and 588 in the non-heparin group). The 45-d survival rate was significantly higher in the heparin-treated group than that in the non-heparin group (84.4% vs. 79.4%; HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.572–0.83; adjusted HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.563–0.964; P &lt; 0.05). LOS_ICU and LOS_Hospital were significantly shorter in the heparin group (P &lt; 0.001), with no significant difference in gastrointestinal bleeding incidence between the two groups. Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that heparin dose and duration were strongly associated with 45-d survival. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant survival advantage in patients aged 18–60 years, without diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or stage 1 acute kidney injury, who received a daily heparin dose of 3 mL for more than 7 d.ConclusionOur study found that early administration of heparin, particularly in sufficient doses (Heparin Sodium 5,000 units/mL, 1 mL per dose, three times daily (TID)) for more than 7 d, was associated with reduced near-term mortality in critically ill patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis. These findings underscore the potential benefits of anticoagulant therapy in this high-risk patient population.
The effect of tanshinones on cognitive impairments in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Shuwei , Yang Jinsha , Zheng Wenbin , Zhang Serena , Zhong Dayong 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurological illness that poses a significant hazard to human health. A fat-soluble compound called tanshinones was isolated from Danshen, a traditional Chinese herb. Recent years have seen reports of clinical trials examining the effects of tanshinones on cognitive impairment among individuals with AD, as well as the publication of pertinent basic research. Tanshinones are not yet commonly utilized in the therapeutic treatment of AD, and the effectiveness of tanshinones as a treatment program for AD is not yet adequately supported by evidence. To assess the impact of tanshinones on cognitive impairment in experimental rodent models of AD, we carried out a systematic review in this work.MethodAll relevant studies on the usage of tanshinones in AD model animals published in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedicine Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure before 8 September 2024, were systematically retrieved. To assess the methodological quality, the CAMARADES checklist was used. Meta-analysis was calculated and graphed in the Stata 14.0 software. For each outcome in every study, the standard mean difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of each effect size were calculated.ResultsFourteen studies were included in this study. Compared with the AD model group without tanshinones intervention, tanshinones significantly reduced the number of escape latency [SMD = −2.082, 95% CI = (−2.481, −1.683), p &lt; 0.001]. Tanshinones also increased the times of platform crossing [SMD = 1.464, 95% CI = (1.183, 1.744), p &lt; 0.001] and time in target quadrants [SMD = 2.703, 95% CI = (2.132, 3.275), p &lt; 0.001].ConclusionTanshinones are thought to have positive effects on cognitive impairment in rodent models of AD, according to the findings of this study. However, the level of quality of the included research may have an impact on the accuracy of positive outcomes. Thus, more high-quality randomized controlled animal studies are required to guide future scientific and clinical research.Systematic Review Registrationidentifier CRD42024557980