bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associating serum testosterone levels with African ancestral prostate cancer health disparities
Authors: Lebelo Maphuti Tebogo , Mmekwa Naledi , Jaratlerdsiri Weerachai , Mutambirwa Shingai B.A. , Loda Massimo , Hayes Vanessa M. , Bornman M. S. Riana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Serum testosterone levels decrease in the aging male, while the risk for prostate cancer (PCa) increases concomitantly. Higher levels in younger men have been linked with racially driven PCa disparities, with African men disproportionately impacted. In turn, higher levels of serum lipids have been associated with aggressive disease, while racial disparity between serum testosterone, cholesterol and cancer mortality has been suggested. Having previously reported a 2.1-fold increased age-adjusted risk for aggressive PCa in Black South African over Black American men, we determined the serum testosterone and associated lipid levels in 250 Black South African men either with or without clinicopathologically diagnosed disease. Observing no associations with serum lipid levels, Black South Africans presented with testosterone levels between 1.24 (< 60 years) and 1.3-fold (≥ 60 years) greater than African Americans. Notably, a rapid drop in total-, bioavailable- and free testosterone levels in men 65 years or older was significantly associated with PCa risk (P = 0.0057, 0.009 and 0.005, respectively), while irrespective of age, further associated with advanced disease (P = 0.004, 0.0012 and 0.0036, respectively). These preliminary data provide insights into the potential role of androgens in driving PCa health disparities, with important consequence for tailoring treatment for Black men.
AnVILWorkflow: A runnable workflow package for Cloud-implemented bioinformatics analysis pipelines
Authors: Oh Sehyun , Gravel-Pucillo Kai , Ramos Marcel , Davis Sean , Carey Vince , Morgan Martin , Waldron Levi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Advancements in sequencing technologies and the development of new data collection methods produce large volumes of biological data. The Genomic Data Science Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-space (AnVIL) provides a cloud-based platform for democratizing access to large-scale genomics data and analysis tools. However, utilizing the full capabilities of AnVIL can be challenging for researchers without extensive bioinformatics expertise, especially for executing complex workflows. Here we present the AnVILWorkflow R package, which enables the convenient execution of bioinformatics workflows hosted on AnVIL directly from an R environment. AnVILWorkflowsimplifies the setup of the cloud computing environment, input data formatting, workflow submission, and retrieval of results through intuitive functions. We demonstrate the utility of AnVILWorkflowfor three use cases: bulk RNA-seq analysis with Salmon, metagenomics analysis with bioBakery, and digital pathology image processing with PathML. The key features of AnVILWorkflow include user-friendly browsing of available data and workflows, seamless integration of R and non-R tools within a reproducible analysis pipeline, and accessibility to scalable computing resources without direct management overhead. While some limitations exist around workflow customization, AnVILWorkflowlowers the barrier to taking advantage of AnVIL's resources, especially for exploratory analyses or bulk processing with established workflows. This empowers a broader community of researchers to leverage the latest genomics tools and datasets using familiar R syntax. This package is distributed through the Bioconductor project (https://bioconductor.org/packages/AnVILWorkflow), and the source code is available through GitHub (https://github.com/shbrief/AnVILWorkflow).
Comparison of Pathologic Response and Survival Outcomes between Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy (nICT) in Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Wang Yi , Ma Ke , Zhang Huan , Wu Lei , Liu Li , Zhou Yehan , Peng Lin , Wang Qifeng , Zhuang Xiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
In locally advanced, operable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT) has shown results that are somewhat comparable to those of standard neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). The impact of these neoadjuvant treatments on survival outcomes, however, has yet to be elucidated.
Methods
This study included 489 patients with locally advanced ESCC who underwent surgery at Sichuan Cancer Hospital after receiving neoadjuvant treatment between June 2017 and September 2023. Patients were categorized into nCRT and nICT groups based on whether they received neoadjuvant treatment. To mitigate potential biases and balance covariates between the two cohorts, 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted using a caliper width of 0.05.
Results
After PSM, the baseline characteristics of the 360 patients remained balanced between the two groups. The findings indicated a superior pathological response in the nCRT group, as evidenced by significantly greater rates of complete response (32.87% vs 14.58%, P = 0.0002) and favorable tumor regression grade (TRG), as well as reduced ypT stages and less perineural and angioinvasion, despite comparable ypN stages. Despite the improvement in complete pathological response (pCR) in the nCRT group, the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates did not significantly differ between the groups (DFS: 58.32% vs 56.16%, P = 0.67; OS: 69.96% vs 71.99%, P = 0.99). Crucially, multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to ascertain factors independently predictive of survival outcomes, identifying ypN stage as the sole significant prognostic marker and underscoring the complexity of translating pathological advantages into survival benefits.
Conclusions
This study highlights the nuanced role of neoadjuvant regimens in managing ESCC, necessitating further exploration to clarify the dynamics between therapeutic modality, pathological response, and long-term survival.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Elevates the Distress of Sexual Pain in Iranian Women with Infertility
Authors: Tahmasbi Bita , Eshraghi Reza , Amini-Tehrani Mohammadali , Zamanian Hadi , Ilami Ashkan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexual dysfunction may lead to sexual distress in women with infertility, while polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may escalate this distress. This study aimed to investigate the role of PCOS in the relationship between sexual dysfunction and sexual distress in Iranian women with infertility.
Methods
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and Depression and Anxiety modules of the DASS-21 were cross-sectionally investigated in 190 women with infertility (103 women with PCOS and 87 women without PCOS).
Results
There were negative correlations between sexual function domains and sexual distress (P < .001) in the total sample. Moderation analysis revealed that higher levels of impaired desire, arousal, and pain elevated sexual distress in the PCOS group. After adjusting for depression and anxiety, only the association between sexual pain and sexual distress was moderated by PCOS condition (P = .008).
Conclusions
The findings suggest that impaired sexual function is associated with increased levels of sexual distress in infertile female patients. Importantly, comorbid PCOS renders patients susceptible to sexual distress where sexual pain is elevated. Further research may shed light on the physiological, psychological, and relational aspects of sexual pain and associated distress in infertile female patients with comorbid PCOS.
Survival, Mortality and Epidemic Risk Status of COVID-19: A Population- Based Study in Golestan Province, Iran
Authors: kashiri Fatemeh , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Mohammadpoorasl Asghar , seyedghasemi navisa sadat , Bagheri Ali , Akbari Hossein 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Appreciating the various dimensions of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can improve health systems and prepare them to deal better with future pandemics and public health events. This study was conducted to investigate the association between the survival of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and the epidemic risk stratification of the disease in Golestan province, Iran.
Methods
In this study, all patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in the hospitals of Golestan province of Iran from February 20, 2020, to December 19, 2022, and were registered in the Medical Care Monitoring Center (MCMC) system (85,885 individuals) were examined.The community's epidemic risk status (ERS) was determined based on the daily incidence statistics of COVID-19. The survival distribution and compare Survival in different subgroups was investigated using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test and association between the survival and ERS by multiple Cox regression modeling
Results
Out of 68,983 individuals whose data were correctly recorded, the mean age was 49 (SD = 23.98) years, and 52.8% were women. In total, 11.1% eventually died. The length of hospital stay was varying significantly with age, gender, ERS, underlying diseases, and COVID-19 severity (P < 0.001 for all). The adjusted hazard ratio of death for the ERS at medium, high, and very high-risk status compared to the low-risk status increased by 19%, 26%, and 56%, respectively (P < 0.001 for all).
Conclusions
Enhancing preparedness, facilitating rapid rises in hospital capacities, and developing backup healthcare capacities can prevent excessive hospital referrals during health crises and further deaths.
Causality between insulin use and malignant tumors of the digestive system: a two-sample Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Chen DengZhuo , Ma YongLi , Li JingHui , Wen Liang , Zhang GuoSheng , Huang ChengZhi , Yao XueQing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
According to the results of the available cohort studies, there is no association between insulin use and digestive system cancers. But a number of meta-analyses have shown that insulin use increases the risk of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the causal relationship between the two needs to be further determined. We used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal association between insulin use and digestive system cancers.
Methods
The analysis was performed by selecting SNPs that were strongly associated with insulin use as instrumental variables in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and using aggregated statistics on digestive system neoplasm as the end event. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) is used as the main analysis method in this study, and weighted median, MR-Egger regression, weighted mode and simple mode were used as supplementary methods to the results. Finally, the reliability of this study is evaluated through heterogeneity test, pleotropy analysis and sensitivity analysis.
Result
A total of eight SNPs associated with insulin use were included as IVs, and random-effects IVW analysis showed that insulin use was associated with an increased risk of CRC (OR = 1.1037, 95%CI = 1.0183–1.1962, P = 0.016). There was no statistically significant association between insulin use and the development of other digestive system tumors. The results were not affected by pleiotropy and heterogeneity, and the reliability of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion
Our Mendelian randomization study showed that insulin use was associated with an increased risk of CRC, while there was no clear association with other digestive system tumors, however, further Mendelian randomization studies with larger sample sizes of GWAS data are needed to verify this relationship.
A Modeling Investigation of the Disease Severity Driven by COVID-19-Induced Diabetic Patients
Authors: Hoque Ashabul , Sultana Razia , Islam Hamidul , Malek Abdul 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this study, we propose a new SEICHR compartmental model to investigate the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. We emphasize the role of COVID-19-induced diabetic patients in disease dynamics. The well-posedness of the model and the stability of the equilibrium points are confirmed through rigorous mathematical analysis. Mathematical results are validated using numerical simulations. Sensitivity and bifurcation analyses are conducted to determine the most sensitive parameters in the proposed model. The sensitivity of the model parameters is examined using the partial rank correlation coefficients (PRCC) analysis. The results show that the disease progression rate is higher among COVID-19 infected diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients. The role of COVID-19-induced diabetic patients in driving disease severity was then analyzed through a constant and progressive delay in isolating them in hospitals. It can be observed numerically that a forward bifurcation region increases gradually with increases of the value of exposed individuals. In addition, the progressive waiting time was found to have a way greater effect on the transmission dynamics compared to the constant waiting time. Furthermore, the model outcomes could not verified in the light of real field data due to unavailability of data.
Effects of Low-Volume Court-Based Sprint Interval Training on Anaerobic Capacity and Sport-Specific Performance in Competitive Tennis Players
Authors: Zhao Delong , Liu Haochong , Yang Wenpu , Ho Indy Man Kit , POON ERIC TSZ-CHUN , Su Yuying , Guo Yuxin , Huang Yan , Li Qian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Sprint interval training (SIT) is a potent exercise strategy to enhance athletes' anaerobic capacity in a time-efficient manner. This study aimed to investigate the impact of low-volume, court-based SIT on the anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players. Twenty-four competitive collegiate tennis players were randomly assigned to either the SIT group (n=12; three sessions per week of court-based repeated-sprint training) or the traditional endurance training (ET) group (n=12; three sessions per week of 45-min continuous treadmill running, n=12) for a 6-week intervention. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included the Wingate Anaerobic Test, elimination rate of blood lactate (BLAer), tennis-specific repeated sprint ability (RSA), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YoYo-IR2). The results showed that SIT group demonstrated significant improvements in peak and average power during the Wingate test (p=0.07; p<0.001), along with a notable increase in YoYo-IR2 performance (7.8% increase, p=0.04). Significant decreases were observed in both mean (5.1% decrease, p=0.02) and sum RSA time (5.2% decrease, p=0.02) in the tennis-specific RSA assessments. Additionally, the SIT group showed significantly higher effective training time and TRIMP in the 90–100% HRmax zone compared to the ET group (p<0.01). This study underscores the potential benefits of low-volume, court-based SIT in enhancing anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players, in comparison to traditional ET.
Synthetic on-demand charging optimization with ADCMA for energy conservation in WRSN
Authors: Mukase Sandrine , Xia Kewen , Owoola Eunice Oluwabunmi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recently, the research community has shown a growing interest in using mobile chargers to recharge the energy supply of sensor nodes in wireless rechargeable sensor network (WRSN). Mobile energy chargers offer a more dependable energy source compared to devices that harvest dynamic energy from the surrounding environment. This research introduces a synthetic on-demand charging optimization approach using Adaptive Crossover Mayfly Algorithm (ADCMA) to enhance the charging performance in WRSN. The genetic operator of roulette wheel selection is employed to choose possibly valuable solutions for crossover and the objective is to reduce the overall energy consumption of the system and the mobile charger's total distance traveled, while simultaneously enhancing its vacation time ratio. Unlike prior systems that required the mobile charger to visit and charge all nodes in every cycle, this strategy simply requires the mobile charger to visit a subset of nodes. The proposed ADCMA is also tested on 46 benchmark functions and applied to the on-demand charging model by comparing it with other well-known seven algorithms. The mathematical results demonstrate that the ADCMA effectively decreases the overall energy consumption and distance traveled by the mobile charging device, while still maintaining performance. This algorithm is particularly advantageous for real-world networks as it allows for the network to remain operational with reduced complexity compared to other approaches.
Qualitative analysis and optical soliton solutions galore: scrutinizing the (2+1)-dimensional complex modified Korteweg-de Vries system of equations
Authors: Kopçasız Bahadır 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This investigation discusses the (2+1)-dimensional complex modified Korteweg-de Vries (cmKdV) system of equations. The cmKdV equation describes the nontrivial dynamics of water particles from the surface to the bottom of a water layer, providing a more comprehensive understanding of wave behavior. A new version of the generalized exponential rational function method (nGERFM) is utilized to discover diverse soliton solutions. This method uncovers analytical solutions, including exponential function, singular periodic wave, combo trigonometric, shock wave, singular soliton, and hyperbolic solutions in mixed form. Moreover, the planar dynamical system of the concerned equation is created, all probable phase portraits are given, and sensitive inspection is applied to check the sensitivity of the considered equation. Furthermore , after adding a perturbed term, chaotic and quasi-periodic behaviors have been observed for different values of parameters, and multistability is reported at the end. Numerical simulations of the solutions are added to the analytical results to understand the dynamic behavior of these solutions better. These obtained outcomes provide a foundation for further investigation, making the solutions useful, manageable, and trustworthy for the future development of intricate nonlinear issues. This study’s methodology is reliable, strong, effective, and applicable to various nonlinear partial differential equations (NLPDEs). The Maple software application is used to verify the correctness of all obtained solutions.
In vitro evaluation of three white rot fungi for their lignolytic potential and biopulping action on Eucalyptus and Bamboo
Authors: Chepyala Sahith , Bodiga Sreedhar , Bathula Jagadeesh , Sihag Kapil , Durgam Mohan Krishna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the lignolytic enzyme production in three white rot fungi (WRF) upon stimulation with metal ion (FeSO4.7H2O) and thereby develop an optimal fungal consortium for biopulping applications. Invitro wood decay experiments conducted with Eucalyptus and Bamboo demonstrated significant weight loss following inoculation with Trametes versicolor (TV), Ganoderma lucidum (GL), and Schizophyllum commune (SC). Over time (45–90 days), the weight loss gradually increased in all inoculations, ranging from 6.5–16.9% for Eucalyptus and 7.9–17.7% for Bamboo. Qualitative plate assays revealed TV’s positive ligninolytic potential in all tests, SC in three, and GL in only two tests. Secondary screening confirmed laccase, manganese peroxidase, and lignin peroxidase activities for all fungi, with SC consistently exhibiting higher activity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis of Eucalyptus sawdust treated with individual fungi and the consortium (TV, GL, and SC) showed significant lignin degradation compared to the control. While individual strains displayed a decrease in lignin-associated bands, the consortium exhibited a more pronounced decrease (98.55% and 84.21% at I1511/I1739 and I1248/I1739), indicating synergistic effects. Conversely, cellulose and hemicellulose associated band intensities increased, suggesting preferential lignin degradation by the fungal consortium. Overall, the study highlights the potential of all three fungal isolates to produce lignolytic enzymes with industrial applications.
S1PR3/RhoA signaling pathway in microglia mediates inflammatory activation in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Feng Lu , Wu Panxing , Ding Chao , Yan Xiuyou , Zhu Xuanhao , Lu Ming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious and common cerebrovascular disease with high mortality rate and poor prognosis. The immune response caused by abnormal activation of intracranial microglia is one of the main factors contributing to early brain injury after SAH. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway is widely involved in immune regulation, nerve cell differentiation and other processes. It has been reported that S1P expression is increased in cerebrospinal fluid after SAH, but its role in early brain injury and neuroinflammation induced by SAH remains unclear. In the rat model of SAH established by arterial puncture, low (0.5mg/kg) or high dose (5mg/kg) of the S1P receptor inhibitor FTY720 was administered immediately or at 24 hours after surgery. Improvement of behavioral scores and brain edema symptoms after SAH was observed in immediate treatment group at high dose. In addition, activation of cortical microglia near the perforation site was observed after SAH, and this activation was significantly inhibited after 5mg/kg FTY720 treatment immediately after surgery. Further studies showed that S1P could induce activation and M1 polarization of human microglia cells in vitro. This activation may be mediated through the S1PR3-Gα12/13-RhoA pathway. Therefore, our study highlights the important role of S1P signaling and microglia activation in SAH-induced early brain injury, and provides evidence for novel therapies targeting the neuroinflammatory process after SAH.
A retrospective study of the efficacy and safety of Almonertinib in the treatment of locally advanced or brain metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR-positive mutations
Authors: Gao Min , Li Kuo , Chen Guohua , Yang Zhengqiang , Xu Biao , Cai Yuanyuan , Liu Mingguo , Dong Qingfen , Kang Yingchun , Zheng Xin , Liu Huaxu , Ge Wenkai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of Almonertinib in locally advanced or brain metastatic non-small cell lung cancer（NSCLC）with EGFR-positive mutations.
Patients and Methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC initially diagnosed with brain metastases (BMs) or progression of BMs were recruited into this study, and treated with Almonertinib.The patients were divided into two groups, Almonertinib mono-therapy group and combined group of Almonertinib and radiotherapy(RT).The primary endpoint were intracranial objective response rate (ORR) and intracranial disease control rate (DCR). The secondary endpoints included PFS and OS.
Results: 162 patients were included in our study, in which 86 patients in the Almonertinib mono-therapy group and 76 patients in thecombined therapy group. At the end of follow-up, 40 patients died with a data maturity of 24.7%. The median follow-up was 18 months. The ORR and DCR of intracranial lesions were observed in 83 of 162 (51.2%) and 155 of 162 (95.6%). The ORR and DCR of extra-cranial lesions were observed in 67 of 162 (42.9%) and 143 of 162 (91.6%). The overall population ORR and DCR were observed in 82 of 162 (50.6%) and 150 of 162 (92.5%). The median PFS in this group was 15.0 months, and the 1- and 2-year PFS rates were 59.7% and 36.4%, respectively. The 1-year PFS rates for Almonertinib plus RT and mono-therapy were 53.5% and 65.7%, respectively.
Conclusions: Almonertinib mono-therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR-positive mutation.