bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole-plant silage maize to improve fiber digestive characteristics and intestinal microbiota of Hezuo pigs
Authors: Wang Longlong , Wang Pengfei , Yan Zunqiang , Zhang Pengxia , Yin Xitong , Jia Rui , Li Yao , Yang Jiaojiao , Gun Shuangbao , Yang Qiaoli 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionUtilizing roughage resources is an effective approach to alleviate the shortage of corn-soybean feed and reducing the costs in the swine industry. Hezuo pig is one group of plateau type local Tibetan pig with strong tolerance to crude feeding. Nevertheless, current research on the roughage tolerance in Hezuo pigs and the microbiological mechanisms behind it is still minimally.This study explored the impact of various ratios of whole-plant silage (WPS) maize on the pH, cellulase activity, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and intestinal microbiota in Hezuo pigs.MethodsThirty-two Hezuo pigs were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). The control group received a basal diet, while experimental groups I, II, and III were given diets with incremental additions of 5%, 10%, and 15% air-dried WPS maize, respectively, for 120 days.ResultsThe findings revealed that compared with the control group, in Group II, the pH of cecum and colon were notably decreased (p &lt; 0.05), while acid detergent fiberdigestibility, the concentration of propionic and isobutyric acid in the cecum, and the concentration of isobutyric acid in the colon were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05). Also, carboxymethyl cellulase activity in the cecum in group II of Hezuo pigs was significantly higher than that in the other three groups (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the cecum microbiota showed a higher diversity in the group II of Hezuo pigs than that in the control group, as shown by the Simpson and Shannon indices. Specifically, 15 and 24 bacterial species showed a significant difference in relative abundance at the family and genus levels, respectively. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between bacterial genera and SCFAs concentrations in the cecum. The abundance of Bacteroides and NK4A214_group was positively correlated with amounts of valeric and isovaleric acid but negatively with propionic acid (p &lt; 0.05). The abundance of UCG-010 was positively linked with acetic acid and negatively correlated with butyric acid (p &lt; 0.05). Actinobacillus abundance was positively associated with butyric acid levels (p &lt; 0.05).DiscussionIn conclusion, a 10% WPS maize diet improved crude fiber digestibility by lowering cecal and colonic chyme pH, enhancing intestinal cellulase activity, improving SCFA production, and increasing intestinal microbiota diversity.
Integrating systemic immune-inflammation index, fibrinogen, and T-SPOT.TB for precision distinction of active pulmonary tuberculosis in the era of mycobacterial disease research
Authors: Yu Zhikang , Shang Zifang , Huang Qingyan , Wen Feiqiu , Patil Sandip 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe clinical challenge of differentiating suspected tuberculosis with positive T-SPOT.TB results persist. This study aims to investigate the utility of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Fibrinogen, and T-SPOT.TB in distinguishing between active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and non-tuberculous lung diseases.MethodsA retrospective analysis included 1,327 cases of active PTB with positive T-SPOT.TB results and 703 cases of non-tuberculous lung diseases from May 2016 to December 2020 at Meizhou People’s Hospital. These were designated as the case group and the control group, respectively. The detection indicators of T-SPOT.TB: Early Secreted Antigenic Target 6 (ESAT-6), Culture Filtrate Protein 10 (CFP-10), as well as SII and Fibrinogen levels—were compared and analyzed for association and joint diagnostic value between the two groups.ResultsThe case group showed higher values of ESAT-6, CFP-10, SII, and Fibrinogen compared to the control group (all p &lt; 0.001). In the case group, SII and Fibrinogen did not correlate with ESAT-6 and CFP-10 (∣rs∣ all &lt; 0.3) but were positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP; rs all &gt; 0.3). SII and Fibrinogen values in smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis were higher than in smear-negative cases (all p &lt; 0.05). The optimal diagnostic thresholds for ESAT-6, CFP-10, SII, and Fibrinogen in differentiating between active PTB and non-tuberculous lung diseases were 21.50 SFCs/106 PBMC, 22.50 SFCs/106 PBMC, 2128.32, and 5.02 g/L, respectively. Regression logistic analysis showed that ESAT-6 &lt; 21.5 (OR: 1.637, 95% CI: 1.311–2.043, p &lt; 0.001), CFP-10 &lt; 22.5 (OR: 3.918, 95% CI: 3.138–4.892, p = 0.025), SII &lt; 2128.32 (OR: 0.763, 95% CI: 0.603–0.967, p &lt; 0.001), and FIB &lt; 5.02 (OR: 2.287, 95% CI: 1.865–2.806, p &lt; 0.001) were independent risk factors for active PTB. The specificity for ESAT-6 + CFP-10, ESAT-6 + CFP-10 + SII, ESAT-6 + CFP-10 + FIB, and ESAT-6 + CFP-10 + SII + FIB was 82.5%, 83.2%, 95.8%, and 80.1%, respectively, while sensitivity was 52.6%, 53.0%, 55.8%, and 44.7%, and positive predictive values were 85.0%, 85.6%, 84.1%, and 89.6%, respectively.ConclusionSII and Fibrinogen are positively correlated with the degree of tuberculosis inflammation and the bacterial load of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The combined detection of SII, Fibrinogen, and T-SPOT.TB is significant in distinguishing between active PTB with positive T-SPOT.TB results and non-tuberculous lung diseases.
First insight about the ability of specific glycerophospholipids to discriminate non-small cell lung cancer subtypes
Authors: Sieminska Julia , Miniewska Katarzyna , Mroz Robert , Sierko Ewa , Naumnik Wojciech , Kisluk Joanna , Michalska-Falkowska Anna , Reszec Joanna , Kozlowski Miroslaw , Nowicki Lukasz , Moniuszko Marcin , Kretowski Adam , Niklinski Jacek , Ciborowski Michal , Godzien Joanna 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Discrimination between adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) subtypes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is a significant challenge in oncology. Lipidomics analysis provides a promising approach for this differentiation.Methods: In an accompanying paper, we explored oxPCs levels in a cohort of 200 NSCLC patients. In this research, we utilized liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze the lipidomics profile of matching tissue and plasma samples from 25 NSCLC patients, comprising 11 ADC and 14 SCC cases. This study builds upon our previous findings, which highlighted the elevation of oxidised phosphatidylcholines (oxPCs) in NSCLC patients.Results: We identified eight lipid biomarkers that effectively differentiate between ADC and SCC subtypes using an untargeted approach. Notably, we observed a significant increase in plasma LPA 20:4, LPA 18:1, and LPA 18:2 levels in the ADC group compared to the SCC group. Conversely, tumour PC 16:0/18:2, PC 16:0/4:0; CHO, and plasma PC 16:0/18:2; OH, PC 18:0/20:4; OH, PC 16:0/20:4; OOH levels were significantly higher in the ADC group.Discussion: Our study is the first to report that plasma LPA levels can distinguish between ADC and SCC patients in NSCLC, suggesting a potential role for LPAs in NSCLC subtyping. This finding warrants further investigation into the mechanisms underlying these differences and their clinical implications.
Investigation on the relationship between hemoglobin concentration and stroke risk: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Wenbao , Fan Daofeng , Que Binfu , Chen Yangui , Qiu Rui 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between hemoglobin concentration and stroke has garnered significant interest in the research community. However, findings from published observational epidemiological studies on this relationship have been inconclusive. By using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) aggregated statistics, a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis is conducted to explore the causal relationship between hemoglobin concentration and stroke.MethodsSummary statistics data from UK Biobank for hemoglobin concentration and from the FinnGen R9 and MEGASTROKE consortium for stroke are used. A series of quality control steps are taken to select eligible instrumental SNPs closely related to exposure. In order to make the conclusion more robust and reliable, several robust analysis methods are employed including inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger regression, which are based on different assumptions of two-sample MR Analysis. Meanwhile, sensitivity analyses such as pleiotropy test and MR-Egg regression, are performed to mitigate horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity.ResultsThe two-sample Mendelian randomized study indicates a negative association between hemoglobin concentration and stroke, suggesting that hemoglobin concentration acts as a protective factor against stroke. From the FinnGen database, there is a negative association between hemoglobin concentration and stroke, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.82 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.73–0.92, p = 0.0006. Similarly, the MEGASTROKE database findings reinforce this observation. The negative association between hemoglobin concentration and stroke (OR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.83–1.00, p = 0.040), ischemic stroke (OR: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.79–0.96, p = 0.004), and cardiogenic stroke (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.99, p = 0.039) further suggests that higher hemoglobin levels might confer a protective effect against these conditions.ConclusionHemoglobin concentration serves as a protective factor against stroke, and managing abnormal hemoglobin levels can effectively reduce the incidence of stroke.
Impacts of dioxin exposure on brain connectivity estimated by DTI analysis of MRI images in men residing in contaminated areas of Vietnam
Authors: Thao Pham Ngoc , Nishijo Muneko , Tai Pham The , Nghi Tran Ngoc , Yokawa Takashi , Hoa Vu Thi , Tien Tran Viet , Kien Nguyen Xuan , Anh Tran Hai , Nishino Yoshikazu , Nishijo Hisao 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionEffects of dioxin exposure on gray matter volume have been reported in previous studies, but a few studies reported effects of dioxin exposure on white matter structure. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the impact of dioxin exposure on white matter microstructure in men living in the most severely dioxin-contaminated areas in Vietnam.MethodsIn 2019 brain MRI scans from 28 men living near Bien Hoa airbase were obtained at Dong Nai General Hospital, Vietnam, on a 3 T scanner using a conventional diffusion tensor imaging sequence. Two exposure markers were indicated by perinatal exposure estimated by assessment of maternal residency in a dioxin-contaminated area during pregnancy and by measurement of blood dioxin levels. A general linear model was used to compare fractional anisotropy (FA) values in 11 white matter tracts in both hemispheres between groups with and without perinatal dioxin exposure and groups with high and low blood dioxin levels after adjusting for covariates.ResultsThe adjusted mean FA value in the left cingulum hippocampal part (CGH) was significantly lower in the perinatal dioxin exposure group compared with the group without perinatal dioxin exposure. The high blood TCDD group showed significantly reduced FA values in the left and right CGH and right uncinate fasciculus (UNC). Moreover, the high blood TEQ-PCDDs group showed significantly lower FA values in the left and right CGH and the left UNC. There were no significant differences in FA values between the groups with high and low TEQ-PCDFs levels or between the groups with high and low TEQ-PCDD/Fs levels.DiscussionIt was concluded that dioxin exposure during the perinatal period and adulthood may alter the microstructure of white matter tracts in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Prognostic analysis of stage IIIC1p cervical cancer patients
Authors: Gao Ting , Yang Zixuan , Wei Liqun , Tang Xiaobi , Ma Shanshan , Jiang Li , Zhang Yong , Wu Fang 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundStage IIIC1p cervical cancer is characterized by marked heterogeneity and considerable variability in the postoperative prognosis. This study aimed to identify the clinical and pathological characteristics affecting the survival of patients diagnosed with stage IIIC1p cervical cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with stage IIIC1p cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection between March 2012 and March 2022. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate prognostic factors for OS and forest plots were used to visualize these findings. Nomogram charts were created to forecast survival rates at 3 and 5 years, and the accuracy of predictions was evaluated using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 186 women diagnosed with stage IIIC1p cervical cancer. The median follow-up duration was 51.1 months (range, 30-91 months), and the estimated 5-year OS rate was 71.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed that concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy (CCRT + AC), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), ratio of lymph node metastasis (LNM), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) levels independently predicted OS.ConclusionsSignificant prognostic disparities exist among patients diagnosed with stage IIIC1p cervical cancer. MLR, ratio of LNM, and SCCA were associated with poor OS. In contrast, the CCRT + AC treatment regimen appeared to confer a survival advantage.
Construction and verification of an endoplasmic reticulum stress-related prognostic model for endometrial cancer based on WGCNA and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Wei Changqiang , Wei Yiyun , Fan Jiangtao 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress arises from the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins within the cell and is intricately linked to the initiation and progression of various tumors and their therapeutic strategies. However, the precise role of ER stress in uterine corpus endometrial cancer (UCEC) remains unclear.MethodsData on patients with UCEC and control subjects were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Using differential expression analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), we identified pivotal differentially expressed ER stress-related genes (DEERGs). Further validation of the significance of these genes in UCEC was achieved through consensus clustering and bioinformatic analyses. Using Cox regression analysis and several machine learning algorithms (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator [LASSO], eXtreme Gradient Boosting [XGBoost], support vector machine recursive feature elimination [SVM-RFE], and Random Forest), hub DEERGs associated with patient prognosis were effectively identified. Based on the four identified hub genes, a prognostic model and nomogram were constructed. Additionally, a drug sensitivity analysis and in vitro validation experiments were performed.ResultsA total of 94 DEERGs were identified in patients with UCEC and healthy controls. Consensus clustering analysis revealed significant differences in prognosis, typical immune checkpoints, and tumor microenvironments between the subtypes. Using Cox regression analysis and machine learning, four hub DEERGs, MYBL2, RADX, RUSC2, and CYP46A1, were identified to construct a prognostic model. The reliability of the model was validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the superior predictive ability of the nomogram in terms of 3- and 5-year survival, compared with that of other clinical indicators. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed increased sensitivity to dactinomycin, docetaxel, selumetinib, and trametinib in the low-risk group. The expressions of RADX, RUSC2, and CYP46A1 were downregulated, whereas that of MYBL2 was upregulated in UCEC tissues, as demonstrated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence assays.ConclusionThis study developed a stable and accurate prognostic model based on multiple bioinformatics analyses, which can be used to assess the prognosis of UCEC. This model may contribute to future research on the risk stratification of patients with UCEC and the formulation of novel treatment strategies.
Treatment with (chemo)-radiation in old patients (≥76 years of age) with newly diagnosed non-metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head and neck region: real-world data from a tertiary referral center
Authors: Winkler Leah-Sophie , Haderlein Marlen , Semrau Sabine , Putz Florian , Höfler Daniel , Müller Sarina K. , Iro Heinrich , Kesting Marco , Fietkau Rainer , Schubert Philipp 
Published: April 2024

PurposeTreatment of patients with cancer of the head and neck region is in focus in a multitude of studies. Of these patients, one patient group, those aged 76 and more, is mostly underrepresented despite requiring thorough and well-reasoned treatment decisions to offer curative treatment. This study investigates real-world data on curative treatment of old (≥76 years) patients with newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region (HNSCC).Patients and methodsBetween January 2010 and December 2021, we identified 71 patients older than 76 years with newly diagnosed HNSCC and cM0 at the Department of Radiation Oncology of the University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Using electronic medical records, we analyzed treatment patterns and outcomes in terms of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and locoregional control (LRC) rate. Additionally, we performed univariate risk analysis and Cox regression in order to identify predictive factors associated with the abovementioned treatment outcomes.ResultsThe median follow-up was 18 months. OS was 83%, 79%, and 72% after 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, respectively. PFS was 69%, 54%, and 46% after 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, respectively. A total of 34 (48%) patients were treated with standard therapy according to current guidelines. The reasons for deviation from standard therapy before or during treatment were as follows: unfitness for cisplatin-based chemotherapy (n = 37), reduction of chemotherapy (n = 3), and dose reduction/interruption of radiotherapy (n = 8). Carboplatin-based systemic therapy showed improved PFS compared to cisplatin or cetuximab (60 vs. 28 vs. 15 months, p = 0.037) but without impact on OS (83 vs. 52 vs. 38 months, p = 0.807). Oropharyngeal tumor localization (p = 0.026) and combined treatment (surgery and postoperative treatment) (p = 0.008) were significant predictors for a better OS. In multivariate analysis, oropharyngeal tumor localization (p = 0.011) and combined treatment (p = 0.041) showed significantly increased PFS. After 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, the cumulative incidence of locoregional recurrences (LRRs) was 13%, 24%, and 27%, respectively, and was significantly decreased in patients with oropharyngeal tumor localization (p = 0.037).ConclusionsAdherence to treatment protocols for radiotherapy alone in old patients with HNSCC is good, whereas the application of concurrent chemotherapy often deviates from guidelines in terms of de-escalation. An important risk factor for decreased OS, PFS, and a higher rate of LRR appears to be non-oropharyngeal tumor location in old patients.
Glare prediction and mechanism of adaptation following implantation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic intraocular lenses
Authors: Bhogal-Bhamra Gurpreet K. , Aujla Maana , Kolli Sai , Sheppard Amy L. , Wolffsohn James S. 
Published: April 2024

PurposeGlare is a known side effect of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, affected principally by IOL material and optics, although it is reported subjectively to decrease in impact with time. However, little objective data have been published on changes over time, how these relate to subjective reports, and whether those who will report greater glare symptoms can be predicted prior to IOL implantation.MethodsA total of 32 patients (aged 72.4 ± 8.0 years) with healthy eyes were implanted bilaterally with hydrophilic 600s (Rayner, Worthing, UK) or hydrophobic Acrysof (Alcon, Texas, USA) acrylic IOLs (n = 16 each, randomly assigned). Each patient reported their dysphotopsia symptoms subjectively using the validated forced choice photographic questionnaire for photic phenomena, and halo size resulting from a bright light in a dark environment was quantified objectively in eight orientations using the Aston Halometer. Assessment was performed binocularly pre-operatively and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after IOL implantation.SettingThe study was carried out at the National Health Service Ophthalmology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.ResultsVisual acuity (average 0.37 ± 0.26 logMAR) did not correlate with subjective glare (r = 0.184, p = 0.494) or objective glare (r = 0.294, p = 0.270) pre-surgery. Objective halo size (F = 112.781, p &lt; 0.001) decreased with cataract removal and IOL implantation and continued to decreased over the month after surgery. Subjective dysphotopsia complaints (p &lt; 0.001) were also greater pre-surgery, but did not change thereafter (p = 0.228). In neither case was there a difference with IOL material (p &gt; 0.05). It was not possible to predict post-surgery dysphotopsia from symptoms or a ratio of symptoms to halo size pre-surgery (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsSubjective dysphotopsia and objective halos caused by cataracts are greatly reduced by implantation of IOL after cataract removal causing few perceivable symptoms. However, objective measures are able to quantify a further reduction in light scatter over the first month post-IOL implantation, suggesting that any subjective effects over this period are due to the healing process and not due to neuroadaptation.