bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis in young Cushing’s disease patients with biochemical remission: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Quanya , Sun Wanwan , Ye Hongying , Zhang Shuo 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundPatients with Cushing’s disease (CD) often experience slow recovery of bone mineral density (BMD), and the effectiveness of anti-osteoporosis drugs in young CD patients who have achieved biochemical remission after surgery is not well understood. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether bisphosphonates could help accelerate the recovery of osteoporosis in young CD patients with remission.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 34 young patients with CD who achieved postoperative biochemical remission. All patients suffered from osteoporosis before surgery and were divided into postoperative bisphosphonate treatment group (16 cases) and without bisphosphonate treatment group (18 cases). Clinical data, BMD (Z Value), and bone turnover markers were collected at the time of diagnosis and one year after successful tumor resection.ResultsThe Z values in the lumbar spine showed slight improvement in both groups at follow-up compared to baseline, but this improvement was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference observed between the two groups at follow-up. One year after operation, bone formation markers (OC and P1NP) were significantly higher than those at baseline in both groups. However, OC and P1NP in the bisphosphonate treatment group were lower than those in control group at one year follow-up. In without bisphosphonate treatment group, β-CTX from follow-up visit was higher than that at baseline, while no significant difference was observed in the bisphosphonate treatment group before and after surgery.ConclusionYoung patients with Cushing’s disease combined with osteoporosis might not benefit from bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis recovery in the first year after achieving biochemical remission.
Association of lower urinary tract symptoms and geriatric nutritional risk index in men: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES
Authors: Zheng Tianyun , Sun Huaibin , Tang Yueqing , Zeng Yuan , Yan Lei 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundDespite previous literature exploring the factors influencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), few studies have examined the relationship between nutritional status and LUTS.ObjectivesThe objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between LUTS and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in middle-aged and older men.MethodsWe included 2,607 men in the NHANES 2005–2006 and 2007–2008 cycles for cross-sectional analysis. We screened for LUTS based on four specific questions on the relevant questionnaire. We calculated GNRI according to the relevant calculation formula and included other covariates. Multivariate logistic analysis using GNRI as the principal independent variable and adjusting for other covariates were used to determine the association with LUTS, nocturia, and daytime LUTS.ResultsAccording to the responses to the questionnaire, out of 2,607 eligible participants, 471 had LUTS, 906 had nocturia, and 819 had daytime LUTS. In the unadjusted regression model, LUTS (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91–0.96, p &lt; 0.001), nocturia (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.88–0.93, p &lt; 0.001), and daytime LUTS (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94–0.99, p = 0.002) were significantly negatively associated with GNRI. After adjustment by adding covariates, LUTS (OR = 0.97,95% CI =0.94–0.99, p = 0.026) and nocturia (OR = 0.94, 95% CI =0.91–0.93, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly negatively associated with GNRI.ConclusionLow GNRI was associated with the development of LUTS. In the prevention and treatment of LUTS, urologists should consider the impact of nutritional status on LUTS, and interventions for nutritional status may prevent and improve LUTS.
Causal relationship between obesity and anorectal abscess: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zeng XiaoYu , Wang HanYu , Deng Yang , Deng ZhiYu , Bi Wei , Fu Hao 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundObservational studies have indicated that obesity is a risk factor for anorectal abscess (ARB). However, it remains unclear whether a causal genetic relationship exists between obesity and ARB.MethodsUnivariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) were conducted using data from a large, published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry to infer a causal relationship between obesity and ARB. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis served as the primary analysis method, with results reported as odds ratios (OR).ResultsMR analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) positively affects ARB (OR 1.974, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.548–2.519, p = 4.34 × 10−8). The weighted median method (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.248–2.829, p = 0.002) and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.477–2.392, p = 2.85 × 10−7) also demonstrated consistent results. Subsequently, the impact of several obesity-related characteristics on ARB was assessed. Body fat percentage (BF), whole body fat mass (FM), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were found to be causally associated with an increased risk of ARB. However, these associations vanished after adjusting for BMI effects.ConclusionThe study confirms a positive causal effect of obesity on ARB, highlighting that reasonable weight control is an important strategy to reduce the incidence of ARB.
Ad libitum caffeine consumption, cognitive performance, and sleep in special forces soldiers during a 96-h combat exercise
Authors: Erez David , Lieberman Harris R. , Baum Ido , Ketko Itay , Moran Daniel S. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThis observational study investigated the effects of sleep deprivation and ad libitum caffeine consumption on cognitive performance, risk behavior, and mood among 28 Israeli Special Forces (SF) soldiers (mean age: 20.57 ± 0.92 years) during a 96-hour combat exercise.MethodsActigraphy was used to monitor sleep and activity; cognitive function, risk-taking propensity, mood states, and self-reported sleepiness were assessed using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), Evaluation of Risks Scale (EVAR), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS); and caffeine consumption by questionnaire at 0, 50, and 96 hours. For analyses, participants were divided into Low (&lt;400 mg) and High (≥400 mg) caffeine consumption groups.ResultsThe soldiers hiked 108.5 ± 0.52 km and slept for 12.7 ± 0.5 h, with a notable transition from multiple short sleep epochs in the initial 50 hours to a consolidated 5-hour sleep period subsequently. In the High caffeine group, PVT reaction time was faster (p = 0.024) compared to the Low caffeine group, with fewer premature response errors (p = 0.026). However, this group showed increased risk-taking (p = 0.037), particularly reduced Self-Control (p = 0.010). No significant impact of ad libitum caffeine intake on mood was observed. However, degradation over the course of the exercise in both groups in mood states, including anger, fatigue, tension, and vigor, was noted (p &lt; 0.05). KSS scores increased significantly at 50 and 96 h (p &lt; 0.001).DiscussionThese results suggest that while caffeine enhances cognitive function, its ad libitum consumption did not consistently improve these measures in this cohort of SF soldiers. The study highlights the complex relationship between sleep deprivation and caffeine intake and their combined effects on soldiers’ cognitive and behavioral functions, indicating a need for evidence-based caffeine use guidelines for using caffeine in military settings.
Resources for the practice of pediatric neuro-oncology in Mexico: a cross-sectional evaluation
Authors: Arce-Cabrera Daniela , Escamilla-Asiain Gabriela , Nájera-Castillo Melisa F. , Navarro-Martín del Campo Regina M. , Ortiz-Azpilcueta Mariana , Pantoja-Guillén Francisco J. , Arreguín González Farina E. , Zapata-Sosa Imelda , Lugo-Juárez Jocelyn Z. , Santillán Cortéz Daniel , Morales-La Madrid Andrés , Moreira Daniel C. , Benito-Reséndiz Alma E. 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThe evaluation of existing resources and services is key to identify gaps and prioritize interventions to expand care capacity for children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We sought to evaluate the resources for pediatric neuro-oncology (PNO) in Mexico.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey with 35 questions was designed to assess PNO resources and services, covering aspects including number of patients, infrastructure, human resources, and diagnostic and treatment time intervals. The survey was distributed to the members of the Mexican Association of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (AMOHP) who belong to the nation’s many different health systems.ResultsResponses were obtained from 33 institutions, distributed throughout the country and part of the many health systems that exist in Mexico. Twenty-one (64%) institutions had less than 10 new cases of pediatric CNS tumors per year. Although 30 (91%) institutions saw pediatric patients up to the age of 18 years, 2 (6%) had a cutoff of 15 years. Twenty-four (73%) institutions had between 1 and 3 pediatric oncologists providing care for children with CNS tumors. Six (18%) institutions did not have a neurosurgeon, while 19 (57%) institutions had a pediatric neurosurgeon. All centers had a pathology department, but 13 (39%) institutions only had access to basic histopathology. Eleven (33%) institutions reported histopathological diagnoses within one week, but 3 (9%) took more than 4 weeks. Radiotherapy for pediatric CNS tumors was referred to outside centers at 18 (55%) institutions. All centers had access to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, but only 6 (18%) had access to targeted therapy. Eighteen (55%) respondents estimated a survival rate of less than 60%. Fifteen (45%) centers attributed the main cause of mortality to non-tumor related factors, including infection and post-surgical complications.ConclusionsThis is the first national assessment of the resources available in Mexico for the treatment of CNS tumors. It shows disparities in resource capacity and a lack of the specific and efficient diagnoses that allow timely initiation of treatment. These data will enable the prioritization of collaborative interventions in the future.
Identification of radiologic and clinicopathologic variables associated with tumor regression pattern and distribution of cancer cells after short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Gheller Alexandre , Basílio Dunya Bachour , da Costa Marília Cristina Rosa , Tuma Sussen Araújo , Ferreira Oscar Miguel Túlio Andrade , Lyrio Fernando Gonçalves , Girardi Daniel da Motta , de Sousa João Batista 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundKnowledge of the pattern of regression and distribution of residual tumor cells may assist in the selection of candidates for rectum-sparing strategies.ObjectiveTo investigate and identify factors associated with tumor regression pattern and distribution of residual tumor cells.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study of patients with T3/T4 N0/N+ adenocarcinoma of the middle and lower third of the rectum (≤10 cm) treated with radiotherapy (5×5 Gy) followed by 6 cycles of CAPOX chemotherapy. The pattern of tumor regression was classified as fragmented or solid. Microscopic intramural spread was measured. We used a model of distribution of residual tumor cells not yet applied to rectal cancer, defined as follows: type I (luminal), type II (invasive front), type III (concentric), and type IV (random).ResultsForty patients were included with a median age of 66 years; 23 (57.5%) were men. A fragmented pattern was identified in 18 patients (45.0%), and a solid pattern in 22 (55.0%). Microscopic intramural spread was identified in 25 patients (62.5%), extending from 1 to 18 mm (median, 4 mm). There were 14 cases (35.0%) of microscopic intramural spread ≥10 mm. All cases of fragmented regression pattern, except one, showed microscopic intramural spread. Within the fragmented pattern, microscopic intramural spread was 4–8 mm in 4 cases and ≥10 mm in the remaining cases. All cases of microscopic intramural spread ≥ 10 mm were within the fragmented pattern. Regarding the distribution pattern of residual tumor cells, 11 cases (31.5%) were classified as type I, 14 (40.0%) as type II, 10 (28.5%) as type III, and none as type IV. Carcinoembryonic antigen levels &gt;5 ng/mL, downsizing &lt;50%, residual mucosal abnormality &gt;20 mm, and anatomopathologic lymph node involvement were significantly associated with the occurrence of fragmentation (P&lt;0.05). Having received all 6 cycles of CAPOX chemotherapy and absence of microscopic intramural spread were significantly associated with the type I distribution pattern (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe occurrence of a fragmented regression pattern is common, as is the presence of microscopic intramural spread. We could identify radiologic and clinicopathologic factors associated with the pattern of tumor regression and a type I distribution pattern.
Exploring the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of cyclooxygenase inhibitor ampiroxicam: a phase I study on single and multiple oral doses
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Qi Ying 
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Ampiroxicam is a long-acting, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that selectively inhibits human cyclooxygenase, effectively mitigating fever, pain, and inflammation. This study evaluated the drug's tolerability and pharmacokinetics to support personalized dosing strategies.Methods: The study involved healthy participants and focused on the pharmacokinetics of ampiroxicam. Plasma levels of piroxicam, a key metabolite of ampiroxicam, were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Piroxicam was chosen due to its integral role in ampiroxicam's metabolic pathway. The analytical method underwent rigorous validation to ensure precision and accuracy, addressing potential interference from endogenous plasma substances.Results: Participants received ampiroxicam in single doses (low, medium, and high) and multiple doses. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including AUC0–216, AUC0–∞, and Cmax, exhibited a dose-dependent increase. No significant differences were noted across the dosage groups, and sex-specific differences were minimal, with the exception of mean residence time (MRT) in the multiple-dose group, which appeared influenced by body weight variations.Discussion: The findings affirm the safety and efficacy of ampiroxicam across different dosing regimens, validating its clinical utility and potential for personalized medicine in the treatment of pain and inflammation.
Effects of regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) overexpression in the paraventricular nucleus on blood pressure in rats with angiotensin II-induced hypertension
Authors: Boomer Shane H. , Liu Xuefei , Zheng Hong 
Published: June 2024

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) regulates sympathetic activity and blood pressure. The regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) is a negative G protein regulator, which selectively regulates G⍺q signaling, a potential cause of hypertension. This study aimed to examine angiotensin II (ANG II)-G protein-RGS2 signaling on the central mechanisms of blood pressure control, sympathetic activation, and kidney function. The Sprague Dawley rats were infused with ANG II (200 ng/kg/min) via osmotic mini pump to induce hypertension. Adenovirus (AV) vectors encoding RGS2 was transfected into the PVN in vivo. By radio telemetry measurements, we found AV-RGS2 transfection to the PVN significantly attenuated the increase of mean arterial pressure in ANG II infusion rats from days 2–7 of the 2-week experiment (Day 7: ANG II + AV-RGS2 141.3 ± 10.0 mmHg vs. ANG II 166.9 ± 9.3 mmHg, p &lt; 0.05). AV-RGS2 transfection significantly reduced the serum norepinephrine level and acute volume reflex and increased daily urine volume and sodium excretion in ANG II-infused hypertensive rats. AV-RGS2 transfection significantly reduced G⍺q and PKC protein expressions within the PVN in ANG II infusion rats. In cultured mouse hypothalamic cells, real-time PCR study showed ANG II treatment increased mRNA expression of G⍺q, G⍺s, and RGS2, and AV-RGS2 treatment decreased ANG II-induced mRNA expression of G⍺q and G⍺s. Using confocal imagery, we found that AV-RGS2 attenuated the increase of calcium influx in ANG II-treated cells. Our results suggest that central overexpression of RGS2 in the PVN attenuated the increase of blood pressure and sympathetic outflow, and improves kidney excretory function in hypertensive rats. This may be via the alteration of ANG II-G-protein-RGS2 signaling in the central nervous system.
Regulation of tillage on grain matter accumulation in maize
Authors: Wang Li-Qing , Yu Xiao-Fang , Gao Ju-Lin , Ma Da-Ling , Liu Hong-Yue , Hu Shu-Ping 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionTo address issues related to shallow soil tillage, low soil nutrient content, and single tillage method in maize production in the Western Inner Mongolia Region, this study implemented various tillage and straw return techniques, including strip cultivation, subsoiling, deep tillage, no-tillage, straw incorporation with strip cultivation, straw incorporation with subsoiling, straw incorporation with deep tillage, and straw incorporation with no tillage, while using conventional shallow spinning by farmers as the control.MethodsWe employed Xianyu 696 (XY696) and Ximeng 6 (XM6) as experimental materials to assess maize 100-grains weight, grain filling rate parameters, and grain nutrient quality. This investigation aimed to elucidate how tillage and straw return influence the accumulation of grain material in different maize varieties.Results and discussionThe results indicated that proper implementation of tillage and straw return had a significant impact on the 100-grains weight of both varieties. In comparison to CK (farmer’s rotary rotation), the most notable rise in 100-grains weight was observed under the DPR treatment (straw incorporation with deep tillage), with a maximum increase of 4.84% for XY696 and 6.28% for XM6. The proper implementation of tillage and straw return in the field resulted in discernible differences in the stages of improving the grain filling rates of different maize varieties. Specifically, XY696 showed a predominant increase in the filling rate during the early stage (V1), while XM6 exhibited an increase in the filling rates during the middle and late stages (V2 and V3). In comparison to CK, V1 increased by 1.54% to 27.56% in XY696, and V2 and V3 increased by 0.41% to 10.42% in XM6 under various tillage and straw return practices. The proper implementation of tillage and straw return had a significant impact on the nutritional quality of the grains in each variety. In comparison to CK, the DPR treatment resulted in the most pronounced decrease in the soluble sugar content of grains by 25.43% and the greatest increase in the crude fat content of grains by 9.67%.ConclusionUltimately, the proper implementation of soil tillage and straw return facilitated an increase in grain crude fat content and significantly boosted grain weight by improving the grouting rate parameters at all stages for various maize varieties. Additionally, the utilization of DPR treatment proved to be more effective. Overall, DPR is the most promising strategy to improve maize yield and the nutritional quality of grain in the long term in the Western Inner Mongolia Region.
Dynamic evolution of MADS-box genes in extant ferns via large-scale phylogenomic analysis
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Jiao , Xu Yue-Xia , Sun Jun-Mei , Dai Shao-Jun , Shen Hui , Yan Yue-Hong 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionSeveral studies of MADS-box transcription factors in flowering plants have been conducted, and these studies have indicated that they have conserved functions in floral organ development; MIKC-type MADS-box genes has been proved to be expanded in ferns, however, few systematic studies of these transcription factors have been conducted in non-seed plants. Although ferns and seed plants are sister groups, they exhibit substantial morphological differences.MethodsHere, we clarified the evolution of MADS-box genes across 71 extant fern species using available transcriptome, genome, and gene expression data.ResultsWe obtained a total of 2,512 MADS-box sequences, ranging from 9 to 89 per species. The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of ferns contained approximately three type I genes and at least 5–6 type II MADS-box genes. The domains, motifs, expression of type I and type II proteins, and the structure of the both type genes were conserved in ferns as to other land plants. Within type II genes, MIKC*-type proteins are involved in gametophyte development in ferns; MIKCC-type proteins have broader expression patterns in ferns than in seed plants, and these protein sequences are likely conserved in extant seed plants and ferns because of their diverse roles in diploid sporophyte development. More than 90% of MADS-box genes are type II genes, and MIKCC genes, especially CRM1 and CRM6-like genes, have undergone a large expansion in leptosporangiate ferns; the diverse expression patterns of these genes might be related to the fuctional diversification and increased complexity of the plant body plan. Tandem duplication of CRM1 and CRM6-like genes has contributed to the expansion of MIKCC genes.Conclusion or DiscussionThis study provides new insights into the diversity, evolution, and functions of MADS-box genes in extant ferns.
Changes in tryptophan breakdown associated with response to multimodal treatment in depression
Authors: Reininghaus Eva Z. , Lenger Melanie , Schönthaler Elena M. D. , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Stross Tatjana , Schwarz Markus , Moll Natalie , Reininghaus Bernd , Dalkner Nina 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundResearch on depression showed that dysregulations in tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and its KYN pathway metabolites are key aspects in the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms. In our previous reports, we described sex-specific changes in TRP breakdown as well as changes in KYN and KYN/TRP in association with treatment response and inflammatory and metabolic parameters. However, results of treatment effects on KYN pathway metabolites as well as how pathway changes are related to treatment response remain sparse.ObjectiveWe investigated potential changes of KYN and KYN pathway metabolites in association with therapeutic response of individuals with depression during a six-week multimodal psychiatric rehabilitation program.Methods87 participants were divided into treatment responders and non-responders (48 responders, 39 non-responders; 38 male, 49 female; Mage = 51.09; SDage = 7.70) using scores of psychological questionnaires. KYN pathway metabolites serum concentrations as well as their ratios were collected using high performance liquid chromatography. Changes over time (time of admission (t1) vs. time of discharge (t2)) were calculated using repeated measure analyses of (co)variance.ResultsNon-responders exhibited higher levels of 3-Hydroxyanthralinic acid (3-HAA), nicotinic acid (NA), and 3-HAA/KYN, independently of measurement time. NA levels decreased, while 3-HAA levels increased over time in both groups, independently of treatment response. 3-HK/KYN levels decreased, while KYN levels increased in non-responders, but not in responders over time.DiscussionThe results indicate that some compounds of the KYN pathway metabolites can be altered through multimodal long-term interventions in association with treatment response. Especially the pathway degrading KYN further down to 3-HAA and 3-HK/KYN might be decisive for treatment response in depression.