bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteinuria and risk of ocular motor cranial nerve palsy: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lee Juha , Han Kyungdo , Yoo Juhwan , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the association between dipstick-detected proteinuria and oculomotor cranial nerve palsy (CNP) could have significant implications for understanding the mechanism of CNP development and for developing preventive strategies against CNP development in patients with proteinuria. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dipstick-determined proteinuria and ocular motor CNP using National Sample Cohort (NSC) database from Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). A nationwide population-based cohort study was conducted using data from the NSC database of Korea’s NHIS. These data were collected from 2009 to 2018. A one-year time lag was established to prevent a situation in which the causal link was inverted. Participants aged 20 years or more who were diagnosed with proteinuria in 2009 were included. Individuals with specific pre-existing CNP, missing data, and those who were newly diagnosed with CNP or who died within one year of being tested were excluded. The study population was classified into six groups according to the degree of proteinuria (negative, trace, or between 1 + and 4 +) based on the urine dipstick test. A Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine the linkage between the degree of proteinuria and ocular motor CNP. A total of 5,807 (0.14% of subjects) with ocular motor CNP were assigned to the ocular motor CNP group and 4,047,205 subjects were assigned to the control group. After full adjustment of comorbidities, hazard ratios (HRs) for 1 + , 2 + , 3 + and 4 + proteinuria groups were 1.449 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.244–1.687), 2.081 (1.707–2.538), 1.96 (1.322–2.904), and 3.011 (1.507–6.014), respectively, for developing ocular motor CNP compared to the proteinuria-negative group. In subgroup analysis, the HR of patients with proteinuria for the development of ocular motor CNP was higher in the younger age group (less than 40 years) (P = 0.0242) and the group with DM (P = 0.04). Our population-based cohort study demonstrated a significant association between proteinuria and the incidence of CNP, suggesting that urine protein level could be a new clinical marker for predicting the development of CNP.
Habitat type modulates sharp body mass oscillations in cyclic common vole populations
Authors: Olea Pedro P. , de Diego Noelia , García Jesús T. , Viñuela Javier 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCyclic rodent populations exhibit pronounced changes in body mass associated with the population cycle phase, long-known as Chitty effect. Although Chitty effect is a common epiphenomenon in both America and Europe, there is still incomplete evidence about the generality of these patterns across the entire range of most species. Moreover, despite decades of research, the underlying factors driving Chitty effect remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may underlie observed patterns in vole size variation in the Iberian common vole Microtus arvalis asturianus. We weighed and measured 2816 adult voles that were captured during 6 trapping periods. Vole numbers and body mass showed strong period- and phase-related variation both in females and males, demonstrating marked Chitty effect in the studied population. Body mass of adult males correlated with body length, evidencing that heavier males are also structurally larger. Statistical models showed that probability of occurrence of large-sized vole (> 37 g) was significantly more likely in reproductive males, during increase and peak phases, and it was modulated by habitat, with crop fields and field margins between crops showing an increased likelihood. We suggest an effect of the habitat on vole body mass mediated by predation.
Effect of hypercholesterolemia on circulating and cardiomyocyte-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kovácsházi Csenger , Hambalkó Szabolcs , Sayour Nabil V. , Gergely Tamás G. , Brenner Gábor B. , Pelyhe Csilla , Kapui Dóra , Weber Bennet Y. , Hültenschmidt Alexander L. , Pállinger Éva , Buzás Edit I. , Zolcsák Ádám , Kiss Bálint , Bozó Tamás , Csányi Csilla , Kósa Nikolett , Kellermayer Miklós , Farkas Róbert , Karvaly Gellért B. , Wynne Kieran , Matallanas David , Ferdinandy Péter , Giricz Zoltán 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHypercholesterolemia (HC) induces, propagates and exacerbates cardiovascular diseases via various mechanisms that are yet not properly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in the pathomechanism of these diseases. To understand how circulating or cardiac-derived EVs could affect myocardial functions, we analyzed the metabolomic profile of circulating EVs, and we performed an in-depth analysis of cardiomyocyte (CM)-derived EVs in HC. Circulating EVs were isolated with Vezics technology from male Wistar rats fed with high-cholesterol or control chow. AC16 human CMs were treated with Remembrane HC supplement and EVs were isolated from cell culture supernatant. The biophysical properties and the protein composition of CM EVs were analyzed. THP1-ASC-GFP cells were treated with CM EVs, and monocyte activation was measured. HC diet reduced the amount of certain phosphatidylcholines in circulating EVs, independently of their plasma level. HC treatment significantly increased EV secretion of CMs and greatly modified CM EV proteome, enriching several proteins involved in tissue remodeling. Regardless of the treatment, CM EVs did not induce the activation of THP1 monocytes. In conclusion, HC strongly affects the metabolome of circulating EVs and dysregulates CM EVs, which might contribute to HC-induced cardiac derangements.
Outcomes from a new modified single needle laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure and cut off for pediatric inguinal hernia
Authors: Zeng Defeng , Pu Changsheng , Guo Chunbao , Kong Xiangpan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInguinal hernia is a prevalent surgical condition in pediatric patients. Despite the efficacy of current treatment modalities, a certain recurrence rate still persists. Hence, our objective in this study is to introduce an innovative surgical technique designed to minimize surgical complications. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 809 pediatric cases that underwent laparoscopic repair with our innovative technique for inguinal hernia from June 2020 to June 2022. Demographic information, perioperative details, and postoperative follow-up outcomes were thoroughly assessed. All surgeries were conducted laparoscopically under general anesthesia. The procedure commenced by encircling the hernia sac with two sutures under laparoscopic guidance. Subsequently, the sac was exteriorized from the body using the two sutures, followed by ligation and excision of the hernia sac. The research findings demonstrate that the duration of unilateral and bilateral procedures was recorded as 15.9 ± 4.8 and 21.7 ± 3.9 min, respectively. Incision infection occurred in 7 patients (0.87%), and Male Complicated Inguinal Hernia (MCIH) was observed in 2 patients (0.23%). Notably, there were no occurrences of iatrogenic cryptorchidism, testicular atrophy, or recurrence (0%) during the follow-up period. In conclusion, our novel modification shows a notable reduction in postoperative recurrence rates and alleviates the impact of the procedure on the positioning of the testis or uterus. This modified technique is both safe and valuable, thus warranting broader adoption and promotion.
The geographic distribution, and the biotic and abiotic predictors of select zoonotic pathogen detections in Canadian polar bears
Authors: Tschritter Christina M. , van Coeverden de Groot Peter , Branigan Marsha , Dyck Markus , Sun Zhengxin , Jenkins Emily , Buhler Kayla , Lougheed Stephen C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIncreasing Arctic temperatures are facilitating the northward expansion of more southerly hosts, vectors, and pathogens, exposing naïve populations to pathogens not typical at northern latitudes. To understand such rapidly changing host–pathogen dynamics, we need sensitive and robust surveillance tools. Here, we use a novel multiplexed magnetic-capture and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) tool to assess a sentinel Arctic species, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus; n = 68), for the presence of five zoonotic pathogens (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Francisella tularensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp.), and observe associations between pathogen presence and biotic and abiotic predictors. We made two novel detections: the first detection of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex member in Arctic wildlife and the first of E. rhusiopathiae in a polar bear. We found a prevalence of 37% for E. rhusiopathiae, 16% for F. tularensis, 29% for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, 18% for T. gondii, and 75% for Trichinella spp. We also identify associations with bear age (Trichinella spp.), harvest season (F. tularensis and MTBC), and human settlements (E. rhusiopathiae, F. tularensis, MTBC, and Trichinella spp.). We demonstrate that monitoring a sentinel species, the polar bear, could be a powerful tool in disease surveillance and highlight the need to better characterize pathogen distributions and diversity in the Arctic.
Prognostic significance of CT-determined sarcopenia in older patients with advanced squamous cell lung cancer treated with programmed death-1 inhibitors
Authors: Ying Lin , Xu Liqian , Yang Ji , Zhang Qin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSarcopenia has been associated with higher toxicity induced by anti-cancer treatments and shorter survival in patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma (SqCLC). Over the past few decades, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) significantly improves the prognosis. However, few clinical studies explored the effectiveness of immunotherapy in the elderly population. Here, we performed a retrospective analysis to determine the prognostic role of sarcopenia in older patients with SqCLC receiving ICIs. We retrospectively assessed SqCLC patients who were treated with PD-1 inhibitors and all patients were at least 70 years old. Pre-treatment sarcopenic status was determined by analyzing L3 skeletal muscle index (SMI) with chest CT. Progression-free survival (PFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the differences in survival were compared using the log-rank test. Among 130 male SqCLC patients, 93 had sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia were older and had a lower body mass index (BMI). Over an average follow-up of 20.8 months, 92 patients died. For all 130 patients, the mean OS was 13.3 months. Patients with sarcopenia had a significantly shorter OS and PFS than those without sarcopenia (OS, 12.4 ± 5.2 months vs. 15.5 ± 10.5 months, P = 0.028; PFS, 6.4 ± 2.9 months vs. 7.7 ± 4.2 months; P = 0.035). Multivariable analysis showed that sarcopenia was an independent prognostic factor for shorter OS and PFS. CT-determined sarcopenia is an independent prognostic factor for older patients with SqCLC receiving ICIs.
Rice seeds biofortification using biogenic ıron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by using Glycyrrhiza glabra: a study on growth and yield ımprovement
Authors: Ahmad Sidra , Ahmad Nayab , Islam Md. Shahinoor , Ahmad Mian Afaq , Ercisli Sezai , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Munir Iqbal 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIron, a crucial micronutrient, is an integral element of biotic vitality. The scarcity of iron in the soil creates agronomic challenges and has a detrimental impact on crop vigour and chlorophyll formation. Utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via nanopriming emerges as an innovative method to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop health. The objective of this study was to synthesize biogenic IONPs fromGlycyrrhiza glabra(G. glabra) plant extract using green chemistry and to evaluate their nanopriming effects on rice seed iron levels and growth. The synthesized IONPs were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The UV–Vis peak at 280 nm revealed the formation of IONPs. SEM and TEM showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had an average diameter of 23.8 nm. Nanopriming resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth, as seen by a 9.25% and 22.8% increase in shoot lengths for the 50 ppm and 100 ppm treatments, respectively. The yield metrics showed a positive correlation with the concentrations of IONPs. The 1000-grain weight and spike length observed a maximum increase of 193.75% and 97.73%, respectively, at the highest concentration of IONPs. The study indicates thatG. glabrasynthesized IONPs as a nanopriming agent significantly increased rice seeds' growth and iron content. This suggests that there is a relationship between the dosage of IONPs and their potential for improving agricultural biofortification.
Investigation of the trend and related factors of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in southeast Iran during 2018–2022
Authors: Rezaeian Mohsen , Jamali Zahra , Javadi Zahra , Taherifard Alireza , Khalili Parvin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSuicide is a major public health challenge worldwide with an increasing trend. Identifying risk factors for suicide attempts and suicide deaths may help find useful ways to prevent suicide. We aimed to determine the trend and related factors of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in Rafsanjan. This retrospective study included all suicide cases from 2018 to 2022 in Rafsanjan, a city in the southeast of Iran. The information was extracted from the suicide registration system of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Univariable and multivariable logistics regression models were used to investigate factors affecting suicide death. A total of 2039 cases of suicide, including 1932 cases (94.75%) of suicide attempts and 107 cases (5.25%) of suicide deaths were recorded during the study period. The frequency of suicide deaths and suicide attempts per 100,000 people increased in 2022 compared to 2018 in both genders. In the adjusted model, the odds of suicide deaths in males was 6.48 (95% CI 3.39–12.42) times higher than in females. Also, the odds of suicide deaths in unemployed subjects and housewives were 2.64 (95% CI 1.50–4.67) and 7.45 (95% CI 3.08–18.07) times higher than employed subjects respectively. Finally, people with education less than a diploma had 10.85 (95% CI 1.48–79.54) times higher odds of suicide deaths compared to people with university education. The present research showed that the pattern of suicide has been increasing since 2018, and we may see an upward trend in the coming years, which requires further investigation and preventive measures. Male gender, low education level, unemployment, and being a housewife were associated with the highest frequency of suicide death.
Anti-metastasis activity of 5,4’-dihydroxy 6,8-dimethoxy 7-O-rhamnosyl flavone from Indigofera aspalathoides Vahl on breast cancer cells
Authors: Al-Saeedi Fatma , Rajendran Peramaiyan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBreast cancer presents a significant challenge due to its high rates of illness and mortality, necessitating more effective treatment approaches. While traditional treatments offer some benefits, they often lack precision in targeting cancer cells and can inadvertently harm healthy tissues. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic effects and molecular mechanism of 5,4’-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-7-O-rhamnosyl flavone (DDR), extracted from Indigofera aspalathoides Vahl, on breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Through various in vitro assays including wound healing, invasion, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, the impact of DDR on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis was evaluated. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with different DDR concentrations (0–10 µg/mL) resulted in a significant decrease in invasion and migration, accompanied by the downregulation of metastasis-related proteins including VEGF, uPAR, uPA, and MMP-9. DDR treatment also hindered EMT by upregulating E-cadherin and downregulating N-cadherin, Slug, Twist, and Vimentin. Additionally, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and downregulation of the NF-кB pathway were observed. These findings highlight the potential of DDR as a valuable source of natural compounds with promising anticancer properties, offering opportunities for the development of novel cancer therapies.
The spillover effects of China’s carbon trading policy on coordinated emission efficiency
Authors: Cui Hao , Liu Zengbing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe significance of carbon trading policy (CTP) for China’s carbon reduction goals cannot be overstated. Examining the practical impacts and inherent features of this policy is crucial for fostering its healthy development and effectiveness. This study utilizes the directional SBM super-efficiency model to calculate the combined emission efficiency (CEE) of greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants across 30 provinces and cities in China from 2005 to 2020. Through spatiotemporal analysis of the CEE evolution using hotspot analysis, it is evident that hotspots gradually shift towards the southeast coastal areas over time, while cold spots shift towards the northwest. Additionally, employing the differences-in-differences (DID) model and conducting robustness tests, the study finds that the CTP significantly enhances the CEE development. Spatial econometric analysis reveals that the CEE primarily follows a distribution pattern characterized by low-low (LL) and high-high (HH) regions, with positive spatial spillover effects. However, due to the incomplete state of early green development in China, the CTP temporarily exhibits negative spatial spillover effects. Finally, considering the current state of China's carbon trading policy, corresponding policy recommendations are proposed in this paper.
Effects of maturation on myotonometric parameters and their predictors of athletic performance in elite youth soccer players
Authors: García-Santamaría Alberto , Abelairas-Gómez Cristian , Carrera Samuel , Padrón-Cabo Alexis , Rey Ezequiel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the variations in individual muscle stiffness across different maturation stages (i.e., peak height velocity [PHV]) in elite youth soccer players and to explore the associations between lower limb muscle stiffness and performance in sprinting (10, 20, and 40 m sprint), maneuverability (9–3-6–3-9 m sprint test), and jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ]). A total of 131 elite youth soccer players aged 12–18 years, volunteered to participate in the study and were divided into pre-PHV (n = 21), mid-PHV (n = 33), and post-PHV (n = 80). Muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles was assessed using a MyotonPRO. Results showed that players in the pre-PHV stage had lower stiffness in the BF and RF muscles compared to mid-PHV (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = moderate to large) and post-PHV players (p < 0.001; ES = moderate to large). It was also observed that the mid-PHV group had lower stiffness levels in their RF muscle compared to the post-PHV group (p < 0.001; ES = small). Significant correlations were found between BF and RF stiffness and sprint (p < 0.001) and maneuverability (p < 0.001) performance. RF stiffness showed a significant positive correlation with CMJ (p < 0.05), suggesting that greater lower body stiffness is beneficial for athletic performance in youth soccer players. The findings highlighting the importance of considering training methods that increase muscular stiffness, particularly in relation to the RF muscle, to optimize athletic performance.
Conditional disruption of Nr5a1 directed by Sox9-Cre impairs adrenal development
Authors: Tagami Ayako , Ikeda Yayoi , Ishizuka Kyoko , Maekawa Mamiko 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe current study aimed to investigate the effect of Sox9-Cre-directed Nr5a1-conditional knockout (Sox9-Cre;Nr5a1flox/flox) on adrenal development. We showed that SOX9 is expressed by adrenocortical cells at E10.5–E11.5 but is extinguished no later than E12.5. The number of adrenocortical cells significantly reduced in Sox9-Cre;Nr5a1flox/flox mice while the number of cleaved caspase 3-positive cells increased compared to that in the controls at E11.5–E12.5, when the adrenal primordium (AP) is about to expand. This indicated that fetal adrenocortical cells are lost via apoptosis due to Nr5a1 ablation by E12.5. Both medulla formation and encapsulation were perturbed, accompanied by a smaller AP size, in Sox9-Cre;Nr5a1flox/flox mice during embryonic development. Adult Sox9-Cre;Nr5a1flox/flox adrenals were hypoplastic and exhibited irregular organization of the medulla with aberrant sex differentiation in the X zone. Additionally, there were histologically eosin-negative vacuolated cells, which were negative for both the X-zone marker 20αHSD and the steroidogenesis marker 3βHSD at the innermost cortex of Sox9-Cre;Nr5a1flox/flox adrenals. Although Nr5a1+/− adrenals were hypoplastic, a small number of chromaffin cells were properly located in the center, having normal sex differences in the X-zone. The results collectively provided in-vivo evidence that Nr5a1 plays a critical role in AP expansion and subsequent adrenal development.
Leveraging dual‐blockchain collaboration for logistics supply chain supervision
Authors: Lin Licheng , Pan Senshan , Jing Pujie , Song Xiangmei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLogistics supply chain (LSC), a chain structure that integrates and coordinates all logistics transactions, has become an essential component of the modern logistics industry. By using blockchain, trusted logistics services enable participants to effectively record and track transactions during the logistics process. Current blockchain‐based LSC features distributed structure and data privacy requirements, hindering the supervision of logistics transactions. Leveraging emerging dual‐blockchain architecture to separate logistics transactions from supervision is a promising direction. However, the dual‐blockchain collaboration restricts supervision due to its cross‐chain privacy and efficiency. To address these issues, a logistics supply chain supervision scheme based on dual‐blockchain collaboration (DBC) is proposed. First, an independent supervision blockchain is constructed to balance the contradiction between distributed structure and supervision requirements. Second, two mechanisms are designed to enhance the privacy and performance of collaborative supervision. The hybrid access control mechanism enables fine‐grained supervision for different participants, and the aggregated transaction verification method supports efficient collaboration for logistics transactions. Security analysis and performance evaluation demonstrate the feasibility of DBC in enhancing the security and supervision of logistics data on the dual‐blockchain architecture. Experimental results show that the cross‐chain supervision overhead of DBC is reduced to of the baseline schemes.