bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mevalonate kinase-deficient THP-1 cells show a disease-characteristic pro-inflammatory phenotype
Authors: Politiek Frouwkje A. , Turkenburg Marjolein , Ofman Rob , Waterham Hans R. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveBi-allelic pathogenic variants in the MVK gene, which encodes mevalonate kinase (MK), an essential enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthesis, cause the autoinflammatory metabolic disorder mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD). We generated and characterized MK-deficient monocytic THP-1 cells to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to the pro-inflammatory phenotype of MKD.MethodsUsing CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated THP-1 cells with different MK deficiencies mimicking the severe (MKD-MA) and mild end (MKD-HIDS) of the MKD disease spectrum. Following confirmation of previously established disease-specific biochemical hallmarks, we studied the consequences of the different MK deficiencies on LPS-stimulated cytokine release, glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation rates, cellular chemotaxis and protein kinase activity.ResultsSimilar to MKD patients’ cells, MK deficiency in the THP-1 cells caused a pro-inflammatory phenotype with a severity correlating with the residual MK protein levels. In the MKD-MA THP-1 cells, MK protein levels were barely detectable, which affected protein prenylation and was accompanied by a profound pro-inflammatory phenotype. This included a markedly increased LPS-stimulated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation towards glycolysis. We also observed increased activity of protein kinases that are involved in cell migration and proliferation, and in innate and adaptive immune responses. The MKD-HIDS THP-1 cells had approximately 20% residual MK activity and showed a milder phenotype, which manifested mainly upon LPS stimulation or exposure to elevated temperatures.ConclusionMK-deficient THP-1 cells show the biochemical and pro-inflammatory phenotype of MKD and are a good model to study underlying disease mechanisms and therapeutic options of this autoinflammatory disorder.
Association of serum vitamin D with anxiety in US adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wen Zongliang , Bai Long , Wu Shenqin , Chen Jialin , Jama Hamdi Abdirizak , Sawmadal Joyce D. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThere have been proposals that vitamin D may be associated with a reduction in the incidence of anxiety disorders. However, the findings thus far have been inconsistent, warranting further investigation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between serum vitamin D and anxiety.MethodsData are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States from 2007 to 2012. Study included a total of 12,232 participants, and through the multivariate logistic regression to study the relationship between serum vitamin D and anxiety, smooth curve fitting is used to study the nonlinear relationship between serum vitamin D levels and anxiety.ResultsSerum vitamin D levels demonstrated a negative correlation with anxiety (p &lt; 0.001). Vitamin D exhibited a significant impact on anxiety (Q4:OR = 0.774, 95% CI: 0.663–0.903, p &lt; 0.01), and this effect remained significant even after adjusting for confounding variables (Q4:OR = 0.781, 95% CI: 0.669–0.912, p &lt; 0.01). Smoothed curve fitting revealed a negative association between serum vitamin D levels and the risk of anxiety, and these findings persisted after accounting for confounding variables.ConclusionSerum vitamin D levels were inversely associated with anxiety risk in US adults. In the future, more accurate prospective studies are needed to confirm this result.
Multimodal data integration for predicting progression risk in castration-resistant prostate cancer using deep learning: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Chuan , Zhang Yun-Feng , Guo Sheng , Huang Yu-Qian , Qiao Xiao-Ni , Wang Rong , Zhao Lian-Ping , Chang De-Hui , Zhao Li-Ming , Da Ming-Xu , Zhou Feng-Hai 
Published: March 2024

PurposePatients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) often develop castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) with poor prognosis. Prognostic information obtained from multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and histopathology specimens can be effectively utilized through artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The objective of this study is to construct an AI-based CRPC progress prediction model by integrating multimodal data.Methods and materialsData from 399 patients diagnosed with PCa at three medical centers between January 2018 and January 2021 were collected retrospectively. We delineated regions of interest (ROIs) from 3 MRI sequences viz, T2WI, DWI, and ADC and utilized a cropping tool to extract the largest section of each ROI. We selected representative pathological hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) slides for deep-learning model training. A joint combined model nomogram was constructed. ROC curves and calibration curves were plotted to assess the predictive performance and goodness of fit of the model. We generated decision curve analysis (DCA) curves and Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival curves to evaluate the clinical net benefit of the model and its association with progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsThe AUC of the machine learning (ML) model was 0.755. The best deep learning (DL) model for radiomics and pathomics was the ResNet-50 model, with an AUC of 0.768 and 0.752, respectively. The nomogram graph showed that DL model contributed the most, and the AUC for the combined model was 0.86. The calibration curves and DCA indicate that the combined model had a good calibration ability and net clinical benefit. The KM curve indicated that the model integrating multimodal data can guide patient prognosis and management strategies.ConclusionThe integration of multimodal data effectively improves the prediction of risk for the progression of PCa to CRPC.
Evaluation of hepatic functional reserve of hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 5 cm) by liver shear wave velocity combined with multiple parameters
Authors: Yang Long , Zhu Haohui , Zhang Xijun , Fu Xiaobing , Zhao Xiaojuan , Wang Xiaojing , Ren Xiaozhuan , Yu Haibo , Yuan Jianjun 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundNormal hepatic functional reserve is the key to avoiding liver failure after liver surgery. This study investigated the assessment of hepatic functional reserve using liver shear wave velocity (LSWV) combined with biochemical indicators, tumor volume, and portal vein diameter.MethodsIn this single-center prospective study, a total of 123 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were divided into a test group (n=92) and a validation group (n=31). All patients were Child-Pugh grade A. The indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG-R15), liver shear wave velocity (LSWV), portal vein diameter (Dpv), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT), albumin (ALB), prothrombin time (PT), and also liver tumor volume (maximum diameter ≤5 cm) were measured. In the test group, multiple parameters were used to evaluate hepatic functional reserve, and the multiparametric model was established. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic performance of the multiparametric model. In the validation group, the predictive effectiveness of the multiparametric model was analyzed using consistency tests.ResultsIt was revealed that LSWV, ALB, and PT were statistically significant in evaluation of the hepatic functional reserve (P&lt;0.05). The multiparametric model was formulated as follows: Y= -18.954 + 9.726*LSWV-0.397*ALB+2.063*PT. The value of the area under the curve (AUC) for the multiparametric model was 0.913 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.835-0.962, P&lt; 0.01), with a cutoff value of 16.656 (sensitivity, 0.763; specificity, 0.926). The Kappa value of consistency testing was 0.655 (P&lt;0.01).ConclusionLSWV combined with ALB and PT exhibited a high predictive effectiveness for the assessment of hepatic functional reserve, assisting the clinical diagnosis and management of liver diseases.
Development of a rapid and highly sensitive nucleic acid-based diagnostic test for schistosomes, leveraging on identical multi-repeat sequences
Authors: Ally Ombeni , Kanoi Bernard N. , Kamath Shwetha , Shiluli Clement , Ndombi Eric M. , Odiere Maurice , Misinzo Gerald , Nyanjom Steven Ger , Kumar Chunduri Kiran , Ochola Lucy , Lolabattu Srinivasa Raju , Gitaka Jesse 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionSchistosomiasis (Bilharzia), a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma parasites, afflicts over 240 million people globally, disproportionately impacting Sub-Saharan Africa. Current diagnostic tests, despite their utility, suffer from limitations like low sensitivity. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) remain the most common and sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests. Still, the sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification tests is significantly affected by the copy number of amplification targets, resulting in underestimation of true Schistosoma infections, especially in low transmission settings. Additionally, lengthy qPCR run times pose challenges when dealing with large sample volumes and limited resources. In this study, the identical multi-repeat sequences (IMRS) were used as a novel approach to enhance the sensitivity of nucleic acid-based Bilharzia diagnosis.MethodsTo identify novel genomic repeat regions, we utilized the IMRS algorithm, with modifications to enable larger target region (100-200bp) identification instead of smaller sequences (18-30bp). These regions enabled customised primer-probe design to suit requirements for qPCR assay. To lower the qPCR amplification times, the assay was conducted using fast cycling condition. Regression analysis, and qPCR data visualization was conducted using Python programming.ResultsUsing Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, we found that IMRS-based qPCR, employing genus-specific primers and TaqMan probes, offers exceptional analytical sensitivity, detecting as little as a single genome copy per microliter within 36 minutes.DiscussionThe lowest concentration of DNA detected using IMRS-based PCR and qPCR represented tenfold improvement over conventional PCR. As part of further development, there is a need to compare IMRS-based qPCR against other qPCR methods for Schistosoma spp. Nonetheless, IMRS-based diagnostics promise a significant advancement in bilharzia diagnosis, particularly in low-transmission settings, potentially facilitating more effective control and treatment strategies.
Multisensory stimulation and its effect on breast milk volume production in mothers of premature infants
Authors: Cuya Carla Madeleine , Barriga Carlos , Graf Maria del Carmen , Cardeña Mirta , Borja María del Pilar , Condori Richard , Azocar Moises , Cuya Carlos 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIn a significant number of NICUs, mothers are unable to provide enough maternal milk to feed their premature babies, so healthcare workers rely on human milk banks. Unfortunately, this service is not available in many countries, such as Peru, where premature infants receive formula. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of multisensory stimulation on mother's own milk production.MethodsParticipants in this study were postpartum mothers of preterm infants 27–37 weeks gestational age. The participants were assigned to three groups: (1) audiovisual stimulation (SAV) (n = 17), (2) audiovisual and olfactory stimulation (SAVO) (n = 17), and (3) control (n = 16). A questionnaire was used to collect demographic and obstetric data, including a record of mother's own milk volume.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the SAV, SAVO and control groups regarding age, marital status, education level, occupation, number of children, mode of delivery, Apgar and birth weight. On the other hand, a significant difference was observed between the SAV and SAVO groups regarding the amount of milk produced, with higher production between the fourth and seventh day (Tukey p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, milk volume was significantly greater in the SAVO group compared to the SAV and control groups (OR = 1.032, 95% CI = 1.0036–1.062, p &lt; 0.027).ConclusionMultisensory stimulation in postpartum mothers of preterm infants caused an increase in the volume of mother's own milk production. However, more research is needed to explain the findings presented in this study.
Effectiveness of prophylactic antibacterial drugs for patients with liver cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Hu Han-Shuo , Zhao Li-Mei , Li Yu , Liu Xiao-Dong 
Published: March 2024

Background: Prophylactic antibacterial drugs are used for patients with liver cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and independent studies have concluded that they can decrease the rate of infection, mortality, and rebleeding in these diseases. However, no comprehensive assessment of this effect has been reported in recent years and available data pertaining to the prognostic implications of diverse categories of antibiotic prophylaxis in individuals afflicted with cirrhosis are notably limited. The objective of this article is to assess the clinical effectiveness of prophylactic antibacterial drugs for patients with liver cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods: Relevant randomized controlled studies and cohort studies which examined the value of prophylactic antibacterial drugs for patients with liver cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding were retrieved via Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MedLine, and Web of Science. The search period was from database inception until 30 April 2023. Summing up the relevant data, the dichotomous variable was statistically analysed using the relative risk (RR) value and its 95% confidence interval (CI) and the continuous variable using the mean difference (MD) value and its 95% CI. All analyses were performed using Revman 5.4 software. The study has been registered on the PROSPERO website under registration number CRD42022343352.Results: Twenty-six studies (18 RCTs and 8 cohort studies, including 13,670 participants) were included to evaluate the effect of antibacterial prophylaxis versus no antibacterial prophylaxis or placebo. Prophylactic antibiotics reduced mortality rates (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51–0.83), infection rates (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.35–0.49), rebleeding rates (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.31–0.56), and length of hospital stay (MD −5.29, 95% CI −7.53, −3.04). Subgroup analysis revealed that the prophylactic administration of quinolone antimicrobials demonstrated the most favorable efficacy, followed by cephalosporins. Both interventions were effective in averting infections frequently observed in patients with liver cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Conclusion: Based on our investigation, the prophylactic antibacterial drugs confers noteworthy advantages in patients afflicted by liver cirrhosis with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It has been associated with reductions in mortality, infection incidence, rebleeding occurrences, and the duration of hospitalization. Among prophylactic antibacterial options, quinolones emerged as the foremost choice, with cephalosporins ranking closely thereafter.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022343352, identifier CRD42022343352.
In-depth LC-MS and in-vitro studies of a triterpenoid saponin capilliposide-A metabolism modulation in gut microbiota of mice
Authors: Zhao Huan , Hu Xueli , Guan Shenghong , Cai Jinhong , Li Xiaohan , Fang Jiaxi , Lin Bo , Zhu Wei , Tian Jingkui , Jin Juan , He Qiang , Zhang Xiaoyong 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Some herbal ingredients can reshape the composition of the gut microbiome as well as its metabolites. At the same time, the gut microbiota can also affect drug metabolism. A large number of studies have reported that saponins are biotransformed under the action of intestinal microorganisms to improve drug efficacy and bioavailability. Capilliposide A is a triterpenoid saponin, which is derived from Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl. CPS-A has anti-inflammatory pharmacological activity, but the substance basis in vivo is unknown at present, so studies on the interaction between intestinal microorganisms and CPS-A may clarify the pharmacodynamic substance basis of CPS-A.Methods: This study established a colitis mouse model, collected sterile feces from normal mice and colitis mice, and incubated CPS-A with two different intestinal flora in vitro. Based on LC-MS, the metabolic process of CPS-A mediated by intestinal microbes and the intervention effect of CPS-A on intestinal microbiome derived metabolites were studied.Results: The results of experiments indicate that intestinal microorganisms can mediate the biotransformation of CPS-A and metabolize it into corresponding deglycosylation products, thereby promoting its drug effect. Not only that, CPS-A can also promote metabolites such as Deoxycholic acid, Histamine, 3-Hydroxytridecanoic acid, and Indole-3-acetic acid in the intestinal microbiota of mice with colitis. This may result in anti-colitis effects. CPS-A mainly involved in metabolic pathways such as azathioprine and mercaptopurine, which may also have beneficial or adverse effects.Discussion: This study on the interaction between CPS-A and microbiota provides a new idea for the study of traditional Chinese medicine with poor oral bioavailability. The regulatory effect of CPS-A on the metabolites of intestinal flora in colitis mice was also found. It laid a foundation for exploring the mechanism of action of saponins on colitis mice.
The Risk Screener Violence (RS-V): retrospective prediction of violent and aggressive incidents within the prison setting
Authors: Smeekens Marjam V. , De Vries Robbé Michiel , Popma Arne , Kempes Maaike M. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPhysical and verbal violence toward staff or other detained individuals is a reoccurring problem within correctional facilities. Screening for violence risk within the prison setting could provide a valuable first step in the prevention of institutional violence. The brief and compact Risk Screener Violence (RS-V) has shown to be an efficient new method for assessing concerns regarding post-release violent offending for incarcerated persons. This study aimed to find out whether the RS-V is also able to predict future violent and aggressive incidents during imprisonment.MethodsThe predictive validity of the RS-V for future violent and aggressive incidents during a follow-up time of 4 months within prison was analyzed, using a file-based design. Violent incidents toward staff and other inmates (physical violence and violent threats), other aggressive incidents (aggression toward objects and verbal disruptive behavior), and both categories combined, were included as outcome measures based on disciplinary reports.ResultsThe RS-V showed medium to large predictive values for both violent and aggressive behavior during prison stay. In particular, good predictive values of the RS-V were found for violence toward prison staff.DiscussionThis study shows that, besides post-release violent recidivism, the RS-V is able to accurately predict future violent and aggressive incidents during prison stay. By correctly differentiating between low concern and high concern individuals, the RS-V aims to contribute to more personalized interventions and risk management and, subsequently, to improved prison safety. Future studies using prospective prison practice data are needed to further support the validity of the RS-V regarding institutional violence.
Differential predictors of expressed emotion toward individuals with schizophrenia between families and halfway houses
Authors: Ferentinos Panagiotis , Douki Stamatina , Kourkouni Eleni , Dragoumi Dimitra , Smyrnis Nikolaos , Douzenis Athanassios 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThis study investigated patient- and caregiver-related predictors of expressed emotion (EE) toward individuals with schizophrenia in families and halfway houses and yet understudied differential effects across settings.MethodsWe included 40 individuals with schizophrenia living with their families (“outpatients”) and 40 “inpatients” in halfway houses and recorded the EE of 56 parents or 22 psychiatric nurses, respectively, through Five Minutes Speech Sample. Each outpatient was rated by one to two parents; each inpatient was rated by two to five nurses. As EE ratings had a multilevel structure, EE predictors were investigated in backward stepwise generalized linear mixed models using the “buildmer” R package. We first fitted models including either caregiver- or patient-related predictors in each setting and finally included both types of predictors. Setting-specific patient-related effects were investigated in interaction analyses. Adjustment for multiple tests identified the most robust associations.ResultsIn multivariate models including either caregiver- or patient-related predictors, nurses’ higher age, shorter work experience and lower inpatients’ negative symptoms robustly predicted higher emotional overinvolvement (EOI). In the final models including both types of predictors, nurses robustly displayed lower EOI (i.e., reduced concern and disengagement) toward inpatients with higher negative symptoms. Several other features were nominally associated with criticism and EOI in each setting. However, no feature robustly predicted criticism in inpatients and criticism/EOI in outpatients after adjustment for multiple tests. In interaction analyses, higher negative symptoms differentially predicted lower EOI in nurses only.ConclusionOur findings suggest setting-specific pathogenetic pathways of EOI and might help customize psychoeducational interventions to staff in halfway houses.
The effect of yin yoga intervention on state and trait anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Somere Kristīne , Munkevics Maris , Krams Ronalds , Rača Gunta , Luoto Severi , Krams Indrikis 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionAlthough some findings indicate that yoga can reduce stress and anxiety, many studies present mixed results. The potential of yoga interventions to alleviate anxiety, including the mechanisms and boundary conditions by which it does so, is an under-researched topic. Anxiety is often divided into “state anxiety” and “trait anxiety,” the former being a temporary reaction to stressful events, while the latter is a more stable personality feature that responds to adverse situations or perceived threats.Materials and methodsThis study investigates whether a yin yoga intervention delivered online reduces state anxiety immediately after each yoga session and whether the anxiety levels are significantly lower at the end of the 10-week yoga intervention than at the beginning of the study. We also predicted no effect of yin yoga intervention on trait anxiety. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic when participants (N = 48 Latvian women) experienced heightened anxiety levels.ResultsThis study shows that a ten-week online yin yoga intervention significantly reduced state anxiety in the intervention group compared with the control group. State anxiety levels also significantly decreased after each yin yoga session, providing more support for the anxiety-reducing effect of yin yoga. In contrast, yoga participation did not cause differences in trait anxiety between the control and intervention groups, even though trait anxiety decreased in the intervention group and increased in the control group over the study period.ConclusionThe positive effects of yin yoga on state anxiety indicate the potential of yin yoga intervention as a first-line treatment to control and reduce state anxiety, with possible additional effects on trait anxiety.