bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
G-cleave LC3B Biosensor: Monitoring Autophagy and Assessing Resveratrol's Synergistic Impact on Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Liao Chiao-Chun , Long Yuqing , Tsai Ming-Lin , Lin Chun-Yu , Hsu Kai-Wen , Lee Chia-Hwa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Autophagy, a crucial process in cancer, is closely intertwined with both tumor progression and drug resistance development. However, existing methods used to assess autophagy activity often pose invasiveness and time-related constraints, limiting their applicability in preclinical drug investigations. In this study, we developed a non-invasive autophagy detection system (NIADS-autophagy, also called G-cleave LC3B biosensor) by integrating a split-luciferase-based biosensor with an LC3B cleavage sequence, which swiftly identified classic autophagic triggers, such as Earle's Balanced Salt Solution (EBSS) and serum deprivation, through protease-mediated degradation pathways. The specificity of G-cleave LC3B biosensor was confirmed via CRISPR gene editing of pivotal autophagy regulator ATG4B, yielding diminished luciferase activity in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Notably, the G-cleave LC3B biosensor exhibited strong concordance with established autophagy metrics, encompassing LC3B lipidation, SQSTM1 degradation, and puncta accumulation analysis. To underscore the usage potential of the G-cleave LC3B biosensor, we discovered that resveratrol acts as a synergistic enhancer by significantly potentiating apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells when combined with doxorubicin treatment. Overall, the luminescence-based G-cleave LC3B biosensor presents a rapid and dependable avenue for determining autophagy activity, thereby facilitating high-throughput assessment of promising autophagy-associated anti-cancer therapies across diverse malignancies.
Life changes and mental health among Chinese children and adolescents during the pandemic: a combination of cross-sectional, longitudinal and clustering studies
Authors: Zeng Yu , Song Jie , Zhang Yanan , Guo Xinyu , Xu Xinmao , Fan Linlin , Zhao Li , Song Huan , Jiang Lihua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The measures to prevent COVID-19 pandemic had caused significant life changes, which could be distressing for mental health among children and adolescents. We aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of life changes on children’s mental health in a large Chinese cohort. Survey-based life changes during COVID-19 lockdown were measured among 7,829 Chinese students at Grade 1–9, including social contacts, lifestyles and family financial status. Clustering analysis was applied to identify potential patterns of these changes. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between these changes, their patterns and the presence of depression/anxiety symptoms using both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. We found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms decreased during pandemic (34.6–32.6%). However, during and shortly after lockdown, students who reported negative impacts on their study, social and outside activities and diet, and decreased electronic time and sugar-sweetened consumption, as well as family income decline and unemployment had increased risks of depressive/anxiety symptoms, and students with changed sleep time had increased depressive symptoms. These associations attenuated or disappeared one year later. Similar patterns were observed in clustering analysis, while only the group with severe impact on family financial status showed a sustained increase in depression symptoms. In summary, restrictive measures that changed children and adolescents’ daily life during COVID-19 lockdown showed negative effects on their mental health, with some commonalities and distinctions patterns in the manifestation of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Change in pericardial fat volume in postmenopausal women with papillary thyroid cancer undergoing TSH suppressive therapy
Authors: Jeon Yunkyung , Kim Doohwa , Kim Mijin , Kim Bo Hyun , Kim Keunyoung 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to examine the changes in body composition under TSH suppression in postmenopausal women with DTC.
Methods: The body composition was assessed by the volumes as following; fat tissues of the epicardium and abdominal visceral and subcutaneous areas; bilateral psoas muscle or thigh muscle. Volumetric measurements were performed using computed tomography (CT) scans using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT).
Forty-three postmenopausal women with DTC underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for tumor monitoring.
Results: The patients’ median age was 50.0 years, and median body mass index (BMI) was 23.53 (interquartile range[IQR]: 22.19- 24.92) at the initial 18F-FDG PET/CT. The median follow-up period was 19.24 months (IQR: 17.24–21.79). No significant changes in weight or BMI were observed during follow-up. Volumes of fat and muscles did not changed significantly except epicardial fat volume. The epicardial fat volume significantly increased during the follow-up period. The epicardial fat volumes were correlated with visceral fat volume, respectively, however, the changing ratio was only correlated with TSH suppression on multiple regression analysis.
Conclusion: Both skeletal muscle and abdominal fat volumes did not change, whereas epicardial fat volume increased over less than 2 years of observation under TSH suppressive therapy. Further research is needed for the harmonization of benefits or losses with the optimal TSH concentration in postmenopausal women.
Periaqueductal gray subregions connectivity and its association with micturition desire-awakening function
Authors: Zhong Shaogen , Zhang Lichi , Wang Mengxing , Lin Xindi , Mao Yi , Shen Jiayao , Du Xiaoxia , Ma Jun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Existing literature strongly supports the idea that children with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) have a delayed brainstem maturation. However, the connection between pre-micturition arousal responses and brain functional connectivities is still not clearly defined. In light of this gap, our study investigated the correlation between the gradations of micturition desire-awakening (MDA) functionality and the functional connectivity of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG), a pivotal brainstem hub implicated in the neural regulation of micturition in humans.
Materials and methods
Extensive whole-brain correlation analyses were undertaken to elucidate the complex connectivity patterns between the subregions of PAG and the cerebral cortex, with a focus on their correlation to the spectrum of MDA functionality. The analysis incorporated data from 133 patients, each diagnosed with PNE and demonstrating varied levels of MDA functionality, alongside data from 40 healthy children, characterized by optimal MDA function. Neuroimaging data, derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), were subjected to correlational analyses with behavioral data that were obtained through precise clinical observations.
Results
A positive correlation was identified between MDA dysfunction and the resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between the left ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) and the right temporal pole of the superior temporal gyrus. Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between MDA dysfunction and the RSFC of the right vlPAG with the right superior parietal lobule. Additionally, MDA dysfunction exhibited a negative association with the RSFC between the dorsomedial PAG (dmPAG) and the right inferior parietal lobule. However, no significant correlations were detected in other subregions of the PAG in this study.
Conclusions
Aberrant RSFC between the PAG, particularly the vlPAG and dmPAG subregions, and critical nodes within the dorsal and ventral attention networks, as well as the default mode network, in association with MDA dysfunction, elucidates the neural substrates underpinning the symptomatology of PNE. This revelation underscores potential neural targets for future therapeutic interventions.
New ridge–furrow irrigation system reduces methane emissions and partial global warming potential in rice cultivation
Authors: Timm Pamela , Scivittaro Walkyria , Parfitt Jose , Bayer Cimelio , Soares Alexsandra , Vasconcelos Eduarda , Souza Pablo , Sousa Rogério , Busato Cyrano , Carlos Filipe Selau 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Flood irrigated rice, in addition to using large volumes of water, is one of the main causes (~30%) of methane (CH4) emissions from agriculture. New cultivation technologies in lowlands, such as ridge-furrow, enable the use of a smaller volume of water in rice cultivation compared to traditional flood irrigation and higher soil oxidation, which can impact the emission of CH4 and nitrous oxide (N2O). The expansion of the use of the ridge-furrow system in southern Brazil occurs because it has been one of the systems responsible for the expansion of alternative crops, such as soybean and corn in rotation with rice. The ridge-furrow promotes adequate drainage of the soil surface and irrigation of crops, minimizing damage from excess and deficit water in lowlands. Thus, the objective of the work was to evaluate the emission of CH4, N2O, partial global warming potential (pGWP) and rice grain yield in a ridge-furrow system in rotation with soybean. The trial was carried under field conditions at the Ricetec Experimental Station, in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 crop seasons in Capão do Leão, Southern Brazil, taking advantage of the infrastructure of ridge-furrow established for soybean in rotation in the previous season. Was used an XP117 RiceTec rice hybrid with a 130-day cycle. The treatments consisted of different portions of the furrow: upper (wet soil); intermediate (saturated soil) and bottom portion (flooded soil). Rice cultivation in the ridge-furrow system reduced CH4 emissions by 34% and partial global warming potential by 30%. Rice grain yield levels remained high in the ridge-furrow system. Thus, the ridge-furrow irrigation contributes to increasing the sustainability of rice production as it enables a significant reduction in CH4 emissions and a more efficient in the use of water.
Capillaroscopic changes in patients with glomerular diseases: a case control study
Authors: Adel Hend , Hamdy Fatma , Eldeeb Ahmed A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Glomerulonephritis is a heterogenous group of diseases which is diagnosed mainly by renal biopsy. This study aims to assess nailfold capillaroscopic changes in patients with glomerular diseases.
Patients and methods:
This study was conducted on 50 patients with glomerular disease confirmed by renal biopsy and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls. Clinical, laboratory evaluation and nailfold capillaroscopic examination were done for all participants. Statistical analysis was done andT test and one way ANOVA test were used for normally distributed variables, while Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for non-normally distributed variables. Association between 2 continuous variables was done by Pearson’s correlation or spearman’s rank correlation.
Results:
Lupus nephritis was the most common pathological type among glomerulonephritis group (34%, n=17), followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (18%, n= 9). Tortuous capillaries were significantly higher in patients with glomerular diseases (94%, n=47) (P<0.001). The diameter was significantly lower in patients with glomerular diseases (18.68 µm, 16.83 µm, P=0.021). Subpapillary venous plexus (22%, 6%, P 0.021) and capillary microhemorrhage (42%, P <0.001) were significantly more frequent in patients with glomerular diseases compared to the control group. Patients with lupus nephritis had higher capillary diameter (19.5, 15.6 µm, P 0.02), width (55.6, 44 µm, P 0.003) and microhemorrhage (64.7%, 32%, P 0.03) compared to patients with primary glomerulonephritis. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with different types of primary glomerulonephritis. There was a statistically significant difference as regard diameter (P=0.005) and length (P=0.02) between different classes of lupus nephritis.
Conclusion:
Nailfold capillaroscopy showed more tortious capillaries and lower capillary diameter in patients with glomerular disease compared to healthy persons. Lupus nephritis patients showed more dilated capillaries and more capillary microhemorrhage compared to primary glomerulonephritis patients.
Assessing future changes in flood frequencies under CMIP6 climate projections using SWAT modeling: a case study of Bitlis Creek, Turkey
Authors: Yalcin Emrah 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Climate change is altering flood risk globally, with local variations prompting the necessity for regional assessments to guide the planning and management of water-related infrastructures. This study details an integrated framework for assessing future changes in flood frequencies, using the case of Bitlis Creek (Turkey). The precipitation and temperature simulations of 21 global circulation models (GCMs) from the coupled model intercomparison project phase 6 (CMIP6) are used to drive the developed soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model in generating daily streamflow projections under the CMIP6 historical experiment and the shared socio-economic pathway (SSP) scenarios of SSP245 and SSP585. Five probability distribution functions are considered to calculate the 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year flood discharges for the historical period 1955–2010 and the future periods 2025–2074 and 2025–2099. The quantification of climate change impacts on the design discharges is based on the medians of the flood discharges obtained for the climate data of each GCM, using the best-fitted distribution functions. The findings illustrate significant increases in discharge rates, ranging from 21.1 to 31.7% for the 2025–2099 period under the SSP585 scenario, highlighting the necessity of considering changing climate conditions in designing water-related infrastructures.
Examining the Effectiveness of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes in People With Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Perry Melissa Betty , Taylor Sally , Khatoon Binish , Vercell Amy , Faivre-Finn Corinne , Velikova Galina , Marsden Antonia , Heal Calvin , Yorke Janelle 
Published: April 2024

Background
Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) are commonly used in oncology clinical practice and have shown benefits for patients and health resource use.

Objective
The aim of this study was to compare the isolated effect of administering ePROs to patients with cancer versus a control condition.

Methods
The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Randomized controlled trials evaluating ePRO interventions that aimed to improve health-related outcomes among patients with cancer were included. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and the secondary outcomes were symptoms, hospital admissions, unplanned visits, chemotherapy completion, survival, and satisfaction with care. The effect sizes of ePROs on health-related outcomes were analyzed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs using a random effects model.

Results
The search identified 10,965 papers, of which 19 (0.17%) from 15 studies were included. The meta-analysis showed an improvement in HRQOL at 3 months, measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (SMD 0.28, 95% CI –1.22 to 1.78), and at 6 months, assessed using various HRQOL measures (SMD 0.07, 95% CI –1.24 to 1.39). The results should be interpreted with caution, given the wide 95% CIs. Of the 15 studies, 9 (60%) reported a positive signal on HRQOL, with two-thirds of the studies (n=6, 67%) including tailored patient advice and two-thirds (n=6, 67%) using clinician alert systems.

Conclusions
The meta-analysis showed a potential improvement in HRQOL at 6 months and in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General scores at 3 months for studies that included tailored advice and clinician alerts, suggesting that these elements may improve ePRO effectiveness. The findings will provide guidance for future use and help health care professionals choose the most suitable ePRO features for their patients.

Trial Registration
PROSPERO CRD42020175007; https://tinyurl.com/5cwmy3j6
Chronic Disease Patterns and Their Relationship With Health-Related Quality of Life in South Korean Older Adults With the 2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Lee Mi-Sun , Lee Hooyeon 
Published: April 2024

Background
Improved life expectancy has increased the prevalence of older adults living with multimorbidities, which likely deteriorates their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Understanding which chronic conditions frequently co-occur can facilitate person-centered care tailored to the needs of individuals with specific multimorbidity profiles.

Objective
The study objectives were to (1) examine the prevalence of multimorbidity among Korean older adults (ie, those aged 65 years and older), (2) investigate chronic disease patterns using latent class analysis, and (3) assess which chronic disease patterns are more strongly associated with HRQoL.

Methods
A sample of 1806 individuals aged 65 years and older from the 2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify the clustering pattern of chronic diseases. HRQoL was assessed by an 8-item health-related quality of life scale (HINT-8). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association with the total score of the HINT-8. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the odds ratio of having problems according to the HINT-8 items.

Results
The prevalence of multimorbidity in the sample was 54.8%. Three chronic disease patterns were identified: relatively healthy, cardiometabolic condition, arthritis, allergy, or asthma. The total scores of the HINT-8 were the highest in participants characterized as arthritis, allergy, or asthma group, indicating the lowest quality of life.

Conclusions
Current health care models are disease-oriented, meaning that the management of chronic conditions applies to a single condition and may not be relevant to those with multimorbidities. Identifying chronic disease patterns and their impact on overall health and well-being is critical for guiding integrated care.
Three Perspectives on Older Adults’ Daily Performance, Health, and Technology Use During COVID-19: Focus Group Study
Authors: Cohen Elimelech Ortal , Rosenblum Sara , Tsadok-Cohen Michal , Meyer Sonya , Ferrante Simona , Demeter Naor 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
During COVID-19 lockdowns, older adults’ engagement in daily activities was severely affected, causing negative physical and mental health implications. Technology flourished as a means of performing daily activities in this complex situation; however, older adults often struggled to effectively use these opportunities. Despite the important role of older adults’ social environments—including their families and health professionals—in influencing their technology use, research into their unique perspectives is lacking.

Objective
This study aimed to explore the daily activity performance, health, and technology use experiences of healthy independent Israeli adults (aged ≥65 years) during COVID-19 from a 3-dimensional perspective: older adults, older adults’ family members, and health professionals.

Methods
Nine online focus groups, averaging 6-7 participants per group, were conducted with older adults, family members, and health professionals (N=59). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and constant comparative methods.

Results
The intertwining of daily activity performance and health emerged as a central theme, with differences between the groups. Older adults prioritized their self-fulfilling routines based on motivation and choice, especially in social-familial activities. In contrast, family members and health professionals focused on serious physical and mental health COVID-19–related consequences. A consensus among all three groups revealed the meaningful role of technology use during this period in bridging functional limitations. Participants delved into technology’s transformative power, focusing on the need for technology to get engaged in daily activities.

Conclusions
This study illustrates the profound interplay between daily activity performances, physical and mental health, and technology use, using a 3-dimensional approach. Its focus on technology’s uses and benefits sheds light on what older adults need to increase their technology use. Interventions for improving digital activity performance can be tailored to meet older adults’ needs and preferences by focusing on motivational and preference-related activities.
Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for Diabetic Retinopathy Detection: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sesgundo III Jaime Angeles , Maeng David Collin , Tukay Jumelle Aubrey , Ascano Maria Patricia , Suba-Cohen Justine , Sampang Virginia 
Published: April 2024

Background
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. The global burden is immense with a worldwide prevalence of 8.5%. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have demonstrated the potential to transform the landscape of ophthalmology with earlier detection and management of DR.

Objective
This study seeks to provide an update and evaluate the accuracy and current diagnostic ability of AI in detecting DR versus ophthalmologists. Additionally, this review will highlight the potential of AI integration to enhance DR screening, management, and disease progression.

Methods
A systematic review of the current landscape of AI’s role in DR will be undertaken, guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) model. Relevant peer-reviewed papers published in English will be identified by searching 4 international databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies will include randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and cohort studies published on or after 2022 that evaluate AI’s performance in retinal imaging detection of DR in diverse adult populations. Studies that focus on specific comorbid conditions, nonimage-based applications of AI, or those lacking a direct comparison group or clear methodology will be excluded. Selected papers will be independently assessed for bias by 2 review authors (JS and DM) using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool for systematic reviews. Upon systematic review completion, if it is determined that there are sufficient data, a meta-analysis will be performed. Data synthesis will use a quantitative model. Statistical software such as RevMan and STATA will be used to produce a random-effects meta-regression model to pool data from selected studies.

Results
Using selected search queries across multiple databases, we accumulated 3494 studies regarding our topic of interest, of which 1588 were duplicates, leaving 1906 unique research papers to review and analyze.

Conclusions
This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol outlines a comprehensive evaluation of AI for DR detection. This active study is anticipated to assess the current accuracy of AI methods in detecting DR.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/57292