bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Source identification and migration fate of heavy metals of soil-groundwater system in a thousand-year cultivation region
Authors: Zhu Shu , Li Shuyi , Shao Ming’an , Qiao Jiangbo , Zhu Yuanjun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Pollution of farmland by heavy metals threatens food security and human health. In addition, heavy metals in soil could infiltrate into groundwater to influence the water quality and safety of drinking water. However, the relationship between heavy metal pollution in soil and groundwater is still not clear. In this study, we investigated the soil and groundwater in the Guanzhong (GZ) Plain region, which is a significant grain production base in China, and determined the spatial distributions, ecological risk, sources, and migration fates of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The results showed that the mean values in the soil were 19.57 mg kg–1 for As, 0.71 mg kg–1 for Cd, 69.65 mg kg–1 for Cr, 21.97 mg kg–1 for Cu, 28.67 mg kg–1 for Ni, 17.54 mg kg–1 for Pb, and 73.77 mg kg–1 for Zn, and the corresponding mean values in groundwater were 1.2, 0.04, 4.69, 0.15, 0.07, 0.3, and 3.6 µg L–1, respectively. The mean values for As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn in soil exceeded the background values, and the mean values for As, Cd and Pb exceeded those in groundwater. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) models identified five sources ( fertilizers and organic fertilizers, natural sources, pesticides and herbicides, industrial activities, and sedimentation caused by transportation) for heavy metal pollution in soil and four sources (industry activity, atmospheric sedimentation caused by transportation, natural sources, and agriculture) for heavy metal pollution in groundwater. The soil particle composition and soil organic carbon content were important factors that affected the vertical distribution of heavy metals in the soil. The migration modes were not found for all heavy metals. These results help to understand the relationships between heavy metals in soil and groundwater in farmland ecosystems.
Efficacy and safety of a Low-FODMAP combined with gluten-free diet in adult irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yu Ping , Xu Yang , Lu Xiao Yun , Xu Yan , Hang Jun , Zhang Yu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. A Low-FODMAP diet combined with a gluten-free diet (LF-GFD) has been proposed as a potential treatment approach.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the application of a low-FODMAP combined with gluten-free diet (LF-GFD) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Methods: Clinical studies that evaluated the intervention of LF-GFD in the treatment of IBS patients were identified through strict inclusion and exclusion criteria from online databases. The outcomes assessed the efficacy of LF-GFD in IBS patients using the following measures: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for bloating and pain, IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), and IBS Quality of Life (IBS-QoL) scores. Additionally, the psychological intervention effect of LF-GFD on IBS patients was evaluated using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS).
Results: 4 RCTs and 4 cohort studies were included which involving 437 patients (221 patients with LF-GFD diet and 216 with GFD). The pooled results showed LF-GFD Alleviated the VAS bloating scores (RR=-0.58, 95%CI: -0.92--0.23, P=0.0010, I2=83%) and VAS pain scores (RR=-0.42, 95%CI: -0.66--0.19, P=0.005, I2=58%). Besides that, LF-GFD showed significant improvement of IBS-SSS (MD=-1.42, 95%CI: -2.74--0.10, P=0.03, I2=24%) scores and IBS-QoL scores (MD=3.75, 95%CI: 0.98-6.53, P=0.008, I2=33%). Furthermore, SDS (MD=-2.56, 95%CI: -3.38--1.74, P<0.00001, I2=65%) and SAS(MD=-4.30, 95%CI: -6.53--2.24, P<0.0001, I2=0%) scores were significantly decreased in LF-GFD group compared to GFD group.
Conclusion: LF-GFD intervention effectively improves clinical symptoms and alleviates anxiety and depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Negative impact of steroids on the efficacy of immunotherapy in a multi- tumor cohort: time and dose-dependent
Authors: Albarrán Víctor , Guerrero Patricia , de Quevedo Coral García , González Carlos , Chamorro Jesús , Rosero Diana Isabel , Moreno Jaime , Calvo Juan Carlos , de Aguado Patricia Pérez , Alía Víctor , Sotoca Pilar , Barrill Ana María , Román María San , Álvarez-Ballesteros Pablo , Serrano Juan José , Soria Ainara , Olmedo María Eugenia , Saavedra Cristina , Cortés Alfonso , Gómez Ana , Lage Yolanda , Ruiz Álvaro , Ferreiro María Reyes , Longo Federico , Garrido Pilar , Gajate Pablo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested a negative impact of steroids on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), but how this effect is modulated by the dosage and time of administration is yet to be clarified. We have performed a retrospective analysis of 475 patients with advanced solid tumors treated with ICI as monotherapy from 2015 to 2022. Data regarding immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and clinical outcomes were collected. For each patient, the daily steroid dose (in mg/kg of prednisone) was registered until disease progression or death. The impact of cumulative doses on response rates and survival outcomes was analyzed within different periods. The objective response rate (ORR) was significantly lower among patients exposed to steroids within 30 days before the first cycle of ICI (C1) (20.3% vs. 36.7%, p < 0.01) and within the first 90 days of treatment (25.7% vs. 37.7%, p = 0.01). This negative effect was confirmed by multivariable analysis. Higher mean steroid doses were observed among non-responders, and cumulative doses were inversely correlated with the disease control rate (DCR) around ICI initiation. Remarkably, poorer outcomes were observed even in patients belonging to the lowest dose quartile compared to the steroid-naïve population. The detrimental impact of steroids was not observed in long-term responders exposed to steroids after 6 months from C1. Our results suggest that the negative impact of steroids on ICI efficacy seems to be time-dependent, prevailing around ICI initiation, and may also be dose-dependent, with modulation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a potential underlying mechanism.
Exposure to Family Violence and Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms: The Role of Sibling Abuse Among Adolescents
Authors: Lawrence Timothy I. , Merrin Gabriel J. , Fitzgerald Michael 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Early childhood exposure to family violence increases the risk of aggression, depressive symptoms, and substance use. However, the mediating role of sibling abuse underlying these associations remain understudied. Therefore, utilizing data from the Bullying, Sexual, and Dating Violence Trajectories From Early to Late Adolescence in the Midwestern United States, 2007–2013) dataset (n = 1,051), this study first tested the associations between exposure to family violence and sibling abuse. Then using structural equation model, this study tested the extent to which sibling abuse was a potential mechanism by which exposure to family violence was associated with aggression, depression, and substance use while controlling for gender and race. Consistent with the theory of intergenerational transmission of violence and social information processing models, results suggest that exposure to family violence was positively associated with sibling abuse that was, in turn, associated with aggression, depression, and substance use. Findings highlight the pernicious effects of exposure to family violence on the progression of problem behavior, which leads to internalizing and externalizing symptoms.
The determinants of household fertility decisions in Burkina Faso
Authors: NANEMA Tinwendé Clémence Benjamine , POKOU Koffi , ZAHONOGO Pam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper examines the factors that influence household fertility decisions in Burkina Faso. A negative binomial regression model is used with survey data from the 2021 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), collected by National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INSD). The analysis reveals the following key findings. Education is a significant determinant of household fertility decisions, with varying effects depending on the area of residence. Specifically, education has a negative impact on fertility decisions in urban areas. Women's decision-making power within the household is negatively correlated with their fertility intentions. Women who marry before the age of 18 are likely to have fewer children. The household standard of living has a significant impact on fertility decisions. Women from high-income households tend to have greater fertility intentions than those from poor households. The use of contraceptive methods reduces household fertility. Therefore, fertility control programmes should focus on educating women, increasing their bargaining power, and disseminating contraceptive methods.
JEL codes: D1; J13; J16; R20
A web-based calculator for predicting psychological distress among patients with lung cancer using machine learning techniques: Development and validation study
Authors: Tian Xu , Li Haoyang , Li Feili , Jiménez-Herrera María F , Ren Yi , Shang Hongcai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Early identification of patients at high risk for psychological distress allows for timely intervention and improved prognosis. Current methods for predicting psychological distress in lung cancer patients using readily available data are limited.
Objective: This study aimed to develop a robust machine learning (ML) model for predicting psychological distress risk in lung cancer patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to collect data from 342 lung cancer patients. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was used for feature selection. Model training and validation were conducted with bootstrap resampling method. Five-fold cross-validation evaluated and optimized the model with parameter tuning. Feature importance was assessed using SHapley additive exPlanations (SHAP) method.
Results: Seven independent predictors emerged as the most valuable features. AUROC values ranged from 0.749 to 1.000 across the eight ML algorithms. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm achieved the best performance, with AUROC values of 0.988, 0.945, and 0.922 in the training, validation, and test sets, respectively. SHAP analysis elucidated the model’s explanatory variables and their contributions to psychological distress risk. A web-based tool for calculating psychological distress risk was developed.
Limitations
The results of this cross-sectional study may limit causal inference and introduce selection bias. Some important variables were excluded, such as mindfulness. The model’s robustness might be compromised by the absence of external validation.
Conclusion: The XGBoost classifier demonstrates exceptional performance, and clinical implementation of the web-based risk calculator can serve as an easy-to-use tool for health practitioners to formulate early prevention and intervention strategies.
Association between serum vitamin D levels and retinal vein occlusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Apivatthakakul Atitaya , Jaruvongvanich Suthinee , Upala Sikarin , Jaruvongvanich Veeravich 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Previous studies found seasonal variations in the incidence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO), with more occurrence in winter. There is increasing evidence linking vitamin D deficiency and RVO. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between vitamin D levels and RVO.
Methods: A comprehensive search of the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed from inception to February 2024. Observational studies compared 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels [25(OH)D] levels between adult patients with RVO versus non-RVO controls were included. We calculated pooled mean difference (MD) and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of our data using random-effects model, generic inverse variance method.
Results: Five studies involving 528 patients (228 patients with RVO and 300 controls were included in the meta-analysis. 25(OH)D was significantly lower in patients with RVO (pooled MD of -9.65 [95%CI -13.72 to -5.59, I2 = 92.2%). Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 20) was significantly associated with RVO with the pooled OR of 14.52 (95%CI 1.72 to 122.59, I2 = 90.5). There was no difference in 25(OH)D levels between patients with central RVO and branched RVO (pooled MD of -0.94 [95%CI -3.91 to 2.03, I2 = 59.1%).
Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that serum vitamin D levels were lower in patients with RVO than non-RVO controls. Clinicians could consider screening for vitamin D deficiency in patients with RVO. Further studies are warranted to determine the correlation between vitamin D levels and disease severity and the role of vitamin D supplements in these populations.
Study on Ion Transport Properties of Solid Biopolymer Electrolyte based on Almond Gum with Ammonium Chloride
Authors: Joel T. , Mathavan T. , Jose Sujin. P. , blesstina S. Rehila karolin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study focused on the development of a solid biopolymer electrolyte (SBE) membrane based on almond gum (AG) as the polymer host and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) as the ionic salt. The properties of the membranes were comprehensively investigated using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and transference number measurements (TNM). These findings reveal that the incorporation of NH4Cl into the solid biopolymer membrane resulted in enhanced properties. XRD analysis indicated an increase in the amorphous nature of the membrane upon the addition of NH4Cl. FTIR analysis proven the existence of diverse functional groups within the polymer and demonstrated the interaction between the polymer and the ammonium salt. EIS analysis revealed a decrease in bulk resistance in the SBE membrane when NH4Cl was introduced into the polymer matrix, resulting in enhancement of ionic conductivity from 1.38×10− 8 S/cm to 1.04×10− 4 S/cm at room temperature. The DC ionic conductivity is further verified from conduction spectra and dielectric properties. The TNM results emphasise the significant role of H+ ions in ion transport. Finally, a primary battery was constructed using the utmost conducting membrane as the electrolyte, which displayed an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.92 V.
TNFSF9 is associated with favor tumor immune microenvironment in patients with renal cell carcinoma who are treated with the combination therapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab
Authors: Isoda Bunpei , Kandori Shuya , Sazuka Tomokazu , Kojima Takahiro , Nitta Satoshi , Shiga Masanobu , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Fujimoto Ayumi , Arai Takayuki , Sato Hiroaki , Mathis Bryan J. , Wu Chia-Ling , Jan Yi-Hua , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Nishiyama Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Combination therapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab (NIVO + IPI) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has shown efficacy, but approximately 20% of patients experience disease progression in the early stages of treatment. No useful biomarkers have been reported to date. Therefore, it is desirable to identify biomarkers to predict treatment response in advance. We examined the tumor microenvironment (TME)-related gene expression in mRCC patients treated with NIVO + IPI, between the response and non-response groups, using tumor tissues before administering NIVO + IPI. In TME-related genes, TNFSF9 expression was identified as a candidate for the predictive biomarker. Its expression discriminated between the response and non-response groups with 88.89% sensitivity and 87.50% specificity (AUC = 0.9444). We further analyzed the roles of TNFSF9 in TME, using bioinformatics of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Adaptive immune response was activated in the TNFSF9-high expression tumors. Indeed, T follicular helper cells, plasma B cells, and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells were increased in the tumors, which indicates the promotion of humoral immunity due to enhanced T-B interactions. However, as the number of regulatory T cells (Treg) increased in the tumors, the percentage of dysfunctional T cells also increased. These suggest that not only PD-1 but also CTLA-4 inhibition may have suppressed Treg activation and improved the therapeutic effect in the TNFSF9-high expression tumors. Therefore, TNFSF9 may predict the therapeutic efficacy of NIVO + IPI for mRCC and allow more appropriate patient selection.
Mapping QTL underlying body weight changes that act at different times during high-fat diet challenge in collaborative cross mice
Authors: Abu-Toamih-Atami Hanifa J. , Lone Iqbal M. , Binenbaum Ilona , Midlej Kareem , Pilalis Eleftherios , Mott Richard , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Iraqi Fuad A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Over one billion people worldwide suffer from obesity, and the number is continually rising. This epidemic is partly caused by the modern lifestyle, which is defined by excessive eating of food high in calories and little physical activity. However, genetic variation sets the stage and affects how the disease develops and advances. Animal models, especially mice models, are crucial to identifying the genetic components of complex disorders and exploring the potential applications of these genetic findings. The body weight of the animals used in research is often measured regularly to monitor their health. Only endpoint measurements, like ultimate body weight, are often examined in quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies; time series data, such as weekly or biweekly body weight, are usually disregarded. QTL mapping utilizing biweekly body weight measurements may be particularly intriguing in examining body weight gain in obesity research and identifying more genes connected with obesity and related metabolic problems.
Results
This study is focused on identifying QTL underlying body weight changes by analyzing biweekly weight measurements in collaborative cross (CC) mice maintained on a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. QTL analysis, utilizing 525 mice from 55 CC lines (308 male and 217 female), revealed genome-wide significant QTL on different chromosomes for body weight changes over 12 weeks. This study unveiled 62 body weight QTLs, among which 28 novels associated with defined traits were observed and found not reported previously. In addition, 34 more QTLs were fine-mapped as the genomic interval positions of these were previously identified.
Conclusions
These findings illuminate genomic regions influencing body weight in CC mice and emphasize the utility of time series data in uncovering novel genetic factors.
Congenital malaria in a neonate born in a malaria-endemic area: a case report
Authors: Demisse Biniyam , Almaw Kebede 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health concern, particularly in Africa, where children under 5 years of age are affected. While mosquito bites are the primary transmission route, congenital malaria caused by transplacental or perinatal transmission can also occur. This case report highlights the challenges in diagnosing congenital malaria and emphasizes the importance of considering it in neonates, especially those born in or with a travel history to endemic areas.
Case presentation: A 48-hour-old male neonate born to an Ethiopian hospital with high malaria transmission rates presented with respiratory distress. Despite receiving antenatal care in a nonendemic zone, the mother delivered in this endemic area. The initial diagnosis was early-onset neonatal sepsis, but persistent fever prompted further investigation. Blood film microscopy revealed coinfection with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, leading to a diagnosis of congenital malaria. The neonate received intravenous artesunate followed by oral artemisinin-lumefantrine, with a favorable clinical outcome.
Conclusion: Despite the nonspecific symptoms, this case emphasizes the importance of considering congenital malaria in neonates, particularly those with a history of travel to endemic areas. Blood film microscopy confirmed coinfection and guided effective antimalarial therapy. Strengthening antenatal care services, including intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy, is recommended to reduce the burden of congenital malaria.
Dapagliflozin, Inflammation and Left Ventricular Remodelling in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Dihoum Adel , Brown Alexander JM , McCrimmon Rory J , Lang Chim C , Mordi Ify R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and Aims
SGLT2 inhibitors have beneficial effects in heart failure (HF), including reverse remodelling, but the mechanisms by which these benefits are conferred are unclear. Inflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) and there is some pre-clinical data suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce inflammation. There is however a paucity of clinical data. The aim of our study was to investigate whether improvements in cardiac remodelling caused by dapagliflozin in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were associated with effects on inflammation.
Methods
We measured C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in plasma samples of 60 patients with T2D and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) but without symptomatic HF from the DAPA-LVH trial in which participants were randomised dapagliflozin 10mg daily or placebo for 12 months and underwent cardiac MRI at baseline and end of treatment. The primary analysis was to investigate treatment effect on the 12 months in inflammatory markers. We assessed the relationships between changes in inflammatory markers and LV mass and global longitudinal strain (GLS) and whether the effect of dapagliflozin on LV mass and GLS was modulated by baseline levels of inflammation.
Results
Following 12 months of treatment dapagliflozin significantly reduced CRP compared to placebo (mean difference of -1.96; 95% CI -3.68 to -0.24, p=0.026). There were no significant statistical changes in other inflammatory markers. There was no significant relationship between changes in inflammatory markers at 12 months and changes in LV mass (r=0.124) but there were modest correlations between changes in GLS and NLR (r=0.311), IL-1β (r=0.246), TNF-α (r=0.230) at 12 months. Overall dapagliflozin reduced LV mass and improved GLS. The effect of dapagliflozin on LV mass and GLS was not significantly different regardless of baseline levels of inflammation, although individuals with higher baseline IL-1β had a larger GLS improvement.
Conclusions
Although dapagliflozin caused a significant reduction in CRP compared to placebo, our study did not strongly suggest that the beneficial left ventricular remodelling caused by dapagliflozin was the result of any potential anti-inflammatory activity.
Trial registration ISRCTN15573532