bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined application of N-fixing PGPB and rice straw mulch compensates N immobilization by straw, improving crop growth
Authors: Mazuecos-Aguilera Ismael , Salazar Sergio , Hidalgo-Castellanos Javier , Ortiz-Liébana Noemí , López-Bornay Pedro , González-Andrés Fernando 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Rice straw, often treated as waste, provides many benefits to crops when used as a mulch. However, straw degradation promotes nitrogen immobilisation due to its high C:N ratio, causing N competition between soil microorganisms and the crop. Currently, sustainable practices to remedy nitrogen immobilisation are hardly being implemented. In microcosm conditions we assessed whether the inoculation with N-fixers could offset the transient nitrogen deficiency caused by straw mulch, thereby harnessing the benefits of straw while mitigating its negative impact on nitrogen depletion and exerting a synergistic effect on crop growth.

Results
Inoculation with N-fixers increased the nitrogen content in the soil (the increase ranged from 14% up to 90% for NH4+ and from 20% to 60% for NO3−) and, in most cases, also the nitrogen content in the plant (ranging from 10% to 15% increase), compared to the non-inoculated control. Therefore, inoculation would compensate for the lack of nitrogen caused by nitrogen immobilisation, and this resulted in an increased biomass production by the crop compared with the uninoculated control (the increase ranged from 25% to 85%). In addition, inoculation with N-fixers did not lead to a permanent change in the bacterial community composition, whereas straw addition increased the biodiversity of the soil microbiome.

Conclusions
The results obtained in microcosm conditions are a first indication that complementing straw mulching with the inoculation of N-fixers could avoid the transient N immobilisation produced during straw degradation. Thus, the benefits of the combination would be a yield increase, while improving the biodiversity of the soil microbiome, stabilising soil temperatures and increasing water soil content.

Graphical Abstract
Successful subtotal gastrectomy and hepatectomy for HER2-positive gastric cancer with liver metastasis after trastuzumab-based chemotherapy: a case report
Authors: Hirase Yuki , Arigami Takaaki , Kawasaki Yota , Matsushita Daisuke , Shimonosono Masataka , Tsuruda Yusuke , Sasaki Ken , Yamasaki Yoichi , Hagihara Takahiko , Noma Hidetoshi , Higashi Michiyo , Kurahara Hiroshi , Ohtsuka Takao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Conversion surgery (CS) after chemotherapy is weakly recommended as a promising tool for improving prognoses in patients with unresectable gastric cancer. Moreover, several investigators have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of subtotal gastrectomy (sTG) with a small remnant stomach for the nutritional status and surgical outcome compared with total gastrectomy. Here, we report a patient with liver metastasis from human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive gastric cancer who underwent sTG and hepatectomy after trastuzumab-based chemotherapy.

Case presentation
An 84-year-old male patient was diagnosed with HER2-positive gastric cancer with a single liver metastasis. He was treated with eight courses of trastuzumab in combination with S-1 and oxaliplatin as first-line chemotherapy. The primary tumor and liver metastasis shrank significantly. The metastatic liver lesion’s reduction rate was 65%. According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, the patient had a partial response. Therefore, he underwent an sTG with D2 lymphadenectomy and partial hepatectomy of segment 2. Histopathological examination revealed a grade 3 histological response without lymph node metastases from the primary tumor. No viable cancer cells were observed in the resected liver specimens. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1. The postoperative quality of life (QOL) evaluated using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 was maintained, and the patient was still alive 8 months after the CS without recurrence.

Conclusions
An sTG with a small remnant stomach might be clinically useful for preventing a decline in QOL and improving prognoses in patients with stage IV gastric cancer after chemotherapy.
Tremella fuciformis beverage improves glycated hemoglobin A1c and waist circumference in overweight/obese prediabetic subjects: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gitsomboon Sawika , Ratanapornsompong Ganista , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong , Thongpradit Supranee , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Chailurtkit La-or , Nimitphong Hataikarn 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Prediabetes is increasing worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of β-glucan derived from oat or barley to lower blood glucose, body weight, and plasma lipid levels. These findings offer a potentially attractive strategy for reducing the risk of diabetes in prediabetic individuals. However, the effects of β-glucan from Tremella fuciformis on glucose metabolism and anthropometric measurements in humans have yet to be studied. We hypothesized that β-glucan from Tremella fuciformis may improve metabolic parameters in subjects with prediabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a once-daily beverage containing Tremella fuciformis (snow mushroom) on anthropometric measurements, metabolic biomarkers, and insulin sensitivity in overweight/obese subjects with prediabetes.

Methods
In this double-blind RCT, 56 participants were randomly assigned to receive either a Tremella fuciformis beverage or placebo daily for 12 weeks. All parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results
After 12 weeks, participants in the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C; 6.03 ± 0.26% at baseline vs. 5.96 ± 0.25% at 12 weeks, p = 0.047, Cohen’s d = 0.39) and waist circumference (95.2 ± 12.51 cm at baseline vs. 93.46 ± 11.48 cm at 12 weeks, p = 0.022, Cohen’s d = 0.45). There were no adverse events reported.

Conclusion
This exploratory study demonstrated that Tremella fuciformis beverage consumption may improve HbA1C and waist circumference in overweight/obese prediabetic individuals. Further research, including larger-scale RCTs and mechanistic studies, is needed to confirm these findings and optimize the therapeutic potential of Tremella fuciformis derivatives in managing prediabetes and preventing type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration
Registered in Thai Clinical Trials Registry (14/07/2021, TCTR20210714004).
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) impairs hypoxia-induced cellular and exosomal overexpression of immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules in different subtypes of breast cancer cells
Authors: Maralbashi Sepideh , Aslan Cynthia , Kahroba Houman , Asadi Milad , Soltani-Zangbar Mohammad Sadegh , Haghnavaz Navideh , Jadidi Farhad , Salari Farhad , Kazemi Tohid 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Tumor cells express immune-checkpoint molecules to suppress anti-tumor immune responses. In part, immune evasion takes place by secreting exosomes bearing immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules and their inducing and/or regulating agents e.g., microRNAs (miRs). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the expression of some selected immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules and their regulating miRs under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions in triple negative (TNBC) invasive and triple positive non-invasive breast cancer cell lines.

Methods
MDA-MB-231 and BT-474 cells were treated with 100 µM DHA under hypoxic and normoxic conditions for 24 h. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifuge and confirmed by electron microscope and anti-CD9, -CD63, -CD81 immunoblotting. Total RNA from cells and exosomes were extracted and expression of CD39, CD73, CD47, CD80, PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 genes and their related miRs were evaluated by quantitative Real-time PCR.

Results
This study showed significant over-expression of immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules under hypoxic condition. Treatment with DHA resulted in a significant decrease in immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecule expression as well as an upregulation of their regulatory miRNA expression.

Conclusion
DHA supplementation may be utilized in breast cancer therapy for down-regulation of cellular and exosomal immune escape-related molecules.
Time-varying spillovers in high-order moments among cryptocurrencies
Authors: Azimli Asil 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study uses high-frequency (1-min) price data to examine the connectedness among the leading cryptocurrencies (i.e. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance, Cardano, Litecoin, and Ripple) at volatility and high-order (third and fourth orders in this paper) moments based on skewness and kurtosis. The sample period is from February 10, 2020, to August 20, 2022, which captures a pandemic, wartime, cryptocurrency market crashes, and the full collapse of a stablecoin. Using a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) connectedness approach, we find that the total dynamic connectedness throughout all realized estimators grows with the time frequency of the data. Moreover, all estimators are time dependent and affected by significant events. As an exception, the Russia–Ukraine War did not increase the total connectedness among cryptocurrencies. Analysis of third- and fourth-order moments reveals additional dynamics not captured by the second moments, highlighting the importance of analyzing higher moments when studying systematic crash and fat-tail risks in the cryptocurrency market. Additional tests show that rolling-window-based VAR models do not reveal these patterns. Regarding the directional risk transmissions, Binance was a consistent net transmitter in all three connectedness systems and it dominated the volatility connectedness network. In contrast, skewness and kurtosis connectedness networks were dominated by Litecoin and Bitcoin and Ripple were net shock receivers in all three networks. These findings are expected to serve as a guide for portfolio optimization, risk management, and policy-making practices.
Association of pre-migration socioeconomic status and post-migration mental health in Syrian refugees in Lebanon: a descriptive sex-stratified cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Lange Saskia , Glatz Toivo , Eiset Andreas Halgreen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Refugee populations present with high levels of psychological distress, which may vary among sociodemographic characteristics. Understanding the distribution across these characteristics is crucial to subsequently provide more tailored support to the most affected according to their specific healthcare needs. This study therefore seeks to investigate the association between pre-migration socioeconomic status (SES) and post-migration mental health separately for male and female Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Methods
In a cross-sectional study, a cluster randomized sample of 599 refugees from Syria were recruited between 2016 and 2019 within 12 months after they fled to Lebanon. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between self-reported pre-migration SES and levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms assessed on the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) scale, both for the entire sample and stratified by sex. To assess the informative value of self-reported SES, its correlation with education variables was tested. All analyses were conducted in R version 4.3.

Results
Using complete cases, 457 participants (322 female, 135 male) were included in the analyses. Females showed on average more symptoms of anxiety (Median: 2.5) and depression (Median: 2.4) than males (Median: 2.10 and 2.07, respectively). Below average SES was associated with significantly higher odds for mental illness compared to average SES (anxiety: OR 4.28, 95% CI [2.16, 9.49]; depression: OR 1.85, 95% CI [1.06, 3.36]). For anxiety, differences between SES strata were larger for males than females. The self-reported SES measure showed only a weak positive correlation with education.

Conclusions
This study adds additional descriptive data highlighting mental health differences in Syrian refugees in Lebanon, whereby below average SES is associated with worse mental health outcomes compared to average SES. These findings demand further research into the underlying mechanisms. Improving our understanding of the observed differences will provide valuable insights that can contribute to the future development of targeted measures.
Blood levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein for predicting clinical progression to Alzheimer’s disease in adults without dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Nihashi Takashi , Sakurai Keita , Kato Takashi , Kimura Yasuyuki , Ito Kengo , Nakamura Akinori , Terasawa Teruhiko 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
There is urgent clinical need to identify reliable prognostic biomarkers that predict the progression of dementia symptoms in individuals with early-phase Alzheimer’s disease (AD) especially given the research on and predicted applications of amyloid-beta (Aβ)-directed immunotherapies to remove Aβ from the brain. Cross-sectional studies have reported higher levels of cerebrospinal fluid and blood glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in individuals with AD-associated dementia than in cognitively unimpaired individuals. Further, recent longitudinal studies have assessed the prognostic potential of baseline blood GFAP levels as a predictor of future cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired individuals and in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we propose analyzing longitudinal studies on blood GFAP levels to predict future cognitive decline.

Methods
This study will include prospective and retrospective cohort studies that assessed blood GFAP levels as a prognostic factor and any prediction models that incorporated blood GFAP levels in cognitively unimpaired individuals or those with MCI. The primary outcome will be conversion to MCI or AD in cognitively unimpaired individuals or conversion to AD in individuals with MCI. Articles from PubMed and Embase will be extracted up to December 31, 2023, without language restrictions. An independent dual screening of abstracts and potentially eligible full-text reports will be conducted. Data will be dual-extracted using the CHeck list for critical appraisal, data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modeling Studies (CHARMS)-prognostic factor, and CHARMS checklists, and we will dual-rate the risk of bias and applicability using the Quality In Prognosis Studies and Prediction Study Risk-of-Bias Assessment tools. We will qualitatively synthesize the study data, participants, index biomarkers, predictive model characteristics, and clinical outcomes. If appropriate, random-effects meta-analyses will be performed to obtain summary estimates. Finally, we will assess the body of evidence using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Approach.

Discussion
This systematic review and meta-analysis will comprehensively evaluate and synthesize existing evidence on blood GFAP levels for prognosticating presymptomatic individuals and those with MCI to help advance risk-stratified treatment strategies for early-phase AD.

Trial registration
PROSPERO CRD42023481200.
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Thai version of the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system short form– depression 8a in individuals with chronic low back pain
Authors: Sansatan Ruetaichanok , Kanlayanaphotporn Rotsalai , Jensen Mark P. , Correia Helena , Janwantanakul Prawit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v1.0 - Depression 8a (PROMIS SF v1.0 - Depression 8a) into Thai and evaluate its psychometric properties in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods
The PROMIS SF v1.0– Depression 8a was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Thai using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy translation methodology. Two hundred and sixty-nine individuals with CLBP completed the Thai version of PROMIS SF v1.0– Depression 8a (T-PROMIS-D-8a) scale and a set of measures assessing validity criterion domains. Structural validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability at a 7-day interval of the T-PROMIS-D-8a scale were computed and its construct validity was evaluated by computing correlations with the Thai version of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (T-PHQ-9), Numeric Rating Scale of pain intensity (T-NRS), and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (T-FABQ).

Results
Data from 269 participants were analyzed. Most participants were women (70%), and the sample had a mean age of 42.5 (SD 16.6) years. The findings supported the unidimensionality, internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94), and test-retest reliability (ICC [2,1] = 0.86) of the T-PROMIS-D-8a. A floor effect was observed for 16% of the sample. Associations with the T-PHQ-9, T-NRS, and T-FABQ supported the construct validity of the T-PROMIS-D-8a.

Conclusions
The T-PROMIS-D-8a was successfully translated and culturally adapted. The findings indicated that the scale is reliable and valid for assessing depression in Thai individuals with CLBP.
Examining interrater agreement between self-report and proxy-report responses for the quality of life-aged care consumers (QOL-ACC) instrument
Authors: Hutchinson Claire , Khadka Jyoti , Crocker Matthew , Lay Kiri , Milte Rachel , Whitehirst David GT , Engel Lidia , Ratcliffe Julie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Quality of life is an important quality indicator for health and aged care sectors. However, self-reporting of quality of life is not always possible given the relatively high prevalence of cognitive impairment amongst older people, hence proxy reporting is often utilised as the default option. Internationally, there is little evidence on the impact of proxy perspective on interrater agreement between self and proxy report.

Objectives
To assess the impacts of (i) cognition level and (ii) proxy perspective on interrater agreement using a utility instrument, the Quality of Life-Aged Care Consumers (QOL-ACC).

Methods
A cross-sectional study was undertaken with aged care residents and family member proxies. Residents completed the self-report QOL-ACC, while proxies completed two proxy versions: proxy-proxy perspective (their own opinion), and proxy-person perspective (how they believe the resident would respond). Interrater agreement was assessed using quadratic weighted kappas for dimension-level data and concordance correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots for utility scores.

Results
Sixty-three residents (22, no cognitive impairment; 41, mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment) and proxies participated. In the full sample and in the mild-to-moderate impairment group, the mean self-reported QOL-ACC utility score was significantly higher than the means reported by proxies, regardless of perspective (p < 0.01). Agreement with self-reported QOL-ACC utility scores was higher when proxies adopted a proxy-person perspective.

Conclusion
Regardless of cognition level and proxy perspective, proxies tend to rate quality of life lower than residents. Further research is needed to explore the impact of such divergences for quality assessment and economic evaluation in aged care.
Consanguinity, complex diseases and congenital disabilities in the Souss population (Southern Morocco): a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dahbi Noura , El khair Abderrazak , Cheffi Khadija , Habibeddine Lamiaa , Talbi Jalal , Hilali Abderraouf , El ossmani Hicham 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Several studies showed that the perpetuation of consanguinity increases homozygosity and homogenizes the population's gene pool. This allows the expression of recessive deleterious mutations and increases the prevalence of genetic disorders and birth defects. Despite the reported negative health effects, consanguinity is still practiced in Morocco. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of consanguinity in the Souss region and to assess the association of this type of union with congenital disabilities and complex diseases. To meet this aim, a survey based on a cross-sectional approach was conducted between January 2019 and January 2020 among 520 randomly selected participants in the Souss region.

Results
The findings revealed a high prevalence of consanguinity of 28.46%, with first-cousin unions accounting for 16.15% of all marriages. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, early age at first marriage, men’s occupation, endogamy, and parental consanguinity were predictive factors for consanguineous unions in the study population. Moreover, the results revealed a significant association between consanguinity and the incidence of physical disabilities (OR = 3.753; [95% CI 1.398–10.074]), mental retardation (OR = 5.219; [95% CI 1.545–17.631]), deafness-mutism (OR = 4.262; [95% CI 1.004–18.089]) and cardiovascular diseases (OR = 2.167; [95% CI 1.036–4.530]). However, no significant association was found between consanguinity and diabetes, cancer, asthma, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion
Overall, our results suggest a high practice of consanguinity in the Souss population, associated with social, economic, and cultural factors. Consanguineous unions were associated with a high incidence of mental retardation, physical disabilities, deafness-mutism, and cardiovascular diseases. In this population, where marriage between relatives is highly preferred, awareness programs are not sufficient, and genetic studies on consanguinity-related diseases are necessary to provide specific premarital screening and thus increase the efficiency of genetic counseling.
Value of different CTO scoring systems in predicting procedural success in coronary chronic total occlusion intervention in Egyptian patients
Authors: AlAshry Ahmed Mohammed Ali , Nagiub Muhammed Nagy , Ismael Magdy Farouk Ahmed , Alghonaimy Wesam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions in coronary arteries pose a significant challenge for coronary interventionists, often leading to referrals for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for CTOs requires accurate assessment of procedural potential. This study, comprising 100 Egyptian patients aged 37–81, compares the predictive efficacy of various CTO scoring systems in PCI success determination. Patients with CTO in at least one coronary artery, planned for elective PCI based on objective evidence of ischemia, were included. Experienced operators performed PCI, recording procedural variables, and assessing complications. Logistic regression analysis revealed an inverse linear relationship between success rates and score values across all systems.

Results
Although, the predictive capacity of the scores was similar, with slight differences. The Euro CTO (CASTLE) score10 exhibited superior predictive efficacy, followed by the CL score9, while PROGRESS8 and J-CTO7 scores showed lower significance. ORA CTO11 score demonstrated intermediate predictive ability, and PROGRESS score8 had the least predictive value.

Conclusion
The CASTLE score10 proved most effective in predicting PCI success for CTO cases in Egyptian patients, with operators advised to choose scoring systems based on experience and case characteristics. Proper planning remains crucial for optimizing success rates in CTO PCI procedures, irrespective of the scoring system employed.