bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-programmed death-1 inhibitors and nimotuzumab in combination with induction chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Zhang Ya-Ni , Chen Yu-Pei , OuYang Pu-Yun , Lu Tai-Xiang , Xie Fang-Yun , Han Fei , Chen Chun-Yan 
Published: January 2025

Background: The poor prognosis of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC) due to the high incidence of metastasis necessitates effective treatment strategies. Synergistic effects have been observed when anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of induction chemotherapy in combination with nimotuzumab with or without anti-PD-1 inhibitors for LANPC. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: In total, 319 patients with LANPC were retrospectively enrolled between December 2017 and November 2022. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for potential confounders. Results: Overall, 150 patients were included after propensity score matching. The immunotherapy + nimotuzumab + chemotherapy (INC) group ( n = 50) had a higher 3-year PFS rate (96.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 93.2–100.0)) than the nimotuzumab + chemotherapy (NC) group ( n = 100) (79.8% (95% CI: 75.6–84.0)). The INC group had a hazard ratio of 0.16 (95% CI: 0.02–1.22; p = 0.04). The objective response rates were 100% and 99% for the INC and NC groups, respectively. Grade ⩾3 treatment-related adverse events were reported in eight (5.3%) patients, and hyponatremia (2.0%) was the most common. Grade ⩾3 immune-related adverse events (rash and reactive capillary proliferation) were reported in two (4.0%) patients. Conclusion: INC demonstrated remarkable anti-tumor activity with acceptable safety for LANPC.
The Physical and Chemical Properties of Carbon-supported Biosynthesized ZnO Nanostructure for High-performance Super-capacitor Applications
Authors: Gungure Abel Saka , Jule Leta Tesfaye , Nagaprasad N. , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj 
Published: January 2025

Objectives This research focuses on the green synthesis of ZnO nanostructures using P. macrosolen L. leaf extract and investigates the effects of calcination temperatures on their structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical properties. Methods ZnO nanostructures were synthesized via a green, eco-friendly, and time-effective method. Characterizations included P-XRD for phase and crystallite size determination, FTIR spectroscopy for functional group analysis, FIB-SEM and HR-TEM for surface morphology, UV-Vis spectroscopy for optical properties, and electrochemical tests for evaluating super capacitor performance. Results XRD analysis confirmed the tetragonal Wurtzite hexagonal phase of ZnO nanostructures, with an average crystallite size of 35 nm calculated using the Debye-Scherrer equation. FTIR confirmed the formation of ZnO, while FIB-SEM and HR-TEM revealed a spongy, agglomerated surface morphology. UV-Vis analysis showed a reduction in the energy band gap with increasing calcination temperatures. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated that ZnO nanostructures calcinated at 580 °C exhibited superior charge/discharge capacities, cycling stability, and nearly 100% coulombic efficiency for up to 1000 cycles at a current density of 5 A/g, outperforming those prepared at 280 °C and 480 °C. Conclusion The biosynthesized ZnO nanostructures, especially those calcinated at 580 °C, show excellent potential as electrode materials for high-performance super capacitors due to their enhanced electrochemical performance and long-term cycling stability.
Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Properties of Salicornia brachiata: A Comparison of Drying Methods
Authors: Jayasundara Yashodha , Herath Nimashi , Buddhipala Anupama , Bandara Mithila D. , Jayasinghe Lalith , Attanayake Renuka , Perera Dinum , Paranagama Priyani 
Published: January 2025

Objective Salicornia brachiata, an euhalophyte thriving in saline environments, can be processed into a dried powder (termed bio-salt) from its tender aerial parts. This study aimed to evaluate how three distinct drying methods; freeze-drying (FD), microwave-vacuum drying (MVD) as low temperature drying methods, and heat pump oven drying (HPOD) as a high temperature drying method, affect nutritional composition and bioactivities of S. brachiata. Ultimately, this research aims to identify the most suitable drying approach that retains bioactive and nutritional properties to preserve the health benefits of bio-salt. Methods The aerial parts of S. brachiata were washed, air-dried overnight, and then subjected to various drying methods. The proximate composition, colour measurements, mineral composition, and microbial quality of the dried powders were evaluated. The lipid extracts were analyzed using GC-MS and the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the resulting powders were assessed. Results Among the methods, FD best preserved the plant's color and yielded the highest levels of carbohydrates (42.64%), crude fat (0.88%), and dietary fibers (29.72%). Methanolic extracts of FD powders exhibited the highest phenolic content (43.68 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g DW) and superior antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 8.72 ± 0.50 µg/mL for the DPPH assay and 19.49 ± 0.76 µg/mL for the ABTS assay, outperforming both MVD and HPOD. The FD extracts contained a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids compared to saturated fatty acids. In vitro antibacterial assays revealed that the FD extract at 100 mg/mL demonstrated the strongest inhibition against test bacteria. In an anti-inflammatory assay, FD was identified as the most effective drying method, yielding the lowest IC50 value of 314.78 ± 1.55 µg/mL. Conclusion These results suggest that freeze-drying is the most suitable drying method for preserving the bioactive properties and health benefits of bio-salt derived from the aerial parts of S. brachiata.
Nephroprotective Potential of Rhamnazin Against Cadmium-Induced Kidney Damages via Activation of Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway
Authors: Anjum Mahnoor , Ehsan Nazia , Tahir Arfa , Batool Moazama , Hamdi Hamida , Ijaz Muhammad Umar 
Published: January 2025

Background/Objective Cadmium (Cd) is an extremely toxic heavy metal and environmental toxicant, which leads to renal damage by causing oxidative stress. Rhamnazin (RAM) is a novel flavonoid, which possesses multiple pharmacological activities. Therefore, the present study was planned to determine the nephroprotective effects of RAM against Cd-prompted renal toxicity in rats. Methodology In this investigation, 24 male albino rats were distributed into four equal groups, i.e., control, CdCl2-intoxicated group (2 mgkg−1), CdCl2 + RAM-treated group (2 mgkg−1 + 20 mgkg−1), and RAM-only treated group (20 mgkg−1). After oral dose administration for 30 days, the alterations in the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, Cd concentration, antioxidant profile, oxidative stress markers, renal function markers, inflammatory markers, apoptotic markers, and kidney histology were analyzed. Result The results of the current study revealed that Cd exposure significantly ( P < .05) increased Keap1 expression, while decreasing the expressions of Nrf2 and antioxidant genes and level of total antioxidant status (TAS). Additionally, it decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Whereas, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total oxidant status (TOS) were increased. Cd exposure increased Cd concentration in tissues. Additionally, it increased the levels of renal function markers, such as urea, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, creatinine, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). On the contrary, Cd exposure reduced albumin and creatinine clearance. Furthermore, it increased the levels of inflammatory markers in the kidneys. Besides, Cd significantly increased the levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9, whereas lessened Bcl-2 level. Moreover, adverse histoarchitectural changes were observed following the Cd exposure. However, treatment with RAM significantly restored all the damage in the kidneys of the rats. Conclusion Our findings highlight the potential of RAM as a valuable therapeutic candidate against heavy metal-induced kidney damage.
Etiologies of rapidly progressive dementias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of causes in worldwide and Latin America
Authors: Cubas Guillen Jonathan Fernando , Cristalli Carolina Agata Ardohain , Berrios Waleska , Deschle Florencia , Dorman Guido , Boccazzi Julian Fernandez , Flores Ignacio , Graviotto Héctor Gastón , Isaac Cristian Flavio , Rojas Galeno , Román Karen Daniela , Scribano Parada Maria de la Paz , Sorbara Marcos , Allegri Ricardo F. , Calandri Ismael Luis 
Published: January 2025

Background Rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) is a group of neurological diseases, where three etiologies are particularly relevant: neurodegenerative, prion and autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) diseases. Objective The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the frequency of these etiologies causing RPD in worldwide and Latin America (LatAm). Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. A bibliographic search of publications related to the etiologies of RPD was done. The etiologies, the timeframe definition (<1 year versus <2 years) and the study's place of origin were analyzed. Results A total of 10 articles were selected for the analysis in this study (n = 1006 patients). Three studies were originated in LatAm cohorts (two from Argentina and one from Brazil). The global prevalence of RPD due to neurodegenerative disease was 23% CI95% [11%; 42%]; prion diseases, 16% CI95% [9%; 28%]; and AIE, 12% CI95% [6%; 22%]. Comparing each overall proportion of etiologies of LatAm versus non-LatAm there were statistically significant differences for AIE (25% versus 8%, respectively, p < 0.01). In the case of timeframe definitions, the comparison of the etiological percentage did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusions From our results, approximately a half of the causes of RPD were due to neurodegenerative, prion, and AIE diseases. Future studies will be needed to analyze this issue both globally and regionally.
Validation of the German Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire in autistic adults
Authors: Jakob Isabel Marie , Roessner Veit , Ring Melanie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
We validated the German version of the Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (GSQ), a self-report questionnaire for adults assessing the processing of stimuli regarding hypo- and hypersensitivity in seven sensory modalities. Since the GSQ is intended for the use in autistic adults, we aimed to complement our previous study on students with high and low Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ; Zeisel et al., BMC Psychiatry 23:426, 2023), by surveying groups of autistic and non-autistic adults, to present the sensory processing profiles of the two groups, to identify the factor structure of the questionnaire in a group of autistic individuals and to identify the diagnostic value of a cut-off score for heightened sensory sensitivity in German autistic adults.

Methods
A sample of autistic and non-autistic adults (each n = 86) completed the same German version of the GSQ as used in Zeisel et al. (BMC Psychiatry 23:426, 2023), the AQ and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Factor analyses were applied.

Results
The German GSQ showed good to excellent reliability. While the factor structure could not be confirmed, main findings of other validation studies were replicated: AQ and GSQ scores were moderately to strongly associated, with higher AQ and GSQ scores for autistic than for non-autistic individuals. Autistic individuals also showed more consistency in their sensitivity across sensory modalities. A third of the autistic participants had heightened sensory sensitivity, when a cut-off was set at the 95th percentile of the non-autism group. Conclusions: Overall, this German version of the GSQ can be considered a validated self-report questionnaire assessing sensory sensitivity particularly in autistic individuals. It can be used to assess sensory sensitivity in the diagnostic process of autism spectrum disorder and to assess an individual's sensory needs and strengths for best possible support. Further studies are required, especially to assess the internal structure of the GSQ.
Dairy intake and cognitive function in older adults in three cohorts: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ortega Natalia , Mueller Nick J. , Dehghan Abbas , de Crom Tosca O. E. , von Gunten Armin , Preisig Martin , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Vinceti Marco , Voortman Trudy , Rodondi Nicolas , Chocano-Bedoya Patricia O. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Meta-analyses of observational studies on the effect of dairy on cognitive function have yielded inconclusive results, potentially due to unmeasured confounding. To avoid the no-unmeasured confounding assumption, we used lactase persistence genetic variant as an instrumental variable, for which the CC genotype is associated with lower lactase production and, consequently, lower dairy consumption. We used it to assess the effect of long-term consumption of total and non-fermented dairy on cognitive function.

Methods
We included 43,836 individuals over 55 years old with genotyping, dietary data, and cognitive function measurements from three population-based studies: CoLaus|PsyCoLaus (Switzerland), the Rotterdam Study (the Netherlands) and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA - Canada). We performed a one-sample Mendelian randomization using two-stage least-squares regression. First, we estimated total and non-fermented dairy consumption by T-allele frequency. Second, we used the estimated dairy consumption in linear regression models on general cognition, assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Mental Alternation Test, executive function, verbal fluency, verbal learning, and memory.

Results
Per T-allele, total dairy intake and non-fermented was 24.8 and 15.3 g/day higher in PsyCoLaus, 57.9 and 49.8 g/day in the Rotterdam Study, and 0.31 and 0.29 times/day in CLSA, respectively. We found no association between the genetically predicted difference and the MMSE in PsyCoLaus and the Rotterdam Study. However, lactase persistent individuals scored 3.4 (95% CI 2.1− 4.7) and 3.5 (95% CI 2.3–4.7) points more in the Mental Alternation Test for total and fermented dairy, respectively, in CLSA. Similarly, lactase persistent participants in CLSA had higher verbal fluency, verbal learning and executive function, but no differences were found in the other cohorts. Such inconsistencies might stem from different FFQs across cohorts and consumption ranges. Nonetheless, the generally small magnitude of effect sizes may suggest that there is no real effect between total or non-fermented dairy intake and cognitive function.

Conclusion
The evidence for a causal effect of dairy consumption on general cognitive function is weak, consistent with previous results from classic analysis from observational studies. Interventions targeting dairy are unlikely to have a relevant effect on cognitive function.
Advances in bioinformatics and multi-omics integration: transforming viral infectious disease research in veterinary medicine
Authors: Elrashedy Alyaa , Mousa Walid , Nayel Mohamed , Salama Akram , Zaghawa Ahmed , Elsify Ahmed , Hasan Mohamed E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The world is changing due to factors like bioterrorism, massive environmental changes, globalization of trade and commerce, growing urbanization, changing climate, and pollution. Numerous diseases have emerged because of these factors, especially in companion and food-producing animals. Numerous pathogens have established themselves in naïve populations, harming reproduction, productivity, and health. Bioinformatics is considered a valuable tool in infectious disease research, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the identification of pathogens, their genetic makeup, and their evolutionary relationship. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel bioinformatics approach to help decipher and model viral epidemiology and informatics on domestic animals and livestock. With significant advancements in bioinformatics and NGS, researchers can now identify contigs, which are contiguous sequences of DNA that are assembled from overlapping fragments, assemble a complete genome, perform phylogenetic analysis to diagnose, investigate the risk of viral diseases in animals, handle and share large biological datasets across various species. Additionally, multi-omics data integration further deepens our understanding of homology, divergence, mutations, and evolutionary relationships, providing a comprehensive perspective on the molecular mechanisms driving animal pathogens infections. This review aims to reveal the importance of utilizing the multidisciplinary areas of bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics and their roles in studying viral infectious diseases in veterinary medicine that will eventually improve the health of animals.
Patient preferences for chiropractors’ attire: a cross-sectional study of UQTR university-based chiropractic clinic
Authors: Leduc Laurence , Théroux Jean , Marois Caroline , Lavigne Geneviève , Blanchette Marc-André 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
A significant body of research has examined how the attire of physicians and nurses affects patients’ perceptions, preferences, and outcomes. However, limited research has focused on the clothing worn by other health professionals, such as chiropractors. The present study aims to explore patients’ preferences and perceptions of chiropractors’ attire.

Methods
Using a cross-sectional image-based procedure, new patients to a university clinic were questioned regarding their preferences for four different attires (casual, formal, scrub, and white coat) worn by both a male and a female chiropractor. Patients also reported their perceptions in terms of chiropractors’ knowledge, trustworthiness, competence, professionalism, and comfortable for each photograph.

Results
From August 10, 2022, to January 23, 2023, 75 new patients participated in the study. Results indicated a strong preference for scrubs for both male and female chiropractors. Chiropractors in scrubs were also seen as more knowledgeable, trustworthy, competent, and professional, and comfortable. This was closely followed by those wearing white coats and formal attire. Notably, the white coat worn by the female chiropractor received significantly more positive ratings than when worn by her male counterpart.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our findings suggest that chiropractors’ attire influences patients’ perceptions and should be considered in the development of dress codes for public and private clinics. Further research is essential to understand better how the gender and age of care providers affect patient evaluations.
The cholesterol metabolite 25-hydroxycholesterol suppresses porcine deltacoronavirus via lipophagy inhibition and mTORC1 modulation
Authors: Zhang Jia-lu , Wang Xue-fei , Li Jia-lin , Duan Cong , Wang Jiu-feng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
25-Hydroxycholesterol (25HC) is a hydroxylated cholesterol with multiple antiviral activities, however, little is known about the mechanisms by which 25HC correlates antiviral ability with lipid droplet (LD) dynamic balance to ensure cholesterol homeostasis. In the present study, 25HC was applied to porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV)-infected LLC-PK1 (Lilly Laboratories Culture-Porcine Kidney 1) cells and piglets to explore its antiviral capacity and underlying mechanism. The results revealed that 25HC decreased free cholesterol (FC) levels but increased triglyceride (TG) levels in PDCoV-infected cells and piglets. The accumulation of LDs induced by oleic acid (OA) impedes PDCoV replication. In addition, 25HC administration increases LD accumulation and declines protein expression associated with lipophagy and lysosomes to facilitate LD accumulation. Moreover, 25HC inhibited TFEB (transcription factor-EB) expression, blocked its translocation into the nucleus and reversed Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) activity, which in turn hindered lipophagy and PDCoV replication. Additionally, 25HC treatment ameliorated the clinical symptoms and intestinal injury of PDCoV-infected piglets. These findings reveal the beneficial effect of lipophagy on PDCoV infection and uncover the antiviral mechanism of 25HC, by which lipophagy and mTOR activity are tightly controlled by 25HC.

Graphical Abstract
Commercial bioinoculants improve colonization but do not alter the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community of greenhouse-grown grapevine roots
Authors: Berdeja Mariam P. , Reynolds Nicole K. , Pawlowska Teresa , Heuvel Justine E. Vanden 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial root symbionts contributing to improved plant growth and development and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Commercial bioinoculants containing AMF are widely considered as an alternative to agrochemicals in vineyards. However, their effects on grapevine plants grown in soil containing native communities of AMF are still poorly understood. In a greenhouse experiment, we evaluated the influence of five different bioinoculants on the composition of native AMF communities of young Cabernet Sauvignon vines grown in a non-sterile soil. Root colonization, leaf nitrogen concentration, plant biomass and root morphology were assessed, and AMF communities of inoculated and non-inoculated grapevine roots were profiled using high-throughput sequencing.

Results
Contrary to our predictions, no differences in the microbiome of plants exposed to native AMF communities versus commercial AMF bioinoculants + native AMF communities were detected in roots. However, inoculation induced positive changes in root traits as well as increased AMF colonization, plant biomass, and leaf nitrogen. Most of these desirable functional traits were positively correlated with the relative abundance of operational taxonomic units identified as Glomus, Rhizophagus and Claroideoglomus genera.

Conclusion
These results suggest synergistic interactions between commercial AMF bioinoculants and native AMF communities of roots to promote grapevine growth. Long-term studies with further genomics, metabolomics and physiological research are needed to provide a deeper understanding of the symbiotic interaction among grapevine roots, bioinoculants and natural AMF communities and their role to promote plant adaptation to current environmental concerns.