bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal thyroid peroxidase antibody positivity and its association with incidence of low birth weight in infants
Authors: Chen Liangmiao , Lin Dini , Lin Zhenzhen , Ye Enling , Sun Mengli , Lu Xuemian 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundAutoimmune thyroid disease is a prevalent condition affecting women of reproductive age, leading to thyroid dysfunction and impacting pregnancy outcomes. While the critical role of thyroid hormone in pregnancy outcomes is well-established, the potential association between positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with normal thyroid function remains unclear.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal TPOAb positivity and adverse pregnancy outcomes with normal thyroid function.MethodsWe collected baseline information from pregnant women who visited our hospital between February 2009 and June 2012. Blood samples were taken to measure thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), TPOAb, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb). The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was compared between TPOAb-positive and TPOAb-negative groups among participants with normal thyroid function.ResultsA total of 7,046 pregnant women with normal thyroid function were included, comprising 6,700 with negative TPOAb and 346 with positive TPOAb. The TPOAb-positive group exhibited a higher age (26.0 vs. 27.0 years, p = 0.02) and greater serum TSH levels (1.72 vs. 1.94 mIU/L, p = 0.029), while the gestational week of blood collection was lower (31.9 vs. 26.5 weeks, p = 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed a higher incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in offspring of TPOAb-positive women compared to the TPOAb-negative group (3.5% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.035). After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gestational week of blood collection, menstrual history, education level, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, TGAb, TSH, and FT4, TPOAb positivity emerged as an independent risk factor for LBW infants (OR: 2.317, 95% CI: 1.057–5.076, p = 0.036), while other adverse pregnancy outcomes did not show a significant correlation with TPOAb positivity.ConclusionOur findings suggest that TPOAb-positive pregnant women with normal thyroid function are more likely to deliver LBW infants. Regular monitoring of TPOAb-positive pregnancies and timely interventions throughout all stages of pregnancy are crucial.
The effect of synergistic pollution and carbon reduction in the digital economy: Quasi-experimental evidence from Chinese cities
Authors: Yin Bibo , Kuang Ping , Deng Xinhui 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The digital economy plays a crucial role in achieving synergistic reduction in air pollutants and carbon emissions.Methods: A super-efficiency slack-based model with undesirable outputs was applied to systematically calculate the efficiency of synergistic air pollutants and carbon emissions governance (ESACG). This study used the difference-in-differences (DID), propensity score matching-DID, quantile DID methods and generalized random forest model to empirically test the impact and its heterogeneity of the digital economy on the ESACG, with the establishment of the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone as a quasi-natural experiment.Results: 1) The digital economy significantly improved the ESACG by optimizing industrial structure in source management, improving energy utilization efficiency in process control, and promoting green technological innovation in end blocking. The digital literacy of talent and digital financial support strengthened its enhancing effect, but the digital infrastructure was insignificant. 2) The digital economy significantly enhanced the ESACG in the cross-regional and regional demonstration zones but inhibited it in the pioneering zones. Its impact on the ESACG in big data infrastructure-integrated development zones was insignificant. 3) Between the 25th and 90th quantiles, there was an asymmetric inverted U-shaped influence of the digital economy on the ESACG, with no discernible impact at the 10th quantile. In cities with better economic development and technological innovation, the contribution of the digital economy to the ESACG was more significant.Discussion: It is necessary to continuously advance the construction of existing pilot zones, steadily expand their coverage, and differentiate between harnessing the experiences of reducing pollution and carbon emissions to formulate strategies for synergistic regional governance.
Single cell transcriptome analyses reveal the roles of B cells in fructose-induced hypertension
Authors: Kim Cheong-Wun , Joo Sung Yong , Kim Boa , Kim Jee Young , Jang Sungmin , Tzeng Shiang-Jong , Lee Sang Jin , Kim Myunghoo , Kim Inkyeom 
Published: November 2023

RationaleWhile the immune system plays a crucial role in the development of hypertension, the specific contributions of distinct immune cell populations remain incompletely understood. The emergence of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology enables us to analyze the transcriptomes of individual immune cells and to assess the significance of each immune cell type in hypertension development.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the hypothesis that B cells play a crucial role in the development of fructose-induced hypertension.Methods and ResultsEight-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) male rats were divided into two groups and given either tap water (TW) or a 20% fructose solution (HFS) for 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method. ScRNA-seq analysis was performed on lamina propria cells (LPs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from SS rats subjected to either TW or HFS. The HFS treatment induced hypertension in the SS rats. The analysis revealed 27 clusters in LPs and 28 clusters in PBMCs, allowing for the identification and characterization of various immune cell types within each cluster. Specifically, B cells and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells were prominent in LPs, while B cells and M1 macrophages dominated PBMCs in the HFS group. Moreover, the HFS treatment triggered an increase in the number of B cells in both LPs and PBMCs, accompanied by activation of the interferon pathway.ConclusionsThe significant involvement of B cells in intestinal and PBMC responses indicates their pivotal contribution to the development of hypertension. This finding suggests that targeting B cells could be a potential strategy to mitigate high blood pressure in fructose-induced hypertension. Moreover, the simultaneous increase in follicular B cells and Tfh cells in LPs, along with the upregulation of interferon pathway genes in B cells, underscores a potential autoimmune factor contributing to the pathogenesis of fructose-induced hypertension in the intestine.
Gut microbiota and common gastrointestinal diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Qiu Binxu , Shen Zixiong , Yang Dongliang , Qin Xinxin , Ren Wenyong , Wang Quan 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSeveral recent studies have shown an association between gut microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases. However, the causal relationship between gut microbiota and gastrointestinal disorders is unclear.MethodsWe assessed causal relationships between gut microbiota and eight common gastrointestinal diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. IVW results were considered primary results. Cochrane’s Q and MR-Egger tests were used to test for heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Leave-one-out was used to test the stability of the MR results, and Bonferroni correction was used to test the strength of the causal relationship between exposure and outcome.ResultsMR analyses of 196 gut microbiota and eight common gastrointestinal disease phenotypes showed 62 flora and common gastrointestinal diseases with potential causal relationships. Among these potential causal relationships, after the Bonferroni-corrected test, significant causal relationships remained between Genus Oxalobacter and CD (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.13–1.48, p = 2.5 × 10–4, q = 4.20 × 10–4), and between Family Clostridiaceae1 and IBS (OR = 0.9967, 95% CI: 0.9944–0.9991, p = 1.3 × 10–3, q = 1.56 × 10–3). Cochrane’s Q-test showed no significant heterogeneity among the various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In addition, no significant level of pleiotropy was found according to the MR-Egger.ConclusionThis study provides new insights into the mechanisms of gut microbiota-mediated gastrointestinal disorders and some guidance for targeting specific gut microbiota for treating gastrointestinal disorders.
Amyloid fibril formation kinetics of low-pH denatured bovine PI3K-SH3 monitored by three different NMR techniques
Authors: Gardon Luis , Becker Nina , Rähse Nick , Hölbling Christoph , Apostolidis Athina , Schulz Celina M. , Bochinsky Kevin , Gremer Lothar , Heise Henrike , Lakomek Nils-Alexander 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins is a molecular hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases in humans. A detailed understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is mandatory for developing innovative therapeutic approaches. The bovine PI3K-SH3 domain has been a model system for aggregation and fibril formation.Methods: We monitored the fibril formation kinetics of low pH-denatured recombinantly expressed [U-13C, 15N] labeled bovine PI3K-SH3 by a combination of solution NMR, high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR and solid-state NMR spectra. Solution NMR offers the highest sensitivity and, therefore, allows for the recording of two-dimensional NMR spectra with residue-specific resolution for individual time points of the time series. However, it can only follow the decay of the aggregating monomeric species. In solution NMR, aggregation occurs under quiescent experimental conditions. Solid-state NMR has lower sensitivity and allows only for the recording of one-dimensional spectra during the time series. Conversely, solid-state NMR is the only technique to detect disappearing monomers and aggregated species in the same sample by alternatingly recoding scalar coupling and dipolar coupling (CP)-based spectra. HR-MAS NMR is used here as a hybrid method bridging solution and solid-state NMR. In solid-state NMR and HR-MAS NMR the sample is agitated due to magic angle spinning.Results: Good agreement of the decay rate constants of monomeric SH3, measured by the three different NMR methods, is observed. Moderate MAS up to 8 kHz seems to influence the aggregation kinetics of seeded fibril formation only slightly. Therefore, under sufficient seeding (1% seeds used here), quiescent conditions (solution NMR), and agitated conditions deliver similar results, arguing against primary nucleation induced by MAS as a major contributor. Using solid-state NMR, we find that the amount of disappeared monomer corresponds approximately to the amount of aggregated species under the applied experimental conditions (250 µM PI3K-SH3, pH 2.5, 298 K, 1% seeds) and within the experimental error range. Data can be fitted by simple mono-exponential conversion kinetics, with lifetimes τ in the 14–38 h range. Atomic force microscopy confirms that fibrils substantially grew in length during the aggregation experiment. This argues for fibril elongation as the dominant growth mechanism in fibril mass (followed by the CP-based solid-state NMR signal).Conclusion: We suggest a combined approach employing both solution NMR and solid-state NMR, back-to-back, on two aliquots of the same sample under seeding conditions as an additional approach to follow monomer depletion and growth of fibril mass simultaneously. Atomic force microscopy images confirm fibril elongation as a major contributor to the increase in fibril mass.
Association between inflammatory bowel disease and risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Fan Jin-Shan , Wang Meng , Chen Ni , Sun Bai-chao , Zhang Qi-Bing , Li Yong , Huang Ming-Jie 
Published: November 2023

Background/objectivesRecently, four meta-analyses have explored the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the risk of stroke. These studies have demonstrated that people with IBD may be at an increased risk of stroke. However, some limitations such as high heterogeneity and the lack of uniformity in the types of research, especially the reuse of some sample sizes, cannot be neglected. These factors reduce the credibility of their research conclusions. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore this possible association.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 30 June 2023. A random effects model with the generic inverse variance method was used in this meta-analysis. The Review Manager software was used to obtain all relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was tested, and sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore possible heterogeneities.ResultsThis meta-analysis included 12 cohort studies (involving 4,495,055 individuals). Meta-analysis of these data has shown that IBD was associated with an increased risk of stroke (RR = 1.19, 95%CI:1.14-1.24, p &lt; 0.00001). Our results were stable and robust in subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsOur results suggest that IBD is associated with an increased risk of stroke. To reduce the incidence of stroke, patients with IBD are encouraged to undergo stroke risk assessments, especially for young female patients; assessing the risk of ischemic stroke is of particular importance. Prospective studies considering stroke subtypes, IBD severity and treatments, regions, and other confounding factors are needed to further explore the nature of each association.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022373656.
Static and dynamic functional connectivity combined with the triple network model in amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Feng Qi , Wang Luoyu , Tang Xue , Hu Hanjun , Ge Xiuhong , Liao Zhengluan , Ding Zhongxiang 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are characterized by abnormal functional connectivity (FC) of default-mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and central executive network (CEN). Static FC (sFC) and dynamic FC (dFC) combined with triple network model can better study the dynamic and static changes of brain networks, and improve its potential diagnostic value in the diagnosis of AD spectrum disorders.MethodsDifferences in sFC values and dFC variability patterns among the three brain networks of the three groups (53 AD patients, 40 aMCI patients, and 40 NCs) were computed by ANOVA using Gaussian Random Field theory (GRF) correction. The correlation between FC values (sFC values and dFC variability) in the three networks and cognitive scores (MMSE and MoCA) in AD and aMCI groups was analyzed separately.ResultsWithin the DMN network, there were significant differences of sFC values in right/left medial superior frontal gyrus and dFC variability in left opercular part inferior frontal gyrus and right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus among the three groups. Within the CEN network, there were significant differences of sFC values in left superior parietal gyrus. Within the SN network, there were significant differences of dFC variability in right Cerebelum_7b and left opercular part inferior frontal gyrus. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between FC values (sFC values of CEN and dFC variability of SN) and MMSE and MoCA scores.ConclusionIt suggests that sFC, dFC combined with triple network model can be considered as potential biomarkers for AD and aMCI.
Differentiating gastric schwannoma from gastric stromal tumor (≤5 cm) by histogram analysis based on iodine-based material decomposition images: a preliminary study
Authors: Wang Gang , Liu Xianwang , Zhou Junlin 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the value of histogram analysis based on iodine-based material decomposition (IMD) images obtained through dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) to differentiate gastric schwannoma (GS) from gastric stromal tumor (GST) (≤5 cm) preoperatively.MethodsFrom January 2015 to January 2023, 15 patients with GS and 30 patients with GST (≤5 cm) who underwent biphasic contrast-enhanced scans using DECT were enrolled in this study. For each tumor, we reconstructed IMD images at the arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP). Nine histogram parameters were automatically extracted and selected using MaZda software based on the IMD of AP and VP, respectively, including mean, 1st, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 99th percentile of the iodine concentration value (Perc.01, Perc.10, Perc.50, Perc.90, and Perc.99), variance, skewness, and kurtosis. The extracted IMD histogram parameters were compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test. The optimal IMD histogram parameters were selected using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsAmong the IMD histogram parameters of AP, the mean, Perc.50, Perc.90, Perc.99, variance, and skewness of the GS group were lower than that of the GST group (all P &lt; 0.05). Among the IMD histogram parameters of VP, Perc.90, Perc.99, and the variance of the GS group was lower than those of the GST group (all P &lt; 0.05). The ROC analysis showed that Perc.99 (AP) generated the best diagnostic performance with the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity being 0.960, 86.67%, and 93.33%, respectively, when using 71.00 as the optimal threshold.ConclusionHistogram analysis based on IMD images obtained through DECT holds promise as a valuable tool for the preoperative distinction between GS and GST (≤5 cm).
Targeted spatial proteomic analysis of CD8+ T- and myeloid cells in tonsillar cancer
Authors: Altunbulakli Can , Jimenez David G. , Askmyr David , Sobti Aastha , Swoboda Sabine , Greiff Lennart , Lindstedt Malin 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundTonsillar cancer is caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), tobacco smoking, and alcohol abuse. Aspects of the patient’s immune response to this disease have arisen as prognostic factors and treatment targets, reflecting differences in the type and protein expression profile of immune cells. Because tonsillar cancers are heterogenous lesions such data need to be spatially resolved.MethodsIn this study, we aim to explore inter-patient and intra-tumoral sources of variation in tonsillar cancer using immunofluorescence and targeted spatial proteomics to interrogate a cohort of 105 patients. Furthermore, we assess prognostic factors and elucidate molecular targets. We have used CD8, CD11c, and Pan-cytokeratin (PanCK) to quantify and locate immune cells driving antigen-specific cellular immunity. Guided by immunofluorescence information, we selected 355 CD8+, CD11c+, or PanCK+ areas inside and outside (i.e., stroma) cancer-cell islets, to quantify 43 immune-related proteins using digital spatial profiling.ResultsQuantitative analysis of immunofluorescence in combination with clinical data revealed that the abundance of total CD8+ cells and CD8+ cells infiltrating cancer-cell islets, respectively, were associated with higher 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival, independently of HPV-status and clinical stage. Comparison of CD8+ cells inside and outside cancer-cell islets revealed an upregulation of effector CD8+ T-cell and immune checkpoint molecules in the former. Among these, the expression of PD-L1 by CD8+ T-cells was associated with lower all-cause mortality in a univariate proportional hazards model. Similarly, a comparison of tumor boundary and stroma CD11c+ cells showed upregulation of both co-stimulatory and immune checkpoint molecules with proximity to tumor cell islets.ConclusionOur findings highlight the relevance of analyzing aspects of tumor micro-architecture in the search of prognostic markers and molecular targets for tonsillar cancer. The abundance of intra-tumoral CD8+ T-cells can be considered a positive predictive marker for tonsillar cancer, while the significance of PD-L1 expression by intra-tumoral CD8+ T-cells warrants further evaluation. Location-based differences in CD8+ and CD11c+ cells suggest an immune cell-altering effect on the tumor microenvironment, and grant new insight into which cells that can be targeted by novel therapeutic agents.
Causal associations between schizophrenia and cancers risk: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Kai , Zhu Lin , Chen Nian , Huang Gang , Feng Guangyong , Wu Qian , Wei Xiao , Gou Xiaoxia 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundPrevious observational studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the incidence of cancer in patients with schizophrenia compared to the general population. The causal relationship between schizophrenia and cancer remains unclear and requires further investigation.ObjectiveTo investigate the causal relationship between schizophrenia and cancer.MethodsIn this study, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using publicly available genome-wide association studies to determine the causal relationship. The effect estimates were calculated using the random-effects inverse-variance-weighted method.ResultsWe determined a causal relationship between genetic predisposition to schizophrenia and cancer, with schizophrenia increasing lung cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 1.0007; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0001-1.0013; p = 0.0192), thyroid cancer (OR = 1.5482; CI, 1.1112-2.1569; p =0.0098),colorectal cancer (OR = 1.0009; CI, 1.0001-1.0018; p = 0.0344), ovarian cancer (OR = 1.0770; CI, 1.0352-1.1203; p = 0.0002), breast cancer (OR = 1.0011; CI, 1.0001- 1.0022; p =0.0352) and reduced the risk of malignant neoplasm of the stomach (OR = 0.8502; CI, 0.7230-0.9998; p = 0.0496).ConclusionsThis study conducted a two-sample MR analysis and discovered a positive causal relationship between schizophrenia and breast, ovarian, thyroid, lung, and colorectal cancers. On the other hand, an inverse causal relationship was found between schizophrenia and malignant neoplasm of the stomach.