bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological and clinical significance of radiomics features obtained from magnetic resonance imaging preceding pre-carbon ion radiotherapy in prostate cancer based on radiometabolomics
Authors: Zhang Guangyuan , Zhang Zhenshan , Pei Yulei , Hu Wei , Xue Yushan , Ning Renli , Guo Xiaomao , Sun Yun , Zhang Qing 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionWe aimed to investigate the feasibility of metabolomics to explain the underlying biological implications of radiomics features obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preceding carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) in patients with prostate cancer and to further explore the clinical significance of radiomics features on the prognosis of patients, based on their biochemical recurrence (BCR) status.MethodsMetabolomic results obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry of urine samples, combined with pre-RT radiomic features extracted from MRI images, were evaluated to investigate their biological significance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was subsequently conducted to examine the correlation between these biological implications and clinical BCR status. Statistical and metabolic pathway analyses were performed using MetaboAnalyst and R software.ResultsCorrelation analysis revealed that methionine alteration extent was significantly related to four radiomic features (Contrast, Difference Variance, Small Dependence High Gray Level Emphasis, and Mean Absolute Deviation), which were significantly correlated with BCR status. The area under the curve (AUC) for BCR prediction of these four radiomic features ranged from 0.704 to 0.769, suggesting that the higher the value of these four radiomic features, the greater the decrease in methionine levels after CIRT and the lower the probability of BCR. Pre-CIRT MRI radiomic features were associated with CIRT-suppressed metabolites.DiscussionThese radiomic features can be used to predict the alteration in the amplitude of methionine after CIRT and the BCR status, which may contribute to the optimization of the CIRT strategy and deepen the understanding of PCa.
Elevated visceral adiposity index linked to improved cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly Chinese: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Zeng Zhaohao , Huang Kunyu , Cen Yanmei , Jin Wen , Shen Yingao , Xiong Lijiao , Mao Fengju , Hong Guo , Luo Yu , Luo Xiaoguang 
Published: October 2023

ObjectCognitive decline and obesity are major global public health issues, and their association has been widely acknowledged. The link between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and cognitive function in the Chinese population remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the effects of VAI levels on cognitive function in the Chinese middle-aged and elderly population.MethodsWe analyzed longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) collected in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018. VAI levels were divided into three tertiles. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to explore the relationships between VAI levels and cognitive function, including overall cognitive scores, episodic memory, and mental status. Adjustments were made for potential confounders.ResultsThe study consisted of 2,677 participants. Contrary to expectations, higher VAI levels were associated with higher overall cognitive scores and improved episodic memory scores, while no significant effect was observed on mental status. The GEE models consistently indicated that higher VAI levels were associated with higher overall cognitive scores, primarily due to their association with episodic memory. Stratified analyses revealed that the VAI was associated with better cognitive function primarily in males, individuals under 60 years old, those with lower education levels, rural residents, and married individuals, mainly in relation to episodic memory. No significant interactions were observed between VAI and demographic factors.ConclusionOur findings suggest that higher visceral adiposity is associated with slower cognitive decline in the Chinese middle-aged and elderly population, especially in its association with episodic memory. These results underline the need to further investigate the potential protective role of visceral fat in cognitive function, potentially offering new insights for interventions to enhance cognitive function and prevent dementia in this population.
Vagus nerve stimulation for treating developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in young children
Authors: Geng Guifu , Hu Wandong , Meng Yao , Zhang Huan , Zhang Hongwei , Chen Chuanmei , Zhang Yanqing , Gao Zaifen , Liu Yong , Shi Jianguo 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical variables that might predict the outcome of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) after vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy and identify the risk factors for poor long-term outcome.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively studied 32 consecutive children with drug-resistant DEE who had undergone VNS surgery from April 2019 to July 2021, which were not suitable for corpus callosotomy. In spite of combining valproic acid, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, topiramate, etc. (standard anti-seizure medicine available in China) it has not been possible to effectively reduce seizures in the population we investigate (Cannabidiol and brivaracetam were not available in China). A responder was defined as a frequency reduction decrease &gt; 50%. Seizure freedom was defined as freedom from seizures for at least 6 months. Sex, electroencephalograph (EEG) group, neurodevelopment, time lag, gene mutation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and epilepsy syndrome were analyzed with Fisher's exact test, The age at onset and age at VNS therapy were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test, statistical significance was defined as p &lt; 0.05. And used the effect size to correction.ResultsAmong the 32 patients, the median age at VNS implantation was 4.7 years (range: 1–12 years). At the most recent follow-up, five children (15.6%) were seizure-free and 22 (68.8%) were responders. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the responders were significantly associated with mild development delay/intellectual disability (p = 0.044; phi coefficient = 0.357) and a multifocal EEG pattern (p = 0.022; phi coefficient = −0.405). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses demonstrated that a multifocal EEG pattern (p = 0.049) and DEE without epileptic spasm (ES) (p = 0.012) were statistically significant (p = 0.030). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DEE with ES had significant predictive value for poor long-term outcome (p = 0.014, hazard ratio = 5.433, confidence interval = 1.402–21.058).ConclusionsOur study suggested that VNS was a generally effective adjunct treatment for DEE. Although the predictive factors for VNS efficacy remain unclear, it should be emphasized that patients with ES are not suitable candidates for epilepsy surgery. Further investigations are needed to validate the present results.
A novel quantification method for retinal pigment epithelium phagocytosis using a very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids-based strategy
Authors: Gao Fangyuan , Tom Emily , Lieffrig Stephanie A. , Finnemann Silvia C. , Skowronska-Krawczyk Dorota 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionThe vertebrate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lies adjacent to the photoreceptors and is responsible for the engulfment and degradation of shed photoreceptor outer segment fragments (POS) through receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Phagocytosis of POS is critical for maintaining photoreceptor function and is a key indicator of RPE functionality. Popular established methods to assess RPE phagocytosis rely mainly on quantifying POS proteins, especially their most abundant protein rhodopsin, or on fluorescent dye conjugation of bulk, unspecified POS components. While these approaches are practical and quantitative, they fail to assess the fate of POS lipids, which make up about 50% of POS by dry weight and whose processing is essential for life-long functionality of RPE and retina.MethodsWe have developed a novel very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFA)-based approach for evaluating RPE phagocytic activity by primary bovine and rat RPE and the human ARPE-19 cell line and validated its results using traditional methods.Results and discussionThis new approach can be used to detect in vitro the dynamic process of phagocytosis at varying POS concentrations and incubation times and offers a robust, unbiased, and reproducible assay that will have utility in studies of POS lipid processing.
The effect of different sterilization methods on the shelf life and physicochemical indicators of fermented pork jerky
Authors: Zhao Changqing , Dai Jinping , Chen Feifei , Zhao Zhifeng , Zhao Xingxiu 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundTo determine the effect of different sterilization methods on shelf life and physicochemical parameters of fermented pork jerky.MethodsVarious sterilization techniques, including boiling, pasteurization, medium-temperature steam sterilization, high-temperature steam sterilization, ultrasonic sterilization, and ultraviolet sterilization, were employed in this study to treat vacuum-sealed fermented pork jerky. Changes in microbial populations, physicochemical parameters, and sensory evaluations were monitored throughout the storage period.ResultsThe results indicated the presence of Staphylococcus aureus on the 24th, 21st, 33rd, 24th, 18th, and 15th days in pork jerky subjected to boiling (100°C, 20 min), pasteurization (85°C, 15 min), medium-temperature steam sterilization (105°C, 0.5 Pa, 30 min), high-temperature steam sterilization (121°C, 1.0 Pa, 20 min), ultrasonic sterilization (480 W, 30 kHz, 30 min), and ultraviolet sterilization (254 nm, 100 W/m2, 60 min), respectively. Coliforms, salmonella, and Shigella were not detected in any group during storage. The medium-temperature steam sterilization method yielded the most favorable microbiological results, with an aerobic plate count of less than 1.0 lg CFU/g. However, other physicochemical parameters and sensory evaluations were moderate, with total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) measuring 14.023 mg N/100 g and 0.427 mg MDA/kg, respectively, remaining within acceptable limits.ConclusionTherefore, considering microbiological indicators as the primary determinant of shelf life and taking into account other physicochemical parameters, the medium-temperature steam sterilization method was identified as the most suitable approach for extending the shelf life of fermented pork jerky while preserving its flavor.
Could vitamin D concentration be a marker of a long hospital stay in older adults patients?
Authors: Nowak Justyna , Jabczyk Marzena , Jagielski Paweł , Hudzik Bartosz , Brukało Katarzyna , Borszcz Jakub , Zubelewicz-Szkodzińska Barbara 
Published: October 2023

Background and aimsVitamin D plays a pleiotropic role in the human body. Some studies have suggested that hypovitaminosis D may serve as a marker of comorbidity severity and length of hospital stay. Hospitalized older adults patients with a higher comorbidity burden tend to have lower vitamin D status, which negatively impacts the length of their hospital stay. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a significant risk factor for a prolonged hospital stay. This study aimed to investigate the link between vitamin D status and prolonged hospital stays, focusing on geriatric patients, and to assess the variation in hospitalization duration among geriatric patients with different vitamin D statuses.MethodsThe study sample comprised of 422 patients aged over 60 years admitted to the geriatric department. Blood samples were collected in the morning on the day of admission. According to the diagnostic threshold defining serum 25(OH)D concentration approved for Central Europe, patients were divided into two groups (deficiency group and suboptimal group). Patients were divided into two groups based on hospitalization duration: the first, “shorter hospitalization,” included stays up to 11 days, whereas the second, “longer hospitalization,” encompassed stays of 12 days and above.ResultsIn total, 242 Caucasian patients, primarily women (172 women and 70 men), were recruited in the study. Patients with vitamin D deficiency had extended hospital stays compared with those with vitamin D levels below 49.92 nmol/L: 10.0 (8.00–13.00) days vs. 9.00 (8.00–11.00) days, P = 0.044. Hospitalization length (in days) had a negative correlation with vitamin D blood status (nmol/L) (P = 0.0005; R = −0.2243). ROC analysis indicated that patients with vitamin D levels below 31.2 nmol/L had a 47% higher chance of extended hospitalization, whereas those with levels above 31.2 nmol/L had a 77% higher chance of avoiding it. A significant majority of patients with suboptimal 25(OH)D levels experienced shorter hospital stays (≤11 days) than those with vitamin D deficiency (64.6%), P = 0.045.ConclusionThe study findings indicate that lower serum levels of 25(OH)D in hospitalized patients within the geriatric department are linked to extended hospital stays. Vitamin D holds potential as a predictor of hospitalization duration in geriatric patients. Nonetheless, further research is imperative to account for additional factors affecting health status and hospitalization duration in older adults individuals.
Environmental and behavioral factors associated with household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents
Authors: Oliveira Faétila dos Santos , Guimarães Rafael Alves , Afonso Eliane Terezinha , Costa Lusmaia Damaceno Camargo , Siqueira Karina Machado , Marques Solomar Martins , Rosso Claci Fátima Weirich , Costa Paulo Sérgio Sucasas da , Naghettini Alessandra Vitorino , Barbosa Maria Alves , Pagotto Valéria , Aredes Natália Del’ Angelo 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo analyze the association between risk behaviors and environmental factors and SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents in the family environment.MethodsCross-sectional study. A total of 267 children and adolescents aged 5–19 years who have contact with COVID-19-positive essential workers were tested between June and October 2020. Behavioral and environmental variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were investigated. Association between these variables was performed using Poisson regression.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 25.1%. Following the confirmation of COVID-19 diagnosis of the index case, 92.1% of adults reported hand hygiene and 83.5% showed habits of respiratory etiquette. However, 12.7% wore masks in common areas of the residence before COVID-19. Sharing common objects was a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the sample.ConclusionSharing objects among family members was identified as a risk factor associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents who lived with infected adults. There was high frequency of hand hygiene and low prevalence of mask use.
The impact of enhanced recovery after surgery on inflammatory indicators and prognosis related to complex appendicitis in children
Authors: Zhang Jian-guo , Li Hao-wei , Wu Xiang-ming , Yu Hai-bin , Liu Yan-hui , Qi Lin , Bai Yu , Yang Lin , Zhang Hai-long , Wang Xiao-yun , Jia Yue-qi 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the application effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) perioperative plan in the treatment of complex appendicitis in children, and further enrich the implementation plan of ERAS in the field of pediatric surgery.MethodThis study selected 122 children who underwent laparoscopic complex appendectomy at Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Hospital and Baotou Fourth Hospital from August 2018 to July 2022, and randomly divided them into a traditional surgery group (TS) and an enhanced recovery surgery group (ERAS). The changes of white blood cell (WBC), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (CRP), pro Calcitonin (PCT) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) before and after surgery were compared. The degree of pain, recovery time of intestinal function, length of hospital stay, hospital costs, postoperative complications and parental satisfaction were compared between the two groups.ResultThe WBC and CRP levels in the ERAS group at 6 h after surgery, as well as the IL-6 levels on the 3rd day after surgery, were lower than those in the TS group. Meanwhile, the analgesic effect of ERAS group at 3 h and 6 h after surgery was better than that of TS group. And the ERAS group had a shorter postoperative first exhaust time, fewer overall hospital stays, and lower hospitalization costs. In addition, the ERAS group had high parental satisfaction during hospitalization. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups of children.ConclusionERAS can promote postoperative recovery of children, reduce surgical stress, save family medical expenses, alleviate the pain of children, and improve parental satisfaction. It is a safe and effective method for treating complex appendicitis in children.
Mucosal distribution of somatostatin-secreting gastric Delta cells in children with gastrointestinal reflux diseases
Authors: Kim Dong-Uk , Na Jae Yoon , Paik Seung Sam , Jee Seungyun , Lee Young Ho , Kim Yong Joo 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionGastric delta cells (D-cells) secrete somatostatin, which is the primary paracrine suppressor of acid secretion. The number and distribution of D-cells were investigated in children exhibiting endoscopic findings of duodenogastric and gastroesophageal reflux. This study aimed to determine whether the number of D-cells in the gastric body differs from that in the gastric antrum in children using endoscopic findings.MethodsWe retrospectively used immunohistochemical assessments to determine the number of D-cells in the gastric body and antrum in 102 children who presented with abdominal symptoms. The number and distribution of D-cells were investigated according to symptoms, endoscopic findings of gastroesophageal reflux and duodenogastric reflux, and Helicobacter pylori infection status.ResultsThe average age of the patients was 13.3 ± 3.3 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.68. The mean number of D-cells per high-power field in the antrum and body did not significantly differ by symptoms. However, these values were significantly lower in the gastric body than in the antrum for all symptoms (p &lt; 0.05). Children with reflux had a higher mean number of D-cells (9.6 ± 8.8) in the gastric body than did those without reflux (4.3 ± 3.4) (p = 0.007). Furthermore, the number of D-cells in the gastric body was marginally significantly lower in Helicobacter pylori-positive children (4.9 ± 6.5) than in Helicobacter pylori-negative children (8.5 ± 8.2) (p = 0.053).ConclusionThe number of D-cells in the gastric body decreased in Helicobacter pylori-positive children but significantly increased in children with duodenogastric reflux. Therefore, somatostatin peptide secretion by D-cells may be a major pathophysiological pathway in gastrointestinal reflux disease.
Effects of muscle strength in different parts of adolescent standing long jump on distance based on surface electromyography
Authors: Wang Yifei , Dong Delong 
Published: October 2023

Objective: To reveal the influence of muscle strength in different parts of the body on the distance of standing jump, to establish the key force phases of muscle strength in different parts, and to improve the recognition of movement norms.Methods: VICON infrared three-dimensional motion capture acquisition and analysis system and Noraxon Ultium surface electromyography acquisition and analysis system were used to complete the surface electromyography signal acquisition of 18 randomly selected subjects performing standing long jump.Results: 1) Triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, latissimus dorsi, semitendinosus, rectus femoris, upper trapezius, pectoralis major, and biceps femoris had significant effects on standing jump distance. 2) From the point of view of the key exertion phase of the standing jump mainly affecting the muscle group; the main exertion phase of the semitendinosus occurs from the rising stage to the descending stage; the rectus femoris, triceps, and latissimus dorsi occur during the ascending phase of the flight; the anterior deltoid muscle occurs in the transition stage from rising to falling in the air; the trapezius muscle occurs in the transition stage from pre-swing to kick-off.Conclusion: 1) From the regression analysis of the measured muscles on the distance of each stage of standing long jump, deltoid muscle strength is conducive to the improvement of standing long jump distance, which further indicates the importance of upper limb deltoid muscle strength. 2) Through time series analysis, it is found that the force performance of the rectus femoris muscle at this stage can be used as the main identification parameter of standing long jump, and can effectively distinguish different types of movements.
Enhancing alfalfa photosynthetic performance through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation across varied phosphorus application levels
Authors: Xia Dongjie , An Xiaoxia , López Ignacio F. , Ma Chunhui , Zhang Qianbing 
Published: October 2023

This study evaluated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on the growth and photosynthetic performance of alfalfa under different phosphorus application levels. This experiment adopts two-factors completely random design, and sets four levels of fungi application: single inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae (Fm, T1), single inoculation with Glomus etunicatum (Ge, T2) and mixed inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae × Glomus etunicatum (Fm×Ge, T3) and treatment uninfected fungus (CK, T0). Four phosphorus application levels were set under the fungi application level: P2O5 0 (P0), 50 (P1), 100 (P2) and 150 (P3) mg·kg-1. There were 16 treatments for fungus phosphorus interaction. The strain was placed 5 cm below the surface of the flowerpot soil, and the phosphate fertilizer was dissolved in water and applied at one time. The results showed that the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) of alfalfa decreased at first and then increased with the increase of phosphorus application, except for light use efficiency (LUE) and leaf instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE), other indicators showed the opposite trend. The effect of mixed inoculation (T3) was significantly better than that of non-inoculation (T0) (p &lt; 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that Ci was significantly negatively correlated with alfalfa leaf transpiration rate (Tr) and WUE (p &lt; 0.05), and was extremely significantly negatively correlated with other indicators (p &lt; 0.01). The other indexes were positively correlated (p &lt; 0.05). This may be mainly because the factors affecting plant photosynthesis are non-stomatal factors. Through the comprehensive analysis of membership function, the indexes of alfalfa under different treatments were comprehensively ranked, and the top three were: T3P2&gt;T3P1&gt;T1P2. Therefore, when the phosphorus treatment was 100 mg·kg-1, the mixed inoculation of Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus etunicatum had the best effect, which was conducive to improving the photosynthetic efficiency of alfalfa, increasing the dry matter yield, and improving the economic benefits of local alfalfa in Xinjiang. In future studies, the anatomical structure and photosynthetic performance of alfalfa leaves and stems should be combined to clarify the synergistic mechanism of the anatomical structure and photosynthetic performance of alfalfa.