bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the soil microbial community associated with Morchella cultivation: diversity, assembly mechanism and yield prediction
Authors: Yue Yihong , Hao Haibo , Wang Qian , Xiao Tingting , Zhang Yuchen , Chen Qun , Chen Hui , Zhang Jinjing 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe artificial cultivation of morels has been a global research focus owing to production variability. Understanding the microbial ecology in cultivated soil is essential to increase morel yield and alleviate pathogen harm.MethodsA total of nine Morchella cultivation experiments in four soil field types, forest, paddy, greenhouse, and orchard in Shanghai city were performed to determine the potential ecological relationship between Morchella growth and soil microbial ecology.ResultsGenerally, significant variation was observed in the soil microbial diversity and composition between the different experimental field types. The niche width analysis indicated that the bacterial habitat niche breadth was significantly greater than the fungal community width, which was further confirmed by a null model that revealed that homogeneous selection could explain 46.26 and 53.64% of the variance in the bacterial and fungal assemblies, respectively. Moreover, the neutral community model revealed that stochastic processes dominate the bacterial community in forests and paddies and both the bacterial and fungal communities in orchard crops, whereas deterministic processes mostly govern the fungal community in forests and paddies and both the bacterial and the fungal communities in greenhouses. Furthermore, co-occurrence patterns were constructed, and the results demonstrated that the dynamics of the soil microbial community are related to fluctuations in soil physicochemical characteristics, especially soil potassium. Importantly, structural equation modeling further demonstrated that the experimental soil type significantly affects the potassium content of the soil, which can directly or indirectly promote Morchella yield by inhibiting soil fungal richness.DiscussionThis was the first study to predict morel yield through soil potassium fertilizer and soil fungal community richness, which provides new insights into deciphering the importance of microbial ecology in morel agroecosystems.
Intuitive eating has reduced the chances of being overweight in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Souto Caroline Rodrigues , Salaroli Luciane Bresciani , da Silva Gabriela Grillo , Cattafesta Monica , Silva Yasmin Franco Rodrigues , Soares Fabíola Lacerda Pires 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionUniversity students have been particularly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, and several sociodemographic and behavioral factors may be associated with the risk of overweight in this population. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic on the eating behavior and nutritional status of university students, and the factors associated with these changes, especially the role of intuitive eating in this process.MethodsThis is a repeated measures observational study with data collected in the first and third year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, from students over the age of 18 in the undergraduate programs of a federal university in southeastern Brazil. The survey was conducted using an online form. Eating behavior was assessed using the “Intuitive Eating Scale–2”.Results251 university students took part, most of them female with a median age of 22. There was an increase in body mass index (BMI) and intuitive eating score between the two periods. In the first year of the pandemic, being female and using tobacco reduced the chances of students being overweight. Living in a marital relationship, worrying about weight gain and body dissatisfaction increased the chances of this outcome. In the third year of the pandemic, it was observed that practicing restrictive diets, having inadequate body perception, worrying about weight gain and living in a marital relationship increased the chances of students being overweight. Being female and eating more intuitively, in line with bodily needs, reduced these odds, demonstrating a protective role in this scenario.ConclusionThere was an increase in BMI and intuitive eating score during the pandemic. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and behavioral variables had both a positive and negative influence on nutritional status. Intuitive eating was shown to be a protective factor during this period, reducing the chances of being overweight in this population. Thus, more intuitive eating may favor greater weight stability, and may, therefore, have helped to reduce the impact of the pandemic on weight gain. In this way, people who ate more intuitively partially resisted the context that favored weight gain (stress, changes in diet and physical inactivity).
Machine learning algorithms to uncover risk factors of breast cancer: insights from a large case-control study
Authors: Dianati-Nasab Mostafa , Salimifard Khodakaram , Mohammadi Reza , Saadatmand Sara , Fararouei Mohammad , Hosseini Kosar S. , Jiavid-Sharifi Behshid , Chaussalet Thierry , Dehdar Samira 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThis large case-control study explored the application of machine learning models to identify risk factors for primary invasive incident breast cancer (BC) in the Iranian population. This study serves as a bridge toward improved BC prevention, early detection, and management through the identification of modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors. MethodsThe dataset includes 1,009 cases and 1,009 controls, with comprehensive data on lifestyle, health-behavior, reproductive and sociodemographic factors. Different machine learning models, namely Random Forest (RF), Neural Networks (NN), Bootstrap Aggregating Classification and Regression Trees (Bagged CART), and Extreme Gradient Boosting Tree (XGBoost), were employed to analyze the data. ResultsThe findings highlight the significance of a chest X-ray history, deliberate weight loss, abortion history, and post-menopausal status as predictors. Factors such as second-hand smoking, lower education, menarche age (&gt;14), occupation (employed), first delivery age (18-23), and breastfeeding duration (&gt;42 months) were also identified as important predictors in multiple models. The RF model exhibited the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.9, as indicated by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Following closely was the Bagged CART model with an AUC of 0.89, while the XGBoost model achieved a slightly lower AUC of 0.78. In contrast, the NN model demonstrated the lowest AUC of 0.74. On the other hand, the RF model achieved an accuracy of 83.9% and a Kappa coefficient of 67.8% and the XGBoost, achieved a lower accuracy of 82.5% and a lower Kappa coefficient of 0.6.ConclusionThis study could be beneficial for targeted preventive measures according to the main risk factors for BC among high-risk women.
Electrochemotherapy for head and neck cancers: possibilities and limitations
Authors: Morozas Arnoldas , Malyško-Ptašinskė Veronika , Kulbacka Julita , Ivaška Justinas , Ivaškienė Tatjana , Novickij Vitalij 
Published: February 2024

Head and neck cancer continues to be among the most prevalent types of cancer globally, yet it can be managed with appropriate treatment approaches. Presently, chemotherapy and radiotherapy stand as the primary treatment modalities for various groups and regions affected by head and neck cancer. Nonetheless, these treatments are linked to adverse side effects in patients. Moreover, due to tumor resistance to multiple drugs (both intrinsic and extrinsic) and radiotherapy, along with numerous other factors, recurrences or metastases often occur. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) emerges as a clinically proven alternative that offers high efficacy, localized effect, and diminished negative factors. Electrochemotherapy involves the treatment of solid tumors by combining a non-permeable cytotoxic drug, such as bleomycin, with a locally administered pulsed electric field (PEF). It is crucial to employ this method effectively by utilizing optimal PEF protocols and drugs at concentrations that do not possess inherent cytotoxic properties. This review emphasizes an examination of diverse clinical practices of ECT concerning head and neck cancer. It specifically delves into the treatment procedure, the choice of anti-cancer drugs, pre-treatment planning, PEF protocols, and electroporation electrodes as well as the efficacy of tumor response to the treatment and encountered obstacles. We have also highlighted the significance of assessing the spatial electric field distribution in both tumor and adjacent tissues prior to treatment as it plays a pivotal role in determining treatment success. Finally, we compare the ECT methodology to conventional treatments to highlight the potential for improvement and to facilitate popularization of the technique in the area of head and neck cancers where it is not widespread yet while it is not the case with other cancer types.
Intravenous metastasis of unexpected uterine sarcoma in the context of uterine fibroids: case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Wenying , Zhang Tianwei , Wang Hui , Liu Zhengchun , Zhai Peiling , Wang Xinbo , Wang Shuai 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveEndometrial stromal tumors are rare and complex mesenchymal tumors that often present with clinical symptoms similar to uterine leiomyomas. Due to their atypical nature, they are prone to be misdiagnosed or overlooked by healthcare professionals. This study presents a case report of an incidentally discovered endometrial stromal sarcoma with venous metastasis, which was initially misdiagnosed as a uterine leiomyoma. In addition, this study reviews previously documented cases of similar tumors.Case reportDuring a routine medical examination in 2016, a 50-year-old woman was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. In June 2020, she began experiencing moderate, irregular vaginal bleeding. Nevertheless, a histopathological examination indicated an endometrial stromal sarcoma with a striking amalgamation of both low-grade and high-grade features. Molecular analysis identified a rare MED12 gene mutation. The patient underwent total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, and resection of the metastatic lesions. Postoperative management included radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. After completion of chemotherapy, the patient was followed up for 27 months with no evidence of tumor recurrence.ConclusionThis case report highlights the importance of pathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular aspects of this rare tumor involving the inferior vena cava and showing the presence of atypical gene mutations. The successful treatment outcome further emphasizes the importance of advances in diagnostic modalities for managing rare tumors like this.
Hematological profile, inflammatory markers and serum liver enzymes in COVID 19 positive children vs. COVID 19 negative ones—a comparative study
Authors: Pavelescu Mirela Luminița , Dinulescu Alexandru , Păsărică Alexandru-Sorin , Dijmărescu Irina , Păcurar Daniela 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundComplete blood count, C-reactive protein and transaminases are routine laboratory parameters investigated in children with infections, including COVID 19. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters in children diagnosed with COVID 19.MethodsAt the time of admission, children with COVID 19 suggestive symptoms were tested RT-PCR for SARS CoV-2 and were allocated to either the study group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 positive) or control group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 negative). All children were evaluated by complete blood count, CRP, and transaminases.ResultsWhen comparing the two groups, we identified significantly lower values for leukocytes (p &lt; 0.001), neutrophils (p &lt; 0.001), lymphocytes (p &lt; 0.001) and thrombocytes (p = 0.014), but no significantly different values for CRP (p = 0.916) and monocytes (p = 0.082). A diagnostic score for COVID-19 was compiled using the abovementioned parameters—presence of fever, number of lymphocytes and aspartate-aminotransferase. Performance was tested, showing a positive discrimination value (AUC of 0.703)—81.5% sensitivity, 50.6% specificity.ConclusionsThe leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes have significantly lower values in COVID-19 children. The proposed score based on the presence of fever the values of lymphocytes and AST has a good sensitivity in predicting COVID-19 infection.
Network pharmacology, molecular simulation, and binding free energy calculation-based investigation of Neosetophomone B revealed key targets for the treatment of cancer
Authors: Khan Abbas , Waheed Yasir , Kuttikrishnan Shilpa , Prabhu Kirti S. , El-Elimat Tamam , Uddin Shahab , Alali Feras Q. , Agouni Abdelali 
Published: February 2024

In the current study, Neosetophomone B (NSP–B) was investigated for its anti-cancerous potential using network pharmacology, quantum polarized ligand docking, molecular simulation, and binding free energy calculation. Using SwissTarget prediction, and Superpred, the molecular targets for NSP-B were predicted while cancer-associated genes were obtained from DisGeNet. Among the total predicted proteins, only 25 were reported to overlap with the disease-associated genes. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed by using Cytoscape and STRING databases. MCODE was used to detect the densely connected subnetworks which revealed three sub-clusters. Cytohubba predicted four targets, i.e., fibroblast growth factor , FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23 as hub genes. Molecular docking of NSP-B based on a quantum-polarized docking approach with FGF6, FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23 revealed stronger interactions with the key hotspot residues. Moreover, molecular simulation revealed a stable dynamic behavior, good structural packing, and residues’ flexibility of each complex. Hydrogen bonding in each complex was also observed to be above the minimum. In addition, the binding free energy was calculated using the MM/GBSA (Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area) and MM/PBSA (Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area) approaches. The total binding free energy calculated using the MM/GBSA approach revealed values of −36.85 kcal/mol for the FGF6-NSP-B complex, −43.87 kcal/mol for the FGF20-NSP-B complex, and −37.42 kcal/mol for the FGF22-NSP-B complex, and −41.91 kcal/mol for the FGF23-NSP-B complex. The total binding free energy calculated using the MM/PBSA approach showed values of −30.05 kcal/mol for the FGF6-NSP-B complex, −39.62 kcal/mol for the FGF20-NSP-B complex, −34.89 kcal/mol for the FGF22-NSP-B complex, and −37.18 kcal/mol for the FGF23-NSP-B complex. These findings underscore the promising potential of NSP-B against FGF6, FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23, which are reported to be essential for cancer signaling. These results significantly bolster the potential of NSP-B as a promising candidate for cancer therapy.
Alteration in the number, morphology, function, and metabolism of erythrocytes in high-altitude polycythemia
Authors: Yu Song , Ye Yi , Wuren Tana , Yi Hai 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: High-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) is a common chronic high-altitude disease characterized by significantly increased erythrocyte, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit values and decreased arterial oxygen saturation. The mechanisms underlying HAPC development are unclear; we aimed to investigate this in an HAPC rat model.Methods: Twelve Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control and HAPC groups. The HAPC group was exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. This HAPC model was assessed using routine blood tests and blood gas analyses. Bone marrow, peripheral blood reticulocytes (RETs), and peripheral blood erythrocyte apoptosis were measured using flow cytometry. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) tests were conducted. Abnormal erythrocytes were counted using electron microscopy. Plasma-free hemoglobin, 5′-nucleotidase (CD73), adenosine, erythrocyte cytosolic adenosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Erythrocyte metabolic pathway-related protein [adenosine A2B receptor (ADORA2B), erythrocyte equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (eENT1), sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), phospho-SPHK1, bisphosphoglycerate mutase (BPGM), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)] levels were assessed by Western blotting.Results: The HAPC rat model was successfully established (Hb &gt; 210 g/L). Indices of bone marrow and peripheral blood RET proportions were significantly higher in the HAPC than the control group (p = 0.04 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). The proportion of peripheral blood erythrocytes in early apoptosis was significantly lower in the HAPC than the control group (p &lt; 0.001). Vesicular erythrocyte and acanthocyte proportions were significantly higher in the HAPC than the control group (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). The EOF tests revealed that 50% erythrocyte hemolysis occurred at 4.0–4.5 and 4.5–5.0 g/L NaCl in the control and HAPC groups, respectively. Plasma-free hemoglobin, CD73, adenosine, erythrocyte cytosolic adenosine, S1P, and 2,3-BPG levels and ADORA2B, eENT1, phospho-SPHK1, S1P, BPGM, and GAPDH erythrocyte expression levels (all p ≤ 0.02) were significantly higher in the HAPC than the control group.Conclusion: In model rats, an HAPC-related erythrocyte increase was associated with enhanced bone marrow hematopoietic function and reduced erythrocyte apoptosis, whereas numerous abnormal erythrocytes, increased EOF, and reduced hemolysis resistance were associated with erythrocyte metabolism. CD73/adenosine/S1P/2,3-BPG and eENT1/adenosine/BPGM/2,3-BPG metabolic pathways in erythrocytes were activated in HAPC rats, facilitating oxygen release. These findings further reveal the intrinsic HAPC mechanism and forms a basis for future development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for HAPC.
A 30-year trend of dairy consumption and its determinants among income groups in Iranian households
Authors: Roustaee Roshanak , Eini-Zinab Hassan , Ghodsi Delaram , Mehrparvar Hosseini Elham , Omidvar Nasrin , Hosseini Hedayat , Hosseini Mousavi Seyed Omid , Rafiee Hamed 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionMilk and dairy products provide essential nutrients and have the potential to prevent chronic diseases, thus reducing healthcare costs. However, there is a lack of consistent and updated data on dairy consumption trends in Iran. This study aims to analyze the trends in dairy consumption among Iranian households from 1991 to 2021, focusing on household-level determinants across different expense groups.MethodsThe study uses data from the Iranian Household Expenditure and Income Survey conducted annually from 1991 to 2021 to analyze households’ dairy consumption. The data includes values and expenses of food and non-food items purchased in the previous month, as well as demographic characteristics of household members. The households were categorized into 10 deciles based on their gross expense. The econometric model used weighted mean per capita milk, yogurt, cheese, and total dairy consumption based on milk equivalent for each decile. The model takes into account changes in income, prices, household composition, education level, occupation, and residency area using panel data. Data preparation and model estimation were performed using RStudio and STATA17 software.ResultsBased on the findings, in 1991, per capita milk, yogurt, and cheese consumption were 26.77 kg, 16.63 kg, and 2.42 kg, respectively. By 2021, these figures changed to 22.68 kg, 11.06 kg, and 3.79 kg, reflecting a decrease in milk and yogurt consumption but an increase in cheese consumption. Family size was positively correlated with yogurt consumption and head of the household spouse’s job score were positively correlated with milk, yogurt and cheese consumption. Also, the presence of under five-year-old children and older adults members (over the age of 60) in the household was inversely related with yogurt and cheese consumption. Female-headed households tended to purchase more cheese, while their milk purchase level was significantly lower. Residing in urban areas was negatively related to milk, while cheese and total dairy consumption was higher in urban areas.DiscussionThe findings highlight the importance of targeted dairy subsidy interventions and educational programs to improve dairy consumption in Iranian households, especially among vulnerable groups. This will require urging policymakers and food system stakeholders for effective strategies that address macro-level factors to promote dairy consumption.
The single and mixed impacts of cadmium, cobalt, lead, and PAHs on systemic immunity inflammation index in male and female
Authors: Nie Junfeng , Hu Zhumin , Xian Cuiyao , He Minxing , Lu Dengqiu , Zhang Weipeng 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundStudies on the association between mixed exposure to common pollutants such as cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index (SII), a novel hemocyte-based inflammatory marker, have not been reported. This study explored the relationship between co-exposure to Cd, Co, Pb, PAHs, and SII.MethodsIn this study, we used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and enrolled adults with complete information on Cd, Co, Pb, PAHs, and SII. The linear regression was used to analyze the association of single pollutants with SII. Furthermore, a Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression analysis and a generalized weighted quantile sum regression analysis were used to analyze the association between mixed exposure to Cd, Co, Pb, and six PAHs and SII. We also separated males and females and analyzed the different effects of pollutants on SII, respectively.Results5,176 participants were included in the study. After adjusting for age, gender, race, education, smoking, drinking, physical activity, and sedentary, Cd, Co, 1-OHN, 2-OHN and 2-OHF were positive with SII in the total population. Compared with the 50th percentile, the joint effect of pollutants on SII was positive. In the total population, males, and females, the top contaminant with the highest effect weights on SII were Co, Cd, and 1-OHN, respectively. The result of interaction analysis showed that the low concentrations of Cd had an elevation effect on SII in males.ConclusionThis study found a positive association of mixed exposure to Cd, Co, Pb, and six PAHs with SII, which occurred mainly in females.
The Contribution of the Underlying Factors to Socioeconomic Inequalities in Obesity: A Life Course Perspective
Authors: Dang Yusong , Duan Xinyu , Zhao Yaling , Zhou Jing , Ye Lu , Wang Duolao , Pei Leilei 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Socioeconomic disparities in obesity have been observed in both childhood and adulthood. However, it remains unclear how the role of risk factors influencing these inequalities has evolved over time.Methods: Longitudinal data on 2,866 children and adolescents (6–17 years old) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were used to track their BMI during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Concentration Index was utilized to measure socioeconomic inequalities in obesity, while Oaxaca decomposition was employed to determine the share of different determinants of inequality.Results: The concentration index for obesity during childhood and adulthood were 0.107 (95% CI: 0.023, 0.211) and 0.279 (95% CI: 0.203, 0.355), respectively. Changes in baseline BMI (24.6%), parental BMI (10.4%) and socioeconomic factors (6.7%) were found to be largely responsible for the increasing inequality in obesity between childhood and adulthood. Additionally, mother’s education (−7.4%) was found to contribute the most to reducing these inequalities.Conclusion: Inequalities in obesity during childhood and adulthood are significant and growing. Interventions targeting individuals with higher BMI, especially those who are wealthy, can significantly reduce the gap.