bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Analysis in Mecp2-het Female Mice Reveals Atypical Nociceptive Behaviours
Authors: Cuitavi Javier , Martínez-Rodríguez Elena , Abellán-Álvaro María , García-Arencibia Moisés , Santos Mónica , Hipólito Lucía , Forte Anabel , Agustín-Pavón Carmen , Torres-Pérez Jose V. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Rett Syndrome (RTT), a neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly affecting females, is characterised by evolving symptoms impacting motor and sensory domains. Herein, we present a study of longitudinal analyses, from 2- to 6-month of age, of Mecp2 heterozygous (Mecp2-het) female mice to comprehensively explore pain perception in RTT. Interestingly, we found a significant variability in the timing and progression of symptom onset among Mecp2-het females, with individuals classified as either early- or late-symptomatic based on the emergence of hallmark neurological features such as clasping and gait abnormalities. This variability pinpoints the heterogeneity of the disease model and highlights the need to stratify Mecp2-het females by symptom onset in future studies to account for the diverse trajectories of disease progression. Additionally, our results reveal a shift from pre-symptomatic hypersensitivity in the von Frey test to apparent hyposensitivity, intricately linked with the onset of motor symptoms. Further, we found decreased neuronal activation in 6-month-old Mecp2-het females after the hot plate test in the periaqueductal gray, as measured by FOS expression. Similarly, there is a lower expression of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in this area when compared to wild-type siblings. Taken together, our results suggest that both motor impairment and central deficits in the modulation of endogenous analgesia contribute to aberrant sensitivity in Mecp2-het mice. Our study emphasises the presymptomatic phase as crucial for understanding sensory abnormalities in Mecp2-het mice and highlights the challenges in identifying pain in RTT patients.
Shank3 forms a complex with Gal-3 and ZBP-1 to alleviate PANoptosis in TIA of female ovariectomized mice
Authors: Zhang Lei , Luo Yaowen , Zhang Jimeng , cheng junkai , Yue Zheming , Zhang Min , Li Xiaobing , Bai Jing , Li Juan , Gou Maorong , Yuan Yunchao , Zhu Lian , Zhou Yuefei , Li Xia , Gao Dakuan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Selective neuron death or loss, which induced by specific pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs), was the main reason results in high morbidity, disability, and mortality of transient ischemic attack (TIA) in man and postmenopausal women. Shank3, a key postsynaptic density, is correlated with synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory, apoptosis and poor outcomes in ischemic stroke, although its role in menopausal women TIA remains elusive. Here we discovered that Shank3 direct binds Gal-3, a positive regulator of aging and inflammation, then regulates innate immune sensors ZBP-1, to drive inflammatory signaling and inflammatory cell death, PANoptosis, during TIA. Base on the defeminization TIA models (a stable female mouse OVX + TIA model was first established as well as an in vitro cultured primary neuron desexualization + tOGD/R model), blockade of Shank3 amplify neuron PANoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation, arouse persistent behavioral deficits and infarction formation, which does not appear in de-estrogen combination with TIA damage mice. We also observed that Shank3, Gal-3 and ZBP-1 were members of a large multi-protein complex along with Caspase 3, 7, 8, 9, 1, NLRP 3, GSDMD, GSDME, RIPK 1, RIPK 3 and MLKL that drove neuronal-special PANoptosis. In addition, administration of a natural inflammatory inhibitor, D-allose, used for food sweetener, produces anti-PANoptosis effects via activating Shank3 but inhibiting Gal-3 and ZBP-1. Collectively, our findings establish a previously unknown regulatory connection and molecular interaction among Shank3, Gal-3 and ZBP-1 as a driver of neuron-specific PANoptosis in postmenopausal female TIA, and reveal activate of Shank3, such as, D-allose, maybe a potential strategy to halt neuronal loss during TIA.
Impact Of Thyroid Dysfunction And Diabetes On Fibrosis And Steatosis Stages In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wagih Mohamed , farghly Maysa I. , Elsebaie Eman , mohamed Nessren , El-Mankhly Eman 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disorder intricately linked to diabetes and thyroid dysfunction. Hypothyroidism, characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), may disrupt lipid metabolism and exacerbate insulin resistance, contributing to NAFLD progression. Investigating the combined impact of diabetes and thyroid dysfunction on fibrosis and steatosis stages in NAFLD is essential for optimizing disease management.
Methods
This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Suez General Hospital from March to September 2024 and included 400 patients with NAFLD . Participants were stratified into four groups: Group A: 100 diabetic patients without thyroid dysfunction; Group B: 100 non-diabetic patients without thyroid dysfunction; Group C: 100 diabetic patients with thyroid dysfunction; and Group D: 100 non-diabetic patients with thyroid dysfunction. Clinical assessment, laboratory investigations, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores, and abdominal ultrasonography were performed for all participants, and transient elastography (FibroScan®) for those with FIB-4 scores > 3.25.
Results
Significant differences were observed in the distribution of BMI, liver enzymes, and fibrosis stages across the groups (P < 0.001, for all). Group C exhibited the highest prevalence of advanced fibrosis (F2–F3), while severe steatosis (S3) was predominant in Group D. Hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism were associated with elevated FIB-4 scores and advanced steatosis (p = 0.033), highlighting the impact of thyroid dysfunction on NAFLD progression.
Conclusion
Diabetes and thyroid dysfunction can exacerbate NAFLD severity, emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies targeting these comorbidities to mitigate fibrosis and steatosis progression.
Multi-omics-based prognostic prediction for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer treated with postoperative chemoradiotherapy: a dual-center study
Authors: Dong Sixue , Yao Zian , Zhang Zhiyuan , Wang Jiazhou , Ying Guo , Tao Lei , Ou Xiaomin , Hu Weigang , Hu Chaosu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to predict the progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients who were diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer and received postoperative chemoradiotherapy by using multi-omics method which integrating clinical factors, dosimetric and radiomic features.
Materials and methods
This study retrospectively collected the pretreatment T1-weighted MR imaging data of 88 hypopharyngeal cancer patients with postoperative chemoradiotherapy, including 56 cases from one center (training and testing cohorts) and 32 cases from another center (external validation cohort), and the gross tumor volumes (GTV) were countered for all cases. A Python-based library, pyradiomics was used to extract the radiomics features from each GTV. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to identify the most important features for classifier establishment. On the other hand, complete radiotherapy data are retained for 48 patients among them, and the planning tumor volumes (PTV) were countered for radiotherapy planning. The dose distribution features extracted by using pyradiomics and the dosimetric parameters were combined with the radiomics features to establish the classifiers. The probabilities of positive sample calculated from the best classifier, the radiomics and multi-omics signatures were obtained for establish the Cox proportional hazards models.
Results
The ensemble learning (EL) model was selected as the superior model with the higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values than other classifier during the radiomics-only analysis, and the EL model with stacking technique showed the best performance, yielding AUC values of 0.93, 0.79, and 0.78 for the training, testing, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, the multi-omics analysis integrating radiomics and dosiomics improved the effectiveness of the EL model with AUC values of 0.98 and 0.88 for the training and testing cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, the C-index of the Cox proportional hazards models resulted in a 0.099 improvement in the testing cohort when employing the multi-omics signature versus the radiomics signature.
Conclusion
Regarding the patients with hypopharyngeal cancer receiving postoperative chemoradiotherapy, the multi-omics-based prognostic prediction could achieve a more robust predictive capability than the radiomics-only study. This approach warrants further validation through prospective studies.
Association between the Oxidative Balance Score and testosterone levels in males from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016
Authors: Lv Yinchun , Zhang Dongsheng , Li Siying , Nie Yutong , Li Xue , Huang Qiaorong , Lu Ran , Ye Junman , Meng Wentong , Chen Xiaolong , Mo Xianming 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Backgroud:
Limited research has explored the combined influence of dietary and lifestyle factors on testosterone levels. The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is a method used to evaluate the level of systemic oxidative stress. It indicates that higher scores are associated with greater exposure to antioxidants.This study aims to investigate the probable association between OBS and testosterone levels.
Methods
A total of 5168 male participants from the 2013 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this study. The OBS was computed using 20 dietary and lifestyle factors. There were three existence forms of testosterone, including total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), and bioavailable testosterone (BAT). The weighted multivariable linear regression, subgroup analyses and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to examine the relationship between OBS and testosterone levels. Additionally, mediation analyses were performed to investigate the potential involvement of oxidative stress inflammation and oxidative stress.
Results
After accounting for potential confounding factors, a significant positive correlation was observed between OBS and TT, FT, and BAT, and the beta estimates (95% CI) were 0.005 (0.002, 0.008), 0.004 (0.001, 0.007), and 0.005 (0.002, 0.008), respectively. No statistically significant interaction effects were detected in the subgroup analyses. RCS results suggested TT, FT and BAT exhibited a linear positive relationship with an increase in OBS (all p for nonlinear > 0.05). Moreover, WBC counts and albumin mediated the association between OBS and TT by 9.78%, and 10.79%, respectively in model 3.
Conclusion
There is a positive association between OBS and testosterone levels in males, and this relationship may be partially mediated by inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, dietary and lifestyle-related antioxidant therapy for males with low testosterone concentrations should receive attention.
Comparison between transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach and gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-subclavian approach: A comparative study
Authors: Zheng Haitao 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to compare the safety and surgical completeness of the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-subclavian approach (GETTSA) with the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing unilateral thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection.
Methods
Data of patients who underwent TOETVA from March 2019 to August 2023 and GETTSA from August 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to adjust for differences in baseline clinicopathological characteristics.
Results
After PSM, 400 patients (TOETVA: 200, GETTSA: 200) remained in the study population. The TOETVA group had longer operative time [TOETVA: 157.5 (140–180) vs. GETTSA: 109 (90–130) min, P < 0.001] and greater postoperative drainage volume [TOETVA: 80 (66.25–108.75) vs. GETTSA: 50 (40–55) mL, P < 0.001] than the GETTSA group. The groups showed no significant differences in the mean number of metastatic central lymph nodes [TOETVA: 0 (0–0) vs. GETTSA: 0 (0–1), P = 0.085] and rate of transient vocal cord palsy (TOETVA: 1.5% vs. GETTSA: 1.0%, P = 1.000). However, the mean number of retrieved central lymph nodes significantly differed between the groups [TOETVA: 6 (4–9) vs. GETTSA: 5 (3–8), P = 0.008].
Conclusion
TOETVA and GETTSA for well-selected patients are safe procedures with good cervical cosmetic outcomes. However, TOETVA has better cosmetic effects and allows for more thorough removal of lymph nodes in the central compartment. GETTSA offers advantages such as shorter operative time, lower hospitalization cost, faster postoperative recovery, and fewer postoperative swallowing disorders.
Investigated of Neural Mechanisms Involved in Choking During Soccer Players' Decision-making
Authors: Bohloul Akbar , Shahbazi Mehdi , Borujeni Shahzad Tahmasebi , Tabrizi Yousef Moghadas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose: Soccer players on the pitch have to make decisions under pressure, which can lead to wrong decisions and reduced performance. Few research has investigated the neural mechanisms underlying this reduced performance and choking. the aim of the study investigated of neural mechanisms involved in choking during soccer players’ decision-making.
Methods: Eighteen soccer players from Tehran Youth Premier League participated in this study. Decision-making task included images of 3 simulated soccer conditions on a monitor including neutral (no pressure), result pressure, and monitoring pressure. During all these stages, the alpha wave of the involved areas in decision-making (Fp1, Fp2, F3, F z, F4, C3, C z, C4) was evaluated by EEG.
Results: The results of repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant difference in Fp1, Fp2, Fp3, F z, C3, C z and C4 under all the three pressures. Subsequently, the Bonferroni post hoc test showed a significant decrease in alpha wave activity of all the above areas under the result and monitoring pressure conditions compared to neutral one (no pressure).
Conclusion: According to the neural evidence in the OFC, DLPFC, and ACC, under monitoring and outcome pressure conditions, the choking was respectively due to self-focus and over-arousal and thus caused dysfunction in the player’s decision-making. Therefore, soccer coaches are advised to ask players to practice and make the right decisions during training sessions by emphasizing concentration, attention, and control of arousal in under pressure conditions so that the experienced players of these training conditions can perform better in matches.
Simple rapid examination maneuver for lumbar spine disorders
Authors: Faraj Muneer K. , Ismail Mustafa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Timely and appropriate diagnosis of disorders in the lumbar spine in a general practice setting due to limited time and other resources is an issue at hand. This article presents a rapid examination maneuver that is fast, positive, and reliable for common disorders in the lumbar spine as an initial screening tool and may obviate the need for more advanced imaging at least in the shorter term.
Methods
A new examine and screen maneuver was developed and tested for its utility in the diagnosis of the pathology responsible for lumbar spine MSA. Maneuver steps included localization of pain, inquiry about radiating pain, forward flexion, rapid rise to standing, and trunk rotation. Diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity and specificity were determined relative to MRI studies affecting spinal stenosis, radiculopathy and instability.
Results
In the 509 participants, the rapid examination maneuver was useful for initial screening, with a balanced distribution of pain locations and almost half reporting radiating pain. Although statistical analyses failed to show significant associations between the pain characteristics and specific lumbar pathologies, it allowed for focused clinical attention and hence its potential value in the primary care setting.
Conclusion
Rapid physical examination is useful and time-effective in primary care, with a possible improvement in reduced dependency on urgent advanced imaging. This maneuver may be included to improve the management of the patient and efficiency in diagnosis.
Elevated Micro- and Nanoplastics Detected in Preterm Human Placentae
Authors: Jochum# Michael , Garcia# Marcus , Hammerquist Alexandra , Howell Jacquelyne , Stanford Myla , Liu Rui , Olewine Marian , Hayek Eliane El , Phan Emily , Showalter Lori , Shope Cynthia , Suter Melissa , Campen Matthew , Aagaard Kjersti , Barrozo Enrico 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Recent analytical advancements have uncovered increasing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in environmental, dietary, and biological domains, raising concerns about their health impacts. Preterm birth (PTB), a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, may be influenced by MNP exposure, yet this relationship remains unexplored. This study quantified 12 MNP polymers in placentae from term (n=87) and preterm (n=71) deliveries using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Cumulative MNP concentrations were 28% higher in PTB placentae (mean ±SD: 224.7 ± 180.7 µg/g vs. 175.5 ± 137.9 µg/g; p=0.038). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), and polycarbonate (PC) were significantly elevated in PTB, and PET, PU, and PC inversely correlated with gestational age and birth weight. Logistic regression identified PVC and PC as independent predictors of PTB. These findings suggest total and specific MNPs are associated with PTB, providing actionable insights and emphasizing the importance of minimizing exposure during pregnancy.
Assessment of Pollutant Emissions and Combustion Efficiency due to Inserting Aerodynamic Solid Body in High-Temperature Flame Regions
Authors: Ahmadkhah Anvar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This study evaluates a method of using a solid body with a special aerodynamic shape to redistribute the burner's peak temperature region in the flame. This method extends the low-temperature range and suppresses thermal nitric oxide formation by numerical simulation. The model used for this purpose is a 7-fin fan blade with a bluff body for generating the wake region downstream of the cylindrical combustion chamber. The results are validated using the static temperature reported in the published paper for the burner without inserting a solid body in the flame region. There was a good agreement between experimental data and those calculated by applying the model for industrial application. The results cover the fin blades’ axial distance and fins' axial length parameters in the wake region. Also, the right fins’ axial distance and axial length in the downstream combustion flow were calculated by extracting the maximum axial length of the wake region. The burner's efficiency improved by 2.5% when installing a solid body burner. Moreover, NOx emission was investigated for 130 cases of numerical models related to the fins' axial length and axial distance parameters. The results indicated a decrease of 33.6% in NOx parts per million value, which was calculated for the selected inserting solid body burner in the flame region.
Robust Beamforming Design for NOMA System Assisted by STAR-RIS
Authors: Li Kunyu , Zhang Guoping , Xu Hongbo , Huang Xingxing , Wang Ze , Yin Fanrui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

STAR-RIS represents an innovative technology that can simultaneously transmit and reflect signals, thereby extending the coverage from half space to full space. In practical situations, hardware failures at the base station's transmission and reception ends inevitably lead to distorted noise and performance degradation. To address this issue, this study proposes a revolutionary non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system aided by STAR-RIS and explores the robust beamforming design of communication systems in the context of transceiver hardware damage. This work focuses on the joint optimization of active beamforming, transmission and reflection beamforming, power allocation factors, and decoding order for the purpose of optimizing the achievable total rate. A location-based matching algorithm has been introduced to facilitate subchannel allocation, allowing reflection and transmission users to be grouped on designated subchannels while determining the decoding order through optimizing the total channel gain. Furthermore, active beamforming optimization is done using the successive convex approximation approach, while transmission and reflection beamforming are optimized using the convex upper bound approach. Finally, optimize the power distribution coefficients. Numerical simulations indicate that the STAR-RIS-NOMA system exhibits greater resilience to hardware failures compared to the traditional non-robust RIS-NOMA system, which neglects the impact of hardware damage.
Investigation of Meteorological Condition during the Air Dynasty Helicopter Crash in Nepal Using the WRF Model
Authors: Pudasainee Saroj , Acharya Ram Hari , Talchabhadel Rocky , Shrestha Dibas , Dawadi Binod 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Mountain flight in Nepal remains a considerable challenge because of the rugged terrain. Many accidents have been attributed to unfavorable weather conditions related to the region’s complex geography. However, detailed meteorological analyses of these accidents have often been lacking. This research aims to investigate the prevailing meteorological conditions and reliable forecasts that may have developed over the complex topography of the high-hills during the Airbus helicopter H15 (AS350B3e), 9N-AMI accident dated 27 February 2019 in Koshi Province, Nepal. The crash resulted in the deaths of all seven Nepalese, including the Captain and the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal (GoN), just minutes after takeoff from Pathivara, en-route to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. To explore the meteorological factors involved in this tragic incident, weather conditions at the time of crash were evaluated using surface and satellite observations, along with output from the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model. The prevailing weather conditions during the crash, including low ceiling with cloud base, light to moderate snowfall, poor visibility, below-freezing temperatures, and a high amount of water droplets, suggest possible icing on rotor which could be a major contributing factor to the fatal crash. These findings demonstrate that the WRF-ARW model can effectively simulate weather conditions and may be a valuable tool for improving aviation safety in such challenging environments.