bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between sleep duration and depression in menopausal women: a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Feng , Cheng Long 
Published: February 2024

AimsThis research investigated menopausal women older than 50 years to find whether there were any independent relationships between the duration of sleep they got and their prevalence of depression.MethodsNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets from 2011-2020 were utilized in a cross-sectional study. Using multivariate linear regression models, the linear relationship between sleep duration and depression in menopausal women was investigated. Fitted smoothing curves and thresholds impact evaluation were used to investigate the nonlinear relationship. Then, subgroup analyses were performed according to smoking, drinking alcohol, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and moderate activities.ResultsThis population-based study included a total of 3,897 menopausal women (mean age 65.47 ± 9.06 years) aged≥50 years; 3,159 had a depression score &lt;10, and 738 had a depression score≥10. After controlling for all covariates, the prevalence of depression was 17% higher among participants with short sleep duration [OR=1.17, 95%CI=(0.65, 1.70), P&lt;0.0001] and 86% [OR=1.86, 95%CI=(1.05, 2.66), P&lt;0.0001] compared to participants with normal sleep duration. In subgroup analyses stratified by smoking and diabetes, the sleep duration and depression scores of non-smokers [β=-0.18, 95%CI= (-0.33, -0.02), P=0.0241] and diabetics were independently negatively correlated [β=-0.32, 95%CI= (-0.63, -0.01), P=0.0416]. Using a two-segment linear regression model, we discovered a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and depression scores with an inflection point of 7.5 hours. Less than 7.5 hours of sleep was associated with an increased risk of developing depression [β=-0.81, 95%CI= (-1.05, -0.57), P&lt;0.001]. However, sleeping more than 7.5 hours per night increased the risk of depression considerably [β=0.80, 95%CI= (0.51, 1.08), P&lt;0.001].ConclusionsDepression is associated with sleep duration in menopausal women. Insufficient or excessive sleep may increase the risk of depression in menopausal women.
The role of microRNAs in defining LSECs cellular identity and in regulating F8 gene expression
Authors: Jamil Muhammad Ahmer , Al-Rifai Rawya , Nuesgen Nicole , Altmüller Janine , Oldenburg Johannes , El-Maarri Osman 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Coagulation Factor VIII (FVIII) plays a pivotal role in the coagulation cascade, and deficiencies in its levels, as seen in Hemophilia A, can lead to significant health implications. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are the main producers and contributors of FVIII in blood, a fact we have previously elucidated through mRNA expression profiling when comparing these cells to other endothelial cell types.Methods: Our current investigation focuses on small microRNAs, analyzing their distinct expression patterns across various endothelial cells and hepatocytes.Results: The outcome of this exploration underscores the discernible microRNAs expression differences that set LSECs apart from both hepatocytes (193 microRNAs at p &lt; 0.05) and other endothelial cells (72 microRNAs at p &lt; 0.05). Notably, the 134 and 35 overexpressed microRNAs in LSECs compared to hepatocytes and other endothelial cells, respectively, shed light on the unique functions of LSECs in the liver.Discussion: Our investigation identified a panel of 10 microRNAs (miR-429, miR-200b-3p, miR-200a-3p, miR-216b-5p, miR-1185-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-192-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-30c-2-3p, and miR-30a-5p) that distinctly define LSEC identity. Furthermore, our scrutiny extended to microRNAs implicated in F8 regulation, revealing a subset (miR-122-5p, miR-214-3p, miR-204-3p, and miR-2682-5p) whose expression intricately correlates with F8 expression within LSECs. This microRNA cohort emerges as a crucial modulator of F8, both directly through suppression and indirect effects on established F8-related transcription factors. The above microRNAs emerged as potential targets for innovative therapies in Hemophilia A patients.
The social-ecological landscape of herding on the high mountain commons of Larrau in the western Pyrenees (France)
Authors: Gragson Ted L , Coughlan Michael R. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionMuch has been written about herding, pastoralism and the ethos of the commons that persists in Soule and the valley republics of the western Pyrenees. However, more has been written about the idealized norms of the practice than the social dynamics of alliance formation on which cooperation in herding on the high mountain commons in Soule has depended for centuries. We use empirical evidence from the parish-commune of Larrau to analyze the emergence, social alliance, and landscape placement of Cayolar, a syndicate of herders associated with a named inholding within the high mountain commons, to inform our understanding of the process of settling down in the western Pyrenees.MethodsWe abstract the institutional features of herding in the Soule Valley then proceed with a (1) Bayesian analysis of calibrated radiocarbon dates from herding sites across the commons, (2) a Bayesian social network analysis of herders and other alliance-relevant information, and (3) a landscape analysis of the placement of Cayolar inholdings.ResultsA syndicate of herders organized as a Cayolar succeed by following mutually agreed upon rules, making credible commitments to each other, and monitoring members' conformance to the rules. The organizational performance of a Cayolar depends on the articulation of herders to the members of the Soule community of interest through nested levels of institutional decision-making. Archaeological, historical and ethnographic results provide direct evidence for use of Cayolar structures and inholdings by c. 1000 CE and the institutional and organizational aspects of decision-making by c. 1100 CE.DiscussionThe Cayolar is an enduring place-based organization with an average use-span of c. 850 years. Members have a regulatory interest in enforcing the collaboration of others in collective herding and little incentive to defect since unlike Hardin's herders, Cayolar members share a past and expect to share a future as members of the Soule community of interest. Íñigo Arista established the Basque kingdom of Navarra in 824 CE, and his donations contributed to the founding of the Benedictine monastery of Leyre that established a pastoral enterprise at Betzula within the Soule Valley. Other monastic orders soon turned their attention to the western Pyrenees responding to attempts by the Catholic Church to counter civil unrest in southern France. The real turning point for collective herding on the high mountain commons was the introduction of primordial fueros on the Iberian side of the Pyrenees. These direct royal agreements with freemen encouraged resettlement and repopulation of the western Pyrenees and provided the means for local communities of interest to coalesce and develop institutions to organize the collective effort of individuals for the benefit of a group.
Whole blood RNA signatures in tuberculosis patients receiving H56:IC31 vaccine as adjunctive therapy
Authors: Alonso-Rodríguez Noelia , Vianello Eleonora , van Veen Suzanne , Jenum Synne , Tonby Kristian , van Riessen Rosalie , Lai Xiaoran , Mortensen Rasmus , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Dyrhol-Riise Anne Ma 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionTherapeutic vaccination in tuberculosis (TB) represents a Host Directed Therapy strategy which enhances immune responses in order to improve clinical outcomes and shorten TB treatment. Previously, we have shown that the subunit H56:IC31 vaccine induced both humoral and cellular immune responses when administered to TB patients adjunctive to standard TB treatment (TBCOX2 study, NCT02503839). Here we present the longitudinal whole blood gene expression patterns in H56:IC31 vaccinated TB patients compared to controls receiving standard TB treatment only.MethodsThe H56:IC31 group (N=11) and Control group (N=7) underwent first-line TB treatment for 182 days. The H56:IC31 group received 5 micrograms of the H56:IC31 vaccine (Statens Serum Institut; SSI, Valneva Austria GmbH) intramuscularly at day 84 and day 140. Total RNA was extracted from whole blood samples collected in PAXgene tubes on days 0, 84, 98, 140, 154, 182 and 238. The expression level of 183 immune-related genes was measured by high-throughput microfluidic qPCR (Biomark HD system, Standard BioTools).ResultsThe targeted gene expression profiling unveiled the upregulation of modules such as interferon (IFN) signalling genes, pattern recognition receptors and small nucleotide guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-ases in the vaccinated group compared to controls two weeks after administration of the first H56:IC31 vaccine. Additionally, the longitudinal analysis of the Adolescent Cohort Study-Correlation of Risk (ACS-COR) signature showed a progressive downregulation in both study arms towards the end of TB treatment, in congruence with reported treatment responses and clinical improvements. Still, two months after the end of TB treatment, vaccinated patients, and especially those developing both cellular and humoral vaccine responses, showed a lower expression of the ACS-COR genes compared to controls.DiscussionOur data report gene expression patterns following H56:IC31 vaccination which might be interpreted as a lower risk of relapse in therapeutically vaccinated patients. Further studies are needed to conclude if these gene expression patterns could be used as prognostic biosignatures for therapeutic TB vaccine responses.
Four clinical and biological phenotypes in antiphospholipid syndrome: a cluster analysis of 174 patients with antinuclear antibody tests
Authors: Ottavi Marie , Toulon Pierre , Casolla Barbara , Martis Nihal 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombotic disease with various systemic presentations. This study aimed to identify homogeneous groups of patients based on a non-supervised hierarchical cluster analysis and assess the rate of relapse associated with antinuclear antibodies (ANA).MethodsThis retrospective observational study enrolled patients, over a 90-month period, who had APS as defined by the 2006 Sydney classification criteria, and for whom ANA workup was performed. Agglomerative unsupervised hierarchical clustering was conducted to classify patients into subgroups using 24 variables reflecting a range of clinical and biological baseline features associated with APS.ResultsHundred and seventy-four patients were included and were categorized into four phenotypes. Cluster 1 (n=73) associated mostly middle-aged men with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Obstetrical APS with low-risk thrombosis made up cluster 2 (n=25). Patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), microvascular findings and double/triple positive APL antibodies (50%) were represented in cluster 3 (n=33). Whereas cluster 4 (n=43) characterized a predominantly female subpopulation with positive ANA and systemic lupus (n=23) that exhibited a high thrombotic risk and more frequent relapses (n=38) (p&lt;0.001).ConclusionsThis study identified four homogenous groups of patients with APS listed as: i) cardiovascular and arterial risk, ii) obstetrical, iii) VTE and microvascular, and iv) ANA-positive APS. We found that ANA-positivity was associated with higher rates of relapse. Applying ANA status to classification criteria could constitute a novel approach to tailoring management for APS, based on phenotypic patterns and risk assessment.
Role of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 in severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Otsuka Yasuo , Minaga Kosuke , Kudo Masatoshi , Watanabe Tomohiro 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionIntrapancreatic activation of trypsinogen caused by alcohol or high-fat intake and the subsequent autodigestion of the pancreas tissues by trypsin are indispensable events in the development of acute pancreatitis. In addition to this trypsin-centered paradigm, recent studies provide evidence that innate immune responses triggered by translocation of intestinal bacteria to the pancreas due to intestinal barrier dysfunction underlie the immunopathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. Although severe acute pancreatitis is often associated with pancreatic colonization by fungi, the molecular mechanisms linking fungus-induced immune responses to the development of severe acute pancreatitis are poorly understood. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a multifunctional protein that mediates innate immune responses to fungi and bacteria. Mutations in Lrrk2 is a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease and Crohn’s disease, both of which are driven by innate immune responses to gut organisms.DiscussionIn this Minireview article, we discuss how activation of LRRK2 by the recognition of fungi induces severe acute pancreatitis.
Acupuncture for insomnia symptoms in hypertensive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jieying , Zhou Xuancheng , Jiang Hailun , Zhu Weiming , Chi Hao , Jiang Lai , Zhang Shengke , Yang Jinyan , Deng Shizhe , Li Boxuan , Zhuo Bifang , Zhang Menglong , Cao Beidi , Meng Zhihong 
Published: February 2024

PurposeIn the realm of pain management, traditional Chinese medicine, specifically acupuncture, has garnered increasing attention. This meta-analysis pioneers the evaluation of acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating insomnia among hypertensive patients.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search across several databases—PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WANFANG, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Sinomed, and the Chinese Journal of Science and Technology (VIP). Additionally, forward and backward articles of studies published from the inception of these databases until 10 September 2023, were reviewed. This systematic review and meta-analysis included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on acupuncture for insomnia in hypertensive patients, without imposing language or date restrictions. We rigorously assessed all outcome measures reported in these trials. The evidence was synthesized by calculating the difference between mean differences (MD) in symptom change. The quality of the evidence was determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. This study is registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42023461760.ResultsOur analysis included 16 RCTs, comprising 1,309 patients. The findings revealed that acupuncture was significantly more effective than the control group in reducing insomnia symptoms, as indicated by a greater decrease in the PSQI score (MD = −3.1, 95% CI [−3.77 to −2.62], p &lt; 0.00001). Additionally, improvements in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were more pronounced in the acupuncture group compared to the control group (SBP: MD = −10.31, 95% CI [−16.98 to −3.64], p = 0.002; DBP: MD = −5.71, 95% CI [−8.19 to −3.23], p &lt; 0.00001). These results suggest that acupuncture not only improves sleep quality but also lowers blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension and insomnia. Further research is warranted to elucidate optimal acupuncture points and the duration of treatment for maximized therapeutic effect.Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, CRD42023461760.
Motor imagery therapy improved upper limb motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia by increasing functional connectivity of sensorimotor and cognitive networks
Authors: Liu Wan , Cheng Xinxin , Rao Jiang , Yu Jiawen , Lin Zhiqiang , Wang Yao , Wang Lulu , Li Danhui , Liu Li , Gao Run 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundMotor imagery therapy (MIT) showed positive effects on upper limbs motor function. However, the mechanism by which MIT improves upper limb motor function is not fully understood. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the changes in functional connectivity (FC) within and outside the sensorimotor network (SMN) induced by MIT associated with improvement in upper limb motor function in stroke patients.MethodsA total of 26 hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into MIT (n = 13) and control (n = 13) groups. Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UL), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) were evaluated in the two groups before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. The efficacy of MIT on motor function improvement in stroke patients with hemiplegia was evaluated by comparing the FMA-UL and MBI scores before and after treatment in the two groups. Furthermore, the FC within the SMN and between the SMN and the whole brain was measured and compared before and after different treatment methods in stroke patients. The correlation analysis between the improvement of upper limbs motor function and changes in FC within the SMN and between the SMN and the whole brain was examined.ResultsThe FCs between ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1.I) and contralateral supplementary motor area (SMA.C), M1.I and ipsilesional SMA (SMA.I), and SMA.C and contralateral dorsolateral premotor cortex (DLPM.C) significantly increased in the control group but decreased in the MIT group; while the FC between SMA.C and contralateral primary somatosensory cortex (S1.C) significantly increased in the control group but showed no significant difference in the MIT group. The FCs between M1.I and the ipsilesional hippocampal gyrus and ipsilesional middle frontal gyrus significantly decreased in the control group but increased in the MIT group; while the FC in the contralateral anterior cingulate cortex significantly increased in the MIT group but there was no significant difference in the control group. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the differences in abnormal intra-FCs within the SMN negatively correlated with the differences in FMA and MBI, and the difference in abnormal inter-FCs of the SMN positively correlated with the differences in FMA and MBI.ConclusionsMIT can improve upper limb motor function and daily activities of stroke patients, and the improvement effect of conventional rehabilitation therapy (CRT) combined with MIT is significantly higher than that of CRT alone. CRT may improve the upper limb motor function of stroke patients with hemiplegia mainly through the functional reorganization between SMN, while MIT may mainly increase the interaction between SMN and other brain networks.
The tumor burden score may be a discriminator in microwave ablation versus liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria: a propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting study
Authors: Wei Zeyuan , Xie Kailing , Xu Feng , Dai Chaoliu 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study aims to compare the prognostic outcome of resection (RES) and microwave ablation (MWA) in different tumor burden score (TBS) cohorts.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 479 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent RES (n = 329) or MWA (n = 150) with curative intent at our institution. We assessed their overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using the Kaplan–Meier curve. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to minimize selection and confounding biases. Multivariate Cox regression was used to define the association between surgical modalities and outcomes.ResultsFollowing PSM, in the TBS ≤3 cohort, the cumulative 1-, 3-, 5- year OS in the RES and MWA groups were 92.5% vs. 98.8%, 82.7% vs. 90.0%, and 82.7% vs. 83.2% (P = 0.366), respectively. The corresponding PFS rates in the RES and MWA groups were 82.7% vs. 88.0%, 63.6% vs. 68.3% and 55.2% vs. 56.3, respectively (P = 0.218). In the TBS &gt;3 cohort, the cumulative 1-, 3-, 5- year OS between the RES and MWA groups were 92.5% vs. 95.0%, 82.8% vs. 73.2% and 76.3% vs. 55.1%, (P = 0.034), respectively. The corresponding PFS rates in the RES and MWA groups were 78.0% vs. 67.5%, 63.6% vs. 37.5% and 55.2% vs. 37.1%, respectively (P = 0.044). The IPTW analysis showed similar results as shown in PSM analysis. The multivariate Cox regression indicated that the type of surgical modality was not associated with a poorer prognostic outcome in the TBS ≤3 cohort, unlike in the TBS &gt;3 cohort.ConclusionTBS, as a discriminator, might help guide treatment decision-making for HCC within the Milan criteria.
Efficacy of pembrolizumab in advanced cancer of the vulva: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis
Authors: Schwab Roxana , Schiestl Lina Judit , Cascant Ortolano Lorena , Klecker Philip Herbert , Schmidt Mona Wanda , Almstedt Katrin , Heimes Anne-Sophie , Brenner Walburgis , Stewen Kathrin , Schmidt Marcus , Hasenburg Annette 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionVulvar cancer carries a favourable prognosis in early stages. However, therapeutic options for advanced or recurrent cases are limited despite a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as extensive surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The most important emerging treatment modalities are immune checkpoint inhibitors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, in women with advanced vulvar cancer.Materials and methodsFollowing a comprehensive search, review, and appraisal, two relevant single-arm studies were included. Meta-analysis was conducted using R4.3.0 software and RStudio 2023.03.0, presenting the overall effect size with a 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and the Cochrane Q χ2 statistics.ResultsOut of 154 studies screened for eligibility, two single-arm studies involving 119 patients receiving pembrolizumab for advanced vulvar cancer were included. The pooled objective response rate (ORR) was overall 10% (95% CI: 0.00-0.84) and 9% (95% CI: 0.00-0.89) in the PD-L1 positive subgroup. In the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, 31% (95% CI: 0.04-0.85) exhibited any clinical benefit (complete response, partial response, or stable disease). In the ITT population at six months, progression-free survival (PFS) was 19% (95% CI: 0.01-0.82), and overall survival (OS) was 48% (95% CI: 0.08-0.90). At 12 months, PFS decreased to 9% (95% CI: 0.00-0.85), and OS was 33% (95% CI: 0.04-0.85). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed in PFS and OS analyses.Discussion and conclusionThis study suggests that one-third of women with advanced or recurrent vulvar cancer may, without the influence of PD-L1 status, benefit from pembrolizumab treatment despite a decline in both PFS and OS at 12 months. These findings provide support for considering pembrolizumab in the treatment paradigm for this specific subset of cancer patients.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023391888