bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OsSTS, a Novel Allele of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4 (OsMKK4), Controls Grain Size and Salt Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Shen Lan , Guo Longbiao , Zhang Guangheng , Gao Zhenyu , Zhu Li , Hu Jiang , Dong Guojun , Ren Deyong , Zhang Qiang , Li Qing , Zeng Dali , Yan Changjie , Qian Qian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSoil salinization is one of the most common abiotic stresses of rice, which seriously affects the normal growth of rice. Breeding salt-tolerant varieties have become one of the important ways to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development. However, the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance control still need to be clarified. In this study, we identified a mutant, termed salt-tolerant and small grains(sts), with salt tolerance and small grains. Gene cloning and physiological and biochemical experiments reveal that sts is a novel mutant allele of Mitogen-activated protein Kinase Kinase 4 (OsMKK4), which controls the grain size, and has recently been found to be related to salt tolerance in rice. Functional analysis showed that OsSTS is constitutively expressed throughout the tissue, and its proteins are localized to the nucleus, cell membrane, and cytoplasm. It was found that the loss of OsSTS function enhanced the salt tolerance of rice seedlings, and further studies showed that the loss of OsSTS function increased the ROS clearance rate of rice seedlings, independent of ionic toxicity. In order to explore the salt tolerance mechanism of sts, we found that the salt tolerance of sts is also regulated by ABA through high-throughput mRNA sequencing. Salt and ABA treatment showed that ABA might alleviate the inhibitory effect of salt stress on root length in sts. These results revealed new functions of grain size gene OsMKK4, expanded new research ideas related to salt tolerance mechanism and hormone regulation network, and provided a theoretical basis for salt-tolerant rice breeding.
Association between Yili goose sperm motility and expression profiles of mRNA and miRNA in testis
Authors: Wu Yingping , Zhang Lihua , Li Haiying , Zhao Xiaoyu , Ding Yawen , Yao Yingying , Wang Ling 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The study was conducted to find out the candidate microRNA (miRNA) and genes that associated with sperm motility of Yili goose through small RNA sequencing of testicular tissue of Yili goose, and provide a theoretical basis for the study of the regulation mechanism of sperm motility of Yili goose gander.

Results
In this study, five male geese with high sperm motility and five male geese with low sperm motility were slaughtered to obtain their testis tissues for small RNA sequencing, and biological information methods were used for data analysis. The results showed that a total of 1575 known miRNAs and 68 novel miRNAs were identified in the testis tissue of Yili goose, and 71 differentially expressed miRNAs and 660 differentially expressed genes were screened. GO functional analysis showed that miRNAs target genes were mainly involved in the binding, kinase activity, structural constituent of cytoskeleton and intermediate filament cytoskeleton. KEGG functional analysis showed that miRNAs target genes were significantly enriched in arginine and proline metabolism, glycolysis / gluconeogenesis, fructose and mannose metabolism and beta-Alanine metabolism and other pathways. miRNAs-mRNAs interaction network suggests miR-140/miR-140-3p/miR-140-3p-NKAIN3, let-7d-BTG1 and miR-145-5p/miR -145a-5p-CLEC2E may play an important role in testis development and spermatogenesis.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that the sperm motility of Yili goose may be regulated by different miRNAs, and the target genes are significantly enriched in pathways related to sperm metabolism, indicating that miRNAs affect the sperm motility of Yili goose by regulating the metabolic process of sperm and the expression of related genes. This study can provide a reference for revealing the regulation mechanism of Yili goose sperm motility at the molecular level.
Association between oral microbial dysbiosis and poor functional outcomes in stroke-associated pneumonia patients
Authors: Ren Yueran , Liang Jingru , Li Xiao , Deng Yiting , Cheng Sanping , Wu Qiheng , Song Wei , He Yan , Zhu Jiajia , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhou Hongwei , Yin Jia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundDespite advances in our understanding of the critical role of the microbiota in stroke patients, the oral microbiome has rarely been reported to be associated with stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). We sought to profile the oral microbial composition of SAP patients and to determine whether microbiome temporal instability and special taxa are associated with pneumonia progression and functional outcomes.MethodsThis is a prospective, observational, single-center cohort study that examined patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who were admitted within 24 h of experiencing a stroke event. The patients were divided into three groups based on the occurrence of pneumonia and the use of mechanical ventilation: nonpneumonia group, SAP group, and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) group. We collected oral swabs at different time points post-admission and analyzed the microbiota using 16 S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The microbiota was then compared among the three groups.ResultsIn total, 104 nonpneumonia, 50 SAP and 10 VAP patients were included in the analysis. We found that SAP and VAP patients exhibited significant dynamic differences in the diversity and composition of the oral microbiota and that the magnitude of this dysbiosis and instability increased during hospitalization. Then, by controlling the potential effect of all latent confounding variables, we assessed the changes associated with pneumonia after stroke and explored patients with a lower abundance ofStreptococcuswere more likely to suffer from SAP. The logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in specific taxa in the phylumActinobacteriotawas linked to a higher risk of poor outcomes. A model for SAP patients based on oral microbiota could accurately predict 30-day clinical outcomes after stroke onset.ConclusionsWe concluded that specific oral microbiota signatures could be used to predict illness development and clinical outcomes in SAP patients. We proposed the potential of the oral microbiota as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker in the clinical management of SAP patients.Clinical Trial registrationNCT04688138. Registered 29/12/2020,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04688138.
The miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks of the response to NaHCO3 stress in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Cao Kun , Sun Yufeng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhao Yue , Bian Jing , Zhu Hao , Wang Pan , Gao Baochang , Sun Xiaoli , Hu Ming , Guo Yongxia , Wang Xiaonan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Industrial hemp is an important industrial crop and has strong resistance to saline-alkaline stress. However, research on the industrial hemp response to NaHCO3 stress is limited. Therefore, the response mechanisms of industrial hemp under NaHCO3 stress were analysed through miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks.

Results
Seedlings of two salt–alkali tolerant and sensitive varieties were cultured in a solution containing 100 mM NaHCO3 and randomly sampled at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h. With prolonged NaHCO3 stress, the seedlings gradually withered, and the contents of jasmonic acid, lignin, trehalose, soluble protein, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the roots increased significantly. The abscisic acid content decreased and then gradually increased. Overall, 18,215 mRNAs and 74 miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed under NaHCO3 stress. The network showed that 230 miRNA–mRNA interactions involved 16 miRNAs and 179 mRNAs, including some key hub novel mRNAs of these crucial pathways. Carbon metabolism, starch, sucrose metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and the spliceosome (SPL) were crucial pathways in industrial hemp's response to NaHCO3 stress.

Conclusions
It is speculated that industrial hemp can regulate SPL pathway by upregulating miRNAs such as novel_miR_179 and novel_miR_75, thus affecting starch and sucrose metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction and carbon metabolism and improving key physiological indices such as jasmonic acid content, trehalose content, and peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities under NaHCO3 stress.
Tango-therapy vs physical exercise in older people with dementia; a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bracco Lucía , Pinto-Carral Arrate , Hillaert Linda , Mourey France 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Dementia is a growing health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. Gait and mobility disorders are often present and represent a major risk factor for falls. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of tango-therapy in gait speed, functional mobility, balance, falls, ability to perform activities of daily living and quality of life.

Methods
A randomised controlled trial with 31 participants living in a specialised dementia unit, aged 65 to 93 years old, who were randomly assigned to tango group (IG) or physical exercise group (CG). The primary outcome was gait speed and Timed Up and Go test. The secondary outcomes include the Short Physical Performance Battery, the ability to perform activities of daily living (Katz Index) and quality of life (Quality of life in Alzheimer Disease). Measurements were performed at baseline, and after one and three months of training.

Results
After 3 months, IG improved gait speed (p = 0.016), implying a statistically significant difference between groups in favour of IG (p = 0.003). CG significantly worsened the time to complete the TUG (p = 0.039). Both groups declined in their ability to perform activities of daily living, being statistically significant only in the CG (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Tango interventions showed efficacy in improving gait speed and in mitigating the decline in functional mobility and ADL skill capacities. Allowing older people with dementia access to non-pharmacological interventions may be a successful strategy to prevent functional decline.

Trial registration
Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05744011).
Prevalence, associated factors and clinical implications of medication literacy linked to frailty in hemodialysis patients in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhu Linfang , Liu Yang , Yang Fengxue , Yu Shaobin , Fu Ping , Yuan Huaihong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients have complex medication regimens that require a high level of skill to interpret medication information. However, there is currently a lack of research evaluating the ability to read and understand medication labels in Chinese MHD patients. In addition, the relationship between frailty and medication literacy among MHD patients remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to assess the potential factors affecting medication literacy in MHD patients and to explore the relationship between frailty and medication literacy.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling in West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China. Using a general questionnaire, we collected demographic, clinical and laboratory data. Medication literacy was assessed by the Chinese Medication Literacy Scale, and frailty was assessed by the FRAIL Scale. Univariate analyses examined potential factors associated with medication literacy. An ordered logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships between medication literacy and these factors. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the association between medication literacy and frailty.

Results
A total of 290 MHD patients were included in the analysis. Inadequate, marginal, and adequate medication literacy was found in 56 (19.3%), 153 (52.8%), and 81 (27.9%) patients, respectively. Ordered logistic regression revealed factors associated with inadequate medication literacy: age (OR = 0.281, 95% CI = 0.139–0.565, p < 0.001 for < 65 years); education (OR = 8.612, 95% CI = 3.524–21.046, p < 0.001 for ≤ primary school education; OR = 3.405, 95% CI = 1.683–6.887, p = 0.001 for junior high school education); presence of caregiver medication assistance (OR = 2.302, 95% CI = 1.173–4.516, p = 0.015); frailty (OR = 0.440, 95% CI = 0.216–0.893, p = 0.023 for frail patients); and high β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) (OR = 1.010, 95% CI = 1.002–1.019, p = 0.012). Spearman’s analysis showed that medication literacy was negatively correlated with frailty in MHD patients (R=-0.189, p = 0.001).

Conclusions
Medication literacy levels in MHD patients needed improvement and were associated with certain patient characteristics, including age, education level, presence of caregiver support, β2-microglobulin levels, and risk of frailty. This study identified subgroups of MHD patients, such as those who were older, had lower education, had caregiver assistance, had high β2-microglobulin levels, or were frail, to have inadequate medication literacy. These findings underscore the need for routine screening and targeted interventions to improve medication literacy in this population.
Changes in cervical elastography, cervical length and endocervical canal width after cerclage for cervical insufficiency: an observational ultrasound study
Authors: Hsieh Meng-Hsuen , Chen Chie-Pein , Sun Fang-Ju , Chen Yi-Yung , Wang Liang-Kai , Chen Chen-Yu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
We previously demonstrated that pregnant women with a history of cervical insufficiency had a softer anterior cervical lip, shorter cervical length and wider endocervical canal in the first trimester. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in cervical elastography, cervical length, and endocervical canal width in the second trimester after cerclage, and further discuss whether these ultrasound parameters are predictive of preterm delivery.

Methods
This was a secondary analysis of cervical changes in singleton pregnancies after cerclage from January 2016 to June 2018. Cervical elastography, cervical length, and endocervical canal width were measured during the second trimester in the cervical insufficiency group and control group without cervical insufficiency. Strain elastography under transvaginal ultrasound was used to assess cervical stiffness and presented as percentage (strain rate).

Results
Among the 339 pregnant women enrolled, 24 had a history of cervical insufficiency and underwent cerclage. Both anterior and posterior cervical lips were significantly softer in the cervical insufficiency group even though they received cerclage (anterior strain rate: 0.18 ± 0.06% vs. 0.13 ± 0.04%; P = 0.001; posterior strain rate: 0.11 ± 0.03% vs. 0.09 ± 0.04%; P = 0.017). Cervical length was also shorter in the cervical insufficiency group (36.3 ± 3.6 mm vs. 38.3 ± 4.6 mm; P = 0.047). However, there was no significant difference in endocervical canal width between the two groups (5.4 ± 0.7 mm vs. 5.6 ± 0.7 mm; P = 0.159). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also revealed significant differences in anterior cervical lip strain rate (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.32, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70-31.41; P = 0.007), posterior cervical lip strain rate (adjusted OR, 5.22, 95% CI, 1.42–19.18; P = 0.013), and cervical length (adjusted OR, 3.17, 95% CI,1.08–9.29; P = 0.035). Among the four ultrasound parameters, softer anterior cervical lip (P = 0.024) and shorter cervical length (P < 0.001) were significantly related to preterm delivery.

Conclusions
Cervical cerclage can prevent widening of the endocervical canal, but not improve cervical elasticity or cervical length. Measuring anterior cervical elastography and cervical length may be valuable to predict preterm delivery.
Construction of a comprehensive predictive model for axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Yan , Han Dong , Shen Cong , Duan Xiaoyi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The accurate assessment of axillary lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early-stage breast cancer (BC) is of great importance. This study aimed to construct an integrated model based on clinicopathology, ultrasound, PET/CT, and PET radiomics for predicting axillary LNM in early stage of BC.

Materials and methods
124 BC patients who underwent 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) PET/CT and whose diagnosis were confirmed by surgical pathology were retrospectively analyzed and included in this study. Ultrasound, PET and clinicopathological features of all patients were analyzed, and PET radiomics features were extracted to establish an ultrasound model (clinicopathology and ultrasound; model 1), a PET model (clinicopathology, ultrasound, and PET; model 2), and a comprehensive model (clinicopathology, ultrasound, PET, and radiomics; model 3), and the diagnostic efficacy of each model was evaluated and compared.

Results
The T stage, US_BIRADS, US_LNM, and PET_LNM in the positive axillary LNM group was significantly higher than that of in the negative LNM group (P = 0.013, P = 0.049, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Radiomics score for predicting LNM (RS_LNM) for the negative LNM and positive LNM were statistically significant difference (-1.090 ± 0.448 vs. -0.693 ± 0.344, t = -4.720, P < 0.001), and the AUC was 0.767 (95% CI: 0.674–0.861). The ROC curves showed that model 3 outperformed model 1 for the sensitivity (model 3 vs. model 1, 82.86% vs. 48.57%), and outperformed model 2 for the specificity (model 3 vs. model 2, 82.02% vs. 68.54%) in the prediction of LNM. The AUC of mode 1, model 2 and model 3 was 0.687, 0.826 and 0.874, and the Delong test showed the AUC of model 3 was significantly higher than that of model 1 and model 2 (P < 0.05). Decision curve analysis showed that model 3 resulted in a higher degree of net benefit for all the patients than model 1 and model 2.

Conclusion
The use of a comprehensive model based on clinicopathology, ultrasound, PET/CT, and PET radiomics can effectively improve the diagnostic efficacy of axillary LNM in BC. Trial registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials Gov (number NCT05826197) on 7th, May 2023.
Impact of the OncotypeDX score and HER2 RNA PCR levels on HER2-low IHC levels in primary and metastasized tumors
Authors: Feldman Didi , Sinberger Liat Anabel , Salmon-Divon Mali , Ben-Dror Judith , Shachar Shlomit Strulov , Sonnenblick Amir 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
One-half of hormone receptor-positive (HR +) breast cancer (BC) patients have low expression of HER2 (HER2-low) and may benefit from trastuzumab deruxtecan (TDXd). This study aimed to identify parameters associated with HER2-low levels in primary and metastatic tumors. We specifically sought to determine whether OncotypeDX and HER2 mRNA levels could identify patients who would otherwise be considered HER2-negative by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Methods
This retrospective analysis of all consecutive HR + patients who underwent OncotypeDX from January 2004 to December 2020 was conducted in a single medical center (n = 1429). We divided HER2-negative cases into HER2-low (IHC = 1 + or 2 + and non-amplified fluorescent situ hybridization) and HER2-0 (IHC = 0). HER2 RT-PCR was evaluated from the OncotypeDX results.

Results
HER2-low cases exhibited significantly higher HER2 RT-PCR scores (p = 2.1e-9), elevated estrogen receptor (ER) levels (p = 0.0114), and larger tumor sizes compared to HER2-0 cases (> 2 cm; 36.6% vs. 22.1%, respectively, p < 0.00001). Primary tumors > 2 cm were more likely to be HER2-low (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.6317 to 2.6475, p < 0.0001). Metastatic BCs expressed higher HER2 IHC scores compared with primary BCs (Wilcoxon signed-rank, p = 0.046). HER2 IHC scores were higher for low-risk vs. medium-risk OncotypeDX (p = 0.0067). No other clinical or pathological parameters were associated with the increase in HER2 levels in the metastatic samples.

Conclusion
It might be beneficial to use clinical data from the primary tumor, including the HER2 RT-PCR score, to determine a HER2-low status.
Relationship between serum vitamin D and thyroid hormone profiles in male patients with alcohol dependence
Authors: Liu Yu , Xu Yayun , Wang Yongmei , Pang Liangjun , Zhang Xulai 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Alcohol dependence (AD) results in several medical problems including vitamin D deficiency and thyroid dysfunction. However, the relationship between these two complications remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between serum vitamin D and thyroid hormone profiles in male patients with AD.

Methods
A total of 117 male patients with AD were enrolled. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum concentrations of the main circulating vitamin D, 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], below 50 nmol/L. The AD patients were divided into two groups accordingly: 46 patients with normal vitamin D levels (normal group) and 71 patients with vitamin D deficiency (deficiency group). The levels of thyroid hormone profiles including total triiodothyronine 3 (TT3), total thyroxine 4 (TT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4) between the two groups were compared. Correlation between the serum levels of 25(OH)D and thyroid hormone profiles was evaluated using simple correlation (Pearson’s correlation) and multivariable analysis using linear regression models.

Results
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in male patients with AD is 60.7% (71/117; 95% confidence interval: 51.6–69.1%). Moreover, the serum levels of TT3 (t = -2.682, p = 0.009), TT4 (t = -2.033, p = 0.044), fT3 (t = -2.986, p = 0.003), and fT4 (t = -2.558, p = 0.012) in deficiency group were significantly higher than those in normal group. Post hoc power analyses showed that the power for fT3 was sufficient (power > 0.80). Furthermore, univariate analysis showed that the serum vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with the TT3 (r = -0.189, p = 0.044), fT3 (r = -0.350, p < 0.001), and fT4 (r = -0.198, p = 0.033) levels, while multivariate analysis indicated that only fT3 was independently related to the serum levels of vitamin D in male patients with AD.

Conclusions
These results suggested that the serum vitamin D levels may be associated with fT3 in male patients with AD.
Association between magnesium, copper, and potassium intakes with risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Fang Jianguo , Cao Tingwei , Liu Cai , Wang Duojun , Zhang Hui , Tong Jinyu , Lin Zaijun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The relationship between Mg (magnesium), Cu (copper), and K (potassium) intakes and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains limited. The aim of present study was to examine the associations between Mg, Cu and K intakes with RA.

Methods
Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2018, we examined the association between Mg, Cu and K intakes and the risk of RA among US adults. After adjustment for age, sex, race, BMI, educational level, smoking history, alcohol consumption, family Poverty Income Ratio (PIR), diabetes and total daily energy intake, logistic regression models and smooth curve fitting were applied to examine the associations of Mg, Cu and K intakes with RA.

Results
A total of 18,338 participants were included (1,008 participants with RA). The multivariate adjusted ORs (95% CI) of RA were [0.66 (0.51, 0.84)], [0.76 (0.60, 0.97)], and [0.75 (0.58, 0.97)] in the highest versus lowest quartile of magnesium intakes, respectively. A nonlinear association between Cu intakes and RA was found. When Cu intake (ln) was between 0.6–2.2 mg, the risk of RA reduced by 26% for every 1 mg increase of intake in Cu [0.74 (0.58, 0.96)].

Conclusions
Higher Mg, Cu and K intakes may be inversely associated with the risk of RA among US adults, and an inverse L-shaped association between dietary Cu and RA was found.