bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid markers and body composition predict LDL-cholesterol change in lean healthy women on a ketogenic diet: experimental support for the lipid energy model
Authors: Cooper Isabella D. , Sanchez-Pizarro Claudio , Norwitz Nicholas G. , Feldman David , Kyriakidou Yvoni , Edwards Kurtis , Petagine Lucy , Elliot Bradley T. , Soto-Mota Adrian 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThere is a large heterogeneity in LDL-cholesterol change among individuals adopting ketogenic diets. Interestingly, lean metabolically healthy individuals seem to be particularly susceptible, with an inverse association between body mass index and LDL-cholesterol change. The lipid energy model proposes that, in lean healthy individuals, carbohydrate restriction upregulates systemic lipid trafficking to meet energy demands. To test if anthropometric and energy metabolism markers predict LDL-cholesterol change during carbohydrate restriction.MethodsTen lean, healthy, premenopausal women who habitually consumed a ketogenic diet for ≥6 months were engaged in a three-phase crossover study consisting of continued nutritional ketosis, suppression of ketosis with carbohydrate reintroduction, and return to nutritional ketosis. Each phase lasted 21 days. The predictive performance of all available relevant variables was evaluated with the linear mixed-effects models.ResultsAll body composition metrics, free T3 and total T4, were significantly associated with LDL-cholesterol change. In an interaction model with BMI and free T3, both markers were significant independent and interacting predictors of LDL-cholesterol change. Neither saturated fat, HOMA-IR, leptin, adiponectin, TSH, nor rT3 was associated with LDL-cholesterol changes.DiscussionAmong lean, healthy women undergoing carbohydrate restriction, body composition and energy metabolism markers are major drivers of LDL-cholesterol change, not saturated fat, consistent with the lipid energy model.
Association between red blood cell distribution width and psoriasis among the US adults
Authors: Zhang Yunqi , Lv Zheng , Peng Peng , Zhao Tie 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe association between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and psoriasis among the US adults is still unknown. We aimed to assess whether RDW is associated with psoriasis in the US adults.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of 14,089 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014. Psoriasis status were assessed by self-reported questionnaire. We evaluated the association between RDW and risk of psoriasis using multivariate regression models. Subgroup and interaction analysis were performed.ResultsThe higher RDW level was associated with an increased risk of psoriasis (OR = 1.10 [95% CI, 1.01, 1.19]; p = 0.025) after adjusting for confounders in female. However, there is no significant association between RDW and risk of psoriasis among male (OR = 0.99 [95% CI, 0.87, 1.15]; p = 0.992). Subgroup and interaction analysis found that the strongest positive association mainly exists in female participants with BMD greater than 29.9 kg/m2 (OR = 1.20 [95% CI, 1.09, 1.32], Pint = 0.004).DiscussionIn conclusion, we found that increased RDW levels were associated with an increased risk of psoriasis in females, which could provide clinicians with auxiliary data for the early diagnosis of psoriasis.
One-pass deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus and ventral intermediate nucleus for levodopa-resistant tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liu Bin , Xu Junpeng , Feng Zhebin , Hui Rui , Zhang Yanyang , Liu Di , Chang Qing , Yu Xinguang , Mao Zhiqi 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease (TD-PD) can be further separated into levodopa-responsive and levodopa-resistant types, the latter being considered to have a different pathogenesis. Previous studies indicated that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or the globus pallidus internus (GPi) individually was not sufficient for tremor control, especially for the levodopa-resistant TD-PD (LRTD-PD). The thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) has been regarded as a potent DBS target for different kinds of tremors. Therefore, we focused on the LRTD-PD subgroup and performed one-pass combined DBSs of STN and VIM to treat refractory tremors, aiming to investigate the safety and effectiveness of this one-trajectory dual-target DBS scheme.MethodsWe retrospectively collected five LRTD-PD patients who underwent a one-pass combined DBS of STN and VIM via a trans-frontal approach. The targeting of VIM was achieved by probabilistic tractography. Changes in severity of symptoms (measured by the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III, UPDRS-III), levodopa equivalent daily doses (LEDD), and disease-specific quality of life (measured by the 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire, PDQ-39) were evaluated.ResultsThree-dimensional reconstruction of electrodes illustrated that all leads were successfully implanted into predefined positions. The mean improvement rates (%) were 53 ± 6.2 (UPDRS-III), 82.6 ± 11.4 (tremor-related items of UPDRS), and 52.1 ± 11.4 (PDQ-39), respectively, with a mean follow-up of 11.4 months.ConclusionOne-pass combined DBS of STN and VIM via the trans-frontal approach is an effective and safe strategy to alleviate symptoms for LRTD-PD patients.
Endolymphatic hydrops asymmetry distinguishes patients with Meniere’s disease from normal controls with high sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Noh Tae-Soo , Park Moo Kyun , Lee Jun Ho , Oh Seung Ha , Kim Ji-hoon , Song In Chan , Suh Myung-Whan 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundMany endolymphatic hydrops (EH) MRI studies in the literature do not include a normal control group. Consequently, it remains unclear which outcome measure in EH MRI can most effectively distinguish between MD patients and normal controls.MethodsGadolinium-enhanced EH imaging was performed to quantitatively evaluate the extents of hydrops in MD patients and age−/sex-matched normal controls. Four hours after intravenous injection of contrast agent, MRI was performed using a 3-T MR platform fitted with a 32-channel phased-array coil receptor. MR images (10–15 slices) covering an inner ear were 3D-stacked. Analyses of all images that included the vestibule or the cochlea yielded the volumes (in μL) of the endolymphatic and perilymphatic spaces.ResultsFor the vestibule, they were significantly greater EH% in ipsilateral (52.4 ± 12.5) than in contralateral MD ears (40.4 ± 8.5, p = 0.001) and in ipsilateral MD ears than in control ears (42.4 ± 13.7, p = 0.025). For the cochlea, the values were slightly higher EH% in ipsilateral MD ears (49.7 ± 10.4, p = 0.061) but did not significantly differ from contralateral (41.3 ± 12.6) or control ears (39.6 ± 18.9, p = 0.858). In the MD group, the EH asymmetries were 12.0 ± 10.2% (vestibule) and 8.4 ± 8.6% (cochlea), significantly larger than those of controls.ConclusionCompared to conventional semiquantitative grading or quantitative EH% analysis, EH asymmetry may better distinguish MD patients from normal controls. Quantitative hydrops volumetric analysis yields clinically relevant information on inner ear function.
Establishing a nomogram to predict refracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty by logistic regression
Authors: Zhang Aiqi , Fu Hongye , Wang Junjie , Chen Zhe , Fan Jiajun 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionSeveral studies have examined the risk factors for post-percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) refractures and developed many clinical prognostic models. However, no prior research exists using the Random Forest (RF) model, a favored tool for model development, to predict the occurrence of new vertebral compression fractures (NVCFs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of post-PKP fractures, compare the predictive performance of logistic regression and RF models in forecasting post-PKP fractures, and visualize the logistic regression model.MethodsWe collected clinical data from 349 patients who underwent PKP treatment at our institution from January 2018 to December 2021. Lasso regression was employed to select risk factors associated with the occurrence of NVCFs. Subsequently, logistic regression and RF models were established, and their predictive capabilities were compared. Finally, a nomogram was created.ResultsThe variables selected using Lasso regression, including bone density, cement distribution, vertebral fracture location, preoperative vertebral height, and vertebral height restoration rate, were included in both the logistic regression and RF models. The area under the curves of the logistic regression and RF models were 0.868 and 0.786, respectively, in the training set and 0.786 and 0.599, respectively, in the validation set. Furthermore, the calibration curve of the logistic regression model also outperformed that of the RF model.ConclusionThe logistic regression model provided better predictive capabilities for identifying patients at risk for post-PKP vertebral fractures than the RF model.
Peripheral immune markers and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Hu Zhengwei , Zuo Chunyan , Mao Chengyuan , Shi Changhe , Xu Yuming 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe peripheral immune system changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the causal relationship between the two is still controversial.MethodsIn this study, we aimed to estimate the causal relationship between peripheral immune markers and ALS using a two-sample Mendelian randomization method. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on peripheral blood immune traits from European populations were used for exposure, and ALS summary statistics were used as the outcome. The causal relationship was evaluated by inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods and verified by multiple sensitivity analysis.ResultsWe found that the increase of one standard deviation of lymphocyte count is related to reducing ALS risk. CD3 on effector memory CD4+ T cell, HLA DR+ CD4+ T cell, effector memory CD8+ T cell, terminally differentiated CD8+ T cell and CD28- CD8+ T cell is also a protective factor for ALS. Among the circulating immune protein, the increase of one standard deviation of α-2-macroglobulin receptor-associated protein (α-2-MRAP) and C4b showed associated with low risk of ALS, while Interleukin-21 (IL-21) increases the risk of ALS.DiscussionOur study further reveals the important role of peripheral immune activity in ALS.
The accuracy of different mismatch negativity amplitude representations in predicting the levels of consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness
Authors: Zhang Kang , Li Kexin , Zhang Chunyun , Li Xiaodong , Han Shuai , Lv Chuanxiang , Xie Jingwei , Xia Xiaoyu , Bie Li , Guo Yongkun 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe mismatch negativity (MMN) index has been used to evaluate consciousness levels in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Indeed, MMN has been validated for the diagnosis of vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of different MMN amplitude representations in predicting levels of consciousness.MethodsTask-state electroencephalography (EEG) data were obtained from 67 patients with DoC (35 VS and 32 MCS). We performed a microstate analysis of the task-state EEG and used four different representations (the peak amplitude of MMN at electrode Fz (Peak), the average amplitude within a time window −25– 25 ms entered on the latency of peak MMN component (Avg for peak ± 25 ms), the average amplitude of averaged difference wave for 100–250 ms (Avg for 100–250 ms), and the average amplitude difference between the standard stimulus (“S”) and the deviant stimulus (“D”) at the time corresponding to Microstate 1 (MS1) (Avg for MS1) of the MMN amplitude to predict the levels of consciousness.ResultsThe results showed that among the four microstates clustered, MS1 showed statistical significance in terms of time proportion during the 100–250 ms period. Our results confirmed the activation patterns of MMN through functional connectivity analysis. Among the four MMN amplitude representations, the microstate-based representation showed the highest accuracy in distinguishing different levels of consciousness in patients with DoC (AUC = 0.89).ConclusionWe discovered a prediction model based on microstate calculation of MMN amplitude can accurately distinguish between MCS and VS states. And the functional connection of the MS1 is consistent with the activation mode of MMN.
Effect of optimized transcranial direct current stimulation on motor cortex activation in patients with sub-acute or chronic stroke: a study protocol for a single-blinded cross-over randomized control trial
Authors: Kim TaeYeong , Salazar Fajardo Jhosedyn Carolaym , Jang Hanna , Lee Juwon , Kim Yeonkyung , Kim Gowun , Kim Donghyeon 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown positive but inconsistent results in stroke rehabilitation. This could be attributed to inter-individual variations in brain characteristics and stroke lesions, which limit the use of a single tDCS protocol for all post-stroke patients. Optimizing the electrode location in tDCS for each individual using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to generate three-dimensional computer models and calculate the electric field (E-field) induced by tDCS at a specific target point in the primary motor cortex may help reduce these inconsistencies. In stroke rehabilitation, locating the optimal position that generates a high E-field in a target area can influence motor recovery. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the effect of personalized tDCS electrode positions on hand-knob activation in post-stroke patients.MethodThis is a crossover study with a sample size of 50 participants, who will be randomly assigned to one of six groups and will receive one session of either optimized-active, conventional-active, or sham tDCS, with 24 h between sessions. The tDCS parameters will be 1 mA (5 × 5 cm electrodes) for 20 min. The motor-evoked potential (MEP) will be recorded before and after each session over the target area (motor cortex hand-knob) and the MEP hotspot. The MEP amplitude at the target location will be the primary outcome.DiscussionWe hypothesize that the optimized-active tDCS session would show a greater increase in MEP amplitude over the target area in patients with subacute and chronic stroke than conventional and sham tDCS sessions.Clinical trial registration:https://cris.nih.go.kr, identifier KCT0007536.
Effect of multidisciplinary team care on patient survival in chronic hepatitis B or C hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tseng Yu-Chen , Kung Pei-Tseng , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Chou Wen-Yu , Tsai Wen-Chen 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionMultidisciplinary team care coordinates with medical teams to improve the quality of cancer care. This study explored multidisciplinary team care in hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients from the time of diagnosis to the first-time treatment interval and investigated treatment outcomes and prognosis.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included data from a nationwide population from 2007 to 2016. Data were collected from the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database, linked to the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Propensity score matching was applied at a ratio of 1:2 to reduce the selection bias. A multiple regression model with generalized estimating equations was used to analyze whether multidisciplinary team care affected the diagnosis-to-treatment interval. The stratified Cox proportional hazards model examined whether involvement in multidisciplinary team care influenced survival status.ResultsA total of 10,928 and 21,856 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma received multidisciplinary and non-multidisciplinary care, respectively. Participants with multidisciplinary care had a longer diagnosis-to-treatment interval but a lower risk of cumulative cancer death (HR=0.88, 95% CI:0.84-0.92). In patients with intermediate- to advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, multidisciplinary team care has obvious benefits for improving survival.ConclusionPatients with hepatocellular carcinoma who participated in multidisciplinary team care had a longer diagnosis-to-treatment interval but a lower risk of cancer death. Patients with intermediate- to advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma who received multidisciplinary team care significantly benefited from this outcome. Hospitals should provide HCC patients with multidisciplinary team care to improve cancer care.
Exploration of cancer associated fibroblasts phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment of classical and pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Authors: Batra Harsh , Ding Qingqing , Pandurengan Renganayaki , Ibarguen Heladio , Rabassedas Neus Bota , Sahin Aysegul , Wistuba Ignacio , Parra Edwin Roger , Raso Maria Gabriela 
Published: December 2023

As the second most common subtype of breast carcinoma, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) microenvironment features have not been thoroughly explored. ILC has different histological subtypes and elucidating differences in their microenvironments could lead to a comprehensive development of cancer therapies. We designed a custom-made cancer associated fibroblast (CAFs) panel and used multiplex immunofluorescence to identify the differences in tumor microenvironment between Classic ILC and Pleomorphic ILC.Materials and methodsMultiplex immunofluorescence were performed on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues using Opal-7 color kit. The antibodies used for phenotyping CAFs were Pan CK (AE1/AE3), CD45, A-SMA, FAP, S100, Thy-1 with optimized dilutions. The images were acquired and analyzed using Vectra 3.0 imaging system and InForm software respectively.ResultsWe studied 19 different CAFs colocalized phenotypes in the tumor, stroma and overall tissue compartments between classic and pleomorphic ILC. Total A-SMA+, A-SMA+FAP+S100+ and A-SMA+S100+ CAFs demonstrated higher densities in classic ILC cases while FAP+S100+ and S-100+ CAFs were increased in the pleomorphic subtype samples.ConclusionOur study explores multiple CAFs phenotypes between classical and pleomorphic ILC. We showed that CAFs subset differ between Classic ILC and Pleomorphic ILC. A-SMA CAFs are more prevalent in the TME of classic ILCs whereas Pleomorphic ILCs are dominated by CAFs without A-SMA expression. This also iterates the importance of exploring this particular type of breast carcinoma in more detail, paving the way for meaningful translational research.
The supercooling point depression is the leading cold tolerance strategy for the variegated ladybug, [Hippodamia variegata (Goezel)]
Authors: Khabir Mahsa , Izadi Hamzeh , Mahdian Kamran 
Published: December 2023

The variegated ladybug, Hippodamia variegata is one of the most effective predators of various pests that hibernate as adult beetles. During the overwintering period from April 2021 to March 2022, we examined the supercooling point (SCP), cold tolerance, and physiological adaptations of beetles in Kerman, Iran. The beetles exhibited their greatest cold tolerance (63.4% after 24 h at −5°C) when their SCP was lowest (−23.2°C). Conversely, from April to October 2021, the SCP reached its peak (approximately −13.0°C), while cold tolerance was at its lowest level (6.7% after 24 h at −5°C). Cryoprotectant content (trehalose, glycerol, and glucose) was at its highest level in September (11.15, 10.82, and 6.31 mg/g, respectively). The critical thermal minimum (CTmin) reached its lowest point of −2.2°C in January and February. The lowest point of the lower lethal temperature (LLT) coincided with the lowest level of the SCP and the highest level of cold tolerance (in February, LT50 = −5.3°C, SCP = −23.2°C, and survival = 77.78% at −4°C/24 h). Chill-coma recovery time (CCRT) was examined at five different temperatures and two different exposure durations. The CCRT increased with a decrease in exposure temperature and time (68.0 s at −2°C after 2 h and 102.0 s at −2°C after 4 h). As the majority of the overwintering beetle’s mortality occurred at temperatures significantly higher than SCP, the adults of H. variegata are chill-susceptible insects that primarily rely on a depressed supercooling point to cope with unfavorable conditions during the overwintering period.
Grazing exclusion is more beneficial for restoring soil organic carbon and nutrient balance than afforestation on degraded sandy land
Authors: Cao Wenjie , Li Yuqiang , Chen Yun , Wang Xuyang 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionVegetation restoration is an effective measure to improve the ecosystem service of degraded sandy land ecosystem. However, it is unclear how vegetation restoration on severely desertified land affect soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and nutrients balance. Therefore, this study was designed to clarify the response of SOC, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and the resulting stoichiometric ratios (C:N:P) to afforestation and grazing exclusion, and to quantify their dynamics over time.MethodsWe conducted vegetation community investigation and soil sampling in natural sparse-forest grassland (the climax community stage), afforestation (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica (40-year, 48-year), Caragana microphylla (20-year, 40-year)), and grazing exclusion (20-year, 40-year) in China’s Horqin Sandy Land. Soil C:N:P stoichiometry and its driving factors under different restoration measures were then studied.ResultsAfforestation and grazing exclusion significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased SOC, TN, and TP concentrations. Vegetation restoration significantly increased C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios, indicating that nutrient limitations may occur in the later stages of restoration. The C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios after a 40-year grazing exclusion were closest to those of natural sparse-forest grassland. The N:P under grazing exclusion increased from 3.1 to 4.1 with increasing restoration age (from 20 to 40 years), which was close to the national mean values (4.2). Moreover, afforestation may lead to water deficit in the surface soil. Vegetation restoration is the main factor leading to changes in soil C:N:P stoichiometry, and indirectly affects soil C:N:P stoichiometry by altering soil structure and chemical properties.ConclusionIn terms of ecological stoichiometry, grazing exclusion was more conducive to restore SOC and nutrient balance than afforestation on severely desertified land. Due to the poor soil nutrients, attentions should be paid to the soil nutrients and water conditions in the later stages of vegetation restoration. Those findings can provide valuable information for the restoration of degraded sandy land in semi-arid areas.