bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteomic analysis of cold seep clam Archivesica marissinica and shallow water shellfish Ruditapes philippinarum provides insights into the adaptation mechanisms of deep-sea mollusks
Authors: Kong Xue , Wang Wei , Chen Sunan , Mao Ning , Cai Yuefeng , Li Yanan , Xia Sunan , Zhang Haibin , Shen Xin 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe deep-sea environment is always characterized by high hydrostatic pressure, fluctuating temperatures, heavy metals, darkness, and others. The Vesicomyidae inhabit cold seep zones, hydrothermal vents, and other chemically reduced environments.MethodsTo enhance the understanding of the adaptation mechanisms of clams in extreme environments, a comprehensive proteomic study was conducted on the cold seep clam Archivesica marissinica and shallow water clam Ruditapes philippinarum.ResultsA total of 4,557 proteins were identified from the comparative groups. The Gene Ontology results indicated that the differentially expressed proteins (DEP) for the comparative group Rpgill vs. Amgill were enriched in the nitrogen compound metabolic process, and others. The comparative analysis for Amfoot vs. Amgill and Ammantle vs. Amgill revealed significant enrichment of the differential proteins that were involved in metal ion transport, divalent inorganic cation transport, and so on. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis for the comparative group Rpgill vs. Amgill was significantly enriched in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, lysosome, and others. The proteins that exhibited differential expression in the cold seep clam’ different tissues were also enriched in important pathways, such as lysosome, fatty acid degradation, nitrogen metabolism.DiscussionThe further analysis identified crucial response proteins involved in various biological pathways. For example, the pattern recognition receptors, such as galectin and peptidoglycan recognition protein, participated in recognition of symbiotic microorganisms. The lysosome pathway members, such as cathepsin and saposins, were engaged in the degradation process of symbiont proteins during symbiont digestion. Profilin and gelsolin from actin cytoskeleton pathway might be pressure-related proteins. Furthermore, carbonic anhydrases from nitrogen metabolism KEGG pathway provide inorganic carbon for symbiotic bacteria. Additionally, Mn superoxide dismutase plays a role in the scavenging of superoxide anion radicals and antioxidant activity. Then, arginine kinases facilitate the low temperature adaptation of deep-sea shellfish with its cold adaptation characters. These findings offer novel perspectives on the proteins that are implicated in A. marisica’s response to cold seep environments, thereby contributing to the understanding of deep-sea biological adaptation and the preservation of deep-sea ecosystems.
The association between serum heat shock protein 72 and intestinal permeability with intestinal microbiota and clinical severity in patients with cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhu Jiahui , Dai Yijie , Tang Bo , Zhang Hao 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesWe aimed to compare serum heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and intestinal permeability in patients with cerebral infarction (CI) and healthy individuals to reveal their correlations and link to gut microbiota alterations and clinical severity of CI.Methods and resultsStool samples of 50 patients with CI and 46 healthy volunteers were analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize intestinal flora profiles. Serum HSP72 and zonulin were assayed using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). The obtained data were then subjected to comparative and correlative analysis. We found that the levels of zonulin and serum HSP72 were significantly higher in the CI group compared to the healthy group. Serum HSP72 and zonulin levels were positively correlated in the CI group and correlated positively with the clinical severity of CI. β diversity showed significant differences in intestinal microbiota composition between the two groups. In the CI patient group, the abundance of bacteria Eubacterium_fissicatena_group, Eubacterium_eligens_group, and Romboutsia manifested a remarkably positive correlation with serum HSP72. The abundance of bacteria Eubacterium_fissicatena_group and Acetivibrio had a significantly positive correlation with zonulin levels.ConclusionOur findings indicated that an increase in serum HSP72 and zonulin levels was manifested in patients with CI and was related to specific gut microbiota alterations and the clinical severity of CI.
Dynamic causal model application on hierarchical human motor control estimation in visuomotor tasks
Authors: Yang Ningjia , Ueda Sayako , Costa-García Álvaro , Okajima Shotaro , Tanabe Hiroki C. , Li Jingsong , Shimoda Shingo 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIn brain function research, each brain region has been investigated independently, and how different parts of the brain work together has been examined using the correlations among them. However, the dynamics of how different brain regions interact with each other during time-varying tasks, such as voluntary motion tasks, are still not well-understood.MethodsTo address this knowledge gap, we conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using target tracking tasks with and without feedback. We identified the motor cortex, cerebellum, and visual cortex by using a general linear model during the tracking tasks. We then employed a dynamic causal model (DCM) and parametric empirical Bayes to quantitatively elucidate the interactions among the left motor cortex (ML), right cerebellum (CBR) and left visual cortex (VL), and their roles as higher and lower controllers in the hierarchical model.ResultsWe found that the tracking task with visual feedback strongly affected the modulation of connection strength in ML → CBR and ML↔VL. Moreover, we found that the modulation of VL → ML, ML → ML, and ML → CBR by the tracking task with visual feedback could explain individual differences in tracking performance and muscle activity, and we validated these findings by leave-one-out cross-validation.DiscussionWe demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach for understanding the mechanisms underlying human motor control. Our proposed method may have important implications for the development of new technologies in personalized interventions and technologies, as it sheds light on how different brain regions interact and work together during a motor task.
ALK F1174S mutation impairs ALK kinase activity in EML4-ALK variant 1 and sensitizes EML4-ALK variant 3 to crizotinib
Authors: Guan Jikui , Chuang Tzu-Po , Vikström Anders , Palmer Ruth H. , Hallberg Bengt 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of F1174S mutation on kinase activity and drug sensitivity of the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion (EML4-ALK) variants 1 and 3.MethodsWe constructed mammalian expression plasmids of both wildtype and F1174 mutant EML4-ALK variants 1 and 3, and then characterized them with cell models by performing immunoblotting, neurite outgrowth assay, focus formation assay as well as protein stability assay. Drug sensitivity to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors was also compared between wildtype and F1174 mutant EML4-ALK fusions. In addition, we characterized the effect of different F1174 kinase domain mutations in the context of EML4-ALK fusions.ResultsIn contrast to the oncogenic ALK-F1174S mutation that has been reported to be activating in the context of full-length ALK in neuroblastoma, EML4-ALK (F1174S) variant 1 exhibits impaired kinase activity leading to loss of oncogenicity. Furthermore, unlike the previously reported F1174C/L/V mutations, mutation of F1174 to S sensitizes EML4-ALK variants 3a and 3b to crizotinib.ConclusionThese findings highlight the complexity of drug selection when treating patients harboring resistance mutations and suggest that the F1174S mutation in EML4-ALK variant 1 is likely not a potent oncogenic driver. Additional oncogenic driver or other resistance mechanisms should be considered in the case of EML4-ALK variant 1 with F1174S mutation.
A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the diagnostic capability of automated breast ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Haoyu , Hu Jingyi , Meng Rong , Liu Fangfang , Xu Fan , Huang Min 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic performance of automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in breast cancer.MethodsPublished studies were collected by systematically searching the databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The sensitivities, specificities, likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were confirmed. The symmetric receiver operator characteristic curve (SROC) was used to assess the threshold of ABUS and CEUS. Fagan’s nomogram was drawn. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were applied to search for sources of heterogeneity among the included studies.ResultsA total of 16 studies were included, comprising 4115 participants. The combined sensitivity of ABUS was 0.88 [95% CI (0.73–0.95)], specificity was 0.93 [95% CI (0.82–0.97)], area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.96 [95% CI (0.94–0.96)] and DOR was 89. The combined sensitivity of CEUS was 0.88 [95% CI (0.84–0.91)], specificity was 0.76 [95% CI (0.66–0.84)], AUC was 0.89 [95% CI (0.86–0.92)] and DOR was 24. The Deeks’ funnel plot showed no existing publication bias. The prospective design, partial verification bias and blinding contributed to the heterogeneity in specificity, while no sources contributed to the heterogeneity in sensitivity. The post-test probability of ABUS in BC was 75%, and the post-test probability of CEUS in breast cancer was 48%.ConclusionCompared with CEUS, ABUS showed higher specificity and DOR for detecting breast cancer. ABUS is expected to further improve the accuracy of BC diagnosis.
The association between graded prognostic assessment and the prognosis of brain metastases after whole brain radiotherapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Geng Xiaohan , Kou Changgui , Wang Jianfeng 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis meta-analysis aims to provide evidence-based medical evidence for formulating rational treatment strategies and evaluating the prognosis of brain metastasis (BM) patients by assessing the effectiveness of the graded prognostic assessment (GPA) model in predicting the survival prognosis of patients with BM after whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT).MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, including the China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, Wanfang database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. Cohort studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and all statistical analyses were performed with R version 4.2.2. The effect size (ES) was measured by the hazard ratio (HR) of overall survival (OS). The OS rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of patients with BM were compared between those with GPAs of 1.5–2.5, 3.0, and 3.5–4.0 and those with GPAs of 0–1 after WBRT.ResultsA total of 1,797 participants who underwent WBRT were included in this study. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between GPA and OS rates after WBRT: compared with BM patients with GPA of 0–1, 3-month OS rates after WBRT were significantly higher in BM patients with GPA of 1.5–2.5 (HR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.40–0.59), GPA of 3 (HR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.25–0.57), and GPA of 3.5–4 (HR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.15–0.52); 6-month OS rates after WBRT were significantly higher in BM patients with GPA of 1.5–2.5 (HR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.41–0.56), GPA of 3 (HR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.24–0.45), and GPA of 3.5–4 (HR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.16–0.35); 12-month OS rates after WBRT were significantly higher in BM patients with GPA of 1.5–2.5 (HR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.41–0.58), GPA of 3 (HR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.32–0.73), and GPA of 3.5–4 (HR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.12–0.79); and 24-month OS rates after WBRT were significantly higher in BM patients with GPA of 1.5–2.5 (HR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.42–0.58), GPA of 3 (HR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32–0.74), and GPA of 3.5–4 (HR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15–0.94).ConclusionBM patients with higher GPAs generally exhibited better prognoses and survival outcomes after WBRT compared to those with lower GPAs.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023422914.
Jaundice-predominant manifestation of Kawasaki disease in children
Authors: Huang Ya-Ning , Lin Chien-Yu , Chi Hsin , Chiu Nan-Chang , Huang Daniel Tsung-Ning , Chang Lung , Kung Yen-Hsin , Huang Ching-Ying 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundA jaundice-predominant presentation of Kawasaki disease (KD) is atypical.MethodsA total of 12 children with KD with a predominant manifestation of jaundice at MacKay Children's Hospital were reviewed, along with 42 cases reported in the literature since 1990.ResultsThe median age of the 12 patients was 1.85 years (range: 3 months–4 years), and 66.6% were male. All of the patients had elevated liver function at presentation, 50% had hydrops of the gallbladder, and almost 60% had gastrointestinal symptoms and signs. Complete KD was evident in 11 of the 12 patients (91.7%), and two patients (16.7%) had recurrent episodes. All of the patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); however, one-third were refractory to treatment. Corticosteroids were used in five (41.7%) of the patients. Three (25%) of the patients had shock, and seven (58.3%) had coronary artery abnormalities, of whom one (8.3%) had persistent coronary artery aneurysm and the others recovered. A review of the 42 cases in the literature showed that the children with a jaundice-predominant presentation of KD had high rates of IVIG-refractory disease (25%), coronary artery abnormalities (25%), shock (13.2%), and corticosteroid treatment (24.2%).ConclusionsChildren with KD presenting with a jaundice-predominant manifestation are at a higher risk of IVIG-refractory disease, coronary artery abnormalities, and more recurrent episodes. Physicians should be aware of the risk of shock in this population.
Prophylactic infusion of norepinephrine does not affect the rostral spread of spinal anesthesia in pregnancy: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study
Authors: Dong Yu-Fang , Qian Jing , Wang Jing , Wang Li-Zhong , Qian Xing-Hua , Xiao Fei 
Published: January 2024

Background: The infusion of phenylephrine to prevent spinal-induced hypotension (SIH) in cesarean delivery may decrease the rostral spread of a spinal local anesthetic. We hypothesized that infusion of norepinephrine may decrease the rostral spread of spinal anesthesia, similar to that caused by phenylephrine. The aim of this study was to compare the block height of spinal anesthesia in the presence or absence of norepinephrine infusion administered to prevent SIH during cesarean delivery.Methods: Eighty patients were enrolled and allocated into groups receiving a norepinephrine infusion (group N) or saline infusion (group C). After intrathecal injection of hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg, the block height for cold and pinprick sensation was checked 10 and 20 min after the injection. The demographic characteristics, spinal anesthesia, side effects, and neonatal outcomes were also recorded.Results: The block height for cold and pinprick sensation was similar between the two groups, although the incidence of hypotension was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.00) in group N than in group C. Systolic blood pressure was also more stable in group N than in group C, with the incidence of interventions being significantly lower in group N. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the two groups.Conclusion: Evidence from this study suggested that prophylactic norepinephrine infusion does not reduce the rostral spread of spinal anesthesia in pregnancy. We suggest that it is not necessary to increase the dose of an intrathecal local anesthetic for cesarean delivery when prophylactic norepinephrine is administered.Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=152899, identifier [ChiCTR2200057439].
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance: a comparative analysis of face-to face and online assessment
Authors: Vicario Carmelo Mario , Mucciardi Massimo , Perconti Pietro , Lucifora Chiara , Nitsche Michael A. , Avenanti Alessio 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionSurvey studies yield mixed results on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance, with limited direct evidence available.MethodologyUsing the academic platform from the Italian university system, a large-scale archival study involving 30,731 students and 829 examiners encompassing a total of 246,416 exams (oral tests only) to scrutinize the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the likelihood of passing exams was conducted. Examination data were collected both in face-to-face and online formats during the pandemic. In the pre-pandemic period, only face-to-face data were accessible.ResultsIn face-to-face examination, we observed a lower probability of passing exams during the pandemic as opposed to pre-pandemic periods. Notably, during the pandemic we found an increased chance of passing exams conducted through online platforms compared to face-to-face assessments.Discussion and conclusionsThese findings provide the first direct evidence of an adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance. Furthermore, the results align with prior survey studies underscoring that using telematics platforms to evaluate students' performance increases the probability of exam success. This research significantly contributes to ongoing efforts aimed to comprehend how lockdowns and the widespread use of online platforms impact academic assessment processes.
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and parental cognitions: a meta-analysis
Authors: Miklósi Mónika , Kovács Barbara , Janovicz Júlia , Lelki Franciska , Kassai Réka 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults interfere with parental functioning. Dysfunctional parental cognitions may play a role in this impairment. Despite the importance of parental cognitions on parents and children’s outcomes, up to now, no systematic review or meta-analysis of these findings is available. To fill this gap, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relationship between adult ADHD symptoms and parental cognitions.MethodsWe conducted searches in Web of Science, PubMed, and ProQuest from January 2000 to June 2023. Studies were included if they provided data on the relationship between parental ADHD symptoms and parental cognitions by means of a row correlational coefficient, or means and standard deviation were reported for each study group. A random-effects model was used. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Rosenthal’s fail-safe N. Moderator analyses were conducted by means of subgroup analysis and meta-regression analyses.ResultsFifteen published papers were included (N = 2851), and 51 effect sizes were analysed. The weighted mean effect size was small but significant (Fisher’s Z = 0.186, k = 15, 95% CI [0.120 – 0.252], z = 5.539, p &lt; 0.001), indicating that ADHD symptoms in adults are associated with more negative and less positive parental cognitions. The Fail-Safe N analysis suggested a robust effect. Tweedie’s trim and fill results suggested that five studies were missing; after five missing studies had been imputed, the mean overall effect size dropped to 0.116 (0.080 – 0.152). There was significant heterogeneity among effect sizes. The methodology of the study was found to be a significant moderator. Meta-regression analyses revealed that the lower age of the parent and the child were related to more negative parental cognitions.DiscussionThough the analysis might be inflated by publication bias, our results suggest a significant association between ADHD symptom level and dysfunctional parental cognitions. Biased negative perceptions of the parental role, the child and co-parenting may play a central mediator role between parental ADHD and parent and child outcomes. Given the familiar nature of ADHD, targeting dysfunctional parental cognitions in parent training programs is warranted.Systematic review registrationosf.io/pnur7.
Sound masking by a low-pitch speech-shaped noise improves a social robot’s talk in noisy environments
Authors: Pourfannan Hamed , Mahzoon Hamed , Yoshikawa Yuichiro , Ishiguro Hiroshi 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: There has been a surge in the use of social robots for providing information, persuasion, and entertainment in noisy public spaces in recent years. Considering the well-documented negative effect of noise on human cognition, masking sounds have been introduced. Masking sounds work, in principle, by making the intrusive background speeches less intelligible, and hence, less distracting. However, this reduced distraction comes with the cost of increasing annoyance and reduced cognitive performance in the users of masking sounds.Methods: In a previous study, it was shown that reducing the fundamental frequency of the speech-shaped noise as a masking sound significantly contributes to its being less annoying and more efficient. In this study, the effectiveness of the proposed masking sound was tested on the performance of subjects listening to a lecture given by a social robot in a noisy cocktail party environment.Results: The results indicate that the presence of the masking sound significantly increased speech comprehension, perceived understandability, acoustic satisfaction, and sound privacy of the individuals listening to the robot in an adverse listening condition.Discussion: To the knowledge of the authors, no previous work has investigated the application of sound masking technology in human-robot interaction designs. The future directions of this trend are discussed.