bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetically supported causality between gut microbiota, immune cells and morphine tolerance: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Han Shuai , Gao Jiapei , Wang Zi , Xiao Yinggang , Ge Yali , Liang Yongxin , Gao Ju 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundPrevious researches have suggested a significant connection between the gut microbiota/immune cells and morphine tolerance (MT), but there is still uncertainty regarding their causal relationship. Hence, our objective is to inverstigate this causal association and reveal the impact of gut microbiota/immune cells on the risk of developing MT using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for gut microbiota, immune cells, and MT. The main approach employed was the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method in MR. To assess horizontal pleiotropy and remove outlier single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we utilized the Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) technique as well as MR-Egger regression. Heterogeneity detection was performed using Cochran’s Q-test. Additionally, leave-one-out analysis was carried out to determine if any single SNP drove the causal association signals. Finally, we conducted a reverse MR to evaluate the potential of reverse causation.ResultsWe discovered that 6 gut microbial taxa and 16 immune cells were causally related to MT (p &lt; 0.05). Among them, 2 bacterial features and 9 immunophenotypes retained a strong causal relationship with lower risk of MT: genus. Lachnospiraceae NK4A136group (OR: 0.962, 95% CI: 0.940–0.987, p = 0.030), genus. RuminococcaceaeUCG011 (OR: 0.960, 95% CI: 0.946–0.976, p = 0.003), BAFF-R on B cell (OR: 0.972, 95% CI: 0.947–0.998, p = 0.013). Furthermore, 4 bacterial features and 7 immunophenotypes were identified to be significantly associated with MT risk: genus. Flavonifractor (OR: 1.044, 95% CI: 1.017–1.069, p = 0.029), genus. Prevotella9 (OR: 1.054, 95% CI: 1.020–1.090, p = 0.037), B cell % CD3-lymphocyte (OR: 1.976, 95% CI: 1.027–1.129, p = 0.026). The Cochrane’s Q test revealed no heterogeneity (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, the MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO analyses reveal no instances of horizontal pleiotropy (p &gt; 0.05). Besides, leave-one-out analysis confirmed the robustness of MR results. After adding BMI to the multivariate MR analysis, the gut microbial taxa and immune cells exposure-outcome effect were attenuated.ConclusionOur research confirm the potential link between gut microbiota and immune cells with MT, shedding light on the mechanism by which gut microbiota and immune cells may contribute to MT. These findings lay the groundwork for future investigations into targeted prevention strategies.
Identification of important modules and biomarkers in tuberculosis based on WGCNA
Authors: Dong Jing , Song Ruixue , Shang Xuetian , Wang Yingchao , Liu Qiuyue , Zhang Zhiguo , Jia Hongyan , Huang Mailing , Zhu Chuanzhi , Sun Qi , Du Boping , Xing Aiying , Li Zihui , Zhang Lanyue , Pan Liping , Zhang Zongde 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern, particularly in China. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can provide abundant pathological information regarding etiology and could include candidate biomarkers for diagnosis of TB. However, data regarding lncRNA expression profiles and specific lncRNAs associated with TB are limited.MethodsWe performed ceRNA-microarray analysis to determine the expression profile of lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was then conducted to identify the critical module and genes associated with TB. Other bioinformatics analyses, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and co-expression networks, were conducted to explore the function of the critical module. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to validate the candidate biomarkers, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance of the candidate biomarkers.ResultsBased on 8 TB patients and 9 healthy controls (HCs), a total of 1,372 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified, including 738 upregulated lncRNAs and 634 downregulated lncRNAs. Among all lncRNAs and mRNAs in the microarray, the top 25% lncRNAs (3729) and top 25% mRNAs (2824), which exhibited higher median expression values, were incorporated into the WGCNA. The analysis generated 16 co-expression modules, among which the blue module was highly correlated with TB. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the blue module was significantly enriched in infection and immunity. Subsequently, considering module membership values (&gt;0.85), gene significance values (&gt;0.90) and fold-change value (&gt;2 or &lt; 0.5) as selection criteria, the top 10 upregulated lncRNAs and top 10 downregulated lncRNAs in the blue module were considered as potential biomarkers. The candidates were then validated in an independent validation sample set (31 TB patients and 32 HCs). The expression levels of 8 candidates differed significantly between TB patients and HCs. The lncRNAs ABHD17B (area under the curve [AUC] = 1.000) and ENST00000607464.1 (AUC = 1.000) were the best lncRNAs in distinguishing TB patients from HCs.ConclusionThis study characterized the lncRNA profiles of TB patients and identified a significant module associated with TB as well as novel potential biomarkers for TB diagnosis.
Exergames as a rehabilitation tool to enhance the upper limbs functionality and performance in chronic stroke survivors: a preliminary study
Authors: Vismara Luca , Ferraris Claudia , Amprimo Gianluca , Pettiti Giuseppe , Buffone Francesca , Tarantino Andrea Gianmaria , Mauro Alessandro , Priano Lorenzo 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionPost-stroke hemiplegia commonly occurs in stroke survivors, negatively impacting the quality of life. Despite the benefits of initial specific post-acute treatments at the hospitals, motor functions, and physical mobility need to be constantly stimulated to avoid regression and subsequent hospitalizations for further rehabilitation treatments.MethodThis preliminary study proposes using gamified tasks in a virtual environment to stimulate and maintain upper limb mobility through a single RGB-D camera-based vision system (using Microsoft Azure Kinect DK). This solution is suitable for easy deployment and use in home environments. A cohort of 10 post-stroke subjects attended a 2-week gaming protocol consisting of Lateral Weightlifting (LWL) and Frontal Weightlifting (FWL) gamified tasks and gait as the instrumental evaluation task.Results and discussionDespite its short duration, there were statistically significant results (p &lt; 0.05) between the baseline (T0) and the end of the protocol (TF) for Berg Balance Scale and Time Up-and-Go (9.8 and −12.3%, respectively). LWL and FWL showed significant results for unilateral executions: rate in FWL had an overall improvement of 38.5% (p &lt; 0.001) and 34.9% (p &lt; 0.01) for the paretic and non-paretic arm, respectively; similarly, rate in LWL improved by 19.9% (p &lt; 0.05) for the paretic arm and 29.9% (p &lt; 0.01) for non-paretic arm. Instead, bilateral executions had significant results for rate and speed: considering FWL, there was an improvement in rate with p &lt; 0.01 (31.7% for paretic arm and 37.4% for non-paretic arm), whereas speed improved by 31.2% (p &lt; 0.05) and 41.7% (p &lt; 0.001) for the paretic and non-paretic arm, respectively; likewise, LWL showed improvement in rate with p &lt; 0.001 (29.0% for paretic arm and 27.8% for non-paretic arm) and in speed with 23.6% (p &lt; 0.05) and 23.5% (p &lt; 0.01) for the paretic and non-paretic arms, respectively. No significant results were recorded for gait task, although an overall good improvement was detected for arm swing asymmetry (−22.6%). Hence, this study suggests the potential benefits of continuous stimulation of upper limb function through gamified exercises and performance monitoring over medium-long periods in the home environment, thus facilitating the patient's general mobility in daily activities.
Assessment of blood one-carbon metabolism indexes during mid-to-late pregnancy in 397 Chinese pregnant women
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wu Xiangyi , Lu Lu , Hu Rui , Teng Yue , Pan Lina , Zeng Xiaoling , Jiang Wei , Li Wei , Dong Ling , Zhu Wenli 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesOne-carbon metabolism (OCM) significantly influences fetal growth and neurodevelopment through transferring methyl group to biomolecules, during which folate, methionine, choline and betaine function as methyl donor nutrients, while vitamin B2, B6, B12 function as enzyme cofactors, and homocysteine (Hcy) and S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) are functional metabolites. This study aimed to assess blood OCM index levels and explore their relationships among Chinese pregnant women.MethodsData were obtained from the baseline of the Mother–Child Nutrition and Health Cohort Study. Pregnant women, voluntarily recruited from September 2020 to June 2022 during antenatal examinations in five Chinese cities at 24–32 gestational weeks, provided fasting venous blood samples. Measurements included RBC and serum folate, serum vitamin B2, B6, B12, choline, betaine, methionine, total Hcy (tHcy), and plasma SAM. Sociodemographic characteristics and pregnancy-related conditions were collected via a self-designed questionnaire.ResultsOf 397 participants, 82.6% were in mid-pregnancy (24–27 gestational weeks) and 17.4% were in late-pregnancy (28–32 gestational weeks). Serum folate, vitamin B6, and B12 deficiencies were 2.5, 1.3, and 8.3%, respectively. Elevated tHcy (≥10 μmol/L) was observed in 1.8% of pregnant women. Elderly pregnant women (aged 35 and above) exhibited significantly lower serum methionine levels (p &lt; 0.05), while multiparous women had lower RBC folate levels (p &lt; 0.05), and lower serum methionine and vitamin B12 levels (p &lt; 0.10, not statistically significant). Partial correlation analysis revealed positive associations between RBC folate and cofactor vitamin B12 (r = 0.244, p &lt; 0.05) in the folate cycle, as well as significant correlations between two methyl donor paths [serum folate was significantly related to serum choline (r = 0.172) and betaine (r = 0.193)]. As functional biomarkers of OCM, serum tHcy exhibited negative associations with RBC folate (β = −0.330, p &lt; 0.05) and vitamin B6 (β = −0.317, p &lt; 0.05), and plasma SAM displayed a positive association with serum betaine (β = 0.610, p &lt; 0.05), while negatively associated with serum vitamin B6 (β = −0.181, p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe blood OCM exhibited imbalances during mid-to-late pregnancy, characterized by lower levels of folate, vitamin B6, and B12, alongside elevated tHcy levels. Adequate folate and vitamin B6 emerged as significant predictors of lower tHcy levels. Additionally, serum betaine showed a positive correlation with plasma SAM. This suggests the importance of not only ensuring sufficient folate but also optimizing other OCM-related nutrients throughout pregnancy.
Deep learning-assisted ultrasonic diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer: a retrospective study of 3059 patients
Authors: Zhao Hai Na , Yin Hao , Liu Jing Yan , Song Lin Lin , Peng Yu Lan , Ma Bu Yun 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a deep learning system to identify and differentiate the metastatic cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) of thyroid cancer.MethodsFrom January 2014 to December 2020, 3059 consecutive patients with suspected with metastatic CLNs of thyroid cancer were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All CLNs were confirmed by fine needle aspiration. The patients were randomly divided into the training (1228 benign and 1284 metastatic CLNs) and test (307 benign and 240 metastatic CLNs) groups. Grayscale ultrasonic images were used to develop and test the performance of the Y-Net deep learning model. We used the Y-Net network model to segment and differentiate the lymph nodes. The Dice coefficient was used to evaluate the segmentation efficiency. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were used to evaluate the classification efficiency.ResultsIn the test set, the median Dice coefficient was 0.832. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV were 57.25%, 87.08%, 72.03%, 81.87%, and 66.67%, respectively. We also used the Y-Net classified branch to evaluate the classification efficiency of the LNs ultrasonic images. The classification branch model had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 84.78%, 80.23%, 82.45%, 79.35%, and 85.61%, respectively. For the original ultrasonic reports, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV were 95.14%, 34.3%, 64.66%, 59.02%, 87.71%, respectively. The Y-Net model yielded better accuracy than the original ultrasonic reports.ConclusionThe Y-Net model can be useful in assisting sonographers to improve the accuracy of the classification of ultrasound images of metastatic CLNs.
Malignant mixed mullerian tumors: a SEER database review of rurality and treatment modalities on disease outcome
Authors: Zadeh Neusha , Bhatt Arjun , Sripiparu Vaishnavi , Pasli Melisa , Edwards George , Larkins Michael C. , Peach M. Sean 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionMalignant Mixed Mullerian Tumors (MMMT) are rare and poorly understood sarcomas with limited research on risk factors, pathogenesis, and optimal treatments. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap and explore the impact of community size, patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and treatment modalities on MMMT outcomes.MethodsUsing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER), the largest SEER cohort to date of 3,352 MMMT patients was analyzed for demographic factors, treatment modalities, and histologic characteristics. Data was processed, including the removal of incomplete entries, and analyzed in Python 3.1 using packages scikit-learn, lifelines, and torch; log-rank analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate a number of demographic characteristics and disease characteristics for significance in regard to survival.ResultsOur study found adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy significantly improved survival, with modest benefits from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our findings also suggest age at diagnosis, disease grade, and suburban versus rural geographic locations may play key roles in patient prognosis. On multivariable analysis both disease Grade and surgical treatment were significant factors.DiscussionMMMTs remain challenging, but appropriate treatment appears to enhance survival. The present findings suggest opportunities for improved outcomes and treatment strategies for patients with MMMTs.
Summary of biological research on hepatoblastoma: a scoping review
Authors: Wang Huan-sheng , Lao Jing , Jiang Ren-sen , Wang Bin , Ma Xiao-peng , Wang Jian-yao 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundHepatoblastoma is the most prevalent primary hepatic malignancy in children, comprising 80% of pediatric hepatic malignancies and 1% of all pediatric malignancies. However, traditional treatments have proven inadequate in effectively curing hepatoblastoma, leading to a poor prognosis.MethodsA literature search was conducted on multiple electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar). A total of 86 articles were eligible for inclusion in this review.ResultThis review aims to consolidate recent developments in hepatoblastoma research, focusing on the latest advances in cancer-associated genomics, epigenetic studies, transcriptional programs and molecular subtypes. We also discuss the current treatment approaches and forthcoming strategies to address cancer-associated biological challenges.ConclusionTo provide a comprehensive summary of the molecular mechanisms associated with hepatoblastoma occurrence, this review highlights three key aspects: genomics, epigenetics, and transcriptomics. Our review aims to facilitate the exploration of novel molecular mechanisms and the development of innovative clinical treatment strategies for hepatoblastoma.
Risk factors for therapy failure after incision and drainage alone for perianal abscesses in children
Authors: Ding CaiLin , Chen YaJun , Yan JiaYu , Wang Kai , Tan Sarah Siyin 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundIt is well known that recurrent perianal abscesses (PAs) and fistula-in-ano (FIA) are the main causes of therapy failure following incision and drainage (I&amp;D) for PAs. But few studies have focused on the risk factors for therapy failure after I&amp;D for PAs in children. In this study, we retrospectively examine the risk factors for therapy failure after I&amp;D for PAs in children in a pediatric tertiary care institution.MethodsA retrospective review of all outpatient children with PA treated by I&amp;D at Beijing Children's Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 was performed. A follow-up was conducted in October 2023. Patients with other predisposing factors for perianal infection, such as inflammatory bowel disease, hematologic tumor, and anorectal surgery, were excluded from this study. Logistic regression yielding odds ratios (ORs) was used to assess the significance of variables for therapy failure.ResultsOf 160 children initially identified, follow-up was available for 146, with a total of 172 treatments. A total of 91% of children were male. The median (interquartile range) age at I&amp;D was 2 (1, 15) months. The median follow-up duration was 20 (14, 25) months. Therapy failure occurred in 25 (15%) treatments performed for the prevention of recurrence of PA and in 35 (20%) treatments for the prevention of development of FIA. In the univariate analysis, a history of PA (P = 0.001), history of I&amp;D (P = 0.014), and multilocal occurrence (P = 0.003) were associated with therapy failure. A sitz bath after I&amp;D (P = 0.016) and regular cleaning of the wound after I&amp;D (P = 0.024) were associated with therapy success. In the multivariate analysis, a history of PA (P = 0.015, OR = 3.374) and multilocal occurrence (P = 0.012, OR = 4.649) were independently associated with therapy failure. Regular cleaning of the wound (P = 0.017, OR = 0.341) and sitz bath (P = 0.001, OR = 0.128) after I&amp;D were independently associated with therapy success.ConclusionsA history of PA and multilocal occurrence were predictor factors for therapy failure before I&amp;D. Regular cleaning of the wound and sitz bath after I&amp;D were protective factors for therapy success. Therefore, regular cleaning of the wound and sitz bath after I&amp;D should be emphasized in all children with PAs, especially in those with a history of PA and multilocal occurrence.
The effect of students' effort–reward imbalance on learning engagement: the mediating role of learned helplessness and the moderating role of social support
Authors: Liu Shengmin , Wang Yuanru , He Wanning , Chen Yu , Wang Qiangqiang 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionTo explore the predictive effect of effort–reward imbalance on students' learning engagement and to elucidate the underlying mechanism, 796 students were selected for a survey.MethodsThe participants were required to complete four scales: the Effort-reward Imbalance Scale, the Learning Engagement Scale, the Learned Helplessness Questionnaire, and the Perceived Social Support Scale.Results(1) Students' effort–reward imbalance significantly and negatively predicts their learning engagement; (2) Learned helplessness serves as a mediator in the relationship between students' effort–reward imbalance and learning engagement; (3) Social support plays a moderating role in the association between effort–reward imbalance and learned helplessness. High levels of social support can buffer the impact of an effort–reward imbalance on learned helplessness, and the protective effect of social support is more obvious when the effort–reward imbalance is low.DiscussionThe present study revealed how an effort–reward imbalance affects learning engagement among students through the dimensions of learned helplessness and perceived social support. The constructed model not only further clarifies the mechanism underlying the relationship between effort–reward imbalance and learning engagement but also holds significant implications for guiding students' education.
The prevalence of mathematical difficulties among primary school children in Mainland China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Long Jia , Wang Pei 
Published: February 2024

The prevalence of mathematical difficulties (MD) among primary school children in China and its related factors remain unclear. To provide a suitable foundation for formulating appropriate screening and intervention strategies, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MD and its possible factors among primary school children in China. Articles were identified from seven databases and included if they reported on the prevalence of MD among primary school children in China. A total of 30,881 articles were retrieved, 975 of which were subjected to full evaluation. In total, 54 studies involving 34,815 participants (mean age 9.86 ± 3.13 years) were included. Analyses were conducted using the Meta and Metafor packages in the statistical software environment R. We used meta-regression and subgroup analyses by variable type to evaluate the potential prevalence factors. The pooled prevalence of MD among primary school children in China was 8.97%, whereas the prevalence rates of MD in lower, middle, and upper primary schools were 11.57%, 10.07%, and 4.76%, respectively. The results showed that the prevalence of MD among primary school children in China was significantly related to grade level and the cut-off points selected for screening MD and that the prevalence of MD in middle primary school was higher in girls than in boys. The prevalence of MD in primary schools in China was slightly higher than that in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. The prevalence of MD was higher in the lower and middle grades of primary school. The grade level and cut-off points selected during MD screening were closely related to the prevalence of MD. More attention should be paid to girls with MD in middle primary school.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023410311, identifier: CRD42023410311.