bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local endoreduplication of the host is a conserved process during Phytomyxea–host interaction
Authors: Hittorf Michaela , Garvetto Andrea , Magauer Marianne , Kirchmair Martin , Salvenmoser Willibald , Murúa Pedro , Neuhauser Sigrid 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundEndoreduplication, a modified cell cycle, involves cells duplicating DNA without undergoing mitosis. This phenomenon is frequently observed in plants, algae, and animals. Biotrophic pathogens have been demonstrated to induce endoreduplication in plants to secure more space or nutrients.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the endoreduplication process triggered by two phylogenetically distant Rhizaria organisms—Maullinia spp. (in brown algae) and Plasmodiophora brassicae (in plants)—by combining fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with nuclear area measurements.ResultsWe could confirm that Plasmodiophora brassicae (Plasmodiophorida) triggers endoreduplication in infected plants. For the first time, we also demonstrated pathogen-induced endoreduplication in brown algae infected with Maullinia ectocarpii and Maullinia braseltonii (Phagomyxida). We identified molecular signatures of endoreduplication in RNA-seq datasets of P. brassicae-infected Brassica oleracea and M. ectocarpii-infected Ectocarpus siliculosus.DiscussionCell cycle switch proteins such as CCS52A1 and B in plants, CCS52 in algae, and the protein kinase WEE1 in plants were upregulated in RNA-seq datasets hinting at a potential role in the phytomyxean-induced transition from mitotic cell cycle to endocycle. By demonstrating the consistent induction of endoreduplication in hosts during phytomyxid infections, our study expands our understanding of Phytomyxea–host interaction. The induction of this cellular mechanism by phytomyxid parasites in phylogenetically distant hosts further emphasizes the importance of endoreduplication in these biotrophic interactions.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis of the effects of chronic pain on patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Jinlong , Qi Longju , Sun Yuyu , Chen Shiyuan , Liu Jinyi , Chen Jiaxi , Yan Fangsu , Wang Wenqi , Wang Qinghua , Chen Liang 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) poses a substantial challenge in contemporary medicine, significantly impacting patients and society. Emerging research highlights a strong association between SCI and chronic pain, yet the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this, we conducted bioinformatics and systems biology analyses to identify molecular biomarkers and pathways that link SCI to chronic pain. This study aims to elucidate these mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.MethodsThrough analysis of the GSE151371 and GSE177034 databases, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to SCI and chronic pain. This analysis uncovered shared pathways, proteins, transcription factor networks, hub genes, and potential therapeutic drugs. Regression analysis on the hub genes facilitated the development of a prognostic risk model. Additionally, we conducted an in-depth examination of immune infiltration in SCI to elucidate its correlation with chronic pain.ResultsAnalyzing 101 DEGs associated with SCI and chronic pain, we constructed a protein interaction network and identified 15 hub genes. Using bioinformatics tools, we further identified 4 potential candidate genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed a strong correlation between SCI and chronic pain, particularly related to inflammation. Additionally, we examined the relationship between SCI and immune cell infiltration, discovering a significant link between SCI and T cell activation. This is notable as activated T cells can cause persistent inflammation and chronic pain. Lastly, we analyzed the hub genes to explore the transcription factor network, potential therapeutic drugs, and ceRNA networks.ConclusionThe analysis of 15 hub genes as significant biological markers for SCI and chronic pain has led to the identification of several potential drugs for treatment.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting early neurological deterioration in patients with moderate traumatic brain injury: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Shen , Wang Ruhai , Han Chao , Hu Haicheng , Sun Hongtao 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveEarly neurological deterioration (END) greatly affects prognosis of moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to predict the occurrence of END in patients with moderate TBI.MethodsA total of 371 patients with moderate TBI were enrolled and divided into the training (n = 260) and validation (n = 111) groups at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the significant factors for END, which were used to develop a nomogram. The discrimination of the nomogram was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), the calibration was evaluated using calibration curves and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the net benefit of the model for patients.ResultsIn the training group, multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that GCS score, epidural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage, fibrinogen, and D-dimer were independent risk factors for END in patients with moderate TBI. A nomogram was constructed using the logistic regression prediction model. The AUCs of the nomogram in the training and validation groups were 0.901 and 0.927, respectively. The calibration curves showed that the predicted probability was consistent with the actual situation in both the training and validation sets. DCA curves demonstrated significantly better net benefit with the model. Then a web-based calculator was generated to facilitate clinical application.ConclusionThe present study developed and validated a model to predict END in patients with moderate TBI. The nomogram that had good discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility can provide clinicians with an effective and accurate tool for evaluating the occurrence of END after moderate TBI.
Association between stroke and fracture and the mediating role of depression: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017 to 2020
Authors: Dan Yuqin , Pei Xuewen , Xu Danghan , Liu Zhaoxi , Wang Yuqi , Yin Meng , Li Li , Yu Gongchang 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundStroke is a significant health threat, and its complex interplay with fractures warrants further investigation. Depression, a critical psychological mediator in various health conditions, may also play a role. This study aims to clarify the intricate relationships among stroke, depressive symptoms, and fracture risk, potentially informing more holistic clinical strategies.MethodsUtilizing the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2017 to 2020), this study encompassed 4,979 valid samples. T-test and chi square test are conducted to compare the differences between fracture and non fracture subgroups. Subsequently, regression models were applied to assess the mediating impact of depression, with Sobel’s test and the bootstrap method deployed to substantiate the mediation pathways.ResultsIn this study, we conducted subgroup and regression analyses to investigate factors influencing fractures in stroke patients using NHANES data. Subgroup analysis revealed significant associations with gender, race, osteoporosis, and depression. Female stroke patients had a higher fracture rate (73.86% vs. 47.78%, p &lt; 0.001), and those with post-stroke depression (29.67% vs. 13.16%, p &lt; 0.001) or osteoporosis (33.33% vs. 15.81%, p &lt; 0.05) were at increased risk of fractures. Logistic regression models showed a positive association between stroke and fractures in the unadjusted (OR = 1.862, 95% CI: 1.348–2.573, p &lt; 0.001) and adjusted I models (OR = 1.789, 95% CI: 1.240–2.581, p &lt; 0.01), but not in the adjusted II model. Depression was significantly correlated with fractures in all models (unadjusted OR = 2.785, 95% CI: 1.271–6.101, p &lt; 0.05; Model 1 OR = 3.737, 95% CI: 1.470–9.498, p &lt; 0.01; Model 2 OR = 3.068, 95% CI: 1.026–9.175, p &lt; 0.05). Mediation analysis using Sobel and bootstrap tests indicated that depression mediates 7.657% of the relationship between stroke and fractures (Z = 2.31, p &lt; 0.05), with significant indirect (Z = 2.80, p &lt; 0.01), direct (Z = 3.61, p &lt; 0.001), and total effects (Z = 3.92, p &lt; 0.01). The direct effect of stroke on fracture was 0.079 (95% CI: 0.036–0.121), the total effect was 0.085 (95% CI: 0.043–0.128), and the indirect effect mediated by depressive symptoms was 0.007 (95% CI: 0.002–0.011). These results suggest that depressive symptoms following stroke may contribute to an increased risk of fractures.ConclusionDepressive symptoms serve as a critical mediator in the link between stroke and fracture risk. Consequently, our study concludes that holistic prevention strategies for fractures in stroke patients must incorporate a focus on mental health to effectively address this complex clinical challenge.
Differentiation between glioblastoma and solitary brain metastases using perfusion and amide proton transfer weighted MRI
Authors: Knutsson Malte , Salomonsson Tim , Durmo Faris , Johansson Emelie Ryd , Seidemo Anina , Lätt Jimmy , Rydelius Anna , Kinhult Sara , Englund Elisabet , Bengzon Johan , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Knutsson Linda , Sundgren Pia C. 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesEarly diagnostic separation between glioblastoma (GBM) and solitary metastases (MET) is important for patient management but remains challenging when based on imaging only. The objective of this study was to assess whether amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) MRI alone or combined with dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI parameters, including cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and leakage parameter (K2) measurements, can differentiate GBM from MET.MethodsAPTw MRI and DSC-MRI were performed on 18 patients diagnosed with GBM (N = 10) or MET (N = 8). Quantitative parameter maps were calculated, and regions-of-interest (ROIs) were placed in whole tumor, contrast-enhanced tumor (ET), edema, necrosis and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). The mean and max of the APTw signal, CBF, leakage-corrected CBV and K2 were obtained from each ROI. Except for K2, all were normalized to NAWM (nAPTwmean/max, nCBFmean/max, ncCBVmean/max,). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and area-under-the-curve (AUC) were assessed for different parameter combinations. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsWhen comparing GBM to MET, nAPTmax, nCBFmax, ncCBVmax and ncCBVmean were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) in ET with AUC being 0.81, 0.83, 0.85, and 0.83, respectively. Combinations of nAPTwmax + ncCBVmax, nAPTwmean + ncCBVmean, nAPTwmax + nCBFmax, nAPTwmax + K2max and nAPTwmax + ncCBVmax + K2max in ET showed significant prediction in differentiating GBM and MET (AUC = 0.92, 0.82, 0.92, 0.85, and 0.92 respectively).ConclusionWhen assessed in Gd-enhanced tumor areas, nAPTw MRI signal intensity alone or combined with DSC-MRI parameters, was an excellent predictor for differentiating GBM and MET. However, the small cohort warrants future studies.
The relationship between visceral adipose tissue and osteoarthritis among older adults: evidence from the NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Huang Wei , Xiao Yin-sheng , Zou Yu-hang , Zhong Lu-qun , Huang Gui-qiong 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess any possible links between visceral fat accumulation and an elevated prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) in the elderly.Methods3,779 subjects aged 65 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018 were finally included, of whom 516 had OA. The identification of patients diagnosed with OA was conducted using questionnaire data. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) was computed utilizing body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). To investigate the relationship between VAI and OA, weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS), subgroup analyses, and interaction tests were carried out.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in VAI is accompanied by an increased prevalence of OA after fully correcting for variables. The top quartile of VAI had a prevalence that was 110% higher than the lowest quartile. A non-linear positive correlation between VAI and OA was found in the RCS.ConclusionThis study suggests a potential correlation between elevated VAI and increased prevalence of OA in older adults, and that lowering VAI may have an impact on the prevalence of OA.
Geriatric nutritional risk index as a predictor of 30-day and 365-day mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study using the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Zheng Xiaolong , Zheng Xin , Zhang Changgui , Liu Minghua 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a clinical indicator for evaluating the nutritional status of patients, but its role in the short-term prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction is still not fully understood. This study aims to explore the correlation between the GNRI and the overall mortality within 30 days and 365 days in those with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed utilizing the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The study included 895 patients diagnosed with AMI and identified through ICD9 and ICD10 codes (410, I21, I23) who were hospitalized for the first time due to AMI. Subjects were classified into four groups according to GNRI: high (GNRI &lt;82, n = 110), moderate (82 ≤ GNRI &lt;92, n = 205), low (92 ≤ GNRI &lt;98, n = 225), and no nutritional risk (GNRI ≥98, n = 355). Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and threshold effect analyses were applied to explore the non-linear relationship between GNRI and mortality. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gender, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and age. A mediation study was conducted to investigate the impact of lymphocytes on the association between GNRI and mortality.ResultsIn an overall sample of 895 patients, an elevated GNRI correlated with reduced 30-day (HR = 0.937, 95% CI: 0.917–0.957, p &lt; 0.001) and 365-day mortality (HR = 0.937, 95% CI: 0.923–0.950, p &lt; 0.001). The trend analysis for GNRI categories indicated a significant decline in mortality associated with rising GNRI (P for trend &lt;0.001). Subgroup analysis validated the consistency of such results throughout diverse patient characteristics. The lymphocytes significantly mediated the relationship between GNRI and 30-day mortality (ACME: 0.022, 95% CI: 0.003–0.180, p &lt; 0.001). A landmark analysis at 20 days after admission further demonstrated the impact of GNRI on mortality during different phases of recovery.ConclusionThis study highlights the prognostic value of GNRI in predicting short-term and long-term mortality in AMI patients, emphasizing the significance of nutritional status and inflammatory indicators in the therapy and risk assessment of these individuals.
Efficacy and safety of massage for postoperative stress in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized, controlled, three-arm trial
Authors: Werthmann Paul G. , Cysarz Dirk , Jungbluth Melanie , Lederer Ann-Kathrin , Nenova Gergana , Huber Roman , van Dijk Monique , Kienle Gunver S. 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rhythmic embrocation (RE), a massage technique, on postoperative stress levels (measured by heart rate variability) in colorectal cancer surgery patients compared to empathic conversation.MethodsThe study included 68 patients who were randomized into three groups: one received RE from professionals, another from students, and the third received empathic conversations. Stress was quantified using heart rate variability before and after the interventions.ResultsThe standard deviation of the heartbeat intervals (SDNN) increased more in the professional RE group 9.12 ms (IQR 3.59-12.3 ms) than in the other groups: student RE group 5.68 ms (-0.66-7.5 ms), empathic conversation group 6.64 ms (-1.49-7.38 ms); hence stress decreased more in the professional RE group, although not statistically significant (p= 0.21). Other factors like sleep quality, nausea, pain, and mood did not differ significantly between the groups. No complications were associated with the interventions.ConclusionRE was safe and a statistically significant superiority of RE on postoperative stress compared to empathic conversations could not be found. Due to high inter- and intraindividual variability a clear pattern of response of the secondary outcomes to RE in comparison to empathic conversations could not be found. The study was limited by a small sample size, high patient variability, effective co-interventions for sleep, pain and nausea, and by an imbalance between groups. The study indicates that future research on RE should focus on a more narrowly defined patient population, increase the sample size, and select comparison groups that are clearly distinct from each other as well as a clinical context with fewer confounding factors. Furthermore, the patient’s preferences and previous experiences with massage therapy should be considered.Clinical trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (www.drks.de), identifier DRKS00023407.
Analysis of the correlation between the dose exposure intensity and apatinib in advanced gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Xiao , Gao Lan , Che Siying , Tao Chaofeng 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundApatinib is a small molecule anti-angiogenesis targeted drug that has demonstrated significant efficacy as a late-line treatment in advanced gastric cancer in phase 3 clinical trials. This study amid to evaluate the correlation between dose exposure intensity and efficacy and safety of apatinib in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.MethodsWe conducted an observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced gastric cancer who received apatinib targeted therapy in Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University between June 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021. Dose exposure intensity (DEI) was defined as the product of dose and continuous medication time. Patients were assigned to high-dose exposure intensity (HDEI) and low-dose exposure intensity (LDEI) cohorts. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and safety. The relationship between HDEI and LDEI and clinical outcomes was analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier curve and χ2 test.Results61 patients were enrolled and assigned into two retrospective cohorts. The median PFS (mPFS) were 6.50 months (95% confidence interval (CI) [4.80-9.20]) and 4.10 months (95% CI [3.70-5.20]), and the median OS (mOS) were 10.70 months (95% CI [9.20-18.50]) and 7.50 months (95% CI [6.80-9.30]) for the HDEI and LDEI cohorts, respectively. The mPFS were 5.85 months (95% CI [5.00-7.00]) and 4.60 months (95% CI [4.10-5.90]), and mOS were 9.60 months (95% CI [9.10-12.40]) and 7.60 months (95% CI [7.20-10.20]) the for the 250 mg cohort and 500 mg cohorts. The mPFS were 6.65 months (95% CI [5.90-9.20]) and 4.10 months (95% CI [3.90-5.20]), and the mOS were 11.20 months (95% CI [9.20-18.50]) and 7.60 months (95% CI [7.20-9.60])for the long medication time and short medication time cohorts, respectively. The most common TRAEs of any grade were hypertension, proteinuria, and neutrophil count decreased. The incidence of grade 3-4 adverse reactions in the 500 mg cohort was higher than the 250 mg cohort (P=0.0016).ConclusionThe efficacy of apatinib in advanced gastric cancer was significantly positively correlated with dose exposure intensity, and HDEI can prolong PFS and OS. Early application of low-dose apatinib (250 mg/d) can improve patients’ tolerability, and the adverse reactions are controllable.
Anatomical and physiological contributions of nasal turbinate vessels and lymphatics to the pathogenesis of nasal congestion in recurrent headaches: a pilot study
Authors: Chmielecki Jacob M. , Vemula Aishwarya , Schwartz Joyce G. , Gelfond Jonathan A. , Phillips William T. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine if specific anatomical changes were present in patients with recurrent headaches including patients with chronic migraines, chronic tension-type headaches, and daily persistent headaches. A retrospective study of 200 patients was performed to evaluate the potential of measuring the amount of nasal blood pool activity (nasal congestion) as a predictive marker for recurrent headaches.MethodsA cohort analysis was performed involving patients who had been referred to the Nuclear Medicine Clinic over a 3-year period for whole-body blood pool scans. The scans were evaluated by region of interest (ROI) analysis of nasal and heart max pixel count ratios (NHMRs) to determine an association between nasal blood pooling activity and recurrent headaches at the time of the initial scan and in follow-up evaluations over a period of 3–6 years.ResultsSignificantly greater NHMRs were observed in 122 patients with chronic headaches at the time of referral for their initial whole-body blood pool scan when compared with those patients without recurrent headaches (p = 0.004; OR 10.5; 95% CI 2.22–56.7). An additional 15 patients, for a total of 137, developed recurrent headaches following their initial scan and before their follow-up evaluation. NHMRs were also significantly increased in the additional patients when compared to those without recurrent headaches (p = 0.004; OR 12.3; 95% CI 2.34–75.5).ConclusionPatients with recurrent headaches have significantly increased nasal activity as observed on 99mTc-MDP whole-body blood pool scans, supporting the hypothesis that nasal lymphatic dysfunction plays a role in the etiology of recurrent headaches. This research highlights a novel diagnostic use of the whole-body blood pool scan for the assessment of nasal turbinate vasodilation as well as a possible new target for the treatment of recurrent headaches.