bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver shape analysis using statistical parametric maps at population scale
Authors: Thanaj Marjola , Basty Nicolas , Cule Madeleine , Sorokin Elena P. , Whitcher Brandon , Bell Jimmy D. , Thomas E. Louise 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundMorphometric image analysis enables the quantification of differences in the shape and size of organs between individuals.MethodsHere we have applied morphometric methods to the study of the liver by constructing surface meshes from liver segmentations from abdominal MRI images in 33,434 participants in the UK Biobank. Based on these three dimensional mesh vertices, we evaluated local shape variations and modelled their association with anthropometric, phenotypic and clinical conditions, including liver disease and type-2 diabetes.ResultsWe found that age, body mass index, hepatic fat and iron content, as well as, health traits were significantly associated with regional liver shape and size. Interaction models in groups with specific clinical conditions showed that the presence of type-2 diabetes accelerates age-related changes in the liver, while presence of liver fat further increased shape variations in both type-2 diabetes and liver disease.ConclusionsThe results suggest that this novel approach may greatly benefit studies aiming at better categorisation of pathologies associated with acute and chronic clinical conditions.
Estimating smoking-attributable lung cancer mortality in Chinese adults from 2000 to 2020: a comparison of three methods
Authors: Ai Feiling , Zhao Jian , Yang Wenyi , Wan Xia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Smoking is a significant public health concern in China and a leading cause of lung cancer deaths among adults. This study aims to employ three methods to estimate smoking-attributable lung cancer mortality among Chinese adults from 2000 to 2020.

Methods
Population attributable fractions (PAFs) of lung cancer deaths caused by smoking were estimated using lagged smoking prevalence, Peto-Lopez, and dose–response relationship methods, separately. Smoking exposure was obtained from national tobacco surveys in China, and relative risks (RR) were derived from a meta-analysis of state-of-the-art studies among the Chinese population. Finally, we estimated the sex- and age-stratified smoking-attributable lung cancer deaths in Chinese population in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.

Results
The PAFs estimated using 5- and 10-year lagged smoking prevalence method (45–47%) and Peto-Lopez method (46–47%) were similar, while PAFs calculated using the dose–response method were highest (47–58%). The PAFs were consistently higher in males than in females. Age-specific PAFs estimated by lagged smoking prevalence method (54–60%) and the Peto-Lopez method (57–61%) in males were similar and relatively stable, with slight decreases in older populations, while the dose–response relationship-based PAFs increased with age and fluctuated by year. By using the above methods, smoking-attributable lung cancer deaths were estimated to be 134,100, 134,600, 136,600, and 155,300 in 2000 increasing to 310,300, 301,100, 306,000, and 314,700 in 2020, respectively.

Conclusion
The estimation from dose–response methods could better reflect the smoking effect, however, high-quality data and accurate estimation of parameters are necessary.
Unilateral acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) with delayed contralateral eye involvement
Authors: Mordechaev Emanuel , Shakarov Gabriel , Parikh Deep 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a rare presumed inflammatory chorioretinopathy characterized by creamy, yellow-white placoid lesions at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Unilateral cases often have fellow eye involvement within days to a few weeks. This report details a rare case of delayed contralateral APMPPE, in which unilateral lesion resolution was followed by contralateral eye involvement 31 months later.

Case presentation
A 38-year-old woman presented with three days of blurry vision and photopsias in the right eye (OD). She endorsed a viral GI illness one month prior. Visual acuity was 20/25 -2 OD and 20/20 -1 in the left eye (OS). Examination revealed creamy, yellow-white placoid lesions in the posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was notable for early hypofluorescence and late hyperfluorescence of the lesions, consistent with APMPPE. MRI and MRA brain were negative for cerebral vasculitis. She was treated with oral prednisone with complete resolution of her symptoms, vision, and lesion regression. She then presented 31 months later, with blurry vision OS and similar new creamy, yellow-white placoid lesions in the posterior pole OS. She endorsed receiving an influenza vaccine one month prior. FA again was notable for early hypofluorescence. She was diagnosed with APMPPE, this time involving the left eye, and was once again started on oral steroids with complete resolution. She denied any neurologic symptoms.

Conclusions
APMPPE is an inflammatory vasculitis of the choroid, leading to hypoperfusion and ischemic injury of the RPE with subsequent lesion formation. APMPPE may be preceded by a viral prodrome or vaccination, both of which were seen in this case. Choroidal inflammation seen in APMPPE is therefore thought to stem from immune-mediated processes. Unilateral cases often have fellow eye involvement within days to a few weeks. Single eye involvement with delayed contralateral presentation, as seen in our patient, is rare. This case demonstrates that lesion resolution in one eye can be followed by contralateral eye involvement up to 31 months later, highlighting the importance of routine ophthalmic monitoring for patients with unilateral APMPPE.
Women empowerment and childhood stunting: evidence from rural northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Wassie Emebet Gashaw , Tenagashaw Mesfin Wogayehu , Tiruye Tenaw Yimer 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Women are often the primary caregivers of children, and as such, their empowerment could influence the nutritional status of their children. However, the role of maternal empowerment on the nutritional status of children in Ethiopia is largely unknown.

Aim
To determine the association of women’s empowerment with childhood stunting in rural northwest Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 582 mothers with children aged 6–59 months. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Binomial logistic regression analyses were used to assess whether women’s empowerment (categorized as low, moderate and high) and its five dimensions (household decision-making, educational status, cash earnings, house/land ownership, and membership in community groups) were associated with stunting in children. Odds ratios with 95% CI were estimated, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.

Results
A total of 114 (19.6%), 312 (53.6%), and 156 (26.8%) participants had low, moderate, and high empowerment levels, respectively. In addition, 255 (43.8%) mothers had children who were stunted (too short for their age). In the adjusted models, mothers with moderate empowerment (AOR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.97) and high empowerment (AOR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.86) had lower odds of having stunted children compared to mothers with low empowerment. Mothers who had a secondary education or higher (AOR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.93), owned a house or land (AOR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.94) and were members of community groups (AOR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.80) were less likely to have stunted children.

Conclusion
High women empowerment was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of childhood stunting. The findings suggest a need to look beyond the direct causes of stunting and incorporate targeted strategies for empowering women into child nutrition programs.
Factor structure of psychosis screening questionnaire in Ugandan adults
Authors: Kwagala Claire , Ametaj Amantia , Kim Hannah H. , Kyebuzibwa Joseph , Okura Rogers , Stevenson Anne , Gelaye Bizu , Akena Dickens 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Psychotic disorders are common and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality of people with psychiatric diseases. Therefore, early screening and detection may facilitate early intervention and reduce adverse outcomes. Screening tools that lay persons can administer are particularly beneficial in low resource settings. However, there is limited research evaluating the validity of psychosis screening instruments in Uganda. We aimed to assess the construct validity and psychometric properties of the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ) in Uganda in a population with no history of a psychotic disorder.

Methods
The sample consisted of 2101 Ugandan adults participating as controls in a larger multi-country case-control study on psychiatric genetics who were recruited between February 2018 and March 2020. Participants were individuals seeking outpatient general medical care, caretakers of individuals seeking care, and staff or students recruited from five medical facilities that were age 18 years or older and able to provide consent. Individuals were excluded who had acute levels of alcohol or substance use, including being under inpatient hospitalization or acute medical care for one of these conditions. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item response theory (IRT) to evaluate the factor structure and item properties of the PSQ.

Results
The overall prevalence screening positive for psychotic symptoms was 13.9% 95% CI (12.4,15.4). “Strange experiences” were the most endorsed symptoms 6.6% 95% CI (5.6,7.8). A unidimensional model seemed to be a good model or well-fitting based on fit indices including the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA of 0.00), comparative fit index (CFI of 1.000), and Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI of 1.000). The most discriminating items along the latent construct of psychosis were items assessing thought disturbance followed by items assessing paranoia, with a parameter (discrimination) value of 2.53 and 2.40, respectively.

Conclusion
The PSQ works well in Uganda as an initial screening tool for moderate to high-level of psychotic symptoms.
Effect of low-frequency noise exposure on cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Peng , Li Jiangjing , Li Zenglei , Wei Jing , Li Jing , Zhang Shenghao , Xu Shenglong , Liu Zhaohui , Wang Jin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundLow-frequency noise may cause changes in cognitive function. However, there is no established consensus on the effect of low-frequency noise on cognitive function. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between low-frequency noise exposure and cognitive function.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and identified original studies written in English on low-frequency noise and cognition published before December 2022 using the PsycINFO, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science databases. The risk of bias was evaluated according to established guidelines. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. To explore the association between low-frequency noise exposure and cognitive function, we reviewed eight relevant studies. These studies covered cognitive functions grouped into four domains: attention, executive function, memory, and higher-order cognitive functions. The data extraction process was followed by a random-effects meta-analysis for each domain, which allowed us to quantify the overall effect.ResultsOur analysis of the selected studies suggested that interventions involving low-frequency noise only had a negative impact on higher-order cognitive functions (Z = 2.42,p = 0.02), with a standardized mean difference of -0.37 (95% confidence interval: -0.67, -0.07). A moderate level of heterogeneity was observed among studies (p = 0.24, I2 = 29%, Tau2 = 0.03).ConclusionsOur study findings suggest that low-frequency noise can negatively impact higher-order cognitive functions, such as logical reasoning, mathematical calculation, and data processing. Therefore, it becomes important to consider the potential negative consequences of low-frequency noise in everyday situations, and proactive measures should be taken to address this issue and mitigate the associated potential adverse outcomes.
Association of lymphocyte subsets and cytokines with bone metabolism: a retrospective, cross-sectional study
Authors: Peng Cong , Yang Qiao , Kong Xiangrui , Sun Zhengzhong , Wang Liang , Xiao Li 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous research has shown that lymphocytes and cytokines can mediate bone metabolism. This study explored the clinical association and predictive ability of lymphocytes and cytokines levels for bone metabolism.

Methods
A total of 162 patients were enrolled in this study. The levels of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), β-collagen degradation product (β-CTX), total T lymphocytes, immature T lymphocytes, suppressor/cytotoxic T lymphocytes, helper/inducer T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IFN-α, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL12p70 were evaluated. The relationship between these lymphocyte subsets and cytokines with bone metabolic status was examined and their predictive ability for bone metabolic status was assessed.

Results
The principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis results varied on differences in lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in various bone metabolism states. Differential analysis revealed significant differences in the absolute counts of B lymphocytes (P < 0.05), level of IL-12p70 (P < 0.05), and IL-8 (P < 0.001) at different P1NP levels. Significant differences were observed in the absolute counts of total T lymphocytes (P < 0.05), B lymphocytes (P < 0.05), the level of IL-6 (P < 0.05), the percentage of B lymphocytes (P < 0.01), and NK cells (P < 0.05) at different β-CTX levels. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the absolute count of B lymphocytes and levels of IL-12p70 and IL-8 could be used to evaluate bone formation states, while the absolute counts of T and B lymphocytes, level of IL-6, and percentages of NK cells and B lymphocytes could be used to evaluate bone resorption states.

Conclusion
The bone metabolism status changed based on the lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels. Differentially expressed lymphocytes and cytokines could be used to distinguish bone metabolism status.
Prediction of the active compounds and mechanism of Biochanin A in the treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Liu Jianhong , Hua Zhirui , Liao Shijie , Li Boxiang , Tang Shengping , Huang Qian , Wei Zhendi , Lu Rongbin , Lin Chengsen , Ding Xiaofei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a special self-limited disease in pediatric orthopedics with a high disability rate and a long-term course, and there is still no clear and effective therapeutic drug in clinic. This study aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of biochanin A, a kind of oxygen-methylated isoflavone compound, in treating Perthes disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments.

Methods
IL-6 was used to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells to construct endothelial cell dysfunction model. We demonstrated whether biochanin A could alleviate endothelial dysfunction through CCK8 assay, immunofluorescence. Targets of biochanin A from pharmMappeer, SWISS, and TargetNet databases were screened. Targets of endothelial dysfunction were obtained from Genecards and OMIM databases. Protein–protein interaction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics analyses were used to analyze the potential target and the key pathway of the anti-endothelial dysfunction activity of biochanin A. To validate the potential target-drug interactions, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed and the result was proved by western blot.

Results
It was found that biochanin A can promote the expression of ZO-1, reduce the expression of ICAM-1, which means improving endothelial dysfunction. A total of 585 targets of biochanin A from pharmMappeer, SWISS, and TargetNet databases were screened. A total of 10,832 targets of endothelial dysfunction were obtained from Genecards and OMIM databases. A total of 527 overlapping targets of endothelial dysfunction and biochanin A were obtained. AKT1, TNF-α, VCAM1, ICAM1, and NOS3 might be the key targets of the anti-endothelial dysfunction activity of biochanin A, and the key pathways might be PI3K-Akt and TNF signaling pathways. Molecular docking results indicated that the AKT1 and TNF-α had the highest affinity binding with biochanin A.

Conclusion
This study indicates that biochanin A can target AKT1 and TNF-α to alleviate endothelial dysfunction induced by IL-6 in Perthes disease, which provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of Perthes disease by using biochanin A.
Parental satisfaction with paediatric care with and without the support of an eHealth device: a quasi-experimental study in Sweden
Authors: Foldager Jeppesen Sarah , Vilhjálmsson Rúnar , Åvik Persson Helene , Kristensson Hallström Inger 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The period after a child is discharged from hospital is generally described as challenging for the parents. Their satisfaction with the health services received is an important indicator of the quality of care. eHealth devices are increasingly used in health care to support communication with parents. Differences in levels of parental satisfaction by modality of provided care or by parental background are largely unknown. This study aimed to describe satisfaction with health care between sociodemographic groups of parents, who either received or did not receive an eHealth device for communication between parents and hospital staff as a supplement to routine care after a child’s discharge from neonatal or paediatric surgery departments.

Methods
Data from a quasi-experimental study was collected in the south of Sweden, between 2019 and 2021. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL) Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module was used to assess the parents’ satisfaction with different dimensions of health care. Seventy parents of children hospitalized in a neonatal or a paediatric surgery department were enrolled in intervention (eHealth device, n = 36) and control (no eHealth device, n = 34) groups.

Results
The parents reported high overall satisfaction with the health care provided and were also highly satisfied within different dimensions of care. Moreover, they reported high satisfaction with using an eHealth device, although having support from the eHealth device was related to neither higher nor lower levels of satisfaction with care. There was a significant difference between fathers and mothers in the multivariate sub-analysis in certain instances regarding satisfaction with communication and the level of inclusion.

Conclusions
Parents were very satisfied with the health care provided, whether or not they received eHealth. Further research looking at groups with and without the support of an eHealth device is required to further develop future paediatric and neonatal care interventions. Communication and support through eHealth can be a tool to alleviate the distress parents experience after their child’s hospital admission, accommodate the family’s transfer to home, and increase satisfaction with care, but it needs to be evaluated before being implemented.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials NCT04150120, first registration 4/11/2019.
LASS2 enhances chemosensitivity to cisplatin by inhibiting PP2A-mediated β-catenin dephosphorylation in a subset of stem-like bladder cancer cells
Authors: Shi Hongjin , Tan Zhiyong , Duan Bowen , Guo Chunming , Li Chong , Luan Ting , Li Ning , Huang Yinglong , Chen Shi , Gao Jixian , Feng Wei , Xu Haole , Wang Jiansong , Fu Shi , Wang Haifeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The benefits of first-line, cisplatin-based chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer are limited due to intrinsic or acquired resistance to cisplatin. Increasing evidence has revealed the implication of cancer stem cells in the development of chemoresistance. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study investigates the role of LASS2, a ceramide synthase, in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a subset of stem-like bladder cancer cells and explores strategies to sensitize bladder cancer to cisplatin treatment.

Methods
Data from cohorts of our center and published datasets were used to evaluate the clinical characteristics of LASS2. Flow cytometry was used to sort and analyze bladder cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Tumor sphere formation, soft agar colony formation assay, EdU assay, apoptosis analysis, cell viability, and cisplatin sensitivity assay were used to investigate the functional roles of LASS2. Immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, coimmunoprecipitation, LC–MS, PCR array, luciferase reporter assays, pathway reporter array, chromatin immunoprecipitation, gain-of-function, and loss-of-function approaches were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Cell- and patient-derived xenograft models were used to investigate the effect of LASS2 overexpression and a combination of XAV939 on cisplatin sensitization and tumor growth.

Results
Patients with low expression of LASS2 have a poorer response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Loss of LASS2 confers a stem-like phenotype and contributes to cisplatin resistance. Overexpression of LASS2 results in inhibition of self-renewal ability of BCSCs and increased their sensitivity to cisplatin. Mechanistically, LASS2 inhibits PP2A activity and dissociates PP2A from β-catenin, preventing the dephosphorylation of β-catenin and leading to the accumulation of cytosolic phospho-β-catenin, which decreases the transcription of the downstream genes ABCC2 and CD44 in BCSCs. Overexpression of LASS2 combined with a tankyrase inhibitor (XAV939) synergistically inhibits tumor growth and restores cisplatin sensitivity.

Conclusions
Targeting the LASS2 and β-catenin pathways may be an effective strategy to overcome cisplatin resistance and inhibit tumor growth in bladder cancer patients.
Evolution of cell therapy for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yufei , Suarez Eloah Rabello , Kastrunes Gabriella , de Campos Najla Santos Pacheco , Abbas Rabia , Pivetta Renata Schmieder , Murugan Nithyassree , Chalbatani Ghanbar Mahmoodi , D’Andrea Vincent , Marasco Wayne A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTreatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has improved dramatically over the last decade, shifting from high-dose cytokine therapy in combination with surgical resection of tumors to targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapies. However, curative treatment, particularly for advanced-stage disease, remains rare. Cell therapy as a “living drug” has achieved hematological malignancy cures with a high response rate, and significant research efforts have been made to facilitate its translation to solid tumors. Herein, we overview the cellular therapies for RCC focusing on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, T cell receptor gene-modified T cells, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer (NK) cells, lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, γδ T cells, and dendritic cell vaccination. We have also included perspectives for using other recent approaches, such as CAR macrophages, dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer cells and regulatory CAR-T cells to shed light on preclinical development of cell therapy and advancing cell therapy into clinic to achieve cures for RCC.