bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging and clinical predictors of acute constipation in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Han I Joon , Lee Ji-Eun , Song Ha-Na , Baek In-Young , Choi Jongun , Chung Jong-Won , Bang Oh Young , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Seo Woo-Keun 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundConstipation symptoms are highly prevalent in acute ischemic stroke, but the clinical and neuroimaging predictors are unknown. This study aimed to identify lesions and clinical features associated with acute constipation.MethodsData from patients with acute ischemic stroke registered in a hospital-based stroke registry between January 2018 and December 2019 were analyzed. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging features were examined for associations with acute constipation. Using the topographic lesion on diffusion-weighted images, multivariate support vector regression-based lesion-symptom mapping (SVR-LSM) was conducted and compared between the non-constipation and acute constipation groups.ResultsA total of 256 patients (mean age 67 years, men: 64%) were included. Acute constipation was noted in 81 patients (32%). Initial stroke severity, represented by initial National Institutes of Health and Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, was associated with acute constipation. Laboratory parameters, including fibrin degradation products (FDP), fibrinogen, D-dimer, lipoprotein (a), and free fatty acid levels, also showed statistically significant differences between the non-constipation and constipation groups. FDP, D-dimer, and free fatty acid levels were independently associated with acute constipation in the logistic regression model after adjusting for initial NIHSS scores and potassium levels. SVR-LSM revealed that bilateral lesions in the precentral gyrus, insula, opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus, the inferior parietal lobule, and lesions in the right middle frontal gyrus were significantly associated with acute constipation. The results were consistent after controlling for the initial NIHSS scores and poststroke potassium levels. When cardioembolic stroke subjects were excluded, the right insular and prefrontal cortex lesions lost their association with acute constipation.ConclusionAcute constipation symptoms after acute ischemic stroke are mainly related to bilateral lesions in the insula, precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and inferior parietal lobule. Clinically important predictors of acute constipation include initial neurological severity and thromboembolic markers of stroke.
BMI and plasma lipid levels with risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shu Yiyang , Zhou Qi , Shao Yuting , Lin Hui , Qu Shen , Han Wenting , Lv Xiao , Bi Yanlong 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThe study aimed to determine whether a causal effect exists between body mass index (BMI) or plasma lipid levels and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) risk in humans.MethodsWe utilized univariable (UVMR) and multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analyses to confirm the effects of BMI and plasma lipid levels on the risk of PDR. Genetic variants associated with BMI and three plasma lipids were obtained from GWAS summary datasets generated by many different consortia and were deposited in the MR-Base database. The GWAS summary data for PDR from the FinnGen biobank included 2,12,889 participants of European ancestry (8,681 cases and 2,04,208 controls). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was applied as the main MR analysis. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the robustness of our findings.ResultsIn the UVMR analysis, the causal associations of genetically predicted BMI with PDR presented a positive association (OR = 1.120, 95% CI = 1.076–1.167, P &lt; 0.001), and the lower HDL-C level was associated with a higher risk of PDR (OR = 0.898, 95% CI = 0.811–0.995, P = 0.040). No evidence of an association between LDL-C or TG levels (P &gt; 0.05) and PDR risk was found. In the MVMR analysis controlling for the HDL-C level, there was strong evidence for a direct causal effect of BMI on the risk of PDR (OR = 1.106, 95%CI = 1.049, 1.166, P &lt; 0.001, IVW). After adjusting for BMI, there was no evidence for a direct causal effect of the HDL-C level on the risk of PDR (OR = 0.911, 95% CI = 0.823, 1.008, P = 0.072). Sensitivity analyses confirmed that the results were reliable and stable.ConclusionRobust evidence was demonstrated for an independent, causal effect of BMI in increasing the risk of PDR. Further studies are required to understand the potential biological mechanisms underlying this causal relationship.
Extracellular thiamine concentration influences thermogenic competency of differentiating neck area-derived human adipocytes
Authors: Vinnai Boglárka Ágnes , Arianti Rini , Győry Ferenc , Bacso Zsolt , Fésüs László , Kristóf Endre 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionBrown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy in the form of heat majorly via the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). The activation of BAT, which is enriched in the neck area and contains brown and beige adipocytes in humans, was considered as a potential therapeutic target to treat obesity. Therefore, finding novel agents that can stimulate the differentiation and recruitment of brown or beige thermogenic adipocytes are important subjects for investigation. The current study investigated how the availability of extracellular thiamine (vitamin B1), an essential cofactor of mitochondrial enzyme complexes that catalyze key steps in the catabolism of nutrients, affects the expression of thermogenic marker genes and proteins and subsequent functional parameters during ex vivo adipocyte differentiation.MethodsWe differentiated primary human adipogenic progenitors that were cultivated from subcutaneous (SC) or deep neck (DN) adipose tissues in the presence of gradually increasing thiamine concentrations during their 14-day differentiation program. mRNA and protein expression of thermogenic genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. Cellular respiration including stimulated maximal and proton-leak respiration was measured by Seahorse analysis.ResultsHigher thiamine levels resulted in increased expression of thiamine transporter 1 and 2 both at mRNA and protein levels in human neck area-derived adipocytes. Gradually increasing concentrations of thiamine led to increased basal, cAMP-stimulated, and proton-leak respiration along with elevated mitochondrial biogenesis of the differentiated adipocytes. The extracellular thiamine availability during adipogenesis determined the expression levels of UCP1, PGC1a, CKMT2, and other browning-related genes and proteins in primary SC and DN-derived adipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Providing abundant amounts of thiamine further increased the thermogenic competency of the adipocytes.DiscussionCase studies in humans reported that thiamine deficiency was found in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Our study raises the possibility of a novel strategy with long-term thiamine supplementation, which can enhance the thermogenic competency of differentiating neck area-derived adipocytes for preventing or combating obesity.
Who persistently consumes dietary supplements? A multifaceted analysis using South Korea’s nationally representative health and nutrition examination survey data
Authors: Kwon Hye-Young 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify multifaceted factors affecting intake of dietary supplements among Koreans.MethodsKorean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data from 2018 to 2020 were obtained, pertaining to functional food intake, health related behaviors and morbidities. A total of 12,031 participants representing the Korean adult population were identified into two groups: 1 year more consumer group (N = 4,345) vs. non-consumer group (N = 7,686). A logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the predictors of dietary supplement consumptions.ResultsSociodemographic variables were associated with dietary supplement use. Participants who were female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.59–2.15), older (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04–1.08), married (OR = 6.39; 95% CI, 3.44–11.85), highly educated, and high income earners consumed significantly more dietary supplements. Non-smoking (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06–1.53) and performing aerobic exercise (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13–1.46) predict dietary supplement consumption. Self-rated health status and health-related quality of life increased the likelihood of dietary supplement intake by 1.86 (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.04–3.32) and 7.77 times (OR = 7.77; 95% CI, 1.66–33.40), respectively. The number of chronic diseases, cancer, or stroke was not significantly associated with intake. Those with obesity tended to less consume dietary supplements (OR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74–0.97). Hypertension (OR = 3.14; 95% CI, 1.36–7.21), osteoporosis (OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.11–1.95), and asthma (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27–0.73) were significantly associated with the intake.ConclusionConsidering that healthy behaviors and subjective health led to the consumption of dietary supplements, whereas current disease or catastrophic experience did not, the intake of dietary supplements should be included in health promotion in Korea.
Expression of microRNA-379 reduces metastatic spread of prostate cancer
Authors: Cassidy James R. , Voss Gjendine , Underbjerg Kira Rosenkilde , Persson Margareta , Ceder Yvonne 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is the most common type of cancer in males, and the metastatic form is a leading cause of death worldwide. There are currently no curative treatments for this subset of patients. To decrease the mortality of this disease, greater focus must be placed on developing therapeutics to reduce metastatic spread. We focus on dissemination to the bone since this is both the most common site of metastatic spread and associated with extreme pain and discomfort for patients. Our strategy is to exploit microRNAs (miRNAs) to disrupt the spread of primary PCa to the bone.MethodsPCa cell lines were transduced to overexpress microRNA-379 (miR-379). These transduced PCa cells were assessed using cell growth, migration, colony formation and adhesion assays. We also performed in vivo intracardiac injections to look at metastatic spread in NSG mice. A cytokine array was also performed to identify targets of miR-379 that may drive metastatic spread.ResultsPCa cells with increased levels of miR-379 showed a significant decrease in proliferation, migration, colony formation, and adhesion to bone cells in vitro. In vivo miR-379 overexpression in PC3 cells significantly decreased metastatic spread to bone and reduced levels of miR-379 were seen in patients with metastases. We identified GDF-15 to be secreted from osteoblasts when grown in conditioned media from PCa cells with reduced miR-379 levels.DiscussionTaken together, our in vitro and in vivo functional assays support a role for miR-379 as a tumour suppressor. A potential mechanism is unravelled whereby miR-379 deregulation in PCa cells affects the secretion of GDF-15 from osteoblasts which in turn facilitates the metastatic establishment in bone. Our findings support the potential role of miR-379 as a therapeutic solution for prostate cancer.
Research landscape and frontiers of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: a bibliometric and visual analysis
Authors: Gao Bowen , Chen Zhiheng , Shi Meijie , Mo Yousheng , Xiao Huanming , Xie Yubao , Lin Ming , Chi Xiaoling 
Published: September 2023

Background:Due to the widespread prevalence of caloric excess and sedentary behavior on a global scale, there is a growing body of epidemiological evidence indicating that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has rapidly become a leading aetiology underlying of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In light of the escalating incidence of NASH-associated HCC (NASH-HCC), it is imperative to mitigate the impending burden. While there has been an increase in global awareness regarding this issue, it has yet to be examined from a bibliometric standpoint. Therefore, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to characterize the evolution of this field.Method:The present study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) to identify publications pertaining to NASH-HCC over the past 2 decades. Employing Vosviewer 1.6.19, CiteSpace 6.2.R2, and the Analysis Platform of Bibliometrics, the study conducted an analysis of various dimensions including the quantity of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, co-references, keywords, and trend topics in this field.Results:A comprehensive analysis of 3,679 publications pertaining to NASH-HCC, published between 1 January 2002 and 1 April 2023, was conducted. The field in question experienced a rapid increase in publications, with the United States serving as the central hub. Collaboration between institutions was more extensive than that between countries. Notably, HEPATOLOGY (n= 30,168) emerged as the most impactful journal, and Zobair M. Younossi (n= 10,025) as the most frequently cited author in co-citations. The most commonly cited references were KLEINER DE, 2005, HEPATOLOGY (n= 630), followed by YOUNOSSI ZM, 2016, HEPATOLOGY (n= 493). The author keywords were categorized into three distinct clusters, namely, Cluster 1 (Mechanism), Cluster 2 (Factors), and Cluster 3 (Diagnosis). Analysis of high-frequency co-occurring keywords and topical trends revealed emphasis on molecular mechanisms in current research. “macrophages” and “tumor microenvironment” were active research hotspots at present in this field.Conclusion:A bibliometric analysis was performed for the first time on publications pertaining to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-hepatocellular carcinoma, uncovering co-research networks, developmental trends, and current research hotspots. The emerging frontiers of this field focused on the macrophages and tumor microenvironment, especially the tumor-associated macrophages, offering a fresh perspective for future research directions.
Impact of chronic heat stress on behavior, oxidative status and meat quality traits of fast-growing broiler chickens
Authors: Cartoni Mancinelli Alice , Baldi Giulia , Soglia Francesca , Mattioli Simona , Sirri Federico , Petracci Massimiliano , Castellini Cesare , Zampiga Marco 
Published: September 2023

This research aimed to investigate, through a multifactorial approach, the relationship among some in-vivo parameters (i.e., behavior and blood traits) in broilers exposed to chronic HS, and their implications on proximate composition, technological properties, and oxidative stability of breast meat. A total of 300 Ross 308 male chickens were exposed, from 35 to 41 days of age, to either thermoneutral conditions (TNT group: 20°C; six replicates of 25 birds/each) or elevated ambient temperature (HS group: 24 h/d at 30°C; six replicates of 25 birds/each). In order to deal with thermal stress, HS chickens firstly varied the frequency of some behaviors that are normally expressed also in physiological conditions (i.e., increasing “drinking” and decreasing “feeding”) and then exhibited a behavioral pattern finalized at dissipating heat, primarily represented by “roosting,” “panting” and “elevating wings.” Such modifications become evident when the temperature reached 25°C, while the behavioral frequencies tended to stabilize at 27°C with no further substantial changes over the 6 days of thermal challenge. The multifactorial approach highlighted that these behavioral changes were associated with oxidative and inflammatory status as indicated by lower blood γ-tocopherol and higher carbonyls level (0.38 vs. 0.18 nmol/mL, and 2.39 vs. 7.19 nmol/mg proteins, respectively for TNT and HS; p &lt; 0.001). HS affected breast meat quality by reducing the moisture:protein ratio (3.17 vs. 3.01, respectively for TNT and HS; p &lt; 0.05) as well as the muscular acidification (ultimate pH = 5.81 vs. 6.00, respectively; p &lt; 0.01), resulting in meat with higher holding capacity and tenderness. HS conditions reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in the breast meat while increased protein oxidation. Overall results evidenced a dynamic response of broiler chickens to HS exposure that induced behavioral and physiological modifications strictly linked to alterations of blood parameters and meat quality characteristics.
Deep learning classification of systemic sclerosis from multi-site photoplethysmography signals
Authors: Iqbal Sadaf , Bacardit Jaume , Griffiths Bridget , Allen John 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: A pilot study assessing a novel approach to identify patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) using deep learning analysis of multi-site photoplethysmography (PPG) waveforms (“DL-PPG”).Methods: PPG recordings having baseline, unilateral arm pressure cuff occlusion and reactive hyperaemia flush phases from 6 body sites were studied in 51 Controls and 20 SSc patients. RGB scalogram images were obtained from the PPG, using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT). 2 different pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs, namely, GoogLeNet and EfficientNetB0) were trained to classify the SSc and Control groups, evaluating their performance using 10-fold stratified cross validation (CV). Their classification performance (i.e., accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, with 95% confidence intervals) was also compared to traditional machine learning (ML), i.e., Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN).Results: On a participant basis DL-PPG accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for GoogLeNet were 83.1 (72.3–90.9), 75.0 (50.9–91.3) and 86.3 (73.7–94.3)% respectively, and for EfficientNetB0 were 87.3 (77.2–94.0), 80.0 (56.3–94.3) and 90.1 (78.6–96.7)%. The corresponding results for ML classification using LDA were 66.2 (53.9–77.0), 65.0 (40.8–84.6) and 66.7 (52.1–79.2)% respectively, and for KNN were 76.1 (64.5–85.4), 40.0 (19.1–63.9), and 90.2 (78.6–96.7)% respectively.Discussion: This study shows the potential of DL-PPG classification using CNNs to detect SSc. EfficientNetB0 gave an overall improved performance compared to GoogLeNet, with both CNNs performing better than the traditional ML methods tested. Our automatic AI approach, using transfer learning, could offer significant benefits for SSc diagnostics in a variety of clinical settings where low-cost portable and easy-to-use diagnostics can be beneficial.
Cellular and oxidative stress responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis to chlorpromazine: implications of an antipsychotic drug exposure study
Authors: Impellitteri Federica , Yunko Kateryna , Martyniuk Viktoria , Khoma Vira , Piccione Giuseppe , Stoliar Oksana , Faggio Caterina 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Bivalve molluscs like Mytilus galloprovincialis are valuable bioindicators due to their filter-feeding lifestyle, wide distribution, and ability to concentrate xenobiotics. Studying the effects of pharmaceuticals on these molluscs is crucial given their presence in surface waters. This study investigated the response of M. galloprovincialis to chlorpromazine (Cpz), an antipsychotic with antiviral activity against influenza, HIV, and coronaviruses in human cells.Methods: In this study, we examined the 14-day impact of chlorpromazine (Cpz) on the model species M. galloprovincialis at two concentrations (Cpz 1: 12 ng L-1 or 37 pM; Cpz 2: 12 µg L-1 or 37 nM). To ensure controlled exposure, a stock solution of Cpz was prepared and introduced into the tanks to match the intended concentrations. Seawater and stock solutions were refreshed every 48 h. The primary focus of this study centered on evaluating cell viability, cell volume regulation, and oxidative stress indicators.Results: Although cell volume regulation, as assessed by decreasing regulatory volume Regulation volume decrease, did not show statistically significant changes during the experiment, digestive cell viability, on the other hand, showed a significant decrease (p &lt; 0.01) in the Cpz 2 group, suggesting effects on the general health and survival of these cells. Biochemically, in both Cpz 1 and Cpz 2, superoxide dismutase activity increased, while catalase (CAT) decreased, causing an elevated lipid peroxidation thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and protein carbonyls, particularly in the Cpz 2 group. The level of reduced glutathione (GSH) increased in both exposures, whereas the level of GSSG increased only in the Cpz 1 group. Consequently, the GSH/GSSG ratio was elevated in the Cpz 2 group only.Discussion: A comparison of the magnitudes of anti- and pro-oxidative manifestations indicated a pro-oxidative shift in both exposures. These findings show that Cpz induces non-specific symptoms of biochemical and cellular disturbances in M. galloprovincialis even at the low picomolar concentration.
Home away from home: international students' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of US higher education
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqiao , Hsu Kelly C. , Fleming Kirsten E. , Liu Cindy H. , Hahm Hyeouk Chris 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThis study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students' overall experiences.MethodWe interviewed 22 international students from 11 countries and 17 universities in the US who participated in a large longitudinal study that aims to understand the physical and emotional wellbeing of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, the findings suggested that students were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at interpersonal, institutional, political, and personal levels.ResultsThe results showed that the pandemic exacerbated existing stressors such as the lack of social support from family, various visa regulations, competitive and limited job opportunities, discrimination and xenophobia, particularly toward students from Asia, and financial burdens. Additionally, the findings highlighted students' perceived loss of the “American dream” and the uneven return on investment due to the pandemic.DiscussionThis study reveals the importance of US higher education institutions in supporting international students during the pandemic, particularly in terms of their sense of belonging. Recommendations for institutions drawn from the findings are proposed to better support international students during times of COVID-19 and beyond.