bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep CNN ResNet-18 based model with attention and transfer learning for Alzheimer's disease detection
Authors: Francis Sofia Biju , Prakash Verma Jai 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe prevalence of age-related brain issues has risen in developed countries because of changes in lifestyle. Alzheimer's disease leads to a rapid and irreversible decline in cognitive abilities by damaging memory cells.MethodsA ResNet-18-based system is proposed, integrating Depth Convolution with a Squeeze and Excitation (SE) block to minimize tuning parameters. This design is based on analyses of existing deep learning architectures and feature extraction techniques. Additionally, pre-trained ResNet-18 models were created with and without the SE block to compare ROC and accuracy values across different hyperparameters.ResultsThe proposed model achieved ROC values of 95% for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), 95% for Cognitively Normal (CN), and 93% for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), with a maximum test accuracy of 88.51%. However, the pre-trained model with SE had 93.26% accuracy and ROC values of 98%, 99%, and 98%, while the model without SE had 94%, 97%, and 94% ROC values and 92.41% accuracy.DiscussionCollecting medical data can be expensive and raises ethical concerns. Small data sets are also prone to local minima issues in the cost function. A scratch model that experiences extensive hyperparameter tuning may end up being either overfitted or underfitted. Class imbalance also reduces performance. Transfer learning is most effective with small, imbalanced datasets, and pre-trained models with SE blocks perform better than others. The proposed model introduced a method to reduce training parameters and prevent overfitting from imbalanced medical data. Overall performance findings show that the suggested approach performs better than the state-of-the-art techniques.
Dopaminergic modulation of propofol-induced activation in VLPO neurons: the role of D1 receptors in sleep-promoting neural circuits
Authors: Qian Kun , Zhang Yu , Liu Yang , Wu Sisi , Duan Zikun , Liao Jianhao , Luo Wei , Zhou Mo , Dou Xuejiao , Liu Xingkui , Yu Tian 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) is a crucial regulator of sleep, and its neurons are implicated in both sleep-wake regulation and anesthesia-induced loss of consciousness. Propofol (PRO), a widely used intravenous anesthetic, modulates the activity of VLPO neurons, but the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of dopaminergic receptors, remain unclear.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of PRO on NA (−) neurons in the VLPO and to determine the involvement of D1 and D2 dopaminergic receptors in mediating these effects.MethodsUsing in vitro patch-clamp techniques, we identified and characterized NA (−) and NA (+) neurons in the VLPO based on their morphological, pharmacological, and electrophysiological properties. We assessed the effects of PRO on spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in NA (−) neurons, both in the presence and absence of dopaminergic receptor modulators.ResultsPRO significantly increased the firing frequency of NA (−) neurons while decreasing the firing frequency of NA (+) neurons. This activation of NA (−) neurons was mediated through GABA_A receptors, as evidenced by the increased frequency of sEPSCs and altered sIPSCs dynamics. Dopamine (DA) attenuated the PRO-induced increase in sEPSCs frequency and suppression of sIPSCs frequency in NA (−) neurons via D1 receptors, but not D2 receptors. Blocking D1 receptors with SCH23390 reversed the effects of DA on PRO-induced changes, while D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride had minimal impact.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PRO excites sleep-promoting NA (−) neurons in the VLPO, primarily through GABA_A receptors, with dopaminergic modulation occurring via D1 receptors. These results provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying general anesthesia and highlight the potential role of dopaminergic signaling in modulating anesthetic effects on sleep-related neural circuits.
Efferent compared to afferent neural substrates of the vergence eye movement system evoked via fMRI
Authors: Sangoi Ayushi , Hajebrahimi Farzin , Gohel Suril , Scheiman Mitchell , Alvarez Tara L. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe vergence neural system was stimulated to dissect the afferent and efferent components of symmetrical vergence eye movement step responses. The hypothesis tested was whether the afferent regions of interest would differ from the efferent regions to serve as comparative data for future clinical patient population studies.MethodsThirty binocularly normal participants participated in an oculomotor symmetrical vergence step block task within a functional MRI experiment compared to a similar sensory task where the participants did not elicit vergence eye movements.ResultsFor the oculomotor vergence task, functional activation was observed within the parietal eye field, supplemental eye field, frontal eye field, and cerebellar vermis, and activation in these regions was significantly diminished during the sensory task. Differences between the afferent sensory and efferent oculomotor experiments were also observed within the visual cortex.DiscussionDifferences between the vergence oculomotor and sensory tasks provide a protocol to delineate the afferent and efferent portion of the vergence neural circuit. Implications with clinical populations and future therapeutic intervention studies are discussed.
Changes in basic composition and in vitro digestive characteristics of pork induced by frozen storage
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Yongqing , He Ying , Feng Caiping , Xia Xiufang 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionFrozen pork can reduce the quality of the meat and alter the digestibility and bioavailability of meat proteins in the human body. In this study, we investigated the changes in the basic composition during frozen storage and their effects on the structural properties of digestion products after protein digestion.MethodsThe impacts of frozen storage at different temperatures (−8, −18, −25, and −40°C) and for different times (1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months) on the basic components and in vitro digestive characteristics of pork were evaluated.ResultsThe moisture, crude fat, and protein contents decreased with extended storage and increased temperature, whereas muscle juice loss increased (p &lt; 0.05). During in vitro digestion of samples frozen at −8°C for 12 months, trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble peptides were decreased by 25.46% and 14.37% in the gastric and small intestinal phases, respectively, compared with fresh samples. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) showed that samples stored at −8°C had the largest particle size after digestion. Disruption of protein structure was confirmed by the decrease in α-helix, β-turn, and fluorescence intensity (all p &lt; 0.05) and the increase in β-sheet, random coil, and maximum fluorescence wavelength of the digestion products of samples frozen at −8°C (all p &lt; 0.05).DiscussionTherefore, long-term high-temperature frozen storage brought about a significant decline in basic components of muscle and acceleration of loss of protein structural integrity after digestion.
A CT-based deep learning model for preoperative prediction of spread through air spaces in clinical stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ma Xiaoling , He Weiheng , Chen Chong , Tan Fengmei , Chen Jun , Yang Lili , Chen Dazhi , Xia Liming 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a deep learning signature for noninvasive prediction of spread through air spaces (STAS) in clinical stage I lung adenocarcinoma and compare its predictive performance with conventional clinical-semantic model.MethodsA total of 513 patients with pathologically-confirmed stage I lung adenocarcinoma were retrospectively enrolled and were divided into training cohort (n = 386) and independent validation cohort (n = 127) according to different center. Clinicopathological data were collected and CT semantic features were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to construct a clinical-semantic model predictive of STAS. The Swin Transformer architecture was adopted to develop a deep learning signature predictive of STAS. Model performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and calibration curve. AUC comparisons were performed by the DeLong test.ResultsThe proposed deep learning signature achieved an AUC of 0.869 (95% CI: 0.831, 0.901) in training cohort and 0.837 (95% CI: 0.831, 0.901) in validation cohort, surpassing clinical-semantic model both in training and validation cohort (all P&lt;0.01). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between STAS predicted probabilities using deep learning signature and actual observed probabilities in both cohorts. The inclusion of all clinical-semantic risk predictors failed to show an incremental value with respect to deep learning signature.ConclusionsThe proposed deep learning signature based on Swin Transformer achieved a promising performance in predicting STAS in clinical stage I lung adenocarcinoma, thereby offering information in directing surgical strategy and facilitating adjuvant therapeutic scheduling.
Prevalence and genetic characterization of viral gastroenteritis in hospitalized children aged <5 years in Yunnan Province, China, 2020–2022
Authors: Li Nan , Qiao Enfa , Duan Zhaojun , Li Lili , Jiang Lili , Cun Jianping , Zhou Xiaofang , Wang Zhi Chao , Zhou Yongming , Cao Yihui 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundRotavirus (RV), norovirus (NoV), human enteric adenovirus (HAdV), human astrovirus (HAstV), and sapovirus (SaV) are important viral causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. However, limited information is available regarding AGE in Yunnan, Southwest China.MethodsTo investigate the prevalence of group A rotavirus (RVA), norovirus genogroups I (GI) and II (GII), and HAdV, HAstV, and SaV in children aged &lt;5 years hospitalized with AGE between 2020 and 2022.ResultsStool samples were collected from 612 children hospitalized with AGE. A total of 266 of the 612 children presented with AGE (43.46%; 266/612). RVA was detected in 28.76% (176 of 612) of the children. Rotavirus G9P[8] was the most frequent genotype in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, G8P[8] became the dominant genotype combination circulating in Yunnan Province. The norovirus positivity rate was present in 11.93% (73/612) of the 612 samples. Of the 45 GII successfully sequenced samples, GII.4 was the dominant genotype, accounting for 51.11% (23 of 45), followed by GII.3 [P12] (28.89%; 13 of 45). The positivity rates for SaV, HAstV, and HAdV were 2.94% (18/612), 3.43% (21/612), and 4.74% (29/612), respectively. HAdV-F41 was the predominant genotype and non-enteric HAdV-C2 and HAdV-A12 were also observed in Yunnan. Male children had a higher incidence of AGE than female children upon infection with RV, NoV, and HAdV. The highest incidence of AGE was observed among children aged between 12 and 23 months (62.50%; 120/192), followed by children aged between 24 and 35 months (52.44%; 43/82). The incidence rate of the infection peaked (78.62%; 125/159) in the first 3 months of the year, followed by the next 3 months (66.67%; 70/105).ConclusionsRV and NoV remained the most important agents causing AGE. RV G8P[8] became the dominant circulating genotype instead of G9P[8] in Yunnan in 2022. The authors suggest that monitoring should be strengthened to prevent outbreaks caused by RV G8P[8]. New vaccines, such as the RV G8P[8] genotype, should be considered.
Ginsenoside Rh2 regulates triple-negative breast cancer proliferation and apoptosis via the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Ding Rumeng , Kan Quancheng , Wang Ting , Xiao Ran , Song Yanan , Li Duolu 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most challenging subtype of breast cancer to treat. While previous studies have demonstrated that ginsenoside Rh2 induces apoptosis in TNBC cells, the specific molecular targets and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which ginsenoside Rh2 regulates apoptosis and proliferation in TNBC, offering new insights into its therapeutic potential.MethodsNetwork analysis and transcriptome sequencing were utilized to explore the potential mechanisms of ginsenoside Rh2 in treating TNBC. In vivo imaging and immunohistochemistry were employed to examine the effects of ginsenoside Rh2 in a TNBC mouse model. Functional assays were conducted to assess the impact of ginsenoside Rh2 on TNBC cell behavior. Additionally, ELISA, Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR were used to further investigate the mechanisms of ginsenoside Rh2-induced apoptosis in TNBC cells.ResultsThrough network analysis, 47 common targets were identified, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that ginsenoside Rh2 may exert therapeutic effects in TNBC by influencing apoptosis, cell proliferation, and protein kinase activity. Both transcriptomic analysis and network analysis revealed the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as a key mechanism. Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibited tumor growth in TNBC mice and reduced the expression of IL- 6, IL-6R, STAT3, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL in tumor tissues. The ability of ginsenoside Rh2 to inhibit TNBC cell proliferation was further confirmed by attenuating the activation of the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 apoptosis pathway and reducing the expression of protein kinases AMPK-α1 and PKA-Cα.ConclusionBased on network analysis and experimental validation, our findings demonstrate that ginsenoside Rh2 regulates TNBC proliferation and apoptosis through suppression of the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway, both in vitro and in vivo. This comprehensive approach represents a significant advancement in understanding the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rh2 in treating TNBC.
Preparation of oat galactolipid and anti-liver cancer effects of oat galactolipid–modified curcumin-loaded liver targeting vesicle
Authors: Ren Huiying , Chen Nuo , Liu Yanqing , Wu Meimei , Yan Jingsong , Chang Mingxiang , Li Hanmin 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe mortality rate for liver cancer is extremely high but clinical treatments have not made much progress, so it is necessary to develop anticancer agents with lower toxicities and more effective liver-targeting drug delivery systems (LTDDSs). At present, LTDDSs mediated by the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) show excellent effects at improving the liver-targeting and antitumor effects of drugs. However, the galactosyl ligands are typically prepared by chemical synthesis and have some shortcomings. The present work endeavors to explore the influences of plant galactolipids as natural galactosyl ligands for LTDDSs.MethodsPlant galactolipids were extracted from oat bran, and their characteristics were tested. Then, oat-galactolipid-modified curcumin-loaded liver-targeting vesicles (GCLTVs) and curcumin-loaded vesicles were prepared, which were used in a comparative study of the liver-targeting and liver anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo.ResultThe experimental results show that the oat galactolipids and GCLTVs were prepared successfully. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance, acid, ester, and saponification values of the oat galactolipids were 14.89, 47.22, 237.09, and 284.30, respectively. The morphology of the GCLTV was spherical, with an average particle size of 64.47 nm and average potential of −19.73 mV. The optimal proportion of galactolipids in the GCLTVs was selected as 30%. Compared with the curcumin-loaded vesicles, GCLTV uptakes were significantly higher at 1, 2, and 4 h; further, the galactolipid modification significantly improved the liver-targeting capability of the GCLTVs in vivo. The inhibitory effects of the GCLTVs on the proliferation of HepG2 cells were significantly higher than those of the curcumin-loaded vesicles after 24 and 48 h. The antitumor effects of GCLTVs in vivo based on H&amp;E staining results on liver tissues were stronger than those of the curcumin-loaded vesicles, and the expressions of P53, Bcl-2, and Bax were correspondingly more significant.ConclusionThe GCLTVs show excellent liver-targeting capabilities in vitro and in vivo. Compared to the curcumin-loaded vesicles, the cytotoxicity and anticancer effects of the GCLTVs were significantly higher in vitro and in vivo. Thus, oat galactolipids could be used as a type of natural ligand of the ASGPR and a membrane material that would be beneficial for liver-targeting nanopreparations.
Association between the Taq1A polymorphism and problematic media use in preadolescent children
Authors: Emond Jennifer A. , Renier Timothy J. , Yeum Dabin , Carlson Delaina D. , Ballarino Grace A. , Gilbert-Diamond Diane 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveProblematic media use (PMU) is addiction-like media use. No study has examined if genetic factors for addiction relate to PMU during childhood. This study tested the association between genetic risk factors for addiction and PMU among 9-to-12-year-olds.MethodData were from a cohort of 9-to-12-year-olds recruited from Northern New England, 2018–2022, for a study examining obesity risk among children. Two polymorphisms related to dopaminergic (ANNK1 rs1800497 [the Taq1A polymorphism] and COMT rs4680) and one related to nicotinic (CHRNA4 rs1044396) pathways that were previously associated with internet addiction or internet video game addiction in adolescents and young adults were genotyped. Parent-reported PMU for children was measured with a validated nine-item scale (range for final scores: 1 to 5); higher scores indicate more severe PMU.ResultsAmong children (n = 180; 43.9% female; 90.0% white, non-Hispanic; 82.2% of parents were college graduates), the median PMU score was 2.22 (IQR: 1.78, 2.78). In a linear regression model adjusted for child age, sex, European ancestry, and parent education, there was an additive association between the number of Taq1A1 alleles and PMU among children. Specifically, geometric mean PMU scores were 8.6% greater for each additional copy of the Taq1A1 allele (p = 0.030; R2 = 5.2%). No other polymorphisms were statistically associated with PMU at the p &lt; 0.05 level.ConclusionThese preliminary findings suggest that a genetic predisposition to reduced dopamine sensitivity as indicated by the Taq1A polymorphism may relate to PMU in early adolescence. Findings need confirmation in larger samples.
Network analysis of the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Yi , Teng Wen , Luo Liang , Zhou Ping , Fan Guidi , Liu Haiying 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveIn this study, we examine the network structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including core symptoms and strong edges in patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer in China, and lay the groundwork for targeted psychological interventions for these patients.MethodsThis study included 360 colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a third-class hospital in Wuxi, China, from November 2023 to June 2024. The severity of each item of PTSD was assessed using the DSM-5 Checklist (PCL-5). A network analysis approach was conducted in R to pinpoint core symptoms and investigate notable edge connections within the network.ResultsThe accuracy and stability of the PTSD network structure model were relatively good, and the results indicated that robust connections emerged between avoidance of thoughts and avoidance of reminders, hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response, and loss of interest and detachment. The most central node was emotional cue reactivity, which was more closely connected with other symptoms, while self-destructive/reckless behavior was the lowest central node.ConclusionEmotional cue reactivity was proved to be the most prominent symptom in the PTSD symptom network in colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, and targeting it in interventions could lead to substantial improvements.
Validity and reliability of local endemic language version of the SARI Sigma Scale questionnaire for assessing stigma in leprosy patients
Authors: Rahayu Tri , Friska Dewi , Sopamena Yoslien , Menaldi Sri Linuwih , Gibran Kahlil , Dadun  , Ruwaida Ida , Irawati Yunia 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe Stigma Assessment and Reduction of Impact (SARI) Stigma Scale is an instrument developed to evaluate stigma in Leprosy patients. Despite existing versions in Indonesian, the absence of an endemic area language version of a reliable assessment tool presents a barrier to effective interventions in regions like Ambon. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Ambonese-Malay Language of SARI Stigma Scale questionnaire.MethodsA cross-sectional study involved 50 participants with leprosy or a history of leprosy from Ambon City, Indonesia. They were tested with the SARI Stigma Scale questionnaire, consisting of 4 domains of questions, totalling 21 questions. Reliability and variability analysis was conducted from each domain’s questions. Cronbach’s α (CA) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) determined internal consistency of reliability tests. For validity assessment, coefficients of corrected item-total correlation ensured scale accuracy for measuring stigma.ResultsReliability analysis revealed significant high internal consistency (α and ICC value &gt;0.7) across all four domains, with CA values ranging from 0.71 to 0.94 and strong consistency among responses, with ICC ranging from 0.71 to 0.94 across domains. The total domain exhibited a CA of 0.855 and an average ICC of 0.855 (p &lt; 0.001). Validity testing demonstrated significant moderate to strong correlations, ranging from 0.69 to 0.90 (p &lt; 0.001), affirming scale validity in measuring stigma accurately.DiscussionThe Ambonese-Malay version of the SARI Stigma Scale exhibits validity and reliability as an assessment tool for scoring stigma in leprosy patients in Ambon. Stigma can emerge and be associated with leprosy. To understand the stigma in society due to this disease, a validated questionnaire in the local language and adjusted with the local cultures needed.