bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of PC4 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bai Liangliang , Liu Guan , Dou Gang , He Xiaojun , Gong Chenyu , Zhang Hongbin , Tan Kai , Du Xilin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Human positive cofactor 4 (PC4) is associated with the development and therapeutic resistance of several malignancies. Nonetheless, the role of PC4 in HCC remains obscure, warranting further investigation.
Methods
PC4 differential expression between HCC and normal tissues and its association with the clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients were explored in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Subsequently, the prognostic and diagnostic significance of PC4 in HCC patients was analyzed. Functional enrichment analyses were conducted by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis to explore the biological functions of PC4. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used for immune infiltration analysis. The risk signature based on PC4-related genes was constructed by LASSO-COX regression and validated with the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset. The qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression levels of all genes. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis evaluated the correlation between PC4 level and risk score and immunotherapy response in HCC patients. Finally, based on online databases, PC4-related ceRNA networks were constructed to explore the regulatory mechanism of PC4 in HCC.
Results
PC4 levels were significantly upregulated in HCC compared to normal tissues and positively correlated with the pathological grade and clinical stage. The PC4-high expression group showed a worse prognosis. In addition, PC4 could help distinguish tumor tissues from normal ones with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.965. The PC4 level was associated with immune checkpoints and immune cell infiltration. In the training and validation sets, the eight-gene risk signature (Risk score = 0.074*CEP55 + 0.091*TRIP13 + 0.100*BRIX1 + 0.081*STIP1 + 0.191*PIGU + 0.038*CFL1 + 0.017*RBM17 + 0.178*OLA1) was strongly correlated with HCC patient prognosis and was considered as an independent prognostic factor. TIDE analysis showed that patients in both the PC4-low and low-risk groups were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Finally, the lncRNAs/miRNA-101-3p/PC4 network was constructed.
Conclusion
We confirmed PC4 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in HCC patients. And, we developed and validated an 8-gene risk signature, which could help for clinical decision-making. The CeRNA network could help explore the regulatory mechanism of the PC4 gene in HCC.
Breast cancer histopathology image-based gene expression prediction using spatial transcriptomics data and deep learning
Authors: Rahaman Md Mamunur , Millar Ewan K. A. , Meijering Erik 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Tumour heterogeneity in breast cancer poses challenges in predicting outcome and response to therapy. Spatial transcriptomics technologies may address these challenges, as they provide a wealth of information about gene expression at the cell level, but they are expensive, hindering their use in large-scale clinical oncology studies. Predicting gene expression from hematoxylin and eosin stained histology images provides a more affordable alternative for such studies. Here we present BrST-Net, a deep learning framework for predicting gene expression from histopathology images using spatial transcriptomics data. Using this framework, we trained and evaluated 10 state-of-the-art deep learning models without utilizing pretrained weights for the prediction of 250 genes. To enhance the generalisation performance of the main network, we introduce an auxiliary network into the framework. Our methodology outperforms previous studies, with 237 genes identified with positive correlation, including 24 genes with a median correlation coefficient greater than 0.50. This is a notable improvement over previous studies, which could predict only 102 genes with positive correlation, with the highest correlation values ranging from 0.29 to 0.34.
Balloon Kyphoplasty Is Unable to Improve Low Health-Related Quality of Life in Imbalanced Patients: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Teraguchi Masatoshi , Enyo Yoshio , Minetama Masakazu , Yamamoto Yoshio , Nakagawa Masafumi , Nakatani Tomohiro , Nakagawa Yukihiro 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a major public health concern, affecting the quality of life (QOL) of patients, particularly older adults. Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for OVCFs, with good clinical outcomes reported in short-term investigations. However, the impact of BKP on health-related QOL in the long term remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BKP on global sagittal balance and alignment and to determine the association between predictive factors before BKP and health-related QOL in the long term. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted on 62 patients (13 men and 49 women) diagnosed with OVCF who underwent BKP and were followed up for more than 12 months. Spinopelvic parameters, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), pelvic incidence (PI) minus lumbar lordosis (LL), and low back pain (LBP) severity, were measured preoperatively, at 3 months post-BKP, and at final follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for unhealthy condition after BKP, with adjustment for age, sex, and duration from onset of back pain to BKP. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 20.7 months. The mean SVA values were 7.42 cm preoperatively, 7.62 cm at 3 months post-BKP, and 8.01 cm at final follow-up. The mean self-reported numerical rating scale scores for LBP were 8.4 preoperatively, 0.4 post-BKP, 0.6 at 3 months post-BKP, and 1.0 at final follow-up. Imbalanced spine (SVA ≥ 5.0 cm) and PI-LL mismatch (PI-LL ≥ 20°) before BKP were significantly associated with unhealthy condition (EuroQol 5 dimensions 5-level < 0.65) (odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals: imbalanced spine, 4.76 and 1.32–17.2; PI-LL mismatch, 3.78 and 1.18–12.1, respectively). Conclusions: BKP did not improve global spinopelvic parameters or health-related QOL in imbalanced patients. Higher SVA measurements and PII-LL mismatch before BKP were associated with lower health-related QOL after BKP. Therefore, BKP for imbalanced patients did not improve low health-related QOL.
Study on Lignin Biosynthesis Related Enzyme Activities and related enzyme gene expression in bamboo shoots after harvest
Authors: Xu Chang , Gao Yuan , Yu Xuejun , Tan Xiaoyang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Bamboo shoot is a green health food with high protein, low fat, low sugar and high fiber. Because of its high nutritional value and delicious taste, it is well received by the vast majority of consumers. However, the bamboo shoots(Phyllostachys edulis) after harvest are very easy to lignify. In this paper, the occurrence of lignification of bamboo shoots (Phyllostachys edulis) under room temperature after harvest were studied.Through the analysis of the physiological indexes of four synthetic enzymes and the relative expression level of it of the lignin, the relative expression of lignin biosynthesis and the relationship between lignin biosynthesis and lignin synthase activity were studied.Correlation between the relative expression level and the lignin synthesis, as well as the enzyme activity and the lignin were studied.The study of lignin biosynthesis physiology of bamboo shoots after harvest is helpful for us to grasp the growth characteristics of bamboo shoots, facilitate production management and timely picking, control and delay its aging process, which can achieve maximum economic value. The results show that: The lignification of the bamboo shoots is a process of advancing from the bottom pare to the upper part; Under the room temperature, the changes of the activity of PAL, POD and 4CL as well as the related expression of the the three parts of bamboo shoots were significantly correlated with the changes in the content of lignin in bamboo shoots, and the three enzymes may be involved in the biosynthesis of lignin; The three parts of the CAD enzyme activity in the bamboo shoot have reached the highest value at 2h, while the CAD related genes in the upper part of the bamboo shoot are the highest at 10h, the highest in the middle part at 2h, and the highest at the lower part at 18h.
Urinary growth differentiation factor 15 predicts renal function decline in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Oshita Toma , Toyohara Takafumi , Watanabe Shun , Kujirai Ryota , Kikuchi Koichi , Suzuki Takehiro , Suzuki Chitose , Matsumoto Yotaro , Wada Jun , Tomioka Yoshihisa , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Abe Takaaki 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background: Sensitive biomarkers can enhance the diagnosis, prognosis, and surveillance of chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Plasma growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) levels are a novel biomarker for mitochondria-associated diseases; however, it may not be a useful indicator for CKD as its levels increase with declining renal function. This study explores urinary GDF15’s potential as a marker for CKD.
Methods: The plasma and urinary GDF15 as well as 15 uremic toxins were measured in 103 patients with CKD. The relationship between the urinary GDF15-creatinine ratio and the uremic toxins and other clinical characteristics was investigated.
Results: Urinary GDF15-creatinine ratios were less related to renal function and uremic toxin levels compared to plasma GDF15. Additionally, the ratios were significantly higher in patients with CKD patients with diabetes (p = 0.0012) and reduced with statin treatment. In a different retrospective DKD cohort study (U-CARE, n = 342), multiple and logistic regression analyses revealed that the baseline urinary GDF15-creatinine ratios prediceted a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over two years.
Conclusions: Compared to the plasma GDF15 level, the urinary GDF15-creatinine ratio is less dependent on the renal function and sensitively fluctuates with diabetes and statin treatment. It may serve as a better prognostic marker for renal function decline in patients with DKD than the urine albumin-creatinine ratio.
C-polynomials and LC-functions: towards a generalization of the Hurwitz zeta function
Authors: Lamgouni Lahcen 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Let $f(t)=\sum_{n=0}^{+\infty}\frac{C_{f,n}}{n!}t^n$ be an analytic function at $0$, and let $C_{f, n}(x)=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\binom{n}{k}C_{f,k} x^{n-k}$ be the sequence of Appell polynomials, referred to as \textit{C-polynomials associated to}$f$, constructed from the sequence of coefficients $C_{f,n}$. We also define $P_{f,n}(x)$ as the sequence of C-polynomials associated to the function $p_{f}(t)=f(t)(e^t-1)/t$, called \textit{P-polynomials associated to}$f$. This work investigates three main topics. Firstly, we examine the properties of C-polynomials and P-polynomials and the underlying features that connect them. Secondly, drawing inspiration from the definition of P-polynomials and subject to an additional condition on $f$, we introduce and study the bivariate complex function $P_{f}(s,z)=\sum_{k=0}^{+\infty}\binom{z}{k}P_{f,k}s^{z-k}$, which generalizes the $s^z$ function and is denoted by $s^{(z,f)}$. Thirdly, the paper's significant contribution is the generalization of the Hurwitz zeta function and its fundamental properties, most notably Hurwitz's formula, by constructing a novel class of functions defined by $L(z,f)=\sum_{n=n_{f}}^{+\infty}n^{(-z,f)}$, which are intrinsically linked to C-polynomials and referred to as \textit{LC-functions associated to}$f$ (the constant $n_{f}$ is a positive integer dependent on the choice of $f$). This research offers a detailed analysis of C-polynomials, P-polynomials, and LC-functions associated to a given analytic function $f$, thoroughly examining their interrelations and introducing unexplored research directions for a novel and expansive class of LC-functions possessing a functional equation equivalent to that of the Riemann zeta function, thereby highlighting the potential applications and implications of the findings.
Sub-chronic exposure to diazinon induce cognitive impairment, alternations in amyloid precursor proteins, and TNF-α expression in the hippocampus of adult rats
Authors: Sarailoo Mehdi , Afshari Salva , Asghariazar Vahid , Niri Mehdi Vosoughi , Safarzadeh Elham , Dadkhah Masoomeh 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Organophosphate pesticides such as diazinon (DZN) are involved in the development of psychological symptoms and memory deficits but their effects on the amyloid precursor proteins (APP) genes expression remains unclear. Following low-level oral exposure to the DZN (2 mg/kg), we used novel object recognition, open field, and elevated plus-mazes (EPM) to assess memory and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. We also evaluated alteration in the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), amyloid precursor protein (APP), and APP-like protein-2 (APLP2) and real-time quantitative PCR to evaluate the expression of the related genes in the hippocampus. The results showed that DZN exposure increased anxiety-like behaviors, regardless of the duration of exposure, but only extended exposure (12 weeks) impaired memory. The study also found that the hippocampal expression of APP and APLP2 decreased after 12 weeks of exposure, but not after 5 days. The TNF-α gene was up-regulated following 5 days of exposure, but 12 weeks of exposure had no effect. Our finding demonstrates that long-lasting exposure to low levels of DZN in adulthood stimulates APP degradation, which may contribute to poor cognitive outcomes. Given that APP plays a significant role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, alterations in APP expression could contribute to dementia.
Testicular salvageability and its predictors among patients with testicular torsion in a resource limited setting; a multicentre longitudinal study
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Abdullahi , Abraha Demoz , Olasinde Anthoney Ayotunde , Kiswezi Ahmed , Molen Selamo Fabrice , Muhumuza Joshua , Lule Herman 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Testicular torsion refers to ischemia of the testicle due to twisting or rotation of the vessels supplying the testes. It is a urologic emergency requiring a high index of clinical suspicion and prompt surgical intervention with management aimed at avoiding testicular loss and resulting infertility. There is a paucity of data on this subject in low-income settings. This study was aimed at assessing testicular salvageability and its predictors among patients with testicular torsion at two tertiary African hospitals.
Methods
This was a hospital-based multicentre longitudinal study at two tertiary hospitals in western Uganda. Patients with acute scrotum were enrolled and assessed for testicular torsion. Those with torsion underwent surgery and salvageability was recorded as the primary outcome. Predictors were determined using backward binary logistic regression in SPSS version 22.
Results
During the study period, 232 patients with acute scrotum were enrolled. The mean age was 35.3 (SD=20.4) years. Forty-one (17.7%) patients had testicular torsion. Of the 41 diagnosed with torsion, only 16 (39.0%) had viable testis that were salvageable. Orchiectomy was done for 25 (61.0%). At multivariate analysis, a patient who presented after 48 hours from the onset of symptoms was 34.833 times more likely to have orchiectomy compared to one that presented within 12 hours [AOR=34.833, (95% CI=5.020-60.711), P<0.001].
Conclusion
In this study, the testicular salvage rate was low. The only predictor of salvageability was the time from the onset of symptoms to presentation. All males should be sensitized about the clinical features of testicular torsion to ensure early presentation in to increase salvage rates.
Effects of foliar and root silicon application on mitigating water deficit stress in young Eucalyptus urophylla plants
Authors: Barbosa Mateus Pires , Cairo Paulo Araquém Ramos , Bonfim Raul Antonio Araújo do , Silva Leandro Dias da , Sá Milton Carriço , Almeida Marcos Ferreira , de Oliveira Leonardo Santos , Brito Sávio da Paz , Gomes Fábio Pinto 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Water restriction significantly affects the growth and survival of young plants following transplantation. Although silicon (Si) is not typically considered essential for plants, it can help mitigate abiotic stresses. We hypothesized that Si application in plants, depending on how it is applied, can improve the tolerance to water restriction. The objective was to investigate how applying Si to the leaves and roots of young Eucalyptus urophylla plants can mitigate water restriction effects.
Methods
A greenhouse experiment was conducted with one factor consisting of three Si application methods (via root substrate, foliar spray, and a combination of both) and a control group with no Si; the other factor involved well-watered and water-deficit irrigation regimes, based on 90% and 30% pot capacity, respectively.
Results
Silicon application improved the plant’s tolerance to water restriction by maintaining stable cell turgor and increasing intrinsic water use efficiency. Silicon also helped to reduce stomatal conductance and water losses through transpiration, which prevented a decline in CO2 assimilation and promoted osmoregulation. It also prevented a decrease in chlorophyll content and attenuated oxidative stress, by increasing superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase activity, which contributed to preventing an increase in lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. The effectiveness of Si supply was higher when applied through the roots or a combination of roots and leaves compared to foliar spray alone.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that Si application can be a useful strategy for improving plant tolerance to water restriction, particularly when applied through the roots.
Transition, obligations and isolation: A qualitative exploration of psychosocial challenges in working-age colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Li Xinxin , Wu Xiaodan , Gong Ni , Xu Ziruo , Zhang Yiheng , Liao Haifen , Zhang Meifen 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective: To understand the experiences of psychosocial challenges encountered by working-age colorectal cancer (CRC) patients during their cancer trajectory.
Methods: This study was carried out using the phenomenological analysis method. From January to February 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 working-age CRC patients in Guangzhou, China. Thematic analysis was performed using the NVivo 12 software based on the seven steps of Colaizzi's method. This study reporting followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist.
Results: The average age of participants was 40.32 years old at the time of interviews. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Unexpected transition to the sick role; (2) Unfulfilled familial obligations; (3) Experiencing isolation; and eight subthemes were identified.
Conclusion: Working-age CRC patients need and long for returning to normality to fulfill their life roles, however, road ahead is arduous, as they struggle with negative emotions originated from transition to the sick role, unfulfilled familial obligations and perceive isolation from healthy peers and career during their cancer journey. Therefore, multifaceted psychosocial interventions aimed at improving psychological wellbeing are suggested to be delivered to the population. Furthermore, it is suggested to encourage patients to utilize available social support resources, so as to minimize the negative impacts of psychosocial problems on their return to normality.
Incidental parathyroidectomy during total thyroidectomy and functional parathyroid preservation: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Melot Charlotte , Deniziaut Gabrielle , Menegaux Fabrice , Chereau Nathalie 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The published rate of incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) during thyroid surgery varies between 5.8% and 29%. The risk factors and clinical significance of postoperative transient hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism are still debated. The aims of this study were to assess the clinical relevance of avoidable IP for transient hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism, and to describe the risk factors for IP.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 1,537 patients who had a one-step total thyroidectomy in a high-volume endocrine surgery center between 2018 and 2019. Pathology reports were reviewed for incidentally removed parathyroid glands. Intrathyroidal parathyroid glands were excluded from the study. Demographic characteristics, potential risk factors, and postoperative calcium and PTH levels were compared between IP and control groups.
Results
Avoidable IP occurred in 234 (15.2%) patients. Patients with IP had a higher risk of transient hypocalcemia (17.9% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.006; odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]1.16–2.45) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (4.7% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.002; OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.29–6.63) than patients without IP. Multivariate analysis showed that central lymph node dissection (CLND) and incidental removal of thymus tissue were independent risk factors for IP (OR 4.83, 95% CI 2.71–8.86, p < 0.001 and OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.02–2.82, p = 0.038).
Conclusions
Patients with IP were more likely to develop transient hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism, indicating the clinical significance of avoidable IP for patients and the need for raising awareness among surgeons. Patients undergoing CLND are at a higher risk for IP, and should be adequately informed and treated. Any removal of thymus tissue should be avoided during CLND.
SIRT6 Mediated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Senescence Participates in the Pathogenesis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Yang Le , Wu Xuejun , Bian Shuai , Zhao Dongfang , Fang Sheng , Yuan Hai 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective
Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a nuclear deacetylase regulating lifespan. Previous articles had reported a causal link between cell senescence and aneurysm. In this study, we carried out clinical sample study, in vivo study and in vitro study to determine the effect of SIRT6 and SIRT6 mediated vascular smooth muscle senescence on the development of AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm)
Methods
Aortic specimens were collected from AAA patients and organ donors. AAA was inducted in ApoE−/− mice by Angiotensin II infusion. In vivo overexpression of SIRT6 was achieved by transgenic method. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) were used in the in vitro study. In vitro knockdown and overexpression of SIRT6 was achieved by lentivirus transfection.
Results
AAA specimen showed an increased P16, P21 level and a decreased SIRT6 level compared with control aorta. Time cause study of Ang II infusion model showed similar P16, P21 and SIRT6 change at the early phase of AAA induction. The in vivo overexpression of SIRT6 significantly prevented AAA formation in Ang II infusion model. The expression of senescent biomarker, P16 and P21 were significantly reduced after SIRT6 overexpression. SIRT6 overexpression also attenuated chronic inflammation and neo-angiogenesis in Ang II infusion model. Ang II could induce premature senescence in HASMC. The overexpression of SIRT6 could attenuated premature senescence, inflammatory response and neo-angiogenesis in HASMC under Ang II stimulation.
Conclusion
SIRT6 overexpression could limit AAA formation via attenuate vascular smooth muscle senescence, chronic inflammation and neovascularity.