bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
White matter structural and network topological changes in moyamoya disease with limb paresthesia: A study based on diffusion kurtosis imaging
Authors: Sun Rujing , Zhang Shi-Yu , Cheng Xu , Xie Sangma , Qiao Peng-Gang , Li Gong-Jie 
Published: October 2022

PurposeTo investigate the structural and network topological changes in the white matter (WM) in MMD patients with limb paresthesia by performing diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).Materials and methodsA total of 151 MMD patients, including 46 with left-limb paresthesia (MLP), 52 with right-limb paresthesia (MRP), and 53 without paresthesia (MWP), and 28 healthy controls (HCs) underwent whole-brain DKI, while the surgical patients were reexamined 3-4 months after revascularization. The data were preprocessed to calculate the fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean kurtosis (MK) values. Voxel-wise statistics for FA and MK images were obtained by using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). Next, the whole-brain network was constructed, and global and local network parameters were analyzed using graph theory. All parameters were compared among the HC, MWP, MLP, and MRP groups, and changes in the MMD patients before and after revascularization were also compared.ResultsThe TBSS analysis revealed significant reductions in FA and MK in extensive WM regions in the three patient groups. In comparison with the MWP group, the MLP group showed reductions in FA and MK in both right and left WM, mainly in the right WM, while the MRP group mainly showed a reduction in FA in the left WM region and demonstrated no significant change in MK. The graph theoretical analysis showed decreased global network efficiency, increased characteristic path length, and increased sigma in the MWP, MRP, and MLP groups in comparison with the HC group. Among local network parameters, the nodal efficiency decreased in the bilateral MFG and IFGtriang, while the degree decreased in the MFG.L and bilateral IFGtriang. Patients with right-limb paresthesia showed the lowest nodal efficiency and degree in MFG.L and IFGtriang.L, while those with left-limb paresthesia showed the lowest nodal efficiency in MFG.R and IFGtriang.R and the lowest degree in IFGtriang.R.ConclusionA DKI-based whole-brain structural and network analysis can be used to detect changes in WM damage and network topological changes in MMD patients with limb paresthesia. FA is more sensitive than MK in detecting WM injury, while MFG and IFGtriang are the key nodes related to the development of acroparesthesia.
Influence of biotin intervention on glycemic control and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Ding Yiwang , Fan Yawen , Xu Yenan , Lu Yuting , Zhai Lingzi , Wang Ling 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundBiotin is a water-soluble vitamin acting as a covalently bound coenzyme in regulating energy production. Previous studies have reported that biotin supplementation may influence blood glucose and lipid level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsWe searched Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases up to 8th August 2022 for studies examining the effects of biotin supplementation in T2DM patients. Pooled effects were measured by weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effects models. Inter-study heterogeneity was assessed and quantified.ResultsA total of five random controlled trials (RCT), involving 445 participants were included. It was suggested that biotin supplementation for 28 to 90 days significantly decreased the level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD: −1.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: −2.73 to 0.31), total cholesterol (TC) (MD: −0.22 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.25 to −0.19) and triglycerides (TG) (MD: −0.59 mmol/L, 95% CI: −1.21 to 0.03). No significant beneficial effects were observed on insulin (MD: 1.88 pmol/L 95% CI: −13.44 to 17.21). Evidence for the impact of biotin supplementation on the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) was limited to draw conclusion.ConclusionsBiotin supplementation may decrease FBG, TC and TG levels. However, its influence on insulin is not significant and further studies on the effects of biotin on HbA1c, LDL-C, HDL-C and VLDL-C are expected.
Case report: A novel reciprocal ROS1-CD74 fusion in a NSCLC patient partially benefited from sequential tyrosine kinase inhibitors treatment
Authors: Zhang Xugang , Wang Baoming , Wang Chunyang , Liao Chengde , Wang Shiping , Cao Ran , Ma Tonghui , Wang Kun 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThe clinical significance of majority oncogenic novel fusions is still unknown due to scarcity. Reciprocal ROS1 translocation is a rare form of ROS1 fusion and has not yet been clearly analyzed.Case presentationA 44-year-old Chinese woman with a large dimension in the left lobe of the lung was admitted to the hospital with IVB lung adenocarcinoma. It was discovered that intron 28 of ROS1 and intron 6 of CD74 produced a unique reciprocal ROS1 rearrangement. In addition, the dual CD74-ROS1 fusions were discovered using the RNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) findings. Although benefiting from crizotinib and lorlatinib sequential treatment, the overall prognosis of the patient was relatively poor, whose progression-free survival was 4 and 5 months for crizotinib treatment and lorlatinib treatment, respectively.ConclusionIn summary, a novel ROS1-CD74 fusion identified by DNA NGS was translated into dual CD74-ROS1 transcripts. Furthermore, this patient with non–small cell lung cancer benefited from consecutive tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Our discovery broadened the range of targetable ROS1 fusions and underlined the importance of sequential DNA and RNA sequencing in identifying uncommon but beneficial fusions, which eventually bring benefits to the patients.
HOXA-AS2 may predict the prognosis of solid tumors among Chinese patients: A meta-analysis and bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhang Wei , Deng Chao , Lin Shicheng , Zhou Yejiang 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundHOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (lncRNA HOXA-AS2) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that aberrantly expressed in various cancers and is closely associated with cancer progression. To overcome the limitation of small sample sizes that are inherent to single studies, a meta-analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between the expression level of HOXA-AS2 and cancer prognosis.MethodsCorrelational studies were retrieved by searching the databases of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (up to August 10, 2022). The survival and prognosis data included overall survival (OS), and clinical parameters were gathered and analyzed.ResultsEighteen publications with 1181 patients who were diagnosed with solid tumors were ultimately included. The results showed that, compared with patients with low HOXA-AS2 expression, patients with high HOXA-AS2 expression tended to have poorer overall survival (OS) (HR= 2.52, 95% CI 1.87-3.38, P &lt; 0.01) and shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=7.19, 95% CI 3.20-16.17, P &lt; 0.01). In addition, elevated HOXA-AS2 expression indicated a larger tumor size (OR =2.43, 95% CI 1.53–3.88,P &lt; 0.01), more advanced TNM stage (OR=3.85, 95% CI 2.79-5.31, P &lt; 0.01), earlier lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR = 4.41, 95% CI 3.05-6.39, P &lt; 0.01) and distant metastasis (DM) (OR= 2.96, 95% CI 1.87-4.7, P &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, HOXA-AS2 expression was notassociated with age (OR=1.15, 95% CI 0.90-1.47), gender (OR=1.16, 95% CI 0.89-1.53), or tumor differentiation (OR=1.21, 95% CI 0.56-2.63). Moreover, aberrant HOXA-AS2 expression was related to drug sensitivity in various types of cancers.ConclusionThe overexpression of HOXA-AS2 predicted poor cancer prognosis in the Chinese population, including poor OS, DFS, TNM, LNM, and DM. HOXA-AS2 could serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022352604.
Impact of examined lymph node number on accurate nodal staging and long-term survival of resected Siewert type II-III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A large population-based study
Authors: Ding Baicheng , Yong Jiahui , Zhang Lixiang , Luo Panquan , Song Endong , Rankine Abigail N. , Wei Zhijian , Wang Xingyu , Xu Aman 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the association between the number of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) and accurate nodal staging and long-term survival in Siewert type II-III Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction (AEG) by using large population-based databases and determined the optimal ELN number threshold.MethodsData on Stage I-III Siewert type II-III AEG patients from 2010 to 2014 respectively from the United States (US) SEER database and a Chinese large medical center institutional registry were analyzed for correlation between the ELN number and stage migration (node negative-to-positive) and overall survival (OS) by using multivariable-adjusted logistic and Cox regression models, respectively. The series of odds ratios (ORs), and hazard ratios (HRs) were fitted with a LOWESS smoother, and the structural breakpoints were determined by Chow test. The selected optimal cut point was then validated with the 2015 to 2016 SEER database.ResultsBoth the US cohort(n=1387) and China cohort(n=981) showed significantly increases from node-negative to node-positive disease (ORtheUS1.032,95%CI 1.017–1.046;ORChina1.034,95%CI 1.002–1.065) and enhancements in overall survival (HRtheUS0.970,95%CI 0.961-0.979;HRChina0.960,95%CI 0.940-0.980) with the increasing ELN number after controlling for confounders. Associations for both stage migration and overall survival were still significant in most subgroups’ stratification. Cut point analysis showed a threshold ELN number of 18, which was validated both in the cohorts where it originated and in an independent SEER data cohort(n=379).ConclusionsMore ELNs are associated with accurate nodal staging(negative-to-positive) as well as higher overall survival in resected Siewert types II-III AEG, We recommend 18 ELNs as the optimal cut point for the quality assessment of postoperative lymph node examination or prognostic stratification in clinical practice.
Modulation of PC1/3 activity by a rare double-site homozygous mutation
Authors: Ni Yanyan , Chen Xiangxiang , Sun Yi , Pan Jiarong , Tang Chao , Yuan Tianming 
Published: October 2022

ObjectivesPreprotein convertase 1/3 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which patients present with malabsorptive diarrhea and a series of symptoms of endocrine disorders such as polydipsia, reactive hypoglycemia, growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and early onset obesity. In its essence, pituitary hormone deficiency is caused by insufficient cleavage of pituitary prohormones. Here, we describe a female child with a rare double-site homozygous mutation in PCSK1 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 1) gene, and thereby intend to investigate the relationship between these novel mutation sites and changes in protein synthesis and function.MethodsWe tested this patient's blood and urine fecal indicators of infection, blood electrolytes, and relevant endocrine hormone levels in the laboratory. Next Generation Sequencing was applied to screen the patient's DNA. Western Blot was performed to evaluate the mutant protein's expression. The enzymatic activity was measured as the rate of cleavage of a synthetic fluorogenic substrate in a specific solution.ResultsWe found that this patient presented shortly after birth with uncorrectable diarrhea and symptoms of metabolic acidosis with hypothyroidism. Next Generation Sequencing revealed that a rare double-site homozygous missense mutation, c.763G &gt; A (p.G255R) and c.758C &gt; T (p.S253L), were detected in exon 7 of PCSK1 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 1) gene on chromosome 5 of the patient. Western blotting revealed that there was no significant decrease in protein synthesis levels in the mutant phenotype compared to the wild type. Compared with WT type, the proteins expressed by the mutations showed a significant decrease in the enzyme activity towards the fluorescent substrates. However, neither the single site mutation p.S253L or p.G255R, nor the double-site mutation of both, all showed no significant differences from each other.ConclusionsThese two missense mutations have not been reported before, and it is even rarer to find homozygous variation of two sites in one patient. This study identifies two novel mutations for the first time and further investigates the changes in protein synthesis and enzyme activity, providing a new pathway to continue to explore the pathogenesis of diseases associated with the function of PC1/3.
Natural history and neurodevelopmental outcomes in perinatal stress induced hyperinsulinism
Authors: Sigal Winnie M. , Alzahrani Ohoud , Guadalupe Gabriela M. , Guzman Herodes , Radcliffe Jerilynn , Thomas Nina H. , Jawad Abbas F. , De Leon Diva D. 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo describe perinatal stress induced hyperinsulinism (PSIHI), determine the prevalence of neurodevelopmental differences, and identify risk factors for poor developmental prognosis.MethodsSubjects with a history of hyperinsulinism (HI) and perinatal stress and in whom resolution of the HI was demonstrated were included. Medical record review, caregiver interview, and three validated developmental assessments were completed.ResultsOf the 107 subjects (75% male), 36% were born between 32 and 37 weeks. Median age of hypoglycemia presentation was 0 days. Median age at HI diagnosis was 12 days (IQR 13.5). Median length of time for initiation of definitive treatment was 14 days (IQR 14).Caregiver interviews were completed for 53 of 79 eligible subjects. Developmental concerns were reported by 51%. Neurodevelopmental assessments were completed by caregivers of 37 of the 53 enrolled subjects. The proportion of subjects scoring &gt;1 SD and &gt;2 SD away from the mean in the direction of concern on the major composite scores was significantly greater than in the general population (40.5% vs. 15.8%,P ≤ 0.0001 and 18.9% vs. 2.2%,P ≤ 0.0001, respectively).Male sex, small for gestational age status (SGA), and treatment with continuous feeds were associated with assessment scores &gt;1 SD from the mean (P &lt; 0.05). SGA and preeclampsia were associated with assessment scores &gt;2 SD from the mean (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionWhile the majority of infants presented with hypoglycemia in the first day of life, diagnosis and treatment occurred 12–14 days later. Children with PSIHI are at high risk of neurodevelopmental deficits and are more likely to perform below average on developmental assessment.
Nonclinical safety evaluation of food colorant lac dye via systematic toxicity profiling with assessment of in vivo antigenic potential
Authors: Park Jin-Sung , Kim Seung-Hyun , Kim Yun-Soon , Kwon Euna , Lim Hyun-Jin , Han Kang-Min , Choi Yang-Kyu , Jung Chul-Woo , Kang Byeong-Cheol 
Published: October 2022

Lac dye is a natural colorant derived mainly from the insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) and has been used in food and beverage as a red-coloring additive. Despite its increasing use for human consumption as an alternative for allergy-associated cochineal, its toxicity profile remained incomplete to sufficiently assess its safety for the intended use. In this study, we evaluated systemic and genetic toxicity by performing acute and subacute oral toxicity studies in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats using highly purified lac dye (LD) formulated in water and a battery of genotoxicity tests, respectively. To assess antigenic potentials, we carried out an in vivo passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. A single dose of LD did not cause mortality at 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW), setting oral LD50 of &gt;5000 mg/kg BW in SD rats. In the 90-day study, transient salivation without accompanying histopathological lesions in the salivary glands in 200 and 500 mg/kg BW groups and red-purple pigmentation on the surface of femora and skulls in 500 mg/kg groups were observed as nonadverse effects associated with LD, and no adverse effect was detected in all of the parameters examined, establishing a 500 mg/kg BW as no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). Furthermore, LD was not mutagenic nor clastogenic in the genotoxicity tests. When tested for antigenicity, LD did not induce anaphylactic skin responses as opposed to the positive reaction by ovalbumin, suggesting a lack of antigenicity. Taken together, these findings provide extended toxicity information on LD with direct evidence supporting the lack of antigenicity, providing essential guidance for its safe use in humans.
Balanced below- and above-ground growth improved yield and water productivity by cultivar renewal for winter wheat
Authors: Li Haotian , Li Lu , Liu Na , Liu Zimeng , Lu Yang , Shao Liwei 
Published: October 2022

Breeding cultivars that can maintain high production and water productivity (WP) under various growing conditions would be important for mitigating freshwater shortage problems. Experiments were carried out to assess the changes in yield and WP of different cultivars by breeding and traits related to the changes using tubes with 1.05 m depth and 19.2 cm inner diameter buried in the field located in the North China Plain. Six winter wheat cultivars released from the 1970s to 2010s were assessed under three water levels for three seasons. The results indicated that yield was on average improved by 19.9% and WP by 21.5% under the three water levels for the three seasons for the cultivar released in the 2010s as compared with that released in the 1970s. The performance of the six cultivars was relatively stable across the experimental duration. The improvement in yield was mainly attributed to the maintenance of higher photosynthetic capacity during the reproductive growth stage and greater above-ground biomass accumulation. These improvements were larger under wet conditions than that under dry conditions, indicating that the yield potential was increased by cultivar renewal. Traits related to yield and WP improvements included the increased harvest index and reduced root: shoot ratio. New cultivars reduced the redundancy in root proliferation in the topsoil layer, which did not compromise the efficient utilization of soil moisture but reduced the metabolic input in root growth. Balanced above- and below-ground growth resulted in a significant improvement in root efficiency at grain yield level up to 40% from the cultivars released in the 1970s to those recently released. The results from this study indicated that the improved efficiency in both the above- and below-parts played important roles in enhancing crop production and resource use efficiency.
Homesickness in asylum seekers: The role of mental health and migration-related factors
Authors: Rosner Rita , Hagl Maria , Bücheler Leonie , Comtesse Hannah 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundWhile homesickness in refugees is a recurring theme in clinical practice, respective research in this population is scarce. The Utrecht Homesickness Scale (UHS) allows distinguishing between certain aspects of homesickness, namely genuine separation distress like missing family and friends or yearning for home on the one side and problems regarding adjustment to the new situation on the other; so far, the instrument was applied mainly in samples of university students, and never in refugees.ObjectiveWe aimed to explore homesickness in a refugee population and its association with mental health symptoms and migration-related factors. In addition, we wanted to evaluate the UHS’s factor structure in a sample other than students.MethodsIndividuals from different countries (N = 99) seeking asylum in Germany were assessed for homesickness, migration-related variables (e.g., number of losses and stage of the asylum proceedings), and mental health symptoms (symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress and prolonged grief). After exploratory factor analysis, standardized mean factors scores were fed into subsequent correlational and regression analyses to identify the most prominent predictors of homesickness scores.ResultsThe participants showed substantial levels of homesickness. We found a three-factor solution that implied distinct factors regarding (1) adjustment difficulties and loneliness, (2) ruminations about home, and (3) missing family and/or friends. The total homesickness score was associated with mental health but regression analyses with the three mean factor scores showed differential associations with mental health and migration-related variables. While adjustment difficulties and loneliness were—besides time since arrival in Germany—associated with mental health problems (depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms), ruminating about home was predicted by migration-related variables (number of losses and asylum status). For the factor scores regarding missing family and/or friends, the regression model was not significant.ConclusionThe assessment of homesickness in refugee populations is feasible and of clinical importance, especially when distinguishing between separation distress and difficulties with adjusting to the new situation.
Factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among men in a rural area in Vietnam during COVID-19
Authors: Hoang Van T. H. , Nguyen Ha T. H. 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected health and well-being worldwide, and its psychological effects are receiving substantial attention in the scientific literature. Research to date shows that the pandemic has increased prevalences of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of mental health symptoms and identify the associated factors among men in a rural area of Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods and findingsDuring July 15–31, 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1,085 men from 18 years old in 11 rural districts in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam, and assessed their mental health using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 Items (DASS-21). Outcomes assessed were have a symptom of depression, anxiety, and stress; risk factors measured included age, religion, marital status, education, occupation, and financial status. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine the statistical significance of associations between risk factors and mental health symptoms. Findings showed that the prevalences of having a symptom of depression, anxiety and stress among participants were 6.39, 9.72, and 5.65%, respectively. Regression model showed being younger (95% CI: –0.030; –0.004, p = 0.001), men had high school degree (95% CI: –0.671; –0.074, p = 0.014), men living in nearly poor houshoulds (95% CI: 0.067, 1.905, p &lt; 0.05) and poor housholds (95% CI: 0.608; 2.721, p &lt; 0.05) had significantly lower depression scores than others.ConclusionPrevalences of having symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were much higher than in similar previous research in rural Vietnam, suggesting that mental health problems among men in this setting became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. Age, religion, level of education and family income status were statistically significant predictors of mental health problems. These findings provide useful insights into the impact of pandemics on mental health.