bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revealing Selection in Breeding and Genetic Characteristics of Economically Important Traits of New Species of Apostichopus Japonicas Based on Genome Resequencing and GWAS Analysis
Authors: Guo Chao , Li Yuanxin , Xie Jiahui , Han Lingshu , Wang Youquan , Zhang Xianglei , Wu YangLei , Song Jian , Chang Yaqing , Ding Jun 
Published: July 2022

Apostichopus japonicas is an economically important species with high nutritional value. However, our knowledge of its genetic diversity and the genetic changes that occurred during its domestication or trait selection is quite limited. In this study, the whole genomes of 254 A. japonicas samples were resequenced. Analyses of the population genetic structure revealed that the genetic diversity of A. japonicas in the north of China is generally high, there was no difference in the population structure among the six cultured populations, and they were divided into two subpopulations together with AY-1 (new species). The results also showed that the genetic diversity of the AY-1 population was relatively low, the degree of linkage of alleles was high, and this population had been subjected to more positive selection. Based on Tajima’s D, FST analysis, and ROD analysis, the selected intervals and genes of the AY-1 population were identified, with some of the candidate intervals being related to an economically important trait and breeding target, namely, the number of parapodia. Gene Ontology analysis of the candidate genes revealed that the two subpopulations differed in their immune function, protein synthesis, decomposition, and transport, among others. Using GWAS, we identified 39 candidate genes for four economically important traits of A. japonicas, and we verified that those genes contained non-synonymous SNPs. Through this verification, BSL78_00022 and BSL78_00023 were found to be key genes for the number of parapodia in A. japonicas. Of these two genes, BSL78_00022 encodes a protein related to cell differentiation and proliferation, so it was assumed that three non-synonymous substitutions (Ser-Phe, Glu-Asp, and Ala-Val) in this gene are related to the changes in the number of parapodia. Meanwhile, the pleiotropic gene BSL78_04631, which is related to body weight and body wall weight, and promotes protein synthesis and cell growth, has a non-synonymous substitution (IlE-Val), which is assumed to be the reason for the difference in body weight and body wall weight of A. japonicas. These results provide a new perspective for explaining the genetic structure characteristics of A. japonicas and analyzing the selection and economically important traits in the breeding of new species.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma with unique morphological features mimicking intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Minaga Kosuke , Otsuka Yasuo , Masuta Yasuhiro , Kamata Ken , Yamao Kentaro , Takenaka Mamoru , Hyodo Tomoko , Kimura Masatomo , Watanabe Tomohiro , Kudo Masatoshi 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PanNEC) is a rare disease entity with rapid progression and poor prognosis. Here, we report a PanNEC case with unique morphological features mimicking intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma.Case presentationA 69-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of weight loss and deterioration of diabetes mellitus. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a solid and cystic mass with hypo-enhancement at the tail of the pancreas. The main pancreatic duct (MPD) was diffusely dilated without obstruction, accompanied by marked parenchymal atrophy. Multiple peritoneal and omental nodules were observed, suggesting tumor dissemination. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed that the mass correlated with the dilated MPD. During pancreatography, a large amount of mucus was extruded from the pancreatic orifice of the ampulla. Based on these imaging findings, intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma was suspected. Per-oral pancreatoscopy (POPS)-guided tumor biopsies were conducted for the lesion's solid components. Histopathological examination of the biopsied material confirmed small-cell-type PanNEC with a Ki-67 labeling index of 90%. Due to his condition's rapid decline, the patient was given the best supportive care and died 28 days after diagnosis.ConclusionAlthough rare, PanNEC, which correlates with the MPD and is accompanied by marked dilation of the MPD, does exist as one phenotype. In such cases, POPS-guided biopsy could be a useful diagnostic modality.
Sarcopenia: Body Composition and Gait Analysis
Authors: Fan Yuxuan , Zhang Bo , Huang Guohao , Zhang Guoying , Ding Zhiyuan , Li Zhiyu , Sinclair Jonathan , Fan Yifang 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAge-induced sarcopenia negatively affects walking stability and increases the risk of falls, which is the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly.ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze and contrast body composition and gait characteristics in those with sarcopenia in relation to healthy controls to shed some light on the prevention of falls in elderly patients with sarcopenia.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 68 community dwellers were scanned by the Hologic QDR-4500A Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) results were used to distinguish the normal participants from those with sarcopenia: 24 in the sarcopenia group, and 44 into the normal group. The participants were asked to undergo gait analysis on a plantar pressure measurement system. Statistical analysis was conducted to contrast both groups' gait and butterfly parameters from their gait test, and then a gait forward dynamics method was performed to quantify the analysis for both groups.ResultsThe ALMI of the female was not related to their age (r = 0.06) while that of the male was weakly related (r = 0.17). Body mass index (BMI) from both groups was normal, although with a statistically greater BMI from the normal group compared with sarcopenia (p &lt; 0.001). Greater values and significant differences were found in step length and stride length from the normal elderly group (p &lt; 0.01), and so was the length of the gait line and single support line (p &lt; 0.05). Gait forward dynamics analysis results showed no motor neural or musculoskeletal disorders in their gait performance from the sarcopenia group.ConclusionFor the elderly, age did not largely affect the ALMI, BMI, or T-score, but BMI and ALMI were strongly correlated. In this study, significant differences were found in certain gait parameters between the elderly with sarcopenia and the normal elderly, which were related to absolute muscle strength, suggesting that sarcopenia was a disease mainly caused by decreased muscle mass. In addition, when abnormities were identified in step length, stride length, length of gait line, or length of single support line, it is proposed to take a DXA scan to confirm whether the elderly suffer from sarcopenia.
Associations Between Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms and Morphological Characteristics of Surrounding Arteries
Authors: Hao Weili , Hao Hong , Ren Chun-Feng , Wang Xiangling , Gao Bulang 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesTo explore the associations between posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms and morphological characteristics of arteries upstream of and around the PComA bifurcation site.MethodsIn this study, fifty-seven patients with PComA aneurysms and sixty-two control subjects without aneurysms were enrolled. The centerlines of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and important branches were generated for the measurement and analysis of morphological parameters, such as carotid siphon types, diameters of two fitting circles, and the angle formed by them (D1, D2, and ϕ), length (L) and tortuosity (TL) of ICA segment between an ophthalmic artery and PComA bifurcations, bifurcation angle (θ), tortuosity (TICA and TPComA), and flow direction changes (θICA and θPComA) around the PComA bifurcation site.ResultsNo significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) was found in the siphon types (p = 0.467) or L (p = 0.114). Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were detected in D1 (p = 0.036), TL (p &lt; 0.001), D2 (p = 0.004), ϕ (p = 0.008), θ (p = 0.001), TICA (p &lt; 0.001), TPComA (p = 0.012), θICA (p &lt; 0.001), and θPComA (p &lt; 0.001) between the two groups. TICA had the largest area under the curve (AUC) (0.843) in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in diagnosing the probability of PComA aneurysms presence and was identified as the only potent morphological parameter (OR = 11.909) associated with PComA aneurysms presence.ConclusionsThe high tortuosity of the ICA segment around the PComA bifurcation is associated with PComA aneurysm presence.
Case Report: Trigeminocardiac Reflex in Endovascular Recanalization of Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Ren Hecheng , Wang Yubo , Luo Bin , Ma Lin , Ma Yuxiang , Yin Long , Huang Ying 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThe trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a unique brainstem reflex that manifests as sudden negative hemodynamic changes. Although rare, TCR may develop during interventional neuroradiology procedures. Intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) is a cause or risk factor of ischemic stroke. Endovascular recanalization is an effective treatment for intracranial ICAO. The occurrence of TCR during the endovascular treatment of intracranial ICAO has not been reported previously.MethodsWe identified and reviewed four intracranial ICAO cases who suffered a sudden negative hemodynamic change during endovascular therapy at our hospital between March 2019 and December 2020.ResultsThere were five sudden heart rate and/or blood pressure drops in the four cases; all occurred just after contrast agents were injected. Some angioarchitectural characteristics were common among the four cases. First, the intracranial internal carotid artery distal to the ophthalmic artery was occluded, leaving the ophthalmic artery as the only outflow tract. Second, there were obstructive factors proximal to the end of the guiding catheter, including a vasospasm or dilated balloon. This type of angioarchitecture with a limited outflow tract creates a “blind alley.” The five negative hemodynamic events all recovered: two spontaneously and three after drug administration. Postoperatively, two of the four patients developed ocular symptoms.ConclusionsIntracranial ICAOs may produce a distinctive angioarchitecture, such as a blind alley, that predisposes patients to TCR. Surgeons should pay special attention to the possibility of TCR during the endovascular recanalization of intracranial ICAO. Low-pressure contrast injections should be attempted, and anticholinergics should be ready for use.
Correlation Between Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, Serum Interleukin-6 and White Matter Integrity Before and After the Treatment of Drug-Naïve Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Chen Liping , Zeng Xiangling , Zhou Sijia , Gu Zhiwen , Pan Jiyang 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPrevious studies have noticed that systemic inflammation may alter the integrity of white matter. However, how the levels of serum cytokine affect the integrity of white matter in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients are unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the association between the inflammatory cytokine levels and white matter microstructure in drug-naïve patients with MDD pre- and post-treatment.MethodIn total, 29 MDD patients and 25 healthy controls (HC) were included in this study. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was conducted in all subjects at baseline, and the MDD patients were reassessed after venlafaxine treatment, using a tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis. Morning serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations in MDD patients were also measured pre- and post-treatment.ResultsSignificantly reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) values were found in the bilateral superior fronto-occipital fasciculus (SFO), posterior limb of the internal capsule (IC-PL), and fornix compared with the HC, and FA values in these regions in MDD patients have risen to normal levels except the bilateral SFO after treatment. The FA value of the left IC-PL was inversely correlated with the peripheral hs-CRP levels in both pre- and post-treatment MDD patients.ConclusionOur results suggested that the white matter integrity in the left IC-PL was significantly inversely correlated with the peripheral hs-CRP levels in both pre- and post-treatment MDD patients.
The Impact of Theta-Burst Stimulation on Cortical GABA and Glutamate in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Surface-Based MRSI Analysis Approach
Authors: Spurny-Dworak Benjamin , Godbersen Godber Mathis , Reed Murray Bruce , Unterholzner Jakob , Vanicek Thomas , Baldinger-Melich Pia , Hahn Andreas , Kranz Georg S. , Bogner Wolfgang , Lanzenberger Rupert , Kasper Siegfried 
Published: July 2022

Background: Theta burst stimulation (TBS) belongs to one of the biological antidepressant treatment options. When applied bilaterally, excitatory intermittent TBS (iTBS) is commonly targeted to the left and inhibitory continuous TBS (cTBS) to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. TBS was shown to influence neurotransmitter systems, while iTBS is thought to interfere with glutamatergic circuits and cTBS to mediate GABAergic neurotransmission.Objectives: We aimed to expand insights into the therapeutic effects of TBS on the GABAergic and glutamatergic system utilizing 3D-multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) in combination with a novel surface-based MRSI analysis approach to investigate changes of cortical neurotransmitter levels in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).Methods: Twelve TRD patients (five females, mean age ± SD = 35 ± 11 years) completed paired MRSI measurements, using a GABA-edited 3D-multivoxel MEGA-LASER sequence, before and after 3 weeks of bilateral TBS treatment. Changes in cortical distributions of GABA+/tNAA (GABA+macromolecules relative to total N-acetylaspartate) and Glx/tNAA (Glx = mixed signal of glutamate and glutamine), were investigated in a surface-based region-of-interest (ROI) analysis approach.Results: ANCOVAs revealed a significant increase in Glx/tNAA ratios in the left caudal middle frontal area (pcorr. = 0.046, F = 13.292), an area targeted by iTBS treatment. Whereas, contralateral treatment with cTBS evoked no alterations in glutamate or GABA concentrations.Conclusion: This study demonstrates surface-based adaptions in the stimulation area to the glutamate metabolism after excitatory iTBS but not after cTBS, using a novel surface-based analysis of 3D-MRSI data. The reported impact of facilitatory iTBS on glutamatergic neurotransmission provides further insight into the neurobiological effects of TBS in TRD.
Correlations Between Iron Status and Body Composition in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zimiao Chen , Dongdong Luo , Shuoping Chen , Peng Zhou , Fan Zheng , Rujun Chen , Xiaohua Gong 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundOur study aimed to investigate the association between iron metabolism and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 824 patients with T2DM were enrolled. Measurements of body composition were obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Patients were stratified into three groups according to their sex-specific ferritin levels. Basic information, laboratory results, and body composition were collected.ResultsSerum iron and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were increased significantly with increased serum ferritin (all p &lt; 0.05). Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) was decreased significantly with increased serum ferritin (p &lt; 0.05). Visceral fat mass (VF), android fat/total body fat mass, android-to-gynoid fat ratio (A/G ratio), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were all increased significantly with increased serum ferritin (all p &lt; 0.05). Patients with a high A/G ratio (A/G ratio ≧ 1) had significantly higher serum iron, ferritin, and TSAT, but significantly lower TIBC. In the model adjusted for age and gender, higher ferritin levels were associated with a higher VF (all p &lt; 0.05). Serum iron was positively correlated with the occurrence of a high A/G ratio (A/G ratio ≧ 1) after the adjustment of confounding factors [an odds ratio (OR = 1.09, 95% CI, 1.02–1.19, p = 0.02)]. With receiver operating curve analysis, the cutoff value of serum iron for a high A/G ratio was 18.56, and the area under the curve was 0.771 (sensitivity 88.9%and specificity 63.9%, p = 0.01).ConclusionHigher serum iron and ferritin concentrations were positively associated with a higher VF. Higher serum iron concentrations were positively correlated with a high A/G ratio. This study indicates the potential relationship between iron overload and the body composition in patients with T2DM.
Optimal Selection of Imaging Examination for Lymph Node Detection of Breast Cancer With Different Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Zheng Mingjie , Huang Yue , Peng Jinghui , Xia Yiqin , Cui Yangyang , Han Xu , Wang Shui , Xie Hui 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveAxillary lymph node management is an important part of breast cancer surgery and the accuracy of preoperative imaging evaluation can provide adequate information to guide operation. Different molecular subtypes of breast cancer have distinct imaging characteristics. This article was aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of imaging methods in accessing the status of axillary lymph node in different molecular subtypes.MethodsA total of 2,340 patients diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer after breast surgery from 2013 to 2018 in Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University were included in the study. We collected lymph node assessment results from mammography, ultrasounds, and MRIs, performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and calculated the sensitivity and specificity of each test. The C-statistic among different imaging models were compared in different molecular subtypes to access the predictive abilities of these imaging models in evaluating the lymph node metastasis.ResultsIn Her-2 + patients, the C-statistic of ultrasound was better than that of MRI (0.6883 vs. 0.5935, p=0.0003). The combination of ultrasound and MRI did not raise the predictability compared to ultrasound alone (p=0.492). In ER/PR+HER2- patients, the C-statistic of ultrasound was similar with that of MRI (0.7489 vs. 0.7650, p=0.5619). Ultrasound+MRI raised the prediction accuracy compared to ultrasound alone (p=0.0001). In ER/PR-HER2- patients, the C-statistics of ultrasound was similar with MRI (0.7432 vs. 0.7194, p=0.5579). Combining ultrasound and MRI showed no improvement in the prediction accuracy compared to ultrasound alone (p=0.0532).ConclusionFrom a clinical perspective, for Her-2+ patients, ultrasound was the most recommended examination to assess the status of axillary lymph node metastasis. For ER/PR+HER2- patients, we suggested that the lymph node should be evaluated by ultrasound plus MRI. For ER/PR-Her2- patients, ultrasound or MRI were both optional examinations in lymph node assessment. Furthermore, more new technologies should be explored, especially for Her2+ patients, to further raise the prediction accuracy of lymph node assessment.
The Safety and Efficacy of Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Prospective Phase 1 Clinical Study Protocol
Authors: Xu Min , Xu Danxia , Dong Gang , Ren Zhigang , Zhang Wu , Aji Tuerganaili , Zhao Qiyu , Chen Xinhua , Jiang Tian’an 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an ablative modality that uses high-voltage electrical pulses to permeabilize the cell membrane leading to cell necrosis. Unlike traditional thermal ablation, IRE is hardly affected by the “heat-sink” effect and can prevent damage of the adjacent vital structures. Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) is a new IRE technique using ultra-short pulses (nanosecond duration), can not only penetrate the cell membranes, but also act on the organelles. Sufficient preclinical researches have shown that nsPEF can eliminate HCC without damaging vital organs, and elicit potent anti-tumor immune response.ObjectiveThis is the first clinical study to evaluate feasibility, efficacy, and safety of nsPEF for the treatment of HCC, where thermal ablation is unsuitable due to proximity to critical structures.Methods and analysisWe will conduct an open-labeled, single-arm, prospective, multicenter, and objective performance criteria trial. One hundred and ninety-two patients with HCC, in which the tumor is located immediately (&lt;0.5 cm) adjacent to the portal vein, hepatic veins, bile duct, gastrointestinal tract, or diaphragm, will be enrolled among 4 academic medical centers. The primary outcomes are the rate of complete ablation at 1 month and adverse events. Secondary outcomes include technical success, technique efficacy, nsPEF procedural characteristics, local tumor progression, and local progression-free survival.Ethics and disseminationThe trial will be conducted according to the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by the ethics committee of all participating centers. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at relevant academic conferences.ConclusionsThis study is the Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nsPEF in patients with HCC at high-risk locations where thermal ablation is contra-indicated. The results may expand the options and offer an alternative therapy for HCC.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04309747.
Necroptosis-Related Genes Signatures Identified Molecular Subtypes and Underlying Mechanisms in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wei Jianguo , Hou Shuqian , Li Minhua , Yao Xiaofei , Wang Li , Zheng Zhen , Mo Haiqian , Chen Yu , Yuan Xiaolu 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAlthough emerging evidence supports the relationship between necroptosis (NEC) related genes and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the contribution of these necroptosis-related genes to the development, prognosis, and immunotherapy of HCC is unclear.MethodsThe expression of genes and relevant clinical information were downloaded from TCGA-LIHC, LIRI-JP, GSE14520/NCI, GSE36376, GSE76427, GSE20140, GSE27150, and IMvigor210 datasets. Next, we used an unsupervised clustering method to assign the samples into phenotype clusters base on 15 necroptosis-related genes. Subsequently, we constructed a NEC score based on NEC phenotype-related prognostic genes to quantify the necroptosis related subtypes of individual patients.ResultsWe divided the samples into the high and low NEC score groups, and the high NEC score showed a poor prognosis. Simultaneously, NEC score is an effective and stable model and had a good performance in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. A high NEC score was characterized by activation of the stroma and increased levels of immune infiltration. A high NEC score was also related to low expression of immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1/PD-L1). Importantly, the established NEC score would contribute to predicting the response to anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy.ConclusionsOur study provide a comprehensive analysis of necroptosis-related genes in HCC. Stratification based on the NEC score may enable HCC patients to benefit more from immunotherapy and help identify new cancer treatment strategies.