bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical evaluation of commonly used methods to determine the concordance between sonography and magnetic resonance imaging: A comparative study
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Keiner Michael , Lohmann Lars Hubertus , Brinkmann Anna , Hein Andreas , Schiemann Stephan , Wirth Klaus 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionAn increasing number of studies investigate the influence of training interventions on muscle thickness (MT) by using ultrasonography. Ultrasonography is stated as a reliable and valid tool to examine muscle morphology. Researches investigating the effects of a training intervention lasting a few weeks need a very precise measurement since increases in MT can be assumed as small. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the concordance between MT via sonography and muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA) determined via MRI imaging (gold standard) in the calf muscle.MethodsReliability of sonography measurement and the concordance correlation coefficient, the mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between sonography and MRI were determined.ResultsResults show intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.88–0.95 and MAPE of 4.63–8.57%. Concordance between MT and MCSA was examined showing ρ = 0.69–0.75 for the medial head and 0.39–0.51 c for the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. A MAPE of 15.88–19.94% between measurements were determined. Based on this, assuming small increases in MT due to training interventions, even with an ICC of 0.95, MAPE shows a high error between two investigators and therefore limited objectivity.DiscussionThe high MAPE of 15.88–19.94% as well as CCC of ρc = 0.39–0.75 exhibit that there are significant differences between MRI and sonography. Therefore, data from short term interventions using sonography to detect changes in the MT should be handled with caution.
N6-methyladenosine regulators-related immune genes enable predict graft loss and discriminate T-cell mediate rejection in kidney transplantation biopsies for cause
Authors: Pang Qidan , Chen Hong , Wu Hang , Wang Yong , An Changyong , Lai Suhe , Xu Jia , Wang Ruiqiong , Zhou Juan , Xiao Hanyu 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveThe role of m6A modification in kidney transplant-associated immunity, especially in alloimmunity, still remains unknown. This study aims to explore the potential value of m6A-related immune genes in predicting graft loss and diagnosing T cell mediated rejection (TCMR), as well as the possible role they play in renal graft dysfunction.MethodsRenal transplant-related cohorts and transcript expression data were obtained from the GEO database. First, we conducted correlation analysis in the discovery cohort to identify the m6A-related immune genes. Then, lasso regression and random forest were used respectively to build prediction models in the prognosis and diagnosis cohort, to predict graft loss and discriminate TCMR in dysfunctional renal grafts. Connectivity map (CMap) analysis was applied to identify potential therapeutic compounds for TCMR.ResultsThe prognostic prediction model effectively predicts the prognosis and survival of renal grafts with clinical indications (P&lt; 0.001) and applies to both rejection and non-rejection situations. The diagnostic prediction model discriminates TCMR in dysfunctional renal grafts with high accuracy (area under curve = 0.891). Meanwhile, the classifier score of the diagnostic model, as a continuity index, is positively correlated with the severity of main pathological injuries of TCMR. Furthermore, it is found that METTL3, FTO, WATP, and RBM15 are likely to play a pivotal part in the regulation of immune response in TCMR. By CMap analysis, several small molecular compounds are found to be able to reverse TCMR including fenoldopam, dextromethorphan, and so on.ConclusionsTogether, our findings explore the value of m6A-related immune genes in predicting the prognosis of renal grafts and diagnosis of TCMR.
Utilization of marine taxa within an artisanal shellcraft sector of the Indo-Pacific region
Authors: Simard Nittya S. M. , Militz Thane A. , Kinch Jeff , Southgate Paul C. 
Published: November 2022

Sustainable utilization of marine taxa is critical for maximizing social and economic goals of livelihood development within the Indo-Pacific. Yet, despite an increasing importance of shellcraft as a livelihood activity within the Indo-Pacific, information on the taxa utilized within shellcraft sectors remains scant. To address this knowledge gap, our study examined diversity, in terms of composition and quantities, of marine taxa utilized by artisan households and, collectively, within an artisanal shellcraft sector of Papua New Guinea. For each taxon, critical source habitats were identified, and the geographic scale of exploitation established. Critically, presented data revealed 73 taxa, representing at least 77 species, were utilized within the studied sector. Many of the taxa utilized had not previously been linked to shellcraft sectors, demonstrating that a broader composition of taxa is utilized than previously acknowledged. In terms of quantity, annual utilization within the sector was close to 500,000 individuals, the majority being mollusks of either class Gastropoda (83.6%), represented by 37 genera, or class Bivalvia (9.6%), represented by four genera. There was a strong bias towards a particular species, Chrysostoma paradoxum (78.5% of all individuals), as indicated by indices for the diversity utilized (H′ = 1.23; D = 0.38). However, substantial variation was evident in the diversity of taxa utilized among households (n = 36) engaged in shellcraft (H′ = 1.09 ± 0.71; D = 0.43 ± 0.27), with each household utilizing a unique composition of 19.1 ± 10.6 taxa. Source habitats for taxa ranged from pelagic to benthic intertidal and subtidal substrates, with the geographic scale of exploitation extending to 34 discrete locations up to 417 km away. The array of sector, household, and taxon-specific information presented provides a basis for supporting greater sustainability within shellcraft sectors across the Indo-Pacific, which is discussed within a context of informing community-based resource management, further developing marine aquaculture, and strengthening existing governance.
Lower insulin level is associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling frail and non-frail older adults
Authors: Lu Yanxia , Lim Wee Shiong , Jin Xia , Zin Nyunt Ma Schwe , Fulop Tamas , Gao Qi , Lim Su Chi , Larbi Anis , Ng Tze Pin 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundSarcopenia is common among older individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There are conflicting evidence in support of the role of insulin in the development of age-related and T2DM-related sarcopenia. We investigated the relationships between the levels of fasting insulin and other blood biomarkers related to insulin or lipid metabolism with the presence of sarcopenia in two independent studies.Materials and methodsIn 246 pre-frail frail older individuals with (n = 41) and without T2DM (n = 205) in the Singapore Frailty Interventional Trial, sarcopenia was defined by low appendicular lean mass (ALM) relative to total body mass (skeletal muscle index, SMI = ALM/height2) and low lower limb strength or gait speed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria released in 2019, and related to levels of fasting insulin and glucose, C-peptide, IGF-1, leptin, and active ghrelin. This investigation was validated in another independent study sample of 189 robust and pre-frail frail elderly in the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study Wave 2 (SLAS-2).ResultsCompared to non-sarcopenic individuals, those with sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia showed significantly lower fasting insulin (p &lt; 0.05) in pre-frail/frail and non-frail older individuals. Consistent trends of relationships were observed for serum levels of C-peptide, IGF-1, leptin, and active ghrelin. In multivariable logistic regression models, sarcopenia was independently associated with low insulin (p &lt; 0.05). Levels of fasting insulin, C-peptide, and leptin were also significantly associated with BMI, SMI, knee extension strength, gait speed, and physical activity score.ConclusionDysregulated insulin secretion in diabetic and non-diabetic older individuals may play an important role in age-related and diabetes-related sarcopenia.
Identification and validation of transferrin receptor protein 1 for predicting prognosis and immune infiltration in lower grade glioma
Authors: Wu Hongrong , He Haoyang , Huang Jiexiong , Wang Chuan , Dong Yuejiao , Lin Ruilin , Cheng Zhuofeng , Qiu Qiancheng , Hong LiangLi 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionTransferrin receptor protein 1 (TFRC), an ananda molecule associated with ferroptosis, has been identified as affecting a wide spectrum of pathological processes in various cancers, but the prognostic value correlates with the tumor microenvironment of TFRC in lower-grade glioma (LGG) is still unclear.Materials and methodsClinical pathological information and gene expression data of patients with LGG come from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), GTEx, Oncomine, UCSC Xena, and GEO databases. We then used various bioinformatics methods and mathematical models to analyze those data, aiming to investigate the clinical significance of TFRC in LGG and illustrate its association with tumor immunity. In addition, the molecular function and mechanisms of TFRC were revealed by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immunohistochemical experiments and single-cell analysis have been performed.ResultsTFRC expression was highly expressed in many tumors and showed a poor prognosis. Including gliomas, it was significantly associated with several poor clinical prognostic variables, tumor immune microenvironment, tumor mutational burden (TMB), m6a modification, and ferroptosis in LGG. TFRC as a key factor was further used to build a prediction nomogram. The C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis showed the nomogram was clinically useful and calibration was accurate. At the same time, we also demonstrated that promoter hypomethylation of DNA upstream of TFRC could lead to high TFRC expression and poor overall survival. There is a significant correlation between TFRC and CD8 + T cell, macrophage cell infiltration, and several immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1(cd274), CTLA4, and PD1, suggesting a novel direction for future clinical application. Functional and molecular mechanism analysis showed an association of TFRC expression with immune-related pathways through GSEA, GO, and KEGG analysis. Finally, immunohistochemical experiments and single-cell analysis confirmed the expression of TFRC in glioma.ConclusionTFRC may be a potential prognostic biomarker and an immunotherapeutic target for glioma.
Associations of phthalates with NAFLD and liver fibrosis: A nationally representative cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017 to 2018
Authors: Chen Xingying , Tian Feng , Wu Jianfeng , Liu Lan , Li Ye , Yu Genfeng , Duan Hualin , Jiang Yuqi , Liu Siyang , He Yajun , Luo Yaosheng , Song Cheng , Li Huaizhi , Liang Yongqian , Wan Heng , Shen Jie 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveAlthough phthalates are common environmental pollutants, few studies have focused on the relationship of phthalates exposure with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or liver fibrosis, and especially, the alternative phthalates have been questioned in recent years about whether they are better choices. Thus, this study aimed to explore the associations of exposure to major phthalates or alternative phthalates with NAFLD and liver fibrosis.MethodsData of 1450 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 were collected. The urinary metabolite concentrations of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) were detected. Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and median liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were acquired for quantitative diagnosis of NAFLD and liver fibrosis by vibration-controlled transient elastography. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis were performed to examine the associations between phthalates and NAFLD and liver fibrosis.ResultsAfter adjustment of the potential factors, the prevalence of NAFLD was significantly elevated among those in the fourth quartile of mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (OR, 95%CI = 2.719, 1.296, 5.700, P = 0.016), mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (OR, 95%CI = 2.073, 1.111, 3.867, P = 0.037). No significant association was found between the alternative phthalates and NAFLD. The similar result was gained by linear regression analysis that MECPP was still significantly associated with Ln CAP (Q4 vs. Q1: β, 95%CI = 0.067, 0.017, 0.118, P = 0.027). After adjustment for the same covariates, no significant association between phthalates and liver fibrosis was found in logistics regression analysis.ConclusionsAll in all, higher prevalence of NAFLD is correlated with DEHP but not DINP or DIDP in American adults. There is no significant relationship between phthalates and liver fibrosis defined as LSM ≥ 8 Kpa. Nevertheless, further research is needed to provide evidence of causality.
“CHildren with Inherited Platelet disorders Surveillance” (CHIPS) retrospective and prospective observational cohort study by Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP)
Authors: Lassandro Giuseppe , Palladino Valentina , Faleschini Michela , Barone Angelica , Boscarol Gianluca , Cesaro Simone , Chiocca Elena , Farruggia Piero , Giona Fiorina , Gorio Chiara , Maggio Angela , Marinoni Maddalena , Marzollo Antonio , Palumbo Giuseppe , Russo Giovanna , Saracco Paola , Spinelli Marco , Verzegnassi Federico , Morga Francesca , Savoia Anna , Giordano Paola 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundInherited thrombocytopenias (ITs) are rare congenital bleeding disorders characterized by different clinical expression and variable prognosis. ITs are poorly known by clinicians and often misdiagnosed with most common forms of thrombocytopenia.Material and methods“CHildren with Inherited Platelet disorders Surveillance” study (CHIPS) is a retrospective – prospective observational cohort study conducted between January 2003 and January 2022 in 17 centers affiliated to the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP). The primary objective of this study was to collect clinical and laboratory data on Italian pediatric patients with inherited thrombocytopenias. Secondary objectives were to calculate prevalence of ITs in Italian pediatric population and to assess frequency and genotype–phenotype correlation of different types of mutations in our study cohort.ResultsA total of 139 children, with ITs (82 male - 57 female) were enrolled. ITs prevalence in Italy ranged from 0.7 per 100,000 children during 2010 to 2 per 100,000 children during 2022. The median time between the onset of thrombocytopenia and the diagnosis of ITs was 1 years (range 0 - 18 years). A family history of thrombocytopenia has been reported in 90 patients (65%). Among 139 children with ITs, in 73 (53%) children almost one defective gene has been identified. In 61 patients a pathogenic mutation has been identified. Among them, 2 patients also carry a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), and 4 others harbour 2 VUS variants. VUS variants were identified in further 8 patients (6%), 4 of which carry more than one variant VUS. Three patients (2%) had a likely pathogenic variant while in 1 patient (1%) a variant was identified that was initially given an uncertain significance but was later classified as benign. In addition, in 17 patients the genetic diagnosis is not available, but their family history and clinical/laboratory features strongly suggest the presence of a specific genetic cause. In 49 children (35%) no genetic defect were identified. In ninetyseven patients (70%), thrombocytopenia was not associated with other clinically apparent disorders. However, 42 children (30%) had one or more additional clinical alterations.ConclusionOur study provides a descriptive collection of ITs in the pediatric Italian population.
Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 inhibits leukotriene synthesis in human neutrophils
Authors: Sud’ina Galina F. , Golenkina Ekaterina A. , Prikhodko Anastasia S. , Kondratenko Natalia D. , Gaponova Tatjana V. , Chernyak Boris V. 
Published: November 2022

Leukotrienes are among the most potent mediators of inflammation, and inhibition of their biosynthesis, is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of many pathologies. In this work, we demonstrated that preincubation of human neutrophils with the mitochondria targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (100 nM) strongly inhibits leukotriene synthesis induced by three different stimuli: the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, the chemotactic formyl-peptide fMLP in combination with cytocholasin B, and opsonized zymosan. The SkQ1 analogue lacking the antioxidant quinone moiety (C12TPP) was ineffective, suggesting that mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critical for activating of leukotriene synthesis in human neutrophils. The uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation FCCP also inhibits leukotriene synthesis, indicating that a high membrane potential is a prerequisite for stimulating leukotriene synthesis in neutrophils. Our data show that activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and ERK1/2, which is important for leukotriene synthesis in neutrophils is a target for SkQ1: 1) the selective p38 inhibitor SB203580 inhibited fMLP-induced leukotriene synthesis, while the ERK1/2 activation inhibitor U0126 suppressed leukotriene synthesis induced by any of the three stimuli; 2) SkQ1 effectively prevents p38 and ERK1/2 activation (accumulation of phosphorylated forms) induced by all three stimuli. This is the first study pointing to the involvement of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in the activation of leukotriene synthesis in human neutrophils. The use of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants can be considered as a promising strategy for inhibiting leukotriene synthesis and treating various inflammatory pathologies.
Cancer incidence and prevalence in cystic fibrosis patients with and without a lung transplant in France
Authors: Rousset-Jablonski Christine , Dalon Faustine , Reynaud Quitterie , Lemonnier Lydie , Dehillotte Clémence , Jacoud Flore , Berard Marjorie , Viprey Marie , Van Ganse Eric , Durieu Isabelle , Belhassen Manon 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) care and the life expectancy of affected patients have substantially improved in recent decades, leading to an increased number of patients being diagnosed with comorbidities, including cancers. Our objective was to characterize the epidemiology of cancers between 2006 and 2017 in CF patients with and without a lung transplant.MethodsMedical records of CF patients from 2006 to 2016 in the French CF Registry were linked to their corresponding claims data (SNDS). The annual prevalence and incidence rates of cancers were estimated from 2006 to 2017 in CF patients without lung transplant and in those with lung transplant after transplantation.ResultsOf the 7,671 patients included in the French CF Registry, 6,187 patients (80.7%) were linked to the SNDS; among them, 1,006 (16.3%) received a lung transplant. The prevalence of any cancer increased between 2006 and 2017, from 0.3 to 1.0% and from 1.3 to 6.3% in non-transplanted and transplanted patients, respectively. When compared to the general population, the incidence of cancer was significantly higher in both non-transplanted [Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) = 2.57, 95%CI 2.05 to 3.17] and transplanted (SIR = 19.76, 95%CI 16.45 to 23.55) patients. The median time between transplant and the first cancer was 3.9 years. Among the 211 incident cancer cases, the most frequent malignant neoplasms were skin neoplasm (48 cases), lung cancers (31 cases), gastro-intestinal (24 cases), and hematologic cancers (17 cases).ConclusionThe overall burden of cancer in CF patients is high, particularly following lung transplantation. Therefore, specific follow-up, screening and cancer prevention for CF patients with transplants are necessary.
Are social networks effective in promoting healthy behaviors? A systematic review of evaluations of public health campaigns broadcast on Twitter
Authors: Faus Mireia , Alonso Francisco , Javadinejad Arash , Useche Sergio A. 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionWhile public health campaigns disseminated through Twitter have multiple theoretical advantages over other strategies (e.g., a high potential reach and low economic cost), the effectiveness of social networks as facilitators of attitudinal and behavioral changes in the population seems to remain weakly supported. Therefore, this systematic review was aimed to analyze the degree of impact of healthy behavior-related campaigns as documented in scientific literature.MethodsStrictly following the PRISMA methodology, a total of 109 indexed articles were obtained, of which only 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. In addition to accessing the literature available on WOS, Scopus, BVS, Medline, Cochrane Library and PubMed, the quality of the existing studies was assessed through the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) protocol.ResultsThe results of this systematic review revealed a small number of evaluations of the effectiveness of social campaigns disseminated on Twitter, although the quality of these studies was considerably good. Most of the research used statistics and metrics for evaluation, with residual use of other measurement methodologies. However, their effectiveness and impact on public health-related behaviors remain arguable, in view of the existence of marked tendencies to: (i) not evaluate these campaigns; (ii) evaluate them through excessively brief, ambiguous, or potentially biased indicators; and (iii) not carry out systematic follow-ups over time.DiscussionAlthough there is no strong evidence of the suitability of Twitter as a suitable medium for raising public health awareness on behavioral health affairs, the actual limitations identified in this review would help to optimize this paradigm and enhance the quality, reach, and effectiveness of such communication strategies.