bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polycystic ovary syndrome in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: He Jie , Ruan Xia , Li Jia
Published: August 2024

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is correlated with metabolic deterioration in patients experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women diagnosed with PCOS exhibit a heightened prevalence of OSAHS. This meta-analysis aims to assess the morbidity of OSAHS in women affected by PCOS and to examine the differences in metabolism-related indicators between OSAHS-positive and OSAHS-negative in women with PCOS.

Methods

A comprehensive literature analysis of OSAHS morbidity in women with PCOS was conducted, utilizing databases such as CNKI, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Wanfang. A comparison was carried out between patients with OSAHS-positive and those with OSAHS-negative in terms of their clinical characteristics and metabolic differences. The search language included English and Chinese. The acquired data were analyzed by employing RevMan 5.2 and Stata 11.0. Continuous variables with the same units were combined and analyzed through weighted mean differences (WMDs) as effect sizes, while continuous variables with different units were combined and analyzed through standardized mean differences (SMDs) as effect sizes. A conjoint analysis was performed on the basis of I2 value, using either a fixed effect model (I2 ≤ 50%) or a random effect model (I2 > 50%).

Results

A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. The findings indicated that 20.8% of women with PCOS were found to have comorbid OSAHS. The subjects were categorized into various subgroups for meta-analysis on the basis of race, age, disease severity, body mass index (BMI), and diagnostic criteria of PCOS. The results revealed high morbidity of OSAHS in all subgroups. In addition, most metabolic indicators and parameters of metabolic syndrome were notably worse in women suffering from both PCOS and OSAHS in comparison to their counterparts solely diagnosed with PCOS.

Conclusion

The current literature indicates higher morbidity of OSAHS among women with PCOS, linking OSAHS with worse metabolic status and obesity in this population. Consequently, clinicians are advised to prioritize the detection and management of OSAHS in women with PCOS.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42024528264).
Exploring the causal association between epigenetic clocks and menopause age: insights from a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Ling , Xu Shuling , Chen Rumeng , Ding Yining , Liu Menghua , Hou Chunyan , Wu Zhu , Men Xiaoju , Bao Meihua , He Binsheng , Li Sen
Published: August 2024

Background

Evidence suggests a connection between DNA methylation (DNAm) aging and reproductive aging. However, the causal relationship between DNAm and age at menopause remains uncertain.

Methods

Employing established DNAm epigenetic clocks, such as DNAm Hannum age acceleration (Hannum), Intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA), DNAm-estimated granulocyte proportions (Gran), DNAm GrimAge acceleration (GrimAgeAccel), DNAm PhenoAge acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel), and DNAm-estimated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels (DNAmPAIadjAge), a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study was carried out to explore the potential causality between DNAm and menopausal age. The primary analytical method used was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) estimation model, supplemented by various other estimation techniques.

Results

DNAm aging acceleration or deceleration, as indicated by Hannum, IEAA, Gran, GrimAgeAccel, PhenoAgeAccel, and DNAmPAIadjAge, did not exhibit a statistically significant causal effect on menopausal age according to forward MR analysis. However, there was a suggestive positive causal association between age at menopause and Gran (Beta = 0.0010; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0004, 0.0020) in reverse MR analysis.

Conclusion

The observed increase in granulocyte DNAm levels in relation to menopausal age could potentially serve as a valuable indicator for evaluating the physiological status at the onset of menopause.
Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Wang Fei , Li Chunyu , Cui Lili , Gu Shuo , Zhao Junyu , Wang Haipeng
Published: August 2024

Objective

Evaluate the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Methods

Articles of SGLT2i on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were searched. Two authors independently screened the literature, extracted the data, assessed the quality of the study and performed statistical analyses using Review Manager 5.4.

Results

Random-effect model was used to merge the OR values, and the pooled effect showed that SGLT2i had significant preventive effects on cardiovascular death (OR=0.76, 95%CI 0.64 to 0.89), myocardial infarction (OR=0.90, 95%CI 0.84 to 0.96), heart failure (OR=0.69, 95%CI 0.64 to 0.74) and all-cause mortality (OR=0.65, 95%CI 0.58 to 0.73). Empagliflozin, dapagliflozin and canagliflozin all reduced the incidence of heart failure (OR=0.72, 95%CI 0.64 to 0.82; OR=0.56, 95%CI 0.39 to 0.80; OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.53 to 0.73), but only dapagliflozin displayed a favorable effect on inhibiting stroke (OR=0.78, 95%CI 0.63 to 0.98). SGLT2i could prevent stroke (OR=0.86, 95%CI 0.75 to 0.99), heart failure (OR=0.63, 95%CI 0.56 to 0.70) and all-cause mortality (OR=0.64, 95%CI 0.57 to 0.72) compared to DPP-4i. Furthermore, SGLT2i could reduce the incidence of heart failure (OR=0.72, 95%CI 0.67 to 0.77) and cardiovascular death (OR=0.72, 95%CI 0.54 to 0.95) in patients with high-risk factors.

Conclusions

SGLT2i affects cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, heart failure and all-cause mortality. Only dapagliflozin displayed a favorable effect on inhibiting stroke. SGLT2i could prevent stroke, heart failure and all-cause mortality compared to DPP-4i. In addition, SGLT2i significantly reduced the development of heart failure and cardiovascular death in patients with high-risk factors.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42024532783.
Genetics causal analysis of oral microbiome on type 2 diabetes in East Asian populations: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Lyu Xinyi , Xu Xueyuan , Shen Sihong , Qin Feng
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The dysbiosis of the oral microbiome is associated with the progression of various systemic diseases, including diabetes. However, the precise causal relationships remain elusive. This study aims to investigate the potential causal associations between oral microbiome and type 2 diabetes (T2D) using Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

We conducted bidirectional two-sample MR analyses to investigate the impact of oral microbiome from saliva and the tongue T2D. This analysis was based on metagenome-genome-wide association studies (mgGWAS) summary statistics of the oral microbiome and a large meta-analysis of GWAS of T2D in East Asian populations. Additionally, we utilized the T2D GWAS summary statistics from the Biobank Japan (BBJ) project for replication. The MR methods employed included Wald ratio, inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, contamination mixture (ConMix), and robust adjusted profile score (RAPS).

Results

Our MR analyses revealed genetic associations between specific bacterial species in the oral microbiome of saliva and tongue with T2D in East Asian populations. The MR results indicated that nine genera were shared by both saliva and tongue. Among these, the genera Aggregatibacter, Pauljensenia, and Prevotella were identified as risk factors for T2D. Conversely, the genera Granulicatella and Haemophilus D were found to be protective elements against T2D. However, different species within the genera Catonella, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Streptococcus, and Saccharimonadaceae TM7x exhibited multifaceted influences; some species were positively correlated with the risk of developing T2D, while others were negatively correlated.

Discussion

This study utilized genetic variation tools to confirm the causal effect of specific oral microbiomes on T2D in East Asian populations. These findings provide valuable insights for the treatment and early screening of T2D, potentially informing more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies.
Preparation and characterization of Al-12Si/ceramic composite phase change heat storage material
Authors: Zhang Gaoqun , Duan Dabo , Zhang Jingcen , Hao Junjie , Deng Zhanfeng
Published: August 2024

Thermal storage ceramics using metals as phase change materials (PCMs) have both high thermal conductivity and high heat storage density. However, in the process of use is very easy to occur in the metal phase change material leakage, will seriously affect the service life of the thermal storage ceramics. In this study, ceramic composite phase change heat storage materials with Al-12Si alloy as phase change material were prepared. Firstly, Al-12Si was pretreated by sol-gel method and high temperature heat treatment to obtain the pretreated Al-12Si alloy powder with dense alumina shell layer. After that, the pretreated Al-12Si alloy powder was mixed and pressed with alumina, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, and mullite respectively, and sintered at 1,100°C, 1,200°C, or 1,300°C. The experimental results show that the metal phase change materials and the four ceramic materials show good chemical compatibility, and pretreated Al-12Si essentially retains its initial shape and is uniformly dispersed in the heat storage material. Among all the samples, the pre-treated Al-12Si/mullite ceramic thermal storage materials with a sintering temperature of 1,200°C showed the best thermal storage performance. The thermal conductivity of the samples was up to 17.94 W/(m·K). The latent heat storage value was 139.51 J/g before thermal cycling, 138.27 J/g after 100 thermal cycling, which was only decreased by 0.89%, and there was almost no alloy leakage. This study has successfully realized that the ceramic thermal storage material possesses high thermal conductivity, high thermal storage density and excellent thermal cycling performance at the same time, and provides a new method for the production and preparation of Al-12Si/ceramic heat storage materials, which has great potential for application in heat storage systems.
Cellular stress increases DRIP production and MHC Class I antigen presentation
Authors: Pach Natalie , Basler Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Defective ribosomal products (DRiPs) are non-functional proteins rapidly degraded during or after translation being an essential source for MHC class I ligands. DRiPs are characterized to derive from a substantial subset of nascent gene products that degrade more rapidly than their corresponding native retiree pool. So far, mass spectrometry analysis revealed that a large number of HLA class I peptides derive from DRiPs. However, a specific viral DRiP on protein level was not described. In this study, we aimed to characterize and identify DRiPs derived from a viral protein.

Methods

Using the nucleoprotein (NP) of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) which is conjugated N–terminally to ubiquitin, or the ubiquitin-like modifiers FAT10 or ISG15 the occurrence of DRiPs was studied. The formation and degradation of DRiPs was monitored by western blot with the help of a FLAG tag. Flow cytometry and cytotoxic T cells were used to study antigen presentation.

Results

We identified several short lived DRiPs derived from LCMV-NP. Of note, these DRiPs could only be observed when the LCMV–NP was modified with ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like modifiers, but not in the wild type form. Using proteasome inhibitors, we could show that degradation of LCMV-NP derived DRiPs were proteasome dependent. Interestingly, the synthesis of DRiPs could be enhanced when cells were stressed with the help of FCS starvation. An enhanced NP118–126 presentation was observed when the LCMV-NP was modified with ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like modifiers, or under FCS starvation.

Conclusion

Taken together, we visualize for the first time DRiPs derived from a viral protein. Furthermore, DRiPs formation, and therefore MHC-I presentation, is enhanced under cellular stress conditions. Our investigations on DRiPs in MHC class I antigen presentation open up new approaches for the development of vaccination strategies.
Nanomedicine-based cancer immunotherapy: a bibliometric analysis of research progress and prospects
Authors: Chen Chaofan , Yuan Pengfei , Zhang Zhiyun
Published: August 2024

Despite the increasing number of studies on nanomedicine-based cancer immunotherapy, the overall research trends in this field remain inadequately characterized. This study aims to evaluate the research trends and hotspots in nanomedicine-based cancer immunotherapy through a bibliometric analysis. As of March 31, 2024, relevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Analytical tools including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and an online bibliometric analysis platform were employed. A total of 5,180 publications were analyzed. The study reveals geographical disparities in research output, with China and the United States being the leading contributors. Institutionally, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Sichuan University are prominent contributors. Authorship analysis identifies key researchers, with Liu Zhuang being the most prolific author. “ACS Nano” and the “Journal of Controlled Release and Biomaterials” are identified as the leading journals in the field. Frequently occurring keywords include “cancer immunotherapy” and “drug delivery.” Emerging frontiers in the field, such as “mRNA vaccine,” “sonodynamic therapy,” “oral squamous cell carcinoma,” “STING pathway,”and “cGAS-STING pathway,” are experiencing rapid growth. This study aims to provide new insights to advance scientific research and clinical applications in nanomedicine-based cancer immunotherapy.
From mitochondria to tumor suppression: ACAT1's crucial role in gastric cancer
Authors: He Wei , Li Yanfang , Liu Song-Bai , Chang Ying , Han Shiyuan , Han Xingyu , Ma Zixin , Amin Hesham M. , Song Yao-Hua , Zhou Jin
Published: August 2024

Acetyl CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), a mitochondrial enzyme, is mainly involved in the formation and decomposition of ketones, isoleucine, and fatty acids. Previous clinical studies showed that mutations in the ACAT1 gene lead to ketoacidosis, Notably the role of ACAT1 in human cancer’ pathogenesis varies depending on cancer type, and its specific role in gastric cancer remains largely unknown. In the current study, we found that the expression of ACAT1 in primary late-stage gastric cancer tumor tissues was significantly lower than in early-stage tumors. This observation was further confirmed in high-grade gastric cancer cell line MKN45. The expression of CD44 and OCT4 was decreased, while CD24 expression was increased by overexpressing ACAT1 in MKN45 gastric cancer cells. Moreover, the ability of gastric cancer cells to form colonies on soft agar was also reduced by ACAT1 overexpression. Likewise, overexpression of ACAT1 inhibited epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastric cancer cells evidenced by increased expression of the epithelial marker E-Cadherin, decreased expression of mesenchymal marker vimentin, and decreased expression levels of SNAI 1/3. In addition, ACAT1 overexpression inhibited cell migration and invasion, improved the response to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and etoposide. In contrast, inhibition of ACAT1 activity promoted the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. The xenotransplantation results in nude mice showed that overexpression of ACAT1 in gastric cancer cells inhibited tumor growth in vivo. In addition, the low expression of ACAT1 in gastric cancer was further validated by searching public databases and conducting bioinformatic analyses. Mechanistically, bioinformatic analysis found that the inhibitory effect of ACAT1 in gastric cancer may be related to the Adipocytokine Signaling Pathway, Ppar Signaling Pathway, Propanoate Metabolism and P53 Signaling Pathway. Correlation analysis indicated ACAT1 mRNA expression was correlated with immune infiltrates. Collectively, our data show that ACAT1 induces pronounced inhibitory effects on gastric cancer initiation and development, which may impact future strategies to treat this aggressive cancer.
Relative clause attachment in Mandarin Chinese: insights from classifier-noun agreement
Authors: Liu Fengming , Lin Chien-Jer Charles
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that relative clause (RC) attachment preferences vary across languages, often influenced by factors like morphosyntactic agreement (e.g., number and gender). Mandarin Chinese, with its limited inflectional morphemes compared to Indo-European languages, provides a distinct context for examining this. This study explores relative clause attachment ambiguity in Mandarin by manipulating classifier-noun agreement.

Method

This study conducted two self-paced reading experiments to investigate the influence of an initial classifier on comprehenders' anticipation of its associated noun and the impact of this prediction on RC attachment preferences in Mandarin Chinese.

Results

Experiment 1 revealed a significant effect of classifier-noun agreement in offline comprehension: there was an increase in selecting the high-attachment noun (NPhigh) as the RC attachment site when the classifier agreed with NPhigh, whereas there was a decrease in selecting NPhigh when the classifier agreed with the low-attachment noun (NPlow). Online processing results supported this effect, showing that classifiers guide comprehenders' expectations by pre-activating semantic features of the upcoming noun, thus modulating RC attachment preferences. Experiment 2 introduced semantic compatibility between the RC and potential attachment nouns as an additional disambiguating cue, revealing a reliable prediction effect for the upcoming noun. Although the classifier's prediction effect was diminished, it remained influential in this condition.

Discussion

This study highlights the complexity of relative clause attachment in Mandarin, demonstrating the significant predictive roles of classifier-noun agreement and semantic compatibility.
The skin microbiome as a new potential biomarker in the domestication and health status of Octopus vulgaris
Authors: Costas-Imbernón Daniel , Costas-Prado Carolina , Sequeiro Teresa , Touriñán Pablo , García-Fernández Pablo , Tur Ricardo , Chavarrías David , Saura María , Rotllant Josep
Published: August 2024

Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in common octopus aquaculture, prompted by several factors such as the increase in market demand, the decline in overall fisheries and the search for more sustainable food resources. Nevertheless, this interest has raised concerns about the potential impact of large-scale production and intensified farming practices in the future. This study aims to establish a baseline understanding of the natural microbial communities that inhabit skin mucus of the common octopus, describe its core microbiota, and assess the impact of captive rearing on these communities and animal welfare. The skin microbiome of wild-captured octopuses was compared with that of reared in aquaculture using 16S ribosomal RNA metabarcoding. The findings show that the core microbiota of octopus mucosal skin is dominated by the phyla Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota, with Aurantivirga, Pseudofulvibacter, and Rubritalea being the most abundant genera. Despite differences in abundance, the microbiota composition and diversity between wild and aquaculture octopuses were similar. Wild samples had an enrichment of Gammaproteobacteria, including potentially pathogenic species such as Vibrio spp., Photobacterium swingsii, and Lactococcus garvieae, which were less prevalent or absent in aquaculture samples. KEGG functional pathways predictions indicated a higher enrichment in functional pathways related to xenobiotic remediation in wild samples, reflecting their need to adapt to a more variable and potentially contaminated environment. This is the first study to characterize the mucosal skin microbiome of the common octopus and to compare wild and aquaculture specimens. The results suggest that current aquaculture practices support animal welfare through the use of controlled hatchery environments and high-quality water conditions. These insights are valuable for the development of sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices, with the octopus microbiome serving as a potential biomarker for health status and animal welfare.
Fibromyalgia in patients infected with HTLV-1 and HTLV-2
Authors: Inomata Silva Bianca Lumi , da Cunha Rodrigues Francisco Erivan , Tsukimata Márcio Yutaka , Botelho Bruno José Sarmento , Santos Luciana Cristina Coelho , dos Santos Pereira Neto Gabriel , Lima Aline Cecy Rocha , André Natália Pinheiro , Galdino Sarah Marques , Monteiro Danniele Chagas , Yoshikawa Gilberto Toshimitsu , Mendonça Leonardo Teixeira , do Amaral Juliana Lasmar Ayres , de Britto Pereira Cruz Rosana , Onuma Débora Oliveira , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário , de Carvalho Klemz Bárbara Nascimento , Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres
Published: August 2024

Background

Reports on the association between HTLV-2 infection and the development of diseases in the human host are rare, which has led the scientific community to believe that HTLV-2 is not an important etiological agent of lymphoproliferative or neurodegenerative disorders, which is the case for HTLV-1. In the present study, we demonstrated cases of fibromyalgia in HTLV-1 carriers and, in an unprecedented finding, in two patients with confirmed HTLV-2 infection.

Methods

A total of 957 individuals visited the Virology Laboratory at the Federal University of Pará for screening and confirmation tests for HTLV-1/2 infection. Individuals with confirmed HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection were clinically evaluated for signs and symptoms associated with infection.

Results

Sixty-nine individuals (7.2%) were identified as positive for HTLV infection, with 56 confirmed cases of HTLV-1 infection (5.9%), 12 cases of HTLV-2 infection (1.2%) and one case classified as undetermined (0.1%). Sixteen (23.2%) of these patients presented with rheumatological signs and complained of diffuse pain throughout the body; 12 of whom were infected by HTLV-1 (75%) and 4 were infected by HTLV-2 (25%). After anamnesis and careful evaluation, four patients were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, two of whom were infected by HTLV-1 (16.7%; 2/12) and two by HTLV-2 (50%; 2/4). The clinical follow-up and laboratory analysis results are reported in detail in this paper.

Conclusion

Considering the clinical cases presented herein as the first reports of patients with HTLV-2 infection with clinical symptoms of fibromyalgia, the importance of further studies on the pathogenicity of HTLV-2, similar to what have already been performed for HTLV-1, is highlighted. Our results also confirm previous evidence of an association between HTLV-1 infection and fibromyalgia.
Aromatic components and endophytic fungi during the formation of agarwood in Aquilaria sinensis were induced by exogenous substances
Authors: Pang Shengjiang , Zhao Weiwei , Zhang Qingqing , Tian Zuwei , Wu Dan , Deng Shuokun , Zhang Pei , Li Zhongguo , Liu Shiling , Yang Baoguo , Huang Guihua , Zhou Zaizhi
Published: August 2024

The process of formation of aromatic components for agarwood in Aquilaria sinensis is closely related to endophytic fungi and the result of complex multiple long-term joint interactions with them. However, the interactions between the aromatic components and endophytic fungi remain unclear during the formation of agarwood. In this study, precise mixed solution of hormones, inorganic salts, and fungi was used to induce its formation in A. sinensis, and sample blocks of wood were collected at different times after inoculation. This study showed that the aromatic compounds found in the three treatments of A. sinensis were primarily chromones (31.70–33.65%), terpenes (16.68–27.10%), alkanes (15.99–23.83%), and aromatics (3.13–5.07%). Chromones and terpenes were the primary components that characterized the aroma. The different sampling times had a more pronounced impact on the richness and diversity of endophytic fungal communities in the A. sinensis xylem than the induction treatments. The species annotation of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) demonstrated that the endophytic fungi were primarily composed of 18 dominant families and 20 dominant genera. A linear regression analysis of the network topology properties with induction time showed that the interactions among the fungal species continued to strengthen, and the network structure tended to become more complex. The terpenes significantly negatively correlated with the Pielou evenness index (p < 0.05), while the chromones significantly positively correlated with the OTUs and Shannon indices.
LncRNA ILF3AS1, MMP3, and MMP9 as well as miRNA-212 as emerging novel biomarkers for childhood epilepsy
Authors: Mohammed Amena Rezk , Emam Wafaa Abdelaziz , Mohammed Shaymaa A. , Abd Elalim Alshaymaa A. , Mansour Eatemad Nabil Abdelhalim , Nasr Haidy Mahmoud , Ghamry Aya A. , Alkhawagah Sabah M. , Fathy Doaa Sadek Ahmed , Elattar Rasha Sobhy , Abish Yasser Gaber Ibrahim , Hussein Abdullah , Zaghloul Boshra Ahmed , Khairallah Marwa K. , Alharbi Norah , Seif Eldin Salwa , Dawood Amal Fahmy , Sabet Marwa A. , Gamea Marwa G. , Elshishtawy Ibrahim Suzan Eid , Mosa Aliaa A. , Dahpy Marwa A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Globally, approximately 70 million people suffer from epilepsy. Infants constitute a significant percentage of these cases. Hence, there is a significant need for better understanding of the pathophysiology of epilepsy through laboratory and radiological methods for early detection and optimized management. Interleukin enhancer binding factor 3 antisense RNA l (ILF3AS1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that enhances the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), which are considered to be epileptogenic.

Aim

We aimed to assess the serum expressions of the lncRNAs ILF3AS1, MMP3, and MMP9 along with microRNA-212 (miRNA-212) as predictive biomarkers in children with epilepsy; we also assessed their correlations with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Subjects and Methods

Fifty children with epilepsy and fifty healthy controls were considered in this study. Serum expressions of the lncRNA ILF3AS1 and miRNA-212 were estimated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Serum concentrations of MMP3 and MMP9 were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in parallel with MRI findings and different baseline biochemical parameters of all the subjects.

Results

The results showed significantly higher levels of lncRNAs ILF3AS1, MMP3, and MMP9 as well as lower levels of miRNA-212 in children with epilepsy compared to the controls. The fold-change of miRNA-212 was a significant negative predictor (odds ratio = 0.153, p = 0.000). The receiver operating characteristic curves (Roc) showed that the areas under the curves for MMP3, MMP9, and lncRNA ILF3AS1 as well as the fold-change for miRNA-212 were 0.659, 0.738, 0.656, and 0.965, respectively. Brain lesions were detected in 15 patients (30%) with epilepsy, whereas the remaining 35 patients (70%) had normal results.

Conclusion

Serum levels of the lncRNA ILF3AS1 among children with epilepsy were higher than those in the control group and were associated with upregulation of both MMP3 and MMP9 as well as downregulation of miRNA-212 expressions, suggesting their predictive utility in monitoring the development of epilepsy; this also means that a treatment plan focusing on the ILF3AS1/miRNA-212/MMP3/MMP9 axis could be an effective strategy for treating epilepsy.
The relationship between lipoproteins and the risk of esophageal cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cui Jiale , Zhang Rong , Li Lei
Published: August 2024

Backgrounds and aims

Esophageal cancer (EC) causes approximately 508,000 deaths annually, making it a significant cause of cancer-related mortality. While previous studies have suggested an association between lipoprotein levels and EC risk, the causal relationship remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the causal link between lipoproteins and EC using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods and findings

This study employed MR to determine the causal effect between lipoproteins and EC risk, with body mass index (BMI) used as a confounder in multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the results. Univariable MR (UVMR) analysis indicated that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) had a significant inverse association with EC risk (p = 0.03; OR = 0.89; 95%CI, 0.73–0.98), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides showed no significant association. In the synthesis of findings across diverse datasets, LDL maintained a notable inverse association with the likelihood of EC (p < 0.001; OR = 0.89; 95%CI, 0.84–0.94). Triglyceride levels indicated a potential trend toward an adverse correlation with EC susceptibility (p = 0.03; OR = −0.94; 95%CI, 0.89–0.99), whereas HDL levels did not establish a definitive causal link with the occurrence of EC. MVMR analysis, adjusting for BMI, confirmed these findings.

Conclusion

LDL exhibits a clear inverse causal relationship with EC risk, regardless of BMI adjustment. No causal effects were observed for HDL in relation to EC risk. Meanwhile, there is a small but statistically significant causal relationship between triglycerides and EC risk.
Iron and cancer: overview of the evidence from population-based studies
Authors: Zeidan Rola S. , Yoon Hyung-Suk , Yang Jae Jeong , Sobh Amin , Braithwaite Dejana , Mankowski Robert , Leeuwenburgh Christian , Anton Stephen
Published: August 2024

Iron is an essential nutrient required for various physiological processes in the body. However, iron imbalance can potentially contribute to initiating and promoting cancer development. Epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between dietary iron intake and the risk of different types of cancer, yet, not all studies have consistently shown a significant association between dietary iron and cancer risk. Also, studies have shown different effects of dietary heme and non-heme iron intake on cancer risk. While some epidemiological studies suggest a possible link between high dietary iron (mainly heme-iron) intake and increased cancer risk, the evidence remains inconsistent. Moreover, multiple iron biomarkers, which can mirror physiological iron status, have demonstrated varied correlations with the risk of cancer, contingent upon the specific biomarker analyzed and the type of cancer being investigated. Here, we have investigated the current evidence on the potential relationship between dietary iron intake on one hand, and iron biomarkers on the other hand, with the risk of developing different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, pancreatic, colon, colorectal, and liver cancers. Further research is warranted to better understand the complex relationship between dietary iron, physiological iron and cancer development. Future research should account for factors that affect and interact with dietary iron and physiological iron levels, such as genetic susceptibility, overall diet quality, and lifestyle habits.
Applications of image-guided locoregional transarterial chemotherapy in patients with inoperable colorectal cancer: a review
Authors: Meng Wenjun , Pan Lu , Huang Li , Li Qing , Sun Yi
Published: August 2024

With the development of comprehensive treatment, locoregional transarterial chemotherapy has become an alternative conversion therapy, palliative therapy, and neoadjuvant therapy for many solid malignant tumors. Locoregional transarterial chemotherapy, which is most frequently used for treating liver cancer, has the characteristics of high regional efficacy and few systemic adverse reactions. In recent years, the number of relevant reports of locoregional chemotherapy for treating initially inoperable colorectal cancer (CRC), including non-metastatic and metastatic CRC, has gradually increased. However, the specific treatment options for such locoregional therapy are not the same, and its indications, medication regimens and combined treatments have not reached any consensus. In this review, the application status of locoregional transarterial chemotherapy in primary and metastatic CRC patients has been reviewed and summarized to provide a reference for future clinical work and scientific research.
‘Risk-benefit’ assessment for comprehensive safety evaluation of Chinese patent medicines containing four common toxic ingredients: an analysis of clinical risk factors
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhong Changming , Liu Guoxiu , Li Siyu , Lin Li , Wei Namin , Song Yu , Wan Xiaoqing , Wang Yanping , Wang Yongyan , Wu Wanlin , Qian Zhongzhi , Zhai Huaqiang
Published: August 2024

Background

Chinese patent medicines are specialty preparations in China that are produced using traditional prescriptions processed by modern pharmaceutical technology. They contain complex ingredients and much attention is paid to their clinical safety. Demonstrating the clinical safety of Chinese patent medicines containing toxic ingredients in modern pharmacological studies has become one of the urgent issues to be solved for the safe use of clinical medicines.

Objectives

The aim of this research is to evaluate the safety of Chinese patent medicines containing toxic ingredients by applying the risk-benefit assessment method. Additionally, a database of ‘toxic ingredients–toxic Chinese herbal medicines-adverse reactions’ will be established to explore the relationship between toxic ingredients and adverse reactions. This will lay the foundation for the rational clinical use of Chinese patent medicines containing toxic ingredients.

Methods

1) Establish a database of ‘toxic Chinese herbal medicines–toxic ingredients–toxic Chinese patent medicines’ to count the Chinese patent medicines containing toxic ingredients in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. 2) Filtered the clinical studies, extracted the drug-related ADEs, and analyzed the characteristics and correlations of these ADEs. 3) Finally, this section summarizes the causes of ADEs related to Chinese patent medicines containing toxic ingredients and extracts the main risk factors to provide a reference for further study.

Outcomes

1) There are four main types of Chinese patent medicines containing toxic ingredients. These include medicines with diester aconitine metabolites, mineral composition, Araceae metabolites, and hydrogen cyanide. 2) Digestive system, skin and its appendages, and allergic reactions were the main types of ADEs related to four types of Chinese patent medicines containing toxic ingredients. 3) There are four primary risk factors associated with the clinical use of Chinese patent medicines containing toxic ingredients: medicine, medication, individual and regulatory factors.
Blueberry bruise non-destructive detection based on hyperspectral information fusion combined with multi-strategy improved Beluga Whale Optimization algorithm
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiong , Zhu Liangkuan , Liu Dayang
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Mechanical damage significantly reduces the market value of fruits, making the early detection of such damage a critical aspect of agricultural management. This study focuses on the early detection of mechanical damage in blueberries (variety: Sapphire) through a non-destructive method.

Methods

The proposed method integrates hyperspectral image fusion with a multi-strategy improved support vector machine (SVM) model. Initially, spectral features and image features were extracted from the hyperspectral information using the successive projections algorithm (SPA) and Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), respectively. Different models including SVM, RF (Random Forest), and PLS-DA (Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) were developed based on the extracted features. To refine the SVM model, its hyperparameters were optimized using a multi-strategy improved Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO) algorithm.

Results

The SVM model, upon optimization with the multi-strategy improved BWO algorithm, demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest classification accuracy among the models tested. The optimized SVM model achieved a classification accuracy of 95.00% on the test set.

Discussion

The integration of hyperspectral image information through feature fusion proved highly efficient for the early detection of bruising in blueberries. However, the effectiveness of this technology is contingent upon specific conditions in the detection environment, such as light intensity and temperature. The high accuracy of the optimized SVM model underscores its potential utility in post-harvest assessment of blueberries for early detection of bruising. Despite these promising results, further studies are needed to validate the model under varying environmental conditions and to explore its applicability to other fruit varieties.
Quantitative analysis and characterization of floral volatiles, and the role of active compounds on the behavior of Heortia vitessoides
Authors: Qian Chenyu , Xie Wenqi , Su Zhongqi , Wen Xiujun , Ma Tao
Published: August 2024

This study explores the role of floral volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) in insect behavior, focusing on Aquilaria sinensis (AS), a valuable tropical plant threatened by Heortia vitessoides Moore. Despite H. vitessoides’ attraction to AS and non-host plants like Elaeocarpus decipiens (ED) and Dalbergia odorifera (DO), little is known about their chemical interactions. FVOCs from these plants were analyzed at 9:00 and 18:00 using GC×GC-QTOF-MS and HS-SPME. The results showed that ED exhibiting the highest concentration (92.340 ng/mg), followed by DO (75.167 ng/mg) and AS (64.450 ng/mg). Through GC-EAD and EAG, a total of 11 FVOC compounds with electrophysiological activates were identified. These compounds, except linalool, showed dose-dependent responses. Y-Tube bioassays confirmed phenylethyl alcohol or the mixture of EAD-active compounds produced positive chemotactic responses in both males and females. FVOCs have the potential to be used as a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides in pest control.
Health-related quality of life in severe hypersensitivity reactions: focus on severe allergic asthma and hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis—a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ricciardi Luisa , Silvestro Orlando , Martino Gabriella , Catalano Antonino , Vicario Carmelo Mario , Lund-Jacobsen Trine , Schwarz Peter , Sapienza Daniela , Gangemi Sebastiano , Pioggia Giovanni , Giorgianni Concetto Mario
Published: August 2024

Background

Growing evidence reveals the important role of clinical psychological factors in chronic-immune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL), depression, anxiety, and alexithymia in patients with severe hypersensitivity reactions such as Severe Allergic Asthma (SAA) and Hymenoptera Venom Anaphylaxis (HVA).

Methods

The Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), the Beck Depression Inventory Questionnaire (BDI-II), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) were used to assess HR-QoL and clinical psychological features of patients with SAA and HVA.

Results

Overall, 78 patients were recruited. Patients with SAA (n = 35) reported lower scores for physical functioning [65 (58–75) vs. 90 (85–95); p = <0.001], role limitations due to physical health [25 (0–50) vs. 62 (50–75); p = 0.004], bodily pain [47.5 (41.1–61.3) vs. 55.5 (55–96); p = 0.001], general health [40 (30–60) vs. 70 (50–80); p = 0.0003] and social functioning [50 (37.5–62.5) vs. 62.5 (54.9–75); p = 0.007] while higher scores for depressive symptoms [14 (11–15.4) vs. (9.5 (6–15.4); p = 0.05)] compared to HVA patients (n = 43). All the dimensions of SF-36 were negatively correlated with anxiety (r from −0.26 to −0.66; pall < 0.01) and depressive symptoms (r from −0.44 to −0.73; pall < 0.001). Alexithymia was negatively correlated with vitality (r = −0.28; p = 0.02) and mental health (r = −027; p = 0.03). Additionally, patients with alexithymia (38% of participants) showed higher levels of depressive symptoms [9.5 (10–19) vs. 14 (6–13.9); p = 0.005] and anxiety levels [31 (27.9–35) vs. 24 (16–33.9); p = 0.02]; they also showed less vitality [40 (39.9–50) vs. 55 (50–60) p = 0.01], social functioning [50 (37.5–62.5) vs. 62.5 (50 vs. 75); p = 0.01] and mental health [48 (44–60) vs. 68 (56–76); p = 0.004].

Conclusion

Clinical psychological features due to severe hypersensitive reactions may contribute to the patient’s perceived HR-QoL. Focused clinical psychological interventions should be promoted to improve the clinical management of such conditions.
Effects of cognitively engaging physical activity interventions on executive function in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mao Fan , Huang Fang , Zhao Shan , Fang Qun
Published: August 2024

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of cognitively engaging Physical Activity (PA) interventions on Executive Function (EF) in children and adolescents. It examines how different intervention modalities, durations, frequencies, and session lengths influence these effects.

Methods

We followed the PRISMA guidelines and searched PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant studies. Studies were included if they were Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) focusing on PA with cognitive elements targeting EF in healthy children and adolescents. Data were extracted and effect sizes computed using Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs).

Results

From an initial 1,635 articles, 23 studies with 2,857 participants were included. The overall effect of cognitively engaging PA on EF was significant (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.51), with notable improvements in inhibitory control (SMD = 0.35) and working memory (SMD = 0.34). High heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 91.1%). Moderator analyses revealed that interventions lasting more than 6 weeks, with sessions over 20 min and conducted more than twice a week, were particularly effective.

Conclusion

Cognitively engaging PA interventions positively impact EF in children and adolescents, particularly in inhibitory control. Effective interventions are characterized by longer duration, higher frequency, and extended session lengths. These findings underscore the importance of integrating cognitive challenges within PA programs to enhance EF, warranting future research and practical applications in educational and developmental settings.
Factors associated with online dating among college students engaging in casual sexual behavior in China: cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Weiyong , Yang Zhongrong , Ma Qiaoqin , Zhou Xin
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with online dating among college students engaging in casual sexual behavior, by understanding these factors, targeted intervention measures can be formulated for relevant departments to help college students better manage their sexual health and offer useful reference for the development of sexual health education.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a stratified cluster sampling method. Demographic and behavioral information was gathered through questionnaires for univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 595 college students engaging in casual sexual behavior were included in the study, of whom 345 (57.98%) had found casual sexual partners through the internet. Multiple regression analysis indicated that male participants, those aged 20–21 years, those who had recently attended AIDS-themed lectures or health education classes at school, participants who were willing to engage in commercial sexual activities during online dating, participants who accepted sexual activities among men who have sex with men (MSM), those who reported having sexual intercourse with regular partners in the past year, participants who wanted to know if their online dating partners were HIV-diagnosed, those who had engaged in commercial sexual behavior in the past year and those who perceived themselves to be at risk of HIV infection were more likely to engage in online dating. Participants with general/disharmonious family relationships, those who consistently used condoms during casual sexual behavior and those who occasionally used condoms were less likely to engage in online dating.

Conclusion

There were a certain extent proportion of casual partners among college students were sourced from the internet, indicating the profound influence of online dating on casual sexual behavior. Therefore, future research and intervention measures should focus on sexual health education and promotion on online dating platforms, strengthen regulations and guidance on college students’ online dating behavior, and raise awareness of HIV prevention in this group.
The efficiency of silicious nano nutrition on cotton productivity in arid regions
Authors: Khaitov Botir , Abdualimov Shukhrat , Allanov Kholik , Khalikov Bakhodir , Avliyakulov Mirzoolim , Islamov Sokhib , Norqulov Usmonqul , Sheraliev Khamidulla , Yuldasheva Rano , Rajabov Nurmamat , Murtazayeva Gulnoza , Avliyoqulova Musharraf , Buranova Gulnoza , Rakhmatullaev Yorkin , Ikromova Muhlisa , Ochildiev Otabek
Published: August 2024

Since silicon (Si) was found to be effective in crop production recently, more information is needed about its characteristics, including how it functions as a nano fertilizer for crop performance. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Si-containing nano fertilizer on cotton growth parameters and productivity in the arid region. The research conducted in open field conditions over the two consecutive growing seasons (2021 and 2022) revealed that the application of the Si-containing product significantly increased the biomass (10.6%), economic (19.4%), seed (14.3%), and lint yields (18.2%) of cotton as compared to the control group values. Likewise, the cotton biomass, economic, seed, and lint yields were increased by 11.8, 9.7, 9.5, and 9.1%, respectively, compared to the control variables after the Uzbiogumin application. Agronomic nitrogen-use efficiency (aNUE), physiological nitrogen-use efficiency (pNUE), internal nitrogen-use efficiency (iNUE), and apparent nitrogen recovery efficiency (aNRE) parameters were increased by 2.4-fold, 2.1-fold, 34.6 and 57.3%, respectively, with the application of Si nanonutrition. Although the cotton treated with nano Si produced a greater yield, while Uzbiogumin application resulted in more cotton biomass. Based on the results it can be concluded that the applied nano Si product can be widely used to increase crop productivity, especially in degraded lands under arid environments.