bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of the land use transition on ecosystem services in the Dongting Lake area
Authors: Xuan Shi , Qimeng Ning , Zhigang Lei
Published: July 2024

Urbanization-induced land use transitions (LUTs) result in a decline in ecosystem services, which has implications for regional ecological security. In order to explore the relationship between ecosystem services and land use transition, this paper utilizes the InVEST model, a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model, to examine the impact of land use transition on ecosystem services in the Dongting Lake area (DLA). The results showed that 1) with the change in urbanization development, the average values of land use transition intensity (LUI) in 2000, 2010, and 2020 are 237.99, 235.82, and 238.92, respectively. Land use dynamics (LUD) show a tendency to increase and then decrease, with average values of 5.58 and 5.62 for the periods 2000–2010 and 2010–2020, respectively, and the transformation of land use shows obvious spatio-temporal heterogeneity. 2) Habitat quality and carbon sequestration showed a downward trend. In contrast, food supply followed an upward trend; soil conservation (SC) and water yield (WY) services initially increased and decreased later. The overall spatial changes in habitat quality and carbon sequestration appear to be insignificant. Food supply shows significant differences in the plains compared to other areas, while soil conservation and water yield service show significant changes in places other than the DLA. 3) From 2000 to 2020, land use transition dynamics, population density, GDP density, night lighting, and transition intensity had mainly negative effects on ecosystem services. Only the Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) showed a positive effect on ecosystem services. The results of the research will provide valuable references for the development and implementation of spatial ecological restoration planning and land use policies in the national territory.
The causal association between inflammatory bowel disease and breast cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yin Yulai , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: July 2024

Objective: This Mendelian Randomization (MR) study aims to explore the potential bidirectional causal relationship between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Breast Cancer (BC).

Materials and Methods: We utilized genetic instruments from the summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on IBD among individuals of European ancestry (12,882 cases and 21,770 controls) to investigate the association with breast cancer (14,910 cases and 17,588 controls) and vice versa. The primary causal estimates were obtained using the Inverse Variance Weighting Method (IVW), and the robustness of the results was evaluated through a series of sensitivity analyses.

Results: The study found a positive impact of genetically predicted IBD on breast cancer (OR = 1.047; 95% CI:1.009–1.087; p = 0.014); in the analysis of IBD subtypes, genetically predicted Crohn’s Disease (CD) also had a positive effect on breast cancer (OR = 1.044; 95% CI:1.015–1.073; p = 0.002), but genetically predicted Ulcerative Colitis (UC) did not show a significant effect on breast cancer (p > 0.05). The reverse Mendelian Randomization analysis indicated that genetically predicted breast cancer promoted the overall occurrence of IBD (OR = 1.112; 95% CI:1.022–1.211; p = 0.014); however, genetically predicted breast cancer did not show a significant correlation with IBD subtypes (CD and UC) (p > 0.05). Genetic predictions indicate a positive effect of Crohn’s Disease (CD) on the risk of Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer (ER + BC), with (OR = 1.021; 95% CI:1.002–1.040; p = 0.002). Furthermore, a reverse Mendelian randomization analysis reveals that genetically predicted ER + BC contributes to the increased incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC), as indicated by (OR = 1.098; 95% CI:1.032–1.168; p = 0.003). In contrast, genetically predicted Estrogen Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer (ER-BC) has been shown to promote the overall occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with (OR = 1.153; 95% CI:1.008–1.319; p = 0.037). However, bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses between other pairs did not reveal any significant associations (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: This study elucidates the bidirectional causal association between breast cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, highlighting the necessity of screening for IBD in breast cancer patients and for breast cancer in IBD patients in clinical settings.
Complete chloroplast genomes of two Ainsliaea species and the phylogenetic analysis in the tribe Pertyeae
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Feng Yifan , Qu Tianmeng , Chen Hui , Liu Xiaofeng , Pang Liang , Chen Ming , Fu Zhixi
Published: July 2024

The genus Ainsliaea DC. is one of the major groups within the tribe Pertyeae (Asteraceae). It comprises several important Chinese medicinal species. However, the phylogenetic position has undergone a long process of exploration. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences data has not been employed in species identification and phylogeny of Ainsliaea. In this study, the complete cp genomes of two Ainsliaea species (A. gracilis and A. henryi) were reported, followed by structural, comparative, and phylogenetic analyses within the tribe Peryteae. Both cp genomes displayed a typical quadripartite circular structure, with the LSC and SSC regions separated by the IR regions. The genomes were 152,959 (A. gracilis) and 152,805 (A. henryi) base pairs (bp) long, with a GC content of 37.6%. They were highly conserved, containing 134 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 2 pseudogenes (rps19 and ycf1). Moreover, thirteen highly polymorphic regions (e.g., trnK-UUU, trnG-UCC, trnT-GGU, accD-psaI, and rpl22-rps19) were identified, indicating their potential as DNA barcodes. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of Ainsliaea in the tribe Pertyeae, revealing close relationships with the genera Myripnois and Pertya. In comparison with Ainsliaea, Myripnois was more closely related to Pertya. This study lays a theoretical foundation for future research on species identification, population genetics, resource conservation, and sustainable utilization within Ainsliaea and Pertyeae.
Comprehensive investigation of tumor immune microenvironment and prognostic biomarkers in osteosarcoma through integrated bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Shi Shaoyan , Zhang Li , Guo Xiaohua
Published: July 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive and highly lethal bone tumor, highlighting the urgent need for further exploration of its underlying mechanisms. In this study, we conducted analyses utilizing bulk transcriptome sequencing data of OS and healthy control samples, as well as single cell sequencing data, obtained from public databases. Initially, we evaluated the differential expression of four tumor microenvironment (TME)-related gene sets between tumor and control groups. Subsequently, unsupervised clustering analysis of tumor tissues identified two significantly distinct clusters. We calculated the differential scores of the four TME-related gene sets for Clusters 1 (C1) and 2 (C2), using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA, followed by single-variable Cox analysis. For the two clusters, we performed survival analysis, examined disparities in clinical-pathological distribution, analyzed immune cell infiltration and immune evasion prediction, assessed differences in immune infiltration abundance, and evaluated drug sensitivity. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two clusters were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). We conducted Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) on the TARGET-OS dataset to identify key genes, followed by GO enrichment analysis. Using LASSO and multiple regression analysis we conducted a prognostic model comprising eleven genes (ALOX5AP, CD37, BIN2, C3AR1, HCLS1, ACSL5, CD209, FCGR2A, CORO1A, CD74, CD163) demonstrating favorable diagnostic efficacy and prognostic potential in both training and validation cohorts. Using the model, we conducted further immune, drug sensitivity and enrichment analysis. We performed dimensionality reduction and annotation of cell subpopulations in single cell sequencing analysis, with expression profiles of relevant genes in each subpopulation analyzed. We further substantiated the role of ACSL5 in OS through a variety of wet lab experiments. Our study provides new insights and theoretical foundations for the prognosis, treatment, and drug development for OS patients.
Profiles of cytokines in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Hao Weiwei , Li Wei , Wang Xiaoying , Dong Fang , Liu Peiling , Zhang Xin , Liu Rui , Li Tianfang , Zhang Lei , Liu Shengyun
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to identify plasma biomarkers that are significantly altered in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and are closely associated with AAV disease activity, as well as to explore their role in the pathogenesis of AAV.

Methods

Cytokines were measured using Human Immune Response Panel 80-Plex in plasma from 59 patients with AAV and 20 healthy controls (HCs). The differentially expressed cytokines between the two groups and the possible signaling pathway involved in the pathogenesis of AAV were analyzed by bioinformatics. Relationship analysis was performed between these cytokines and clinical parameters to identify the biomarkers that can effectively indicate disease activity.

Results

We identified 65 differentially expressed cytokines between the two groups. Among them, 43 cytokines significantly affected the risk of AAV. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the 43 cytokines were primarily enriched in signaling pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, chemokine signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. The levels of 25 cytokines were significantly positively correlated with Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), and the levels of 2 cytokines were significantly negatively correlated with BVAS. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that 9 cytokines can distinguish between disease relapse and remission (PTX3: area under curve (AUC)=0.932, IL34: AUC=0.856, IL2RA: AUC=0.833, CCL23: AUC=0.826, VEGFA: AUC=0.811, TNFSF13: AUC=0.795, Granzyme A: AUC=0.788, CSF3: AUC=0.773 and IL1A: AUC=0.765). The elevated levels of these 9 cytokines suggested a risk of disease relapse. The AUC of CCL11 in disease relapse and remission was 0.811 (p=0.0116). Unlike the other 9 cytokines, a negatively association existed between CCL11 level and the risk of disease relapse.

Conclusion

A group of cytokines that may be involved in AAV pathogenesis was identified. Increased PTX3, IL34, IL2RA, CCL23, and VEGFA levels correlate with active disease in AAV and may be used as biomarkers to identify the disease relapse of AAV.
Circulating MAIT cells in multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: De Federicis Davide , Bassani Claudia , Chiarelli Rosaria Rita , Montini Federico , Giordano Antonino , Esposito Federica , Riva Nilo , Quattrini Angelo , Martinelli Vittorio , Filippi Massimo , Farina Cinthia
Published: July 2024

Neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), may be associated with alterations in blood cell composition and phenotype. Here, we focused our attention on circulating mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a CD8+ T cell memory population expressing the invariant Vα7.2 region in the T cell receptor and high surface levels of the CD161 marker. Transcriptomics data relative to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) highlighted downregulation of CD161 and other MAIT-associated markers in progressive MS and not relapsing remitting (RR)-MS when gene expressions relative to each disease course were compared to those from healthy controls. Multiparametric flow cytometry of freshly isolated PBMC samples from untreated RR-MS, primary or secondary progressive MS (PP- or SP-MS), ALS and age- and sex-matched healthy controls revealed specific loss of circulating CD8+ MAIT cells in PP-MS and no other MS courses or another neurological disorder such as ALS. Overall, these observations point to the existence of immunological changes in blood specific for the primary progressive course of MS that may support clinical definition of disease.
Mapping for connection, a life beyond mapping for control: lessons from ‘mapping-as-performance’ with Empatheatre in South Africa
Authors: Whittingham Jennifer , McGarry Dylan
Published: July 2024

This paper critically examines the intersections of Science, colonialism, and cartography in shaping perceptions of the ocean and its human-nature relationships. Drawing on Postcolonial Science and Technology Studies (PCSTS) and Decolonial Theory, it scrutinizes historical mapping practices, revealing how they perpetuated ontological hierarchies and controlled narratives of the ocean. Through archival research spanning from the Revolution to colonial exploration, the paper exposes how maps framed the ocean as a controllable entity, obscuring socio-cultural dimensions of biodiversity. Focusing on a case study in Northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, the authors explore an Empatheatre mapping process, that challenges Western ontologies and promotes counter-hegemonic cartographic practices. Situating this within critical cartography and PCSTS literature, the paper reveals how colonial projects molded perceptions of oceanic space and influenced environmental governance. In the South African context, the ocean is haunted by a violent history of racial exclusion and ecological exploitation. Initiatives like Operation Phakisa’s Blue Economy plan underscore the tension between economic growth and ecological sustainability, leading to rapid coastal developments. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges as a tool to reconcile these interests, yet its implementation raises questions about inclusivity and community participation. Introducing the Empatheatre method, characterized by a ‘Call and Response’ approach, the paper invites local communities to co-create maps reflecting their concerns and relationships with the ocean. Through attentive listening and collaborative storytelling, Empatheatre challenges traditional consultation methods, prioritizing meaningful engagement and collective meaning-making. Mapping in this context is not merely a static representation but a dynamic process of collective thinking and relationality. By foregrounding the social, cultural, and ecological context, Empatheatre’s approach redefines the mapmaker-map relationship and empowers communities as active agents in shaping their narratives. The transformative potential of Empatheatre lies in its ability to shift power dynamics and foster empathy between diverse stakeholders. Through performative storytelling and visual representations, Empatheatre creates space for marginalized voices and alternative modes of knowledge transmission. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a decolonial approach to oceanic cartographies that acknowledges diverse ontologies and fosters inclusive governance structures.
Deciphering the microbial succession and color formation mechanism of “green-covering and red-heart” Guanyin Tuqu
Authors: Zhu Liping , Chen Liang , Lin Bin , Xu Yin , Dong Weiwei , Lv Yijun , Tang Jie , Zhang Gang , Zhang Lei , Yang Shengzhi , Yang Qiang , Chen Shenxi
Published: July 2024

“Green-covering and red-heart” Guanyin Tuqu (GRTQ), as a type of special fermentation starter, is characterized by the “green-covering” formed on the surface of Guanyin Tuqu (SQ) and the “red-heart” in the center of Guanyin Tuqu (CQ). However, the mechanisms that promote temporal succession in the GRTQ microbial ecology and the formation of “green-covering and red-heart” characteristics remain unclear. Herein, we correlated the temporal profiles of microbial community succession with the main environmental variables (temperature, moisture, and acidity) and spatial position (center and surface) in GRTQ throughout fermentation. According to the results of high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent methods, the microbial communities in the CQ and SQ demonstrated functional complementarity. For instance, the bacterial richness index of the CQ was greater than that of SQ, and the fungal richness index of the SQ was greater than that of CQ at the later stage of fermentation. Furthermore, Saccharomycopsis, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Monascus, Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Rhodanobacter, and Chitinophaga were identified as the dominant microorganisms in the center, while the surface was represented by Saccharomycopsis, Aspergillus, Monascus, Lactobacillus, Acetobacter, and Weissella. By revealing the physiological characteristics of core microorganisms at different spatial positions of GRTQ, such as Aspergillus clavatus and Monascus purpureus, as well as their interactions with environmental factors, we elucidated the color formation mechanism behind the phenomenon of “green” outside and “red” inside. This study provides fundamental information support for optimizing the production process of GRTQ.
Lipidomics revealed alterations in glycerophospholipid metabolism in skin squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mei Li-Hong , Gan Hui-Hui , Wang Hong-Feng , Xu Guoxiong , Ye Xuan-Guang , Yang Gao
Published: July 2024

Background

Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent malignancy, and dysregulated lipid metabolism has been implicated in its pathogenesis. However, detailed characterization of lipid alterations in SCC remains limited.

Methods

We analyzed lipid metabolic variations in tissue samples from 34 SCC patients and adjacent healthy tissues (located more than 1 cm from the tumor margin) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Data visualization and discriminatory lipid profiles were identified using principal component analysis (PCA) and sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA). Key lipids involved in the SCC metabolism were identified and further validated using an external data set (from a previous study, which similarly explored lipid profiles in oral SCC using lipidomics approaches). Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to elucidate the metabolic pathways associated with these key lipids.

Results

Eight lipids were identified by comparing SCC and healthy tissues including PI(16:0/22:4), PI(18:1/20:4), PE(16:0/20:4), PE(16:0/22:5), PE(16:0/22:6), PE(18:1/20:3), PC(18:1/20:2), and PC(18:2/20:2), as confirmed by independent datasets. All of these lipids were upregulated in SCC tumor tissues. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant alterations in glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways, particularly affecting the metabolism of diacylglycerophosphocholines, glycerophosphoethanolamines, and glycerophosphoinositols.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that dysregulated glycerophospholipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in the development of SCC.
Research hotspots and frontiers of essential tremor from 2013 to 2023: a visualization analysis based on CiteSpace
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Cui Shifang , Xi Xiaoming , Bi Hongyan , Huang Bin
Published: July 2024

Background

ET, one of the most prevalent neurological disorders, presents a significant challenge in terms of disability. Despite the growing focus on ET in recent years, comprehensive bibliometric analysis has been lacking.

Methods

This study delves into essential tremor research covering the period from 2013 to 2023, utilizing the Web of Science (WOS) database. Employing CiteSpace for quantitative analysis, it examines an array of metrics including annual publication trends, contributions from countries and institutions, authorship patterns, key terminologies, and patterns of reference co-citation. The primary objective is to use CiteSpace for a detailed visual exploration of the literature over the last decade, pinpointing the evolving landscape and key areas of focus in essential tremor research, and thus providing a foundation for future investigative endeavors.

Results

There were 2,224 literary works included in all. The amount of published works has been steadily rising in recent years. Of them, the majority originate from the United States, Louis, Elan D. is the publisher of the most publications (161 articles), and Movement Disorders is the journal that receives the most citations. The key words contribution and co-cited literatures suggest that the main research hotspots in recent years are the physiological and pathological mechanism of essential tremor, the determination of optimal targets for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and surgery transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in the surgical management of essential tremor and the innovative research of botulinum toxin administration method.
Robust visual SLAM algorithm based on target detection and clustering in dynamic scenarios
Authors: Gan Fubao , Xu Shanyong , Jiang Linya , Liu Yuwen , Liu Quanzeng , Lan Shihao
Published: July 2024

We propose a visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm that integrates target detection and clustering techniques in dynamic scenarios to address the vulnerability of traditional SLAM algorithms to moving targets. The proposed algorithm integrates the target detection module into the front end of the SLAM and identifies dynamic objects within the visual range by improving the YOLOv5. Feature points associated with the dynamic objects are disregarded, and only those that correspond to static targets are utilized for frame-to-frame matching. This approach effectively addresses the camera pose estimation in dynamic environments, enhances system positioning accuracy, and optimizes the visual SLAM performance. Experiments on the TUM public dataset and comparison with the traditional ORB-SLAM3 algorithm and DS-SLAM algorithm validate that the proposed visual SLAM algorithm demonstrates an average improvement of 85.70 and 30.92% in positioning accuracy in highly dynamic scenarios. In comparison to the DynaSLAM system using MASK-RCNN, our system exhibits superior real-time performance while maintaining a comparable ATE index. These results highlight that our pro-posed SLAM algorithm effectively reduces pose estimation errors, enhances positioning accuracy, and showcases enhanced robustness compared to conventional visual SLAM algorithms.
Corticotropin-releasing factor and GABA in the ventral tegmental area modulate partner preference formation in male and female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
Authors: Gossman Kyle Richard , Lowe Camryn Serra , Kirckof Adrianna , Vanmeerhaeghe Sydney , Smith Adam Steven
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The mesolimbic reward system is associated with the promotion and rewarding benefits of social relationships. In the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), the establishment of a pair bond can be displayed by a robust preference for a breeding partner and aggressive rejection of unfamiliar conspecifics. Mesolimbic dopamine signaling influences bond-related behaviors within the vole through dopamine transmission and receptor activity in the nucleus accumbens. However, only one experiment has examined how the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a region that produces much of the fore- and mid-brain dopamine, regulates these social behaviors. Specifically, inhibition of either glutamate or GABA neurons in the VTA during a brief courtship promoted a partner preference formation in male prairie voles. The VTA is a heterogeneous structure that contains dopamine, GABA, and glutamate neurons as well as receives a variety of projections including corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) suggested to modulate dopamine release.

Methods

We used pharmacological manipulation to examine how GABA and CRF signaling in the VTA modulate partner preference formation in male and female prairie voles. Specifically, we used a 3 h partner preference test, a social choice test, to assess the formation of a partner preference following an infused bicuculline and CRF during a 1 h cohabitation and muscimol and CP154526, a CRFR1 antagonist, during a 24 h cohabitation with an opposite-sex conspecific.

Results

Our study demonstrated that bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, and CRF in the VTA promoted a partner preference, whereas low-dose muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist, and CP154526, a CRFR1 antagonist, inhibited a partner preference in both male and female prairie voles.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that GABA and CRF inputs into the VTA is necessary for the formation of a partner preference in male and female prairie voles.
Case report: A sustained survival benefit of third-line immunotherapy for refractory thymic carcinoma
Authors: Meng Mi , Yu Bo , Luo Jie , Bai Yuju , Li Lin , Chen Shicheng , He Sisi , Ma Hu
Published: July 2024

Thymic carcinoma (TC) is an uncommon type of thymic epithelial tumors. Patients with relapsed or refractory TCs have a poor prognosis. Immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy can be applied as a second-line treatment for such cases. This study reported a TC patient who did not respond to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy but achieved prolonged partial remission lasting 17 months following the third-line treatment with anti-programmed cell death-1 inhibitor sintilimab. This patient did not experience any serious side effects associated with sintilimab treatment. The above results demonstrated that sintilimab could be a feasible therapeutic option for refractory TC patients.
Management and outcomes of breast cancer patients with radiotherapy interruption
Authors: Zhao Fangrui , Yang Dashuai , Lan Yanfang , Li Xiangpan
Published: July 2024

Background

Many cancer patients have not received timely treatment or even had treatment interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate whether the prognosis of patients with breast cancer after surgery was affected by any interruptions in radiotherapy.

Methods

The healthcare documents for breast cancer patients experiencing radiotherapy interruption after surgery, including treatment-related characteristics, and time of interruption, type of disease progression, and survival status, were collected between January and April 2020 during the Wuhan blockade.

Results

The final number of patients included was 148, and neither the Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curve nor the cross-tabulation analysis found statistical significance. Cox regression analysis also did not identify risk factors associated with PFS.

Conclusions

The prognosis of patients with postoperative breast cancer may not be significantly impacted by the interruption of radiotherapy, given its integration with additional treatments like targeted and endocrine therapies.
A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi-center study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a blue light device for the treatment of chronic back pain
Authors: Baron Ralf , Morlion Bart , Dahan Albert , Überall Michael , von Basum Golo , Wild Imane
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Chronic back pain is one of the most prevalent conditions and has a large socio-economic impact. The lack of routine use of non-pharmacological options and issues associated with pharmacological treatments underscore high unmet needs in the treatment of back pain. Although blue light phototherapy has proven efficacy in dermatology, limited information is available about its use in back pain.

Methods

In this proof-of-concept, randomized controlled trial, a pain relief patch (PRP) delivered blue light at the site of back pain for 30 min during five treatment sessions. The comparator device delivered green light for 5 s but was worn for 30 min. A follow-up visit took place after the last treatment. The primary objective was to demonstrate the superiority of treatment by PRP, compared to the control device, in reducing pain intensity at the end of the treatment period. The post-treatment visual analog scale (VAS) pain intensity score for each group was calculated across the five treatment sessions and compared to the baseline. Secondary objectives included the disability score (Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire) and safety.

Results

The full analysis set included 171 patients. A statistically significant reduction in pain intensity occurred after the use of PRP (p < 0.02), but the study did not meet its primary objective of a superiority trial aimed at demonstrating a 0.6 cm difference in favor of PRP on the VAS scale. There was no significant change in the disability scores. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify the treatment response by patient characteristics such as pain intensity at baseline and skin type. As expected, safety data showed erythema and skin discoloration in the PRP group but not in the control group.

Discussion/conclusion

This trial had multiple limitations that need to be addressed in future research. Although the primary objective was not achieved, this proof-of-concept study provides important efficacy and safety data in relation to the use of blue light in the treatment of chronic back pain and key insights that may support further research on similar devices.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01528332.
Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in children: a large multicenter study from Iran
Authors: Hajialibeig Azin , Navaeifar Mohammad Reza , Bordbari Amir-Hassan , Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Rostami-Maskopaee Fereshteh , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh
Published: July 2024

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric cases typically exhibit milder symptoms and lower mortality rates. However, the delay in pediatric vaccination poses major risks for children. This multicenter study aimed to comprehensively analyze demographic characteristics, clinical features, disease severity, and risk factors for ICU admission in Iran.

Materials and methods

This observational study enrolled children aged 0–21 years with confirmed or probable COVID-19 diagnoses, referred from selected hospitals across 17 counties in Mazandaran province, Iran, between February 19 and August 14, 2021. Patients were categorized into mild, moderate, severe, or critical cases based on clinical and radiographic criteria. Data were extracted from medical records and analyzed using statistical methods. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with ICU admission and disease severity.

Results

Among the 1,031 children included in the study, 61 were diagnosed with MIS-C. The distribution of patients by severity was 156 mild, 671 moderate, and 204 severe/critical cases. Age distribution significantly differed across severity groups (P < 0.001), with 55.19% aged over 5 years and 54% being male. 11.44% had underlying diseases. Fever (71.97%) was the most common symptom, followed by cough (34.43%) and dyspnea (24.83%). Within the inpatient group, 19.77% required ICU admission, with 0.91% mortality, including 3 MIS-C cases. Children with underlying diseases, gastrointestinal symptoms, and obesity had 4.16, 3.10-, and 2.17-times higher likelihood of ICU admission, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study emphasized the importance of recognizing pediatric COVID-19 severity and symptoms. While fever, cough, and dyspnea prevailed, mortality rates were relatively low. However, comorbidities, obesity, and gastrointestinal symptoms linked to ICU admission, stressing early intervention. BMI also impacted disease severity and admission rate. Vaccination and targeted interventions are essential for protecting vulnerable children and easing healthcare strain.
Cystathionine γ-lyase inhibits mitochondrial oxidative stress by releasing H2S nearby through the AKT/NRF2 signaling pathway
Authors: Xiao Tingting , Chen Shun , Yan Ge , Zheng Junmin , Qiu Qingzhu , Lin Shujia , Zong Yanfang , Chang Haishuang , Yu Chang Alex Chia , Wu Ying , Hou Cuilan
Published: July 2024

Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) is a major enzyme that produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Herein, we report how CSE plays a previously unknown role in regulating the antioxidant effects of the mitochondria in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by releasing H2S nearby under stress conditions. We found that H2S partially promoted angiogenesis in the endothelial cells through the AKT/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AKT/NRF2) signaling pathway. H2S improved mitochondrial function by altering the expressions of the mitofusin2 and dynamin-1-like mitochondrial fission proteins to inhibit oxidative stress and enhance NRF2 nuclear translocation. CSE is located only in the cytoplasm and not in the mitochondria, but it is transported to the vicinity of the mitochondria to produce H2S, which plays an antioxidant role in human umbilical vein endothelial cells under stress. The CSE mutant (with mutated CSE activity center: CSED187A) partially decreased the effects on promoting angiogenesis, resisting oxidative stress, and entering the mitochondria. These results show that CSE translocation is a unique mechanism that promotes H2S production inside the mitochondria under stress stimulation. Therefore, the CSE mutant site (CSED187A) may be a potential target for drug therapy.
Metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma: a bibliometric and visualized study from 2011 to 2023
Authors: Li Xia , Zhou Liping , Xu Xinyi , Liu Xiyang , Wu Wenjun , Feng Quansheng , Tang Ziwei
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

Metabolic reprogramming has been found to be a typical feature of tumors. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a cancer with high morbidity and mortality, has been extensively studied for its metabolic reprogramming-related mechanisms. Our study aims to identify the hotspots and frontiers of metabolic reprogramming research in HCC and to provide guidance for future scientific research and decision-making in HCC metabolism.

Methods

Relevant studies on the metabolic reprogramming of HCC were derived from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database up until November 2023. The bibliometrix tools in R were used for scientometric analysis and visualization.

Results

From 2011 to 2023, a total of 575 publications were obtained from WoSCC that met the established criteria. These publications involved 3,904 researchers and 948 organizations in 37 countries, with an average annual growth rate of 39.11% in research. These studies were published in 233 journals, with Cancers (n = 29) ranking first, followed by Frontiers in Oncology (n = 20) and International Journal of Molecular Sciences (n = 19). The top ten journals accounted for 26% of the 575 studies. The most prolific authors were Wang J (n = 14), Li Y (n = 12), and Liu J (n = 12). The country with the most publications is China, followed by the United States, Italy, and France. Fudan University had the largest percentage of research results with 15.48% (n = 89). Ally A’s paper in Cell has the most citations. A total of 1,204 keywords were analyzed, with the trend themes such as “glycolysis,” “tumor microenvironment,” “Warburg effect,” “mitochondria,” “hypoxia ,” etc. Co-occurrence network and cluster analysis revealed the relationships between keywords, authors, publications, and journals. Moreover, the close collaboration between countries in this field was elucidated.

Conclusion

This bibliometric and visual analysis delves into studies related to metabolic reprogramming in HCC between 2012 and 2023, elucidating the characteristics of research in this field, which has gradually moved away from single glycolipid metabolism studies to the integration of overall metabolism in the body, pointing out the trend of research topics, and the dynamics of the interaction between the tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming will be the future direction of research, which provides blueprints and inspirations for HCC prevention and treatment programs to the researchers in this field.

Systematic Review Registration:

[https://www.bibliometrix.org].
Effects of the combination of red yeast rice-containing commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation with statins for dyslipidemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Menglong , Sun Tianye , Zhang Chenyao , Ma Yucong , Pang Bo , Cao Lujia , Ji Zhaochen , Yang Fengwen , Zhang Junhua
Published: July 2024

Background

Significant challenges are associated with the pharmacological management of dyslipidemia, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Limited reliable evidence exists regarding the efficacy of red yeast rice (RYR)-containing commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation (CCPP), despite their widespread use in China.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of RYR-containing CCPPs combined with statins in treating dyslipidemia.

Methods

Eight databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from database inception date to November 2023. Outcome measures, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), clinical efficacy, and adverse reactions, were assessed. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was used for quality evaluation, and the meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.1.

Results

Thirty-three studies involving 4,098 participants were included. The combination of RYR-containing CCPP, such as Xuezhikang (XZK), Zhibitai (ZBTAI), or Zhibituo (ZBTUO) with statins had a significant effect on the increase in clinical efficacy [RR:1.16, 95%CI (1.13, 1.19), p < 0.00001]. In addition, they also improved blood lipid profile parameters by increasing HDL-C levels [MD:0.21, 95%CI(0.17, 0.25), p < 0.00001], and decreasing TC [MD: 0.60, 95%CI(–0.76, −0.45), p < 0.00001], TG [MD: 0.33, 95%CI(–0.39, −0.26), p < 0.00001] and LDL-C levels [MD: 0.45, 95%CI(–0.54, −0.36), p < 0.00001]. No significant adverse reactions was observed in the RYR-containing CCPPs. Notably, ZBTAI and XZK significantly reduced the incidence of gastrointestinal disturbances and muscular adverse reactions. However, subgroup analyses suggested that the type of CCPPs, dose, and treatment duration might affect the efficacy of RYR-containing CCPPs.

Conclusion

RYR-containing CCPPs combined with statins appears to improve lipid profiles and clinical efficacy in patients with dyslipidemia. However, due to the poor quality of the included studies, and some studied showing negative findings was unpublished. The results should be interpreted with caution until further confirmation by well-designed RCTs.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=487402, identifier CRD42023487402.
Hepatic microcirculatory disturbance in liver diseases: intervention with traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Liu Pei , Liang Wan-Li , Huang Rui-Ting , Chen Xin-Xing , Zou De-Hua , Kurihara Hiroshi , Li Yi-Fang , Xu You-Hua , Ouyang Shu-Hua , He Rong-Rong
Published: July 2024

The liver, a complex parenchymal organ, possesses a distinctive microcirculatory system crucial for its physiological functions. An intricate interplay exists between hepatic microcirculatory disturbance and the manifestation of pathological features in diverse liver diseases. This review updates the main characteristics of hepatic microcirculatory disturbance, including hepatic sinusoidal capillarization, narrowing of sinusoidal space, portal hypertension, and pathological angiogenesis, as well as their formation mechanisms. It also summarized the detection methods for hepatic microcirculation. Simultaneously, we have also reviewed the characteristics of microcirculatory disturbance in diverse liver diseases such as acute liver failure, hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, this review also summarizes the advancement in hepatic microcirculation attributed to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its active metabolites, providing novel insights into the application of TCM in treating liver diseases.
Pharmacogenetic educational needs and the role of pharmacogenetics in primary care: a focus group study with multiple perspectives
Authors: Ferwerda Maaike E. , Wright Jessica A. , El Melik Razan M. , Swen Jesse J. , Houwink Elisa J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is a well-established concept of how genes impact medication response, with many studies demonstrating reductions in medication side effects, improved efficacy and cost effectiveness. Despite these benefits, implementation of PGx in daily practice remains limited. Studies on the implementation of PGx in clinical practice have previously found that inadequate knowledge is one of the main barriers. Details regarding specifically which educational needs exist among family medicine clinicians requires further study.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify both the perceived role that pharmacogenomics (PGx) could play in primary care practice, the knowledge gaps that family medicine clinicians experience, and the skills they require to use PGx in their daily practice.

Methods

To achieve this aim, the attitudes, knowledge, barriers, skills needed, and preferred educational program were explored in a family medicine clinician focus group study via a semi-structured interview and knowledge quiz. Second, multidisciplinary focus groups provided information on the level of knowledge and necessary skills to use PGx in patient care. After gathering key recorded information from both focus groups, the perceived role pharmacogenomics could possibly play in primary care, the predominant knowledge gaps, and the most appropriate educational program was determined by qualitative analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged regarding the PGx educational needs and the role of PGx in family medicine: 1) need for PGx competences, 2) insight into the roles and responsibilities of PGx services, 3) optimization of PGx workflow through artificial intelligence integrated in the electronic health record, and 4) the ethical dilemmas and psychological effects related to PGx. These themes reflect a shift in the role of PGx in family medicine with implications for education.

Conclusion

The results obtained from this study will help improve the implementation of PGx in daily practice, and consequently, may result in increased utilization of PGx, thereby resulting in improved medication efficacy and reduced side effects.
Architectural approach to evaluate the design and management of almond cultivars suitable for super high-density orchards
Authors: Maldera Francesco , Garofalo Simone Pietro , Camposeo Salvatore
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The almond tree is a major global nut crop, and its production has surged dramatically in recent years. Super high-density (SHD) planting systems, designed to optimize resource efficiency and enhance precocity, have gained prominence in almond cultivation. A shift in cropping systems toward sustainable intensification (SI) pathways is imperative, and so maximizing branching density within the canopies of SHD trees is crucial to establish and maintain productive potential, especially for hedge-pruned trees. This study investigates the influence of different almond cultivars grafted onto a novel growth-controlling rootstock on tree architectural and growth parameters in a SHD orchard. This open field research provided valuable insights for the development and application of new tools and methods to increase productivity and sustainability in almond growing.

Methods

Three cultivars (Lauranne® Avijour, Guara Tuono, and Filippo Cea) were evaluated in Gravina in Puglia (BA) over a two-year period. Canopy growth parameters, such as canopy volume and trunk cross-sectional area, and architectural traits, like branching density, branching angle, number and length of subterminal shoots, and number of brachyblasts, were measured through qualitative and quantitative measurements.

Results and discussion

Results revealed significant differences in tree height, canopy thickness, width, volume, and vigor among the cultivars. Architectural traits, including branch parameters, brachyblast parameters, and subterminal shoots, varied among the cultivars. Lauranne displayed a more compact well-distributed canopy and exhibited the lowest vigor. Filippo Cea showed the highest vigor and the greatest canopy volume. Tuono had a higher number of buds and bud density. The best ideotype for SHD orchards is a smaller tree, with high branching density and smaller trunk diameters, i.e. the vigor. Cv. Lauranne seemed to be the best cultivar, mostly with the lowest tree vigor of all the cultivars involved. These findings provide valuable insights for almond growers and breeders seeking to optimize orchard design and management for enhanced SHD orchards productivity and sustainability. Future research will explore the relationship between canopy architecture and yield parameters, considering different scion/rootstock combinations in different environmental conditions.
Genomic identification of expressed globulin storage proteins in oat
Authors: Gil-González Aina Belén , Sjögren Lars L. E. , Bernfur Katja , Olsson Olof , Zambrano Jose Alfredo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Oats, a highly nutritious cereal known for their health benefits, contain various macromolecules of significant biological value, including abundant and highly digestible proteins. Despite their importance, oat proteins have not been extensively studied. Here, we present a complete set of the expressed globulins genes, which code for the main storage protein in oats as well as their chromosomal positions.

Methods

Published expressed sequence tags for globulins were used as queries in the Sang oat genome. In addition, globulin proteins were fractionated from oat flour by solvent extraction based on differential solubility with other classes of cereal proteins. The protein fractions were separated by gel electrophoresis and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry to confirm their identity and expression in seed.

Results and discussion

In total 32 globulin gene sequences were identified on the oat genome. Out of these, the expression on RNA level could be confirmed and 27 were also detected as expressed proteins by MS. Our results provide the most extensive set of salt-soluble oat globulin sequences to date, paving the way for further understanding their implications for human nutrition. In addition, a simple methodology to fractionate oat proteins is presented.