bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genomic and transcriptomic study toward breast cancer
Authors: Wang Shan , Shang Pei , Yao Guangyu , Ye Changsheng , Chen Lujia , Hu Xiaolei
Published: October 2022

Background: Breast carcinoma is well recognized to be having the highest global occurrence rate among all cancers, being the leading cause of cancer mortality in females. The aim of this study was to elucidate breast cancer at the genomic and transcriptomic levels in different subtypes so that we can develop more personalized treatments and precision medicine to obtain better outcomes.

Method: In this study, an expression profiling dataset downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, GSE45827, was re-analyzed to compare the expression profiles of breast cancer samples in the different subtypes. Using the GEO2R tool, different expression genes were identified. Using the STRING online tool, the protein–protein interaction networks were conducted. Using the Cytoscape software, we found modules, seed genes, and hub genes and performed pathway enrichment analysis. The Kaplan–Meier plotter was used to analyze the overall survival. MicroRNAs and transcription factors targeted different expression genes and were predicted by the Enrichr web server.

Result: The analysis of these elements implied that the carcinogenesis and development of triple-negative breast cancer were the most important and complicated in breast carcinoma, occupying the most different expression genes, modules, seed genes, hub genes, and the most complex protein–protein interaction network and signal pathway. In addition, the luminal A subtype might occur in a completely different way from the other three subtypes as the pathways enriched in the luminal A subtype did not overlap with the others. We identified 16 hub genes that were related to good prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer. Moreover, SRSF1 was negatively correlated with overall survival in the Her2 subtype, while in the luminal A subtype, it showed the opposite relationship. Also, in the luminal B subtype, CCNB1 and KIF23 were associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, new transcription factors and microRNAs were introduced to breast cancer which would shed light upon breast cancer in a new way and provide a novel therapeutic strategy.

Conclusion: We preliminarily delved into the potentially comprehensive molecular mechanisms of breast cancer by creating a holistic view at the genomic and transcriptomic levels in different subtypes using computational tools. We also introduced new prognosis-related genes and novel therapeutic strategies and cast new light upon breast cancer.
Determinants of postpartum depression among mothers in Debre Tabor town, North-central, Ethiopia: Community-based unmatched case-control study
Authors: Dagnaw Fentaw Teshome , Addis Wondimnew Desalegn , Tesfa Desalegn , Desale Aragaw Tesfaw , Issa Nurayine Abubeker , Belachew Yismaw Yimam , Yitbarek Getachew Yideg , Belay Alebachew Taye , Chanie Ermias Sisay , Hailemeskel Habtamu Shimels
Published: October 2022

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a non-psychotic depressive disorder of variable severity, and it can begin as early as 2 weeks after delivery and can persist indefinitely if left untreated. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of postpartum depression is high. There is a dearth of literature to determine factors associated with postpartum depression in Ethiopia, specifically in the study area.

Objective

This study aimed to identify factors associated with postpartum depression among mothers in Debre Tabor Town, Northcentral Ethiopia.

Method

A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among mothers who were living in Debre Tabor Town and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Postpartum mothers were selected using a simple random sampling technique from the listed sampling frame at the health center. Then, the sample cases and controls were interviewed until the sample size was fulfilled by using a consecutive sampling method. The data were entered into the EPI data version 4.6 and then imported and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics of different variables were done by cross-tabulation. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the determinant factors with the outcome variable. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.

Results

A total of 308 postnatal mothers living in Debre Tabor Town were included, with a 97.5% response rate. History of substance use in the previous 3 months (AOR: 6.47, 95% CI; 2.61, 15.74), current baby illness (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI; 1.5, 10.12), marital dissatisfaction (AOR: 2.41, 95% CI; 1.22, 4.75), unplanned current pregnancy (AOR: 3.46, 95% CI; 1.32, 9.12), and breastfeeding (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI; 0.09, 0.55) were independent factors that affected the occurrence of PPD.

Conclusion

This study revealed that a recent history of substance use (in the past 3 months), current baby illness, marital satisfaction, unplanned current pregnancy, and breastfeeding were associated with postpartum depression. Healthcare providers working in maternal and child health clinics and health extension workers should give special attention to postpartum mothers who have had a history of substance use, current baby illness, unplanned pregnancy, non-breastfeeding mothers, and mothers with poor marital satisfaction.
Perturbations of mesenchymal stromal cells after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation predispose for bone marrow graft-versus-host-disease
Authors: Krüger Thomas , Wehner Rebekka , Herbig Maik , Kräter Martin , Kramer Michael , Middeke Jan Moritz , Stölzel Friedrich , List Catrin , Egger-Heidrich Katharina , Teipel Raphael , Oelschlägel Uta , Wermke Martin , Jambor Helena , Wobus Manja , Schetelig Johannes , Jöhrens Korinna , Tonn Torsten , Subburayalu Julien , Schmitz Marc , Bornhauser Martin , von Bonin Malte
Published: October 2022

Functional impairment of the bone marrow (BM) niche has been suggested as a major reason for prolonged cytopenia and secondary graft failure after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Because mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) serve as multipotent progenitors for several niche components in the BM, they might play a key role in this process. We used collagenase digested trephine biopsies to directly quantify MSCs in 73 patients before (n = 18) and/or after alloHCT (n = 65). For the first time, we demonstrate that acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD, n = 39) is associated with a significant decrease in MSC numbers. MSC reduction can be observed even before the clinical onset of aGvHD (n = 10). Assessing MSCs instantly after biopsy collection revealed phenotypic and functional differences depending on the occurrence of aGvHD. These differences vanished during ex vivo expansion. The MSC endotypes observed revealed an enhanced population of donor-derived classical dendritic cells type 1 and alloreactive T cells as the causing agent for compartmental inflammation and MSC damage before clinical onset of aGvHD was ascertained. In conclusion, MSCs endotypes may constitute a predisposing conductor of alloreactivity after alloHCT preceding the clinical diagnosis of aGvHD.
Diagnostic accuracy of the European League against rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology-2019 versus the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics-2012 versus the ACR-1997 classification criteria in adult systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Wentian , Tian Fengmei , Ma Jinlu , Zhong Ying , Liu Zhichun , Xue Leixi
Published: October 2022

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)-1997, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)-2012, and the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR)/ACR-2019 classification criteria in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched for literature comparing the three classification criteria of ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019, which took clinical diagnosis as reference. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate and compare the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio of ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019. To assess the early diagnosis capability of the classification criteria, subgroups of patients with disease duration < 3 years and < 1 year were selected for comparison of sensitivity and specificity based on the inclusion of the original study. The sensitivity and specificity of each item in three sets of classification criteria were evaluated. In addition, the clinical and immunological characteristics of patients who did not meet the three classification criteria were compared.

Results

Nine original studies were included in the analysis, including 6404 SLE patients and 3996 controls. Results showed that the diagnostic odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of the SLICC-2012 [136.35 (114.94, 161.75)] and EULAR/ACR-2019 [187.47 (158.00, 222.42)] were higher than those of the ACR-1997 [67.53 (58.75, 77.63)]. Compared with ACR-1997[(0.86 (0.82, 0.89)], SLICC-2012[(0.96 (0.93, 0.97)] and EULAR/ACR-2019[(0.95 (0.92, 0.97)] had higher sensitivity. The specificity of the three classification criteria was similar: ACR-1997, SLICC-2012, and EULAR/ACR-2019 were 0.93 (0.89, 0.95), 0.86 (0.79, 0.91), and 0.91 (0.85, 0.95), respectively. The sensitivity of SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 were higher than that of ACR-1997 in early-course subgroups. Patients who did not meet ACR-1997 had more hypocomplementemia, patients who did not meet SLICC-2012 had more cutaneous lupus and photosensitivity, and patients who did not meet EULAR/ACR-2019 had more cutaneous lupus and leucopenia.

Conclusions

SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 have better diagnostic ability than the ACR-1997, and the sensitivity of the former two criteria is also higher than that of the latter; Moreover, the SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 for patients in the early stages of disease performed equally excellent.
The association of cervicovaginal Langerhans cells with clearance of human papillomavirus
Authors: Dai Wenkui , Gui Liming , Du Hui , Li Shuaicheng , Wu Ruifang
Published: October 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance is important in eliminating cervical cancer which contributes to high morbidity and mortality in women. Nevertheless, it remains largely unknown about key players in clearing pre-existing HPV infections. HPV antigens can be detected by the most important cervical antigen-presenting cells (Langerhans cells, LCs), of which the activities can be affected by cervicovaginal microbiota. In this review, we first introduce persistent HPV infections and then describe HPV-suppressed LCs activities, including but not limited to antigen uptake and presentation. Given specific transcriptional profiling of LCs in cervical epithelium, we also discuss the impact of cervicovaginal microbiota on LCs activation as well as the promise of exploring key microbial players in activating LCs and HPV-specific cellular immunity.
Multi-trial analysis of HIV-1 envelope gp41-reactive antibodies among global recipients of candidate HIV-1 vaccines
Authors: Mayer-Blackwell Koshlan , Johnson Andrew M. , Potchen Nicole , Minot Simon S. , Heptinstall Jack , Seaton Kelly , Sawant Sheetal , Shen Xiaoying , Tomaras Georgia D. , Fiore-Gartland Andrew , Kublin James G.
Published: October 2022

Many participants in HIV-1 vaccine trials, who have not previously been exposed to or vaccinated against HIV-1, display serum immunoglobulin antibodies that bind the gp41 region of HIV-1 envelope prior to vaccination. Previous studies have hypothesized that these pre-existing antibodies may be cross-reactive and may skew future vaccine responses. In 12 large studies conducted by the HIV Vaccine Trial Network (HVTN) (n=1470 individuals), we find wide variation among participants in the pre-vaccine levels of gp41-reactive antibodies as measured by the binding antibody multiplex assay (BAMA). In the absence of exposure to the gp41 immunogen, anti-gp41 IgG levels were temporally stable over 26-52 weeks in repeated measures of placebo recipients. The analysis revealed that the geometric mean of pre-vaccine anti-gp41 IgG response was greater among participants in South Africa compared with participants in the United States. With gene-level metagenomic sequencing of pre-vaccination fecal samples collected from participants in one trial (HVTN 106), we detected positive associations between pre-vaccine anti-gp41 IgG and abundance of genes from multiple taxa in the Eubacteriales order. The genes most strongly associated with higher baseline anti-gp41 IgG mapped to a clade containing Blautia wexlerae and closely related strains. In trials with vaccine products containing the full or partial portion of gp41 immunogen alongside a gp120 immunogen, we did not find evidence that individuals with higher baseline anti-gp41 IgG had different levels of anti-gp120 IgG after vaccination compared to individuals with lower pre-vaccine anti-gp41 levels (pooled estimate of standardized mean difference -0.01 with a 95% CI [-0.37; 0.34]).
Integrated chemical status of the Italian marine waters sensu Descriptor 8 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Authors: Maggi Chiara , Berducci Maria Teresa , Di Lorenzo Bianca , Lomiri Serena , Venti Francesco
Published: October 2022

The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) required Member States to define the concept of Good Environmental Status (GES) of their marine waters in quantitative terms and to achieve it through the assessment of 11 descriptors by 2020. ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment, carried out the Initial Assessment (2012) and the evaluation of the first cycle of the MSFD (2012–2018) to understand the achievement of GES Descriptor 8 (“Contaminant concentrations are at levels that do not give rise to pollution effects”) and, now, in this second cycle of the MSFD (2018–2024), is conducting monitoring of D8C1 criterion elements (“Contaminant concentrations”). In this paper, the approach, integrating data on chemical contaminants (metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine compounds) in different matrices (water, sediment and biota), adopted by Italy since 2012 to study GES for the MSFD-D8C1 criterion in national marine water is described. This approach, based on the use of a dimensionless, zero-centered index, allows one to assess all regulatory contaminants as a whole. The improvements in the monitoring strategy and the GES evaluation between the Initial Assessment, the first cycle, and the beginning of the second cycle of the MSFD for the Adriatic Sea subregion are presented.
The influence of tides on the North West European shelf winter residual circulation
Authors: Tinker Jonathan , Polton Jeff A. , Robins Peter E. , Lewis Matthew J. , O’Neill Clare K.
Published: October 2022

Tides contribute to the large-scale residual circulation and mixing of shelf seas. However, tides are typically excluded from global circulation models (GCMs) so their modelled residual circulation (and mixing) in shelf seas may be systematically wrong. We focus on circulation as it is relatively unexplored, and affects shelf temperature and salinity, potentially biasing climate impact studies. Using a validated model of the North West European Shelf Seas (NWS), we show the essential role of tides in driving the residual circulation, and how this affects the NWS temperature and salinity distribution. Over most of the NWS, removing the tides increases the magnitude of residual circulation while in some regions (such as the Irish Sea) it leads to a reduction. Furthermore, we show that modelling the NWS without tides leads to a cold fresh bias in the Celtic Sea and English Channel (of >0.5°C, and >0.5 psu). This shows that NWS tidal dynamics are essential in the transport of heat and matter, and so must be included in GCMs. We explore two processes by which the tides impact the residual circulation and investigate whether these could be parameterised within non-tidal GCMs: (1) Enhancing the seabed friction to mimic the equivalent energy loss from an oscillating tidal flow; (2) Tidal Phase-driven Transport (TPT), whereby tidal asymmetry drives a net transport due to the phase between tidal-elevation and velocities (equivalent to the bolus term in oceanographic literature). To parameterise TPT, we calculate a climatology of this transport from a harmonic analysis from the tidal model and add it as an additional force in the Navier Stokes equations in the non-tidal model. We also modify the bed drag coefficient to balance the bed stress between the simulations – hypothesising that using this modified drag coefficient will simulate the effect of the tides. This tends to improve the mean and variability of the residual circulation, while the TPT improves the spatial distribution and temporal variability of the temperature and salinity. We show that our proof-of-concept parameterisation can replicate the tidally-driven impact on the residual circulation without direct simulation, thus reducing computational effort.
Assessing the carbon sink capacity of coastal mariculture shellfish resources in China from 1981–2020
Authors: Gu Yixin , Lyu Shaoliang , Wang Lifei , Chen Zhijie , Wang Xuefeng
Published: October 2022

The ocean has considerable potential to function as a carbon sink, absorbing anthropogenic CO2 and buffering the effects of climate change. How the culture of shellfish can be used to increase the ocean carbon sink warrants evaluation. We analyze the production and carbon sink capacity of six important mariculture shellfish species (oyster, ark clam, mussel, scallop, clam, and razor clam) in nine coastal provinces of China from 1981–2020 using quality assessment and logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) decomposition methods. Over this time period both cultured shellfish production and its contribution to the carbon sink generally increase, averaging approximately 600,000 t annually over the last four decades. Both the annual production and carbon sink capacity of China’s mariculture shellfish industry vary geographically. The total annual tonnage (scale) of cultured shellfish, and to a lesser extent, coastal shellfish species composition (structure) influence carbon sink capacity, and affect China’s plans to achieve “dual carbon goals.” Combining historical analysis and the LMDI method, we propose a scheme that optimally and more sustainably manages China’s culture of shellfish.
Vitamin D regulates transepithelial acid secretion in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae
Authors: Lin Chia-Hao , Liu Sian-Tai , Wang Yu-Chun , Tsou Yi-Ling , Hu Huei-Jyun
Published: October 2022

Maintenance of an acid-base balance is essential for normal physiological processes in vertebrates. Freshwater fishes live in an aquatic environment with variable pH, and their buffering capacity for acid-base balance in body fluids is weak. Thus, after acid exposure, fishes secrete excess acid to prevent internal acidosis. Acid-secreting ionocytes present in the adult gills and embryonic skin are primarily responsible for acid secretion, and H+-ATPase and Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) are the two main transporters responsible for apical acid secretion. Vitamin D is a well-known hormone involved in the maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis and is suggested to be involved in acid-base regulation by modulating the activity and/or mRNA expression of NHE3 in mammalian models. It remains unclear whether vitamin D is involved in acid secretion in fishes. The aim of the present study was to use zebrafish as a model to determine whether vitamin D and its receptors influence acid secretion. Our results indicated that the levels of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), the bioactive vitamin D, were significantly increased in 3 days post-fertilization zebrafish larvae after exposure to acidic freshwater (AFW, pH 4.0). Exogenous 1α,25(OH)2D3 (20 μg/L) incubation substantially enhanced the mRNA expression of acid-secreting transporters and acid secretion at the skin of the entire body and each H+-ATPase-rich cell (HRC), a type of acid-secreting ionocyte. Furthermore, the expression of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) was identified in HRCs of zebrafish. When both VDRa and VDRb were knocked down, acid secretion and the mRNA expression of acid-secreting transporters were significantly decreased. Moreover, double knockdown of VDRa/b prevented the increase in acid secretion induced by AFW and 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment. This study is the first to indicate that vitamin D is involved in acid secretion in fish.
Performance tests and design of a series of magnetic fluid shock absorbers with varying stiffness based on optimal stiffness formula
Authors: Li Yanwen , Li Decai , Li Yingsong
Published: October 2022

With the rapid development of aerospace technology, the vibration problem of the spacecraft flexible structure urgently needs to be solved. Magnetic fluids are a type of multi-functional smart materials, which can be employed in shock absorbers to eliminate these vibrations. Referring to the calculation methods of stiffness coefficients of other passive dampers, the stiffness coefficient formula of magnetic fluid shock absorbers (MFSAs) was derived and refined. Meanwhile, a series of varying stiffness magnetic fluid shock absorbers (VS-MFSAs) were proposed and fabricated based on the second-order buoyancy principle. The range of stiffness coefficients covered by these VS-MFSAs contains the optimal stiffness coefficient estimated by formulas. The repulsive force measurement and vibration attenuation experiments were conducted on these VS-MFSAs. In the case of small amplitude, the relationship between the repulsive force and the offset distance was linear, which means the stiffness was linear. The simulation and experiment curves of the stiffness were in good agreement. The results of vibration attenuation experiments demonstrated that the rod length and the magnetic fluid mass influence the damping efficiency of VS-MFSAs. In addition, these results verified that the VS-MFSA with the optimal stiffness coefficient performed best. Therefore, the stiffness coefficient formula can guide the design of MFSAs.
Abdominal cocoon syndrome (idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis): An extremely rare cause of small bowel obstruction—Two case reports and a review of literature
Authors: Alsadery Humood A. , Busbait Saleh , AlBlowi Abdulrahman , Alsawidan Morshed , AlBisher Hassan Mohammed , Alshammary Shadi
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in which the bowel and internal abdominal organs are wrapped with a fibrocollagenous cocoon-like encapsulating membrane [1,2]. SEP is divided into two entities: abdominal cocoons (AC), also known as idiopathic or primary sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, which is of extremely rare type, and secondary sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, which is the more common type.

Case presentation

Two male patients from India, a 26 year old and a 36 year old, presented to our hospital complaining about abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting without any history of previous surgical interventions; the patients' vitals were stable. Preoperative diagnosis of abdominal cocoon was established by abdominal computed tomography. It showed multiple dilated fluid-filled small bowel loops in the center of the abdominal cavity with thin soft tissue, non-enhancing capsules encasing the small bowel loops with mesenteric congestion involving small and large bowel loops. Both patients underwent complete surgical excision of the sac without intraoperative complications. Patients had a smooth postoperative hospital course and were discharged home in good conditions.

Conclusion

Patients with abdominal cocoons have a non-specific clinical presentation of intestinal obstruction. A high index of clinical suspicion in combination with the appropriate radiological investigation will increase the chance of preoperative detection of the abdominal cocoon. In patients with complete bowel obstruction, complete excision of the peritoneal sac is the standard of care.
Role of burn severity and posttraumatic stress symptoms in the co-occurrence of itch and neuropathic pain after burns: A longitudinal study
Authors: Van Loey N. E. E. , de Jong A. E. E. , Hofland H. W. C. , van Laarhoven A. I. M.
Published: October 2022

Itch and pain are common after burns. Neuropathic mechanisms may underlie both modalities but remain not well-understood. This study aims to prospectively document neuropathic pain symptoms and to identify potential itch symptom profiles that differ regarding duration and co-occurrence with neuropathic pain which may inform underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and respond to different treatments. Adult burn survivors (n = 192) self-reported itch and neuropathic pain at 2 weeks post-discharge, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months post-burn. Based on the presence of itch and pain symptoms over time, participants were allocated to one itch profile: transient itch/pain, chronic itch, or chronic itch & pain. Profiles were compared on itch intensity over time using General Linear Modeling. Age, gender, burn severity, posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and baseline itch intensity were examined as potential predictors of the profiles in a Multi-nominal regression analysis. Neuropathic pain occurred in 54% after discharge which decreased to 24% 18 months later. Itch intensity was highest in the chronic itch & pain profile. Compared to the transient itch profile, the chronic itch & pain profile was associated with higher burn severity and more PTS symptoms. Compared to the chronic itch profile, the chronic itch & pain profile was associated with more PTS symptoms. Findings suggest that biological and psycho-dermatological processes underlie both chronic neuropathic pain and itch processes in burn scars. Further research should elucidate the mechanisms underlying the different itch profiles, with specific focus on skin innervation and psychological factors.
The nitrite reductase encoded by nirBDs in Pseudomonas putida Y-9 influences ammonium transformation
Authors: Huang Xuejiao , Luo Yuwen , Luo Luo , Xie Deti , Li Zhenlun
Published: October 2022

It is unknown whether nirBDs, which conventionally encode an NADH nitrite reductase, play other novel roles in nitrogen cycling. In this study, we explored the role of nirBDs in the nitrogen cycling of Pseudomonas putida Y-9. nirBDs had no effect on organic nitrogen transformation by strain Y-9. The △nirBD strain exhibited higher ammonium removal efficiency (90.7%) than the wild-type strain (76.1%; P < 0.05) and lower end gaseous nitrogen (N2O) production. Moreover, the expression of glnA (control of the ammonium assimilation) in the △nirBD strain was higher than that in the wild-type strain (P < 0.05) after being cultured in ammonium-containing medium. Furthermore, nitrite noticeably inhibited the ammonium elimination of the wild-type strain, with a corresponding removal rate decreasing to 44.8%. However, no similar impact on ammonium transformation was observed for the △nirBD strain, with removal efficiency reaching 97.5%. In conclusion, nirBDs in strain Y-9 decreased the ammonium assimilation and increased the ammonium oxidation to nitrous oxide.
Orai1-mediated store-operated Ca2+ entry promotes cervical cancer progression through IL-6 signaling
Authors: Pan Yiyun , Huang Jing , Liu Kang , Xie Chuanhua , Chen Hailong , Guo Zhong , Guo Shoujun , Chen Yijian
Published: October 2022

Cervical cancer is a major cause of cancer-associated mortality among women in developing countries. Orai1-mediated store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is the primary mechanism underlying most of the non-excitable calcium influx into cells. There is at present limited evidence showing that Orai1 can function as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor depending on the cancer type. Furthermore, the exact biological functions of Orai1 in cervical cancer and the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we found that Orai1 was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues, and promoted the growth of human cervical cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Gene silencing of Orai1 in cervical cancer cells significantly decreased interleukin (IL)-6 secretion. Interestingly, exogenous IL-6 abrogated the effects of Orai1 silencing and restored the clonogenicity of cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, we also observed a positive correlation between Orai1 and IL-6 expression in human cervical cancer samples. Taken together, our findings indicate that Orai1 functions as an oncogene in cervical cancer and is a promising therapeutic target.
Implications of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and Betaine in Human Health: Beyond Being Osmoprotective Compounds
Authors: Ilyas Ashal , Wijayasinghe Yasanandana Supunsiri , Khan Ilyas , El Samaloty Nourhan M. , Adnan Mohd , Dar Tanveer Ali , Poddar Nitesh Kumar , Singh Laishram R. , Sharma Hemlata , Khan Shahanavaj
Published: October 2022

Osmolytes are naturally occurring small molecular weight organic molecules, which are accumulated in large amounts in all life forms to maintain the stability of cellular proteins and hence preserve their functions during adverse environmental conditions. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and N,N,N-trimethylglycine (betaine) are methylamine osmolytes that have been extensively studied for their diverse roles in humans and have demonstrated opposing relations with human health. These osmolytes are obtained from food and synthesized endogenously using dietary constituents like choline and carnitine. Especially, gut microbiota plays a vital role in TMAO synthesis and contributes significantly to plasma TMAO levels. The elevated plasma TMAO has been reported to be correlated with the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, including cardiovascular disease, heart failure, kidney diseases, metabolic syndrome, etc.; Hence, TMAO has been recognized as a novel biomarker for the detection/prediction of several human diseases. In contrast, betaine acts as a methyl donor in one-carbon metabolism, maintains cellular S-adenosylmethionine levels, and protects the cells from the harmful effects of increased plasma homocysteine. Betaine also demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and has a promising therapeutic value in several human diseases, including homocystinuria and fatty liver disease. The present review examines the multifarious functions of TMAO and betaine with possible molecular mechanisms towards a better understanding of their emerging and diverging functions with probable implications in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
Physical activity moderates the association between white matter hyperintensity burden and cognitive change
Authors: Song Suhang , Gaynor Alexandra M. , Gazes Yunglin , Lee Seonjoo , Xu Qianhui , Habeck Christian , Stern Yaakov , Gu Yian
Published: October 2022

Objective

Greater physical activity (PA) could delay cognitive decline, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. White matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden is one of the key brain pathologies that have been shown to predict faster cognitive decline at a late age. One possible pathway is that PA may help maintain cognition by mitigating the detrimental effects of brain pathologies, like WMH, on cognitive change. This study aims to examine whether PA moderates the association between WMH burden and cognitive change.

Materials and methods

This population-based longitudinal study included 198 dementia-free adults aged 20–80 years. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. Occupational physical activity (OPA) was a factor score measuring the physical demands of each job. Total physical activity (TPA) was operationalized as the average of z-scores of LTPA and OPA. Outcome variables included 5-year changes in global cognition and in four reference abilities (fluid reasoning, processing speed, memory, and vocabulary). Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the moderation effect of PA on the association between white matter hyperintensities and cognitive change, adjusting for age, sex, education, and baseline cognition.

Results

Over approximately 5 years, global cognition (p < 0.001), reasoning (p < 0.001), speed (p < 0.001), and memory (p < 0.05) scores declined, and vocabulary (p < 0.001) increased. Higher WMH burden was correlated with more decline in global cognition (Spearman’s rho = –0.229, p = 0.001), reasoning (rho = –0.402, p < 0.001), and speed (rho = –0.319, p < 0.001), and less increase in vocabulary (rho = –0.316, p < 0.001). Greater TPA attenuated the association between WMH burden and changes in reasoning (βTPA^*WMH = 0.029, 95% CI = 0.006–0.052, p = 0.013), speed (βTPA^*WMH = 0.035, 95% CI = –0.004–0.065, p = 0.028), and vocabulary (βTPA^*WMH = 0.034, 95% CI = 0.004–0.065, p = 0.029). OPA seemed to be the factor that exerted a stronger moderation on the relationship between WMH burden and cognitive change.

Conclusion

Physical activity may help maintain reasoning, speed, and vocabulary abilities in face of WMH burden. The cognitive reserve potential of PA warrants further examination.
Mechanisms of exercise for diabetic neuropathic pain
Authors: Luo Jing , Zhu Hui-Qi , Gou Bo , Zheng Yi-Li
Published: October 2022

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a common disease that affects the daily lives of diabetic patients, and its incidence rate is very high worldwide. At present, drug and exercise therapies are common treatments for DNP. Drug therapy has various side effects. In recent years, exercise therapy has received frequent research and increasing attention by many researchers. Currently, the treatment of DNP is generally symptomatic. We can better select the appropriate exercise prescription for DNP only by clarifying the exercise mechanism for its therapy. The unique pathological mechanism of DNP is still unclear and may be related to the pathological mechanism of diabetic neuropathy. In this study, the mechanisms of exercise therapy for DNP were reviewed to understand better the role of exercise therapy in treating DNP.
Feasibility Analysis of CareToy-Revised Early Intervention in Infants at High Risk for Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Beani Elena , Menici Valentina , Cecchi Alessandra , Cioni Maria Luce , Giampietri Matteo , Rizzi Riccardo , Sgandurra Giuseppina , Cioni Giovanni ,   CareToy-R Consortium
Published: October 2022

Infants with perinatal brain injury are at high risk for Cerebral Palsy (CP). Progresses in detection of early signs of brain injury and of CP allow early intervention (EI) programs for improving the outcome of these infants. CareToy system (CT), developed within a European project (Trial Registration: NCT01990183), allows providing, by means of tele-rehabilitation, a highly personalized, family-centered, home-based EI for young infants, remotely managed by clinicians. CareToy, already used with pre-terms without brain injury, has been adapted for high-risk infants in a project funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, and the CareToy-Revised (CareToy-R) has been realized (Trial registration: NCT03211533 and NCT03234959). Before assessing its efficacy, it was crucial to evaluate the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of CareToy-R EI. Nineteen high-risk infants with perinatal brain injury, aged 5.95 ± 2.13 months (range 3.12–10.78 months), carried out an 8-week training with CareToy-R at home, performing customized playful activities with their parents, tailored to their rehabilitative needs, remotely managed by clinicians. The feasibility of training and study procedures was assessed through criteria derived from literature; acceptability and usability have been analyzed from data about individual training and an ad hoc questionnaire. All CareToy-R trainings were planned by the clinical staff with a daily personalized use for each infant between 30 and 45 min (mean 34.37 min). The amount of executed training by the infants was very high (daily mean 30.30 min), with no differences related to infant age, sex, and gestational age. All the nine feasibility criteria were achieved, family compliance to the project was very good, data collection was completed and the CareToy-R system worked properly and easily for parents. The answers to the questionnaire had a total mean score of 84.49% and they ranged from a minimum of 81.05% (in “easy to use” area) to a maximum of 86.49% (“changes due to the training” area), with no differences related to nationality or familiarity with technology of the mothers. This study reports preliminary evidence to the feasibility of a home-based EI with CareToy-R system in infants at high risk for CP. Results of the RCT will provide data about the potential effectiveness of this approach.
No change in interictal C-reactive protein levels in individuals with episodic and chronic migraine: A case-control study and literature review
Authors: Park Chae Gyu , Lee Sue Hyun , Chu Min Kyung
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The levels of some migraine biomarkers differ between episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM), but information on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in EM and CM is conflicting. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate CRP levels in participants with EM and CM in comparison to those in healthy controls.

Methods

Plasma CRP levels were evaluated by high-sensitivity CRP tests in female participants with EM (n = 174) and CM (n = 191) and healthy controls (n = 50).

Results

The results showed no significant difference in CRP levels among the EM, CM, and control groups (median and interquartile range, 0.40 [0.15–0.70] mg/L vs. 0.40 [0.15–1.00] mg/L vs. 0.15 [0.15–0.90] mg/L, p = 0.991). The ratio of individuals with elevated CRP levels (>3.0 mg/L) did not significantly differ among the EM, CM, and control groups (3.4% [6/174] vs. 2.1% [4/191] vs. 0.0% [0/50], p = 0.876). Multivariable regression analyses revealed that CRP levels were not significantly associated with headache frequency per month (β = −0.076, p = 0.238), the severity of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score, β = 0.143, p = 0.886), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score, β = 0.143, p = 0.886). Further, CRP levels did not significantly differ according to clinical characteristics, fibromyalgia, medication overuse, preventive treatment, and classes of preventive treatment medications. Among participants with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, the CRP levels in EM (n = 41) and CM (n = 17) were numerically higher than those in the control (n = 6) (1.30 [0.28–4.25] mg/L vs. 1.10 [0.50–3.15] mg/L vs. 0.40 [0.15–0.83] mg/L, p = 0.249) but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

The interictal CRP level is not likely to be a biomarker for EM or CM.
Explore the effects of overweight and smoking on spontaneous brain activity: Independent and reverse
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Zhang Mengzhe , Yang Zhengui , Niu Xiaoyu , Chen Jingli , Zhou Bingqian , Wang Weijian , Wei Yarui , Cheng Jingliang , Han Shaoqiang , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2022

Accumulating evidence suggested that overweight and smoking often co-exist. However, current neuroimaging researches have almost always studied smoking or overweight status separately. Here we sought to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms of this comorbid association, by detecting spontaneous brain activity changes associated with smoking and weight status separately and collectively. We used 2 × 2 factorial design and included the following four groups: overweight/normal-weight smokers (n= 34/n= 30) and overweight/normal-weight non-smokers (n= 22/n= 24). The spontaneous brain activity among the four groups was comparable using an amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) method based on resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). Furthermore, correlation analyses between brain activity changes, smoking severity and BMI values were performed. A main effect of smoking was discovered in the default mode network (DMN) and visual network related brain regions. Moreover, overweight people had high ALFF value in the brain regions associated with reward and executive control. More importantly, smoking and overweight both affected brain activity of the middle temporal gyrus (MTG), but the effect was opposite. And the brain activity of MTG was negatively correlated with smoking years, pack year and BMI value. These results suggest that smoking and overweight not only affect spontaneous brain activity alone, but also paradoxically affect spontaneous brain activity in the MTG. This suggests that we need to control for weight as a variable when studying spontaneous brain activity in smokers. Besides, this interaction may provide a neurological explanation for the comorbidity of overweight and smoking and a target for the treatment of comorbid populations.
Effect of pretreatments of camellia seeds on the quality, phenolic profile, and antioxidant capacity of camellia oil
Authors: Wang Mei , Zhang Yuancong , Wan Yin , Zou Qi , Shen Lecheng , Fu Guiming , Gong Er Sheng
Published: October 2022

Camellia oil is one of the four major woody oils in the world and has high nutritional value due to its richness in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and bioactive substances. In order to compare the effects of pretreatments of camellia seeds on the quality, phenolic profile, and antioxidant capacity of camellia oil, three different pretreatment methods, i.e., hot air (HA), steam (ST) and puffing (PU), were used to treat the seed powder in the present study. All three pretreatments changed the internal structure of the camellia seeds. The oil yield was increased after all three pretreatments, with the highest oil yield increased by PU pretreatment (Based on the oil yield, we screened out the best conditions of the three pretreatments, HA pretreatment is 60°C for 40 min, ST pretreatment is 100°C for 15 min, PU pretreatment is 800 rpm). The fatty acids (FAs) of the oil were relatively stable, with no significant changes after three pretreatments. However, all three pretreatments had a significant effect on the acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), and benzo(a)pyrene (Ba P) of the camellia oil. The PU and HA pretreatments could increase the tocopherol content and the total sterols content in the camellia oil. The ST and PU pretreatments significantly increased the free phenolics (FP) content, all three pretreatments reduced the contents of conjugated phenolics (CP) and insoluble-bound phenolics (IBP) in the camellia oil. The IBP made the most significant contribution to the antioxidant capacities of camellia oil. ST and PU prtreatments increased the antioxidant capacities of the total phenolics in the camellia oil. Eight phenolics in FP, CP, and IBP were significantly correlated with the antioxidant capacities of camellia oil. The results of the present study could provide some theoretical guidance for the pretreatment of camellia seeds for higher oil yield, phenolic content and enhanced antioxidant capacities of camellia oil.
Dietary camellia seed oil attenuates liver injury in mice chronically exposed to alcohol
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhu Jinyan , Chen Lin , Li Jiaomei , Ding Qinchao , Han Qiang , Zheng Weijun , Li Songtao
Published: October 2022

Dietary fat composition is closely associated with the pathological development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Fat enriched with saturated fatty acids protects whereas with polyunsaturated fatty acids aggravates alcohol-induced liver injury. However, limited study has addressed how monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) determines the pathological process of ALD. Our study was conducted to evaluate the effect of MUFAs-enriched-camellia seed oil (CSO) on alcohol-induced liver injury. The ALD model was established by feeding C57BL/6 mice with Lieber-DeCarli diet, and with either CSO or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)-enriched-corn oil (CO) as fat source. After 4-week-intervention, CSO-feed rescued alcohol-induced liver injury compared to CO-feed, evidenced by measurements of plasma ALT activity, H&E stain, and hepatic cleaved-Caspase-3 expression. Besides, CSO-feed alleviated alcohol-induced oxidative stress, associated with NRF2 and Hif-1α expressions improvement. The reduction of F4/80 immunostaining and the decreased expressions of hepatic TNF-α and IL-6 suggested CSO-feed improved alcohol-induced inflammation. The mechanistic analysis showed that the inhibition of ASK1 and MAPKs might contribute to CSO-protected liver injury. Notably, we observed CSO-feed relieved the gut microbiota disturbance with the decreased Firmicutes and Turicibater, and the increased Bacteroidota, Alloprevotella, and Bacteroides, and reduced circulatory endotoxin level and lipolysis of adipose tissue, which are the known pathogenic factors in alcohol-induced liver injury. Unexpectedly, CSO induced more hepatic steatosis than CO-feed. In conclusion, CSO attenuated chronic alcohol consumption-induced liver injury but enhanced hepatic steatosis. CSO could be a potential dietary choice for alcoholic individuals with liver injury.
Accuracy of Y-scope, a newly developed portable abdominal impedance analyzer, for the assessment of abdominal visceral fat area
Authors: Yoon Ji Won , Sohn Minji , Moon Ji Hye , Lim Soo
Published: October 2022

Aim

This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of a newly developed multifrequency segmental (MFS) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method using an additional portable abdominal (PA) impedance analyzer, in the assessment of abdominal visceral fat area (VFA).

Materials and methods

One hundred healthy Korean subjects aged 19 years or over (43 men and 57 women) were recruited, and VFA was estimated by a conventional MFS-BIA machine and a new MFS-BIA machine with a PA-BIA device, indicating MFS-VFA and MFS&PA-VFA, respectively. The accuracy of the VFA values was compared with those evaluated with CT at the level of the umbilicus (CT-VFA).

Results

The mean age was 41 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.4 kg/m2. The mean ± SD VFAs measured by CT, conventional MFS-BIA, and new MFS&PA-BIA together were 93.4 ± 60.9, 92.7 ± 53.4, and 93.6 ± 55.4 cm2, respectively. Correlation coefficients comparing CT-VFA with MFS-VFA and MFS&PA-VFA were 0.612 and 0.932, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). The mean difference between CT-VFA and MFS&PA-VFA was less affected by age, sex, and BMI compared with that between CT-VFA and MFS-VFA. Intraclass correlation coefficient (95% CI) between CT-VFA and MFS&PA-VFA was also greater than that between CT-VFA and MFS-VFA, 0.96 (0.95–0.98) vs. 0.76 (0.64–0.84), respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, application of a newly developed MFS-BIA machine combined with a PA-BIA device significantly improved the correlation with CT-measured VFA without proportional error. This novel approach using advanced technology may be able to provide more reliable estimates of abdominal VFA.