bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rock pools as a source of environmental DNA for the detection of the threatened Pilbara olive python (Liasis olivaceus barroni)
Authors: Mousavi-Derazmahalleh M. , Ellis R. J. , D’Rozario B. L. , Berry T. E. , Peverley G. , Dawkins K. L. , Campbell M. , White N. E. , Allentoft M. E.
Published: June 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) research is transforming biomonitoring at a global scale, but applicability to reptiles has been restricted because of their presumed low shedding rate. Consequently, eDNA may have considerable limitations as a biomonitoring tool in Australia where 40% of the terrestrial vertebrates are reptiles. However, there is a need to evaluate if method improvements, such as targeting certain substrates, improve the ability to detect reptile eDNA. The Pilbara olive python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) is an uncommon and elusive Australian top predator with a high conservation priority. Like many other snake species, Pilbara olive pythons are challenging to monitor with traditional survey methods; therefore, exploring an eDNA-based approach is highly relevant. The pythons are known to occasionally reside in rock pools. Thus, the development of a reliable eDNA-based approach to detect the pythons in water would provide a needed alternative method. Here, we use a previously developed metabarcoding assay targeting reptiles, to sequence a total of 228 water samples collected from 40 rock pools and drainage pools from six broad locations across the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and we confirm the presence of Pilbara olive python eDNA in 37 samples from 12 of those pools at three of the six broad sampling locations. Other vertebrate taxa, including other reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds, were also detected. Our documented ability to detect Pilbara olive python eDNA from rock pool water samples represents an important step toward eDNA-based precision monitoring of this species.
Higher frailty levels are associated with lower cognitive test scores in a multi-country study: evidence from the study on global ageing and adult health
Authors: García-Chanes Rosa Estela , Avila-Funes José Alberto , Borda Miguel Germán , Pérez-Zepeda Mario Ulises , Gutiérrez-Robledo Luis Miguel
Published: June 2023

Background

Frailty has been recognized as a growing issue in older adults, with recent evidence showing that this condition heralds several health-related problems, including cognitive decline. The objective of this work is to determine if frailty is associated with cognitive decline among older adults from different countries.

Methods

We analyzed the baseline the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), that includes six countries (Ghana, South Africa, Mexico, China, Russia, and India). A cross-section analysis was used to assess how Frailty was related with the Clinical Frailty Scale decision tree, while cognitive decline was evaluated using standardized scores of tests used in SAGE.

Results

A total of 30,674 participants aged 50 years or older were included. There was an association between frailty levels and cognitive performance. For example, women had an inverse relationship between frailty levels and cognitive scores, even when comparing robust category with frailty level 2 (RRR = 0.85; p = 0.41), although the relative risks decrease significantly at level 3 (RRR = 0.66; p = 0.03). When controlling for age, the relative risks between frailty levels 4 to 7 significantly decreased as cognitive performance increased (RRR = 0.46, RRR = 0.52, RRR = 0.44, RRR = 0.32; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results show an association between frailty levels measured in a novel way, and cognitive decline across different cultural settings.
Fear of fertility side effects is a major cause for COVID-19 vaccine hesitance in infertile patients
Authors: Kern Jessica , Schippert Cordula , Fard Delnaz , Bielfeld Alexandra Petra , von Versen-Höynck Frauke
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This study aims to investigate the acceptance, hesitance and attitudes of infertile female patients toward the COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 28th of January to 10th of August 2022. The questionnaire consisted of 35 questions on demographics, COVID-19 vaccination status, prior concerns of the vaccinated participants and reasons for not vaccinating among unvaccinated participants, and factors influencing the decision not to vaccinate.

Results

Of 406 participants who answered all questions, 92.1% reported having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 7.9% were unvaccinated. Factors associated with the decision for vaccination were full time or part time employment (p = 0.05), high trust in the principle of vaccination (p < 0.001), high willingness for other vaccination during fertility treatment (p < 0.001) and risk factors for severe COVID-19 (p = 0.007). Concerns about directly occurring adverse effects after vaccination (42.0%), about impact on own fertility (21.9%) or on the fertility treatment (27.5%) were the main concerns beforehand of vaccinated participants. Correlations between fertility concerns and mistrust in the general principle of vaccination were found. Beside general health concerns, unvaccinated participants reported fears about fertility impairment as the most important arguments against a COVID-19 vaccination (median of 5.0 on a five-point-Likert scale).

Conclusion

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated participants stated having concerns and fears about side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination on their fertility. To increase patients’ trust in medical recommendations, such as vaccination, to avoid mistrust in the medical system and to maintain patient’s compliance, there should be additional educational services that address infertile patients and their needs.
Development of EST-SSR primers and genetic diversity analysis of the southern blight pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii using transcriptome data
Authors: Wang Fanfan , Tang Tao , Mao Ting , Duan Yuanyuan , Guo Xiaoliang , You Jingmao
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a globally dispersed pathogenic fungus that causes southern blight disease in many crops and Chinese herbal medicine. The high degree of variation and diversity in the fungi altered population genetic structure. Therefore, the important factors of variation within the pathogen population should be considered during the development of management strategies for the disease.

Methods

In this study, S. rolfsii isolates from 13 hosts in 7 provinces of China were collected and analyzed to identify their morphological features and perform molecular characterization. To develop EST-SSR primers, transcriptome sequencing was performed on isolated CB1, and its SSR loci were comprehensively analyzed. In addition, we analyzed the polymorphisms among different populations based on screened EST-SSR primers.

Results

The results showed that all of these clean reads with total 36,165,475 assembled bases were clustered into 28,158 unigenes, ranged from 201 bp to 16,402 bp on the length, of which the average length was 1,284 bp. Of these, the SSR sequence appeared at an average interval of 15.43 kB, and the frequency of SSR was 0.0648 SSR/kB. Polymorphism of 9 primers was observed among 22 populations, and was verified by the Shannon’s index (average = 1.414) and polymorphic information index (> 0.50). The genetic diversity analysis revealed diversity in all host populations and geographical populations. Further, molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed that the differences between groups were mainly related to geographical location. Based on cluster analysis, the 7 populations were roughly divided into 3 groups, and the results were highly consistent with those based on the geographical location, ultimately aligning with the results of STRUCTURE analysis.

Discussion

The findings build on current knowledge of the distribution of S. rolfsii in the southwest area of China, adding value to current knowledge base on the population structure and genetic diversity of S. rolfsii, specifically in the context of Chinese herbal medicine cultivation in China. Overall, our findings may provide valuable information for breeding of crops with enhanced resistance toward S. rolfsii.
Impact of nanopore-based metagenome sequencing on tick-borne virus detection
Authors: Ergunay Koray , Dincer Ender , Justi Silvia A. , Bourke Brian P. , Nelson Suppaluck P. , Liao Hsiao-Mei , Timurkan Mehmet Ozkan , Oguz Bekir , Sahindokuyucu Ismail , Gokcecik Omer Faruk , Reinbold-Wasson Drew D. , Jiang Le , Achee Nicole L. , Grieco John P. , Linton Yvonne-Marie
Published: June 2023

Introduction

We evaluated metagenomic nanopore sequencing (NS) in field-collected ticks and compared findings from amplification-based assays.

Methods

Forty tick pools collected in Anatolia, Turkey and screened by broad-range or nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) and Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) were subjected to NS using a standard, cDNA-based metagenome approach.

Results

Eleven viruses from seven genera/species were identified. Miviruses Bole tick virus 3 and Xinjiang mivirus 1 were detected in 82.5 and 2.5% of the pools, respectively. Tick phleboviruses were present in 60% of the pools, with four distinct viral variants. JMTV was identified in 60% of the pools, where only 22.5% were PCR-positive. CCHFV sequences characterized as Aigai virus were detected in 50%, where only 15% were detected by PCR. NS produced a statistically significant increase in detection of these viruses. No correlation of total virus, specific virus, or targeted segment read counts was observed between PCR-positive and PCR-negative samples. NS further enabled the initial description of Quaranjavirus sequences in ticks, where human and avian pathogenicity of particular isolates had been previously documented.

Discussion

NS was observed to surpass broad-range and nested amplification in detection and to generate sufficient genome-wide data for investigating virus diversity. It can be employed for monitoring pathogens in tick vectors or human/animal clinical samples in hot-spot regions for examining zoonotic spillover.
Circulating neutrophils activated by cancer cells and M2 macrophages promote gastric cancer progression during PD-1 antibody-based immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Chenfei , Guo Liting , Cai Qu , Xi Wenqi , Yuan Fei , Zhang Huan , Yan Chao , Huang Lei , Zhu Zhenggang , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2023

Aims: To analyze the correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prognosis of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients treated by PD-1 antibody-based therapy and to delineate molecular characteristics of circulating neutrophils by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

Methods: The clinicopathological information of 45 AGC patients receiving PD-1 antibody-based regimens at the Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, was reviewed. Treatment outcomes including objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were recorded. The correlation between NLR and efficacy of PD-1 antibody-based treatment was analyzed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed based on multisite biopsy samples from two AGC patients to explore the molecular characteristics of circulating neutrophils and their pro-tumor mechanisms. Tissue samples from 88 gastric cancer patients who underwent radial gastrectomy were collected for immunochemistry staining.

Results: A high posttreatment NLR was associated with poor outcomes of AGC patients receiving PD-1 antibody-based regimens. scRNA-seq analysis showed that an increased number of circulating neutrophils were found in peripheral blood samples after treatment in which neutrophil cluster 1 (NE-1) was the major subcluster. NE-1 was featured with a neutrophil activation phenotype with the high expression of MMP9, S100A8, S100A9, PORK2, and TGF-β1. NE-1 displayed an intermediate state in pseudotime trajectory analysis with gene function enrichment found in neutrophil activation, leukocyte chemotaxis, and negative regulation of MAP kinase activity. Cellular interaction analysis showed that the chemokine signaling pathway is the major interactional pathway of NE-1 between subclusters of malignant epithelial cells (EP-4) and M2 macrophages (M2-1 and M2-2). In turn, the MAPK signaling pathway and Jak-STAT signaling pathway of EP-4, including IL1B/IL1RAP, OSM/OSMR, and TGFB1/TGFBR2 axes, were identified as interacting pathways between EP-4 and NE-1. The high expression of OSMR in tumor cells was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer.

Conclusion: The posttreatment NLR could be a poor prognostic marker of AGC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Subclusters of circulating neutrophils activated by tumor cells and M2 macrophages could participate in gastric cancer progression through signaling interactions with tumor cells.
TGFβ signaling pathways in human health and disease
Authors: Chen Pei-Yu , Qin Lingfeng , Simons Michael
Published: June 2023

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is named for the function it was originally discovered to perform-transformation of normal cells into aggressively growing malignant cells. It became apparent after more than 30 years of research, however, that TGFβ is a multifaceted molecule with a myriad of different activities. TGFβs are widely expressed with almost every cell in the human body producing one or another TGFβ family member and expressing its receptors. Importantly, specific effects of this growth factor family differ in different cell types and under different physiologic and pathologic conditions. One of the more important and critical TGFβ activities is the regulation of cell fate, especially in the vasculature, that will be the focus of this review.
Probing protein stability: towards a computational atomistic, reliable, affordable, and improvable model
Authors: Nobili Germano , Botticelli Simone , La Penna Giovanni , Morante Silvia , Rossi Giancarlo , Salina Gaetano
Published: June 2023

We present an improved application of a recently proposed computational method designed to evaluate the change of free energy as a function of the average value of a suitably chosen collective variable in proteins. The method is based on a full atomistic description of the protein and its environment. The goal is to understand how the protein melting temperature changes upon single-point mutations, because the sign of the temperature variation will allow us to discriminate stabilizing vs. destabilizing mutations in protein sequences. In this refined application the method is based on altruistic well-tempered metadynamics, a variant of multiple-walkers metadynamics. The resulting metastatistics is then modulated by the maximal constrained entropy principle. The latter turns out to be especially helpful in free-energy calculations as it is able to alleviate the severe limitations of metadynamics in properly sampling folded and unfolded configurations. In this work we apply the computational strategy outlined above in the case of the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, a well-studied small protein, which is a reference for computer simulations since decades. We compute the variation of the melting temperature characterizing the folding-unfolding process between the wild-type protein and two of its single-point mutations that are seen to have opposite effect on the free energy changes. The same approach is used for free energy difference calculations between a truncated form of frataxin and a set of five of its variants. Simulation data are compared to in vitro experiments. In all cases the sign of the change of melting temperature is reproduced, under the further approximation of using an empirical effective mean-field to average out protein-solvent interactions.
Bibliometric analysis of research topics on blood–brain barrier breakdown and cognitive function over the last two decades (2000–2021)
Authors: Zhang Ruirui , Zhang Yiqi , Wu Tong , Tian Weitian , Luo Jiamei , Shi Yumiao , Su Diansan , Shu Huigang , Tian Jie
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is closely associated with cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to categorize and summarize research topics on the correlation between BBB breakdown and its effects on cognitive function.

Methods

Bibliometric analysis methods were used to quantitatively and qualitatively assess research progress and predict future research hotspots. Relevant publications from the Web of the Science Core Collection were extracted on November 5, 2022 and analyzed to predict trends and hotspots in the field.

Results

We identified 5518 articles published from 2000 to 2021 about the BBB and cognition. The number of manuscripts on this topic increased steadily during this time period, especially after 2013. We found that the number of articles published in China increased gradually and is in second place behind the United States of America (USA). In the research field of BBB breakdown and cognitive function, the USA is still far ahead. Keyword burst detection suggested that cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration disease and neuroinflammation are emerging research hotspots.

Discussion

The mechanisms of BBB integrity breakdown and its effects on the deterioration of cognitive function are complex, and clinical treatment of the affected diseases has been a hot topic in the field over the past 22 years. Looking forward, this body of research is aimed at improving or maintaining patients’ cognitive abilities, by finding preventive measures and to provide a basis for finding new treatments of cognitive disorders.
Effects of gut microbiota on neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Khatoon Saima , Kalam Nida , Rashid Summya , Bano Gulnaz
Published: June 2023

A progressive degradation of the brain’s structure and function, which results in a reduction in cognitive and motor skills, characterizes neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). The morbidity linked to NDs is growing, which poses a severe threat to human being’s mental and physical ability to live well. The gut-brain axis (GBA) is now known to have a crucial role in the emergence of NDs. The gut microbiota is a conduit for the GBA, a two-way communication system between the gut and the brain. The myriad microorganisms that make up the gut microbiota can affect brain physiology by transmitting numerous microbial chemicals from the gut to the brain via the GBA or neurological system. The synthesis of neurotransmitters, the immunological response, and the metabolism of lipids and glucose have all been demonstrated to be impacted by alterations in the gut microbiota, such as an imbalance of helpful and harmful bacteria. In order to develop innovative interventions and clinical therapies for NDs, it is crucial to comprehend the participation of the gut microbiota in these conditions. In addition to using antibiotics and other drugs to target particular bacterial species that may be a factor in NDs, this also includes using probiotics and other fecal microbiota transplantation to maintain a healthy gut microbiota. In conclusion, the examination of the GBA can aid in understanding the etiology and development of NDs, which may benefit the improvement of clinical treatments for these disorders and ND interventions. This review indicates existing knowledge about the involvement of microbiota present in the gut in NDs and potential treatment options.
Case report: Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome: hearing impairment as the onset of an insidious disorder with high recurrence risk
Authors: Sousa Eulalia , Abreu Maria , Tkachenko Nataliya , Rocha João , Falcão Reis Cláudia
Published: June 2023

Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome (MTS) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by TIMM8A loss of function. It is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss in childhood, progressive optic atrophy in early adulthood, early onset dementia and psychiatric symptoms of variable expressivity. We present a family with 4 affected males, explore age-related and interfamilial variability and review the literature.

Case report

A 31 years-old male developed psychiatric symptoms at age 18 and presented early onset dementia. Sensorineural hearing loss had been diagnosed in childhood. At 28yo, he developed dysarthria, dysphonia, dysmetria, limb hyperreflexia, dystonia, and spasticity following an acute encephalopathic crisis. WES revealed a hemizygous novel likely pathogenic variant in TIMM8A, c.45_61dup p.(His21Argfs*11), establishing the diagnosis of MTS. Genetic counseling of the family allowed the diagnosis of three other symptomatic relatives −3 nephews (11yo and two 6yo twins), children of a carrier sister. The oldest nephew had been followed since 4yo due to speech delay. Sensorineural hearing loss was diagnosed at 9yo, and hearing aids were prescribed. The two other nephews were monozygotic twins, and both had unilateral strabismus. One of the twins had macrocephaly and hypoplasia of the anterior temporal lobe, as disclosed by an MRI performed due to febrile seizures. Both had developmental delays, with the language being the most affected area. Their audiograms confirmed hearing loss. All three nephews were hemizygous for the familial TIMM8A variant.

Discussion

Hearing loss, an early sign of MTS due to auditory neuropathy, can often be overlooked until more severe features of the disorder manifest. Recurrence risk is high for female carriers, and reproductive options should be offered. Early monitoring of hearing and vision loss and neurological impairment in MTS patients is mandatory since early interventions may positively impact their development. This family showcases the importance of performing a timely etiological investigation of hearing loss and its impact on genetic counseling.
Exploration of the etiology of single small subcortical infarctions using high-resolution vessel wall MRI
Authors: Li Yutian , Feng Quanzhi , Wang Congcong , Zhang Xianchang , Wan Liang , Han Tong
Published: June 2023

Objective

We aimed to explore imaging indicators for diagnosing the etiology of single small subcortical infarctions (SSI) using high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI).

Methods

Patients with acute isolated subcortical cerebral infarction were prospectively enrolled and classified as having large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), stroke of undetermined etiology (SUD), or small artery disease (SAD). The infarct information, the cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) score, morphological characteristics of the lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs), and plaque characteristics were compared between the three groups.

Results

Seventy seven patients were enrolled (30 LAA, 28 SUD, and 19 SAD). The total CSVD score of the LAA (P = 0.001) and SUD groups (P = 0.017) was significantly lower than that of the SAD group. The number and total length of LSA branches in the LAA and SUD groups were shorter than in the SAD group. Moreover, the total length laterality index (LI) of the LSAs in the LAA and SUD groups was greater than in the SAD group. The total CSVD score and LI of total length were independent predictors for the SUD and LAA groups. The remodeling index of the SUD group was significantly higher than that of the LAA group (P = 0.002); positive remodeling was dominant in the SUD group (60.7%), whereas remodeling in the LAA group was primarily non-positive (83.3%).

Conclusions

SSI with and without plaques on the carrier artery may have different modes of pathogenesis. Patients with plaques may also have a coexisting mechanism of atherosclerosis.
Decomposing interaction and mediating effects of race/ethnicity and circulating blood levels of cystatin C on cognitive status in the United States health and retirement study
Authors: Higgins Tejera César , Ware Erin B. , Kobayashi Lindsay C. , Fu Mingzhou , Hicken Margaret , Zawistowski Matthew , Mukherjee Bhramar , Bakulski Kelly M.
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives

Elevated circulating cystatin C is associated with cognitive impairment in non-Hispanic Whites, but its role in racial disparities in dementia is understudied. In a nationally representative sample of older non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic adults in the United States, we use mediation-interaction analysis to understand how racial disparities in the cystatin C physiological pathway may contribute to racial disparities in prevalent dementia.

Methods

In a pooled cross-sectional sample of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 9,923), we employed Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios and to test the relationship between elevated cystatin C (>1.24 vs. ≤1.24 mg/L) and impaired cognition, adjusted for demographics, behavioral risk factors, other biomarkers, and chronic conditions. Self-reported racialized social categories were a proxy measure for exposure to racism. We calculated additive interaction measures and conducted four-way mediation-interaction decomposition analysis to test the moderating effect of race/ethnicity and mediating effect of cystatin C on the racial disparity.

Results

Overall, elevated cystatin C was associated with dementia (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.5). Among non-Hispanic Black relative to non-Hispanic White participants, the relative excess risk due to interaction was 0.7 (95% CI: −0.1, 2.4), the attributable proportion was 0.1 (95% CI: −0.2, 0.4), and the synergy index was 1.1 (95% CI: 0.8, 1.8) in a fully adjusted model. Elevated cystatin C was estimated to account for 2% (95% CI: −0, 4%) for the racial disparity in prevalent dementia, and the interaction accounted for 8% (95% CI: −5, 22%). Analyses for Hispanic relative to non-white participants suggested moderation by race/ethnicity, but not mediation.

Discussion

Elevated cystatin C was associated with dementia prevalence. Our mediation-interaction decomposition analysis suggested that the effect of elevated cystatin C on the racial disparity might be moderated by race/ethnicity, which indicates that the racialization process affects not only the distribution of circulating cystatin C across minoritized racial groups, but also the strength of association between the biomarker and dementia prevalence. These results provide evidence that cystatin C is associated with adverse brain health and this effect is larger than expected for individuals racialized as minorities had they been racialized and treated as non-Hispanic White.
Effectiveness of non-pharmacological traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional therapy in treating fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cai Lili , Chen Zhengquan , Liang Juping , Song Yuanyuan , Yu Hong , Zhu Jiaye , Wu Qikai , Zhou Xuan , Du Qing
Published: June 2023

Objective

Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by generalized pain, which is also known as “muscular rheumatism” in Chinese medicine. We undertook this systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with conventional therapy on pain, health status, depression, and the quality of life of fibromyalgia patients.

Methods

Studies were retrieved from five electronic databases (PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science) with publication date up to August 2022. We included randomized controlled trials examining the effects of a combination of non-pharmacological TCM and conventional therapy on pain intensity, health status, depression, and quality of life.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials with 384 fibromyalgia patients met the inclusion criteria. Results of the meta-analysis showed that non-pharmacological TCM combined with conventional therapy exerted significant positive effects on alleviating pain at the post-intervention time point than conventional therapy only (visual analog scale WMD1 = −1.410, P < 0.01; pressure pain threshold WMD2 = 0.830, P < 0.001, respectively). Significant differences in pain assessment were also observed between the two groups after a long-term follow-up (12 months) (WMD1 = −1.040 and WMD2= 0.380, all P < 0.05). The combination therapy group also showed a greater reduction in fibromyalgia impact questionnaire than the control group after a long-term follow-up (WMD = −6.690, P < 0.05). Depression and pain-related quality of life showed no difference between groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Non-pharmacological TCM combined with conventional therapy may be more effective in alleviating pain and improving health status than conventional therapy only. However, it remains some concerns over the safety and clinic application.

Systematic review registration

Identifier: CRD42022352991.
The association between vegetarian diet and varicose veins might be more prominent in men than in women
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Ken , Nfor Oswald Ndi , Tantoh Disline Manli , Lu Wen-Yu , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: June 2023

Background

Varicose veins (VVs), a common vascular disease is associated with a huge medical burden. The prevalence in women surpasses that in men. The role of vegetarian diets in the pathogenesis of the disease remains inconclusive. In this study, we examined the risk of VVs in vegetarian and non-vegetarian men and women.

Methods

The study involved 9905 adults whose data were obtained from Taiwan Biobank between 2008 and 2020. Information on VVs, sex, and vegetarian diets was obtained from participants’ self-responses to the Taiwan Biobank questionnaires.

Results

The study subjects consisted of 4,142 men and 5,763 women. About 12% of men and 35% of women had VVs. Study participants were predominantly non-vegetarians (91.84% were men and 88.24% were women). Women had a higher risk of VVs than men. The odds ratio (OR); 95% confidence interval (CI) was 3.414; 2.995–3.891. There was a significant interaction between sex and vegetarian diets (p = 0.0034). Women were at higher risk of VVs than men both in the vegetarian (OR = 1.877, 95% CI = 1.270–2.774) and non-vegetarian (OR = 3.674, 95% CI = 3.197–4.223) groups. Based on vegetarian diets, only vegetarian men had a higher risk of VVs (OR = 1.453, 95% CI = 1.069 to 1.976). Based on the sex-stratified model, the risk of VVs was significantly higher in vegetarian men (OR = 1.457, 95% CI = 1.072–1.979), and in vegetarian and non-vegetarian women with corresponding ORs (95% CI) of 3.101 (2.528–3.803) and 3.599 (3.140–4.124), respectively.

Conclusion

Women were more susceptible to varicose veins compared to men, regardless of diet. However, in terms of diet, only men who followed a vegetarian diet were at greater risk for developing VVs.
Physicochemical, potential nutritional, antioxidant and health properties of sesame seed oil: a review
Authors: Oboulbiga Edwige Bahanla , Douamba Zoénabo , Compaoré-Sérémé Diarra , Semporé Judith Nomwendé , Dabo Rasmata , Semde Zénabou , Tapsoba Fidèle Wend-Bénédo , Hama-Ba Fatoumata , Songré-Ouattara Laurencia T. , Parkouda Charles , Dicko Mamoudou H.
Published: June 2023

Sesame (Sesanum indicum L.) is one of the primary annual oilseeds grown in Africa and Asia. Sesame seed oil (SSO) is of great economic and human nutrition interest worldwide. Due to its composition in phytochemical antioxidants and profile in unsaturated fatty acids, sesame is used as a biological source of essential fatty acids. It contains bioactive compounds such as lignans (sesamin, sesamol, sesamolin), tocopherols and phytosterols. The oleic/linoleic fatty acids ratio of sesame makes it important for human health. SSO has bioactive compounds that can help prevent certain cardiovascular, metabolized and coronary diseases. The ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in SSO are precursors to eicosanoids that regulate the immune system and inflammatory functions. The essential fatty acids contained in this oil are essential for cell construction and highly recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. The consumption of SSO allows both a decrease in the LDL-cholesterol complex and an increase in the HDL-cholesterol complex. It regulates blood sugar and may have favorable effects on people with liver cancer and those developing fatty liver disease. In this review, the nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and health benefits of SSO have been compiled to provide collective information of nutritional and medical interest.
Nutrients, herbal bioactive derivatives and commensal microbiota as tools to lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Romani Arianna , Sergi Domenico , Zauli Enrico , Voltan Rebecca , Lodi Giada , Vaccarezza Mauro , Caruso Lorenzo , Previati Maurizio , Zauli Giorgio
Published: June 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has infected a vast population across the world, causing more than 664 million cases and 6.7 million deaths by January 2023. Vaccination has been effective in reducing the most critical aftermath of this infection, but some issues are still present regarding re-infection prevention, effectiveness against variants, vaccine hesitancy and worldwide accessibility. Moreover, although several old and new antiviral drugs have been tested, we still lack robust and specific treatment modalities. It appears of utmost importance, facing this continuously growing pandemic, to focus on alternative practices grounded on firm scientific bases. In this article, we aim to outline a rigorous scientific background and propose complementary nutritional tools useful toward containment, and ultimately control, of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In particular, we review the mechanisms of viral entry and discuss the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from α-linolenic acid and other nutrients in preventing the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with its entry gateways. In a similar way, we analyze in detail the role of herbal-derived pharmacological compounds and specific microbial strains or microbial-derived polypeptides in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 entry. In addition, we highlight the role of probiotics, nutrients and herbal-derived compounds in stimulating the immunity response.
Effects of different n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios on lipid metabolism in patients with hyperlipidemia: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Yang Yiwei , Xia Yanping , Zhang Baixi , Li Dan , Yan Jiai , Yang Ju , Sun Jing , Cao Hong , Wang Yingyu , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2023

Background and aims

Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is helpful for cardiometabolic health. It improves lipid metabolism, and increasing n-3 PUFA is often considered beneficial. However, the role of n-6/n-3 in the regulation of lipid metabolism has been much debated. Therefore, this study was performed on the effect of different proportions of n-6/n-3 diet on lipid metabolism, and quality of life in patients with hyperlipidemia, aiming to explore appropriate proportions of n-6/n-3 to provide the theoretical basis for the development and application of nutritional blended oil in the future.

Methods

These 75 participants were randomized and assigned into three groups, which received dietary oil with high n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios (HP group: n-6/n-3 = 7.5/1), dietary oil with middle n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios (MP group: n-6/n-3 = 2.5/1) or low n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios (LP group: n-6/n-3 = 1/2.5). All patients received dietary guidance and health education were monitored for hyperlipidemia. Anthropometric, lipid and blood glucose parameters and quality of life were assessed at baseline and 60 days after intervention.

Result

After 60 days, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level was increased (p = 0.029) and Total cholesterol (TC) level was decreased (p = 0.003) in the MP group. In the LP group, TC level was decreased (p = 0.001), TG level was decreased (p = 0.001), but HDL-c level was not significantly increased. At the end of intervention, quality of life’ score was improved in both MP and LP groups (p = 0.037).

Conclusion

Decreasing the intake of edible oil n-6/n-3 ratio can improve blood lipids and quality of life. This is significant for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is also essential to note that an excessive reduction of the n-6/n-3 ratio does not further improve the blood lipid metabolism. In addition, the application of perilla oil in nutritional blended oil has particular significance.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/indexEN.html, identifier ChiCTR-2300068198.
Effects of a wholegrain-rich diet on markers of colonic fermentation and bowel function and their associations with the gut microbiome: a randomised controlled cross-over trial
Authors: Procházková Nicola , Venlet Naomi , Hansen Mathias L. , Lieberoth Christian B. , Dragsted Lars Ove , Bahl Martin I. , Licht Tine Rask , Kleerebezem Michiel , Lauritzen Lotte , Roager Henrik M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Diets rich in whole grains are associated with health benefits. Yet, it remains unclear whether the benefits are mediated by changes in gut function and fermentation.

Objective

We explored the effects of whole-grain vs. refined-grain diets on markers of colonic fermentation and bowel function, as well as their associations with the gut microbiome.

Methods

Fifty overweight individuals with increased metabolic risk and a high habitual intake of whole grains (~69 g/day) completed a randomised cross-over trial with two 8-week dietary intervention periods comprising a whole-grain diet (≥75 g/day) and a refined-grain diet (<10 g/day), separated by a washout period of ≥6  weeks. A range of markers of colonic fermentation and bowel function were assessed before and after each intervention.

Results

The whole-grain diet increased the levels of faecal butyrate (p = 0.015) and caproate (p = 0.013) compared to the refined-grain diet. No changes in other faecal SCFA, BCFA or urinary levels of microbial-derived proteolytic markers between the two interventions were observed. Similarly, faecal pH remained unchanged. Faecal pH did however increase (p = 0.030) after the refined-grain diet compared to the baseline. Stool frequency was lower at the end of the refined-grain period compared to the end of the whole-grain diet (p = 0.001). No difference in faecal water content was observed between the intervention periods, however, faecal water content increased following the whole-grain period compared to the baseline (p = 0.007). Dry stool energy density was unaffected by the dietary interventions. Nevertheless, it explained 4.7% of the gut microbiome variation at the end of the refined-grain diet, while faecal pH and colonic transit time explained 4.3 and 5%, respectively. Several butyrate-producers (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Butyriciococcus) were inversely associated with colonic transit time and/or faecal pH, while the mucin-degraders Akkermansia and Ruminococcaceae showed the opposite association.

Conclusion

Compared with the refined-grain diet, the whole-grain diet increased faecal butyrate and caproate concentrations as well as stool frequency, emphasising that differences between whole and refined grains affect both colonic fermentation and bowel habits.
Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide and its comparison with tenofovir alafenamide in patients with chronic hepatitis B: results from a retrospective real-world study
Authors: Li Lanqing , Zhou Jing , Li Yujing , Wang Fada , Zhang Dongmei , Wang Menglan , Tao Yachao , Chen Enqiang
Published: June 2023

Background/aim: Tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) has shown potent antiviral efficacy in randomized clinical studies. This study aimed to reveal the effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide in the real world and compared tenofovir amibufenamide to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods: In this retrospective study, tenofovir amibufenamide-treated chronic hepatitis B patients were divided into treatment-naive (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) groups. Furthermore, tenofovir alafenamide-treated patients were enrolled using the propensity score matching method (PSM). We assessed the virological response (VR, HBV DNA < 100 IU/mL) rate, renal function, and blood lipid changes during 24 weeks of treatment.

Results: Virologic response rates at week 24 were 93% (50/54) in the treatment-naive group and 95% (61/64) in the treatment-experienced group. The ratios of alanine transaminase (ALT) normalization were 89% (25/28) in the treatment-naive group and 71% (10/14) in the treatment-experienced group (p = 0.306). Additionally, serum creatinine decreased in both the treatment-naive and treatment-experienced groups, (−4.44 ± 13.55 μmol/L vs. −4.14 ± 9.33 μmol/L, p = 0.886), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased (7.01 ± 12.49 ml/min/1.73 m2vs. 5.50 ± 8.16 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.430), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased (0.09 ± 0.71 mmol/L vs. 0.27 ± 0.68 mmol/L, p = 0.152), whereas total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) levels decreased continuously from 3.26 ± 1.05 to 2.49 ± 0.72 in the treatment-naive group and from 3.31 ± 0.99 to 2.88 ± 0.77 in the treatment-experienced group. Using propensity score matching, we further compared virologic response rates between the tenofovir amibufenamide and tenofovir alafenamide cohorts. Virologic response rates in treatment-naive patients were higher in the tenofovir amibufenamide cohort [92% (35/38) vs. 74% (28/38), p = 0.033]. Virologic response rates in treatment-experienced patients showed no statistical difference between the tenofovir amibufenamide and tenofovir alafenamide cohorts.

Conclusion: Tenofovir amibufenamide had profound antiviral effectiveness and no adverse effects on renal function or blood lipids. Additionally, tenofovir amibufenamide was more efficient than tenofovir alafenamide in inhibiting viral replication, which needs to be demonstrated in future studies.
Assessment of community pharmacists’ knowledge about drug-drug interactions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alorfi Nasser M. , Alqurashi Roaya S. , Algarni Alanood S.
Published: June 2023

Background: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) have the potential to result in severe adverse drug events and profoundly affect patient outcomes. The pivotal role community pharmacists assume in recognizing and effectively managing these interactions necessitates a comprehensive understanding and heightened awareness of their implications. Such knowledge and awareness among community pharmacists are fundamental for ensuring the delivery of safe and efficacious care to patients.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of community pharmacists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, regarding drug-drug interactions (DDIs).

Method: A cross-sectional survey was administered to a cohort of 147 community pharmacists through the utilization of a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed a comprehensive range of 30 multiple-choice questions, encompassing various facets pertaining to drug-drug interactions (DDIs).

Results: A total of 147 community pharmacists working in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, completed the survey. The majority of them were male (89.1%, n = 131), and had bachelor’s degrees in pharmacy. Results showed that the lowest correct response of DDIs was between Theophylline/Omeprazole, while the highest was between amoxicillin and acetaminophen. Results revealed that among the 28 drug pairs, only six pairs were determined correctly by most participants. The study found that majority of the studied community pharmacist could not determine the correct answer on drug-drug interaction knowledge, as also seen with the measured below half mean DDIs knowledge of 38.22 ± 22.0 (min = 0, max = 89.29, median = 35.71).

Conclusion: The study highlights the need for ongoing training and education programs for community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia to enhance their knowledge and understanding of DDIs, ultimately leading to improved patient care and safety.
Scrutinizing the feasibility of macroscopic quantum coherence in the brain: a field-theoretical model of cortical dynamics
Authors: Keppler Joachim
Published: June 2023

The neural activity patterns associated with advanced cognitive processes are characterized by a high degree of collective organization, which raises the question of whether macroscopic quantum phenomena play a significant role in cortical dynamics. In order to pursue this question and scrutinize the feasibility of macroscopic quantum coherence in the brain, a model is developed regarding the functioning of microcolumns, which are the basic functional units of the cortex. This model assumes that the operating principle of a microcolumn relies on the interaction of a pool of neurotransmitter (glutamate) molecules with the vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field, termed zero-point field (ZPF). Quantitative calculations reveal that the coupling strength of the glutamate pool to the resonant ZPF modes lies in the critical regime in which the criterion for the initiation of a phase transition is fulfilled, driving the ensemble of initially independent molecules toward a coherent state and resulting in the formation of a coherence domain that extends across the full width of a microcolumn. The formation of a coherence domain turns out to be an energetically favored state shielded by a considerable energy gap that protects the collective state against thermal perturbations and entails decoherence being greatly slowed down. These findings suggest that under the special conditions encountered in cortical microcolumns the emergence of macroscopic quantum phenomena is feasible. This conclusion is further corroborated by the insight that the presence of a coherence domain gives rise to downstream effects which may be crucial for the cortical communication and the formation of large-scale activity patterns. Taken together, the presented model sheds new light on the fundamental mechanism underlying cortical dynamics and suggests that long-range synchronization in the brain results from a bottom-up orchestration process involving the ZPF.
2.85-kW cryogenic Nd:YAG slab laser operating at 946 nm
Authors: Chang Jin-Quan , Bian Qi , Bo Yong , Shen Yu , Peng Qin-Jun
Published: June 2023

A several-kilowatt level laser at 946 nm is demonstrated in a cryogenically cooled diode-pumped Nd:YAG slab system. The oscillator realizes the record of the output power of 2.85 kW in a compact cavity with the homemade cryogenically cooled Nd:YAG crystal slab. The pulse repetition rate and pulse width of the laser are 400 Hz and 200 µs, respectively, and the center wavelength under full power is 946.2 nm with a bandwidth of about 0.5 nm. The absorption linewidth at 808 nm is a little narrowed and blue shifts at the cryogenic temperature, while the cooling temperature decreases from 300 to 77 K. The measured thermal conductivity increases from 10 to 70 W/mˑK, and the thermal expansion coefficient decreases from 7.5*10−6 to 1.5*10−6/K. These results could guide us in simulating the temperature gradient and thermal-induced stress distributions in the crystal slab.