bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A tryptophol-containing emulgel ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice by decreasing the expression of JAK/STAT pathway members
Authors: Pudgerd Arnon , Jongsomchai Kamonwan , Muangkaew Watcharamat , Phuapittayalert Laorrat , Jamsuwan Sataporn , Chanmanee Teera , Vanichviriyakit Rapeepun , Sukphopetch Passanesh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammatory disease that involves the IL-23/IL-17 axis. The disease is characterized by severe inflammation, prominent epidermal hyperplasia, scaling and erythema. Tryptophol (TOH) is a quorum-sensing molecule that has anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we demonstrated the ability of a TOH-containing emulgel to alleviate imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis in mice. The results revealed that the TOH-containing emulgel decreased the pathological score of the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Together with the suppression of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, the TOH-containing emulgel alleviated hyperkeratosis and downregulated the expression of K10, K6, K16, K17 and involucrin. Moreover, reduced mast cell infiltration was observed, along with the downregulation of ST2 and IL-33 expression in the mouse skin lesions. CD4+ cell infiltration was reduced, and decreased levels of IL-17A and IL-23 in both the serum and psoriatic skin lesions were associated with reduced activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Additionally, the TOH-containing emulgel suppressed systemic inflammation in the axillary lymph nodes; alleviated IMQ-induced splenomegaly; downregulated the expression of TNFα, IL-1 and IL-6 in the splenic and lymph node tissues; and reduced the serum levels of TNFα and IL-1β. This study revealed that a TOH-containing emulgel attenuates IMQ-induced inflammation in psoriatic mice and presents a novel therapeutic approach for this condition.
Conservation and management strategies of Rhododendron sohayakiense var. koreanum using genetic diversity and structure
Authors: Nam Hyun-Kyeong , Kim Joon-Hyeok , Woo Kwan-Soo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Rhododendron sohayakiense var. koreanum is a shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family, found on the rocky summits of mountains above 1,000 meters in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. As a subalpine plant, it is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, making it a priority species for monitoring. This study was conducted to conserve and manage the genetic diversity of R. sohayakiense var. koreanum. A total of 270 individuals from 8 populations across its range were analyzed using 11 microsatellite markers. The mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.486, the mean expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.538, and the differentiation among populations (FST) was 0.248. The genetic diversity of the populations was similar to plants vulnerable to climate change, and due to their isolated distribution and insect-pollinated plant, genetic differentiation among populations was high. Bayesian clustering showed that the 8 populations were grouped into 4 clusters, and this result was also supported by Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and the dendrogram. Considering the clustering results and the genetic diversity of each population, Mt. Baegun and Mt. Sambong were selected as in situ conservation populations. The estimated effective population sizes of two selected populations are 43 and 17, respectively, which are fewer than the minimum population size (50) required to prevent inbreeding. Therefore, Forest Genetic Resource Reserves should be established to preserve as many native R. sohayakiense var. koreanum as possible in each region to avoid reducing the effective population size and inbreeding. Additionally, for the genetic diversity conservation and management of the two population, monitoring should be conducted with a minimum distance of 34 m between individuals for Mt. Baegun and 26 m for Mt. Sambong, ensuring that genetically similar individuals are minimally included.
Freshwater from Antarctica mitigates the risk of an AMOC slowdown
Authors: Knight Jacob , Condron Alan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Numerical models have repeatedly shown that accelerating ice melt from Greenland can cause a slowdown in AMOC, with profound effects on Northern Hemisphere temperatures and precipitation patterns1–3. The impacts of Antarctic meltwater on AMOC and climate are less well documented, especially when considered in tandem with freshwater forcing from Greenland. Here we show that increased Antarctic ice sheet (AIS) meltwater can mitigate an AMOC slowdown caused by meltwater from the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS). In our model, a GIS freshwater discharge of 3000 Gt/yr (~ 0.1 Sv; Sv = 106 m3/s) is sufficient to weaken the AMOC by up to 10 Sv. However, only a slightly higher discharge of 5000 Gt/yr (0.16 Sv) from the AIS entirely avoids this GIS meltwater-induced AMOC slowdown. These effects are driven by interhemispheric processes linked to the Bipolar Seesaw and operate on decadal timescales. Our results show that despite accelerating ice sheet melt contributing to global sea level rise, a faster rate of ice loss from Antarctica could prevent a future AMOC slowdown triggered by increased meltwater from Greenland.
Elicitation of the Himalayan Toothache Relieving Tree (Zanthoxylum armatum DC .): Enhancing Secondary Metabolites in In vitro Shoot Cultures
Authors: Agnihotri Saumya , Dobhal Preeti , Mishra Sumit , Rautela Inder Singh , Agnihotri Divya , Tamta Sushma 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of various elicitors on the production of secondary metabolites in the "Himalayan Toothache Relieving Tree" (Zanthoxylum armatum DC.) using in vitro shoot cultures. Five elicitors—Proline (50, 100, and 200 mg/L), Salicylic acid (50, 100, and 200 mg/L), salt (50, 100, and 200 mg/L), sucrose (0, 20, 40, and 60 g/L), and pH levels (4.0 and 8.0)—were tested on nodal segments. The MS medium fortified with 40 g/L sucrose yielded the best results, achieving the highest average shoot length (6.91 ± 0.50 cm) and leaf number (14.56 ± 1.69). Conversely, the least growth was observed with 100 mg/L salicylic acid. No rooting was detected in any treatment. In vitro plant materials were analyzed for total phenolics, flavonoids, tannin content, and antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP, and MCA assays. Additionally, GC-MS and HPLC analyses revealed that elicitor treatments significantly enhanced the accumulation of secondary metabolites and led to the synthesis of novel phytochemicals. Notably, elicited microshoots exhibited increased levels of compounds like Tetratetracontane, Phytol, Fargesin, and (+)-Sesamin compared to controls. These findings suggest that elicitation is a viable method to boost the production of valuable secondary metabolites in Z. armatum, potentially benefiting other medicinal plants as well.
Unveiling the Power of CBC: Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Game-Changer in Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis Diagnosis
Authors: Kahvecioğlu Dilek , Taş Melda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of novel parameters derived from complete blood count (CBC) analysis, including the nucleated red blood cell count (NRBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red cell distribution width (RDW), plateletcrit (PCT), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in identifying late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS).
Methods
This was a retrospective, single-center, case‒control study in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. The study included 38 neonates diagnosed with LOS and 22 healthy control subjects. The data collected included demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and laboratory values, including CBC-derived parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and blood cultures. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences between groups and the diagnostic performance of key parameters via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results
Significant differences in multiple parameters were observed between the LOS and control groups. Elevated CRP, platelet count, PCT, lymphocyte percentage, and PLR, in addition to decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophil percentage, NRBC percentage, and NLR, were associated with LOS. PLR demonstrated the strongest diagnostic utility, with a cutoff value of 45.24 achieving 81.6% sensitivity, 61.9% specificity, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.787 (95% CI: 0.671–0.903). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the PLR was the most significant independent predictor of LOS (OR: 1.071; 95% CI: 1.009–1.135, p = 0.023).
Conclusion
CBC-derived parameters, particularly the PLR, offer promising diagnostic value for LOS. These findings support incorporating these accessible and cost-effective biomarkers into clinical practice for the early diagnosis and management of LOS, warranting further validation in larger, multicenter studies.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Ciprofol vs. Propofol for Non-operating Room Sedation and Anesthesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xie Lei , Xi Yazhi , Wang Xin , He Xinyao , Zhou Qing-he 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Propofol is a widely used intravenous anesthetic for procedural sedation in non-operating room settings, but its use is often accompanied by adverse events such as injection pain, respiratory depression, and hypotension. Ciprofol, a novel intravenous anesthetic, has gained attention as a potential alternative due to its favorable safety profile and comparable sedative efficacy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and satisfaction outcomes of ciprofol and propofol in adults undergoing non-operating room procedures.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ciprofol and propofol. Data from eligible studies were extracted and analyzed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for binary outcomes, and standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI were used for continuous outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I²statistic, with fixed-effects or random-effects models applied as appropriate. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity and ensure robustness.
Results: Seven RCTs involving 1,458 participants were included. Ciprofol demonstrated comparable sedation success rates to propofol. Subgroup analyses indicated that combining ciprofol with short-acting opioids significantly improved sedation outcomes (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.12; P < 0.01). Ciprofol was associated with significantly lower risks of injection pain (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.06–0.28; P < 0.01), respiratory depression (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.77; P < 0.01), and hypotension (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.95; P < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between the two agents in induction time or time to full recovery.
Conclusion: Ciprofol is a safe and effective alternative to propofol for non-operating room procedural sedation. Its superior safety profile, particularly in reducing injection pain, respiratory depression, and hypotension, makes it a promising option, especially when combined with short-acting opioids.
Persistent mirusvirus infection in the marine protist Aurantiochytrium
Authors: Archibald John , Chung Dudley , Brask Nik , Matar Sari , Gallot-Lavallée Lucie , Pringle Eric , Duguay Brett , Blais Cedric , Latimer Jessica , Slamovits Claudio , Leyland Ben , Rest Joshua , Collier Jackie , McCormick Craig 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Mirusviruses are enigmatic double-stranded (ds) DNA viruses with a chimeric evolutionary history – they have informational genes of Nucleocytoviricota ancestry and virion module genes most like those of herpesviruses. Mirusvirus genomes were discovered in marine metagenomic data (1) but, despite their abundance and broad environmental distribution, their host range is unknown. The marine thraustochytrid protist Aurantiochytrium limacinum was recently found to possess two mirusvirus-like genomic elements, one a circular episome (AurliV-1) and the other (AurliV-2) a chromosomal integrant (2). Here we show that A. limacinum mirusvirus genes are expressed and virions are produced in all culture conditions examined, including standard growth medium. Of 66 AurIiV-1-encoded proteins detected using proteomics, 48 were up-regulated under starvation conditions, including major capsid protein and triplex proteins. Quantitative PCR showed that AurliV-1 DNA is packaged into virions, and transmission electron microscopy revealed ~140 nm virions in the nucleus, in cytoplasmic vesicles, between the plasma membrane and cell wall, and in the extracellular environment. Putative surface-localized, AurliV-1-encoded, arylsulfatase and alpha-galactosidase proteins may digest sulfated polysaccharides in the host cell wall. Our results establish Aurantiochytrium as the first model system for elucidating mirusvirus-host interactions and reframe the concept of persistent viral infection in microbial eukaryotes.
Gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix from 2013 to 2023: Clinical characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Zhao Junwei , Li Zenghui , Qiu Haifeng , Wang Jing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To summarise our experience with gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix (GAS) at multiple cancer centres.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with GAS (from 1 June 2013 to 1 July 2023) from three collaborating institutions. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to determine progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results
Among the 116 patients with GAS, 71 had negative human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping results: ThinPrep cytologic test negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy in 45; atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in 8; atypical squamous cells, which cannot exclude a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, in 2; low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in 2; high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in 5; atypical glandular cell in 19; and adenocarcinoma in 3 patients. Most patients with GAS had advanced stage disease, with only 32.8% having stage I disease. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages were IB, II, III, and IV in 38, 11, 40, and 18 patients, respectively. The median PFS times for stage I and II–IV diseases were 74.9 and 61.3 months, respectively. The median OS times for patients with stage I and II–IV GAS were 109.7 and 87.6 months, respectively. The median PFS times were 74.9, 75.7, 60.3, and 12.8 months for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively.
Conclusion
GAS is an aggressive form of cervical cancer with poor PFS and OS when diagnosed at stage II or higher.
A Framework for Parsing Psychopathological Heterogeneity: Initial Application in a Large-Scale Unselected Community Sample
Authors: Wu Chaoyi , Yuan Chenyu , Fan Yinqing , Hong Ang , Wu Zhiling , Wang Zhen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Traditional descriptive nosology arbitrarily distinguishes between mental illness and health, hindering the progress of scientific research and clinical practice. Building on recent advancements in psychiatric conceptualization, this study proposes an innovative phased framework for deconstructing psychopathological heterogeneity. The framework involves four key steps: extraction of symptom dimensions, identification of psychopathological subtypes, characterization of symptom interaction patterns using a network approach, and validation of their incremental validity through links to neurobehavioral functions. This framework is preliminarily applied to a large, non-selective community sample (N = 4102) to explore its utility and potential for deconstructing psychopathological heterogeneity.
Methods: Data on comprehensive psychopathology and RDoC negative valence constructs were collected from the sample. Factor analysis and exploratory graph analysis were used to extract symptom dimensions. Latent profile analysis based on these dimensions was applied to identify psychopathological profiles. Partial correlation networks were estimated for each profile, and symptom network characteristics were compared across profiles. Finally, hierarchical multiple regression was applied to assess incremental validity.
Results: The first step of the phased framework involves extracting homogeneous dimensions based on symptom co-occurrence patterns, yielding seven distinct dimensions:Obsessive-Compulsive, Emotional Distress, Eating-Related, Substance-Related, Aggressive, Psychotic, and Somatoform dimensions. The second step involves applying a person-centered approach to identify latent subgroups based on these symptom dimensions. Four profiles were identified, namely Substance Use Group, Moderate Symptomatology Group, Disengaged from Symptomatology Group, and Severe Symptomatology Group. The third step involves characterizing symptom interaction patterns across subgroups. Using a network approach, the Severe Symptomatology Group exhibited the densest interconnections and the highest global network strength, with Aggressive and Psychotic dimensions serving as core issuescompared to other profiles. Finally, incremental validity was assessed through associations with neurobehavioral functions. Results showed that these profiles provided unique predictive value for RDoC negative valence constructs beyond both dichotomousdiagnostic status and purely dimensional approach.
Conclusions: This study introduces a fine-grained framework for deconstructing psychopathological heterogeneity, providing a comprehensive approach to parsing psychopathology. While the framework is preliminarily applied to a large sample from the Chinese population, further validation is needed across diverse cultural and regional contexts.
Computational Thinking Training and Its Effects on Working Memory, Flexibility, and Inhibition: Controlled Trial in Fifth-Grade Children
Authors: Robledo-Castro Carolina , Castillo-Ossa Luis Fernando , Hederich-Martínez Christian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study sought to integrate the discussion on the teaching of computational thinking in elementary school and the development of executive functions in childhood. It evaluated the effect of a training program in computational thinking on working memory, flexibility and inhibition in fifth grade children. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a sample of 111 typically developing children (mean age = 10.75, SD 0.82). Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (computational thinking training for 12 weeks with disconnected activities and activities connected with game programming and educational robotics) or an active control group (in a regular treatment). The executive functions were assessed before and after the intervention using valid and reliable neuropsychological tests. After the training program, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in several executive functions compared to the control group. A large effect size was observed in auditory working memory, a medium effect in visual and visuospatial working memory, and a small effect on inhibition skills. No changes in cognitive flexibility associated with the intervention were observed. The results suggest that teaching computational thinking through disconnected and connected activities achieves a significant effect on the development of some executive functions.
Deciphering pH-Driven Dynamics of Prolyl Endopeptidases: Unveiling Structural insight in Celiac Disease using Computational Techniques
Authors: Verma Awadhesh Kumar , Kumar Shubham , Singh Tanya , Mohan Anand , Sharma Neeta Raj , Kumar Anil 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Celiac disease, an intricate autoimmune disorder, stems from gluten consumption, primarily found in wheat, barley, and rye. Due to its high proline content, gluten resists complete breakdown in the human digestive system. Prolyl endopeptidases (PEPs), a subclass of serine proteases, offer a promising therapeutic avenue. These enzymes exhibit a unique ability to cleave peptide bonds post proline residues, aiding gluten digestion. However, leveraging these enzymes effectively mandates a profound understanding of their operation within the dynamic pH milieu of the human gastrointestinal tract. This study delves into the influence of pH variations on PEP structure and activity, employing advanced computational methodologies. The research initiates with acquiring PEP sequences from ten diverse organisms via the UniProt database. Employing sequence analysis techniques like multiple sequence alignment and pairwise sequence alignment, we identify pH-sensitive regions by scrutinizing conserved motifs and sequence disparities. Prot Pi facilitates the computation of net charge profiles across varied pH gradients, unveiling pH-responsive charge distribution patterns. Structural analysis involves predicting 3D conformations through Pep-Fold4, encapsulating protein adaptations to pH fluctuations. RMSD calculations via PyMOL reveal pH-induced conformational alterations and their implications for protein stability. Also, rigorous homologous modeling of human PEPs via Swiss Model ensures structural fidelity, energy optimization with YASARA refines geometric parameters, while ERRAT analysis validates structural integrity. Docking simulations forecast PEP-gluten peptide interactions across diverse pH conditions. In conclusion, our comprehensive data analysis provides novel insights into how pH modulates PEP structures. These findings bear significant implications for enzyme catalysis, structural resilience, and potential therapeutic strategies.
Investigating the risk of prediabetes among children in NZ: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tupai-Firestone Ridvan , Cheng Soo , Corbin Marine , Lerwill Ngaire , Pulu Tupou , Latu Layla , Dunn Hamish , Pulu Veisinia , Firestone Justice , Fuge Kathryn , Tapu-Ta'ala Sera , Gokhale Prachee , Matheson Anna , Reed Deborah , Borman Barry , Henry Akarere , Krebs Jeremy , Samoa Raynald , Kingi Te Kani , Aitaoto Nia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Prediabetes is a non-communicable disease (NCD) that are common in New Zealand (NZ) and it can lead to poor health. The aim of this study was to identify whether there is an increased risk of developing prediabetes among 11–13-year-olds, outside an organised screening programme.
Methods
Consenting school aged children and their parents completed a series of screening questionnaires including dietary patterns, anthropometrics and socio-economic characteristics. Adapted Australasian Paediatric Endocrinology Guidelines (APEG) criterion was used to identify children at risk of developing prediabetes or have new onset prediabetes.
Results
Of the 276 participants, significant differences between Pacific, Māori and non- Māori non-Pacific children were evident among those who: were obese (BMI > 95th percentile); lived in overcrowded homes and in deprived areas. A high proportion (35%) of children were at risk of developing prediabetes, and two dietary patterns of children consuming: (1) diverse range of food items but were especially high in snacks (sweet and savoury), takeaway food diversity, and drinks; and (2) a vegetarian and legume diet.
Conclusion
The study prevalence of prediabetes risk is indicative of childhood lifestyles, and we recommend early screening and better resourcing for promotion of healthy nutrition as preventative measures.