bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Spatially Explicit Model of the Dynamics of Opisthorchis viverrini Spread
Authors: Trevisin Cristiano , Kamber Lars , Mari Lorenzo , Chitnis Nakul , Perez‐Saez Javier , Sayasone Somphou , Odermatt Peter , Gatto Marino , Rinaldo Andrea 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTOpisthorchis viverrini is a water‐based disease‐causing parasite whose public health implications are relevant in Southeast Asia. Untreated or chronic infections often lead to severe hepatobiliary morbidity including cholangiocarcinoma, a lethal bile duct cancer. The liver fluke O. viverrini can be contracted by consumption of raw fish, after which it settles in the small biliary ducts. The life cycle involves, besides freshwater snails in which asexual reproduction takes place, freshwater cyprinid fish as intermediate hosts. Piscivorous mammals, including humans, dogs and cats, are definitive hosts. Here, we propose a spatially explicit model for the transmission dynamics in realistic freshwater environments. Our model generalises existing local‐scale models by assimilating novel spreading mechanisms in space and time. Our study emphasises that spatial connectivity is key to shaping patterns of disease spread. Fish distribution and mobility through river corridors affect disease transmission routes. Our study provides baseline information on the role of connected freshwater bodies and their suitability for intermediate and final hosts. The distributions of fish catch and fish market supplies are also considered because they affect the spatiotemporal spread of opisthorchiasis. Adding a spatial component to transmission models fundamentally changes the description of epidemiological dynamics and the related scenarios of disease propagation through an improved description of the ecology of hosts, parasites and their transmission cycles. This work provides a more realistic description of the environment where infection cycles develop and spread than previous modelling attempts did, thus allowing a better characterisation of transmission routes and enabling a proper design of containment measures.
Regulatory Roles of Quercetin in Alleviating Fructose‐Induced Hepatic Steatosis: Targeting Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Metabolites
Authors: Li Jinjun , Zhao Zhiqi , Deng Yixuan , Li Xinxin , Zhu Liying , Wang Xin , Li Li , Li Xiaoqiong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWhile fructose is a key dietary component, concerns have been raised about its potential risks to the liver. This study aimed to assess quercetin's protective effects against fructose‐induced mouse hepatic steatosis. Thirty‐two male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into four groups: control, high fructose diet (HFrD), HFrD supplemented with low‐dose quercetin (HFrD+LQ), and HFrD supplemented with high‐dose quercetin (HFrD+HQ). Biochemical, pathological, immune, and metabolic parameters were assessed. Quercetin treatment significantly reduced liver fat percentages in mice on a high fructose diet, with the most notable reduction observed in the HFrD+HQ group. Histological examination confirmed this reduction, revealing diminished lipid droplets and decreased inflammation and steatosis in hepatocytes. Compared to the high fructose group, interleukin‐1 β and tumor necrosis factor alpha were significantly decreased, serum aspartate aminotransferase concentrations were markedly reduced, and blood high‐density lipoprotein concentrations were substantially elevated after quercetin intervention (p < 0.05). Total bilirubin and triglyceride levels, which were significantly altered following high fructose intervention and reversed after quercetin intervention. Following the administration of 100 mg/kg quercetin, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly reduced compared to the high fructose group. At the genus level, Erysipelotrichaceae_uncultured, Faecalibaculum, Odoribacter, and Allobaculum were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), Lacnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Parabacteroides, and Alloprevotella significantly increased (p < 0.05). However, the 50 mg/kg quercetin treatment only decreased the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae_uncultured (p < 0.05). In addition, quercetin significantly enhanced the content of propionic acid and total acid (p < 0.05). Moreover, the intestinal flora showed a significant correlation with the hepatic health‐related phenotype in mice. Both 50 and 100 mg/kg quercetin treatments significantly mitigated liver fat deposition in mice with fructose‐induced hepatic steatosis. However, the higher dose of quercetin (100 mg/kg) demonstrated a more pronounced effect in reducing liver inflammation, likely due to its impact on gut microbiota regulation. This suggests quercetin's potential as a therapeutic agent for fructose‐related hepatic steatosis, emphasizing the importance of dose considerations.
Study protocol: A national cross‐sectional study on psychology and behavior investigation of Chinese residents in 2023
Authors: Liu Diyue , Fan Siyuan , Huang Xincheng , Gu Wenjing , Yin Yifan , Zhang Ziyi , Ma Baotong , Xia Ruitong , Lu Yuanwei , Liu Jingwen , Xin Hanjia , Cao Yumeng , Yang Saier , Li Runqing , Li Han , Zhao Ji , Zhang Jin , Gao Zheng , Zeng Yaxin , Ding Yixiao , Ren Zhuolun , Guan Yan , Zhang Na , Li Jia , Ma Yan , Wei Pei , Dong Jingjing , Zhou Yajing , Dong Yong , Qian Yan , Chen Chen , Zhao Yujie , Li Yimiao , Zheng Yujia , Chen Rongyi , Li Xiaomeng , Han Yuke , Xia Yaoyao , Xu Huixin , Wu Zhaolin , Wu Mingyou , Wu Xinrui , Hou Junyi , Cai Yuelai , Dai Xiaofan , Li Wenbo , Nie Ting , Zhang Chongzhe , Wang Xiaoya , Li Dan , Yan Siyao , Yi Zhiheng , Liu Chenxi , Zhang Xinyue , Shi Lei , Li Haomiao , Jiang Feng , Zhou Xiaoming , Sun Xinying , Wu Yibo ,   Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents project team
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study protocol specifies the primary research line and theoretical framework of the 2023 Survey of the Psychology and Behavior of the Chinese Population. It aims to establish a consistent database of Chinese residents' psychological and behavioral surveys through multi‐center and large‐sample cross‐sectional surveys to provide robust data support for developing research in related fields. It will track the public's physical and psychological health more comprehensively and systematically.MethodsThe study was conducted from June 20, 2023 to August 31, 2023, using stratified and quota sampling methods. A total of 150 cities across 800 communities/villages were surveyed, selected from China (Despite extensive coordination, we have been unable to contact our counterparts in the Taiwan region of China to obtain relevant statistical data). The questionnaires were distributed to the public one‐on‐one and face‐to‐face by trained surveyors. The questionnaires included basic information about the individual, personal health status, basic information about the family, the social environment in which the individual lives, psychological condition scales, behavioral level scales, other scales, and attitudes towards topical social issues. Supervisors conducted quality control during the distribution process and returned questionnaires, logically checked and cleaned for data analysis.DiscussionData collection has been finished, and scientific outputs based on this data will support the development of health promotion strategies in China and globally. In the aftermath of the pandemic, it will guide policymakers and healthcare organizations to improve their existing policies and services to maximize the physical and mental health of the Chinese population.Trial RegistrationThis study was filed in the National Health Security Information Platform (Record No.: MR‐37‐23‐017876) and officially registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (Registration No.: ChiCTR2300072573).
Secure Cluster Based Routing Scheme for Neuro‐Fuzzy Assisted MANET in 5G
Authors: Rathinakumar Perinbaraj , Khansadurai Asan Mohideen , Padmanaban Sickari , Ramya Rakkipalayam Sampath , Natraj Narambunathan Arunachalam 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe Fifth Generation (5G) of wireless networks has increasingly focused significantly on energy‐saving methods for mobile communication systems. The objective of combining MANET with 5G communication is to achieve a high data throughout while simultaneously reducing latency and cost. The main issues with MANET are elevated energy use, security, and reduced longevity. The self‐configuring characteristics and dynamic architecture of MANET may lead to frequent changes in topology and resource allocation. This mobility results in frequent connection failures, which increase routing overheads and decrease data transmission dependability. A secured clustering technique is essential to enhance the routing performance and establish reliable routing. In MANET, the cluster mechanism is the prominent way to improve the network lifetime and routing mechanism. The proposed secure cluster routing‐based neuro‐fuzzy logic (SCR‐NFL) establishes a secure cluster mechanism via the use of the Trust value method. It guarantees cluster stability by taking into account node mobility and energy while selecting cluster heads. The important components in the proposed system are Mobility (M), Residual Energy Level (REL), and Trust Value (TV). The neural fuzzy logic system is implemented to handle the data uncertainty and make effective decisions during routing path selections. The proposed SCR‐NFL performance is measured in an NS‐2 simulation environment. The result is compared with the existing Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm, Trust‐Based Secure Neuro Fuzzy Clustering mechanism and Mobility Aware Energy Efficient Clustering system using Particle Swarm Optimization mechanism. The performance parameters for comparison are packet delivery ratio, average number of clusters, end‐to‐end delay, average number of cluster instances, mobility speed and mobility distance.
Folinic acid as a treatment for autism in children: A within‐subjects open‐label study on safety and efficacy
Authors: Wong Chui Mae , Tan Charmain Samantha , Koh Hwan Cui , Gan Xinyi , Hie Szu Liang , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Yeo Joo Guan , Lam Joyce Ching Mei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe folate cycle has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism due to its role in the glutathione oxidative stress pathway, amino acid and DNA methylation reactions, and neurotransmitter synthesis pathway. Previous research on folinic acid supplementation in autistic children has suggested potential benefits. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the safety, feasibility and efficacy of oral folinic acid in improving communication and behaviour in autistic children. Ten autistic children were recruited into an open‐label pre‐post treatment within‐subjects design study. At T = 0, 12 and 24 weeks, participants underwent safety evaluations, standardized assessments of language, autism symptoms, adaptive skills and global illness severity, and eye‐gaze tracking. During the control period (0–12 weeks), participants continued with standard care. In the treatment period (12–24 weeks), participants took oral folinic acid at 2 mg/kg/day. All 10 children (nine boys, one girl; aged 4–8 years), successfully consumed oral folinic acid supplements with no adverse events. There was a reduction in Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory (PDDBI) Autism Composite T‐score with treatment (mean [SD] T‐score 49.2 [8.89] pre‐treatment, 44.6 [6.19] post‐treatment, p = 0.103). Although this difference was not statistically significant due to the small sample size, the effect size was medium‐large, indicating that, as a group, there were clinically meaningful changes in PDDBI T‐scores. There were also trends towards gains in communication scores and overall Clinical Global Impression scores. Folinic acid is a safe and feasible potential treatment for autism, and results from this pilot justify the need for a larger placebo‐controlled trial.
AMPK Activates Cellulase Secretion in Penicillium funiculosum by Downregulating P‐HOG1 MAPK Levels
Authors: Randhawa Anmoldeep , Sinha Tulika , Das Maitreyee , Yazdani Syed Shams 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCellulase production for hydrolyzing plant cell walls is energy‐intensive in filamentous fungi during nutrient scarcity. AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), encoded by snf1, is known to be the nutrient and energy sensor in eukaryotes. Previous studies on AMPK identified its role in alternate carbon utilization in pathogenic fungi. However, the precise role of AMPK in cellulase production remains elusive. In the present study, we employed gene‐deletion analysis, quantitative proteomics and chemical‐genetic approaches to investigate the role of AMPK in cellulase synthesis in Penicillium funiculosum. Gene‐deletion analysis revealed that AMPK does not promote transcription and translation but is essential for cellulase secretion in a calcium‐dependent manner. Proteomic analysis of the snf1‐deleted (Δsnf1) strain confirmed trapped cellulase inside the mycelia and identified HOG1 MAPK activation as the most significant Ca2+‐induced signaling event during carbon stress in Δsnf1. Western blot analysis analysis revealed that the phosphorylated HOG1 (P‐HOG1)/HOG1 MAPK ratio maintained by Ca2+‐signaling/Ca2+‐activated AMPK, respectively, forms a secretion checkpoint for cellulases, and disturbing this equilibrium blocks cellulase secretion. The proteomic analysis also indicated a massive increase in mTORC1‐activated anabolic pathways during carbon stress in Δsnf1. Our study suggests that AMPK maintains homeostasis by acting as a global repressor during carbon stress.
Association between timing of maternal energy consumption and adiposity in breastfeeding infants: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yaprak Deniz , Mısırlıgil Mina , Ünsal Nüket , Balamtekin Necati , Saygılı Karagöl Belma , Dumlupınar Ebru 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundLactating women's food intake timing may play a critical role in maternal and infant nutrition health. We aimed to examine associations of breastfeeding mothers' diet quantity and circadian timing of food intake with subsequent weight status of exclusively breastfed infants over a 6‐month period.MethodsThis prospective observational study comprised pairs of healthy singleton breastfed infants and their corresponding healthy lactating mothers. Reported food intake times and diet content were used to define maternal eating patterns infant body mass index‐for‐age z scores (BAZs) at birth, 2 and 6 months. Association of maternal eating pattern with alterations in infant BAZ gain and nutritional status at age 6 months were investigated in multiple regression analyses.ResultsCompared with maternal daytime eating, maternal nighttime eating was linked to a greater increase in infantile BAZ from ages 2 to 6 months (adjusted β = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.05–0.92; P = 0.03) and a heightened likelihood of being overweight at age 6 months (adjusted odds ratio = 3.81; 95% CI, 1.41–6.63; P = 0.01) after adjusting for factors including maternal age, education level, household income, parity, pregestational body mass index, BAZ at 2 months, total daily energy consumption, and the percentages of energy derived from macronutrients.ConclusionDisruption of rhythmic physiology from irregular eating habits can lead to circadian misalignment, which may result in abnormal weight gain in infants and an increased likelihood of being overweight in the early postnatal period. Circadian alignment is fundamental for regulating women‐infant dyads health.
Prevalence and sequelae of asymptomatic Clostridioides difficile colonization in children with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Reasoner Seth A. , Zhang Lisa S. , Bernard Rachel , Edwards Kathryn M. , Nicholson Maribeth R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractColonization by Clostridioides difficile is common in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and complicates both the management of IBD and the diagnosis of C. difficile infection (CDI). There is a paucity of data on rates, risk factors, and outcomes associated with asymptomatic C. difficile colonization in children with IBD. We enrolled and prospectively followed 87 children with IBD without acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Twelve patients (13.8%) tested positive for C. difficile and were considered to have asymptomatic colonization. Elevated white blood cell count was associated with C. difficile colonization based on univariate regression. Three of the 12 (25%) C. difficile colonized patients were diagnosed with CDI in the 90 days following screening for C. difficile, versus 0 of the 75 who tested negative for C. difficile (p = 0.002). This data set the stage for further longitudinal tracking of children with IBD for C. difficile colonization and associated outcomes.
Determining the time to cholangiocarcinoma in pediatric‐onset PSC‐IBD
Authors: Kaj‐Carbaidwala Batul , Fevery Johan , Adler Douglas G. , Bergquist Annika , de Ridder Lissy , Deneau Mark , Gower‐Rousseau Corinne , Chapman Roger W. , Lynch Kate D. , Stedman Catherine A. M. , Wilson David C. , Shah Uzma , Goyal Lipika , Winter Harland S. , Lennerz Jochen K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. When a child is diagnosed with both PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), evidence‐based information on counseling families and risk management of developing cholangiocarcinoma is limited. In this case series (PubMed/collaborators), we included patients with PSC‐IBD who developed cholangiocarcinoma and contacted authors to determine an event curve specifying the time between the second diagnosis (IBD or PSC) and a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Review of n = 175 studies resulted in a cohort of n = 21 patients with pediatric‐onset PSC‐IBD‐cholangiocarcinoma. The median time to development of cholangiocarcinoma was 6.95 years from the second diagnosis. Despite the small number, 38% of cholangiocarcinoma developed within the first 2 years, and 47% of patients developed cholangiocarcinoma in the transition period to adult care (age 14–25). Our findings highlight the importance of screening that extends over the so‐called transition period from pediatric to adult care.
Long‐Term Quality of Life and Survivorship Priorities in Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Survey‐Based Assessment
Authors: Joseph Edward A. , Allen Casey J. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesThis study examines the long‐term quality of life (QOL) and priorities of survivors who underwent management for esophageal cancer (EC).MethodsWe cross‐sectionally surveyed EC patients through online support groups to assess the relative importance of their overall survival, experience, costs of care, and QOL. Kendall's co‐efficient of Concordance (W) was utilized to assess agreement among respondents.ResultsAmong 100 respondents (age 57.2 ± 10.4 years, 54% male, 90% Caucasian), median overall survival was 18.0 (7.8–49.8) months, with a maximum survivorship of 48.3 years. Respondents ranked overall survival most important, followed by functional independence, emotional well‐being, treatment experience, and costs of care (W = 0.342, p < 0.001). Some survivors ranked treatment experience (4%) or costs (6%) as their most important priority. The cohort's physical QOL (P‐QOL; 39.79 ± 10.16) and mental QOL (M‐QOL; 42.29 ± 15.43) were below that of the general population (50.00 ± 10.00); both p < 0.050. There was no difference in P‐QOL and M‐QOL based on the presence of metastatic disease (both p > 0.050). Patients who underwent curative surgery had superior M‐QOL (45.00 ± 15.22 vs. 36.70 ± 14.53, p = 0.010). Although P‐QOL was similar based on duration of survival (40.30 ± 9.75 [< 1 year], 39.33 ± 10.52 [1–5 years], 39.81 ± 10.68 [> 5 years], p = 0.873), M‐QOL was higher in patients with extended survivorship (36.87 ± 14.24 [< 1 year], 45.05 ± 14.94 [1–5 years], 47.30 ± 16.36 [> 5 years], p = 0.008).ConclusionsDespite enduring physical health impairments, a majority of EC survivors prioritized their survival. However, a few survivors prioritized costs and treatment experience, underscoring the importance of tailoring treatments to ensure alignment with individual patient‐driven priorities.
Bone morphogenetic proteins, DNA methylation, and gut microbiota interaction in lumbar disc degeneration: A multi‐omics Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Xiang‐Yu , Wang Peng‐Yun , Wang Qi‐Jun , Wang Dong‐Fan , Wang Shuai‐Kang , Wang Yu , Zhu Wei‐Guo , Wang Wei , Kong Chao , Lu Shi‐Bao , Chen Xiao‐Long 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundLumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a ubiquitous finding in low back pain. Many different etiology factors may explain the LDD process, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), DNA methylation, and gut microbiota. Until recently the mechanisms underlying the LDD process have been elusive.MethodsBMP‐related genes were extracted from the GeneCards database. The LDD transcriptome dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. We used linear regression and meta‐analysis to screen and integrate the differentially expressed genes associated with BMPs in LDD. Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of LDD were from FinnGen and UKBB. The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and DNA methylation quantitative trait loci from the blood were identified via the summary data‐based Mendelian randomization (SMR) method, and the possible blood BMP genes and their regulatory elements associated with the risk of LDD were prioritized. Intestinal eQTLs and fecal microbial QTLs (mbQTLs) were integrated, and the potential interactions between BMP gene expression in host intestinal tissue and the gut microbiota were revealed through SMR and colocalization analysis. The GWAS catalog (GCST90246169) was used to validate SMR results.ResultsA meta‐analysis of five datasets revealed that 113 BMP genes were differentially expressed between LDD and control tissues. Seven genes were selected as candidate pathogenic genes of LDD via the three‐step SMR method: CREB1, BMP6, PTCH1, GLI1, MEG3, GALNS, and NF1. SMR analysis also revealed five possible gut genes: HFE, MET, MAPK3, NPC1, and GDF5. The correlation between the gut microbiota and BMP gene expression in intestinal tissues was verified by eQTL‐mbQTL colocalization.ConclusionThis multi‐omics study revealed that the BMP genes associated with LDD are regulated by DNA methylation. There are genetic differences between gut gene expression and the gut microbiota. These findings provide evidence for new therapeutic targets in the future.