bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The biochemical effects of carotenoids in orange carrots on the colonic proteome in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity
Authors: Balbuena Emilio , Milhem Fadia , Kiremitci Buse Zeren , Williams Taufika Islam , Collins Leonard , Shu Qingbo , Eroglu Abdulkerim 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionCarotenoids are naturally occurring pigments in plants and are responsible for the orange, yellow, and red color of fruits and vegetables. Carrots are one of the primary dietary sources of carotenoids. The biological activities of carotenoids in higher organisms, including their immunomodulatory activities, are well documented in most tissues but not the large intestine. The gastrointestinal barrier acts as a line of defense against the systemic invasion of pathogenic bacteria, especially at the colonic level.MethodsTo test whether carotenoids in orange carrots can alleviate obesity-associated gut inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier function, male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to one of four experimental diets for 20 weeks (n = 20 animals/group): Low-fat diet (LFD, 10% calories from fat), high-fat diet (HFD, 45% calories from fat), HFD with white carrot powder (HFD+WC), or HFD with orange carrot powder (HFD + OC). Colon tissues were harvested to analyze the biochemical effects of carotenoids in carrots. The distal sections were subjected to isobaric labeling-based quantitative proteomics in which tryptic peptides were labeled with tandem mass tags, followed by fractionation and LC-MS/MS analysis in an Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid instrument.ResultsHigh-performance liquid chromatography results revealed that the HFD+WC pellets were carotenoid-deficient, and the HFD+OC pellets contained high concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids, specifically α-carotene and β-carotene. As a result of the quantitative proteomics, a total of 4410 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Intestinal barrier-associated proteins were highly upregulated in the HFD+OC group, particularly mucin-2 (MUC-2). Upon closer investigation into mucosal activity, other proteins related to MUC-2 functionality and tight junction management were upregulated by the HFD+OC dietary intervention.DiscussionCollectively, our findings suggest that carotenoid-rich foods can prevent high-fat diet-induced intestinal barrier disruption by promoting colonic mucus synthesis and secretion in mammalian organisms. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD054150.
Association between dietary consumption of multiple vitamins and age-related macular degeneration: a cross-sectional observational study in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2008
Authors: Liu Zhao , Wang Qiuyuan , Li Lu , Cai ShanJun 
Published: November 2024

PurposeAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the common causes of blindness in the elderly worldwide. Its prevention and monitoring indicators remain a key area of research. This study aims to examine the association between vitamin intake and AMD prevalence.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008 were used for cross-sectional analysis. Logistic regression models, subgroup analyses and multicollinearity regression were employed to assess the association between vitamin intake and AMD.ResultsA total of 1,627 participants were included, with 54.5% (weighted) males and 45.5% (weighted) females. Significant differences were observed in the intake of vitamins B (B1, B2, B6, and B12), E, and folic acid between the AMD and Non-AMD groups. The Non-AMD group had higher average intakes (weighted) of vitamin B1 (1.71 ± 1.10 vs. 1.37 ± 0.64), B2 (2.42 ± 1.22 vs. 1.86 ± 0.70), B6 (2.05 ± 1.25 vs. 1.71 ± 0.85), B12 (5.73 ± 6.18 vs. 4.54 ± 3.27), E (7.93 ± 5.47 vs. 6.39 ± 2.86), and folic acid (181.87 ± 178.04 vs. 140.72 ± 124.60). Logistic regression and subgroup analyses further supported these findings.ConclusionThis study found that higher vitamin intakes B and E were associated with a lower prevalence of AMD in the U.S. population. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins B and E, particularly B2 (eggs, green vegetables, meat, mushrooms, and almonds) may help to reduce vision loss due to AMD. However, since this is a cross-sectional study, causal associations between vitamin intake and AMD cannot be established. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting the risk of developing gastric cancer based on a questionnaire: a cross–sectional study
Authors: Huang Zhangsen , Chen Songyao , Yin Songcheng , Shi Zhaowen , Gu Liang , Li Liang , Yin Haofan , Huang Zhijian , Li Bo , Chen Xin , Yang Yilin , Wang Zhengli , Li Hai , Zhang Changhua , He Yulong 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundDetection of gastric cancer (GC) at early stages is an effective strategy for decreasing mortality. This study aimed to construct a prediction nomogram based on a questionnaire to assess the risk of developing GC.MethodsOur study comprised a total of 4379 participants (2326 participants from outpatient at Fengqing People’s Hospital were considered for model development and internal validation, and 2053 participants from outpatients at the endoscopy center at the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were considered for independent external validation) and gastric mucosa status was determined by endoscopy and biopsies. The eligible participants in development cohort from Fengqing people’s Hospital were randomly separated into a training cohort (n=1629, 70.0%) and an internal validation cohort (n=697, 30.0%). The relevant features were selected by a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and the ensuing features were evaluated through multivariable logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, the variables were selected to construct a prediction nomogram. The discriminative ability and predictive accuracy of the nomogram were evaluated by the C-index and calibration plot, respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were used for the assessment of clinical benefit of the model. This model was developed to estimate the risk of developing neoplastic lesions according to the “transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis” (TRIPOD) statement.ResultsSix variables, including age, sex, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, education level, and Hp infection status, were independent risk factors for the development of neoplastic lesions. Thus, these variables were incorporated into the final nomogram. The AUC of the nomogram were 0.701, 0.657 and 0.699 in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curve showed that the nomogram was in good agreement with the observed outcomes. Compared to treatment of all patients or none, our nomogram showed a notably higher clinical benefit.ConclusionThis nomogram proved to be a convenient, cost-effective tool to effectively predict an individual’s risk of developing neoplastic lesions, and it can act as a prescreening tool before gastroscopy.
Lymph node assessment in cervical cancer: current approaches
Authors: Dheur Adriane , Kakkos Athanasios , Danthine Denis , Delbecque Katty , Goffin Frédéric , Gonne Elodie , Lovinfosse Pierre , Pleyers Clémence , Thille Alain , Kridelka Frédéric , Gennigens Christine 
Published: November 2024

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common neoplasia in women worldwide. Although early-stage CC is often curable, 40 to 50% of patients are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage. Metastatic disease accounts for the principal cause of death. Lymph node (LN) status is a major factor impacting treatment options and prognosis. Historically, CC was staged based only on clinical findings. However, in 2018, imaging modalities and/or pathological findings were included in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging classification. In the last decades, LN status assessment has evolved considerably. Full pelvic lymphadenectomy used to be the only way to determine LN status. Currently, several options exist: surgery with full lymphadenectomy, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy or imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Regarding surgery, the SLN biopsy technique has become a standard procedure in cases of CC, with indocyanine green (ICG) being the preferred dye. Pelvic MRI is a valuable imaging technique modality for the evaluation of pelvic LNs. In locally advanced or in early-stage disease with suspicious LNs on CT scans or MRI, PET/CT is recommended for assessment of nodal and distant status. The best strategy for LN assessment remains a highly controversial topic in the literature. In this article, we aim to review and compare the advantages and limitations of each modality, i.e. imaging or surgical (lymphadenectomy or SLN biopsy) approaches.
Does early skin-to-skin contact have a long-term effect on the emotional and behavioral development of very preterm infants?
Authors: Trautmann-Villalba Patricia , Heine Eva , Kribs Angela , Mehler Katrin 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionPremature birth may impair a sensitive, responsive, enjoyable, and regulating parenting style, potentially leading to behavioral, cognitive, and emotional deficits in children. Additionally, the emotional bond between the parent and infant may be disturbed due to the restrictions and difficulties at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), further negatively impacting child development. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) directly after birth is strongly recommended also for preterm or low birth weight infants since there is high-certainty evidence that SSC has positive effects on neonatal and maternal health as well as on the quality of the parent–child relationship. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of skin-to-skin contact immediately after childbirth on the development of emotional and behavioral problems in children born preterm entering school.MethodsThis study is part of a randomized controlled delivery room skin-to-skin study (Deisy Study). A total of 33 children (aged 6–8 years) were assessed at school start. The German version of the CBCL/6-18R was used to evaluate the presence of behavior problems.ResultsThe perceived parental stress 6 months after discharge was the variable that most contributed to the variance explanation. SSC immediately after childbirth was not significant in the prediction of emotional and behavioral problems at school start.LimitationsThe study was conducted in a small study group. Partners' variables were not included. Information regarding sociodemographic variables and bonding quality was collected 6 months (corrected age) after birth. The measurement of children's behavioral problems is not objective and corresponds to the parents' perception.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov, deisy study NCT01959737, deisy follow up NCT03366285.
Preliminary findings of a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: a post-hoc analysis on the role of co-occurring personality disorders
Authors: Maciaszek Julian , Rymaszewska Joanna , Wieczorek Tomasz , Piotrowski Patryk , Szcześniak Dorota , Beszłej Jan A. , Małecka Monika , Bogudzińska Bogna , Senczyszyn Adrianna , Siwicki Damian , Biercewicz Marta , Kowalski Krzysztof , Zimny Anna , Podgórski Przemysław , Fila-Pawłowska Karolina 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionDespite the high hopes for the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of depression, between 30% and 60.5% of patients do not respond to stimulation. The factors contributing to non-response, especially those related to personality, remain insufficiently investigated. The main aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of active TMS and sham–placebo protocols in combined therapy of treatment-resistant depression with evaluation of possible personality disorders comorbidity.MethodsThe study was conducted between December 2019 and December 2022, as a randomized, double-blind, active comparator-controlled and sham-controlled parallel trial. Patients (n = 41) were randomized into one of two experimental conditions (active TMS vs. placebo) and screened before and after stimulation as well as at a 3-month follow-up. Personality disorders were assessed with The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the TMS active and sham groups in terms of general characteristics, coexisting personality disorders, and Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores before stimulation, at the end of stimulation, and after 3 months of stimulation. However, linear regression analysis revealed significant negative associations between the coexistence of personality disorders and the reduction of depressive symptoms from baseline to the end of stimulation. The post-hoc exploratory analysis on the first phase of the RCT confirmed the presence of personality disorders to be a consistent negative influence on the reduction of depressive symptoms post-stimulation, regardless of protocol and experimental condition and demonstrated a smaller percentage reduction in depressive symptoms after stimulation in patients with personality disorders.DiscussionA central conclusion, based on our study, is that transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression cannot be considered as a method independent of co-occurring personality disorders.
Shared genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders and hemorrhoidal disease: a large-scale genome-wide cross-trait analysis
Authors: Chen Zhangsendi , Hu Bowen , Sun Ji , Jiang Yuhong , Chen Zhe , Yang Chunmei , He Hongbo , Wang Weiguo 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe genetic association between psychiatric disorders and hemorrhoidal disease (HEM) is still not well known. The work aims to investigate their comorbidity at a genetic level.MethodsUtilizing recent large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we investigated the genetic overlap at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gene, and molecular level between depression and HEM, bipolar disorder (BD) and HEM, neuroticism and HEM, as well as schizophrenia (SCZ) and HEM. The cross-trait genes were validated through the utilization of transcriptome and proteome methodologies. The causal link was assessed using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis (MR) analysis. MRlap corrects for the potential bias in estimation caused by sample overlap.ResultsWe discovered significant positive genetic associations between these four types of psychiatric disorders and HEM. Cross-phenotypic association analyses identified shared SNPs along with 17 specific loci between psychiatric disorders and HEM. MAGMA identified a total of 2304 pleiotropic genes, several of which showed significant expression in the results of transcriptome and proteome analyses. We observed that these genes are mostly associated with the regulation of transcription factors and particular DNA binding activities. Lastly, MR analysis provided evidence supporting a correlation between these conditions.ConclusionThis study revealed a genetic correlation between four psychiatric disorders and HEM, identified pleiotropic loci, found multiple candidate genes, and confirmed causal relationships. This has enhanced our comprehension of the common genetic mechanisms of psychiatric disorders and HEM.
Nurturing care: perceptions and practices of caregivers for children under five in the Ecuadorian highlands – a qualitative study
Authors: Tello Betzabé , Mendoza-Gordillo Maria J. , Moreano Marcelo , Bates Benjamin R. , Quinn Katherine , Rogel Camila , Grijalva Mario J. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe importance of nurturing care for child development is well-established, and parents play a central role in providing this care. However, cultural values and traditions can influence child-rearing practices, and there are gaps in child welfare in Ecuador. Two research questions delve into caregivers’ definitions of nurturing care for children aged 0–5 and its alignment with World Health Organization’s concept.MethodsA qualitative methodology was applied to comprehensively explore caregivers’ perspectives and application of nurturing care across diverse cultural contexts in rural areas of Cotopaxi and Loja in Ecuador. Using snowball sampling primary caregivers, healthcare professionals, childcare workers, and community leaders were interviewed and participated in focus groups, examining its congruence with WHO’s Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development.ResultsWhile there is alignment with the WHO framework, the study reveals challenges such as a lack of awareness of the term “nurturing care” among participants. Findings also indicate issues in health communication, reliance on traditional medicine, and myths around nutritional practices. The role of technology in early learning is explored, noting both its advantages and disadvantages. Notably, preventive health activities were not mentioned, emphasizing a universal need for knowledge.ConclusionThis study urges tailored interventions for nurturing care, emphasizing success tied to robust healthcare and child protection. Urgency lies in cultural sensitivity, local adaptation, and targeted training for implementation. These insights contribute significantly to the global discourse, stressing the importance of context-specific approaches. Implications are crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to elevating care quality for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Exploring the feasibility of Recovery Management Checkups for Primary Care in a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Watson Dennis P. , Singh Ryan , Taylor Lisa , Dennis Michael L. , Grella Christine E. , Johnstone Carol , Browne Katherine , Saldana Lisa 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionPrimary care settings present an opportunity for alcohol and substance use disorder (A/SUD) screening and treatment referral. However, there are recognized deficiencies in widely used treatment referral approaches, including acute care connections, vs. those that can support longer-term recovery. Recovery Management Checkups for Primary Care (RMC-PC) is an intervention with an evidence base for improving treatment referral and subsequent recovery for primary care patients; however, the intervention has never been fully implemented outside of a research context. We conducted a feasibility study to inform a future hybrid study of RMC-PC that will test the implementation and effectiveness of the intervention in primary care practice.MethodWe used a convergent mixed method design. The study’s setting was a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in a large midwestern city. RMC-PC linkage services were administered by one of two treatment linkage managers: an FQHC linkage manager (F-LM) and a research staff linkage manager (R-LM). Quantitative data included (a) rates of positive A/SUD screening among a group of FQHC patients and (b) linkage manager service data (e.g., rate of successful meeting completion and days to completing of key events). Qualitative data included (c) an assessment of linkage manager’s motivational interviewing performance and (d) a focus group with FQHC staff focused on their perspectives on RMC-PC implementation determinants. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and linkage manager performance was compared. Qualitative data were analyzed using a hybrid deductive-inductive process.ResultsFifty percent of patients screened met moderate-high A/SUD risk. Eleven of 16 recruited patients completed at least one linkage manager meeting, with 63% completing both meetings. The F-LM delivered RMC-PC services alongside other duties successfully; however, three primary barriers to FQHC implementation were identified (difficulties applying motivational interviewing, incompatibilities of screening with FQHC technology and workflow, and lack of billing mechanism to support services).ConclusionRMC-PC is feasible for FQHC staff to deliver, though issues identified must be considered to ensure successful and sustainable implementation. Knowledge gained will inform a packaged implementation strategy that will be used in a future hybrid trial.
Determinants of HIV infection at 18 months of age among HIV-exposed infants in the context of PMTCT interventions in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Israel Eskinder , Astatkie Ayalew , Taye Kefyalew , Christou Aliki , Lejore Ephrem , Asefa Anteneh 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionMother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV accounts for over 90% of annual HIV infections among children under the age of 15. Despite the introduction of the Option B+ strategy in Ethiopia in 2013, the rate of MTCT of HIV at 18 months was 15% in 2020. This study aimed to identify determinants of HIV infection among HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) in the context of prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) care in southern Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective facility-based study of 299 mother-baby pairs (HIV-infected women and their HEIs up to 18 months) enrolled in PMTCT care at three health facilities in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia, from September 2015 to October 2021. Data was collected from medical charts and PMTCT registers. Logistic regression was used to identify determinants of HIV infection among HEIs.ResultsAt enrolment into PMTCT care, most women were already on ART (75.3%) and in clinical stage I (89.6%) according to the World Health Organization's algorithm. Overall, 13 (4.3%, 95% CI: 2.5%–7.4%) HEIs were HIV-infected; the level was higher among HEIs born at home (17.9% (95% CI: 7.6%–36.5%). Being born to HIV-positive women with late WHO clinical stage (III and IV) of HIV (AOR = 9.1, 95%CI: 2.4, 34.5), being born at home (AOR = 4.8, 95%CI: 1.1–20.7), being born to women newly diagnosed with HIV (AOR = 4.8, 95%CI: 1.3–17.4), and low infant adherence to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (AOR = 5.4, 95%CI: 1.4–20.4) increased the odds of MTCT.ConclusionHIV infection levels among breastfeeding HEIs in PMTCT care was &lt;5%, meeting the WHO transmission rate targets. Strengthening PMTCT care to expand community-based PMTCT interventions such as improving women's and communities’ awareness of HIV, PMTCT and promoting male involvement would reduce reduce HIV infection among children to reach the 95–95–95 targets to end HIV in Ethiopia.
The Polypyrimidine Tract-Binding Protein Is a Transacting Factor for the Dengue Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site
Authors: Fernández-García Leandro , Angulo Jenniffer , López-Lastra Marcelo 
Published: November 2024

Dengue virus (DENV) is an enveloped, positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae. Translation initiation of the DENV mRNA (vRNA) can occur following a cap-dependent, 5′-3’end-dependent internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-independent or IRES-dependent mechanism. This study evaluated the activity of DENV IRES in BHK-21 cells and the role of the polypyrimidine-tract binding protein (PTB) isoforms PTB1, PTB2, and PTB4 as IRES-transacting factors (ITAFs) for the DENV IRES. The results show that DENV-IRES activity is stimulated in DENV-replicating BHK-21 cells and cells expressing the Foot-and-mouth disease virus leader or Human rhinovirus 2A proteases. Protease activity was necessary, although a complete shutdown of cap-dependent translation initiation was not a requirement to stimulate DENV IRES activity. Regarding PTB, the results show that PTB1 > PTB2 > PTB4 stimulates DENV-IRES activity in BHK-21 cells. Mutations in the PTB RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), RRM1/RRM2 or RRM3/RRM4, differentially impact PTB1, PTB2, and PTB4’s ability to promote DENV IRES-mediated translation initiation in BHK-21 cells. PTB1-induced DENV-IRES stimulation is rescinded when RRM1/RRM2 or RRM3/RRM4 are disrupted. Mutations in RRM1/RRM2 or RRM3/RRM4 do not affect the ITAF activity of PTB2. Mutating RRM3/RRM4, but not RRM1/RRM2, abolishes the ability of PTB4 to stimulate the DENV IRES. Thus, PTB1, PTB2, and PTB4 are ITAFs for the DENV IRES.