bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyssopus cuspidatus volatile oil: a potential treatment for steroid-resistant asthma via inhibition of neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Wang Xu , Peng Hui-Ming , Zhang Meng-Ru , Li Jing-Jing , Zhao Chuan-Peng , Zhang Ya-Li , Wang Si-Yu , Zhu Si-Ying , Lu Jian-Kang , Yin Hai-Long , Yin Qiang , Fang Jinbo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Steroid-resistant asthma (SRA) is a form of asthma resistant to corticosteroid therapy, which is characterized by the presence of neutrophil-predominant inflammatory response and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss., a traditional Uyghur medicine, is known for its efficacy in treating inflammatory lung conditions such as asthma. However, the therapeutic impact and underlying mechanisms of Hyssopus cuspidatus volatile oil (HVO) in SRA have not been fully elucidated.
Methods
This study established an ovalbumin/lipopolysaccharide (OVA/LPS)-induced SRA mice model to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HVO on SRA. UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS was applied to analyze the serum compositions of HVO. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to predict potential pathways, targets and effective compounds and uncover the complex mechanisms of HVO in treating SRA. Furthermore, in vivo studies in SRA mice and in vitro studies using HL-60 cells and bone marrow neutrophils were conducted to validate the mechanism.
Results
HVO could significantly ameliorate OVA/LPS-induced SRA symptoms, including airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, mucus overproduction and airway remodeling. 41 prototype compounds, 65 Phase I metabolites and 50 Phase II metabolites were identified in serum-containing HVO. The integration of network pharmacology with experimental validation revealed that HVO can inhibit the formation of NETs by targeting neutrophil elastase, thereby exerting a therapeutic influence on SRA. Meanwhile, molecular docking results showed that 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy mandelonitrile, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,5,7-trimethyl-naphthalene, cis-calamenene and aristol-1(10)-en-9-yl isovalerate may be the therapeutic compounds of HVO in treating SRA.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that HVO is a promising therapeutic candidate for neutrophil-dominant SRA by targeting NETs formation.
Adherence to Routine Antenatal Medications and Its Determinants Among Pregnant Women in Selected Primary Health Centers in Ogbomoso,oyo State
Authors: Olajide Adetunmise Oluseyi , Toriola Mushrafat Adenike , Omotoso Grace opeyeoluwa , Ogunmodede Eunice Oluwakemi , OYEDEJI Yetunde Omolola , Esan Deborah Tolulope , Isaiah Oluwaseyi Olabisi , Bello Oyeronke Olubunmi , Adeniran Ganiyat Odunola , Awotunde Titilope Abisola 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the context of antenatal care, adherence to routine medications is vital for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes and ensuring maternal and fetal health. Non-adherence can lead to a range of complications, including maternal anemia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital abnormalities. This study aimed to assess adherence to routine antenatal medications and its determinant among pregnant women in selected primary health centers in Ogbomoso North, Oyo state. A descriptive research design was used in this study and convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 136 respondents. A self-structured questionnaire of reliability index 0.768 was used as instrument of data collection. The responses were analysed with descriptive statistic (frequency and table) using SPSS Version 23 and the hypothesis stated was tested using inferential statistics (chi square). The results showed that the study concluded that majority of the respondents 93(68.4%) have good perception and 43(31.6%) have poor perception towards the adherence of routine antenatal medications. Majority of the respondents 76(55.9%) has low level of adherence and 60(44.1%) has high level of adherence to routine antenatal medications. The determinants of adherence to routine antenatal medications are accessibility of routine antenatal medications 113(83.1%), experience in previous pregnancies 97(71.3%), and support from family or partner 84(61.8%). There is significant relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and adherence to routine antenatal medications among pregnant women in selected primary health centers (religion (0.000), level of education (0.014), ethnicity (0.000), marital status (0.001), employment status (0.006), household income (0.038) and number of pregnancies (0.000)]. Also, there is no significant relationship between determinants (accessibility and availability) and adherence to routine antenatal medications among pregnant women in selected primary health. In conclusion, there should be regular antenatal educations on the routine antenatal medications during the antenatal visits.
Genome integrity maintaining variants in EGFR gene related to ionizing radiation resistance in the Lithuanian Chornobyl clean-up workers cohort
Authors: Samaitė Katažyna , Domarkienė Ingrida , Žukauskaitė Gabrielė , Urnikytė Alina , Kučinskas Vaidutis , Ambrozaitytė Laima 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Ionizing radiation (IR) is a well-known factor that predisposes cells to mutagenesis, cancerous processes, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA repair. However, the genetic factors maintaining genome integrity after ionizing radiation exposure are not fully defined. Relatively healthy Lithuanian Chornobyl catastrophe clean-up workers (LCCWs) are a unique study group. We hypothesize that the group’s genomic variation determines their reaction to IR. We aimed to perform the genomic variation analysis of the preselected set of genes that might be involved in genome integrity maintenance. The set consists of six sub-groups of genes representing different molecular mechanisms or pathways (apoptosis, tumor suppression, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA repair, and regulatory molecules) potentially related to the genome and cell integrity after exposure to high-dose IR. The study group included 38 male LCCWs. The control group consisted of 27 unrelated, not exposed to IR males of Lithuanian descent. Variants of the genes were filtered out from whole-genome short-read sequencing data. Targeted gene-set association analysis was performed using PLINK v1.9 software.
Results: The study identified statistically significant (p=0.0122) associations in the 7p11.2 genomic region spanning the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene.
Conclusion: Analysis showed that variation in the EGFR gene important for DNA repair, apoptosis, and resistance to IR might have specific effects on maintaining genome and cell integrity after exposure to high-dose IR.
REGγ regulates antiviral response by activating TBK1-IFNβ signaling through degradation of PPP2CB
Authors: Yao Liangfang , Li Jinbao , Li Yi , Wang Pei , Ma Jiamin , Tu Qing , Yuan Yuan , Chen Ying , Wang Lin , Chen Yuwei , Chen Feng , Biesinger Suvi , Li Henry J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Although significant progressions in antiviral studies of IFNβ have been demonstrated, the role of the proteasome in modulating cross-talk between TBK1-IFNβ signaling and viral replication during viral infection is not fully elucidated. Here, we discover that deficiency of REGγ, a proteasome activator, significantly reduces IFNβ production and increases viral replications in mice, leading to increased mortality in virus infection models. Our mechanistic study indicates that REGγ interacts with and degrades the protein phosphatase subunit Protein Phosphatase 2 Catalytic Subunit Beta (PPP2CB). This degradation disrupts the dephosphorylation of TBK1 and its interaction with IRF3, resulting in the activation of IFNβ-mediated antiviral signaling. In response to viral infection, up-regulation of REGγ in macrophages accelerates the degradation of PPP2CB, which increases the activation of TBK1-IRF3-IFNβ axis and thereby restricts viral replications and pathology. Interestingly, IFNβ enhances REGγ expression in viral infection, forming a positive feedback regulatory loop. In conclusion, our work demonstrates that REGγ is a positive modulator of IFNβ signaling during antiviral response, highlighting that this procedure is regulated via REGγ degradation of PPP2CB and provides a new insight into the coordination between antiviral response and proteasome activity. Thus, REGγ-proteasome activity and phosphatase PPP2CB may be potential targets in host defense against viruses.
Assessing the ecological impact of non-native species: single-species manipulation fails to reveal impact of invading shrimp
Authors: Jakubavičiūtė Egle , Rahman Tawfiqur , Candolin Ulrika 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

To experimentally assess the ecological impact of non-native species, their presence or abundance is usually manipulated under simplified conditions. Yet, their impact may depend on interactions with native species, whose presence and abundance then also need to be considered. We examined whether the ecological impact of a recent invader in the Baltic Sea, the shrimp Palaemon elegans, is shaped by interactions with two native mesopredators: the shrimp P. adspersus and the threespine stickleback. Using mesocosm experiments, we show that single-species manipulations fail to capture the full ecological impact of the non-native shrimp and that multi-species manipulations are required. In single-species treatments, the effect of the non-native shrimp on lower trophic levels—grazers and primary producers—was similar to those of the native species; all fed on animal prey, which increased algae biomass. However, in multi-species treatments, where shrimps competed with the stickleback for prey, the consumption of algae increased. Notably, the non-native shrimp increased its consumption of algae less than the native shrimp, indicating stronger competitive ability. Thus, the replacement of the native shrimp by the non-native could reduce the control algae biomass. This suggests that the future state of the ecosystem may depend on the absolute and relative abundances of the three species and whether the non-native shrimp will displace or coexist with the native one. These results emphasize the importance of accounting for species interactions when investigating the impact of non-native species on ecosystems. Single-species manipulations may fail to capture full ecological consequences.
Predicting Working Memory Efficiency Across Adulthood: The Role of Enhancement and Suppression Attentional Mechanisms, Moderated by Age and Other Factors
Authors: López-González Elissa , Caballero-Sánchez Ulises , Gómez-González Ixchel , Méndez-Díaz Mónica , Prospéro-García Oscar E. , Ruiz-Contreras Alejandra E. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The global population of individuals aged 60 and above surpasses a billion and is expected to rise further, highlighting the need to address aging-related cognitive challenges. Studying healthy aging and factors like anxiety, depression, sleep, education, lifestyle, and cognitive challenges is equally important. This study aimed to assess the enhancement and suppression of attentional mechanisms and working memory efficiency (WME) across adulthood, as well as other factors moderating this relationship. Enhancement and suppression of attentional mechanisms prioritize processing relevant stimuli over irrelevant ones. Here, 194 participants aged 20 to 80 completed questionnaires and an experimental task to assess attentional mechanisms and WME. Our results showed that enhancement and suppression became similar across adulthood; and aging worsened WME. On the other hand, enhancement predicted WME, but only when sleep was in the recommended hours for adult age. The suppression mechanism was moderated by cognitive reserve, and WME was done by cognitive reserve, global cognitive function, anxiety and depression mechanisms predicted WME. This study suggests the presence of moderating factors that either enhance cognitive function or mitigate cognitive decline as individuals age.
The Impact of Stress, Social Support, and Quality of Life on Preterm Birth: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kaddoura Rima , Zankar Reine , Tamim Hani , Bejjani Martine El , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Salameh Pascale , Charafeddine Lama 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The causes of preterm birth are multifactorial, with social determinants such as stress, socioeconomic status, and social support playing critical roles. In Lebanon, a country experiencing political, economic, and social crises, preterm birth poses additional challenges. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support, stress, and quality of life with preterm birth outcomes in a Lebanese cohort.
Methods:
This prospective cohort study was conducted in three tertiary care centers in Lebanon from September 2021 to December 2023. A total of 116 mother-infant pairs, including 78 full-term and 38 preterm infants, were recruited. Data on social determinants, perceived stress (PSS-10), social support (MSPSS), and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) were collected at birth and at 4–6 months postpartum. Statistical analysis included t-tests, chi-square tests, and linear mixed models to explore the associations between social determinants and preterm birth.
Results:
Compared to full-term births, preterm births were significantly associated with higher maternal stress levels as evidenced by PSS-10 scores (19.53 vs. 15.29, p-value = 0.011) and lower scores in physical (39.16 vs 57.4, p-value < 0.001), psychological (54.08 vs 66.91, p-value < 0.001), and social (58.53 vs 69.56, p-value = 0.007) domains of quality of life. At 4–6 months postpartum, mothers of preterm infants continued to report lower physical quality of life (55.92 vs 65.58, p-value = 0.043) and social support (62.52 vs 69.84, p-value = 0.038). In addition, all mothers reported lower social support (71.8 vs 67.3, p-value = 0.003), lower social quality of life (69.4 vas 61.4, p-value = 0.005), and lower environmental quality of life (70 vas 64.5, p-value = 0.012) at 4–6 months post-partum as compared to at birth. Stress was a significant mediator between social quality of life and gestational age (p-value = 0.035).
Conclusion:
This study highlights the noticeable impact of social support, stress, and quality of life on preterm birth outcomes in a crisis-affected region. Mothers of preterm infants experienced higher stress and lower quality of life at birth, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to support maternal mental health and social well-being. Addressing these social determinants is needed for improving pregnancy outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations facing multiple social and economic challenges.
Bioinformatics combined with single-cell analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of pyroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Luo Wei , Wang Junxia , Wang Hongfei , Liu Fei , Yang Taiwei , Wu Zhongjun , Guo Wubin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer related death, and its molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this work is to discover the association between immune microenvironment changes and pyroptosis molecular mechanisms in HCC.
Methods
Select gene expression profiles from the comprehensive gene expression database, establish protein-protein interaction networks, and perform functional enrichment analysis using databases such as the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Single cell identification of HCC cell types and malignant cells, trajectory analysis and intercellular signal communication further analyze the molecular mechanisms between immune cells and liver cells. Bioinformatics combined with single-cell analysis to elucidate the immune pyroptosis molecular mechanism underlying the development of HCC.
Results
The key hub genes of immune pyroptosis were validated through immunohistochemistry and in vitro experiments. Molecular biology has identified six focal death hub genes in HCC. Enrichment analysis shows that intersecting genes are enriched in immune responses, chemokine mediated signaling pathways, and inflammatory responses. The cellular clustering of single cells revealed the infiltration of immune cells, especially the polarization of macrophages, which plays an important role. Immunohistochemistry suggests that hub genes such as HMGB1, CYCS, GSDMD, IL-1β, NLRP3, and IL18 are the link between macrophage polarization and pyroptosis during HCC development.
Conclusions
In summary, the main molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HCC are related to immune cell infiltration, particularly macrophage infiltration polarization that promotes the secretion of inflammatory factors leading to hepatocyte pyroptosis. Our study may guide future research on the macrophage pyroptosis signaling pathway in HCC.
Improving Human Mobility Forecasts: A Study on Outlier Correction with Multi-Agent Techniques
Authors: Asanka PPG Dinesh , Takahashi Masakazu , Rajapakshe Chathura 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This research is part of designing and implementing an AutoML platform for time series forecasting. Having discussed missing value imputation and outlier detection in other research papers, this research is focused on outlier correction to forecast better in time series. This research has used human mobility data as a sample that was collected in Hiroshima, Japan, over a year. Master-Slave multi-agent design pattern was used with an outlier co-ordinator agent that direct other subagents to identify the best regression technique and correct the outlier data points. Extensible regression agents are used to determine the best regression technique using seasonal data and evaluated with the harmonic mean of regression evaluation parameters. Outlier correction was done iteratively to find the optimum outlier corrections, as fixing all the outlier data points is impossible. This research achieved different levels of outlier corrections for the ten selected locations in Hiroshima, Japan. These decisions are integrated with classification techniques as an emerging knowledge capability in the multi-agent.
Does acceleration-speed profile changes during the season in soccer players?
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , Tavares Francisco , Loureiro Nuno , Ferreira Ruben , Araújo João Pedro , Gomes João S. , Reis Joana , Vaz João R. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the variation of the Acceleration-Sprint (A-S) profile throughout one season in different age groups of elite young and professional soccer athletes. A total of 126 athletes from under-14 to B-team levels were analysed across a season divided in six training blocks. Results revealed significant increases only in the S0 value for the under-15 age-group (p<0.05) during the season, while other age groups did not exhibit significant differences in the A-S profile over the same period. These findings emphasize the necessity of tailored training interventions to optimize acceleration and sprint capacities, particularly among younger players in the midst of physical development. Furthermore, the establishment of standardized norms tailored to different age groups based on these findings could facilitate the identification of outliers and inform individualized training strategies. This research could contribute to our understanding of the dynamic nature of sprinting performance and training demands in elite young soccer athletes, offering insights for optimizing performance outcomes and player development within soccer academies.
Rhein, A Component of Rhubarb, Protects Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Renal Aging and Injury by Inhibition of TNF-α- Mediated Autophagy and Necroptosis
Authors: Tu Yue , Liu Wenjie , Liu Siyi , Pan Liuyunxin , Wu Wei , Fang Qijun , Liu Yinglu , Wan Yigang , Liu Buhui 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Rhein as an anthraquinone compound isolated from rhubarb is considered effective in treating kidney diseases and renal aging. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of rhein in aged kidney are not fully elucidated. In this study, we observed the renal protective effects of rhein and investigated the therapeutic mechanisms of rhein in oxidative stress-induced renal aging and injury. The results indicated that rhein increased the protein levels of klotho, phosphorylated (p)-mTOR, p-p62, and caspase-8, as well as decreased the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the staining for senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) and the protein levels of beclin1, light chain 3 II, receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK)1, RIPK3, and p-mixed lineage kinase-like (MLKL) in tubular cells (NRK-52E cells) exposed to D-galactose (D-gal). Compared with mTOR regulators (rapamycin or MHY1485) alone, the co-treatment of rhein and mTOR regulators decreased mTOR-mediated autophagy signaling in NRK-52E cells treated by D-gal. In addition, the research identified that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α signaling plays a pivotal role in the development of the “rhein–target–pathways” network framework. Rhein decreased TNF-α and TNF-α receptor1 protein levels. Interestingly, the changes in the effect of etanercept in TNF-α-mediated necroptosis and autophagy were similar to those of rhein. Accordingly, in D-gal-induced aged model rats, rhein alleviated aged kidneys by activating p-mTOR and downregulating autophagy signaling. Our results suggested that rhein exerted reducing oxidative stress level and renoprotective effects on D-gal-induced renal aging and injury by mTOR-mediated autophagy and RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL-dependent necroptosis. Further, rhein may regulate TNF-α-mediated autophagy and necroptosis in aged tubular cells. Thus, rhein may be a potential therapeutic drug against renal aging and injury.
Earthquakes big and small: same physics, different boundary conditions
Authors: Nielsen Stefan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Self-similarity indicates that large and small earthquakes share the same physics, where all variables scale with rupture length L. Here I show that rupture tip acceleration during the start of dynamic rupture (break-out phase) is also self-similar, scaling with Lc in space and Lc/Clim in time (where Lc is the breakout patch length and Clim the limiting rupture velocity in the subsonic regime). Rupture acceleration in the breakout phase is slower for larger initial breakout patches Lc. Because small faults cannot host large breakout patches, a large and slower initial breakout may be indicative of a potentially large final earthquake magnitude. Initial moment rate ˙Mo also grows slower for larger Lc, therefore it may reflect fault dimensions and carry a probabilistic forecast of magnitude as suggested in some Early Warning studies. This result does not violate causality and is fully compatible with the shared fundamental, self-similar physics across all the magnitude spectrum.