bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetically predicted Caspase 8 levels mediates the causal association between CD4+ T cell and breast cancer
Authors: Chen Yanbin , Zheng Zequn , Wang Jinhong , Huang Xifeng , Xie Lei 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) remains a significant contributor to female mortality globally, with inflammation and the immune system implicated in its pathogenesis. To elucidate potential causal relationships, we evaluated the relationship among 731 immune cell phenotypes and BC be at risk by using Mendelian randomization (MR), while also exploring inflammatory proteins as mediators in this association.MethodsWe obtained immune cell genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data and 91 inflammatory factors from the GWAS Catalog. BC GWAS data was obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project (ukb-b-16890 for discovery and GCST004988 for validation). We investigated the causal link between immune cells and BC risk by employing a two-sample MR method. Furthermore, we use a two-step MR to quantify the percentage of mediation of immune cell-BC causal effects mediated by inflammatory proteins. To make sure the causal findings were robust, a sensitivity analysis was done.ResultsIn both discovery and validation GWAS, a critical inverse correlation between CD4+ T cells and BC risk was found using MR analysis (Discovery: OR, 0.996; P = 0.030. Validation: OR, 0.843; P = 4.09E-07) with Caspase 8 levels mediating 18.9% of the reduced BC risk associated with immune cells(Mediation proportion=a×b/c, Discovery:0.151×-0.005/-0.004 = 18.9%; Validation:0.151×-0.214/-0.171 = 18.9%)ConclusionOur study establishes a causal connection linking CD4+ T cells and BC, with Caspase 8 levels partially mediating this relationship. These findings enhance our genetic and molecular comprehension of BC, suggesting potential pathways for future BC immunotherapy drug development.
Rhizobiumacaciae and R. anhuiense are the dominant rhizobial symbionts of Pisum sativum L. from Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Zhao Zeyang , Feng Yufeng , Wang Jingqi , Zong Xuxiao , Wang Entao 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to investigate the diversity and geographic distribution of pea-nodulating rhizobia in the subtropical region of Yunnan Province from Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.Methods and resultsA total of 615 rhizobial isolates were obtained from root nodules of the trapping plants and characterized genetically and symbiotically. The isolates discriminated into 43 genotypes by PCR-RFLP of IGS DNA. Multiple locus sequence analysis based on 16S rRNA, recA, atpD, dnaK, and rpoB genes placed them into eight clusters corresponding to species R. acaciae, R. anhuiense, R. binae, R. bangladeshense, R. hidalgonense, and three suspected novel populations of Rhizobium genosp. I–III. R. acaciae was the dominant group (52.5%) followed by R. anhuiense (30.7%). The other species were minor groups. Based on nodC phylogeny, all of them were the symbiovar viciae. All the tested strains showed efficient symbiotic N2 fixation on pea plants, in which WLB27, WCB18, and WNY29 presented the best PGP effects. Some of the tested strains had better IAA production, with WCB18 as the best producer (64.556 mg/L). Their distribution was mainly affected by soil available phosphorus, available potassium, and effective nitrogen. According to the results of symbiotic effect and resistance tests, strains of WLB27, WCB18, and WNY29 were selected as candidates for creating inoculants.DiscussionThis suggests that the pea-nodulating rhizobia in Yunnan Province form a unique community. The results gave some novel information about the diversity, diversification, and biogeography of pea-nodulating rhizobia.
Development and characterization of a recombinant Senecavirus A expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein
Authors: Huang Weihong , Chen Yongjie , Xu Ting , Xiong Ting , Lv Yadi , Liu Dingxiang , Chen Ruiai 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionSenecavirus A (SVA), belonging to the genus Senecavirus in the family Picornaviridae, is an emerging pathogen causing vesicular disease in pigs. The main clinical manifestations of SVA infection include high mortality in neonatal piglets, skin ulceration, and vesicular lesions. So far, there is no commercially available vaccines or drugs against SVA. Construction of SVA infectious clones carrying reporter genes will help understand the characteristics of SVA and promote vaccine development.MethodsIn this study, we established a reverse genetics system for a local SVA isolate and used it to rescue a recombinant SVA, rSVA-eGFP, expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) by inserting eGFP, GSG linker and the P2A sequence between 2A and 2B genes.ResultsWe found that rSVA-eGFP exhibited a high replication efficiency comparable to the parental virus, was able to express the eGFP reporter efficiently and stable in maintaining the reporter gene up to six rounds of serial passages in BHK-21 cells. In mice, rSVA-eGFP also showed similar replication kinetics and pathogenicity to the parental virus, both causing mild lung lesions. In addition, a high-throughput viral neutralization assay was developed using eGFP as a surrogate readout in a fluorescence-based direct titration (FBT) assay based on rSVA-eGFP, facilitating rapid and accurate determination of the neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers.DiscussionThe successful establishment of an SVA reverse genetics system and the rescue of rSVA-eGFP would create a powerful tool for future studies of SVA replication mechanisms and pathogenicity as well as for antiviral development.
Sustainable synthesis of bakuchiol-mediated gold nanoparticles for drug delivery against bacterial strains and tumor microenvironments, and its in silico target proteins identification
Authors: Mishra Pooja , Faruqui Tabrez , Khanam Sheeba , Khubaib Mohd , Ahmad Irfan , Saeed Mohd , Khan Salman 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe sustained synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) has gained significant attention in biomedical applications. In this study, we explored the antibacterial and anticancer potential of bakuchiol-mediated gold nanoparticles (Bak-GNPs). Bakuchiol, a natural compound found in Psoralea corylifolia seeds, serves as both a reducing and stabilizing agent for green synthesis of GNPs. Our objectives include network analysis, molecular docking, synthesis of GNPs, characterization, and antipathogenic and anticancer efficacy of Bak-GNPs against lung and liver cancers.MethodsProtein-protein interaction networks were analyzed to identify effective protein targets for bakuchiol in lung and liver cancers. A molecular docking study was performed to validate the efficacy of the target protein against lung and liver cancer. Furthermore, Bak-GNPs were synthesized using bakuchiol and characterized by various techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and their potential against pathogens and lung and liver cancers.ResultsGNAI3 emerged as the most promising target, with a binding energy of −7.5 kcal/mol compared to PTGER3’s −6.9 kcal/mol, different characterization techniques revealed the successful synthesis of Bak-GNPs. Bak-GNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as confirmed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Bak-GNPs demonstrated significant anticancer effects on A549 (lung cancer) and HepG2 (liver cancer) cells, with IC50 values of 11.19 μg/mL and 6.6 μg/mL, respectively. Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation were observed in both the cell lines. The increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to its anticancer effects.DiscussionThis study highlights promising biomedical applications of bakuchiol-mediated GNPs. This green synthesis approach using bakuchiol provides a sustainable method for producing nanoparticles with enhanced biological activities. Further exploration of the pharmacological properties and mechanisms of Bak-GNPs is required to optimize their therapeutic efficacy for clinical use.
Changes of brain structure and structural covariance networks in Parkinson’s disease associated cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Rong-Pei , Lin Guo-Liang , Ma Lu-Lu , Huang Shi-Shi , Yuan Cheng-Xiang , Zhu Shi-Guo , Sheng Mei-Ling , Zou Ming , Zhu Jian-Hong , Zhang Xiong , Wang Jian-Yong 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundCognitive impairment (CI) is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Multiple brain regions and their interactions are involved in PD associated CI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is a non-invasive method in investigating brain structure and inter-regional connections. In this study, by comparing cortical thickness, subcortical volume, and brain network topology properties in PD patients with and without CI, we aimed to understand the changes of brain structure and structural covariance network properties in PD associated CI.MethodsA total of 18 PD patients with CI and 33 PD patients without CI were recruited. Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Hoehn and Yahr stage, Mini Mental State Examination Scale, Non-motor Symptom Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Hamilton Depression Scale were assessed. All participants underwent structural 3T MRI. Cortical thickness, subcortical volume, global and nodal network topology properties were measured.ResultsCompared with PD patients without CI, the volumes of white matter, thalamus and hippocampus were lower in PD patients with CI. And decreased whole-brain local efficiency is associated with CI in PD patients. While the cortical thickness and nodal network topology properties were comparable between PD patients with and without CI.ConclusionOur findings support the alterations of brain structure and disruption of structural covariance network are involved in PD associated CI, providing a new insight into the association between graph properties and PD associated CI.
Rate of motor progression in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pauwels Ayla , Phan Albert L. G. , Ding Catherine , Phan Thanh G. , Kempster Peter A. 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe search for neuroprotective treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD) still relies largely on motor disability scales. A limitation of these tools is the strong influence of symptomatic dopaminergic treatment effects. Drawing on a wealth of published information, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of motor progression in PD and its relationships with dopaminergic therapy.MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, and Central to identify 84 publications with adequate serial motor scores to calculate progression, expressed as an increase in the percentage of maximum disability.ResultsA random-effects model showed motor progression at 2.0% p.a. (95% CI 1.7–2.4%). There were no significant differences by baseline age, sample size, or observation period. However, untreated patients, in 8 publications, progressed at 4.5% p.a. compared to 1.6% p.a. in 76 studies containing individuals on dopaminergic drugs (p = 0.0004, q = 0.003). This was supported by research on phenoconversion in prodromal PD, where motor progression exceeded 5% p.a. in the 2 years before diagnosis. Starting levodopa improved pre-treatment disability by 40.3 ± 15.2%. Practically defined off state measurements increase faster than on scores by a modest degree (p = 0.05).ConclusionThis survey suggests that accurate long-term measurements of motor progression to assess disease-modifying therapies can be conducted despite the sequential commencement of dopaminergic drugs and sample attrition over time. While study designs involving prodromal or untreated PD avoid confounding effects of symptomatic treatment, different assumptions about motor progression may be needed. A defined off state with the levodopa test dose method maximizes information about the medication cycle once dopaminergic therapy has begun.
Is there any association between type of dietary fat and quality of life in hemodialysis patients? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Navab Fatemeh , Foshati Sahar , Vajdi Mahdi , Askari Gholamreza , Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Heshamtipour Houri , Mirzaeian Soheila , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundHemodialysis (HD) patients have a low quality of life (QOL), and dietary intakes may impact both somatic and psychosocial aspects of QOL. Nevertheless, the relationship between QOL and different dietary fats has not yet been evaluated.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the association between QOL and the types/quantities of dietary fats intake in HD patients.MethodsIn this multi-center cross-sectional study, 251 adult patients under dialysis for at least 3 months were included. Participants’ dietary intakes were collected using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative FFQ during the past year. Moreover, to assess QOL, Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF 1/3) was used. The linear regression between QOL and different types of dietary fats was conducted. p &lt; 0.05 was statistically significant.ResultsOverall, 66 women and 185 men participated in our study. Regression analysis adjusted for total calorie intake showed that there was a negative association between QOL and total fat (95% CI: −0.187, −0.043), SFA (95% CI: −0.688, −0.143), MUFA (95% CI: −0.389, −0.065) and PUFA (95% CI: −0.401, −0.056) when types of dietary fats were individually included to the regression analysis. When all types of dietary fats were simultaneously entered into the analysis, the association between QOL and MUFA (95% CI: −0.243, 1.031) and PUFA (95% CI: −1.159, 0.084) were attenuated. The regression coefficient for SFA remained significant (95% CI: −0.968, −0.138). Also, there was a marginally significant association between SFA and the risk of low QOL was observed when all types of dietary fats were simultaneously entered into the analysis (OR = 1.051, 95% CI: 0.998–1.104).ConclusionOur investigation found a negative association between SFA consumption and QOL among different types of dietary fats. Furthermore, SFA mediated the relationship between QOL, MUFA, PUFA, and total fat. So, modification of dietary fat intake could enhance QOL in HD patients.
Updated evidence of the Naoshuantong capsule against ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Que Cuilin , Wei Yupeng , Yin Guanxiang , Zhou Congren , Liu Zhenhong , Lai Xinxing , Qin Mingzhen , Xiong Xuejiao , Zheng Xiangyi , Dong Xinglu , Gao Ying 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundStroke is a serious health issue that can result in death or disability, leading to a significant economic strain on society and families. A growing number of studies have shown that the Naoshuantong capsule (NSTC) is beneficial as a treatment for ischemic stroke (IS) in recent years. Our study aims to provide an update on the safety and efficacy of the NSTC in IS patients.MethodsWe thoroughly searched eight databases to identify suitable randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of the NSTC in the treatment of IS. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for an acute period and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months for a non-acute period were considered the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes included the NIHSS for a non-acute period, mRS, Barthel Index (BI), modified Barthel Index (MBI), Stroke-specific Quality of life (SS-QOL), and the recurrence rate of cerebrovascular events. Subsequently, its quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk assessment scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0.ResultsA total of 27 RCTs were included, which involved 3,139 patients. The results showed that the NSTC improved neurological function not only in the acute period (MD = −2.53; 95% CI: −2.91, −2.15; p &lt; 0.00001) but also in the non-acute period (MD = −3.70; 95% CI: −5.82, −1.58; p = 0.0006) and improved the long-term functional outcomes with lower mRS scores (MD = −0.68; 95% CI: −1.09, −0.26; p = 0.001). At the same time, the NSTC decreased the risk of cerebrovascular disease recurrence (RR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.70; p = 0.0006) and increased the quality of life in the acute period (MD = 23.88; 95% CI: 16.63, 31.13; p &lt; 0.00001). Significant disparities in the incidence of adverse events between the NSTC and control groups were not observed. The certainty of evidence was estimated as moderate to very low.ConclusionThe NSTC emerges as a potentially efficacious and safe treatment option for IS. NSTC could improve neurological function in different period of IS, and it has certain clinical value in secondary prevention. As a result of the poor quality and heterogeneity of the included trials, larger and standardized RCTs are needed to validate NSTC in IS treatment.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=482981, identifier CRD42023482981.
Predictive factors regarding bullying behavior in Romanian schools
Authors: Rus Mihaela , Călin Mariana Floricica , Sandu Mihaela Luminița , Tasențe Tănase 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe present study investigates the phenomenon of bullying in schools in the city of Constanta, Romania.MethodFrom the age point of view, we have had n = 210 12-year-old subjects and 193 13-year-old subjects, and from the biological gender point of view, there were 234 girls and 169 boys. The study’s main objective was to investigate aggressive behavior in adolescents in a school context. The study is cross-sectional and aims to analyze behaviors and interpersonal relationships having as dependent variable “Conflicts in the school environment” and two independent variables, respectively “Aggressive Manifestations” and “Aggressive Behaviors,” used in proving the first hypothesis, dependent variable “Verbal attacks as an aggressor” and the predictive variables “Social exclusion” and “Conflicts within the school environment” used to demonstrate the second hypothesis and the dependent variable “Bullying behavior” and the predictor variables “Acceptance of unethical behaviors,” “Violation of privacy as an aggressor” and “Dissemination of information without authorization” used to demonstrate the third hypotheses.ResultThe results indicate significant correlations between aggressive behaviors and conflicts in the school environment (r = 0.596, p &lt; 0.001), suggesting that interventions must be integrated and address the underlying causes of aggressive behaviors and associated manifestations. The association between “Conflicts in the school environment” and “Aggressive behaviors” revealed a significant correlation (r = 0.387, p &lt; 0.001) and a moderate correlation between “Perception of conflicts” and “Aggressive manifestations” (r = 0.423, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe conclusions emphasize the importance of understanding the complexity of aggressive behavior dynamics and predictive factors for developing effective strategies for prevention and intervention in the educational environment. As a limitation of the study, it is advisable to follow the group of subjects from a longitudinal point of view to identify changes in the behavioral manifestations of these adolescents, in a school context.
Immunohistochemical Expression of p53 and FGFR3 Predicts Response to Enfortumab Vedotin in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Nagata Yujiro , Minato Akinori , Aono Hisami , Kimuro Rieko , Higashijima Katsuyoshi , Tomisaki Ikko , Harada Kenichi , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Fujimoto Naohiro 
Published: September 2024

Locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma is a genomically and molecularly heterogeneous disease associated with various clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the association between the status of p53/FGFR3 expression and the efficacy of enfortumab vedotin (EV) in metastatic urothelial carcinoma. We evaluated the association between p53 (abnormal vs. wild-type) or FGFR3 (high vs. low) expression determined by immunohistochemistry and response to EV in 28 patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Overall, 60.7% showed abnormal p53, and 17.9% had high FGFR3 expression. The rates of objective response to EV were statistically higher in patients with abnormal p53 than in those with wild-type p53 (p = 0.038). Patients with pure urothelial carcinoma (n = 18) and low FGFR3 showed significantly better response to EV than those with high FGFR3. When the statuses of p53 and FGFR3 were combined, abnormal p53/low FGFR3 (vs. wild-type p53/high FGFR3) was strongly associated with favorable outcomes in both the entire cohort (p = 0.002) and in cases of pure urothelial carcinoma only (p = 0.023). Immunohistochemically abnormal p53 tumors were found to respond well to EV, while high FGFR3 tumors had a poorer response. Thus, p53 and FGFR3 are potential biomarkers for predicting response to EV treatment in patients with urothelial carcinoma.
Mycovirus-Containing Aspergillus flavus Alters Transcription Factors in Normal and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Tebbi Cameron K. , Yan Jiyu , Sahakian Eva , Mediavilla-Varela Melanie , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier , Patel Saumil , Rottinghaus George E. , Liu Rachel Y. , Dennison Clare 
Published: September 2024

Transcription factors control genes to maintain normal hemopoiesis, and dysregulation of some factors can lead to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Mycoviruses are known to alter the genetics of their fungal host. The present study evaluates the effects of the products of a mycovirus-containing Aspergillus flavus (MCAF), isolated from the home of a patient with ALL, on certain transcription factors of normal and ALL cell lines. Our published studies have shown that ALL patients have antibodies to MCAF, and that exposure of the mononuclear leukocytes of patients in complete remission to its products, unlike controls, results in the re-development of genetic and cell surface phenotypes characteristic of ALL. For the present study, normal, pre-B, and B-cell leukemia cell lines were exposed to the culture of MCAF. Pre- and post-exposure levels of PAX5, Ikaros, and NF-κB were assessed. Exposure to MCAF resulted in apoptosis, cell cycle changes, and complete downregulation of all transcription factors in normal cell lines. In acute leukemia cell lines, cellular apoptosis and alterations in the cell cycle were also noted; however, while there was downregulation of all tested transcription factors, residual levels were retained. The noted alterations in the transcription factors caused by MCAF are novel findings. The possible role of MCAF in leukemogenesis needs to be further investigated. Mycovirus-containing Aspergillus flavus was initially isolated from a leukemia patient’s home. Our prior published studies have illuminated intriguing associations of this organism with leukemia. Unlike controls, patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) harbor antibodies to this organism. Furthermore, the exposure of mononuclear cells from patients with ALL in complete remission to the products of this organism reproduced genetic and cell phenotypes characteristic of ALL. These findings underscore the potential role of environmental factors in leukemogenesis and hint at novel avenues for therapeutic intervention and preventive strategies.