bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of acidic extracellular microenvironment modulated genes
Authors: Kato Yasumasa , Mawatari Kotori 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe extracellular pH (pHe) is known to be acidic. We investigated the effect of mild (pHe 6.8) and severe (pHe 5.9) acidosis on gene expression in mouse B16-BL6 melanoma cells using cDNA microarray analysis and compared them with the acidic pHe dependence of human tumors.MethodsB16-BL6 cells were treated with pHe 7.4 (control), pHe 6.8, and pHe 5.9. The mRNA expression was analyzed by using the cDNA microarray. Heat map, volcano plot, and gene ontology enrichment analysis were performed. The data were compared with the gene signatures of published data GSE52031 and GSE8401 and compared with the pathological staging by GEPIA2, and the prognostic signature of proteins was searched by the Human Protein Atlas database. If the acidic pHe-induced and -reduced genes were correlated with shortened and prolonged survival times, respectively, and also correlated with pathological staging, we defined it as “hit” and counted the sum of hit points of eight types of tumors such as breast, colorectal, prostate, gastric, liver, prostate, lung, and head and neck and melanoma.ResultsGene expression was differentially and commonly regulated by both pHes. The number of genes upregulated fourfold or more at pHe 6.8 and 5.9 only for 25 and 131 genes, respectively, and 85 genes were common. The number of genes downregulated fourfold or less at pHe 6.8 and 5.9 only for 63 and 82 genes, respectively, and 118 genes were common. Compared with human mRNA expression data (GSE8401), there is no correlation with the overall pattern of the signature. In seven types of cancer (breast, colorectal, gastric, liver, prostate, lung, and head and neck) and melanoma, the relationship between acidic pHe-modulated gene expression and overall survival was evaluated. As a result, acidic pHe dependency contributing to prognosis was higher in colorectal, lung, and head and neck cancers and lower in prostate cancer.ConclusionTumor classification based on response to extracellular acidic pHe will provide new insights into chemotherapy strategy for patients with tumors.
Antioxidant properties of allium turcicum Özhatay & cowley plant extract, its effects on the proliferation and migration of cancer cells
Authors: İPEK Polat , Baran Ayse , Cebe Deniz Barış , Ahmadian Elham , Eftekhari Aziz , Baran Mehmet Fırat 
Published: September 2024

Cancer is a type of non-communicable disease that is responsible for numerous deaths worldwide. Cancer incidence and mortality rates are on the rise due to a combination of factors, such as a growing population, aging, and poor dietary habits. The Allium turcicum Özhatay &amp; Cowley plant is an endemic plant in the area where it grows and is consumed by the public due to its various benefits. This endemic plant, which generally grows in high-altitude regions, is sold in bunches because it is costly, mixed with rock salt, crushed into powder, and consumed as a spice. The cytotoxic and growth-inhibitory effects of A. turcicum Özhatay &amp; Cowley herb extract on human glioblastoma U373 cells, human colorectal carcinoma cell HCT-116, and healthy HUVEC cell lines were determined by the MTT method. After 24 and 48 h of application, logIC50 values in HUVEC, HCT-116, and U373 cells were defined as 3.737, 3.765; 3.513, 3.696, 4.476, and 4.104 μg/mL, respectively. We conducted a cell migration experiment to study the A. turcicum Özhatay &amp; Cowley Extract (ATÖCE) impact on cancer cells’ metastatic behavior. Our findings indicate that ATÖCE has an inhibitory effect on the migration potential of the cells used in the study. We conducted experiments using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and total phenolic content to assess the antioxidant properties of ATÖCE. The findings from the antioxidant activity experiments revealed an activity level of 0.20 ± 0.046 at IC50. Additionally, the total phenolic content was measured to be 0.26 ± 0.044 mg GAE/g.
Evaluation of the beneficial effects of a GABA-based product containing Melissa officinalis on post-inflammatory irritable bowel syndrome: a preclinical study
Authors: Lucarini Elena , Benvenuti Laura , Di Salvo Clelia , D’Antongiovanni Vanessa , Pellegrini Carolina , Valdiserra Giulia , Ciampi Clara , Antonioli Luca , Lambiase Christian , Cancelli Lorenzo , Grosso Antonio , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Bellini Massimo , Ghelardini Carla , Fornai Matteo 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionVisceral pain represents the most common digestive issue, frequently resulting from long-term inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel diseases. The lack of effective drugs prompted search of new therapeutic approaches. In this regard, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Melissa officinalis (Mo) appear as excellent candidates as they were recognized to have several positive effects on the digestive system. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of a compound containing GABA and Mo (GABA-Mo 5:1) in inflammation-induced intestinal damage and visceral pain.MethodsColitis was induced in rats by intrarectal 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) administration. DNBS-treated animals received GABA-Mo (80 mg/kg BID), starting 3 days before DNBS administration, until 14 days after colitis induction (preventive protocol), or starting 7 days after DNBS until day 21 (curative protocol). Visceral pain was assessed by measuring the viscero-motor response (VMR) and the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) to colorectal distension on day 7, 14 (both protocols) and 21 (curative protocol) after DNBS administration.ResultsIn the preventive protocol, GABA-Mo reduced AWR at day 14 but had no effect on VMR. In the spinal cord, treatment with GABA-Mo significantly prevented microglia reactivity (Iba-1 positive cells). In the colon, the supplement significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA, index of oxidative stress) and IL-1β levels and counteracted the decreased expression of claudin-1. Moreover, GABA-Mo normalized the increased levels of plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP, index of altered intestinal permeability). In the curative protocol, GABA-Mo significantly counteracted visceral hypersensitivity persistence in DNBS-treated animals (day 14 and 21). In the spinal cord, GABA-Mo significantly reduced GFAP positive cell density (astrocytes). Histological evaluations highlighted a mild but significant effect of GABA-Mo in promoting healing from DNBS-induced colon damage. Colonic MDA and myeloperoxidase (index of leukocyte infiltration) levels were reduced, while the decreased colonic claudin-1 expression was normalized. In addition, the increased levels of plasma LBP were normalized by GABA-Mo administration.DiscussionIn conclusion GABA-Mo, particularly in the curative protocol, was able to reduce visceral pain and intestinal inflammation, likely through a reinforcement of intestinal barrier integrity, thus representing a suitable approach for the management of abdominal pain, especially in the remission stages of colitis.
Metabolic and vascular imaging markers for investigating Alzheimer’s disease complicated by sleep fragmentation in mice
Authors: Han Xiaoning , Liu Guanshu , Lee Sang Soo , Yang Xiuli , Wu Mark N. , Lu Hanzhang , Wei Zhiliang 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundSleep problem is a common complication of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Extensive preclinical studies have been performed to investigate the AD pathology. However, the pathophysiological consequence of AD complicated by sleep problem remains to be further determined.PurposeTo investigate brain metabolism and perfusion in an AD mouse model complicated by sleep problem, and subsequently identify potential imaging markers to better understand the associated pathophysiology.MethodsWe examined the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) using state-of-the-art MRI techniques in a cohort of 5xFAD model mice. Additionally, neuroinflammation, indicated by activated microglia, was assessed using histology techniques. Sleep fragmentation (SF) was utilized as a representative for sleep problems.ResultsSF was associated with significant increases in OEF (P = 0.023) and CMRO2 (P = 0.029), indicating a state of hypermetabolism. CBF showed a significant genotype-by-sleep interaction effect (P = 0.026), particularly in the deep brain regions such as the hippocampus and thalamus. Neuroinflammation was primarily driven by genotype rather than SF, especially in regions with significant interaction effect in CBF measurements.ConclusionThese results suggest that brain metabolism and perfusion measurements are promising markers for studying the co-pathogenesis of AD and SF.
Responses of transcriptome and metabolome in peanut leaves to dibutyl phthalate during whole growth period
Authors: Fan Lixia , Zhang Bingchun , Ning Mingxiao , Quan Shuangjun , Guo Changying , Cui Kai , Chen Lu , Yan Mengmeng , Ren Xianfeng 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe application of agricultural film mulching technology has significantly contributed to increasing crop yield and income, but the pollution caused by residual film has seriously affected agricultural production and the natural environment. Agricultural film is commonly employed to enhance the yield of peanuts; its use may lead to excessive dibutyl phthalate (DBP) residues in peanut kernels. But, limited investigations have been conducted on the regulatory mechanism of peanut leaves in response to DBP exposure throughout the entire growth period.MethodsTo bridge this knowledge gap, we investigated the differences in transcriptome and metabolome of peanut leaves under DBP stress.ResultsAccording to visual observations, the results of morphological response showed that the growth of peanut plants was significantly inhibited from seedling to pod stage under DBP treatment. Transcriptomic analysis results showed that the genes AH19G05510 (LRR receptor-like serine threonine-protein kinase) and AH20G31870 (disease resistance), belonging to the FAR1 family and bZIP family respectively, may be key genes involved in the resistance to DBP stress throughout its growth stages. Metabolomic analysis results showed that during the initial stage of DBP stress, the key metabolites in peanut leaves response to stress were carboxylic acids and derivatives, as well as fatty acyls. As peanut growth progressed, flavonoids gradually became more prominent in the resistance to DBP stress. By integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis, we have identified that purine metabolism during seedling and flowering stages, as well as the flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways during pod and maturity stages, played a crucial role in response to DBP stress.DiscussionThese findings not only provide valuable key gene and metabolic information for studying anti-plasticizer pollution throughout the entire growth period of peanuts, but also offer reference for enhancing crop resistance to plasticizer pollution through genetic modification and metabolic regulation.
Anxiety—depression: a pivotal mental factor for accelerating disease progression and reducing curative effect in vitiligo patients
Authors: Cao Cheng , Lin Fuquan , Jin Rong , Lei Jindi , Zheng Yujie , Sheng Anqi , Xu Wen , Xu Aie , Zhou Miaoni 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo clarify the causal relationship between anxiety-depression and the progression and outcomes of vitiligo, providing a basis for enhancing psychological interventions in the treatment of vitiligo.MethodsA two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was used to validate the causal relationship between anxiety, depression, and vitiligo. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) assessed the psychiatric condition of vitiligo patients. Fisher’s chi-square tests and rank sum tests analyzed the differences in clinical characteristics among vitiligo patients with different HADS scores. Regression analysis assessed the correlation between anxiety-depression and disease progression and treatment outcomes.ResultsMendelian randomization analysis showed that depression significantly increases the risk of vitiligo (OR = 4.46, 95% CI: 1.16–17.18, p = 0.03). According to the HADS scores, clinical characteristics differed significantly among the groups (p &lt; 0.05). Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that both HADS (B = –1.168, p &lt; 0.001, 95% CI: −1.532 to −0.804) and VIDA (B = –2.157, p &lt; 0.001, 95% CI: −3.464 to −0.887) were significantly negative associated factors for disease outcomes. However, HADS (B = –1.006, p &lt; 0.001, 95% CI: −1.475 to −0.657) emerged as the only factor influencing therapeutic efficacy in multivariate regression analysis. A restricted cubic spline graph illustrates a U-shaped relationship between HADS and clinical efficacy, with the most significant impact on therapeutic efficacy occurring when HADS equals 15.ConclusionAnxiety—depression exhibit a bidirectional positive causal relationship with vitiligo. Moderate to severe anxiety-depression significantly influences the clinical efficacy of vitiligo treatment.
The influence of achievement motivation on the educational practice ability of pre-service teachers: the multiple mediating role of professional identity and learning engagement
Authors: Peng Yanhong , Zhang Cai 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveAccording to Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model of human development, focus on exploring the mechanism of person characteristics (achievement motivation) in their own development (improvement of educational practice ability).MethodA survey was conducted on 1,225 pre-service teachers in Anhui Province, China, using the Achievement Motivation Scale, Professional Identity Scale, Learning Engagement Scale, and Educational Practice Ability Scale.Results(1) Achievement motivation can significantly and positively predict pre-service teachers’ educational practice ability; (2) Achievement motivation can indirectly affect pre-service teachers’ educational practice ability through the mediating effects of professional identity and learning engagement; (3) Professional identity and learning engagement play a chain mediated role in the impact of achievement motivation on pre-service teachers’ educational practice ability.
Causal effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on autoimmune thyroid disease: insights from mendelian randomization
Authors: Chen Zhaorong , Yu Yunfeng , Yao Jiayu , Guo Zirui , Cui Yanhui , Li Fang , Li Changqi 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThe relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) needs further evaluation. This study employs Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal correlations of PTSD with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and Graves’ disease (GD).MethodsDatasets for PTSD, AIT, and GD were obtained from FinnGen. The exposure-outcome causal relationship was assessed using inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median. Horizontal pleiotropy was evaluated through the MR-Egger intercept, heterogeneity was examined using Cochran’s Q test, and robustness was assessed via leave-one-out sensitivity analysis.ResultsMR analysis indicated no significant causal relationship between PTSD and AIT (OR 0.920, 95% CI 0.832 to 1.017, p = 0.103), but a potential increase in the risk of GD associated with PTSD (OR 1.056, 95% CI 1.008 to 1.105, p = 0.021). MR-Egger intercept showed no horizontal pleiotropy (p &gt; 0.05), and Cochran’s Q showed no heterogeneity (p &gt; 0.05). Sensitivity analysis suggested the MR results were robust.ConclusionsEvidence of an MR association between genetic liability to PTSD and an increased risk of GD were provided, but no evidence of association between PTSD and AIT. The findings indicate that individuals with PTSD may have an increased likelihood of developing GD, underscoring the importance of further research to comprehend the intricate interplay between PTSD and thyroid disorders.
Psychosomatic health status and corresponding comorbid network analysis of college students in traditional Chinese medicine schools
Authors: Yi Shuang , Hu Xingang , Wang Chengzhe , Ge Jieqian , Ma Zixiang , Zhao Yan 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionDepression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms are highly comorbid and represent the most prevalent psychosomatic health issues. Few studies have investigated the network structure of psychosomatic symptoms among traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) students. This study aims to investigate the psychosomatic health status of college students in TCM universities, while simultaneously constructing a network structure of common somatic symptoms and psychological symptoms.MethodsOnline investigation was conducted among 665 students from a university of Chinese medicine. Health Status Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) were used to assess the mental symptoms and physical status of participants. With the R software processing, a network model of psychosomatic symptoms was constructed. Specifically, we computed the predictability (PRE), expected influence (EI), and bridging expected influence (BEI) of each symptom. Meanwhile, the stability and accuracy of the network were evaluated using the case-deletion bootstrap method.ResultsAmong the participants, 277 (41.65%) subjects exhibited depressive symptoms, and 244 (36.69%) subjects showed symptoms of anxiety. Common somatic symptoms included fatigue, forgetfulness, sighing, thirst, and sweating. Within the psychosomatic symptoms network, “ worrying too much about things “, “uncontrollable worries” and “weakness” exhibited the high EI and PRE, suggesting they are central symptoms. “ Little interest or pleasure in doing things,” “ feeling down, depressed, or hopeless,” “ dyssomnia,” and “sighing” with high BEI values demonstrated that they are bridging symptoms in the comorbid network.ConclusionThe psychosomatic health status of college students in traditional Chinese medicine schools is concerning, showing high tendencies for depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. There exists a complex relationship between somatic symptoms and psychological symptoms among students. “ Worrying too much about things “, “uncontrollable worries” and “weakness” enable to serve as comorbid intervention targets for anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms. Addressing “ little interest or pleasure in doing things,” “ feeling down, depressed, or hopeless,” “ dyssomnia,” and “sighing” may effectively prevent the mutual transmission between psychological and physical symptoms. The network model highlighting the potential targeting symptoms to intervene in the treatment of psychosomatic health.
Sleeping <6.55 h per day was associated with a higher risk of low back pain in adults aged over 50 years: a Korean nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Dexin , Zhang Yihui , Liu Xingkai , Yang Xin , Liang Xichao , Hu Xu , Yuan Hua , Zhao Chenguang 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPatients with low back pain (LBP) often suffer from sleep disorder, and insufficient sleep duration was recognized as a potential risk factor for LBP. Our aim was to explore the exact effect of sleep duration on LBP and the optimal sleep duration to reduce the risk of LBP.MethodsAnalyzing data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), we investigated the association between sleep duration and LBP in individuals aged 50 years and older. We used logistic regression models, interaction stratification analysis, and threshold effect assessment to analyze the relationship between sleep duration and LBP.ResultsA total of 6,285 participants, comprising 3,056 males and 3,229 females with a median age of 63.1 years, were enrolled in the study. The association between sleep duration and LBP risk exhibited an L-shaped curve (p &lt; 0.015) in RCS analysis. In the threshold analysis, the OR of developing risk of LBP was 0.864 (95% CI:0.78–0.957, p = 0.005) in participants with sleep duration &lt;6.55 h. Each additional hour of sleep was associated with a 13.6% decrease in the risk of LBP. No significant association was observed between sleep duration ≥6.55 h and the risk of LBP. The risk of LBP did not decrease further with increasing sleep duration. Results remain robust across subgroups.ConclusionOur findings indicate that shorter sleep duration is a risk factor for LBP in adults aged over 50 years. We revealed an L-shaped association between sleep duration and LBP, with an inflection point at approximately 6.55 h per day. These results underscore the significance of sleep duration as a factor in the risk assessment for LBP.
Sleep quality and emotional reactivity in patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Socci Valentina , Festucci Fabiana , Barlattani Tommaso , Salfi Federico , D'Aurizio Giulia , Rossi Rodolfo , Ferrara Michele , Rossi Alessandro , Pacitti Francesca , Tempesta Daniela 
Published: September 2024

Background/objectiveEmotional dysregulation is bidirectionally associated with sleep disturbances, with potentially critical implications for emotional reactivity, in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This study evaluated subjective and objective sleep quality, emotional regulation, and emotional reactivity in 20 patients with BPD compared to 20 non-clinical individuals.MethodsSubjective and objective sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a 3-day actigraphic measurement. Emotional regulation was evaluated using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and the Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire. Furthermore, each participant underwent an emotional reactivity task selected from the International Affective Picture System.ResultsCompared to control subjects, individuals with BPD reported poor subjective sleep quality and objective sleep continuity disturbances, with more sleep fragmentation and decreased sleep efficiency. Moreover, BPD patients showed emotional dysregulation and altered subjective reactivity to emotional stimuli, particularly positively valenced stimuli.ConclusionThese results suggest the importance of further clarifying the specific direction of sleep-dependent emotional modulation in individuals with BPD, with significant clinical implications for patients with co-occurring sleep disturbances.