bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding molecular mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effects of Machilus macrantha (Gulmavu) in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway by network pharmacological approach
Authors: MUKHOPADHYAY NABARUN , SEN SIBU , KUMAR ASHISH , SANDBHOR RUJUTA , DIKUNDWAR AMOL G , KAKI VENKATA RAO 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Inflammation is a critical defense mechanism that mainly occurs in the human body through arachidonic acid metabolism and is needed to maintain a healthy life, but uncontrolled inflammation leads to several diseases like asthma, osteoarthritis, etc. Machilus macrantha is an important Indian medicinal plant that is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic agent but has yet to be explored much. Hence, the present study has been undertaken to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory activity in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway by using network pharmacology and molecular modelling studies.
Results
Several free online tools and databases like SEA, Swiss target prediction, OMIM, GeneCards, Venny 2.1.0, and STRING were utilized to predict, compile, and filter the anti-inflammatory targets, and a total of 23 targets were obtained throughout the process. Further, by using the topology parameters (degree, betweenness, and closeness) in Cytoscape 3.10.0 software, a total of five hub nodes or genes named PTGS2, NFκβ1, MAPK1, CYP2C8, and CYP2C9 were identified which is mainly associated with arachidonic acid metabolism. KEGG and GO analyses were performed by using the SRplot tool, and it was observed that arachidonic acid metabolism emerged as the top pathway with the lowest P-value and highest fold enrichment. The tissue enrichment studies of the hub genes were also performed using the Human eFP Browser. Finally, a ligand-target-pathway interaction network was created, which proved that the phytoconstituents of M. macrantha interact with multiple molecular targets of arachidonic acid metabolism and showed anti-inflammatory activity. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies proved that a total of three ligands named machigline, machiline, and quercetin exhibited moderate to good binding efficacies toward the hub genes, and machigline and quercetin showed stability in the binding cavity.
Conclusion
From the present study, it can be concluded that the phytocompounds of M. macrantha have significant interactions with anti-inflammatory targets specifically on arachidonic acid metabolism, hence the same can act as an important source for developing novel anti-inflammatory agents.
Rapid Identification and Methicillin Resistance Test to Staphylococcus aureus in Cerebrospinal by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Zhang Mengyu Zhang , Wang Xuanxuan Wang , Huang Wei Huang , Ma Ailing Ma , Qin Shuguo Qin , Hu Di Hu , Hu Henggui Hu , Du Du Xiaolei , Zhang Kaixuan Zhang , Zhu Sudi Zhu , Xu Yuanyuan Xu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a disease with high mortality and morbidity, and it primarily manifests as symptoms involving the central nervous system (CNS). Hence, it would be of great importance to make an early diagnosis and initiate empirical antimicrobial treatment in time for this disease.
Methods: In this study, we investigated the feasibility of rapid pathogen identification and drug resistance analysis through the combination of centrifugation-based enrichment of bacteria and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Specifically, the cerebrospinal samples were treated by differential centrifugation to collect precipitates after a short-term rapid culture. Then, the precipitates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Subsequently, the bacterial solution (106 CFU/mL) was mixed with an equal volume of cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (CAMHB) supplemented with cefoxitin (4 µg/mL). After the culture of the mixture, the precipitates obtained by centrifugation were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS.
Results: The efficiency of centrifugation-based enrichment of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was 87.9% at 103 CFU/mL and increased to 90.4% at 102 CFU/mL. This identification efficiency reached 100% after an 8-hour culture. The optimal testing time for bacterial resistance identification was achieved by the culture within 3 hours. The validity, sensitivity, and specificity were all 100% at this time point. The results of the rapid identification method were identical to those of the broth microdilution method.
Conclusion: Through this protocol, the identification and drug resistance analysis of S. aureus in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be completed within 11 hours. These findings are expected to provide a new method for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients with bacterial meningitis.
A cross-sectional survey of experiences and outcomes of using testosterone replacement therapy in UK men
Authors: El-Osta Austen , Liu Vivian , Huang David , Foster Jeff , Johnson Hans , Alaa Aos , Hayhoe Benedict 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Prevalence of late-onset testosterone deficiency (TD) ranges between 6–30% depending on diagnostic criteria. Recent data highlights various benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) including increased libido, mood, bone-mineral density and lean body mass. This study investigated the personal experiences of men with TD, including access to TRT.
Methods
Previous or current TRT users were recruited from private clinics' mailing lists, professional medical organisations and researchers' professional networks. Participants completed a 52-item structured questionnaire on Qualtrics addressing perceptions and experiences of TRT and low testosterone symptoms. Associations between demographics, duration of symptoms and effectiveness were assessed using logistic regressions.
Results
Among the 905 men on TD treatment, 86% delayed treatment for > 1 year, while 26% experienced symptoms for > 5 year before seeking care. Older men were 1.79 times more likely to delay treatment. The majority (86%) reported TRT as very effective, with longer-term users 2.6 times more likely to report TRT as very effective compared to recent starters. Primary motivations for seeking TRT included improving personal relationships (79%) and physical appearance (53%). Most (81%) relied on online sources for information; fewer (18%) felt comfortable discussing hormonal health with their peers. Patient expectations during medical consultations focussed on diagnosis (77%), treatment options (64%) and learning about potential side effects (51%). The commonest side effects were acne (24%), testicular shrinkage (24%) and nipple itchiness/gynaecomastia (19%). TRT users reported notable improvements in overall quality of life (75%), mental wellbeing (71%), self-esteem and self-confidence (69%) and appearance (61%).
Conclusions
A significant proportion of men > 50 year surveyed reported experiencing prolonged symptoms of TD prior to seeking care. There is a need for greater awareness and education regarding TD symptoms, including streamlining timely and equitable access to effective treatment options.
A case of tuberous sclerosis complex associated lymphangioleiomyomatosis and review of literatures
Authors: Ye Yuan , Tu Lingfang , Shen Lisha , Wang Weina , Zhou Jianya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, insidiously progressive, and low-grade neoplasm that selectively targets the lungs and preferentially affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by bilaterally-distributed, thin-walled lung cysts. LAM occurs as two main forms, sporadic LAM (S-LAM) or tuberous sclerosis complex associated LAM (TSC-LAM). As an autosomal dominant disorder, TSC is mainly caused by genetic alteration in either TSC1 or TSC2 gene. The clinical manifestations of LAM include recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, progressive dyspnoea, cough, chylothorax, and abdominal pain. Here we report a case of TSC-LAM in a 32-year-old Chinese female patient with a complaint of intermittent non-productive cough for one year. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple thin-walled lung cysts in a bilateral distribution. The patient also had facial angiofibromas, subependymal nodules (SENs), renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs), bone lesions, and elevated level of vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D). Whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis demonstrated nonsense mutation in TSC2 gene (c.3094C>T, p.Arg1032), confirming the diagnosis of TSC-LAM. Our aim is to discuss the case of TSC-LAM and review of current literatures including main pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and treatment regimens of this rare disease.
Comparative analysis of the LEA gene family in seven Ipomoea species focuses on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Hu Mengqin , Li Zhenqin , Lin Xiongjian , Tang Binquan , Xing Meng , Zhu Hongbo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins are extensively distributed among higher plants and are crucial for regulating growth, development, and abiotic stress resistance. However, comprehensive data regarding the LEA gene family in Ipomoea species remains limited. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide comparative analysis across seven Ipomoea species, including sweet potato (I. batatas), I. trifida, I. triloba, I. nil, I. purpurea, I. cairica, and I. aquatica, identifying 73, 64, 77, 62, 70, 70, and 74 LEA genes, respectively. The LEA genes were divided into eight subgroups: LEA_1, LEA_2, LEA_3, LEA_4, LEA_5, LEA_6, SMP, and Dehydrin according to the classification of the LEA family in Arabidopsis. Gene structure and protein motif analyses revealed that genes within the same phylogenetic group exhibited comparable exon/intron structures and motif patterns. The distribution of LEA genes across chromosomes varied among the different Ipomoea species. Duplication analysis indicated that segmental and tandem duplications significantly contributed to the expansion of the LEA gene family, with segmental duplications being the predominant mechanism. The analysis of the non-synonymous (Ka) to synonymous (Ks) ratio (Ka/Ks) indicated that the duplicated Ipomoea LEA genes predominantly underwent purifying selection. Extensive cis-regulatory elements associated with stress responses were identified in the promoters of LEA genes. Expression analysis revealed that the LEA gene exhibited widespread expression across diverse tissues and showed responsive modulation to various abiotic stressors. Furthermore, we selected 15 LEA genes from sweet potatoes for RT-qPCR analysis, demonstrating that five genes responded to salt stress in roots, while three genes were responsive to drought stress in leaves. Additionally, expression levels of seven genes varied at different stages of sweet potato tuber development. These findings enhanced our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of LEA genes within the Ipomoea genome and may inform future molecular breeding strategies for sweet potatoes.
Mitochondrial FIS1 level in cumulus cells correlates with morphological grades of human cleavage-stage embryos
Authors: Sima Yizhen , Shi Sanbao , Chen Yuning , Min Zhunyuan , Lu Yongning , Sha Hongying , Liu Suying 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Advanced-age women have a lower good-quality embryo rate (GQER) compared to young women. However, GQER varies widely within the same age group, suggesting that factors beyond age influence embryo quality. Mitochondria regulate the metabolism of their host cells through dynamic fission and fusion alterations. Specifically, cumulus cell (CC) mitochondria regulate not only the metabolism of CCs but also of adjacent oocytes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CC mitochondrial dynamics and oocyte developmental potential post-fertilization.
Methods
CCs were collected from 183 women aged 25–45 undergoing single sperm intracytoplasmic injection-embryo transfer treatments. Samples were stratified by age into young (< 35) and advanced-age (≥ 35) groups. Each group was further subdivided into high and low subgroups based on the Day 3 GQER. Mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, and fission-fusion gene expression were compared among groups and subgroups.
Results
Consistent with the literature, data analysis from our laboratory revealed significant variances in GQER among individuals of the same age group. Morphological analysis suggested a negative correlation between GQER and mitochondrial length in CCs (P < 0.0001, r=-0.38). Live-cell imaging showed that both fission and fusion frequencies of CC mitochondria in the advanced-age group were lower than those in the young group (P = 0.009, P = 0.01). Additionally, within the advanced-age group, CC mitochondria from the low GQER subgroup exhibited lower fission frequency and fission-fusion ratios compared to the high GQER subgroup (P = 0.04, P = 0.01). Consequently, GQER positively correlated with mitochondrial fission-fusion ratio in CCs (P = 0.01, r = 0.44). Notably, there were no significant differences in the expression of mitochondrial fusion-related proteins (OPA1, MFN1, and MFN2) between the advanced-age and young groups or among the subgroups. However, levels of fission proteins, including FIS1 and MFF, were significantly lower in the advanced-age group compared to the young group and in the low GQER subgroup compared to their high GQER counterparts. qPCR results further indicated that fis1 and mff mRNA levels in CCs were positively correlated with GQER (P < 0.0001, r = 0.55; P = 0.0025, r = 0.41).
Conclusions
Mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, and fission-fusion gene expression in CCs influence early embryonic development, independent of age. Of these factors, the FIS1 level shows the most robust correlation with GQER.
Evaluating Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Nephrostomy in Low-Resource Settings: Insights from Northern Nigeria
Authors: Rabiu Abbas , Umar Ahmad Bashir , Lawal Yusuf , Gwadabe Mashhud Hadi , Said Maryam Ahmad , Abdullahi Muzammil , Iya Abdulkarim , Jibrilla Atiku , Dahiru Abubakar , Tabari Abdulkadir Musa , ISMAIL ANAS 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Percutaneous Nephrostomy (PCN) is a procedure that decompresses or provides access to the renal collecting system. There is a dearth of data about the complications and outcomes of PCN in low and middle-income countries. Objectives: This audit will provide insight into the complications and outcomes of PCN in Nigeria.
Methods: This prospective study was on fifty-five patients who had PCN under ultrasound guidance. We obtained pre-PCN and serial serum creatinine on day one, one week, and one month post-PCN. The patients were monitored for two weeks. We also documented whether or not, the patient has continued to be on dialysis or died. The categorical data was expressed as proportions and percentages. The student’s t-test to compare means between groups for continuous variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Up to 32 (58.2%) were males. About 80% of patients had bilateral PCN. Some patients (27.2%) developed minor complications such as pain, wire impaction, bleeding, or vomiting. During the late post-procedure and follow-up periods, 72.7% had no complication, 12.7% had dislodged tube(s), 10.9% had unilateral tube blockage, and 1.8% had bilateral tube blockage.
The study also showed a significant reduction of serum creatinine in 80% of the subjects. 12.7% of the patients died with 5.5% of patients lost to follow-up, and 1.8% had fluctuating creatinine levels.
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided PCN is a safe procedure to relieve obstructive uropathy in our setting. PCN significantly improves patient outcomes when performed judiciously and in inappropriate clinical contexts.
The extract of the Broussonetia papyrifera can be used as a raw material source for the sterility agent of Microtus fortis
Authors: Wang Shuangye , Lan Tian , Zhao Yunlin , Liu Wanfu , Huang Tian , Zhang Meiwen , Hu Zhiyuan , Xu Zhenggang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The plant sterilants are studied to control rodent populations with their minimal environmental risk and other ethical considerations. However, the practical utilization was unsatisfactory and stagnant due to high costs and process difficulties. Broussonetia papyrifera is a potential plant material, that showed inhibition to reproduction of Microtus fortis, which usually caused serious damages to crops around the Dongting Lake region, China. The M. fortis were treated with different doses of B. papyrifera leaves methanol extract.
Results: The results showed growth of sex organs were inhibited, male testosterone level and sperm quality reduced. Though there were some positive effects on female, the reproductive parameters of couple voles were also inferior, most treated couple spent more reproductive time, fetal counts and weight were worse. It is also found that M. fortis would obviously negative respond to the extract after the single treatment or long-term repeated treatment rather than the short-term repeated treatment. B. papyrifera leaves showed the more applicative potential of sterilant for male rodents. Conclusions: These findings enrich the study of plant sterilants,and provide insights into the utilization of B. papyrifera and management of rodents. Owing to effectiveness and accessibility of the leaves, the derived sterilant may be more economic in the practice that controlling rodent pest.
Inhibition of Mesenchymal Phenotypes in Glioblastoma by Combined Targeting of NF-κB and STAT3 Pathways
Authors: Ren Xiao , Li Jiabo , Chen Lei , Wang Xuya , Zhang Jinhao , Zhang Yiming , Fan Jikang , Yun Debo , Zhang Chen , Yu Shengping , Yang Xuejun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (GBM, WHO grade 4) is the most common and lethal type of brain cancer that is hard to cure. Among the 3 subtypes of GBM, the mesenchymal GBM is characterized by therapeutic resistance and poor outcomes. Here, we found that both STAT3 and NF-κB pathways are abnormally activated in mesenchymal GBM and the patients with higher expression of STAT3 and NF-κB had a poor prognosis in TCGA database. Using the STAT3 inhibitor, Stattic, to suppress the STAT3 signaling in GBM cells. However, it was observed that Stattic alone leads to compensatory activation of the NF-κB signaling. Therefore, we hypothesized that combined inhibition of STAT3 and NF-κB pathways may has a better anti-mesenchymal GBM effect than single signaling inhibition. ACT001, a novel NF-κB inhibitor, combined with Stattic has a synergistic anti-GBM effect, effectively inhibiting GBM proliferation, invasion, migration and promoting apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis showed that combined inhibition of the STAT3 and NF-κB pathways resulted in better suppression of downstream gene PLK4 expression compared to the inhibition of either pathway alone. Overexpression of PLK4 was found to enhance GBM cell proliferation, invasion and migration, while reducing apoptosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that combined targeting of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways, by acting on PLK4, suppresses proliferation, invasion and migration, as well as promotes apoptosis in the mesenchymal subtype of GBM cells, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for mesenchymal GBM.
PM2.5 concentration prediction based on optimized BiLSTM by WOA
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Zuhan , Wang Lili 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The problem of haze pollution, mainly caused by delicate particulate matter (PM2.5), is becoming increasingly severe. The coverage of haze weather is constantly expanding, leading to increasing pressure on the urban atmospheric environment. At the same time, it seriously restricts the sustainable development of China's economy and damages the people's health. In response to the problem of poor prediction accuracy of delicate particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration, this work proposes a PM2.5 concentration prediction model based on Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Attention Mechanism (AM) optimized Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory Network (BiLSTM), namely the WOA-BiLSTM-ATT model. This model can effectively alleviate the problem of gradient vanishing, better adapt to multiple learning tasks and further enable AM to allocate weights to features to achieve the accurate prediction of PM2.5. The empirical results indicate that the stability and prediction accuracy of the WOA-BiLSTM-ATT model are superior to other models.
Analysis of the Multi-Dimension Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Chunli , Huang Yilong , Wang Guoliang , Xie Kaipeng , Chen Jiaxin , Ma Jiyao , Kui Xiaoling , Luo Jian , Zhao Wenqiong , Zhang Yutao , He Bo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Identifying and reducing the risk of chronic ankle instability (CAI) is crucial for patients selecting appropriate treatment modalities. However, there is limited research on the factors contributing to CAI. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of CAI risk factors, including demographics, bone structure, and ligament characteristics, to identify those most closely associated with the condition.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients with CAI who underwent MRI following acute ankle sprains between January 2018 and June 2023. Demographic and clinical data were collected through the 24-month follow-up or electronic medical records. The imaging parameters were measured using the DICOM/PACS system and included the Axial Malleolar Index (AMI), Intermalleolar Index (IMI), Malleolar Talus Index (MTI), external rotation angle of the fibula, retromalleolar groove, signal to noise ratio (SNR), length, cross-sectional area (CSA), width of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), and ATFL-posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) angle. Logistic regression analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to identify CAI risk factors and assess diagnostic accuracy.
Results
A total of 131 patients with CAI were evaluated, including 78 women and 33 men. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the 6 risk factors associated with CAI included height (odds ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% CI 0.56–6.26, P < 0.05), ATFL-PTFL angle (OR, 1.12, 95%CI, 1.07–1.17, P < 0.001), IMI (OR, 1.15, 95%CI, 1.04–1.27, P < 0.05), the external rotation angle of the fibula (OR, 0.81, 95%CI, 0.72–0.90, P < 0.001), the SNR of ATFL(OR, 1.10, 95%CI, 1.00-1.21, P < 0.05), the retromalleolar groove (OR, 3.59, 95%CI, 1.49–8.63, P < 0.05). The ATFL-PTFL angle had the highest diagnostic performance for CAI, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.77, a positive likelihood ratio of 5.84 (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
MRI can be a valuable tool for the detection of risk factors associated with CAI. Our findings will offer valuable insights for the diagnosis and treatment of CAI in clinical settings.
Revalorization of tidal waste as a sustainable cellulose source
Authors: Moral Ana , Greyer Valeria , Aguado Roberto J. , Tijero Antonio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The increase of non-native species in the seas and eutrophication cause accumulation of seaweed and marine plants on coasts that become waste. Marine biomass residues are abandoned or sent to landfills at considerable cost. The aim of this work is to revalue tidal waste as a cellulosic material. Cellulose was isolated using minimal environmental impact (clean) technologies in two stages, first one with sodium hydroxide and anthraquinone, and the second with alkaline hydrogen peroxide. Product were characterized by evaluating the contents on α-cellulose, ash, ethanol-benzene extractives, holocellulose, hot water-soluble compounds and lignin, also, yield was calculated. For identifying the optimal operating conditions, we used response surface methodology (central composite design) which allowed to model the treatment conditions. Under optimal conditions, α-cellulose and holocellulose contents were 87.21% and 54.31% respectively. The hot water-soluble fraction of 30.81% can potentially be refined to obtain value-added compounds, allowing extraction to be adapted to an integrated biorefinery process.