bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the gut microbiome and inflammation-related proteins on oral leukoplakia: a Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis
Authors: Da Junlong , Ren Yinting , Liu Shiwei , Wang Nanyan , Wang Lei , Fu Zhifeng , Liang Yongtang , Pan Yu , Li Jin , Chen Jufeng 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundOral leukoplakia (OL) is the most common potentially malignant disease of the oral cavity. In recent years, studies have identified a correlation between the gut microbiota (GM) and oral cancer, in addition, inflammation-related proteins have been reported to play an important role in the development of OL. However, the causal relationship between gut microbiota and OL, as well as whether cytokines play a mediating role, remain unclear.MethodsIn this Mendelian randomization (MR) study, the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (n=18340) of the MiBioGen consortium microbiome was used as exposure data. Genetic variation data related to OL were extracted from the Finngen R9 project (513 cases of OL and 411668 controls). The 91 inflammation-related proteins obtained in the literature serve as potential mediators. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was applied to infer causality using Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), MR Egger, weighted media, simple mode and weighted mode method. Subsequently, sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the robustness of the MR results. In addition, we conducted reverse MR analysis to alleviate reverse causality. Finally, we used mediation analysis to determine the pathway mediated by inflammation-related proteins from the gut microbiota to OL.ResultsThe five bacterial taxa in the gut microbiota indicate a potential causal relationship with the development of OL. Notably, family Clostridiaceae1 was negatively correlated with the risk of OL development, while genus Dorea, genus Ruminococcus1, genus Senegalimasilia and genus Veillonella were positively associated with the risk of OL development. In addition, this study identified a potential causal relationship between interleukin-10 receptor subunit alpha (IL-10RA), interleukin-18 receptor 1(IL18-R1) and the occurrence of OL. In addition, intermediary analysis indicates that IL18-R1 mediated the pathway between the gut microbiota genus Senegalimasilia and OL.ConclusionsIn summary, our research emphasize the complex relationship between gut microbiota, inflammation-related proteins and OL. The identified associations and mediating effects provide new insights into potential therapeutic approaches for targeting the gut microbiota in the management of OL, and contribute to its prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Long non-coding RNA FAM87A is associated with overall survival and promotes cell migration and invasion in gastric cancer
Authors: Jiang Xue , Wu Xiaobin , Lu Manjiao , Fan Wenna , Song Jing , Song Fangzhou 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer remains largely unclear.MethodsIntegrating transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, differentially expressed genes were identified in gastric cancer. Using the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database-curated gene set, lncRNAs associated with invasion and metastasis were identified. The Cox analyses were performed to identify prognostic lncRNAs. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation network was constructed to identify hub lncRNAs in gastric cancer. Functional and pathway analyses were used to investigate the function of identified lncRNAs. RT-qPCR and Transwell assays were used to investigate the expression in gastric cancer tissues and functions in gastric cancer cell lines.ResultsBased on GEO and TCGA databases, 111 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between gastric cancer and normal samples. A total of 43 lncRNAs were significantly correlated with hallmark genes of cancer invasion and metastasis. Among them, as a hub lncRNA in the invasion-related ceRNA regulation network, FAM87A showed potential regulation on MAPK signaling and transforming growth factor (TGF) signaling cascade, such as TGFB2, TGFBR1, and TGFBR2. Furthermore, FAM87A also showed a significant correlation with cell adhesion molecules, such as Integrin alpha 6 (ITGA6) and Contactin-1 (CNTN1). RT-qPCR experiments showed that FAM87A expression was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues compared to normal samples (n = 30). Transwell assays showed that FAM87A knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Notably, clinical data analysis showed that lncRNA FAM87A could be an independent factor for the overall survival of patients with gastric cancer.ConclusionLncRNA FAM87A may play a pivotal role in regulating migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. FAM87A could be a potential biomarker for the overall survival of patients with gastric cancer.
Mapping the evolution and research landscape of ferroptosis-targeted nanomedicine: insights from a scientometric analysis
Authors: Cao Siyang , Wei Yihao , Yue Yaohang , Wang Deli , Yang Jun , Xiong Ao , Zeng Hui 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveNotable progress has been made in “ferroptosis-based nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs)” over the past 11 years. Despite the ongoing absence of a comprehensive scientometric overview and up-to-date scientific mapping research, especially regarding the evolution, critical research pathways, current research landscape, central investigative themes, and future directions.MethodsData ranging from 1 January 2012, to 30 November 2023, were obtained from the Web of Science database. A variety of advanced analytical tools were employed for detailed scientometric and visual analyses.ResultsThe results show that China significantly led the field, contributing 82.09% of the total publications, thereby largely shaping the research domain. Chen Yu emerged as the most productive author in this field. Notably, the journal ACS Nano had the greatest number of relevant publications. The study identified liver neoplasms, pancreatic neoplasms, gliomas, neoplasm metastases, and melanomas as the top five crucial disorders in this research area.ConclusionThis research provides a comprehensive scientometric assessment, enhancing our understanding of NDDSs focused on ferroptosis. Consequently, it enables rapid access to essential information and facilitates the extraction of novel ideas in the field of ferroptotic nanomedicine for both experienced and emerging researchers.
“Motherhood forced me to cope with my disability”: identity intersection among mothers with physical disabilities
Authors: Shpigelman Carmit-Noa , Karlinski Argi Limor 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAlthough motherhood plays a meaningful role in the formation of a woman’s identity, most studies have focused on the process of identity transformation in the transition to motherhood among non-disabled women; less is known about this process among women with physical disabilities who become mothers.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to understand and describe the subjective experiences of Israeli women with lifelong physical disabilities in their motherhood journey from the perspective of the intersection of their motherhood and disability identities, and from the disability studies approach.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Israeli mothers with visible lifelong physical disabilities who live in the community and raise their children.ResultsThree themes emerged from the interviews: (1) the decision to become a mother: Coping with the disability identity for the first time; (2) The FIRST 3 years: Depending on others as limiting their motherhood identity; (3) after age three: Balancing the motherhood and disability identities.ConclusionThe transition to motherhood led to identity transformation among women with physical disabilities. Becoming a mother increased the tension between dependence and independence in the context of disability, which also influenced the intersection of their motherhood and disability identities and their wellbeing. Practitioners should provide emotional support to mothers with disabilities and help them embrace the positive aspects of each identity and strike a balance between them.
Fear of progression after cancer recurrence: a mixed methods study
Authors: Stewart Ross James , Humphris Gerald Michael , Donaldson Jayne , Cruickshank Susanne 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe recurrence of cancer will significantly impact an individual’s quality of life (QoL) as they adjust to living with a condition that is often incurable. Patients remain at risk of further progression following recurrence, but fear of cancer progression (FOP) at this time is not commonly examined. Importantly, these fears are known to reach levels in which there are consequences for QoL.MethodsThis study sought to explore levels of FOP, health-related QoL, anxiety, and depression in patients after a recurrence of their cancer in a longitudinal manner. With the study taking place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, an assessment of fears related to cancer and the pandemic was included. A sequential mixed method approach was employed for complementarity and expansion purposes. A questionnaire was administered to 44 participants on three different occasions one month apart. A sub-sample of 10 participants then took part in semi-structured interviews.FindingsFOP was present at moderate levels in patients with a cancer recurrence, with over a third of the sample reaching levels considered dysfunctional. Levels of fear were stable over three months and were not predicted by select demographic or clinical factors. On average, depression was low, but anxiety reached mild levels. Challenges to health-related QoL were evident. Low levels of concern about COVID-19 in relation to cancer were reported. Integrated findings provided more nuanced answers to the research questions, including more specific worries about cancer progression.ImplicationsFindings support the development of psychosocial interventions to manage FOP, and future recommendations are provided. Identifying the presence of fears not commonly screened for after cancer recurrence adds to the existing knowledge in this area. Through acknowledging and attending to the psychosocial impact of FOP, healthcare professionals can provide tailored support to enhance the well-being of those with a recurrence of their cancer.
Altered sense of agency in schizophrenia: the aberrant effect of cardiac interoceptive signals
Authors: Koreki Akihiro , Terasawa Yuri , Nuruki Atsuo , Oi Hiroki , Critchley Hugo , Yogarajah Mahinda , Onaya Mitsumoto 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundSchizophrenia (SZ) is characterized by abnormalities in self-representation, including a disturbed sense of agency (SoA). The continuous processing of sensory information concerning the internal state of the body (interoception) is argued to be fundamental to neural representations of the self. We, therefore, tested if aberrant interoception underpins disturbances in SoA in SZ, focusing on cardiac interoceptive signaling.MethodsForty-two SZ and 29 non-clinical participants (healthy controls; HC) performed an intentional binding task to measure SoA during concurrent heartbeat recording. The effect of cardiac interoceptive signals on SoA was measured by the difference in intentional binding effect during systole and diastole. This measure was standardized based on the overall intentional binding effect to control for non-cardiac factors, and then compared between SZ and HC.ResultsOur study revealed a significant difference between SZ and HC groups, with opposite effects of cardiac systole on SoA. Specifically, cardiac systole disrupted SoA in SZ, contrasting with the enhanced SoA in HC. Across the SZ group, the extent to which SoA was disrupted by cardiac systole correlated significantly with a clinical proxy for symptom instability, namely the number of hospital admissions for hallucinations and delusions. Furthermore, the disruption was particularly observed in patients with severe hallucinations.ConclusionsThis study revealed a disturbance in the impact of cardiac interoceptive signals on an implicit index of SoA in schizophrenia. This supports the notion that pathophysiological disruption of the central integration of interoceptive information increases vulnerability to disturbances in self-representation and the associated expression of schizophrenic symptoms.
Unveiling the gut microbiota blueprint of schizophrenia: a multilevel omics approach
Authors: Qi DongDong , Liu Peng , Wang YiMeng , Tai XuGuang , Ma ShiFa 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a persistent incurable mental disorder and is characterized by the manifestation of negative emotions and behaviors with anxiety and depression, fear and insecurity, self-harm and social withdrawal. The intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain largely elusive. Accumulating evidence points towards the gut microbiota exerting an influence on brain function via the gut-brain axis, potentially contributing to the development of schizophrenia. Therefore, the objective of this study is to delineate the gut microbial composition and metabolic profile of fecal samples from individuals with schizophrenia.MethodsLiquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing were employed to analyze fecal metabolites and gut microbiota profiles in a cohort of 29 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 30 normal controls. The microbial composition of fecal samples was determined through the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and microbial α-diversity and β-diversity indices were calculated. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to analyze the distribution of samples. The metabolites and gut microbiota exhibiting differential expression were identified through the application of biological variance criteria. Co-occurrence analysis of bacteria and metabolites was conducted using the spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and visualized in a circular layout with the Cytoscape software.ResultsThe findings of the study indicated a lack of substantial evidence supporting significant disparities in α-diversity and β-diversity between individuals with schizophrenia and normal controls. In terms of metabolomics, a discernible pattern in sample distribution between the two groups was observed. Our analysis has revealed 30 bacterial species and 45 fecal metabolites that exhibited notable differences in abundance between individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and normal controls. These alterations in multilevel omics have led to the development of a co-expression network associated with schizophrenia. The perturbed microbial genes and fecal metabolites consistently demonstrated associations with amino acid and lipid metabolism, which play essential roles in regulating the central nervous system.ConclusionOur results offered profound insights into the impact of imbalanced gut microbiota and metabolism on brain function in individuals with schizophrenia.
Prevalence and trends of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities among children and adolescents in the United States from 2019 to 2021
Authors: Ge Wenrong , Zhang Cancan , Yang Guang , Zhang Bo 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is a comprehensive health survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in the U.S., providing valuable insights into the health status of the population. This study focuses on the NHIS child survey between 2019 and 2021, exploring developmental disabilities in U.S. children, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or attention-deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD), intellectual disability (ID), other developmental delay (other DD), and learning disability (LD).ObjectiveLeveraging NHIS data, our primary objective is to investigate the latest trends and disparities in the prevalence of developmental disabilities among various racial-ethnic groups.MethodsEmploying a repeated cross-sectional design, we analyzed NHIS data from 2019 to 2021, focusing on children aged 3-17. The survey employed a meticulous stratified multi-stage sampling design. We utilized SAS version 9.4 for data analysis, calculating race-ethnicity-specific prevalence rates and employing weighted linear regression and the Rao-Scott chi-square test for trend analysis.ResultsAmong 19,490 children, prevalence rates varied: ASD (3.11%), ADHD/ADD (9.50%), ID (1.85%), other DD (5.66%), and LD (7.49%). Non-Hispanic black children exhibited higher rates of ID and LD, while non-Hispanic white children had the highest ADHD/ADD prevalence. Disparities persisted across sociodemographic subgroups, with variations in prevalence rates.ConclusionOur study reveals an increase in ASD prevalence and persistent disparities among racial-ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic black children face elevated risks of ID and LD, while non-Hispanic white children exhibit higher rates of ADHD/ADD.
Can technology be good for health? Investigating health-promoting strategies in the private sector
Authors: Sigler Brittany E. , Pollack Porter Keshia M. , Thompson Lindsay , Singer Sara , Gaskin Darrell J. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis research investigates what might motivate tech companies and impact-driven investors to adopt a health-promoting strategy in their product development and capital allocation strategies.MethodsParticipants were recruited for semi-structured interviews through purposive and snowball sampling. From 83 outreach attempts, thematic saturation required 19 completed interviews out of the 46 consumer technology executives and impact-focused investors who responded. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory-based content analysis.ResultsSeven coding categories resulted from inductive coding, with 83 sub-codes. The primary themes were: product-based health impact is magnified when matched to user demographics (making an equity mindset important); stakeholders are eager for reliable health metrics, especially those that hold across industry verticals; when capturing health impact, it is critical to include positive (i.e., economically beneficial) externalities. These results allowed for the creation of a logic model with a recommended theory of change for the private sector to develop health strategy.DiscussionIntentional integration of impact strategy with business priorities will allow teams to design products that promote health, driving buy-in and resource allocation while attracting investment and double returns. For policymakers, it is clear that tech policy and regulation for corporate reporting need to keep pace. These findings are limited by the purposive recruitment of participants, introducing potential bias and risk to generalizability.
Effects of switching from twice-daily tacrolimus to once-daily extended-release meltdose tacrolimus on cellular immune response
Authors: Anft Moritz , Zgoura Panagiota , Skrzypczyk Sarah , Dürr Michael , Viebahn Richard , Westhoff Timm H. , Stervbo Ulrik , Babel Nina 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundLCP-Tacro [LCPT], a novel once-daily, extended-release formulation of tacrolimus, has a reduced Cmax with comparable AUC exposure, requiring a ∼30% dose reduction in contrast to immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-Tac). Once-daily LCPT in de novo kidney transplantation has a comparable efficacy and safety profile to that of IR-Tac with advantages in bioavailability and absorption. The present investigation intends to analyze the effects of conversion from IR-Tac to LCPT on phenotype and function of T-cells and B-cells.Methods16 kidney transplant patients treated by triple standard immunosuppression with a stable graft function undergoing a switch from IR-Tac to LCPT were included in this observational prospective study. We measured the main immune cell types and performed an in-depth characterization of B cell, dendritic cells and T cells including regulatory T cells of the patients before, 4 and 8 weeks after IR-Tac to LCPT conversion using multi-parameter fl ow cytometry. Additionally, we analyzed T cells by assessing third-party antigens (Tetanus Diphtheria, TD)-reactive T cells, which could be analyzed by restimulation with tetanus vaccine.ResultsOverall, we found no significant alterations following LCPT conversion for the most immune cell populations with a few cell populations showing transient quantitative increase. Thus, 4 weeks after conversion, more regulatory T cells could be measured in the patients with a significant shift from memory to naïve Tregs. Furthermore, we found a transient B cell expansion 4 weeks after conversion from IR-Tac to LCPT. There were no changes in the percentage of other basic immune cell types and the antigen-reactive T cells were also not altered after changing the medication to LCP-tacrolimus.ConclusionHere, we demonstrate first insights into the immune system changes occurred under IR-Tac to LCPT conversion therapy in kidney transplant patients. While phenotypic and functional characteristics of the most immune cell populations did not change, we could observe an a transient expansion of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood following IR-Tac to LCTP conversion, which might additionally contribute to the overall immunosuppressive effect.
An Inclusion of Societal and Cultural Sensitivity Inbhagat’s Two States
Authors: Felsit Julia A 
Published: September 2024

This paper deals with societal and cultural sensitivities in the novel 2 States: The Story of My Marriage. Bhagat’s novel Two States is partly an autobiographical novel focused on the theme of love and marriage, which relates cross-cultural encounters and explores two states, namely Punjab and Tamil Nadu. This story significantly represents issues related to the middle-class sensibilities and multicultural sensitivities of contemporary Indian society. The novel Two States also mirrors the Indian mindset; conflicts between South and North India point to inter-community and inter-state marriage. Furthermore, the paper sheds light on the socio-cultural clashes arising out of socio-cultural diversities.