bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motor deficits and brain pathology in the Parkinson’s disease mouse model hA53Ttg
Authors: Breznik Livia , Daurer Magdalena , Rabl Roland , Loeffler Tina , Etxeberria-Rekalde Estibaliz , Neddens Joerg , Flunkert Stefanie , Prokesch Manuela 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. The A53T missense point mutation occurs in autosomal dominant familial PD and has been found to promote the aggregation of α-syn. To investigate the role of the A53T mutation in PD, researchers have developed various mouse models with this mutation.ObjectiveWe therefore conducted a comprehensive characterization of the tg(THY1-SNCA*A53T)M53Sud mouse model (hA53Ttg mice) for its motor and pathological features.MethodshA53Ttg mice were tested for motor impairments in a series of motor tests at 2, 4 or 6 months of age. Human α-syn and α-syn pSer129, as well as GFAP and Iba1 signal were labeled and quantified in the cortex, hippocampus, and brainstem. Neurofilament light chain (NF-L) levels were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. Ex vivo analyses were performed at the age of 2, 4, 6, and 10 months.ResultsBehavioral tests revealed early muscle weakness and motor impairments that progressed with age. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated elevated levels of human α-syn and α-syn pSer129 in all evaluated brain regions. α-syn pSer129 labeling further revealed fiber-like structures in the cortex of older animals. Neuroinflammation was observed in an age-dependent manner. Biochemical evaluation revealed elevated NF-L levels in the plasma and CSF. Overall, our findings highlight the value of hA53Ttg mice in modeling PD-associated pathologies that closely resemble those observed in PD patients.ConclusionOur results thus suggest that hA53Ttg mice are a useful tool for studying the underlying mechanisms of PD.
Causal relationship between green tea intake and gastrointestinal disorders: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Chan , Lin Yifei , Xu Jinni , Chen Qingquan , Huang Jing 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe precise association between green tea intake and gastrointestinal disorders remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the potential causal association between green tea intake and gastrointestinal disorders through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.MethodsUtilizing publicly accessible data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we identified SNPs strongly linked with the study variables from multiple large databases to serve as instrumental variables (IVs). MR analyses were executed utilizing the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method, with the resultant effect estimates serving as the primary outcome measure. In addition, a multivariate MR design was performed to adjust for smoking and alcohol consumption. To ensure the robustness of our findings, a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess reliability.ResultsUnivariable MR analysis revealed suggestive associations between green tea intake and gastroesophageal reflux (OR = 0.9950, 95% CI 0.9900–1.0000, pIVW = 0.047), diverticulosis (OR = 0.9998, 95% CI 0.9996–1.0000, pIVW = 0.030), Crohn’s disease (OR = 1.0001, 95% CI 1.0000–1.0002, pIVW = 0.019), and cholangitis was observed (OR = 1.0440, 95% CI 1.0100–1.0790, pIVW = 0.011). Multivariate MR analysis indicated after controlling for potential confounders, greater green tea consumption was suggestively associated with the decreased risk of oesophagitis (OR = 0.9667, 95% CI: 0.9405–0.9936, pIVW = 0.016) and gastric cancer (OR = 0.9810, 95% CI: 0.9628–0.9996, pIVW = 0.046). Nevertheless, multivariate MR analysis also showed that greater green tea consumption was suggestively associated with the increased risk of Crohn’s disease (OR = 1.0001, 95% CI: 1.0000–1.0002, pIVW = 0.007). Sensitivity analyses confirmed that these results were reliable.ConclusionOur study provides suggestive evidence that genetically predicted green tea intake is causally associated with the risk of oesophagitis, gastric cancer and Crohn’s disease, but a larger GWAS database is needed for validation.
Causal relationships between obesity-related anthropometric indicators and sepsis risk: a Mendelian-randomization study
Authors: Zhang Chuchu , Ren Jiajia , Xu Xi , Lei Hua , Deng Guorong , Liu Jueheng , Gao Xiaoming , Li Jiamei , Wang Xiaochuang , Wang Gang 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported an association between obesity and risk of sepsis. However, the results have been inconsistent, and no causal inference can be drawn from them. Therefore, we conducted a Mendelian-randomization (MR) study to investigate causal relationships between available obesity-related anthropometric indicators and sepsis risk.MethodsWe performed MR analyses using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics on 14 anthropometric indicators [namely body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences (WC, HC), basal metabolic rate (BMR), whole-body fat mass (WBFM), trunk fat mass (TFM), leg fat mass (LFM), arm fat mass (AFM), body fat percentage (BFP), whole-body fat-free mass (WBFFM), trunk fat-free mass (TFFM), leg fat-free mass (LFFM), arm fat-free mass (AFFM), and whole-body water mass (WBWM)], sepsis, critical care sepsis, and 28-day death due to sepsis from the UK Biobank and FinnGen cohort. The primary method of MR analysis was inverse variance-weighted average method. Sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity and horizontal-pleiotropy tests, were conducted to assess the stability of the MR results. Additionally, we applied multiple-variable MR (MVMR) to evaluate the effect of BMI on the relationship between each anthropometric indicator and sepsis risk.ResultsOur MR analysis demonstrated causal relationships between 14 anthropometric indicators and sepsis of different severities. After we adjusted for BMI, MVMR analyses indicated that WC, BMR, LFM, WBFFM, TFFM, AFFM, and WBWM remained significantly associated with the presence of sepsis (all p &lt; 0.05). A sensitivity analysis confirmed the reliability of our MR results, and no significant horizontal pleiotropy was detected.ConclusionThis MR study revealed that increases in obesity-related anthropometric indicators had causal associations with a higher risk of sepsis, which might provide important insights for the identification of individuals at risk for sepsis in community and hospital settings.
Associations of HALP score with serum prostate-specific antigen and mortality in middle-aged and elderly individuals without prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Zhaoyang , Zhang Yuanfeng , Dan Mingjiang , Hong Xuwei , Chen Si , Zhong Xiaojian 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe association between the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and all-cause mortality remains underexplored. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HALP score and these outcomes among middle-aged and elderly individuals without prostate cancer (PCa).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included participants aged 40 years and older from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2010. HALP score was calculated using the formula: HALP score = (Hemoglobin × Albumin × Lymphocytes)/Platelets. High PSA level was defined as a percentage free PSA (%fPSA) less than or equal to 25% and a total PSA (tPSA) level equal to or higher than 4.0 ng/mL. Mortality data were obtained through December 30, 2019 by linking to the National Death Index.ResultsAmong 7,334 participants, 6,826 were classified as having low PSA level, while 508 were categorized as having high PSA level. Logistic regression revealed lower odds of high PSA level with higher HALP quartiles (Ptrend&lt;0.001). Among 508 participants with high PSA level, over a median follow-up period of 10.13 years (IQR: 5.42-13.17 years), a total of 268 all-cause deaths were recorded. Cox regression analysis showed that participants in the highest HALP quartile had the lowest risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.527, 95% CI: 0.368-0.754) in participants with high PSA level. Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a non-linear and negative correlation between HALP score and all-cause mortality, with an inflection point at 43.98 (P for non-linearity = 0.009). Random survival forest analysis ranked HALP score as the most significant predictor for all-cause mortality.ConclusionOur study highlights that the HALP score the HALP score is associated with high PSA level and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and elderly individuals without PCa. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Protective effect of MP-40 mitigates BDL-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Wan Xuedong , Fang Yuanyuan , Qin Minjing , Zheng Qitong , Yang Qiao , Peng Mengyun , Hao Min , Wang Kuilong , Zhao Ruihua , Shi Yiqing , Han Xin , Sang Xia’nan , Cao Gang 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundHepatic fibrosis and its associated consequences continue to pose a substantial global health challenge. Developing novel approaches to hepatic fibrosis management and prevention is critically necessary. Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat various diseases. Our earlier research found that a bioactive component of RPA had a dose-dependent effect on anti-allergic asthma. RPA reduces allergic asthma by slowing the hepatic wind, according to “Treatise on Febrile Diseases”. However, this bioactive fraction’s pharmacological effects and mechanisms on the liver are unknown.AimThis study examined the bioactive fraction MP-40, the methanol extract of RPA (MRPA), on bile duct ligation (BDL) for its anti-hepatic fibrosis activity and potential mechanisms.MethodsFirst, the effectiveness of MP-40 in treating BDL-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice and rats was evaluated through survival rates, ALT, AST HYP, and pathological changes. Molecular assays were performed using in vitro cultures of HSC-T6 activation. The expression of α-SMA and Collagen I evaluated fibro-tropic factors with HSC activation. Furthermore, the levels of pyroptosis were assessed by examining the expression of the pyroptosis-related proteins, including NLRP3, Cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, and 1L-1β. Additionally, the effective constituents of MP-40 were identified by extraction, separation, and identification. Finally, PF and TGG, as the delegate compounds of MP-40, were tested to confirm their inhibition effects on HSC-T6 activation.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that MP-40 and MRPA could lower ALT, AST, and HYP levels, boost survival rates, and reduce liver damage in BDL mice and rats. Furthermore, MP-40 outperforms MRPA. MP-40 was proven to drastically diminish fibrotic α-SMA and Collagen I. The expression of pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3, Cleaved Caspase-1, TGF-β1, GSDMD-N, and 1L-1β decreased. MP-40 inhibited the synthesis of pyroptosis-related proteins more effectively than MCC950 (an NLRP3-specific inhibitor). Monoterpene glycosides and tannins were shown to be the most potent MP-40 components. Finally, the delegate compounds MP-40, PF, and TGG were shown to have substantial inhibitory effects on HSC-T6 activation.ConclusionThe results proved that MP-40 alleviates BDL-induced cholestatic hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. PF and TGG play a role in treating BDL-induced cholestatic hepatic fibrosis in MP-40.
Development and validation of suicide crisis scale for international students in South Korea
Authors: Choi Ki-Hyun , Ha Jung Hee , Jue Juliet 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis study created and validated a scale to measure the level of suicide crisis among international students attending South Korean universities.MethodsStudy 1 developed questions and constructed the components of the scale using an initial survey of 248 people and exploratory factor analysis. Study 2 validated the scale using a second survey of 340 participants and confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsThe results showed that 21 items were confirmed in six factors, which include lack of social support, burdensomeness, maladaptation to Korean culture, academic maladjustment, suicidal thoughts, and suicide risk.DiscussionWe verified the convergent validity, criterion validity, and reliability of the scale. The significance and implications of this study are presented, along with suggestions for future research.
Effect of Xiaoyaosan on brain volume and microstructure diffusion changes to exert antidepressant-like effects in mice with chronic social defeat stress
Authors: Li Yongxin 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveDepression is a prevalent mental disorder characterized by persistent negative mood and loss of pleasure. Although there are various treatment modalities available for depression, the rates of response and remission remain low. Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula with a long history of use in treating depression, has shown promising effects. However, the underlying mechanism of its therapeutic action remains elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the neuroimaging changes in the brain associated with the antidepressant-like effects of XYS.MethodsHere, we combined voxel-based morphometry of T2-weighted images and voxel-based analysis on diffusion tensor images to evaluate alterations in brain morphometry and microstructure between chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) model mice and control mice. Additionally, we examined the effect of XYS treatment on structural disruptions in the brains of XYS-treated mice. Furthermore, we explored the therapeutic effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), which was identified as the primary compound present in the brain following administration of XYS. Significant differences in brain structure were utilized as classification features for distinguishing mice with depression model form the controls using a machine learning method.ResultsSignificant changes in brain volume and diffusion metrics were observed in the CSDS model mice, primarily concentrated in the nucleus accumbens (ACB), primary somatosensory area (SSP), thalamus (TH), hypothalamus (HY), basomedical amygdala nucleus (BMA), caudoputamen (CP), and retrosplenial area (RSP). However, both XYS and 18β-GA treatment prevented disruptions in brain volume and diffusion metrics in certain regions, including bilateral HY, right SSP, right ACB, bilateral CP, and left TH. The classification models based on each type of neuroimaging feature achieved high accuracy levels (gray matter volume: 76.39%, AUC=0.83; white matter volume: 76.39%, AUC=0.92; fractional anisotropy: 82.64%, AUC=0.9; radial diffusivity: 76.39%, AUC=0.82). Among these machine learning analyses, the right ACB, right HY, and right CP were identified as the most important brain regions for classification purposes.ConclusionThese findings suggested that XYS can prevent abnormal changes in brain volume and microstructure within TH, SSP, ACB, and CP to exert prophylactic antidepressant-like effects in CSDS model mice. The neuroimaging features within these regions demonstrate excellent performance for classifying CSDS model mice from controls while providing valuable insights into the antidepressant effects of XYS.
Enhancing laboratory biosafety management: a comprehensive strategy from theory to practice
Authors: Tang Qin , Yan Fei , Yuan Lu , Tang Ying , Chen Hui , Sun YuTing , Yang Mi , Song GuoLin 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThis study examines biosafety management practices in a psychiatric hospital’s laboratory in China, focusing on how outdated information technology impacts the hospital’s ability to respond to public health emergencies. The goal is to enhance the hospital’s emergency response capabilities by updating risk assessments, biosafety manuals, and implementing a comprehensive quality management system alongside a specialized infection control system for significant respiratory diseases.MethodsWe utilized an integrated research approach, expanding the scope of risk assessments, updating the biosafety manual according to the latest international standards, and implementing a quality management system. A specialized infection control system for significant respiratory diseases was introduced to improve emergency response capabilities.ResultsUpdated risk assessments and a new biosafety manual have significantly improved the identification and management of biosafety threats. Implementing new quality management and infection control systems has enhanced response efficiency and operational standardization.ConclusionThe measures taken have strengthened the biosafety management and emergency response capabilities of the laboratory department, highlighting the importance of information technology in biosafety management and recommending similar strategies for other institutions.
Social media stethoscope: unraveling how doctors’ social media behavior affects patient adherence and treatment outcome
Authors: Sun Qian , Tang Guiyao , Xu Wenxiao , Zhang Shaoli 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThe exposure of the content posted by doctors on social media has the potential to influence how patients perceive and judge doctors. It is necessary to further investigate whether and how the content posted by doctors affects patients’ health behaviors and outcomes, as well as to identify the factors that may influence this mechanism.MethodsMulti-respondent survey data was collected from 35 doctors and 322 patients in China, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesis model.ResultsThe findings revealed that doctors posting professional knowledge content on social media positively impacted patient adherence and treatment effectiveness. Conversely, doctors sharing personal life-related content on social media were associated with lower patient adherence and poorer treatment outcome. Moreover, doctor gender and doctor humor moderate the relationship between social media behavior of doctors and patient adherence.ConclusionDoctors sharing professional knowledge on social media not only fosters trust in physicians but also closely correlates with patient adherence and treatment effectiveness.
The Association of Heart Failure and Edema Events between Patients Initiating Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate or Patiromer
Authors: Desai Nihar R. , Kammerer Jennifer , Budden Jeffrey , Olopoenia Abisola , Tysseling Asa , Gordon Alexandra 
Published: September 2024

Key Points

One previous study using claims data reported signals for higher hospitalizations for heart failures and severe edema in patients prescribed a potassium binder using sodium exchange.In this study, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate use was associated with increased risk of prespecified encounters of hospitalizations for heart failure and major edema encounters.Our findings highlight the need to weigh the benefits and risks of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate and patiromer in routine clinical practice.

Background
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) and patiromer (PAT) are potassium binders that differ by exchange ion, sodium, and calcium, respectively. There are limited data on whether using sodium exchange could affect the risks of hospitalizations for heart failure (HHF) or severe edema in patients with hyperkalemia. The goal of this study was to assess the occurrence rates of prespecified major encounters potentially related to electrolyte-/fluid-related imbalances (including HHF, edema) among new users of PAT or SZC.

Methods
Using Cerner Real World Data, we conducted a retrospective cohort study among adults (≥18 years) who were newly initiated on SZC or PAT between June 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. Based on baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, one PAT initiator was propensity score matched with two SZC initiators. Primary outcomes were any HHF, primary HHF, major edema encounter, or death. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the association between SZC or PAT use and each outcome in the overall population and subgroups with/without prior heart failure (HF).

Results
The final cohort included 9929 PAT initiators matched to 19, 849 SZC initiators. The mean age was 66 years; about 50% had a history of CKD stages 3–5 and 34% a history of HF. Incidence rates were significantly higher in the SZC cohort when compared with the PAT cohort for all outcomes. Risks of HHF (any/primary) (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs], 1.373; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.337 to 1.410), major edema encounter (HR, 1.330; 95% CI, 1.298 to 1.363), and death (HR, 1.287; 95% CI, 1.255 to 1.320) were also significantly higher in the SZC cohort compared with the PAT cohort (P < 0.05). These findings were consistent among subgroups with/without prior HF.

Conclusions
SZC use (versus PAT) was associated with an increased risk of prespecified encounters that were potentially sodium-/fluid-related, including among patients with/without preexisting HF.
CHILD TOXOPLASMOSIS AND LIMPHADENOPATHY - CASE REPORT
Authors: Risteska Nejasmikj Valentina 
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this paper is to increase awareness of medical doctors to consider toxoplasmosis as one of the possible causes of lymphadenopathy in older children. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common and widespread parasitic diseases in the world, even 22.5% of children over 12 years old are infected with Toxoplasmosis. The disease is caused by the parasite Toxoplasmosis Gondi. Тhe disease is transmitted through the feces of infected cats that are carriers of the parasite. We report the case of a 13-year-old child who appears to be a healthy and immunocompetent child and who clinically presents with enlargement of 2 lymph nodes in the left neck region that are unpainful on palpation, one of which measures 4/5 cm and the other with dimensions of 1/2 cm. The child is in good general condition without significant health disorders. The epidemiological survey is positive for frequent contact with a domestic cat. The performed serological tests show strongly positive values for the presence of IgM and especially for IgG antibodies for Toxoplasmosis. Surgical extirpation of the one bigger lymph node because of diagnostic dilemmas was carried out. Pathohistological analysis confirms diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis and malignancy was excluded. From the results obtained from the Enzyme Immune Test for the age of IgG antibodies (avidity), a low avidity of IgG antibodies was determined. Additional research is needed whether excessive exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can be associated with a more severe clinical picture of the disease.
Synthesis of a perovskite surface-coated polymer brush by photo-induced atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Ebe Hinako , Ishikawa Rintaro , Ohke Mizuki , Matsui Jun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are expected to be applied in the field of optoelectronics due to their color tunability, high color purity, and near-unity photoluminescence quantum yields. Moreover, the construction of nanocomposite structures with functional polymers has been reported to improve the material stability as well as the ordered structure with high orientation and periodicity. In this study, we demonstrated the synthesis of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) on the PNCs by surface-initiated polymerization. We synthesized PMMA polymer brushes by photo-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (p-ATRP) after coordinating the initiator on the PNC surface. We succeeded in obtaining PMMA-PNCs with a degree of polymerization of 21. Moreover, thermal stability tests showed that PMMA-PNCs achieved improved thermal stability compared to pristine-PNCs. This work can provide guidance for developing polymer brush-PNCs via surface-initiated polymerization.