bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Catrina, an autochthonous cattle breed of the Azores, for a comparative analysis of methane emissions with Holstein-Friesian dairy cows
Authors: Azevedo Ana Rita , Lopes Maria Susana , Borba Alfredo , da Câmara Machado Artur , Mendonça Duarte 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe struggle against climate change in agriculture requires an increased understanding of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from cattle farming. Through precise and accessible methods to monitor the methane (CH4) emissions of these animals, it is possible to assess the influence of several factors.Therefore, this study evaluates CH4 emissions from Catrina cattle, an autochthonous breed from the Azores, and Holstein-Friesian cattle, aiming to assess the potential environmental impact and sustainability of this native breed. Materials and methodsThe present study was performed on a total of 15 dry cows, seven Catrina and eight Holstein-Friesian, housed by breed, in groups of five animals. The laser methane detector was used to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of CH4 values, including peaks and respiration. Descriptive statistics for raw data, CH4 breath and peaks, and the amount of CH4 emitted per day and year were calculated.ResultsFrom the Catrina breed, the average of CH4 emissions were 37.04 ± 40.09 ppm x m for raw data, 33.15 ± 28.59 ppm x m for CH4 breath, and 218.65 ± 67.13 ppm x m for CH4 peaks. From the Holstein-Friesian, the values obtained were 65.62 ± 87.11 ppm x m, 57.57 ± 52.59 ppm x m, and 514.19 ± 266.02 ppm x m, respectively. Linear mixed models, the Chisquare method and ANOVA, which showed a significant breed effect (p &lt; 0.001) across all datasets, with trends favoring higher emissions in Holstein-Friesian were also applied. Similarly, Pearson correlation analyses yielded consistent trends, however, with no statistical significance (p &gt; 0.05). Discussion and conclusionThe findings underscore the importance of preserving cultural and genetic heritage while addressing climate change and environmental challenges. Furthermore, the study highlights the adaptive capacity of autochthonous breeds to their local environments, suggesting their role in sustainable systems. However, methane emissions will be influenced by several factors, besides breed variable, so this study emphasizes the need to integrate the assessment of the microbiome, which depends on the composition of the diet, genetic characteristics, and other aspects, for the development of methane mitigation strategies, with the inclusion of native breeds in sustainable resource management and climate adaptation efforts.
Finite element analysis of dental structures: the role of mandibular kinematics and model complexity
Authors: Özcan Canan , Lestriez Philippe , Özcan Mutlu , Josset Yannick 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis study observed the consequences of integrating mandibular kinematics in maxillary and mandibular teeth contact in a finite element analysis (FEA), and investigate the level of simplification of the dental models in FEA. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of finite element analysis obtained from simple to more complex dental models incorporating mandibular motion during loading phase.MethodsSix models were generated for this study. The simplest models consisted of only the crown of the tooth and an antagonist tooth with either the same properties or rigid body properties while the subsequent models incorporated the root of the study tooth and the surrounding bone. The most complex model involved the hyperelastic ligament and the other anatomical elements of the tooth and surrounding bone. Mandibular movement data recorded with the Modjaw® system (Modjaw-Technologie) were used to bring the teeth into contact and generate the loading in all models where the stresses exerted on tooth structures during the chewing process were evaluated.Resultsvon Mises stress and the shear stress obtained in all models, exceeded the ultimate compression strength of the materials, except for the model with the hyperelastic periodontal ligament. The forces applied to the tooth were extremely different depending on the addition or removal of anatomical elements despite the systematic study of the same teeth.DiscussionThe inclusion of mandibular kinematics in the finite element analysis requires the modelling of a complex dental model as simplification generated an overestimation of the forces and stresses on the structures. Finite element dental models allow for the observation and prevention of restorative failures by numerical methods but misinterpretations caused by poorly designed models have clinical implications on estimating performance of dental restorations.
A new perspective on selenium’s impact on renal function: European population-based analysis of plasma proteome-mediated Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Shaojie , Qian Man , Yuan Zishu , Su Sensen , Ma Fuzhe , Li Fan , Xu Zhonggao 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between selenium and renal function has always attracted widespread attention. Increased selenium level has been found to cause impaired renal function in our previous study, but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, we evaluate the potential mediating effects of plasma proteome in the association of selenium level and renal function to understand the mechanisms of selenium’s effect on renal function.MethodsUtilizing two-sample two-step mediating mendelian randomization (MR) methodology to investigate the genetically causal relationship between selenium level and renal function as well as the role of the plasma proteome in mediating them. Additionally, the mediating proteins were enriched and analyzed through bioinformatics to understand the potential mechanisms of selenium effects on renal function.ResultsIn the MR analysis, an increase in selenium level was found to decrease estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Specifically, for each standard deviation (SD) increase in selenium levels, eGFR levels are reduced by 0.003 SD [Beta (95% CI): -0.003 (-0.004 ~ -0.001), P=0.001, with no observed heterogeneity and pleiotropy]. Through mediation analysis, 35 proteins have been determined mediating the genetically causal effects of selenium on the levels of eGFR, including Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), Fibulin-1, Cilia- and flagella-associated protein 45, Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2), and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase ZNRF3, and the mediation effect rates of these proteins ranged from 1.59% to 23.70%. In the enrichment analysis, 13 signal transduction pathways, including FGFR4 mutant receptor activation and Defective SLC5A5 causing thyroid dyshormonogenesis 1, were involved in the effect of selenium on eGFR levels.ConclusionOur finding has revealed the underlying mechanism by which increased selenium level lead to deterioration of renal function, effectively guiding the prevention of chronic kidney disease and paving the way for future studies.
Causal association between 1400 metabolites and dilated cardiomyopathy: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zeng Xianghui , Zeng Qingfeng , Wang Xianggui , Li Kening , Wu Jincheng , Luo Jianping 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac disease with a poor prognosis of unclear etiology. Previous studies have shown that metabolism is associated with DCM. This study investigates the causal relationship between 1400 metabolites and DCM using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.MethodsThe study utilized data from the OpenGWAS database, comprising 355,381 Europeans, including 1,444 DCM cases. A total of 1,400 metabolites were evaluated for their causal association with DCM. Instrumental variables (IVs) were selected based on genetic variation and used in the MR analysis. The primary analysis method was inverse variance weighting (IVW), supplemented by weighted median-based estimation and sensitivity analyses.ResultsOf the 1,400 metabolites analyzed, 52 were identified as causally associated with DCM. The analysis revealed both positively and negatively correlated metabolites with DCM risk. Notable findings include the positive correlation of Tryptophan betaine and 5-methyluridine (ribothymidine) levels, and an inverse association of Myristoleate and Erythronate levels with DCM.ConclusionsThe study provides significant insights into the metabolites potentially involved in the pathogenesis of DCM. These findings could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies and biomarker identification in DCM management.
Identification of cellular senescence-related genes and immune cell infiltration characteristics in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Wang Muyi , Wang Hao , Wang Xin , Shen Yifei , Zhou Dong , Jiang Yuqing 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) progression involves multiple factors, including loss of nucleus pulposus cells and extracellular matrix as the basic pathological mechanism of degeneration, and is closely related to cellular senescence and immune cell infiltration. The aim of study was to identify critical cellular senescence-related genes and immune cell infiltration characteristics in IDD.MethodsFour datasets, including GSE70362, GSE112216, GSE114169, and GSE150408, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The senescence-related genes were acquired from the CellAge Database and intersected with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between IDD and control samples for senescence-related DEGs (SRDEGs). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed to obtain ten hub SRDEGs. A consensus cluster analysis based on these hub genes was performed to divide the patients into clusters. The functional enrichment, and immune infiltration statuses of the clusters were compared. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identified key gene modules. The overlapping genes from key modules, DEGs of clusters and hub SRDEGs were intersected to obtain potential biomarkers. To verify the expression of potential biomarkers, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed by using human intervertebral disc tissues.ResultsIn the GSE70362 dataset, a total of 364 DEGs were identified, of which 150 were upregulated and 214 were downregulated, and 35 genes were selected as SRDEGs. PPI analysis revealed ten hub SRDEGs and consensus cluster analysis divided the patients into two clusters. Compared to Cluster 2, Cluster 1 was highly enriched in extracellular matrix organization and various metabolic process. The level of Follicular T helper cells in the Cluster 1 was significantly higher than that in the Cluster 2. IGFBP3 and NQO1 were identified as potential biomarkers. The remaining 3 datasets, and the result of qPCR and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of NQO1 and IGFBP3 in the degenerated group were higher than those in the control or treatment groups.ConclusionSenescence-related genes play a key role in the development and occurrence of IDD. IGFBP3 and NQO1 are strongly correlated with immune infiltration in the IDD and could become novel therapeutic targets that prevent the progression of IDD.
Causal effects and metabolites mediators between immune cell and risk of colorectal cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Qian , Duan Bixia , Yue Jian , Zhang Donglin , Chen Xueping , Shi Mengjia , Kan Jie , Li Ruochan , Li Hongda , Gan Lin 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThe involvement of immune cells in colorectal cancer (CRC) and their interplay with metabolic disorders are yet to be fully elucidated. This study examines how peripheral immune cells, inferred genetically, affect CRC and investigates the intermediary roles of metabolites.MethodsWe employed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal influence of immune cells on CRC. Additionally, a two-step MR strategy was utilized to pinpoint potential metabolites that mediate this effect. Our analysis incorporated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), involving 731 immune cell types, 1,400 metabolites, and CRC outcomes. The primary method of analysis was randomized inverse variance weighting (IVW), supported by MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode analyses. Sensitivity checks were conducted using Cochran’s Q test, MR-PRESSO test, MR-Egger regression intercept, and leave-one-out analysis.ResultsThe study identified 23 immune cell types and 17 metabolites that are causally linked to CRC. Our mediation analysis highlighted that nine metabolites act as intermediaries in the relationship between nine specific immune cells and CRC risk. Notably, The ratios of Adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP) to aspartate and Retinol (Vitamin A) to linoleoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol (18:2 to 20:4) were found to concurrently mediate the promoting effects of Myeloid DC %DC and BAFF-R on B cells in colorectal cancer (CRC). Moreover, iminodiacetate (IDA) was found to mediate the protective effect of CD14+ CD16- monocytes on CRC, contributing 11.8% to this mediation. In contrast, IDA was also seen to decrease the protective effect of IgD+ CD38br %B cells on CRC risk, with a mediation effect proportion of -10.4%.ConclusionThis study delineates a complex network involving immune cells, metabolites, and CRC, suggesting a multifaceted pathophysiological interaction. The identified causal links and mediation pathways underscore potential therapeutic targets, providing a foundation for interventions aimed at modulating immune responses to manage CRC.
Unlocking sustainable marine economic growth: the role of financial development, innovation, and capital investment in coastal China
Authors: Meng Zhaosu , Pang Mengjiao , Zhang Dingyue , Chen Wenxiang 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAs global resource demands and environmental challenges intensify, China's vast marine resources present a significant opportunity for sustainable economic development. This study investigates the impact of financial development on high-quality growth in China's marine economy across 11 coastal regions from 2011 to 2020.MethodsWe examine a mediation and moderation model linking financial development and marine economic quality in China, where the marine economy increasingly relies on financial support. This study proposes marine innovation output and industrial structure upgradation as mediators, with marine capital investment as a moderator.ResultsOur findings reveal that financial development significantly promotes high-quality marine economic growth, albeit with regional heterogeneity. The strongest effect is observed in the Eastern Marine Economic Zone, while the Southern Marine Economic Zone shows the weakest impact. Marine scientific research and industrial structure upgrading serve as key mediating factors, with the former demonstrating a stronger intermediary effect. Notable, marine capital investment positively moderates the relationship between financial development and marine economic growth.DiscussionThis study innovatively combines macro-finance and micro-finance indicators to construct a comprehensive financial development index system. It incorporates a multi-dimensional approach to measuring high-quality development in coastal regions, challenging one-size-fits-all models by highlighting regional variations. By providing insights into specific differences and underlying mechanisms, our study offers valuable guidance for policymakers in crafting region-specific strategies to leverage financial development for sustainable marine economic growth.
Prone positioning ventilation treatment rescuing a patient with chlamydia abortus-induced ARDS diagnosed by next generation sequencing: a case report
Authors: Chen Yi , Lan Pin , Liu Lixue , Zhou Kechun 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundChlamydia abortus is a pathogen capable of infecting both humans and animals. In most known cases, this pathogen primarily infects pregnant women, leading to miscarriage and preterm birth. However, it is exceedingly rare for this pathogen to cause pneumonia that progresses to severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).Case introductionWe present a case of a 76-year-old male patient who was clinically diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by Chlamydia abortus and successfully treated. The patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated over six days, evolving from a lung infection to severe pneumonia, ultimately leading to ARDS and sepsis. Initially, he was admitted to a local hospital for a lung infection where routine etiological examinations failed to identify any significant pathogens, and he received only empirical antimicrobial therapy. However, the lung infection was not controlled, and the patient’s condition rapidly worsened, resulting in severe respiratory distress. This necessitated tracheal intubation and assisted ventilation, after which he was transferred to our hospital for treatment. Due to the patient’s family’s inability to afford the cost of ECMO treatment, we adopted a prone positioning ventilation strategy to improve the patient’s ventilation-perfusion matching. Additionally, we performed metagenomic next-generation sequencing on the patient’s bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which confirmed the infection with Chlamydia abortus. These measures ultimately led to the successful treatment of the patient.ConclusionChlamydia abortus infection can lead to severe ARDS, necessitating timely diagnosis and active intervention by clinicians. This case highlights the crucial role of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosing rare pathogens. Timely adoption of prone positioning ventilation can significantly improve ventilation-perfusion matching, effectively treating ARDS caused by Chlamydia abortus. Additionally, the combination of moxifloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactam can treat ARDS caused by Chlamydia abortus.
Transplantation of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells in complete cervical spinal cord injury: a pilot study
Authors: Macêdo Carolina Thé , de Freitas Souza Bruno Solano , Villarreal Cristiane Flora , Silva Daniela Nascimento , da Silva Kátia Nunes , de Souza Clarissa Lima e Moura , da Silva Paixão Daniela , da Rocha Bezerra Milena , da Silva Moura Costa Antônio Olímpio , Brazão Eduardo Santos , Marins Filho Josildo Pereira , Matos André Costa , dos Santos Ricardo Ribeiro , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that can lead to partial or complete paraplegia or tetraplegia. Currently, there are few therapeutic options for these conditions, which are mainly directed toward the acute phase, such as surgical intervention and high-dose steroid administration. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been shown to improve neurological function following spinal cord injury. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and potential efficacy of MSC transplantation in patients with cervical traumatic SCI.MethodsWe included seven subjects with chronic traumatic SCI (&gt; 1 year) at the cervical level, classified as American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) grade A. Subjects received two doses of autologous bone marrow derived MSC, the first by direct injection into the lesion site after hemilaminectomy and the second three months later by intrathecal injection. Neurologic evaluation, spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), urodynamics, and life quality questionnaires were assessed before and after treatment.ResultsCell transplantation was safe without severe or moderate adverse effects, and the procedures were well tolerated. Neurological evaluation revealed discrete improvements in sensitivity below the lesion level, following treatment. Five subjects showed some degree of bilateral sensory improvement for both superficial and deep mechanical stimuli compared to the pretreatment profile. No significant alterations in bladder function were observed during this study.ConclusionTransplantation of autologous MSC in patients with chronic cervical SCI is a safe and feasible procedure. Further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of this therapeutic approach.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02574572, identifier NCT02574572.
Adherence to the antirheumatic drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aksoy Nilay , Ozturk Nur , Agh Tamas , Kardas Przemyslaw 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the adherence rate for conventional and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) utilizing different assessment measures.MethodA systematic literature search was performed in four electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), covering the time frame from April 1970 to April 2023. Studies that present data on medication adherence among adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), specifically focusing on DMARDs (conventional or biological), were included in the analysis. The adherence rate for different assessment measures was documented and compared, as well as for conventional and biological DMARDs. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess adherence rates across different adherence assessment measures and drug groups.ResultsThe search identified 8,480 studies, out of which 66 were finally included in the analysis. The studies included in this meta-analysis had adherence rates ranging from 12 to 98.6%. Adherence rates varied across several adherent measures and calculation methods. Using the subjective assessment measures yielded the outcomes in terms of adherence rate: 64.0% [0.524, 95% CI 0.374–0.675] for interviews and 60.0% [0.611, 95% CI 0.465–0.758] for self-reported measures (e.g., compliance questionnaires on rheumatology CQR-5), p &gt; 0.05. In contrast, the objective measurements indicated a lower adherence rate of 54.4% when using the medication event monitoring system (p &gt; 0.05). The recorded rate of adherence to biological DMARDs was 45.3% [0.573, 95% CI 0.516–0.631], whereas the adherence rate for conventional DMARDs was 51.5% [0.632, 95% CI 0.537–0.727], p &gt; 0.05. In the meta-regression analysis, the covariate “Country of origin” shows a statistically significant (p = 0.003) negative effect with a point estimate of −0.36, SE (0.12), 95% CI, −0.61 to −0.12.DiscussionDespite its seemingly insignificant factors that affect the adherence rate, this meta-analysis reveals variation in adherence rate within the types of studies conducted, the methodology used to measure adherence, and for different antirheumatic drugs. Further research is needed to validate the findings of this meta-analysis before applying them to clinical practice and scientific research. In order to secure high reliability of adherence studies, compliance with available reporting guidelines for medication adherence research is more than advisable.