bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cadmium stress induces gut microbiota imbalance and consequent activation of the gut–liver axis leading to liver injury and inflammation response in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Jiang Li , Wu Qiuhong , Bao Songsong , Fan Guang , Yang Zhiwen , Zhou Pan , Yang Xiaofei , Liu Xinyue , Zhou Xinhong , Wang Yachao 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIn recent years, cadmium pollution has increasingly serious impacts on aquatic environments, directly threatening the health and growth of freshwater fish and causing significant economic losses to the aquaculture industry. However, there is limited research on the effects of cadmium on the gut-liver axis and hepatotoxicity in freshwater fish. Therefore, this study investigated the potential toxic effects of cadmium induction through the gut-liver axis on largemouth bass.MethodsThis experiment was divided into four groups, each with different concentrations of cadmium solution added to the water (0.00 mg/L, 1.024 mg/L, 1.537 mg/L, 2.306 mg/L), with three replicates per group, and a feeding period of 42 days. Results and discussionThe research findings indicate a significant decline in the growth performance of largemouth bass under cadmium stress (P&lt;0.05). Cadmium-induced oxidative stress inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes, activated the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant pathway, resulting in increased levels of MDA and ROS, and decreased activities of CAT, GSH-PX, and SOD antioxidant enzymes, as well as related gene expressions (P&lt;0.05). Additionally, cadmium down-regulated the expression of IL-10 and up-regulated the expression of IL-15, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MT, indicating an inflammatory response in the liver (P&lt;0.05). Tissue section observations after cadmium stress revealed hepatocyte nuclear condensation, cell degeneration, necrosis, and vacuolization, as well as shortened intestinal villi and intestinal epithelial cell metaplasia. Furthermore, cadmium down-regulated the expression of intestinal barrier-related proteins ZO-1 and Occludin (P&lt;0.05), reducing intestinal microbial diversity. Correlation analysis revealed a close relationship between intestinal microbiota and hepatic immune factors. In summary, cadmium stress can disrupt the intestinal barrier, alter the structure of intestinal microbiota, and the gut-liver axis may potentially play a role in the toxicity of intestinal microbiota and liver.
Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-monocyte/lymphocyte ratio for 28-day mortality in ICU sepsis patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xia Yan , Xu Heping , Xie Jinyuan , Niu Huan , Cai Xiongwei , Zhan Feng , Wu Duoyi , Yao Jinjian 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid assessment to reduce mortality. This study investigates the relationship between the Neutrophil-to-Monocyte/Lymphocyte Ratio (NMLR) upon ICU admission and 28-day mortality in sepsis patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed using clinical data from sepsis patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV). Multivariate logistic regression, sensitivity analyses, and Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) models were employed to explore the relationship between ICU admission NMLR and 28-day mortality. Kaplan–Meier method and inverse probability weighting (IPW) were used to adjust for confounders and estimate survival outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluating the predictive value of NLMR for 28-day mortality in ICU sepsis patients. Subgroup analyses considered factors like age, sex, race, comorbidities, and disease severity.ResultsIn total, 8,710 patients were included. Increased NMLR was associated with higher 28-day all-cause mortality, confirmed by multiple logistic regression models. In Model 3, after adjusting for confounders, each standard deviation increase in NMLR was associated with a 1.5% increase in 28-day mortality risk. Kaplan–Meier and IPW survival analyses showed higher 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with elevated NMLR levels at ICU admission compared to those with lower levels (p &lt; 0.0001, p = 0.031). RCS models suggested a potential non-linear relationship between NMLR and 28-day mortality. ROC curve for the NMLR model, with an AUC of 0.658 (95% CI: 0.642–0.673). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the association even after excluding patients with myocardial infarction and severe liver disease.ConclusionElevated NMLR at ICU admission is significantly associated with increased 28-day all-cause mortality in sepsis patients, suggesting its potential as an early prognostic indicator for risk assessment and intervention.
Causal relationships between rheumatoid arthritis and neurodegenerative diseases: a two-sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Cai Li , Fan Weibing , Yang Qian , Mao Xinfa , Yao Liping 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundObservational research has highlighted a potential relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). However, the confirmation of a causal connection is impeded by the inherent limitations of such studies, including vulnerability to confounding factors and the possibility of reverse causality. This study employs a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal impact of RA on three NDs, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).MethodsWe aggregated data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) targeting RA or NDs within populations of European descent. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with robust associations to RA were identified as instrumental variables (IVs). To estimate the association between RA and AD, PD, and ALS, we utilized the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method in our univariable MR (UVMR) analysis. Validation of the IVW results ensued through supplementary analyses using MR-Egger and weighted median methods. The multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was conducted, adjusting for body mass index (BMI), alcohol drinking, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).ResultsThe UVMR analysis, based on the IVW method, revealed a significantly positive causal association between RA and late-onset (LO) AD (OR [95% CI] = 1.084 [1.020–1.153]; p = 9.980 × 10−3), while suggesting a possible inverse relationship with PD (OR [95% CI] = 0.727 [0.563–0.938]; p = 0.014). Our study did not detect any causal connections between RA and early-onset (EO) AD, atypical or mixed (AM) AD, and ALS (all p &gt; 0.05). The MVMR analysis results indicated that after adjusting for alcohol drinking, RA remains a risk factor for LOAD (OR [95% CI] = 1.094 [1.024–1.169]; p = 0.008). However, MVMR analysis revealed no causal connections between RA and PD after adjustments for BMI, alcohol drinking, or T2DM (all p &gt; 0.05). Sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionsThis research provides genetic evidence indicating that RA potentially causes an increased risk of developing LOAD and PD. Such a revelation underscores the importance for individuals suffering from RA to be vigilant about the potential emergence of LOAD and PD. Ongoing monitoring and prompt detection are essential for successfully managing and intervening in this possible risk.
Global trends and collaborative networks in gut microbiota-insulin resistance research: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis (2000–2024)
Authors: Abildinova Gulshara Zh , Benberin Valeriy V. , Vochshenkova Tamara A. , Afshar Alireza , Mussin Nadiar M. , Kaliyev Asset A. , Zhussupova Zhanna , Tamadon Amin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic health, with substantial evidence linking its composition to insulin resistance. This study aims to analyze the global scholarly contributions on the relationship between intestinal microbiota and insulin resistance from 2000 to 2024.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection. The search strategy included terms related to “Gastrointestinal Microbiome” and “Insulin Resistance” in the title or abstract.ResultsThe analysis of 1,884 relevant studies from 510 sources was conducted, revealing a mean citation of 51.36 per manuscript and a remarkable annual growth rate of 22.08%. The findings highlight the significant role of gut microbiota in insulin resistance, corroborating prior studies that emphasize its influence on metabolic disorders. The literature review of the current study showed key mechanisms include the regulation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gut hormones, which are critical for glucose metabolism and inflammation regulation. The analysis also identifies “Food and Function” as the most productive journal and Nieuwdorp M. as a leading author, underscoring the collaborative nature of this research area.ConclusionThe consistent increase in publications in the field of gut microbiota and insulin resistance indicates growing recognition of the gut microbiota’s therapeutic potential in treating insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies and conducting large-scale clinical trials to fully realize these therapeutic possibilities.
Impact of nitrogen addition on the chemical properties and bacterial community of subtropical forests in northern Guangxi
Authors: Jiang Xingjian , Ou Zhiyang , Tan Changqiang , He Qingfei , Zheng Wei , Tan Yibo , He Feng , Shen Hao 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIn recent years, nitrogen deposition has constantly continued to rise globally. However, the impact of nitrogen deposition on the soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure in northern Guangxi is still unclear.MethodsAlong these lines, in this work, to investigate the impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on soil nutrient status and bacterial community in subtropical regions, four different nitrogen treatments (CK: 0 gN m–2 a–1, II: 50 gN m–2 a–1, III: 100 gN m–2 a–1, IV: 150 gNm– 2 a–1) were established. The focus was on analyzing the soil physical and chemical properties, as well as bacterial community characteristics across varying nitrogen application levels.Results and discussionFrom the acquired results, it was demonstrated that nitrogen application led to a significant decrease in soil pH. Compared with CK, the pH of treatment IV decreased by 4.23%, which corresponded to an increase in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. Moreover, compared with CK, the soil organic carbon of treatment IV increased by 9.28%, and the total nitrogen of treatment IV increased by 19.69%. However, no significant impact on the available nitrogen and phosphorus was detected. The bacterial diversity index first increased and then decreased with the increase of the nitrogen application level. The dominant phylum in the soil was Acidobacteria (34.63–40.67%), Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi. Interestingly, the abundance of Acidobacteria notably increased with higher nitrogen application levels, particularly evident in the IV treatment group where it surpassed the control group. Considering that nitrogen addition first changes soil nutrients and then lowers soil pH, the abundance of certain oligotrophic bacteria like Acidobacteria can be caused, which showed a first decreasing and then increasing trend. On the contrary, eutrophic bacteria, such as Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, displayed a decline. From the redundancy analysis, it was highlighted that total nitrogen and pH were the primary driving forces affecting the bacterial community composition.
Changes in oral, skin, and gut microbiota in children with atopic dermatitis: a case-control study
Authors: Zhang Xueer , Huang Xiaomin , Zheng Pai , Liu E. , Bai Sixian , Chen Shuoyu , Pang Yaobin , Xiao Xinyu , Yang Huifang , Guo Jing 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common clinical recurrent atopic disease in dermatology, most seen in children and adolescents. In recent years, AD has been found to be closely associated with microbial communities.MethodsTo explore the synergistic effects between colonizing bacteria from different sites and AD, we comparatively analyzed the skin, oral, and gut microbiota of children with AD (50 individuals) and healthy children (50 individuals) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Twenty samples were also randomly selected from both groups for metabolic and macrogenomic sequencing.ResultsThe results of our sequencing study showed reduced microbiota diversity in the oral, skin, and gut of children with AD (P &lt; 0.05). Metabolomics analysis showed that serotonergic synapse, arachidonic acid metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis were downregulated at all three loci in the oral, skin, and gut of children with AD (P &lt; 0.05). Macrogenomic sequencing analysis showed that KEGG functional pathways of the three site flora were involved in oxidative phosphorylation, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, mRNA surveillance pathway, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, proteasome, basal transcription factors, peroxisome, MAPK signaling pathway, mitophagy, fatty acid elongation, and so on (P &lt; 0.05).DiscussionThe combined microbial, metabolic, and macrogenetic analyses identified key bacteria, metabolites, and pathogenic pathways that may be associated with AD development. We provides a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the role of the microbiota at different sites in AD patients, pointing to new directions for future diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Metabolomics studies in common multifactorial eye disorders: a review of biomarker discovery for age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and myopia
Authors: Belete Gizachew Tilahun , Zhou Lei , Li King-Kit , So Pui-Kin , Do Chi-Wai , Lam Thomas Chuen 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMultifactorial Eye disorders are a significant public health concern and have a huge impact on quality of life. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these eye disorders were not completely understood since functional and low-throughput biological tests were used. By identifying biomarkers linked to eye disorders, metabolomics enables early identification, tracking of the course of the disease, and personalized treatment.MethodsThe electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for research related to Age-Related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, myopia, and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The search was conducted in August 2023. The number of cases and controls, the study’s design, the analytical methods used, and the results of the metabolomics analysis were all extracted. Using the QUADOMICS tool, the quality of the studies included was evaluated, and metabolic pathways were examined for distinct metabolic profiles. We used MetaboAnalyst 5.0 to undertake pathway analysis of differential metabolites.ResultsMetabolomics studies included in this review consisted of 36 human studies (5 Age-related macular degeneration, 10 Glaucoma, 13 Diabetic retinopathy, and 8 Myopia). The most networked metabolites in AMD include glycine and adenosine monophosphate, while methionine, lysine, alanine, glyoxylic acid, and cysteine were identified in glaucoma. Furthermore, in myopia, glycerol, glutamic acid, pyruvic acid, glycine, cysteine, and oxoglutaric acid constituted significant metabolites, while glycerol, glutamic acid, lysine, citric acid, alanine, and serotonin are highly networked metabolites in cases of diabetic retinopathy. The common top metabolic pathways significantly enriched and associated with AMD, glaucoma, DR, and myopia were arginine and proline metabolism, methionine metabolism, glycine and serine metabolism, urea cycle metabolism, and purine metabolism.ConclusionThis review recapitulates potential metabolic biomarkers, networks and pathways in AMD, glaucoma, DR, and myopia, providing new clues to elucidate disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. The emergence of advanced metabolomics techniques has significantly enhanced the capability of metabolic profiling and provides novel perspectives on the metabolism and underlying pathogenesis of these multifactorial eye conditions. The advancement of metabolomics is anticipated to foster a deeper comprehension of disease etiology, facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets, and usher in an era of personalized medicine in eye research.
qPCR detection of Mycobacterium leprae DNA in urine samples of leprosy patients using the Rlep gene target
Authors: Diana D. , Harish M. C. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundLeprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, continues to pose a public health challenge in many parts of the world. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of disabilities associated with the disease. Molecular techniques such as PCR have demonstrated great potential as a diagnostic tool for directly detecting M. leprae DNA in different clinical samples, providing better sensitivity and specificity than conventional diagnostic techniques. The objective of this study was to measure the amount of M. leprae DNA in leprosy patients’ urine samples using the Rlep gene target through qPCR.MethodsDifferent clinical samples such as smear, blood, and urine samples were collected from leprosy patients and healthy individuals. Leprosy patients were classified by the Ridley–Jopling classification. The Ziehl–Neelsen staining method was used for the slit skin smear (SSS) samples, and the bacteriological index (BI) was calculated for leprosy patients. DNA extraction and qPCR were performed for all three types of clinical samples using the Rlep gene target.ResultsThe Mycobacterial leprae DNA was successfully detected and quantified in all clinical samples across all types of leprosy among all the study groups using the Rlep gene (129 bp) target. The Rlep gene target was able to detect the presence of M. leprae DNA in 100% of urine, 96.1% of blood, and 92.2% of SSS samples of leprosy patients. Urine samples showed significant differences (p &lt; 0.001) between the control and the different clinical forms and between borderline tuberculoid (BT) and pure neuritic leprosy (PNL) cases. There are significant differences in cycle threshold (Ct) values between control cases and clinical categories (p &lt; 0.001), as well as specific differences within clinical categories (p &lt; 0.001), reflecting the variability in bacterial load and detection sensitivity across different sample types and clinical manifestations of leprosy.ConclusionOverall, this study's findings suggest that the qPCR technique can be used to detect M. leprae DNA in urine samples of leprosy patients using the Rlep gene target. It can also be used for diagnosing the disease and monitoring the effectiveness of anti-leprosy drugs, including multi-drug therapy (MDT), across various leprosy disease groups.
The relationship between hippocampal changes in healthy aging and Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic literature review
Authors: Woodward Michael , Bennett David A. , Rundek Tatjana , Perry George , Rudka Tomasz 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionNeurobiological changes in the hippocampus are a common consequence of aging. However, there are differences in the rate of decline and overall volume loss in people with no cognitive impairment compared to those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This systematic literature review was conducted to determine the relationship between hippocampal atrophy and changes in hippocampal volume in the non-cognitively impaired brain and those with MCI or AD.MethodsThis systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. The PubMed database was searched up to September 15, 2022, for longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging studies reporting hippocampal atrophy or volume change in cognitively normal aging individuals and patients with MCI and/or AD. Study selection was divided into two steps: (1) identification and retrieval of relevant studies; (2) screening the studies by (a) title/abstract and (b) full text. Two teams, each consisting of two independent reviewers, determined whether the publications met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. An evidence table was populated with data extracted from eligible publications and inclusion in the final systematic review was confirmed.ResultsThe systematic search identified 357 publications that were initially screened by title/abstract, of which, 115 publications were retrieved and reviewed by full text for eligibility. Seventeen publications met the eligibility criteria; however, during data extraction, two studies were determined to not meet the inclusion criteria and were excluded. The remaining 15 studies were included in the systematic review. Overall, the results of these studies demonstrated that the hippocampus and hippocampal subfields change over time, with both decreased hippocampal volume and increased rate of hippocampal atrophy observed. Hippocampal changes in AD were observed to be greater than hippocampal changes in MCI, and changes in MCI were observed to be greater than those in normal aging populations.ConclusionPublished literature suggests that the rate of hippocampal decline and extent of loss is on a continuum that begins in people without cognitive impairment and continues to MCI and AD, and that differences between no cognitive impairment, MCI, and AD are quantitative rather than qualitative.
Characterization of the neuropathic pain component contributing to myalgia in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and 2
Authors: Schmitt Viviane , Baeumler Petra , Schänzer Anne , Irnich Dominik , Schoser Benedikt , Montagnese Federica 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionChronic muscle pain is common in myotonic dystrophies (DM). Little is known about its pathophysiology. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of the neuropathic pain component contributing contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic pain in DM.MethodsTwenty-one DM1 and 32 DM2 patients completed pain questionnaires (Brief pain inventory–BPI, PAIN-DETECT, pain disability index–PDI) and underwent neurological examination, nerve conduction studies (NCS), quantitative sensory testing (QST, dorsum of the right hand and right thigh) and skin biopsy to determine the intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD, distal and proximal site of lower extremity). NCS and QST results at the thigh were compared to 27 healthy controls and IENFD and QST at the dorsum of the hand to published reference values.ResultsThe sensory profile of DM2 patients was characterized by a loss in thermal and mechanical detection, while DM1 patients showed reduced mechanical and heat pain thresholds and higher mechanical pain sensitivity. Both DM groups showed pressure hyperalgesia. IENFD was reduced in 63% of DM1 patients and 50% of DM2. The slightly higher pain interference and disability found in DM2 was rather due to age difference than disease.ConclusionSimilar pain mechanisms likely occur in both DM1 and DM2, even though a tendency toward more pain sensitivity was observed in DM1 and more sensory loss in DM2. Both QST and reduced IENFD highlight the presence of peripheral nerve damage in DM. This must be considered for the best pain management strategies.