bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potent SSR markers for the assessment of population structure, genetic diversity, and bioactive compounds in Atractylodis Rhizoma
Authors: Zhong Haotian , Chen Lina , Chen Lei , Huang Xiao , Gong Ling , Hu Juan , Zeng Yuling , Yu Kun , Sen Lin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis, commonly referred to as Atractylodes Rhizome (AR), are significant traditional medicinal plants in China. AR exhibits a broad geographical distribution within the country. However, the escalating market demand and depletion of wild resources have led to a pressing need for increased cultivation of AR. Despite this urgency, research on the conservation of AR resources remains limited. Hence, it is imperative to conduct an analysis of the genetic background of the original plant and ascertain the specific variety of medicine AR.
Results:This research utilized transcriptome data from A. lancea to develop SSR molecular markers, assess the population structure and genetic diversity of AR, and employed the mantel test to validate the relationship between volatile oil components and genetic distance among the samples. A set of 29 pairs of highly polymorphic SSR primers yielded a total of 264 different alleles. Clustering analysis identified three distinct populations: Mao Mountain, Dabie Mountain, and samples from other locations. A clear differentiation between A. lancea and A. chinensis was observed, facilitating effective discrimination of AR varieties. Screening based on GC-MS results revealed 24 potential differential metabolites between the two species, with correlation analysis indicating significant associations with 18 previously identified molecular markers.
Conclusions: This study successfully developed SSR molecular markers for the purpose of analyzing genetic diversity in A. lancea and A. chinensis. Furthermore, a method was established for identifying the variety of medicine AR, with the confirmation that T72 exhibits the highest predictive ability for β-eudesmol, hinesol, and atractylon. These findings lay a solid groundwork for future quality control of medicine AR and the selection of superior germplasm.
Identification of glycolysis-related genes in pulpitis by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Liang Chaoran , Wang Qiang , Luan Mengyin , Li Yatong , Zong Jingjing , Wang Xiaoying 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:Pulpitis, a common inflammation of the dental pulp, involves intricate mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Our study aims to elucidate the alterations in genetic transcription linked to glycolysis in pulpitis and their impact on biological pathways and molecular networks.Methods:Gene expression data was collected from the GEO database. Glycolysis-related genes were identified through databases like GeneCards and MsigDB. To understand the roles of these genes, GO, KEGG pathway enrichment, and GSEA were carried out. The PPI network was constructed with STRING, and central genes were determined using cytoHubba algorithms. mRNA-miRNA and mRNA-TF regulatory interactions were obtained from TarBase, ChIPBase, and hTFtarget. We assessed differential expression of the hub genes between groups, and conducted ROC curve analysis. ssGSEA was used to examine immune cell infiltration, with pheatmap illustrating associations between hub genes and immune cells. All statistical analyses were performed using R.Results:Our analysis revealed 3480 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in pulpitis, comprising 1591 upregulated and 1889 downregulated genes. Among these, 63 glycolysis-related differentially expressed genes (GRDEGs) were predominantly located on chromosome 11. These GRDEGs were enriched in energy metabolism processes, organelle compartments, and molecular functions, implicating key pathways in the pathology of pulpitis. PPI network analysis identified eight hub genes—HIF1A,LDHA,HK2,STAT3,TALDO1,PPARG,ALDOC, andPFKP. Additionally, ssGSEA uncovered notable differences in the infiltration levels of 28 types of immune cells between pulpitis and control samples, suggesting alterations in the immune response related to pulpitis.Conclusion:Our research offers new perspectives into the molecular mechanisms of pulpitis, particularly regarding glycolytic pathways. These results may help identify better diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for managing pulpitis. Future studies should aim to validate these potential biomarkers and investigate their functional roles in the etiology of disease.
Ethnobotanical review of traditional use of wild food plants in Japan
Authors: Osawa Yoshimi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Japan, which has a diverse climate, is home to 8118 species of wild vascular plants, with more than 1,000 of these species considered edible. However, there are fewer studies on the use of wild food plants in Japan than in other parts of the world. This research aims to provide an ethnobotanical review of the traditional food use of wild plants in Japan. It draws upon the largest database of traditional Japanese foodways, with a specific focus on the period approximately 1930. This occurred prior to Japan’s rapid economic growth, which resulted in significant changes in the use of wild plants.
Methods
The use of wild food plants in Japan was reviewed by studying the collection of Japanese foodways (Nihon no shokuseikatsu zenshu). The review extracted the local and common names, use locations, uses, processing and cooking methods, habitats and other relevant details pertaining to the reported use of wild food plants. This information was subsequently analyzed via Excel.
Results
A total of 268 taxa belonging to 87 families used in Japan approximately 1930 were documented. Asteraceae was the most frequently reported family as well as the most species-rich family. In terms of use, vegetables composed the largest group, followed by dessert fruits. The majority of species have been documented in only a limited number of reports. The review revealed local traditional uses of plants, including the use of plants as binders for making rice cake, the selection of plants according to their sex, and techniques for detoxifying toxic plants.
Conclusion
A comparison with those of previous studies on wild species used in other Asian regions revealed a similar preference for vegetables. However, notably, in Japan, ferns are also consumed in considerable quantities. Conversely, further elucidation is clearly needed with respect to certain matters, including the perception of plant sex and the relationships between diverse ash components and detoxification techniques. It is evident that further ethnobotanical research is needed, both in the form of an examination of ethnographic records and in the field, to gain a deeper understanding of the use of wild food plants in Japan.
Physicochemical Characterization and Effects of Monetite Obtained from Titania-Reinforced Eggshell on Bone Repair: A New Possibility for Tissue Bioengineering?
Authors: Oliveira Laisa Kindely Ramos , Neto Conrado Dias do Nascimento , Silva Amy Brian Costa e , Rocha Stela Maris Wanderley , Bianchi Patrícia Roccon , Galdino André Gustavo de Sousa , Silva Daniela Nascimento 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
to carry out physicomechanical characterization of the HA/DCPA/TiO2 and to evaluate the tissue repair in rat calvaria.
Methods
Two bone defects were made in the calvaria of 36 Wistar rats, divided into groups: HA/DCPA, HA/DCPA/TiO2 and sham (blood clot). The animals were euthanized at 30, 60 and 90 days and calvaria slides processed with hematoxylin/eosin. The newly formed bone, connective tissue, biomaterial remnant and total tissue repair percentages were calculated in relation to the total defect area. The HA/DCPA/TiO2 was characterized structurally by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemically by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was submitted to apparent density (AD), apparent porosity (AP), water absorption (WA) and compressive strength (CS) physical tests. The ANOVA test was applied, followed by Turkey’s test and Student’s t test (p ≤ 0,05).
Results
The SEM showed biomaterials inside the bone defects and newly formed bone. EDS identified oxygen, calcium, phosphorus and titanium in the sample. The HA/DCPA/TiO2 and HA/DCPA groups presented a total tissue repair area was larger than the sham group (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The physical-mechanical assays showed that HA/DCPA/TiO2 has AD and CS properties within the limits of trabecular bone and with values higher than HA/DCPA.HA/DCPA/TiO2 presented higher densification and compressive strength rates than HA/DCPA.
Clinical Relevance: Both biomaterials are promising as bone defect fillers. The HA/DCPA/TiO2 has potential as a scaffold for bone to application in areas subject to load.
The Relationship of Peri and Para-Renal Fat Tissue with Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Functions in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Isel Isil , Karagulle Mehmet , Karabag Turgut 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:Ectopic fatty tissues are known to have adverse effects on systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and various metabolic profiles and are associated with cardiovascular risk. Among these fatty tissues, peri-renal fat tissue is located adjacent to the kidney and is active in the secretion of various adipokines in metabolism. The effect of peri-renal and para-renal fat tissue thickness on subclinical atherosclerosis and myocardial functions in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was investigated in this study.
Methods: The study included 108 patients newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (59 men, 49 women, mean age: 49.8±9.8 years) and 49 individuals without any disease as a control group (15 men, 34 women, mean age: 48.1±7.5 years). After obtaining the demographic data of all patients, laboratory values were measured following an 8-hour fasting. Peri-renal and para-renal fat tissue thicknesses as well as carotid intima media thickness were measured by ultrasonography. Conventional parameters were measured by transthoracic echocardiography and myocardial velocities by tissue Doppler, as well as epicardial fat tissue thickness.
Results: Carotid intima media thickness, epicardial fat tissue thickness, peri-renal, para-renal fat tissue thicknesses were higher in newly diagnosed T2DM patients than in the control group. While the E/A ratio was significantly lower in T2DM patients compared to the control group, the E wave deceleration time (EDT) E/E'septal and lateral ratios were significantly higher. Peri-renal and para-renal fat tissue thicknesses (CIMT) were significantly correlated with epicardial fat tissue thicknesses. Para-renal and peri-renal fat tissue thicknesses were also negatively correlated with EF and E/A ratio, and positively correlated with E/E'septal. Likewise, there was a significant correlation with insulin, HOMA-IR and glucose values.
Conclusion: Peri-renal and para-renal fat tissue thickness measured by ultrasonography in newly diagnosed diabetic individuals is significantly thicker compared to the normal population and is significantly associated with CIMT and epicardial fat tissue, which are indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis. Noninvasively measured peri-renal and para-renal fat tissue thicknesses are related to glycemic parameters as well as deterioration of diastolic functions, which may indicate subclinical cardiac involvement. Peri-renal and para-renal fat tissue may be useful in predicting subclinical atherosclerosis.
Yeast probiotic Saccharomycopsis fibuligera alleviates the colorectal cancer by inhibiting the choline metabolism
Authors: Li# Xinyang , Wang# Chenxu , Wang Xinyue , Wang Tingting 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The role of the microbiome in disease pathogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects of certain commensal microorganisms support the probiotic-based therapies for tumor treating. Saccharomycopsis fibuligera (S.fibuligera) is the major amylolytic yeast used in food fermentation. As a natural medicine, S.fibuligera has been found to protect the intestinal mucosa, while its role and related mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unexplored. In this study, we found that S.fibuligera could alleviate the development of CRC in mice, inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and induce their apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistically, several metabolic pathways of tumor cells changed after S.fibuligera treatment, among which choline metabolism changed significantly. S.fibuligera inhibited choline metabolism of CRC cells by targeting and inhibiting the Ras/PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby reducing the expression of related metabolites, activating the AMPK pathway and inhibiting the mTOR pathway, which in turn induced apoptosis of CRC cells, ultimately alleviating CRC. Above all, our study has clarified anti-tumor effect of S.fibuligera and demonstrated that S.fibuligera alleviates CRC by inhibiting the choline metabolism, providing a promising new strategy for CRC treatment with high clinical translational value.
Predictors of In-hospital Mortality among Cirrhotic Patients in Ethiopia: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Elias Tamrat Petros , Shewaye Abate Bane , Fisseha Henok , Nur Abdulsemed Mohammed , Berhane Kaleb Assefa , Minyilshewa Asteray Tsige , Kumsa Kibrab Bulto , Seid Biruck Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cirrhosis is a major global health problem and a leading cause of liver-related mortality. In Ethiopia specifically, cirrhosis is the 6th leading cause of death and is responsible for high hospitalization and mortality rates. However, until now, factors affecting in-hospital mortality in patients admitted due to complications of liver cirrhosis are poorly understood. This study assessed the predictors of in-hospital mortality among cirrhotic patients in Ethiopia.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study using data collected from the electronic medical records of patients who were admitted for complications of liver cirrhosis between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, in the medical wards of Adera Medical Center, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, and Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Frequency and cross-tabulation were used for descriptive statistics. Predictor variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bivariate analyses were included in the logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to show the strength of the association. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Of the 299 patients included in the final analysis, the majority (79.6%) were males, and the median age of the study participants was 45 (IQR, 36–56) years. Hepatitis B virus (32.1%) was the most common etiology, followed by alcohol (30.1%) and hepatitis C virus (13.4%). More than half (52.9%) of the patients were in Child-Pugh class C, and around a quarter (26.1%) of the patients had comorbidities. Ascites (69.2%), Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (50.5%), and hepatic encephalopathy (44.8%) were the most common forms of presentation. The in-hospital mortality rate was 25.4%. West Haven Grade III or IV hepatic encephalopathy (AOR: 12.0; 95% CI 2.33–61.63; P < 0.01), Hepatocellular Carcinoma (AOR: 9.05; 95% CI 2.18–37.14; P: 0.01), History of previous admission within one year period (AOR: 6.80; 95% CI 2.18–21.18; P < 0.01), Acute Kidney Injury (AOR: 6.47; 95% CI 1.77–23.64; P < 0.01), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease – Sodium (MELD-Na) Score (AOR: 1.17; 95% CI 1.05–1.30; P: 0.02), were found to be predictors of in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion
In-hospital mortality of cirrhotic patients is high in Ethiopia. West Haven grade III or IV hepatic encephalopathy is the leading cause of mortality. Hence, Prompt identification and management of hepatic encephalopathy and its precipitant at an earlier stage is crucial for better treatment outcomes and survival.
Causal Relationship of Nitrogen Dioxides Air Pollution with Risk of Breast Cancer: A Two-sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wei Gang , Liu Lin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Whether nitrogen dioxides (NO2) air pollution genetically regulate the risk of breast cancer (BC) remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the cause-and-effect relationship of NO2 air pollution with risk of BC.Methods A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method and the weighted median (WM) method were applied to analyze the causal relationship. Cochran's Q statistic method and MR-Egger intercept test were used to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. MR-Egger regression and leave-one-out analysis were performed to assess sensitivity.Results IVW and WM methods demonstrated that NO2 air pollution (with any potential confounders) was significantly associated with higher odds of BC overall [OR (95%CI): 1.69 (1.13, 2.54); 1.70 (1.02, 2.86)] (P = 0.01; 0.04). No significant heterogeneity (P = 0.33) and horizontal pleiotropy (P = 0.19) were present in the correlation analysis of NO2 air pollution and risk of BC overall. After excluding SNPs of NO2 with any potential confounders, IVW model demonstrated that NO2 air pollution was still significantly associated with higher odds of BC overall [OR (95%CI): 4.15 (1.52, 11.31)] (P = 0.005). In the subtype analysis for ER + BC and ER- BC, causal relationship between NO2 air pollution (removing any potential confounders) and estrogen receptor negative (ER-) BC was observed [OR (95%CI): 4.15 (1.52, 11.31)] (P = 0.005).Conclusion Increased exposure of NO2 air pollution causally raises the chance of BC independent of ER, providing a recommendation to reduce NO2 air pollution for future BC prevention.
Bengali Translation and Validation of Academic Resilience Scale in Bangladeshi School-going Students
Authors: Ahmed MD. Faisal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The study aimed to translate and validate the Academic Resilience Scale (ARS) into Bengali to assess its applicability among Bangladeshi school-going students. The ARS, originally developed by Martin and Marsh, measures students' ability to cope with academic challenges. Given the lack of a validated Bengali version, this study sought to fill this gap and ensure the scale's reliability and validity in a new cultural context.
Materials and Methods
The research employed a cross-sectional design involving 234 students (111 males, 123 females) aged 12–18 years from two schools in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The ARS was translated through a rigorous process involving two forward translations, two back translations, and a comparison of the original and translated versions. Data were collected using both the original and translated ARS, with a one-week interval between administrations. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, Cronbach’s alpha, and independent sample t-tests were used for analysis, employing SPSS 29.0.
Results
Descriptive statistics indicated similar mean scores for the original ARS (M = 23.78, SD = 7.456) and the translated ARS (M = 23.77, SD = 7.516), reflecting comparable levels of academic resilience. Pearson correlations between items on the original and translated scales were high (r = .909 to .941, p < .01), and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.747 for the original and 0.754 for the translated scale, demonstrating acceptable reliability. No significant gender differences were found in resilience scores for either version.
Conclusion
The Bengali-translated ARS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring academic resilience among Bangladeshi students. This study provides a crucial resource for future research and interventions aimed at enhancing academic resilience in this demographic. Future research should address the study's limitations and explore resilience factors in broader contexts.
The Role of Antecedent Southwest Summer Monsoon Rainfall on Occurrence of Pre- Monsoon Heatwaves over India
Authors: Malasala Murali Nageswara Rao , Joseph Susmitha , Mandal Raju , Tallapragada Vijay , Akhter Javed , Dey Avijit , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Phani R. , Sahai A. K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Global warming increases the risk of heatwaves (HWs) globally. In India, HWs during the summer (March-June; MAMJ) are characterized by prolonged high temperatures, exacerbated by low soil moisture. Speculation suggests that droughts during the Indian summer monsoon (ISM), which provides 80% of India's annual rainfall, may lead to more HWs in the following MAMJ period. In this research, an examination is carried out on the climatic patterns, inter-annual variability (IAV), and coefficient of variation (CV) of maximum temperatures (Tmax) throughout MAMJ across the Indian subcontinent using India Meteorological Department's (IMD) gridded observed Tmax dataset covering 1951 to 2023. The dataset is divided into two periods: an earlier period (1951–1999, P1) and a recent warming period (2000–2023, P2). This study compares Tmax between these periods and evaluates HW duration using IMD criteria, distinguishing between short-duration HWs (SHWs, lasting 2 days) and long-duration HWs (LHWs, lasting 5 days or more). Additionally, it explores the relationship between preceding All India Summer Monsoon Rainfall (AISMR) and various HW types, while analyzing the impact of extreme AISMR events (such as drought or excess rainfall) on heatwave occurrences. This study thoroughly examines how Tmax and HWs are distributed across India, shedding light on notable variations in Tmax patterns and HW occurrences. It finds a clear rise in Tmax across various regions, accompanied by an increase in the frequency of HW days, particularly evident during the MAMJ. The study emphasizes the crucial role of AISMR in shaping HW events, highlighting that drought conditions during AISMR are closely linked to a higher chance of experiencing above-normal HW frequencies. This study is very useful in determining the effects on various sectors in planning of adaptation techniques through appropriate strategies for a sustainable future over India in the present global warming era.
Quantum Mechanical Study of Dealkylation Processes and the Reducing Trifluralin Herbicide
Authors: barzoei majid , Ghanbary ali , Mohassel Mohammad Hassan Rashed , Salemi siroos 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Trifluralin, a widely used herbicide, undergoes complex degradation processes, including dealkylation and reduction, in environmental systems. In this study, we investigate these processes through advanced quantum mechanical calculations and computational analysis, employing density functional theory (DFT) in Gaussian 09 software. The calculations were conducted at two levels: B3LYP/6-311++(d,p) and 6-311G. Our findings indicate that both dealkylation and reduction reactions require energy input and are endothermic processes. However, compared with dealkylation, reduction tends to occur more spontaneously and with lower energy requirements, suggesting that it is a faster process. Additionally, we observed significant molecular changes in trifluralin during reduction, indicating a preference for this pathway, especially in soil conditions where chemical catalysts may enhance the process. In conclusion, investigating herbicide degradation via quantum mechanics elucidates questions regarding herbicide breakdown pathways in the environment and aids in examining their fate and transport more comprehensively through the lens of physical chemistry.