bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids with esophageal diseases: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Chen Weiming , Chen Maohui , Huang Jin , Xie Qichang , Huang Yizhou , Chen Chun , Zhu Yong 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been widely studied and used as nutritional supplements because of their anti-inflammatory effects. Previous studies have shown an association between polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs with the development of malignant tumors. However, the relationships of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs with esophageal diseases have not been characterized.MethodsMendelian randomization (MR) is a statistical method for identifying instrumental variables (IVs) from genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, and is associated with little confounding by environmental or other disease-related factors. We used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from previously published studies on circulating concentrations of omega-3, omega-6, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and linoleic acid (LA), as well as esophageal cancer and other esophageal diseases, which were downloaded from the IEU OpenGwas database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/) and the GWAS Catalog database (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/). The inverse variance-weighted approach was used as the principal analysis, and the MR–Egger and weighted median methods were used alongside. A series of sensitivity analyses were used to ensure the robustness of the causality estimates.ResultsWe found that the circulating omega-3 PUFAs concentration was positively associated with esophageal cancer (p = 8 × 10−4), and circulating DHA concentration (the main component of omega-3 in food), was also positively associated with esophageal cancer (p = 2 × 10−2), but no significant association was found between circulating omega-6 PUFAs and esophageal cancer (p = 0.17), and circulating LA concentration (the main component of omega-6 in food), was also no significant associated with esophageal cancer (p = 0.32). We found no significant relationships of circulating omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs concentration with four other esophageal diseases.ConclusionThis study indicates that higher levels of circulating omega-3 PUFAs and DHA concentrations may be a risk factor for the development of esophageal cancer. Conversely, an increased omega-6/omega-3 ratio may serve as a protective factor against esophageal cancer. These findings have significant implications for the clinical application of omega-3 PUFAs and the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer.
Pediatric respiratory pathogen dynamics in Southern Sichuan, China: a retrospective analysis of gender, age, and seasonal trends
Authors: Li Qing , Song Min , Hu Zhi , Ding Yinhuan , Huang Chengliang , Liu Jinbo 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo address the research gap in the epidemiology of pediatric respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in Luzhou, Southern Sichuan, China, by analyzing respiratory pathogens in a large pediatric cohort from 2018 to 2021, covering the pre- and during-COVID-19 periods.MethodsThis study conducted a retrospective analysis of children with RTIs in Luzhou from July 2018 to January 2021. Strict exclusion criteria were applied to ensure an accurate representation of the pediatric population. Pathogen detection included viruses, bacteria, and atypical agents.ResultsPathogens were identified in 52.8% of 12,546 cases. Viruses accounted for 32.2% of infections, bacteria for 29.8%, and atypical agents for 29.7%, with significant findings of Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Age-related analysis indicated a higher incidence of bacterial infections in infants and viral infections in preschool-aged children, with atypical pathogens being most prevalent in 3–5-year-olds. Gender-based analysis, adjusted for age, revealed similar overall pathogen presence; however, females were more susceptible to viral infections, while males were more prone to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Notably, there was an unusual increase in pathogen cases during spring, potentially influenced by behavioral changes and public health measures related to COVID-19. Co-infections were identified as a significant risk factor for the development of pneumonia.ConclusionThe study provides essential insights into the epidemiology of respiratory pathogens in pediatric populations, emphasizing the need for healthcare strategies tailored to age, gender, and seasonality. The findings highlight the impact of environmental and public health factors, including COVID-19 measures, on respiratory pathogen prevalence, underscoring the importance of targeted diagnostic and treatment protocols in pediatric respiratory infections.
The role of metabolic memory in diabetic kidney disease: identification of key genes and therapeutic targets
Authors: Yang Tongyue , Feng Qi , Shao Mingwei , Pan Mengxing , Guo Feng , Song Yi , Huang Fengjuan , Linlin Zhao , Wang Jiao , Wu Lina , Qin Guijun , Zhao Yanyan 
Published: July 2024

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is characterized by complex pathogenesis and poor prognosis; therefore, an exploration of novel etiological factors may be beneficial. Despite glycemic control, the persistence of transient hyperglycemia still induces vascular complications due to metabolic memory. However, its contribution to DKD remains unclear. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we clustered 12 cell types and employed enrichment analysis and a cell‒cell communication network. Fibrosis, a characteristic of DKD, was found to be associated with metabolic memory. To further identify genes related to metabolic memory and fibrosis in DKD, we combined the above datasets from humans with a rat renal fibrosis model and mouse models of metabolic memory. After overlapping, NDRG1, NR4A1, KCNC4 and ZFP36 were selected. Pharmacology analysis and molecular docking revealed that pioglitazone and resveratrol were possible agents affecting these hub genes. Based on the ex vivo results, NDRG1 was selected for further study. Knockdown of NDRG1 reduced TGF-β expression in human kidney-2 cells (HK-2 cells). Compared to that in patients who had diabetes for more than 10 years but not DKD, NDRG1 expression in blood samples was upregulated in DKD patients. In summary, NDRG1 is a key gene involved in regulating fibrosis in DKD from a metabolic memory perspective. Bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation provided reliable evidence for identifying metabolic memory in DKD patients.
Association between oral contraceptives and cervical cancer: A retrospective case–control study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Guo Chong , Zhan Bo , Li Meng-Yuan , Yue Li , Zhang Chao 
Published: July 2024

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among females globally, with a high incidence and high mortality among females in developing countries. This retrospective case–control study aimed to investigate the association between oral contraceptives and cervical cancer, on which insufficient evidence still exists.Material and Methods: To examine the association between oral contraceptives and cervical cancer based on 7,496 females aged over 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, multivariable logistic regression conducted from 1999 to 2016 was used.Results: Contraceptive use was positively associated with cervical cancer risk. In model 1 (unadjusted), a 195% increased risk of cervical cancer was observed among those who used oral contraceptives (odds ratio [OR] = 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.39–3.98, p = 0.002) compared to those who did not. In addition, the ORs for the exposed population were 1.74 (95% CI = 1.05–3.08, p = 0.041) and 1.93 (95% CI = 1.16–3.44, p = 0.017) in model 2 (adjusted for age, race, and body mass index [BMI]) and model 3 (adjusted for education level, ratio of family income to poverty, drinking status, smoking status, number of pregnancies, age at first sex, number of sexual partners, and whether to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in addition to model 2), respectively. Furthermore, subgroup analyses stratified by age, smoking status, BMI, age at first sex, number of sexual partners, and whether to receive the HPV vaccine also revealed that oral contraceptives were significantly associated with cervical cancer.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that oral contraceptive use increased the risk of cervical cancer. In addition, the higher risk, including individuals older than 45 years, having a high BMI (≥30 kg/m2), being current smokers, and having more than five sexual partners, may contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
Platycodon D reduces obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet through inhibiting intestinal fat absorption
Authors: Tang Xingkui , Yang Yi , Peng Wenxu , Xu Mengping , Fan Qitong , Li Feng , Zou Guorong , Zhu Jianlin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPlatycodin D (PD) has been reported to treat metabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, platycodin D has been reported to activate intestinal 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation levels, thereby reducing lipid absorption. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore whether PD activation of intestinal AMPK and reduced lipid absorption can improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.MethodsClean-grade male C57/BL mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) (containing 60% calories) for 16 weeks, and oral PD (10 mg/kg/day) was administered at the same time. The liver and intestines were the collected, and the intestines were tested. The expressions of lipid absorption genes (CD36, NPC1L1, and ApoB), the serum total triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in the intestines and livers, the fecal free fatty acid (FFA) levels, and the expression of AMPK phosphorylated proteins in the intestines were examined using Western blot analyses. The lipid distribution in the livers, intestines, and fat was detected using Oil Red O and hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining. A colon cancer cell line (Caco2) was used to confirm the effect of PD on the cellular lipid uptake in vitro. In addition, serum inflammatory factors and liver enzymes were measured to clarify the impact of PD on the circulation of metabolic syndrome. Leptin-deficient mice (OB) were then used to further explore the improvement of PD on body weight and blood lipids.ResultsPD had a very significant therapeutic or preventive effect on metabolic syndrome and fatty liver induced by a high-fat diet. PD improved body weight, insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance in mice fed a high-fat diet and also prevented non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, reduced blood lipid levels, and increased fecal lipid excretion. In addition, PD reduced lipid absorption by activating the intestinal AMPK protein, which may have involved the inhibition of the gene expression levels of intestinal lipid absorption genes (CD36, NPC1L1, and ApoB). The combined effect of these factors improved hepatic lipid accumulation and lipid accumulation in adipose tissue. It was further found that PD also improved the body weights and blood lipid levels of leptin-deficient mice (OB) mice.ConclusionPD had a very strong therapeutic effect on mice under a high-fat diet. PD reduced high-fat diet-induced obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting intestinal fat absorption.
Acrylamide-targeting renal miR−21a−5p/Fibrotic and miR122-5p/ inflammatory signaling pathways and the role of a green approach for nano-zinc detected via in silico and in vivo approaches
Authors: Alqahtani Leena S. , Alosaimi Manal E. , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed Amany , Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Khamis Tarek , Noreldin Ahmed E. , El-Far Ali H. , Alotaibi Badriyah S. , Hakami Mohammed Ageeli , Dahran Naief , Babteen Nouf A. 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Any disruption in renal function can have cascading effects on overall health. Understanding how a heat-born toxicant like acrylamide (ACR) affects kidney tissue is vital for realizing its broader implications for systemic health.Methods: This study investigated the ACR-induced renal damage mechanisms, particularly focusing on the regulating role of miR-21a-5p/fibrotic and miR-122-5p/inflammatory signaling pathways via targeting Timp-3 and TP53 proteins in an In silico preliminary study. Besides, renal function assessment, oxidative status, protein profile, and the expression of renal biomarkers (Timp-1, Keap-1, Kim-1, P53, TNF-α, Bax, and Caspase3) were assessed in a 60-day experiment. The examination was additionally extended to explore the potential protective effects of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNO-MONPs). A four-group experiment including control, ZNO-MONPs (10 mg/kg b.wt.), ACR (20 mg/kg b.wt.), and ZNO-MONPs + ACR was established encompassing biochemical, histological, and molecular levels. The study further investigated the protein-binding ability of ZNO and MONPs to inactivate caspase-3, Keap-1, Kim-1, and TNFRS-1A.Results: ZNO-MONPs significantly reduced ACR-induced renal tissue damage as evidenced by increased serum creatinine, uric acid, albumin, and oxidative stress markers. ACR-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammationare revealed by biochemical tests, gene expression, and the presence of apoptotic nuclei microscopically. Also, molecular docking revealed binding affinity between ACR-BCL-2 and glutathione-synthetase, elucidating the potential mechanisms through which ACR induces renal damage. Notably, ZNO-MONPs revealed a protective potential against ACR-induced damage. Zn levels in the renal tissues of ACR-exposed rats were significantly restored in those treated with ACR + ZNO-MONPs. In conclusion, this study establishes the efficacy of ZNO-MONPs in mitigating ACR-induced disturbances in renal tissue functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The findings shed light on the potential renoprotective activity of green-synthesized nanomaterials, offering insights into novel therapeutic approaches for countering ACR-induced renal damage.
Drivers and epidemiological patterns of West Nile virus in Serbia
Authors: Marini Giovanni , Drakulovic Mitra B. , Jovanovic Verica , Dagostin Francesca , Wint Willy , Tagliapietra Valentina , Vasic Milena , Rizzoli Annapaola 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundWest Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen in Serbia, where it has been detected as a cause of infection in humans since 2012. We analyzed and modelled WNV transmission patterns in the country between 2012 and 2023.MethodsWe applied a previously developed modelling approach to quantify epidemiological parameters of interest and to identify the most important environmental drivers of the force of infection (FOI) by means of statistical analysis in the human population in the country.ResultsDuring the study period, 1,387 human cases were recorded, with substantial heterogeneity across years. We found that spring temperature is of paramount importance for WNV transmission, as FOI magnitude and peak timing are positively associated with it. Furthermore, FOI is also estimated to be greater in regions with a larger fraction of older adult people, who are at higher risk to develop severe infections.ConclusionOur results highlight that temperature plays a key role in shaping WNV outbreak magnitude in Serbia, confirming the association between spring climatic conditions and WNV human transmission risk and thus pointing out the importance of this factor as a potential early warning predictor for timely application of preventive and control measures.
Determining the tactical and technical level of competitive tennis players using a competency model: a systematic review
Authors: Crespo Miguel , Martínez-Gallego Rafael , Filipcic Ales 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe aim of this systematic review is to provide an evidence-based synthesis of the literature on the topic of technical and tactical competencies of tennis players and to answer the following research questions: (1) What is the state of the art of research on technical and tactical competencies (i.e., skills and knowledge) and tennis; (2) What are the most important topics related to technical and tactical competencies in tennis players.MethodsElectronic searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMED and SPORTDiscus (August to September 2023). This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. To reduce risk, all published literature was searched and primary studies were included. The search terms included skills or competencies, match or play, player and tennis and excluded studies on non-competitive tennis players—notation analysis, AI method, systematic review and validation of tools.Results and discussionOf the 390 publications found in these searches, 13 articles were considered relevant and included in this study. They were divided into three categories: (1) technical-tactical skills, (2) match situations and (3) match performance. There was clear evidence that there is a test instrument for analyzing tactical-technical skills that has sufficient reliability and validity and is of practical value to tennis coaches. The development of tactical-technical skills is influenced by method (variability between/within skills), conditions (court size, ball type) and areas of development (situational awareness, anticipation, decision making). There are differences in match and stroke performance between different quality groups (professionals, juniors), which can also be influenced by mental strength. For a comprehensive study of tennis players’ abilities, the use of modern technologies is possible and necessary in the future. Future research should focus on the creation of competency models for the playing level of tennis players, which could include at least three key elements: (1) key competencies, (2) description of standards, (3) evidence.
Calcaneal distraction vs. cast immobilization for the preoperative treatment of patients with Danis–Weber type C ankle fractures: a case–control study
Authors: Song Bing , Shi Jisheng , Xu Xiaohui , Hou Xiangfeng , Jia Jingkun , Pang Tongtao 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAnkle fractures require temporary fixation to allow swelling to subside prior to surgery; this is typically achieved using calcaneal distraction or cast immobilization. We compared the results of these methods in the treatment of Danis–Weber type C ankle fractures.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the data of 86 patients with Danis–Weber type C ankle fractures, of whom 40 underwent calcaneal distraction and 46 underwent cast immobilization. Clinical measures including preoperative detumescence time, daily swelling value, skin condition, and pain, SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36) score and ankle scores were compared between the two groups.ResultsBaseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. Calcaneal distraction resulted in a lower preoperative detumescence time (6.22 ± 0.64 vs. 8.94 ± 0.82 days) and lower daily swelling values compared with cast immobilization, leading to a lower skin necrosis rate. Resting pain scores were significantly lower in the calcaneal distraction group than in the cast immobilization group at various postoperative time points (P &lt; 0.05). Ankle function scores were higher in the calcaneal distraction group than in the cast immobilization group at 12 months postoperatively (P &lt; 0.05), indicating improved outcomes. Additionally, the SF-36 quality of life scores of patients undergoing calcaneal distraction were notably superior to those in the cast immobilization group.DiscussionCalcaneal distraction is superior to cast immobilization in reducing soft tissue swelling, alleviating pain, and enhancing ankle function recovery in patients with Danis–Weber type C ankle fractures. Early calcaneal distraction upon hospital admission is recommended to optimize surgical outcomes.
What are the main proteins in the hemolymph of Haemaphysalis flava ticks?
Authors: Li Dan , Liu Lei , Liu Zi-ling , Tian Yuan , Gao Xin , Cheng Tian-yin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundHaemaphysalis flava is a notorious parasite for humans and animals worldwide. The organs of H. flava are bathed in hemolymph, which is a freely circulating fluid. Nutrients, immune factors, and waste can be transported to any part of the body via hemolymph. The main soluble components in hemolymph are proteins. However, knowledge of the H. flava proteome is limited.MethodsThe hemolymph was collected from fully engorged H. flava ticks by leg amputation. Hemolymph proteins were examined by both blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate PAGE (SDS-PAGE). Proteins extracted from the gels were further identified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).ResultsTwo bands (380 and 520 kDa) were separated from tick hemolymph by BN-PAGE and were further separated into four bands (105, 120, 130, and 360 kDa) by SDS-PAGE. LC–MS/MS revealed that seven tick proteins and 13 host proteins were present in the four bands. These tick proteins mainly belonged to the vitellogenin (Vg) family and the α-macroglobulin family members. In silico structural analysis showed that these Vg family members all had common conserved domains, including the N-terminus lipid binding domain (LPD-N), the C-terminus von Willebrand type D domain (vWD), and the domain of unknown function (DUF). Additionally, two of the Vg family proteins were determined to belong to the carrier protein (CP) by analyzing the unique N-terminal amino acid sequences and the cleaving sites.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the Vg family proteins and α-macroglobulin are the primary constituents of the hemolymph in the form of protein complexes. Our results provide a valuable resource for further functional investigations of H. flava hemolymph effectors and may be useful in tick management.
Canabidiol: uma promissora abordagem no tratamento da epilepsia
Authors: Freitas Suéllen da Silva , Alves Vanessa de Oliveira , Ortiz Sandra Regina Mota 
Published: July 2024

Introdução. A epilepsia é uma afecção neurológica e crônica, em que os neurônios se encontram em um estado de hiperexcitação e produzem excessivas descargas elétricas. Já o canabidiol é um fitocanabinóide extraído da planta Cannabis que age modulando o sistema endocanabinóide do ser humano. Objetivo. Investigar de maneira abrangente as evidências disponíveis sobre o uso do canabidiol no tratamento da epilepsia. Método. Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura. As fontes de informações utilizadas foram: Medline via Pubmed, Scielo e Lilacs. As buscas foram elaboradas por meio dos seguintes descritores: “Epilepsy”, “Cannabidiol”, “Treatment” e “Tetrahidrocanabinol”. A seleção desses descritores foi embasada não apenas em critérios internos, mas também na busca realizada na plataforma Descritores em Ciências da Saúde. Após a introdução de critérios de inclusão e exclusão adotados para a presente pesquisa, 56 trabalhos foram selecionados. Resultados. Dos 56 artigos selecionados, 24 tiveram como resultados a redução significativa da frequência das crises convulsivas, oito não obtiveram resultados favoráveis do uso de canabidiol no tratamento da epilepsia, cinco apresentaram como resultado a eficácia do uso a longo prazo, 16 apresentaram como resultado o favorecimento do uso do canabidiol e três apresentaram uma melhora da qualidade de vida. Conclusão. É necessário que mais pesquisas sejam realizadas com o intuito de estabelecer as doses e as vias de administração mais seguras e eficazes e com isso conseguir transformar o canabidiol numa ferramenta de tratamento seguro.