bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Serum Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Aortic Diseases in Obesity through Multi-Omics Analysis
Authors: Wang Tianren , Wang Yuhang , Wang Yansong , Wang Xiaokang , Tan Qiwen , Cheng Xinyu , Zhu Tiancheng , Huang Haoyue , teng xiaomei , Shen Zhenya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of aortic diseases and operative risks. Currently, there are no effective drugs available to prevent the occurrence and progression of aortic aneurysms or dissections. We investigated potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets using a multi-omics approach.

Methods

Clinical data from 117 patients with aortic disease were analyzed based on body mass index (BMI) to explore the relationship between BMI and clinical outcomes. An obesity mouse model was developed by feeding high-cholesterol, high-fat diet (HCHFD), and an aortic disease model was established by administering human angiotensin II (AngII) at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day through osmotic minipumps. Through analysis of murine aortic transcriptomics and serum proteomics, we identified potential biomarkers for aortic disease in obesity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect these biomarkers in human serum.

Results

The duration of hospitalization post-surgery positively correlated with BMI. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an enrichment of genes related to complement and coagulation cascades, as well as the prion disease pathway. Proteomic analysis showed an enrichment of proteins associated with African trypanosomiasis and the estrogen signaling pathway. By integrating transcriptomic and protein profiles, complement C5 and apoD were identified as potential biomarkers for the adverse effects of obesity.

Conclusion

High BMI is associated with an increased risk of aortic disease, especially for aortic dissection. Serum complement C5 and apoD were identified as potential biomarkers for assessing aortic disease risk in obese individuals. Further research is needed to explore the pathophysiological pathways linked to these biomarkers and their potential clinical applications.
The inhibitory receptor CD300a functions as an immune checkpoint in a mouse model of breast cancer
Authors: Ben-Zimra Micha , Niazov Shiran , Alekberly Fidan Rahimly , Levi-Schaffere Francesca 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer type in women and still a major cause of death. In the USA it is estimated that 42,250 women will die in 2024 from BC. Over the last decade immunotherapy, especially blocking of immune checkpoints by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), has entered the clinic in many cancer types, including BC. Still, intensive research is being carried out to increase the use of the approved drugs and to find new targets and new drugs. CD300a is an inhibitory receptor expressed in many immune cells. Its ligands, phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), are expressed on activated and apoptotic immune cells as well as on several cancer cells. We hypothesized that PS and PE expressed on cancer cells might activate immune cell suppression via CD300a. Mast cells, the innate immune cells known mostly for their key function in allergic inflammation, express CD300a and were shown to have major regulatory roles in many cancer types, particularly in BC. To test the suggested role of CD300a in BC, we induced the mouse 4T1 BC model in WT and CD300a-KO mice. Smaller tumors were detected in the CD300a-KO mice together with a significant increase in MCs activation level. Culturing 4T1 cells together with WT mouse bone marrow derived MCs (BMMCs) reduced 4T1 cell number which was further reduced in co-culture with CD300a-KO-BMMCs. Finally, we found the immune-modulatory cytokine IL-10 in the supernatants of WT BMMCs but not in their CD300a-KO counterparts. Our results would imply that in BC, tumor cells activate CD300a expressed on MCs and probably on other immune cells to inhibit anti-tumorigenic immunity, therefore suggesting CD300a as an immunecheckpoint in BC.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of microRNA423-5p in patients with heart failure
Authors: Guo Xiaohua , Zhou Yi , Huang Honghao , Zong Zhen , Xin Mei , Yang Ke 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
MicroRNAs are considered as a class of potential biomarkers for heart failure. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of microRNA423-5p in patients with heart failure.
Methods
A total of 98 patients diagnosed with heart failure were enrolled in the observation group, while 30 healthy volunteers without heart failure were enrolled for the control group. The prognostic significance of microRNA423-5p in patients with heart failure was assessed through laboratory parameter assessments, cardiac ultrasound evaluations, and subsequent follow-up assessments.
Results
In comparison to the control group, the observation group exhibited notably elevated levels of microRNA423-5p and BNP, as well as significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values (P < 0.05). Additionally, within the observation group, a positive correlation was observed between higher heart function ratings and increased levels of microRNA423-5p and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), along with a more pronounced decrease in LVEF values (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between microRNA423-5p and BNP indicators (rs = 0.850, P < 0.001). The observation group was monitored for a period of one year, with hospitalization due to recurrent heart failure or all-cause mortality serving as the designated follow-up endpoint. The event group exhibited elevated levels of microRNA423-5p and BNP, along with a decreased LVEF (P < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis indicated that both microRNA423-5p + BNP + LVEF and microRNA423-5p + BNP exhibited strong predictive capabilities, with respective areas under the curve of 0.839 and 0.814.
Conclusions
Elevated levels of microRNA423-5p in the serum of patients with heart failure suggest its potential utility as a novel biomarker for both the diagnosis and prognosis of this condition.
Heterogeneity of work engagement and its relationship with job crafting among Chinese specialty nurses: a cross-sectional study using latent profile analysis
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Lin Wenqiong , Li Yaru , Li Songyao , Fang Ziru , Zhang Huiyi , Liang Fangfang , Zhang Hongmei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Specialty nurses play a crucial role in improving the quality of nursing care. Enhancing the work engagement of specialty nurses is a top priority for managers. Job crafting is an effective way to increase nurses' work engagement. Identifying and classifying features of work engagement, exploring their relationship with job crafting, and tailoring interventions to support specialty nurses are imperative.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Henan Province, China from July 2023 to August 2023. The study sample consisted of 758 specialty nurses who participated in an online survey. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify work engagement classification criteria. Multinomial logistic regression models were usedto identify the predictors of profile inclusion.
Results:A four­profile model yielded the best fit. The four profiles were titled “low work engagement” (n = 210), “medium work engagement” (n = 172), “high attitude-high enthusiasm” (n = 229), and “high work engagement” (n = 147). The regression analysis indicated that gender, age, level of education, monthly income, and job crafting all had significant effects on the work profile categories (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The characteristics of specialty nurses’ work engagement are heterogeneous and can be divided into four profiles. Our findings indicated that gender, education level, monthly income, and job crafting impact the varying types of work engagement exhibited by specialty nurses. We recommend that nursing managers adopt effective measures, such as flexible scheduling and improved job management, to enhance specialty nurses’ work engagement.
Identification of Venous Thromboembolism Driver Genes Based on Integrative Bioinformatics and Machine Learning
Authors: Yang Bijun , Zhang Xi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, accompanied with a variety of underlying diseases, and it often doesn't get enough attention for early diagnosis and treatment. VTE is associated with many risk factors, however, the genetic basis of venous thromboembolism remains poorly understood.
Methods: We analyzed whole-blood gene expression profiles from 185 VTE patients and 93 normal controls obtained from the GEO database. Differential expression analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify key genes through intersection analysis. Subsequently, enrichment analysis was performed on gene modules associated with key genes. Central genes were identified using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and random forest algorithms. Additionally, immune cell infiltration was analyzed using CIBERSORT, and pathway functions of key genes were assessed through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).
Results: A total of 102 DEGs were identified in VTE. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), these DEGs were clustered into 14 modules. Among them, the black module showed significant correlation with VTE (cor=0.48, p<0.0001). Machine learning techniques identified four key genes, namely TXNL1 (AUC=0.840), CD3G (AUC=0.786), MRPL15 (AUC=0.775), and MCTS1 (AUC=0.748), demonstrating high diagnostic efficacy for predicting VTE. These four hub genes were significantly associated with pathways such as TRANSLATION, SRP DEPENDENT COTRANSLATIONAL PROTEIN TARGETING TO MEMBRANE, and EUKARYOTIC TRANSLATION INITIATION, providing valuable insights into the potential mechanisms underlying VTE. Immunoinfiltration analysis using ssGSTEA revealed significant positive correlations between Activated CD8 T cell, Gamma delta T cell, and hub genes, suggesting the potential of these hub genes and immune cell populations for targeted immunotherapy in VTE patients, thereby opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Conclusion: TXNL1, CD3G, MRPL15, and MCTS1 have emerged as promising candidate driver genes for VTE. These central genes hold the potential to provide valuable insights into the molecular diagnosis and treatment of VTE.
First diagnosis of fetal SETD5 mutation during pregnancy，demonstrating an association with congenital heart disease
Authors: Fan Jiaqi , Sun Hairui , Jiang Huan , Zhang Siyao , Xia Hongmei , He Yihua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Mutations in the SETD5 gene lead to the autosomal dominant disorder termed Mental retardation type 23. Limited clinical reports have made it challenging to comprehensively delineate the clinical outcomes and mutation spectrum associated with this gene.
Case presentation:
In this study, a fetal case presenting an ostium primum atrial septal defect, a presumed upper ventricular septal defect was identified through fetal cardiac ultrasound. Following this discovery, an in-depth genetic assessment, encompassing whole exome sequencing, was executed on the fetus and both parents to pinpoint potential genetic origins. From the exome data, a previously undocumented variant (exon21: c.3601_3605del: p. W1201Efs*2) in the SETD5 gene (NM_001080517.3) surfaced. Lineage analysis validated this as a de novo variant. This mutation disrupts the gene's open reading frame, consequently affecting protein functionality. This is the first prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with a SETD5 mutation, advancing the time of diagnosis while broadening our understanding of the gene's mutation spectrum and clinical manifestations.
Conclusions
Our study confirms that congenital heart disease, including atrial and ventricular septal defects, is a prenatal clinical feature caused by mutations in this gene. Fetal cardiac ultrasound can be used as a means of early screening for such disorders, and the importance of prenatal whole-exome sequencing technology was emphasized.
Evaluation of ocular microcirculation in males with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Maruyama Takahiro , Shiba Tomoaki , Kobayashi Tatsuhiko , Takagi Seiji , Hori Yuichi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: To investigate the effects of the ocular blood flow in male subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) by using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG).
Subjects and Methods: Subjects who underwent LSFG ocular blood flow testing during physical examinations were separated into the MetS group (meeting the MetS criteria) and the control group. The groups were propensity score-matched by age with 138 male subjects compared in each group. The subjects' ocular blood flow values (mean blur rate: MBR) in the optic nerve head (ONH) and choroid were measured by LSFG. We also measured pulse waveform parameters: the blowout score (BOS), blowout time (BOT), and rising rate (RR). The ONH region was measured as a whole, a tissue region, and a vascular region.
Results: MBR-Choroid was significantly lower in the MetS group versus the control group. For the ONH, there was no significant difference in the MBR. Compared to the control group in all regions, the RR values in the MetS group were significantly lower. The whole, tissue-region, and vascular-region BOS values were significantly higher in the MetS group. A single regression analysis revealed that only the number of MetS components was significantly negatively correlated with MBR-Choroid among the evaluated parameters. A multiple regression analysis identified HbA1c as a factor contributing independently to the MBR-Choroid among the MetS-related factors.
Conclusion: This investigation of adult males clarified that the MBR in the choroid area at the early stage of MetS is decreasing in parallel with accumulation of MetS components. The MetS component with the strongest influence to the MBR-Choroid was HbA1c.
Effects of biochar input on nitrogen absorption and growth of maize at seedling stage
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Hou Likun , You Haiyang , Chu Junyan , Zhang Jingru , Qi Hongling , Li Siyuan , Dai Yingjie , Yang Yang , Wu Haotian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is an important nutrient for the yield of maize, farmers persue the higher yield by puting more N fertilizer to the soil leading more environmental pressures. Thus, reduced N feitilizer input is urgent. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich product, affects N effectiveness, yet, the mechanism behind remains unclear, especially for the textures of soils. Therefore, three N levels, five applicated rates and three textures soils were used to evalute the seeds germiantion of maize, the N uptake under BC addition and reduced N input. The three N fertilizer levels were the control, 0 N fertilizer (N0), 30% reduction based in the local N input, 196 kg/hm2 (N1) and local N application amount 280 kg/hm2 (N2). The rates for BC were 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% (wieght ratio), and the soil textures were loamy, loamy clay, and loamy sandy, which the bulk density was 1.38g/cm3, 1.42g/cm3, and 1.47g/cm3, respectively. The results showed that there was an interaction between BC and soil texture on maize growth and N uptake at seedling stage, there was a dose effect of BC on maize seed germination, plant height and storage material transfer efficiency, with a varied optimal BC dosage for the three textured soils. The growth of maize in the three soils showed different trends, and the growth of maize in loamy and loamy clay soil was better than that in loamy sandy soil, and BC had no effect on this trend. The optimal BC rate for the loamy sandy, loamy, and loamy clay soils was 2.5%, 7.5%, and 10%, respectively. Further research using relatively sensitive loamy found that BC addition under reduced N (N2) increased the total N, nitrate N contents and the microbial biomass of N by 12.0%, 9.99%, 11.3%, respectively and decreased the contents of ammonium N by 62.7%. Meanwhile, the uptake of N in maize seedling was increased, 11.1% for the N contents of aboveground and 11.4% for that of underground. The results certisfied that the dose-effect of BC changed for the soil texture and optimal BC application should be considered when the BC was added to the soil.
Circular PVT1 promotes cardiac fibroblast activation via sponging miR-30a-5p and miR-125b-5p
Authors: Martelli Fabio , Bibi Alessia , Madè Alisia , Greco Simona , Manteiga Jose Garcia , Tascini Anna Sofia , Tastsoglou Spyros , Zaccagnini Germana , Leszek Przemyslaw , Gaetano Carlo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. In this study, we report that circular PVT1 (circPVT1) was upregulated in the left ventricle of 31 ischemic heart failure patients compared to 11 non-ischemic controls. RNA-Sequencing analysis following circPVT1 knockdown in immortalized human cardiomyocytes identified differentially expressed genes mainly involved in fibrosis. Notably, in human cardiac fibroblasts, circPVT1 expression significantly increased after TGF-β1 treatment and circPVT1 silencing attenuated the levels of pro-fibrotic markers induced by TGF-β1. RNA pull-down assays validated the interaction between circPVT1 and two fibrosis-related miRNAs, miR-30a-5p and miR-125b-5p. The levels of these miRNAs were not altered upon circPVT1 knockdown. However, the expression of their mRNA targets was deregulated upon circPVT1 silencing, suggesting that circPVT1 modulates miRNA cellular bioavailability. Accordingly, inhibition of either miR-30a-5p or miR-125b-5p restored the expression of TGF-β1-induced pro-fibrotic markers following circPVT1 silencing, indicating that both miR-30a-5p and miR-125b-5p act as downstream effectors of circPVT1 in cardiac fibroblast activation. In conclusion, these findings highlight a pro-fibrotic role for circPVT1, which can regulate cardiac fibroblast activation via sponging the anti-fibrotic miR-30a-5p and miR-125b-5p. The modulation of circPVT1 expression may represent a potential strategy to reduce cardiac fibrosis and remodeling.
Pennate diatoms make Non Photochemical Quenching as simple as possible, but not simpler.
Authors: Bailleul Benjamin , Croteau Dany , Jaubert Marianne , Falciatore Angela 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Studies of marine microalgal photosynthesis are heavily molded on legacy research from organisms like Arabidopsis and Chlamydomonas, despite the differences between primary and secondary endosymbionts. Nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) protects photosystem II from excessive light and, in pennate diatoms, requires the xanthophyll pigment diatoxanthin and Lhcx proteins. Although NPQ’s relationship with diatoxanthin is straightforward, the role of Lhcx proteins has been unclear, leading to unnecessarily complex models due to comparisons with green organisms. We used 14 Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains, including 13 transgenic lines with variable Lhcx1 expression levels, grew them under two non-stressful light conditions, and modulated diatoxanthin levels through short light stress. The resulting Lhcx1-diatoxanthin matrices were used to demonstrate that NPQ is proportional to the product of the Lhcx1 concentration and the proportion of diatoxanthin in the xanthophyll pool. This indicates that the interaction between diatoxanthin and Lhcx1, likely through the binding of diatoxanthin on Lhcx1, creates a homogeneous Stern-Volmer quencher responsible for NPQ. Additionally, we demonstrated that the photosynthetic unit in pennate diatoms follows a “lake” model, with discrepancies in the NPQ-photochemistry relationship arising from unconsidered assumptions, one possibility being cellular heterogeneity. This underscores pennate diatoms as natural reductionist system for studying marine photosynthesis.
The BBX family and their response to abiotic stress in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
Authors: Shi Jia-Yu , Tang Yun-Rui , Li Hong-Lei , Xing Hai-Tao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a medicinal and edible plant in Chinese culture, is often impacted by adverse environmental conditions. BBX genes are fundamental regulators of multiple pathways in plants, although a systematic cataloging of BBX genes in ginger has not yet been completed.
Result
.The study examined 31 members of the BBX gene family in ginger (ZoBBXs). Moreover, a comprehensive analysis is conducted on the sequence features, conserved protein motifs, chromosome location, phylogenetic relationships, and gene duplication events in ZoBBXs. In terms of gene structures, conserved domains, and motifs, ZoBBXs can be categorized into five categories. Moreover, the study investigated the expression patterns of ZoBBXs across different developmental stages and under various abiotic stresses, such as ABA, cold, drought, heat, and salt, utilizing RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis. The results indicated that ZoBBX#04, ZoBBX#11, ZoBBX#24, and ZoBBX#27 may be key regulators of flowering in ginger, while ZoBBX#05, ZoBBX#11, ZoBBX#17, and ZoBBX#24 were identified as significant contributors to stress response mechanisms.
Conclusion
A detailed analysis of ginger's BBX family is presented in this study, laying the groundwork for further exploration of the potential roles of ZoBBX genes in ginger's growth, development, and tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Molecular Insights into the Interactions between PEG Carriers and Drug Molecules from Celastrus hindsii: A Multi-scale Simulation Study
Authors: Ho Thi H. , Tong Hien Duy , Trinh Thuat T. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Efficient drug delivery is crucial for the creation of effective pharmaceutical treatments, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) carriers have been emerged as promising candidates for this purpose due to their bio-compatibility, enhancement of drug solubility, and stability. In this study, we utilized molecular simulations to examine the interactions between PEG carriers and selected drug molecules extracted from \textit{Celastrus hindsii}: Hindsiilactone A, Hindsiiquinoflavan B, Maytenfolone A, and Celasdin B. The simulations provided detailed insights into the binding affinity, stability, and structural properties of these drug molecules when complexed with PEG carriers. A multi-scale approach combining Density Functional Theory (DFT), extended Tight-Binding (xTB), and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations was conducted to investigate both unbound and bound states of PEG/drug systems. The results from DFT and xTB calculations revealed that the unbound complex has an unfavorable binding free energy, primarily due to negative contributions of delta solvation free energy and entropy. The MD simulations provided more detailed insights into the interactions between PEG and drug molecules in water solutions. By integrating the findings from the multi-scale simulations, a comprehensive picture of the unbound and bound states of PEG and drug systems were obtained. This information is valuable for understanding the molecular mechanisms governing the binding of drugs in PEG-based delivery platforms, and it contributes to the rational design and optimization of these systems.