bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adult Life Phase-Specific Dopaminergic Neuroprotective Efficacy of Curcumin is through Variant Modulation of Brain Dopamine Metabolism: Insights from ALSS Drosophila Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Das Abhik , Chaurasia Rahul , Modi Priyanka , Ayajuddin Mohamad , Phom Limamanen , Ponnam Surya Prakash Goud , Muralidhara Murali , Rajini Padmanabhan , Aggarwal Bharat Bhushan , Yenisetti Sarat Chandra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Epidemiological studies suggest a strong link between exposure to environmental toxins and onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our laboratory has developed an adult life stage-specific (ALSS) Drosophila model of sporadic PD which is critical to screen small molecules and identify molecular targets of dopaminergic (DAergic) neuroprotection for late-onset neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) such as PD. Nutraceutical curcumin (CU) has been a time-tested ingredient in the Asian kitchen, traditional medicine and has been employed in 450 clinical trials. Exposure to Paraquat (PQ) induces mobility defects in the health stage (point of time when there is no natural diseases) and transition stage (time period wherein about 10% deaths occur) of adult Drosophila; whereas CU ameliorates the deficits only during early health span but fails during late health and transition phases. Probing the whole fly brain using anti-tyrosine hydroxylase (anti-TH) antibodies, for PQ-mediated dopamine (DA) neurodegeneration illustrates that it does not cause loss of DA neurons per se. However, it leads to DA “neuronal dysfunction” (diminished levels of rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis- TH) and CU rescues the neuronal dysfunction only during the early health span but fails to mitigate the DA neuronal pathology during the transition phase of adult life. Genotropic nutraceutical CU replenishes the diminished levels of brain-specific DA and its metabolites DOPAC and HVA during the adult health phase (HP) and fails to do so in the adult transition phase (TP), suggesting its life phase-specific dopaminergic neuroprotective efficacy is mediated through differential modulation of perturbations in brain dopamine metabolism. The present study suggests the limitation of CU as a therapeutic strategy for PD and emphasizes the necessity and importance of screening putative neuroprotective small molecules for late onset NDD such as PD in life phase matched animal models during which the disease sets in.
Impact of kefir yeasts on Fusarium graminearum growth and production of deoxynivalenol
Authors: Moure Candela , Albuquerque Diana Ramírez , Peláez Angela León , Pinto Virginia Fernández , Alconada Teresa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The kefir granules are a microbial consortium with numerous properties, among which their antifungal action has been reported. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antifungal capacity of yeasts isolated from kefir against Fusarium graminearum for its possible application as biocontrol agents. The inhibition of fungal growth was analyzed, according to dual tests, and the production of volatile organic compounds. The inhibition of the production of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol was also analized. The six isolates studied belonged to the species Geotrichum candidum (2), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1), Pichia kudriavzevii (2) and Pichia membranifaciens (1). They were isolated from kefir and identified in a previous work. The yeasts tested produced a reduction in the growth of F. graminearum in all assays. In particular, three of the isolates, 1 belonging to the species S. cerevisiae and 2 to the species P. kudriavzevii, generated volatile organic compounds that significantly inhibited the growth of the fungus in a 49.61, 51.46 and 49.61% respectively. The yeasts produced an inhibition of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol correlated with a reduction in the growth of the fungus. The isolates of Geotrichum candidum (Gc30) and Pichia kudriavzevii (Pk27, PK20) significantly reduced the deoxynivalenol content of F graminearum by 86, 89 and 88%, and the range of growth inhibition in the assay was 16 to 62%. The data obtained about yeasts of novel origin are promising for their possible use as fungal biocontrol agents in foods as an alternative to agrochemicals
Eribulin inhibits tumor growth of two novel patient-derived xenograft models of Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Miyamoto Kodai , Yanagi Teruki , Maeda Takuya , Kitamura Shinya , Nishihara Hiroshi , Iwamoto Ririko , Takahashi Kenzo , Ujiie Hideyuki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with a poor prognosis in advanced cases. While MCC has been reported to be sensitive to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, only about 50% of tumors respond to these treatments. Although developing novel therapeutic strategies against MCC has been desired, few preclinical models, including cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), are available. This study aimed to establish novel preclinical research models and develop novel therapeutic strategies for MCC. Histopathological analyses of 19 clinical MCC samples in our department revealed the tumors to either be infected with the Merkel cell polyomavirus or have lost the expression of tumor suppressors (tumor protein p53 [p53] or RB transcriptional corepressor 1 [Rb1]). To establish novel PDX tumors, we transplanted MCC tissues from Japanese patients into immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice. Two MCC-PDX tumors were successfully implanted (MCC-PDX-MK1 and-MK2), and their histopathological and genetic characteristics were consistent with those of the original tumor. As in vivo preclinical treatments, we administered cisplatin, etoposide, docetaxel, or eribulin to the tumor-bearing immunodeficient mice. Eribulin showed antitumor activity in both MCC-PDX models. In conclusion, we successfully established two MCC-PDX models, and therapeutic experiments suggest that eribulin could inhibit MCC tumor growth.
Altered Amino Acid Metabolism in Glioma: In vivo MR-spectroscopic Detection of Alanine as a Potential Biomarker of Poor Survival in Glioma Patients
Authors: Alcicek Seyma , Pilatus Ulrich , Manzhurtsev Andrei , Weber Katharina J. , Ronellenfitsch Michael W. , Steinbach Joachim P. , Hattingen Elke , Wenger Katharina J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Reprogramming of amino acid metabolism is relevant for initiating and fueling tumor formation and growth. Therefore, there has been growing interest in anticancer therapies targeting amino acid metabolism. While developing personalized therapeutic approaches to glioma, in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a valuable tool for non-invasively monitoring tumor metabolism. Here, we evaluated MRS-detected brain amino acids and myo-inositol as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in glioma.
Method
We measured alanine, glycine, glutamate, glutamine, and myo-inositol in 38 patients with MRI-suspected glioma using short and long echo-time single-voxel PRESS MRS sequences. The detectability of alanine, glycine, and myo-inositol and the (glutamate + glutamine)/creatine ratio were evaluated against the patients’ IDH mutation status, CNS WHO grade, and overall survival.
Results
While the detection of alanine and non-detection of myo-inositol significantly correlated with IDH wildtype (p = 0.0008, p = 0.007, respectively) and WHO grade 4 (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively), glycine detection was not significantly associated with either. The ratio of (glutamate + glutamine)/creatine was significantly higher in WHO grade 4 than in 2 and 3. We found that the overall survival was significantly shorter in glioma patients with alanine detection (p = 0.00002).
Conclusion
Focusing on amino acids in MRS can improve its diagnostic and prognostic value in glioma. Alanine, which is visible at long TE even in the presence of lipids, could be a relevant indicator for overall survival.
Analyzing Learning Curve for Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Urology Resident Training Programme: Comparative Analysis
Authors: Arıkan Yusuf , Danacioğlu Yavuz Onur , Özlü Deniz Noyan , Koraş Ömer , Emir Büşra , Keskin Mehmet Zeynel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
This article attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the learning objectives and importance of the supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) technique.
Material Method
We retrospectively reviewed the cases of Supine PCNL between January 2018 and January 2024. We divided the groups into 3: residents between 1–3 years (Group 1), residents between 4–5 years (Group 2), and specialists (Group 3). The 1–3-year resident started to perform PCNL for the first time, while the 4–5-year resident started to perform Supine PCNL for the first time while previously performing prone PCNL.
Results
Access, fluoroscopy, and operation time were higher in Group 1, shorter in Group 2, and shortest in Group 3 (p < 0.001). Postoperative length of stay and the need for additional treatment were found to be shorter (p < 0.001), and the stone-free rate (SFR) increased (p < 0.001) from Group 1 to Group 3. The highest complication rates were observed in Group 1 (p = 0.002). SFR rate increased as the number of cases increased in Group 1 patients. Success was stable after 46–60 cases in terms of SFR. In Group 2, the SFR rate was stable after 31–45. cases. The most complications were observed in Group 1 and the least in Group 3.
Conclusion
In 1-3-year residents, access time and fluoroscopy time decrease with experience. In 4-5-year residents, due to their expertise in prone PCNL, the operation time and fluoroscopy time decrease with the number of cases performed. SFR is higher after 46–60 cases for 1-3-year residents and 31–45 cases for 4-5-year residents.
Positive Dementia Caregiving in 30 Days (PDC30): Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Self-Guided Automated Online Training Program
Authors: Cheng Sheung-Tak , Ng Peter H. F. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The Benefit-Finding Intervention, a face-to-face psychoeducation program with a focus on the positive meanings of caregiving, has been found to reduce depressive symptoms and burden in dementia family caregivers. The program was revamped into a computer-delivered web-based program to enable 24/7 access without location restriction. This study evaluates the efficacy of this new online program called Positive Dementia Caregiving in 30 Days (PDC30).
Methods
A 2-arm (PDC30 vs waitlist control) parallel-group randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Target sample are 200 mildly depressed dementia family caregivers with internet access and fluency in English, who will be recruited globally through advertisements on social media and e-mails to service agencies. The primary outcome is depressive symptom whereas secondary outcomes are anxiety symptoms, burden, and positive gains, all collected at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 months. The treatment x time (both linear and quadratic) interaction effects will be examined using mixed-effect regression. In addition, possible therapeutic mechanisms via strengthened self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts and positive reappraisal coping will be examined in a mediation path model.
Conclusion
If positive treatment effects are found, the potential public health benefits, given its ease of access, universal availability and flexible approach, of this online intervention are considerable.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06409455. Date of registration: May 7, 2024; updated May 12, 2024 (version 2). Issue date: May 13, 2024 Prospectively registered.
Rapid growth of a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura after slow long-term progression: A case report
Authors: Kakibuchi Daichi , Ishihara Shunta , Shimomura Masanori , Ikebe Satoshi , Dobashi Ryota , Honda Kazuki , Inoue Masayoshi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) of the pleura usually exhibit benign behavior. . We present a case of SFT of the pleura which grew rapidly after long term slow progression.
Case presentation: A 78-year-old man was referred for left-sided back pain and shortness of breath. He had a left mediastinal mass which detected at the age of 15 year. Sixty years later, chest computed tomography (CT) revealed that the tumor was 8.0 cm in diameter and remained unchanged for 3 years. However, the tumor then increased to 15.8 cm over the next 3 years. Because the left main pulmonary artery was compressed by the mass, there was concern regarding worsening of hemodynamics, and the symptoms of respiratory distress became more severe. Sixth rib-bed intercostal thoracotomy with a posterolateral incision was performed for removing the large tumor. Perioperative steroid administration (methylprednisolone 125 mg/day) and positive pressure ventilation with were applied to prevent re-expansion pulmonary edema. The patient was discharged with uneventful course. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as SFT without malignant findings.
Conclusion: Because SFTs have a potential for rapid growth even if the SFTs show benign histological findings, surgical indication is desirable.
Design of Oxidation Resistant Alloys using Combinatorial Approaches with Chemically Graded Materials
Authors: GHANES Sabrina , PERRUT Mikael , EPIFANO Enrica , DEGEITER Matthieu , VAUBOIS Thomas , COSQUER Yohan , MONCEAU Daniel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This work introduces a new high-throughput method to characterize the oxidation behavior of chemically graded Ni-based alloys in order to feed databases destined to numerical metallurgy approaches. A Ni-wCr-3Al (w ∈ [0, 30]) chemically graded material was obtained from two homogeneous samples by a diffusion couple method at 1300°C for 100h. The composition range was selected in order to observe the three types of oxidation behavior identified in the reference work of Giggins and Pettit [10]. The excellent agreement between simulated and experimental diffusion profiles validated the experimental method used to manufacture the chemically graded material (CGM). The CGM was then oxidized at 1200°C in air. Surface and cross-section characterization were conducted by SEM/EDS and Raman spectroscopy to identify the oxides formed on the CGM. To accelerate the Raman characterization treatment, a method linking Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means unsupervised clustering algorithm was developed [11–12]. It allowed for the identification of the oxide type without peak indexation issues and is well-suited for CGM. These results show that results similar to well-recognized reference experiments [10] can be achieved using only one CGM.
CRISPR targeting of SNPs associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration in ARPE-19 cells: a potential model for manipulating the complement system
Authors: Salman Ahmed , Song Won Kyung , Storm Tina , McClements Michelle E. , MacLaren Robert E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss, linked to several predisposing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). CRISPR-mediated genome editing offers the potential to target negatively associated SNPs in an allele-specific manner, necessitating the use of a relevant cell model. The ARPE-19 cell line, with its stable monolayer growth and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) characteristics, is an ideal model for AMD studies. Chronic inflammation and complement system dysregulation are implicated in AMD pathogenesis. Most genetic variations associated with AMD are in complement genes, suggesting their regulatory role. In this study, we conducted targeted PCRs to identify AMD-related SNPs in ARPE-19 cells and used CRISPR constructs to assess allele-specific activity. Guide RNA sequences were cloned into an EF-1-driven SpCas9 vector and packaged into lentivirus. Targeting efficiencies were evaluated with TIDE analysis, and allele-specificity was measured using NGS analysis 30 days post-transduction. Our results showed varying targeting efficiencies based on the guide RNA efficacy. For instance, TIDE analysis of CFH SNPs rs1061170 and rs1410996 revealed efficiencies of 35.5% and 33.8%, respectively. CFB SNP rs4541862 showed efficiencies from 3–36.7%, and rs641153 ranged from 3.4–23.8%. Additionally, allele-specific targeting of AMD-related SNPs rs1061170, rs1410996, rs4541862, and rs641153 ranged from 51–52% in heterozygous differentiated ARPE-19 cells. These findings demonstrate the potential to manipulate the complement system in an AMD model by targeting disease-associated SNPs in an allele-specific manner, offering a promising therapeutic approach.
Comparing Social Stigma of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder: A Quantitative Experimental Study
Authors: Aird Carlye S. , Reisinger Bennett A. A. , Webb Stephanie N. , Gleaves David H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Currently, little is known on how stigma attributed to eating disorders compares to that of other psychological disorders and additionally within eating disorder subtypes. The current study aimed to explore the stigmatisation of eating disorders by comparing the stigma attributed to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, utilising depression as a comparative control.
Methods:
A total of 235 participants from the general population were randomly assigned to an anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or depression condition. Participants responded to a questionnaire consisting of several adapted versions of pre-existing subscales that measured levels of stigma associated with psychological disorders generally, as well as stigma associated with eating disorders specifically. Several one-way analyses of variance were conducted to investigate the differences in stigma attributed towards the aforementioned psychological disorders.
Results:
Results suggested that all three eating disorder subtypes were significantly more stigmatised than was depression. Between eating disorder subtypes, the three were generally equivalent except that binge-eating disorder was significantly more stigmatized than both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa on a subscale measuring trivialness.
Conclusions:
These findings indicate that individuals with eating disorders, including binge-eating disorder, may be at a higher risk of experiencing the negative implications of stigma when compared to other psychological disorders, such as depression. To our knowledge, this study is one of few that directly quantify and compare stigma attributed towards anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Through further research, a better understanding around the expression of stigma toward specific eating disorder subtypes could inform the development of targeted interventions to help reduce the stigma associated with these disorders. This knowledge could also advance the understanding of the lived experience of individuals living with eating disorders, subsequently informing treatment practices.
Exploring Health Promotion Behaviors, Occupational Burnout, and Sleep Disturbances in Traditional Industry Workers
Authors: Yu Ying-Fen , Chang Yi-Ya , Chang Shu-Hung 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Sleep disturbances can lead to poor job performance, increased work stress and absenteeism, and reduced job satisfaction and confidence among employees. Traditional industry employees experience significantly higher shift work and occupational burnout levels than other sectors. Therefore, this warrants exploring whether shift work, occupational burnout, and health promotion behavior are related to sleep disturbances among traditional industry employees.
Methods
A cross-sectional study with cluster sampling and structured questionnaires was conducted to collect data on the demographics, health promotion behavior, occupational burnout, and sleep disturbances of 365 employees from a traditional industry in Northern Taiwan. The study period was from 15 May 2023 to 17 June 2023. Data analysis was performed using Chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, and logistic regression.
Results
The prevalence of sleep disturbances among the study subjects was 47.9%, with shift workers accounting for 63.3%. The mean score for the overall health promotion behavior scale was 2.34 ± 0.48, and the mean score for the overall occupational burnout scale was 1.96 ± 1.09. Factors associated with sleep disturbances included shift work, weekly working hours, health promotion behavior, and personal burnout.
Conclusion
We recommend adjusting the regularity of shift schedules and enhancing the lighting environment during night shifts to accommodate shift work, avoiding weekly working hours exceeding 40 hours, improving personal burnout levels, and encouraging the adoption of health-responsible behaviors to reduce sleep disturbances.
How Repeatable is PAPE Effect: The Impact of In-Season Isometric Squat Activation on Countermovement Jump Performance Enhancement in Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Jarosz Jakub , Gaweł Dawid , Grycmann Paweł , Ashenbrenner Piotr , Spieszny Michał , Wilk Michał , Krzysztofik Michał 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) induced by isometric squat exercises conditioning activity (CA) on three days after a match would be repeatable and occur during training sessions over a 4-week period during the season among professional soccer players. Additionally, the study aimed to determine whether the magnitude of acute PAPE responses would correlate with match workload monitored by GPS kinematic data.
Methods
Fifteen professional soccer players (competing at the highest level in the Polish Ekstraklasa) participated in the study (mean age: 26.9 ± 4.2 years, body mass: 79.2 ± 6.5 kg, height: 182.1 ± 6.5 cm, experience in soccer training: 11.2 ± 4.2 years, experience in strength training: 10.5 ± 4.6 years, relative maximal strength in squat: 1.84 kg/body mass). Each participant performed one countermovement jump (CMJ) without arm swing about 2 minutes before and approximately 1 minute after one set of isometric squats as CA using the smith machine with a 5-second maximum voluntary isometric contraction at the end of the warm-up.
Results
A two-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant main effect of time, indicating an increase in CMJ height after CA compared to baseline (F = 11.268, p < 0.005, η2p = 0.446), post-hoc test indicated significant increase in CMJ height (Mean difference [MD]=-1.05 ± 0,3 cm; Cohen’s d= -0.222; pbonf = 0.005) post-CA compared to baseline. Although a main effect of session on CMJ height was noted (F = 2.876, p = 0.047, η2p = 0.17), no significant differences between sessions were found upon post-hoc analysis (F = 0.093, p = 0.963, η2p = 0.006). Spearman's rank correlation test, no statistically significant correlation was found between the percentage difference in acute PAPE responses and individual GPS data.
Conclusions
These results indicate a significant increase in CMJ height after isometric CA in each measurement session throughout the four-week season and no correlation between the magnitude of the acute PAPE responses and match workload monitored by GPS kinematic data.