bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of sex and hypoxia on brain region-specific expression of membrane androgen receptor AR45 in rats
Authors: Bradshaw Jessica L. , Wilson E. Nicole , Mabry Steve , Shrestha Pawan , Gardner Jennifer J. , Cunningham Rebecca L. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundSex differences in oxidative stress-associated cognitive decline are influenced by sex hormone levels. Notably, oxidative stress-associated neuronal cell death can be exacerbated through testosterone signaling via membrane androgen receptor AR45, which is complexed with G protein Gαq within plasma membrane-associated lipid rafts. The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of sex on the expression of AR45 and Gαq in brain regions associated with cognitive function, specifically hippocampus subregions and entorhinal cortex. Additionally, we investigated whether chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), an oxidative stressor with sex-specific effects, would modulate AR45 and Gαq expression in these brain regions.MethodsAdult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to CIH or normoxia (room air) during their sleep phase for 14 days. We quantified AR45 and Gαq protein expression in various cognition-associated brain regions [dorsal hippocampal CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus (DG), and entorhinal cortex (ETC)] via western blotting. For comparisons, AR45 and Gαq protein expression were also assessed in brain regions outside the hippocampal-ETC circuit [thalamus (TH) and striatum (STR)].ResultsThe highest AR45 levels were expressed in the hippocampal CA1 and DG while the lowest expression was observed in the extrahippocampal STR. The highest Gαq levels were expressed in the hippocampal-associated ETC while the lowest expression was observed in the extrahippocampal TH. Females expressed higher levels of AR45 in the hippocampal DG compared to males, while no sex differences in Gαq expression were observed regardless of brain region assessed. Moreover, there was no effect of CIH on AR45 or Gαq expression in any of the brain regions examined. AR45 expression was positively correlated with Gαq expression in the CA1, DG, ETC, TH, and STR in a sex-dependent manner.ConclusionOur findings reveal enrichment of AR45 and Gαq protein expression within the hippocampal-ETC circuit, which is vulnerable to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration during cognitive decline. Nonetheless, CIH does not modulate the expression of AR45 or Gαq. Importantly, there are sex differences in AR45 expression and its association with Gαq expression in various brain regions, which may underlie sex-specific differences in cognitive and motor function-associated declines with aging.
Prenatal diagnosis of dicentric chromosome X mosaicism: a case report and review
Authors: Wang Rong Hua , Wu Ke , Hu Xiao Ling 
Published: July 2024

A dicentric chromosome is an abnormal chromosome with two centromeres on the same chromosome. It has been reported that dicentric chromosomes are specific biomarkers of radiation exposure, but dicentric chromosomes are rarely identified in newborns with multiple congenital anomalies. At 16 weeks of gestation, a 39-year-old pregnant woman (gravida 2, para 1) was referred to the prenatal diagnosis center for genetic counseling. The fetal ultrasonography indicated multiple anomalies. Subsequently, amniocentesis was performed, and the G-banding karyotype analysis showed a rare type of mosaicism. The C-banding karyotype analysis indicated a pseudo-dicentric chromosome X [psu dic (X; 18) (p11.2; p11.2)]. A single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) revealed three pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs). After genetic counseling, the parents chose to terminate this pregnancy. This study provides new evidence for a better understanding of the diagnosis of dicentric chromosomes and emphasizes on the importance of genetic counseling.
Discovery of candidate genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways related to peach bud cold resistance
Authors: Xia Wenqian , Yang Yupeng , Zhang Chenguang , Liu Chunsheng , Xiao Kun , Xiao Xiao , Wu Junkai , Shen Yanhong , Zhang Libin , Su Kai 
Published: July 2024

Background: Low temperature pose significant challenges to peach cultivation, causing severe damage to peach buds and restricting production and distribution. Ethylene, an important phytohormone, plays a critical role in enhancing plant cold resistance. Structural genes and transcription factors involved in ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways are associated with cold resistance. However, no research has specifically addressed their roles in peach cold resistance.Methods: In this study, we aimed for cold-resistance gene discovery in cold-sensitive peach cultivar “21Shiji” (21SJ) and cold-resistance cultivar “Shijizhixing” (SJZX) using RNA-seq and gas chromatography.Results: The findings revealed that under cold stress conditions, ethylene biosynthesis in “SJZX” was significantly induced. Subsequently, a structural gene, PpACO1-1, involved in ethylene biosynthesis in peach buds was significantly upregulated and showed a higher correlation with ethylene release rate. To identify potential transcription factors associated with PpACO1-1 expression and ethylene signal transduction, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted using RNA-seq data. Four transcription factors: PpERF2, PpNAC078, PpWRKY65 and PpbHLH112, were identified.Conclusion: These findings provide valuable theoretical insights for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of peach cold resistance and guiding breeding strategies.
Presence of sputum IgG against eosinophilic inflammatory proteins in asthma
Authors: Qin Rundong , Long Fei , Zhang Pingan , Huang Renbin , Hu Hao , Guo Yubiao , Zheng Zhenyu , Xiao Jing , He Li , Peng Tao , Li Jing 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundSputum immunoglobulin G (Sp-IgG) has been discovered to induce cytolytic extracellular trap cell death in eosinophils, suggesting a potential autoimmune mechanism contributing to asthma. This study aimed to explore the potential origin of Sp-IgG and identify clinically relevant subtypes of Sp-IgG that may indicate autoimmune events in asthma.MethodsThis study included 165 asthmatic patients and 38 healthy volunteers. We measured Sp-IgG and its five subtypes against eosinophil inflammatory proteins (Sp-IgGEPs), including eosinophil peroxidase, eosinophil major basic protein, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, eosinophil cationic protein, and Charcot-Leyden Crystal protein in varying asthma severity. Clinical and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted. A positive Sp-IgGEPs signature (Sp-IgGEPs+) was defined when any of the five Sp-IgGEPs values exceeded the predefined cutoff thresholds, calculated as the mean values of healthy controls plus twice the standard deviation.ResultsThe levels of Sp-IgG and Sp-IgGEPs were significantly elevated in moderate/severe asthma than those in mild asthma/healthy groups (all p &lt; 0.05). Sp-IgG levels were positively correlated with airway eosinophil and Sp-IgGEPs. MR analysis showed causality between eosinophil and IgG (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.00-1.04, p = 0.020), and elevated IgG was a risk factor for asthma (OR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.00-4.17, p = 0.049). Subjects with Sp-IgGEPs+ exhibited worse disease severity and served as an independent risk factor contributing to severe asthma (adjusted-OR = 5.818, adjusted-95% CI = 2.193-15.431, adjusted-p &lt; 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the combination of Sp-IgGEPs+ with non-allergic status, an ACT score &lt; 15, and age ≥ 45 years, effectively predicted severe asthma (AUC = 0.84, sensitivity = 86.20%, specificity = 67.80%).ConclusionThis study identifies a significant association between airway eosinophilic inflammation, Sp-IgG, and asthma severity. The Sp-IgGEPs panel potentially serves as the specific biomarker reflecting airway autoimmune events in asthma.
Association between α-klotho levels and adults with COPD in the United States
Authors: Yan Dan 
Published: July 2024

PurposeChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accompanied by increased inflammation, persistent lung function decline, and extensive lung injury. Klotho, a well-known antiaging protein, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the effects of klotho on COPD have yet to be thoroughly elucidated. This study examined the association among COPD adults and their α-klotho level.Patients and methodsData were collected from the 2007 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 676 participants were analyzed and divided into COPD (n = 403) and non-COPD (n = 273) groups. The two groups were compared with respect to clinical characteristics. Logistic regression analysis and a generalized additive model were used to estimate the association between COPD incidence and serum α-klotho concentration. All COPD participants were stratified according to the levels of α-klotho (Q1: &lt;687 pg./mL; Q2: 687–900 pg./mL; Q3: ≥900 pg./mL), and clinical characteristics were compared.ResultsNon-COPD individuals had higher α-klotho levels than did COPD individuals (863.09 ± 267.13 vs. 817.51 ± 302.20, p &lt; 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the Q2 and Q3 layers had a lower risk of COPD than did the Q1 layer, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.73 (0.50, 0.99) for Q2 and 0.58 (0.41, 0.86) for Q3 (p &lt; 0.001). The generalized additive model showed that the risk of COPD gradually decreased with increasing α-klotho concentration when the α-klotho concentration &lt; 1,500 pg./mL, while the risk of COPD increased as the α-klotho concentration increased to ≥1,500 pg./mL. Compared with individuals in the Q2 or Q3 groups, individuals with COPD in the Q1 group were more likely to be current smokers, have lower levels of erythrocytes, and have higher levels of creatinine and leukocytes.ConclusionIncreased α-klotho levels were negatively correlated with the risk of COPD in participants over 40 years old with α-klotho &lt;1,500 pg./mL. When α-klotho was ≥1,500 pg./mL, the risk of COPD increased as α-klotho levels increased. Pulmonary ventilation function and the number of hemocytes differed among COPD patients with different levels of α-klotho.
Identification of prognostic RNA editing profiles for clear cell renal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Weihong , Li Shaobin , Huang Dongqin , Su Yuchao , Wang Jing , Liang Zhiru 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveClear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of renal cancer and currently lacks effective biomarkers. This research aims to analyze and identify RNA editing profile associated with ccRCC prognosis through bioinformatics and in vitro experiments.MethodsTranscriptome data and clinical information for ccRCC were retrieved from the TCGA database, and RNA editing files were obtained from the Synapse database. Prognostic models were screened, developed, and assessed using consistency index analysis and independent prognostic analysis, etc. Internal validation models were also constructed for further evaluation. Differential genes were investigated using GO, KEGG, and GSEA enrichment analyses. Furthermore, qPCR was performed to determine gene expression in human renal tubular epithelial cells HK-2 and ccRCC cells A-498, 786-O, and Caki-2.ResultsAn RNA editing-based risk score, that effectively distinguishes between high and low-risk populations, has been identified. It includes CHD3| chr17:7815229, MYO19| chr17:34853704, OIP5-AS1| chr15:41590962, MRI1| chr19:13883962, GBP4| chr1:89649327, APOL1| chr22:36662830, FCF1| chr14:75203040 edited sites or genes and could serve as an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC patients. qPCR results showed significant up-regulation of CHD3, MYO19, MRI1, APOL1, and FCF1 in A-498, 786-O, and Caki-2 cells, while the expression of OIP5-AS1 and GBP4 was significantly down-regulated.ConclusionRNA editing site-based prognostic models are valuable in differentiating between high and low-risk populations. The seven identified RNA editing sites may be utilized as potential biomarkers for ccRCC.
Measure of the prediction capability of EEG features for depth of anesthesia in pigs
Authors: Caillet Benjamin , Maître Gilbert , Mirra Alessandro , Levionnois Olivier L. , Simalatsar Alena 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: In the medical and veterinary fields, understanding the significance of physiological signals for assessing patient state, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes is paramount. There are, in the domain of machine learning (ML), very many methods capable of performing automatic feature selection. We here explore how such methods can be applied to select features from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to allow the prediction of depth of anesthesia (DoA) in pigs receiving propofol.Methods: We evaluated numerous ML methods and observed that these algorithms can be classified into groups based on similarities in selected feature sets explainable by the mathematical bases behind those approaches. We limit our discussion to the group of methods that have at their core the computation of variances, such as Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations, principal component analysis (PCA), and ReliefF algorithms.Results: Our analysis has shown that from an extensive list of time and frequency domain EEG features, the best predictors of DoA were spectral power (SP), and its density ratio applied specifically to high-frequency intervals (beta and gamma ranges), as well as burst suppression ratio, spectral edge frequency and entropy applied to the whole spectrum of frequencies.Discussion: We have also observed that data resolution plays an essential role not only in feature importance but may impact prediction stability. Therefore, when selecting the SP features, one might prioritize SP features over spectral bands larger than 1 Hz, especially for frequencies above 14 Hz.
Neuron-specific enolase as a prognostic biomarker in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with reperfusion therapies
Authors: Freitas Tiago Esteves , Costa Ana Isabel , Neves Leonor , Barros Carolina , Martins Mariana , Freitas Pedro , Noronha Duarte , Freitas Patrício , Faria Teresa , Borges Sofia , Freitas Sónia , Henriques Eva , Sousa Ana Célia 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionIschemic stroke is a significant global health concern, with reperfusion therapies playing a vital role in patient management. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has been suggested as a potential biomarker for assessing stroke severity and prognosis, however, the role of NSE in predicting long-term outcomes in patients undergoing reperfusion therapies is still scarce.AimTo investigate the association between serum NSE levels at admission and 48 h after reperfusion therapies, and functional outcomes at 90 days in ischemic stroke patients.MethodsThis study conducted a prospective cross-sectional analysis on consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing intravenous fibrinolysis and/or endovascular thrombectomy. Functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days post-stroke and two groups were defined according to having unfavorable (mRS3-6) or favorable (mRS0-2) outcome. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory data were collected, including NSE levels at admission and 48 h. Spearman’s coefficient evaluated the correlation between analyzed variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to verify which variables were independently associated with unfavorable outcome. Two ROC curves determined the cut-off points for NSE at admission and 48 h, being compared by Delong test.ResultsAnalysis of 79 patients undergoing reperfusion treatment following acute stroke revealed that patients with mRS 3–6 had higher NIHSS at admission (p &lt; 0.0001), higher NIHSS at 24 h (p &lt; 0.0001), and higher NSE levels at 48 h (p = 0.008) when compared to those with mRS 0–2. Optimal cut-off values for NSE0 (&gt;14.2 ng/mL) and NSE48h (&gt;26.3 ng/mL) were identified, showing associations with worse clinical outcomes. Adjusted analyses demonstrated that patients with NSE48h &gt; 26.3 ng/mL had a 13.5 times higher risk of unfavorable outcome, while each unit increase in NIHSS24h score was associated with a 22% increase in unfavorable outcome. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated similar predictive abilities of NSE levels at admission and 48 h (p = 0.298). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was observed between NSE48h levels and mRS at 90 days (r = 0.400 and p &lt; 0.0001), suggesting that higher NSE levels indicate worse neurological disability post-stroke.ConclusionSerum NSE levels at 48 h post-reperfusion therapies are associated with functional outcomes in ischemic stroke patients, serving as potential tool for patient long-term prognosis.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation can modulate fronto-parietal brain networks
Authors: Han Sang-Yoon , Shim Leeseul , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Park Moo Kyun 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveRecent studies have shown that transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) holds promise as a treatment for neurological or psychiatric disease through the ability to modulate neural activity in some brain regions without an invasive procedure. The objective of this study was to identify the neural correlates underlying the effects of tVNS.MethodsTwenty right-handed healthy subjects with normal hearing participated in this study. An auricle-applied tVNS device (Soricle, Neurive Co., Ltd., Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea) was used to administer tVNS stimulation. A session consisted of 14 blocks, including 7 blocks of tVNS stimulation or sham stimulation and 7 blocks of rest, and lasted approximately 7 min (1 block = 30 s). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed during the stimulation.ResultsNo activated regions were observed in the fMRI scans following both sham stimulation and tVNS after the first session. After the second session, tVNS activated two clusters of brain regions in the right frontal gyrus. A comparison of the activated regions after the second session of each stimulation revealed that the fMRI following tVNS exhibited four surviving clusters. Additionally, four clusters were activated in the overall stimulated area during both the first and second sessions. When comparing the fMRI results after each type of stimulation, the fMRI following tVNS showed four surviving clusters compared to the fMRI after sham stimulation.ConclusiontVNS could stimulate some brain regions, including the fronto-parietal network. Stimulating these regions for treating neurological or psychiatric disease might require applying tVNS for at least 3.5 min.
Metagenomic assessment of the bacterial breastfeeding microbiome in mature milk across lactation
Authors: Ingram Kelly , Gregg Collin , Tegge Allison , Elison Jed T. , Lin Weili , Howell Brittany R. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionResearch has illustrated the presence of a diverse range of microbiota in human milk. The composition of the milk microbiome varies across different stages of lactation, emphasizing the need to consider the lactation stage when studying its composition. Additionally, the transfer of both milk and skin microbiota during breastfeeding is crucial for understanding their collective impact on infant health and development. Further exploration of the complete breastfeeding microbiome is necessary to unravel the role these organisms play in infant development. We aim to longitudinally assess the bacterial breastfeeding microbiome across stages of lactation. This includes all the bacteria that infants are exposed to during breastfeeding, such as bacteria found within human milk and any bacteria found on the breast and nipple.MethodsForty-six human milk samples were collected from 15 women at 1, 4, 7, and 10 months postpartum. Metagenomic analysis of the bacterial microbiome for these samples was performed by CosmosID (Rockville, MD) via deep sequencing.ResultsStaphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacteriaceae species are the most abundant bacterial species from these samples. Samples collected at 10 months showed higher abundances of Proteobacteria, Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillales, Streptococcus, and Neisseria mucosa compared to other timepoints. Alpha diversity varied greatly between participants but did not change significantly over time.DiscussionAs the bacterial breastfeeding microbiome continues to be studied, bacterial contributions could be used to predict and reduce health risks, optimize infant outcomes, and design effective management strategies, such as altering the maternal flora, to mitigate adverse health concerns.
Predicting postoperative pain in children: an observational study using the pain threshold Index
Authors: Liang Zenghui , Xie Yanle , Chen Shuhan , Liu Jing , Lv Huimin , Muhoza Bertrand-Geoffrey , Xing Fei , Mao Yuanyuan , Wei Xin , Xing Na , Yang Jianjun , Wang Zhongyu , Yuan Jingjing 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveWhile the pain threshold index (PTI) holds potential as a tool for monitoring analgesia-pain equilibrium, its precision in forecasting postoperative pain in children remains unconfirmed. This study's primary aim was to assess the PTI's predictive precision for postoperative pain.MethodsChildren (aged 2–16 years) undergoing general surgery under general anesthesia were included. Within 5 min prior to the patient's emergence from surgery, data including PTI, wavelet index (WLI), heart rates (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were collected. Subsequently, a 15-min pain assessment was conducted following the patient's awakening. The accuracy of these indicators in discerning between mild and moderate to severe postoperative pain was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsThe analysis encompassed data from 90 children. ROC analysis showed that PTI was slightly better than HR, MAP and WLI in predicting postoperative pain, but its predictive value was limited. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.659 [0.537∼0.780] and the optimal threshold was 65[64–67]. Sensitivity and specificity were determined at 0.90 and 0.50, respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression model, a higher predictive accuracy was found for a multivariable predictor combining PTI values with gender, BMI, HR and MAP (AUC, 0.768; 95%CI, 0.669–0.866). Upon further scrutinizing the age groups, PTI's AUC was 0.796 for children aged 9–16, 0.656 for those aged 4–8, and 0.601 for younger individuals.ConclusionsPTI, when used alone, lacks acceptable accuracy in predicting postoperative pain in children aged 2 to 16 years. However, when combined with other factors, it shows improved predictive accuracy. Notably, PTI appears to be more accurate in older children.