bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of blood flow-restrictive resistance training on metabolic disorder and body composition in older adults with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Ai Yuxin , Lei Fulian , Tang Xuan , Li Qingmei , Huang Yixin , Zhan Yating , Mao Quan , Wang Liduo , Lei Fenfang , Yi Qinyu , Yang Fan , Yin Xiaogang , He Binghua , Zhou Lei , Ruan Sijie 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionTo explore whether blood flow-restrictive resistance exercise (BFRE) can be used as an alternative strategy to moderate-intensity resistance training (RT) to improve metabolic disorder and body composition in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsThis is a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Ninety-eight older adults with T2DM were randomly divided into three groups: BFRE group (n = 34), RT group (n = 31) and control group (n = 33). Two exercise groups received supervised collective training for a period of six months, each lasting 50 min, three times a week. The primary outcomes included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood lipids, blood pressure, and body composition. The secondary outcome was muscle performance.ResultsAfter six months of intervention, the FPG, HbA1c, blood lipids, diastolic blood pressure, body composition, and muscle performance of the two exercise groups were significantly improved relative to the control group and baseline measurements (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant increase in lean mass between the two exercise groups compared to the control group and baseline (p &gt; 0.05). There was no significant decrease in systolic blood pressure between the two exercise groups compared to the control group (p &gt; 0.05), but it was significantly lower than their baseline (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in all indicators between the two exercise groups at the baseline, third and sixth months of intervention (p &gt; 0.05).DiscussionBFRE can safely and effectively improve the metabolic disorder and body composition of older adults with T2DM. For elderly exercise beginners, BFRE can be used as an alternative strategy to moderate-intensity resistance training.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=178886, identifier ChiCTR2300074357.
High coverage of targeted lipidomics revealed lipid changes in the follicular fluid of patients with insulin-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome and a positive correlation between plasmalogens and oocyte quality
Authors: Zhang Meizi , Wang Yuanyuan , Di Jianyong , Zhang Xuanlin , Liu Ye , Zhang Yixin , Li Bowen , Qi Simeng , Cao Xiaomin , Liu Li , Liu Shouzeng , Xu Fengqin 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disease in women of reproductive age, and low fertility in PCOS patients may be associated with oocyte quality; however, the molecular mechanism through which PCOS-IR affects oocyte quality remains unknown.MethodsA total of 22 women with PCOS-IR and 23 women without polycystic ovary syndrome (control) who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer were recruited, and clinical information pertaining to oocyte quality was analyzed. Lipid components of follicular fluid (FF) were detected using high-coverage targeted lipidomics, which identified 344 lipid species belonging to 19 lipid classes. The exact lipid species associated with oocyte quality were identified.ResultsThe number (rate) of two pronuclear (2PN) zygotes, the number (rate) of 2PN cleaved embryos, and the number of high-quality embryos were significantly lower in the PCOS-IR group. A total of 19 individual lipid classes and 344 lipid species were identified and quantified. The concentrations of the 19 lipid species in the normal follicular fluid (control) ranged between 10-3 mol/L and 10-9 mol/L. In addition, 39 lipid species were significantly reduced in the PCOS-IR group, among which plasmalogens were positively correlated with oocyte quality.ConclusionsThis study measured the levels of various lipids in follicular fluid, identified a significantly altered lipid profile in the FF of PCOS-IR patients, and established a correlation between poor oocyte quality and plasmalogens in PCOS-IR patients. These findings have contributed to the development of plasmalogen replacement therapy to enhance oocyte quality and have improved culture medium formulations for oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM).
Micro-electric tractors for deep bed farming and sustainable micro-grid electricity
Authors: Williams Toby , Wilson Jonathan , Partington Lee , Andrews Cameron , Chavula Isaac , Gondwe France , Betts Tom , Strickland Dani 
Published: June 2024

This paper describes an innovative method to provide a micro-electric tractor which has been developed as part of an initiative that aims to provide socially inclusive and affordable green energy solutions to smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. It utilizes a 15.0-kW solar array and battery system to power micro-electric tractors for an agricultural practice called deep bed farming in Malawi. Deep bed farming increases smallholder crop yield by about two and half times, which increases revenue by up to 12 times. The extra revenue can then be used to perpetually purchase domestic energy from the solar array, creating a self-sustaining model for decentralized energy access. However, the requirement for land preparation is onerous, and mechanization is needed to help overcome barriers to entry. This paper describes the technical requirements of a solar base station and micro-tractor for use with the deep bed farming technique. The paper covers the 5.9 kWp modular solar design and a 10.0-kWh rated micro-tractor. Testing was undertaken at an isolated grid in Loughborough as a precursor for large-scale testing in Malawi.
Investigating cellular similarities and differences between upper tract urothelial carcinoma and bladder urothelial carcinoma using single-cell sequencing
Authors: Zhang Qingyun , Wang Chengbang , Qin Min , Ye Yu , Mo Yingxi , Meng Qinggui , Yang Guanglin , Feng Guanzheng , Lin Rui , Xian Shinan , Wei Jueling , Chen Shaohua , Wang Shan , Mo Zengnan 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundUpper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) both originate from uroepithelial tissue, sharing remarkably similar clinical manifestations and therapeutic modalities. However, emerging evidence suggests that identical treatment regimens may lead to less favorable outcomes in UTUC compared to BLCA. Therefore, it is imperative to explore molecular processes of UTUC and identify biological differences between UTUC and BLCA.MethodsIn this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on three UTUC cases and four normal ureteral tissues. These data were combined with publicly available datasets from previous BLCA studies and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data for both cancer types. This pooled analysis allowed us to delineate the transcriptional differences among distinct cell subsets within the microenvironment, thus identifying critical factors contributing to UTUC progression and phenotypic differences between UTUC and BLCA.ResultsscRNA-seq analysis revealed seemingly similar but transcriptionally distinct cellular identities within the UTUC and BLCA ecosystems. Notably, we observed striking differences in acquired immunological landscapes and varied cellular functional phenotypes between these two cancers. In addition, we uncovered the immunomodulatory functions of vein endothelial cells (ECs) in UTUC, and intercellular network analysis demonstrated that fibroblasts play important roles in the microenvironment. Further intersection analysis showed that MARCKS promote UTUC progression, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining revealed that the diverse expression patterns of MARCKS in UTUC, BLCA and normal ureter tissues.ConclusionThis study expands our multidimensional understanding of the similarities and distinctions between UTUC and BLCA. Our findings lay the foundation for further investigations to develop diagnostic and therapeutic targets for UTUC.
Genetic association of the gut microbiota with epigenetic clocks mediated by inflammatory cytokines: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Tian Siyu , Liao Xingyu , Chen Siqi , Wu Yu , Chen Min 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundA new aging biomarker epigenetic clock has been developed. There exists a close link between aging and gut microbiota, which may be mediated by inflammatory cytokines. However, the relationship between the epigenetic clock, gut microbiota, and the mediating substances is unclear.MethodsTwo large genome-wide association meta-analyses were analyzed by two-sample Mendelian randomization. The results between gut microbiota and epigenetic clock were investigated using the four methods (Inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, MR-PRESSO). Genetic correlation was measured by Linked disequilibrium score regression (LDSC). The correctness of the study direction was checked by the Steiger test. Cochran’s Q statistic and MR-Egger intercept were used as sensitivity analyses of the study. The two-step method was used to examine the mediating role of inflammatory cytokines. We use the Benjamini-Hochberg correction method to correct the P value.ResultsAfter FDR correction, multiple bacterial genera were significantly or suggestively associated with four epigenetic clocks (GrimAge, HannumAge, IEAA, PhenoAge). And we detected several inflammatory factors acting as mediators of gut microbiota and epigenetic clocks.ConclusionThis study provides genetic evidence for a positive and negative link between gut microbiota and aging risk. We hope that by elucidating the genetic relationship and potential mechanisms between aging and gut microbiota, we will provide new avenues for continuing aging-related research and treatment.
A pan-cancer single-cell transcriptional analysis of antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Chen Juntao , Chen Renhui , Huang Jingang 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the primary stromal cells found in tumor microenvironment, and display high plasticity and heterogeneity. By using single-cell RNA-seq technology, researchers have identified various subpopulations of CAFs, particularly highlighting a recently identified subpopulation termed antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs), which are largely unknown.MethodsWe collected datasets from public databases for 9 different solid tumor types to analyze the role of apCAFs in the tumor microenvironment.ResultsOur data revealed that apCAFs, likely originating mainly from normal fibroblast, are commonly found in different solid tumor types and generally are associated with anti-tumor effects. apCAFs may be associated with the activation of CD4+ effector T cells and potentially promote the survival of CD4+ effector T cells through the expression of C1Q molecules. Moreover, apCAFs exhibited highly enrichment of transcription factors RUNX3 and IKZF1, along with increased glycolytic metabolism.ConclusionsTaken together, these findings offer novel insights into a deeper understanding of apCAFs and the potential therapeutic implications for apCAFs targeted immunotherapy in cancer.
Healthcare resource utilization patterns in psoriasis patients using biologic and conventional treatments in Finland
Authors: Vesikansa Aino , Mehtälä Juha , Aaltonen Jaakko , Konttinen Riikka , Tasanen Kaisa , Huilaja Laura 
Published: June 2024

Introduction and aimPsoriasis vulgaris is associated with a significant healthcare burden, which increases over time as the disease progresses. The aim of this retrospective, population-based registry study was to characterize healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with psoriasis using biologics and oral immunosuppressants (conventionals) in Finland.Materials and methodsThe study cohort included all patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris in the secondary healthcare setting between 2012–2018, who initiated a biologic (n=1,297) or conventional (n=4,753) treatment between 2013–2017. Data on primary and secondary HCRU were collected from nationwide healthcare registries.ResultsThe results indicated a remarkable decrease in contacts with a dermatologist after the treatment initiation among patients starting biologic (mean annual number of contacts 5.4 per person before and 2.3 after the initiation), but not conventional (3.3 and 3.2) treatment. For conventional starters there was a high level of contacts with a dermatologist surrounding times of treatment switching, which was not observed for biologic starters.ConclusionOverall, primary and other secondary care contacts did not decrease after the initiation or switch of treatment. The results highlight the importance of thorough consideration of the most optimal treatment alternatives, considering the overall disease burden to patients and healthcare systems.
Prognostic significance of programmed cell death ligand 1 blood markers in non-small cell lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Ningning , Chang Jianlan , Liu Ping , Tian Xiangyang , Yu Junyan 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, but the response rate remains low. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in peripheral blood, including soluble form (sPD-L1), expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs PD-L1) and exosomes (exoPD-L1), are minimally invasive and promising markers for patient selection and management, but their prognostic significance remains inconclusive. Here, we performed a meta-analysis for the prognostic value of PD-L1 blood markers in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs.MethodsEligible studies were obtained by searching PubMed, EMBAS, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library prior to November 30, 2023. The associations between pre-treatment, post-treatment and dynamic changes of blood PD-L1 levels and progression-free survival (PFS)/over survival (OS) were analyzed by estimating hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 26 studies comprising 1606 patients were included. High pre- or post-treatment sPD-L1 levels were significantly associated with worse PFS (pre-treatment: HR=1.49, 95%CI 1.13–1.95; post-treatment: HR=2.09, 95%CI 1.40–3.12) and OS (pre-treatment: HR=1.83, 95%CI 1.25–2.67; post-treatment: HR=2.60, 95%CI 1.09–6.20, P=0.032). High pre-treatment exoPD-L1 levels predicted a worse PFS (HR=4.24, 95%CI 2.82–6.38, P&lt;0.001). Pre-treatment PD-L1+ CTCs tended to be correlated with prolonged PFS (HR=0.63, 95%CI 0.39–1.02) and OS (HR=0.58, 95%CI 0.36–0.93). Patients with up-regulated exoPD-L1 levels, but not sPD-L1, after ICIs treatment had significantly favorable PFS (HR=0.36, 95%CI 0.23–0.55) and OS (HR=0.24, 95%CI 0.08–0.68).ConclusionPD-L1 blood markers, including sPD-L1, CTCs PD-L1 and exoPD-L1, can effectively predict prognosis, and may be potentially utilized for patient selection and treatment management for NSCLC patients receiving ICIs.
Gut microbiota from B-cell-specific TLR9-deficient NOD mice promote IL-10+ Breg cells and protect against T1D
Authors: Yang Xin , Huang Juan , Peng Jian , Wang Pai , Wong F. Susan , Wang Ruirui , Wang Dapeng , Wen Li 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionType 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing β cells. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) plays a role in autoimmune diseases, and B cell-specific TLR9 deficiency delays T1D development. Gut microbiota are implicated in T1D, although the relationship is complex. However, the impact of B cell-specific deficiency of TLR9 on intestinal microbiota and the impact of altered intestinal microbiota on the development of T1D are unclear.ObjectivesThis study investigated how gut microbiota and the intestinal barrier contribute to T1D development in B cell-specific TLR9-deficient NOD mice. Additionally, this study explored the role of microbiota in immune regulation and T1D onset.MethodsThe study assessed gut permeability, gene expression related to gut barrier integrity, and gut microbiota composition. Antibiotics depleted gut microbiota, and fecal samples were transferred to germ-free mice. The study also examined IL-10 production, Breg cell differentiation, and their impact on T1D development.ResultsB cell-specific TLR9-deficient NOD mice exhibited increased gut permeability and downregulated gut barrier-related gene expression. Antibiotics restored gut permeability, suggesting microbiota influence. Altered microbiota were enriched in Lachnospiraceae, known for mucin degradation. Transferring this microbiota to germ-free mice increased gut permeability and promoted IL-10-expressing Breg cells. Rag-/- mice transplanted with fecal samples from Tlr9fl/flCd19-Cre+ mice showed delayed diabetes onset, indicating microbiota’s impact.ConclusionB cell-specific TLR9 deficiency alters gut microbiota, increasing gut permeability and promoting IL-10-expressing Breg cells, which delay T1D. This study uncovers a link between TLR9, gut microbiota, and immune regulation in T1D, with implications for microbiota-targeted T1D therapies.
Identification of potential shared gene signatures between gastric cancer and type 2 diabetes: a data-driven analysis
Authors: Xia Bingqing , Zeng Ping , Xue Yuling , Li Qian , Xie Jianhui , Xu Jiamin , Wu Wenzhen , Yang Xiaobo 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) contribute to each other, but the interaction mechanisms remain undiscovered. The goal of this research was to explore shared genes as well as crosstalk mechanisms between GC and T2D.MethodsThe Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database served as the source of the GC and T2D datasets. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to identify representative genes. In addition, overlapping genes between the representative genes of the two diseases were used for functional enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Next, hub genes were filtered through two machine learning algorithms. Finally, external validation was undertaken with data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.ResultsA total of 292 and 541 DEGs were obtained from the GC (GSE29272) and T2D (GSE164416) datasets, respectively. In addition, 2,704 and 336 module genes were identified in GC and T2D. Following their intersection, 104 crosstalk genes were identified. Enrichment analysis indicated that “ECM-receptor interaction,” “AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,” “aging,” and “cellular response to copper ion” were mutual pathways. Through the PPI network, 10 genes were identified as candidate hub genes. Machine learning further selected BGN, VCAN, FN1, FBLN1, COL4A5, COL1A1, and COL6A3 as hub genes.Conclusion“ECM-receptor interaction,” “AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,” “aging,” and “cellular response to copper ion” were revealed as possible crosstalk mechanisms. BGN, VCAN, FN1, FBLN1, COL4A5, COL1A1, and COL6A3 were identified as shared genes and potential therapeutic targets for people suffering from GC and T2D.
Estimated plasma volume status as a simple and accessible predictor of 28-day mortality in septic shock: insights from a retrospective study of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Gao Beijun , Chen Rongping , Zhao Hua , Zhang Hongmin , Wang Xiaoting , Liu Dawei 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundAssessing volume status in septic shock patients is crucial for tailored fluid resuscitation. Estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) has emerged as a simple and effective tool for evaluating patient volume status. However, the prognostic value of ePVS in septic shock patients remains underexplored.MethodsThe study cohort consisted of septic shock patients admitted to the ICU, sourced from the MIMIC-IV database. Patients were categorized into two groups based on 28-day survival outcomes, and their baseline characteristics were compared. According to the ePVS (6.52 dL/g) with a hazard ratio of 1 in the restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, patients were further divided into high and low ePVS groups. A multivariable Cox regression model was utilized to evaluate the association between ePVS and 28-day mortality rate. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve was plotted, and all-cause mortality was compared between the high and low groups using the log-rank test.ResultsA total of 7,607 septic shock patients were included in the study, among whom 2,144 (28.2%) died within 28 days. A J-shaped relationship was observed between ePVS at ICU admission and 28-day mortality, with an increase in mortality risk noted when ePVS exceeded 6.52 dL/g. The high ePVS group exhibited notably higher mortality rates compared to the low ePVS group (28-day mortality: 26.2% vs. 30.2%; 90-day mortality: 35% vs. 42.3%). After adjustment for confounding factors, ePVS greater than 6.52 dL/g independently correlated with an increased risk of 28-day mortality (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10–1.31, p &lt; 0.001) and 90-day mortality (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.15–1.35, p &lt; 0.001). Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated a heightened risk of mortality associated with ePVS values exceeding 6.52 dL/g.ConclusionA J-shaped association was observed between ePVS and 28-day mortality in septic shock patients, with higher ePVS levels associated with increased risk of mortality.
Utilisation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and propionic acid to improve silage quality of amaranth before and after wilting: fermentation quality, microbial communities, and their metabolic pathway
Authors: Zhao Muqier , Bao Jian , Wang Zhijun , Sun Pengbo , Liu Jingyi , Yan Yuting , Ge Gentu 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and propionic acid (PA) on fermentation characteristics and microbial community of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriaus) silage with different moisture contents.MethodsAmaranth was harvested at maturity stage and prepared for ensiling. There were two moisture content gradients (80%: AhG, 70%: AhS; fresh material: FM) and three treatments (control: CK, L. plantarum: LP, propionic acid: PA) set up, and silages were opened after 60 d of ensiling.ResultsThe results showed that the addition of L. plantarum and PA increased lactic acid (LA) content and decreased pH of amaranth after fermentation. In particular, the addition of PA significantly increased crude protein content (p &lt; 0.05). LA content was higher in wilted silage than in high-moisture silage, and it was higher with the addition of L. plantarum and PA (p &lt; 0.05). The dominant species of AhGLP, AhSCK, AhSLP and AhSPA were mainly L. plantarum, Lentilactobacillus buchneri and Levilactobacillus brevis. The dominant species in AhGCK include Enterobacter cloacae, and Xanthomonas oryzae was dominated in AhGPA, which affected fermentation quality. L. plantarum and PA acted synergistically after ensiling to accelerate the succession of dominant species from gram-negative to gram-positive bacteria, forming a symbiotic microbial network centred on lactic acid bacteria. Both wilting and additive silage preparation methods increased the degree of dominance of global and overview maps and carbohydrate metabolism, and decreased the degree of dominance of amino acid metabolism categories.ConclusionIn conclusion, the addition of L. plantarum to silage can effectively improve the fermentation characteristics of amaranth, increase the diversity of bacterial communities, and regulate the microbial community and its functional metabolic pathways to achieve the desired fermentation effect.