bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical characterization of mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes from the Türkiye (Hizan, Bitlis): A comprehensive analysis of fruit properties and bioactive compounds
Authors: Uyak Cuneyt , Aglar Erdal , Ozturk Burhan , Doğan Adnan , Tekin Onur 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe present study was carried out to assess the fruit traits and phytochemical properties of 39 mulberry genotypes [Morus alba L. (16 white mulberry), Morus rubra L. (11 red mulberry), and Morus nigra L. (12 black mulberry)] selected in Bitlis province (Hizan) of Türkiye. Approximately, 1 kg fruit were hand‐harvested from each genotype. The fruit size, fruit color, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids content (SSC), vitamin C, total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and individual phenolic compounds were determined. The fruit weight varied between 1.80 and 5.84 g in black mulberry, 1.22 and 4.18 g in red mulberry, and 1.29 and 3.10 g in white mulberry. In white mulberry, SSC was determined to be between 19.00% and 38.86%, and in black and red mulberry it was between 11.86% and 21.90% and 12.60% and 18.90%, respectively. The titratable acidity rate, which varied depending on the species, was lower in white mulberry, but the highest acidity rate was recorded in red mulberry. Vitamin C was determined as 33.13 mg 100 g−1 in red mulberry, 24.10 mg 100 g−1 in black mulberry, and 14.03 mg 100 g−1 in white mulberry. Total phenolics in mulberries varied depending on the species, and the red mulberry fruit contained higher phenolic substances, followed by black and white mulberries. The total flavonoids varied between 0.27 and 7.83 g QE kg−1, whereas the flavonoids varied depending on the species and genotype. The highest values in terms of bioactive compounds were recorded in fruits of the 13HZN23 and 37 genotypes. Black and red mulberry fruit were found to have higher levels of individual phenolic content than the white mulberrry fruit.
Extruded canine diets containing primarily peas in contrast to those containing lamb and chicken meal are at higher risk of mold and mycotoxin contamination when treated similarly: An observational study
Authors: Crosbie Michelina , Pezzali Julia G. , Hancock‐Monroe Leslie , Buff Preston R. , Shoveller Anna K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThree extruded dog diets were created for a nutritional study with different primary protein sources (BAS: lamb meal (LM) and deboned lamb (DL); CHK: chicken meal, LM, and DL; PEA: dried ground pea, LM, and DL). All diets were processed using the same single‐screw extruder, shipped from the processing facility on the same day, and transported under the same conditions in January 2021. After 8 months of storage in a temperature and humidity‐controlled room in September 2021, only the PEA diet was molded upon inspection. Mold and mycotoxin analysis of all diets was conducted in both September 2021 and at expiry in January 2022, which confirmed mold and mycotoxin contamination to some degree in all diets and most pronounced in the PEA diet across both timepoints. Nutrient analysis of all diets was conducted at production and 2 months post‐expiry in March 2022. As expected, fatty acid and vitamin contents of all diets decreased between sampling timepoints, and amino acid contents generally remained stable. Methionine decreased by 14% in CHK, cystine decreased by 15% and 20% in CHK and PEA, respectively, tyrosine decreased by 30%, 25%, and 27% across BAS, CHK, and PEA, respectively, and taurine decreased by 50%, 42%, and 55% across BAS, CHK, and PEA, respectively. Inaccurate measurement of the PEA diet moisture content post‐production likely led to mold development which may also negatively impact the availability of nutrients and could put dogs at risk for mycotoxicosis and nutrient deficiencies if not closely monitored, but controlled studies are required.
Hierarchical joint analysis of marginal summary statistics—Part II: High‐dimensional instrumental analysis of omics data
Authors: Jiang Lai , Shen Jiayi , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A. , Mancuso Nicholas , Conti David V. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInstrumental variable (IV) analysis has been widely applied in epidemiology to infer causal relationships using observational data. Genetic variants can also be viewed as valid IVs in Mendelian randomization and transcriptome‐wide association studies. However, most multivariate IV approaches cannot scale to high‐throughput experimental data. Here, we leverage the flexibility of our previous work, a hierarchical model that jointly analyzes marginal summary statistics (hJAM), to a scalable framework (SHA‐JAM) that can be applied to a large number of intermediates and a large number of correlated genetic variants—situations often encountered in modern experiments leveraging omic technologies. SHA‐JAM aims to estimate the conditional effect for high‐dimensional risk factors on an outcome by incorporating estimates from association analyses of single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐intermediate or SNP‐gene expression as prior information in a hierarchical model. Results from extensive simulation studies demonstrate that SHA‐JAM yields a higher area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), a lower mean‐squared error of the estimates, and a much faster computation speed, compared to an existing approach for similar analyses. In two applied examples for prostate cancer, we investigated metabolite and transcriptome associations, respectively, using summary statistics from a GWAS for prostate cancer with more than 140,000 men and high dimensional publicly available summary data for metabolites and transcriptomes.
Implementing a COVID‐19 vaccination outreach service for people experiencing homelessness
Authors: Hollingdrake Olivia , Grech Elizabeth , Papas Leanne , Currie Jane 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIssue AddressedIn 2021, the Australian government implemented a population wide COVID‐19 vaccination program. People experiencing homelessness faced challenges accessing vaccines and many were not being reached. By reorienting vaccination services to include assertive outreach strategies, a Brisbane‐based non‐profit health care team successfully administered 2065 COVID‐19 vaccinations to homeless and precariously housed people. This study examines insights from stakeholders delivering the service and perspectives of clients who received a vaccine.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with five stakeholders and a survey of 63 clients involved in the Micah Projects COVID‐19 vaccination program are reported. Client survey questions covered demographic characteristics, and motivations and hesitancies around vaccination. Stakeholder interviews were inductively analysed and quantitative survey data were exported into SPSS (IBM V27) and analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe Micah Projects team initiated 220 pop‐up vaccination clinics and worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Downsizing and mobilising the service engaged greater numbers of people sleeping rough and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Clients' decisions to vaccinate were often spontaneous, driven by immediate availability and motivated by a desire to stay healthy and protect the community.ConclusionsTailoring vaccination programs to include assertive outreach strategies effectively reduces barriers for people experiencing homelessness. Community embeddedness, trust, flexibility and cultural safety are critical elements for success.So What?People experiencing homelessness are motivated to vaccinate. Reorientating health services to remove structural barriers and build the supportive environments needed to work through vaccine hesitancies are critical elements to ensure equitable access and promote health.
Effects of computerized cognitive training on biomarker responses in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A scoping review
Authors: Hayashi Hiroshi , Sone Toshimasa , Iokawa Kazuaki , Sumigawa Koshi , Fujita Takaaki , Kawamata Hironori , Asao Akihiko , Kawasaki Iori , Ogasawara Maki , Kawakatsu Shinobu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a widespread condition in older individuals, posing significant risk of dementia. However, limited research has been conducted to explore effective interventions and clarify their impact at the neural level. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of computerized cognitive training (CCT) and explore the associated neural mechanisms in preventing dementia in older individuals with MCI, with a view to inform future intervention efforts.MethodsWe reviewed the effects of CCT on biomarker outcomes in older adults with MCI. The search was conducted for studies published between 2010 and May 10, 2023, using three search engines: PubMed, Scopus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies that involved participants diagnosed with MCI, included CCT, included quantitative assessment of biomarker results, and conducted randomized controlled trials.ResultsSixteen studies that used biomarkers, including magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography (EEG), functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and blood or salivary biomarkers, were extracted. The results showed that CCT caused changes in structure and function within the main brain network, including the default mode network, and decreased both theta rhythm activity on EEG and prefrontal activity on fNIRS, with improvement in cognitive function. Furthermore, CCT combined with physical exercise showed more significant structural and functional changes in extensive brain regions compared with CCT alone. Virtual reality‐based cognitive training improved not only executive function but also instrumental activities of daily living.ConclusionCCT causes functional and structural changes in extensive brain regions and improves cognitive function in older adults with MCI. Our findings highlight the potential of individualized intervention methods and biomarker assessment according to the specific causes of MCI. Future research should aim to optimize these personalized therapeutic strategies to maximize the benefits of CCT in older adults with MCI.
Awareness of stroke, its signs, and risk factors: A cross‐sectional population‐based survey in Ghana
Authors: Attakorah Joseph , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Yamoah Peter , Bangalee Varsha , Oosthuizen Frasia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe prevalence of stroke in sub‐Saharan Africa is steadily rising, leading to a growing strain on the healthcare system in the region. In the context of Ghana, stroke ranks as the third most prevalent cause of mortality. The current body of scholarly research on stroke awareness in Ghana is quite limited. The aim of this study is to assess the level of awareness of stroke, as well as its signs and symptoms among the Ghanaian population.MethodsThe study employed a cross‐sectional quantitative methodology, wherein 1000 participants completed self‐administered structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize the participants' socio‐demographic characteristics and their responses. To assess the relationship between participants' sociodemographic traits and their awareness of stroke signs, symptoms, risk factors, and perception, the Chi‐square test of independence was conducted using IBM SPSS version 26. A significance level of p < 0.05 was established.ResultsThe study identified limited awareness regarding stroke symptoms, warning signs, and risk factors. The participants exhibited an overall knowledge range of 25.9% to 47.2% concerning stroke signs and symptoms, and a range of 24%–39% regarding its causes and risk factors. Notably, paralysis (70.8%) and diet (59.9%) were the most easily recognized warning signs and risk factors for stroke, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age, religion, educational status, exposure to stroke, employment status, and marital status were shown to be associated with participants knowledge of stroke (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study's results indicated a widespread lack of knowledge concerning the causes and risk factors of stroke among the Ghanaian population, highlighting the necessity for increased public education efforts to raise awareness about this condition.
Identification of hub genes and pathways in hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive in silico study
Authors: Kalaki Niloufar Sadat , Ahmadzadeh Mozhgan , Mansouri Atena , Saberiyan Mohammadreza , Karbalaie Niya Mohammad Hadi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimThe hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of liver cancer in the world. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of HBV‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by identifying hub genes and the pathways related to their functions.MethodsGSE83148 and GSE94660 were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with an adjusted p‐value < 0.05 and a |logFC| ≥1 were identified. Common DEGs of two data sets were identified using the GEO2R tool. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) databases were used to identify pathways. Protein−protein interactions (PPIs) analysis was performed by using the Cytoscap and Gephi. A Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis was carried out to confirm the target genes.ResultsOne hundred and ninety‐eight common DEGs and 49 hub genes have been identified through the use of GEO and PPI, respectively. The GO and KEGG pathways analysis showed DEGs were enriched in the G1/S transition of cell cycle mitotic, cell cycle, spindle, and extracellular matrix structural constituent. The expression of four genes (TOP2A, CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB2) with high scores in module 1 were more in tumor samples and have been identified by GEPIA analysis.ConclusionIn this study, the hub genes and their related pathways involved in the development of HBV‐associated HCC were identified. These genes, as potential diagnostic biomarkers, may provide a potent opportunity to detect HBV‐associated HCC at the earliest stages, resulting in a more effective treatment.
Assessing placental membrane treatment efficiency in diabetic foot ulcers: Processing for retention versus lamination
Authors: Frykberg Robert G. , Tunyiswa Zwelithini 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic foot ulcers are a severe complication in diabetic patients, significantly impact healthcare systems and patient quality of life, often leading to hospitalization and amputation. Traditional Standard of Care (SOC) treatments are inadequate for many patients, necessitating advanced wound care products (AWCPs) like human placental membranes. This study conducts a retrospective analysis to compare the effectiveness of two human placental membrane products, retention‐processed amnion chorion (RE‐AC) and lamination‐processed amnion chorion (L‐AC) in managing chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).MethodsThe study collected retrospective observational data from electronic health records (EHRs) of patients treated for DFU at three outpatient wound care centers. Patients were categorized into two cohorts based on the treatment received. Key metrics included wound size progression and the number of product applications. The analysis employed Bayesian estimation, utilizing an analysis of covariance model with a Hurdle Gamma likelihood.ResultsWe found that RE‐AC achieved a marginally higher expected Percent Area Reduction (xPAR) in DFUs compared to L‐AC at 12 weeks (67.3% vs. 52.6%). RE‐AC also required fewer applications, suggesting greater efficiency in general wound closure. Probability of full wound closure was similar in both groups (0.738 vs 0.740 in RE‐AC and L‐AC, respectively).ConclusionThe findings suggest that while L‐AC might be slightly more effective in complete ulcer healing, RE‐AC offers overall better treatment efficiency, especially in reducing the frequency of applications. This efficiency can lead to improved patient comfort, reduced treatment costs, and optimized resource utilization in healthcare settings.
Bacterial foodborne illness and Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain infection among asymptomatic food handlers in Northeast Ethiopia: Implication for hygienic practices and mass‐screening
Authors: Adefrash Kalu , Sharew Bekele , Amare Wubalem , Shibabaw Agumas 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsFood‐borne illness is a public health concern in developing countries because of improper food handling and sanitation practices, irregular medical checkups, lack of clean water supplies, and inadequate education among food handlers. This study investigated the burden of bacterial food‐borne illness, antibiotic resistance patterns, and associated factors among food handlers in prison and nonprison food establishment settings.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to January 2023 among asymptomatic food handlers in Shewa Robit town. A total of 384 food handlers participated. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Stool and hand swab samples were collected and cultivated onto MacConkey agar, xylose‐lysine‐deoxycholate, Mannitol salt agar, and blood agar, and incubated at 37°C. Bacterial species were identified using biochemical tests and gram staining. Mueller–Hinton agar was used in Kirby Bauer's disk diffusion method. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis were performed.ResultsFecal and hand carriage rate of bacterial isolates were 106 (27.6%), and 214 (55.7%), respectively. Out of the 102 bacterial isolates, the most common ones from stool samples were Escherichia coli 71 (18.5%), Klebsiella aerogenes 12 (3.1%), and Salmonella spp. 7 (1.8%). Among 214 bacterial isolates, coagulase‐negative Staphylococci 115 (29.9%) and Staphylococci aureus 66 (17.3%) were identified from hand swab samples. Hand washing practice after restroom with water (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–3.45), irregular medical checkups (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.35–4.59), and did not receive food safety and hygiene training (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.34–4.05) were statistically significant association with food‐borne illness.ConclusionsFoodborne pathogens pose a serious health risk in the study areas. The level of antimicrobial resistance are also concerning. Food handlers should therefore get strict regular health education, medical checkups, and training programs to prevent the spread of infections to the customers.
Aloesin ameliorates hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage in neonatal mice by suppressing TLR4‐mediated neuroinflammation
Authors: Chen Liping , Xiong Siqing , Zhou Xiaofan , Fu Qiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAt present, neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), especially moderate to severe HIE, is a challenging disease for neonatologists to treat, and new alternative/complementary treatments are urgently needed. The neuroinflammatory cascade triggered by hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) insult is one of the core pathological mechanisms of HIE. Early inhibition of neuroinflammation provides long‐term neuroprotection. Plant‐derived monomers have impressive anti‐inflammatory effects. Aloesin (ALO) has been shown to have significant anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects in diseases such as ulcerative colitis, but its role in HIE is unclear. To this end, we conducted a series of experiments to explore the potential mechanism of ALO in preventing and treating brain damage caused by HI insult.Materials and MethodsHypoxic‐ischemic brain damage (HIBD) was induced in 7‐day‐old Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice, which were then treated with 20 mg/kg ALO. The neuroprotective effects of ALO on HIBD and the underlying mechanism were evaluated through neurobehavioral testing, infarct size measurement, apoptosis detection, protein and messenger RNA level determination, immunofluorescence, and molecular docking.ResultsALO alleviated the long‐term neurobehavioral deficits caused by HI insult; reduced the extent of cerebral infarction; inhibited cell apoptosis; decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α; activated microglia and astrocytes; and downregulated the protein expression of members in the TLR4 signaling pathway. In addition, molecular docking showed that ALO can bind stably to TLR4.ConclusionALO ameliorated HIBD in neonatal mice by inhibiting the neuroinflammatory response mediated by TLR4 signaling.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of circulating exosomes reveals the mechanism by which Triptolide protects against collagen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Liu Xiuchan , Liu Xu , Wang Hui , Chen Ming , Zhang Geng , Ren Dongyun , Zhang Na , Wei Wei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionTriptolide (TP), a natural product derived from the herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii, exhibits potent immunosuppressive activity. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects in rheumatoid arthritis remain incompletely understood.MethodsCollagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model was induced in Sprague−Dawley rats by immunization with bovine type II collagen, and TP was administrated as treatment. The therapeutic effect of TP was evaluated based on paw swelling, histopathology, and serum levels of inflammatory factors. Exosomes isolated from rat serum were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and western blot analysis. Proteomic profiling of exosomes was analyzed by direct DIA quantitative proteomics analysis. Gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases were employed for enrichment analysis related to molecular function, biological processes, and signaling pathways. Western blot analysis was used to analyze differentially expressed proteins.ResultsTP treatment ameliorated arthritic phenotypes in CIA rats as evidenced by reduced arthritis score, paw swelling, pathological injury severity scores, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. The proteomic analysis revealed that TP treatment significantly inhibited complement and coagulation cascades, interleukin‐17 signaling pathway, and cholesterol metabolism, which were reactivated in CIA rats. Importantly, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were markedly upregulated in the CIA group but suppressed upon TP administration. Furthermore, in synovial tissues, LCN2 and MPO expression levels were also elevated in the CIA group but decreased following TP treatment.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that TP alleviates CIA, possibly through modulation of exosomal LCN2 and MPO proteins.