bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulatory potential of Bacopa monnieri against aflatoxin B1 induced biochemical, molecular and histological alterations in rats
Authors: Rathour Arti , Gupte Shamli S , Gupta Divya , Singh Shubham , Shrivastava Sadhana , Yadav Deepa , Shukla Sangeeta 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Oxidative injury is concerned with the pathogenesis of several liver injuries, including those from acute liver failure to cirrhosis. This study was designed to explore the antioxidant activity of Bacopa monnieri (BM) on Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced oxidative damage in Wistar albino rats. Aflatoxin B1 treatment (200 μg/kg/day, p.o.) for 28 days induced oxidative injury by a significant alteration in serum liver function test marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, albumin and bilirubin), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) along with reduction of antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, CAT), GSH cycle enzymes and drug-metabolizing enzymes (AH and AND). Treatment of rats with B. monnieri (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg for 5 days, p.o.) after 28 days of AFB1 intoxication significantly restored these parameters near control in a dose-dependent way. Histopathological examination disclosed extensive hepatic injuries, characterized by cellular necrosis, infiltration, congestion and sinusoidal dilatation in the AFB1-treated group. Treatment with B. monnieri significantly reduced these toxic effects resulting from AFB1. B. monnieriper se group (40 mg/kg) did not show any significant change and proved safe. The cytotoxic activity of B. monnieri was also evaluated on HepG2 cells and showed a good percentage of cytotoxic activity. This finding suggests that B. monnieri protects the liver against oxidative damage caused by AFB1, which aids in the evaluation of the traditional usage of this medicinal plant.
Single-cell transcriptomics unveiled that early life BDE-99 exposure reprogrammed the gut-liver axis to promote a proinflammatory metabolic signature in male mice at late adulthood
Authors: Lim Joe Jongpyo , Goedken Michael , Jin Yan , Gu Haiwei , Cui Julia Yue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are legacy flame retardants that bioaccumulate in the environment. The gut microbiome is an important regulator of liver functions including xenobiotic biotransformation and immune regulation. We recently showed that neonatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether-99 (BDE-99), a human breast milk-enriched PBDE congener, up-regulated proinflammation-related and down-regulated drug metabolism-related genes predominantly in males in young adulthood. However, the persistence of this dysregulation into late adulthood, differential impact among hepatic cell types, and the involvement of the gut microbiome from neonatal BDE-99 exposure remain unknown. To address these knowledge gaps, male C57BL/6 mouse pups were orally exposed to corn oil (10 ml/kg) or BDE-99 (57 mg/kg) once daily from postnatal days 2–4. At 15 months of age, neonatal BDE-99 exposure down-regulated xenobiotic and lipid-metabolizing enzymes and up-regulated genes involved in microbial influx in hepatocytes. Neonatal BDE-99 exposure also increased the hepatic proportion of neutrophils and led to a predicted increase of macrophage migration inhibitory factor signaling. This was associated with decreased intestinal tight junction protein (Tjp) transcripts, altered gut environment, and dysregulation of inflammation-related metabolites. ScRNA-seq using germ-free (GF) mice demonstrated the necessity of a normal gut microbiome in maintaining hepatic immune tolerance. Microbiota transplant to GF mice using large intestinal microbiome from adults neonatally exposed to BDE-99 down-regulated Tjp transcripts and up-regulated several cytokines in large intestine. In conclusion, neonatal BDE-99 exposure reprogrammed cell type-specific gene expression and cell-cell communication in liver towards proinflammation, and this may be partly due to the dysregulated gut environment.
Effective Seed Sterilization Methods Require Optimization Across Maize Genotypes
Authors: Parnell J. Jacob , Pal Gaurav , Awan Ayesha , Vintila Simina , Houdinet Gabriella , Hawkes Christine V. , Balint-Kurti Peter J. , Wagner Maggie R. , Kleiner Manuel 
Published: April 2024

Studies of plant–microbe interactions using synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) often require the removal of seed-associated microbes by seed sterilization prior to inoculation to provide gnotobiotic growth conditions. Diverse seed sterilization protocols have been developed and have been used on different plant species with various amounts of validation. From these studies it has become clear that each plant species requires its own optimized sterilization protocol. It has, however, so far not been tested whether the same protocol works equally well for different varieties and seed sources of one plant species. We evaluated six seed sterilization protocols on two different varieties (Sugar Bun and B73) of maize. All unsterilized maize seeds showed fungal growth upon germination on filter paper, highlighting the need for a sterilization protocol. A short sterilization protocol with hypochlorite and ethanol was sufficient to prevent fungal growth on Sugar Bun germinants; however a longer protocol with heat treatment and germination in fungicide was needed to obtain clean B73 germinants. This difference may have arisen from the effect of either genotype or seed source. We then tested the protocol that performed best for B73 on three additional maize genotypes from four sources. Seed germination rates and fungal contamination levels varied widely by genotype and geographic source of seeds. Our study shows that consideration of both variety and seed source is important when optimizing sterilization protocols and highlights the importance of including seed source information in plant–microbe interaction studies that use sterilized seeds. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Winter Rye Cover Crops Shelter Competent Squash Phyllosphere Bacteria to Reduce Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans Growth and Angular Leaf Spot Symptoms
Authors: Maglione Rémi , Ciotola Marie , Cadieux Mélanie , Toussaint Vicky , Laforest Martin , Kembel Steven W. 
Published: April 2024

Cover crops, a soil conservation practice, can contribute to reducing disease pressure caused by Pseudomonas syringae, considered one of the most important bacterial plant pathogens. We recently demonstrated that the phyllosphere (leaf surface) bacterial community structure changed when squash ( Cucurbita pepo) was grown with a rye ( Secale cereale) cover crop treatment, followed by a decrease of angular leaf spot disease symptoms on squash caused by P. syringae pv. lachrymans. Application of biocontrol agents is a known agricultural practice to mitigate crop losses due to microbial disease. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that some phyllosphere bacteria promoted when squash is grown on cover crops could be isolated and used as a biocontrol agent to decrease angular leaf spot symptoms. We grew squash during a 2-year field experiment using four agricultural practices: bare soil, cover crops, chemically terminated cover crops, and plastic cover. We sampled squash leaves at three different dates each year and constructed a collection of cultivable bacterial strains isolated from squash leaves and rye cover crop material. Each isolated strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and used in in vitro (Petri dish) pathogen growth and in vivo (greenhouse) symptom control assays. Four bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Pseudarthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Delftia, and Rhizobium were shown to inhibit P. syringae pv. lachrymans growth and angular leaf spot symptom development. Strikingly, the symptom control efficacy of all strains was stronger on older leaves. This study sheds light on the importance of bacterial isolation from cover crop sources to promote disease control. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Loss of p16 Immunoexpression and Deletions of CDKN2A in the Progression of Extramammary Paget Disease: An Immunohistochemical and Genetic Study of 24 Invasive/Metastatic Cases
Authors: Hiraki Tsubasa , Oishi Takuma , Yoshikawa Shusuke , Honma Keiichiro , Ohe Shuichi , Isei Taiki , Kukita Yoji , Takai Toshihiro , Shimada Keiji , Takei Yusuke , Goto Keisuke 
Published: April 2024

Abstract:
Information regarding the genetic alterations in extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is scarce. This study investigated the significance of CDKN2A and MTAP alterations in EMPD progression using immunohistochemistry and panel DNA sequencing. In total, 24 invasive/metastatic EMPD cases were included in this study. The immunoexpression of p16 and MTAP in the primary in situ, primary invasive, and metastatic tumor components was evaluated. Panel DNA sequencing was performed for metastatic tumor components in 5 of the 24 cases. Immunoexpression of p16 in the in situ tumor component was at least partially preserved in all 19 tested cases (100%). By contrast, the invasive tumor component was diffusely or partially lost in 18 (81.8%) of 22 tested cases. Regarding the foci of lymph node metastasis, 13 (81.2%) of the 16 patients showed a significant loss of p16 expression. Loss of MTAP immunoexpression was observed less frequently compared with the loss of p16 expression. CDKN2A homozygous deletions were confirmed in all 5 tested cases by sequencing, whereas MTAP deletions were detected in only 2 cases. In conclusion, p16 expression loss and CDKN2A deletions can be frequently seen in invasive/metastatic cases of EMPD.
Prevalence and factors associated with masked hypertension in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Legrand Frédéric , Motiejunaite Justina , Arnoult Florence , Lahens Alexandre , Tabibzadeh Nahid , Robert-Mercier Tiphaine , Rouzet François , De Pinho Natalia Alencar , Vrtovsnik François , Flamant Martin , Vidal-Petiot Emmanuelle 
Published: April 2024

Objectives:
Optimal blood pressure (BP) control is key to prevent cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We described the prevalence and factors associated with masked hypertension in CKD.

Methods:
We analyzed 1113 ambulatory 24-h BP monitoring (ABPM) records of 632 patients referred for kidney function evaluation. Masked hypertension was defined as office BP less than 140/90 mmHg but daytime BP at least 135/85 mmHg or nighttime BP at least 120/70 mmHg. Factors associated with masked hypertension were assessed with mixed logistic regression models.

Results:
At inclusion, 424 patients (67%) had controlled office BP, of whom 56% had masked hypertension. In multivariable analysis conducted in all visits with controlled office BP (n = 782), masked hypertension was positively associated with male sex [adjusted OR (95% confidence interval) 1.91 (1.16–3.27)], sub-Saharan African origin [2.51 (1.32–4.63)], BMI [1.11 (1.01–1.17) per 1 kg/m2], and albuminuria [1.29 [1.12 - 1.47] per 1 log unit), and was negatively associated with plasma potassium (0.42 [0.29 - 0.71] per 1 mmol/L) and 24-h urinary potassium excretion (0.91 [0.82 - 0.99] per 10 mmol/24 h) as well as the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) blockers (0.56 [0.31 - 0.97]) and diuretics (0.41 [0.27 - 0.72]).

Conclusion:
Our findings support the routine use of ABPM in CKD, as more than half of the patients with controlled office BP had masked hypertension. Weight control, higher potassium intake (with caution in advanced CKD), correction of hypokalemia, and larger use of diuretics and RAAS blockers could be potential levers for better out-of-office BP control.
Habitual coffee consumption and office, home, and ambulatory blood pressure: results of a 10-year prospective study
Authors: Trevano Fosca Quarti , Vela-Bernal Sara , Facchetti Rita , Cuspidi Cesare , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido 
Published: April 2024

Objectives:
Heterogeneous are the results of the published studies aimed at determining the long-term effects of habitual coffee consumption on blood pressure (BP). Specifically, no data are available on the longitudinal association between habitual coffee consumption and office, home and 24 h BP profile and variability.

Methods:
In 1408 subjects recruited in the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate E Loro Associazioni (PAMELA) study, followed for a 10 year follow-up period and classified as coffee consumers and nonconsumers (self-reporting), we prospectically investigated the association between habitual coffee consumption and office, home and 24-h ambulatory BP; 24-h BP variability; and development of a new hypertensive state. Data were also analysed according to gender.

Results:
When data were adjusted for confounders habitual coffee nonconsumers and consumers displayed similar long-term BP changes during the follow-up in office, home, and ambulatory BP. No difference was found between heavy and moderate coffee consumers. Furthermore, also new-onset hypertension and patterns of BP variability were superimposable in coffee nonconsumers and consumers, independently on confounders including gender, number, and characteristics of the antihypertensive drug treatment.

Conclusion:
The present study, which is the first longitudinal investigation never performed examining in a prospective fashion the long-term (10 year) effects of coffee consumption on office, home, and ambulatory BP, provides conclusive evidence that habitual coffee consumption is associated with neutral effects on in-office and out-of-office BP values and related variabilities. This is the also the case for the new-onset hypertensive state.
Perceptions and Controversies on Cholera in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Field in the Late Qing Dynasty
Authors: GUO Shiqiang , WU Haohuan , WU Yinghua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
At the beginning of the initial cholera outbreak in China, Wang Qingren (王清任), after years of clinical trials, became an early representative who discovered the infectious characteristics and observed the course of cholera in the field of traditional Chinesse medicine (TCM). Kou Langao (寇兰皋) and Xu Zimo (徐子默), both medical practitioners, constructed a diagnosis and treatment system for cholera with cold patterns under the theory of typhoid. They represented “School of Cholera with Cold Patterns” (SCCP). In the 1860s, with the influence of Wang Shixiong’s (王士雄) studies on the nature of cholera under the theory of epidemic febrile disease, the “School of Cholera with Heated Patterns” (SCHP) prevailed thereafter. The two schools complemented each other in theories and contributed to the integrity of TCM in cholera diagnosis and treatment. By reviewing previous literature, books, clinical cases, and historical materials in medical field, this article aims 1) to summarise the influence of TCM on the cognitive development towards cholera in the late Qing dynasty; 2) to explore the origin of the controversy between SCCP and SCHP from historical evidence; 3) to summarize the historical lessons from the debate over cholera in TCM based on the principle of treatment based on pattern identification, and offer suggestions for the current prevention and treatment of new diseases using TCM.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-based Shear Wave Elastography for Detection of Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: AbiMansour Jad , Chin Jerry Yung-Lun , Kaur Jyotroop , Vargas Eric J. , Abu Dayyeh Barham K. , Law Ryan , Garimella Vishal , Levy Michael J. , Storm Andrew C. , Dierkhising Ross , Allen Alina , Venkatesh Sudhakar , Chandrasekhara Vinay 
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims:
Endoscopic ultrasound shear wave elastography (EUS-SWE) is a novel modality for liver stiffness measurement. The aims of this study are to evaluate the performance and reliability of EUS-SWE for detecting advanced liver disease in a prospective cohort.

Methods:
EUS-SWE measurements were prospectively obtained from patients undergoing EUS between August 2020 and March 2023. Liver stiffness measurements were compared between patients with and without advanced liver disease (ALD), defined as stage ≥3, to determine diagnostic accuracy for advanced fibrosis and portal hypertension. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables that impact the reliability of EUS-SWE readings. Select patients underwent paired magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for liver fibrosis correlation.

Results:
Patients with ALD demonstrated higher liver stiffness compared to healthy controls (left lobe: 17.6 vs. 12.7 kPa, P<0.001; median right lobe: 24.8 vs. 11.0 kPa, P<0.001). The area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) for the detection of ALD was 0.73 and 0.80 for left and right lobe measurements, respectively. General anesthesia was associated with reliable EUS-SWE liver readings (odds ratio: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.07-7.39, P=0.040). Left lobe measurements correlated significantly with MRE with an increase of 0.11 kPa (95% CI: 0.05-0.17 kPA) for every 1 kPa increase on EUS-SWE. D.

Conclusions:
SWE is a promising technology that can readily be incorporated into standard EUS examinations for the assessment of ALD.
Falciform technique in laparoscopic revision of distal catheter obstruction: an evaluation
Authors: Nguyen Trong Yen , Tran Quang Dung , Pham Van Hiep 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is a cornerstone treatment for hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. Despite its efficacy, this procedure is associated with various complications, among which distal catheter obstruction poses significant challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘falciform technique’ in laparoscopic revision of distal catheter obstructions, offering a novel approach to mitigate this prevalent issue.

Materials and methods:
This study retrospectively analyzed 28 patients with VP shunt distal catheter obstructions who underwent laparoscopy-assisted shunt revision between January 2016 and June 2022. All of these were done using the ‘falciform technique’ with the fixation of the distal catheter to the falciform ligament in supra-hepatic space.

Results:
The most common etiology of primary shunt surgery was hydrocephalus, followed by intracranial hemorrhage (42.9%) and traumatic brain injury (32.1%). Normal pressure hydrocephalus occurs in 14.3% of cases. Fifteen patients (53.6%) required revision surgery within 1 year of index surgery. Thirteen patients (46.4%) underwent revision surgery more than 1 year after the index surgery, either as a first revision or subsequent revision. The average surgery time was 32.1±14.7 min and hospital stay was 4.2±1.8 days. After a mean follow-up period of at 20.3±8.7 months, except for three patients who died from other causes (two patients due to pneumonia and one due to exhaustion), there were no shunt-related complications in the remaining 25 patients.

Conclusions:
Laparoscopy with the application of ‘falciform technique’ is a safe and highly effective method in distal catheter obstruction revision following VP shunt.
Rapid pulmonary fistulization complicating a psoas abscess with intraoperative hypoxemia: a rare case report
Authors: Ziani Hicham , Elazzouzi Imane , Chibani Amine , Arfaoui Manal , Benhlima Abdelkader , Elhamzaoui Hamza , Alilou Mustapha , Chajai Salim , Eddouali Amine , Slaihi Zakariae , Chaieri Ahlam , Awab Almahdi 
Published: April 2024

Introduction and importance:
Psoas abscess is a relatively uncommon condition that can present with vague clinical features. Patients with this condition often present in different ways to different specialties leading to delays in diagnosis and management.

Case presentation:
The authors present a 47-year-old woman with complaint of vague abdominal pain, fever, and raised inflammatory markers who underwent CT examination. On CT, a collection was noted in the right iliac fossa that extended along the right retroperitoneum through the retrocrural space in the right lung base communicating with a cavitary pulmonary lesion with air-fluid level. The psoas abscess was drained.

Clinical discussion:
Our case presents a number of rare and intriguing features. Notably, the patient, who was immunocompetent, experienced a primary Staphylococcus infection that swiftly progressed to a sizable pulmonary abscess, a phenomenon uncommon in such hosts. The rarity further extends to the source of infection, originating abdominally but culminating in thoracic complications through contiguous spread from a retroperitoneal site. Despite the potential severity, the patient’s outcome was remarkably positive

Conclusion:
This case underscores the potential rapidity of pulmonary involvement in psoas abscesses, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and consideration of respiratory signs during preoperative assessments
The renoprotective potential of montelukast: a scoping review
Authors: Sarmadian Roham , Gilani Abolfazl , Mehrtabar Saba , Mahrokhi Koushemehr Sona , Hakimzadeh Zahra , Yousefichaijan Parsa 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Kidney damage can result from various factors, leading to structural and functional changes in the kidney. Acute kidney injury (AKI) refers to a sudden decline in kidney function, while chronic kidney disease involves a gradual deterioration lasting more than 3 months. Mechanisms of renal injury include impaired microcirculation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLTs) are inflammatory substances contributing to tissue damage. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, has shown potential renoprotective effects in experimental models of kidney injury.

Methods:
The authors conducted a scoping review using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies investigating the impact of montelukast on renal diseases. Articles published until 2022 were included and evaluated for quality. Data extraction and analysis were performed based on predetermined inclusion criteria.

Results:
The scoping review included 30 studies from 8 countries. Montelukast demonstrated therapeutic effects in various experimental models of nephrotoxicity and AKI induced by agents such as cisplatin, lipopolysaccharide, diclofenac, amikacin, Escherichia coli, cyclosporine, methotrexate, cobalt-60 gamma radiation, doxorubicin, and cadmium. Studies involving human subjects with nephrotic syndrome, pyelonephritis, and other renal diseases also reported positive outcomes with montelukast treatment. Montelukast exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and neutrophil-inhibiting properties, leading to improved kidney function and histopathological changes.

Conclusions:
Montelukast shows promise as a renoprotective medication, particularly in early-stage kidney injury. Its ability to mitigate inflammation, oxidative stress, and neutrophil infiltration contributes to its therapeutic effects. Further research is needed to explore the clinical applications and mechanisms underlying the renoprotective action of montelukast.