bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplementation with a cranberry extract favors the establishment of butyrogenic guilds in the human fermentation SHIME system
Authors: Cattero Valentina , Roussel Charlène , Lessard-Lord Jacob , Roy Denis , Desjardins Yves 
Published: June 2024

Background: Proanthocyanidins (PAC) and oligosaccharides from cranberry exhibit multiple bioactive health properties and persist intact in the colon post-ingestion. They display a complex bidirectional interaction with the microbiome, which varies based on both time and specific regions of the gut; the nature of this interaction remains inadequately understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of cranberry extract on gut microbiota ecology and function.
Methods: We studied the effect of a cranberry extract on six healthy participants over a two-week supplementation period using the ex vivo artificial fermentation system TWIN-M-SHIME to replicate luminal and mucosal niches of the ascending and transverse colon.
Results: Our findings revealed a significant influence of cranberry extract supplementation on the gut microbiota ecology under ex vivo conditions, leading to a considerable change in bacterial metabolism. Specifically, Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B. adolescentis ) flourished in the mucus of the ascending colon, accompanied by a reduced adhesion of Proteobacteria . The overall bacterial metabolism shifted from acetate to propionate and, notably, butyrate production following PAC supplementation. Although there were variations in microbiota modulation among the six donors, the butyrogenic effect induced by the supplementation remained consistent across all individuals. This metabolic shift was associated with a rise in the relative abundance of several short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacterial genera and the formation of a consortium of key butyrogenic bacteria in the mucus of the transverse colon.
Conclusions: These observations suggest that cranberry extract supplementation has the potential to modulate the gut microbiota in a manner that may promote overall gut health.
Acceptability and feasibility randomized controlled trial of a digital psychological support intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease: trial protocol
Authors: Pinto Cathryn , Brown Jennie , Hurt Catherine , Norton Sam , Stumpf Simone , Volpato Ricardo , Cubi-Molla Patricia , Chowdhury Sulayman , McCracken Lance , Bogosian Angeliki 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background. People with Parkinson’s disease can experience psychological distress and have difficulties accessing face-to-face psychological support due to symptom burden and limited availability of psychological services. Digital options for psychological support can bridge this gap. We have developed an app based on Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to support people with Parkinson’s to improve psychological wellbeing.
Aim. To assess the acceptability of the app and the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of using the app to improve wellbeing for people with Parkinson’s.
Methods. We will conduct a parallel-group randomised controlled feasibility trial comparing a digital app based on ACT (intervention group) to usual care (waitlist control group). We will recruit 60 people with Parkinson’s, 40 to the intervention group and 20 to the control group. Primary feasibility outcomes include recruitment and retention rate, intervention engagement and satisfaction. Secondary outcomes include measures of clinical effectiveness (anxiety and depression), quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. Interviews will be conducted to assess acceptability of the app. Primary feasibility outcome data will be analysed descriptively and compared against pre-defined feasibility criteria. Secondary outcomes will be analysed based on an intention-to-treat principle and a cost-consequence analysis will be used to estimate cost-effectiveness. Interviews will be analysed using a deductive thematic analysis based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.
Discussion. This trial will provide data on the feasibility of conducting a full-scale RCT of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the app to improve psychological wellbeing for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Trial registration: The trial has been registered in the ISRCTN registry (65177345 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN65177345)
FEM-Net: Industrial Surface Defect Detection Network Based on Feature Enhancement and Efficient Multiscale Feature Fusion
Authors: duan zhenhui , Wang Yuting , Zhao Shilong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Industrial defect detection methods based on deep learning can reduce the cost of traditional manual quality checks and improve the accuracy and efficiency of testing. However, in industrial inspection scenarios, problems such as complex industrial image texture backgrounds, low contrast, and significant changes in defect size challenge existing industrial inspection networks. To solve the above problems, an industrial surface defect detection network (FEM-Net) based on feature enhancement and efficient multiscale feature fusion is proposed. Firstly, a new lightweight feature extraction network is designed in this paper. (LFNNet) to reduce the number of parameters and calculation costs of the model, while introducing a cascading channel space attention module (CSM) to pay more attention to the location of defective features of industrial products. Secondly, to improve the texture background complex small target detection and enhance the characterization of the target feature, a multi-level feature enhancement module (MFEM) is proposed to fully capture the target object’s context information and global relationship. Finally, an efficient multiscale feature fusion network (EMF-Net) is designed to effectively blend the characteristics of each layer extracted from the backbone network. Use the Adaptive Weighted Feature Fusion Module (AFM) to integrate features at multiple adjacent levels before entering the detector to mitigate fusion differences between multiscale features. The experimental results show that the FEM-Net network obtained 94.4% and 98.8% mAP @.5 on the NEU steel and PCB datasets, respectively, compared with the mainstream target detector.
Proton Pump Inhibitor as Proxy for Increased Dementia Risk
Authors: Hauzer Michael , Abashi Eman , Alperin Mordechai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has increased, raising concerns about potential long-term side effects such as increased dementia risk in older adults. Elucidating this relationship is critical for informing clinical prescribing practices.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study analyzed the electronic medical records of Israeli HMO patients aged 50–75 years who were prescribed PPIs. The cumulative purchased PPI dose was calculated for long-term users (upper quartile), occasional users (lower quartile), and one-time users. Dementia diagnoses and medications were compared between groups.
Results
Over an average follow-up of 8.8 years, long-term PPI users had dementia diagnosis rates of 7.26% and dementia medication rates of 6.26%, compared to combined rates of 4.77% and 3.86%, respectively, in the control groups over 11.6 and 8.9 years. The hazard ratios between long-term users and controls were 1.24 and 1.13, respectively.
Conclusions
Long-term PPI use was significantly associated with increased dementia incidence. Our findings highlight the need for careful consideration and monitoring of long-term PPI prescribing in older adults. Further research should explore potential mechanisms and confounding factors to elucidate the PPI-dementia relationship and guide appropriate prescribing practices. Health policymakers should consider using long-term PPI prescriptions as a proxy to identify at-risk individuals and offer tailored approaches to reduce the risk of dementia and mortality.
Salivary Features of Periodontitis and Gingivitis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Kirakodu Sreenatha S. , Zhang Xiaohua D. , III Dolph Dawson , Miller Craig S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cellular abnormalities, tissue and organ dysfunctions, and periodontitis. This investigation examined the relationship between the oral microbiome and salivary biomarkers in T2DM patients with or without periodontitis. This cohort (35–80 years) included systemically healthy non-periodontitis (NP; n = 31), T2DM without periodontitis (DWoP; n = 32) and T2DM with periodontitis (DWP; n = 29). The oral microbiome [Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs)] (16s rRNA sequencing) and targeted host salivary biomarkers (immunoassays) were assessed. We identified 47 OTUs that were significantly different in abundance between NP samples and any disease subset or between disease subgroups. The most unique microbiome patterns were observed in the DWP group. Differences in genera/species abundance were also observed when T2DM patients were stratified by extent of periodontal inflammation and disease (i.e., generalized versus localized gingivitis/periodontitis). Salivary biomarkers showed significant elevations in MMP-8, MMP-9, resistin, IL-1β, IL-6, IFNα, and BAFF (THFSR13b) comparing generalized to localized periodontitis. Salivary analytes showed significant positive correlations with specific microbiome members, predominantly in DWP patients. Odds ratio analyses reinforced that a panel of biologic markers (IL-6, MMP-8) and bacteria (e.g., Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Spirochaetes) discriminated the severity and extent of periodontal disease in this diabetic population.
HR3/RORα-mediated cholesterol sensing regulates TOR signaling
Authors: Rewitz Kim , Lassen Mette , Pardee Keith , Pedersen Lisa , Kubrak Olga , Koyama Takashi , Necakov Aleksandar , Liu Suya , Kuksis Arnis , Lajoie Gilles , Edwards Aled , Teleman Aurelio , Larsen Martin , Krause Henry , Texada Michael 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cells and organisms adjust their growth based on the availability of cholesterol, which is essential for cellular functions. However, the mechanisms by which cells sense cholesterol levels and translate these into growth signals are not fully understood. We report that cholesterol rapidly activates the master growth-regulatory TOR pathway in Drosophilatissues. We identify the nuclear receptor HR3, an ortholog of mammalian RORα, as an essential factor in cholesterol-induced TOR activation. We demonstrate that HR3 binds cholesterol and promotes TOR pathway activation through a non-genomic mechanism acting upstream of the Rag GTPases. Similarly, we find that RORα is necessary for cholesterol-mediated TOR activation in human cells, suggesting that HR3/RORα represents a conserved mechanism for cholesterol sensing that couples cholesterol availability to TOR-pathway activity. These findings advance our understanding of how cholesterol influences cell growth, with implications for cholesterol-related diseases and cancer.
Therapeutic efficacy of a synthetic brain-targeted H 2 S donor cross-linked nanomicells in ASD rats via aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Zhang Changmei , Yang Lingyuan , Wang Feng , Liu Mingyuan , Liu Zehui , Shen Zibo , Zou Mingyang , Wu Lijie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents cognitive and social deficits with a lacking brain-targeted medication landscape, notably in nanomedicine. Here, we introduce a novel brain-targeted H2S donor cross-linked nanomicelles named mannose-PEG600-lipoic acid (Man-LA). Man-LA exhibit enhanced stability and precise brain delivery through interaction with glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in astrocytes, facilitating gradual H2S release modulated by glutathione (GSH). In vivo, Man-LA improve symptoms of ASD by correlating with increased expression of aerobic glycolysis enzymes, lactate production, and H2S levels, while also preventing damage to hippocampal neurons. In vitro, Man-LA tightly bind to Aldh3b1 in astrocytes, upregulating its expression and promoting aerobic glycolysis and enhanced lactate production. Collectively, these findings suggest a link between ASD deficits and dysregulated astrocytic aerobic glycolysis, highlighting H2S's role. Notably, the identification of Aldh3b1 gene within aerobic glycolysis pathways presents a promising new target for ASD treatment.
Mechanisms involving the facilitation of the remediation of Cr(VI) contaminated soil by bacteria-loaded biochar
Authors: Huang Mingyu , Luo Xierong , Shi Yu , Chen J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The combination of biochar and bacteria can effectively remediate Cr(VI)-contaminated soils. However, the synergistic mechanisms remain unclear and require further investigation. In this study, we investigate the effects of a combination of biochar and Pseudomonas sp. The effects of AN-B15 on Cr(VI) transformation, soil biochemical properties, and soil microbiome are investigated, and the results show that biochar facilitated bacterial Cr(VI) removal from a solution. Specifically, the Cr(VI) removal rates by biochar are 54.44% and 42.78%, which show improvements of 14% and 20.58% by the combination of biochar and strain AN-B15 in solutions with 50 and 100 mg/L Cr(VI), respectively. Moreover, soil incubation experiments show that the bacteria-loaded biochar remediated Cr (VI)-contaminated soil more effectively than biochar or strain AN-B15 alone. Alkaline digestion shows that the amendment of 5% bacteria-loaded biochar facilitates 33.5% total soil Cr(VI) removal compared with treatment without any addition. In general, the synergistic mechanisms can be summarized as either direct or indirect immobilization. Regarding direct reduction, biochar immobilizes Cr(VI) by adsorption and abiotically reduction, which protects bacteria under the stress of Cr(VI) and enhances bacterial Cr(VI) reduction to soluble organo-Cr(III). Regarding indirect immobilization, bacteria-loaded biochar improves the soil biochemical properties, which are beneficial to Cr(VI) reduction. Moreover, bacteria-loaded biochar immobilized Cr(VI) by impacting soil bacterial communities, which increases the relative abundance of indigenous helpful bacteria to improve soil quality and reduce Cr(VI). Notably, Nocardioides is a key genus in the decline of Cr(VI) into organically integrated Cr in soil. This study deepens our understanding of the transformation of soil Cr(VI) by bacteria-loaded biochar and can contribute to the optimization of Cr(VI) remediation strategies.
Gene-Engineered S. oneidensis MR-1 for In Situ Hirudin Production and Modulation of Lactate Catabolism to Combat Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cheng WeiYi , He Li , Ren WeiYe , Xie XiaoWei , Chen JingQuan , Jin ZheNi , Bao Dandan , Wei Yinghui , Piao Ji-Gang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Atherosclerotic plaques are situated in the arterial intima. The rapid blood flow and high shear stress impede the adhesion of drug carriers to endothelial cells and their accumulation in plaques. Therefore, ensuring effective drug delivery and optimal accumulation within plaques is essential. The discovery of bacteria within atherosclerotic plaques and the rapid progress in bacterial therapies have sparked interest in utilizing bacteria as potential therapeutic agents for atherosclerosis. In this study, we developed a genetically engineered anaerobic bacterium, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, incorporating a plasmid encoding the hirudin gene and green fluorescent protein (GFP). This system retains the targeting ability of S. oneidensis MR-1 to hypoxic regions and selectively triggers the release of hirudin under acidic conditions, leading to drug accumulation at the plaque site. By modulating foam cell metabolism and dissolving thrombi within damaged plaques, it effectively inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis. Our findings demonstrate that SO@AHG serves as an innovative and precise treatment modality for atherosclerosis, paving the way for bacterial-targeted therapy in cardiovascular disease.
Distribution and Sequential Fractionation of Fe and Mn with depth of Sundarban Mangrove Wetland Soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Faruque , PARVEEN ZAKIA 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Metals in soil are distributed among several geochemical forms, which influence its solubility, mobility and toxicity in soil and ground-water systems. In this study, the distribution of Fe and Mn in different soil fractions, their behavior and potential effects of soil contamination were investigated with respect to soil properties of Sundarban Mangrove Forest (SMF) wetlands. Soil samples (surface and subsurface) were collected from ten locations of SMF and were analyzed by the sequential extraction procedure to solubilize the Fe and Mn in exchangeable (Exch.), organically bound (OrgB), Mn-oxide bound (MnOB), amorphous Fe-oxide bound (AFeOB), crystalline Fe-oxide bound (CrFeOB) and residual (Res.) fractions. Results obtained from this study showed that pH of the soils was slightly to moderately alkaline in nature except Jamtola soil and there was a slight change of pH (6.12–8.09) in SMF soils. The textural class, organic matter, clay, CEC and Eh of Sundarban soils ranged from silt loam to clay loam, 2.15 ± 0.04% to 13.90 ± 0.11%, 6.63–32.81%, 18.68 ± 0.07 mV to 6.51 ± 0.21 mV and + 2.7 ± 2.11 mV to -98.6 ± 1.49mV, respectively. Moreover, the concentrations of total Fe and Mn varied significantly and ranged from 20,137.5 ± 232.5 µg g− 1 to 33,960 ± 1656.8 µg g− 1, 335.55 ± 2.5 µg g− 1 to 665.05 ± 35 µg g− 1, respectively. The highest contents of iron and manganese are found in Kotka area. In all the studied soils, Fe was associated with Res. fraction (55–73%) followed by CrFeOB, AFeOB and other fractions. The concentrations of Mn in the studied soils are primarily associated with Res. (29–58%) and MnOB (5–29%) fractions followed by CrFeOB > AFeOB > OrgB > Exch. sequence. Extremely high association of these two elements in residual fraction reveals no significant contamination. The findings may allow the evaluation of soil management techniques to limit mobility and plant availability of microelements and to minimize their transfer into the food chain.
The value of net influx constant based on FDG PET/CT dynamic imaging in the differential diagnosis of metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes in lung cancer
Authors: Wumener Xieraili , Zhang Yarong , Zang Zihan , Ye Xiaoxing , Zhao Jiuhui , Zhao Jun , Liang Ying 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the value of the dynamic and static quantitative metabolic parameters derived from 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) in the differential diagnosis of metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in lung cancer and to validate them based on the results of a previous study.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-one patients with lung nodules or masses detected on chest CT scan underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT dynamic + static imaging with informed consent. A retrospective collection of 126 LNs in 37 patients with lung cancer was pathologically confirmed. Static image analysis parameters including LN-SUVmax and LN-SUVmax/primary tumor SUVmax (LN-SUVmax/PT-SUVmax). Dynamic metabolic parameters including the net influx rate (Ki) and the surrogate of perfusion (K1) and of each LN were obtained by applying the irreversible two-tissue compartment model using in-house Matlab software. Ki /K1 was then calculated as a separate marker. Based on the pathological findings we divided into a metastatic group and a non-metastatic group. The c2-test was used to evaluate the agreement of the individual and combined diagnosis of each metabolic parameter with the gold standard. The Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for each parameter to determine the diagnostic efficacy in differentiating non-metastatic from metastatic LNs with high FDG-avid. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among the 126 FDG-avid LNs confirmed by pathology, 70 LNs were metastatic, and 56 LNs were non-metastatic. For ROC analysis, in separate assays, the dynamic metabolic parameter Ki [sensitivity (SEN) of 84.30%, specificity (SPE) of 94.60%, accuracy of 88.89% and AUC of 0.895] had a better diagnostic value than the static metabolic parameter SUVmax (SEN of 82.90%, SPE of 62.50%, accuracy of 74.60%, and AUC of 0.727) in differentiating between metastatic from non-metastatic LNs groups, respectively. In the combined diagnosis group, the combined SUVmax+Ki diagnosis had a better diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis of metastatic from non-metastatic LNs, with SEN, SPE, accuracy and AUC of 84.3%, 94.6%, 88.89%, and 0.907, respectively.
Conclusion: When the cut-off value of the Ki was 0.022 ml/g/min, it had a high diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis between metastasis and non-metastasis in FDG-avid LNs of lung cancer, especially in improving the specificity. The combination of SUVmax and Ki is expected to be a reliable metabolic parameter for N-staging of lung cancer.
Equilibrium Analysis of Unfair Competition from Shoddy Goods: The Role of Consumer Behavior
Authors: Hu Shu , Wu Tong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Advances in e-commerce allow consumers to learn the truth about shoddy goods. This paper develops an analytical framework~-- for examining the competition between an honest manufacturer (the ''truth-teller'') and a deceptive manufacturer (the ''deceiver'')~-- that incorporates three aspects of consumer behavior:\ perceived utility, negative word-of-mouth (WOM), and aversion. Our equilibrium analysis suggests that a truth-teller's lowered production cost can reduce deception-related losses by discouraging the deceiver from excessively improving its product quality; however, the truth-teller's own excessive improvement of product quality would actually benefit the deceiver when consumers (wrongly) perceive the deceiver's products to be of high quality. Finally, a truth-teller can deal with a deceiver's unfair competition by facilitating the dispersion of early-bird consumers' negative WOM and/or by increasing late-arriving consumers' aversion to deception beyond a certain threshold. Otherwise, the truth-teller should notice that increased dispersion and aversion will give the deceiver a free ride on his reduced production cost. In particular, if the consumer response to deception~-- a combination of the dispersion of negative WOM and the aversion to deception~-- is weak, then the truth-teller always has an incentive to prevent the deceiver from excessively exaggerating its product quality by lowering his production cost; then the truth-teller's deceiver-induced profit loss would be reduced. However, if the consumer response to deception is strong, though the truth-teller can completely prevent the deceiver from exaggerating its product quality by raising his own production cost, he might not have sufficient incentive to do so since this strategy would reduce his own profit.