bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hair cortisol and changes in cortisol dynamics in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Boswell Laura , Vega-Beyhart Arturo , Blasco Miquel , Quintana Luis F. , Rodríguez Gabriela , Díaz-Catalán Daniela , Vilardell Carme , Claro María , Mora Mireia , Amor Antonio J. , Casals Gregori , Hanzu Felicia A. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveWe compared hair cortisol (HC) with classic tests of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and assessed its association with kidney and cardiometabolic status.Design and methodsA cross-sectional study of 48 patients with CKD stages I–IV, matched by age, sex, and BMI with 24 healthy controls (CTR) was performed. Metabolic comorbidities, body composition, and HPA axis function were studied.ResultsA total of 72 subjects (age 52.9 ± 12.2 years, 50% women, BMI 26.2 ± 4.1 kg/m2) were included. Metabolic syndrome features (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, glucose, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, waist circumference) and 24-h urinary proteins increased progressively with worsening kidney function (p &lt; 0.05 for all). Reduced cortisol suppression after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression (DST) (p &lt; 0.001), a higher noon (12:00 h pm) salivary cortisol (p = 0.042), and salivary cortisol AUC (p = 0.008) were seen in CKD. 24-h urinary-free cortisol (24-h UFC) decreased in CKD stages III–IV compared with I–II (p &lt; 0.001); higher midnight salivary cortisol (p = 0.015) and lower suppressibility after 1-mg DST were observed with declining kidney function (p &lt; 0.001). Cortisol-after-DST cortisol was &gt;2 mcg/dL in 23% of CKD patients (12.5% in stage III and 56.3% in stage IV); 45% of them had cortisol &gt;2 mcg/dL after low-dose 2-day DST, all in stage IV (p &lt; 0.001 for all). Cortisol-after-DST was lineally inversely correlated with eGFR (p &lt; 0.001). Cortisol-after-DST (OR 14.9, 95% CI 1.7–103, p = 0.015) and glucose (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5, p = 0.003) were independently associated with eGFR &lt;30 mL/min/m2). HC was independently correlated with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (p = 0.016). Cortisol-after-DST (p = 0.032) and VAT (p &lt; 0.001) were independently correlated with BMI.ConclusionCortisol-after-DST and salivary cortisol rhythm present progressive alterations in CKD patients. Changes in cortisol excretion and HPA dynamics in CKD are not accompanied by significant changes in long-term exposure to cortisol evaluated by HC. The clinical significance and pathophysiological mechanisms explaining the associations between HPA parameters, body composition, and kidney damage warrant further study.
Spatial dynamic simulation of beetles in biodiversity hotspots
Authors: He Ping , Bai Ming , Li Lulu , Lu Yuanyuan , Li Jing , Yan Zihan 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionColeoptera is the most species-rich order of animals with the widest distribution area; however, little is known about its global suitability distribution, and a substantial number of species are experiencing silent extinction. Most of Earth’s biocommunities are concentrated in biodiversity hotspots, and these hotspots receive the largest investment of conservation funds. The survival of beetles is closely related to the richness of biodiversity, so habitat loss in hotspots results in a high extinction risk for beetles.MethodsWe used the MaxEnt model to simulate the spatial suitable distribution in six time periods (1970-1980, 1980-1990, 1990-2000, 2000-2010, 2010-2020, and 1970-2020). Furthermore, we determined the priority suitable regions in hotspots after coupling the current biodiversity zones and evaluated the congruence between the suitable habitat of beetles and hotspots.ResultsThe results revealed that less than 30% of suitable regions were located in hotspots, and approximately 49.08% of the suitable habitat remained constant in all six periods, and can be regarded as climatically stable refugia. The Mediterranean Basin had the largest suitable area in each period and was always ranked first; other regions, such as Indo-Burma, Irano-Anatolian, and Mesoamerica, also had large areas of suitable habitat. Nine excellent, ten stable, and seventeen lower hotspots were identified based on their dynamic changes in 36 hotspots.DiscussionBased on these results, corresponding planning and management measures should be implemented in different biodiversity hotspots according to the changes in geographic distribution. In this paper, we propose practical advice for different regions to improve isolated and fragmented habitats, which will support the conservation of Coleoptera taxa and the restoration of biodiversity.
Polygenic risk associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other traits influences genes involved in T cell signaling and activation
Authors: Dressman Dallin , Tasaki Shinya , Yu Lei , Schneider Julie , Bennett David A. , Elyaman Wassim , Vardarajan Badri 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionT cells, known for their ability to respond to an enormous variety of pathogens and other insults, are increasingly recognized as important mediators of pathology in neurodegeneration and other diseases. T cell gene expression phenotypes can be regulated by disease-associated genetic variants. Many complex diseases are better represented by polygenic risk than by individual variants.MethodsWe first compute a polygenic risk score (PRS) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using genomic sequencing data from a cohort of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and age-matched controls, and validate the AD PRS against clinical metrics in our cohort. We then calculate the PRS for several autoimmune disease, neurological disorder, and immune function traits, and correlate these PRSs with T cell gene expression data from our cohort. We compare PRS-associated genes across traits and four T cell subtypes.ResultsSeveral genes and biological pathways associated with the PRS for these traits relate to key T cell functions. The PRS-associated gene signature generally correlates positively for traits within a particular category (autoimmune disease, neurological disease, immune function) with the exception of stroke. The trait-associated gene expression signature for autoimmune disease traits was polarized towards CD4+ T cell subtypes.DiscussionOur findings show that polygenic risk for complex disease and immune function traits can have varying effects on T cell gene expression trends. Several PRS-associated genes are potential candidates for therapeutic modulation in T cells, and could be tested in in vitro applications using cells from patients bearing high or low polygenic risk for AD or other conditions.
Short-term lifestyle education on obesity reduction in adolescents
Authors: Ning Feng , Sun Xiaohui , Ge Bing , Li Shunping , Hou Binghui , Wang Yumei , Zhang Dong 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundsObesity is increasing in adolescents in China. However, the awareness of obesity and prevention on related risk factors were not well known. We aim to assess the effectiveness of short-term health education intervention on obesity in Chinese adolescents.MethodsIn this study, 42 primary and secondary schools from Qingdao were randomly divided into the education and control groups. A total of 11,739 adolescents was included in the current study. The logistic regression was employed to assess odds ratio (OR) of education intervention on overweight and obesity prevalence adjusting for covariates.ResultsThe baseline prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly higher in urban than in rural areas and in boys than in girls. After 1 year lifestyle intervention, the proportion of students with awareness of obesity was higher, meanwhile age-adjusted mean values of weight, body mass index, duration of watching TV and doing homework were lower in education group than control group. The corresponding figures were 43.6 [95% CI (confidence intervals); 43.3–43.9] kg versus 44.3 (95% CI; 44.0–44.6) kg, 18.6 (95% CI; 18.5–18.7) kg/m2 versus 18.9 (95% CI; 18.8–19.1) kg/m2, 1.3 (95% CI; 1.2–1.3) hours/d versus 1.4 (95% CI; 1.3–1.4) hours/d, and 1.5 (95% CI; 1.4–1.5) hours/d versus 1.8 (95% CI, 1.7–1.8) hours/d. The multivariable adjusted OR for combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76–0.96) in education group as compared with control group.ConclusionShort-term health education intervention results in significantly higher reductions in obesity parameters and improvement in awareness in Chinese adolescents.
Transcriptome analysis of Gossypium reveals the molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ signaling pathway on arsenic tolerance induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Gong Minggui , Bai Na , Su Jiajie , Wang Yuan , Wei Yanan , Zhang Qiaoming 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been demonstrated their ability to enhance the arsenic (As) tolerance of host plants, and making the utilization of mycorrhizal plants a promising and practical approach for remediating As-contaminated soils. However, comprehensive transcriptome analysis to reveal the molecular mechanism of As tolerance in the symbiotic process between AMF and host plants is still limited.MethodsIn this study, transcriptomic analysis of Gossypium seedlings was conducted with four treatments: non-inoculated Gossypium under non-As stress (CK0), non-inoculated Gossypium under As stress (CK100), F. mosseae-inoculated Gossypium under non-As stress (FM0), and F. mosseae-inoculated Gossypium under As stress (FM100).ResultsOur results showed that inoculation with F. mosseae led to a reduction in net fluxes of Ca2+, while increasing Ca2+ contents in the roots and leaves of Gossypium under the same As level in soil. Notably, 199 and 3129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were specially regulated by F. mosseae inoculation under As stress and non-As stress, respectively. Through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation and enrichment analyses, we found that under As stress, F. mosseae inoculation up-regulated a significant number of genes related to the Ca2+ signaling pathway genes, involved in cellular process, membrane part, and signal transduction. This suggests a potential role in mitigating As tolerance in Gossypium seedlings. Furthermore, our analysis identified specific DEGs in transcription factor families, including ERF, MYB, NAC, and WRKY, that were upregulated by F. mosseae inoculation. Conversely, MYB and HB-other were down-regulated. The ERF and MYB families exhibited the highest number of up- and down-regulated DEGs, respectively, which were speculated to play an important role in alleviating the As toxicity of Gossypium.DiscussionOur findings provided valuable insights into the molecular theoretical basis of the Ca2+ signaling pathway in improving As tolerance of mycorrhizal plants in the future.
Reduction in systemic muscle stress markers after exercise-induced muscle damage following concurrent training and supplementation with specific collagen peptides – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bischof Kevin , Stafilidis Savvas , Bundschuh Larissa , Oesser Steffen , Baca Arnold , König Daniel 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionCollagen peptide supplementation in conjunction with exercise has been shown to improve structural and functional adaptations of both muscles and the extracellular matrix. This study aimed to explore whether specific collagen peptide (SCP) supplementation combined with a concurrent training intervention can improve muscular stress after exercise-induced muscle damage, verified by reliable blood markers.Methods55 sedentary to moderately active males participating in a concurrent training (CT) intervention (3x/week) for 12 weeks were administered either 15 g of SCP or placebo (PLA) daily. Before (T1) and after the intervention (T2), 150 muscle-damaging drop jumps were performed. Blood samples were collected to measure creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin (MYO) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) before, after, and at 2 h, 24 h and 48 h post exercise.ResultsA combination of concurrent training and SCP administration showed statistically significant interaction effects, implying a lower increase in the area under the curve (AUC) of MYO (p = 0.004, ηp2 = 0.184), CK (p = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.145) and LDH (p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.133) in the SCP group. On closer examination, the absolute mean differences (ΔAUCs) showed statistical significance in MYO (p = 0.017, d = 0.771), CK (p = 0.039, d = 0.633) and LDH (p = 0.016, d = 0.764) by SCP supplementation.ConclusionIn conclusion, 12 weeks of 15 g SCP supplementation combined with CT intervention reduced acute markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and improved post-exercise regenerative capacity, as evidenced by the altered post-exercise time course. The current findings indicate that SCP supplementation had a positive effect on the early phase of muscular recovery by either improving the structural integrity of the muscle and extracellular matrix during the training period or by accelerating membrane and cytoskeletal protein repair.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05220371?cond=NCT05220371&amp;rank=1, NCT05220371.
Unveiling the immunosuppressive landscape of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: implications for innovative immunotherapy strategies
Authors: Guo Songyu , Wang Zhenxia 
Published: March 2024

Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), stands as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, marked by challenging treatment and dismal prognoses. As immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating PDAC’s malignant progression, a comprehensive understanding of the tumor’s immunosuppressive characteristics becomes imperative. This paper systematically delves into the intricate immunosuppressive network within PDAC, spotlighting the significant crosstalk between immunosuppressive cells and factors in the hypoxic acidic pancreatic tumor microenvironment. By elucidating these mechanisms, we aim to provide insights into potential immunotherapy strategies and treatment targets, laying the groundwork for future studies on PDAC immunosuppression. Recognizing the profound impact of immunosuppression on PDAC invasion and metastasis, this discussion aims to catalyze the development of more effective and targeted immunotherapies for PDAC patients.
Oncologic outcome with versus without target volume compartmentalization in postoperative radiotherapy for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Riggenbach Elena , Waser Manuel , Mueller Simon A. , Aebersold Daniel M. , Giger Roland , Elicin Olgun 
Published: March 2024

Background and purposeThe volume treated with postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is a mediator of toxicity affecting quality of life. Current guidelines only allow for very limited reduction of PORT volumes. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of de-intensified PORT for patients with OCSCC by refined compartmentalization of the treatment volume.Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort study identified 103 OCSCC patients treated surgically from 2014 to 2019 with a loco-regional risk profile qualifying for PORT according to guidelines. PORT was administered only to the at-risk compartment and according to a refined compartmentalization concept (CC). Oncological outcome of this CC cohort was compared to a historical cohort (HC) of 98 patients treated before the CC was implemented.ResultsMedian follow-up time was 4.5 and 4.8 years in the CC and HC cohorts, respectively. In the CC cohort, a total of 72 of 103 patients (70%) had a pathological risk profile that allowed for further compartmentalization and, hence, received a reduced treatment volume or omission of PORT altogether. Loco-regional control at 3 and 5 years was 77% and 73% in the CC cohort versus 78% and 73% in the HC (p = 0.93), progression-free survival was 72% and 64% versus75% and 68% (p = 0.58), respectively. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was seen in other outcome measures.ConclusionsDe-intensified PORT limiting the treatment volume to the at-risk compartment or avoiding PORT altogether for low-risk patients with OCSCC does not seem to compromise disease control in this retrospective comparison. Based on these hypothesis-generating findings, a prospective study is being planned.
Kinetic modeling of the plasma pharmacokinetic profiles of ADAMTS13 fragment and its Fc-fusion counterpart in mice
Authors: Kwak Heechun , Kim Min-Soo , Kim Suyong , Kim Jiyoung , Aoki Yasunori , Chung Suk-Jae , Nam Hyun-Ja , Lee Wooin 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Fusion of the fragment crystallizable (Fc) to protein therapeutics is commonly used to extend the circulation time by enhancing neonatal Fc-receptor (FcRn)-mediated endosomal recycling and slowing renal clearance. This study applied kinetic modeling to gain insights into the cellular processing contributing to the observed pharmacokinetic (PK) differences between the novel recombinant ADAMTS13 fragment (MDTCS) and its Fc-fusion protein (MDTCS-Fc).Methods: For MDTCS and MDTCS-Fc, their plasma PK profiles were obtained at two dose levels following intravenous administration of the respective proteins to mice. The plasma PK profiles of MDTCS were fitted to a kinetic model with three unknown protein-dependent parameters representing the fraction recycled (FR) and the rate constants for endocytosis (kup, for the uptake into the endosomes) and for the transfer from the plasma to the interstitial fluid (kpi). For MDTCS-Fc, the model was modified to include an additional parameter for binding to FcRn. Parameter optimization was done using the Cluster Gauss-Newton Method (CGNM), an algorithm that identifies multiple sets of approximate solutions (“accepted” parameter sets) to nonlinear least-squares problems.Results: As expected, the kinetic modeling results yielded the FR of MDTCS-Fc to be 2.8-fold greater than that of MDTCS (0.8497 and 0.3061, respectively). In addition, MDTCS-Fc was predicted to undergo endocytosis (the uptake into the endosomes) at a slower rate than MDTCS. Sensitivity analyses identified the association rate constant (kon) between MDTCS-Fc and FcRn as a potentially important factor influencing the plasma half-life in vivo.Discussion: Our analyses suggested that Fc fusion to MDTCS leads to changes in not only the FR but also the uptake into the endosomes, impacting the systemic plasma PK profiles. These findings may be used to develop recombinant protein therapeutics with extended circulation time.
Exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) at Nigeria's petrol stations: a review of current status, challenges and future directions
Authors: Anigilaje Emmanuel Ademola , Nasir Zaheer Ahmad , Walton Christopher 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIn Nigeria, because of increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, and auto-mobilization, petrol is the most everyday non-edible commodity, and it is the leading petroleum product traded at the proliferating Nigeria's petrol stations (NPSs). However, because of inadequate occupational health and safety (OHS) regulatory measures, working at NPSs exposes petrol station workers (PSWs) to a large amount of hazardous benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds.MethodsStudies on BTEX exposures among Nigerian PSWs are scarce. Thus, constraints in quantifying the health risks of BTEX limit stakeholders' ability to design practical risk assessment and risk control strategies. This paper reviews studies on the OHS of Nigerian PSWs at the NPSs.ResultsAlthough knowledge, attitude, and practices on OHS in NPSs vary from one Nigeria's study setting to another, generally, safety practices, awareness about hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use of PPE among PSWs fell below expectations. Additionally, air quality at NPSs was poor, with a high content of BTEX and levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde higher than the World Health Organization guideline limits.DiscussionCurrently, regulatory bodies' effectiveness and accountability in safeguarding OHS at NPSs leave much to be desired. Understanding the OHS of NPSs would inform future initiatives, policies, and regulations that would promote the health and safety of workers at NPSs. However, further studies need to be conducted to describe the vulnerability of PSWs and other Nigerians who are occupationally exposed to BTEX pollution. More importantly, controlling air pollution from hazardous air pollutants like BTEX is an essential component of OHS and integral to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, 7, and 11.
Profiles in neglect of older adult care workers in a long-term care facility: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Yan Chang , Wang Caili , Ding Xinshu , Sun Lefei , Gao Wei , Liu Deshan 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundNeglect is a common form of abuse, and long-term care facilities record higher incidences of this abuse. Given that older adult care workers are the main workforce in these facilities, their neglectful behavior requires public health attention. Internal individual characteristics can lead to older adult abuse, and managing workers who abuse older adults may require various methods. This study aimed to identify the profiles of neglect among older adult care workers in long-term care facilities and explore the influencing factors of neglect.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of older adult care workers from 15 long-term care facilities in Shandong Province (N = 421) completed a questionnaire on the characteristics associated with neglect. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct neglect profiles and promote the understanding of individual characteristics associated with varying levels of neglect. One-way analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the population characteristic differences.ResultsOlder adult care workers exhibited three neglect profiles, namely, the “low-risk group,” “medium-risk group,” and “high-risk group.” Males, participants with no employment qualification certificate, and those who did not attend regular training represented the majority of those in the “high-risk group.” Participants with a monthly income of more than ¥ 4,000 and nursing 1–2 older adults simultaneously represented the majority of those in the “low-risk group.”ConclusionLong-term care facility administrators should tailor interventions to individual care worker profiles to reduce neglect behaviors and improve care levels.
Phthalate Exposure and Neurotoxicity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Antoniou Evangelia E. , Otter Rainer 
Published: March 2024

Objectives: This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between prenatal and childhood exposure to phthalates and neurodevelopmental outcomes, identifying periods of heightened susceptibility. Data sources considered studies examining repeated phthalate exposure during pregnancy and childhood on neurodevelopment.Methods: Evaluation included bias risk and study quality criteria. Evidence was synthesized by groups of low and high phthalate molecular weight and exposure measured prenatally and postnatally and outcome measured in childhood. Beta coefficients and their standard errors were extracted, leading to meta-analyses of various neurodevelopmental outcomes: cognition, motor skills, language, behavior, and temperament.Results: Eleven pregnancy and birth cohort studies were identified as relevant. For each phthalate group and outcome combination, there was low or very low evidence of an association, except for prenatal and postnatal phthalate exposure and behavioral development and postnatal exposure and cognition.Conclusion: The estimated effects sizes were relatively small and strong evidence for periods of heightened susceptibility could not be elucidated. No distinction between phthalates of low molecular weight and those of high molecular weight with regards to the outcomes was found.