bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An industrialized diet as a determinant of methylation in the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene promoter
Authors: Vieira Tamires dos Santos , Freitas Flávia Vitorino , Silva Neto Luiz Cláudio Barreto , Borçoi Aline Ribeiro , Mendes Suzanny Oliveira , Olinda Amanda Sgrancio , Moreno Ivana Alece Arantes , Quaioto Bárbara Risse , de Souza Marcele Lorentz Mattos , Barbosa Wagner Miranda , Arpini Juliana Krüger , Sorroche Bruna Pereira , de Assis Pinheiro Julia , Archanjo Anderson Barros , dos Santos Joaquim Gasparini , Arantes Lidia Maria Rebolho Batista , de Oliveira Daniela Rodrigues , da Silva Adriana Madeira Alvares 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundDietary composition can modify gene expression, favoring the development of chronic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms.ObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NR3C1 gene methylation in users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS).MethodsWe recruited 250 adult volunteers and evaluated their socioeconomic status, psychosocial characteristics, lifestyle, and anthropometrics. Peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for cortisol levels, glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin resistance; methylation of CpGs 40–47 of the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene was also measured. Factors associated with degree of methylation were evaluated using generalized linear models (p &lt; 0.05). Lifestyle variables and health variables were included as confounding factors.ResultsThe findings of our cross-sectional study indicated an association between NR3C1 DNA methylation and intake of processed foods. We also observed relevant associations of average NR3C1 DNA across the segment analyzed, methylation in component 1 (40–43), and methylation in component 2 (44–47) with a pattern of consumption of industrialized products in relation to BMI, serum cortisol levels, and lipid profile. These results may indicate a relationship between methylation and metabolic changes related to the stress response.ConclusionThese findings suggest an association of methylation and metabolic alterations with stress response. In addition, the present study highlights the significant role of diet quality as a stress-inducing factor that influences NR3C1 methylation. This relationship is further linked to changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle choices, and cardiometabolic variables, including glucose levels, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.
Genetic ancestry and radical prostatectomy findings in Hispanic/Latino patients
Authors: Acosta-Vega Natalia L. , Varela Rodolfo , Mesa Jorge Andrés , Garai Jone , Gómez-Gutiérrez Alberto , Serrano-Gómez Silvia J. , Zabaleta Jovanny , Sanabria-Salas María Carolina , Combita Alba L. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAfrican ancestry is a known factor associated with the presentation and aggressiveness of prostate cancer (PC). Hispanic/Latino populations exhibit varying degrees of genetic admixture across Latin American countries, leading to diverse levels of African ancestry. However, it remains unclear whether genetic ancestry plays a role in the aggressiveness of PC in Hispanic/Latino patients. We explored the associations between genetic ancestry and the clinicopathological data in Hispanic/Latino PC patients from Colombia.Patients and methodsWe estimated the European, Indigenous and African genetic ancestry, of 230 Colombian patients with localized/regionally advanced PC through a validated panel for genotypification of 106 Ancestry Informative Markers. We examined the associations of the genetic ancestry components with the Gleason Grade Groups (GG) and the clinicopathological characteristics.ResultsNo association was observed between the genetic ancestry with the biochemical recurrence or Gleason GG; however, in a two groups comparison, there were statistically significant differences between GG3 and GG4/GG5 for European ancestry, with a higher mean ancestry proportion in GG4/GG5. A lower risk of being diagnosed at an advanced age was observed for patients with high African ancestry than those with low African ancestry patients (OR: 0.96, CI: 0.92-0.99, p=0.03).ConclusionOur findings revealed an increased risk of presentation of PC at an earlier age in patients with higher African ancestry compared to patients with lower African ancestry in our Hispanic/Latino patients.
Analysis of the treatment and prognosis of 266 cases of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type in a single medical center
Authors: Yang Lei , Wei Liqiang , Li Xin , Cong Jia , Ye Jin , Yao Na , Yang Jing , Wang Liang , Wang Jingwen 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of different treatment strategies and risk factors on the prognosis of patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) in a single medical center.Methods and analysisThe clinical features of 266 patients with ENKTL were retrospectively analyzed, among whom those in stages I and II received sandwich therapy, while those in stages III and IV underwent chemotherapy plus autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The Kaplan–Meier curves, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed for survival and prognosis analysis. Statistical significance was set at P&lt;0.05.ResultsFollowing treatment, the post-intervention outcomes demonstrated a complete remission (CR) rate of 71.05% and a partial remission (PR) rate of 3.76%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 70.4% and 70.9%, respectively. In addition, the PFS for patients in stage I/II was 79.8%, with an OS of 81.1%, whereas for those in stage III/IV, the PFS was 41.7% and the OS was 40.9%. Notably, the achievement of CR immediately after treatment was an independent prognostic factor (P&lt;0.001). Patients in stage I/II depicted a favorable 5-year OS rate, while those in stage III/IV manifested a less favorable prognosis.ConclusionStages of the disease and whether CR was achieved following treatment are important factors determining the survival and prognosis of patients with ENKTL. Further researches focusing on disease onset and mechanisms of drug resistance will contribute to better management of ENKTL.
Risk factors associated with false negative rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Meng-si , Qiu Ke-xin , Wang Dong-yue , Wang Hao , Zhang Wei-wei , Yan Li 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveCurrently, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is increasingly used in endometrial cancer, but the rate of missed metastatic lymph nodes compared to systemic lymph node dissection has been a concern. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the false negative rate (FNR) of SLNB in patients with endometrial cancer and to explore the risk factors associated with this FNR.Data sourcesThree databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) were searched from initial database build to January 2023 by two independent reviewers.Research eligibility criteriaStudies were included if they included 10 or more women diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I or higher endometrial cancer, the study technique used sentinel lymph node localization biopsy, and the reported outcome metrics included false negative and/or FNR.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsTwo authors independently reviewed the abstracts and full articles. The FNR and factors associated with FNR were synthesized through random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression.The resultsWe identified 62 eligible studies. The overall FNR for the 62 articles was 4% (95% CL 3-5).There was no significant difference in the FNR in patients with high-risk endometrial cancer compared to patients with low-risk endometrial cancer. There was no difference in the FNR for whether frozen sections were used intraoperatively. The type of dye used intraoperatively (indocyanine green/blue dye) were not significantly associated with the false negative rate. Cervical injection reduced the FNR compared with alternative injection techniques. Indocyanine green reduced the FNR compared with alternative Tc-99m. Postoperative pathologic ultrastaging reduced the FNR.ConclusionsAlternative injection techniques (other than the cervix), Tc-99m dye tracer, and the absence of postoperative pathologic ultrastaging are risk factors for a high FNR in endometrial cancer patients who undergo SLNB; therefore, we should be vigilant for missed diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes after SLNB in such populations.Systematic review registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023433637.
Effect of molecular hydrogen, a novelly-established antioxidant, on the retinal degeneration of hereditary retinitis pigmentosa: an in-vivo study
Authors: Yan Weiming , He Qiurui , Long Pan , Chen Tao , Zhang Lei , Wang Haiyan 
Published: April 2024

Objective Our research was performed in order to explore the effects of molecular hydrogen (H2), a novelly-established antioxidant, on the retinal degeneration in rd1 mice, an animal model of inherited retinitis pigmentosa (RP).Methods The rd1 mice were divided randomly into control and H2 intervention groups. Mice from other groups received H2 intervention in three modes, two modes of the hydrogen gas (HG) and one model of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS). At 14 days post born (P14) and P21, various indicators were detected in all mice, including eletroretinogram (ERG), fundus phography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and retinal immunotaining of microglia cells’ marker, Iba1.Results The ERG amplitude in mice from the control and H2 intervention groups showed no statistical differences (p &gt; 0.05). At P14 and P21, no significant difference in the distance from the retinal pigment epithelium to the outer plexiform layer on OCT from mice of the above two groups was found (p &gt; 0.05). The thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) in mice at P14 and P21 showed no statistical differences between the control group and the H2 intervention group (p &gt; 0.05). In the aspect of the number of Iba1-positive cells, we did not found any significant differences between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05).Conclusion Different forms of H2 intervention (hydrogen-rich saline and hydrogen gas) had no obvious effects on the course of retinal degeneration in rd1 mice. The specific mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration in the hereditary RP mouse model may be different, requiring different medical interventions.
Salvia miltiorrhiza ameliorates endometritis in dairy cows by relieving inflammation, energy deficiency and blood stasis
Authors: Tian Shiyang , Liu Tianyi , Jiang Jingwei , Zhao Xiting , Fan Yunpeng , Zhang Weimin , Ma Wuren , Guo Tingting , Wang Weiling , Liu Yingqiu 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: According to traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, endometritis is caused by a combination of Qi deficiency, blood stasis, and external evil invasion. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional Chinese medicine that counteracts blood stasis and has additional demonstrated effects in boosting energy and restraining inflammation. Salvia miltiorrhiza has been employed in many traditional Chinese prescriptions that have proven effective in healing clinical dairy cow endometritis.Methods: the in vivo effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza in treating endometritis was evaluated in dairy cows. In addition, bovine endometrial epithelium cell inflammation and rat blood stasis models were employed to demonstrate the crosstalk between energy, blood circulation and inflammation. Network analysis, western blotting, qRT-PCR and ELISA were performed to investigate the molecular mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza in endometritis treatment.Results: The results demonstrate that treatment with Salvia miltiorrhiza relieves uterine inflammation, increases blood ATP concentrations, and prolongs blood clotting times. Four of the six Salvia miltiorrhiza main components (SMMCs) (tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid B) were effective in reversing decreased ATP and increased IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in an in vitro endometritis model, indicating their abilities to ameliorate the negative energy balance and external evil invasion effects of endometritis. Furthermore, in a blood stasis rat model, inflammatory responses were induced in the absence of external infection; and all six SMMCs inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Network analysis of SMMC targets predicted that Salvia miltiorrhiza may mediate anti-inflammation via the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway; anti-aggregation via the Platelet activation pathway; and energy balance via the Thermogenesis and AMPK signaling pathways. Multiple molecular targets within these pathways were verified to be inhibited by SMMCs, including P38/ERK-AP1, a key molecular signal that may mediate the crosstalk between inflammation, energy deficiency and blood stasis.Conclusion: These results provide mechanistic understanding of the therapeutic effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza for endometritis achieved through Qi deficiency, blood stasis, and external evil invasion.
Discovery of a novel natural compound, vitekwangin B, with ANO1 protein reduction properties and anticancer potential
Authors: Seo Yohan , Lee Sion , Kim Minuk , Kim Dongguk , Jeong Sung Baek , Das Raju , Sultana Armin , Park SeonJu , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Huong Phan Thi Thanh , Kwon Oh-Bin , Namkung Wan , Woo Joohan 
Published: April 2024

Background: Prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present significant challenges in the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Hormone therapies for prostate cancer target androgen receptors and prostate-specific antigen markers. However, treatment options for prostatic small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma are limited. NSCLC, on the other hand, is primarily treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors but exhibits resistance. This study explored a novel therapeutic approach by investigating the potential anticancer properties of vitekwangin B, a natural compound derived from Vitex trifolia.Methods: Vitekwangin B was chromatographically isolated from the fruits of V. trifolia. ANO1 protein levels in prostate cancer and NSCLC cells were verified and evaluated again after vitekwangin B treatment.Results: Vitekwangin B did not inhibit anoctamin1 (ANO1) channel function but significantly reduced ANO1 protein levels. These results demonstrate that vitekwangin B effectively inhibited cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in prostate cancer and NSCLC cells. Moreover, it exhibited minimal toxicity to liver cells and did not affect hERG channel activity, making it a promising candidate for further development as an anticancer drug.Conclusion: Vitekwangin B may offer a new direction for cancer therapy by targeting ANO1 protein, potentially improving treatment outcomes in patients with prostate cancer and NSCLC. Further research is needed to explore its full potential and overcome existing drug resistance challenges.
Attitudes of Black American Christian church leaders toward Opioid Use Disorder, overdoses, and harm reduction: a qualitative study
Authors: Dankwah Akosua B. , Siegrist Richard B. , Wilson Ira B. , McKenzie Michelle , Rich Josiah D. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionBlack American Christian church leaders are trusted community members and can be invaluable leaders and planners, listeners, and counselors for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) sufferers in the opioid overdose crisis disproportionately affecting the Black community. This qualitative study examines the extent to which the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs of Black American church leaders support medical and harm reduction interventions for people with OUD.MethodsA semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews of 30 Black Rhode Island church leaders recruited by convenience and snowball sampling.ResultsThematic analysis of the interviews identified four themes: Church leaders are empathetic and knowledgeable, believe that hopelessness and inequity are OUD risk factors, are committed to helping people flourish beyond staying alive, and welcome collaborations between church and state.ConclusionBlack American Christian church leaders are a critical resource in providing innovative and culturally sensitive strategies in the opioid overdose crisis affecting the Black American communities. As such, their views should be carefully considered in OUD policies, collaborations, and interventions in the Black American community.
Zoo professionals and volunteers in the U.S: experiences and prevalence of burnout, mental health, and animal loss
Authors: McDonald Shelby E. , Kogan Lori R. , Nageotte Nichole L. , Currin-McCulloch Jennifer , Dickler-Mann Rachel 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionBurnout and mental health among animal care and health professionals (ACHPs) has received increasing attention in recent years. Despite rapid growth of research in this area, the wellbeing of individuals who work and/or volunteer in zoo settings has received minimal attention.MethodAn anonymous online survey was created to evaluate zoo staff and volunteers’ experiences of animal-related loss, rates of professional fulfillment and burnout, mental health, perceived organizational support, and resilience. Participants included 1695 zoo professionals (72% ACHPs, 20% other staff) and volunteers (7%) who were recruited through relevant professional listservs and online platforms, and flyers on zoo grounds.ResultsACHPs reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout and lower levels of professional fulfillment than other zoo staff and volunteers. The most common animal-related losses experienced by ACHPs in the past year were unexpected death (80%) and anticipated loss (74%), with more than half of these losses occurring within the past 3 months. ACHPs’ reported bond with animals under their care was positively associated with depression and anxiety. Having a formal ritual or process following the death of an animal was positively associated with job fulfillment and perceived organizational support and negatively associated with depression and burnout—yet only 17% of participants in our sample indicated that their zoo had such a process or ritual.DiscussionOur findings suggest that many ACHPs are struggling with burnout, anxiety, depression, and low rates of professional fulfilment and perceived organizational support. We recommend that zoos develop organizational plans that foster a culture which normalizes and validates grief/loss experiences and is proactive in responding to animal loss, related trauma, and other occupational stressors. The results of this research demonstrate the need for systemic changes within the zoo industry, for the betterment and welfare of both humans and the animals under their care.
Spatial mapping and predictors of ever-tested for HIV in adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia
Authors: Shimbre Mulugeta Shegaze , Tunja Abayneh , Bodicha Belay Boda , Belete Abebe Gedefaw , Hailgebereal Samuel , Fornah Lovel , Ma Wei 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAdolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are expected to be healthy in life. However, the unique health challenges faced by AGYW include unsafe sex practices and substance abuse. Only 46.3% of AGYW in Africa are aware of their HIV status, and difficulties are underlined in HIV testing among adolescents and young people. To demarcate the areas with low and high HIV testing, this study aimed to map predictors of ever-tested for HIV among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia.MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted using the dataset from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EHDS). We conducted spatial autocorrelation and Moran's I statistics to investigate the regional variance of HIV being ever-tested in AGYW. In addition, spatial regression analyses such as ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were carried out to determine the predictors of being ever-tested for HIV among AGYW.ResultsAddis Ababa, some parts of Amhara, Dire Dawa, Gambela, and Tigray were the primary regions and city administrations for being ever-tested for HIV among AGYW. A lesser proportion of AGYW being ever-tested for HIV was found in Somalia, Afar, Benshangul Gumuz, and southern nations. Spatial regression analyses identified an age range of 15–19 years, being Muslim, having no formal education, having no knowledge about HIV, and experiencing severe stigma as predictors of being ever-tested for HIV among AGYW.ConclusionThe proportion of AGYW being ever-tested for HIV was high in Addis Ababa, some parts of Amhara, Dire Dawa, Gambela, and Tigray. Spatial regression analyses identified that AGYW aged 15–19 years, having no formal education, having no knowledge about HIV, and experiencing severe community stigma as predictors negatively affecting the proportion of being ever-tested for HIV, while being Muslim was a predictor that positively affected the proportion of being ever-tested for HIV. The governments and other stakeholders should focus on increasing HIV testing among these special groups of the population.
Comparing multimodal physiological responses to social and physical pain in healthy participants
Authors: Jang Eun-Hye , Eum Young-Ji , Yoon Daesub , Sohn Jin-Hun , Byun Sangwon 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundPrevious physiology-driven pain studies focused on examining the presence or intensity of physical pain. However, people experience various types of pain, including social pain, which induces negative mood; emotional distress; and neural activities associated with physical pain. In particular, comparison of autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses between social and physical pain in healthy adults has not been well demonstrated.MethodsWe explored the ANS responses induced by two types of pain—social pain, associated with a loss of social ties; and physical pain, caused by a pressure cuff—based on multimodal physiological signals. Seventy-three healthy individuals (46 women; mean age = 20.67 ± 3.27 years) participated. Behavioral responses were assessed to determine their sensitivity to pain stimuli. Electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, photoplethysmogram, respiration, and finger temperature (FT) were measured, and 12 features were extracted from these signals.ResultsSocial pain induced increased heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) and decreased blood volume pulse (BVP), pulse transit time (PTT), respiration rate (RR), and FT, suggesting a heterogeneous pattern of sympathetic–parasympathetic coactivation. Moreover, physical pain induced increased heart rate variability (HRV) and SC, decreased BVP and PTT, and resulted in no change in FT, indicating sympathetic-adrenal-medullary activation and peripheral vasoconstriction.ConclusionThese results suggest that changes in HR, HRV indices, RR, and FT can serve as markers for differentiating physiological responses to social and physical pain stimuli.