bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Compound Kushen Injection Against Radiation- induced Pneumonitis in Mice
Authors: Xu Ting , Chakraborty Sharmistha , Wei Daoyan , Tran Megan , Rhea Robyn , Wei Bo , Nguyen Phuong , Gagea Mihai , Cohen Lorenzo , Liao Zhongxing , Yang Peiying 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) via inflammation is a common adverse effect of thoracic radiation that negatively impacts patient quality of life and survival. Compound kushen injection (CKI), a botanical drug treatment, was examined for its ability to reduce RILI, and inflammatory responses and improve survival in mice exposed total lung irradiation (TLI). CKI’s specific mechanisms of action were also evaluated.
Methods
C3H mice underwent TLI and were treated with CKI (2, 4, or 8 mL/kg) intraperitoneally once a day for 8 weeks. The effects of CKI on survival were estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and compared by log-rank test. RILI damage was evaluated by histopathology and micro-computed tomography (CT). Inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase metabolites were examined by IHC staining, western blot, and ELISA.
Results
Pre-irradiation treatment with 4 or 8 mL/kg CKI starting 2 weeks before TLI or concurrent treatment with 8 mL/kg CKI were associated with a significantly longer survival compared with TLI vehicle-treated group (P < 0.05). Micro-CT images evaluations showed that concurrent treatment with 8 mL/kg CKI was associated with significantly lower incidence of RILI (P < 0.05). Histological evaluations revealed that concurrent TLI treatment of CKI (4 and 8 mL/kg) significantly reduced lung inflammation (p < 0.05). Mechanistic investigation showed that at 72 hours after radiation, TLI plus vehicle mice had significantly elevated serum IL6, IL17A, and TGF-β levels compared with non-irradiated, age-matched normal mice; in contrast, levels of these cytokines in mice that received TLI plus CKI treatment were lower than those in the TLI plus vehicle-treated mice (P < 0.05) and similar to the nonirradiated mice. IHC staining showed that the CKI treatment led to a reduction of TGF-β positive cells in the lung tissues of TLI mice (P < 0.01). The concurrent CKI with TLI treatment group had a significant reduction in COX-2 activity and COX-2 metabolites compared with the TLI vehicle-treated group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
These data suggest that CKI treatment was associated with reduced radiation-induced inflammation in lung tissues, reduced RILI, and improved survival. Further investigation of CKI in human clinical trials as a potential radioprotector against RILI to improve patients’ quality of life and survival is warranted.
Causal association between cathepsins and bone mineral density : univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: zhang yunhui , Yang Jing-Yan , Wu Jun-De , Wang Ying , Chen Shao-Jia , Mo Xing-Jing , Guo Hui , zhu Rui-Zheng , Chen Zhao-Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) is one of the criteria for assessing osteoporosis, and the mechanisms of its change are complex. However, cathepsins can intervene in the onset and progression of osteoporosis. Previous researchers have found an association between cathepsin K and BMD in middle-aged and older people. However, the association between the cathepsin family and other lifecycle BMD remains uncertain.
Method: We first performed univariateMendelian randomisation (MR) analysis to explore potential the association between eight cathepsins and five lifecycle BMD. Next, reverse MR was used to analyze the causality between five lifecycle BMD and each cathepsin. Finally, we used multivariate MR to analyze potential associationbetween multiple cathepsins and five lifecycle BMD. Analysis method uses inverse variance weighting (IVW) to assess causal associations. The weighted median method (WME) and MR-Egger regression were taken as the supplementary note. In addition, sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of this result.
Result: The results of IVW by univariate MR analysis showed that histone enzyme Z was a unfavourable protein for BMD in people aged 60 over years of age (IVW: OR=0.95, 95%Cl=0.92-0.99, P=0.03). In people aged 45-60 years, cathepsin H was a risk protein for BMD (IVW: OR =0.97, 95%Cl =0.94-0.99, P=0.04). The remaining cathepsins showed no associations associated with BMD at different life stages. The IVW results of multivariate MR analysis showed that after adjusting for other cathepsins, cathepsin Z was still negatively correlated with BMD in people aged 60 over years (IVW: OR=0.96, 95%Cl=0.92-1.00, P=0.01). Cathepsin H had no correlated with BMD in people aged 45-60 years (IVW: OR=0.97, 95%Cl=0.93-1.00, P=0.06). The results of IVW in the reverse MR analysis showed no association between cathepsins and BMD at different life stages. The results of the sensitivity analyses of the three analytical methods described above indicate the existence of a robust causal relationship.
Conclusions: High content of histone enzyme Z may increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in people over the age of 60. This finding may not only improve the accuracy of BMD and cathepsin K in predicting and screening for osteoporosis, but may also provide a potential new avenue for effective treatment of osteoporosis.
Macrophages recycle phagocytosed bacteria to fuel immunometabolic responses
Authors: garaude johan , Lesbats Juliette , Brillac Aurélia , Haines Julie , Mukherjee Parnika , Fernández-Monreal Mónica , Dupuy Jean-Wiliam , Tioli Gaia , Calle Celia De La , Pinson Benoit , Wendisch Daniel , ROUSSEAU Benoit , Efeyan Alejo , D'Alessandro Angelo , Sander Leif 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Macrophages specialize in phagocytosis, a cellular process that eliminates extracellular matter, including microbes, through internalization and degradation. Despite the critical role of phagocytosis during bacterial infection, the fate of phagocytosed microbial cargo and its impact on host cell is poorly understood. Here, we reveal that ingested bacteria constitute an alternative nutrient source that skews immunometabolic host responses. Tracing stable isotope-labelled bacteria, we found that phagolysosomal degradation of bacteria provides carbon atoms and amino acids that are recycled into various metabolic pathways, including glutathione and itaconate biosynthesis, and satisfy macrophage bioenergetic needs. Metabolic recycling of microbially-derived nutrients is regulated by the nutrient sensing mTORC1 and intricately tied to microbial viability. Dead bacteria, as opposed to live ones, sustain the cellular adenosine monophosphate (AMP) pool and subsequently activate AMP protein kinase (AMPK) to inhibit mTORC1. Consequently, killed bacteria strongly fuel metabolic recycling, but elicit decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a reduced IL-1β secretion compared to viable bacteria. These results reveal a novel insight into the fate of engulfed microbes and highlights a microbial viability-associated metabolite that triggers host metabolic and immune responses. Our findings hold promise for shaping immunometabolic intervention in various immune-related pathologies.
Falling Further Behind: Explaining the Contribution of Post-Secondary Education to the Growth of the Indigenous Income Gap
Authors: Mongeon Kevin , Dubois Janique 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Over the past twenty-five years, Canadian federal discourse has increasingly recognized the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. While the data reveal widespread improvements in Indigenous socioeconomic outcomes, these successes are overshadowed by the reality that Indigenous people continue to lag behind non-Indigenous Canadians on many socioeconomic metrics. Our study aims to better understand the factors that contribute to the ongoing growth of the Indigenous income gap and focuses specifically on the contribution of post-secondary education to the growth of this gap. Using the 2018 National Graduate Survey, we find that the income gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians continues to grow even when we account for equivalent levels of educational attainment. Our results have significant implications for policies, namely related to student loans, university education, and family composition. We ultimately conclude that assessing the effectiveness of policies in targeting the growth of the gap requires a more comprehensive and contextualized understanding of their impact in the everyday lives of Indigenous peoples.
Effects of fungicide treatments on mycorrhizal communities and carbon acquisition in mixotrophic plants, Pyrola japonica (Ericaceae)
Authors: Sakae Kohtaro , Kawai Shosei , Kitagami Yudai , Matsuo Naoko , Selosse Marc-André , Tanikawa Toko , Matsuda Yosuke 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Pyrola japonica, an Ericaceae, is a mixotroph growing on forest floors, obtaining carbon (C) from both photosynthetic and root-associated mycorrhizal fungal pathways. The mycorrhizal community structures of the plant are well characterised and are dominated by Russulaceae fungi. However, the mechanism of its C acquisition is not well understood. The aim of this study was to identify mycorrhizal fungal communities that are directly involved in C acquisition. We repeatedly applied a fungicide (Benomyl) solution to soils around P. japonica plants in a broad-leaved forest in central Japan to disturb fungal associations near their roots. After fungicide treatment, P. japonica roots were collected and subjected to next-generation sequencing, focusing on the ITS2 region, to infer taxonomic identities. The leaves and seeds of the plants were analysed for C stable isotope ratios. The rate of mycorrhizal formations and α-diversity did not significantly change by the fungicide treatments. Irrespective of the treatments, more than 80% of the detected mycorrhizal taxa were assigned to Russulaceae. For δ13C values, leaves and seeds in the fungicide were significantly lower than those of the other treatments. Our results suggest that the fungicide did not affect mycorrhizal communities, but likely disturbed mycorrhizal fungal pathways via extraradical hyphae, which may result in a relative increase in its own photosynthetic pathways.
Nuclear-based labeling of cellular immunotherapies: a simple protocol for preclinical use
Authors: Volpe Alessia , Lyashchenko Serge K. , Ponomarev Vladimir 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Labeling and tracking existing and emerging cell-based immunotherapies using nuclear imaging is widely used to guide the preclinical phases of development and testing of existing and new emerging off-the-shelf cell-based immunotherapies. In fact, advancing our knowledge about their mechanism of action and limitations could provide preclinical support and justification for moving towards clinical experimentation of newly generated products and expedite their approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here we provide the reader with a ready to use protocol describing the labeling methodologies and practical procedures to render different candidate cell therapies in vivo traceable by nuclear-based imaging. The protocol includes sufficient practical details to aid researchers at all career stages and from different fields in familiarizing with the described concepts and incorporating them into their work.
Surgical Marker Navigation System in Breast Conserving Surgery and Excision of Non-palpable Lesions: First Spanish Single-Center Experience
Authors: Valenciano Ángela Santana , Fidalgo Sonia Rivas , Moreno Sara Corral , Medina Verónica Gamero , Blanco Carmen Martín , Izquierdo César Barsen Pérez , Mateos Antonio Mena , Montero Jacobo Cabañas , Cebrián José María Fernández 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Due to the establishment of screening mammography for breast cancer detection, the number of non-palpable lesions has increased. Thus, an optimal localization system is mandatory for the excision of non-palpable breast tumors.
OBJECTIVE
the aim of the study is to report the feasibility Surgical Marker Navigation (SMN) system Sirius Pintuition® for the excision of non-palpable breast tumors and non-palpable axillary lymph nodes.
METHODS
A retrospective observational study of patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and lymph node excision guided by SMN between December 2022 and May 2023 was performed.
RESULTS
A total of 84 patients underwent excision of non-palpable breast tumors (77; 91,7%) or non-palpable axillary lymph-nodes (7; 8,3%) using SMN. In total, 94 markers were placed, in 74 patients (88.1%) only one marker was placed, whereas in 10 patients (11.9%) two markers were placed to correctly localize the lesion in the operating room. Most markers were placed using ultrasonographic guidance (69; 82.1%). Seventy-seven patients underwent breast-conserving surgery (91.7%) and 7 (8.3%) lymph node excision. In 10 cases (11.9%), the marker was accidentally displaced during surgery due to the use of magnetized instruments, although the specimen could be removed. In sum, all the markers were removed from the patients, although the marker retrieval rate, as we defined it (percentage of patients in whom the initial excised specimen contained the marker divided by the total number of patients), was 88,1%.
CONCLUSION
The use of Sirius Pintuition® SMN for non-palpable breast tumors and non-palpable lymph nodes is feasible, with an excellent retrieval rate.
Nomogram for predicting fast-track in cardiac surgery in adult patients
Authors: Dou Dou , Yuan Su , Jia Yuan , Li Wei , Bie Dongyun , Yan Haoqi , Wang Hongbai , Wang Wanyue , Yan Fuxia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Early extubation is a critical procedure for fast-track and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in cardiac surgery for adult patients. It might improve patients postoperative recovery. Many factors have been suggested and anesthetic management have improved, but early extubation remains a major challenge. This study aims to create a nomogram for prediction of early-extubation for cardiac surgery in adult patients.
Method
We reviewed medical records of 442 consecutive patients undergoing elective cardiac surgeries from April 2023 to July 2023. Factors for early extubation were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis and used to create a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) and calibration plots.
Result
We created nomogram of extubation within 6 hours and 8 hours. Age, pulmonary hypertension, rocuronium, operative time, and ejection fraction were identified as significantly associated factors that could be combined for accurate prediction of extubation within 6 hours. Age, pulmonary hypertension, preoperative aspartate aminotransferase (AST), rocuronium, dexmedetomidine, operative time, transfusions, and preoperative N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were identified as significantly associated factors that could be combined for accurate prediction of extubation within 8 hours. We created nomogram for early extubation by using these factors. The AUC of extubation within 6 hours was 0.795 and that of extubation within 8 hours was 0.734.
Conclusion
The nomogram could help for prediction of early extubation in elective cardiac surgery in adult patients.
Management of Post-appendectomy Abscesses in a Tertiary-care Children’s Hospital: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ermacora Simone Giovanni , Boscarelli Alessandro , Giangreco Manuela , Codrich Daniela , Scarpa Maria-Grazia , Pagliara Camilla , Guida Edoardo , Schleef Jurgen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Appendectomy is the most common surgical emergency that occurs in childhood and is typically performed to treat appendicitis. Nonetheless, postoperative complications remain common and the development of an intra-abdominal abscess is not an uncommon complication.
Materials and Methods
In this retrospective study, patient records of individuals under 18 years of age treated at our Pediatric Surgery Department for acute appendicitis and developed a post-operative abscess were examined. Examined data included demographic information and outcomes with particular attention to time at diagnosis of abscess after surgery, symptoms progression, biomarkers changes, abscess’ size, hospital length of stay, and treatment.
Results
Overall, thirteen children developed an abdominal post-appendectomy abscess as post-operative complication. Most patients had large-sized or multiple abscesses. The treatment was primarily performed with antibiotic therapy in the majority of cases, even though four patients required secondary surgical intervention. The success rate of the antibiotic treatment was about 70%, while that of the secondary surgical interventions was 100%. Median length of stay for patients experiencing post-operative complications was 7 days.
Conclusions
To improve the treatment of post-appendectomy abscesses in pediatric patients, implementing recent protocols for small and medium-sized abscesses should be considered. In addition, according to our experience, non-operative management can be initially attempted for large abscesses, followed by surgical drainage if no improvement is noted within 24–48 hours.
WITHDRAWN: The association between short-term exposure to PM1 and daily hospital admission and related expenditures in Beijing
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Chen Yan , Fan Wenhong , Lu Feng , Dong Zhaomin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution has been a leading environmental health threat throughout the world. PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1.0 µm, also known as PM1, has been implicated in the morbidity and mortality of several cardiorespiratory and cerebrovascular diseases. However, previous studies have mostly focused on analysing fine PM (PM2.5) associated disease metrics including emergency department visits and mortality. Here, using air pollution and hospital admission (HA) data in Beijing from 2015 to 2017, we performed a time-series analysis and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between short-term PM1 exposure and HA of all-cause, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory infection (RI) diseases. It was found that as per 10 µg/m3 increase of PM1 concentration, all-cause disease HA increased by 0.07% (95% CI: [0, 0.14%]) in Beijing during 2015–2017, while COPD and RI-related HA was not significantly associated with short-term PM1 exposure. We then estimated the attributable number of HA and hospital expenditure related to all-cause diseases. An average of 6644 (95% CI: [351, 12917]) cases of HA were found to be attributable to ambient PM1, which was estimated to associate with 106 (95% CI: [5.6, 207]) million CNY increase in hospital expenditure every year, accounting for 0.32% (95% CI: [0.02, 0.62%]) of the annual total expense. The findings reported here highlights the underlying impact of ambient PM pollution on health risks and economic burden to the society, which also indicates the need for further policy actions on public health.
Association between Fundamental Movement Skills and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity in Orphan Children with Severe Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Dandan , Wu Xueping 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
To examine the association between fundamental movement skills (FMS) and objectively measured physical activity (PA) among orphan children with severe intellectual disabilities (ID) residing in welfare institutions.
Methods
An institution-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from January 2019 and October 2020. A total of 267 children (180 boys and 87 girls) with severe ID from 12 cities’ welfare institutions in China were included. FMS was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-Second Edition (TGMD-2). PA was objectively measured by an Acti Graph GT3X + accelerometer. Multiple linear regression to examine associations between two FMS components (object control skills and locomotor skills) and PA (weekday and weekend day PA), separately.
Results
Children with severe ID living in welfare institutions displayed relatively low weekly PA, with mean moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA, > 4000 counts/min) of 33.29 (range: 16.43–59.86) minutes. Pearson correlation indicated that light PA (< 2,800 counts/min), MVPA, and total PA showed moderate but positive correlations with both locomotor skills (range: r = 0.359–0.433) and object control skills (range: r = 0.381–0.449). Regression analysis indicated that object control skills explained more of the total variance than locomotor skills for weekly light PA (β = 0.287 vs. β = 0.243, p < 0.05) and MVPA (β = 0.331 vs. β = .0292, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
FMS may predict participation in regular PA among children with severe ID, with object control skills more predictive than locomotor skills. Developing FMS in children with severe ID may be an important strategy for improving their PA levels.
Mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ischemic stroke by intervening ferroptosis pathway based on molecular target prediction and bioinformatics
Authors: WANG Changzhong , SUN Zijin , Wei ZHOU 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
The study employed bioinformatics, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics techniques to identify genes and targets involved in ischemic stroke through the ferroptosis pathway.
Methods
Gene data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and FerrDb platform were integrated and analyzed, resulting in 410 related genes. After differential analysis and RF algorithm sorting, nine key genes were identified, showing significant correlation with immune cells and inflammatory factors.
Results
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) components corresponding to these genes were screened using Symptom Mapping, yielding 445 TCMs and 1799 small molecule ligands. Molecular docking validated 10,850 active ingredient-target combinations, with ECH1-118705169 and ECH1-Kaempferol-3,7-O-bis-alpha-L-rhamnoside exhibiting stable binding in molecular dynamics simulations.
Conclusion
The study concluded a substantial correlation between ferroptosis and ischemic stroke, highlighting TCMs' role in regulating liver, lung, stomach, and spleen functions to interfere with ferroptosis. Notably, bitter and cold medicines, followed by sweet and warm products, play significant roles in heat clearing, detoxification, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation or inflammation. The stable binding of specific TCM components suggests further exploration of their molecular mechanisms. Overall, these findings serve as a valuable reference for developing curative strategies and advancing traditional Chinese medicine research.