bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Serum Metabolomic Profile in Patients with Schizophrenia, Cannabis Use Disorder or Dual diagnosis
Authors: Uriguen Leyre , Villate Aitor , Olivares Maitane , Usobiaga Aresatz , Unzueta-Larrinaga Paula , Barrena-Barbadillo Rocío , Callado Luis , Etxebarria Nestor 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cannabis use disorder occurs in up to 42% of subjects with schizophrenia. It has been associated with a lower age of onset of schizophrenia, more positive symptoms and a higher frequency of hospitalizations. A number of metabolomic-based studies have shown that levels of several amino acids and lipids are altered in plasma of schizophrenia patients. Similarly, different levels of various lipids, amino acids, sugars, proteins and other metabolites have been quantified in plasma of cannabis consumers, suggesting that consumption of cannabis does interfere in the regulation of further metabolic pathways. In the present study, we performed a non-targeted metabolomic approach in plasma samples of subjects with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, cannabis use disorder or dual diagnosis. The aim was to find potential biomarkers of the diseases and to gain a better understanding of the relation between cannabis abuse and the development of schizophrenia. The liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry outcomes allowed the annotation of 121 metabolites. The analysis between each group and the corresponding control samples showed a clearer clustering of the samples. The two-way ANOVA and linear analysis of the whole dataset showed that most of the analytes were differently present between the groups, but none of them seems to correlate to gender or age. It can be highlighted the presence of two endocannabinoids (palmitylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA)), nicotine and cotinine as biomarkers of tobacco consumption, and nor-9- carboxy-Δ9-THC as biomarker of the consumption of cannabis. Moreover, some medium chain acylcarnitines (C8/C10) share a common pattern in the three comparison groups whereas some N-acyl serines were also highlighted in some of the group comparisons. The use of this non-targeted metabolomic approach provided us a deep insight to evaluate the metabolomics profile and to uncover putative biomarkers in schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder.
Physiological and molecular comparison of oxidative stress responses in Oryza sativa and Aeluropus littoralis under salt stress condition
Authors: Fakhrfeshani Masoud , Zare-Mehrjerdi Mohammad , Akhar Fatemeh Keykha , Ahmadi Farajollah Shahriari , Niazi Ali , Moshtaghi Nasrin , Zarei Abdolkarim 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of NaCl on membrane stability, potassium (K+) to sodium (Na+) ratio, and the expression of stress-responsive genes in aerial and underground organs of O. sativa cv. IR64 and Aeluropus littoralis to shed more light on the salt stress adaptive mechanisms in the grass species towards the improvement of salt tolerance in rice. The expression of stress-responsive genes signified the importance of tissue-specific isoforms to circumvent the harmful effects of salinity. Among the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) showed a complete differential expression pattern in two species and its expression was induced in both organs of halophyte but was suppressed in IR64, suggesting it may function as a determining factor in salt adaptability differences in these two species. The cytoplasmic APX (cAPX) seems to be more effective than its peroxisomal counterpart (pAPX), confirming the specialized functions of subcellular isoforms in association with conferring salt tolerance in each species. In general, A. littoralis displayed a more coordinated function among different antioxidant genes, leading to a more elaborated adaptive mechanism to salinity stress in this halophyte, as evidenced by a higher K+/Na+ ratio and lower membrane permeability. The finding of this study provide relevant information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying salt adaptability in grasses and highlight the importance of some of the antioxidant enzymes in reducing the detrimental effects of high salt concentrations, which would be highly beneficial for utilization in crop improvement programs and incorporation of salt hardiness into elite rice cultivars.
SUMOylation of nuclear receptor Nor1/NR4A3 coordinates microtubule cytoskeletal dynamics and stability in neuronal cells
Authors: Gagnon Jonathan , Caron Véronique , Tremblay André 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background Nor1/NR4A3 is a member of the NR4A subfamily of nuclear receptors that play essential roles in regulating gene expression related to development, cell homeostasis and neurological functions. However, Nor1 is still considered an orphan receptor, as its natural ligand remains unclear for mediating transcriptional activation. Yet other activation signals may modulate Nor1 activity, although their precise role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system remains elusive.
Methods We used transcriptional reporter assays, gene expression profiling, protein turnover measurement, and cell growth assays to assess the functional relevance of Nor1 and SUMO-defective variants in neuronal cells. SUMO1 and SUMO2 conjugation to Nor1 were assessed by immunoprecipitation. Tubulin integrity was determined by acetylation and fractional compartmentalization.
Results Here, we demonstrate that Nor1 undergoes SUMO1 conjugation at Lys-89 contained in a canonical ψKxE SUMOylation motif, contributing to the complex pattern of Nor1 SUMOylation also including Lys-137. Disruption of Lys-89, preventing SUMO1 conjugation, led to reduced Nor1 transcriptional competence and protein stability, downregulating genes involved in cell growth and metabolism, such as ENO3, EN1, and CFLAR, and in microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics, including MAP2 and MAPT, thereby reducing the survival of neuronal cells. Interestingly, Lys-89 SUMOylation was potentiated in response to nocodazole, a microtubule depolymerizing drug, although this was insufficient to rescue cells from microtubule disruption despite enhanced Nor1 gene expression. Instead, Lys-89 deSUMOylation reduced the expression of microtubule-severing genes like KATNA1, SPAST, and FIGN, and enhanced a-tubulin acetylation and microfilament organization, promoting microtubule stability and resistance to nocodazole. These effects contrasted with Lys-137 SUMOylation, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms based on Nor1 input SUMOylation signals.
Conclusions This study provides novel insights into the transcriptional signaling competence and unexpected role of nuclear orphan receptor Nor1 in regulating neuronal cytoskeleton assembly. Our results outline a novel mechanism whereby selective Nor1 SUMOylation may govern cytoskeleton network resistance against microtubule disturbances, a condition strongly associated to neurodegenerative diseases.
Endoman 1.0 Trainer A Low-Cost Simulation Pedagogic Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Teaching Model for High, Middle and Low Resource Settings
Authors: Ajah Jonathan , Al-Ani Sami A , Delieu John , Al-Antary Noor , Stocker Claire Joanne , Mellor Duane Daniel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background:
Endoscopy is a crucial tool for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders but necessitates proper training for healthcare professionals. Regrettably, many low- and middle-income countries face limited access to such training due to high costs. This study shows the development, introduction, and preliminary evaluation of the Endoman Trainer 1.0, as a cost-efficient, Pedagogic Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Teaching Model that is trainer and trainee-friendly and designed to bridge the training gap in low, middle and high-income countries.
Methods:
Endoman 1.0 was conceptualized and developed using a five-step innovation process: 1) Idea generation, 2) Idea review and evaluation, 3) Proof-of-concept (or a pilot), 4) Full rollout and implementation, and 5) Adoption and benefits realization. The initial steps were undertaken at Aston Medical School, Birmingham and the implementation was evaluated at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London and the 2023 Annual General Meeting of Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain and Ireland through surveys using convenient sampling.
Results:
Data collected from step 4 shows the total respondents in the study (n = 18), the majority (66.66%, n = 12) were Doctors. Clarity of innovation displayed as a video to respondents was predominantly rated as very clear (72%, n = 13), with some finding it somewhat clear (17%, n = 3) and a few remaining neutral (11%, n = 2).
In relation to Endoman 1.0 relevance in improving access to endoscopy training in LMIC countries, 50% (n = 9) viewed the content as highly relevant, and 44% (n = 8) regarded it as relevant. The use of the industry-type snake camera in medical simulation was considered highly innovative by 50% (n = 9) and innovative by 44% (n = 8). Evaluating the feasibility of the trainer, 61% (n = 11) found it feasible for LMIC countries, with 28% (n = 5) rating it highly feasible. A majority i.e 72% (n = 13) anticipated the content would have a high impact on health outcomes, and 17% (n = 3) expected a very high impact.
Conclusion:
EndoMan 1.0 provides an affordable yet practical solution to enhance endoscopy training in resource-limited settings. Enamouring trainees with foundational skills expedites the learning for endoscopy. Its versatility in facilitating both classroom instruction and independent learning underscores its far-reaching educational impact.
Morphometric assessment for functional evaluation of coronary stenosis with intravascular ultrasound and ultrasonic flow ratio in vessel with single stenosis
Authors: Huang Yuming , Huang Lei , Zhang Minghua , Cai Anping , Chen Liansheng , Wu Quanmin , Jia Qianjun , Deng Huiliang , Hu Ziyang , Huang Meiping , Xie Nianjin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: The ultrasonic flow ratio(UFR) derived from morpho-functional computational method by IVUS image. UFR can identify the functional severity of coronary stenosis, but it is unclear whether UFR would improve diagnostic accuracy of IVUS in determining coronary stenosis hemodynamics in single-stenosis lesion.
Aim: The study investigatedthe diagnostic performance of intravascular ultrasound-derived parameters (IVUS) in identifying functionally significant coronary stenosis in a vessel with single stenosis.
Methods: 68 patients with 70vessels were enrolled in this single stenosis study, all vessels were performed with IVUSand Murray law based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR), and IVUSimages were used to perform UFR.
Results: UFR showed a good correlation with μQFR(r =0.87; p <0.001). With μQFRas the reference, the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of UFR was98.57%, 95%, 100%, 100.00% and 98%, respectively. With UFR/μQFRconcordance, lesion length, minimal lumen diameter (MLD), diameter stenosis (DS), and area stenosis (AS) in quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), minimal lumen area (MLA), plaque burden, and plaque volume in IVUS showed excellent diagnostic efficiency in determining the functional significance of coronary stenosis in a vessel with single stenosis. Multiple logistic regression models, including the lesion length and DS in QCA, and MLA in IVUS provided superior predictive efficacy for physiologically significant ischemia.
Conclusions: UFR has a good correlation with μQFR. IVUS derived parameters have excellent diagnostic efficiency in identifying the hemodynamic significance of coronary stenosis in a vessel with single stenosis.
Solving the Puzzle of the 1996 Biak, Indonesia Tsunami
Authors: Pandadaran Sidiq Hargo , Yanagisawa Hideaki , Shibazaki Bunichiro , Fujii Yushiro , Miyagi Toyohiko , Gold David Patrick 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
On February 17, 1996, an earthquake occurred northeast of Biak Island, Indonesia, and caused a tsunami. Interestingly, the southwest side of Biak Island, which was not facing the epicenter, had a higher tsunami runup than the facing side. In previous studies, it was assumed that the earthquake triggered submarine landslides. However, as no one has addressed this phenomenon, this remains an unsolved hypothesis. The tsunami arrival times obtained from local people’s testimonies were used to perform backward tsunami raytracing. Considering the raytracing results and multibeam topography, we found four submarine landslide candidates: three submarine landslides and one submarine landslide were located to the southwest and south of Biak Island, respectively. The results showed that the submarine landslide located at 135.624°E and 1.009°S with a length of 950 m, a width of 5000 m, and a thickness of about 75 m seems to explain the observed runup and arrival time. In previous studies, the fault parameters were determined without considering a submarine landslide event. As a result, the models could not explain the observed runup in the southwest coastal area of Biak Island. To tackle this problem, we propose an approach that combines a submarine landslide model and a modification of a previously proposed fault model. Our model explains the observed runup heights well; we obtained a geometric mean of 1.00 and a geometric standard deviation of 1.44.
Effects of glacial isostatic adjustment on fault reactivation and its consequences on radionuclide migration in crystalline host rocks
Authors: Kern Dominik , Magri Fabien , Malkovsky Victor , Steffen Holger , Nagel Thomas 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

To assess the robustness of a safety case for a deep geological repository (DGR), it is necessary to analyse a range of scenarios covering likely, less likely and hypothetical future developments.

Crystalline rock can, under ideal conditions, provide a suitable hydrogeologic barrier due to its extremely low matrix permeability.
However, this host rock is often fractured, which can compromise its HM barrier function. We quantify how faults that are prone to reactivation during glacial events can affect radionuclide migration around a DGR. We extend a previously developed finite element model of coupled fluid flow and radionuclide transport to numerically solve the component transport problem before and after fault reactivation.

Assuming that fault reactivation is triggered by changes in mechanical boundary conditions, we derive heterogeneous permeability distributions in the reactivated faults by evaluating the Coulomb failure stress criterion of finite element solutions of a complementary hydro-mechanical problem.
Specifically, we evaluate the consequences of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) during a glacial cycle.

We find that the increased permeability in the reactivated faults accelerates the migration of radionuclides along the fault by chanelling the flow, while it is reduced in the direction perpendicular to the fault. The channeling observed is also a result of heterogeneous permeability enhancement and the flow fields differ from those of the previous model which postulated a homogeneous permeability enhancement.

Although the proposed numerical workflow has been applied to the case of GIA, it can also be adapted to study hydro-mechanical processes induced by seismic events or by
hydrofracking in enhanced geothermal systems.
Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and associated risk factors in an informal settlement in Freetown, Sierra Leone: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kamara Ibrahim Franklyn , Tengbe Sia Morenike , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Nuwagira Innocent , Ali Desta Betula , Koroma Fanny F. , Kamara Rugiatu Z , Lakoh Sulaiman , Sesay Santigie , Russell James B. W. , Theobald Sally , Lyons Mary 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), especially hypertension and diabetes mellitus are on the increase in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Informal settlement dwellers exhibit a high prevalence of behavioural risk factors and are highly vulnerable to hypertension and diabetes. However, no study has assessed the prevalence of hypertension and high blood glucose levels among informal settlement dwellers in Sierra Leone. We conducted a study in June 2019 to determine the prevalence of hypertension, high blood glucose, and associated risk factors among adults living in the largest Sierra Leonean informal settlement (KrooBay).
Methods and materials
We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among adults aged ³ 35 years in the KrooBay community. Trained healthcare workers collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported health behaviours using the World Health Organization STEPwise surveillance questionnaire for chronic disease risk factors. Anthropometric, blood glucose, and blood pressure measurements were performed following standard procedures. Logistics regression was used for analysis and adjusted odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify risk factors associated with hypertension.
Results
Of the 418 participants, 242 (57%) were females and those below the age of 45 years accounted for over half (55.3%) of the participants. The prevalence of smoking was 18.2%, alcohol consumption was 18.8%, overweight was 28.2%, obesity was 17.9%, physical inactivity was 81.5%, and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was 99%. The prevalence of systolic hypertension was 34.2% (95% CI 29.6-38.8%), diastolic blood pressure was 39.9% (95% CI 35.2-44.6), and participants with high blood glucose were 2.2% (95% CI 0.7-3.6%). Being aged ≥ 55 years (AOR= 7.35, 95% CI 1.49-36.39)and >60 years (AOR 8.05; 95% CI 2.22-29.12), separated (AOR= 1.34; 95% 1.02 - 7.00), cohabitating (AOR= 6.68; 95% CL1.03-14.35), vocational (AOR =3.65; 95% CI 1.81-7.39 ) and having a university education (AOR=4.62; 95% CI 3.09-6.91) were found to be independently associated with hypertension.
Conclusion
The prevalence of hypertension, high blood glucose , and associated risk factors was high among the residents of the Kroobay informal settlement. There is an urgent need for the implementation of health education, promotion, and screening initiatives to reduce health risks so that these conditions will not overwhelm health services.
Age exacerbates the negative effect of depression on executive functioning in racial and ethnic minorities
Authors: Niu Zhimei , Haley Andreana , Clark Alexandra , Duarte Audrey 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Age and depression may interact to produce a “double jeopardy” for cognitive impairment, and executive functioning, in cognitively unimpaired aging. Few studies have considered middle age or the ethnoracial diversity of subjects, despite evidence of more severe cognitive outcomes in historically minoritized people. In this pilot study, we investigated the impact of age on depression-related cognitive impairment and the underlying brain volumes in middle-aged non-Hispanic White adults (116), and Hispanic and Black adults (60), with a total number of 176 adults. The result shows a significant interaction between age and depression for executive functioning, specifically for middle-aged Hispanic and Black adults, but not non-Hispanic White adults. Prefrontal cortex volumes, which were reduced in the Black and Hispanic compared to the non-Hispanic White adults, partially mediated the relationship between depression level and executive functioning, across age and ethnoracial group. Collectively, these results suggest that the negative impact of depression on executive functioning and Prefrontal cortex volumes integrity may be exacerbated by age and that historically minoritized people may be particularly sensitive to this double jeopardy.
Contextualizing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and Peer Support Service Provision in the Probation System with Implementation Science
Authors: Kang Augustine , Bailey Amelia , Napoleon Siena , Martin Rosemarie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is an evidence-based approach that reduces opioid-related mortality, particularly among criminal legal-involved persons who are at increased risk of adverse outcomes related to OUD. Implementing evidence-based approaches in the context of probation settings requires an in-depth understanding of specific contexts to improve intervention efficacy and effectiveness. Here, we use the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to understand implementation contexts for MOUD provision to the probation setting.
Methods
In-depth individual interviews were conducted with key programmatic stakeholders (treatment providers and probation staff involved in service provision for people on probation). The study examined stakeholder perspectives regarding MOUD and Peer Support Service (PSS) implementation among people who are involved in community supervision. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis was conducted, and subsequently the codes, subcodes, and themes were mapped onto the EPIS framework to better understand implementation contexts.
Results
We deduced key inner, outer, and bridging contexts that shape treatment service provision for individuals with OUD who are on probation. Inner contexts include a strong organizational climate that supports MOUD implementation and enthusiasm for peer support services. Outer contexts include difficulty navigating insurance among providers, treatment costs, and systemic stigma towards MOUD. Bridging contexts include a lack of collaboration/communication between relevant agencies (e.g., probation and courts).
Conclusions
Findings indicate the implementation is complex and requires a coordinated effort between correctional systems, probation agencies, and community-based treatment providers.
Pretreatment with Tetrandrine Enhanced the Antioxidative and Immunomodulatory Activities of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Fadaghi Shohreh , Mahmoodi Merat , Derakhshani Ali , Sedghy Farnaz , ranjkesh Mahdi , Behzadi Ahmadreza 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this study, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were pretreated with Tetrandrine (TET) as a bis-benzyl-isoquinoline alkaloid with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects to examine the effects of this molecule on the antioxidative potential of MSCs and their modulatory effects on activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After treatment of MSCs with TET, the viability of MSCs was detected using MTT assay and Trypan blue staining. Flow cytometry technique was applied to evaluate cell cycle distribution and immunophenotype of MSCs. The production of superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), malondialdehyde (MDA), kynurenine, TGF-β, and IFN-γ were measured by spectrophotometry. Then, TET-pretreated MSCs were cocultured with PBMCs. The MTT assay was used to measure the proliferation of PBMCs. Cell cycle progression of PBMCs and frequency of regulatory T cells were evaluated using Flow cytometry. ELISA assay was also applied to determine the concentrations of TGF-β and IFN-γ after coculturing. According to our data, TET enhanced the secretion of SOD3 and kynurenine from MSCs, while the production of IFN-γ was reduced. No change was observed in the viability, proliferation, and immunophenotype of MSCs after treatment with TET. Moreover, the proliferation and frequency of PBMCs in the S and G2/M phases of cell cycle reduced after co-culturing with TET-pretreated MSCs. The concentration of TGF-β was increased in the supernatant of PBMCs, but the level of IFN-γ was reduced. Our data suggested the pretreatment of MSCs with TET as a novel strategy for increasing the antioxidative and immunomodulatory activity of these cells.