bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prebiotics Plus Probiotics May Favorably Impact on Gut Permeability, Endocannabinoid Receptors, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Coronary Artery Diseases: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Liu Min , Tandorost Arash , Moludi Jalall , Dey Priyankar 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWhile gut‐to‐systemic translocation of pyrogenic endotoxin due to a leaky gut elicits systemic inflammation, at the intestine, the endocannabinoid system (eCB) also plays a major role in modulating the impact of gut dysbiosis on the host system. Therefore, we hypothesized that coadministration of prebiotic inulin with probiotics would improve the eCB system, gut microbial composition, and inflammatory parameters associated with coronary artery diseases (CAD). We designed a randomized, double‐blind trial with 92 CAD patients. Patients were randomly allocated to receive inulin (15 mg/day), LGG capsules 1.9 × 109 colony‐forming unit (CFU) or inulin plus probiotic (synbiotics) supplements, for a duration of 60 days. We assessed gut microbiota composition, expression of cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2), serum levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) before and after the supplementation. Probiotic‐inulin cosupplementation significantly decreased IL6, LPS, and TLR‐4 and increased serum TAC concentrations compared with the placebo. While CB1 receptor expression had no difference, significant differences were observed for the CB2 receptor expression among the four treatments. CB2 receptor mRNA expression significantly (p < .05) correlated with serum levels of LPS (r = −.10) and F/B ratio (r = −.407, p = .047). Our data collectively provide preliminary evidence that gut microbiota determines gut permeability through the LPS–eCB system. We also have found that synbiotics improved the eCB receptors, and inflammatory biomarkers more than either of the two supplementations given alone.
Spatiotemporal patterns of cortical microstructural maturation in children and adolescents with diffusion MRI
Authors: Lynch Kirsten M. , Cabeen Ryan P. , Toga Arthur W. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNeocortical maturation is a dynamic process that proceeds in a hierarchical manner; however, the spatiotemporal organization of cortical microstructure with diffusion MRI has yet to be fully defined. This study characterized cortical microstructural maturation using diffusion MRI (fwe‐diffusion tensor imaging [DTI] and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging [NODDI] multicompartment modeling) in a cohort of 637 children and adolescents between 8 and 21 years of age. We found spatially heterogeneous developmental patterns broadly demarcated into functional domains where NODDI metrics increased, and fwe‐DTI metrics decreased with age. By applying nonlinear growth models in a vertex‐wise analysis, we observed a general posterior‐to‐anterior pattern of maturation, where the fwe‐DTI measures mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity reached peak maturation earlier than the NODDI metrics neurite density index. Using non‐negative matrix factorization, we found occipito‐parietal cortical regions that correspond to lower order sensory domains mature earlier than fronto‐temporal higher order association domains. Our findings corroborate previous histological and neuroimaging studies that show spatially varying patterns of cortical maturation that may reflect unique developmental processes of cytoarchitectonically determined regional patterns of change.
CDKN2B‐AS (rs2891168), SOD2 (rs4880), and PON1 (rs662) polymorphisms and susceptibility to coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Iranian patients: A case‐control study
Authors: Yari Abolfazl , Karam Zahra M. , Meybodi Seyed M. E. , Sargazi Marzieh L. , Saeidi Kolsoum 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a devastating illness and primary cause of death worldwide that arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Several large‐scale studies found that 9p21.3, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) polymorphisms increase type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Our research aimed to investigate whether the SNPs of the 9p21.3 locus (rs28911698), SOD2 (rs4880), and PON1 (rs662) genes were associated with the risk of T2DM and/or CAD in the Iranian population.MethodsIn this case‐control study four group subjects including patients with CAD non‐T2DM, with CAD and T2DM, non‐CAD with T2DM, and non‐CAD non‐T2DM were recruited to the study from 2019 to 2020. Molecular analysis was carried out by allele specific‐polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) technique for rs4880, Taqman genotyping assay for rs2891168, and PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique for rs662.ResultsThe rs2891168 polymorphism presented an elevated risk of CAD in non‐T2DM with CAD and with T2DM CAD groups compared to the non‐T2DM non‐CAD group with GG genotype and dominant model after adjustment (p < 0.05). G‐allele in PON1 rs662 polymorphism associated with increased risk of T2DM in T2DM non‐CAD, and T2DM CAD groups compared to non‐T2DM non‐CAD group with dominant model, GG and AG genotypes (p < 0.05). However, SOD2 rs4880 polymorphism presented no significant association with the development of diabetes or CAD.ConclusionThese results provide a prime witness that rs2891168 and rs662 gene variants might have a possible increased risk of CAD and T2DM occurrence, respectively. To obtain more definitive and accurate results in this area, further research is required.
High frequency of type I interferon auto‐antibodies in a group of middle‐aged HIV‐infected patients: A cross‐sectional exploratory study
Authors: Imberti Luisa , Magro Paola , Sottini Alessandra , Quaresima Virginia , Castelli Francesco , Quiros‐Roldan Eugenia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundAuto‐antibodies neutralizing the activity of type I interferons have been recently described in patients infected by SARS‐CoV‐2. They can be present even before the onset of the infection. Since type I interferons exert a dichotomous role in the pathogenesis of acute versus chronic HIV infection and auto‐antibodies are often found in untreated and anti‐retroviral treated HIV+ patients, we investigated whether auto‐antibodies anti‐type I interferons are present at high prevalence in those HIV+ patients with concomitant opportunistic infections (OIs).MethodsThe analysis of auto‐antibodies against two types of type I interferons (IFN‐α2 and IFN‐ω) was performed using the ELISA test in 60 patients chronically infected by HIV who showed concomitant infections caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis or nontuberculosis mycobacterium or with active cytomegalovirus infections. Results were compared with those of 283 SARS‐CoV‐2 swab positive patients showing mild to severe pneumonia. A chi‐square (χ2) test or the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test were used to compare the HIV+ patient categorical or continuous variables, respectively.ResultsA high prevalence of auto‐antibodies to type I interferons was found in middle‐aged HIV‐infected patients with concomitant OIs (11.6% vs. 5.3% in COVID‐19 subjects; p < .05). No statistically differences were found for viro/immunological characteristics (CD4 and CD8 cell counts and viral load) between patients with and without type I interferons auto‐antibodies.ConclusionsThis study, which is the first searching auto‐antibodies against type I interferons in HIV‐infected patients, demonstrated that their prevalence was higher than that expected by the age of these patients. Furthermore, it indicated that these auto‐antibodies are nonspecifically increased in critical SARS‐CoV‐2 infection but can be found also in other infections.
The state of the art on deficit irrigation in soybean
Authors: Morbidini Francesco , Barrera Wilfredo , Zanin Giampaolo , Verdi Leonardo , Camarotto Carlo , Ghinassi Graziano , Maucieri Carmelo , Marta Anna Dalla , Borin Maurizio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDeficit irrigation (DI) could be an important strategy to achieve the goal of reducing irrigation water consumption. This review aims to identify the impact of different DI strategies on grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and oil and protein content in soybean seeds. A total of 25 articles were considered and then divided into DI throughout the whole cycle (standard deficit irrigation, StDI) and DI only at certain stages of the cycle (regulated deficit irrigation, RDI). In StDI, yield reductions were approximately 20% when the replacement of the crop water requirement was between 70% and 90%. For RDI, yield reductions ranging from 9% to 30% were observed depending on the phenological stage at which the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) deficit was imposed. StDI always increased WUE compared to full irrigation, whereas for RDI, the response in terms of WUE changed considering the stressed phenological stage. Few studies have reported the effects on oil and protein content, showing high variability and contrasting results. In general, the application of a reduced amount of water led to a decrease in yield and an increase in WUE, with a magnitude significantly influenced by the stage at which the stress was imposed.
Synergistic effect and molecular mechanism of PVA and UM171 in ex vivo expansion of primitive hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Ren Yan , Cui Yanni , Feng Jingyi , Tan Yanhong , Ren Fanggang , Zhang Yaofang , Wang Hongwei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUmbilical cord blood (UCB) is a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) used for transplantation; the number of cells in a single UCB is too small to quickly establish bone marrow (BM) implantation, and ex vivo expansion of HSCs has the potential to overcome this limitation. The purpose of this study is to explore the culture conditions conducive to the maintenance and expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and long‐term hematopoietic stem cells (LT‐HSCs) derived from human umbilical cord blood, compare the different effects of albumin (HSA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), optimize the culture system using UM171 and investigate the molecular mechanism of PVA and UM171 promoting the expansion of primitive hematopoietic stem cells. CD34+ cells were purified from UCB using MacsCD34 beads, and then cultured in serum‐free medium supplemented with cytokines for 12 days, with PVA or UM171 added according to experimental requirements; the relative percentage of different HSCs subsets after culture were detected by flow cytometry; CFU Assay Setup for detecting the multilineage differentiation potential of HSCs; RT‐PCR detection of gene expression levels; reactive oxygen detection assessment of intracellular ROS levels. (1) The conditions of 20 ng/mlSCF, 100 ng/mlTPO, and 5% oxygen concentration are conducive to the maintenance of LT‐HSCs. (2) Compared with HSA, PVA significantly increased the proportion of HSPCs and LT‐HSCs, as well as dramatically promoted the expression of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). (3) After adding UM171 to PVA‐based medium, the proportion of HSPCs and LT‐HSCs further increased, and downstream genes of Notch and Wnt pathways were selectively activated. (1) PVA may inhibit ROS production by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, which is beneficial for maintaining stemness and inhibiting differentiation of HSCs. (2) The antioxidant properties of PVA can delay differentiation, while UM171 can promote self‐renewal by regulating the stem cell pathway, and the combination of them is beneficial for the maintenance and expansion of HSCs in vitro.
YTHDF1 facilitates PRC1‐mediated H2AK119ub in human ES cells
Authors: Zhang Jingyuan , Wang Tianyu , Shi Ruona , Zhao Yuan , Zhang Yanqi , Zhang Cong , Xing Qi , Zhou Tiancheng , Shan Yongli , Yao Hongjie , Zhang Xiaofei , Pan Guangjin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPolycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) play critical roles in cell fate decisions during normal development as well as disease progression through mediating histone modifications such as H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. How exactly PRCs recruited to chromatin remains to be fully illuminated. Here, we report that YTHDF1, the N6‐methyladenine (m6A) RNA reader that was previously known to be mainly cytoplasmic, associates with RNF2, a PRC1 protein that mediates H2AK119ub in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). A portion of YTHDF1 localizes in the nuclei and associates with RNF2/H2AK119ub on a subset of gene loci related to neural development functions. Knock‐down YTHDF1 attenuates H2AK119ub modification on these genes and promotes neural differentiation in hESCs. Our findings provide a noncanonical mechanism that YTHDF1 participates in PRC1 functions in hESCs.
Impact of digital financial inclusion on the participation in farmer‐based organisations, structured market and off‐farm work in Ghana
Authors: Ankrah Daniel Adu , Asante Bright Owusu , Prah Stephen , Boateng Forster K. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of mobile money account ownership on farmers' participation in farmer‐based organisations (FBOs), structured market and off‐farm work. Relying on recursive bivariate probit model, our results reveal that owning a mobile money account increases the likelihood of farmers' participating in an FBO, structured market and off‐farm work by 15.4%, 33.3% and 37.5%, respectively. Furthermore, mobile money account ownership is influenced by socioeconomic and institutional factors as well as the presence of mobile money vendors within a community. Our finding calls for sustained efforts to deepen digital financial inclusion for increased participation in FBOs, structured market and off‐farm work.
Re‐estimating the pollution haven–halo hypotheses for Brazil via a machine learning procedure
Authors: Uche Emmanuel , Omoke Philip Chimobi , Silva‐Opuala Charles , Al‐Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this study, we re‐examined the pollution haven and halo hypotheses in Brazil for approximately five decades (1970–2019) while controlling for the effects of income, renewable energy and natural resource depletion. For clearer insights, the study employed both the conventional autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and the enhanced kernel regularized least squares (KRLS) techniques. Notably, the KRLS is a flexible machine learning nonlinear analytical technique that explains the interactions of the regressand and the regressors both at the average and across a range of quantiles. After ascertaining cointegration through the bounds tests and the Bayer–Hanck procedures, the following empirical outcomes emerged: The ARDL result suggests the acceptance of the pollution haven hypothesis in Brazil in both the short and long runs. However, the KRLS technique reveals that foreign direct investment (FDI) could enhance environmental quality (pollution halo) within the 25th quantile of the distributions of CO2 emissions. However, at the 50th and 70th quantiles, the pollution haven hypothesis is rectified. This suggests the adoption of varying policy options to ensure continuous inflows of FDI without compromising environmental quality. Additionally, among the control variables, a U‐shaped environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) structure is revealed from the influence of gross domestic product (GDP); renewable energy ensures a clean environment at all times, while resource rent ensures a clean environment only at the 25th and 50th quantiles of the distributions. Policies that could lead to clean environments in Brazil have been provided.
The Correlation of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation With Histological, Biochemical, and Biomechanical Properties in Healing Progress After Achilles Tendon Injury: A Review
Authors: Niu Feige , Ma Rongxing , Zhao Tingting , Fan Hongxing , Han Jun , Zhu Nana , Hu Yongcheng , Meng Xianghong , Wang Zhi 
Published: November 2023

Achilles tendon injury is a common sports injury, and an in‐depth understanding of its healing process is essential for improving rehabilitation strategies. As a non‐invasive imaging technology with excellent anatomical and functional information extraction abilities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in the evaluation and monitoring of Achilles tendon injury. MRI scans at different stages of Achilles tendon healing can provide information about the structure of the Achilles tendon tissue, blood supply, composition, and metabolism. The change pattern on dynamic MRI evaluation is closely related to the specific stage of Achilles tendon healing and tissue characteristics. For example, the signal strength of dynamic enhanced MRI sequences can reflect blood supply to the Achilles tendon, whereas some quantitative MRI techniques can provide information on the recovery of water and collagen contents in the Achilles tendon. This article discusses the pathophysiological changes after Achilles tendon injury and summarizes the clinical and research status of the MRI techniques used for monitoring Achilles tendon healing. The feasibility of various MRI techniques for monitoring Achilles tendon healing and their correlation with histology, biochemistry, and biomechanics are reviewed, along with the challenges, limitations, and potential opportunities for their application.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 2
Association of surgeon−patient sex concordance with postoperative outcomes following complex cancer surgery
Authors: Khan Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi , Munir Muhammad M. , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Endo Yutaka , Rawicz‐Pruszyński Karol , Katayama Erryk , Ejaz Aslam , Cloyd Jordan , Dilhoff Mary , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSex concordance may impact the therapeutic relationship and provider−patient interactions. We sought to define the association of surgeon−patient sex concordance on postoperative patient outcomes following complex cancer surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent surgery for lung, breast, hepato‐pancreato‐biliary, or colorectal cancer between 2014 and 2020 were identified from the Medicare Standard Analytic Files. The impact of surgeon−patient sex concordance or discordance on achieving an optimal postoperative textbook outcome (TO) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong 495 628 patients, 241 938 (48.8%) patients were sex concordant with their surgeon while 253 690 (51.2%) patients were sex discordant. Sex discordance between surgeon and patient was associated with a decreased likelihood to achieve a postoperative TO (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93−0.97; p < 0.001). Sex discordance was associated with a higher risk of complications (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03−1.07; p < 0.001) and 90‐day mortality (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01−1.09; p = 0.011). Of note, male patients treated by female surgeons (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93−0.99; p = 0.017) had a similar lower likelihood to achieve a TO as female patients treated by male surgeons (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86−0.93; p < 0.001).ConclusionsSex discordance was associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving an “optimal” postoperative course following complex cancer surgery.
Determination of microplastics in agricultural soil by double‐shot pyrolysis‐gas chromatography combined with two‐step extraction
Authors: Liu Huijun , Pan Baoquan , Zhang Jingkun , Huang Zhongping , Li Pingping , Shen Jian 
Published: November 2023

A method for the determination of five microplastics in agricultural soil was established by double‐shot pyrolysis‐gas chromatography combined with two‐step extraction. First, polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) were extracted from soil samples using a mixed solvent of cyclohexanone and p‐xylene, and then PE terephthalate was extracted with m‐methylphenol. Subsequently, PC and PE terephthalate were analyzed by thermochemolysis, and PE, PP, and PS were investigated by direct pyrolysis at 600°C. The linearity of the method was satisfactory for five microplastics and the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.97 in the respective concentration range. The limits of detection and the limits of quantification were 0.2–10.0 and 0.5–20.0 μg/g, respectively. The method provided recoveries of 75.1%–141.5%, with acceptable repeatability within 20.0%. It was a supplementary method for the existing characterization of microplastics in agricultural soil.
Current controversy in prenatal diagnosis: The use of cfDNA to screen for monogenic conditions in low risk populations is ready for clinical use
Authors: Vora Neeta L. , Langlois Sylvie , Chitty Lyn S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNoninvasive cfDNA testing for monogenic disorders (sgNIPT) has become integrated into the care of pregnant women at increased risk based on carrier status, known family history, or ultrasound anomalies. The availability of commercial tests for common autosomal recessive and de novo autosomal dominant conditions has led to the use of these tests in low‐risk pregnancies. However, is the technology ready for use in this low‐risk population? This report is a summary of the debate on this topic at the 27th International Conference on Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy. Both expert debaters provided strong arguments in favor and against the use of sgNIPT in low‐risk pregnancies. The argument in favor of sgNIPT for autosomal recessive conditions is that it allows the identification of affected pregnancies without the need for involving the partner in testing. Arguments for sgNIPT for autosomal dominant conditions include identification of affected fetuses that would have either presented later in pregnancy with fetal anomalies or not been detected prenatally given normal ultrasounds, respect for patient autonomy and patient desire for information. Strong arguments were made against offering sgNIPT screening. Given that traditional carrier screening for recessive conditions can be carried out in many jurisdictions, the added value of sgNIPT has not been clearly demonstrated. Arguments against sgNIPT for autosomal dominant conditions included the total lack of clinical validation studies and the risk of false reassurance in cases of negative results and unnecessary invasive procedures in cases of false positive results. Although there is a desire to take advantage of new technologies to improve the detection of monogenic disorders in low‐risk populations, based on the discussion and the audience vote, it appears premature to offer sgNIPT to all low risk pregnant women. Further clinical validation studies are needed prior to broad implementation.
Superhydrophobic wrinkled structures constructed on polyester fabrics treated by plasma
Authors: Tian Ying , Xu Shaofeng , Zhang Hao , Wang Wei , Yu Dan , Shi Jianjun , Guo Ying 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe controllability of wrinkled structures is a crucial issue. In this study, inspired by caterpillars, we successfully impart superhydrophobic (SH) properties to fabrics using a two‐step method to prepare wrinkled structures. Relatively controlled and ordered micron‐sized circular and labyrinthine wrinkled structures are created on polyester fabrics by promoting the cross‐linking of polydimethylsiloxane under the action of argon plasma with mechanical stretch‐release properties and thermal expansion shrinkage. The wrinkled structures improve the mechanical stability of the SH fabrics, with the water contact angle remaining above 150° after 4000 rubbing cycles.