bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explore the changes of intestinal flora in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 based on bioinformatics
Authors: Huang Gangding , Mao Yanning , Zhang Weiwei , Luo Qi , Xie Rong , Huang Dongmei , Liang Yumei 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundStudies have revealed that there were significant changes in intestinal flora composition in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to non-COVID-19 patients, regardless of whether they were treated with medication. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the intestinal flora of COVID-19 patients is needed to further understand the mechanisms of COVID-19 development.MethodsIn total, 20 healthy samples and 20 COVID-19 samples were collected in this study. Firstly, alpha diversity and beta diversity were analyzed to assess whether there were difference in species richness and diversity as well as species composition between COVID-19 and control groups. The observed features index, Evenness index, PD index, and Shannon index were utilized to measure alpha diversity. The principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were performed to analyzed beta diversity. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) was utilized to analyze the variability in the abundance of bacterial taxa from different classification levels. The random forest (RF), Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and univariate logistic regression were utilized to identify key Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASVs). Finally, the relevant networks of bacterial taxa were created in COVID-19 and control groups, separately.ResultsThere were more species in the control group than in COVID-19 group. The observed features index, Shannon index, and Evenness index in the control groups were markedly higher than in the COVID-19 group. Therefore, there were marked variations in bacterial taxa composition between the COVID-19 and control groups. The nine bacterial taxa were significantly more abundant in the COVID-19 group, such as g-Streptococcus, f-Streptococcaceae, o-Lactobacillales, c-Bacilli and so on. In the control group, 26 bacterial taxa were significantly more abundant, such as c-Clostrjdia, o-Oscillospirales, f-Ruminococcaceae, etc. The 5 key ASVs were obtained through taking the intersection of the characteristic ASVs obtained by the three algorithms, namely ASV6, ASV53, ASV92, ASV96, and ASV105, which had diagnostic value for COVID-19. The relevance network in the control group was more complex compared to the COVID-19 group.ConclusionOur findings provide five key ASVs for diagnosis of COVID-19, providing a scientific reference for further studies of COVID-19.
Treatment with the dual-incretin agonist DA-CH5 demonstrates potent therapeutic effect in a rat model of Wolfram Syndrome
Authors: Jagomäe Toomas , Gaur Nayana , Seppa Kadri , Reimets Riin , Pastak Marko , Plaas Mihkel , Kaasik Allen , Vasar Eero , Plaas Mario 
Published: October 2023

AimWolfram Syndrome (WS) is a rare condition caused by mutations in Wfs1, with a poor prognosis and no cure. Mono-agonists targeting the incretin glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) have demonstrated disease-modifying potential in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Dual agonists that target GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP-1) are reportedly more efficacious; hence, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of dual incretin agonism in a loss-of-function rat model of WS.MethodsEight-month-old Wfs1 knock-out (KO) and wild-type control rats were continuously treated with either the dual agonist DA-CH5 or saline for four months. Glycemic profile, visual acuity and hearing sensitivity were longitudinally monitored pre-treatment, and then at 10.5 and 12 months. Pancreata and retina were harvested for immunohistological analysis.ResultsDA-CH5 therapy reversed glucose intolerance in KO rats and provided lasting anti-diabetogenic protection. Treatment also reversed intra-islet alterations, including reduced endocrine islet area and β-cell density, indicating its regenerative potential. Although no rescue effect was noted for hearing loss, visual acuity and retinal ganglion cell density were better preserved in DA-CH5-treated rats.ConclusionWe present preclinical evidence for the pleiotropic therapeutic effects of long-term dual incretin agonist treatment; effects were seen despite treatment beginning after symptom-onset, indicating reversal of disease progression. Dual incretins represent a promising therapeutic avenue for WS patients.
Study on debugging of lightning impulse voltage waveform for large capacity ±800kV converter transformer in high altitude area
Authors: Jiang Ling , Wang Shengfu , Kang Jun , Yang Xiaoku , Yao Xiuyuan , Zhang Yitao , Bao Zhenghong , Zhang Yongsheng 
Published: October 2023

The Qinghai-Henan ±800kV UHV DC power transmission project is an UHV channel specially constructed for clean energy delivery, ±800kV converter transformers of the project are assembled and tested in Xining at an altitude of 2500 m, full-wave lightning impulse test is one of the main means to evaluate converter transformer insulation performance, its valve side lightning impulse voltage waveform parameters often fail to meet IEC60076-3 standards because of the large winding to the ground capacitance. In order to effectively assess the lightning tolerance of converter transformer, a simulation model of impulse test circuit of ±800kV converter transformer was built based on the existing 6000kV/560kJ impulse voltage generator and ATP-EMTP simulation software, three kinds of optimization methods are proposed, which include increasing the wavetail resistance, increasing load capacitor, and connecting the wave head in parallel with different inductors, the results show that the single optimization method can not meet the waveform requirements. Therefore, a combinatorial optimization test method of increasing the wavetail resistance and connecting the wave head in parallel with different inductors is proposed, which is completed and verified in the full-wave lightning impulse test on the valve side of Qinghai ±800kV high-end converter transformer, the results show that the optimized test waveform parameters meet the standard requirements.
Offshore wind power policies and green total factor productivity: empirical evidence from coastal China
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Wei Zhuxia 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionGreen and high-quality development requires the transformation and upgrading the energy structure. As a clean and efficient new energy, the development of offshore wind power is related to the achievement of green development and the realization of the dual carbon goals.MethodsBased on the perspective of green total factor production, this study aims to explore the impact of offshore wind power policies (OWPPs) on green and high-quality development. Taking 11 coastal areas of China from 2004 to 2020 as samples, this paper empirically tested the impact of OWPPs on green total factor productivity (GTFP) by using propensity score matching difference-in-differences method (PSM-DID).Results and discussionThe results show that OWPPs have a significant positive impact on GTFP. The robustness test further verifies the results, and the provincial difference is significant. By stimulating technological innovation and reducing energy intensity, OWPPs have improved GTFP, but increasing marketization level is a long way off.
Isoform switching leads to downregulation of cytokine producing genes in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer
Authors: Khan Mohammad Shahbaz , Hanif Waqar , Alsakhen Nada , Jabbar Basit , Shamkh Israa M. , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Almehmadi Mazen , Alghamdi Saad , Shakoori Afnan , Al Farraj Dunia A. , Almutairi Saeedah Musaed , Hussein Issa Mohammed Yasser , Abouzied Amr S. , Rehman Aziz-Ur , Huwaimel Bader 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Estrogen receptor breast cancer (BC) is characterized by the expression of estrogen receptors. It is the most common cancer among women, with an incidence rate of 2.26 million cases worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes and isoform switching between estrogen receptor positive and triple negative BC samples.Methods: The data were collected from ArrayExpress, followed by preprocessing and subsequent mapping from HISAT2. Read quantification was performed by StringTie, and then R package ballgown was used to perform differential expression analysis. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using Enrichr, and then immune genes were shortlisted based on the ScType marker database. Isoform switch analysis was also performed using the IsoformSwitchAnalyzeR package.Results: A total of 9,771 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 86 were upregulated and 117 were downregulated. Six genes were identified as mainly associated with estrogen receptor positive BC, while a novel set of ten genes were found which have not previously been reported in estrogen receptor positive BC. Furthermore, alternative splicing and subsequent isoform usage in the immune system related genes were determined.Conclusion: This study identified the differential usage of isoforms in the immune system related genes in cancer cells that suggest immunosuppression due to the dysregulation of CXCR chemokine receptor binding, iron ion binding, and cytokine activity.
Machine learning-based identification of CYBB and FCAR as potential neutrophil extracellular trap-related treatment targets in sepsis
Authors: You GuoHua , Zhao XueGang , Liu JianRong , Yao Kang , Yi XiaoMeng , Chen HaiTian , Wei XuXia , Huang YiNong , Yang XingYe , Lei YunGuo , Lin ZhiPeng , He YuFeng , Fan MingMing , An YuLing , Lu TongYu , Lv HaiJin , Sui Xin , Yi HuiMin 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveSepsis related injury has gradually become the main cause of death in non-cardiac patients in intensive care units, but the underlying pathological and physiological mechanisms remain unclear. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (SEPSIS-3) definition emphasized organ dysfunction caused by infection. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can cause inflammation and have key roles in sepsis organ failure; however, the role of NETs-related genes in sepsis is unknown. Here, we sought to identify key NETs-related genes associate with sepsis.MethodsDatasets GSE65682 and GSE145227, including data from 770 patients with sepsis and 54 healthy controls, were downloaded from the GEO database and split into training and validation sets. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) performed. A machine learning approach was applied to identify key genes, which were used to construct functional networks. Key genes associated with diagnosis and survival of sepsis were screened out. Finally, mouse and human blood samples were collected for RT-qPCR verification and flow cytometry analysis. Multiple organs injury, apoptosis and NETs expression were measured to evaluated effects of sulforaphane (SFN).ResultsAnalysis of the obtained DEGs and WGCNA screened a total of 3396 genes in 3 modules, and intersection of the results of both analyses with 69 NETs-related genes, screened out seven genes (S100A12, SLC22A4, FCAR, CYBB, PADI4, DNASE1, MMP9) using machine learning algorithms. Of these, CYBB and FCAR were independent predictors of poor survival in patients with sepsis. Administration of SFN significantly alleviated murine lung NETs expression and injury, accompanied by whole blood CYBB mRNA level.ConclusionCYBB and FCAR may be reliable biomarkers of survival in patients with sepsis, as well as potential targets for sepsis treatment. SFN significantly alleviated NETs-related organs injury, suggesting the therapeutic potential by targeting CYBB in the future.
Effect of sodium bicarbonate infusion on hospital mortality in acute kidney injury patients with metabolic acidosis
Authors: Wang Yunting , Chen Ling , Guo Guangfeng , Gao Youyuan , Gan Hua 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundPhysicians usually consider that sodium bicarbonate (SB) infusion can be used for metabolic acidosis; however, there is little evidence available to assess its effect on hospital mortality in large AKI cohorts. Here, we investigated the effect of SB infusion in patients with AKI complicated by metabolic acidosis.MethodPatients with AKI complicated by metabolic acidosis were screened from the MIMIC-IV database. A propensity score analysis (PSA) was used to decrease baseline differences in the probability of receiving SB. The marginal structural Cox model (MSCM) was employed to adjust for both baseline and time-varying confounding factors.ResultsA total of 1853 patients with AKI complicated with metabolic acidosis were included in our study. A total of 390 pairs of patients were divided into an SB infusion group and a non-SB infusion group. The SB infusion group had more serious and worse laboratory indicators, including lower pH [7.19 (0.11) vs. 7.26 (0.07)] and bicarbonate concentration (BC) [12.36 (4.26) vs. 15.96 (3.25) mmol/l]. While there was no significant effect on overall hospital mortality in AKI patients complicated with metabolic acidosis (p = 0.056), SB infusion was observed to have beneficial correlation on hospital mortality in patients with high AG acidosis (AG &gt; 18 mmol/L) (p = 0.012). Similar results were replicated with the MSCM.ConclusionWe found that SB infusion in AKI patients with metabolic acidosis is not beneficial for hospital mortality. However, SB infusion for AKI patients and high AG metabolic acidosis significantly improved hospital mortality. Further larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
Verbal memory depends on structural hippocampal subfield volume
Authors: Tsalouchidou Panagiota-Eleni , Müller Christina-Julia , Belke Marcus , Zahnert Felix , Menzler Katja , Trinka Eugen , Knake Susanne , Thomschewski Aljoscha 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate correlates in hippocampal subfield volume and verbal and visual memory function in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), mild amnestic cognitive impairment (MCI) and heathy participants (HP).Methods50 right-handed participants were included in this study; 11 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), 18 patients with mild amnestic cognitive impairment (MCI) and 21 healthy participants (HP). Verbal memory performance was evaluated via the verbal memory test (VLMT) and visual memory performance via the diagnosticum for cerebral damage (DCM). Hippocampal subfield volumes of T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were computed with FreeSurfer version 7.1. Stepwise correlation analyses were performed between the left hippocampal subfield volumes and learning, free recall, consolidation and recognition performance scores of the VLMT as well as between right hippocampal subfield volumes and visual memory performance.ResultsThe volume of the left subicular complex was highly correlated to learning performance (β = 0.284; p = 0.042) and free recall performance in the VLMT (β = 0.434; p = 0.001). The volume of the left CA3 subfield showed a significant correlation to the consolidation performance in the VLMT (β = 0.378; p = 0.006) and recognition performance in the VLMT (β = 0.290; p = 0.037). There was no significant correlation identified between the right hippocampal subfields and the visual memory performance.ConclusionThe results of this study show verbal memory correlates with hippocampal subfields and support the role of left subiculum and left CA2/CA3 in verbal memory performance.
Bowel dysfunctions after acquired brain injury: a scoping review
Authors: Zandalasini Matteo , Pelizzari Laura , Ciardi Gianluca , Giraudo Donatella , Guasconi Massimo , Paravati Stefano , Lamberti Gianfranco , Frizziero Antonio 
Published: October 2023

Bowel dysfunction is a common consequence of neurological diseases and has a major impact on the dignity and quality of life of patients. Evidence on neurogenic bowel is focused on spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis; few studies have focused on patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). Neurogenic bowel dysfunction is related to a lifelong condition derived from central neurological disease, which further increases disability and social deprivation. The manifestations of neurogenic bowel dysfunction include fecal incontinence and constipation. Almost two out of three patients with central nervous system disorder have bowel impairment. This scoping review aims to comprehend the extent and type of evidence on bowel dysfunction after ABI and present conservative treatment. For this scoping review, the PCC (population, concept, and context) framework was used: patients with ABI and bowel dysfunction; evaluation and treatment; and intensive/extensive rehabilitation path. Ten full-text articles were included in the review. Oral laxatives are the most common treatment. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) subscale is the most common scale used to assess neurogenic bowel disease (60%), followed by the Rome II and III criteria, and the colon transit time is used to test for constipation; however, no instrumental methods have been used for incontinence. An overlapping between incontinence and constipation, SCI and ABI increase difficulties to manage NBD. The need for a consensus between the rehabilitative and gastroenterological societies on the diagnosis and medical care of NBD.Systematic review registration Open Science Framework on August 16, 2022 https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NEQMA.
IS PSYCHOLOGY ALREADY CONCEPTUALLY COMPLETED, OR ABOUT INFORMATIONAL ACTIVITY OF THE BRAIN WHICH IS “OBSESSIVELY” ACCOMPANIED BY MENTAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Soloviov O. , Litvinova O. , Неrasymenko L. , Kushch O. 
Published: October 2023

The article considers a “paradoxical” situation of general scientific significance, which can be formulated in the question “Why does the human brain, being a physical entity, nevertheless process information biologically or socially expediently?”, although no physical law supports this. A way out of this situation is offered. It consists in indicating that the limbic region of the brain realizes the ability of a person to subjectively evaluate the biological (social) value of external objects and phenomena. Such an explanatory concept, which is, in fact, a “product” of both humanitarian and natural knowledge, allows, in our opinion, to “cross” the line of conceptual and categorical misunderstanding between these “irreconcilable” branches of knowledge. And this intersection is carried out through understanding the essence of the information activity of the brain, which occurs with the help of mental phenomena.
It is argued that in the neural networks of the brain, along with the usual physical causality, there is an informational causality that orchestrates this physical causality. But it acts due to the presence in the brain, again, of mental phenomena. And above all, the ability of a person to subjectively evaluate (either positively or negatively) the surrounding world, and therefore, to be motivated to eliminate states of uncertainty through the process of information integration (unification, summation, accumulation), which in the language of psychology is mainly a thinking process.
The leading role of psychology in solving this general scientific problem is considered – primarily because of the scale of its research object, which is the psyche. Psyche, which, it is believed, is an evolutionarily mature “tool” of direct human existence and adaptation to constantly changing world – to uncertainty, to information deficit.
CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF PREJUDICE
Authors: Myroshnyk O. 
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of prejudice, the analysis of scientific approaches to the explanation of its role in the functioning of the individual as a subject of life. To achieve the goal, theoretical level methods (analysis, synthesis, comparison, classification) were applied.
According to the results of the study, it was established that the prerequisite for the formation of prejudices is a social stereotype, as a product of mass behavior supported by the social environment. In contrast to the stereotype in prejudice, as the subject's tendency to perceive, evaluate and take appropriate actions in relation to social objects or a person based on the values accepted in the group, the emotional aspects of the attitude prevail.
Among existing approaches to explaining the psychological nature of prejudices, theories of social learning, motivational and cognitive theory, and theory of social identity occupy a special place. According to the results of the analysis of these approaches, it was established that the basis of stereotyping are categorization operations. Categorization allows: to distinguish social groups into "own" and "other" groups; form one's own social identity through awareness of belonging to one's social group and perceive it as a source of self-respect; to create an image of oneself, based on the results of comparing one's group with external groups. Categorization simplifies reality, manifests itself automatically beyond human intention. Existing social norms are the categories for dividing groups in society. The choice of a target group for prejudice within a particular culture, as well as the range of appropriate behavior toward it, depend on social learning. Cultural differences will determine the frequency of manifestation of a certain prejudice, the object of prejudice and the ways of its manifestation. Activation of the influence of prejudices on human behavior occurs in situations of threat to collective self-respect.