bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and biomarker modulation of arterial stiffness change in the SardiNIA population cohort
Authors: Asefa Nigus G. , Meirelles Osorio , Lakatta Edward , Fiorillo Edoardo , Scuteri Angelo , Cucca Francesco , Marongiu Michele , Delitala Alessandro , Schlessinger David , Launer Lenore J. 
Published: January 2024

Background and aimsArterial stiffness (AS), quantified by pulse wave velocity (PWV), arises due to impaired arterial elastic tissue and smooth muscle dysfunction. We aimed to examine the longitudinal association of genetic, lipid and inflammation biomarkers with PWV and how these associations may change with aging.Materials and methodsWe utilized genotype and four time-point biomarker data from the SardiNIA cohort [n = 6,301; mean baseline age 43.3 (SD 17.3); 58% females]. To investigate the association of PWV with genetic variants, lipid, and inflammation biomarkers, we employed linear mixed modeling, using age as the time scale. Biomarkers exhibiting significant longitudinal associations were categorized into tertiles and individuals within the second tertile or those with heterozygous alleles were excluded, leaving a cohort of 2,000 individuals. This cohort was further divided into four risk groups: low genetic and low biomarker (L-L), low genetic and high biomarker (L-H), high genetic and low biomarker (H-L), and high genetic and high biomarker risk (H-H). Subsequent analyses focused on these risk groups to assess their association to PWV with time.ResultsUsing the complete dataset, we found a significant longitudinal association of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fibrinogen (FGN), and total white blood cell count (TWBC) with PWV, all with p &lt; 3.33 × 10−3. After grouping, individuals with homogeneous risk alleles of SNP rs3742207 and high baseline TG levels (H-H group) exhibited a 1.39-fold higher PWV (m/s) (95% CI, 1.17–1.64, p = 1.21 × 10−4) compared to the L-L group. Similarly, individuals in the H-H group of rs3742207-TWBC combination showed 1.75 times higher PWV (95% CI, 1.48–0.2.07, p = 1.01 × 10−10) compared to the L-L group. Similar patterns were observed for groups based on SNP rs7152623-TWBC risk. Furthermore, these associations became more pronounced with increasing age (p &lt; 3.33 × 10−3).ConclusionThe longitudinal association of TG and TWBC biomarkers with PWV varied by SNPs rs3742207 and rs7152623 genotype. Further studies are warranted to investigate the function of genetics, lipids, and inflammation biomarkers on PWV change.
A pan-cancer analysis of the prognostic implication and oncogenic role of tubulin epsilon and delta complex 2 (TEDC2) in human tumors
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhu Jie , Shen Jing , Lu Yuting , Pan Ke , Tong Chuan , Wang Yao 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionTubulin epsilon and delta complex 2 (TEDC2) is widely expressed in various human tissues and primarily governs centriole stability. However, the biological significance of TEDC2 in pan-cancer is unclear.MethodsIn this study, we employed R software and various online bioinformatics analysis tools to investigate the functional attributes of TEDC2 in human tumours and its potential involvement in immune response. The status of TEDC2 expression was evaluated in samples from the TCGA and GEO datasets, as well as in tumour and corresponding normal samples from the TCGA database. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier estimates, clinical correlations, and univariate Cox regressions were used to analyze the 33 types of tumors from TCGA and determine the prognostic significance of TEDC2. Moreover, nomogram models were formulated using three distinct tumours, namely kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), to evaluate the prognostic significance of TEDC2 in tumours. Furthermore, TEDC2 was investigated for its correlation with the levels of immune cell infiltration, and a functional enrichment analysis was conducted to identify potential signalling pathways involving TEDC2. ResultsDifferential analysis revealed that 16 tumour types expressed TEDC2 to a greater extent than normal tissues. The abnormal expression of TEDC2 can predict survival outcomes in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), KIRC, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), LUAD, LIHC, lower grade glioma (LGG), and thymoma (THYM). Subsequent results indicated that TEDC2 has the ability to influence ECM regulators, cell cycle, and Immune checkpoint-associated signalling pathways, which could potentially lead to a poor prognosis and tumour progression.DiscussionTEDC2 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target that could predict the prognosis of multiple tumour types, making it a promising target for reversing tumour development.
Peptoniphilus gorbachii alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by improving intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation
Authors: Kim Suhee , Chun Sung Hak , Cheon Yun-Hong , Kim Mingyo , Kim Hyun-Ok , Lee Hanna , Hong Seong-Tshool , Park Sang-Jun , Park Myeong Soo , Suh Young Sun , Lee Sang-Il 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe intricate connection between gut microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis has gained prominence, although the specific microbial species contributing to RA development remain largely unknown. Recent studies have sought to comprehensively explore alterations in the human microbiome, focusing on identifying disease-related microbial species through blood analysis. Consequently, this study aimed to identify RA-associated microbial species using a serum microbial array system and to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of potential microbial species for RA treatment.MethodsSerum immunoglobulin M levels against 384 intestinal microbial species were assessed using a microbial microarray in patients with RA and healthy individuals. We investigated the therapeutic potential of the identified microbial candidate regarding arthritis development, immune responses, gut barrier function, and gut microbiome using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model.ResultsOur findings revealed significant alterations in antibody levels against 36 microbial species in patients with RA compared to healthy individuals. Notably, the antibody levels against Peptoniphilus gorbachii (PG) were decreased in patients with RA and exhibited an inverse correlation with RA disease activity. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PG produced acetate and butyrate, while exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. In CIA mice, PG administration suppressed arthritis symptoms, reduced the accumulation of inflammatory monocytes in the mesenteric lymph nodes, and downregulated gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the ileum. Additionally, PG supplementation restored intestinal barrier integrity and partially resolved gut microbial dysbiosis in CIA mice. The fecal microbiota in PG-treated mice corresponded to improved intestinal barrier integrity and reduced inflammatory responses.ConclusionThis study highlights the potential of serum-based detection of anti-microbial antibodies to identify microbial targets at the species level for RA treatment. Moreover, our findings suggest that PG, identified through the microbial microarray analysis, holds therapeutic potential for RA by restoring intestinal barrier integrity and suppressing the immunologic response associated with RA.
Longitudinal patterns of inflammatory mediators after acute HIV infection correlate to intact and total reservoir
Authors: De Clercq Jozefien , De Scheerder Marie-Angélique , Mortier Virginie , Verhofstede Chris , Vandecasteele Stefaan J. , Allard Sabine D. , Necsoi Coca , De Wit Stéphane , Gerlo Sarah , Vandekerckhove Linos 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundDespite the beneficial effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation during acute HIV infection (AHI), residual immune activation remains a hallmark of treated HIV infection.MethodsPlasma concentrations of 40 mediators were measured longitudinally in 39 early treated participants of a Belgian AHI cohort (HIV+) and in 21 HIV-negative controls (HIV-). We investigated the association of the inflammatory profile with clinical presentation, plasma viral load, immunological parameters, and in-depth characterization of the HIV reservoir.ResultsWhile levels of most soluble mediators normalized with suppressive ART, we demonstrated the persistence of a pro-inflammatory signature in early treated HIV+ participants in comparison to HIV- controls. Examination of these mediators demonstrated a correlation with their levels during AHI, which seemed to be viremia-driven, and suggested involvement of an activated myeloid compartment, IFN-γ-signaling, and inflammasome-related pathways. Interestingly, some of these pro-inflammatory mediators correlated with a larger reservoir size and slower reservoir decay. In contrast, we also identified soluble mediators which were associated with favorable effects on immunovirological outcomes and reservoir, both during and after AHI.ConclusionThese data highlight how the persistent pro-inflammatory profile observed in early ART treated individuals is shaped during AHI and is intertwined with viral dynamics
Oral microbiome characteristics in patients with pediatric solid tumor
Authors: Cui Xichun , Du Xiaoran , Cui Xu , Fan Rongrong , Pan Juntao , Wang Zhifang 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundPediatric solid tumor, the abnormal proliferation of solid tissues in children resulting in the formation of tumors, represent a prevailing malignant ailment among the younger population. Extensive literature highlights the inseparable association linking oral microbiome and adult tumors, but due to differences in age of onset, characteristics of onset, etc., there are many differences between Pediatric solid tumors and adult tumors, and therefore, studying the relationship between Pediatric solid tumor and the oral microbiota is also essential.MethodsTo unravel the distinct characteristics of the oral microbiota within Pediatric solid tumor patients, 43 saliva samples, encompassing 23 Pediatric solid tumor patients and 20 healthy controls, were diligently procured. A meticulous screening process ensued, and conducted microbial MiSeq sequencing after screening.ResultsWe documented the oral microbiome attributes among pediatric diagnosed with solid tumors (PST), and meanwhile, we observed a significant trend of decreased oral microbiota diversity in the pediatric solid tumor group. There were notable disparities in microbial communities observed between the two groups, 18 genera including Veillonellaceae, Firmicutes unclassified, Coriobacteriia, Atopobiaceae, Negativicutes, were significantly enriched in PST patients, while 29 genera, including Gammaproteobacteria, Proteobacteria, Burkholderiales, Neisseriaceae, were dominant in the HCs group. It was found that PST group had 16 gene functions, including Amino acid metabolism, Cysteine and methionine metabolism, Photosynthesis antenna proteins, Arginine and proline metabolism, and Aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesi, were significantly dominant, while 29 gene functions that prevailed in HCs.ConclusionThis study characterized the oral microbiota of Pediatric solid tumor patients for the first time, and importantly, targeted biomarkers of oral microbiota may serve as powerful and non-invasive diagnostic tools for pediatric solid tumor patients.
Melasolv™: a potential preventive and depigmenting agent for the senescence of melanocytes
Authors: Cho Yeonju , Choi Suh-Yeon , Choi Hyunjung , Ham Mira , Kim Kyu-Han 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Senescent melanocytes are major contributors to age-related changes in the skin, highlighting the contribution to skin aging. Moreover, prolonged photodamage, such as that caused by UV exposure, can result in melanin accumulation and accelerated melanocyte senescence, thereby exacerbating aging. Melasolv™ is a substance that induces potent depigmentation effects and exhibits low toxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect of Melasolv™ on senescent melanocytes.Methods: We profiled the transcriptomics of Melasolv™-treated melanocytes and identified the possible mechanism of action (MOA) and targets using connectivity mapping analysis. We identified differentially expressed genes in response to treatment with Melasolv™ and validated the data using quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, we performed an in vitro β-gal assay in senescent melanocytes for further validation.Results: Melasolv™ reduced β-gal and melanin levels in senescent melanocytes. Moreover, the identified MOAs are associated with anti-aging and anti-senescence effects.Discussion: Our findings clearly indicate that Melasolv™ not only exhibits anti-senescent properties but can also potentially alleviate melanin accumulation in senescent cells. These findings could have far-reaching implications in the treatment of age-related photodamaged skin conditions, such as senile lentigo and melasma.
Developing the novel diagnostic model and potential drugs by integrating bioinformatics and machine learning for aldosterone-producing adenomas
Authors: Yu Deshui , Zhang Jinxuan , Li Xintao , Xiao Shuwei , Xing Jizhang , Li Jianye 
Published: January 2024

Background: Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) are a common cause of primary aldosteronism (PA), a clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension and electrolyte disturbances. If untreated, it may lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need for potential biomarkers and targeted drugs for the diagnosis and treatment of aldosteronism.Methods: We downloaded two datasets (GSE156931 and GSE60042) from the GEO database and merged them by de-batch effect, then screened the top50 of differential genes using PPI and enriched them, followed by screening the Aldosterone adenoma-related genes (ARGs) in the top50 using three machine learning algorithms. We performed GSEA analysis on the ARGs separately and constructed artificial neural networks based on the ARGs. Finally, the Enrich platform was utilized to identify drugs with potential therapeutic effects on APA by tARGseting the ARGs.Results: We identified 190 differential genes by differential analysis, and then identified the top50 genes by PPI, and the enrichment analysis showed that they were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolic pathways. Then three machine learning algorithms identified five ARGs, namely, SST, RAB3C, PPY, CYP3A4, CDH10, and the ANN constructed on the basis of these five ARGs had better diagnostic effect on APA, in which the AUC of the training set is 1 and the AUC of the validation set is 0.755. And then the Enrich platform identified drugs tARGseting the ARGs with potential therapeutic effects on APA.Conclusion: We identified five ARGs for APA through bioinformatic analysis and constructed Artificial neural network (ANN) based on them with better diagnostic effects, and identified drugs with potential therapeutic effects on APA by tARGseting these ARGs. Our study provides more options for the diagnosis and treatment of APA.
Electrocochleography in the diagnosis of third window conditions
Authors: Kileny Paul R. , Cherry Megan M. , McCaslin Devin L. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionSuperior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is the best-known and most common presentation of so-called “third window conditions.” There are a variety of diagnostic measures and tests for this condition in the current literature, including air-bone gap, vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials, and electrocochleography (EcochG). The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic utility of EcochG and its relationship to air-bone gap in a cohort of patients with confirmed SSCD.MethodsWe reviewed data from 20 patients (11 female and 9 male subjects, age ranging 21–78 years), with confirmed unilateral or bilateral superior canal dehiscence. In total, 11 patients had unilateral SSCD and 9 patients had bilateral SSCD as determined by high-resolution CT scan. This resulted in the inclusion of twenty-nine ears with superior canal dehiscence and 11 normal ears.ResultsOur results indicated that all confirmed SSCD ears presented with an abnormal EcochG SP/AP value and that there was a statistically significant difference between normal and dehiscent ears. There was no statistically significant relationship between air-bone gap and SP/AP ratio in the ears diagnosed with SSCD nor was there a significant difference between dehiscent and normal ears in terms of air-bone gap at three frequencies.DiscussionThese results are consistent with previous studies showing the diagnostic utility of EcochG for this condition and the variability of air-bone gap. While an unexpected air-bone gap continues to be a red flag for SSCD, its absence along with the presence of subjective symptoms is a reasonable indicator for further clinical investigation to include EcochG.
Exploring disparities in malnutrition among under-five children in Nigeria and potential solutions: a scoping review
Authors: John Collins , Poh Bee Koon , Jalaludin Muhammad Yazid , Michael Godpower , Adedeji Idris , Oyenusi Elizabeth Eberechi , Akor Blessing , Charles Nkwoala C. , Buthmanaban Vanitha , Muhardi Leilani 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionTriple burden of malnutrition in children remains a significant public health issue. This scoping review aims to assess the information on undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and the quality of complementary feeding in various regions in Nigeria.MethodsA literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases from January 1, 2018 to January 31, 2023 to include studies focusing on 0 to 5 years old children in Nigeria, reporting data on nutritional status, nutrient deficiencies, and published in English.Results73 out of 1,545 articles were included. Stunting remained alarmingly high ranging from 7.2% (Osun, South West) to 61% (Kaduna, North Central), while wasting varied from 1% (Ibadan, South West) to 29% (FCT Abuja, Central) and underweight from 5.9% (Osun, South West) to 42.6% (Kano, North West) respectively. The overall prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency ranged between 55.2 to 75.1 % and 5.3 to 67.6%, respectively. Low rates of achieving minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency were reported across different states depicting the suboptimal quality of complementary feeding. The prevalence of overweight/obesity ranged from 1.5% (Rivers, South South) to 25.9% (Benue, North Central).ConclusionMultiple early childhood malnutrition issues exist with a wide disparity across states in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region. Targeted nutrition interventions must be implemented to improve the situation.
Hypocarnitinemia and its effect on seizure control in adult patients with intractable epilepsy on the modified Atkins diet
Authors: Chu Daniel Y. , Ravelli Michele N. , Faltersack Kelly M. , Woods Arron L. , Almane Dace , Li Zhanhai , Sampene Emmanuel , Felton Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPrevious studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the modified Atkins diet (MAD) in attenuating seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy. MAD works by achieving ketosis, which is heavily dependent on the metabolic compound, carnitine, to facilitate the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. The effect of carnitine on ketogenic diet therapy is not well-defined in the current literature. Thus, the purpose of our study is to investigate the effects of hypocarnitinemia on the efficacy of MAD.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted, and 58 adults with epilepsy undergoing MAD were evaluated. Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to compare the low carnitine status with normal carnitine group in patient measures of body mass index, seizure frequency and severity, number of anti-seizure medications, beta-hydroxybutyrate, triglyceride, and carnitine levels across baseline, 3–9-month follow-up (timepoint 1), 1-2-year follow-up (timepoint 2), and 2+ year follow-up (timepoint 3).ResultsOur study revealed that 38.3% of adult patients with epilepsy following MAD experienced low free carnitine at some point through the course of diet therapy. Patients with hypocarnitinemia at timepoint 2 showed a significant percent seizure increase while seizures continued to decrease in the normal carnitine group. Fasting triglyceride levels at timepoint 1 were significantly increased in the low carnitine group compared to normal carnitine group. Change in BHB, BMI, seizure severity, and number of ASMs showcased no significant differences between the low and normal carnitine groups.DiscussionIt may be important for clinicians to monitor for hypocarnitinemia in adults on MAD and provide carnitine supplementation when low. Further investigations into carnitine and MAD may inform clinical decisions on carnitine supplementation to maximize the efficacy of MAD therapy.
Effects of 8-week alkaline diet and aerobic exercise on body composition, aerobic performance, and lipid profiles in sedentary women
Authors: Yalcinkaya Nehir , Isik Ozkan , Beyleroglu Malik , Erdogdu Dogan , Cicek Guner , Novak Dario 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundDiet composition can affect systemic pH and acid–base regulation, which may in turn influence exercise performance.PurposeIt was aimed to determine the effects of the alkaline diet and 8 weeks of aerobic exercises on body composition, aerobic performance, and blood lipid profiles in sedentary women.MethodsThirty-two sedentary women participated in the study voluntarily. The research was designed with a true-experimental design and the participants were divided into four different groups as the control group, aerobic exercise group, alkaline diet group, and alkaline diet + aerobic exercise group. The body compositions, aerobic exercise performances, and lipid profiles of sedentary women were measured as pre-test and post-test. In the analysis of the obtained data, One-Way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test was used.ResultsIt was observed that the alkaline diet consumed with 8 weeks of aerobic exercises caused a 5.17% decrease in BMI and an increase of 42.07 and 37.62% in VO2max and aerobic test durations, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, when lipid profiles were examined, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in HDL-C levels (p &gt; 0.05). Despite that, there were statistically significant differences in TG and LDL-C levels (p &lt; 0.05). According to this result, it was determined that there was a decrease in TG and LDL-C levels by 37.61 and 20.24%, respectively.ConclusionAn alkaline diet consumed with 8 weeks of aerobic exercises in sedentary women has positive effects on improving body composition, aerobic exercise performances, and TG and LDL-C levels.