bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitazoxanide controls virus viability through its impact on membrane bioenergetics
Authors: Hammad Noureddine , Ransy Celine , Pinson Benoit , Talmasson Jeremy , Bréchot Christian , Rossignol Jean François , Bouillaud Frédéric 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Viruses are dependent on cellular energy metabolism for their replication, and the drug nitazoxanide (Alinia) was shown to interfere with both processes. Nitazoxanide is an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Our hypothesis was that mitochondrial uncoupling underlies the antiviral effects of nitazoxanide. Tizoxanide (the active metabolite of nitazoxanide), its derivative RM4848 and the uncoupler CCCP were applied to a virus-releasing cell line to obtain the same increasing levels of mitochondrial uncoupling, hence identical interference with OXPHOS. A decrease in infectious viral particle release was observed and reflected the intensity of interference with OXPHOS, irrespective of the nature of the drug. The antiviral effect was significant although the impact on OXPHOS was modest (≤ 25%), and disappeared when a high concentration (25 mM) of glucose was used to enhance glycolytic generation of ATP. Accordingly, the most likely explanation is that moderate interference with mitochondrial OXPHOS induced rearrangement of ATP use and acquisition of infective properties of the viral particles be highly sensitive to this rearrangement. The antiviral effect of nitazoxanide has been supported by clinical trials, and nitazoxanide is considered a safe drug. However, serious adverse effects of the uncoupler dinitrophenol occurred when used to increase significantly metabolic rate with the purpose of weight loss. In addition, dinitrophenol is known to interfere with mitochondrial ATP transport while we demonstrate that nitazoxanide does not. Taken together, while impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics is an unwanted drug effect, moderate interference should be considered as a basis for therapeutic efficacy.
Integrated-analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq reveals MMP-mediated expression patterns by distinct tumor microenvironment immune profiles in cervical cancer
Authors: Wang He , Li Xinbo , Zhou Siyu , Guo Wendi , Wang Zhao , Sun Linlin , Zhao Zhongyi , Zhang Sanyuan , Ping Yi , Wang Zhe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Few studies have analyzed the effect of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression patterns on the tumor microenvironment (TME) during development of cervical cancer (CC).
Methods
We elucidated the landscape and score of MMP expression in CC using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and RNA sequencing datasets. Further, we aimed the MMPscore to probe the infiltration of immune cells. Further, MMP expression was measured by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results
We found MMPs were cell-type specific expressed in diverse types of CC cells, regulating the relative pathways of CC progression. Two distinct MMP expression patterns that associated infiltrated tumor microenvironment (TME) were identified. We discovered MMP expression patterns can predict the stage of tumor, subtype, stromal activity in the TME, genetic variation, and patient outcome. Patients with high MMPscore benefited from significantly better treatment and clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
These results indicate high MMPscore in diverse cell types may regulate immune response and improve the survival of patients with CC, which assist in developing more effective immunization strategies.
Treating reverse osmosis brine of petrochemical wastewater using preparative vertical-flow electrophoresis (PVFE) with multi-objective optimization by response surface method
Authors: Chen Rongbo , Tian Tian , Jin Ruofei , Liu Ze , Fu Wang , Ji Qiuyan , Zhou Jiti 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Recovering salts from reverse osmosis (RO) brine has long been a major concern in the field of industrial wastewater treatment. To address this issue, this study implemented a preparative vertical-flow electrophoresis (PVFE) system to treat the RO brine from petrochemical wastewater. Additionally, the response surface method was utilized to optimize the operational parameters related to acid-base production and energy consumption. The results demonstrated that the PVFE could efficiently recover acids and bases from the brine at electric field strengths ranging from 89.37 V/m to 185.08 V/m. The electric field strength was found more influential than the flow rate in terms of both acid/base concentration and energy consumption during the treatment. By applying the central composite design methodology, the optimized operating parameters led to a significant reduction in energy consumption for acid and base production, with a decrease of 254.81% and 168.67% respectively, compared to the original operating parameters. However, it is worth noting that the base and acid concentrations were also reduced by 71.91% and 104.97% respectively. As a result, there was a trade-off between the recovered acid-base concentration and energy consumption. These findings provide a directed and practical solution for recycling waste salt resources from RO brine.
A phosphorylation switch of Huluwa receptor for embryonic axis induction
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Yao , Yan Yun , Gong Bo , Zheng Qianwen , Zhou Haiyan , Sun Jiarui , Wang Zhao , Li Yaohui , Wan Yunjing , Chen Weixi , Qi Shiqian , Mo Xianming , Xiang Bo , Meng Anming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Embryonic axis formation is essential for patterning and morphogenesis in vertebrates and is tightly regulated by the dorsal organizer. Previously, we demonstrated that maternally derived Huluwa (Hwa) acts as a dorsal determinant, dictating axis formation by activating β-catenin signaling in zebrafish and Xenopus. However, the mechanism of activation and fine regulation of the Hwa receptor remain unclear. In a systematic mutation screen, a mutation at the 168th serine (Ser168) in the PPNSP motif of Hwa dramatically abolished its axis-inducing activity. Mechanistically, mutating the Ser168 residue reduced its binding affinity to Tankyrase 1/2 and the degradation of the Axin protein, weakening β-catenin signaling activation. Furthermore, the Ser168 site was confirmed to be phosphorylated via LC-MS/MS and immunoblotting with a phosphorylation-specific antibody. Additionally, several kinases, including Cdk16, Cdk2, and GSK3β, were found to enhance Ser168 phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo, enhancing Hwa's activity in β-catenin signaling and axis induction. Meanwhile, the use of dominant-negative Cdk16 and pHwa (Ser168) antibodies reduced Hwa's function. In summary, Ser168 acts as a phosphorylation switch in Hwa/β-catenin signaling for embryonic axis induction, involving multiple kinases to ensure developmental robustness.
Severe Cutaneous Manifestation of Malignant Syphilis in a Patient with Behçet’s Uveitis: A case report
Authors: Charoenphol Pulthip , Choopong Pitipol , Sitthinamsuwan Panitta , Leeyaphan Charussri , Rujitharanawong Chuda , Boonsopon Sutasinee , Tesavibul Nattaporn , Tungsattayathitthan Usanee 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Syphilis exhibits a wide range of clinical presentations, mimicking various systemic and ocular diseases. Ocular syphilis, in particular, manifests with multiple presentations, ranging from anterior uveitis to panuveitis, making it a potential differential diagnosis for Behçet uveitis. Here, we present a unique case of Behçet panuveitis that was undergoing immunomodulatory therapy and was complicated by ocular syphilis. Notably, this case also featured rare cutaneous manifestations associated with secondary syphilis, commonly known as malignant syphilis.
Case presentation
A 38-year-old Thai man with refractory end-stage Behçet panuveitis reported a maculopapular rash accompanied by increased intraocular inflammation. The escalation of immunomodulatory therapy, intended to manage the provisional diagnosis of active ocular and cutaneous Behçet’s disease, resulted in clinical deterioration, with the rash transforming into multiple noduloulcerative lesions. Syphilis infection was eventually diagnosed based on positive serological tests and the presence of spirochetes observed in a skin biopsy specimen. The patient was treated with intravenous penicillin G, resulting in an improvement in intraocular inflammation and resolution of noduloulcerative rashes.
Conclusions
Intraocular inflammation and mucocutaneous lesions in syphilis can mimic the presentation of Behçet’s disease. The introduction of immunomodulatory therapy may alter the clinical picture, leading to a severe and atypical presentation. A high index of suspicion for reevaluating serologic tests or performing tissue biopsies is warranted for an accurate diagnosis.
Optimized Resource Allocation Algorithm for IoT Healthcare Model with Deadline Aware
Authors: El-Bahnasawy Nirmeen A. , EL-Nattat Amal , El-Sayed Ayman , Elkazzaz Sahar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In recent years, healthcare market is growing very fast and dealing with huge amount of data. Healthcare applications are time sensitive which needs quick responses with lesser delays. For this aim, fog computing (FC) was introduced. It can be applied in various application areas like healthcare, smart and intelligent environments, VANETs, etc. Technologies as cloud computing (CC), FC, and Internet of things (IoT) can be used to provide an effective environment for sharing data between customers efficiently. Fog is an extension of cloud which can overcome the latency issues in case of huge amount of data are generated. Reducing the number of delays and increasing the system efficiency is the real motivation of using FC in healthcare. In this paper we have proposed a Task Classification algorithm based on Deadline and Criticality (TCDC) for healthcare applications in fog environment. The simulation results showed that proposed algorithm can improve the performance and QoS parameters.
Postbiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation stabilize microbiota in rumen liquid digesta during grain-based subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Guo Junfei , Zhang Zhengxiao , Leluo Guan , Yoon Ilkyu , Plaizier Kees , Khafipour Ehsan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a common metabolic disorder of high yielding dairy cows, and it is associated with dysbiosis of the rumen and gut microbiome and host inflammation. This study evaluated the impact of two postbiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) on rumen liquid associated microbiota of lactating dairy cows subjected to repeated grain-based SARA challenges. A total of 32 rumen cannulated cows were randomly assigned to four treatments from 4 wk before until 12 wk after parturition. Treatment groups included a Control diet or diets supplemented with postbiotics (SCFPa, 14 g/d Original XPC; SCFPb-1X, 19 g/d NutriTek; SCFPb-2X, 38 g/d NutriTek, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Grain-based SARA challenges were conducted during wk 5 (SARA1) and wk 8 (SARA2) after parturition by replacing 20% DM of the base total mixed ration (TMR) with pellets containing 50% ground barley and 50% ground wheat. Total DNA from rumen liquid samples was subjected to V3-V4 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Characteristics of rumen microbiota were compared among treatments and SARA stages.
Results
Both SARA challenges reduced the diversity and richness of rumen liquid microbiota, altered the overall composition (β-diversity), and its predicted functionality including carbohydrates and amino acids metabolic pathways. The SARA challenges also reduced the number of significant associations among different taxa, number of hub taxa and their composition in the microbial co-occurrence networks. Supplementation with SCFP postbiotics, in particular SCFPb-2X, enhanced the robustness of the rumen microbiota. The SCFP supplemented cows had less fluctuation in relative abundances of community members when exposed to SARA challenges. The SCFP supplementation promoted the populations of lactate utilizing and fibrolytic bacteria, including members of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, and also increased the numbers of hub taxa during non-SARA and SARA stages. Supplementation with SCFPb-2X prevented the fluctuations in the abundances of hub taxa that were positively correlated with the acetate concentration, and 𝛼- and β-diversity metrics in rumen liquid digesta.
Conclusions
Induction of SARA challenges disrupted rumen liquid microbiota of lactating dairy cows and supplementation with SCFP postbiotics could attenuate adverse effects of SARA on rumen liquid microbiota.
Breastfeeding Situation has been Consistently Challenging - Based on the Survey Data Analysis of a Certain Community in Western China in 2017
Authors: Li Yinlan , Qiao Bin , Li Baoqi , Wang Bo , Jiang Hong , Liu Yanxiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Due to economic and cultural differences, breastfeeding rates in western China are not optimistic and few studies have been conducted, so it is essential to investigate the level of breastfeeding rates in this region and analyse the reasons for this.
Aim
To investigate the current status of exclusive breastfeeding for infants aged 0–6 months and the factors influencing it in a community in western China, and to provide evidence for improving breastfeeding rates in western China.
Methods
From January to October 2017, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 757 mothers of infants in a community in western China. Statistical descriptions were used to analyse the current status of breastfeeding, and chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to explore its influencing factors.
Findings:
The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among infants aged 0–6 months in the local area was 20.53%, which is lower than the national average and the international average. Factors such as maternal milk secretion, pregnancy complications, nipple cracks and involutio were found to potentially influence exclusive breastfeeding among infants aged 0–6 month.
Discussion
The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among infants aged 0–6 months in the local area is relatively low and decreasing month by month, making it difficult to sustain breastfeeding. This is influenced by various factors, including maternal and child health factors, occupational environment, and social support.
Conclusion
The breastfeeding situation for infants aged 0–3 months was relatively good. However, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding significantly decreased after 4 months of age.
Monitoring and identification of the fungi associated with infestation of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on maize ears in Luxor Governorate, Egypt.
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed Amer Ali , Bakry Moustafa M.S. , Hussein Mohamed A. , Dawy Eman G.A.M. El 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The infestation of the fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] in maize is currently becoming a serious problem, and it might endanger the future maize crop in Egypt. We conducted this study for the current status of S. frugiperda infestation on maize and survey & identification of the associated fungi in Luxor Governorate, Egypt. S. frugiperda invasion began on maize plants were detected during the period from the 3rd week of June until the corn harvest.
Results
As for the larvae counts, and the infestation percentage, there were three peaks recorded for each of them in each season, which were displayed at 1st week of July, 1st week of August and 1st week of September in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. As well, there are the highly significant positive relationship between the larvae population and the percentages of Infestation by Pest.
Conclusions
Thirteen fungal species were recovered from infected maize ears (picks). The identified fungi are attributed to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Myrothecium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Trichoderma. The fungal species; A. flavus, A. welwitschiae and A. niger, A. brasiliensis had the highest incidences followed by T. viride and P. variable. These findings can help farmers and decision-makers form effective strategies to control this pest.
Correlations between major depressive disorder, splenic morphology and immunity
Authors: Lin Zouqing , Xu Xiaoyan , Zhang Kai , Wang Tenglong , Cao Leiming , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Guoqiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
To explore the symptoms, course and severity of depressive disorder and the morphological changes of spleen and immune-related mechanism. We recruited patients with first-episode or recurrent major depressive disorder（MDD）(patient group) and healthy controls (normal group) matched in age and gender. All subjects’ plasma MICB (pg/ml), ULBP1 (ng/ml) and splenic volume (cm3) were measured at baseline. The patient group was randomly assigned to receive (S)-ketamine (study group) and non-(S)-ketamine (control group), and the above indexes were collected again on the 4th weekend after administration. At baseline, the MICB and splenic volume in patient group were significantly higher than those in normal group. There appears a positive correlation between MICB and splenic volume in the patient group. After administration of (S)-ketamine, the higher splenic volume and MICB decreased. The results indicate that the pathogenesis of MDD may involve abnormal changes in MICB expression and splenic morphology. (S)-ketamine may ameliorate the inflammation and enhance splenic function to relieve MDD symptoms.
Exploring the Impact of Breakfast Skipping on Psychiatric Disorders, Cognitive Performance, and Frailty: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Tan Jinglan , Luo Qinghua 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous research has indicated a correlation between skipping breakfast and an increased risk of mental health disorders. The objective of this study was to employ a Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to investigate potential causal relationships between skipping breakfast and five psychiatric disorders, cognitive performance and frailty.
Methods
The research methodology involved gathering comprehensive data from whole-genome association studies focusing on breakfast habits, five specific psychiatric disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, depression and narcolepsy), cognitive performance, and frailty within the European population. The study assessed the causal relationship between "skipping breakfast" and five major psychiatric disorders, cognitive performance, and frailty through Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis.
Results
The results of the study showed that there is a causal relationship between "skipping breakfast" and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (OR = 2.738, 95%CI: 1.538–4.876, P < 0.001) and depression (OR = 1.502, 95%CI: 1.011–2.231, P = 0.044). However, no significant causal relationships were found between "skipping breakfast" and the other three psychiatric disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder and narcolepsy) (P > 0.05). Additionally, the research found causal relationships between "skipping breakfast" and cognitive performance (OR=-0.164, 95%CI: -0.291–0.036, P = 0.012) and frailty (OR = 0.288, 95% CI: 0.121–0.454, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The MR analysis revealed that skipping breakfast may increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, decline in cognitive performance, and frailty. However, skipping breakfast does not appear to have an impact on Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, and narcolepsy. Further research is needed to investigate potential mechanisms supporting these new findings.
The Accountability of Health Facility Governing Committees and its Implications to Health Services Delivery in Njombe District Council, Tanzania.
Authors: MFUGALE TUMAINI , Mollel Henry 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Decentralization is important instrument for development in many countries around the world including the developing countries like Tanzania. In health care system, decentralization has been promoted by international donors as a sectoral reform in health with the objective of improving efficiency and suitability of health programs to community needs. Health Facility Governing Committees (HFGCs) have been introduced at all levels of the health system as a mechanism for improving accountability between health care providers and communities. Despite the presence of HFGCs, health facilities are not performing well. This study intended to assess factors impinging accountability of HFGCs to the community and to the Council Health Governing Boards.
Methods: A cross sectional study design was employed to 98 respondents who comprised Council Health Management Team, HFGCs and health staff. Simple random sampling, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed in arriving at the sample size. The study used interviews, literature review, Focus Group Discussions, questionnaires and observation. Data were analyzed descriptively by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software version 21.
Results: Factors impinging accountability of HFGCs includes: Low level of education among committees member, lack of training, low knowledge of committees about their roles and inadequate fund.
Conclusion
Accountability of HFGCs is low which is contributed by low level of education, lack of training and inadequate fund. There is a need to review the guideline on formation of health committees particularly the part of education level, building ability and capacity to the committees and to have enough budget for HFGCs activities.
Liver injury associated with endothelin receptor antagonists: a pharmacovigilance study based on FDA adverse event reporting system data
Authors: Gu Jinjian , Guo Yuting , Wu Bin , He Jinhan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Endothelin receptor antagonists are commonly used in clinical practice, with concerns about their hepatotoxicity.
Aim
This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive pharmacovigilance study based on FDA adverse event reporting system data to evaluate the possible association between endothelin receptor antagonists and drug-induced liver injury.
Method
Adverse event reports from FDA adverse event reporting system between January 2004 and December 2022 were analyzed. Disproportionality algorithms, including reporting odds ratio and information component, were used to evaluate the association between endothelin receptor antagonists and liver injury. Sex- and age-stratified analyses of drug-induced liver injury events were also conducted in relation to endothelin receptor antagonists.
Results
Significant associations between bosentan, macitentan, and liver injury were identified. Bosentan showed a strong link with liver injury, with reporting odds ratios for cholestatic injury at 7.59 (95% confidence interval: 6.90–8.35), hepatocellular injury at 5.63 (5.29-6.00), and serious drug-related hepatic disorders events at 1.33 (1.24–1.43). It also indicated drug-induced liver injury signals across all age groups. Macitentan was associated with liver injury, with reporting odds ratios for hepatic failure at 1.64 (1.39–1.94), cholestatic injury at 1.62 (1.43–1.83), and serious drug-related hepatic disorders events at 1.40 (1.29–1.51). No drug-induced liver injury signal was detected for ambrisentan, and no significant sex differences were observed in drug-induced liver injury events.
Conclusion
Both bosentan and macitentan are associated with liver injury. Routine monitoring of serum aminotransferase levels is recommended, especially in patients at higher risk of liver injury. Further research into drug-drug interactions involving Endothelin receptor antagonists is warranted.