bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breeding evaluation of the common buckwheat accessions (<i>Fagopyrum esculentum</i> Moench) obtained with the use of copper and zinc ions
Authors: Barsukova E. N. , Klykov A. G. , Chaikina E. L. 
Published: September 2023

Relevance. Employing new biotechnological methods in the breeding of buckwheat, including the screening of forms with tolerance to copper and zinc ions, might increase the adaptability of genotypes and allow the creation of promising starting material for further breeding.Methods. The research on common buckwheat with tolerance to copper and zinc ions and breeding evaluation of the obtained accessions were conducted at FSBSI «FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A.K. Chaiki» in 2020–2023. The research object was 10 accessions obtained from buckwheat varieties Kitavasesoba (Japan) and Izumrud (Russia) and hybrid Izumrud×Kitavasesoba, whose microshoots and seeds were exposed to copper and zinc ions. Released variety Izumrud was used as the standard. The method of cell and tissue culture in vitro as well as the germination of seeds in concentrated solutions of copper and zinc salts in vivo were employed.Results. In the conditions of the monsoon climate of Primorsky Krai, a three-year test of 10 buckwheat samples obtained under the influence of copper and zinc ions in culture in vitro and in vivo was carried out. As a result of the study, three samples were selected for further selection (No. 989, 1013, 783), which are characterized by a complex of economically valuable traits: high seed productivity (6.5–7.1 g), stress resistance, genetic flexibility, high mass of 1000 seeds (37.8–44.8 g), a combination of high mass of 1000 kernels (27.4–33.1 d) with low film content (23.3–25.5%), and two samples (No. 997, 1005) with an increased content of rutin in fruits (7.1–7.7 mg / 100 g).
Curcumin-primed periodontal ligament stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles improve osteogenic ability through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Lan Qian , Cao Jiadong , Bi Xueting , Xiao Xin , Li Dongsheng , Ai Yilong 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Curcumin has broad application prospects in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Periodontal ligament stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (PDLSC-EV) can effectively promote periodontal tissue regeneration and possess good drug delivery capability. Superior pharmacological effects can be exerted using PDLSC-EV as a curcumin carrier.Methods: In the present study, we constructed curcumin-primed PDLSCs-derived extracellular vesicles (Cur-PDLSC-EV) from cell culture supernatants of curcumin-pretreated PDLSCs by ultracentrifugation and investigated their effects on the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic ability of PDLSCs and the corresponding downstream molecular pathways.Results: Both Cur-PDLSC-EV and PDLSC-EV promoted osteoblast proliferation and migration. Compared with PDLSC-EV, Cur-PDLSC-EV possessed a more potent pro-osteogenic ability. Moreover, the improved osteogenesis of Cur-PDLSC-EV was related to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Conclusion: This study suggests that Cur-PDLSC-EV can promote osteogenic differentiation by activating Wnt/β-catenin, providing reference bases for the treatment of periodontal diseases.
IgM antibody responses against Plasmodium antigens in neotropical primates in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Assis Gabriela Maíra Pereira de , Alvarenga Denise Anete Madureira de , Souza Luisa Braga e , Sánchez-Arcila Juan Camilo , Silva Eduardo Fernandes e , Pina-Costa Anielle de , Gonçalves Gustavo Henrique Pereira , Souza Júlio César de Junior , Nunes Ana Julia Dutra , Pissinatti Alcides , Moreira Silvia Bahadian , Torres Leticia de Menezes , Costa Helena Lott , Tinoco Herlandes da Penha , Pereira Valéria do Socorro , Soares Irene da Silva , Sousa Taís Nóbrega de , Ntumngia Francis Babila , Adams John H. , Kano Flora Satiko , Hirano Zelinda Maria Braga , Pratt-Riccio Lilian Rose , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Ferreira Joseli Oliveira , Carvalho Luzia Helena , Alves de Brito Cristiana Ferreira 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionZoonotic transmission is a challenge for the control and elimination of malaria. It has been recorded in the Atlantic Forest, outside the Amazon which is the endemic region in Brazil. However, only very few studies have assessed the antibody response, especially of IgM antibodies, in Neotropical primates (NP). Therefore, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the immune response in different hosts and facilitate the identification of potential reservoirs, in this study, naturally acquired IgM antibody responses against Plasmodium antigens were evaluated, for the first time, in NP from the Atlantic Forest.MethodsThe study was carried out using 154 NP samples from three different areas of the Atlantic Forest. IgM antibodies against peptides of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) from different Plasmodium species and different erythrocytic stage antigens were detected by ELISA.ResultsFifty-nine percent of NP had IgM antibodies against at least one CSP peptide and 87% against at least one Plasmodium vivax erythrocytic stage antigen. Levels of antibodies against PvAMA-1 were the highest compared to the other antigens. All families of NP showed IgM antibodies against CSP peptides, and, most strikingly, against erythrocytic stage antigens. Generalized linear models demonstrated that IgM positivity against PvCSP and PvAMA-1 was associated with PCR-detectable blood-stage malaria infection and the host being free-living. Interestingly, animals with IgM against both PvCSP and PvAMA-1 were 4.7 times more likely to be PCR positive than animals that did not have IgM for these two antigens simultaneously.DiscussionIgM antibodies against different Plasmodium spp. antigens are present in NP from the Atlantic Forest. High seroprevalence and antibody levels against blood-stage antigens were observed, which had a significant association with molecular evidence of infection. IgM antibodies against CSP and AMA-1 may be used as a potential marker for the identification of NP infected with Plasmodium, which are reservoirs of malaria in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage closure compared with oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity-matched studies
Authors: Franchin Luca , Piroli Francesco , Demola Pierluigi , Mantovani Francesca , Iannaccone Mario , Manfredi Roberto , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Fortuni Federico , Ugo Fabrizio , Meucci Francesco , Navazio Alessandro , Boccuzzi Giacomo 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundsTwo recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the PROTECT-AF and the PREVAIL, showed that in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is comparable to oral anticoagulants (OAC) in the prevention of stroke and could also possibly reduce mortality. Nevertheless, this net clinical benefit was not confirmed in the most recent RCT comparing LAAC vs. OAC, the PRAGUE-17 trial.Aimaim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAAC compared with OAC among available high-quality studies.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane Library) was performed to identify eligible RCTs and observational studies with propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. PRISMA guidelines were used for abstracting data and assessing data quality and validity. Outcomes of interest were the occurrence of cardiovascular death (CVD), all-cause death, all-type stroke, and major bleedings.ResultsA total of 3 RCTs and 7 PMS studies involving 25,700 patients were identified. 12,961 patients received LAAC while 12,739 received OAC therapy. After a median follow-up of 2.6 years (IQR 2–4.4), patients who received LAAC had lower risk of CVD (RR = 0.62; 95%CI, 0.51–0.74, I2 = 0%), all-cause death (RR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.57–0.78, I2 68%) and major bleedings (RR = 0.68; 95%CI, 0.48–0.95 I2 = 87%) compared with patients on OAC. No difference was found between the two groups regarding strokes incidence (RR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.77–1.15, I2 = 0%).ConclusionsAccording to this meta-analysis, LAAC has comparable efficacy in the prevention of stroke compared with OAC and a reduced risk of major bleedings, all-cause death and CVD that may be even larger with longer follow-up.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=269768, identifier CRD42021269768.
Examine the environmental inequity impact of urban heat mitigation on redlining legacy: case study of Charlotte’s retrofitting, 2001–2020
Authors: Li Xijing , Ma Xinlin , Lyu Fangzheng , Song Yan 
Published: September 2023

Climate adaptation policies have received attention in major due to the dual challenges of external factors like global warming, and internal factors related to the transition from rapid urbanization to sustainable development. However, previous research on heat or climate mitigation has often focused on external factors, neglecting the internal factors throughout the process of urban development and planning history. Research has revealed that city center where urban heat island phenomena is prominent, are subjected to external factors of intense heat exposure, as well as deeply influenced by the internal factors “urban development legacy.” An increasing body of research note that the inequitable legacy from urban development could impact environmental equity outcomes of cities. Based on this, we argue that urban heat mitigation research should adopt the perspective of the urban development process. We then utilize the Heat Mitigation Framework to examine the tangible outcomes of environmental equity over an extended period of urban development. This study focuses on the Charlotte city center that have undergone multiple processes of redlining policies and rapid urbanization, using a research framework for environmental equity-oriented urban heat management to examine whether a series of heat mitigation policies have effectively reduced heat exposure and whether they have truly benefited heat-vulnerable groups. Based on 20 years of multi-source heat exposure and urban spatial data, this paper provides evidence of ongoing enhancements to the heat exposure environment in the Charlotte city center. However, despite these improvements, heat vulnerable group that are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of heat exposure did not experience commensurate benefits. The conclusion of this article validates the ongoing trends of global sustainable studies in nature-based solutions and social-ecological systems, highlighting the issue of environmental equity evaluation.
Noninvasive assessment of metabolic turnover during inflammation by in vivo deuterium magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Flocke Vera , Temme Sebastian , Bouvain Pascal , Grandoch Maria , Flögel Ulrich 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundInflammation and metabolism exhibit a complex interplay, where inflammation influences metabolic pathways, and in turn, metabolism shapes the quality of immune responses. Here, glucose turnover is of special interest, as proinflammatory immune cells mainly utilize glycolysis to meet their energy needs. Noninvasive approaches to monitor both processes would help elucidate this interwoven relationship to identify new therapeutic targets and diagnostic opportunities.MethodsFor induction of defined inflammatory hotspots, LPS-doped Matrigel plugs were implanted into the neck of C57BL/6J mice. Subsequently, 1H/19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to track the recruitment of 19F-loaded immune cells to the inflammatory focus and deuterium (2H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to monitor the metabolic fate of [6,6-2H2]glucose within the affected tissue. Histology and flow cytometry were used to validate the in vivo data.ResultsAfter plug implantation and intravenous administration of the 19F-containing contrast agent, 1H/19F MRI confirmed the infiltration of 19F-labeled immune cells into LPS-doped plugs while no 19F signal was observed in PBS-containing control plugs. Identification of the inflammatory focus was followed by i.p. bolus injection of deuterated glucose and continuous 2H MRS. Inflammation-induced alterations in metabolic fluxes could be tracked with an excellent temporal resolution of 2 min up to approximately 60 min after injection and demonstrated a more anaerobic glucose utilization in the initial phase of immune cell recruitment.Conclusion1H/2H/19F MRI/MRS was successfully employed for noninvasive monitoring of metabolic alterations in an inflammatory environment, paving the way for simultaneous in vivo registration of immunometabolic data in basic research and patients.
Association between gut microbiota and endometriosis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ji Xuan , Yang Qi , Zhu Xiu-Lin , Xu Li , Guo Jie-Ying , Rong Yan , Cai Yun-Lang 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that an imbalance in gut microbiota (GM) may not always be associated with endometriosis (EMS). To investigate this further, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.MethodsMR analysis was performed on genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of GM and EMS. Specifically, the MiBioGen microbiota GWAS (N = 18,340) was used as exposure. The FinnGen study GWAS (8,288 EMS cases and 68,969 controls) was used as outcome. We primarily used the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method to analyze the correlation and conducted a sensitivity analysis to verify its reliability.Results(1) MR analysis: The results of the IVW method confirmed that a total of 8 GM taxa were related to the risk of EMS. Class-Melainabacteria (p = 0.036), family-Ruminococcaceae (p = 0.037), and genus-Eubacteriumruminantium (p = 0.015) had a protective effect on EMS, whereas order-Bacillales (p = 0.046), family-Prevotellaceae (p = 0.027), genus-Anaerotruncus (p = 0.025), genus-Olsenella (p = 0.036) and genus-RuminococcaceaeUCG002 (p = 0.035) could increase the risk of EMS. (2) Sensitivity analysis: Cochrane’s Q test (p &gt; 0.05), MR-Egger intercept method (p &gt; 0.05), and leave-one-out method confirmed the robustness of MR results.ConclusionThis study performed a MR analysis on two large national databases and identified the association between 8 GM taxa and EMS. These taxa could potentially be utilized for indirectly diagnosing EMS and could lead to novel perspectives in research regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EMS.
Deciphering Treg cell roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a comprehensive prognostic and immunotherapeutic analysis
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Dong Shiyang , Sun Wei , Zhong Wan , Xiong Jingwen , Gong Xiangjin , Li Jun , Lin Haoran , Zhuang Yu 
Published: September 2023

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of cancer that poses significant challenges in terms of prognosis and treatment. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) have gained attention due to their influential role in immune modulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the intricate interactions between Treg cells and the tumor microenvironment is essential for unraveling the mechanisms underlying ESCC progression and for developing effective prognostic models and immunotherapeutic strategies.Methods: A combination of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq analysis was utilized to explore the role of Treg cells within the TME of ESCC. The accuracy and applicability of the prognostic model were assessed through multi-dimensional evaluations, encompassing an examination of the model’s performance across various dimensions, such as the mutation landscape, clinical relevance, enrichment analysis, and potential implications for immunotherapy strategies.Results: The pivotal role of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signaling pathway within the ESCC TME was investigated, with a focus on its impact on Treg cells and other subpopulations. Through comprehensive integration of bulk sequencing data, a Treg-associated signature (TAS) was constructed, revealing that ESCC patients with elevated TAS (referred to as high-TAS individuals) experienced significantly improved prognoses. Heightened immune infiltration and increased expression of immune checkpoint markers were observed in high-TAS specimens. The model’s validity was established through the IMvigor210 dataset, demonstrating its robustness in predicting prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy. Heightened therapeutic benefits were observed in immune-based interventions for high-TAS ESCC patients. Noteworthy differences in pathway enrichment patterns emerged between high and low-TAS cohorts, highlighting potential avenues for therapeutic exploration. Furthermore, the clinical relevance of key model genes was substantiated by analyzing clinical samples from ten paired tumor and adjacent tissues, revealing differential expression levels.Conclusion: The study established a TAS that enables accurate prediction of patient prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy. This achievement holds significant implications for the clinical management of ESCC, offering valuable insights for informed therapeutic interventions.
Multimodal MRI study of the relationship between plaque characteristics and hypoperfusion in patients with transient ischemic attack
Authors: Sui Ying , Sun Jiali , Chen Yue , Wang Wei 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTransient ischemic attack is a significant risk factor for acute cerebral infarction. Previous studies have demonstrated that hypoperfusion in patients with transient ischemic attack was associated with the recurrence of transient ischemic attack, stroke, and persistent worsening of neurological symptoms. Moreover, transient ischemic attack patients classified as high-risk group according to the ABCD2 score have a higher incidence of stroke. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the plaque characteristics of transient ischemic attack patients with concomitant cerebral hypoperfusion using multimodal MRI, as well as hemodynamic changes in the high-risk group with transient ischemic attack patients.Materials and methodsA total of 151 patients with transient ischemic attack were prospectively recruited for this study. All enrolled patients underwent multimodal MRI, including DWI, TOF-MRA, HR-VWI, and DSC-PWI. Finally, 56 patients met the inclusion criteria. Based on DSC-PWI images, patients were divided into two groups: hypoperfusion (n = 41) and non-hypoperfusion (n = 15). Clinical baseline characteristics and plaque characteristics were analyzed between the two groups. Furthermore, within the hypoperfusion group, patients were further classified into low-risk (n = 11) and high-risk (n = 30) subgroups based on the ABCD2 score. Hemodynamic differences between these subgroups were also analyzed.ResultsCompared with the non-hypoperfusion group, the hypoperfusion group had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (68.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.019) and hyperhomocysteinemia (65.9% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.029). Moreover, the hypoperfusion group exhibited more significant luminal stenosis degree [41.79 ±31.36 vs. 17.62±13.62, p = 0.006] and greater NWI (57.1%±20.47% vs. 40.21%± 21.56%, p = 0.009) compared to the non-hypoperfusion group. In addition, the high-risk group identified by the ABCD2 score had a higher rMTT [117.6(109.31–128.14) vs. 108.36(100.67–119.92), p = 0.037].ConclusionTransient ischemic attack patients with hypoperfusion exhibited a higher prevalence of hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia, as well as higher luminal stenosis degree, and greater NWI. Furthermore, Transient ischemic attack patients in the high-risk group demonstrated higher MTT.
Association of HbA1c with functional outcome by ischemic stroke subtypes and age
Authors: Jeong Jihyun , Park Jae Kyung , Koh Young Ho , Park Jong-Moo , Bae Hee-Joon , Yun Sang-Moon 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesTo determine whether high HbA1c levels are related to short-and long-term functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) and whether this association differs according to the IS subtype and the patient’s age.MethodsThe data of 7,380 IS patients admitted to 16 hospitals or regional stroke centers in South-Korea, between May 2017 and December 2019, were obtained from the Clinical Research Collaboration for Stroke-Korea-National Institute of Health database and retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 4,598 were followed-up for one-year. The HbA1c levels were classified into three groups (&lt;5.7, 5.7 to &lt;6.5%, ≥6.5%). Short-and long-term poor functional outcomes were defined using the modified Rankin Scale score of 2 to 6 at three-months and one-year, respectively. IS subtypes were categorized according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification.ResultsThere was an association between higher HbA1c (≥6.5%) and poor functional outcomes at three-months in all patients (three-months; OR, 1.299, 95% CI 1.098, 1.535, one-year; OR, 1.181, 95% CI 0.952, 1.465). When grouped by age, the associations after both 3 months and 1 year observed in younger adult group (&lt;65 years), but not in group aged 65 years and older (three-months; &lt;65 years OR, 1.467, 95% CI 1.112, 1.936, ≥65 years OR, 1.220, 95% CI 0.987, 1.507, p for interaction = 0.038, one-year; &lt;65 years OR, 1.622, 95% CI 1.101, 2.388, ≥65 years OR, 1.010, 95% CI 0.778, 1.312, p for interaction = 0.018). Among younger adult group, the higher HbA1c level was related to short-and long-term functional loss in patients with the small vessel occlusion subtype (three-months; OR, 2.337, 95%CI 1.334, 4.095, one-year; OR, 3.004, 95% CI 1.301, 6.938). However, in patients with other TOAST subtypes, a high HbA1c level did not increase the risk of poor outcomes, regardless of the age of onset.ConclusionHigh HbA1c levels increase the risk of short-and long-term poor functional outcomes after IS onset. However, this association differs according to stroke subtype and age. Thus, pre-stroke hyperglycemia, reflected by HbA1c, may be a significant predictor for a poor prognosis after ischemic stroke, particular in young- and middle-aged adults.
The optimal dose of Ramelteon for the better treatment adherence of delayed sleep–wake phase disorder: a dropout rate study
Authors: Takagi Shunsuke , Sugihara Genichi , Takahashi Hidehiko , Inoue Yuichi 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundEvidence regarding the effectiveness of melatonin receptor agonists in treating delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD) remains limited. This study aimed to determine the optimal dose of ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist, for the better treatment adherence of DSWPD.MethodsThe patients who were diagnosed definitely as having DSWPD by board-certified physicians specialized in sleep medicine and started to receive strategically timed ramelteon medications after the diagnosis were included. Data on the initial ramelteon dose and follow-up duration (up to 24 months) were collected retrospectively. Patients with treatment discontinuation, changes in ramelteon dose, or the addition of other sleep-related medications were considered dropouts. Kaplan–Meier estimates, log-rank tests, and Cox regression analyses were performed.ResultsOverall, 373 patients were analyzed. The findings revealed that the 2 mg dose of ramelteon was associated with a lower dropout rate compared to the other doses (8 mg, 4 mg, and 1 mg). The dropout rate for the 2 mg group was estimated to have a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.5762 when compared with the 8 mg dose group. Sex did not reveal a significant HR, whereas older age exhibited a small but significant HR (0.9858).ConclusionFor achieving better adherence, a dosing regimen of strategically timed 2 mg ramelteon may be the best for the treatment of DSWPD. The therapeutic dose window for better adherence seems to center approximately 2 mg of ramelteon. Furthermore, caution should be exercised when treating younger patients to prevent dropouts.