bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macroscale neurovascular coupling and functional integration in end‐stage renal disease patients with cognitive impairment: A multimodal MRI study
Authors: Hu Runyue , Gao Lei , Chen Peina , Wei Xiaobao , Wu Xiaoyan , Xu Haibo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEnd‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with vascular and neuronal dysfunction, causing neurovascular coupling (NVC) dysfunction, but how NVC dysfunction acts on the mechanism of cognitive impairment in ESRD patients from local to remote is still poorly understood. We recruited 48 ESRD patients and 35 demographically matched healthy controls to scan resting‐state functional MRI and arterial spin labeling, then investigated the four types of NVC between amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF, regional homogeneity, degree centrality, and cerebral blood perfusion (CBF), and associated functional networks. Our results indicated that ESRD patients showed NVC dysfunction in global gray matter and multiple brain regions due to the mismatch between CBF and neural activity, and associated disrupted functional connectivity (FC) within sensorimotor network (SMN), visual network (VN), default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and disrupted FC between them with limbic network (LN), while increased FC between SMN and DMN. Anemia may affect the NVC of middle occipital gyrus and precuneus, and increased pulse pressure may result in disrupted FC with SMN. The NVC dysfunction of the right precuneus, middle frontal gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus and the FC between the right angular gyrus and the right anterior cingulate gyrus may reflect cognitive impairment in ESRD patients. Our study confirmed that ESRD patients may exist NVC dysfunction and disrupted functional integration in SMN, VN, DMN, SN and LN, serving as one of the mechanisms of cognitive impairment. Anemia and increased pulse pressure may be related risk factors.
Molecular identification of keratinophilic fungi associated with hair scalp and antifungal activity of green‐synthesis zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: El‐Dawy Eman Gamal Abd Elnaser M. , Gherbawy Youssuf A. , Abd El‐Sadek Mahmoud S. , Fouad Walaa 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA diverse population of fungi colonizes human hair and skin due to millions of years of functional integration and mutual adaptation. The human body, with its fungal communities, forms a complex entity. Microbial imbalance is promoted by instabilities in the host–mycobiota interaction system, which can be related to the development of various diseases. By morphological and molecular identification, 15 genera comprising 24 species were isolated from 18 scalp samples collected from girls. Yeast‐like structures were the most common species in this study; they were recovered from six samples (33.3%). They were represented by five species: Arachniotus ruber; Cosmospora aurantiicola; Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum; Geotrichum candidum and Suhomyces tanzawaensis. For the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), an aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale was utilized as a reducing and capping agent. The prepared NPs tested by X‐ray diffraction, they had a hexagonal wurtzite structure. Most of the ZnO NPs were spherical, and their diameter was about 38.9 nm using a transmission electron microscope. ZnO NPs of the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy spectra were recorded in the range of 400–4000 cm−1. UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed the 200–800 nm wavelength range. ZnO NPs showed the highest activity against Ambrosiella hartigii Ambh2; Cladosporium cladosporioides Cladcl12; C. cf. cucumerinum Cladcu13; S. tanzawaensis Suht34, with minimal inhibitory concentrations 1.25 × 103 µg/mL on the four isolates.
High‐performance bioelectronic tongue for the simultaneous analysis of phenols, sugars and organic acids in wines
Authors: Pettinelli Stefano , Pérez‐Gonzàlez Clara , Salvo‐Comino Coral , Mencarelli Fabio , Garcia‐Cabezón Cristina , Rodriguez‐Mendez Maria Luz 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDElectronic tongues have been widely used to analyze wines. However, owing to the complexity of the matrix, the problem is not completely solved and further improvements are required.RESULTSA high‐performance potentiometric bioelectronic tongue (bio‐ET) specifically devoted to the assessment of wine components is presented. The novelty of this system is due to two innovative approaches. First, the improved performance is obtained through the use of potentiometric biosensors based on carboxylated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes, where enzymes (glucose oxidase, tyrosinase, laccase, and lyase) specific to compounds of interest are linked covalently. Second, the performance is further enhanced by introducing electron mediators (gold nanoparticles or copper phthalocyanine) into the PVC membrane to facilitate the electron transfer process. Individual sensors exposed to target analytes (glucose, catechol, cysteine, or tartaric acid) show a linear behavior, with limits of detection in the region of 10−4 mol L−1 for all the compounds analyzed, with excellent reproducibility (coefficient of variation lower than 3%). Sensors combined to form a bio‐ET show excellent capabilities. Principal component (PC) analysis can discriminate monovarietal white wines (PC1 77%; PC2 15%) and red wines (PC1 63%; PC2 30%). Using partial least squares, the bio‐ET can provide information about chemical parameters, including glucose, total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, free and total sulfur dioxide, total acidity, and pH with R2 between 0.91 and 0.98 in calibration and between 0.89 and 0.98 in validation.CONCLUSIONSThis advanced instrument is able to assess the levels of seven parameters in a single measurement, providing an advantageous method to the wine industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fabrication of dry S/O/W microcapsule and its probiotic protection against different stresses
Authors: Guo Qianwan , Cui Bo , Yuan Chao , Guo Li , Li Zhao , Chai Qingqing , Wang Na , Gänzle Michael , Zhao Meng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDEncapsulation is commonly used to protect probiotics against harsh stresses. Thus, the fabrication of microcapsules with special structure is critical. In this work, microcapsules with the structure of S/O/W (solid‐in‐oil‐in‐water) emulsion were prepared for probiotics, with butterfat containing probiotics as the inner core and with whey protein isolate fibrils (WPIF) and antioxidants (epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG; glutathione, GSH) as the outer shell.RESULTSBased on the high viscosity and good emulsifying ability of WPIF, dry well‐dispersed microcapsules were successfully prepared via the stabilization of the butterfat emulsion during freeze‐drying with 30–50 g L−1 WPIF. WPIF, WPIF + EGCG, and WPIF + GSH microcapsules with 50 g L−1 WPIF protected probiotics very well against different stresses and exhibited similar inactivation results, indicating that EGCG and GSH exerted neither harm or protection on probiotics. This significantly reduced the harmful effects of antioxidants on probiotics. Almost all the probiotics survived after pasteurization, which was critical for the use of probiotics in other foods. The inactivation values of probiotics in microcapsules were around 1 log in simulated gastric juice (SGJ), about 0.5 log in simulated intestinal juice (SIJ), and around 1 log after 40 days of ambient storage.CONCLUSIONDry S/O/W microcapsule, with butterfat containing probiotics as the inner core and WPIF as the outer shell, significantly increased the resistance of probiotics to harsh environments. This work proposed a preparation method of dry S/O/W microcapsule with core/shell structure, which could be used in the encapsulation of probiotics and other bioactive ingredients.
Advances in Dynamic Light Scattering Imaging of Blood Flow
Authors: Sdobnov Anton , Piavchenko Gennadii , Bykov Alexander , Meglinski Igor 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDynamic light scattering (DLS) is a well known experimental approach uniquely suited for the characterization of small particles undergoing Brownian motion in randomly inhomogeneous turbid scattering medium, including water suspension, polymers in solutions, cells cultures, and so on. DLS is based on the illuminating of turbid medium with a coherent laser light and further analyzes the intensity fluctuations caused by the motion of the scattering particles. The DLS‐based spin‐off derivative techniques, such laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS), laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT), are exploited widely for non‐invasive imaging of blood flow in brain, skin, muscles, and other biological tissues. The recent advancements in the DLS‐based imaging technologies in frame of their application for brain blood flow monitoring, skin perfusion measurements, and non‐invasive blood micro‐circulation characterization are overviewed. The fundamentals, breakthrough potential, and practical findings revealed by DLS‐based blood flow imaging studies, including the limitations and challenges of the approach such as movement artifacts, non‐ergodicity, and overcoming high scattering properties of studied medium, are also discussed. It is concluded that continued research and further technological advancements in DLS‐based imaging will pave the way for new exciting developments and insights into blood flow diagnostic imaging.
Biallelic COQ4 Variants in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: Clinical and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Lin Xiang , Jiang Jun‐Yi , Hong Dao‐jun , Lin Kai‐Jun , Li Jin‐Jing , Chen Yi‐Jun , Qiu Yu‐sen , Wang Zishuai , Liao Yi‐Chu , Yang Kang , Shi Yan , Wang Meng‐wen , Hsu Shao‐Lun , Hong Shunyan , Zeng Yi‐Heng , Chen Xiao‐Chun , Wang Ning , Lee Yi‐Chung , Chen Wan‐Jin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundHereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are neurologic disorders characterized by progressive lower‐extremity spasticity. Despite the identification of several HSP‐related genes, many patients lack a genetic diagnosis.ObjectivesThe aims were to confirm the pathogenic role of biallelic COQ4 mutations in HSP and elucidate the clinical, genetic, and functional molecular features of COQ4‐associated HSP.MethodsWhole exome sequences of 310 index patients with HSP of unknown cause from three distinct populations were analyzed to identify potential HSP causal genes. Clinical data obtained from patients harboring candidate causal mutations were examined. Functional characterization of COQ4 variants was performed using bioinformatic tools, single‐cell RNA sequencing, biochemical assays in cell lines, primary fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cell–derived pyramidal neurons, and zebrafish.ResultsCompound heterozygous variants in COQ4, which cosegregated with HSP in pedigrees, were identified in 7 patients from six unrelated families. Patients from four of the six families presented with pure HSP, whereas probands of the other two families exhibited complicated HSP with epilepsy or with cerebellar ataxia. In patient‐derived fibroblasts and COQ4 knockout complementation lines, stable expression of these missense variants exerted loss‐of‐function effects, including mitochondrial reactive oxygen species accumulation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and lower ubiquinone biosynthesis. Whereas differentiated pyramidal neurons expressed high COQ4 levels, coq4 knockdown zebrafish displayed severe motor dysfunction, reflecting motor neuron dysregulation.ConclusionsOur study confirms that loss‐of‐function, compound heterozygous, pathogenic COQ4 variants are causal for autosomal recessive pure and complicated HSP. Moreover, reduced COQ4 levels attributable to variants correspond with decreased ubiquinone biosynthesis, impaired mitochondrial function, and higher phenotypic disease severity. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Progressive Cerebrovascular Reactivity Reduction Occurs in Parkinson's Disease: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Hongwei , Jia Jia , Shao Xiali , Li Yuanfang , Zhou Ying , Wang He , Jin Lirong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe change of microvascular function over the course of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear.ObjectiveWe aimed to ascertain regional cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) changes in the patients with PD at baseline (V0) and during a 2‐year follow‐up period (V1). We further investigated whether alterations in CVR were linked to cognitive decline and brain functional connectivity (FC).MethodsWe recruited 90 PD patients and 51 matched healthy controls (HCs). PD patients underwent clinical evaluations, neuropsychological assessments, and magnetic resonance (MR) scanning at V0 and V1, whereas HCs completed neuropsychological assessments and MR at baseline. The analysis included evaluating CVR and FC maps derived from resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging and investigating CVR measurement reproducibility.ResultsCompared with HCs, CVR reduction in left inferior occipital gyrus and right superior temporal cortex at V0 persisted at V1, with larger clusters. Longitudinal reduction in CVR of the left posterior cingulate cortex correlated with decline in Trail Making Test B performance within PD patients. Reproducibility validation further confirmed these findings. In addition, the results also showed that there was a tendency for FC to be weakened from posterior to anterior with the progression of the disease.ConclusionsMicrovascular dysfunction might be involved in disease progression, subsequently weaken brain FC, and partly contribute to executive function deficits in early PD. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
LSD1 in drug discovery: From biological function to clinical application
Authors: Liu Hui‐Min , Zhou Ying , Chen He‐Xiang , Wu Jiang‐Wan , Ji Shi‐Kun , Shen Liang , Wang Shao‐Peng , Liu Hong‐Min , Liu Ying , Dai Xing‐Jie , Zheng Yi‐Chao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) dependent monoamine oxidase (MAO) that erases the mono‐, and dimethylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4), resulting in the suppression of target gene transcriptions. Besides, it can also demethylate some nonhistone substrates to regulate their biological functions. As reported, LSD1 is widely upregulated and plays a key role in several kinds of cancers, pharmacological or genetic ablation of LSD1 in cancer cells suppresses cell aggressiveness by several distinct mechanisms. Therefore, numerous LSD1 inhibitors, including covalent and noncovalent, have been developed and several of them have entered clinical trials. Herein, we systemically reviewed and discussed the biological function of LSD1 in tumors, lymphocytes as well as LSD1‐targeting inhibitors in clinical trials, hoping to benefit the field of LSD1 and its inhibitors.
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channels in the bladder mediate low temperature elicited bladder overactivity in rats
Authors: Imamura Tetsuya , Ogawa Teruyuki , Minagawa Tomonori , Daimon Hironori , Nagai Takashi , Ueno Manabu , Saito Tetsuichi , Ishizuka Osamu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to investigate whether pathways involving transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels in the urinary bladder mediate the bladder overactivity elicited by exposure to a low temperature in rats.MethodsAt postnatal week 10, female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were intraperitoneally injected with the TRPA1 channel antagonist, HC030031, at room temperature (RT) and subsequently exposed to low temperature (LT). Bladder specimens treated with HC030031 were evaluated for contractions through cumulative addition of the TRPA1 channel agonist trans‐cinnamaldehyde. Two days before cystometric investigation, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TRPA1 was transfected into urinary bladders. Then, cystometric investigations were performed on rats subjected to TRPA1 siRNA transfection at both RT and LT. Expression of TRPA1 channels in the urinary bladder was assessed through immunohistochemistry and real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAt RT, micturition patterns were unaffected by HC030031 treatment. However, upon exposure to LT, rats treated with HC030031 exhibited a reduction of LT‐elicited bladder overactivity, as evidenced by inhibited decreases in voiding interval, micturition volume, and bladder capacity. Additionally, HC030031 inhibited trans‐cinnamaldehyde‐induced contractions. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of TRPA1 channels in the urinary bladder. Notably, rats with TRPA1 siRNA‐transfected bladders could partially inhibit bladder overactivity during LT exposure.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that pathways involving TRPA1 channels expressed in the urinary bladder could mediate the LT‐elicited bladder overactivity.
Lower urinary tract symptoms in young‐middle aged males with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Di Bello Francesco , Pezone Gabriele , Muzii Benedetta , Cilio Simone , Ruvolo Claudia Collà , Scandurra Cristiano , Mocini Edoardo , Creta Massimiliano , Morra Simone , Bochicchio Vincenzo , Salzano Giovanni , Vaira Luigi Angelo , Mangiapia Francesco , Motta Gaetano , Maldonato Nelson Mauro , Longo Nicola , Cantone Elena , Califano Gianluigi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the current study is to measure the prevalence and the potential role of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score as a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in male experienced lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).MethodsA cross‐sectional web‐based Italian survey was administered via Google Forms between July 17 and October 31, 2022. The urinary functioning was measured through the IPSS questionnaire. Specifically, we considered symptoms occurring more than “about half the time” (score ≥ 3) as bothering symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression models (LRMs) adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), International Index of Erectile Function‐5, IPSS, and hypertension were fitted to predict OSAS in the cohort of men responding to the survey and experiencing LUTS.ResultsOverall, 58 (24.4%) patients had a confirmed diagnosis of OSAS. The overall median IPSS was 5 (inter quartile range [IQR]: 3–8), respectively. According to IPSS items, 24 (10%), 44 (18.4%), 12 (5%), 12 (5%), 12 (5%), 11 (4.6%), 63 (26.4%) patients exhibit incomplete bladder emptying, urinary frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak stream, straining, nocturia with a score ≥ 3, respectively. After multivariable LRMs predicting the developing OSAS, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, p < 0.001), BMI (OR:1.12, p < 0.001) and IPSS total score (OR:1.08, p = 0.02) were independent predicting factors.ConclusionThis analysis revealed that the IPSS total score, age, and BMI are independent predictors of OSAS in males. In this context, the use of IPSS in daily practice could be helpful in assessing the LUTS presence and in supporting physicians to identify a hidden sleep apnea condition.
Gamma‐band harmonic responses for beta‐band auditory steady‐state response are intact in patients with early stage schizophrenia
Authors: Tada Mariko , Kirihara Kenji , Nagai Tatsuya , Koike Shinsuke , Araki Tsuyoshi , Kasai Kiyoto 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGamma oscillations, thought to arise from the activity of ɣ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons, have potential as a biomarker for schizophrenia. Gamma‐band auditory steady‐state responses (ASSRs) are notably reduced in both chronic and early‐stage schizophrenia patients. Furthermore, alterations in gamma‐band ASSRs have been demonstrated in animal models through translational research. However, the 40‐Hz harmonic responses of the 20‐Hz ASSR are not as well‐characterized, despite the possibility that these harmonic oscillatory responses may reflect resonant activity in neural circuits. In this study, we investigated the 40‐Hz harmonic response to the 20‐Hz ASSR in the early stages of schizophrenia. The study recruited 49 participants, including 15 individuals at ultra‐high‐risk (UHR) for psychosis, 13 patients with first‐episode schizophrenia (FES), and 21 healthy controls (HCs). The 40‐Hz harmonic responses of the 20‐Hz ASSR were evident in all groups. Interestingly, while previous report observed reduced 40‐Hz ASSRs, the 40‐Hz harmonic responses of the 20‐Hz ASSR were not reduced in the UHR or FES groups. These findings suggest that the gamma‐band ASSR and its harmonic responses may represent distinct aspects of pathophysiology in the early stages of schizophrenia.
Growing up in the suburbs: Growth faltering and disease burden in the children from 16th to 18th century Tallinn, Estonia
Authors: Vilumets Linda , Aguraiuja‐Lätti Ülle , Lewis Mary 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper presents the results of the first large‐scale study of children from early modern northern Estonia. A total of 191 non‐adults (<17 years) from the 16th–18th century Tõnismägi cemetery in the suburbs of Tallinn were analyzed to gain a better understanding of the health and living environment of these low‐status children. This was achieved through growth analysis and palaeopathological investigation of metabolic and respiratory diseases such as scurvy, vitamin D deficiency, and tuberculosis. Growth disruption was shown to be the most severe among non‐adults aged between 4 and 9 years and comparable to children living in post‐medieval London. It is unlikely that the children from Tallinn would have experienced the same level of industrial hazards as those in London, but poor socioeconomic status, an impoverished diet, and unsanitary living conditions in the suburbs had a detrimental effect on the growth of these non‐adults. This was supported by a statistically significant correlation between growth faltering and respiratory infections and evidence for scurvy in 40% of the infants (n = 30). The most likely cause was early weaning and a diet devoid of vitamin C, induced by poverty and cultural practices. The prevalence of rickets was much lower when compared with other post‐medieval populations in Europe, at just 1.2%. This suggests that children living in Tallinn were not deprived of sunlight and may have had access to more green spaces.