bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiome and plasma metabolome alterations in myopic mice
Authors: Li Hao , Liu Shuyu , Zhang Keke , Zhu Xiangjia , Dai Jinhui , Lu Yi 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundMyopia is one of the most common eye diseases leading to blurred distance vision. Inflammatory diseases could trigger or exacerbate myopic changes. Although gut microbiota bacteria are associated with various inflammatory diseases, little is known about its role in myopia.Materials and methodsThe mice were randomly divided into control and model groups, with the model group being attached-30D lens onto the eyes for 3 weeks. Then, mouse cecal contents and plasma were collected to analyze their intestinal microbiota and plasma metabolome.ResultsWe identified that the microbial composition differed considerably between the myopic and non-myopic mice, with the relative abundance of Firmicutes phylum decreased obviously while that of Actinobacteria phylum was increased in myopia. Furthermore, Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium were positively correlated with axial lengths (ALs) of eyeballs while negatively correlated with refractive diopters. Untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 141 differentially expressed metabolites, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed considerable enrichment mainly in amino acid metabolism pathways. Notably, pathways involved glutamate metabolism including “Glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism” and “Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism” was changed dramatically, which presented as the concentrations of L-Glutamate and L-Glutamine decreased obviously in myopia. Interestingly, microbiome dysbiosis and metabolites alternations in myopia have a disrupting gut barrier feature. We further demonstrated that the gut barrier function was impaired in myopic mice manifesting in decreased expression of Occludin, ZO-1 and increased permeation of FITC-dextran.DiscussionMyopic mice had obviously altered gut microbiome and metabolites profiles compared to non-myopic mice. The dysbiosis and plasma metabolomics shift in myopia had an interrupting gut barrier feature. Our study provides new insights into the possible role of the gut microbiota in myopia and reinforces the potential feasibility of microbiome-based therapies in myopia.
Population dynamics of cross-protection against β-lactam antibiotics in droplet microreactors
Authors: Zhao Xinne , Ruelens Philip , Farr Andrew D. , de Visser J. Arjan G. M. , Baraban Larysa 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionBacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics may protect not only themselves, but also sensitive bacteria nearby if resistance involves antibiotic degradation. Such cross-protection poses a challenge to effective antibiotic therapy by enhancing the long-term survival of bacterial infections, however, the current understanding is limited.MethodsIn this study, we utilize an automated nanoliter droplet analyzer to study the interactions between Escherichia coli strains expressing a β-lactamase (resistant) and those not expressing it (sensitive) when exposed to the β-lactam antibiotic cefotaxime (CTX), with the aim to define criteria contributing to cross-protection.ResultsWe observed a cross-protection window of CTX concentrations for the sensitive strain, extending up to approximately 100 times its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Through both microscopy and enzyme activity analyses, we demonstrate that bacterial filaments, triggered by antibiotic stress, contribute to cross-protection.DiscussionThe antibiotic concentration window for cross-protection depends on the difference in β-lactamase activity between co-cultured strains: larger differences shift the ‘cross-protection window’ toward higher CTX concentrations. Our findings highlight the dependence of opportunities for cross-protection on the relative resistance levels of the strains involved and suggest a possible specific role for filamentation.
Targeting LRRC41 as a potential therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jun , Qin Chenjie , Wu Yicheng , Cheng Sheng , Wang Yuanqing , Chen Huijie , Chen Fangli , Chen Bingdi , Li Jutang 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, characterized by high mortality rate. In clinical practice, several makers of liver cancer, such as VEGFR1, FGFR1 and PDGFRα, were identified and their potentials as a therapeutic target were explored. However, the unsatisfied treatment results emphasized the needs of new therapeutic targets.Methods: 112 HCC patients samples were obtained to evaluate the expression of LRRC41, SOX9, CD44, and EPCAM in HCC, combined with prognosis analysis. A DEN-induced HCC rat model was constructed to verify the expression of LRRC41 and SOX9 in HCC and lung metastasis tissues. Immune score evaluation was analysized by bioinformatics methods. Network pharmacology was performed to explored the potential FDA-approved drugs targeting LRRC41.Results: Through analysis of the Timer database and tissue micro-array, we confirmed that LRRC41 was over-expressed in HCC and exhibited a significant positive correlation with recurrence and metastasis. Immunohistochemistry staining of human HCC tissue samples revealed significant upregulation of LRRC41, SOX9, CD44, and EPCAM, with LRRC41 showing a positive correlation with SOX9, CD44, and EPCAM expression. UALCAN database analysis indicated that LRRC41 and SOX9 contribute to poor prognosis whereas CD44 and EPCAM did not demonstrate the same significance. Furthermore, analysis of a DEN-induced HCC rat model confirmed the significantly elevated expression of LRRC41 and SOX9 in HCC and lung metastasis tissues. Drug sensitivity analysis and molecular docking targeting LRRC41 identified several FDA-approved drugs, which may have potential antitumor effects on HCC by targeting LRRC41.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the role of LRRC41 overexpression in promoting HCC progression and its association with a poor prognosis. Drug sensitivity analysis and molecular docking shows several FDA-approved drugs may be potential therapeutic targets for HCC. Targeting LRRC41 may hold promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Genetic liability for diet-derived circulating antioxidants, oxidative stress, and risk of osteoarthritis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tang Yidan , Xu Xiaolin , Zhang Shuangyi , Kong Weishuang , Zhang Weiyi , Zhu Tao 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundAlthough well-documented, the causal relationships between diet-derived circulating antioxidants, oxidative stress, and osteoarthritis (OA) are equivocal. The objective of this study is to employ two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate possible causal relationships among dietary-derived circulating antioxidants, oxidative stress damage indicators, and OA risk.MethodsSingle-nucleotide polymorphisms for diet-derived circulating antioxidants (ascorbate, β-carotene, lycopene, retinol, and α-and γ-tocopherol), assessed as absolute levels and metabolites, as well as oxidative stress injury biomarkers (GSH, GPX, CAT, SOD, albumin, and total bilirubin), were retrieved from the published data and were used as genetic instrumental variables. Summary statistics for gene–OA associations were obtained from publicly available and two relatively large-scale GWAS meta-analyses to date. The inverse-variance weighting method was utilized as the primary MR analysis. Moreover, multivariable MR was used to determine if mediators (BMI and smoking) causally mediated any connection. Furthermore, for each exposure, MR analyses were conducted per outcome database and then meta-analyzed.ResultsGenetically predicted absolute retinol level was causally associated with hip OA risk [odds ratios (ORs) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24–0.68, FDR-corrected p = 0.042]. Moreover, genetically predicted albumin level was causally associated with total OA risk (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.75–0.86, FDR-corrected p = 2.20E-11), as well as the risk of hip OA (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.68–0.84, FDR-corrected p = 1.38E-06) and knee OA (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.76–0.89, FDR-corrected p = 4.49E-06). In addition, MVMR confirmed that the effect of albumin on hip OA is independent of smoking initiation, alcoholic drinks per week, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels but may be influenced by BMI.ConclusionEvidence from our study supports a potentially protective effect of high levels of retinol and albumin on OA risk.
Reimagining the joint task force core competency framework for rural and frontier clinical research professionals conducting hybrid and decentralized trials
Authors: Besel Jamie M. , Johnson Elizabeth A. , Ma Jiahui , Kiesow Becky 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Clinical research professionals (i.e., clinical research assistants, clinical research nurses, clinical research coordinators, etc.), as outlined by the Joint Task Force (JTF) Core Competency Framework, are highly trained to support the breadth of clinical trial operations and manage participant care. Clinical research professionals are uniquely equipped with a scope of practice that permits product administration, participant assessments, and data management. As clinical trials grow in complexity and their management expands beyond traditional, site-based operations models to decentralized and/or hybrid models, the need becomes great to ensure adequate staffing. However, rural hospitals frequently lack the research staff or patient recruiters that would allow them to support decentralized clinical trials across a sizeable rural geographic demographic.Methods: This paper examines the contributory factors of the clinical research professional workforce contraction and response efforts at professional and organizational levels within a large, Magnet-designated healthcare system in the rural northwestern United States. Perspectives are shared on adapting the Core Competency Framework to reflect the unique strengths and opportunities towards decentralized trials in rural regions of the United States and areas of priority for workforce cultivation and retention. A descriptive survey was used to gather initial data identifying the current research perspectives of healthcare workers working across a rural community. Participants were asked to complete questions about the JTF Competency domains and behavior-based questions.Analysis: Both competency and behavior-based questions were asked and related to roles. These were then cross-referenced using a Rasmussen Ladder system. Descriptive statistics were conducted for sample characteristics, self-reported competency domain questions, and behavior questions.Results and discussion: Survey findings suggest that although healthcare workers and clinical research teams interact, they are unlikely to ask their patients to participate in research. Based on the limited response rate, results suggest that better education throughout the rural community could benefit from decentralized research efforts. Increased use of technology was also highlighted as an area of interest.
Effects of thermal treatment on the complex structure of luminescence emission of Li-doped ZnO screen-printed films
Authors: Chukova O. , Borkovska L. , Khomenkova L. , Korsunska N. , Ponomaryov S. , Androulidaki M. , Stratakis E. 
Published: December 2023

The ZnO–Li films were synthesized and investigated in an attempt to explore and develop RE-free phosphor materials capable of emitting intense visible light in a wide spectral range. The effects of both heterovalent doping with lithium and high-temperature annealing on the optical properties of ZnO films were studied. The films were deposited on the Al2O3 substrate using the screen-printing method and annealed at 800–1,000°C in air for 0.5–3 h. Both doping and annealing result in the transformation of the shape of reflectance spectra in the range of 300–400 nm and the shift of absorption edge to the long-wavelength region. At the same time, the bandgap value estimated taking into account the exciton peak position and its binding energy is independent of Li-doping. The feature at 300–400 nm and the shift of absorption edge are ascribed to the appearance of the absorption band that excited the yellow photoluminescence band. The photoluminescence spectra of undoped and Li-doped films show the emission bands in the ultraviolet and visible spectral ranges. The ultraviolet emission is due to ZnO exciton recombination. The visible emission band comprises several components peaked at 430, 482, 540, 575, and 640 nm. Their relative intensities depend on Li-doping, annealing temperature, and annealing duration. The 430- and 482-nm luminescence bands were observed in Li-doped films only. Their excitation spectra show the peak located at 330–340 nm, indicating that the energy significantly exceeds the ZnO bandgap energy. Consequently, the 430- and 482-nm luminescence bands are attributed to an additional crystal phase formed under annealing. Other components of visible emission bands are ascribed to the defect-related emission of ZnO. The possible nature of these bands is further discussed. Li-doping and annealing at intermediate temperatures result in blue emission and an enhancement of other visible bands, which makes ZnO–Li films a perspective material in photonic applications.
Frontiers and hotspots of adipose tissue and NAFLD: a bibliometric analysis from 2002 to 2022
Authors: Gu Shuxiao , Qiao Yanfang , Liu Susu , Yang Shuangjie , Cong Shibo , Wang Sili , Yu Deshuai , Wang Wei , Chai Xinlou 
Published: December 2023

Background: The annual incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to rise steadily. In recent years, adipose tissue (AT) has gained recognition as a pivotal contributor to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Employing bibliometric analysis, we examined literature concerning AT and NAFLD.Methods: Relevant literature on AT in NAFLD from 1980 to 2022 was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. These records were visualized using CiteSpace and VOSviewer regarding publications, countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords.Results: Since 2002, a total of 3,330 papers have been included, exhibiting an annual surge in publications. Notably, the quality of publications is superior in the USA and Europe. Kenneth Cusi stands out as the author with the highest number of publications and H-index. Hepatology is the journal boasting the highest citation and H-index. The University of California System holds the highest centrality among institutions. References specifically delve into physiological processes associated with AT in NAFLD. Currently, lipid metabolism and inflammation constitute the principal research mechanisms in the AT-based regulation of NAFLD, with pertinent keywords including microRNA, T cell, hypoxia, sarcopenia, hepatokine, gut microbiota, and autophagy. The Mediterranean diet is among the most widely recommended dietary approaches for potential NAFLD treatment.Conclusion: This paper represents the inaugural bibliometric study on the effects of AT on NAFLD, offering valuable insights and directions for future research.
Spanish ecological battleground: population structure of two invasive fungi, Cryphonectria parasitica and Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Ahmad Farooq , Diez Julio Javier 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionInvasive fungi distributed worldwide through globalization have caused devastating diseases in different forests, causing economic and ecologic disturbances. Two such invasive species are Cryphonectria parasitica and Fusarium circinatum, which were introduced to Europe from North America, separated temporally: C. parasitica was introduced about nine decades ago, whereas F. circinatum was introduced around two decades ago. As C. parasitica had a longer time to undergo genetic changes, we hypothesized that it has higher genetic diversity than the recently introduced F. circinatum in Spain. In addition, we studied the genetic characterization of both fungi present in similar ecological conditions in Northern Spain with the aim of providing data for biocontrol measures.MethodsMolecular genetic markers were used to test these hypotheses, including mating type and DNA sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. In addition, we used vegetative compatibility (VC) type markers in C. parasitica as the information about VC type is essential to apply biocontrol against the fungus.Results and discussionAll the isolates of C. parasitica from the studied area belonged to only one VC type (EU-1) and one mating type (MAT-2). However, three distinct haplotypes of C. parasitica were identified through ITS sequencing, showing that multiple introductions might have happened to Cantabria. Among F. circinatum, no diversity was observed in ITS and MAT loci in the studied area but isolates from other Spanish regions showed the presence of both mating types. Overall, C. parasitica had higher genetic diversity than F. circinatum, despite both organisms appearing to reproduce clonally. This study helped understand the invasion patterns of C. parasitica and F. circinatum in northern Spain and will be useful in applying biocontrol measures against both pathogens.
Non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with mood disorders and the roles of self-compassion and emotional regulation
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Jia-ting , Zhou Man , Liu Hui-feng , Fan Yang-yang , Mi Si , Tang Yi-lang 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the characteristics and psychological mechanism of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents with mood disorders. We examined how self-compassion and emotional regulation affected NSSI and tested the mediating role of self-compassion in the link between emotional regulation and NSSI.MethodWe recruited outpatient and inpatient adolescent patients with bipolar and related disorders or depressive disorders (DSM-5), with a focus on NSSI. We also recruited healthy controls from the community. We collected demographic and clinical data. The Adolescent Self-injury Questionnaire, Self-compassion Scale (SCS), and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were used to assess the frequency and severity of NSSI, level of self-compassion, and emotional regulation.ResultsIn total, we recruited 248 adolescent patients with mood disorders (N = 196 with NSSI, and 52 without NSSI) and 212 healthy controls. NSSI was significantly associated with the female sex, lower levels of education and less use of cognitive reappraisal strategies, lower levels of self-warmth, and higher levels of self-coldness. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in the scores of ERQ, cognitive reassessment score, and the scores of SCS among the three groups, but no statistical differences in expressive suppression score among the three groups. Self-warmth had a mediating effect between cognitive reappraisal and NSSI behavior.ConclusionNSSI is prevalent among adolescent patients with mood disorders in clinical settings, especially among girls and those with lower levels of education and less cognitive reappraisal strategies. More clinical attention is needed. Self-compassion and its factors may mediate the association between emotional regulation and NSSI. Clinical implications and future research directions were discussed.
Comparing clinical decision-making of AI technology to a multi-professional care team in an electronic cognitive behavioural therapy program for depression: protocol
Authors: Stephenson Callum , Jagayat Jasleen , Kumar Anchan , Khamooshi Paniz , Eadie Jazmin , Pannu Amrita , Meartsi Dekel , Danaee Eileen , Gutierrez Gilmar , Khan Ferwa , Gizzarelli Tessa , Patel Charmy , Moghimi Elnaz , Yang Megan , Shirazi Amirhossein , Omrani Mohsen , Patel Archana , Alavi Nazanin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionDepression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting up to 300 million people globally. Despite its high prevalence and debilitating effects, only one-third of patients newly diagnosed with depression initiate treatment. Electronic cognitive behavioural therapy (e-CBT) is an effective treatment for depression and is a feasible solution to make mental health care more accessible. Due to its online format, e-CBT can be combined with variable therapist engagement to address different care needs. Typically, a multi-professional care team determines which combination therapy most benefits the patient. However, this process can add to the costs of these programs. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been proposed to offset these costs.MethodsThis study is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial recruiting individuals experiencing depression. The degree of care intensity a participant will receive will be randomly decided by either: (1) a machine learning algorithm, or (2) an assessment made by a group of healthcare professionals. Subsequently, participants will receive depression-specific e-CBT treatment through the secure online platform. There will be three available intensities of therapist interaction: (1) e-CBT; (2) e-CBT with a 15–20-min phone/video call; and (3) e-CBT with pharmacotherapy. This approach aims to accurately allocate care tailored to each patient’s needs, allowing for more efficient use of resources.DiscussionArtificial intelligence and providing patients with varying intensities of care can increase the efficiency of mental health care services. This study aims to determine a cost-effective method to decrease depressive symptoms and increase treatment adherence to online psychotherapy by allocating the correct intensity of therapist care for individuals diagnosed with depression. This will be done by comparing a decision-making machine learning algorithm to a multi-professional care team. This approach aims to accurately allocate care tailored to each patient’s needs, allowing for more efficient use of resources with the convergence of technologies and healthcare.EthicsThe study received ethics approval and began participant recruitment in December 2022. Participant recruitment has been conducted through targeted advertisements and physician referrals. Complete data collection and analysis are expected to conclude by August 2024.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.Gov, identifier NCT04747873.