bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of cultivation substrate on antioxidant activities and triterpenoid profiles of the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Luo Gelian , Pan Zhibin , Liu Zhibin , Cheng Weiqing , Yu Tingting 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum has been believed to possess a wide range of therapeutic effects. There are two main methods for artificial cultivation of G. lucidum to produce the fruiting body, namely wood log cultivation and substitute cultivation. The impact of cultivation substrates on the composition of bioactive compounds remains largely unexplored. This study aims to compare the antioxidant activities and triterpenoid profiles of the fruiting bodies of G. lucidum that cultivated through wood log cultivation (WGL) and substitute cultivation (SGL) methods.MethodsThe antioxidant activities, including the DPPH radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, and total antioxidant activities, were assessed in both WGL and SGL samples. Furthermore, the UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS technique was employed to compare their phytochemical profiles, with a specific emphasis on triterpenoid constituents.Results and discussionIt was found that WGL samples exhibited significantly higher total triterpenoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and total antioxidant activity. Furthermore, an untargeted metabolomics approach employing UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS tentatively identified a total of 96 triterpenoids. Distinguishingly different triterpenoid profiles between the two types of G. lucidum samples were revealed via the utilization of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Specifically, 17 triterpenoids showed significant differences. Of these triterpenoids, 6 compounds, such as ganosporelactone B, ganoderol A, ganoderic acid A, ganoderic acid alpha, were significantly higher in SGL samples; 11 compounds, such as lucidenic acid A, lucidenic acid D1, lucidenic acid F, lucidenic acid G, lucidenic acid J, ganoderic acid E, and ganoderic acid O, were significantly higher in WGL samples. These findings expand our knowledge regarding the impact of cultivation substrate on the antioxidant activities and triterpenoid profiles of G. lucidum, and offer practical implications for its cultivation.
Tolerability and efficacy of the cancer vaccine UV1 in patients with recurrent or metastatic PD-L1 positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma planned for first-line treatment with pembrolizumab – the randomized phase 2 FOCUS trial
Authors: Brandt Anna , Schultheiss Christoph , Klinghammer Konrad , Schafhausen Philippe , Busch Chia-Jung , Blaurock Markus , Hinke Axel , Tometten Mareike , Dietz Andreas , Müller-Richter Urs , Hahn Dennis , Alt Jürgen , Stein Alexander , Binder Mascha 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundGlobally, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the seventh most common malignancy. Despite aggressive multimodal treatment approaches, recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) disease develops in &gt;50% of patients. In this setting, pembrolizumab was approved for patients with PD-L1 expression. However, response rates with checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy remain limited and strategies to strengthen tumor-directed immune responses are needed.ObjectiveThe FOCUS trial is designed to estimate the effectiveness of UV1 vaccination in combination with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab as a single agent in patients with R/M HNSCC.Methods and analysisThe FOCUS trial is a two-armed, randomized, multicenter phase II study which was designed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of the hTERT-targeted cancer vaccine UV1 as add-on to pembrolizumab in the 1st line treatment of patients with R/M PD-L1 positive (combined positive score ≥1) HNSCC. Secondary objectives are the exploration of patient subgroups most likely deriving benefit from this novel combination and the establishment of liquid biopsy tumor monitoring in HNSCC.Ethics and disseminationThis clinical study was designed and will be conducted in compliance with Good Clinical Practice and in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. It is intended to publish the results of this study in peer-reviewed scientific journals and to present its content at academic conferences.ConclusionsA significant number of patients with R/M HNSCC are frail and may not tolerate chemotherapy, these patients may only be suitable for pembrolizumab monotherapy. However, long term disease stabilizations remain the exception and there is a need for the development of efficacious combination regimens for this patient population. The FOCUS study aims to optimize treatment of R/M HNSCC patients with this promising new treatment approach.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05075122, identifier NCT05075122.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting cardiovascular mortality risk for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in children, adolescents, and adults
Authors: Mu Kai , Zhang Jing , Gu Yan , Huang Guoying 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting cardiovascular mortality (CVM) for child, adolescent, and adult patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Materials and methodsPatients with only one primary tumor of DLBCL first diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 in the SEER database were extracted. We used the cumulative incidence function (CIF) to evaluate the cumulative rate of CVM. The outcome of interest was CVM, which was analyzed using a competing risk model, accounting for death due to other causes. The total database was randomly divided into a training cohort and an internal validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. Adjustments were for demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment modalities. Nomograms were constructed according to these risk factors to predict CVM risk at 5, 10, and 15 years. Validation included receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, time-dependent ROC, C-index, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.ResultsOne hundred four thousand six hundred six patients following initial diagnosis of DLBCL were included (58.3% male, median age 64 years, range 0–80, White 83.98%). Among them, 5.02% died of CVM, with a median follow-up time of 61 (31–98) months. Nomograms based on the seven risk factors (age at diagnosis, gender, race, tumor grade, Ann Arbor stage, radiation, chemotherapy) with hazard ratios ranging from 0.19–1.17 showed excellent discrimination, and calibration plots demonstrated satisfactory prediction. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year AUC and C-index of CVM in the training set were 0.716 (0.714–0.718), 0.713 (0.711–0.715), 0.706 (0.704–0.708), 0.731, 0.727, and 0.719; the corresponding figures for the validation set were 0.705 (0.688–0.722), 0.704 (0.689–0.718), 0.707 (0.693–0.722), 0.698, 0.698, and 0.699. Decision curve analysis revealed a clinically beneficial net benefit.ConclusionsWe first built the nomogram model for DLBCL patients with satisfactory prediction and excellent discrimination, which might play an essential role in helping physicians enact better treatment strategies at the time of initial diagnosis.
Elucidation of the mechanism of action of ailanthone in the treatment of colorectal cancer: integration of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Ma Shanbo , Guo Xiaodi , Han Ruisi , Meng Qian , Zhang Yan , Quan Wei , Miao Shan , Yang Zhao , Shi Xiaopeng , Wang Siwang 
Published: February 2024

Background: Ailanthone, a small compound derived from the bark of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, has several anti-tumour properties. However, the activity and mechanism of ailanthone in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be investigated. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the mechanism of ailanthone in the treatment of CRC by employing a combination of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular biological technique.Methods: The druggability of ailanthone was examined, and its targets were identified using relevant databases. The RNA sequencing data of individuals with CRC obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed. Utilizing the R programming language, an in-depth investigation of differentially expressed genes was carried out, and the potential target of ailanthone for anti-CRC was found. Through the integration of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment studies to search for the key pathway of the action of Ailanthone. Then, by employing molecular docking verification, flow cytometry, Transwell assays, and Immunofluorescence to corroborate these discoveries.Results: Data regarding pharmacokinetic parameters and 137 target genes for ailanthone were obtained. Leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas database, information regarding 2,551 differentially expressed genes was extracted. Subsequent analyses, encompassing protein–protein interaction network analysis, survival analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and molecular docking verification, revealed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as pivotal mediators of ailanthone against CRC. Additionally, the in vitro experiments indicated that ailanthone substantially affects the cell cycle, induces apoptosis in CRC cells (HCT116 and SW620 cells), and impedes the migration and invasion capabilities of these cells. Immunofluorescence staining showed that ailanthone significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT protein and suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells.Conclusion: Therefore, our findings indicate that Ailanthone exerts anti-CRC effects primarily by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Additionally, we propose that Ailanthone holds potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human CRC.
A novel computational framework for the estimation of internal musculoskeletal loading and muscle adaptation in hypogravity
Authors: Cowburn James , Serrancolí Gil , Pavei Gaspare , Minetti Alberto , Salo Aki , Colyer Steffi , Cazzola Dario 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Spaceflight is associated with substantial and variable musculoskeletal (MSK) adaptations. Characterisation of muscle and joint loading profiles can provide key information to better align exercise prescription to astronaut MSK adaptations upon return-to-Earth. A case-study is presented of single-leg hopping in hypogravity to demonstrate the additional benefit computational MSK modelling has when estimating lower-limb MSK loading. Methods: A single male participant performed single-leg vertical hopping whilst attached to a body weight support system to replicate five gravity conditions (0.17, 0.25, 0.37, 0.50, 1 g). Experimental joint kinematics, joint kinetics and ground reaction forces were tracked in a data-tracking direct collocation simulation framework. Ground reaction forces, sagittal plane hip, knee and ankle net joint moments, quadriceps muscle forces (Rectus Femoris and three Vasti muscles), and hip, knee and ankle joint reaction forces were extracted for analysis. Estimated quadriceps muscle forces were input into a muscle adaptation model to predict a meaningful increase in muscle cross-sectional area, defined in (DeFreitas et al., 2011). Results: Two distinct strategies were observed to cope with the increase in ground reaction forces as gravity increased. Hypogravity was associated with an ankle dominant strategy with increased range of motion and net plantarflexor moment that was not seen at the hip or knee, and the Rectus Femoris being the primary contributor to quadriceps muscle force. At 1 g, all three joints had increased range of motion and net extensor moments relative to 0.50 g, with the Vasti muscles becoming the main muscles contributing to quadriceps muscle force. Additionally, hip joint reaction force did not increase substantially as gravity increased, whereas the other two joints increased monotonically with gravity. The predicted volume of exercise needed to counteract muscle adaptations decreased substantially with gravity. Despite the ankle dominant strategy in hypogravity, the loading on the knee muscles and joint also increased, demonstrating this provided more information about MSK loading. Discussion: This approach, supplemented with muscle-adaptation models, can be used to compare MSK loading between exercises to enhance astronaut exercise prescription.
NO enhances the adaptability to high-salt environments by regulating osmotic balance, antioxidant defense, and ion homeostasis in eelgrass based on transcriptome and metabolome analysis
Authors: Wang Xianyan , Wang Tongtong , Yu Pei , Li Yuchun , Lv Xinfang 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionEelgrass is a typical marine angiosperm that exhibits strong adaptability to high-salt environments. Previous studies have shown that various growth and physiological indicators were significantly affected after the nitrate reductase (NR) pathway for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in eelgrass was blocked.MethodsTo analyze the molecular mechanism of NO on the adaptability to high-salt environment in eelgrass, we treated eelgrass with artificial seawater (control group) and artificial seawater with 1 mM/L Na2WO4 (experimental group). Based on transcriptomics and metabolomics, we explored the molecular mechanism of NO affecting the salt tolerance of eelgrass.ResultsWe obtained 326, 368, and 859 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by transcriptome sequencing in eelgrass roots, stems, and leaves, respectively. Meanwhile, we obtained 63, 52, and 36 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) by metabolomics in roots, stems, and leaves, respectively. Finally, through the combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolome, we found that the NO regulatory mechanism of roots and leaves of eelgrass is similar to that of terrestrial plants, while the regulatory mechanism of stems has similar and unique features.DiscussionNO in eelgrass roots regulates osmotic balance and antioxidant defense by affecting genes in transmembrane transport and jasmonic acid-related pathways to improve the adaptability of eelgrass to high-salt environments. NO in eelgrass leaves regulates the downstream antioxidant defense system by affecting the signal transduction of plant hormones. NO in the stems of eelgrass regulates ion homeostasis by affecting genes related to ion homeostasis to enhance the adaptability of eelgrass to high-salt environments. Differently, after the NO synthesis was inhibited, the glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, was regulated by glucose metabolism as a complementary effect to cope with the high-salt environment in the stems of eelgrass. These are studies on the regulatory mechanism of NO in eelgrass, providing a theoretical basis for the study of the salt tolerance mechanism of marine plants and the improvement of terrestrial crop traits. The key genes discovered in this study can be applied to increase salt tolerance in terrestrial crops through cloning and molecular breeding methods in the future.
The effects of mind-body exercise on anxiety and depression in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Yangjian , Zhang Xinxin , Zhao Rongting , Cao Lan , Kuang Xiaoqin , Yao Jiwei 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundLimited research directly compares the clinical effects of different types of mind-body exercises on anxiety and depression in older adults. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that meet the inclusion criteria to explore the intervention effects of five different types of mind-body exercises in improving anxiety and depression in older adults.MethodsWe followed the PRISMA-NMA guidelines and conducted searches in the Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to July 28, 2023. The language was limited to English. Two independent reviewers conducted literature screening and data extraction. Review Manager 5.4 was used to perform Pairwise meta-analysis and risk assessment, while STATA version 15 software was used for network meta-analysis.ResultA total of 42 studies, involving 2974 participants, were included. The results of the traditional meta-analysis showed that mind-body exercises were superior to the control group in alleviating anxiety (SMD: -0.87, 95% CI: -1.43, -0.31, p&lt;0.05, I2 = 95%) and depressive (SMD: -0.52, 95% CI: -0.71, -0.34, p&lt;0.05, I2 = 80%). In the network meta-analysis, the ranking of treatment effects for anxiety showed that Tai Chi &gt; Qigong &gt; Yoga &gt; Dance &gt; control group, while for depression, the ranking showed Tai Chi &gt; Pilates &gt; Yoga &gt; Qigong &gt; Dance &gt; control group.ConclusionThis study found that mind-body exercises have positive effects on improving anxiety and depression in older adults. Among the five different types of mind-body exercise interventions, Tai Chi was considered an effective approach for improving anxiety and depression. However, we encourage older adults to choose exercise modalities that suit their interests to enhance adherence.Systematic review registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023464296.
Impact of traditional Chinese Baduanjin exercise on menstrual health among international female students studying in China: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alkhatib Asem , Alshikh Ahmad Hoda , Zhang Ci , Peng Wenwen , Li Xianhong 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundMenstrual symptoms were the common complaints of international female students during the acculturation period, and the symptoms negatively affected the daily life and school performance of those women. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the traditional Chinese Baduanjin exercise on reducing menstrual symptoms for international female students studying in China during the acculturation period.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial among 62 international female students who suffered menstrual symptoms during the first 6 months after arriving in China. The study was carried out at three campuses of the two largest universities in the capital of a province in south-central China from March to October 2021. After screening, participants were randomly assigned to a control or intervention group. The intervention group engaged in 24 weeks of Baduanjin exercise for at least 30 min per day. The menstrual symptoms, sociocultural adaptation, perceived stress, and sleep quality were evaluated at baseline, the 12th week, and the 24th week. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, paired sample t-test, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA)were adopted to analyze the data using SPSS 25.0.ResultsTotally, 62 participants were enrolled in this study from 30 countries. Their mean age was 27.87 ± 5.58 years. None of the participants reported an adverse event. The results of the MANOVA test showed that the traditional Chinese Baduanjin exercise reduced the total score of MSQ among international female students (intervention: 47.83 ± 8.71 vs. control: 65.12 ± 16.86; F = 19.49, P &lt; 0.01). In addition, the results of the MANOVA indicated statistically significant decreases in scores for the two subscales of MSQ: premenstrual symptoms (intervention: 17.07 ± 3.33 vs. control: 28.42 ± 7.56; F = 44.70, P &lt; 0.01)and menstrual pain (16.03 ± 4.53 vs. 19.58 ± 5.14; F = 6.50, P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that traditional Chinese Baduanjin exercise reduced the scores of the sociocultural adaptation level, the perceived stress level, and sleep quality and improved the blood progesterone hormone and blood estrogen hormone.ConclusionRegular Baduanjin exercise is a safe, acceptable, and effective form of exercise to promote international female students' menstrual health, reduce stress levels, and improve sleep quality.Trial registrationwww.chictr.org.cn, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2300072376.
A first insight into tuberculosis transmission at the border of Ecuador and Colombia: a retrospective study of the population structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Esmeraldas province
Authors: Castro-Rodriguez Bernardo , Espinoza-Andrade Sebastián , Franco-Sotomayor Greta , Benítez-Medina José Manuel , Jiménez-Pizarro Natalia , Cárdenas-Franco Camilo , Granda Juan Carlos , Jouvin Jose Luis , Orlando Solon Alberto , Hermoso de Mendoza Javier , García-Bereguiain Miguel Ángel 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in Ecuador and Colombia, considering that both countries are high-burden TB settings. Molecular epidemiology is crucial to understand the transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and to identify active transmission clusters of regional importance.MethodsWe studied the potential transmission of TB between Colombia and Ecuador through the analysis of the population structure of MTBC lineages circulating in the Ecuadorian province of Esmeraldas at the border with Colombia. A total of 105 MTBC strains were characterized by 24-loci MIRU-VNTR and spoligotyping.ResultsMTBC lineage 4 is only present in Esmeraldas; no MTBC strains belonging to Lineage 2–sublineage Beijing were found despite its presence in other provinces of Ecuador and, in Colombia. Genotyping results revealed a high degree of diversity for MTBC in Esmeraldas: Neither active transmission clusters within this province nor including MTBC strains from Colombia or other provinces of Ecuador were found.ConclusionOur data suggest that tuberculosis dynamics in this rural and isolated area may be not related to highly transmitted strains but could be influenced by other health determinants that favor TB relapse such as poverty and poor health system access. Further studies including a larger number of MTBC strains from Esmeraldas are necessary to test this hypothesis.
Comparison of daily step count between the Fitbit Inspire 3 and the activPAL 3 in adults with transtibial amputation
Authors: Leister Kyle R. , Burke Sara E. , Kim Joon Young , Duenas Victor H. , Barreira Tiago V. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionPhysical activity has significant positive effects on health. Accelerometers can be used to track daily physical activity. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a commercially available health and fitness tracker, but its validity for tracking steps among individuals with transtibial amputation has not been examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the Fitbit Inspire 3 for assessing free-living daily steps in adults with transtibial amputation.MethodsParticipants (n = 79) completed a general health survey and were provided with a Fitbit Inspire 3 and activPAL 3 accelerometer to wear concurrently for seven days in their home environment. Relationships between the activPAL and Fitbit Inspire 3 were examined using Pearson's Correlation. Paired samples t-tests, mean difference, mean absolute difference, and equivalence testing were used to compared daily step counts between Fitbit Inspire 3 and activPAL 3.ResultsAverage step counts were 5,768 ± 3,750 (mean ± SD) and 4,674 ± 3,081 by the Fitbit Inspire 3 and activPAL, respectively. A high correlation (r = 0.93) but significant mean difference was found between the activPAL 3 and Fitbit Inspire 3 (p &lt; 0.001). The mean absolute difference between the devices was 1,347 ± 1,184 steps. On average, the Fitbit Inspire 3 counted 1,094 ± 1,423 more daily steps than the activPAL 3. Equivalency could not be claimed between the devices.DiscussionThe Fitbit Inspire 3 counted more steps compared to the activPAL. Because of the significant mean differences and the large mean absolute difference between the devices, the activPAL 3 and Fitbit Inspire 3 are not interchangeable for estimating physical activity in individuals with transtibial amputation. However, due to the high correlation, the devices will produce similar classification rankings based on step counts.