bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LRRK2 kinase activity is necessary for development and regeneration in Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Holmes Grace , Ferguson Sophie R. , Lewis Patrick Alfryn , Echeverri Karen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: The starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, is an emerging model organism with a high regenerative capacity, which was recently found to possess an orthologue to the human LRRK2 gene (nvLRRK2). The leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene, when mutated, is the most common cause of inherited Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Its protein product (LRRK2) has implications in a variety of cellular processes, however, the full function of LRRK2 is not well established. Current research is focusing on understanding the function of LRRK2, including both its physiological role as well as its pathobiological underpinnings.
Methods: We used bioinformatics to determine the cross-species conservation of LRRK2, then applied drugs targeting the kinase activity of LRRK2 to examine its function in development, homeostasis and regeneration in Nematostella vectensis.
Results: An in-silico characterization and phylogenetic analysis of nvLRRK2 comparing it to human LRRK2 highlighted key conserved motifs and residues. In vivo analyses inhibiting the kinase function of this enzyme demonstrated a role of nvLRRK2 in development and regeneration of N. vectensis. These findings implicate a developmental role of LRRK2 in Nematostella, adding to the expanding knowledge of its physiological function.
Conclusions: Our work introduces a new model organism with which to study LRRK biology. We show a necessity for LRRK2 in development and regeneration. Given the short generation time, genetic trackability and in vivo imaging capabilities, this work introduces Nematostella vectensis as a new model in which to study genes linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.
In severe first episode major depressive disorder, psychosomatic, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia symptoms are driven by immune activation and increased immune-associated neurotoxicity.
Authors: Maes Michael , Almulla Abbas F. , Zhou Bo , Algon Ali Abbas Abo , Sodsai Pimpayao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is accompanied by activated neuro-immune pathways, increased physiosomatic and chronic fatigue-fibromyalgia (FF) symptoms. The most severe MDD phenotype, namely major dysmood disorder (MDMD), is associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative life events (NLEs) which induce cytokines/chemokines/growth factors.
Aims
To delineate the impact of ACE + NLEs on physiosomatic and FF symptoms in first episode (FE)-MDMD, and examine whether these effects are mediated by immune profiles.
Methods
ACEs, NLEs, physiosomatic and FF symptoms, and 48 cytokines/chemokines/growth factors were measured in 64 FE-MDMD patients and 32 normal controls.
Results
Physiosomatic, FF and gastro-intestinal symptoms belong to the same factor as depression, anxiety, melancholia, and insomnia. The first factor extracted from these seven domains is labeled the physio-affective phenome of depression. A part (59.0%) of the variance in physiosomatic symptoms is explained by the independent effects of interleukin (IL)-16 and IL-8 (positively), CCL3 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (inversely correlated). A part (46.5%) of the variance in physiosomatic (59.0%) symptoms is explained by the independent effects of interleukin (IL)-16, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) (positively) and combined activities of negative immunoregulatory cytokines (inversely associated). Partial Least Squares analysis shows that ACE + NLEs exert a substantial influence on the physio-affective phenome which are partly mediated by an immune network composed of interleukin-16, CCL27, TRAIL, macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and stem cell growth factor.
Conclusions
The physiosomatic and FF symptoms of FE-MDMD are partly caused by immune-associated neurotoxicity due to Th-1 polarization, T helper-1, and M1 macrophage activation and relative lowered compensatory immunoregulatory protection.
Insights into incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma: A comprehensive South-American study
Authors: Saldivia-Siracusa Cristina , Araújo Anna Luíza Damaceno , Arboleda Lady Paola Aristizabal , Abrantes Thamiris , Ramos Mariana Bitu , Mendonça Nathalia , Torres Karina Cordero , Gilligan Gerardo , Piemonte Eduardo , Panico René , Álves Fábio De Abreu , Villarroel-Dorrego Mariana , Pérez Raiza Toro , Romañach Mário José , Abrahão Aline Corrêa , González-Arriagada Wilfredo Alejandro , Hunter Keith D , Ribeiro Ana Carolina Prado , Lopes Marcio Ajudarte , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Santos-Silva Alan Roger 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
To describe demographic and clinicopathological aspects of a South-American cohort of incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Methods
A cross-sectional, observational study was performed to assess demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma patients from 6 South-American institutions.
Results
One hundred and seven patients within the histopathological spectrum of incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma (in-situ and microinvasive) were included. Fifty-eight (54.2%) patients were men with a mean age of 60.69 years. Forty-nine (45.8%) and thirty-nine (36.5%) patients had history of tobacco and alcohol use, respectively. Clinically, most of the lesions were plaques (82.2%), ≥ 2 cm in extension (72%), affecting the lateral border of the tongue (55.1%), and soft palate (12.1%) with a mixed (white and red) appearance. Eighty-two (76.7%) lesions were predominantly white and 25 (23.3%) predominantly red.
Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest cohort of incipient oral squamous cell carcinoma patients, which raises awareness of clinicians’ inspection acuteness by demonstrating the most frequent clinical aspects of this disease, potentially improving oral cancer secondary prevention strategies.
Larvicidal and oviposition deterrent activity of sesquiterpenes from Laurencia johnstonii seaweed against Aedes aegypti
Authors: González-Castro Ana Laura , Torres-Estrada José Luis , Muñoz-Ochoa Mauricio 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Efforts to control insects have focused on the development of insecticides based on new active compounds. The red seaweed Laurencia is an important source of brominated compounds, in particular sesquiterpenes with antifungal, antimalarial, larvicidal and insect repellent activities. The objective of the study was to assess larvicidal and oviposition deterrent activity of Laurencia johnstonii against Aedes aegypti. Ethanolic extract and fractions of L. jhonstonii were evaluated against third instar Aedes aegypti larvae, New Orleans strain. All of the fractions showed larvicidal activity. The most active fraction F2A (LC50 = 240 µg mL− 1) was analyzed by GC/MS and six sesquiterpenes were identified. The major compound, laurinterol was isolated and identified by NMR analysis. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase inhibition has been considered as a bioprospecting mechanism of action to identify larvicidal compounds. Due to the chemical diversity and biological activity identified on Laurencia genus, L. johnstonii represents a potential source of compounds with larvicidal activities.
The redundant role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in Primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Li Rongli , Wu Xunyao , Wang Mu , Deng Chuiwen , Peng Yu , Zhao Lidan , Zhang Wen , Jiaxin Zhou , Li Mengtao , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiaofeng , Fei Yunyun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective The aim of our present study is to investigate the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in the pathogenesis and type I interferon (IFN) signatures in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) patients. Methods In the present study, we compared the percentage, activation markers, and representative cytokines secretion of pDCs derived from treatment-naive pSS and matched healthy controls (HCs) by flow cytometry. We performed pDC/B co-culture system to explore the contribution of pDC to B cell functions in pSS. Results The percentage of pDC was significantly reduced in the peripheral blood of pSS. The activation markers (CD80, CD83, and CD86) expressions, chemokine receptors, and representative cytokines production (IFN-α, IL-6, and TNF-α) of pDC were similar between pSS and HCs. Only a few pDCs infiltration were detected in the labial gland. The percentage of pDCs was negatively correlated with serum IgG, IgA, and anti-SSA autoantibody levels and resting pDCs were able to efficiently promote B cells proliferation, activation, differentiation, and antibody productionin vitro. However, there was no difference between HC and pSS-derived pDCs. Finally, we found that incubation of plasma from pSS patients could significantly induce pDCs apoptosis than that from HCs and both IgG and IgA dramatically increased the apoptotic rates of pDCs. Conclusion Our data have deciphered the redundant role of pDC in the type I signature and disease development in pSS. Also, we demonstrated the decreased percentage of pDC in pSS patients might result from apoptosis induced by the excess of immunoglobulin (IgG and IgA).
Genetic diversity assessment of Palestinian Okra landraces (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) through RAPD marker
Authors: Hamdan Yamen A. S. , Hawamda Abdalmenem I. M. , Salimia R. Basheer- , Salman Mazen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Characterization of Palestinian okra landraces using phenotypic or molecular approaches is limited. Crop characterization usually provides knowledge on diversity within and among crop accessions, which is crucial for breeding efforts and the conservation of germplasm. This study was carried out to evaluate genetic variation in seven okra local landraces. Seven Palestinian okra landraces were grown. DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR using 27 RAPD. The banding pattern for each primer was scored. The data matrix was created to facilitate cluster analysis employing the UPGMA method. From the 15 RAPD markers tested, 92 DNA fragments were identified in total, of these fragments, 76% were polymorphic and 24% were monomorphic, in addition, at least two and no more than eleven DNA fragments were identified. The average resolving power recorded was 2.8. The dendrogram derived from RAPD data categorized the genotypes into two primary clusters. Cluster-I consisted of a single genotype (PARC-OKRA-1). In contrast, Cluster-II further subdivided the genotypes into two subclusters, sub-cluster-II.a represented one genotype accession (UB 405 − 19), and sub-cluster-II.b included five genotypes (UB 457 − 19, UB 280 − 15, UB 457 − 14, UB 280 − 12, and UB 457 − 20). The generated similarity matrix indicated that the similarity coefficients among okra genotypes, as determined by 15 RAPD markers, ranged from 0.226 to 0.678. The present study represents the first application of molecular markers to assess genetic diversity within Palestinian okra landraces. The detection of a high level of polymorphism among RAPD markers demonstrated the efficacy of RAPD markers for identifying polymorphism in Palestinian okra genotypes.
The expression and Prognostic Value of IFIT3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cao Jiawang , Zhang Qipeng , Xuan Yiwen , Liao  , Ou Zhuan , Yu Qinghua , Zhu Daoqi , Xu Enwu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study aims to clarify the expression of IFIT3 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) and further explore the relationship between IFIT3 expression and clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of ESCC patients.
Methods
The target gene IFIT3 was screened through differential expression gene analysis, cluster analysis, enrichment analysis, and construction of a protein protein interaction network (PPI network), and then validated through clinical patient tissue RNA extraction and reverse transcription quantitative PCR. The Mann Whitney U test and Kaplan Meier analysis were used to investigate the correlation between the relative expression of IFIT3 and the clinical pathological information and prognosis of ESCC patients.
Results
GEO2R detected 279 differentially expressed genes in ESCC and paracancerous tissues. Cluster analysis and enrichment analysis showed that Cluster 4 played an important role in immune-related functions. PPI network showed that IFIT3 was the hub gene in the Cluster 4. Clinical patient tissue samples confirm the differential expression of IFIT3 in ESCC and paracancerous tissues. Mann-Whitney U test showed that the relative expression of IFIT3 was significantly correlated with clinicopathological information in patients with ESCC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the disease-free survival time and overall survival time of patients with low expression of IFIT3 were significantly longer than those of patients with high expression of IFIT3, and the correlations were more significant in some subgroups. Cox proportional hazards model showed that lymph node metastasis was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of ESCC patients.
Conclusion
IFIT3 is differentially expressed in the cancerous and paracancerous tissues of ESCC, and the relative expression level of IFIT3 is highly correlated with the clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of ESCC patients.
Food crises and their coping strategies in war-affected communities in Tigray, North Ethiopia: A community-based study
Authors: Gebregziabher Hadush , Kahsay Amaha , Gebretsadik Gebretsadkan Gebremedhin , Bereket Tedros , Gebregziabher Teklay Negash , Weldemichael Micheale Yifter , Mulugeta Afework , Aberha Alem Gebremariam 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Communities afflicted by armed conflict are characterized by pervasive malnutrition and widespread hunger. For nearly two years, there has been an unbroken conflict in Tigray. However, little is understood about the coping mechanisms people used in reaction to a lack of food and a siege. This study was conducted to evaluate the coping mechanisms used by urban residents of Mekelle City in Tigray Northern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 315 randomly selected households in Mekelle city. Data were collected from May to June 2022 using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and entered, cleaned, coded, and analyzed using Stata version 14. We used descriptive statistics to describe the mean, frequency distribution, and percentages. The t-test was used to analyze the consumption-based coping strategy index. According to the current analysis, 272 (87%) of the remaining households had food shortages. Meal size reduction was a consumption-based coping technique used by 101 (32.6%) households. Similar to this, 85 (27.3%) of the studied homes reduced the quality of their meals or substituted less favored dishes. Likewise, roughly 72 (23.2%) of the households skipped meals as a coping mechanism. In conclusion, the study revealed that the communities affected by the war faced a tough struggle due to the food crisis. The study highlights the food crisis in war-affected communities, highlighting coping mechanisms like reducing meal quantity, quality, and eating less desirable foods. Thus, targeted food ration distributions and blanket supplemental feeding programs should be in place to reduce acute malnutrition and mortality, enabling recovery and recovery.
The effects of Customized Arch Support Insoles for Children with developmental delays: A Prospective, Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kuo Ying-Chen , Hsieh Ru-Lan , Lee Wen-Chung 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Using arch support insoles for children with motor developmental delays requires further evidence. This study aims to evaluate the short-term effects of customized arch support insoles on these children, adopting the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework for our analysis. Participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment group, which received customized insoles, or the control group (waitlisted), which did not receive any insoles during a 12-week intervention. The primary outcome focused on physical health, measured using the Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument-Parent (PODCI). Secondary outcomes included balance (measured via the Berg Balance Scale), physical functional performance (10-meter walking test, stair climbing test, and Timed Up and Go test), and health-related quality of life (assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, PedsQL). A significant improvement was observed in the regular walking speed of the treatment group compared to the control group (0.13 m/s vs. 0.013 m/s, P < .001), and nearly met the criteria for minimal clinically important difference. However, no significant differences were noted between the groups regarding changes in scores from the PODCI, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, most physical functional performance, and PedsQL.
Conclusion: The 12-week use of customized arch support insoles in children with motor developmental delays showed a marginal improvement in regular walking speed, and the improvement did not extend to physical health status, most physical functional performance, or health-related quality of life. Thus, we do not recommend arch support insoles for children with motor developmental delays.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03191006 (Registered June 22, 2017).
Effect of a high carbohydrate pre-exercise meal on metabolic and performance-related parameters in male athletes following two different strategies to improve fat utilization
Authors: Zdzieblik Denise , Friesenborg Hilke , Gollhofer Albert , König Daniel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
In a preliminary investigation, a long-term diet rich in low glycaemic carbohydrates (LGI) led to an improved metabolic flexibility and exercise performance compared to the high fat low carbohydrate (HFLC) diet. Since the exercise tests were performed in the fasted state, it cannot be concluded how these two different nutritional strategies affects the metabolism, if they are combined with a carbohydrate restoration phase prior to the exercise.
Methods
The influence of a carbohydrate-rich pre-exercise meal on metabolic and performance-related parameters was investigated in a group of male endurance athletes, who had previously followed either a HFLC (n = 6) or LGI (n = 6) diet for 4 weeks. Participants continued their regular training routine during the intervention to assess exclusively the effect of the nutritional strategies on metabolic and performance-related parameters. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER), lactate concentrations, substrate oxidation rates at rest and during a cycle ergometry with incremental workload were determined in the fasted state and 2 h after consuming a carbohydrate-rich (2 g per kg of body mass) pre-exercise meal. Power output at lactate thresholds, peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), absolute and relative peak power during the incremental test were assessed.
Results
After consuming the pre-exercise meal, both groups showed increased levels of RER, lactate and carbohydrate oxidation at rest and during the incremental test (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d > 0.8), and an improved V̇O2peak (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d > 0.5). Considering the previous 4-week nutritional intervention, carbohydrate metabolism was more upregulated (RERrest, RERexercise and ¸ carbohydrate oxidationexercise: p < 0.05; Cohen’s d > 0.8) in the LGI subgroup. Peak power during the final incremental test was slightly higher in the LGI subgroup compared with the HFLC subgroup (p = 0.365; Cohen’s d > 0.5).
Conclusion
In this group of male endurance athletes, a LGI diet seemed to result in more favourable performance metrics as compared to a HFLC diet despite increases in carbohydrate availability before undertaking the performance test likely due to the ability to sustain higher workloads in training.
Trial registration
DRKS00015521 and date of registration: 2018/09/13
Targeting PRKACA inhibits proliferation and sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide via pyroptosis pathway
Authors: Ge Yizhi , Gu Liang , Huang Wenxuan , Peng Yi , Gu Jiajia , Zong Dan , He Xia 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Temozolomide is a major chemotherapeutic agent in the clinical treatment of gliomas. Unfortunately, patients usually develop drug resistance. Pyroptosis is recently considered as a new type of programmed cell death, however, the effect and mechanism of the pyroptosis pathway in glioma are unclarified. Gene expression profiles were obtained from the public databases. A total of 37 differentially expressed genes related to pyroptosis were identified, and the molecular subgroups were prognostically different. A risk-score model of 11 pyroptosis-related genes was constructed and effectively classified glioma patients into high- and low-risk groups, which were significantly distinct in prognosis and immune cell infiltration. PRKACA was differentially expressed in 20 of 33 cancer types. The expression was also associated with tumor stage and prognosis. In addition, PRKACA was active and correlated with immune markers. Experimentally, PRKACA knockdown inhibited the malignant phenotypes and induced pyroptosis, as well as sensitized glioma cells to TMZ. In conclusions, a risk-score model was constructed to perform risk classification and prognostic prediction for glioma patients. Moreover, PAKACA was identified as a promising therapeutic candidate for treating patients who are resistant or less responsive to TMZ.
PET-based radiomic feature based on the cross-combination method for predicting the mid-term efficacy and prognosis in high-risk diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Chen Man , Rong Jian , Zhao Jincheng , Teng Yue , Chen Jianxin , Jiang Chong , Xu jingyan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to develop machine-learning cross-combinatorial methods for predicting the mid-term efficacy and prognosis in high-risk patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Methods
Retrospectively, we recruited 177 high-risk DLBCL patients from two medical centers between October 2012 and September 2022 and divided them into a training cohort (n = 123) and a validation cohort (n = 52). We extracted 111 radiomic features along with SUVmax, MTV, and TLG from the baseline PET. 49 feature selection-classification pairs were using to obtain the Radiomics Score (RadScore). Logistic regression was employed to identify independent clinical and PET factors. The models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to assess the predictive power of the models. The prognostic power of RadScore was assessed using Kaplan–Meier plots (KM).
Results
177 patients (mean age,63 ± 13 years,129 men) were evaluated. Multivariate analyses showed that gender (OR,2.760;95%CI:1.196,6.368);p = 0.017), B symptoms (OR,4.065;95%CI:1.837,8.955; p = 0.001), SUVmax (OR,2.619;95%CI:1.107,6.194; p = 0.028), and RadScore (OR,7.167;95%CI:2.815,18.248; p<0.001) independently contributed to the risk factors for predicting mid-term outcome. The AUC values of the combined models in the training and validation groups were 0.846 (95%CI:0.775,0.917; p < 0.05) and 0.724 (95%CI:0.591,0.858; p < 0.05) respectively. DCA showed that the combined model incorporating RadScore, clinical risk factors, and metabolic metrics has optimal net clinical benefit. The low RadScore group outperformed progression-free survival (PFS)(HR,0.4601;95%CI:0.2748,0.7702) and overall survival (OS)(HR,0.4683,95%CI: 0.2754,0.7961) compared to the high RadScore group.
Conclusion
The combined model incorporating RadScore demonstrates a significant enhancement in predicting medium-term efficacy and prognosis in high-risk DLBCL patients. RadScore using selection-classification methods holds promise as a potential method for evaluating medium-term treatment outcome and prognosis in high-risk DLBCL patients.